Liquid storage container and recording device

Abstract

To improve an inflow speed of a liquid to a liquid storage container from a supplement bottle.SOLUTION: A liquid storage container comprises: a storage part which accommodates a liquid supplied to a discharge head for discharging the liquid; a needle which is inserted in a supplement bottle for supplementing the liquid into the storage part, and forms a first flow channel and a second flow channel that communicate with the supplement bottle; a third flow channel between the first flow channel and the second flow channel; and a fourth flow channel between the second flow channel and the storage part. A first shape part, which has a cross-sectional shape common to a part of a cross-sectional shape of the first flow channel, is formed at an end part of the third flow channel on the first flow channel side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid container and a recording device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a recording device that records an image by ejecting ink stored in an ink tank from a recording head onto a recording medium. When the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank becomes low, the user refills the ink tank. If the refilling operation can be performed quickly, user convenience is improved. Patent Document 1 discloses an ink tank that has a flow path through which ink flows and a flow path through which air is removed. The two flow paths allow gas-liquid exchange between the ink tank and the refill bottle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-69717 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the structure of Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in terms of the speed at which ink flows from the refill bottle into the ink tank.

[0005] The present invention provides a technique for increasing the rate at which liquid flows from a refill bottle into a liquid container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, a storage section that stores the liquid to be supplied to a discharge head that discharges the liquid; a needle that is inserted into a refill bottle for refilling the liquid in the storage portion and that forms a first flow path and a second flow path that communicate with the refill bottle; a third flow path between the first flow path and the storage portion; a fourth flow path between the second flow path and the storage portion, a first shaped portion having a cross-sectional shape common to a part of the cross-sectional shape of the first flow path is formed at an end portion of the third flow path on the side of the first flow path; A liquid container is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for improving the inflow speed of liquid from a refill bottle into a liquid container. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of the recording apparatus of FIG. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are exploded perspective views of an ink tank. [Figure 4] (A) and (B) are side views of the ink tank. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are partial perspective views of an ink tank. [Figure 6] (A) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 4(B), and (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 4(B). [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Figure 4(B). [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram of how to use the refill bottle. [Figure 9] (A) to (C) are explanatory diagrams of how to use the refill bottle. [Figure 10] 3A to 3C are schematic diagrams showing the flow of ink during ink refilling. [Figure 11] 3A to 3C are schematic diagrams showing the flow of ink during ink refilling. [Figure 12] 3A to 3C are schematic diagrams showing the flow of ink during ink refilling. [Figure 13] 3A to 3C are schematic diagrams showing the flow of ink during ink refilling. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] "1. Overview of the recording device" FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the front of a recording apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the rear showing a partial configuration of the recording apparatus 1. The recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment is an inkjet recording apparatus that ejects ink to record on a recording medium. In the figure, arrows X, Y, and Z indicate directions that intersect with each other, and in this embodiment, these are perpendicular to each other. Arrow Z indicates the up-down direction (direction of gravity). The X direction is the width direction of the recording apparatus 1 (horizontal direction from left to right, width direction of the recording medium). The Y direction is the depth direction of the recording apparatus 1 (horizontal direction from front to back).

[0011] "Recording" not only includes the formation of meaningful information such as characters and figures, but also includes the formation of images, patterns, designs, etc. on a recording medium, whether meaningful or insignificant, or the processing of the medium, regardless of whether it is manifested in a way that can be perceived visually by humans. In addition, although sheet-like paper is assumed as the "recording medium" in this embodiment, it may also be cloth, plastic film, etc.

[0012] The recording device 1 includes a transport roller 11 extending in the X direction. The transport roller 11 transports a sheet-shaped recording medium 100 in the Y direction (sub-scanning direction). The transport roller 11 is rotated by a transport motor (not shown) that serves as its drive source. The recording medium 100 is transported on a platen 12 by the rotation of the transport roller 11.

[0013] Ink tanks 2Bk, 2C, 2M, and 2Y (hereinafter referred to as ink tanks 2 when collectively referred to or when no distinction is made) are liquid containers that contain liquid ink. In this embodiment, the ink tanks 2 are stationary containers that are fixed to the recording device 1. When the remaining ink level becomes low, the user refills the ink tank 2 with ink using a refill bottle 5, which will be described later, without removing the ink tank 2 from the recording device 1.

[0014] The four ink tanks 2 contain different types of ink. In the present embodiment, each ink tank 2 contains ink of a different color. Specifically, ink tank 2Bk contains black ink, ink tank 2C contains cyan ink, ink tank 2M contains magenta ink, and ink tank 2Y contains yellow ink. The number of types of ink is not limited to four as in the present embodiment, and may be one type or multiple types other than four, as long as there are at least as many ink tanks 2 as the number of types of ink.

[0015] The recording device 1 includes a carriage 14. The carriage 14 is a support member that supports the recording head 13A and the recording head 13B. In this embodiment, the carriage 14 is equipped with the recording head 13A and the recording head 13B and is movable in the X direction (main scanning direction). The recording head 13A and the recording head 13B perform recording by ejecting ink onto the recording medium 100. The recording head 13A ejects cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink supplied from ink tanks 2C, 2M, and 2Y via tubes 16. The recording head 13B ejects black ink supplied from ink tank 2Bk via tubes 16. A tube 16 is provided for each type of ink, and in this embodiment, there are four tubes 16.

[0016] The lower surfaces of the recording heads 13A and 13B have ejection surfaces on which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink are formed. The ejection surfaces are arranged to face the platen 12. Each nozzle is provided with, for example, an electrothermal conversion element (heater), which is heated by passing electricity through it to cause the ink to bubble, and the resulting bubbling energy causes the ink to be ejected. A structure in which ink is ejected by a piezoelectric element instead of an electrothermal conversion element may also be used.

[0017] The carriage 14 is guided by a guide member 15 and moves back and forth in the X direction by the driving force of a drive unit (not shown). The drive unit includes, for example, a drive pulley and a driven pulley spaced apart in the X direction, an endless belt wound around these pulleys, and a carriage motor that is a drive source for rotating the drive pulley. The carriage 14 is connected to the endless belt and moves in the X direction by running the endless belt.

[0018] An image is recorded by ejecting ink from the recording heads 13A and 13B onto the recording medium 100 on the platen 12 during the movement of the carriage 14. This operation is sometimes called a recording scan. The recording operation is performed by alternately repeating the recording medium conveyance operation by the conveyance roller 11 and the recording scan.

