LIQUID CONTAINER AND LIQUID EJECTION APPARATUS

Abstract

To provide a liquid storage container configured to stably supply liquid with uniform densities.SOLUTION: A liquid storage container, which can supply a liquid discharge device with liquid having sedimented components, comprises a partitioning member that partitions liquid storage chambers in a direction crossing a direction of gravitational force, the plurality of liquid storage chambers partitioned by the partitioning member, and communication flow path units, provided in the plurality of liquid storage chambers respectively, through which liquid in the liquid storage chambers is introduced to be supplied to the liquid discharge device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid storage container for use in a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A liquid container for supplying liquid to a liquid ejection device is known. When a liquid containing a sedimentary component is contained in the liquid container, the sedimentary component may settle, causing the concentration of the liquid in the liquid container to become non-uniform.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes a technology in which a first liquid suction section is placed at the lower end of the liquid storage section on the gravity direction side, and a second liquid suction section is placed on the anti-gravity direction side, thereby supplying liquid with a uniform concentration of sedimentation components to a liquid injection section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-113891 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when a liquid container is left in the same position for a long period of time due to long-term storage or unused state, there is a risk that the sedimentation of the liquid will progress further in the lower part of the liquid container.The liquid with a higher concentration will have a lower fluidity, and it may become difficult to stably supply the liquid at a uniform concentration.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a liquid storage container that provides a stable supply of liquid at a uniform concentration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A liquid storage container according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a liquid storage container capable of supplying a liquid having a sedimentation component to a liquid ejection device, the liquid storage container comprising: A liquid storage chamber that stores liquid; In the direction crossing the direction of gravity The above A partition member that divides the liquid storage chamber; The above a communication flow passage unit for introducing the liquid in the liquid storage chamber and supplying it to the liquid ejection device; The liquid storage chamber is divided by one of the partition members into a first liquid storage chamber above the partition member in the direction of gravity and a second liquid storage chamber below the partition member in the direction of gravity, the first liquid storage chamber and the second liquid storage chamber are each provided with the communicating flow path unit, the communicating flow path unit provided in the first liquid storage chamber includes a liquid introduction portion that introduces liquid at a position below a center portion in the direction of gravity, and the communicating flow path unit provided in the second liquid storage chamber includes a liquid introduction portion that introduces liquid at a position above a center portion in the direction of gravity. It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to perform stable supply of liquid at a uniform concentration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a liquid ejection device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a concentration distribution of a liquid. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a liquid storage container. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid storage container. [Diagram 5] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating another example of the communication passage unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid storage container. [Figure 7] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a manufacturing method of a liquid storage container. [Figure 8] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a manufacturing method of a liquid storage container. [Figure 9] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a manufacturing method of a liquid storage container. [Figure 10] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a manufacturing method of a liquid storage container. [Figure 11] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating examples of liquid storage containers. [Figure 12] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating an example of a manufacturing method for a liquid storage container. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a communication passage unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present disclosure, and all combinations of features described in the present embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution of the present disclosure.

[0011] <<First embodiment>> <Liquid discharge device> FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a liquid ejection device 100 according to the present embodiment. The liquid ejection device 100 shown in FIG. 1 repeats reciprocating movement of a liquid ejection head 101 and conveyance of a recording sheet 107, which is a recording medium, at a predetermined pitch. The liquid ejection device 100 selectively ejects ink (liquid) of multiple colors from the liquid ejection head 101 in synchronization with these movements, and causes the ink to land on a recording sheet 107, which is a recording medium, thereby forming characters, symbols, images, and the like. Any recording medium may be used as long as it is capable of forming an image by causing droplets to land on the recording medium. For example, various materials and forms such as paper, cloth, an optical disk label surface, a plastic sheet, an OHP sheet, or an envelope can be used as the recording medium.

[0012] 1, a liquid ejection head 101 is slidably supported on two guide rails, and is removably mounted on a carriage 102 that is moved back and forth in a straight line along the guide rails by a driving means such as a motor (not shown). A recording sheet 107 that receives liquid ejected from a liquid ejection portion of the liquid ejection head 101 is conveyed by a conveying roller 103, which is a conveying means, in a direction that intersects with the moving direction of the carriage 102, facing the liquid ejection surface of the liquid ejection head 101.

