Liquid cartridge and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

To provide a liquid cartridge which makes an atmosphere communication passage less likely to be blocked.SOLUTION: A liquid cartridge 1 includes: a liquid storage container 2 in which liquid is stored; a lid part 3 which covers the liquid storage container 2; a liquid retaining member 7 which is housed in the liquid storage container 2 and retains the liquid; and a projection member 11 connected to the liquid retaining member 7. The liquid retaining member 7 has a first surface S1 facing the lid part 3. The lid part 3 has an atmosphere communication passage 13 which allows communication between interior and exterior parts of the liquid storage container 2. The atmosphere communication passage 13 has an opening 13A which is open to the interior part of the liquid storage container 2. The projection member 11 projects from the first surface S1 to the lid part 3 and encloses at least a part of the opening 13A from a direction Z in which the lid part 3 covers the liquid storage container 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid cartridge and a method for manufacturing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Known liquid cartridges that store ink and are installed in inkjet recording devices include a negative pressure generating means that generates negative pressure inside the liquid cartridge. Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid cartridge that includes a liquid holding member made of a porous material as the negative pressure generating means. The liquid cartridge disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an air communication passage that connects the inside and outside of the liquid cartridge to prevent an excessive increase in negative pressure inside the liquid cartridge. A space is provided between the liquid holding member and the top cover of the liquid cartridge. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-191046 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the pressure outside the liquid cartridge is reduced or the temperature is high, some of the ink may leak out of the liquid holding member and not be absorbed into the liquid holding member (hereinafter, this liquid will be referred to as free liquid). Most of the free liquid remains in the space, but some may enter the atmosphere communication passage and block it. This may cause the liquid cartridge to become sealed, preventing a stable supply of liquid to the liquid ejection device and potentially reducing the recording quality of the liquid ejection device. This issue also applies to liquid cartridges that store liquids other than ink.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid cartridge in which clogging of the atmosphere communication passage is unlikely to occur. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid cartridge includes a liquid storage container that stores liquid, a lid that covers the liquid storage container, a liquid holding member that is stored in the liquid storage container and holds the liquid, and a protrusion member connected to the liquid holding member. a liquid supply port provided on a surface of the liquid storage container opposite to the lid; The liquid holding member has a first surface facing the lid, the lid has an atmosphere communication passage that connects the inside of the liquid storage container with the outside, and the atmosphere communication passage has an opening that opens into the inside of the liquid storage container. The protruding member protrudes from the first surface toward the lid, and when viewed from the direction in which the lid covers the liquid storage container, The protrusion member has two ends and surrounds only a portion of the entire circumference of the opening. When viewed from the above direction, the opening of the atmosphere communication passage is located at a different position from the liquid supply port, and when viewed from the above direction, at least a portion of the protrusion member is located between the opening of the atmosphere communication passage and the liquid supply port. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid cartridge in which the air communication passage is less likely to become clogged. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a liquid cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the liquid cartridge shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the liquid cartridge shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating the scattering of liquid in a liquid cartridge of a comparative example. [Figure 5] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams illustrating a process of welding the lid to the liquid storage container. [Figure 6] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams showing a process of welding the protrusion member to the liquid holding member. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a liquid cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a liquid cartridge according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a liquid cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (First embodiment) Several embodiments of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view of a liquid cartridge 1 according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the liquid ejection unit 4 side, and FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view of the liquid cartridge 1, as viewed from the lid unit 3 side. FIG. 1(c) is an exploded perspective view of a liquid container 2, a recording element substrate 5, and an electrical wiring member 6. FIG. 1(d) is an exploded perspective view of the liquid container 2, a liquid holding member 7, and the lid unit 3. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1(b). FIG. 3(a) is an enlarged view of portion A in FIG. 2 (a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 3(b)). FIG. 3(b) is a plan view of the periphery of a protrusion member 11. In the following description, the direction in which the lid unit 3 covers the liquid container 2 is referred to as the Z direction. The Z direction roughly coincides with the vertical direction. The Z direction coincides with the direction perpendicular to the first surface S1 of the liquid holding member 7 when the liquid cartridge 1 is attached to the main body of the liquid ejection device. The long side direction of the liquid holding member 7 is referred to as the X direction, and the short side direction is referred to as the Y direction. The X direction coincides with the vibration direction when the lid portion 3 is vibration-welded to the liquid holding member 7. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are perpendicular to one another. In the following description, terms such as upper and lower are defined when the liquid cartridge 1 is attached to the main body of the liquid ejection device. A liquid cartridge 1 from which the liquid has been consumed is replaced with a new liquid cartridge 1. The liquid cartridge 1 is integrated with the recording element substrate 5, but may be separate from the recording element substrate 5. The liquid cartridge 1 may also be a refillable type. In the following embodiments, the liquid is ink, but the liquid is not limited to ink and any liquid that can be ejected from a liquid ejection device may be used.

