Liquid storage container

Abstract

The invention provides a liquid storage container using recycled plastic. The liquid storage container includes: a negative pressure maintaining mechanism that maintains at least a part of a region inside the liquid storage container at a negative pressure; a liquid receiving part which is in contact with the liquid; and a non-liquid-contact part that does not come into contact with the liquid, the non-liquid-contact part being made of a material containing at least the recycled plastic.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid storage container. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a liquid storage container for supplying liquid to a printing device is known. Patent Document 1 describes a liquid storage container equipped with a differential pressure valve to maintain a negative pressure inside the container. This liquid storage container is structured so that, when liquid is refilled from the outside, it is prevented from leaking out through an atmospheric vent that connects the container's interior to the outside.

[0003] Patent Document 1 does not investigate materials constituting liquid storage containers. In contrast, in recent years, from the perspective of a recycling-oriented society, there has been a desire to use recycled plastics as materials constituting liquid storage containers.

[0004] Special Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-096224 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure can be implemented in the following forms.

[0006] (1) According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid storage container is provided. The liquid storage container includes: a negative pressure maintaining mechanism that maintains a negative pressure in at least a portion of the interior of the liquid storage container; a liquid contact portion that contacts the liquid; and a non-liquid contact portion that does not contact the liquid, the non-liquid contact portion being formed of a material containing at least recycled plastic. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 This is a first perspective view of the appearance of the liquid storage container in the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a first exploded perspective view of the liquid storage container.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a second exploded perspective view of the liquid storage container.

[0010] Figure 4 For the Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 A side view of the frame viewed from approximately the same direction.

[0011] Figure 5 To express in Figure 4 A side view of the housing with the differential pressure valve installed.

[0012] Figure 6 for Figure 5 IV-IV sectional view of FIG.

[0013] Figure 7 For the Figure 3 A side view of the frame viewed from approximately the same direction.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a first stereogram of the frame.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a second stereogram of the frame.

[0016] Figure 10 This is the third stereogram of the frame.

[0017] Figure 11 A partial enlarged view of the capture part.

[0018] Figure 12 It is a first external perspective view showing the structure of the liquid storage container in the second embodiment.

[0019] Figure 13 This is a second external perspective view showing the structure of the liquid storage container.

[0020] Figure 14 This is a first exploded perspective view of the liquid storage container.

[0021] Figure 15 This is a second exploded perspective view of the liquid storage container.

[0022] Figure 16 For the Figure 12 as well as Figure 14 A side view of the frame viewed from approximately the same direction.

[0023] Figure 17 For the Figure 13 as well as Figure 15 A side view of the frame viewed from approximately the same direction.

[0024] Figure 18 This is a first stereogram of the frame.

[0025] Figure 19 This is a second stereogram of the frame.

[0026] Figure 20 This is the third stereogram of the frame.

[0027] Figure 21 This is the first diagram for explaining the internal structure of the liquid storage container.

[0028] Figure 22 This is a second diagram for explaining the internal structure of the liquid storage container.

[0029] Figure 23The third diagram is used to illustrate the internal structure of the liquid storage container.

[0030] Figure 24 It is a perspective view showing a liquid storage container in a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] A. First embodiment:

[0032] A-1. Appearance and structure of liquid storage container:

[0033] Figure 1 1 is a first perspective view of the appearance of the liquid storage container 10 in this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a first exploded perspective view of the liquid storage container 10 in this embodiment. Figure 3 This is a second exploded perspective view of the liquid storage container 10 in this embodiment. Figure 1 Hereinafter, the XYZ axes are depicted as three mutually orthogonal spatial axes. The directions pointed by the arrow marks of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis represent the positive directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively. The positive directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are respectively designated as the +X direction, +Y direction, and +Z direction. The directions opposite to the directions pointed by the arrow marks of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are respectively designated as the negative directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The negative directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are respectively designated as the -X direction, -Y direction, and -Z direction. The directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, regardless of positive or negative, are respectively designated as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction. In addition, in this embodiment, the direction in which the liquid storage container 10 is mounted on the printing device (not shown) is the -Z direction. In addition, when the liquid storage container 10 is mounted on the printing device, the -Z direction is the vertical downward direction.

[0034] Figure 1 The liquid storage container 10 shown contains liquid inside. The liquid storage container 10 is mounted on a printing device not shown in the figure, so that liquid is supplied to the printing device from a liquid supply unit described later. The liquid storage container 10 includes a frame 100 that forms the main body of the liquid storage container 10. The frame 100 has a rectangular outer shape. The frame 100 is made of polypropylene (PP). When the liquid storage container 10 is mounted on the printing device and used, it includes a circuit substrate 11 on one of the sides. The circuit substrate 11 includes terminals and is electrically connected to the circuit of the printing device via the terminals. In the following, the terms "bottom surface" of the frame 100, "upper surface" of the frame 100, and "side surface" of the frame 100 are used based on the posture when it is mounted on the printing device and used.

[0035] The liquid storage container 10 in this embodiment has a liquid-contacting portion that contacts the liquid and a non-liquid-contacting portion that does not contact the liquid. The liquid-contacting portion is made of virgin plastic material. Virgin plastic material is plastic that is produced without adding ingredients and does not utilize waste plastic. In other words, virgin plastic material is plastic that has not been reused. The non-liquid-contacting portion is made of a material that at least contains recycled plastic. Recycled plastic is plastic that is produced from waste plastic and is a mixture of multiple plastics. Here, waste plastic can be polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) or the like as recycled materials to be recycled. In addition, in the present disclosure, "recycled materials" include pre-consumer recycled materials and post-consumer recycled materials specified in JIS Q14021. Pre-consumer recycled materials refer to materials taken out from the flow of waste in the manufacturing process. Specifically, pre-consumer recycled materials can be, for example, useless end materials generated when manufacturing containers made of synthetic resins. Post-consumer recycled materials refer to materials discarded from households, materials generated from commercial, industrial, and other facilities that are end-users of products and are no longer usable for their original purpose, and also include materials returned from distribution channels. Specifically, post-consumer recycled materials can be recycled resins such as pulverized materials obtained by pulverizing recycled synthetic resin containers.

[0036] In this embodiment, the material containing recycled plastic includes not only materials composed solely of recycled plastic but also materials composed of a mixture of virgin and recycled plastics. For example, the material containing recycled plastic may include more than 0% by weight and up to approximately 40% by weight of recycled plastic, and less than 100% by weight and up to approximately 60% by weight of virgin plastic. Furthermore, the material containing recycled plastic may be, for example, a material produced by reacting polycarbonate resin, polyester resin, or resin having reactive functional groups, and having excellent impact strength and flame retardancy.

[0037] In this embodiment, the non-liquid contact part is the cover, label, cover, rod, air chamber, degassing chamber, and supply unit positioning part described later. The liquid contact part is the area other than the non-liquid contact part in the liquid storage container 10. Figure 2 、 3 In the figure, the portion constituting the non-liquid contact portion is hatched.

[0038] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3As shown, the liquid storage container 10 is internally equipped with a rubber membrane 152, a coil spring 154, and a valve cover 155. The rubber membrane 152, coil spring 154, and valve cover 155 are stacked in this order within the liquid storage container 10, thereby forming a differential pressure valve 150. The liquid storage container 10 in this embodiment includes the differential pressure valve 150, so that at least a portion of the interior of the liquid storage container 10 is maintained at a negative pressure. In other words, the liquid storage container 10 has a negative pressure maintaining mechanism. The differential pressure valve 150 will be described later.

[0039] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the liquid storage container 10 includes a liquid supply unit 180 on the bottom surface of the housing 100. The liquid supply unit 180 supplies liquid in a liquid storage chamber (described later) to the outside of the liquid storage container 10.

