Liquid storage container and method for storing liquid in the liquid storage container

Abstract

To provide a possibility that ink in an ink storage chamber may flow out through an atmospheric opening, in ink-injection processing.SOLUTION: A liquid storage container comprises a liquid storage chamber, a liquid supply port, a liquid supply passage through which the liquid supply port is connected to the liquid storage chamber, an atmospheric opening for introducing atmospheric air into the liquid storage chamber, and an atmosphere introduction passage through which the atmospheric opening is connected to the liquid storage chamber. The liquid storage container includes a capturing part which includes a first region including a columnar space, in which air introduced through the atmospheric opening is flown into the columnar space, and a second region extended in a direction different from a direction of the first region and connected to the first region through a circular opening. The second region is defined by a wall part provided with the circular opening, a circumferential wall protruding from the wall part and surrounding the circular opening, and a bulkhead film jointed to an upper end of the circumferential wall to separate a space surrounded by the circumferential wall from the outside of the liquid storage container.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid storage container and a method for storing liquid in a liquid storage container. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a conventional technique for refilling ink into a used ink cartridge. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the ink ejection orifice and the differential pressure valve chamber are in communication with each other within the ink cartridge. The ink ejection orifice is also in communication with the first ink chamber and the second ink chamber in that order. The flow path that connects the first ink chamber and the second ink chamber via the first ink flow port is located on the opposite side of the membrane valve of the differential pressure valve from the differential pressure valve chamber.

[0003] In the technology of Patent Document 1, first, an insertion path is formed using a drill from the outside of the ink cartridge to a flow path inside the ink cartridge that connects the differential pressure valve chamber and the ink ejection port. A sealing plug is inserted into the insertion path to block the gap between the differential pressure valve chamber and the ink ejection port. Ink is injected through the ink ejection port. Because the ink does not flow into the differential pressure valve chamber, the pressure in the path from the ink ejection port through the first ink chamber to the first ink circulation port sealed by the differential pressure valve becomes higher than that in the differential pressure valve chamber. This deforms the membrane valve, opening the first ink circulation port. As a result, the ink injected through the ink ejection port fills the first ink chamber and the second ink chamber. The sealing plug is then removed, sealing the insertion path.

[0004] In the technology of Patent Document 2, the ink cartridge is refilled with ink as follows: The ink cartridge is positioned with the ink cartridge ejection port facing upward. The air-open port is sealed. An inlet is opened midway along the flow path from the air-open port to the liquid ink storage chamber. Negative pressure is created inside through the inlet, and liquid ink is injected through the inlet. Then, while the ink cartridge is rotated to match the curve of the liquid ink flow path of the ink cartridge, suction is applied to the ink ejection port, moving the liquid ink injected into each chamber and the ink storage chamber and expelling any air bubbles from the remaining liquid level sensor chamber. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-89790 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-241012 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In any of the above techniques, the ink cartridge may be positioned in various orientations during the ink injection process, and there is a possibility that the ink in the ink chamber may leak out through the air vent. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid container including a housing. The liquid container includes: a liquid storage chamber provided within the housing for storing a liquid; a liquid supply port provided in the housing for supplying the liquid in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid storage container; a liquid supply path provided within the housing connecting the liquid supply port to the liquid storage chamber; an atmosphere open port provided in the housing for introducing atmosphere into the liquid storage chamber; and an atmosphere introduction path provided within the housing connecting the atmosphere open port to the liquid storage chamber. The liquid storage container includes one or more capture units constituting a part of the atmosphere introduction path, the capture unit including a first region including one or more columnar spaces and allowing air introduced from the atmosphere open port to circulate through the columnar spaces; and a second region extending in a direction different from the first region and connected to the first region via a circular opening having a circular outline provided in a wall portion constituting a part of the liquid storage container. The second region includes an area defined by the wall portion in which the circular opening is provided, a peripheral wall protruding from the wall portion and surrounding the circular opening, and a partition film joined to the upper end of the peripheral wall and separating the space surrounded by the peripheral wall from the outside of the liquid storage container. With this configuration, even when the liquid container is oriented in various directions, the liquid can be captured by the first and second regions that are included in the capture portion that constitutes part of the atmosphere introduction path and extend in different directions, thereby reducing the possibility that the liquid in the liquid chamber will leak out through the atmosphere opening. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a liquid storage container IC according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid storage container IC of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the liquid storage container IC. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. [Figure 5]FIG. 4 is a side view of the liquid container IC as seen from the opposite direction to that of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a liquid storage container IC in a state where a sealing film FLe, a partition film FLp, and the like are not attached. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing a portion in the vicinity of a capture part 4C shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a suction device 700 used when refilling a used liquid storage container IC with ink. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a filling device 800 used when refilling a used liquid storage container IC with ink. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for refilling a liquid container with ink. [Figure 11] 10 is a table showing the open / closed states of each valve when refilling a liquid container with ink. [Figure 12] 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the structure of the vicinity of cylindrical spaces 412 and 413 of capture part 4C. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the structure in the vicinity of spaces 412 and 413 after step S200. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the structure in the vicinity of spaces 412 and 413 after step S500. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the structure in the vicinity of spaces 412 and 413 after step S600. [Figure 16] 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the vicinity of the hole FLpO of the partition wall film FLp after the processing of step S600 in FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 17] 11 is a flowchart showing the process in step S600 of FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a liquid storage container ICb in a state where a sealing film FLe, a partition film FLp, and the like are not attached. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A. First embodiment: A1. Liquid container configuration: FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a liquid storage container IC of this embodiment. The liquid storage container IC stores ink inside. The liquid storage container IC is attached to a printer and supplies ink to the printer from a liquid supply port 200. The liquid storage container IC includes a housing 900 having a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. The housing 900 is made of polypropylene (PP). The liquid storage container IC includes a memory chip MC on one of its side faces when attached to a printer and in use. The memory chip MC includes terminals and is electrically connected to the printer's circuitry via the terminals. Hereinafter, the terms "bottom," "top," and "side" of the housing 900 will be used based on the position when attached to a printer and in use.

[0010] 2 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid storage container IC according to this embodiment. The liquid storage container IC includes a rubber film GM, a coil spring SP3, and a valve cover VC (see the center of FIG. 2). The rubber film GM, the coil spring SP3, and the valve cover VC are stacked in this order inside the liquid storage container IC to form a differential pressure valve 325. The differential pressure valve 325 will be described later.

[0011] The liquid storage container IC is provided with a coil spring SP2, a valve V2, a seal rubber SR, and a supply port film FLsp near the bottom surface of the housing 900, near the side surface on which the memory chip MC is attached (see the center of FIG. 2). The coil spring SP2, valve V2, and seal rubber SR are arranged in that order in the liquid supply path 300 near the liquid supply port 200. The supply port film FLsp seals the liquid supply port 200. The supply port film FLsp is peeled off from the housing 900 when the liquid storage container IC is to be used.

[0012] The liquid storage container IC has a prism PR on the bottom surface of the housing 900, near the side opposite the side on which the memory chip MC is attached (see the center of Figure 2). A portion of the prism PR is exposed inside the liquid storage chamber 121 inside the liquid storage container IC. The prism PR reflects light emitted from the printer, and provides the printer with information regarding the amount of ink in the liquid storage chamber 121.

[0013] The liquid container IC has an air-opening hole 401 in one side of the housing 900, the side connected to the side on which the memory chip MC is attached, in a position near the side opposite the side on which the memory chip MC is attached (see the upper left part of FIG. 2). The air-opening hole 401 is sealed by a peelable sealing film FLe (see the upper left part of FIG. 1). The sealing film FLe has a peelable urethane adhesive layer on its surface. The sealing film FLe is peelably attached to the housing 900 by the urethane adhesive. The sealing film FLe does not allow the ink contained in the liquid storage chambers 117, 121 in the liquid container IC to flow.

[0014] With this configuration, before the liquid storage container IC is first used, ink that flows out from the capture part 4C to a portion of the atmosphere introduction channel 400 on the atmosphere open port 401 side can also be prevented from flowing out through the atmosphere open port 401. The capture part 4C will be described later.

[0015] When the liquid storage container IC is used, the sealing film FLe is peeled off from the housing 900. In other words, the atmosphere open port 401 is opened. The atmosphere open port 401 allows air to circulate between the outside of the liquid storage container IC and the liquid storage chambers 117, 121 via the atmosphere introduction path 400. As a result, ink can be appropriately delivered from the liquid storage chambers 117, 121 to the liquid supply port 200.

[0016] The remaining portion of the one side surface of the housing 900 to which the sealing film FLe is attached is sealed by a partition film FLp (see the lower left part of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2). In the liquid storage container IC before use, the partition film FLp is made up of a first partition film FLp1. In a state in which the liquid storage container IC has been used and then refilled with ink, the partition film FLp is made up of a first partition film FLp1 and a second partition film FLp2 (see the lower left part of FIG. 2 and the lower right part of FIG. 1).

[0017] The side surface of the housing 900 opposite to the side surface to which the sealing film FLe is attached is sealed with an inner film FLi (see the upper right part of FIG. 2). The side surface sealed with the inner film FLi is further covered with a lid 910.

[0018] A label Lb is attached to the top surface of the housing 900 (see the upper center part of FIG. 2). Information indicating the color of ink contained in the liquid container IC is printed on the label Lb.

[0019] Fig. 3 is a side view of the liquid storage container IC seen from substantially the same direction as Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a side view of the liquid storage container IC seen from the opposite direction to Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the liquid storage container IC in a state where the sealing film FLe, the partition film FLp, the ventilation film FLv, and the supply port film FLsp are not attached.

[0020] The liquid storage container IC includes liquid storage chambers 117, 121, a liquid supply port 200, a liquid supply path 300, an atmosphere open port 401, and an atmosphere introduction path 400. The liquid storage chambers 117, 121 are provided inside the housing 900 and store ink (see the upper right and lower right parts of FIG. 5). The liquid storage chambers 117, 121 are connected by a communication path 120 provided inside the liquid storage container IC. Specifically, the communication path 120 circulates ink received from the liquid storage chamber 117 through communication holes 118, 119 and supplies it to the liquid storage chamber 121 (see the middle left part of FIG. 3 and the middle right part of FIG. 5).

[0021] The liquid supply port 200 is provided on the bottom surface of the housing 900 (see the lower right part of FIG. 3, the lower left part of FIG. 5, and the lower right part of FIG. 6). The liquid supply port 200 supplies ink in the liquid storage chambers 117, 121 to the outside of the liquid storage container IC. The liquid supply path 300 is provided inside the housing 900.