[0010] (Overall composition) The liquid cartridge 1 has a liquid storage container 2 that stores liquid, a lid 3 that is provided above the liquid storage container 2 and covers the liquid storage container 2, and a liquid ejection unit 4 that is provided on the lower surface of the liquid storage container 2, opposite the lid 3. When viewed in the Z direction, the liquid ejection unit 4 is provided at a position eccentric to the center of the liquid storage container 2. The liquid cartridge 1 is mounted on a movable carriage (not shown) and performs recording operations while moving. The liquid storage container 2 and the lid 3 are manufactured by injection molding of resin. The internal space of the liquid storage container 2 is roughly a rectangular parallelepiped, and the portion facing the lid 3 is open. The liquid storage container 2 accommodates a liquid holding member 7 that holds the liquid.

[0011] The liquid ejection unit 4 has a recording element substrate 5. The recording element substrate 5 has energy generating elements (not shown) that apply energy to the liquid for ejection. The energy generating elements have electrothermal transducers (heaters), but any type of element, such as one that uses a piezoelectric element, can be used as long as it is capable of applying energy to the liquid for ejection. The liquid stored in the liquid storage container 2 is supplied to the liquid ejection unit 4 from a liquid supply port 10 provided at the bottom of the liquid storage container 2, and is ejected toward the recording medium from the energy generating elements of the recording element substrate 5. An electrical wiring member 6 is joined to the liquid storage container 2. The electrical wiring member 6 has conductors (not shown) for sending power and control signals to the recording element substrate 5, and is electrically connected to the recording element substrate 5.

[0012] (Liquid holding member 7) The liquid holding member 7 is disposed in the internal space of the liquid storage container 2, and absorbs and holds the liquid L1 to maintain a negative pressure. The liquid holding member 7 is made of a porous material. The liquid holding member 7 is roughly a rectangular parallelepiped, and occupies most of the internal space of the liquid storage container 2. The liquid holding member 7 faces the lid 3 and has a first surface S1 that is substantially flat.

[0013] (Lid part 3) The lid 3 has a generally flat plate-like shape. The lid 3 has a generally planar second surface S2 facing the liquid holding member 7. The lid 3 has a protrusion 12 protruding from the second surface S2 toward the liquid holding member 7. The protrusion 12 has a truncated cone shape whose cross-sectional area decreases toward a tip 12A. The protrusion 12 is provided with an atmosphere communication passage 13 that is concentric with the protrusion 12 and connects the inside and outside of the liquid storage container 2. The atmosphere communication passage 13 has a first opening 13A that opens into the inside of the liquid storage container 2 and a second opening 13B that opens to the atmosphere. The first opening 13A of the atmosphere communication passage 13 is spaced from the first surface S1 of the liquid holding member 7. A space 15 filled with air is formed between the first surface S1 of the liquid holding member 7 and the second surface S2 of the lid 3. The cover 3 has a plurality of ribs 9 that protrude from the second surface S2 and come into contact with or press against the liquid holding member 7. This allows the liquid holding member 7 to be stably held inside the liquid storage container 2. The ribs 9 have a shape that combines lines extending in at least two directions, such as a T-shape, V-shape, or L-shape when viewed from the Z direction.

