Patent ID: 6827411
Filing Date: 2004-12-07
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A liquid container in which an ink to be supplied to a liquid ejection head for ejecting a liquid droplet is contained, comprising:a first chamber which is partially connected to atmosphere and in which an absorber for absorbing a liquid is contained; a second chamber which is closed from the outside and in which said liquid is contained; a connection path, disposed in the vicinity of a bottom portion of the container, for connecting said first chamber to said second chamber; a supply port which is disposed in said first chamber, and via which the liquid is supplied to said liquid ejection head; first monitor means, disposed in said first chamber, for monitoring a liquid amount of said first chamber, said first monitor means comprising a first solid semiconductor element which includes: at least pressure detection means for detecting a pressure fluctuation of the liquid; information communicating means for transmitting pressure information obtained by the pressure detection means; and energy converting means for converting an energy applied from the outside to an energy different from said applied energy to operate said pressure detection means and said information communicating means; and a flow rate adjustment apparatus, disposed in said connection path, for adjusting a flow rate of said connection path in accordance with information from the first monitor means, wherein said flow rate adjustment apparatus is a second solid semiconductor element comprising: at least receiving means for receiving the pressure information transmitted from said first monitor means; an open/close valve which operates in response to said received pressure information; and energy converting means for converting an energy applied from the outside to an energy different from said applied energy to operate said receiving means and said open/close valve.