[0022] The liquid supply path 300 connects the liquid supply port 200 and the liquid storage chambers 117 and 121. Specifically, the liquid supply path 300 distributes ink received from the liquid storage chamber 121 through the distribution holes 322, 323, 324, 326, and 327 and the flow path portion 328, and supplies the ink to the liquid supply port 200 (see the lower center portion and middle left portion of FIG. 5, and FIG. 4).

[0023] The liquid supply channel 300 includes a differential pressure valve 325 (see the upper part of FIG. 4). The differential pressure valve 325 is composed of a wall portion that constitutes the housing 900, a rubber film GM, a coil spring SP3, and a valve cover VC. The differential pressure valve 325 opens the liquid supply channel 300 when the downstream pressure, which is the pressure in the flow path portion of the liquid supply channel 300 between the differential pressure valve 325 and the liquid supply port 200, is smaller than the upstream pressure, which is the pressure in the flow path portion of the liquid supply channel 300 between the differential pressure valve 325 and the liquid storage chambers 117, 121, and when the difference between the downstream pressure and the upstream pressure is larger than a predetermined value. The differential pressure valve 325 closes the liquid supply channel 300 when the difference between the downstream pressure and the upstream pressure is smaller than the predetermined value or when the downstream pressure is larger than the upstream pressure.

[0024] With this configuration, ink can be appropriately supplied from the liquid storage chambers 117, 121 toward the liquid supply port 200, and ink can be prevented from flowing in the opposite direction.

[0025] As described above, the atmosphere vent 401 is provided on one side of the housing 900, in a position near the side opposite the side on which the memory chip MC is attached (see the upper left part of FIG. 3 and the upper left part of FIG. 6). The atmosphere vent 401 introduces air into the liquid storage chambers 117, 121.

[0026] The atmosphere introduction path 400 is provided inside the housing 900. The atmosphere introduction path 400 connects the atmosphere open port 401 and the liquid storage chambers 117, 121. Specifically, the atmosphere introduction path 400 introduces air via the atmosphere open port 401, circulates the air through the communication holes 402, 405, 406, 407, 415, 416, and supplies the air to the liquid storage chamber 117 (see FIGS. 3 and 5).

[0027] The atmosphere introduction path 400 includes, in the direction from the atmosphere open port 401 toward the liquid storage chamber 117, a curved flow path section 403, a barrier flow path section 4H, air chambers 408 and 409, a capture section 4C, and an air chamber 414 (see Figures 3 and 5).

[0028] The capture portion 4C constitutes a part of the air introduction passage 400 (see the lower right part of FIG. 3, the lower left part of FIG. 5, and the lower right part of FIG. 6). The capture portion 4C functions to capture ink that has entered the air introduction passage 400. The configuration of the capture portion 4C will be described in detail later.

[0029] The air introduction channel 400 is blocked by a breathable film FLv at a portion closer to the air opening 401 than the capture portion 4C (see the upper center portion of FIG. 3). The breathable film FLv surrounds the circulation hole 405 and is welded to the upper end of a wall that is shorter than the surrounding wall portions, separating the space surrounded by the shorter wall from the space surrounding the shorter wall. The breathable film FLv is made of a material that allows air to pass through but prevents the ink contained in the liquid storage chambers 117, 121 from passing through. Specifically, the breathable film FLv is made of a film with micropores that are small enough to allow gaseous oxygen and nitrogen molecules to pass through but not liquid molecules.

[0030] By adopting such an embodiment, it is possible to prevent liquid that flows out from the capture section 4C to a portion on the atmosphere open port 401 side within the atmosphere introduction channel 400 from flowing out to the outside through the atmosphere open port 401.

[0031] The barrier duct section 4H is located in a portion of the atmosphere introduction channel 400 between the capture section 4C and the breathable film FLv. The barrier duct section 4H is located vertically above the capture section 4C in the orientation of the liquid container IC when ink is supplied to the outside from the liquid supply port 200 of the liquid container IC. Specifically, the barrier duct section 4H is a flow path section 4H1 between the flow port 405 and the flow port 406, and a flow path section 4H2 between the flow port 406 and the flow port 407 (see the upper left part of FIG. 5, the upper right part of FIG. 3, and the upper right part of FIG. 6).

[0032] With this configuration, even if ink has passed through the capture portion 4C, the ink will not reach the breathable film FLv unless it rises against gravity and overcomes the barrier passage portion 4H located vertically above. This reduces the possibility that the ink that has passed through the capture portion 4C will come into contact with the breathable film FLv. As a result, it reduces the possibility that the entire breathable film FLv will become wet with ink, preventing air from circulating in the atmosphere introduction channel 400.

[0033] The bent flow path section 403 is located in the atmosphere introduction channel 400, between the capture member 4C and the breathable film FLv (see the upper left part of FIG. 3 and the upper left part of FIG. 6). The bent flow path section 403 has a smaller cross-sectional area than the front and rear flow path sections and includes a pair of flow path sections that circulate air in directions that differ by 180 degrees from each other. In this embodiment, the bent flow path section 403 includes three pairs of flow path sections. Note that the atmosphere introduction channel 400 does not include such a bent flow path section 403 between the capture member 4C and the liquid storage chambers 117, 121.

[0034] With this configuration, the amount of volatile components of the ink in the liquid storage chambers 117 and 121 that evaporates via the air introduction path 400 can be reduced.

[0035] Air chambers 408, 409, and 414 are chambers for retaining air in the middle of the air introduction path 400 (see the upper left and lower left parts of FIG. 5).

[0036] Figure 7 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the capture part 4C shown in Figures 3 and 6. The capture part 4C constitutes a part of the atmosphere introduction passage 400. The capture part 4C includes a first region 4C1, a second region 4C2, and a third region 4C3.

[0037] Specifically, the first region 4C1 is made up of four cylindrical spaces 410, 411, 412, and 413. The cylindrical spaces 410, 411, 412, and 413 extend in directions parallel to one another. The cylindrical spaces 410, 411, 412, and 413 extend in a direction that coincides with the horizontal direction when the liquid storage container IC is installed in a printer and in use. The cylindrical spaces 410, 411, 412, and 413 are also referred to as "first regions." Air introduced through the atmosphere opening port 401 flows through the first regions 410, 411, 412, and 413 in order in the capture unit 4C.

[0038] The second region 4C2 is provided on the side of the housing 900 facing the first partition wall film FLp1 (see Figures 2 and the lower right part of Figure 3). The second region 4C2 is made up of flow path portions 4C21 and 4C22 that extend in a different direction from the first region 4C1. More specifically, the flow path portions 4C21 and 4C22 extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first regions 410, 411, 412, and 413 extend. The flow path portions 4C21 and 4C22 extend in a direction that coincides with the vertical direction when the liquid storage container IC is attached to a printer and in use. The flow path portions 4C21 and 4C22 are also referred to as the "second region."

[0039] The second area 4C21 is connected to the first area 410 via a circular opening 410o having a circular outer shape and provided in a wall 1402 that constitutes a part of the liquid storage container IC (see the upper right part of FIG. 7). The second area 4C21 is connected to the first area 411 via a circular opening 411o having a circular outer shape and provided in the wall 1402.

[0040] The second region 4C21 is defined by a wall portion 1402, a peripheral wall 1403, and a partition film FLp (see the upper right part of FIG. 7). The wall portion 1402 is a wall portion of the components of the housing 900 in which the circular opening 410o is provided. The peripheral wall 1403 is a wall portion protruding from the wall portion 1402. The peripheral wall 1403 surrounds the circular opening 410o. The partition film FLp is joined to the upper end of the peripheral wall 1403. The partition film FLp separates the space surrounded by the peripheral wall 1403 from the outside of the liquid storage container IC (see the lower left part of FIG. 2). To facilitate understanding of the technology, the partition film FLp is not shown in FIG. 7.

[0041] The second region 4C22 is connected to the first region 412 via a circular opening 412o having a circular outer shape and provided in the wall portion 1402 (see the middle left part of FIG. 7). The second region 4C22 is connected to the first region 413 via a circular opening 413o having a circular outer shape and provided in the wall portion 1402 that constitutes a part of the liquid storage container IC. With this configuration, the circular opening 413o can exchange ink with the second region 4C2 regardless of the orientation of the liquid storage container IC.

[0042] The second area 4C22 is defined by a wall 1402, a peripheral wall 1404, and a partition film FLp (see the middle left part of FIG. 7). The wall 1402 is a wall of the components of the housing 900 in which the circular opening 412o is provided.

[0043] The peripheral wall 1404 is a wall portion that protrudes from the wall portion 1402. The peripheral wall 1404 surrounds the circular opening 412o. The peripheral wall 1404 includes a first partial wall 1404a and a second partial wall 1404b.

[0044] The first partial wall 1404a is a partial wall that surrounds the circular opening 412o. The cylindrical space 412 is connected to the second region 4C22 via the circular opening 412o. The cylindrical space 412 is located closer to the atmosphere open port 401 than the second region 4C22 in the atmosphere introduction channel 400. The second partial wall 1404b is a partial wall that surrounds the circular opening 413o. The cylindrical space 413 is connected to the second region 4C22 via the circular opening 413o. The cylindrical space 413 is located closer to the liquid storage chambers 117, 121 than the second region 4C22 in the atmosphere introduction channel 400.

[0045] Within the second region 4C22, the space enclosed by the second partial wall 1404b is larger than the space enclosed by the first partial wall 1404a. Note that the "size of the space enclosed by the first partial wall 1404a" is defined by the diameter of the largest imaginary circle that can be accommodated within the area enclosed by the first partial wall 1404a when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the opening surface of the circular opening 412o. The "size of the space enclosed by the second partial wall 1404b" is defined by the diameter of the largest imaginary circle that can be accommodated within the area enclosed by the second partial wall 1404b when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the opening surface of the circular opening 413o. The dimensions of the space enclosed by the second partial wall 1404b and the space enclosed by the first partial wall 1404a will be described further below.

[0046] By adopting such an embodiment, ink is more likely to be collected in the space surrounded by the second partial wall 1404b of the second region 4C22, which is located closer to the liquid storage chambers 117, 121 than the space surrounded by the first partial wall 1404a. In other words, more liquid can be captured in the space surrounded by the second partial wall 1404b. Therefore, ink is more easily guided to the second region 4C2 than in an embodiment in which the space surrounded by the second partial wall 1404b is smaller than the space surrounded by the first partial wall 1404a. In other words, ink is less likely to reach the atmosphere open port 401.