[0040] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the liquid storage container 10 includes a coil spring 141, a valve 142, a sealing rubber 145, and a supply port film 166 on the bottom surface of the housing 100, near the side surface where the circuit board 11 is mounted. The coil spring 141, valve 142, and sealing rubber 145 are arranged in this order within the liquid supply passage near the liquid supply unit 180. The supply port film 166 seals the liquid supply unit 180. The supply port film 166 may be peeled off from the housing 100 during use or damaged by the liquid supply needle of the printing device.

[0041] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the liquid storage container 10 has a supply unit positioning portion 115 at a position adjacent to the liquid supply unit 180 on the bottom surface of the frame 100. The supply unit positioning portion 115 implements positioning of the liquid supply unit 180 relative to the printing device (not shown) equipped with the liquid storage container 10. In this embodiment, the supply unit positioning portion 115 is formed by two-color molding of a material containing recycled plastic and a virgin plastic material. In more detail, the supply unit positioning portion 115 is preferably such that the surface portion that has the possibility of contacting the liquid and has a positioning function is formed of virgin plastic, and the interior that does not contact the liquid is formed of a material containing recycled plastic. In addition, in the subsequent description, the area including the entire surface of the component is recorded as the "surface portion", and the area other than the surface portion of the component is recorded as the "interior".

[0042] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the liquid storage container 10 includes a lid 19. The lid 19 is assembled relative to the frame 100 so as to cover the liquid supply unit 180. The lid 19 is constructed as a separate component relative to the frame 100. In this disclosure, when two components are referred to as "separate components," it means that the two components are removable. In this embodiment, the lid 19 is formed using a material including recycled plastic.

[0043] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the liquid storage container 10 includes a prism 133 on the bottom surface of the housing 100, near the side surface opposite the side surface on which the circuit board 11 is mounted. A portion of the prism 133 is exposed within a liquid storage chamber (described later) within the liquid storage container 10. The prism 133 provides information related to the amount of liquid in the liquid storage chamber to the printing device based on the reflection state of light emitted from the printing device.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the liquid storage container 10 has an atmospheric opening 401 at a location near the side opposite to the side on which the circuit substrate 11 is mounted, on one side of the frame 100 that is connected to the side on which the circuit substrate 11 is mounted. The atmospheric opening 401 is sealed by a peelable sealing film 163. The sealing film 163 has a peelable polyurethane adhesive layer on its surface. The sealing film 163 is peelably attached to the frame 100 using the polyurethane adhesive. The sealing film 163 prevents the liquid contained in the liquid storage chamber (described later) within the liquid storage container 10 from circulating. In addition, the sealing film 163 is peeled off from the frame 100 when the liquid storage container 10 is used.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the liquid storage container 10 has a rod 110 on the side of the frame 100 on which the circuit substrate 11 is mounted. The rod 110 is engaged with a limiting mechanism of the printing device (not shown), thereby limiting the movement of the liquid storage container 10 in the removal direction. In this embodiment, the rod 110 is formed by two-color molding of a material containing recycled plastic and a virgin plastic material. More specifically, the rod 110 is preferably composed of virgin plastic on the surface portion that may come into contact with the liquid and forms the portion that engages with the printing device, and is composed of a material containing recycled plastic on the inside that does not come into contact with the liquid.

[0046] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3As shown, the other portions of the first side surface 100fa of the frame body 100 to which the sealing film 163 is attached are sealed by a partition film 165. The other portions are, for example, grooves or recessed portions for forming a flow channel for introducing air into the frame body 100. By sealing the other portions with the partition film 165, a flow channel is formed.

[0047] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the second side surface 100fb opposite to the first side surface 100fa is sealed by the inner film 167 .

[0048] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the cover 12 covers the second side surface 100fb. The cover 12 is formed as a separate component from the housing 100. In this embodiment, the cover 12 is formed of a material including recycled plastic.

[0049] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a label 17 is attached to the upper surface of the frame 100. Information indicating the color of the liquid contained in the liquid storage container 10 is printed on the label 17. The label 17 is configured as a separate component from the frame 100. In this embodiment, the label 17 is formed using a material containing recycled plastic.

[0050] A-2. Internal structure of liquid storage container:

[0051] Figure 4 For the Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 This is a side view of the housing 100 viewed from substantially the same direction. Figure 5 To express in Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a side view of the housing 100 in a state where the differential pressure valve 150 is mounted. Figure 6 for Figure 5 IV-IV sectional view of FIG. Figure 7 For the Figure 3 This is a side view of the housing 100 viewed from substantially the same direction. Figure 8 1 is a first three-dimensional view of the frame body 100 . Figure 9 1 is a second three-dimensional view of the frame body 100 . Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a third perspective view of the frame body 100 . Figure 11 It is a partial enlarged view of the capture part 4C. Figure 7 In the figure, hatching is added to an atmospheric chamber which will be described later and constitutes a non-liquid contact portion.

[0052] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 7As shown, the liquid storage container 10 includes liquid storage chambers 117 and 121, a liquid supply passage 300, an atmosphere opening 401, and an atmosphere introduction passage 400. Figure 7 As shown, liquid storage chambers 117 and 121 are disposed within the housing 100 and store liquid. The housing 100 at least partially defines the liquid storage chambers 117 and 121. Liquid storage chambers 117 and 121 are connected by a communication channel 120 disposed within the liquid storage container 10. Specifically, communication channel 120 allows liquid received from liquid storage chamber 117 to flow through circulation holes 118 and 119 and be supplied to liquid storage chamber 121.

[0053] The liquid supply channel 300 is provided in the frame 100. The liquid supply channel 300 connects the liquid supply portion 180 and the liquid storage chambers 117 and 121. Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the liquid supply channel 300 allows the liquid received from the liquid storage chamber 121 to flow through the flow holes 322 , 323 , 324 , 326 , and 327 and the flow channel portion 328 , and supplies the liquid to the liquid supply unit 180 .

[0054] like Figure 2 、 3 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the liquid supply channel 300 includes a differential pressure valve 150. The differential pressure valve 150 is composed of a wall portion forming the housing 100, a rubber membrane 152, a coil spring 154, and a valve cover 155. The differential pressure valve 150 opens the liquid supply channel 300 when the downstream pressure is smaller than the upstream pressure, and when the difference between the downstream and upstream pressures is greater than a predetermined value. The downstream pressure is the pressure in the flow path between the differential pressure valve 150 and the liquid supply unit 180 in the liquid supply channel 300, and the upstream pressure is the pressure in the flow path between the differential pressure valve 150 and the liquid storage chambers 117 and 121 in the liquid supply channel 300. The differential pressure valve 150 blocks the liquid supply channel 300 when the difference between the downstream and upstream pressures is smaller than the predetermined value, or when the downstream pressure is greater than the upstream pressure.

[0055] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the air opening 401 is provided near a side surface of the housing 100 that is opposite to the side surface on which the circuit board 11 is mounted. The air opening 401 introduces air into the liquid storage chambers 117 and 121 .

[0056] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 7As shown, an air introduction channel 400 is provided in the housing 100. The air introduction channel 400 connects the air opening 401 with the liquid storage chambers 117 and 121. Specifically, the air introduction channel 400 introduces air through the air opening 401 and circulates the air through the circulation holes 402, 405, 406, 407, 415, and 416, thereby supplying the liquid storage chamber 117.

[0057] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the atmosphere introduction channel 400 includes a curved flow channel portion 403 , a barrier flow channel portion 4H, air chambers 408 and 409 , a capture portion 4C, and an air chamber 414 in this order from the atmosphere opening 401 toward the liquid storage chamber 117 .

