JP2010076380A - Liquid container - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique which makes an ink cartridge interior communicate with the atmosphere when used, while preventing the ink cartridge interior from communicating with the atmosphere when packaged. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid container used by being attached to a liquid jet apparatus after taken out from a packaging member has a liquid supply part for supplying a liquid to the liquid jet apparatus, a liquid storage part which stores the liquid and is connected with an upstream of the liquid supply part, and a gas storage part which stores a gas and is connected with the upstream of the liquid storage part. With the liquid container packaged, the gas stored in the gas storage part is reduced to be lower than an atmospheric pressure. Moreover, a gas inside the packaging member and outside the gas storage part is reduced in pressure than the gas held in the gas storage part. The gas storage part has a contracting part which contracts the gas storage part upon receipt of the atmospheric pressure when the liquid container is taken out from the packaging member, and a communication hole forming part which forms a communication hole that makes the gas storage part and the atmosphere communicate with each other at the contraction time in the gas storage part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid container, and more particularly, to a liquid container used by being mounted on a liquid ejecting apparatus.

  As a liquid ejecting apparatus, for example, an ink jet printer is known. In an ink jet printer, ink is supplied from an ink cartridge. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ink cartridge having an ink supply unit that can be connected to an ink jet printer on the downstream side and an air opening for introducing air into the cartridge on the upstream side is known (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). 4). In such an ink cartridge, air is introduced into the cartridge through the air opening as the ink inside the cartridge is consumed.

JP 2003-300330 A JP 11-129492 A JP 2004-90624 A JP 2004-249707 A

  In such an air communication type ink cartridge, when used, the air opening is opened to allow the ink storage portion inside the cartridge to communicate with the air. On the other hand, it is preferable to close the atmosphere opening port by sealing it with a seal member or a valve at the time of transportation or sales before use, in order to avoid ink alteration.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a new technique for communicating the inside of an ink cartridge with the atmosphere at the time of use without communicating the inside of the ink cartridge with the atmosphere at the time of transportation or sales before use.

  The present invention can be realized as the following forms or application examples in order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems.

[Application Example 1] A liquid container that is packaged by a packaging member and used after being taken out of the packaging member and mounted on a liquid ejecting apparatus,
A liquid supply unit that is connected to the liquid ejecting apparatus when in use and supplies liquid to the liquid ejecting apparatus;
A liquid storage unit for storing the liquid and connected upstream of the liquid supply unit;
A gas containing portion that contains gas and is connected upstream of the liquid containing portion;
With
In the packaged state, the gas accommodated in the gas accommodating part is depressurized from atmospheric pressure, and the gas inside the packaging member and outside the gas accommodating part is the gas accommodating part. Is depressurized from the gas contained in the
The gas container is
When the liquid container is taken out from the packaging member, when the liquid container is moved from a reduced pressure to an atmospheric pressure, a contraction part that receives the atmospheric pressure and contracts the gas storage part;
A communication hole forming portion for forming a communication hole for communicating the gas storage portion and the atmosphere in the gas storage portion when the gas storage portion contracts;
Having a liquid container.

  According to the liquid container in Application Example 1, in the packaged state, the liquid container and the gas container are kept in a decompressed state, and when the liquid container is taken out from the package, an air communication hole is formed in the liquid container. Can do.

[Application Example 2] The liquid container according to Application Example 1,
The contraction portion constitutes an outer wall of the gas storage portion, and includes a film whose outer surface faces a space depressurized from the atmospheric pressure inside the packaging member in the packaged state,
The said film is a liquid container which has a diaphragm part which deform | transforms according to the pressure difference of the atmospheric | air pressure inside the said gas accommodating part, and the atmospheric pressure provided to the said outer surface.
If it carries out like this, a gas accommodating part can be shrunk easily by deformation | transformation of a diaphragm part.

[Application Example 3] The liquid container according to Application Example 2,
The communication hole forming part is
When the gas storage portion contracts, a needle body that moves relatively toward the outer wall of the gas storage portion and forms the communication hole in the outer wall of the gas storage portion;
Including a liquid container.
By so doing, the air communication hole can be easily formed by allowing the needle body to penetrate the film when the gas accommodating portion contracts.