[0019] As described above, the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment is a serial type inkjet recording apparatus in which the recording heads 13A and 13B are mounted on a carriage 14 that moves back and forth in the X direction. However, the present invention is also applicable to other recording apparatuses, such as an inkjet recording apparatus equipped with a so-called full-line head recording head, which is provided with multiple nozzles that eject ink in an area corresponding to the width of the recording medium.

[0020] "2. Ink Tank" <2-1. Overview> Ink tanks 2C, 2M, and 2Y are containers with the same structure. Ink tank 2Bk has substantially the same structure as ink tanks 2C, 2M, and 2Y, but is a container with a larger capacity than these. Therefore, ink tank 2Bk is a container that is wider in the X direction than ink tanks 2C, 2M, and 2Y. Ink tank 2Bk is located at the left end in the front of recording device 1. Ink tank 2Bk is made of a light-transmitting material, allowing the user to visually check the remaining amount of ink contained therein. Ink tanks 2C to 2Y are located side by side in the Y direction at the right end in the front of recording device 1. Ink tanks 2C to 2Y are also made of a light-transmitting material. Allows the user to visually check the remaining amount of ink contained therein.

[0021] The structure of the ink tank 2 will be explained using ink tank 2C as a representative example. Figures 3(A) and 3(B) are exploded perspective views of ink tank 2C. Figures 4(A) and 4(B) are side views of ink tank 2C, with Figure 4(A) showing side 21d and Figure 4(B) showing side 21c.

[0022] The ink tank 2C has an overall L-shaped outer shape. The ink tank 2C has a main body 21 and left and right sealing members 20a and 20b. The main body 21 is a container body having a top portion 21a, a front portion 21b, and left and right side portions 21c and 21d, and is a hollow structure made of resin. The sealing members 20a and 20b in this embodiment are flexible films and are fixed to the side portions 21c and 21d of the main body 21 by adhesive or welding. The sealing members 20a and 20b cover and seal the openings and grooves in the side portions 21c and 21d of the main body 21. The main body 21 and the sealing members 20a and 20b are all light-transmitting members. These members may be colored and transparent, or colorless and transparent.

[0023] A needle 22 protrudes upward from the top portion 21a of the ink tank 2C. The needle 22 is a cylindrical member that is formed integrally with the main body 21 and extends in the Z direction, and forms a flow path for injecting refill ink from the outside into the ink tank 2C. A removable cap 4 is attached to the tip (upper end) of the needle 22.

[0024] A cylindrical outlet 26 is formed at the rear of the ink tank 2C. The outlet 26 is an outlet for the ink contained in the ink tank 2C and is a liquid outlet for allowing the ink to flow out to the recording head 3A. A tube 16 is connected to the outlet 26, and the ink contained in the ink tank 2C is supplied from the outlet 26 through the tube 16 to the recording head 3A.

[0025] The front portion 21b is formed with a lower limit indicator 24b that indicates the minimum remaining amount of ink, which is the timing for refilling the ink, and an upper limit indicator 24a that indicates the maximum remaining amount when refilling the ink. The upper limit indicator 24a and the lower limit indicator 24b are formed by the shape of the main body 21 (forming recesses or protrusions, etc.) or by printing a diagram.

[0026] An engagement portion 23a is formed on the front portion 21b of the ink tank 2C, and an engagement portion 23b is formed on the rear portion. The engagement portions 23a and 23b engage with engagement portions (not shown) formed on the housing (not shown) of the recording device 1, thereby fixing and positioning the ink tank 2C.

[0027] The ink tank 2C has a storage section 25 on the bottom side that stores ink. The storage section 25 is defined by a space that opens to the side section 21d of the main body 21 and a sealing member 20b. The storage section 25 communicates with the needle 22 via flow paths 31 and 32. The flow paths 31 and 32 are defined by a groove that opens to the side section 21c of the main body 21 and a sealing member 20a. The outlet section 26 is formed to be higher than the liquid level when the storage section 25 contains the maximum amount of ink.

[0028] The storage section 25 and the outlet section 26 are in communication with each other via a flow path 29a. The flow path 29a is defined by a groove that opens in the side section 21c of the main body 21 and a sealing member 20a. The ink stored in the storage section 25 is supplied to the recording head 13A through the flow path 29a, the outlet section 26, and the tube 16.

[0029] An atmosphere communication port 27 is formed in the front part 21b, which is the front side of the ink tank 2C. The atmosphere communication port 25 opens to the front of the ink tank 2C in the Y direction. Because it does not open upward, the atmosphere communication port 25 is less likely to be blocked by foreign matter. The atmosphere communication port 27 communicates with the storage section 25 via buffer chambers 28a to 28e and flow paths 29b to 29f. Even if the ink tank 6C is placed in a position different from that during use, ink in the storage section 25 is prevented from leaking from the atmosphere communication port 25.

[0030] Buffer chambers 28a and 28b are defined by a space that opens to side portion 21c of main body 21 and sealing member 20a. Buffer chambers 28c to 28f are defined by a space that opens to side portion 21d of main body 21 and sealing member 20b. Flow path 29c is defined by a groove that opens to side portion 21d of main body 21 and sealing member 20b. Flow paths 29d to 29f are defined by a groove that opens to side portion 21c and sealing member 20a.

[0031] One end of flow path 29b opens to storage section 25 and the other opens to buffer chamber 28b, so that storage section 25 and buffer chamber 28b communicate with each other via flow path 29b. One end of flow path 29c opens to buffer chamber 28a and the other opens to buffer chamber 28b, so that buffer chamber 28a and buffer chamber 28b communicate with each other via flow path 29c. One end of flow path 29d opens to buffer chamber 28a and the other opens to buffer chamber 28c, so that buffer chamber 28a and buffer chamber 28c communicate with each other via flow path 29c. One end of flow path 29e opens to buffer chamber 28c and the other opens to buffer chamber 28d, so that buffer chamber 28c and buffer chamber 28d communicate with each other via flow path 29e. One end of flow path 29f opens to buffer chamber 28d and the other opens to buffer chamber 28e, so that buffer chamber 28d and buffer chamber 28e communicate with each other via flow path 29f. The buffer chamber 28 e communicates with the atmosphere communication port 27 .

[0032] If the recording device 1 is left in a position other than when in use for a long period of time and the air pressure, temperature, etc. change in that state, it is possible that the air inside the ink tank 2C will expand or contract. The mechanism for suppressing ink leakage from the air communication port 27 in this state will be explained using the example of a state in which the maximum amount of ink is contained in the ink storage section 25.