[0047] The partition film FLp is joined to the upper end of the peripheral wall 1404. The partition film FLp separates the space surrounded by the peripheral wall 1404 from the outside of the liquid storage container IC (see the lower left part of FIG. 2). Note that, to facilitate understanding of the technology, the partition film FLp is not shown in FIG. 7.

[0048] The third region 4C3 is provided on the side of the housing 900 facing the inner film FLi (see the lower left part of FIG. 5). The third region 4C3 is a flow path portion that extends in a direction different from the first region 4C1 and the second region 4C2. More specifically, the third region 4C3 extends in a direction that is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first regions 410, 411, 412, and 413 and is twisted with respect to the extension direction of the second regions 4C21 and 4C22.

[0049] The third region 4C3 is connected to the first region 411 via a circular opening having a circular outer shape (see the lower left part of FIG. 5). The third region 4C3 is connected to the first region 412 via a circular opening having a circular outer shape.

[0050] As a result, the air introduced through the atmospheric opening 401 flows through the capture section 4C in the order of the first region 410, the second region 4C21, the first region 411, the third region 4C3, the first region 412, the second region 4C22, and the first region 413.

[0051] With this configuration, even when the liquid storage container IC is placed in various orientations, the ink can be captured by the first region 4C1, the second region 4C2, and the third region 4C3, which are included in the capture portion 4C that forms part of the atmosphere introduction path 400 and extend in different directions. As a result, the possibility of ink in the liquid storage chambers 117, 121 leaking out through the atmosphere open port 401 can be reduced.

[0052] Furthermore, the ink present in the capture portion 4C can be easily detected from the outside through the partition film FLp by using a combination of lighting and a camera, an ultrasonic sensor, etc. Therefore, if it is detected that the ink captured in the capture portion 4C is sealing the atmospheric open flow path, the liquid storage container IC can be excluded from use, thereby making it possible to exclude from use any liquid storage container IC that cannot properly supply ink from the liquid storage container IC to the outside.

[0053] In the wall portion 1402, the distance d between the outer periphery of the circular opening 413o and the base of the surrounding wall 1404 is 0.6 mm. With this configuration, a step is formed by the wall portion 1402 between the inner wall surface of the surrounding wall 1404 and the circular opening 413o. This reduces the possibility that ink that has migrated from the cylindrical space 413 serving as the first region 4C1 to the second region 4C2 connected to the liquid storage chambers 117 and 121 will return to the cylindrical space 413 serving as the first region 4C1 connected to the atmosphere-opening port 401 when the orientation of the liquid storage container IC is changed. This makes it possible to more reliably capture ink in the second region 4C2. As a result, the risk of ink flowing back toward the atmosphere-opening port 401 can be further reduced.

[0054] In the wall portion 1402, the distance between the outer periphery of the circular opening 412o and the base of the peripheral wall 1404 is 0.3 mm. The distance between the outer periphery of the circular opening 410o and the base of the peripheral wall 1403 is 0.3 mm. The distance between the outer periphery of the circular opening 411o and the base of the peripheral wall 1403 is 0.3 mm. With this configuration, as with the structure around the circular opening 413o, it is possible to reduce the possibility that ink that has moved from the cylindrical spaces 410, 411, and 412 serving as the first region 4C1 to the second regions 4C21 and 4C22 will return to the cylindrical spaces 410, 411, and 412. This makes it possible to more reliably capture ink in the second region 4C2.

[0055] The housing 900 includes another wall 1406 that protrudes from the wall 1402 in the same direction as the peripheral wall 1404 and is adjacent to the peripheral wall 1404. Note that the two walls being "adjacent" means that there is no other wall between the two walls that protrudes in the same direction as the two walls. The height of the peripheral wall 1404 is greater than the height of the wall 1406. Note that the height of the peripheral wall 1404 is a dimension measured in the protruding direction from the wall 1402. With this configuration, ink present in the trapping portion 4C can be easily detected from the outside through the partition film FLp using a combination of lighting and a camera, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like, without being obstructed by the other wall 1406.

[0056] In this embodiment, the capture portion 4C includes four, that is, a plurality of cylindrical spaces 410, 411, 412, and 413.

[0057] Because this embodiment has such a configuration, it can capture more ink in the multiple cylindrical spaces 410, 411, 412, and 413 of the capturing portion 4C than in an embodiment in which the capturing portion 4C has only one cylindrical space.

[0058] In the technology of Patent Document 1, an insertion path is formed using a drill, and a sealing plug is inserted and removed to separate the differential pressure valve chamber from the ink ejection port. It is necessary to prepare a sealing plug that matches the shape of the insertion path, can separate the differential pressure valve chamber from the ink ejection port, and has a shape that allows it to be removed. Therefore, in the technology of Patent Document 1, the process for refilling ink is complicated. Furthermore, the device for refilling ink is complex.

[0059] In the technology of Patent Document 2, it is necessary to rotate the ink cartridge in accordance with the curvature of the liquid ink flow path of the ink cartridge and suck the ink ejection orifices, which makes the process of refilling ink complicated even in the technology of Patent Document 2.

[0060] However, because the liquid storage container IC of this embodiment has the above-described configuration, as described below, ink can be easily stored in a used liquid storage container IC. That is, a hole FLpO is formed in the partition film FLp, and an injection nozzle 830 having a frustum-shaped portion 830t can be inserted into the capture portion 4C through the hole FLpO, and the frustum-shaped portion 830t can be inserted into the circular opening 413o. The circular opening 413o can then be sealed with the injection nozzle 830. The ink in the liquid storage chamber IC can be sucked through the liquid supply port 200. As a result, ink can be delivered from the injection nozzle 830 and flow into the liquid storage chambers 117 and 121 through the circular opening 413o. That is, the pressure in the liquid storage chambers 117 and 121 can be reduced, allowing ink to flow into the liquid storage chambers 117 and 121 through the circular opening 413o. The configuration and processing for this purpose will be described in detail below.

[0061] A2. Liquid container peripherals configuration: 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a suction device 700 used when refilling a used liquid storage container IC with ink. The suction device 700 is connected to the liquid supply port 200 of the liquid storage container IC, and sucks ink and air from inside the liquid storage container IC (see the lower right part of FIG. 6).

[0062] The suction device 700 includes a vacuum pump 710, an ink trap 720, and a pressure gauge 730. The vacuum pump 710 is connected to the liquid supply port 200 of the liquid storage container IC via a suction path 701 in the suction device 700, and sucks ink and air from inside the liquid storage container IC.

[0063] The ink trap 720 is connected to a portion of the suction path 701 between the vacuum pump 710 and the open end 701o of the suction path 701 that is connected to the liquid storage container IC. Specifically, the ink trap 720 is a chamber that is located below the suction path 701 in the orientation of the suction device 700 when suction is performed by the vacuum pump 710. When suction is performed by the vacuum pump 710 and ink and air pass through the suction path 701, the ink is attracted by gravity and falls into the ink trap 720 below. As a result, only air reaches the vacuum pump 710.

[0064] A valve V71 is provided in the suction path 701 at a position between the ink trap 720 and the open end 701o of the suction path 701. The valve V71 can open or close the suction path 701.

[0065] The pressure gauge 730 is connected to a portion of the suction path 701 between the valve V71 and the open end 701o of the suction path 701, and measures the pressure inside the suction path 701.

[0066] 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a filling device 800 used to refill a used liquid container IC with ink. The filling device 800 is connected to the circular opening 413o of the capture part 4C of the liquid container IC and supplies new ink to the liquid container IC (see the lower right part of FIG. 6).

[0067] The filling device 800 includes an ink tank 810 , a plunger pump 820 , an injection nozzle 830 , and an air vent 840 .

[0068] The plunger pump 820 supplies ink inside the ink tank 810 to the liquid storage container IC via a supply channel 801 and an injection nozzle 830 in the filling device 800. A valve V82 is provided in the supply channel 801 between the plunger pump 820 and the injection nozzle 830. The valve V82 can open or close the supply channel 801.

[0069] The ink tank 810 stores ink to be supplied to the liquid storage container IC. The ink tank 810 is connected in parallel to the plunger pump 820 with respect to the injection nozzle 830. The ink tank 810 is connected to a portion of the supply path 801 between the valve V82 and the plunger pump 820. A valve V83 is provided between the ink tank 810 and the supply path 801. The valve V83 can connect or disconnect the ink tank 810 to the supply path 801.

[0070] The atmosphere vent portion 840 is connected to the injection nozzle 830 in parallel with the plunger pump 820 and the ink tank 810. The atmosphere vent portion 840 is connected to a portion of the supply path 801 between the valve V82 and the injection nozzle 830. The atmosphere vent portion 840 connects the supply path 801 to the outside of the filling device 800. A valve V81 is provided between the atmosphere vent portion 840 and the supply path 801. The valve V81 can connect or disconnect the atmosphere vent portion 840 to the supply path 801.

[0071] The injection nozzle 830 is provided at the tip of the supply channel 801. The injection nozzle 830 has an outer shape including a truncated conical portion 830t and a cylindrical portion that share the same central axis. The injection nozzle 830 has a communication passage along the central axis of the outer shape. The injection nozzle 830 communication passage is connected to the supply channel 801. The diameter of the tip of the truncated conical portion 830t is smaller than the diameter of the circular opening 413o of the capture portion 4C of the liquid storage container IC. The diameter of the tail of the truncated conical outer shape of the injection nozzle 830 is larger than the diameter of the circular opening 413o.

[0072] The injection nozzle 830 is inserted into the circular opening 413o of the capture part 4C of the liquid container IC to connect the atmosphere introduction channel 400 of the liquid container IC to the supply channel 801 in the filling device 800. At this time, the wall 1402 of the liquid container IC in which the circular opening 413o is formed elastically deforms, causing the injection nozzle 830 to come into close contact with the wall 1402 that forms the outer periphery of the circular opening 413o. As a result, the atmosphere introduction channel 400 of the liquid container IC and the supply channel 801 in the filling device 800 are sealed from the outside.

[0073] By providing the above configuration, the outer surface of the truncated cone portion of the injection nozzle 830 can seal the outer periphery of the circular opening 413o, while connecting the supply path 801 of the filling device 800 to the atmosphere introduction path 400 of the liquid storage container IC.

[0074] A3. Refilling the Liquid Storage Container: Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the process of refilling a liquid container with ink. Fig. 11 is a table showing the open / closed states of each valve when refilling a liquid container with ink. As a result of the process in Fig. 10, ink is filled into a used liquid container, and a new liquid container is manufactured.