[0014] (Protrusion member 11) The liquid cartridge 1 has a protrusion member 11 connected to the liquid holding member 7. When viewed from the Z direction, the protrusion member 11 is located approximately at the center of the liquid holding member 7 and is at a different position from the liquid supply port 10. The protrusion member 11 is fixed to the liquid holding member 7 and protrudes upward in the Z direction from the first surface S1 toward the lid 3. Like the liquid holding member 7, the protrusion member 11 is made of a porous material. Preferably, the liquid holding member 7 has a melting point similar to that of the protrusion member 11, and more preferably, the protrusion member 11 is made of the same material as the liquid holding member 7. The protrusion member 11 has a ring-shaped welding portion 14 on its outer periphery that contacts the liquid holding member 7 and welds the protrusion member 11 to the liquid holding member 7. The protrusion member 11 may be molded integrally with the liquid holding member 7; however, from the perspective of costs, including manufacturing and logistics, it is preferable for the protrusion member 11 to be a separate member from the liquid holding member 7. The protrusion member 11 is a circular tube concentric with the first opening 13A and the atmosphere-communicating passage 13. That is, the protruding member 11 is annular as viewed in the Z direction, and surrounds the entire circumference of the first opening 13A of the atmosphere-communicating passage 13. The protruding member 11 may be polygonal as viewed in the Z direction. As viewed in the Z direction, the distance between the protruding member 11 and the center of the first opening 13A of the atmosphere-communicating passage 13 is smaller than the distance between the multiple ribs 9 and the center of the first opening 13A. That is, as viewed in the Z direction, the distance between any position on the protruding member 11 and the center of the first opening 13A is smaller than the distance between any position on the rib 9 and the center of the first opening 13A. In the Z direction, the tip 11A of the protruding member 11 is between the first surface S1 and the second surface S2, and is also between the second surface S2 and the tip 12A of the protrusion 12.

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a problem with a liquid cartridge 101 of a comparative example. The comparative example has a similar configuration to the liquid cartridge 1 of the first embodiment, except that the protrusion member 11 is not provided. As described below, when the lid 3 is vibration-welded to the liquid container 2, the rib 9 of the lid 3 may press the liquid holding member 7, deforming the liquid holding member 7 and generating free liquid L2, as shown in FIG. 4(a). If a change in external pressure causes a fluctuation in the internal pressure of the liquid container 2 in this state, an airflow may be generated toward the first opening 13A of the atmosphere-communicating passage 13, as shown in FIG. 4(b). This may cause some of the free liquid L2 to infiltrate the atmosphere-communicating passage 13. The free liquid L2 may flow due to the oscillation of the liquid cartridge 101 accompanying the movement of the carriage, moving to a position immediately below the first opening 13A. The scattered free liquid L2 may then infiltrate the atmosphere-communicating passage 13. As shown in FIG. 4(c), the free liquid L2 that has infiltrated the atmosphere-communicating passage 13 may block the atmosphere-communicating passage 13 and seal the internal space of the liquid container 2. This may result in the liquid not being supplied to the liquid discharger 4 in a stable manner.

[0016] FIG. 3 shows how the protrusion member 11 captures the flowing free liquid L2. The protrusion member 11 prevents the free liquid L2 from entering the atmosphere-communicating passage 13, making it easier to ensure electrical continuity of the atmosphere-communicating passage 13. This ensures a stable supply of liquid to the liquid ejection section 4, maintaining high-quality recording. In particular, because the tip 11A of the protrusion member 11 is located between the second surface S2 and the tip 12A of the protrusion 12, less free liquid L2 enters the inside of the protrusion member 11, around the tip 11A of the protrusion member 11 from the outside. This effectively prevents the free liquid L2 from entering the atmosphere-communicating passage 13. Furthermore, during the manufacturing process, the liquid is less likely to overflow from the second opening 13B of the atmosphere-communicating passage 13, improving yield and reducing the cost of the liquid cartridge 1. In the present invention, it is not essential that the tip 11A of the protruding member 11 be between the second surface S2 and the tip 12A of the protrusion 12, and in an extreme example, the protrusion 12 may not be provided.

