Liquid storage container

A liquid storage container supplies ink to a printer which consumes the ink, and includes a liquid storage body which includes a liquid lead-out port communicating with the printer and a filler port formed to pour the liquid to the liquid storage container, an auxiliary holding member which is mounted to be slidable to a side in which the filler port is formed, and a memory unit holding member which is detachably configured to the auxiliary holding member and includes a memory unit.

Priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Application No. 2012-192657 filed on Aug. 31, 2012 and, No. 2012-248728 filed on Nov. 12, 2012 which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a liquid storage container which stores liquid to be supplied to a liquid consumption apparatus.

2. Related Art

In the related art, as a type of liquid consumption apparatus, an ink jet type printer is known which ejects ink (liquid) from a liquid ejecting head to a target such as paper and thus, performs printing (recording). Moreover, in the printer, if a relatively large amount of ink is consumed while the printing is performed, in order to supply the ink to the liquid ejecting head continuously and stably, a configuration which supplies ink from a liquid storage container having a relatively large ink storage capacity to the liquid ejecting head is known (for example, JP-A-2012-51307 and JP-A-2008-254395).

In this printer, the liquid storage container is separately provided to the printer and is detachably disposed to a side surface or the like of the printer. Moreover, when the ink is poured into the liquid storage container, the liquid storage container is removed from the side surface of the printer so as to expose a filler port of the ink, and thus, pouring of the ink is possible. Alternatively, the separate liquid storage container (ink reservoir) is accommodated in the printer in a state where the liquid storage container is disposed in a storage case provided in a leg portion of the printer. Moreover, when the ink is poured into the liquid storage container, the liquid storage container is drawn out from the storage case and is moved to a place where an pouring operation of the ink is easily performed, and the pouring operation of the ink is performed.

However, in the printers having the configurations disclosed in JP-A-2012-51307, JP-A-2008-254395, or the like, since a user moves the liquid storage container during the pouring of the ink, the liquid storage container may fall or drop while the user moves the liquid storage container. Accordingly, there is a concern that the liquid storage container may be damaged or the ink remaining in the liquid storage container may be spilled.

Moreover, the above-described problems become common in the liquid storage container which stores the liquid to be supplied to the liquid consumption apparatus consuming the liquid, and includes a liquid storage body separately formed from the liquid consumption apparatus, and in which a filler port for pouring the liquid is provided in the liquid storage body.

SUMMARY

An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide a liquid storage container that can suppress damage during an pouring operation of liquid or spill of the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a liquid storage container which stores liquid to be supplied to a liquid consumption apparatus consuming the liquid, and includes a liquid storage body separately formed from the liquid consumption apparatus, and in which a filler port for pouring the liquid is provided in the liquid storage body. The liquid storage body is fixed to be unmovable to the liquid consumption apparatus, and includes a first portion which is positioned outside the liquid consumption apparatus and a second portion which is positioned inside the liquid consumption apparatus in a state where the liquid storage body is fixed to the liquid consumption apparatus. In addition, the filler port is formed in the first portion.

According to this configuration, in the liquid storage container, since the filler port is formed in the first portion which is positioned outside the liquid consumption apparatus in the liquid storage body, the ink can be poured in the state where the liquid storage body is fixed to the liquid consumption apparatus. Accordingly, damage during an pouring operation of the liquid or spill of the liquid remaining inside the liquid storage body can be suppressed.

In the liquid storage container, the liquid storage container may further include an auxiliary holding member which is slidable to the liquid storage body and includes a moving portion which moves between inside the liquid consumption apparatus and outside the liquid consumption apparatus according to the sliding, and the auxiliary holding member may include a memory unit holding member, which can mount a memory unit recording relevant information related to the liquid poured into the liquid storage body, in the moving portion.

According to this configuration, in the liquid storage container, the memory unit, which records the relevant information of the liquid poured into the liquid storage body fixed to be unmovable, can move from outside the liquid consumption apparatus to inside the liquid consumption apparatus using the auxiliary holding member which slides on the liquid storage body. Accordingly, when the memory unit moves into the liquid consumption apparatus, for example, if the circuit substrate including the memory unit is designed to contact the electric terminal or the like provided in the liquid consumption apparatus, the relevant information of the ink poured into the liquid storage body can be correctly transferred to the liquid consumption apparatus.

In the liquid storage container, the filler port may be provided in an upper surface which becomes the antigravity direction in the liquid storage body fixed to the liquid consumption apparatus, and the auxiliary holding member may be provided in a state where the auxiliary holding member covers the filler port.

According to this configuration, since the filler port is covered by the auxiliary holding member, entering of foreign substances into the filler port can be suppressed without a separated cover for the filler port.

In the liquid storage container, the auxiliary holding member provided in a state where the auxiliary holding member covers the filler port may include an open-close cover which can be displaced between a closed cover position at which the filler port is covered and an opened cover position at which the filler port is exposed.

According to this configuration, even if the auxiliary holding member does not slide in the state where the auxiliary holding member covers the filler port, the filler port can be covered or exposed by the displacement of the open-close cover.

In the liquid storage container, the liquid storage body may have a shape which has a direction from the first portion toward the second portion as a longitudinal direction. In addition, the open-close cover may be rotatably and pivotally supported to the auxiliary holding member to have an axis extending along a short direction of the liquid storage body as a rotation center at a position approaching the second portion side from the filler port in a state where the open-close cover covers the filler port, may be rotated to fall toward the second portion side after a side of the open-close cover opposite to the pivotally supported side gets up, and may be displaced from the closed cover position to the opened cover position.

According to this configuration, in the state where the open-close cover is displaced from the closed cover position to the opened cover position, the open-close cover is positioned at the second portion side with respect to the filler port, that is, the liquid consumption apparatus side. Accordingly, the open-close cover does not hinder the pouring of the liquid to the filler port.

In the liquid storage container, the auxiliary holding member may include an engagement portion which positions the open-close cover at the closed cover position by engagement with the open-close cover, generates a rotation load to the open-close cover, and suppresses displacement of the open-close cover from the closed cover position to the opened cover position.

According to this configuration, since the open-close cover can be stably maintained at the closed cover position, careless opening of the open-close cover and exposure of the filler port can be suppressed.

In the liquid storage container, the memory unit holding member may include a positioning shape portion which positions the memory unit holding member in a direction intersecting a movement direction of the moving portion of the auxiliary holding member in the liquid consumption apparatus when the moving portion of the auxiliary holding member moves into the liquid consumption apparatus.

According to this configuration, since the memory unit holding member is positioned in the direction intersecting the movement direction of the moving portion in the liquid consumption apparatus, the memory unit placed on the memory unit holding member is also accurately positioned in the liquid consumption apparatus. Accordingly, since the electrical terminal included in the liquid consumption apparatus contacts the memory unit in the state where the positional displacement is suppressed, the transfer of the relevant information recorded in the memory unit to the liquid consumption apparatus is performed with high probability.

In the liquid storage container, the memory unit holding member may be inserted into the auxiliary holding member from a direction orthogonal to a sliding direction of the auxiliary holding member with respect to the liquid storage body and may be included in the auxiliary holding member, and a circuit substrate in which the memory unit is provided may be placed in the memory unit holding member in a state where the circuit substrate is inclined in the sliding direction of the auxiliary holding member.

According to this configuration, since the movement of the memory unit holding member in the sliding direction of the auxiliary holding member is suppressed, the memory unit holding member is accurately positioned in the sliding direction of the auxiliary holding member in the liquid consumption apparatus. Moreover, since the circuit substrate, which includes the memory unit placed on the memory unit holding member, is inclined in the sliding direction of the auxiliary holding member, for example, the electric terminal included in the liquid consumption apparatus moves while rubbing the memory unit and is electrically connected to the memory unit. Accordingly, reliability of electrical conduction is increased.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a liquid storage container which supplies liquid to a liquid consumption apparatus, including: a liquid storage body which includes a liquid lead-out port communicating with the liquid consumption apparatus and a filler port formed to pour the liquid to the liquid storage container; an auxiliary holding member which is mounted to be slidable to a side in which the filler port is formed; and a memory unit holding member which is detachably configured to the auxiliary holding member and includes a memory unit.

According to this configuration, in the liquid storage container, the memory unit can move to inside the liquid consumption apparatus using the auxiliary holding member which slides with respect to the liquid storage body. Accordingly, in the state where the liquid storage body is mounted to the liquid consumption apparatus, the memory unit related to (the poured ink or the like) the liquid storage body can be attached and detached to be readable in the liquid consumption apparatus, only the memory unit can be removed and exchanged during the pouring of the ink, or the like, and thus, operability related to the ink pouring can be improved.

In the liquid storage container, the liquid storage body may include a first portion which is positioned outside the liquid consumption apparatus and a second portion which is positioned inside the liquid consumption apparatus in a state where the liquid storage body is mounted to the liquid consumption apparatus.

According to this configuration, when the ink is poured, it is not necessary to move the liquid storage body, and thus, operability can be improved.

In the liquid storage container, the filler port may be formed in the first portion, and the auxiliary holding member may cover the filler port.

According to this configuration, the liquid filler port is formed at the portion which is positioned outside the liquid consumption apparatus, many filler ports are configured by a portion of the auxiliary holding member, and thus, the mounting of the memory unit and covering of the filler port can be performed by a simple configuration.

In the liquid storage container, the memory unit may be positioned in a mounting direction side of the liquid storage container and the filler port may be positioned at a side opposite to the memory unit in a state where the liquid storage container is mounted to the liquid consumption apparatus and the liquid consumption apparatus and the memory unit are electrically connected to each other.

According to this configuration, since the liquid filler port and the memory unit are disposed at the positions separated from each other, occurrence of short circuit or the like due to attachment of the liquid such as ink to the terminal or the like of the memory unit during the pouring of the ink can be suppressed.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of a liquid storage container and an ink jet type printer (hereinafter, also referred to as a “printer”) which is an example of a liquid consumption apparatus which consumes liquid supplied from the liquid storage container will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown inFIG. 1, a printer11of the present embodiment includes leg portions13to which wheels12are mounted to the lower ends and an apparatus main body14which is assembled on the leg portions13and has an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. Moreover, in the embodiment, a direction along the gravity direction is set to an up-down direction Z, and a longitudinal direction of the apparatus main body14which intersects (is orthogonal in the embodiment) the up-down direction Z is set to a left-right direction X. In addition, a direction which intersects (is orthogonal in the embodiment) both of the up-down direction Z and the left-right direction X is set to a front-rear direction Y.

As shown inFIG. 1, a feeding portion15which protrudes upward is provided in a rear portion of the apparatus main body14. Rolled paper R, in which paper S which is a long medium is cylindrically wound, is charged in the feeding portion15. In a housing portion16which configures the exterior of the apparatus main body14, an insertion port17for introducing the paper S fed from the feeding portion15into the housing portion16is formed at a position which is a front side of the feeding portion15.

Meanwhile, a discharging port18for discharging the paper S outside the housing portion16is formed on a front surface side of the apparatus main body14. Moreover, a medium transportation mechanism (not shown), which transports the paper S fed from the feeding portion15from the insertion port17side to the discharging port18side, is accommodated in the housing portion16. In addition, a medium receiving unit19, which receives the paper S discharged from the discharging port18, is provided at a position below the discharging port18in the front surface side of the apparatus main body14.