[0013] The liquid ejection head 101 has a plurality of nozzle rows as a plurality of liquid ejection sections for ejecting liquid of different colors. A plurality of independent liquid storage containers 200 having liquid supply ports 17 (see FIG. 3) corresponding to the colors of liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head 101 are detachably attached to the liquid supply unit 105. In this embodiment, the liquid storage containers 200a, 200b, 200c, and 200d are each attached to the liquid supply unit 105. In the following description, the term "liquid storage container 200" refers to any one of the plurality of liquid storage containers 200a to 200d.

[0014] The liquid supply unit 105 and the liquid ejection head 101 are connected by a plurality of liquid supply tubes 106, each of which corresponds to a different color of liquid. By mounting the liquid storage container 200 on the liquid supply unit 105, it becomes possible to supply liquid of each color stored in the liquid storage container 200 to each nozzle row of the liquid ejection head 101 independently.

[0015] In a non-ejection region that is within the reciprocating movement range of the liquid ejection head 101 and outside the passing range of the recording sheet 107, a recovery unit 104 is disposed so as to face the liquid ejection surface of the liquid ejection head 101. The recovery unit 104 has a cap portion for capping the liquid ejection surface of the liquid ejection head 101, a suction mechanism for forcibly sucking the liquid while the liquid ejection port surface is capped, and a cleaning blade for wiping dirt from the liquid ejection surface. The suction operation is performed prior to the ejection operation of the liquid ejection device 100. As a result, even if the liquid ejection device 100 is operated after being left unused for a long period of time, the recovery process performed by the recovery unit 104 can remove residual air bubbles in the liquid ejection portion of the liquid ejection head 101 and thickened liquid near the ejection port. As a result, the ejection characteristics of the liquid ejection head 101 are maintained.

[0016] In this embodiment, the direction in which liquid storage container 200 is attached to and detached from liquid supply unit 105 is defined as the Y direction. The side of liquid storage container 200 that is attached to liquid supply unit 105 is the +Y direction. The width direction of liquid storage container 200 is defined as the X direction. The height direction of liquid storage container 200 (i.e., the direction of gravity) is defined as the Z direction. The gravity side (lower side) is defined as the -Z direction, and the anti-gravity side (upper side) is defined as the +Z direction.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the concentration distribution of the liquid in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the liquid contained in the liquid container is an ink containing a pigment colorant, which is a sedimentation component, and a liquid medium that disperses the pigment. When the liquid container is left stationary in the same position for a long period of time, the pigment has a larger molecular weight than the dye, so the colorant is affected by gravity and sediments. In such a case, the concentration of the colorant in the liquid container becomes non-uniform. Note that in FIG. 2, the concentration distribution is expressed in stages, but the actual concentration distribution is continuous. As shown in FIG. 2, if there is a bias in the concentration of the sedimentation component, it may occur that the liquid discharge unit does not discharge a liquid of a uniform concentration. In addition, if the liquid container is left stationary in the same position for a long period of time due to long-term storage or a long-term unused state, there is a risk that the sedimentation of the liquid will further progress in the lower part of the liquid container. The liquid with a high concentration has a low fluidity, and it may be difficult to stably supply the liquid at a uniform concentration. The liquid storage container 200 of the present embodiment is configured to be capable of supplying liquid at a uniform concentration when using a liquid that contains such sedimentary components.

[0018] <Liquid storage container> Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of a liquid storage container 200 in this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a cross section of the liquid storage container 200. Fig. 4(a) is a cross section taken along line IVa-IVa in Fig. 3. Fig. 4(b) is a cross section taken along line IVb-IVb in Fig. 3. The following will be described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4.