[0075] Fig. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the structure of the capturing part 4C in the vicinity of the cylindrical spaces 412, 413. In step S100 of Fig. 10, an operator forms a hole FLpO in the partition film FLp. Specifically, the hole FLpO is opened in the first partition film FLp1 serving as the partition film FLp (see Fig. 12).

[0076] 10. In step S200, an operator inserts an injection nozzle 830 having a truncated cone-shaped portion 830t into the trapping portion 4C through the hole FLpO (see the lower right portion of FIG. 6 and FIG. 9). The operator then inserts the truncated cone-shaped portion 830t into the circular opening 413o, thereby sealing the outer periphery of the circular opening 413o with the tapered outer surface of the truncated cone-shaped portion 830t of the injection nozzle 830. In this state, the portion of the atmosphere introduction path 400 leading to the liquid storage chamber 117 downstream of the circular opening 413o of the trapping portion 4C is connected to a supply path 801 in the filling device 800.

[0077] In the wall 1402 of the liquid storage container IC, the distance between the outer periphery of the circular opening 413o and the base of the peripheral wall 1404 is greater than the distance between the outer periphery of the circular opening 412o and the base of the peripheral wall 1404 (see FIG. 7). More specifically, the distance between the outer periphery of the circular opening 413o and the base of the peripheral wall 1404 is 0.6 mm. This allows the injection nozzle 830 to enter the peripheral wall 1404 and easily insert the truncated cone-shaped portion 830t into the circular opening 413o.

[0078] In step S300 of Figure 10, the operator connects the suction device 700 to the liquid supply port 200 of the liquid storage container IC (see the lower right part of Figure 6 and Figure 8). Thereafter, valves V71 and V81 are opened, and valves V82 and V83 are closed (see Figures 8, 9, and the first row of Figure 11). In this state, the portion of the atmosphere introduction path 400 leading to the liquid storage chamber 117 downstream of the circular opening 413o of the capture part 4C is open to the atmosphere via the supply path 801, valve V81, and atmosphere opening part 840 in the filling device 800 (see Figure 9).

[0079] Thereafter, the operator drives the vacuum pump 710 of the suction device 700 connected to the liquid supply port 200 to suck the ink from the liquid storage chambers 117, 121 through the liquid supply port 200 (see FIG. 8). As a result, the ink from the liquid storage chambers 117, 121 is sucked out and stored in the ink trap 720. This process is referred to as "remaining ink discharge" in FIG. 11.

[0080] When ink stops being discharged from the liquid storage container IC, the valve V81 of the filling device 800 connected to the circular opening 413o of the trapping part 4C is closed (see FIG. 9 and the second row of FIG. 11). As a result, the portion of the atmosphere introduction path 400 leading to the liquid storage chamber 117 downstream of the circular opening 413o of the trapping part 4C, the liquid storage chambers 117 and 121, and the liquid supply path 300 are sealed from the outside, except for the connection with the suction path 701 of the suction device 700.

[0081] During this time, the vacuum pump 710 of the suction device 700 connected to the liquid supply port 200 continues to operate. As a result, air is sucked out of the liquid storage chambers 117 and 121 via the liquid supply port 200. Because the portion of the atmosphere introduction path 400 leading to the liquid storage chamber 117 downstream of the circular opening 413o of the capture part 4C, the liquid storage chambers 117 and 121, and the liquid supply path 300 are sealed from the outside, the pressure inside them becomes lower than atmospheric pressure. This process is referred to as "decompression" in FIG. 11.

[0082] Then, valve V71 of suction path 701 of suction device 700 is closed (see FIG. 8 and the third row of FIG. 11). As a result, the portion of atmosphere introduction path 400 downstream of circular opening 413o of capture portion 4C leading to liquid storage chamber 117, liquid storage chambers 117 and 121, and liquid supply path 300 are sealed from the outside. Pressure gauge 730 of suction device 700 measures the pressure in suction path 701, which is connected to these paths in liquid storage container IC. If the rate of pressure increase is greater than a predetermined value, the ink refilling operation is stopped. A rate of pressure increase greater than a predetermined value indicates a leak in any of supply path 801 in filling device 800, the connection between injection nozzle 830 and circular opening 413o of capture portion 4C, the portion of atmosphere introduction path 400 downstream of circular opening 413o of capture portion 4C, liquid storage chambers 117 and 121, liquid supply path 300, or the path connecting these components. If the rate of increase in pressure is less than a predetermined value, the ink refilling operation continues. The above process is referred to as "leak check" in FIG.

[0083] In step S400 of Fig. 10, the valve V82 of the filling device 800 connected to the circular opening 413o of the trapping portion 4C is opened (see Fig. 9 and the fourth line of Fig. 11). At this stage, it is assumed that the plunger pump 820 has already been filled with ink. The filling of the plunger pump 820 with ink will be described later.

[0084] When the valve V82 is opened, ink is delivered from the injection nozzle 830 and flows into the liquid storage chambers 117, 121 via the circular opening 413o of the liquid storage container IC and the air introduction path 400 (see FIGS. 6 and 5).

[0085] The air introduction path 400 of the liquid storage container IC does not have a configuration such as the bent flow path portion 403 between the capture portion 4C and the liquid storage chambers 117, 121 (see FIGS. 3, 5, and 6). This allows ink to be efficiently injected from the capture portion 4C into the liquid storage chambers 117, 121.

[0086] Thereafter, valve V82 of filling device 800 connected to circular opening 413o of capture part 4C is closed, and valve V81 is opened (see FIG. 9 and the fifth line of FIG. 11). Then, outside air is introduced into liquid storage chambers 117, 121 via atmosphere opening part 840 of filling device 800 connected to circular opening 413o of capture part 4C and atmosphere introduction path 400. This process is referred to as "opening to atmosphere" in FIG. 11.

[0087] Fig. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the structure in the vicinity of spaces 412 and 413 after step S500. In step S500 of Fig. 10, the operator withdraws injection nozzle 830 to the outside of capture part 4C.

[0088] Thereafter, the valve V81 of the filling device 800 is closed and the valve V83 is opened (see FIG. 9 and the last line of FIG. 11). Then, the plunger pump 820 is driven, and ink is sucked from the ink tank 810 and filled into the plunger pump 820. The ink in the plunger pump 820 is used to fill the next liquid storage container IC with ink.

[0089] Fig. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the structure in the vicinity of the spaces 412, 413 after step S600. In step S600 of Fig. 10, an operator seals a hole FLpO formed in a first partition wall film FLp1 serving as a partition wall film FLp. More specifically, the hole FLpO is sealed by a second partition wall film FLp2. In this state, the partition wall film FLp is composed of the first partition wall film FLp1 and the second partition wall film FLp2 (see the lower left part of Fig. 2 and the lower right part of Fig. 1).

[0090] By performing the above process, even in a liquid storage container IC equipped with a differential pressure valve 325, the pressure inside the liquid storage chambers 117, 121 can be reduced, allowing ink to flow into the liquid storage chambers 117, 121 through the circular opening 413o. In other words, ink can be easily stored in a used liquid storage container IC.

[0091] In this embodiment, circular opening 413o is located opposite resin partition film FLp, with second region 4C22, which is a space, sandwiched therebetween. Therefore, by opening hole FLpO in partition film FLp, injection nozzle 830 can be easily connected to circular opening 413o and ink can be injected.

[0092] 10, the worker seals the air-opening port 401 of the liquid storage container IC with a sealing film FLe (see the upper left part of FIG. 1) that prevents the flow of ink stored in the liquid storage chambers 117, 121. The sealing film FLe is a film that can be peeled off from the housing 900 of the liquid storage container IC.

[0093] By performing this process, after filling with ink and before the use of the refilled liquid storage container IC begins, liquid that flows out from the capture section 4C to the area on the atmosphere opening port 401 side within the atmosphere introduction path 400 can be prevented from flowing out to the outside through the atmosphere opening port 401.

[0094] 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the vicinity of the hole FLpO of the partition wall film FLp after the processing of step S600 in FIG. 10. The first partition wall film FLp1, which functions as the partition wall film FLp before the hole FLpO is formed, includes a first layer L1 and a second layer L2. The second layer L2 is made of a material with a higher melting point than the material of the first layer L1. More specifically, the first layer L1 is made of a polyolefin (PO)-based synthetic resin. The second layer L2 is made of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-based synthetic resin.

[0095] The first layer L1 is joined to the upper end of the peripheral wall 1404 that surrounds the second region 4C22 of the capture portion 4C (see the middle left part of FIG. 7). More specifically, the first layer L1 is welded to the upper end of the peripheral wall 1404. Note that the "upper end" of the peripheral wall 1404 refers to the tip in the direction in which the peripheral wall 1404 protrudes from the wall portion 1402. The welded portion between the first layer L1 and the peripheral wall 1404 is shown by hatching as welded portion WP1 in FIG. 16.

[0096] The second partition wall film FLp2 is joined to the first partition wall film FLp1 to close the hole FLpO in the first partition wall film FLp1. The second partition wall film FLp2 includes a third layer L3 and a fourth layer L4. The third layer L3 is made of a material with a lower melting point than the material of the second layer L2. The fourth layer L4 is made of a material with a higher melting point than the material of the third layer L3. More specifically, the third layer L3 is made of a polyolefin (PO)-based synthetic resin. The fourth layer L4 is made of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-based synthetic resin.

[0097] Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the process in step S600 in Fig. 10. In step S600 in Fig. 10, the hole FLpO in the partition wall film FLp is sealed with the second partition wall film FLp2.

[0098] In step S610, the worker removes a portion of the second layer L2 of the first partition wall film FLp1 until the first layer L1 is exposed. More specifically, a portion of the first partition wall film FLp1 located in the annular region surrounding the hole FLpO is removed.

[0099] In step S620, the worker arranges the second partition wall film FLp2 so that the third layer L3 of the second partition wall film FLp2 faces the first partition wall film FLp1. Then, the worker welds the third layer L3 of the second partition wall film FLp2 to the first layer L1 of the first partition wall film FLp1. More specifically, the third layer L3 of the second partition wall film FLp2 is welded to the first layer L1 of the partition wall film FLp in a portion of the first partition wall film FLp1 where the first layer L1 is exposed. The welded portion between the third layer L3 of the second partition wall film FLp2 and the first layer L1 of the partition wall film FLp is shown by hatching in FIG. 16 as welded portion WP2.