Moreover, in an upper portion of the apparatus main body14, an operation panel20for performing a set operation or an input operation is provided in one end side (a right end side inFIG. 1) which becomes an outer side of a transport path of the paper S in the left-right direction X. In addition, in a lower portion of the apparatus main body14, a liquid storage container21capable of storing ink which is an example of the liquid is fixed to the one end side (the right end side inFIG. 1) which becomes an outer side of the transport path of the paper S in the left-right direction X.

A plurality (four in the embodiment) of the liquid storage containers21are provided corresponding to kinds or colors of the ink. Moreover, the plurality of liquid storage containers21are disposed to be arranged in the left-right direction X, and thus, a liquid storage unit22is configured. In other words, the direction in which the plurality of liquid storage containers21are arranged may be the X direction. In addition, the liquid storage unit22includes a portion which is exposed to the front side (outer side) of the apparatus main body14in a state where each liquid storage container21is fixed to the apparatus main body14. Moreover, the liquid storage unit22is covered by an arm member23in which both sides in the left-right direction X and the lower side in the up-down direction Z of the exposed portion are fixed to the apparatus main body14side and which has an approximate U shaped cross-section.

Moreover, a carriage25, on which a liquid ejecting head24is mounted, is accommodated in the housing portion16in a state where the carriage can reciprocate in the left-right direction X which is a main scanning direction. In addition, a liquid supply mechanism (not shown) for supplying the ink stored in the liquid storage container21toward the liquid ejecting head24is accommodated in the housing portion16. Moreover, recording (printing) is performed by ejecting ink droplets from the liquid ejecting head24with respect to the paper S transported by the medium transportation mechanism, and the ink in the liquid storage container21is consumed due to the ejecting of the ink droplets.

Next, a mounting portion31which mounts the liquid storage container21to the apparatus main body14in a fixed state, and the liquid storage container21which is fixed to the apparatus main body14via the mounting portion31will be described. Moreover, in order to avoid complication, inFIG. 2, only one supply portion32which is a portion of the liquid supply mechanism which supplies the ink from each liquid storage container21to the liquid ejecting head24side is shown, and a state before the liquid storage container21corresponding to the one supply portion32shown inFIG. 2is mounted on the mounting portion31as shown by two-dot chain lines and a white arrow is shown. In addition, inFIG. 3, a state where a liquid storage body33and a slider34which is an example of a sub-holding member are separated from each other is shown, and the liquid storage body and the slider configure the liquid storage container21.

As shown inFIG. 2, the mounting portion31, which includes an upper frame35and a lower frame36which are disposed with a predetermined gap in vertical direction (the up-down direction Z), is provided in the printer11. Moreover, the supply portion32which is a portion of the liquid supply mechanism is mounted on the mounting portion31so as to correspond to each liquid storage container21. In addition, inFIG. 2, a state where a portion of the upper frame35is cut and removed in the left-right direction X is shown.

The liquid storage container21is fixed so as to be unmovable to the printer11in a state where one end side (right end side inFIG. 2) in the longitudinal direction of the liquid storage container is positioned in the mounting portion31. Moreover, in the state where the liquid storage container21is fixed to the printer11, the ink stored in the liquid storage container21is supplied to the liquid ejecting head24side by the supply portion32which is mounted so as to correspond to one end side of each liquid storage container21in the mounting portion31. Therefore, in the embodiment, the state where the liquid storage container21is mounted on the mounting portion31of the printer11and is fixed so as to be unmovable to the printer11becomes a posture during use of the liquid storage container21. In addition, the fixed state means a state in which a user cannot remove the liquid storage container21from the printer11, and for example, there is a state where the liquid storage container21is screwed to the printer11or a state where the ink is supplied from the liquid storage container21to the printer11and the printer11is during performing the printing.

Then, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the liquid storage container21of the embodiment includes the liquid storage body33which stores the ink, and the slider34which is disposed to be overlapped with the upper side becomes the antigravity direction in the vertical direction with respect to the liquid storage body33.

In the liquid storage body33, a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the apparatus main body14in the approximately horizontal direction becomes a longitudinal direction (front-rear direction Y), and the liquid storage body has a rectangular parallelepiped shape of an approximately L shape in a side view which has a constant width in a short direction (left-right direction X) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction in the approximately horizontal direction. That is, the liquid storage body33includes a first storage body portion37in which the side shape when viewed from the short direction (left-right direction X) presents an approximately square shape, and a second storage body portion38in which the side shape presents an approximately square shape which is long in the front-rear direction Y at the rear side of the first storage body portion37and in which an outlet52described below is formed. Moreover, on an upper surface39of the liquid storage body33, flat surface portions41and42, which continuously extend in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction Y) without a step, are formed on both ends in the short direction. That is, height of an upper surface (may be also referred to as an upper portion or a top face) among the plurality of surfaces which configure the first storage body portion37, and height of an upper surface (may be also referred to as an upper portion or a top face) among the plurality of surfaces which configure the second storage body portion38are the same as each other in the height direction (vertical direction). The slider34can slide along the flat surface portions41and42. On the other hand, a lower surface40of the liquid storage body33has a shape presenting a step surface in which the first storage body portion37is lower than the second storage body portion38in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction Y). That is, a lower surface (lower portion) among the plurality of surfaces which configure the first storage body portion37is positioned at a lower position in the height direction (vertical direction) than a lower surface (lower portion) among the plurality of surfaces which configure the second storage body portion38. Moreover, volume of the first storage body portion37is larger than volume of the second storage body portion38. Moreover, also in an embodiment in which the slider34is not used, as described in the following reasons, the height of the upper surface (may be also referred to as upper portion or top face) among the plurality of surfaces which configure the first storage body portion37, and the height of the upper surface (may be also referred to as upper portion or top face) among the plurality of surfaces which configure the second storage body portion38may be or may not be the same as each other in the height direction (vertical direction). However, it is preferable that the height of the upper surface of the first storage body portion37from the upper surface of the second storage body portion38be lower than the height of the lower surface of the second storage body portion38from the lower surface of the first storage body portion37.

Moreover, in the embodiment, the first storage body portion37is configured of at least a first surface (may be also referred to as a first side surface or a first side portion) in the mounting direction side (insertion direction side) of the liquid storage container21and a second surface (may be also referred to as a second side surface or a second side portion) opposite to the first surface. However, a fixed portion37a(refer toFIGS. 13,14,20A, and20B) provided on the first surface is screwed to a fixing portion (not shown), which is provided on the apparatus main body14side, using a screw37b(refer toFIGS. 20A and 20B), and thus, the liquid storage container21is fixed so as to be unmovable to the printer11. Moreover, in the embodiment, in a state where the liquid storage body33fixed by the screw is mounted to the printer11, at least a portion of the second storage body portion38becomes a second portion (may be also referred to as a portion which is mounted or inserted to the printer11or the apparatus main body14) which is positioned in the apparatus main body14of the printer11, and a portion other than the second portion in the second storage body portion38and the first storage body portion37are positioned outside the apparatus main body14of the printer11and become a first portion which is exposed to the front side of the apparatus main body14. Moreover, the first surface, which is a surface in the mounting direction of the first storage body portion37, may be also referred to as the surface of the second storage body portion38side among the surfaces which configure the first storage body portion37.

In addition, as described above, since the lower surface of the first storage body portion37is positioned at the lower position in the height direction than the lower surface of the second storage body portion38, the lower surface (lower portion) of at least a portion of the first portion is positioned at the lower position than the lower surface (lower portion) of the second portion.

Moreover, as described above, since the volume of the first storage body portion37is larger than the volume of the second storage body portion38, the volume of the first portion is larger than the volume of the second portion.

In addition, as described above, since the outlet52is formed in the second storage body portion38, the outlet52is formed in the second portion.

Moreover, as described above, since the height of the upper surface among the plurality of surfaces which configure the first storage body portion37, and the height of the upper surface among the plurality of surfaces which configure the second storage body portion38are the same as each other in the height direction (vertical direction), the upper surface among the plurality of surfaces which configure the first portion and the upper surface among the plurality of surfaces which configure the second portion are the same as each other in the height direction (vertical direction).

In addition, as described above, when the mounting direction in which the liquid storage body33is mounted in the mounting portion31is set to the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction Y), since the liquid storage body33has a rectangular parallelepiped shape of an approximately L shape in a side view which has a constant width in the short direction (left-right direction X) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction in the approximately horizontal direction, the length in the short direction of the first portion and the length in the short direction of the second portion are the same as each other.

In addition, the second storage body portion38includes a connection portion43in the rear end side which becomes a side opposite to the first storage body portion37side in the longitudinal direction, and the connection portion43is separately formed from a housing member (storage body case130shown inFIG. 13) configuring the liquid storage body33and is mounted to be relatively movable with respect to the second storage body portion38. The connection portion43includes an ink channel which introduces the ink stored in the liquid storage body33to an ink supply needle44which is included in the supply portion32mounted on the mounting portion31side, and a transfer mechanism which transfers presence or absence of the ink in the liquid storage body33to an ink remaining amount detection rod45which is included in the supply portion32.

Here, with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, a configuration of the connection portion43, in which the ink channel and the transfer mechanism are formed, will be described. Moreover, inFIGS. 4 and 5, components related to the supply needle44and the remaining amount detection rod45among the components of the supply portion32are shown, and other components are appropriately omitted.

As shownFIGS. 4 and 5, the connection portion43included in the second storage body portion38has an approximately box shaped housing having a bottom, one side of the connection portion is opened, and a bottom wall portion of the connection portion configures an end surface46of the supply portion32side in the second storage body portion38of the liquid storage body33. Moreover, in the end surface46of the connection portion43, a needle insertion hole47through which the supply needle44of the supply portion32is inserted is formed, and a rod insertion hole48through which the remaining amount detection rod45is inserted is formed at a position adjacent to the needle insertion hole47. In addition, a protrusion portion49having an approximately columnar shaped surface is formed on the lower surface side of the connection portion43.

A mounted member50, which has a predetermined thickness in the direction in which the supply needle44is inserted into the needle insertion hole47and is formed in an approximately flat plate shape, is provided in the housing of the connection portion43. In the mounted member50, an approximately cylindrical outlet52to which the supply needle44is inserted via the needle insertion hole47and an approximately cylindrical liquid chamber53are formed on end surface51of one side which becomes the supply portion32side in the thickness direction of the mounted member. Moreover, as shown in a thick solid-line arrow inFIG. 5, in the mounted member50, an outlet channel55which communicates the liquid chamber53and the outlet52is formed through. In addition, the mounted member50is mounted to be swung to the liquid storage body33.

Since the supply needle44is inserted into the outlet52via the needle insertion hole47, an open-close valve59, which is configured of a spring56, a valve member57and a packing58which suppress the ink supplied from the liquid storage body33side from flowing out, is built in the outlet52. Moreover, in order to prevent the flowing out of the ink before the supply needle44is inserted, a seal60which covers the opening of the outlet52is provided to be welded.

In addition, a flexible film61is welded to the liquid chamber53to cover the opening of the liquid chamber53. Accordingly, in the liquid chamber53, the film61is deformed and the volume of the chamber is changed according to pressure change of the inner portion of the chamber. Moreover, a spring62, which biases the film61toward the outside of the liquid chamber53, is provided in the liquid chamber53. In addition, a pressure receiving plate63, which transfers the biasing force of the spring62to the film61, is inserted between the spring62and the film61.