[0019] The liquid storage container 200 of this embodiment includes a first communicating flow passage unit 11 communicating with a supply unit 18 having a liquid supply port 17, and a second communicating flow passage unit 14 communicating with the supply unit 18. The liquid storage container 200 also includes a partition member 13 that divides a liquid storage chamber that stores a liquid having a sedimentation component into a first liquid storage chamber 50 and a second liquid storage chamber 51 in a direction intersecting the direction of gravity. The partition member 13 is configured to be sandwiched between the first communicating flow passage unit 11 and the second communicating flow passage unit 14. With this configuration, the length (i.e., height) of the chamber that stores the liquid in the direction of gravity is approximately half that of a liquid storage container of the same size that does not include the partition member 13. This reduces the concentration difference in the direction in which the liquid sediments. The first liquid storage chamber 50 is formed by the partition member 13 and the first flexible film 10. The second liquid storage chamber 51 is formed by the partition member 13 and the second flexible film 16 .

[0020] The partition member 13 may be a plate-shaped hard material that is advantageous for alignment during manufacturing, or a film-shaped soft material that is advantageous for weldability, increased volume, low weight, and cost reduction. In order to suppress bias in the settling components, the partition member 13 is preferably arranged so as not to tilt horizontally when attached to the liquid supply unit 105 (FIG. 1).

[0021] The first communicating flow path unit 11 includes a first liquid introduction portion 12 that introduces the liquid contained in the first liquid storage chamber 50, and a first flow path 61 that guides the introduced liquid to the supply unit 18. The second communicating flow path unit 14 includes a second liquid introduction portion 15 that introduces the liquid contained in the second liquid storage chamber 51, and a second flow path 62 that guides the introduced liquid to the supply unit 18. The supply unit 18 includes a junction portion 19 where the liquids guided from the first flow path 61 and the second flow path 62 join together. The liquids joined at the junction portion 19 are discharged to the liquid supply port 17.

[0022] As shown diagrammatically in part of Fig. 4(a), a concentration distribution of sedimentation components may occur in the liquid contained in the first liquid storage chamber 50 and the liquid contained in the second liquid storage chamber 51. That is, liquid L with a relatively low concentration is contained above in the direction of gravity, and liquid D with a relatively high concentration is contained below in the direction of gravity.

[0023] In this embodiment, the positions at which the liquid introduction parts are arranged in the first communicating flow path unit 11 and the second communicating flow path unit 14 are relatively different in the units. Specifically, the first liquid introduction part 12 of the first communicating flow path unit 11 and the second liquid introduction part 15 of the second communicating flow path unit 14 are both provided at positions relatively close to the partition member 13. That is, the first liquid introduction part 12 of the first communicating flow path unit 11, which is provided above the partition member 13 in the direction of gravity (anti-gravity side), is provided at a position below (gravity side) the center of the first communicating flow path unit 11 in the direction of gravity. The second liquid introduction part 15 of the second communicating flow path unit 14, which is provided below the partition member 13 in the direction of gravity, is provided at a position above the center of the second communicating flow path unit 14 in the direction of gravity. According to this configuration, the first liquid introduction section 12 introduces the liquid D having a relatively high concentration of sedimentation components, and the second liquid introduction section 15 introduces the liquid L having a relatively low concentration of sedimentation components. These liquids join at the joining section 19, so that liquids of a more uniform concentration can be supplied. For example, the positions of the first liquid introduction section 12 and the second liquid introduction section 15 are preferably provided at a distance of 1.0 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less from the partition member 13. The liquid ejection device 100 is provided with a pump mechanism for sucking the liquid contained in the liquid storage container 200, and the liquid in the liquid storage container 200 is sucked into the liquid ejection device 100 by the negative pressure generated by the suction by the pump mechanism. In addition, the first flexible film 10 and the second flexible film 16 contract in response to the suction of the liquid so as to be in close contact with each of the communication flow path units. For this reason, even if the second liquid introduction part 15 is located near the partition member 13, for example, there will be almost no residual liquid, or even if residual liquid occurs, it will be negligible.

[0024] Furthermore, if the liquid storage container 200 shrinks as the supply of liquid from the liquid storage container 200 progresses, the liquid introduction portion may be brought into close contact with the flexible film. As a result, it may become impossible to properly introduce liquid from the liquid introduction portion. For this reason, in each communication flow path unit, it is preferable to provide a groove near the liquid introduction portion and to arrange the liquid introduction portion inside the groove. It is also preferable to provide a step or a slit near the liquid introduction portion so that the liquid introduction portion does not come into direct contact with the flexible film.