[0033] Assume that the recording device 1 is positioned with the sealing member 20a on the bottom and the sealing member 20b on the top. The ink level is located below the flow path 29b that connects the ink storage section 25 and the buffer chamber 28b. Because the inside of the ink tank 2C is connected to the outside of the ink tank 6, ink does not flow from the flow path 29b into the buffer chamber 28b. Therefore, ink does not leak from the atmosphere communication port 27.

[0034] Next, assume that the recording device 1 is positioned with the sealing member 20a facing up and the sealing member 20b facing down. The ink level is higher than the flow path 29b, which connects the ink storage section 25 and the buffer chamber 28b. Therefore, ink flows from the ink storage section 25 to the buffer chamber 28b. Furthermore, because the buffer chamber 28b is connected to the buffer chamber 28a via the flow path 29c, the ink flows through the flow path 29b, the buffer chamber 28b, and the flow path 29c toward the buffer chamber 28a. However, the end of the flow path 29d, which connects the buffer chamber 28a and the buffer chamber 28c, is located on a surface covered by the sealing member 20a. Therefore, unless the buffer chamber 28a is filled with ink, the ink will not flow to the next flow path 29d and the buffer chamber 28c. Because the buffer chambers 28c and 28d are similarly configured, there is little risk of ink leaking from the atmosphere communication port 27.

[0035] Next, let us consider a case where the recording device 1 is in an upside-down position. Since the ink level is higher than the flow path 29b that connects the ink storage section 25 and the buffer chamber 28b, the ink flows into the buffer chamber 28b. In this position, the end of the flow path 29c in the buffer chamber 28b is located above the buffer chamber 28b. Therefore, unless the buffer chamber 28b is filled with ink, the ink will not flow into the buffer chamber 28a via the flow path 29c. Because the buffer chambers 28a and 28c have the same configuration, there is little risk of ink leaking from the atmosphere communication port 27.

[0036] Next, assume that the recording device 1 is positioned with its front facing downward. In this position, the ink tank 2 is positioned with the atmosphere communication port 27 facing downward. Because the flow path 29b is located below the ink level, ink flows through the flow path 29b to the buffer chamber 28b. In this position, the end of the flow path 29c in the buffer chamber 28b is located above the buffer chamber 28b. Therefore, unless the buffer chamber 28b is filled with ink, the ink will not flow through the flow path 29c to the buffer chamber 28a. Furthermore, even if the buffer chamber 28b is filled with ink, the other buffer chambers can accommodate the amount of ink until the ink level in the ink storage section 25 falls below the flow path 29b. Therefore, there is little risk of ink leaking from the atmosphere communication port 27.

[0037] Finally, let us consider a case where the recording device 1 is positioned with its rear end facing downwards. The position of the ink tank 2 is such that the atmosphere communication port 27 faces upwards. In this position, the recording device 1 is positioned with the sealing member 20a facing upwards and the sealing member 20b facing downwards. In other words, unless the buffer chamber 28a is filled with ink, ink will not flow to the next buffer chamber 28c. The subsequent buffer chambers 28c and 28d also have a similar configuration, so there is little risk of ink leaking from the atmosphere communication port 27.

[0038] In this way, in this embodiment, even if the recording device 1 is left in a position different from that used during use for a long period of time and the air pressure, temperature, etc. change, the risk of ink leakage can be reduced and ink leakage from the atmosphere communication port 27 can be suppressed.

[0039] <2-2. Flow path structure> The structures of the needle 22 and the flow paths 31 and 32 will be described with reference to Figures 5(A) to 7 in addition to Figures 3(A) to 4(B). Figures 5(A) and 5(B) are perspective views of a portion of the ink tank 2C, particularly showing the boundary between the needle 22 and the flow paths 31 and 32. Figure 6(A) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 4(B), and Figure 6(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 4(B). Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Figure 4(B).

[0040] The needle 22 has a cylindrical outer shape extending in the Z direction. The internal space of the needle 22 is partitioned by a partition wall 220, forming a flow path 221 and a flow path 222. The partition wall 220 is a plate on the XZ plane. The flow paths 221 and 222 are both flow paths extending in the Z direction, and their flow path direction is the Z direction. The tip (top end) of the needle 22 has a mountain shape. The openings (openings on the refill bottle 5 side) of the tips (top ends) of the flow paths 221 and 222 are both open at an angle with respect to the flow path direction. In other words, the end face of the needle 22 where the flow path 221 is formed and the end face of the needle 22 where the flow path 222 is formed are inclined at an angle within a range of 30 to 60 degrees with respect to the XY plane, for example. This prevents the formation of an ink film at the opening due to the surface tension of the ink when refilling the ink, thereby improving the flow of ink.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 7 , the partition wall 220 is positioned forward in the Y direction from the central axis CT of the needle 22. The cross-sectional shapes (cross-sectional shapes on the XY plane) of the flow paths 221 and 222 are both fan-shaped, but the cross-sectional areas of the flow paths 221 and 222 are different, with the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 221 being larger than that of the flow path 222. The flow path 221 can have a larger ink flow rate during refilling than the flow path 222. The cross-sectional shape of the flow path 221 at any position in the Z direction is the same except for the inclined portion of the tip of the needle 22. The cross-sectional shape of the flow path 222 at any position in the Z direction is also the same except for the inclined portion of the tip of the needle 22. At any position in the Z direction including the tip of the needle 22, the cross-sectional areas of the flow paths 221 and 222 are different, with the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 221 being larger than that of the flow path 222.

[0042] The flow channels 31 and 32 each extend in the Z direction and are adjacent to each other in the Y direction. The flow channels 31 and 32 are separated in the Y direction by a partition wall 30. The partition wall 30 is a plate on the XZ plane that is formed continuously with the partition wall 220 of the needle 22.

[0043] The flow path 31 is formed between the flow path 221 and the storage section 25 and is in communication with them. The flow path 31 has an opening 31a that opens into the storage section 25 at the end on the storage section 25 side, and the flow path 221 opens at an upper end surface 31b.

[0044] The flow path 31 is defined by a partition wall 30, an inner wall surface 31c facing the partition wall 30, a sealing member 20a, and an inner wall surface (groove bottom) 31d facing the sealing member 20a. The flow path 31 has a shaped portion 33 formed at the end on the flow path 221 side. The partition wall 30 and the inner wall surface 31c are parallel to each other, and the flow path 31 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape (cross-sectional shape on the XY plane) perpendicular to the flow path direction, excluding the portion of the shaped portion 33. The flow path 221 opens at the upper end surface 31b at a position closer to the inner wall surface 31d than the sealing member 20a.