Moreover, a moving member64is mounted on the outer surface of the liquid chamber53in the mounted member50. The moving member64is configured so as to rotate about a predetermined rotation fulcrum which extends in a horizontal direction (left-right direction X) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction Y) of the liquid storage body33, and the moving member64contacts the film61, which configures a portion of the inner surface of the liquid chamber53, from the outside of the liquid chamber53.

On the other hand, in an end surface50aof the other side in the thickness direction of the mounted member50, an approximately cylindrical inlet65is formed to protrude in the thickness direction of the mounted member50. Moreover, an approximately cylindrical lead-out port (lead-out port portion)69to which the inlet65is inserted is provided to correspond to the inlet65in the liquid storage body33(second storage body portion38) side. The inlet65is inserted into the lead-out port69, and thus, the inner portion of the liquid storage body33(second storage body portion38) and the liquid chamber53communicate with each other. In addition, a packing70which suppresses the ink stored in the liquid storage body33from being leaked and flowed out is built in the lead-out port69, and a seal71which covers the opening of the lead-out port69is provided to be welded so that the ink is not flowed out from the liquid storage body33before the inlet65is inserted into the liquid storage body33(second storage body portion38).

In addition, for example, the mounted member50is biased to the mounting portion31side in the connection portion43by a compression spring72inserted between the mounted member50and the liquid storage body33(second storage body portion38) so as to stabilize the insertion of the supply needle44to the outlet52or the contacting of the remaining amount detection rod45to the moving member64.

Here, the transfer mechanism will be described with reference toFIG. 5.

As shown inFIG. 5, in the connection portion43, the film61of the liquid chamber53is configured to be pushed to increase volume of the liquid chamber53via the pressure receiving plate63by the spring62. Accordingly, the ink in the liquid storage body33flows into the liquid chamber53through the inlet65according to the increase of the volume of the liquid chamber53. Meanwhile, the ink is sucked from the outlet52to the supply needle44by the supply portion32, and thus, the ink in the liquid chamber53flows out through the outlet channel55from the liquid chamber53. At this time, in the embodiment, since an inner diameter of the outlet channel55is set so as to be larger than an inner diameter of the inlet65, the outflow of the ink from the liquid chamber53is smaller than the inflow of the ink to the liquid chamber53, and thus, the pressure inside the liquid chamber53becomes negative pressure. Accordingly, the film61is deformed to be drawn into the liquid chamber53against the biasing force of the spring62. Moreover,FIG. 5shows the state where the film61is drawn into the liquid chamber53.

The ink in the liquid storage body33flows into the liquid chamber53through the inlet65, and thus, the negative pressure generated in the liquid chamber53is gradually cancelled. Accordingly, the film61is pushed to the outside of the liquid chamber53by the force of the spring62again, and the volume of the liquid chamber53is restored. Therefore, after the supply of the ink to the liquid ejecting head24in the supply portion32stops and a predetermined time elapses, the state is returned to an original state before the supply of the ink to the liquid ejecting head24starts. Moreover, if the ink is supplied from the supply portion32to the liquid ejecting head24side again, the pressure inside the liquid chamber53becomes negative pressure, and thus, the film61is drawn into the inner side of the liquid chamber53. Meanwhile, if the ink in the liquid storage body33is consumed and is not present, the ink does not flow into the liquid chamber53even if the pressure inside the liquid chamber53is negative pressure. That is, after the supply of the ink by the supply portion32stops and a predetermined time elapses, the negative pressure in the liquid chamber53is not cancelled, and thus, the state where the film61is drawn into the liquid chamber53is maintained.

A spring (not shown) which biases to press the remaining amount detection rod45to the moving member64is mounted on the remaining amount detection rod45. Moreover, the other end45bopposite to the one end45acontacting the moving member64in the remaining amount detection rod45becomes a detection object portion configured of a concave sensor68. The sensor68is a transmissive photosensor, and a light receiving portion and a light emitting portion (both portions are not shown) are provided to be opposite to each other. Presence or absence of the ink in the liquid storage body33is detected by detection signals output from the sensor68.

That is, if the ink in the liquid storage body33is not present, since the ink does not flow into the liquid chamber53from inside the liquid storage body33, the state where the film61is deformed in the direction in which the volume of the liquid chamber53is decreased is maintained. Accordingly, the moving member64is pressed by the one end45aof the remaining amount detection rod45which is biased by a spring (not shown), the moving member64is rotated about the rotation fulcrum, the remaining amount detection rod45moves the liquid storage body33side, and thus, the other end45bof the remaining amount detection rod45is inserted between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor68. Accordingly, based on the fact that the light is maintained to a block state, the sensor68detects that the ink in the liquid storage body33is not present.

As shown inFIG. 3, a filler port (filler port portion)73which pours the ink into the liquid storage body33is provided on the upper surface39of the liquid storage body33in the first portion which is positioned outside the printer11in the liquid storage body33. More specifically, the filler port73is formed at a position closer to the second surface than the above-described first surface in the first portion. In the embodiment, the first storage body portion37corresponds to the first portion, and the filler port73is provided in the first storage body portion37. Moreover, the filler port73positioned outside the printer11is configured to be covered by the slider34so as not to be exposed except during the pouring of the ink.

That is, the slider34has an approximately rectangular shape having a longitudinal direction and is formed in an outer shape which is approximately overlapped with the upper surface39of the liquid storage body33. Moreover, when the slider34is disposed in a state where one end side of the slider is inserted into the mounting portion31and the slider is approximately overlapped with the upper surface39of the liquid storage body33, the upper portion of the filler port73of the ink provided in the liquid storage body33is configured to be covered by an open-close cover74capable being opened and closed. Specifically, the open-close cover74, which is displaced between the position covering the filler port73and the position opening the filler port73, is provided in the end in the longitudinal direction of the slider34. Moreover, in descriptions below, unless otherwise mentioned, an “insertion direction” indicates the “insertion direction” of the slider34with respect to the mounting portion31.

In the embodiment, the open-close cover74is rotatably and pivotally supported to the slider34so that an axis extending in the short direction of the liquid storage body33is a rotational center at the position which is positioned at the second storage body portion38(second portion) side from the filler port73in the state where the open-close cover74covers the filler port73. Accordingly, as shown in two-dot chain lines inFIG. 3, if the filler port73is opened, a user lifts the open-close cover74which is the front side in the longitudinal direction of the slider34and can rotate the open-close cover by approximately 180° toward the printer11side which is the second storage body portion38side.

As a result, the open-close cover74is rotated from the covered state of the filler port73shown by solid lines inFIG. 3to the opened state of the filler port73shown by two-dot chain lines inFIG. 3, and thus, the open-close cover can be displaced so as to be positioned at the rear side with respect to the filler port73. Moreover, in the embodiment, the filler port73is positioned near the end of the front side in the first storage body portion37of the liquid storage body33, and thus, the length of the open-close cover74in the front-rear direction Y required to cover the filler port73is configured so as not to be long.

In addition, in an end34aof the slider34of the inner side in the insertion direction to the mounting portion31, a holder76, which is an example of a memory unit holding member capable of placing a circuit substrate75, is provided so as to be mounted on the slider34, and the circuit substrate75mounts a memory recorded with relevant information related to the ink poured from the filler port73to the liquid storage body33. Moreover, when the slider34is inserted into the mounting portion31in the state where the slider34is overlapped with the upper surface39of the liquid storage body33, the circuit substrate75mounted on the holder76can engage with the communication portion77provided in the mounting portion31side of the printer11. Due to the engagement between the circuit substrate75and the communication portion77, a contact portion which is included in a terminal formed in the circuit substrate75placed on the holder76contacts and is electrically connected to an electric terminal78included in the communication portion77. As a result, the relevant information recorded in the memory mounted in the circuit substrate75is transferred to the printer11side.

Moreover, in the printer11of the embodiment, if the slider34is inserted into the mounting portion31of the printer11in the state where the slider34is overlapped with the upper surface39of the liquid storage body33, the slider34is positioned in the printer11along with the connection portion43by a pair of plate springs79mounted on the mounting portion31.

That is, as shown inFIG. 2, the plate springs79have an inclined shape in which the gap between the plate springs is narrowed in the insertion direction to the upper frame35and the lower frame36in the vertical direction, and the plate springs79are fixed by screws. Moreover, the plate spring79of the upper frame35abuts a protrusion portion80which is provided in the circuit substrate holder76included in the slider34in a state where the plate spring79is biased to the protrusion portion80, and the plate spring79of the lower frame36abuts a protrusion portion49(refer toFIG. 5) which is provided in the connection portion43in a state where the plate spring79is biased to the protrusion portion49. As a result, the slider34(circuit substrate holder76) and the connection portion43is positioned by the pair of plate springs79in the up-down direction Z.

Moreover, the slider34and the second storage body portion38of the liquid storage body33, which are inserted in the state of being overlapped with the liquid storage body33, are positioned in the mounting portion31. That is, as shown inFIG. 2, a guide groove (not shown) is provided on the lower surface of the upper frame35of the mounting portion31, and a convex portion82which extends along the longitudinal direction on the upper surface side of the slider34is in sliding contact with the guide groove and is inserted into the guide groove. Moreover, a guide groove84is provided on the upper surface of the lower frame36of the mounting portion31, and a convex portion83(refer toFIGS. 5 and 23), which extends along the longitudinal direction in the lower surface side of the liquid storage body33, engages with the guide groove84. Accordingly, the slider34and the second storage body portion38are positioned in the short directions respectively due to the engagement between the convex portion and the guide groove. As a result, the slider34(and the circuit substrate holder76mounted on the slider34) and the connection portion43included in the second storage body portion38are positioned in the short direction respectively. That is, in a state where the liquid storage container21is mounted to the printer11(mounting portion31) (in a state where the ink is supplied from the liquid storage container21to the printer11), the circuit substrate75and the circuit substrate holder76are positioned at the second portion.

Then, in the liquid storage container21of the embodiment, the circuit substrate holder76and the open-close cover74included in the slider34are detachably mounted to the slider34. Moreover, in the state where the circuit substrate holder76and the open-close cover74are mounted to the slider34, the slider34is configured to slide to the upper surface39of the liquid storage body33. In other words, in the state where the liquid storage body33is fixed to the printer11, the slider34is configured to be inserted into and extracted from the mounting portion31.

Moreover, with reference toFIGS. 6A and 6B, the configuration of the slider34will be described in detail.

As shown inFIG. 6A, a holder mounting portion86is formed in the slider34, and the holder mounting portion86includes an approximately U shaped opening85in which the inner side in the insertion direction is cut out in the end34aof the inner side in the insertion direction to the mounting portion31. Accordingly, the holder mounting portion86is positioned at the second position in the state where the liquid storage container21to which the slider34is mounted is mounted to the printer11. The circuit substrate holder76can be inserted into and extracted from the opening85in the direction which intersects the insertion direction of the slider34, that is, the sliding direction. In the embodiment, a collar shaped portion87provided on the upper side in the circuit substrate holder76is inserted and mounted to the opening85from the above, which is the side opposite to the liquid storage body33in the slider34, so as to abut an approximately C shape of upper surface88which forms the opening85of the holder mounting portion86. Moreover, the circuit substrate holder76is extracted from the holder mounting portion86to the above and is removed from the slider34.