[Application Example 4] The liquid container according to Application Example 3,
When the gas accommodating portion contracts, the diaphragm portion is deformed, whereby the first film moves toward the needle body, and the communication hole is formed in the first film. .
In this way, when the gas accommodating portion contracts, the needle body penetrates the first film, so that the air communication hole can be easily formed.

[Application Example 5] The liquid container according to Application Example 3 further includes:
Comprising a second film constituting the outer wall of the gas accommodating portion;
The needle body is fixed to the diaphragm portion,
When the gas accommodating portion contracts, the diaphragm portion is deformed, whereby the needle body moves toward the second film, and the communication hole is formed in the second film. .
If it carries out like this, when a gas accommodating part shrink | contracts, an air | atmosphere communicating hole can be easily formed because a needle body penetrates a 2nd film.

[Application Example 6] The liquid container according to any one of Application Examples 2 to 5,
A liquid container comprising a contact suppressing portion that suppresses contact between the diaphragm portion and the packaging member.
By so doing, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconvenience due to contact between the packaging member and the diaphragm portion, for example, the tearing of the diaphragm portion in the package.

[Application Example 7] The liquid container according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 6,
The gas container includes a backflow suppressing unit that suppresses the liquid from flowing backward from the liquid container to the gas container.
If it carries out like this, the malfunction which a liquid flows backward from a liquid accommodating part to a gas accommodating part can be prevented.

[Application Example 8] The liquid container according to Application Example 7,
The said backflow suppression part is a liquid container which is a trap chamber which traps the said backflowed liquid.
If it carries out like this, the malfunction which a liquid flows backward from a liquid accommodating part to a gas accommodating part can be suppressed by trapping a liquid in a trap chamber.

[Application Example 9] The liquid container according to Application Example 7,
The said backflow suppression part is a liquid container which is a gas-liquid separation film which permeate | transmits gas but does not permeate | transmit a liquid.
If it carries out like this, the malfunction which a liquid flows backward from a liquid accommodating part to a gas accommodating part by a gas-liquid separation membrane can be suppressed.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples with reference to the drawings.
A. First embodiment:
-Printer and ink cartridge configuration:
The configuration of the printer in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the ink cartridge is attached to the print head unit.

  The printing system includes a printer 1000 and a computer 2000. The printer 1000 is connected to the computer 2000 via the connector CN.

  The printer 1000 includes a sub-scan feed mechanism, a main scan feed mechanism, a head drive mechanism, and a main control unit 2 for controlling each mechanism. The sub-scan feed mechanism includes a paper feed motor 3 and a platen 4, and conveys the paper P in the sub-scan direction by transmitting the rotation of the paper feed motor to the platen. The main scanning feed mechanism includes a carriage motor 5, a pulley 7, a driving belt 8 stretched between the carriage motor 5 and the pulley 7, a sliding shaft 9 provided in parallel with the axis of the platen 4, It has. The sliding shaft 9 slidably holds the carriage 6 fixed to the drive belt 8. The rotation of the carriage motor 5 is transmitted to the carriage 6 via the drive belt 8, and the carriage 6 reciprocates in the axial direction (main scanning direction) of the platen 4 along the sliding shaft 9. The head drive mechanism includes a print head unit 60 mounted on the carriage 6 and drives the print head to eject ink onto the paper P. As will be described later, a holder (not shown in FIG. 1) is disposed above the print head unit 60, and a plurality of ink cartridges can be detachably mounted. The printer 1000 further includes an operation unit for the user to make various printer settings and check the printer status, but a detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the print head unit 60 includes a print head 61 and a holder 62 disposed on the upper surface of the print head 61. The holder 62 is configured so that a plurality of ink cartridges 1 can be mounted. The holder 62 has a recess 64 for fixing the ink cartridge 1. An ink supply needle is disposed on the upper surface of the print head 61. When the ink cartridge 1 is mounted on the holder 62, the ink supply needle is inserted into an ink supply unit (described later) of the ink cartridge 1, and the ink stored in the ink cartridge 1 passes through the ink supply needle to the print head 61. Supplied.

  FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the ink cartridge. As shown in FIG. 3, the ink cartridge 1 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and includes a Z-axis positive direction surface 1a, a Z-axis negative direction side surface 1b, an X-axis positive direction surface 1c, and an X-axis. It has a negative-side surface 1d, a Y-axis positive direction surface 1e, and a Y-axis negative direction surface 1f. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the surface 1a is also referred to as the top surface, the surface 1b as the bottom surface, the surface 1c as the right side surface, the surface 1d as the left side surface, the surface 1e as the front surface, and the surface 1f as the back surface. An ink supply unit 50 is provided on the left side of the bottom surface of the ink cartridge 1. When the ink cartridge 1 is mounted on the holder 62, the ink supply needle described above is inserted into the ink supply unit 50.

  Furthermore, the ink cartridge 1 at the time of transportation before use or at the time of sale will be described. Below, in order to avoid complexity and to facilitate understanding, description will be made using a simplified diagram in which details are omitted. FIG. 4 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 1 during transportation and sales. At the time of transportation and sales, the ink cartridge 1 is airtightly packaged in the packaging member PC. The gas in the space inside the packaging member PC, that is, the space between the packaging member PC and the outer wall of the ink cartridge 1, is decompressed to 0.7 atm. Since the atmospheric pressure in the space outside the packaging member PC is naturally atmospheric pressure (1 atm), the packaging member PC is pressed against the outer wall of the ink cartridge 1 by the atmospheric pressure.

  The ink cartridge 1 includes a container main body 110 and a film 120. The container body 110 is made of a material having rigidity, for example, a resin material such as plastic having rigidity. Inside the ink cartridge 1, an ink storage chamber RM1 and a gas storage chamber RM2 are formed. The ink storage chamber RM1 is formed in the container body 110 and stores the ink IK. The ink storage chamber RM1 is located on the upstream side of the ink supply unit 50 and communicates with the ink supply hole 51 formed in the ink supply unit 50. The gas storage chamber RM2 is located on the upstream side of the ink storage chamber RM1. The ink storage chamber RM1 and the gas storage chamber RM2 are communicated with each other by a communication unit 140. A gas (for example, air) AR is accommodated in the gas storage chamber RM2. The gas AR stored in the gas storage chamber RM2 is higher than the atmospheric pressure (0.7 atmospheric pressure as described above) in the space inside the packaging member PC and lower than the atmospheric pressure (1 atmospheric pressure). Is retained. In the present embodiment, the gas AR stored in the gas storage chamber RM2 is set to 0.8 atm. A part of the outer wall of the gas storage chamber RM <b> 2 is formed by the film 120, and the other part is formed in the container main body 110. The inner surface of the film 120 receives the pressure of the gas AR stored in the gas storage chamber RM2 (0.8 atm in this embodiment). The outer surface of the film 120 is subjected to gas pressure (0.7 atm in this embodiment) in the space between the packaging member PC and the outer wall of the ink cartridge 1.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the film 120. The film 120 has an edge portion 121 and a diaphragm portion 122. The diaphragm portion 122 is made of, for example, a flexible film-like material, such as rubber, elastomer, or flexible resin, and pressure applied to one surface and pressure applied to the other surface. Deformed by the difference between FIG. 5 shows a state in which the pressure applied to the right side surface is higher than the pressure applied to the left side surface, and the diaphragm portion 122 is deformed so as to protrude with a bulge on the left side. In a state where the pressure applied to the right side is lower than the pressure applied to the left side, the diaphragm 122 deforms so as to protrude with a bulge on the right, contrary to FIG. The edge 121 is provided around the diaphragm 122. The edge portion 121 is airtightly attached to the other outer wall of the gas storage chamber RM2, so that the film 120 forms a part of the outer wall of the gas storage chamber RM2.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the description will be continued. The ink cartridge 1 has a protruding outer wall 111 protruding outward from the outer surface of the film 120. The protruding outer wall 111 forms a space RM3 so that the outer surface of the diaphragm portion 122 does not come into contact with the packaging member PC when the diaphragm portion 122 of the film 120 protrudes with a bulge on the outside of the ink cartridge 1. Yes. Since the space RM3 is a part of the space between the packaging member PC and the outer wall of the ink cartridge 1, the pressure of the gas in the space RM3 is 0.7 atm as described above. In a state where the ink cartridge 1 is packaged in the packaging member PC, the diaphragm portion 122 of the film 120 has a higher pressure applied to the inner surface (gas storage chamber RM2 side) than the pressure applied to the outer surface (space RM3 side). It protrudes with a bulge (Fig. 4). As can be understood from the above description, the protruding outer wall 111 in the present embodiment corresponds to the contact suppressing portion in the claims.