[0017] The distance h2 in the Z direction between the tip 11A of the protrusion member 11 and the tip 12A of the protrusion member 12 is preferably 2 / 5 to 4 / 5 of the total length h1 of the protrusion member 12. For example, if the total length h1 of the protrusion member 12 is 1.5 mm, h2 is preferably 0.6 to 1.2 mm. Since h2≦(4 / 5)×h1, a gap G is secured between the tip 11A of the protrusion member 11 and the second surface S2, making it difficult for the protrusion member 11 to come into contact with the second surface S2 of the lid portion 3 when the lid portion 3 is vibration-welded. This reduces the possibility that the protrusion member 11 will be pressed into the liquid holding member 7 by the lid portion 3, causing free liquid L2 to be generated inside the protrusion member 11. This also reduces the possibility that the protrusion member 11 will peel off from the first surface S1 of the liquid holding member 7 due to the impact when the lid portion 3 is vibration-welded, resulting in misalignment. As described above, the tip 11A of the protrusion member 11 is between the second surface S2 and the tip 12A of the protrusion 12 (h2>0), and it is preferable that h2≧(2 / 5)×h1. This further reduces the possibility that the scattered free liquid L2 will go around the tip 11A of the protrusion member 11 and enter the inside of the protrusion member 11, and more effectively prevents the free liquid L2 from entering the atmosphere-communicating passage 13.

[0018] When viewed from the Z direction, the protrusion member 11 surrounds the entire periphery of the first opening 13A. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3(b), no matter what direction the free liquid L2 collides with the protrusion member 11, the free liquid L2 can be captured and absorbed. Because the protrusion member 11 is made of a porous material, it efficiently absorbs and retains the scattered free liquid L2. This more effectively prevents the free liquid L2 from passing over the protrusion member 11 and entering the atmosphere-communicating passage 13.

[0019] The inner periphery of the protrusion member 11 is spaced a predetermined distance w from the outer periphery of the tip 12A of the protrusion 12. The predetermined distance w is preferably at least 1.2 times the amplitude of vibration welding when the lid 3 is attached to the liquid container 2 and is equal to or less than the total length h1 of the protrusion 12. If the protrusion member 11 is too far from the first opening 13A, the possibility of capturing the scattered free liquid L2 decreases. If the protrusion member 11 is too close to the first opening 13A, the protrusion 12 may come into contact with the protrusion member 11 during vibration welding of the lid 3. The resulting impact may push the protrusion member 11 into the liquid holding member 7, potentially generating free liquid L2 inside the protrusion member 11. For example, if the X-direction amplitude during vibration welding is 0.8 mm and the total length h1 of the protrusion 12 is 1.5 mm, the distance w is preferably between approximately 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0020] (Manufacturing method of liquid cartridge 1) FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the process of welding the lid portion 3 to the liquid storage container 2. After the recording element substrate 5 and electrical wiring member 6 shown in FIG. 1(c) are attached to the liquid storage container 2, a liquid holding member 7 is placed in the liquid storage container 2. Next, protrusion members 11 are attached to the liquid holding member 7, and the liquid storage container 2 is filled with liquid. The liquid is then impregnated into the liquid holding member 7 and held by the liquid holding member 7. Thereafter, the lid portion 3 is attached to the liquid storage container 2 filled with liquid by welding. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the lid portion 3 held by the jig 22 is aligned with the liquid storage container 2 held by the jig 21, and as shown in FIG. 5(b), the lid portion 3 is lowered and pressed against the liquid storage container 2. In this state, the lid portion 3 is vibrated in the X direction, and the lid portion 3 and the liquid storage container 2 are welded together at their contact surfaces. Thereafter, the lid portion 3 is released from the jig 22, and the jig 22 is raised.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the process of attaching the protrusion member 11 to the liquid holding member 7. FIG. 6(a) is a plan view of the protrusion member 11, and FIG. 6(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 6(a). The protrusion member 11 is precisely positioned on the first surface S1 of the liquid holding member 7 relative to a predetermined reference position 23 of the liquid holding container 2. The protrusion member 11 is attached to the first surface S1 of the liquid holding member 7 so that it protrudes upward (toward the lid 3). Next, while holding the protrusion member 11 on the first surface S1, the welding portion 14 of the protrusion member 11 is pressed and heated using a thermal welding horn 24. Heating the welding portion 14 with the thermal welding horn 24 melts the welding portion 14, and then the first surface S1 of the liquid holding member 7 melts, bonding the protrusion member 11 to the liquid holding member 7. In particular, when the melting point of the protrusion member 11 is the same as that of the liquid holding member 7, the two melt simultaneously, improving the reliability of welding.