Meanwhile, a rotation axis89is formed in the end34bof the front side in the insertion direction to the mounting portion31in the slider34, bearing portions90formed in the open-close cover74are fitted to the rotation axis89, and thus, the open-close cover74is mounted to be rotated (to be swung) to the slider34.

In this way, in the state where the slider34of the embodiment, to which the circuit substrate holder76and the open-close cover74are mounted, is overlapped with the liquid storage body33, the slider34can slide along the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction Y) of the liquid storage body33while abutting both end in the width direction which is the short direction (left-right direction X) of the liquid storage body33on the upper surface39of the liquid storage body33.

Specifically, as shown inFIG. 6B, linear rib shaped side walls91and92are formed respectively on the lower surface side of the slider34overlapped with the upper surface39of the liquid storage body33, and the side walls extend in the longitudinal direction in both ends in the width direction which intersects the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, linear flat surface portions41and42are formed on both side ends in the width direction which intersects the longitudinal direction on the upper surface39of the liquid storage body33, and the flat surface portions are abutment surfaces which abut the side walls91and92respectively and extend along the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the side walls91and92formed on the slider34can move(slide) along the longitudinal direction while abutting the flat surface portions41and42, which are formed on the upper surface39of the liquid storage body33, respectively.

That is, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of convex portions93which are adjacent on the inner side with respect to the flat surface portions41and42are formed along the longitudinal direction on the upper surface39of the liquid storage body33. Therefore, the movement in the width direction (left-right direction X) of the slider34is regulated by a plurality of convex portions93, and thus, the slider34stably moves (slides) along the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction Y) with respect to the liquid storage body33.

Then, in the printer11of the embodiment, a slide knob94provided to be slidable in the vertical direction is provided on the upper side of the liquid storage container21fixed to the printer11in the state where at least a portion of the second storage body portion38is positioned in the mounting portion31. The slide knob94provided in the printer11is displaced from the upper side to the lower side, and thus, the slide knob94engages with a concave portion95provided on the upper surface of the slider34, and the movement (sliding) of the slider34in the direction extracted from the mounting portion31along the longitudinal direction is regulated. Therefore, if a user moves the slide knob94from the lower side to the upper side, the engagement between the slide knob94and the concave portion95is released, and the slider34can be extracted from the mounting portion31. Moreover, in this state, the user slides the slider34with respect to the liquid storage body33, and the slider34can be inserted into and extracted from the mounting portion31. In addition, in the embodiment, a finger hooking portion96which protrudes along the short direction is formed on the upper surface side of the slider34, and due to the finger hooking portion96, the user easily inserts and extracts the slider34.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, the circuit substrate75placed on the circuit substrate holder76is placed so as to be replaceable. This configuration will be described with reference toFIGS. 7A and 7B. Moreover,FIGS. 7A and 7Bshow a state where the circuit substrate holder76is removed from the slider34.

As shown inFIG. 7A, the circuit substrate holder76is configured of a plurality of walls. A concave portion97is provided in the circuit substrate holder76, and in the concave portion97, both of the inner side and the upper side in the insertion direction of the slider34are opened with respect the mounting portion31in the state where the circuit substrate holder is assembled to the slider34, and an inclined surface98descending toward the insertion direction is provided in the concave portion97. A plate shaped rib100in which the insertion direction with respect to the mounting portion31is the longitudinal direction is formed on the upper end side of the inclined surface98while a columnar boss99is formed on the lower end side of the inclined surface98. All or any one of the inclined surface98, the columnar boss99, and the rib100are referred to as a support portion.

On the other hand, in the embodiment, the circuit substrate75placed on the circuit substrate holder76has an approximately rectangular shape, and a plurality of (here, nine) terminals (including the contact portion75b)75ain which the insertion directions are the longitudinal directions are provided on the surface of the circuit substrate75. Moreover, in the circuit substrate75, a round hole101is formed at one end which becomes the front and rear in the insertion direction of the plurality of terminals (including the contact portion75b)75a, and a slit102is formed at the other end. In addition, the boss99provided in the circuit substrate holder76is inserted into the round hole101formed on the circuit substrate75, and according to this insertion, the rib100provided in the circuit substrate holder76is inserted into the slit102provided in the circuit substrate75. Accordingly, the circuit substrate75is placed in the state where the circuit substrate is inclined in the horizontal direction on the inclined surface98of the circuit substrate holder76. Moreover, even if the circuit substrate holder76is disposed on the plane with any posture (arbitrary posture), the circuit substrate75is supported by the circuit substrate holder76so that the walls further protrude in the gravity direction than the circuit substrate75. An identification seal104(identification label) which indentifies the placed circuit substrate75is attached to at least a portion of an upper surface103of the circuit substrate holder76of the embodiment. The color of the identification seal104is the same as either the color of the liquid stored in the liquid storage container21corresponding to the circuit substrate holder76or the color of the liquid stored in a liquid pouring source126described below.

As shown inFIG. 7B, in the state where the circuit substrate75is placed on the circuit substrate holder76, the rotation of the circuit substrate75about the boss99in the inclined surface98is regulated by the rib100. Moreover, slight gaps are provided between the round hole101and the boss99and between the slit102and the rib100respectively, and thus, the placed circuit substrate75can be removed from the circuit substrate holder76.

Moreover, groove shaped portions107are provided in the circuit substrate holder76, and inFIGS. 7A and 7B, only one groove shaped portion107is shown. The groove shaped portions107extend in the insertion direction on the side walls105formed respectively on both sides in the left-right direction X intersecting the insertion direction with respect to the mounting portion31in the concave portion97, and chamfered portions106are formed on the insertion direction side ends of the groove shaped portions176. Moreover, the protrusion portion80, which abuts the plate spring79provided on the upper frame35, is formed on the upper surface103of the circuit substrate holder76.

Next, the configuration of the open-close cover74will be described with reference toFIGS. 8A to 8C. In the embodiment, the open-close cover74is detachably mounted to slider34, a load is applied to the rotation about the rotation axis89in the closed cover position of the filler port73, and thus, the rotation is suppressed.

As shown inFIG. 8A, the open-close cover74includes two bearing portions90which engage with the axial ends108of both sides of the rotation axis89provided in the slider34and have an approximately semi cylindrical shape, and an abutment portion109which abuts an approximately center portion in the axial direction of the rotation axis89from the direction opposite to the bearing portions90. A hook portion110, which includes two plate shaped portions having flexibility which is formed to protrude from the inner surface (rear surface74a) side opposite to the filler port73in the open-close cover74and has an approximately J shape when viewed in the short direction, is provided, and the abutment portion109is provided at the tip of the hook shape. Moreover, when two bearing portions90engage with the axial ends108of the rotation axis89, after the abutment portion109is displaced according to bending displacement of the hook portion110due to the rotation axis89, the abutment portion is engaged to approximately abut the rotation axis89by recovering of the bending displacement in the state where the bearing portions90engage with the axial ends108of the rotation axis89. Accordingly, the open-close cover74is configured to be rotatably and pivotally supported to the rotation axis89.

Moreover, extension portions111, which extend in the longitudinal direction in the side walls91and92of the both sides in the short direction, are provided in the slider34respectively. Grooves112are formed along the vertical direction in the extension portions111. Meanwhile, in cover side walls91aand92awhich configure a portion of the side walls91and92of the slider34in the open-close cover74, convex portions113capable of locking the grooves112are formed at positions corresponding to grooves112in the state where the open-close cover74mounted to the liquid storage body33covers the filler port73.

That is, as shownFIGS. 8B and 8C, the open-close cover74is incorporated to the slider34in the state where the bearing portions90and the abutment portion109are engaged with the rotation axis89of the slider34. When the incorporated open-close cover74is at a closed cover position which covers the filler port73, the convex portions113formed on the cover side walls91aand92aoverlap with the grooves112when viewed in the short direction and are engaged to enter the grooves112. Accordingly, as shown in two-dot chain lines inFIG. 8B, when the open-close cover74is rotated about the rotation axis89and is displaced to the opened cover position of the filler port73, a rotation load is generated with respect to the open-close cover74. Due to the above-described matters, the grooves112of the slider34engage with the open-close cover74, and serves as an example of the engagement portion which suppresses the displacement from the closed cover position to the open cover position.

Next, a peripheral configuration of the filler port73in the liquid storage container21will be described.

As shown inFIG. 9A, a liquid receiving surface116is formed at the front side portion on the upper surface39of the liquid storage body33, and the liquid receiving surface116is an example of the liquid receiving portion which extends in the directions intersecting the up-down direction Z. The liquid receiving surface116has an approximately rectangular shape in a plan view, and the width size of the liquid receiving surface in the left-right direction X is slightly smaller than the width size in the left-right direction X of the liquid storage body33.

In addition, peripheral walls117are formed on the upper surface39of the liquid storage body33and protrude in the up direction (antigravity direction) intersecting the liquid receiving surface116so as to surround the periphery of the liquid receiving surface116. Moreover, a cut out groove118which is further recessed downward than other portions of the peripheral walls117is formed on the front side wall portion of the peripheral walls117at an approximately center portion in the left-right direction X. That is, in the embodiment, the cut out groove118which is an example of the concave portion is formed on the peripheral walls117which is an example of the peripheral positions of the filler port73. On the other hand, a pair of reinforced ribs119which intersect the wall portions and extend rearward are formed on the rear side wall portion of the peripheral walls117.

In addition, a covering member121is placed on the liquid receiving surface116and includes a covering body120which has an approximately cylindrical shape and can cover or open the filler port73(refer toFIG. 9B). A knob portion122having an approximately columnar shape, which protrudes upward from the upper surface of the covering body120, is formed on the covering body120. The knob portion122becomes a portion which is grasped when the user removes the covering body120from the filler port73or conversely covers the filler port73by the covering body120.

Moreover, in the state shown inFIG. 9A, the covering member121includes a fixing portion123for fixing the covering member121to the liquid receiving surface116at the rear side opposite to the first side which includes the covering body120. A fixing hole124(refer toFIG. 10) is formed to be opened to the liquid receiving surface116, and the fixing portion123can rotate with the axis of the fixing hole124as the rotational center and is fixed so as not be detached from the liquid receiving surface116. Accordingly, the covering member121can rotate to the liquid receiving surface116with the fixing portion123as the rotational center and is not easily removed from the liquid receiving surface116. However, the covering member121can be exchanged with a new covering member121which includes the fixing portion123.

Moreover, the covering member121includes a connecting portion125which connects the covering body120and the fixing portion123while being bent by a plurality of times (three times in the left-right direction X in the embodiment) in the direction intersecting the up-down direction Z in the state where the covering member121is placed on the liquid receiving surface116. The cross-sectional shape in the extension direction of the connecting portion125is a rectangular shape, and in the rectangular cross-sectional shape, the length along the liquid receiving surface116is longer than the length in the direction (up-down direction Z) intersecting the liquid receiving surface116. Accordingly, if the connecting portion125is placed on the liquid receiving surface116, a contact area between the connecting portion125and the liquid receiving surface116is increased, and thus, the connecting portion125is stably placed on the liquid receiving surface116.