  A needle-like portion 130 is formed on the outer wall of the gas storage chamber RM2 facing the film 120. The needle-like portion 130 protrudes toward the film 120 at the tip. When the diaphragm part 122 of the film 120 protrudes with a bulge on the outer surface side, the needle-like part 130 does not touch the diaphragm part 122 and the diaphragm part 122 protrudes with a bulge on the inner surface side. When in this state, it has a length enough to pierce the diaphragm portion 122.

・ Ink cartridge manufacturing process and usage process:
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the steps of manufacturing and using the ink cartridge. FIG. 7 is a view showing the packaging member PC and the ink cartridge 1 before packaging. First, an empty ink cartridge 1 is prepared (step S10). And packaging member PC is prepared (step S20). The packaging member PC is formed of an airtight sheet that does not allow air to pass therethrough, and is configured to be airtight except for an opening for carrying the ink cartridge 1 (FIG. 7).

  Ink is injected into the prepared ink cartridge 1 under atmospheric pressure (step S30). Although details of ink injection are omitted, it is possible to inject ink from the ink supply unit 50 by providing a hole communicating with the atmosphere upstream of the ink storage chamber RM1. The hole communicating with the atmosphere after the ink is injected is hermetically sealed by, for example, heat welding a film or a resin.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the ink cartridge 1. FIG. 8A shows the ink cartridge 1 into which ink has been injected under atmospheric pressure. In this state, the air in the space RM3 communicates with the atmosphere, so the air in the space RM3 is at atmospheric pressure (1 atm). Further, since the ink is injected under atmospheric pressure, the gas in the gas storage chamber RM2 is also atmospheric pressure (1 atm). In this state, since the pressure in the space RM3 and the pressure in the gas storage chamber RM2 are the same, the force acting from the outside and the force acting from the inside are balanced against the film 120. As a result, the diaphragm portion 122 of the film 120 is not inflated inward or outward in FIG. 8A.

  When ink is injected under atmospheric pressure, it is packed (packed) by the packaging member PC under reduced pressure (step S40). For example, the ink cartridge 1 is carried into the packaging member PC in the vacuumed chamber (FIG. 7), and then the opening of the packaging member PC is hermetically sealed. When the ink cartridge 1 is packaged, the ink cartridge 1 is taken out from the reduced pressure to the atmosphere (step S50).

  FIG. 8B shows the ink cartridge 1 immediately after being packaged and taken out from the reduced pressure to the atmosphere. In this state, the space RM3 is reduced to 0.5 atm. On the other hand, the gas in the gas accommodating chamber RM2 that is airtight is at atmospheric pressure as after ink injection. In this state, since the pressure in the gas storage chamber RM2 is higher than the pressure in the space RM3, the force acting on the film 120 from the gas storage chamber RM2 side as shown by the arrow in FIG. It becomes stronger than the force working from the side. As a result, the diaphragm portion 122 of the film 120 protrudes with a bulge on the outer surface side as shown in FIG. 8B. In the state shown in FIG. 8B, the manufacturing process of the ink cartridge 1 is completed. Thereafter, the ink cartridge 1 is transported and sold, and reaches the user's hand.