[0100] By performing this process, the strength of the partition film FLp can be ensured by the second layer L2 of the first partition film FLp1, which has a high melting point, and the fourth layer L4 of the second partition film FLp2, which also has a high melting point, in the liquid storage container IC after refilling with ink. Meanwhile, the third layer L3 of the second partition film FLp2 and the first layer L1 of the first partition film FLp1 are welded to each other in the area surrounding the hole FLpO, which strengthens the bond between the second partition film FLp2 and the first partition film FLp1. This also prevents ink from leaking from the second region 4C22 through the hole FLpO to the outside.

[0101] When the third layer L3 of the second partition wall film FLp2 is welded to the first layer L1 of the partition wall film FLp, a portion of the peripheral wall 1404 is melted by the heat and flows downward. However, the height of the peripheral wall 1404 is higher than the height of the other wall portion 1406 that protrudes from the wall portion 1402 and is adjacent to the peripheral wall 1404. Therefore, the flowed material is unlikely to block the circular opening 413o. Furthermore, the distance between the outer periphery of the circular opening 413o and the base of the peripheral wall 1404 is greater than the distance between the outer periphery of the circular opening 412o and the base of the peripheral wall 1404 (see FIG. 7). Therefore, from this point of view as well, the flowed material is unlikely to block the circular opening 413o.

[0102] After the processes shown in FIGS. 10 and 17, the liquid storage container IC is in the state shown in FIG. 1. In the liquid storage container IC shown in FIG. 1, the partition film FLp includes a first partition film FLp1 and a second partition film FLp2. The first partition film FLp1 is joined to the upper end of the peripheral wall 1404 to separate the space surrounded by the peripheral wall 1404 from the outside of the liquid storage container IC, and has a hole FLpO. The second partition film FLp2 seals the hole FLpO of the first partition film FLp1. More specifically, the third layer L3 of the second partition film FLp2 is welded to the first layer L1 of the first partition film FLp1 in a portion of the first partition film FLp1 where the second layer L2 is not provided (see FIG. 16). The second layer L2 of the first partition film FLp1 is in contact with the second partition film FLp2. The third layer L3 of the second partition wall film FLp2 is in contact with the second layer L2 of the first partition wall film FLp1.

[0103] In this embodiment, the ink is also referred to as the "liquid." The injection nozzle 830 is also referred to as the "nozzle." The capture portion 4C is also referred to as the "receiving portion." Of the liquid storage container IC, the portion consisting of the wall portion 1402, the cylindrical space 413, the surrounding wall 1404, and the second region 4C22 is also referred to as the "receiving portion" in the narrow sense.

[0104] B. Second embodiment: The liquid storage container ICb of the second embodiment includes a second capture portion 4CS between the capture portion 4C of the atmosphere introduction path 400b and the air chamber 414. In other respects, the liquid storage container ICb is the same as the liquid storage container IC of the first embodiment.

[0105] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a liquid storage container ICb to which the sealing film FLe, the partition wall film FLp, the ventilation film FLv, and the supply port film FLsp have not yet been attached.

[0106] The second capturing unit 4CS includes a portion that functions as the first region 4C1 and a portion that functions as the second region 4C2 (see the lower center of FIG. 18). The first region 4C1 is specifically two cylindrical spaces 417, 418. The cylindrical spaces 417, 418 extend in directions parallel to each other. The cylindrical spaces 417, 418 extend in a direction that coincides with the horizontal direction when the liquid storage container ICb is installed in the printer and in use. The cylindrical spaces 417, 418 are also referred to as the "first region." Air introduced through the atmosphere open port 401 flows sequentially through the first regions 417, 418 in the second capturing unit 4CS.

[0107] Flow path portion 4C24, which extends in a direction different from that of first region 4C1, functions as second region 4C2. More specifically, flow path portion 4C24 extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which first regions 417 and 418 extend. Flow path portion 4C24 is also referred to as the "second region."

[0108] The second region 4C24 is connected to the first region 417 via a circular opening having a circular outer shape that is provided in a wall portion 1402 that constitutes a part of the liquid storage container IC (see the lower center part of FIG. 18). The second region 4C24 is connected to the first region 418 via a circular opening having a circular outer shape that is provided in the wall portion 1402. As a result, the air introduced from the atmosphere open port 401 flows through the first region 417, the second region 4C24, and the first region 418 in this order in the second capturing portion 4CS.

[0109] The second region 4C24 is defined by the wall portion 1402, the peripheral wall 1408, and the partition wall film FLp. The circular openings of the first region 417 and the first region 418 are positioned opposite the partition wall film FLp, with the second region 4C24, which is a space, sandwiched therebetween.

[0110] Wall 1402 is a wall portion of the components of housing 900 in which the circular opening of first region 417 is provided. Peripheral wall 1408 is a wall portion protruding from wall 1402. Peripheral wall 1408 surrounds the circular openings of first regions 417 and 418. The distance between the outer periphery of the circular opening of first region 418 and the base of peripheral wall 1408 is 0.6 mm. The distance between the outer periphery of the circular opening of first region 417 and the base of peripheral wall 1408 is 0.3 mm.

[0111] The partition film FLp is joined to the upper end of the peripheral wall 1408. The partition film FLp separates the space surrounded by the peripheral wall 1408 from the outside of the liquid storage container IC. As mentioned above, the partition film FLp is omitted in FIG.

[0112] The liquid storage container ICb includes two capturing portions 4C and 4CS. Therefore, compared to a liquid storage container IC having only one capturing portion 4C, more ink can be captured in the capturing portions 4C and 4CS. Furthermore, ink can also be refilled through the circular opening in the first region 418. That is, after refilling through the circular opening 413o in the first region 413, sealing the hole FLpO in the first partition film FLp1 with the second partition film FLp2, and performing the process of reusing the liquid storage container ICb one or more times, refilling through the circular opening in the first region 418, sealing the hole in the first partition film FLp1 with the second partition film FLp2, and reusing the liquid storage container ICb can be performed again. This allows the liquid storage container ICb to be used for a longer period of time.

[0113] C. Other Embodiments: C1. Alternative Embodiment 1: (1) In the first embodiment, the first region 4C1 is specifically four cylindrical spaces 410, 411, 412, and 413 (see FIG. 7). However, the first region 4C1 may further include regions other than the cylindrical spaces.

[0114] (2) In the first embodiment, the second region 4C2 is made up of flow path portions 4C21 and 4C22 extending in a direction different from that of the first region 4C1 (see FIG. 7). However, the second region may also include portions other than the flow path portions extending in a direction different from that of the first region.

[0115] (3) In the first embodiment, the first layer L1 of the first partition wall film FLp1 is made of a polyolefin (PO)-based synthetic resin (see FIG. 16). The third layer L3 of the second partition wall film FLp2 is made of a polyolefin (PO)-based synthetic resin. However, these layers may be made of other materials, such as ester-based resin.

[0116] (4) In the first embodiment, the second layer L2 of the first partition wall film FLp1 is made of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) synthetic resin (see FIG. 16). The fourth layer L4 of the second partition wall film FLp2 is made of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) synthetic resin. However, these layers may be made of other materials, such as nylon resin.

[0117] 10 described in the first embodiment may further include a step of forming holes FLvO in the breathable film FLv of the liquid storage container IC, through which ink stored in the liquid storage chambers 117, 121 can flow. In this step, holes are inevitably formed in the first partition film FLp1 covering one surface of the housing 900. For this reason, the holes formed in the first partition film FLp1 are closed by a process similar to that of step S600 in FIG.

[0118] In the liquid storage container IC that has undergone a refilling process including such a process, the atmosphere introduction channel 400 is partitioned by a breathable film FLv having a hole FLvO through which ink can flow, at a position closer to the atmosphere opening 401 than the capture part 4C. In Figure 3, the hole FLvO is indicated by a dashed line.

[0119] By performing such a process, even if the breathable film FLv becomes wet with ink that was in the atmosphere introduction path 400 during the ink refilling process and becomes impermeable to air, air can still circulate through the holes FLvO provided in the breathable film FLv into the atmosphere introduction path 400. This allows the liquid storage container IC to be used appropriately after being refilled with ink.

[0120] (6) In the above embodiment, the liquid container IC contains ink. However, the liquid contained in the liquid container may be, for example, any of the following liquids. (i) Coloring materials used in the manufacture of color filters for image display devices such as liquid crystal displays. (ii) Electrode materials used to form electrodes for organic EL (Electro Luminescence) displays, field emission displays (FEDs), etc. (iii) Liquids containing biological organic matter used in biochip manufacturing. (iv) Sample as precision pipette. (v) Lubricating oil. (vi) Resin liquid. (vii) Transparent resin liquid such as ultraviolet curable resin liquid for forming minute hemispherical lenses used in optical communication elements, etc. (viii) A liquid that sprays an acidic or alkaline etching solution to etch a substrate, etc. (ix) Any other liquid.

[0121] C2. Alternative Embodiment 2: In the first embodiment, the liquid supply path 300 of the liquid storage container IC is provided with a differential pressure valve 325 (see the upper part of FIG. 4). However, the liquid storage container IC may also be configured not to include a differential pressure valve. In such a liquid storage container, the liquid can be retained by absorbing the liquid into the voids of an elastic porous material inside the liquid storage container.

[0122] C3. Alternative Embodiment 3: In the first embodiment, the atmosphere introduction path 400 of the liquid container IC is blocked by a breathable film FLv (see the upper center part of FIG. 3). However, the liquid container may be configured such that the atmosphere introduction path does not include such a film.

[0123] C4. Alternative Embodiment 4: In the first embodiment, the air introduction path 400 includes a barrier duct flow path section 4H (see the upper left part of FIG. 5, the upper right part of FIG. 3, and the upper right part of FIG. 6). The barrier duct flow path section 4H is located vertically above the capture section 4C in the orientation of the liquid storage container IC when ink is supplied to the outside from the liquid supply port 200 of the liquid storage container IC. However, the liquid storage container may also be configured such that the air introduction path does not include such a configuration.

[0124] C5. Alternative Embodiment 5: In the first embodiment, the air introduction path 400 includes a curved flow path section 403 (see the upper left part of FIG. 3 and the upper left part of FIG. 6). The curved flow path section 403 includes a pair of flow path sections that have a smaller cross-sectional area than the front and rear flow path sections and that allow air to circulate in directions that differ by 180 degrees from each other. However, the liquid storage container may also be configured so that the air introduction path does not include a curved flow path section. The air introduction path may also include such a curved flow path section between the capture section and the liquid storage chamber.

[0125] C6. Alternative Embodiment 6: In the first embodiment, the open-air port 401 is sealed with a peelable sealing film FLe (see the upper left part of FIG. 1). However, the liquid container may be configured not to include a sealing film that seals the open-air port.