Moreover, the covering body120, the connecting portion125, and the fixing portion123which configure the covering member121are formed of elastomer such as rubber or resin, or the like, and thus, can be elastically deformed. Accordingly, in the state shown inFIG. 9A, the covering body120is fitted to the filler port73in the state where the covering body120is elastically deformed, and thus, the filler port73is covered so that a gap is not generated between the covering body120and the filler port73.

As shown inFIG. 9A, the covering body120removed from the filler port73can be replaced on the rear surface74a(an example of a bottom surface) of the open-close cover74which is at the opened cover position. Moreover, since the area of the rear surface74aof the open-close cover74is larger than a projected area if the covering body120is projected in the direction along the up-down direction Z, the covering body120can be more stably placed.

In addition, the rear surface74aof the open-close cover74includes a surface which is inclined downward toward the front side at which the filler port73is positioned, in the state (the state shown inFIG. 9A) where the open-close cover74is positioned at the opened cover position. Moreover, the cover side walls91aand92afaces upward in both side ends of the rear surface74aof the open-close cover74which is positioned at the opened cover position. Accordingly, when the covering body120, in which the ink is attached to the rear surface74aof the open-close cover74positioned at the opened cover position, is placed, the cover side walls91aand92aserve as an example of a shielding portion which suppresses the ink from being leaked from the open-close cover74to the outside.

FIG. 9Bshows the liquid storage container21in a state where the covering body120is removed from the filler port73and the covering body120is placed on the rear surface74aof the open-close cover74. As shown inFIG. 9B, the filler port73which is formed to be opened at a portion of the liquid receiving surface116is exposed, and thus, the user can pour the ink to the inner portion (first ink chamber151(refer toFIG. 14)) of the liquid storage body33through the filler port73. Moreover, an opening edge73awhich becomes the upper end edge of the filler port73is formed in an inclined shape by chamfering, and thus, the ink easily flows into the filler port73when the ink is poured.

In addition, as shown inFIG. 9B, the length of the connecting portion125of the covering member121becomes only the length capable of placing the covering body120into the rear surface74aof the open-close cover74positioned at the opened cover position. Moreover, in the state shown inFIG. 9B, although the connecting portion125is slightly extended, the covering body120is placed on the rear surface74aof the open-close cover74and abuts the hook portion110of the open-close cover74.

As shown inFIG. 10, in the vicinity of the wall portion of the rear side (right side inFIG. 10) of the peripheral walls117in the liquid receiving surface116, the fixing hole124to which the fixing portion123of the covering member121is inserted and fixed is formed to be opened in the direction intersecting the liquid receiving surface116. The fixing hole124is provided so that the center position in the left-right direction X of the fixing hole124approximately coincides with the center position in the left-right direction X of the filler port73. In addition, similar to the filler port73, the fixing hole124is formed to be opened on the liquid receiving surface116. However, the fixing hole does not communicate with the first ink chamber151.

As shown inFIG. 11, the liquid receiving surface116is formed so as to be inclined downward (the gravity direction) toward the filler port73in the front-rear direction Y. Accordingly, the vicinity of the fixing hole124, which is the position away from the filler port73, becomes the highest position on the liquid receiving surface116. That is, since the fixing portion123of the covering member121which is fixed to the fixing hole124is positioned at the higher position than the periphery of the filler port73in the liquid receiving surface116, even though the ink flows onto the liquid receiving surface116when the ink is poured into the filler port73or the like, the ink is not easily attached to the liquid receiving surface116.

In addition, as shown inFIG. 12A, the liquid receiving surface116is formed so as to be inclined downward toward the filler port73also in the left-right direction X. Moreover, as shown inFIG. 12B, the liquid receiving surface116is formed so as to be inclined downward toward the center in the left-right direction X at the position close to the fixing hole124away from the filler port73.

Next, the internal configuration of the liquid storage body33will be described.

As shown inFIG. 13, the liquid storage body33includes the storage body case130which has an approximately L shape in a side view when is viewed in the left-right direction X, a float valve131which is one kind of valve mechanism accommodated in the storage body case130, a film133which is adhered (for example, heat welded) to a case opening132of the storage body case130, and a resin-made cover134which covers the case opening132over the film133. Moreover, the storage body case130is integrally molded so that the left surface of the storage body case is opened, and locking portions130awhich lock pieces134aformed on the cover134are formed outside the case opening132having an annular shape.

As shown inFIG. 14, if the film133is adhered to the case opening132of the storage body case130, a space area which is surrounded by the storage body case130and the film133serves as an air chamber136which communicate with the atmosphere, an ink chamber137which is an example of a liquid storage chamber storing the ink, and an outlet channel138which is an example of the liquid channel. Moreover, one end of the outlet channel138communicates with the ink chamber137, and the lead-out port69(refer toFIGS. 4 and 5), which leads out the ink stored in the ink chamber137to the liquid ejecting head24(printer11side), is formed in the other end of outlet channel138.

Next, a configuration of the air chamber136and a configuration which introduces air to the air chamber136will be described.

As shown inFIG. 10, an atmosphere communication hole140which communicates with the atmosphere, and a positioning protrusion141extends in the left-right direction X are formed on the upper surface39on which the filler port73of the storage body case130is formed. Moreover, at least one (two in the embodiment) of meander grooves142and143which are formed to meander, and a meandering convex portion144which surrounds the peripheries of the meander grooves142and143are formed between the above-described reinforced ribs119and the positioning protrusion141.

Moreover, as shown inFIGS. 10 and 15, an air passage formation film147, which covers the meander grooves142and143and forms air passages145and146, is adhered (for example, heat welded) to the upper surface39of the storage body case130. That is, if the air passage formation film147is adhered to the meandering convex portion144in a state where the air passage formation film is positioned by the reinforced ribs119and the positioning protrusion141, the first air passage145is formed by the first meander groove142and the air passage formation film147. In addition, the second air passage146is formed by the second meander groove143and the air passage formation film147.

As shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, the atmosphere communication hole140is formed between the filler port73and the second portion in the first portion and communicates with the first air chamber136a. Moreover, the other end142bof the first meander groove142communicates with the second air chamber136bwhile one end142aof the first meander groove142communicates with the first air chamber136a. In addition, the other end143bof the second meander groove143communicates with the third air chamber136cwhile one end143aof the second meander groove143communicates with the second air chamber136b.

As shown inFIG. 16, an air intake148is formed in the third air chamber136c, and the third air chamber136cand the ink chamber137communicate with each other via the air intake148. Accordingly, for example, if the ink stored in the ink chamber137is led out and the pressure in the ink chamber137is decreased, the outside air introduced from the atmosphere communication hole140is introduced to the ink chamber137via the first air chamber136a, the first air passage145, the second air chamber136b, the second air passage146, and the third air chamber136c.

Next, the ink chamber137will be described.

As shown inFIG. 14, similar to the shape of the liquid storage body33, in the shape of the ink chamber137, the height in the up-down direction Z in the front side is larger than the height in the up-down direction Z in the rear side. Moreover, the ink chamber137is partitioned to a first ink chamber151which is an example of a first liquid storage chamber and a second ink chamber152which is an example of a second liquid storage chamber by a partition wall150, and the partition wall150intersects a ceiling surface137bwhich is an example of a filler port formation surface on which the filler port73is formed in the ink chamber137.

In addition, the partition wall150is provided so as to extend along the up-down direction Z, and also intersects an surface (bottom surface)153which is opposite to the ceiling surface137b. Moreover, the width of the partition wall150in the left-right direction X is approximately the same as the width from the left side wall130bof the storage body case130to the case opening132. In addition, the partition wall150is formed to be integrated with the storage body case130so as to be orthogonal to the side wall130bof the storage body case130and to protrude from the side wall130btoward the case opening132side (front side inFIG. 14) at the position close to the front side at which the height in the up-down direction Z in the ink chamber137is high. Accordingly, the height in the up-down direction Z of the second ink chamber152in the first ink chamber151side is approximately the same as the height in the up-down direction Z of the first ink chamber151, and the height in the up-down direction Z of the second ink chamber152is larger than the height in the up-down direction Z of the first ink chamber151in the rear side away from the first ink chamber151. Moreover, the volume of the first ink chamber151is smaller than the volume of the second ink chamber152.

Specifically, as shown inFIG. 11, the partition wall150is formed so as to be an approximate line symmetry with respect to a front wall surface137ain the first ink chamber151with an pouring virtual line M, which passes through the center of the opening of the filler port73and extends along the up-down direction Z, as the center. That is, the filler port73is formed on the ceiling surface137bof the first ink chamber151which is positioned at the front side from the partition wall150.

Moreover, as shown inFIG. 17, a concave portion154is provided at the position close to the partition wall150of the opposite surface153in the first ink chamber151, and the concave portion154is recessed in the gravity direction away from the filler port73and is provided to be positionally shifted in the direction intersecting the gravity direction from the filler port73. That is, the concave portion154is provided over the left-right direction X at the position deviated from the pouring virtual line M in the front-rear direction Y.

As shown inFIGS. 14 and 17, if the film133is adhered to the partition wall150, a portion formed to be recessed to the side wall130bside from an adhesion surface150aserves as a wall communication opening (wall communication opening portion)155which is an example of a communication opening and serves as a wall ventilation opening (wall ventilation opening portion)156which is an example of a ventilation opening. That is, the first ink chamber151and the second ink chamber152communicate with each other via the wall communication opening155and the wall ventilation opening156. Moreover, the wall ventilation opening156is formed at the upper end of the partition wall150so as to contact the ceiling surface137b, and is positioned above the wall communication opening155.

On the other hand, the wall communication opening155is positioned at the opposite surface153side lower than the wall ventilation opening156, and is formed at a position away upward from the concave portion154. Moreover, in the wall communication opening155, an upper surface155cpositioned at the upper side (antigravity direction side) in the wall communication opening155is non-orthogonal to the inner surface155bwhile a lower surface155apositioned at the lower side in the wall communication opening155is formed so as to be approximately orthogonal to and to be approximately horizontal to a left inner surface155b. That is, the upper surface155cis inclined in the direction intersecting the horizontal direction, and is separated from the lower surface155awith the distance from the inner surface155b. Moreover, in the wall communication opening155, a communication opening axis N, which passes through the center of the opening of the wall communication opening155and is orthogonal to an opening cross-section (extends along the front-rear direction Y in the embodiment), is non-parallel with the pouring virtual line M, and thus, the communication opening axis N does not intersect the pouring virtual line M due to the difference. That is, the wall communication opening155is formed at a position twisted to the filler port73.

Moreover, the area of the wall communication opening155corresponds to the area of the portion formed to be recessed in the partition wall150, is smaller than the area of the partition wall150, and also is smaller than the area of the filler port73. In addition, the area of the wall ventilation opening156is smaller than the area of the wall communication opening155.

Moreover, as shown inFIG. 14, at least one (nine in the embodiment) of intersection rib portions157ato157iwhich intersect the ceiling surface137band extend along the up-down direction Z is provided in the second ink chamber152, and the intersection rib portions157ato157iare formed with a gap in the front-rear direction Y. In addition, at least one (four in the embodiment) of horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158dwhich intersect in the up-down direction Z and the front-rear direction (horizontal direction) Y is formed in the second ink chamber152, and the inclined rib portions are an example of an eaves. Moreover, the intersection rib portions157ato157iand the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158dare orthogonal to the side wall130band the storage body case130, and are integrally molded with the storage body case130so as to protrude from the side wall130btoward the case opening132side (the front side inFIG. 14).