[0025] Next, the position (position in the Y direction) where the liquid introduction part is provided in each communicating flow path unit of this embodiment will be described. The liquid introduction part is provided at the tip of each communicating flow path unit on the opposite side to the supply unit 18 (i.e., the end in the +Y direction). As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid storage container 200 is divided into three equal parts in the direction toward the surface facing the liquid supply port 17 (Y direction). The three equal parts are regions P1, P2, and P3 from the side closer to the liquid supply port 17. In this embodiment, the tip positions of the first communicating flow path unit 11 and the second communicating flow path unit 14 are located in the region P2, which is the center. When the tip positions are located in the region P2, which is the center, the tip positions are approximately equal distances from any position in the liquid storage container 200. Therefore, the liquid is supplied approximately evenly from the entire liquid storage container 200, and the container contracts from the outer periphery of the liquid storage container 200. Therefore, when the tip positions are located in the region P2, it is possible to improve the ease of using up the liquid.

[0026] In the above-described liquid storage container, the first communicating flow path unit 11 and the second communicating flow path unit 14 sandwiching the partition member 13 have a symmetrical shape. When supplying a liquid of a uniform concentration, it is preferable that the end positions in the Y direction of the first communicating flow path unit 11 and the second communicating flow path unit 14 are provided at substantially the same positions in the liquid storage container 200, and the flow paths are also approximately the same length. On the other hand, when supplying a liquid of a changed concentration, the end positions of the communicating flow path units (i.e., the length of the flow path) may be different. That is, the first communicating flow path unit 11 and the second communicating flow path unit 14 may have different shapes. When supplying a liquid obtained by mixing liquids of different properties contained in the first liquid storage chamber 50 and the second liquid storage chamber 51, the first communicating flow path unit 11 and the second communicating flow path unit 14 may have an asymmetrical shape.

[0027] <Modification> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the communicating flow passage unit. In the examples of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the leading end position of each communicating flow passage unit is located in the region P2 which is the center, but it may be located in any position that can avoid the closing of the liquid introduction part by the liquid container shrinking. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, it may be located in the region P1 closer to the liquid supply port 17 in the three equal regions. The liquid container 200 in FIG. 5 is an example that includes a third communicating flow passage unit 20 and a fourth communicating flow passage unit 21. The third communicating flow passage unit 20 and the fourth communicating flow passage unit 21 are located closer to the liquid supply port 17 than the first communicating flow passage unit 11 and the second communicating flow passage unit 14. However, even in the case of FIG. 5, the leading end positions of the third communicating flow passage unit 20 and the fourth communicating flow passage unit 21 are preferably located as close to the region P2 which is the center as possible. This is because the liquid can be sucked evenly as described above. The tip may be located in region P3, but in this case, the flow path length will be longer than when the tip is located in regions P1 and P2. Therefore, there is a risk of sedimentation occurring within the flow path, so it is preferable for the tip to be located in region P2 or region P1. In the example of FIG. 5, the third liquid introduction portion 22 of the third communicating-flow-path unit 20 and the fourth liquid introduction portion 23 of the fourth communicating-flow-path unit 21 are located in the same positions relative to the partition member 13 as in the example shown in FIG. 4. That is, both are located close to the partition member 13.

[0028] <Manufacturing method> Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of each member of the liquid storage container 200 shown in Figs. 2 to 4 before assembly. The liquid storage container 200 includes a liquid supply port 17 for supplying liquid to the liquid ejection section, and a supply unit 18. The liquid storage container 200 also includes a first communicating flow path unit 11, a second communicating flow path unit 14, a partition member 13 for dividing the liquid storage chamber, and a first flexible film 10 and a second flexible film 16 with excellent gas barrier properties. The manufacturing process (assembly process) of the liquid storage container 200 will be described below. Note that Fig. 6 shows a representative configuration, and other configurations may be included.

[0029] 7 to 10 are diagrams for explaining a manufacturing method of the liquid storage container 200. The manufacturing process progresses from FIG. 7 to FIG. 10. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the liquid storage container 200 during the manufacturing process. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the liquid storage container 200 during the manufacturing process. FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the liquid storage container 200 during the manufacturing process.