[0126] C7. Alternative Embodiment 7: In the first embodiment, the columnar space through which the air introduced from the air opening port flows is a cylindrical space 410 (see FIG. 7). The opening connecting the first area and the second area is a circular opening 410o having a circular outer shape. However, the columnar space may have other shapes, such as a triangular prism, a square prism, or an elliptical prism. The opening may have other shapes, such as a triangle, a square, or an ellipse.

[0127] C8. Alternative Embodiment 8: In the first embodiment, the first region 4C1 includes four cylindrical spaces 410, 411, 412, and 413 (see FIG. 7). However, the first region may also include only one cylindrical space. Alternatively, the first region may include six cylindrical spaces as shown in the second embodiment. Alternatively, the first region may include another number of cylindrical spaces, such as two, three, or five.

[0128] C9. Alternative Embodiment 9: In the second embodiment, the liquid storage container ICb includes two capture portions 4C and 4CS (see FIG. 18). However, the number of capture portions provided in the liquid storage container may be four, five, or another number.

[0129] C10. Alternative Embodiment 10: In the first embodiment, the height of the peripheral wall 1404 is higher than the height of the other adjacent wall portions 1406 (see FIG. 7). However, the height of the peripheral wall may be the same as or lower than the height of the other adjacent wall portions.

[0130] C11. Other Embodiment 11: In the first embodiment, the space enclosed by the second partial wall 1404b in the second region 4C22 is larger than the space enclosed by the first partial wall 1404a (see FIG. 7). However, the space enclosed by the second partial wall 1404b located closer to the liquid storage chambers 117, 121 may be smaller than the space enclosed by the first partial wall 1404a.

[0131] C12. Alternative Embodiment 12: In the first embodiment, the distance between the outer periphery of the circular opening 413o and the base of the peripheral wall 1404 in the wall 1402 is 0.6 mm (see FIG. 7). Furthermore, the distance between the outer periphery of the circular opening 412o and the base of the peripheral wall 1404 in the wall 1402 is 0.3 mm. The distance between the outer periphery of the circular opening 410o and the base of the peripheral wall 1403 is 0.3 mm. The distance between the outer periphery of the circular opening 411o and the base of the peripheral wall 1403 is 0.3 mm. However, these dimensions may be other dimensions, such as 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, or 0.8 mm. However, it is preferable that the outer periphery of the circular opening 413o and the base of the peripheral wall 1404 are not in contact with each other, but are separated from each other by the wall 1402.

[0132] C13. Other Embodiment 13: In the first embodiment, the distance d between the outer periphery of the circular opening 413o and the base of the peripheral wall 1404 in the wall portion 1402 is 0.6 mm (see FIG. 7). However, the distance between the outer periphery of the opening and the base of the peripheral wall may be other values, such as 0.4 mm or 0.8 mm.

[0133] C14. Other Embodiment 14: In the first embodiment, when the liquid storage container IC is refilled with ink after use, the partition film FLp is composed of the first partition film FLp1 and the second partition film FLp2 (see the lower left part of FIG. 2 and the lower right part of FIG. 1). However, after the liquid storage container IC has been used, the partition film FLp may be composed of the first partition film FLp1 and may not include the second partition film FLp2. Such an embodiment may include, for example, a lid that seals the space surrounded by the peripheral wall 1404 from the outside of the liquid storage container IC.

[0134] C15. Other Embodiment 15: In the first embodiment, the first partition wall film FLp1 includes a first layer L1 and a second layer L2. However, the first partition wall film may be composed of only one layer, or may be composed of three or more layers. However, it is preferable that the portion in contact with the surrounding wall is composed of a material that can be bonded to the upper end of the surrounding wall.

[0135] In the first embodiment, the second barrier wall film FLp2 includes a third layer L3 and a fourth layer L4. However, the second barrier wall film may be composed of only one layer, or may be composed of three or more layers. However, it is preferable that the portion in contact with the first barrier wall film is composed of a material that can be bonded to the first barrier wall film.

[0136] C16. Other Embodiments 16: In (1) of the above-mentioned alternative embodiment 1, the atmosphere introduction channel 400 is partitioned by a breathable film FLv having a hole FLvO through which ink can flow, at a portion closer to the atmosphere opening 401 than the capture portion 4C (see the upper center portion of FIG. 3). However, as shown in the first embodiment, a liquid container that has been refilled may be partitioned by a breathable film that does not have a hole through which ink can flow.

[0137] C17. Other Embodiment 17: In the first embodiment, the worker welds the third layer L3 of the second partition wall film FLp2 to the first layer L1 of the partition wall film FLp (see FIGS. 16 and 17). However, the holes in the first partition wall film may be sealed in other ways, such as by attaching the second partition wall film to the first partition wall film with an adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0138] C18. Other Embodiment 18: In the first embodiment described above, after step S200 and before step S400, ink is sucked from liquid storage chambers 117, 121 via liquid supply port 200 (see S300 in FIGS. 8 and 10). However, without the step of sucking ink from liquid storage chambers 117, 121 via liquid supply port 200, the outer periphery of circular opening 413o may be sealed with the tapered outer surface of frustum-shaped portion 830t of injection nozzle 830, and then ink may be allowed to flow into liquid storage chambers 117, 121 via circular opening 413o of liquid storage container IC and atmosphere introduction path 400 (see FIGS. 6 and 5). Even in such an embodiment, liquid can be allowed to flow into the liquid storage chambers.

[0139] C19. Other Embodiment 19: In step S700 of the first embodiment, the worker seals the air-opening port 401 of the liquid storage container IC with a sealing film FLe that prevents the flow of ink contained in the liquid storage chambers 117, 121 (see the upper left part of FIG. 1 and FIG. 10). However, the process of filling the liquid storage container can also be performed in a manner that does not include sealing the air-opening port.

[0140] C20. Alternative Embodiment 20: In the first embodiment, the worker removes a portion of the second layer L2 of the first partition wall film FLp1 until the first layer L1 is exposed, and then welds the third layer L3 of the second partition wall film FLp2 to the first layer L1 of the partition wall film FLp (see FIGS. 16 and 17). However, the entire first partition wall film and the entire second partition wall film may be made of a material that is easy to heat weld, and the second partition wall film may be welded to the first partition wall film without removing a portion of the first partition wall film.

[0141] D. Other forms: The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be realized in various forms without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the present disclosure can also be realized in the following forms. The technical features in the above embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described below can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the problems of the present disclosure or to achieve some or all of the effects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0142] (1) According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid storage container including a housing. The liquid storage container includes: a liquid storage chamber provided within the housing and storing a liquid; a liquid supply port provided in the housing for supplying liquid from the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid storage container; a liquid supply path provided within the housing and connecting the liquid supply port to the liquid storage chamber; an atmosphere open port provided in the housing for introducing air into the liquid storage chamber; and an atmosphere introduction path provided within the housing and connecting the atmosphere open port to the liquid storage chamber. The liquid storage container includes one or more capture units constituting a part of the atmosphere introduction path, the capture unit including one or more columnar spaces and a first region for circulating air introduced from the atmosphere open port into the columnar spaces, and a second region extending in a direction different from the first region and connected to the first region via an opening provided in a wall portion constituting a part of the liquid storage container. The second region includes an area defined by the wall portion in which the opening is provided, a peripheral wall protruding from the wall portion and surrounding the opening, and a partition film joined to the upper end of the peripheral wall and separating the space surrounded by the peripheral wall from the outside of the liquid storage container. With this configuration, even when the liquid container is positioned in various orientations, the first and second regions, which are included in the capture section and which form part of the atmosphere introduction path and extend in different directions, can capture the liquid. As a result, the possibility of the liquid in the liquid chamber leaking to the outside through the atmosphere opening can be reduced. Furthermore, the liquid present in the capture section can be easily detected from the outside through the partition film. Therefore, if it is detected that the liquid captured in the capture section is blocking the atmosphere opening path, the liquid container can be excluded from use, thereby eliminating liquid containers that cannot properly supply liquid to the outside from the liquid container.

[0143] (2) In the liquid storage container of the above form, an embodiment can be provided in which a differential pressure valve is provided in the liquid supply path, the differential pressure valve opening the liquid supply path when the downstream pressure, which is the pressure in the flow path portion of the liquid supply path between the differential pressure valve and the liquid supply port, is smaller than the upstream pressure, which is the pressure in the flow path portion of the liquid supply path between the differential pressure valve and the liquid storage chamber, and the difference between the downstream pressure and the upstream pressure is larger than a predetermined value, and blocking the liquid supply path when the difference between the downstream pressure and the upstream pressure is smaller than the predetermined value or the downstream pressure is larger than the upstream pressure. By adopting such an embodiment, it is possible to appropriately supply liquid from the liquid storage chamber toward the liquid supply port, and to prevent the liquid from flowing in the opposite direction.

[0144] (3) In the liquid storage container of the above form, the atmosphere introduction path may be blocked at a portion closer to the atmosphere opening than the capture portion by a breathable film made of a material that allows air to pass through but does not allow the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber to pass through. By adopting such an embodiment, it is possible to prevent liquid that flows out from the capture section to a portion of the atmosphere introduction path on the atmosphere open port side from flowing out to the outside through the atmosphere open port.

[0145] (4) In the liquid storage container of the above form, the atmosphere introduction path may include a flow path portion between the capture portion and the breathable film that is positioned vertically above the capture portion when the liquid storage container is in a position when liquid is supplied to the outside from the liquid supply port. This configuration reduces the possibility that the liquid that has passed through the capture part will come into contact with the breathable film, thereby reducing the possibility that the entire breathable film will become wet with liquid, preventing air from circulating in the atmosphere inlet path.

[0146] (5) In the liquid storage container of the above configuration, the atmosphere introduction path may have a curved flow path portion between the capture portion and the breathable film, the curved flow path portion including a pair of flow path portions that have a smaller cross-sectional area than the front and rear flow path portions and that circulate air in directions that differ by 180 degrees from each other, and the atmosphere introduction path may not have the curved flow path portion between the capture portion and the liquid storage chamber. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the amount of volatile components of the liquid in the liquid storage chamber that evaporate via the atmosphere introduction path.

[0147] (6) In the liquid storage container of the above aspect, the atmosphere opening port may be sealed with a peelable sealing film that does not allow the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber to flow. By adopting this configuration, before the liquid storage container is first used, liquid that flows out from the capture section to the area on the atmosphere opening side within the atmosphere inlet path can be prevented from flowing out to the outside through the atmosphere opening.