[0058] like Figure 5 、 Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the capture portion 4C constitutes a portion of the atmosphere introduction passage 400. The capture portion 4C has the function of capturing liquid that has entered the atmosphere introduction passage 400. The structure of the capture portion 4C will be described later.

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, in the direction of atmospheric flow from the atmospheric opening 401 toward the liquid storage chamber 117, the atmospheric introduction passage 400 is blocked by a vent film 161 in a portion closer to the atmospheric opening 401 than the capture portion 4C. The vent film 161 surrounds the flow hole 405 and is welded to the upper end of a wall that is lower in height than the surrounding wall, thereby separating the space surrounded by the lower wall from the space surrounding the lower wall. The vent film 161 is made of a material that allows air to circulate while preventing the liquid contained in the liquid storage chambers 117 and 121 from circulating. Specifically, the vent film 161 is made of a film having micropores of a size that allow oxygen or nitrogen molecules in the gas to circulate while preventing the molecules of the liquid from circumventing.

[0060] like Figure 5 as well as Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the barrier flow channel portion 4H is located between the capture portion 4C and the vent film 161 in the atmosphere introduction passage 400. When the liquid storage container 10 is in the position where liquid is supplied to the outside from the liquid supply portion 180, the barrier flow channel portion 4H is located vertically above the capture portion 4C. Specifically, the barrier flow channel portion 4H includes a flow channel portion 4H1 between the flow holes 405 and 406 in the direction of atmospheric flow, and a flow channel portion 4H2 between the flow holes 406 and 407.

[0061] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 8As shown, the curved channel section 403 is located in the atmosphere introduction channel 400 between the capture section 4C and the vent film 161. The curved channel section 403 comprises a pair of channel sections, each having a smaller cross-sectional area than the preceding and following channel sections, and circulates air in directions 180 degrees apart from each other. In this embodiment, the curved channel section 403 comprises three sets of channel sections. Furthermore, the atmosphere introduction channel 400 does not include such a curved channel section 403 between the capture section 4C and the liquid storage chambers 117 and 121.

[0062] like Figure 7 As shown, air chambers 408, 409, and 414 are chambers for retaining air midway in the atmospheric air introduction passage 400. Air chamber 420 is a chamber that includes the flow channel portion 4H1 within the barrier flow channel portion 4H. Degassing chamber 417 is a chamber provided to maintain a negative pressure within the liquid storage container 10, for example, to a near-vacuum state.

[0063] When the interior of the liquid storage container 10 is set to negative pressure, the degassing chamber 417 is used. Figure 10 The air hole 419 shown. After the interior of the liquid storage container 10 is deaerated by suction or the like using the air hole 419, the convex portion between the deaeration chamber 417 and the air chamber 414 is Figure 3 The inner film 167 is blocked. That is, the degassing chamber 417 is separated from the air chamber 414. Thus, the area other than the degassing chamber 417 in the liquid storage container 10 can be kept in a state close to vacuum.

[0064] In the following description, the air chambers 408, 409, 414, 420 and the degassing chamber 417 may be collectively referred to as "atmospheric chambers". Figure 3 as well as Figure 7 The area in the middle is shaded. In this embodiment, the air chamber constitutes a non-liquid-contacting portion. The air chamber is formed by two-color molding of a material containing recycled plastic and a virgin plastic material. More specifically, the area in contact with the air chamber in the wall separating the air chamber from the liquid storage chambers 117 and 121 is made of a material containing recycled plastic, and the area in contact with the liquid storage chambers 117 and 121 is made of virgin plastic. In addition, the "wall separating the air chamber from the liquid storage chambers 117 and 121" includes the wall separating the air chamber 408 from the liquid storage chamber 117, the wall separating the air chamber 420 from the liquid storage chamber 117, the wall separating the air chamber 409 from the liquid storage chamber 121, and the wall separating the degassing chamber 417 from the liquid storage chamber 121.

[0065] like Figure 11As shown, the capturing portion 4C constitutes a portion of the atmosphere introduction passage 400. The capturing portion 4C includes a first region 4C1, a second region 4C2, and a third region 4C3.

[0066] Specifically, the first region 4C1 comprises four cylindrical spaces 410, 411, 412, and 413. These cylindrical spaces 410, 411, 412, and 413 extend parallel to one another. When the liquid storage container 10 is mounted on a printing device and in use, these cylindrical spaces 410, 411, 412, and 413 extend in a horizontal direction. These cylindrical spaces 410, 411, 412, and 413 are also referred to as "first regions." Air introduced through the atmosphere opening 401 circulates sequentially through the first regions 410, 411, 412, and 413 within the capture section 4C.

[0067] The second area 4C2 is provided in the frame 100 and Figure 2 At the side opposite to the partition film 165 shown. Figure 11 As shown, the second region 4C2 comprises flow channel portions 4C21 and 4C22 extending in a different direction from the first region 4C1. More specifically, the flow channel portions 4C21 and 4C22 extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first regions 410, 411, 412, and 413 extend. When the liquid storage container 10 is mounted on a printing device and in use, the flow channel portions 4C21 and 4C22 extend in a direction aligned with the vertical direction. The flow channel portions 4C21 and 4C22 are also referred to as the "second region."

[0068] The second region 4C21 is connected to the first region 410 via a circular opening 410o provided in the wall portion 1402 constituting a portion of the liquid storage container 10 and having a circular outer shape. The second region 4C21 is connected to the first region 411 via a circular opening 411o provided in the wall portion 1402 and having a circular outer shape.

[0069] The second area 4C21 is formed by the wall portion 1402, the surrounding wall 1403 and Figure 2 As shown in the partition film 165 is divided. Figure 11 As shown, wall portion 1402 is a component of frame 100 that includes circular opening 410o. Peripheral wall 1403 protrudes from wall portion 1402. Peripheral wall 1403 surrounds circular opening 410o. A partition film 165 is bonded to the upper end of peripheral wall 1403. Partition film 165 isolates the space enclosed by peripheral wall 1403 from the exterior of liquid storage container 10.

[0070] The second region 4C22 is connected to the first region 412 via a circular opening 412o provided in the wall portion 1402 and having a circular outer shape. The second region 4C22 is connected to the first region 413 via a circular opening 413o provided in the wall portion 1402 constituting a portion of the liquid storage container 10 and having a circular outer shape.

[0071] The second area 4C22 is formed by the wall portion 1402, the surrounding wall 1404 and Figure 2 As shown in the partition film 165 is divided. Figure 11 As shown, the wall portion 1402 is a wall portion provided with a circular opening 412 o among the structural elements of the frame body 100 .

[0072] The peripheral wall 1404 is a wall portion protruding from the wall portion 1402. The peripheral wall 1404 surrounds the circular opening 412o and includes a first partial wall 1404a and a second partial wall 1404b.

[0073] First partial wall 1404a is a partial wall surrounding circular opening 412o. Cylindrical space 412 is connected to second region 4C22 via circular opening 412o. Cylindrical space 412 is located on the side of second region 4C22 closer to atmosphere opening 401 in atmosphere introduction passage 400. Second partial wall 1404b is a partial wall surrounding circular opening 413o. Cylindrical space 413 is connected to second region 4C22 via circular opening 413o. Cylindrical space 413 is located on the side of second region 4C22 closer to liquid storage chambers 117 and 121 in atmosphere introduction passage 400.

[0074] Figure 2 The partition film 165 shown is Figure 11 The upper ends of the peripheral walls 1404 are joined. The partition film 165 separates the space surrounded by the peripheral walls 1404 from the outside of the liquid storage container 10.