[0022] (Second embodiment) FIG. 7(a) is a partially enlarged view of a liquid cartridge 1 according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 7(b) is a plan view of the protrusion member 11 and its surroundings, corresponding to FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), respectively. When viewed in the Z direction, the protrusion member 11 has an open shape with two ends 16A and 16B and surrounds only a portion of the first opening 13A. The protrusion member 11 is part of a circular tube concentric with the first opening 13A. As in the first embodiment, the inner periphery of the protrusion member 11 is spaced a predetermined distance w from the outer periphery of the tip 12A of the protrusion 12 (see FIG. 3). The predetermined distance w is preferably at least 1.2 times the amplitude of vibration welding when the lid 3 is vibration-welded to the liquid container 2 and is equal to or shorter than the entire length of the protrusion 12. When viewed in the Z direction, the protrusion member 11 is generally semicircular. The protrusion member 11 may also be polygonal. As in the first embodiment, the liquid supply port 10 is eccentric from the center of the liquid container 2 when viewed in the Z direction, and the first opening 13A of the atmosphere-communicating passage 13 is located at a different position from the liquid supply port 10 (see FIG. 2). To stably supply liquid from the liquid supply port 10 to the liquid ejection unit 4, a large amount of liquid may be injected above the liquid ejection unit 4 (liquid supply port 10). In this case, free liquid L2 is likely to be generated on the side where the liquid ejection unit 4 is provided. In this embodiment, when a location where free liquid L2 is likely to be generated is predicted in advance, the protrusion member 11 is provided only between that location and the first opening 13A of the atmosphere-communicating passage 13. It is preferable that the protrusion member 11 be located at least between the first opening 13A and the liquid ejection unit 4. According to the second embodiment, the amount of material used for the protrusion member 11 is reduced, which is effective in reducing costs.

[0023] FIG. 8 shows a modification of this embodiment. Each figure is a plan view similar to FIG. 7(b), and the welded portion 14 is omitted. When viewed from the Z direction, the protruding member 11 may have a three-sided rectangular shape as shown in FIG. 8(a), or a V-shape as shown in FIG. 8(b). That is, the protruding member 11 may be composed of a combination of multiple straight lines. When viewed from the Z direction, the protruding member 11 may have a C-shape (an arc shape enclosing at least 1 / 2 but less than 3 / 4 of the entire circumference) as shown in FIG. 8(c). That is, the protruding member 11 may be composed of any single curve. Although not shown, the protruding member 11 may be composed of a combination of at least one curve and at least one straight line. In these modifications, the protruding member 11 is provided only between the location where free liquid L2 is likely to be generated and the first opening 13A of the atmosphere communication passage. As shown in FIG. 8(d), the protruding member 11 may be composed of a single straight line. In this case, too, the protrusion member 11 is provided only between the location where free liquid L2 is likely to be generated and the first opening 13A of the atmosphere communication passage, and it is particularly preferable to install it parallel to the direction in which the free liquid L2 flows. These modifications also reduce the amount of material used for the protrusion member 11, which is effective in reducing costs. Furthermore, as can be seen from the first and second embodiments, it is sufficient that the protrusion member 11 surrounds at least a portion of the opening when viewed from the Z direction.