  FIG. 9 shows the relationship between the elapsed time immediately after the end of the manufacturing process of the ink cartridge 1, that is, immediately after being packaged and taken out from the reduced pressure to the atmosphere, and the pressure of the gas inside the gas storage chamber RM2 and the space RM3. It is a graph to show. Although the container main body 110 and the film 120 constituting the ink cartridge 1 are formed of an airtight resin or the like, it is difficult to make the gas storage chamber RM2 completely airtight. As a result of the test, part of the gas in the gas storage chamber RM2 leaks into the space (including the space RM3) between the packaging member PC and the outer wall of the ink cartridge 1 with the passage of time. As a result, the atmospheric pressure in the space RM3 increases with time. Further, the atmospheric pressure in the gas storage chamber RM2 decreases with time. It is known that the pressure in the gas storage chamber RM2 and the pressure in the space RM3 are substantially constant after about 2 to 3 weeks have passed. In the present embodiment, the atmospheric pressure in the gas storage chamber RM2 is 0.8 atmospheric pressure, and the atmospheric pressure in the space RM3 is 0.7 atmospheric pressure, which is substantially constant. That is, after about 2 to 3 weeks have elapsed from the end of the manufacturing process, the packaged ink cartridge 1 is almost stabilized in the state shown in FIG. Usually, since at least about 2 to 3 weeks have passed before the packaged ink cartridge 1 reaches the user's hand, the user obtains the ink cartridge 1 in the state shown in FIG. .

  Returning to FIG. 6, the use process of the ink cartridge 1 by the user will be described. The user opens the packaging member PC of the ink cartridge 1 obtained in the packaged state, and takes out the ink cartridge 1 from the packaging member PC under atmospheric pressure (step S60).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a phenomenon that occurs when the ink cartridge 1 is moved from the packaging member PC to the atmospheric pressure. When the ink cartridge 1 is moved from the state packaged in the packaging member PC (FIG. 10A: same as FIG. 4) to the atmospheric pressure, the space RM3 communicates with the atmosphere. It becomes atmospheric pressure (FIG. 10B). On the other hand, the atmospheric pressure in the gas storage chamber RM2 remains 0.8 atmospheric pressure. Then, the pressure received on the outer surface (space RM3 side) is higher than the pressure received on the inner surface (gas storage chamber RM2 side) of the diaphragm portion 122 of the film 120, and the diaphragm portion 122 protrudes with a bulge on the outer surface side. From there, it tries to transition to a protruding state with a bulge inside. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10B, the diaphragm portion 122 moves from the outside to the inside of the ink cartridge 1 and pierces the tip of the needle-like portion 130. Then, as shown in FIG. 10C, the diaphragm portion 122 is formed with an atmosphere opening hole HL that allows the gas storage chamber RM2 to communicate with the atmosphere.

  As a result, the air can be introduced into the gas storage chamber RM2 and the ink storage chamber RM1 of the ink cartridge 1 from the atmosphere opening hole HL as the ink is consumed, and can be used by being attached to the printer 1000. become. Thereafter, the user uses the ink cartridge 1 by attaching it to the printer 1000 (step S70).

  According to the ink cartridge 1 described above, in a state where the ink cartridge 1 is packaged in the packaging member PC, the gas storage chamber RM2 and the ink storage chamber RM1 are kept airtight, and moisture is released from the ink inside. It is possible to suppress.

  In addition, since the air opening hole is not provided in advance as in the prior art, the gas storage chamber RM2 and the ink storage chamber RM1 can be reliably kept airtight when the ink cartridge 1 is packaged in the packaging member PC. .

  Further, when the user opens the packaging member PC and takes out the ink cartridge 1, the atmosphere opening hole HL is formed only by that, and the ink cartridge 1 can be used. This eliminates the need for the user to remove the sealing member such as a film and open the air opening hole as in the prior art, improving convenience. The user will not forget to remove the seal member.

  Further, the number of parts and the manufacturing cost can be reduced as compared with a conventional ink cartridge having an air release valve. Further, since the atmosphere release valve is not disposed, it is not necessary to provide a structure for opening the valve when the ink cartridge is mounted on the printer side. Therefore, it is possible to reduce not only the number of parts and manufacturing cost of the ink cartridge, but also the number of parts and manufacturing cost of the printer.

  Further, immediately after the ink cartridge 1 is taken out from the packaging member PC, the atmosphere opening hole HL is formed, so that a sufficient time is taken until the inside of the ink cartridge 1 communicates with the atmosphere until it is attached to the printer 1000. be able to. As a result, the negative pressure inside the ink cartridge 1 is sufficiently released. As a result, when the ink cartridge 1 is attached to the printer 1000, it is possible to suppress a problem that ink is sucked from the print head unit 60 via the ink supply needle of the print head unit 60 of the printer 1000.