[0075] The third area 4C3 is provided in the frame 100 and Figure 3 At the side opposite to the inner film 167 shown. Figure 11 As shown, the third region 4C3 is a flow channel portion extending in a direction different from that of the first region 4C1 and the second region 4C2. More specifically, the third region 4C3 extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first regions 410, 411, 412, and 413 extend, and is twisted relative to the direction in which the second regions 4C21 and 4C22 extend.

[0076] like Figure 7As shown, the third region 4C3 is connected to the first region 411 via a circular opening having a circular outer shape. The third region 4C3 is connected to the first region 412 via a circular opening having a circular outer shape.

[0077] As a result, the air introduced from the atmosphere opening 401 flows through the first region 410 , the second region 4C21 , the first region 411 , the third region 4C3 , the first region 412 , the second region 4C22 , and the first region 413 in the capturing portion 4C in this order.

[0078] This structure allows liquid to be captured by the first region 4C1, second region 4C2, and third region 4C3, which extend in different directions and are included in the capture portion 4C, which constitutes a portion of the atmosphere introduction passage 400. As a result, the possibility of liquid in the liquid storage chambers 117 and 121 leaking to the outside through the atmosphere opening 401 can be reduced.

[0079] As described above, in the liquid storage container 10 of this embodiment, the liquid contact portion that contacts the liquid is made of virgin plastic material. In addition, the non-liquid contact portion that does not contact the liquid is made of a material containing at least recycled plastic. Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As indicated by the added hatching, the non-liquid-contacting parts include the cover 12, label 17, cap 19, rod 110, supply unit positioning portion 115, air chambers 408, 409, 414, and 420 that constitute the atmosphere chamber, and degassing chamber 417. The liquid-contacting parts are the areas outside the non-liquid-contacting parts. Furthermore, the non-liquid-contacting parts only need to include at least one of the cover 12, label 17, cap 19, rod 110, supply unit positioning portion 115, and atmosphere chamber. Thus, by using materials containing recycled plastics to construct the non-liquid-contacting parts of the liquid storage container 10, the environmental impact can be reduced.

[0080] In this embodiment, the liquid contact portion is made of virgin plastic material. This is because when a component made of recycled plastic comes into contact with a liquid, the recycled plastic dissolves in the liquid, creating foreign matter that could potentially affect the quality of the liquid. In this embodiment, by using virgin plastic material to construct the liquid contact portion, the quality of the liquid can be maintained.

[0081] Furthermore, when parts made of recycled plastic come into contact with liquids, their strength may decrease or they may deform. Therefore, by using virgin plastic materials to construct the liquid-contacting parts, it is possible to prevent these parts from losing strength or deforming.

[0082] In this embodiment, among the non-liquid-contacting parts described above, the cover 12, label 17, and lid 19 are configured to be detachable from the housing 100. This allows only the housing 100 to be reused after the used liquid storage container 10 is collected, thereby reducing the environmental impact.

[0083] In this embodiment, among the non-liquid-contacting parts described above, the rod 110, the supply unit positioning portion 115, the air chambers 408, 409, 414, and 420 (which serve as atmospheric chambers), and the degassing chamber 417 are constructed by two-color molding of a material composed of both recycled plastic and virgin plastic. As described above, the rod 110 and the supply unit positioning portion 115 preferably have their surface portions, which may come into contact with the liquid and perform their respective functions such as positioning and engagement, constructed of virgin plastic, while their interior portions, which do not come into contact with the liquid, are constructed of a material composed of recycled plastic. This reduces the risk of component strength loss and deformation compared to using only recycled materials for the rod 110 and supply unit positioning portion 115. This approach also reduces wear of the rod 110 and supply unit positioning portion 115 caused by impact when the rod 110 engages with a restriction mechanism (not shown) in the printing device or when the supply unit positioning portion 115 is positioned relative to the printing device.

[0084] Furthermore, as described above, the area of ​​the wall separating the air chamber from the liquid storage chambers 117 and 121 that contacts the air chamber is made of a material containing recycled plastic, while the area that contacts the liquid storage chambers 117 and 121 is made of virgin plastic. This allows the use of recycled plastic even when a portion of the air chamber includes an area that contacts the liquid.

[0085] B. Second embodiment:

[0086] B-1. Appearance structure of liquid storage container 20:

[0087] Figure 12 It is a first external perspective view showing the structure of the liquid storage container 20 in the second embodiment. Figure 13 It is a second external perspective view showing the structure of the liquid storage container 20 . Figure 14 It is a first exploded perspective view of the liquid storage container 20 . Figure 15 This is a second exploded perspective view of the liquid storage container 20. Figure 12 Hereinafter, the X, Y, and Z axes are depicted as three mutually orthogonal spatial axes, similar to the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the direction in which the liquid storage container 20 is mounted on the printing device (not shown) is the -Z direction. Furthermore, when the liquid storage container 20 is mounted on the printing device, the -Z direction is the vertically downward direction.

[0088] The liquid storage container 20 in the second embodiment is a so-called semi-sealed liquid storage container 20 that intermittently introduces external air into a liquid storage chamber (described later) as the liquid is consumed. The liquid storage container 20 is mounted on a printing device (not shown), and liquid is supplied to the printing device from a liquid supply unit (described later). Hereinafter, the terms "bottom surface," "top surface," and "side surface" of the housing 200 are used based on the position of the housing 200 when mounted on the printing device.

[0089] The liquid storage container 20 is similar to the liquid storage container 10 in the first embodiment, and has a liquid contacting portion that contacts the liquid and a non-liquid contacting portion that does not contact the liquid. The liquid contacting portion is made of virgin plastic material. The non-liquid contacting portion is made of a material containing recycled plastic. In the second embodiment, the non-liquid contacting portion is the cover, back cover, label, cover, serpentine film, cover assembly portion, liquid storage container positioning portion, liquid chamber outer periphery, and liquid storage container side identification portion described later. The liquid contacting portion is the area other than the non-liquid contacting portion in the liquid storage container 20. In addition, in Figure 14 、 15 In the figure, hatching is added to the portion constituting the non-liquid contact portion.

[0090] like Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 As shown, the liquid storage container 20 includes a frame 200, a cover 23, a first film 291, a second film 297, and a back cover 25. The frame 200 forms the main body of the liquid storage container 20. The frame 200 is substantially rectangular. The frame 200 is concave with an opening on the +Y axis side.

[0091] like Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 As shown, the first film 291 is adhered or welded to the frame 200, thereby defining, together with the frame 200, a liquid storage chamber (described later). The second film 297 is adhered or welded to the frame 200, thereby defining, together with the frame 200, a liquid storage chamber (described later) and the outer periphery of the liquid chamber. The first film 291 and the second film 297 are flexible. They are formed of a synthetic resin such as nylon and polypropylene.

[0092] like Figure 14 as well as Figure 15As shown, the cover 23 covers the frame 200 from a first direction as a direction. In the second embodiment, the first direction is the +Y direction. The cover 23 has an opposing surface 23fb that is opposite to the first film 291, and a surface 23fa that is the surface on the opposite side of the opposing surface 23fb. The opposing surface 23fb becomes the inner surface of the liquid storage container 20, and the surface 23fa becomes the outer surface of the liquid storage container 20. The cover 23 is constructed as an independent component relative to the frame 200. In addition, in the second embodiment, the cover 23 is formed using a material containing recycled plastic.

[0093] like Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 As shown, the back cover 25 covers the frame 200 from a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. In the second embodiment, the second direction is the -Y direction. The back cover 25 and the cover 23 are opposite to each other in the Y direction. The cover 23 is constructed as an independent component relative to the frame 200. In addition, in the second embodiment, the back cover 25 is formed using a material containing recycled plastic. In addition, in the present disclosure, the cover 23 is also referred to as the "first cover", and the back cover 25 is also referred to as the "second cover".