The widths of the intersection rib portions157ato157iin the left-right direction X are approximately the same as the width from the side wall130bof the storage body case130to the case opening132. In addition, the upper ends of the intersection rib portions157ato157icontacting the ceiling surface137bare formed to be partially recessed toward the side wall130bside. Accordingly, if the film133is adhered to the adhesion surfaces (right end surfaces) of the intersection rib portions157ato157i, the recessed portions serve as rib ventilation openings (rib ventilation opening portions)160which are an example of a ventilation opening. Moreover, the area of the rib ventilation opening160is larger than the area of the wall ventilation opening156, and the size in the up-down direction Z of the rib ventilation opening160is larger than the size in the up-down direction Z of the wall ventilation opening156. That is, a lower side opening end of the wall ventilation opening156is positioned at the position closer to the ceiling surface137bthan a lower side opening end of the rib ventilation opening160. Accordingly, the wall ventilation opening156is formed so as to closer to the ceiling surface137bthan the rib ventilation opening160.

The first intersection rib portion157anearest to the partition wall150and the second intersection rib portion157bnear in the second place to the partition wall150are formed with a gap to the bottom surface152aat positions close to the front side in which the size in the up-down direction Z is large in the second ink chamber152. Accordingly, if the film133is adhered to the adhesion surfaces of the first intersection rib portion157aand the second intersection rib portion157b, the lower ends of the first intersection rib portion157aand the second intersection rib portion157bserve as a rib communication opening (rib communication opening portion)161which is an example of the communication opening through the ink can pass. Moreover, the bottom surface152aof the second ink chamber152is the surface positioned at the lower side in the up-down direction Z in the second ink chamber152, and is partially bent and inclined in accordance with the shape of the second ink chamber152. In addition, the float valve131is accommodated between the first intersection rib portion157aand the second intersection rib portion157b, and the bottom surface152a.

The third intersection rib portion157cto the ninth intersection rib portion157iare formed at the position close to the rear side of the second ink chamber152. Moreover, the lower ends of the third intersection rib portion157cto the ninth intersection rib portion157iare formed so as to be partially recessed toward the side wall130bside. Accordingly, if the film133is adhered to the adhesion surfaces (right end surfaces) of the third intersection rib portion157cto the ninth intersection rib portion157i, the portions formed so as to be recessed to the side wall130bside in the lower ends of the third intersection rib portion157cto the ninth intersection rib portion157iserve as the rib communication opening161which is an example of a communication opening through which the ink can pass. That is, in the second ink chamber152, spaces separated by the intersection rib portions157ato157icommunicate with one another via the rib communication openings161, and the rib ventilation openings160which are formed to be closer to the ceiling surface137bside than the rib communication openings161.

As shown inFIGS. 13 and 14, the first horizontally inclined rib portion158apositioned at the highest position is formed to be a surface inclined downward toward the rear side from an intersection point between the partition wall150and the ceiling surface137b. Moreover, the second horizontally inclined rib portion158bpositioned at the second highest position is formed to be a surface inclined downward to be more gentle than the first horizontally inclined rib portion158afrom the position lower than the first horizontally inclined rib portion158ain the partition wall150toward the rear side. That is, the first horizontally inclined rib portion158aand the second horizontally inclined rib portion158bare formed to intersect the partition wall150and the front-rear direction Y. Moreover, the widths in the left-right direction X of the first horizontally inclined rib portion158aand the second horizontally inclined rib portion158bare smaller than the widths of the partition wall150and the intersection rib portions157ato157i. Accordingly, when the film133is adhered to the case opening132, a gap is formed between the first horizontally inclined rib portion158aand the second horizontally inclined rib portion158b, and the film133. Therefore, the spaces divided by the first horizontally inclined rib portion158aand the second horizontally inclined rib portion158bcommunicate with one another via the gap.

Moreover, the third horizontally inclined rib portion158cwhich is an example of the first eaves and the fourth horizontally inclined rib portion158dwhich is an example of the second eaves are formed at a position which is positioned to be closer to the bottom surface152aside than the second horizontally inclined rib portion158band is positioned above the float valve131. The third horizontally inclined rib portion158cis formed between the partition wall150and the first intersection rib portion157a, and the fourth horizontally inclined rib portion158dare formed at the rear side of the second intersection rib portion157b. In addition, the third horizontally inclined rib portion158cand the fourth horizontally inclined rib portion158dare a line symmetry based on an axis (not shown) along the gravity direction passing through the center of the float valve131, and are formed to be a surface inclined downward respectively from the center of the float valve131to the ends. That is, a distance between the upper end of the third horizontally inclined rib portion158cand the upper end of the fourth horizontally inclined rib portion158dis shorter than a distance between the lower end of the third horizontally inclined rib portion158cand the lower end of the fourth horizontally inclined rib portion158d.

Moreover, the widths in the left-right direction X of the third horizontally inclined rib portion158cand the fourth horizontally inclined rib portion158dare approximately the same as the width of the partition wall150. In addition, both ends of the third horizontally inclined rib portion158cand the fourth horizontally inclined rib portion158dare formed to be recessed toward the side wall130bside. Accordingly, if the film133is adhered to the adhesion surfaces (right end surfaces) of the third horizontally inclined rib portion158cand the fourth horizontally inclined rib portion158d, the portions formed to be recessed to the side wall130bside serve as the rib communication opening161through which the ink can pass. Accordingly, the spaces divided by the third horizontally inclined rib portion158cand the fourth horizontally inclined rib portion158dcommunicate with one another via the rib communication openings161.

As shown inFIGS. 17 and 18, a channel opening (channel opening portion)162which communicates with the outlet channel138is formed on the bottom surface152aof the second ink chamber152. That is, the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158dare positioned above the channel opening162and the float valve131, and are provided so as to cover the channel opening162and the float valve131from the above. In addition, a distance L1 between the channel opening162and the partition wall150in the front-rear direction Y is shorter than a distance L2 between the opposite surface153and the wall communication opening155in the up-down direction Z. Moreover, the distance L2 in the embodiment corresponds to the distance between the upper end of the concave portion154formed on the opposite surface153and the lower end of the wall communication opening155. That is, the channel opening162is formed at the position close to the partition wall150on the bottom surface152aof the second ink chamber152.

Next, the outlet channel138will be described.

As shown inFIG. 14, the outlet channel138is formed on the lower side of the second ink chamber152along the bottom surface152aof the second ink chamber152. Moreover, the outlet channel138includes a curved channel portion163which is formed to be bent in accordance with the shape of the liquid storage body33and makes the ink flow while changing the flow direction of the ink (hereinafter, referred to as a “flow direction”). Moreover, the outlet channel138includes a connection channel portion164which connects the channel opening162and the curved channel portion163and an inclination channel portion165which connects the curved channel portion163and the lead-out port69.

As shown inFIGS. 18 and 19, the connection channel portion164includes a filter166having an approximately rectangular shape in a bottom view from the lower side. That is, the connection channel portion164is divided into a first connection channel portion164aof the channel opening162side and a second connection channel portion164bpositioned to be closer to the float valve131side than to the filter166, by the filter166. Moreover, the connection channel portion164includes a third connection channel portion164cwhich is positioned to be closer to the lead-out port69side than to the float valve131and is connected to the curved channel portion163.

As shown inFIGS. 20A and 20B, the cross-sectional area of the curved channel portion163is larger than the cross-sectional area of the third connection channel portion164c. Moreover, the width in the left-right direction X of the outlet channel138is approximately the same over the flow direction. Accordingly, a width L3 in the direction (the front-rear direction Y in a first vertical channel portion163a) which is orthogonal to the flow direction of the curved channel portion163(the first vertical channel portion163ainFIG. 20B) and is also orthogonal to the left-right direction X is wider than a width L4 in the direction (the up-down direction Z) which is orthogonal to the flow direction of the third connection channel portion164cand is also orthogonal to the left-right direction X. In addition, the cross-sectional area of the inclination channel portion165is approximately the same as the cross-sectional area of the curved channel portion163. Accordingly, a width L5 (FIG. 14) in the direction which is orthogonal to the flow direction of the inclination channel portion165and is also orthogonal to the left-right direction X is wider than the width L4 of the third connection channel portion164c.

As shown inFIGS. 18 and 21, a step portion167is formed on the lower surface40close to the front side in which the height in the up-down direction Z of the storage body case130is high, and the step portion16is recessed to the upper side, which becomes the ink chamber137side, and has an approximately rectangular shape. Moreover, in the step portion167, first to third channel formation concave portions168ato168care formed so as to be recessed toward the ink chamber137side. In the first channel formation concave portion168a, a through hole162ais formed to penetrate the bottom surface152aof the second ink chamber152, one end of the through hole162abecomes the channel opening162, and the other end is opened. Moreover, the first channel formation concave portion168ais formed to be unleveled so that an inner side of an approximately rectangular shaped annular concave portion169in a bottom view to which the filter166is adhered is deeper than the outside. Moreover, a channel convex portion170is formed on the periphery of the first to third channel formation concave portions168ato168c. That is, the through hole162aand the annular convex portion169are surrounded by the channel convex portion170.

Accordingly, the filter166is adhered to the annular convex portion169and a channel formation film171is adhered (for example, heat welded) to the channel convex portion170, and thus, the connection channel portion164is formed. That is, if the channel formation film171is adhered to the channel convex portion170, the first channel formation concave portion168aserves as the first connection channel portion164aand the second connection channel portion164b. Moreover, the second channel formation concave portion168bserves as the second connection channel portion164b. In addition, the third channel formation concave portion168cserves as the third connection channel portion164c. Moreover, an approximately rectangular protection member172which protects the channel formation film171is mounted to the step portion167.

As shown inFIG. 14, the curved channel portion163includes at least one (two in the embodiment) of vertical channel portions163aand163bextending in the up-down direction Z, a plurality of (four in the embodiment) bending portions173ato173dwhich are formed at both ends of the vertical channel portions163aand163b, and a horizontal channel portion163cwhich extends along the front-rear direction Y.

That is, the first bending portion173ais positioned at the lowest side, and connects the rear end of the third connection channel portion164cand the lower end of the first vertical channel portion163a. The second bending portion173bis positioned above the first bending portion173a, and connects the upper end of the first vertical channel portion163aand the front end of the horizontal channel portion163c. The third bending portion173cconnects the rear end of the horizontal channel portion163cand the lower end of the second vertical channel portion163b. The fourth bending portion173dconnects the upper end of the second vertical channel portion163band the front end of the inclination channel portion165. Accordingly, the ink flow direction of the curved channel portion163is different from that of the inclination channel portion165, and the curved channel portion163is bent with respect to the inclination channel portion165.

The inclination channel portion165is formed so as to extend along the direction intersecting the front-rear direction (horizontal direction) Y so that the end of the rear side which becomes the lead-out port69side is positioned above the end of the front side (antigravity direction) which becomes the channel opening162side continuous to the fourth bending portion173d. That is, the inclination channel portion165becomes a continuous surface inclined upward toward the lead-out port69side from the channel opening162side. Moreover, the rear end side of the inclination channel portion165is bent upward and communicates with the lead-out port69.