[0030] First, in the assembly process of Fig. 7, the partition member 13 is sandwiched between the first communicating flow path unit 11 and the second communicating flow path unit 14. Specifically, the first communicating flow path unit 11 is disposed above the partition member 13 in the direction of gravity, and the second communicating flow path unit 14 is disposed below the partition member 13 in the direction of gravity. Then, after the partition member 13 is assembled in a sandwiched state between the communicating flow path units, the supply unit 18 is connected to the first communicating flow path unit 11 and the second communicating flow path unit 14. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the state after the above process.

[0031] Next, the first welding step is performed. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the first welding step. The outer periphery of the partition member 13 assembled in Fig. 7 is precisely laid on top of the second flexible film 16. Then, the first flexible film 10 is precisely laid on top of that. The outer periphery of each flexible film is then welded in a U-shape to form a U-shaped welded portion 70, forming a bag shape. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the state after the above steps.

[0032] Next, the liquid injection step is performed. Figure 9 is a diagram for explaining the liquid injection step. Figure 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in Figure 8. In the liquid injection step, liquid injection nozzle 71 is inserted into each liquid storage chamber, and a desired amount of liquid is injected.

[0033] Next, a second welding step is performed. Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the second welding step. In the second welding step, the upper part of the supply unit 18 and the upper welding part 72 of the flexible film are welded and joined. Thereafter, the liquid supply port 17 is degassed and sealed with a plug (not shown). In this way, the liquid storage container 200 is manufactured.

[0034] As described above, in this embodiment, the liquid storage container 200 divides the liquid storage chamber into a first liquid storage chamber 50 and a second liquid storage chamber 51 in a direction intersecting the direction of gravity by the partition member 13. This allows the height of each liquid storage chamber to be lowered, reducing the concentration difference caused by sedimentation of liquid containing sedimentation components. Furthermore, by locating the liquid introduction portion near the partition member, it becomes possible to supply a uniform concentration. This allows the liquid ejection device 100 to perform high-quality ejection.

[0035] In this embodiment, the liquid storage container is described as an example in which the liquid storage chamber is divided into the first liquid storage chamber 50 and the second liquid storage chamber 51 by the partition member 13 in the direction intersecting the direction of gravity, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As another embodiment, for example, a configuration in which two liquid storage containers are stacked on top of each other, in which the volume of the liquid storage chamber is lower in the direction of gravity, may be used.

[0036] <<Second embodiment>> In the first embodiment, the liquid storage container having two liquid storage chambers has been described as an example, whereas in the present embodiment, a liquid storage container having three liquid storage chambers will be described as an example.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a liquid storage container 300 in this embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid storage container 300 cut at the same position as the example described in FIG. 4. The liquid storage container 300 of this embodiment includes, in order from the top in the gravity direction, a fifth liquid storage chamber 54, a sixth liquid storage chamber 55, and a seventh liquid storage chamber 56. The fifth liquid storage chamber 54 and the sixth liquid storage chamber 55 are separated by a first partition member 30. The sixth liquid storage chamber 55 and the seventh liquid storage chamber 56 are separated by a second partition member 31. A fifth communicating flow channel unit 32 is disposed in the fifth liquid storage chamber 54. A sixth communicating flow channel unit 33 is disposed in the sixth liquid storage chamber 55. A seventh communicating flow channel unit 34 is disposed in the seventh liquid storage chamber 56.

[0038] The fifth liquid introduction section 35 provided in the fifth communicating flow passage unit 32 is provided at a position close to the first partition member 30. The seventh liquid introduction section 37 provided in the seventh communicating flow passage unit 34 is also provided at a position close to the second partition member 31. On the other hand, the sixth liquid introduction section 36 provided in the sixth communicating flow passage unit 33 is preferably disposed at the center of the first partition member 30 and the second partition member 31. This is to supply liquid of a uniform concentration. As described in the first embodiment, each liquid introduction section is preferably disposed at a position where the flexible film does not come into close contact even when the liquid storage container 300 is deflated, or a step or a slit is provided near the liquid introduction section.