[0094] like Figure 15 As shown, the cover 23 is provided with a vent 290 for introducing air into the interior of the liquid storage container 20. Furthermore, a groove 261 is provided on the opposing surface 23fb of the cover 23 to serve as a flow path for air. The groove 261 has a serpentine shape. One end of the groove 261 is connected to the vent 290, and the other end of the groove 261 is connected to the connecting portion 618 described later.

[0095] The serpentine film 295 is attached to the facing surface 23fb so as to cover the groove 261. More specifically, the serpentine film 295 is attached to the bank surrounding the groove 261 on the facing surface 23fb by bonding or welding. The groove 261 will be described in detail later. The serpentine film 295 is constructed as a separate component from the frame 200. In the second embodiment, the serpentine film 295 is formed of a material containing recycled plastic.

[0096] like Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 As shown, a label 27 is attached to the upper surface of the frame 200. Information indicating the color of the liquid contained in the liquid storage container 20 is printed on the label 27. The label 27 is configured as a separate component from the frame 200. In the second embodiment, the label 27 is formed of a material containing recycled plastic.

[0097] like Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 As shown, the liquid storage container 20 further includes a pressure plate 293 and a coil spring 294. The pressure plate 293 is formed of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene, or a metal such as stainless steel. The pressure plate 293 and the first film 291 are arranged opposite each other. The coil spring 294 is arranged in a liquid storage chamber described later. The coil spring 294 abuts against the pressure plate 293 and the surface of the frame 200 opposite the pressure plate 293. The pressure plate 293 moves within the liquid storage chamber as the liquid in the liquid storage chamber is consumed. The movement direction of the pressure plate 293 is the Y-axis direction.

[0098] In the second embodiment, coil spring 294 biases first film 291 in the +Y direction, which is the direction in which the volume of the liquid storage chamber is expanded, via pressure-receiving plate 293. Consequently, the pressure in the liquid storage chamber is maintained at a negative pressure, which is lower than atmospheric pressure. In other words, the liquid storage container 20 in the second embodiment includes a negative pressure maintaining mechanism that maintains a negative pressure in at least a portion of the interior of the liquid storage container 20.

[0099] like Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 As shown, the liquid storage container 20 further includes a liquid supply portion 280 on the bottom surface of the frame 200. The liquid supply portion 280 is connected to a liquid storage chamber described later. The liquid supply portion 280 supplies the liquid in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid storage container 20. The liquid storage container 20 in the second embodiment is provided with two liquid supply portions 280 along the Y-axis direction. The liquid storage container 20 is assembled across two narrow grooves provided in a bracket of a printing device not shown in the figure. In the following description, the liquid supply portion 280 located on the +Y direction side of the two liquid supply portions 280 is referred to as the first liquid supply portion 280a, and the liquid supply portion 280 located on the -Y direction side is referred to as the second liquid supply portion 280b.

[0100] The liquid supply unit 280 includes a supply member 30 therein. The supply member 30 includes a leaf spring 35, a foam member 34, and a sheet member 36. The sheet member 36, the foam member 34, and the leaf spring 35 are arranged in this order from the open end of the liquid supply unit 280. The foam member 34 and the sheet member 36 are formed from a synthetic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate. The leaf spring 35 is formed from a metal such as stainless steel. The leaf spring 35 biases the foam member 34 toward the sheet member 36. The leaf spring 35 has a flow hole (not shown) for circulating the liquid.

[0101] like Figures 12 to 15As shown, the liquid storage container 20 further includes a lid assembly portion 265 and a lid 29. The lid assembly portion 265 is disposed on the bottom surface of the frame 200. The lid assembly portion 265 is disposed on the +X direction side relative to the liquid supply portion 280. The lid 29 is assembled relative to the frame 200 from the -Z direction side in a manner that covers the liquid supply portion 280. The lid assembly portion 265 engages with the end portion of the lid 29 on the +X direction side. Therefore, the lid 29 is assembled to the frame 200 via the lid assembly portion 265. In other words, the lid 29 is constructed as an independent component relative to the frame 200. In addition, in the second embodiment, the lid 29 is formed using a material containing recycled plastic. Furthermore, the lid assembly portion 265 is constructed by two-color molding of a material containing recycled plastic and a virgin plastic material. More specifically, the lid assembly portion 265 preferably has a surface portion that may come into contact with the liquid made of virgin plastic, and an interior portion that does not come into contact with the liquid made of a material containing recycled plastic.

[0102] like Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 As shown, the liquid storage container 20 also has a container side identification component 269. The container side identification component 269 is provided to prevent the liquid storage container 20 from being mistakenly inserted into the printing device (not shown). The container side identification component 269 is engaged with the device side identification portion (not shown) of the printing device. The container side identification component 269 is a rib arranged on the bottom surface of the frame 200. The container side identification component 269 forms different pattern shapes according to the color of the liquid stored in the liquid storage container 20. The pattern shape is determined by the number and position of the ribs. In addition, in the second embodiment, the container side identification component 269 is formed by two-color molding of a material containing recycled plastic and a virgin plastic material. In more detail, the container side identification component 269 is preferably such that the surface portion that is likely to come into contact with the liquid and forms the pattern shape is made of virgin plastic, and the inner portion that does not come into contact with the liquid is made of a material containing recycled plastic.

[0103] like Figure 13 as well as Figure 15 As shown, the liquid storage container 20 further includes a liquid storage container positioning portion 221 on the side surface located on the -X direction side. The liquid storage container positioning portion 221 implements positioning of the liquid storage container 20 relative to the unillustrated printing device equipped with the liquid storage container 20. The liquid storage container positioning portion 221 engages with the unillustrated device-side positioning portion of the printing device. In a second embodiment, the liquid storage container positioning portion 221 is formed by two-color molding of a material containing recycled plastic and a virgin plastic material. In more detail, the liquid storage container positioning portion 221 is preferably such that the surface portion that is likely to come into contact with the liquid and functions as a positioning member is composed of virgin plastic, and the interior that is not in contact with the liquid is composed of a material containing recycled plastic.

[0104] like Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 As shown, the liquid container 20 further includes a circuit board 14. The liquid container 20 is electrically connected to the circuit board of the printing device via terminals on the circuit board 14. A storage device is provided on the back surface of the circuit board 14. The storage device stores various information such as the color of the liquid stored in the liquid container 20.

[0105] like Figure 14 As shown, the liquid storage container 20 is provided with a valve mechanism 40 inside. The valve mechanism 40 includes a cover valve 46, a rod valve 44 and a coil spring 42 as a force-applying member. The rod valve 44 is pressed against the cover valve 46 by the coil spring 42, thereby blocking the air inlet 47 as a through hole. The rod valve 44 includes a rod portion 49 that is displaced by the pressure plate 293 to abut, and a valve portion 43 for blocking the air inlet 47. The valve mechanism 40 implements the opening and closing of the air inlet 47. In addition, in the second embodiment, the air inlet 47 is an air inlet to the liquid storage chamber described later. The details of the valve mechanism 40 will be described later.

[0106] Figure 16 For the Figure 12 as well as Figure 14 This is a side view of the housing 200 viewed from substantially the same direction. Figure 17 For the Figure 13 as well as Figure 15 This is a side view of the housing 200 viewed from substantially the same direction. Figure 18 2 is a first stereoscopic view of the frame body 200 . Figure 19 2 is a second stereoscopic view of the frame body 200 .