B. Second embodiment:
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the ink cartridge 1A in the second embodiment. Unlike the ink cartridge 1 in the first embodiment, the ink cartridge 1A in the second embodiment has a needle-like member 130A fixed inside the diaphragm portion 122 of the film 120 that forms the outer wall of the gas storage chamber RM2. Further, in the ink cartridge 1A in the second embodiment, a portion of the outer wall of the gas storage chamber RM2 that faces the film 120 is formed by the fixed film 150A. Unlike the film 120, the fixed film 150A does not have a diaphragm portion. Other configurations are the same as those of the ink cartridge 1 in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

  When the ink cartridge 1A is moved from the packaging member PC to atmospheric pressure, as shown in FIG. 11B, the film 120 protrudes with a bulge on the outer surface side as in the first embodiment. From there, it tries to transition to a protruding state with a bulge inside. As a result, the needle-like member 130A fixed to the film 120 moves toward the fixed film 150A, breaks through the fixed film 150A, and forms the air opening hole HL.

  As can be understood from the above description, the ink cartridge 1A in the second embodiment also provides the same operations and effects as those in the first embodiment.

C. Third embodiment:
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the ink cartridge 1B in the third embodiment. The container main body 110B of the ink cartridge 1B in the third embodiment includes a gas-liquid separation chamber RM4 in addition to the ink storage chamber RM1 and the gas storage chamber RM2 formed in the container main body 110 of the ink cartridge 1 in the first embodiment. And an ink trap chamber RM5.

  The gas-liquid separation chamber RM4 is formed on the downstream side of the gas storage chamber RM2, and communicates with the gas storage chamber RM2 via the communication portion 180B. A gas-liquid separation membrane 190B is disposed between the upstream side and the downstream side of the gas-liquid separation chamber RM4. The gas-liquid separation membrane 190B is a membrane that allows gas permeation and does not allow liquid permeation.

  The ink trap chamber RM5 is formed on the downstream side of the gas-liquid separation chamber RM4 and on the upstream side of the ink storage chamber RM1. The ink trap chamber RM5 and the gas-liquid separation chamber RM4 are communicated with each other by a communication unit 170B. The ink trap chamber RM5 and the ink storage chamber RM1 communicate with each other through a narrow communication channel 160B. The ink trap chamber RM5 has a role of storing the ink IK that has flowed backward through the communication channel 160B so that it does not flow further upstream.

  As can be understood from the above description, the gas-liquid separation chamber RM4 and the ink trap chamber RM5 both serve as a backflow suppression unit that suppresses the backflow of the ink IK stored in the ink storage chamber RM1 into the gas storage chamber RM2. Function.

  The other configuration of the ink cartridge 1B in the third embodiment is the same as that of the ink cartridge 1 in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

  The ink cartridge 1B according to the third embodiment described above also exhibits the same operations and effects as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, since the ink cartridge 1B in the third embodiment includes the gas-liquid separation chamber RM4 and the ink trap chamber RM5 as a backflow suppression unit that suppresses the backflow of the ink IK to the gas storage chamber RM2, for example, the ink IK includes the ink IK. Leakage from the air opening hole HL formed in the gas storage chamber RM2 can be suppressed.

D. Variation:
・ First modification:
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the ink cartridge according to the first modification. In the ink cartridge 1 in the first modified example, a backup ring 300 is attached to the outer surface of the film 120 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. The backup ring 300 is a member having a hole 301 in the center, and is formed of, for example, a resin having relatively rigidity. The hole 301 of the backup ring 300 is disposed at a position corresponding to the air opening hole HL to be formed by the needle-like portion 130. By providing the backup ring 300, the deformation of the film 120 according to the pressure is stabilized, and the position and size of the atmosphere opening hole HL can be stabilized.