Moreover, the outlet channel138is positioned at the gravity direction side of the second ink chamber152and extends along the bottom surface152a. Accordingly, the portion of the bottom surface152aof the second ink chamber152corresponding to the inclination channel portion165becomes a surface inclined downward toward the channel opening162side while the portion of the bottom surface152aof the second ink chamber152corresponding to the connection channel portion164and the horizontal channel portion163cis approximately horizontal.

Next, the float valve131will be described.

As shown inFIG. 22, the float valve131includes a float member181which is disposed in the ink chamber137, a valve body182which is disposed below the float member181, a regulation case183which is an example of the regulation member disposed above the float member181, and a coil spring184which is an example of a biasing member disposed between the float member181and the regulation case183. Moreover, inFIG. 22, in order to simply show the mounting structure of the float valve131in the ink chamber137, a portion of the storage body case130, in which the ink chamber137is formed, is shown along with the components which configure the float valve131.

Hereinafter, each component of the float valve131will be described.

First, the float member181includes a rectangular frame body185, and a plurality of (four in the embodiment) space areas are partitioned in the inner side of the rectangular frame body185. For example, a thin film member186formed of a transparent film or the like is adhered to an opening portion185aof both left and right surfaces along the front-rear direction Y in the frame body185. Accordingly, in the float member181, the opening portion185aof the frame body185is closed by the thin film member186, and thus, a plurality of (four in the embodiment) closed air chambers187are formed inside the thin film member186. Therefore, the float member181can float in the up-down direction Z according to a change of the remaining amount of the ink in the ink chamber137by buoyancy generated by the air chamber187.

On the other hand, convex portions188, which protrude in the front-rear direction Y, are formed respectively at the lower portions of both front and rear surfaces along the left-right direction X in which the opening portion185ais not formed in the frame body185. In addition, a pressing portion189having an approximately columnar shape protrudes vertically downward from the center position of the lower surface in the frame body185. Moreover, a rod shaped portion190, which is positioned to be coaxial with the pressing portion189of the lower surface, protrude so as to extend vertically upward from the center position of the upper surface in the frame body185.

Moreover, in the upper surface of the frame body185, a plate shaped portion191, which has a cross shape in a plan view from the above with the rod shaped portion190as the center, is formed around the rod shaped portion190, and the length of the plate shaped portion191protruded from the upper surface of the frame body185is approximately half of the protruded length of the rod shaped portion190. The size of the cross-shaped cross section of the plate shaped portion191is formed so as to be larger than the size of the outer diameter of the coil spring184. Moreover, spring seats191afor placing and supporting the coil spring184is formed to be cut out in a rectangular shape at the tip end in the radial direction from the rod shaped portion190in the upper end of the plate shaped portion191having a cross-shaped cross section.

Next, the valve body182is a diaphragm valve which is formed of elastomer having flexibility or the like and has an approximately disk shape, and is disposed above the valve opening192(refer toFIG. 19or the like) formed to be opened to the bottom surface152aof the second ink chamber152so that the valve body is positioned at a boundary between the second connection channel portion164band the third connection channel portion164cin the outlet channel138. That is, an annular mounting seat193which surrounds the valve opening192is formed on the bottom surface152aof the second ink chamber152, a fixture194having the same annular shape as the mounting seat193is locked to the mounting seat193, and the valve body182is disposed above the valve opening192in a state where the valve body182is interposed between the mounting seat193and the fixture194.

Moreover, in the inner side of the mounting seat193, if the above-described coil spring184is set to a first biasing member having a first biasing force, the coil spring195which serves as a second biasing member having a second biasing force is disposed to always abut the valve body182from the lower portion. In addition, the valve body182is separated from the valve opening192to the above by the coil spring195, and is always biased toward an opened valve position (a position shown inFIGS. 19 and 28) at which the outlet channel138is opened.

Moreover, a force relationship between the first biasing force of the coil spring184and the second biasing force of the coil spring195is set to the following force relationship based on the assumption that the first biasing force of the coil spring184is larger than the second biasing force of the coil spring195.

That is, for example, as shown inFIG. 29, if the remaining amount of the ink in the ink chamber137is less than a threshold remaining amount which is a preset slight remaining amount, the sum of buoyancy of the float member181floating in the remaining ink at that time and the second biasing force of the coil spring195is set to be smaller than the first biasing force of the coil spring184. On the other hand, for example, as shown inFIGS. 19 and 28, if the remaining amount of the ink in the ink chamber137is equal to or more than the threshold remaining amount, the sum of buoyancy of the float member181floating in the remaining ink at that time and the second biasing force of the coil spring195is set to be equal to or more than the first biasing force of the coil spring184.

Next, the regulation case183is formed in a box shape having an opened lower portion, and the regulation case183includes an annular wall portion196which can insert and extract the float member181in a up-down direction Z and has a square annular shape, and an upper wall portion197which closes the upper opening of the annular wall portion196. That is, the annular wall portion196is formed in an annular shape which can surround the periphery of a floating region with a gap between the periphery of the floating region in the up-down direction Z in the float member181and the side surface of the float member181.

Moreover, a cylindrical portion198having a closed upper opening is formed in the center position of the upper wall portion197so as to communicate with the inner space of the annular wall portion196via the lower opening of the cylindrical portion198. Moreover, an insertion hole198ais formed through the upper wall portion of the cylindrical portion198, and the rod shaped portion190protruding upward from the upper surface of the float member181can insert to the insertion hole198a. Moreover, spring seats (not shown), which are opposite to the spring seats191aformed to be cut out in the plate shaped portion191of the float member181side in the up-down direction Z, are formed to be enlarged downward in the portion which has a cross shape in a plan view from the above with the insertion hole198aas the center in the upper wall portion of the cylindrical portion198.

In addition, in the annular wall portion196of the regulation case183, each of left and right side walls196along the front-rear direction Y is a portion opposite to the thin film member186of the float member181in a state where each component of the float valve131is assembled. Moreover, a rectangular cut out portion199extending along the up-down direction Z, in which the float member181floats, is formed to be cut out upward from the lower end edge of each side wall196aat an approximately center portion in the front-rear direction Y in each of left and right side walls196. The width size in the front-rear direction Y of the cut out portion199is larger than the outer diameter size of the cylindrical portion198of the upper wall portion197, and the height in the up-down direction Z of the cut out portion199is formed to be larger than the height in the up-down direction Z of the frame body185in the float member181.

Moreover, belt-shaped collars200having a predetermined width in the front-rear direction Y are formed to horizontally protrude forward and rearward respectively from the lower ends of each of the front and rear side walls196balong the left-right direction X in the annular wall portion196of the regulation case183. In addition, long guide holes201, through which the convex portions188of the float member181side can insert, are formed along the up-down direction Z from a position which is approximately center in the left-right direction X of the collar200and is approximately center in the front-rear direction Y up to a position which is slightly lower than the approximately center in the up-down direction Z of each side wall196b. Moreover, in the regulation case183, through holes202, which make the inner portion and the outer portion of the regulation case183communicate with each other and allow the flow of the ink, are formed respectively at portions from each of two places of both left and right long sides of the upper wall portion197to the upper ends of each of the left and right side walls196aof the annular wall portion196, and at portions which are four corners of the upper end of the annular wall portion196.

Next, the coil spring184is disposed so as to be shrinkable in the up-down direction Z between the float member181and the regulation case183. That is, the rod shaped portion190of the float member181is inserted into the inner side of the coil spring184from the lower side, and thus, the coil spring184is placed on the spring seats191aformed on the upper end of the plate shaped portion191around the rod shaped portion190. In addition, if the float member181is inserted into the regulation case183from the above state, that is, if the frame body185is inserted into the annular wall portion196from the lower side while the rod shaped portion190is inserted into the insertion hole198aof the cylindrical portion198, the upper end of the coil spring184abuts spring seats (not shown) which are formed to be enlarged downward from the upper wall of the cylindrical portion198of the regulation case183.

Moreover, in order to further shrink the coil spring184, the regulation case183into which the float member181is inserted is mounted on the bottom surface152aof the second ink chamber152of the ink chamber137while the state where the float member181is pushed into the regulation case183is maintained, and thus, the float valve131is accommodated in the storage body case130.

Next, the mounting structure of the float valve131in the storage body case130will be described.

As shown inFIG. 22, in the bottom surface152aof the second ink chamber152in the storage body case130, lock rail portions203, which can insert each of the front and rear collars200of the regulation case183in a slidable manner along the left-right direction X and have a reverse L shaped cross-section, are formed at two positions of the front side and the rear side between which the mounting seat193of the valve body182is interposed with a distance corresponding to the size in the front-rear direction Y of the regulation case183. In addition, positioning portions204are formed at two positions of the front side and the rear side which become the inner side of the storage body case130between each lock rail portion203and the mounting seat193, and the positioning portions204can abut the side wall196athe inner side of both left and right side walls196aalong the front-rear direction Y of the regulation case183sliding toward the inner side of the storage body case130in the state where the collars200are inserted into the lock rail portions203.

Moreover, in the bottom surface152aof the second ink chamber152, protrusions205are formed at two positions of the front side corresponding to the positioning portions204of the inner side in the left-right direction X, and the protrusions205can lock the regulation case183, which abuts the side wall196aof the inner side to the positioning portions204, from the front side which becomes the opening side of the storage body case130in the lower end of the side wall196aof the front side. The protrusion205is an elastically deformable structure which is inclined inwardly and extends upward in the storage body case130, and the protrusions205are provided to be inclined so that the lower end edges of each side wall196acan get over the protrusions205while sliding from the front side to the inner side when the collars200of the regulation case183are inserted into the lock rail portions203and slide to the inner side. Moreover, after the side wall196aof the front side gets over the protrusions205, the protrusions205are elastically returned to the original inclined posture and are locked to the front side surface of the side wall196a, and thus, the regulation case183is not extracted from the inner side of the storage body case130to the front side.

Next, an operation of the liquid storage container21of the embodiment will be described. Moreover, inFIGS. 24A,24B, and24C, the slider34and the liquid storage body33are omitted.

As shown inFIG. 23, in the liquid storage container21in which the second storage body portion38is positioned in the mounting portion31and is fixed so as not to move with respect to the printer11, if the slide knob94is displaced upward, the engagement between the slide knob94and the concave portion95of the slider34is released. If so, the user slides the slider34in the direction opposite to the insertion direction along the longitudinal direction, and thus, can extract the slider34from the printer11(mounting portion31).

By the extracting of the slider34, the portion in which the slider34is positioned in the printer11, that is, the portion in which the slider34overlaps with the portion (second portion) positioned in the printer11in the second storage body portion38including the connection portion43in the upper surface39of the liquid storage body33moves outside the printer11. In the embodiment, as shown in two-dot chain lines inFIG. 23, the slider34moves the circuit substrate holder76mounted at the inner side end34ain the insertion direction of the slider34up to a position at which the user can extract the circuit substrate holder76from the holder mounting portion86of the slider34outside the printer11. Accordingly, the portion of the slider34, which overlaps with the portion (second portion) positioned in the printer11in the second storage body portion38including the connection portion43in the upper surface39of the liquid storage body33, serves as a moving portion which moves between inside and outside the printer11.