[0107] Figure 20 FIG. 2 is a third perspective view of the frame body 200 . Figure 21 This is a first diagram for explaining the internal structure of the liquid storage container 20 . Figure 22 This is a second diagram for explaining the internal structure of the liquid storage container 20 . Figure 23 FIG3 is a third diagram for explaining the internal structure of the liquid storage container 20. Figure 16 as well as Figure 17 In FIG, the arrows are used to indicate the state in which the liquid in the liquid storage chamber flows to the outside through the liquid supply portion 280. Figure 17 In the figure, hatching is added to the outer peripheral portion of the liquid chamber which constitutes the non-liquid contact portion described later.

[0108] like Figure 16 、 17 as well as Figure 21As shown, the liquid storage container 20 includes a liquid storage chamber 500, a liquid supply portion 280, a liquid flow channel portion 450, a vent 290, a communication channel 600, and a liquid chamber outer peripheral portion 650. The liquid storage chamber 500 is provided in the frame 200 and stores the liquid. Figure 16 as well as Figure 17 As shown, the liquid storage chamber 500 includes a main chamber 501 and a buffer chamber 503. The main chamber 501 and the buffer chamber 503 are connected by a communication port 508 provided in the liquid storage container 20. The communication port 508 allows liquid to flow from the main chamber 501 to the buffer chamber 503.

[0109] Figure 16 as well as Figure 17 The illustrated liquid flow channel 450 is a liquid flow channel connecting the liquid supply unit 280 and the liquid storage chamber 500. The liquid flow channel 450 includes a first liquid flow channel 452 that supplies liquid from the liquid storage chamber 500 to the first liquid supply unit 280a, and a second liquid flow channel 454 that supplies liquid from the liquid storage chamber 500 to the second liquid supply unit 280b. The first liquid flow channel 452 allows liquid received from the buffer chamber 503 through the communication port 509 to flow through the flow hole 513 and then be supplied to the first liquid supply unit 280a. The second liquid flow channel 454 allows liquid received from the buffer chamber 503 to flow through the flow hole 511 and then be supplied to the second liquid supply unit 280b.

[0110] like Figure 21 As shown, the liquid storage container 20 includes a first communication channel 615 and a second communication channel 620 as an open channel as the communication channel 600. The first communication channel 615 and the second communication channel 620 are both flow channels that communicate with the atmosphere.

[0111] The first communication passage 615 is an air introduction passage for introducing external air into the liquid storage chamber 500. The first communication passage 615 has a vent 290 formed at one end and an air introduction port 47 formed at the other end. As described above, the vent 290 is an opening formed through the cover 23. The air introduction port 47 is an opening for drawing air into the liquid storage chamber 500.

[0112] When vent 290 is positioned upstream and air inlet 47 is positioned downstream, first communication passage 615 includes, in order from the upstream side, vent 290, internal communication passage 616, connecting portion 618, air chamber 619, and air inlet 47. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" used in describing the structure of first communication passage 615 refer to the direction of air flow from vent 290 toward air inlet 47.

[0113] The internal communication passage 616 is a flow passage having one end connected to the vent 290 and the other end connected to the connecting portion 618. Figure 15 As shown, the internal communication channel 616 is a flow channel formed on the facing surface 23fb side of the cover 23. The internal communication channel 616 is formed by the groove 261 formed on the facing surface 23fb and the serpentine film 295 attached to the facing surface 23fb to cover the groove 261. At least a portion of the serpentine film 295 is positioned opposite the first film 291. Furthermore, the internal communication channel 616 is a serpentine channel.

[0114] like Figure 21 As shown, the connection portion 618 is connected to the downstream end of the internal communication passage 616. The connection portion 618 guides the air passing through the internal communication passage 616 into the air chamber 619. Figure 15 As shown, the connecting portion 618 is recessed in the facing surface 23fb of the cover 23. In other words, the connecting portion 618 is a recess formed in the facing surface 23fb. The air chamber 619 is the space formed between the cover 23 and the serpentine film 295. In other words, the air chamber 619 is the space sandwiched between the cover 23 and the first film 291.

[0115] like Figure 14 As shown, the first film 291 has a through hole 292 formed therein for communicating the air chamber 619 with the air inlet 47 . The through hole 292 introduces air from the air chamber 619 to the air inlet 47 .

[0116] like Figure 21 As shown, the second communication passage 620 communicates the space 289 in the liquid supply portion 280 downstream of the liquid outlet 281 with the outside of the liquid storage container 20 via the internal space of the liquid storage container 20. The second communication passage 620 communicates the liquid supply portion 280 with the outside via the communication port 32, which is an open end of the liquid supply portion 280 different from the open end 288.

[0117] One end of the second communication passage 620 is the communication port 32 disposed in the space 289, and the other end is the vent 290 formed through the cover 23. With the communication port 32 positioned upstream and the vent 290 positioned downstream, the second communication passage 620 includes the communication port 32, an internal passage 622, a flow channel chamber 625, an air chamber 619, a connecting portion 618, an internal communication passage 616, and the vent 290. Of these elements, the air chamber 619, the connecting portion 618, the internal communication passage 616, and the vent 290 are shared with the elements that constitute the first communication passage 615. In other words, the downstream portion of the second communication passage 620 and the upstream portion of the first communication passage 615 are shared. The air chamber 619, the connecting portion 618, the internal communication passage 616, and the vent 290 function as a flow path for introducing air from the outside of the box to the inside in the first communication passage 615, and function as a flow path for exhausting air from the inside of the box to the outside in the second communication passage 620. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" used in describing the structure of the second communication passage 620 are based on the direction of air flow from the communication opening 32 toward the vent 290.

[0118] The internal channel 622 is formed within the liquid supply unit 280. The internal channel 622 is a flow channel that penetrates the wall that defines the liquid supply unit 280 and leads to the flow channel chamber 625. The upstream end of the internal channel 622 forms the communication port 32. The flow channel chamber 625 is a space formed in the housing 200. The upstream end of the flow channel chamber 625 is connected to the internal channel 622, and the downstream end is connected to the air chamber 619. The internal channel 622 serves as a channel that connects the liquid supply unit 280 and the air chamber 619 via the flow channel chamber 625.

[0119] like Figure 17 As shown, the liquid chamber peripheral portion 650 is the area of ​​the frame 200 excluding the liquid storage chamber 500 and the liquid flow channel portion 450. Figure 17 The hatched area is shown in FIG. In the second embodiment, the liquid chamber outer peripheral portion 650 is formed by two-color molding of a material containing recycled plastic and a virgin plastic material. More specifically, within the wall separating the liquid chamber outer peripheral portion 650 from the buffer chamber 503, the area adjacent to the liquid chamber outer peripheral portion 650 is formed of a material containing recycled plastic, while the area adjacent to the buffer chamber 503 is formed of a virgin plastic material.

[0120] Next, the operation of the liquid storage container 20 will be described. In the initial state of the liquid storage container 20, which is an unused state, as shown in FIG. Figure 21 As shown, the liquid receiving chamber 500 is filled with ink.

[0121] like Figure 22 As shown, when the ink in the liquid storage chamber 500 is consumed and the pressure plate 293 approaches the -Y direction side, the pressure plate 293 pushes the rod portion 49 toward the -Y direction side. As a result, the valve portion 43 is separated from the air inlet 47, and the external air is temporarily connected to the liquid storage chamber 500. That is, the rod valve 44 becomes an open valve state. Then, the external air passes through the first connecting channel 615 and flows into the liquid storage chamber 500. As a result, Figure 23 As shown, the volume of the liquid receiving chamber 500 increases by an amount corresponding to the amount of air introduced. At the same time, the negative pressure in the liquid receiving chamber 500 decreases slightly and approaches atmospheric pressure. Then, when a certain amount of air is introduced into the liquid receiving chamber 500, the pressure plate 293 separates from the rod portion 49. As a result, the valve portion 43 blocks the air inlet 47 again. That is, the rod valve 44 becomes a closed valve state. In this way, as the ink in the liquid receiving chamber 500 is consumed, the rod valve 44 temporarily becomes an open valve state when the negative pressure in the liquid receiving chamber 500 increases, thereby maintaining the pressure in the liquid receiving chamber 500 within an appropriate pressure range.