[0045] The width of the flow path 31 in the X direction varies depending on the position in the Z direction. The region R1 on the needle 22 side has width W1, and the region R3 on the storage section 25 side has width W3 (>W1). These regions R1 and R3 are uniform portions with the same width. In the intermediate region R2, the width in the X direction varies continuously. Region R2 is a varying portion in which the width decreases as it approaches the storage section 25. The width W21 of the flow path 31 in the Y direction is the same at any position in the Z direction.

[0046] The shaped portion 33 is formed at the end of the flow path 31 (the end on the side of the flow path 221). The shaped portion 33 has a cross-sectional shape that is common to part of the cross-sectional shape of the flow path 221. Specifically, in the shaped portion 33, a cross-sectional shape having an arc concentric with the central axis line CT that is common to part of the fan-shaped arc that is the cross-sectional shape of the flow path 221 is formed continuously from the flow path 221. The shaped portion 33 is formed in the range of section P1 downward in the Z direction from the upper end surface 31b.

[0047] When viewed in the X direction, shaped portion 33 is formed from a position at a distance L from side portion 21c of main body 21 toward the back. The arc portion of the cross-sectional shape of flow path 221 is an arc of approximately 180 degrees, and the arc of the cross-sectional shape of shaped portion 33 is an arc of approximately 90 degrees. The inner wall surface of the flow path is continuous from flow path 221 to flow path 31 within this 90-degree range.

[0048] As can be seen from FIG. 7 , the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 221 and the flow path 31 changes significantly, making it easy for pressure loss of the fluid to occur. By providing the shaped portion 33 and maintaining the shape of the flow path 221 partially in the flow path 33, the pressure loss of the fluid can be reduced. This reduces the resistance to ink passing through the boundary between the flow path 221 and the flow path 31 when refilling ink, and can improve the ink inflow speed. In particular, the flow path 221 and the flow path 31 may have different shapes due to molding constraints on the main body 21 or to improve the efficiency of refilling ink. In such cases, the shaped portion 33 is effective in reducing pressure loss of the fluid at the boundary between the flow paths.

[0049] In the section P1 of the shaped portion 33, in the section P2, the portion with an arc-shaped cross-section gradually decreases downward in the Z direction. By gradually matching the shape from the shaped portion 33 to the inner wall surface 31d, the generation of resistance to the flow of ink can be reduced.

[0050] Next, the flow path 32 is defined by the partition wall 30, the inner wall surface 32c facing the partition wall 30, the sealing member 20a, and the inner wall surface (bottom of the groove) 32d facing the sealing member 20a. A shaped portion 34 is formed at the end of the flow path 32 on the side of the flow path 222. The partition wall 30 and the inner wall surface 31c are parallel, and except for the portion of the shaped portion 33, the cross-sectional shape (cross-sectional shape in the X-Y plane) of the flow path 31 perpendicular to the flow path direction is rectangular. At the upper end surface 32b, the flow path 222 opens at a position closer to the inner wall surface 32d than the sealing member 20a.

[0051] The width of the flow path 32 in the X direction changes depending on the position in the Z direction. In the region R11 on the side of the needle 22, the width is W11, and in the region R13 on the side of the accommodating portion 25, the width is W13 (<W11). These regions R11 and R13 are each uniform portions with the same width. In the intermediate region R12, the width in the X direction continuously changes. The region R12 is a changing portion where the width decreases as it approaches the accommodating portion 25. The width W22 of the flow path 32 in the Y direction is the same at any position in the Z direction.

[0052] The shaped portion 34 is formed at the end of the flow path 32 (the end on the side of the flow path 222). The shaped portion 34 has a cross-sectional shape common to a part of the cross-sectional shape of the flow path 222. Specifically, in the shaped portion 34, a cross-sectional shape having a concentric arc about the central axis CT, which is common to a part of the arc of the fan shape that is the cross-sectional shape of the flow path 222, is continuously formed from the flow path 222. The shaped portion 34 is formed in the range of the section P11 downward in the Z direction from the upper end surface 32b.

[0053] When viewed in the X direction, the shaped portion 34 is formed from a position at a distance L from the side portion 21c of the main body 21 toward the back side. The arc portion of the cross-sectional shape of the flow path 222 is an arc in a range of about 180 degrees, and the arc of the cross-sectional shape of the shaped portion 34 is an arc in a range of about 90 degrees. In this 90-degree range, the inner wall surface of the flow path is continuous from the flow path 222 to the flow path 32.

[0054] As can be seen from FIG. 7, between the flow path 222 and the flow path 32, the cross-sectional area of the flow path changes greatly, and a fluid pressure loss is likely to occur. By providing the shaped portion 34 and partially maintaining the shape of the flow path 222 with the flow path 34, the fluid pressure loss can be reduced. Thereby, when replenishing the ink, the resistance to the ink passing through the boundary between the flow path 222 and the flow path 32 can be reduced, and the inflow speed of the ink can be improved. In particular, due to the molding constraints of the main body 21 and the improvement of the ink replenishment efficiency, the flow paths 222 and 32 may have different shapes. In such a case, the shaped portion 34 is effective in reducing the fluid pressure loss at the boundary portion of the flow path.

[0055] In the shaped portion 34, in the section P11, in the section P12, the portion with an arc-shaped cross-section gradually decreases downward in the Z direction. By gradually making the shape match from the shaped portion 34 to the inner wall surface 32d, the generation of resistance to the flow of ink can be reduced.

[0056] Next, when comparing the flow path 31 and the flow path 32, W1 = W11, W3 < W13, the length in the Z direction of R2 > the length in the Z direction of R12, and the length in the Z direction of R3 < the length in the Z direction of R13. Note that the lengths of the flow paths 31 and 32 in the Z direction are the same. Also, W21 < W31.

[0057] When comparing the flow path 31 and the flow path 32 in terms of their overall volumes, the flow path 32 is larger than the flow path 31. When comparing the flow path 31 and the flow path 32 in terms of the cross-sectional area at an arbitrary position in the Z direction (on the X - Y plane), the flow path 32 is larger than the flow path 31. Also, the opening area of the opening 31a < the opening area of the opening 32a. The change in the cross-sectional area at the boundary between the flow path 222 and the flow path 32 is larger than the change in the cross-sectional area at the boundary between the flow path 221 and the flow path 31.