[0024] (Third embodiment) FIG. 9(a) is a partially enlarged view of a liquid cartridge 1 according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 9(b) is a plan view of the protrusion member 11 and its surroundings, corresponding to FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), respectively. When viewed from the Z direction, multiple protrusion members 11A and 11B are concentrically arranged around the first opening 13A. With this configuration, even if free liquid L2 passes over the outer protrusion member 11A and infiltrates the interior of the outer protrusion member 11A, the inner protrusion member 11B blocks the free liquid L2, further effectively preventing the free liquid L2 from infiltrating into the air-communicating passage 13. The welded portion 14 is located between the outer protrusion member 11A and the inner protrusion member 11B and is integrated with the outer and inner protrusion members 11A and 11B. This stabilizes the shape of the protrusion members 11A and 11B and allows the protrusion members 11A and 11B to be attached to the liquid holding member 7 in a single welding process.

[0025] (Addendum) The present invention has the following configuration as an example. (Configuration 1) a liquid storage container that stores liquid; a lid that covers the liquid storage container; a liquid holding member that is stored in the liquid storage container and holds the liquid; and a protrusion member connected to the liquid holding member, the liquid holding member has a first surface facing the lid portion, the lid portion has an atmosphere communication passage that connects the inside and the outside of the liquid storage container, the atmosphere communication passage has an opening that opens into the interior of the liquid storage container, The protruding member protrudes from the first surface toward the lid portion and surrounds at least a portion of the opening when viewed from a direction in which the lid portion covers the liquid storage container. (Configuration 2) the lid portion has a second surface facing the liquid holding member, 2. The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the tip of the protruding member is located between the first surface and the second surface. (Configuration 3) A liquid cartridge as described in configuration 2, wherein the lid portion has a plurality of ribs that protrude from the second surface and abut against the liquid holding member, and the distance between the protruding member and the opening when viewed from the direction is smaller than the distance between the plurality of ribs and the opening. (Configuration 4) A liquid cartridge according to configuration 2 or 3, wherein the lid portion has the air communication passage and a protrusion that protrudes from the second surface toward the liquid holding member, and the tip of the protrusion member is between the second surface and the tip of the protrusion. (Configuration 5) 5. The liquid cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the distance in the direction between the tip of the protruding member and the tip of the protruding portion is between 2 / 5 and 4 / 5 of the total length of the protruding portion. (Configuration 6) 6. The liquid cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the protruding member surrounds the entire periphery of the opening when viewed from the direction. (Configuration 7) A liquid cartridge as described in configuration 6, wherein the protrusion member is a circular tube concentric with the opening, the inner periphery of the protrusion member is spaced a predetermined distance from the outer periphery of the tip of the protrusion, and the predetermined distance is 1.2 times or more the amplitude when the lid portion is vibration-welded to the liquid storage container and is less than the entire length of the protrusion. (Configuration 8) a liquid supply port provided on a surface of the liquid storage container opposite the lid portion; When viewed from the direction, the opening of the atmosphere communication passage is at a position different from that of the liquid supply port, When viewed from the direction, the protruding member is located at least between the opening of the atmosphere communication passage and the liquid supply port, 6. The liquid cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein, when viewed from the direction, the protruding member has two ends and surrounds only a portion of the entire circumference of the opening. (Configuration 9) 9. The liquid cartridge of claim 8, wherein the protruding member is part of a circular tube concentric with the opening. (Configuration 10) A liquid cartridge as described in configuration 9, wherein the inner periphery of the protrusion member is spaced a predetermined distance from the outer periphery of the tip of the protrusion, and the predetermined distance is at least 1.2 times the amplitude when the lid portion is vibration-welded to the liquid storage container and is less than the total length of the protrusion. (Configuration 11) 9. The liquid cartridge of claim 8, wherein the protruding member is a single curve, a plurality of straight lines, or a combination of at least one curve and at least one straight line. (Configuration 12) 12. The liquid cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein a plurality of the protruding members are provided concentrically around the opening. (Configuration 13) 13. The liquid cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the liquid holding member and the protruding member are porous. (Configuration 14) 14. The liquid cartridge according to claim 13, wherein the liquid holding member and the protruding member have similar melting points. (Configuration 15) 15. The liquid cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, wherein the protruding member is welded to the liquid holding member. (Configuration 16) a liquid storage container that stores liquid; a lid that covers the liquid storage container; a liquid holding member that is stored in the liquid storage container and holds the liquid; and a protrusion member connected to the liquid holding member, the liquid holding member has a first surface facing the lid portion, the lid portion has an atmosphere communication passage that connects the inside and the outside of the liquid storage container, the atmosphere communication passage has an opening that opens into the interior of the liquid storage container, the liquid container has a liquid supply port on a surface opposite to the lid portion, A liquid cartridge wherein the protrusion member protrudes from the first surface toward the lid portion, and the protrusion member is located at least between the opening and the liquid supply port when viewed from the direction in which the lid portion covers the liquid storage container. (Method 1) accommodating a liquid holding member in a liquid storage container; attaching a protruding member to the liquid holding member; filling the liquid storage container with liquid and holding the liquid in the liquid holding member; and attaching a lid to the liquid container filled with the liquid, the protruding member is attached to a surface of the liquid holding member facing the lid portion so as to protrude toward the lid portion, The method for manufacturing a liquid cartridge, wherein the protruding member has a welding portion that contacts the liquid holding member, and the protruding member is joined to the liquid holding member by heating the welding portion with a welding horn. [Explanation of symbols]