[0122] As described above, in the liquid storage container 20 of the second embodiment, the liquid contact portion that contacts the liquid is made of virgin plastic material. In addition, the non-liquid contact portion that does not contact the liquid is made of a material containing at least recycled plastic. Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 As indicated by the added hatching, the non-liquid-contacting portions include the cover 23, back cover 25, label 27, lid 29, serpentine film 295, lid mounting portion 265, liquid storage container positioning portion 221, liquid chamber outer periphery 650, and container-side identification member 269. The liquid-contacting portion is the area outside the non-liquid-contacting portions. Furthermore, the non-liquid-contacting portion only needs to include at least one of the cover 23, back cover 25, label 27, lid 29, serpentine film 295, lid mounting portion 265, liquid storage container positioning portion 221, liquid chamber outer periphery 650, and container-side identification member 269. Thus, by using materials containing recycled plastics to construct the non-liquid-contacting portions of the liquid storage container 20, the environmental impact can be reduced.

[0123] In the second embodiment, the liquid contact portion is made of virgin plastic material, similar to the first embodiment. This maintains the quality of the liquid and prevents the components of the liquid contact portion from losing strength or deforming.

[0124] In the second embodiment, among the non-liquid-contacting parts described above, the cover 23, back cover 25, label 27, lid 29, and serpentine film 295 are configured to be detachable from the housing 200. This allows only the housing 200 to be reused after the used liquid storage container 20 is collected, thereby reducing the environmental impact.

[0125] In the second embodiment, among the non-liquid-contacting parts described above, the cap assembly 265, the liquid container positioning portion 221, the liquid chamber outer periphery 650, and the container-side identification member 269 are constructed by two-color molding of a material composed of both recycled plastic and virgin plastic. Preferably, the cap assembly 265, the liquid container positioning portion 221, and the container-side identification member 269 each have a surface portion that may come into contact with liquid and perform their respective functions, such as positioning and preventing incorrect insertion, made of virgin plastic, and an interior portion that does not come into contact with liquid made of a material composed of recycled plastic. This reduces the risk of component strength loss or deformation compared to using only recycled materials for the cap assembly 265, the liquid container positioning portion 221, and the container-side identification member 269. According to this method, it is possible to suppress the wear of the cover assembly part 265, the liquid storage container positioning part 221 and the container side identification part 269 caused by the impact when the cover assembly part 265 is engaged with the cover 29, when the liquid storage container positioning part 221 is positioned relative to the printing device, or when the container side identification part 269 is engaged with the device side identification part.

[0126] Furthermore, as described above, the area of ​​the wall separating the liquid chamber outer peripheral portion 650 from the buffer chamber 503 that contacts the liquid chamber outer peripheral portion 650 is made of a material containing recycled plastic, while the area that contacts the buffer chamber 503 is made of a virgin plastic material. Thus, even when a portion of the liquid chamber outer peripheral portion 650 contacts the liquid, recycled plastic can be used.

[0127] C. Third embodiment:

[0128] Although the liquid storage container 20 includes two liquid supply parts 280 in the above-described second embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 24 : is a perspective view showing a liquid storage container 20b in the third embodiment. Figure 24The liquid storage container 20b shown is provided with the same symbols as those of the liquid storage container 20 for the parts corresponding to the parts of the liquid storage container 20 in the second embodiment. The width of the liquid storage container 20b in the Y-axis direction is formed to be approximately half of the liquid storage container 20 in the second embodiment. A liquid supply portion 280 is provided on the bottom surface of the liquid storage container 20b. The liquid storage capacity of the liquid storage container 20b is smaller than that of the liquid storage capacity of the liquid storage container 20 in the second embodiment. In addition to the above points, Figure 24 The liquid storage container 20b shown is the same as the liquid storage container 20 in the second embodiment. In addition, three or more liquid supply parts 280 may be provided along the Y-axis direction which is the width direction.

[0129] D.Other methods:

[0130] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be implemented in various ways without departing from its main purpose. For example, in order to solve part or all of the above-mentioned problems, or to achieve part or all of the above-mentioned effects, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various modes described in the Summary of the Invention can be appropriately replaced or combined. In addition, as long as the technical feature is not described as an essential technical feature in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0131] (1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a liquid storage container is provided. The liquid storage container includes: a negative pressure maintaining mechanism that maintains a negative pressure in at least a portion of the interior of the liquid storage container; a liquid contact portion that contacts the liquid; and a non-liquid contact portion that does not contact the liquid, the non-liquid contact portion being formed of a material containing at least recycled plastic.

[0132] According to this aspect, the non-liquid-contacting portion is formed of a material containing recycled plastic, thereby reducing the environmental load.

[0133] (2) In the above embodiment, the liquid contact portion may be formed of a virgin plastic material. According to this embodiment, the quality of the liquid can be maintained by forming the liquid contact portion using a virgin plastic material.

[0134] (3) In the above-mentioned embodiment, it is also possible to configure the device to further include: a frame forming the main body of the liquid storage container; a liquid supply portion supplying the liquid to the outside, wherein the non-liquid-contacting portion includes at least one of a cover covering the frame, a label affixed to the frame, and a cover covering the liquid supply portion.

[0135] According to this aspect, recycled plastic can be used in the non-liquid-contact portion including at least one of the cover, the label, and the cap.

[0136] (4) In the above aspect, the non-liquid contact portion may be configured as a separate component from the frame.

[0137] According to this aspect, at least any one of the cover, the label, and the cap can be provided as an independent component.

[0138] (5) In the above-mentioned method, it can also be set that there is also a frame body, which forms the main body of the liquid storage container, and the non-liquid-contacting part has at least any one of a first cover, a second cover, a label, a cover and a film, wherein the first cover covers the frame body from a first direction as a direction, the second cover covers the frame body from a second direction different from the first direction and is opposite to the first cover, the label is attached to the frame body, the liquid supply part supplies the liquid to the outside of the liquid storage container, and the film covers the groove part formed on one surface of the first cover.

[0139] According to this aspect, recycled plastic can be used in the non-liquid-contact portion including at least one of the first cover, the second cover, the label, the cap, and the film.

[0140] (6) In the above aspect, the non-liquid contact portion may be configured as a separate component from the frame.

[0141] According to this aspect, at least any one of the first cover, the second cover, the label, the cap, and the film can be provided as an independent component.

[0142] (7) In the above-mentioned method, it can also be set to include: a liquid storage chamber, at least a part of which is divided by the frame and stores liquid; a liquid supply part, which supplies the liquid in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid storage container; an atmosphere opening, which is used to introduce the atmosphere into the liquid storage chamber; an atmosphere introduction channel, which connects the atmosphere opening and the liquid storage chamber, and the non-liquid contact part has at least any one of the rod, the atmosphere chamber and the supply part positioning part of the frame, wherein the atmosphere chamber is an area in the atmosphere introduction channel for retaining the atmosphere, and the supply part positioning part implements the positioning of the liquid supply part relative to the printing device equipped with the liquid storage container.

[0143] According to this aspect, recycled plastic can be used in the non-liquid contact portion including at least one of the rod, the air chamber, and the supply portion positioning portion.

[0144] (8) In the above aspect, the non-liquid-contacting portion may be formed by two-color molding of a material containing the recycled plastic and a virgin plastic material.

[0145] According to this aspect, at least any one of the rod, the air chamber, and the supply unit positioning portion can be formed by two-color molding of a material containing recycled plastic and a virgin plastic material.