[0058] Comparing shaped portion 33 and shaped portion 34, the length of section P1 in the Z direction is smaller than the length of section P11 in the Z direction. When viewed in the X direction, shaped portions 33 and 34 are both formed toward the back from a position at a distance L from side portion 21c of main body 21, and the cross-sectional area of ​​flow path 221 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​flow path 222. Therefore, the contour length of the cross-sectional shape of shaped portion 33 common to flow path 221 (the arc length in a range of approximately 90 degrees in FIG. 7) is longer than the contour length of the cross-sectional shape of shaped portion 34 common to flow path 222 (the arc length in a range of approximately 90 degrees in FIG. 7).

[0059] Comparing the set of flow path 221 and flow path 31 of needle 22 with the set of flow path 222 and flow path 32 of needle 22, the following properties are found. Because flow path 221 has a larger cross-sectional area than flow path 222, more ink can easily flow through it. On the other hand, flow path 31 has a smaller cross-sectional area and volume than flow path 32, and can hold a smaller amount of ink. The opening 31a of the flow path has a smaller opening area than the opening 32a of flow path 32a, and a liquid film is more likely to form due to the generation of surface tension.

[0060] "3. Refill bottle" Figure 8 shows a refilling state in which the refill bottle 5 is attached to the ink tank 2C. Figures 9(A) to 9(C) show the procedure for attaching the refill bottle 5 to the ink tank 2C. The refill bottle 5 is a bottle for refilling ink. Refill bottles 5 are prepared for each type of ink, and are used to refill the ink tank 2 of the corresponding ink. The refill bottle 5 shown in Figures 8 to 9(C) is a bottle for cyan ink, but refill bottles for other types of ink have a similar structure.

[0061] The refill bottle 5 has a storage section 51 that stores ink, and a closing member 52 that is fixed to one end of the storage section 51. The storage section 51 is a cylindrical container that is open at one end, and the closing member 52 is fixed to the storage section 51 so as to close the open end.

[0062] An insertion hole 53 into which the needle 22 is inserted is formed in the closing member 52. The insertion hole 53 communicates with the storage portion 51 via a valve 55. A seal member 54 is provided around the insertion hole 53. The valve 55 includes a movably provided opening / closing member 55a and a spring 55b that biases the opening / closing member 55a in a closing direction. By the bias of the spring 55b, the opening / closing member 55a abuts against the seal member 54, thereby being positioned at a closed position that blocks communication between the insertion hole 53 and the storage portion 51.

[0063] The following describes the ink refilling process using the refill bottle 5. Here, we will explain the case of refilling the ink tank 2C with cyan ink as an example. The user prepares the refill bottle 5 that stores cyan ink. The user also removes the cap 4 from the needle 22 of the ink tank 2C. Then, as shown in Figure 9(A), the user attaches the refill bottle 5 to the ink tank 2C in a vertical position with the closing member 52 facing downwards so that the needle 22 is inserted into the insertion hole 53.

[0064] Figure 9(B) shows the state in which the refill bottle 5 is pushed toward the ink tank 2C and the needle 22 begins to be inserted into the insertion hole 53. At the stage in Figure 9(B), the needle 22 has not yet reached the opening / closing member 55a, and the valve 55 remains closed.

[0065] 9(C) shows the stage when the installation of the refill bottle 5 is complete. The needle 22 pushes up the opening / closing member 55a against the biasing force of the spring 55b, and the opening / closing member 55a is displaced to the open position away from the sealing member 54. The valve 55 is in an open state, and the storage section 51 and the flow paths 221 and 222 of the needle 22 are in a communication state. Cyan ink in the storage section 51 flows from the flow paths 221 and 222 into the ink tank 2C.

[0066] Once the ink refilling is complete, the refill tank 5 is removed from the ink tank 2C. The removal procedure is the reverse of the installation procedure. When the refill bottle 5 is pulled up from the state shown in Figure 9(C), the needle 22 moves away from the opening / closing member 55a, returning to the state shown in Figure 9(A). The opening / closing member 55a returns to the closed position due to the bias of the spring 55b, and the valve 55 returns to the closed state. Therefore, the cyan ink in the storage section 51 does not leak out from the insertion hole 53.

[0067] "4. Ink flow when refilling" The behavior of ink flowing from the refill bottle 5 to the storage section 25 via the flow paths 221 and 222 of the needle 22 and the flow paths 31 and 32 in the state of FIG. 9(C) will be described with reference to FIGS. 10(A) to 13(C). FIGS. 10(A), 11(A), 12(A), and 13(A) correspond to the cross-sectional views taken along line AA in FIG. 4(B), and schematically show the flow of ink in the flow paths 222 and 32. FIGS. 11(C), 12(C), and 13(C) correspond to the cross-sectional views taken along line BB in FIG. 4(B), and schematically show the flow of ink in the flow paths 221 and 31. FIGS. 10(B), 11(B), 12(B), and 13(B) correspond to side views of the ink tank in the vicinity of the flow paths 31 and 32.

[0068] 10(A) to 10(C) show the stage when ink starts to flow from the refill bottle 5 into the flow paths 31 and 32. In the initial stage of ink flow, the ink flows into the flow paths 31 and 32 in roughly the same manner. Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 11(A) to 11(C), the ink reaches the opening 31a of the flow path 31 and the opening 32a of the flow path 31. Because the opening area of ​​the opening 31a is small, a liquid film of ink is likely to form due to surface tension. Because the opening area of ​​the opening 32a is large, a liquid film is unlikely to form. In other words, the opening 31a is designed to have a small opening area so that a liquid film is likely to form, and the opening 32a is designed to have a large opening area so that a liquid film is unlikely to form.

[0069] When the flow path 31 is blocked, in order to eliminate the negative pressure inside the replenishment bottle 5, as shown in FIGS. 12(A) to 12(C), air flows into the replenishment bottle 5 from the unblocked flow path 32, and ink accumulates in the flow path 31. When the weight of the ink accumulated in the flow path 31 becomes greater than the surface tension of the liquid film at the opening 31a, the ink begins to flow through the opening 31a and into the storage portion 25. Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 13(A) to 13(C), the ink in the replenishment bottle 5 continuously flows into the storage portion 25 through the flow path 31, and air continuously flows into the replenishment bottle 5 through the flow path 32. Through such gas-liquid exchange, ink can be smoothly flowed from the replenishment bottle 5 into the storage portion 25.