[0026] 2 Liquid container 3 Lid 7 Liquid holding member 11 Protruding member

Claims

1. a liquid storage container that stores a liquid; a lid that covers the liquid storage container; a liquid holding member that is stored in the liquid storage container and holds the liquid; a protrusion member connected to the liquid holding member; and a liquid supply port that is provided on a surface of the liquid storage container opposite the lid, the liquid holding member has a first surface facing the lid portion, the lid portion has an atmosphere communication passage that connects the inside and the outside of the liquid storage container, the atmosphere communication passage has an opening that opens into the interior of the liquid storage container, the protrusion member protrudes from the first surface toward the lid portion, and when viewed from a direction in which the lid portion covers the liquid storage container, the protrusion member has two ends and surrounds only a portion of the entire circumference of the opening, When viewed from the direction, the opening of the atmosphere communication passage is at a position different from that of the liquid supply port, When viewed from the direction, at least a portion of the protrusion member is located between the opening of the atmosphere communication passage and the liquid supply port.

2. the lid portion has a second surface facing the liquid holding member, The liquid cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the tip of the protruding member is located between the first surface and the second surface.

3. 3. The liquid cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the lid portion has a plurality of ribs that protrude from the second surface and abut against the liquid holding member, and the distance between the protruding member and the opening when viewed from the direction is smaller than the distance between the plurality of ribs and the opening.

4. 3. The liquid cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the lid portion has a protrusion that includes the air communication passage and protrudes from the second surface toward the liquid holding member, and a tip of the protrusion member is located between the second surface and the tip of the protrusion.

5. 5. The liquid cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the distance in the direction between the tip of the protruding member and the tip of the protruding portion is between 2 / 5 and 4 / 5 of the total length of the protruding portion.