[0039] Furthermore, the tip position in the Y direction of each communicating flow path unit is located near the liquid supply port 17. In the liquid storage container 300 of this embodiment, the sixth liquid storage chamber 55 is sandwiched between the fifth liquid storage chamber 54 and the seventh liquid storage chamber 56. That is, since the sixth liquid storage chamber 55 is partitioned by a partition member in both directions of gravity, the side portion of the sixth liquid storage chamber 55 is only slightly contracted, and a space is formed after the liquid is introduced. In such a case, the tip position in the Y direction of each communicating flow path unit is located near the liquid supply port 17 to improve the liquid supply performance.

[0040] According to the liquid storage container 300 of the present embodiment, if the overall size is approximately the same as that of the liquid storage container 200 of the first embodiment, the height of each liquid storage chamber is even lower than that of the liquid storage container 200 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, by further reducing the concentration difference caused by the sedimentation of liquid having sedimentation components, it is possible to supply liquid of a uniform concentration.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a manufacturing method of the liquid storage container 300 of this embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a liquid injection step, similar to FIG. 9. In this embodiment, in the assembly step, the first partition member 30 is sandwiched between the fifth communicating flow path unit 32 and the sixth communicating flow path unit 33. In addition, the second partition member 31 is sandwiched between the sixth communicating flow path unit 33 and the seventh communicating flow path unit 34. In the liquid injection step, liquid is injected using one liquid injection nozzle for each liquid storage chamber. In this embodiment, since two partition members are provided, the number of liquid storage chambers is three. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, liquid is injected using three liquid injection nozzles 71.

[0042] As described above, in this embodiment, the height of each liquid storage chamber can be made even lower than in Embodiment 1. This makes it possible to further reduce the concentration difference caused by sedimentation of liquid having sedimentation components.

[0043] In the present embodiment, the liquid storage container is described as being divided into three liquid storage chambers in a direction intersecting the direction of gravity by two partition members, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As another embodiment, for example, three liquid storage containers may be stacked together, each of which has a lower volume in the direction of gravity.

[0044] <<Third embodiment>> In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a liquid introduction section in a communication flow path unit is different from that in the first embodiment. The following will mainly describe the differences from the first embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the communicating flow passage unit of this embodiment. FIG. 13 shows the first communicating flow passage unit 11 and the second communicating flow passage unit 14 used in the liquid storage container 200 described in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the first communicating flow passage unit 11 is provided with an eighth liquid introduction part 40 in addition to the first liquid introduction part 12. Similarly, the second communicating flow passage unit 14 is provided with a ninth liquid introduction part 41 in addition to the second liquid introduction part 15. In this embodiment, the eighth liquid introduction part 40 and the ninth liquid introduction part 41 are provided on the side surface near the tip of the communicating flow passage unit. Here, an example is shown in which two liquid introduction parts are provided in each communicating flow passage unit, but it is sufficient that at least two or more liquid introduction parts are provided. In addition, it is preferable that the two or more liquid introduction parts are provided on different surfaces. It is preferable that the liquid introduction part is arranged in a portion where the flexible film does not come into close contact even if the liquid storage container is deflated, or that a step or a slit is provided. Moreover, it is preferable that the positions of the first liquid introduction part 12 and the eighth liquid introduction part 40 in the direction of gravity are substantially the same. It is also preferable that the positions of the second liquid introduction part 15 and the ninth liquid introduction part 41 in the direction of gravity are substantially the same. This is to supply liquid of a uniform concentration, as described in the first embodiment.

[0046] According to this embodiment, it is possible to ensure the stability of the concentration of the supplied liquid. Also, by providing a plurality of liquid introduction parts, it is possible to suck up ink remaining in the dead space generated by the communicating flow path parts as the liquid container shrinks as the liquid supply proceeds, and it is possible to improve the ease of using up the liquid.

[0047] Incidentally, this embodiment has been described based on the liquid storage container 200 of the first embodiment, but the liquid storage container 300 described in the second embodiment may also be provided with a similar liquid introduction portion in the communication flow path unit.