[0070] In this embodiment, at the opening 31a, by intentionally forming a liquid film due to surface tension initially, it is realized that the ink is injected stably without dripping. In order not to generate a liquid film due to surface tension at an unintended site, for example, at the tip of the needle 22, the flow paths 221 and 222 are opened obliquely. Thereby, it is difficult to form a liquid film of the ink. Also, by making the cross-sectional area of the flow path 221 larger than that of the flow path 222, more ink from the replenishment bottle 5 can flow into the ink tank 2, and the flow rate can be increased.

[0071] Here, in this embodiment, in terms of the length in the Z direction, R1 < R11, and also in the relationship of W3 < W13. That is, when viewed from the needle 22, the flow path 32 has a portion where the cross-sectional area and space are larger than those of the flow path 31. The flowing ink may lose energy due to the generation of a vortex in this enlarged portion, and the flow may be inhibited. By using the flow path 31 as the ink flow path and the flow path 32 as the air flow path, the inflow efficiency of the ink into the ink tank 2 can be improved in an arc shape.

[0072] <Other Embodiments> In the above embodiment, the shaped portion 33 is provided in the flow path 31, and the shaped portion 34 is provided in the flow path 32. However, the shaped portion may be provided only in one of the flow path 31 or the flow path 32. In this case, the shaped portion may be provided only in the flow path 31 through which the ink continuously flows.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the ink tank 2 is exemplified as a liquid container, and the recording device 1 is exemplified as an application having recording heads 13A and 13B that eject ink. However, the present invention is also applicable to applications of devices having liquid containers that store liquids other than ink and ejection heads that eject liquids other than ink.

[0074] <Disclosure of Embodiments> The above-described embodiment discloses the following inventions.

[0075] The inventions disclosed in items 1 to 25 below are primarily intended to provide techniques for improving the inflow speed of liquid from a refill bottle into a liquid container.

[0076] Item 1. a storage section that stores the liquid to be supplied to a discharge head that discharges the liquid; a needle that is inserted into a refill bottle for refilling the liquid in the storage portion and that forms a first flow path and a second flow path that communicate with the refill bottle; a third flow path between the first flow path and the storage portion; a fourth flow path between the second flow path and the storage portion, a first shaped portion having a cross-sectional shape common to a part of the cross-sectional shape of the first flow path is formed at an end portion of the third flow path on the side of the first flow path; A liquid container characterized by:

[0077] Item 2. The liquid container according to item 1, a second shaped portion having a cross-sectional shape common to a part of the cross-sectional shape of the second flow path is formed at an end of the fourth flow path on the second flow path side; A liquid container characterized by:

[0078] Item 3. The liquid container according to item 2, a contour length of a cross-sectional shape of the first shape portion common to the first flow path is longer than a contour length of a cross-sectional shape of the second shape portion common to the second flow path; A liquid container characterized by:

[0079] Item 4. The liquid container according to any one of items 1 to 3, the third flow path is a flow path extending in a first direction, the fourth flow path is a flow path extending in the first direction, the third flow path is a flow path having a width in a second direction and a third direction intersecting the first direction, the fourth flow path is a flow path having a width in the second direction and the third direction, The width of the third flow path in the second direction is narrower than the width of the fourth flow path in the second direction. A liquid container characterized by:

[0080] Item 5. Item 4. The liquid container according to item 4, The third flow path is a first change portion whose width in the third direction decreases as the width approaches the storage portion; a first uniform portion that is formed from the first varying portion toward the storage portion and has the same width in the third direction, The fourth flow path is a second change portion whose width in the third direction decreases as the width approaches the storage portion; a second uniform portion that is formed from the second varying portion toward the accommodation portion and has the same width in the third direction, a width in the third direction of the third flow path in the first uniform section is narrower than a width in the third direction of the fourth flow path in the second uniform section; A liquid container characterized by:

[0081] Item 6. The liquid container according to any one of items 1 to 3, the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path are flow paths extending in a vertical direction, The first flow path and the second flow path are formed adjacent to each other in a lateral direction intersecting the vertical direction, The third flow path and the fourth flow path are formed adjacent to each other in the lateral direction. A liquid container characterized by:

[0082] Item 7. Item 6. The liquid container according to item 6, a cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path and a cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth flow path at the same position in the vertical direction are different from each other; A liquid container characterized by:

[0083] Item 8. The liquid container according to item 6 or 7, The cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow path and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path are different at the same position in the vertical direction. A liquid container characterized by:

[0084] Item 9. The liquid container according to item 6 or 7, a cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path at the same position in the vertical direction is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth flow path, a cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow path at the same position in the vertical direction is larger than a cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path; A liquid container characterized by:

[0085] Item 10. The liquid container according to any one of items 1 to 9, A liquid container according to claim 1, wherein a change in cross-sectional area at a boundary between the second flow path and the fourth flow path is larger than a change in cross-sectional area at a boundary between the first flow path and the third flow path.

[0086] Item 11. The liquid container according to any one of items 1 to 10, The first flow path and the second flow path are flow paths extending in the vertical direction, an opening of the first flow path on the side of the refill bottle is opened obliquely with respect to a flow direction of the first flow path, An opening of the second flow path on the side of the refill bottle is opened obliquely with respect to a flow direction of the second flow path. A liquid container characterized by:

[0087] Item 12. The liquid container according to any one of items 1 to 11, the third flow path has a first opening that opens to the storage portion, the fourth flow path has a second opening that opens to the storage portion, The first opening has a smaller opening area than the second opening. A liquid container characterized by:

[0088] Item 13. The liquid container according to any one of items 1 to 12, A container body; a first sealing member that seals a first side portion of the container body, the needle is a cylindrical member integrally formed with the container body, the third flow path and the fourth flow path are each formed by a groove formed in the first side portion and the first sealing member. A liquid container characterized by:

[0089] Item 14. Item 14. The liquid container according to item 13, a second sealing member that seals a second side portion of the container body; the accommodating portion is formed by a space that opens to the second side portion and the second sealing member. A liquid container characterized by:

[0090] Item 15. Item 15. The liquid container according to item 14, The needle protrudes upward from the top of the container body, The space is formed on the bottom side of the container body. A liquid container characterized by:

[0091] Item 16. The liquid container according to any one of items 1 to 15, The cross-sectional shape of the first flow path is a sector shape, The cross-sectional shape of the first shape portion is an arc shape. A liquid container characterized by:

[0092] Item 17. The liquid container according to item 2, The cross-sectional shape of the second flow path is a sector shape, The cross-sectional shape of the second shape portion is an arc shape. A liquid container characterized by:

[0093] Item 18. The liquid container according to item 1, a container body that forms the needle and the storage portion; a first sealing member that seals a first side portion of the container body; a second sealing member that seals a second side portion of the container body; a plurality of buffer chambers formed in the container body; an atmosphere communication port formed in the container body and communicating with the storage section via the plurality of buffer chambers; The plurality of buffer chambers include: a buffer chamber that opens to the first side portion and is sealed by the first sealing member; a buffer chamber that opens to the second side portion and is sealed by the second sealing member; A liquid container characterized by:

[0094] Item 19. Item 19. The liquid container according to item 18, the plurality of buffer chambers includes a first buffer chamber that is in communication with the storage portion via a fifth flow path, When the liquid container is in a position where the second side portion faces downward, the fifth flow path is formed at a position higher than the liquid surface of the maximum amount of ink contained in the container. A liquid container characterized by:

[0095] Item 20. The liquid container according to item 18 or 19, The atmosphere communication port is formed in a third side portion of the container body. A liquid container characterized by:

[0096] Item 21. The liquid container according to any one of items 18 to 20, an outlet portion for the liquid formed in the container body; the outlet portion is formed at a position higher than the liquid level of the maximum amount of ink contained in the containing portion; A liquid container characterized by:

[0097] Item 22. Item 19. The liquid container according to item 18, an outlet portion for the liquid formed in the container body; the outlet portion communicates with the storage portion via a fifth flow path, The fifth flow path is defined by a groove formed in the container body and the first sealing member. A liquid container characterized by:

[0098] Item 23. Item 19. The liquid container according to item 18, The plurality of buffer chambers include: a first buffer chamber communicating with the storage section; a second buffer chamber communicating with the atmosphere communication port, the first buffer chamber is open to the first side portion and is sealed by the first sealing member; the second buffer chamber opens to the second side portion and is sealed by the second sealing member; A liquid container characterized by:

[0099] Item 24. Item 19. The liquid container according to item 18, The plurality of buffer chambers include: a first buffer chamber communicating with the storage section via a fifth flow path; a second buffer chamber communicating with the first buffer chamber via a sixth flow path; the first buffer chamber and the second buffer chamber are open to the first side portion and are sealed by the first sealing member; The sixth flow path is defined by a groove formed in the container body and the second sealing member. A liquid container characterized by:

[0100] Item 25. a support member that supports a recording head that ejects ink; an ink tank that contains the ink to be supplied to the recording head; A recording device comprising: The ink tank is a storage section that stores the ink; a needle that is inserted into a refill bottle for refilling the ink in the storage portion and that forms a first flow path and a second flow path that communicate with the refill bottle; a third flow path between the first flow path and the storage portion; a fourth flow path between the second flow path and the storage portion, a first shaped portion having a cross-sectional shape common to a part of the cross-sectional shape of the first flow path is formed at an end portion of the third flow path on the side of the first flow path; A recording device characterized by:

[0101] The inventions disclosed in items 26 to 33 below are intended to provide technology that prevents liquid leakage from the atmosphere vent when the recording device is installed in a position different from that used during use or when the device is affected by changes in external air pressure or temperature.

[0102] Item 26. A container body; a storage section formed in the container body for storing liquid to be supplied to a discharge head that discharges the liquid; a first sealing member that seals a first side portion of the container body; a second sealing member that seals a second side portion of the container body; a plurality of buffer chambers formed in the container body; an atmosphere communication port formed in the container body and communicating with the storage section via the plurality of buffer chambers; The plurality of buffer chambers include: a buffer chamber that opens to the first side portion and is sealed by the first sealing member; a buffer chamber that opens to the second side portion and is sealed by the second sealing member; A liquid container characterized by:

[0103] Item 27. Item 27. The liquid container according to item 26, the plurality of buffer chambers include a first buffer chamber that communicates with the storage portion via a first flow path, When the liquid container is in a position where the second side portion faces downward, the fifth flow path is formed at a position higher than the liquid surface of the maximum amount of ink contained in the container. A liquid container characterized by:

[0104] Item 28. Item 27. The liquid container according to item 26, The atmosphere communication port is formed in a third side portion of the container body. A liquid container characterized by:

[0105] Item 29. Item 27. The liquid container according to item 26, an outlet portion for the liquid formed in the container body; the outlet portion is formed at a position higher than the liquid level of the maximum amount of ink contained in the containing portion; A liquid container characterized by:

[0106] Item 30. Item 27. The liquid container according to item 26, an outlet portion for the liquid formed in the container body; the outlet portion communicates with the storage portion via a first flow path, The first flow path is defined by a groove formed in the container body and the first sealing member. A liquid container characterized by:

[0107] Item 31. Item 27. The liquid container according to item 26, The plurality of buffer chambers include: a first buffer chamber communicating with the storage section; a second buffer chamber communicating with the atmosphere communication port, the first buffer chamber is open to the first side portion and is sealed by the first sealing member; the second buffer chamber opens to the second side portion and is sealed by the second sealing member; A liquid container characterized by:

[0108] Item 32. Item 27. The liquid container according to item 26, The plurality of buffer chambers include: a first buffer chamber communicating with the storage section via a first flow path; a second buffer chamber communicating with the first buffer chamber via a second flow path; the first buffer chamber and the second buffer chamber are open to the first side portion and are sealed by the first sealing member; The second flow path is defined by a groove formed in the container body and the second sealing member. A liquid container characterized by:

[0109] Item 33. a support member that supports a recording head that ejects liquid; A liquid container according to any one of items 26 to 32 that contains the liquid to be supplied to the recording head; A recording device comprising:

[0110] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the appended items are provided to publicize the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 2Bk, 2C, 2M, 2Y ink tanks, 5 refill bottles, 22 needles, 25 storage compartments

Claims

1. a storage section that stores the liquid to be supplied to a discharge head that discharges the liquid; a needle that is inserted into a refill bottle for refilling the liquid in the storage portion and that forms a first flow path and a second flow path that communicate with the refill bottle; a third flow path between the first flow path and the storage portion; a fourth flow path between the second flow path and the storage portion, a first shaped portion having a cross-sectional shape common to a part of the cross-sectional shape of the first flow path is formed at an end portion of the third flow path on the side of the first flow path; A liquid container characterized by:

2. The liquid container according to claim 1, a second shaped portion having a cross-sectional shape common to a part of the cross-sectional shape of the second flow path is formed at an end of the fourth flow path on the second flow path side; A liquid container characterized by:

3. The liquid container according to claim 2, a contour length of a cross-sectional shape of the first shape portion common to the first flow path is longer than a contour length of a cross-sectional shape of the second shape portion common to the second flow path; A liquid container characterized by:

4. The liquid container according to claim 1, the third flow path is a flow path extending in a first direction, the fourth flow path is a flow path extending in the first direction, the third flow path is a flow path having a width in a second direction and a third direction intersecting the first direction, the fourth flow path is a flow path having a width in the second direction and the third direction, The width of the third flow path in the second direction is narrower than the width of the fourth flow path in the second direction. A liquid container characterized by:

5. The liquid container according to claim 4, The third flow path is a first change portion whose width in the third direction decreases as the width approaches the storage portion; a first uniform portion that is formed from the first varying portion toward the storage portion and has the same width in the third direction, The fourth flow path is a second change portion whose width in the third direction decreases as the width approaches the storage portion; a second uniform portion that is formed from the second varying portion toward the accommodation portion and has the same width in the third direction, a width in the third direction of the third flow path in the first uniform section is narrower than a width in the third direction of the fourth flow path in the second uniform section; A liquid container characterized by:

6. The liquid container according to claim 1, the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path are flow paths extending in a vertical direction, The first flow path and the second flow path are formed adjacent to each other in a lateral direction intersecting the vertical direction, The third flow path and the fourth flow path are formed adjacent to each other in the lateral direction. A liquid container characterized by:

7. The liquid container according to claim 6, a cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path and a cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth flow path at the same position in the vertical direction are different from each other; A liquid container characterized by:

8. The liquid container according to claim 6, The cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow path and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path are different at the same position in the vertical direction. A liquid container characterized by:

9. The liquid container according to claim 6, a cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path at the same position in the vertical direction is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth flow path, a cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow path at the same position in the vertical direction is larger than a cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path; A liquid container characterized by:

10. The liquid container according to claim 1, A liquid container according to claim 1, wherein a change in cross-sectional area at a boundary between the second flow path and the fourth flow path is larger than a change in cross-sectional area at a boundary between the first flow path and the third flow path.

11. The liquid container according to claim 1, The first flow path and the second flow path are flow paths extending in the vertical direction, an opening of the first flow path on the side of the refill bottle is opened obliquely with respect to a flow direction of the first flow path, An opening of the second flow path on the side of the refill bottle is opened obliquely with respect to a flow direction of the second flow path. A liquid container characterized by:

12. The liquid container according to claim 1, the third flow path has a first opening that opens to the storage portion, the fourth flow path has a second opening that opens to the storage portion, The first opening has a smaller opening area than the second opening. A liquid container characterized by:

13. The liquid container according to claim 1, A container body; a first sealing member that seals a first side portion of the container body, the needle is a cylindrical member integrally formed with the container body, the third flow path and the fourth flow path are each formed by a groove formed in the first side portion and the first sealing member. A liquid container characterized by:

14. 14. The liquid container according to claim 13, a second sealing member that seals a second side portion of the container body; the accommodating portion is formed by a space that opens to the second side portion and the second sealing member. A liquid container characterized by:

15. 15. The liquid container according to claim 14, The needle protrudes upward from the top of the container body, The space is formed on the bottom side of the container body. A liquid container characterized by:

16. The liquid container according to claim 1, The cross-sectional shape of the first flow path is a sector shape, The cross-sectional shape of the first shape portion is an arc shape. A liquid container characterized by:

17. The liquid container according to claim 2, The cross-sectional shape of the second flow path is a sector shape, The cross-sectional shape of the second shape portion is an arc shape. A liquid container characterized by:

18. The liquid container according to claim 1, a container body that forms the needle and the storage portion; a first sealing member that seals a first side portion of the container body; a second sealing member that seals a second side portion of the container body; a plurality of buffer chambers formed in the container body; an atmosphere communication port formed in the container body and communicating with the storage section via the plurality of buffer chambers; The plurality of buffer chambers include: a buffer chamber that opens to the first side portion and is sealed by the first sealing member; a buffer chamber that opens to the second side portion and is sealed by the second sealing member; A liquid container characterized by:

19. 19. The liquid container according to claim 18, the plurality of buffer chambers includes a first buffer chamber that is in communication with the storage portion via a fifth flow path, When the liquid container is in a position where the second side portion faces downward, the fifth flow path is formed at a position higher than the liquid surface of the maximum amount of ink contained in the container. A liquid container characterized by:

20. 19. The liquid container according to claim 18, The atmosphere communication port is formed in a third side portion of the container body. A liquid container characterized by:

21. 19. The liquid container according to claim 18, an outlet portion for the liquid formed in the container body; the outlet portion is formed at a position higher than the liquid level of the maximum amount of ink contained in the containing portion; A liquid container characterized by:

22. 19. The liquid container according to claim 18, an outlet portion for the liquid formed in the container body; the outlet portion communicates with the storage portion via a fifth flow path, The fifth flow path is defined by a groove formed in the container body and the first sealing member. A liquid container characterized by:

23. 19. The liquid container according to claim 18, The plurality of buffer chambers include: a first buffer chamber communicating with the storage section; a second buffer chamber communicating with the atmosphere communication port, the first buffer chamber is open to the first side portion and is sealed by the first sealing member; the second buffer chamber opens to the second side portion and is sealed by the second sealing member; A liquid container characterized by:

24. 19. The liquid container according to claim 18, The plurality of buffer chambers include: a first buffer chamber communicating with the storage section via a fifth flow path; a second buffer chamber communicating with the first buffer chamber via a sixth flow path; the first buffer chamber and the second buffer chamber open to the first side portion and are sealed by the first sealing member; The sixth flow path is defined by a groove formed in the container body and the second sealing member. A liquid container characterized by:

25. a support member that supports a recording head that ejects ink; an ink tank that contains the ink to be supplied to the recording head; A recording device comprising: The ink tank is a storage section that stores the ink; a needle that is inserted into a refill bottle for refilling the ink in the storage portion and that forms a first flow path and a second flow path that communicate with the refill bottle; a third flow path between the first flow path and the storage portion; a fourth flow path between the second flow path and the storage portion, a first shaped portion having a cross-sectional shape common to a part of the cross-sectional shape of the first flow path is formed at an end portion of the third flow path on the side of the first flow path; A recording device characterized by:

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