[0146] (9) In the above-mentioned embodiment, it is also possible to configure the liquid container to further include: a frame body, which forms the main body of the liquid storage container; a liquid storage chamber, which is at least partially divided by the frame body and stores the liquid; a liquid supply portion, which is provided in the frame body and supplies the liquid in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid storage container; a liquid flow path portion, which is provided in the frame body and is a flow path for the liquid connecting the liquid storage chamber and the liquid supply portion, and the non-liquid contact portion is provided in the cover assembly portion, the liquid storage container positioning portion, the liquid storage chamber ... At least one of the outer periphery of the body chamber and the liquid storage container side identification portion is provided, wherein the cover assembly portion is equipped with a cover covering the liquid supply portion, the liquid storage container positioning portion implements the positioning of the liquid storage container relative to the printing device equipped with the liquid storage container, the outer periphery of the liquid chamber is the area in the frame body except the liquid storage chamber and the liquid flow path portion, and the liquid storage container side identification portion is used to prevent the liquid storage container from being mistakenly inserted into the printing device and is engaged with the device side identification portion of the printing device.

[0147] According to this aspect, recycled plastic can be used in the non-liquid contact portion including at least one of the cap mounting portion, the liquid storage container positioning portion, the liquid chamber peripheral portion, and the liquid storage container side identification portion.

[0148] (10) In the above aspect, the non-liquid-contacting portion may be formed by two-color molding of a material containing the recycled plastic and a virgin plastic material.

[0149] According to this embodiment, at least any one of the cap mounting portion, the liquid storage container positioning portion, the liquid chamber outer peripheral portion, and the liquid storage container side identification portion can be formed by two-color molding of a material containing recycled plastic and a virgin plastic material.

[0150] The present disclosure can be implemented in various forms, and in addition to the above-described forms, can also be implemented in forms such as a method for manufacturing a liquid storage container.

[0151] Explanation of symbols

[0152] 10, 20, 20b…liquid storage container; 11…circuit board; 12, 23…cover; 14…circuit board; 17…label; 19…cover; 23fa…surface; 23fb…opposing surface; 25…back cover; 27…label; 29…cover; 30…supply member; 32…connecting port; 34…foam member; 36…sheet member; 40…valve mechanism; 43…valve portion; 44…stem valve; 46…cover valve; 47…air inlet; 49…stem portion; 100…frame; 100fa…first side surface; 100fb…second side surface; 110…stem; 115…supply member positioning portion; 117…liquid storage chamber; 118…circuit hole; 120…connecting channel; 121…liquid storage chamber; 133…prism; 141…coil spring; 142…valve; 145…sealing rubber; 150…differential pressure valve; 152…rubber membrane; 154…coil spring; 155…valve cover; 161…vent film; 163…sealing film; 165…partition film; 166…supply port film; 167…inner film; 180…liquid supply portion; 200…frame; 221…liquid container positioning portion; 261…groove; 265…cap assembly portion; 269…container-side identification member; 280…liquid supply portion; 280a…first liquid supply portion; 280b…second liquid supply portion; 281…liquid outlet; 288…opening end; 289…space; 290…vent; 291… ...first film; 292...through hole; 293...pressure plate; 295...serpentine film; 297...second film; 300...liquid supply channel; 322...circulation hole; 328...flow channel portion; 400...atmosphere introduction channel; 401...atmosphere opening; 402, 405, 406, 407...circulation hole; 403...curved flow channel portion; 408, 414, 420...air chamber; 410, 411, 412, 413...first region; 410o, 411o, 412o, 413o...circular opening; 417...degassing chamber; 419...air hole; 450...liquid flow channel portion; 452...first liquid flow channel; 454...second liquid flow channel; 500...liquid storage chamber; 5 01…main chamber; 503…buffer chamber; 508, 509…connecting port; 511, 513…circulation hole; 600…connecting channel; 615…first connecting channel; 616…internal connecting channel; 618…connecting portion; 619…air chamber; 620…second connecting channel; 622…internal channel; 625…flow channel chamber; 650…outer periphery of liquid chamber; 1402…wall; 1403, 1404…surrounding wall; 1404a…first partial wall; 1404b…second partial wall; 4C…capturing portion; 4C1, 4C2…first region; 4C21, 4C22…second region; 4C3…third region; 4H…barrier flow channel portion; 4H1…flow channel portion; 4H2…flow channel portion.

Claims

1. A liquid storage container comprising: a negative pressure maintaining mechanism for maintaining a negative pressure in at least a portion of the interior of the liquid storage container; a liquid contact portion, which contacts the liquid; Non-liquid contact part, which does not come into contact with the liquid, The non-liquid-contacting portion is made of a material containing at least recycled plastic.

2. The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein The liquid contact part is made of virgin plastic material.

3. The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein: Also features: a frame forming the main body of the liquid storage container; a liquid supply unit that supplies the liquid to the outside, The non-liquid-contacting portion includes at least one of a cover covering the housing, a label attached to the housing, and a cap covering the liquid supply portion.

4. The liquid storage container according to claim 3, wherein: The non-liquid-contacting portion is configured as a separate component from the frame.

5. The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein It also has a frame, which forms the main body of the liquid storage container. The non-liquid-contacting portion includes at least one of a first cover, a second cover, a label, a cover, and a film, wherein the first cover covers the frame from a first direction as a direction, the second cover covers the frame from a second direction different from the first direction and is opposite to the first cover, the label is affixed to the frame, the liquid supply portion supplies the liquid to the outside of the liquid storage container, and the film covers a groove formed on one surface of the first cover.

6. The liquid storage container according to claim 5, wherein: The non-liquid-contacting portion is configured as a separate component from the frame.

7. The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein: have: a frame forming the main body of the liquid storage container; a liquid storage chamber, at least a portion of which is partitioned by the frame body and for storing liquid; a liquid supply unit for supplying the liquid in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid storage container; an atmosphere opening for introducing atmosphere into the liquid receiving chamber; an atmosphere introduction channel connecting the atmosphere opening and the liquid storage chamber, The non-liquid-contacting portion includes at least one of the rod, the air chamber, and the supply portion positioning portion provided in the frame, wherein the air chamber is an area in the air inlet channel for retaining the air, and the supply portion positioning portion implements positioning of the liquid supply portion relative to a printing device equipped with the liquid storage container.

8. The liquid storage container according to claim 7, wherein: The non-liquid-contacting portion is formed by two-color molding of a material containing the recycled plastic and a virgin plastic material.

9. The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein: Also features: a frame forming the main body of the liquid storage container; a liquid storage chamber, at least a portion of which is partitioned by the frame body and for storing liquid; a liquid supply unit provided in the frame body and configured to supply the liquid in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid storage container; a liquid flow channel portion, which is provided in the frame and serves as a flow channel for the liquid connecting the liquid storage chamber and the liquid supply portion; The non-liquid-contacting portion includes at least one of a cover assembly portion, a liquid storage container positioning portion, an outer peripheral portion of the liquid chamber, and a liquid storage container side identification portion, wherein the cover assembly portion is equipped with a cover for covering the liquid supply portion, the liquid storage container positioning portion implements positioning of the liquid storage container relative to the printing device equipped with the liquid storage container, the outer peripheral portion of the liquid chamber is the area in the frame except for the liquid storage chamber and the liquid flow path portion, and the liquid storage container side identification portion is used to prevent the liquid storage container from being mistakenly inserted into the printing device and is engaged with the device side identification portion of the printing device.

10. The liquid storage container according to claim 9, wherein: The non-liquid-contacting portion is formed by two-color molding of a material containing the recycled plastic and a virgin plastic material.

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