[0048] <<Other embodiments>> In the third embodiment, an example in which three liquid storage chambers are provided has been described, but a configuration in which the liquid storage chamber is divided into multiple stages, such as into four, may also be adopted as long as the effect of liquid supply performance can be expected. In this case, the position of the liquid introduction portion of each liquid storage chamber may be various positions as long as the liquid supply performance is satisfied. For example, the liquid introduction portion of the outer liquid storage chamber may be provided in a position close to the partition member, and the liquid introduction portion of the inner liquid storage chamber may be provided near the center between the partition members. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 13 Partitioning material 50 First liquid storage chamber 51 Second liquid storage chamber 11 First communication passage unit 14 Second communication flow path unit 200 Liquid storage container

Claims

1. A liquid container capable of supplying a liquid having a sedimentary component to a liquid ejection device, comprising: A liquid storage chamber that stores liquid; a partition member that divides the liquid storage chamber in a direction intersecting the direction of gravity; a communication flow passage unit for introducing the liquid in the liquid storage chamber and supplying it to the liquid ejection device; Equipped with the liquid storage chamber is divided by the one partition member into a first liquid storage chamber above the partition member in the direction of gravity and a second liquid storage chamber below the partition member in the direction of gravity, the first liquid storage chamber and the second liquid storage chamber are each provided with the communication flow channel unit, the communication flow passage unit provided in the first liquid storage chamber includes a liquid introduction portion that introduces liquid at a position lower than a center portion in the direction of gravity, The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein the communication flow passage unit provided in the second liquid storage chamber includes a liquid introduction portion for introducing liquid at a position above a center portion in the direction of gravity.

2. the communication flow passage unit is in communication with a supply unit having a supply port for supplying liquid to the liquid ejection device; 2. The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein the liquid introduction portion is provided at a tip of the communication flow passage unit on a side opposite to the supply unit.

3. 3. The liquid storage container according to claim 2, wherein the tip is provided at a center portion of the liquid storage chamber in a direction from the supply unit toward an end portion opposite the supply unit.

4. 3. The liquid storage container according to claim 2, wherein the tip is provided at a position closer to the supply unit than to a center of the liquid storage chamber in a direction from the supply unit toward an end portion opposite the supply unit.

5. 5. The liquid container according to claim 2, wherein the liquid introduction portion is provided on a plurality of surfaces at the tip.

6. 6. The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein the liquid introduction portion is disposed inside a groove provided in the communication flow path unit.

7. 6. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein a step or a slit is provided in the vicinity of the liquid introduction portion.

8. A liquid storage container capable of supplying a liquid having a sedimentation component to a liquid ejection device, comprising: A liquid storage chamber that stores liquid; a first partition member and a second partition member that divide the liquid storage chamber in a direction intersecting the direction of gravity; a communication flow passage unit for introducing the liquid in the liquid storage chamber and supplying it to the liquid ejection device; Equipped with the liquid storage chamber is divided by the first partition member and the second partition member into a first liquid storage chamber above the first partition member in the direction of gravity, a second liquid storage chamber below the first partition member and above the second partition member in the direction of gravity, and a third liquid storage chamber below the second partition member in the direction of gravity, the first liquid storage chamber, the second liquid storage chamber, and the third liquid storage chamber are each provided with the communication flow channel unit, the communication flow passage unit provided in the first liquid storage chamber includes a liquid introduction portion that introduces liquid at a position lower than a center portion in the direction of gravity, the communication flow passage unit provided in the second liquid storage chamber includes a liquid introduction portion that introduces liquid at a center portion in the gravity direction, a liquid storage container, wherein the communication flow passage unit provided in the third liquid storage chamber includes a liquid introduction portion for introducing liquid at a position above a center portion in the direction of gravity.

9. 8. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the liquid storage chamber is formed by the partition member and a flexible film.