[0148] (7) In the liquid storage container of the above aspect, the columnar space may be a cylindrical space, and the opening may be a circular opening having a circular outer shape. In this aspect, the liquid can be easily retained in the cylindrical space regardless of the orientation of the liquid container.

[0149] (8) In the liquid storage container of the above aspect, the capture portion may include a plurality of the columnar spaces. By adopting such an embodiment, a larger amount of liquid can be captured within the plurality of columnar spaces of the capture part, compared to an embodiment in which the capture part has only one columnar space.

[0150] (9) The liquid storage container of the above aspect may have a configuration in which the liquid storage container includes a plurality of the capture portions. By adopting such an embodiment, it is possible to capture a larger amount of liquid in the capture part compared to a liquid container having only one capture part.

[0151] (10) In the liquid storage container of the above aspect, the height of the peripheral wall may be greater than the height of another wall portion that protrudes from the wall portion and is adjacent to the peripheral wall. By adopting such an embodiment, the liquid present in the capture part can be easily detected from the outside through the partition film.

[0152] (11) In the liquid storage container of the above form, the first region may include, as the one or more columnar spaces, a first columnar space located closer to the atmosphere opening in the atmosphere introduction path than the second region and connected to the second region via a first opening as the opening, and a second columnar space located closer to the liquid storage chamber in the atmosphere introduction path than the second region and connected to the second region via a second opening as the opening, and the surrounding wall may include a first partial wall surrounding the first opening and a second partial wall surrounding the second opening, and the space of the second region surrounded by the second partial wall may be larger than the space surrounded by the first partial wall. This configuration makes it easier for liquid to collect in the space surrounded by the second partial wall, which is located in the second region closer to the liquid storage chamber than the space surrounded by the first partial wall, and therefore makes it more difficult for liquid to reach the atmosphere-opening port compared to a configuration in which the space surrounded by the second partial wall is smaller than the space surrounded by the first partial wall.

[0153] (12) In the liquid storage container of the above aspect, the wall portion may have a predetermined distance between the outer periphery of the opening and the base of the surrounding wall. In this embodiment, a step exists between the inner wall surface of the peripheral wall and the opening, which reduces the possibility that liquid that has moved from the first region to the second region will return to the first region, thereby more reliably capturing the liquid in the second region.

[0154] (13) In the liquid storage container of the above aspect, the predetermined distance may be 0.6 mm or more.

[0155] (14) In the liquid storage container of the above form, the partition film may be joined to the upper end of the surrounding wall to separate the space surrounded by the surrounding wall from the outside of the liquid storage container, and may include a first partition film having a hole, and a second partition film sealing the hole in the first partition film.

[0156] (15) In the liquid storage container of the above form, the first partition film may comprise a first layer joined to the upper end of the surrounding wall, and a second layer made of a material having a higher melting point than the material of the first layer and in contact with the second partition film; the second partition film may comprise a third layer made of a material having a lower melting point than the material of the second layer and in contact with the second layer, and a fourth layer made of a material having a higher melting point than the material of the third layer; and the third layer of the second partition film may be welded to the first layer of the first partition film in a portion of the first partition film where the second layer is not provided. In this embodiment, the strength of the partition wall film can be ensured by the second layer of the first partition wall film, which has a high melting point, and the fourth layer of the second partition wall film, which also has a high melting point. Meanwhile, the third layer of the second partition wall film and the first layer of the first partition wall film are welded together, which strengthens the bond between the second partition wall film and the first partition wall film.

[0157] (16) In the liquid storage container of the above form, the atmosphere introduction path may be partitioned at a portion closer to the atmosphere opening than the capture portion by a breathable film made of a material that allows air to pass through but does not allow the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber to pass through, the breathable film having holes through which the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber can pass.

[0158] (17) According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing a liquid storage container, the liquid storage container comprising: a housing; a liquid storage chamber provided in the housing for storing liquid; a liquid supply port for supplying liquid from the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid storage container, the liquid supply port being provided in the housing; a liquid supply path provided in the housing for connecting the liquid supply port and the liquid storage chamber; and a differential pressure valve provided in the liquid supply path, wherein a downstream pressure, which is a pressure in a flow path portion of the liquid supply path between the differential pressure valve and the liquid supply port, is a pressure in a flow path portion of the liquid supply path between the differential pressure valve and the liquid storage chamber. The liquid supply passage is connected when the downstream pressure is smaller than a certain upstream pressure and the difference between the downstream pressure and the upstream pressure is larger than a predetermined value, and is blocked when the difference between the downstream pressure and the upstream pressure is smaller than the predetermined value or the downstream pressure is larger than the upstream pressure; an atmosphere open port for introducing atmosphere into the liquid storage chamber, the atmosphere open port being provided in the housing; and an atmosphere introduction passage provided in the housing and connecting the atmosphere open port and the liquid storage chamber. The liquid container includes one or more receiving sections that form part of the atmosphere introduction path, the receiving sections including one or more cylindrical spaces and including a first region that allows air introduced from the atmosphere open port to circulate through the cylindrical spaces, and a second region that extends in a direction different from the first region and is connected to the first region via a circular opening having a circular outline and that is provided in a wall portion that forms part of the liquid container. The second region includes a region defined by the wall portion in which the circular opening is provided, a peripheral wall that protrudes from the wall portion and surrounds the circular opening, and a partition film that is joined to an upper end of the peripheral wall and separates a space surrounded by the peripheral wall from the outside of the liquid container. The method includes the steps of: providing a hole in the partition film; inserting a nozzle having a truncated cone-shaped portion into the receiving section through the hole and inserting the truncated cone-shaped portion into the circular opening to seal the outer periphery of the circular opening with the outer surface of the truncated cone-shaped portion; sucking fluid from the liquid storage chamber through the liquid supply port; delivering liquid from the nozzle and allowing the liquid to flow into the liquid storage chamber through the circular opening; retracting the nozzle to the outside of the receiving section; and sealing the hole provided in the partition film. By adopting this configuration, even in a liquid storage container equipped with a differential pressure valve, the pressure within the liquid storage chamber can be reduced to allow liquid to flow into the liquid storage chamber through the circular opening, making it easy to store liquid in a used liquid storage container.

[0159] (18) The method of the above aspect may further include a step of sucking fluid from the liquid storage chamber through the liquid supply port after the step of sealing the outer periphery of the circular opening with the outer surface of the truncated cone portion and before the step of flowing liquid into the liquid storage chamber. By adopting such an embodiment, the pressure inside the liquid storage chamber can be made lower than the pressure outside the housing before the liquid flows into the liquid storage chamber, thereby allowing the liquid to flow into the liquid storage chamber efficiently.

[0160] (19) The method of the above aspect may include a step of sealing the atmosphere opening with a peelable sealing film that does not allow the liquid contained in the liquid storage chamber to flow. By adopting this configuration, after the liquid has been filled and before the liquid storage container is put into use, it is possible to prevent liquid that flows out from the receiving section to the area on the atmosphere opening side within the atmosphere introduction path from flowing out to the outside through the atmosphere opening.

[0161] (20) In the method of the above aspect, the step of sealing the hole in the partition wall film may include a step of sealing the hole in the partition wall film with a second partition wall film, and the first partition wall film as the partition wall film before the hole is formed may include a first layer joined to the upper end of the peripheral wall and a second layer made of a material having a higher melting point than a material of the first layer, and the second partition wall film may include a third layer made of a material having a lower melting point than a material of the second layer and a fourth layer made of a material having a higher melting point than a material of the third layer, and the step of sealing the hole with the second partition wall film may include a step of removing a portion of the second layer of the first partition wall film until the first layer is exposed, and a step of welding the third layer of the second partition wall film to the first layer of the partition wall film in the portion of the first partition wall film where the first layer is exposed. In this embodiment, the strength of the partition wall film can be ensured by the second layer of the first partition wall film, which has a high melting point, and the fourth layer of the second partition wall film, which also has a high melting point. Meanwhile, the third layer of the second partition wall film and the first layer of the first partition wall film are welded together, which strengthens the bond between the second partition wall film and the first partition wall film.

[0162] The present disclosure may be realized in various forms other than a liquid storage container and a method for manufacturing a liquid storage container, such as a method for filling a used liquid storage container with liquid, a liquid filling device, a method for controlling a liquid filling device, a computer program for implementing these methods, a non-transitory recording medium on which the computer program is recorded, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0163] 117...liquid storage chamber, 118...communication hole, 119...communication hole, 120...communication passage, 121...liquid storage chamber, 200...liquid supply port, 300...liquid supply path, 322...communication hole, 323...communication hole, 324...communication hole, 325...differential pressure valve, 326...communication hole, 327...communication hole, 328...flow path portion, 400...atmosphere introduction path, 400b...atmosphere introduction path, 401...atmosphere open port, 402...communication hole, 403...bent flow path portion, 405...communication hole, 406...communication hole, 407...communication hole, 408...air chamber, 409...air chamber, 410...first region, 410o...circular opening, 41 1...first region, 411o...circular opening, 412...first region, 412o...circular opening, 413...first region, 413o...circular opening, 414...air chamber, 415...flow hole, 416...flow hole, 417...first region, 418...first region, 4C...trapping portion, 4C1...first region, 4C2...second region, 4C3...third region, 4C21...flow path portion, 4C22...flow path portion, 4C23...flow path portion, 4C24...flow path portion, 4CA...first unit, 4CB...second unit, 4CS...second trapping portion, 4H...barrier path portion, 4H1...path path portion of barrier path portion 4H, 4H2... Flow path portion of barrier ?oW path portion 4H, 700... suction device, 701... suction path, 701o... opening end, 710... vacuum pump, 720... ink trap, 730... pressure gauge, 800... ?lling device, 801... supply path, 810... ink tank, 820... plunger pump, 830... injection nozzle, 830t... truncated cone portion, 840... atmosphere opening portion, 900... housing, 910... lid, 1402... Wall portion, 1404... surrounding wall, 1406... Wall portion, 1408... surrounding wall, FLe... sealing ?lm, FLi... inner ?lm, FLp... partition ?lm, FLp1... ?rst partition Film, FLp2...second partition film, FLpO...hole, FLsp...supply port film, FLv...ventilation film, FLvO...hole, GM...rubber membrane, IC...liquid container, ICb...liquid container, L1...first layer, L2...second layer, L3...third layer, L4...fourth layer, Lb...label, MC...memory chip, PR...prism, SP2...coil spring, SP3...coil spring, SR...sealing rubber, V2...valve, V71...valve, V81...valve, V82...valve, V83...valve, VC...valve cover, WP1...welded part, WP2...welded part

Claims

1. A liquid container having a housing, a liquid storage chamber provided in the housing and configured to store a liquid; a liquid supply port that supplies the liquid in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid storage container, the liquid supply port being provided in the housing; a liquid supply path provided in the housing and connecting the liquid supply port and the liquid storage chamber; an air vent provided in the housing for introducing air into the liquid storage chamber; an atmosphere introduction path provided in the housing and connecting the atmosphere open port and the liquid storage chamber, One or more capture units that form part of the air introduction passage, a first region including one or more columnar spaces and allowing air introduced through the air opening to flow through the columnar spaces; a capture portion including a second region extending in a direction different from the first region and connected to the first region via an opening provided in a wall portion that constitutes a part of the liquid storage container; the second region includes a region defined by the wall portion in which the opening is provided, a peripheral wall protruding from the wall portion and surrounding the opening, and a partition film joined to an upper end of the peripheral wall and separating a space surrounded by the peripheral wall from the outside of the liquid storage container, the atmosphere introduction path is closed at a portion closer to the atmosphere opening than the capture portion by a breathable film made of a material that allows air to pass through but does not allow the liquid contained in the liquid storage chamber to pass through, the air introduction channel has a curved flow path portion between the capture portion and the breathable film, the curved flow path portion including a pair of flow path portions which have a smaller cross-sectional area than the front and rear flow path portions and which allow air to circulate in directions which are 180 degrees different from each other, A liquid storage container, wherein the atmosphere introduction path does not include the bent flow path portion between the capture portion and the liquid storage chamber.