・ Second modification:
In each of the above embodiments, when the ink cartridge is removed from the packaging member, the diaphragm portion 122 of the film 120 that forms a part of the outer wall of the gas storage chamber RM2 is deformed by receiving atmospheric pressure. Due to the deformation of the diaphragm portion 122, the gas storage chamber RM2 is contracted, and when the contraction occurs, an air opening hole HL is formed. Not limited to this, it is possible to take various modes for contracting the gas storage chamber RM2 when the pressure applied to the outer wall of the gas storage chamber RM2 rises from the reduced pressure to the atmospheric pressure. Moreover, in each said Example, when shrinkage | contraction of gas accommodation chamber RM2 arises, although air | atmosphere open hole HL is formed with the needle | hook in the film which forms the outer wall of gas accommodation chamber RM2, it is not restricted to this. For example, the air opening hole HL may be formed using a plate-like blade member instead of the needle.

・ Third modification:
In each of the above embodiments, the various flow paths, the storage chambers, and the communication holes of the ink cartridge have been described. However, these configurations are described as conceptual diagrams using simplified diagrams, and are actually more complicated. You may have a flow-path structure.

-Fourth modification:
In the first embodiment, ink is injected into the ink cartridge 1 under atmospheric pressure. Alternatively, the ink may be injected while the inside of the ink cartridge 1 is decompressed. In such a case, before the film 120 is attached, air is sucked from a portion sealed by the film 120 and the inside of the ink cartridge 1 is decompressed, and the ink is injected. The film 120 may be attached to the container body 110 of the ink cartridge 1.

-5th modification:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the ink jet printer and the ink cartridge used for the ink jet printer have been described. The present invention can be applied to various liquid consumption devices including a liquid ejecting head that discharges a minute amount of liquid droplets. In addition, a droplet means the state of the liquid discharged from the said liquid ejecting apparatus, and shall also include what pulls a tail in granular shape, tear shape, and thread shape. Moreover, the liquid here may be a material that can be ejected by the liquid consuming apparatus. For example, it may be in the state when the substance is in a liquid phase, and may be in a liquid state with high or low viscosity, sol, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals (metal melts) ) And a liquid as one state of the substance, as well as particles in which functional material particles made of solid materials such as pigments and metal particles are dissolved, dispersed or mixed in a solvent. In addition, typical examples of the liquid include ink and liquid crystal as described in the above embodiments. Here, the ink includes general water-based inks and oil-based inks, and various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot-melt inks. As a specific example of the liquid consuming device, for example, a liquid containing a material such as an electrode material or a color material used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, an EL (electroluminescence) display, a surface emitting display, a color filter, or the like in a dispersed or dissolved form. It may be a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting, a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting a bio-organic material used for biochip manufacturing, a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting a liquid as a sample used as a precision pipette, a textile printing apparatus, a microdispenser, or the like. In addition, transparent resin liquids such as UV curable resin to form liquid injection devices that pinpoint lubricant oil onto precision machines such as watches and cameras, and micro hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication elements. A liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid onto a substrate, or a supply system for a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects an etching solution such as acid or alkali to etch the substrate or the like may be employed. And this invention is applicable to the liquid container used for any one type of these injection apparatuses.

-6th modification:
In the above description, the “atmospheric pressure” has been described on the assumption of the standard atmospheric pressure (1 atm), but the atmospheric pressure may vary. In the present invention, the “atmospheric pressure” means the atmospheric pressure existing outside the packaging member, and the gas contained in the gas accommodating portion in a state where the liquid container is packaged by the packaging member. What value should be set for the pressure and the pressure of the gas between the packaging member and the liquid container is appropriately set in consideration of the environment in which the liquid container may be used. Just do it. In other words, if it is necessary to circulate the liquid container in an area where the altitude is considerably high, the gas stored in the gas storage unit is considered in consideration of the possibility that the “atmospheric pressure” will be lowered to about 0.8. And the pressure of the gas between the packaging member and the liquid container may be set to a value lower than 0.8.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on the Example and the modification, Embodiment mentioned above is for making an understanding of this invention easy, and does not limit this invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and equivalents thereof are included in the present invention.