6. 6. The liquid cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the protruding member is a part of a circular tube that is concentric with the opening.

7. 7. The liquid cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the inner periphery of the protrusion member is spaced a predetermined distance from the outer periphery of the tip of the protrusion, the predetermined distance being at least 1.2 times the amplitude when the lid portion is vibration-welded to the liquid storage container and not more than the entire length of the protrusion.

8. The liquid cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the protruding member is formed of one curve, a plurality of straight lines, or a combination of at least one curve and at least one straight line.

9. A liquid storage device comprising: a liquid storage container for storing a liquid; a lid portion for covering the liquid storage container; a liquid holding member that is stored in the liquid storage container and holds the liquid; and a protrusion member connected to the liquid holding member; the liquid holding member has a first surface facing the lid portion, the lid portion has an atmosphere communication passage that connects the inside and the outside of the liquid storage container, the atmosphere communication passage has an opening that opens into the interior of the liquid storage container, the protruding member protrudes from the first surface toward the lid portion and surrounds at least a portion of the opening when viewed from a direction in which the lid portion covers the liquid storage container; A liquid cartridge, wherein a plurality of the protruding members are provided concentrically around the opening.

10. The liquid cartridge according to claim 9 , wherein the protruding member surrounds the entire periphery of the opening when viewed from the direction.

11. The lid portion has a second surface facing the liquid holding member, the lid portion has the air communication passage and a protruding portion protruding from the second surface toward the liquid holding member, and a tip end of the protruding member is located between the second surface and the tip end of the protruding portion, 11. The liquid cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the protrusion member is a circular tube concentric with the opening, the inner periphery of the protrusion member is spaced a predetermined distance from the outer periphery of the tip of the protrusion, and the predetermined distance is 1.2 times or more the amplitude when the lid portion is vibration-welded to the liquid storage container and is less than the entire length of the protrusion.

12. 10. The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the liquid holding member and the protruding member are porous.

13. The liquid cartridge according to claim 12 , wherein the liquid holding member and the protruding member have approximately the same melting point.

14. 10. The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the protruding member is welded to the liquid holding member.

15. accommodating a liquid holding member in a liquid storage container; attaching a protruding member to the liquid holding member; filling the liquid storage container with liquid and holding the liquid in the liquid holding member; and attaching a lid to the liquid container filled with the liquid, the protruding member is attached to a surface of the liquid holding member facing the lid portion so as to protrude toward the lid portion, the protrusion member has a welding portion that contacts the liquid holding member, and the protrusion member is joined to the liquid holding member by heating the welding portion with a welding horn; the lid portion has an atmosphere communication passage that connects the inside and the outside of the liquid storage container, the atmosphere communication passage has an opening that opens into the interior of the liquid storage container, a liquid supply port on a surface of the liquid storage container opposite to the lid portion; When viewed from a direction in which the lid portion covers the liquid storage container, the opening of the atmosphere communication passage is located at a position different from that of the liquid supply port, When viewed from the direction, at least a part of the protrusion member is located between the opening of the atmosphere communication passage and the liquid supply port, A method for manufacturing a liquid cartridge, wherein, when viewed from the direction, the protruding member has two ends and surrounds only a portion of the entire circumference of the opening.

16. accommodating a liquid holding member in a liquid storage container; attaching a protruding member to the liquid holding member; filling the liquid storage container with liquid and holding the liquid in the liquid holding member; and attaching a lid to the liquid container filled with the liquid, the protruding member is attached to a surface of the liquid holding member facing the lid portion so as to protrude toward the lid portion, the protrusion member has a welding portion that contacts the liquid holding member, and the protrusion member is joined to the liquid holding member by heating the welding portion with a welding horn; the lid portion has an atmosphere communication passage that connects the inside and the outside of the liquid storage container, the atmosphere communication passage has an opening that opens into the interior of the liquid storage container, A method for manufacturing a liquid cartridge, wherein a plurality of the protruding members are provided concentrically around the opening.

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