10. A liquid ejection device characterized by ejecting liquid using liquid supplied from a liquid storage container described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A liquid container capable of supplying a liquid having a sedimentary component to a liquid ejection device, comprising: A flexible bag body that constitutes a liquid storage chamber that stores liquid; a partition member that divides the liquid storage chamber inside the flexible bag body in a direction intersecting with a gravity direction when the flexible bag body is attached to the liquid ejection device; a communication flow passage unit that configures a liquid passage for supplying the liquid in the liquid storage chamber to the liquid ejection device; Equipped with the liquid storage chamber is divided by the one partition member into a first liquid storage chamber above the partition member in the direction of gravity and a second liquid storage chamber below the partition member in the direction of gravity, the first liquid storage chamber and the second liquid storage chamber are each provided with the communication flow channel unit, the communication flow passage unit provided in the first liquid storage chamber includes a liquid intake port that takes in liquid at a position lower than a center portion of the first liquid storage chamber in the direction of gravity, A liquid storage container characterized in that the communicating flow path unit provided in the second liquid storage chamber has a liquid intake port for taking in liquid at a position above a center portion of the second liquid storage chamber in the direction of gravity.

12. the communication flow passage unit has a supply port for supplying liquid to the liquid ejection device, 12. The liquid storage container according to claim 11, wherein the supply port and the liquid intake port are located at both ends of the communication flow path unit.

13. 13. The liquid container according to claim 12, wherein the liquid intake port is located at a center of the liquid chamber in a liquid outlet direction.

14. 13. The liquid container according to claim 12, wherein the liquid intake port is provided at a position closer to the supply port than to a center of the liquid chamber in a liquid removal direction.

15. 13. The liquid container according to claim 12, wherein the liquid intake port is formed of a plurality of surfaces.

16. 12. The liquid storage container according to claim 11, wherein the liquid intake port is disposed inside a groove provided in the communication flow path unit.

17. 12. The liquid container according to claim 11, wherein a step or a slit is provided in the vicinity of the liquid intake port.

18. A liquid storage container capable of supplying a liquid having a sedimentation component to a liquid ejection device, comprising: A flexible bag body that constitutes a liquid storage chamber that stores liquid; a first partition member and a second partition member that divide the liquid storage chamber inside the flexible bag body in a direction intersecting with a gravity direction when the flexible bag body is attached to the liquid ejection device; a communication flow passage unit that configures a liquid passage for supplying the liquid in the liquid storage chamber to the liquid ejection device; Equipped with the liquid storage chamber is divided by the first partition member and the second partition member into a first liquid storage chamber above the first partition member in the direction of gravity, a second liquid storage chamber below the first partition member and above the second partition member in the direction of gravity, and a third liquid storage chamber below the second partition member in the direction of gravity, the first liquid storage chamber, the second liquid storage chamber, and the third liquid storage chamber are each provided with the communication flow channel unit, the communication flow passage unit provided in the first liquid storage chamber includes a liquid introduction portion that introduces liquid at a position lower than a center portion in the direction of gravity, the communication flow passage unit provided in the second liquid storage chamber includes a liquid introduction portion that introduces liquid at a center portion in the gravity direction, a liquid storage container, wherein the communication flow passage unit provided in the third liquid storage chamber includes a liquid introduction portion for introducing liquid at a position above a center portion in the direction of gravity.

19. 12. The liquid storage container according to claim 11, wherein the liquid storage chamber is formed by the partition member and a flexible film.

20. A liquid ejection device including a liquid storage container that stores a liquid having a sedimentary component, and a liquid ejection mechanism that ejects the liquid supplied from the liquid storage container, The liquid storage container includes: A flexible bag body that constitutes a liquid storage chamber that stores liquid; a partition member that divides the liquid storage chamber inside the flexible bag body in a direction intersecting with a gravity direction when the flexible bag body is attached to the liquid ejection device; a communication flow passage unit that configures a liquid passage for supplying the liquid in the liquid storage chamber to the liquid ejection mechanism; Equipped with the liquid storage chamber is divided by the one partition member into a first liquid storage chamber above the partition member in the direction of gravity and a second liquid storage chamber below the partition member in the direction of gravity, the first liquid storage chamber and the second liquid storage chamber are each provided with the communication flow channel unit, the communication flow path unit provided in the first liquid storage chamber includes a liquid intake port that takes in liquid at a position lower than a center portion of the first liquid storage chamber in the direction of gravity, A liquid ejection device characterized in that the communicating flow path unit provided in the second liquid storage chamber has a liquid intake port that takes in liquid at a position above a center portion of the second liquid storage chamber in the direction of gravity.

Images