It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the printing system in 1st Example. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state where an ink cartridge is attached to a print head unit. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of an ink cartridge. FIG. 3 is a simplified cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge during transportation and sales. The schematic perspective view which shows the structure of a film. 5 is a flowchart showing steps of a manufacturing process and a use process of an ink cartridge. The figure which shows packaging member PC and ink cartridge before packaging. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an ink cartridge manufacturing process. The graph which shows the relationship between the elapsed time from immediately after completion | finish of the manufacturing process of an ink cartridge, ie, just after being packaged and taken out from the pressure reduction to the atmosphere, and the gas pressure in a gas storage chamber and space. The figure explaining the phenomenon which arises when an ink cartridge is moved to atmospheric pressure from the inside of a packaging member. The figure explaining the structure of the ink cartridge in 2nd Example. The figure explaining the structure of the ink cartridge in 3rd Example. The figure explaining the structure of the ink cartridge in a 1st modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A, 1B ... Ink cartridge 2 ... Main control part 3 ... Motor 4 ... Platen 5 ... Carriage motor 6 ... Carriage 7 ... Pulley 8 ... Drive belt 9 ... Sliding shaft 50 ... Ink supply part 51 ... Ink supply hole 60 ... Print head unit 61 ... Print head 62 ... Holder 64 ... Recess 110, 110B ... Container body 111 ... Projecting outer wall 120 ... Film 121 ... Edge 122 ... Diaphragm part 130, 130A ... Needle-like part 140, 170B, 180B ... Communication part 150A ... fixed film 160B ... communication flow path 170B ... communication hole 180B ... communication part 190B ... gas-liquid separation membrane 300 ... backup ring 1000 ... printer 2000 ... computer P ... paper PC ... packaging member IK ... ink HL ... atmospheric release hole CN ... connector RM1 ... Ink storage chamber RM2 ... Gas storage RM3 ... space RM4 ... the gas-liquid separation chamber RM5 ... ink trap chamber

Claims (9)

A liquid container that is packaged by a packaging member and used after being taken out of the packaging member and mounted on a liquid ejecting apparatus,
A liquid supply unit that is connected to the liquid ejecting apparatus when in use and supplies liquid to the liquid ejecting apparatus;
A liquid storage unit for storing the liquid and connected upstream of the liquid supply unit;
A gas containing portion that contains gas and is connected upstream of the liquid containing portion;
With
In the packaged state, the gas accommodated in the gas accommodating part is depressurized from atmospheric pressure, and the gas inside the packaging member and outside the gas accommodating part is the gas accommodating part. Is depressurized from the gas contained in the
The gas container is
When the liquid container is taken out from the packaging member, when the liquid container is moved from a reduced pressure to an atmospheric pressure, a contraction part that receives the atmospheric pressure and contracts the gas storage part;
A communication hole forming portion for forming a communication hole for communicating the gas storage portion and the atmosphere in the gas storage portion when the gas storage portion contracts;
Having a liquid container. The liquid container according to claim 1,
The contraction portion constitutes an outer wall of the gas storage portion, and includes a first film whose outer surface faces a space decompressed from an atmospheric pressure inside the packaging member in the packaged state,
The first film is a liquid container having a diaphragm portion that deforms in accordance with a pressure difference between an atmospheric pressure inside the gas accommodating portion and an atmospheric pressure applied to the outer surface. The liquid container according to claim 2,
The communication hole forming part is
When the gas storage portion contracts, a needle body that moves relatively toward the outer wall of the gas storage portion and forms the communication hole in the outer wall of the gas storage portion;
Including a liquid container. The liquid container according to claim 3,
When the gas accommodating portion contracts, the diaphragm portion is deformed, whereby the first film moves toward the needle body, and the communication hole is formed in the first film. . The liquid container according to claim 3 further includes:
Comprising a second film constituting the outer wall of the gas accommodating portion;
The needle body is fixed to the diaphragm portion,
When the gas accommodating portion contracts, the diaphragm portion is deformed, whereby the needle body moves toward the second film, and the communication hole is formed in the second film. . The liquid container according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
A liquid container comprising a contact suppressing portion that suppresses contact between the diaphragm portion and the packaging member. A liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The gas container includes a backflow suppressing unit that suppresses the liquid from flowing backward from the liquid container to the gas container. The liquid container according to claim 7,
The said backflow suppression part is a liquid container which is a trap chamber which traps the said backflowed liquid. The liquid container according to claim 7,
The said backflow suppression part is a liquid container which is a gas-liquid separation film which permeate | transmits gas but does not permeate | transmit a liquid.

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