2. A liquid storage container as described in claim 1, The liquid storage container, wherein the atmosphere opening port is sealed with a peelable sealing film that does not allow the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber to flow.

3. The liquid storage container according to any one of claims 1 and 2, the columnar space is a cylindrical space, The liquid container has a circular opening having a circular outer shape.

4. The liquid storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The liquid storage container, wherein the capture portion includes a plurality of the columnar spaces.

5. The liquid storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A liquid container including a plurality of the capture portions.

6. A liquid container having a housing, a liquid storage chamber provided in the housing and configured to store a liquid; a liquid supply port that supplies the liquid in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid storage container, the liquid supply port being provided in the housing; a liquid supply path provided in the housing and connecting the liquid supply port and the liquid storage chamber; an air vent provided in the housing for introducing air into the liquid storage chamber; an atmosphere introduction path provided in the housing and connecting the atmosphere open port and the liquid storage chamber, One or more capture units that form part of the air introduction passage, a first region including one or more columnar spaces and allowing air introduced through the air opening to flow through the columnar spaces; a capture portion including a second region extending in a direction different from the first region and connected to the first region via an opening provided in a wall portion that constitutes a part of the liquid storage container; the second region includes a region defined by the wall portion in which the opening is provided, a peripheral wall protruding from the wall portion and surrounding the opening, and a partition film joined to an upper end of the peripheral wall and separating a space surrounded by the peripheral wall from the outside of the liquid storage container, A liquid storage container, wherein the height of the peripheral wall is greater than the height of another wall portion that protrudes from the wall portion and is adjacent to the peripheral wall.

7. A liquid container having a housing, a liquid storage chamber provided in the housing and configured to store a liquid; a liquid supply port that supplies the liquid in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid storage container, the liquid supply port being provided in the housing; a liquid supply path provided in the housing and connecting the liquid supply port and the liquid storage chamber; an air vent provided in the housing for introducing air into the liquid storage chamber; an atmosphere introduction path provided in the housing and connecting the atmosphere open port and the liquid storage chamber, One or more capture units that form part of the air introduction passage, a first region including one or more columnar spaces and allowing air introduced through the air opening to flow through the columnar spaces; a capture portion including a second region extending in a direction different from the first region and connected to the first region via an opening provided in a wall portion that constitutes a part of the liquid storage container; the second region includes a region defined by the wall portion in which the opening is provided, a peripheral wall protruding from the wall portion and surrounding the opening, and a partition film joined to an upper end of the peripheral wall and separating a space surrounded by the peripheral wall from the outside of the liquid storage container, The first region includes the one or more columnar spaces, a first columnar space located closer to the atmosphere opening port than the second area in the atmosphere introduction path, and connected to the second area via a first opening serving as the opening; a second columnar space located closer to the liquid storage chamber than the second region in the air introduction path, and connected to the second region via a second opening serving as the opening, The peripheral wall is a first partial wall surrounding the first opening; a second partial wall surrounding the second opening; A liquid storage container, wherein a space enclosed by the second partial wall in the second region is larger than a space enclosed by the first partial wall.

8. The liquid storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A liquid container, wherein the wall portion has a predetermined distance between an outer periphery of the opening and a base of the peripheral wall.

9. The liquid storage container according to claim 8, A liquid storage container, wherein the predetermined distance is 0.6 mm or more.

10. The liquid storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The partition film is a first partition film joined to an upper end of the peripheral wall to separate a space surrounded by the peripheral wall from the outside of the liquid storage container, the first partition film having a hole; a second partition film sealing the hole in the first partition film.

11. A liquid container having a housing, a liquid storage chamber provided in the housing and configured to store a liquid; a liquid supply port that supplies the liquid in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid storage container, the liquid supply port being provided in the housing; a liquid supply path provided in the housing and connecting the liquid supply port and the liquid storage chamber; an air vent provided in the housing for introducing air into the liquid storage chamber; an atmosphere introduction path provided in the housing and connecting the atmosphere open port and the liquid storage chamber, One or more capture units that form part of the air introduction passage, a first region including one or more columnar spaces and allowing air introduced through the air opening to flow through the columnar spaces; a capture portion including a second region extending in a direction different from the first region and connected to the first region via an opening provided in a wall portion that constitutes a part of the liquid storage container; the second region includes a region defined by the wall portion in which the opening is provided, a peripheral wall protruding from the wall portion and surrounding the opening, and a partition film joined to an upper end of the peripheral wall and separating a space surrounded by the peripheral wall from the outside of the liquid storage container, The partition film is a first partition film joined to an upper end of the peripheral wall to separate a space surrounded by the peripheral wall from the outside of the liquid storage container, the first partition film having a hole; a second partition film sealing the hole in the first partition film, The first partition film is a first layer joined to an upper end of the peripheral wall; a second layer made of a material having a higher melting point than a material of the first layer and in contact with the second barrier film; The second barrier rib film is a third layer made of a material having a melting point lower than that of the second layer and in contact with the second layer; a fourth layer made of a material having a higher melting point than the material of the third layer; A liquid storage container, wherein the third layer of the second partition film is welded to the first layer of the first partition film in a portion of the first partition film where the second layer is not provided.

12. A liquid container having a housing, a liquid storage chamber provided in the housing and configured to store a liquid; a liquid supply port that supplies the liquid in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid storage container, the liquid supply port being provided in the housing; a liquid supply path provided in the housing and connecting the liquid supply port and the liquid storage chamber; an air vent provided in the housing for introducing air into the liquid storage chamber; an atmosphere introduction path provided in the housing and connecting the atmosphere open port and the liquid storage chamber, One or more capture units that form part of the air introduction passage, a first region including one or more columnar spaces and allowing air introduced through the air opening to flow through the columnar spaces; a capture portion including a second region extending in a direction different from the first region and connected to the first region via an opening provided in a wall portion that constitutes a part of the liquid storage container; the second region includes a region defined by the wall portion in which the opening is provided, a peripheral wall protruding from the wall portion and surrounding the opening, and a partition film joined to an upper end of the peripheral wall and separating a space surrounded by the peripheral wall from the outside of the liquid storage container, The liquid storage container has an atmosphere introduction path, which is partitioned at a portion closer to the atmosphere opening than the capture portion by a breathable film made of a material that allows air to pass through but does not allow the liquid contained in the liquid storage chamber to pass through, the breathable film having holes that allow the liquid contained in the liquid storage chamber to pass through.

13. A method for manufacturing a liquid storage container, The liquid storage container is The housing and a liquid storage chamber provided in the housing and configured to store a liquid; a liquid supply port that supplies the liquid in the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid storage container, the liquid supply port being provided in the housing; a liquid supply path provided in the housing and connecting the liquid supply port and the liquid storage chamber; A differential pressure valve provided in the liquid supply path, the liquid supply path is opened when a downstream pressure, which is the pressure in a flow path portion of the liquid supply path between the differential pressure valve and the liquid supply port, is smaller than an upstream pressure, which is the pressure in a flow path portion of the liquid supply path between the differential pressure valve and the liquid storage chamber, and when a difference between the downstream pressure and the upstream pressure is larger than a predetermined value; a differential pressure valve that blocks the liquid supply path when a difference between the downstream pressure and the upstream pressure is smaller than the predetermined value or when the downstream pressure is greater than the upstream pressure; an air vent provided in the housing for introducing air into the liquid storage chamber; an atmosphere introduction path provided in the housing and connecting the atmosphere open port and the liquid storage chamber, One or more receiving sections that form part of the atmosphere introduction passage, a first region including one or more cylindrical spaces and allowing air introduced through the air opening to flow through the cylindrical spaces; a receiving portion including a second region extending in a direction different from the first region and connected to the first region via a circular opening having a circular outer shape and provided in a wall portion constituting a part of the liquid storage container; the second region includes a region defined by the wall portion in which the circular opening is provided, a peripheral wall protruding from the wall portion and surrounding the circular opening, and a partition film joined to an upper end of the peripheral wall and separating a space surrounded by the peripheral wall from the outside of the liquid storage container, The method comprises: providing holes in the partition film; a step of inserting a nozzle having a truncated cone-shaped portion into the receiving portion through the hole and inserting the truncated cone-shaped portion into the circular opening, thereby sealing the outer periphery of the circular opening with the outer surface of the truncated cone-shaped portion; a step of discharging liquid from the nozzle and causing the liquid to flow into the liquid storage chamber through the circular opening; Retracting the nozzle to the outside of the receiving portion; and sealing the hole provided in the partition film, The step of sealing the holes formed in the partition film includes: sealing the hole in the partition film with a second partition film; The first partition wall film as the partition wall film before the holes are formed is a first layer joined to an upper end of the peripheral wall; a second layer made of a material having a higher melting point than the material of the first layer; The second barrier rib film is a third layer made of a material having a lower melting point than the material of the second layer; a fourth layer made of a material having a higher melting point than the material of the third layer; The step of sealing the hole with the second partition film includes: removing a portion of the second layer of the first barrier film until the first layer is exposed; welding the third layer of the second barrier film to the first layer of the first barrier film at a portion of the first barrier film where the first layer is exposed.

Images