As a result, the user extracts and removes the circuit substrate holder76, which is moved outside the printer11, from the slider34(holder mounting portion86). Moreover, for example, when the circuit substrate75previously placed is present in the circuit substrate holder76, the circuit substrate75is exchanged with a circuit substrate75in which relevant information (for example, hue, chroma, and brightness of the ink, viscosity of the ink, kind of solute of the ink, or the like) related to the ink poured from the filler port73is recorded with respect to the liquid storage body33. Moreover, after the user inserts and mounts the circuit substrate holder76, at which the exchanged circuit substrate75is placed, into the slider34(holder mounting portion86) again, the user inserts the slider34into the printer11(mounting portion31) along the upper surface39of the liquid storage body33.

By the insertion of the slider34, in the circuit substrate holder76, the terminal75aor the contact portion75bof the circuit substrate75placed so as to be inclined in the insertion direction contacts the electric terminal78of the communication portion77included in the supply portion32and is electrically connected to the electric terminal78, and thus, the relevant information recorded in the circuit substrate75is transferred to the printer11side. When the circuit substrate75and the electric terminal78are connected to each other, the circuit substrate75is positioned to the electric terminal78. In a state where the relevant information recorded in the circuit substrate75is transferred (is read) to the printer11side, the circuit substrate holder76is positioned in the inner portion of the printer11, and a portion (the first portion) of the slider34is positioned outside the printer11. In other words, in the state where the relevant information recorded in the circuit substrate75is read to the printer11side, the circuit substrate75and the circuit substrate holder76are positioned at the position in which the user cannot touch the circuit substrate75and the circuit substrate holder76.

That is, as shown inFIG. 24A, the communication portion77provided in the supply portion32includes a terminal portion114which has the electric terminal78contacting the plurality of terminals (including the contact portion75b)75aformed on the circuit substrate75, and a protrusion-shaped portions115which protrude in the short direction and extend in the insertion direction in both sides in the short direction. The terminal portion114engages with the concave portion (engagement portion)97of the circuit substrate holder76, and the protrusion-shaped portions115engage with the groove shaped portions107of the circuit substrate holder76. The concave portion97is the surface of the wall configuring the circuit substrate holder76and is formed on the surface of the circuit substrate75side.

At this time, as shown inFIG. 24B, when the slider34is inserted into the mounting portion31, the circuit substrate holder76moves toward the communication portion77while the protrusion portion80of the circuit substrate holder76is pushed downward by the plate spring79fixed to the upper frame35so as not to be away from the slider34. In this movement, in the circuit substrate holder76, the protrusion-shaped portions115of the communication portion77is introduced to the chamfered portions106and is inserted into and engages with the groove shaped portions107, and thus, the circuit substrate holder76is positioned to the communication portion77. At this point, the groove shaped portions107of the circuit substrate holder76serve as an example of a positioning shape portion which is positioned in the printer11.

As a result, as shown inFIGS. 24A and 24C, the circuit substrate75placed on the circuit substrate holder76is positioned to the terminal portion114of the communication portion77, and the plurality of electric terminals78included in the terminal portion114appropriately contact the plurality of (nine in the embodiment) terminals (including the contact portion75b)75aof the circuit substrate75. Moreover, when the electric terminals78contact the terminals (including the contact portion75b)75a, since the terminals (including the contact portion75b)75aof the circuit substrate75is inclined downward toward the insertion direction, the electric terminals78contact the surfaces of the terminals (including the contact portion75b)75awhile rubbing the surfaces.

Next, an operation related to the ink pouring in the liquid storage container21will be described.

When the ink is poured into the liquid storage body33, as shown inFIG. 9A, the open-close cover74is displaced to the opened cover position, and as shown inFIG. 9B, the covering body120is placed on the rear surface74aof the open-close cover74, and the filler port73is exposed.

At this time, after the user removes the covering body120from the filler port73, the user rotates the covering member121with respect to the liquid receiving surface116by an arbitrary angle (180° in the embodiment) with the fixing portion123as the rotational center and places the covering body120on the rear surface74aof the open-close cover74. Moreover, in the state shown inFIG. 9B, since the rear surface74aof the open-close cover74is positioned at the higher position than the liquid receiving surface116in the up-down direction Z, the connecting portion125slightly extends in the state where the covering body120is placed on the rear surface74aof the open-close cover74. If so, the restoring force according to the elastic deformation (extension) of the connecting portion125causes the covering body120to act toward the front side from the open-close cover74. With respect to this, in the embodiment, since the covering body120abuts the hook portion110of the open-close cover74, the covering body120is suppressed from falling from the open-close cover74. Moreover, since the side in which the hook portion110is formed is positioned at the lowest position in the rear surface74aof the open-close cover74positioned at the opened cover position, for example, even if the covering body120to which the ink is attached is placed on the rear surface74aof the open-close cover74, the ink is suppressed from being spread on the entire surface (particularly, the rear surface area) of the open-close cover74.

Moreover, as shown inFIGS. 25 and 26, the ink is poured into the liquid storage body33from the liquid pouring source126in which an edge portion128such as an overlapped film is welded and the spout127is formed. When the ink is poured, the edge portion128in the vicinity of the spout127of the liquid pouring source126is inserted to the cut out groove118formed on the peripheral wall117of the liquid storage body33and abut the cut out groove118, and thus, the liquid pouring source126is positioned to the liquid storage body33. Moreover, as shown inFIG. 26, the liquid pouring source126is inclined with the point at which the liquid pouring source126and the liquid storage body33abut each other as the tilting center so that the spout127of the liquid pouring source126is toward the lower side, and thus, the ink in the liquid pouring source126is poured into the first ink chamber151via the filler port73of the liquid storage body33.

At this time, if the user vigorously inclines the liquid pouring source126, the ink flowed out from the spout127of the liquid pouring source126is off from the filler port73, and thus, the ink may be poured into the periphery of the filler port73in the liquid receiving surface116. Even in this case, the peripheral walls117surrounding the periphery of the liquid receiving surface116retain the ink poured into the liquid receiving surface116, and thus, the ink is suppressed from flowing the outside from the liquid receiving surface116. Moreover since the liquid receiving surface116is inclined downward toward the filler port73in the left-right direction X and the front-rear direction Y, the ink attached to the liquid receiving surface116is guided up to the filler port73along the inclination of the liquid receiving surface116.

If the pouring of the ink ends, as shown inFIG. 9A, the filler port73of the liquid storage body33is covered by the covering body120placed on the rear surface74aof the open-close cover74, and as shown inFIG. 2, the open-close cover74is displaced to the closed cover position, and the pouring operation ends.

In addition, as shown inFIG. 27, in a state where a plurality of liquid storage containers21are juxtaposed and used, a distance L6 from the fixing portion123(fixing hole124) of the covering member121in one liquid storage container21(for example, in the left end) to the filler port73is shorter than a distance L7 from the fixing portion123in the one liquid storage container21to the filler port73in the other liquid storage container21juxtaposed to the one liquid storage container21. In this way, as shown inFIG. 27, even if the covering body120of the covering member121provided to correspond to the liquid storage body33positioned at the left end is toward (shown by two-dot chain lines inFIG. 27) the filler port73of the juxtaposed liquid storage body33with the fixing portion123as the rotational center, the covering body120cannot cover the filler port73. Moreover, in a plan view shown inFIG. 27, the distances L6 and L7 indicate a distance which connects the center positions of the fixing portion123(fixing hole124) and the filler port73.

Next, the operation in the liquid storage body33when the ink is poured from the filler port73will be described.

As shown inFIG. 14, if the ink is poured from the filler port73, a liquid surface of the first ink chamber151is raised, and the ink flows into the second ink chamber152via the wall communication opening155. Moreover, since the concave portion154formed in the first ink chamber151is formed so as to be positionally shifted to the filler port73in the front-rear direction Y, even if foreign substances are accumulated in the concave portion154, scattering of the foreign substances is suppressed.

Moreover, the first ink chamber151and the second ink chamber152communicate with each other via the wall ventilation opening156. Accordingly, the pressure in the first ink chamber151is approximately the same as the pressure in the second ink chamber152, and thus, the liquid surfaces of the ink in the first ink chamber151and the second ink chamber152are raised so as to be the approximately same height as each other in the up-down direction Z.

Since the rib communication openings161are formed in the both ends of each of the third horizontally inclined rib portion158cand the fourth horizontally inclined rib portion158d, the ink passes through the rib communication openings161, and the liquid surfaces of the ink are positioned at the position which is approximately the same as each other at both of the third horizontally inclined rib portion158cand the fourth horizontally inclined rib portion158d. In addition, the ink passes through the gap formed between the first horizontally inclined rib portion158aand the second horizontally inclined rib portion158b, and the film133, and the liquid surface of the ink moves up to the position above the first horizontally inclined rib portion158aand the second horizontally inclined rib portion158b. Moreover, the liquid surface of the ink is further raised, the ink is spread to go up the inclined bottom surface152a, and the ink passes through the rib communication opening161of the rib communication openings161of the fourth to the ninth intersection rib portions157dto157i, and the liquid surface is raised.

Moreover, rib ventilation openings160are formed in the intersection rib portions157ato157irespectively. Accordingly, the pressure of spaces of both sides of the intersection rib portions157ato157iin the second ink chamber152is approximately the same as each other. Therefore, the liquid surface of the ink in the second ink chamber152is also raised so as to be approximately the same as each other in the up-down direction Z.

However, in the liquid storage body33including the filler port73, foreign substances such as dust are mixed to the filler port73, the foreign substances themselves are accumulated, the ink is dried at a gas-liquid interface, or the like, and thus, the ink itself may be the foreign substances. In addition, in the first ink chamber151, the foreign substances are accumulated in the opposite surface153and the concave portion154. Moreover, since the wall communication opening155is formed to be away from the concave portion154, entering of the foreign substances is suppressed compared to the inflow of the ink to the second ink chamber152. That is, among foreign substances entering the filler port73, foreign substances having particularly large sizes or foreign substances having a large weight easily stay in the first ink chamber151.

Moreover, in the second ink chamber152, according to lapse of time, the foreign substances are accumulated in the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158din the front side region, and the foreign substances are accumulated on the bottom surface152ain the rear side region. In addition, since the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158dand the bottom surface152a, in which the foreign substances are accumulated, are inclined to be intersected in the front-rear direction Y, if the ink is led out from the lead-out port69and the liquid surface of the ink is lowered, the foreign substances move in one direction (downward direction) according to the movement of the liquid surface.

Moreover, if the ink is poured from the filler port73, bubbles may enter according to the pouring of the ink. Moreover, if the bubbles penetrate the second ink chamber152and dissolved gas becomes bubble in the second ink chamber152, the bubbles moves upward and reaches the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158d. With respect to this, in the embodiment, since the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158dare intersected with respect to the front-rear direction Y, the bubbles move along the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158dand are introduced to the liquid surface.

Moreover, the ink in the second ink chamber152flows from the channel opening162to the outlet channel138and is lead out from the lead-out port69. That is, first, in the ink which is led out from the channel opening162, the foreign substances or bubbles are trapped, by the filter166. Thereafter, the ink flows to the curved channel portion163via the second connection channel portion164band the third connection channel portion164c.

Moreover, since the flow direction of the ink is changed in the curved channel portion163, the dissolved gas in the ink is easily grown to bubbles. With respect to this, in the configuration, since the cross-sectional area of the curved channel portion163is larger than the cross-sectional area of the third connection channel portion164c, the generated bubbles move to the inclination channel portion165side according to the flow of the ink. Moreover, the cross-sectional area of the inclination channel portion165is larger than the cross-sectional area of the third connection channel portion164cand the inclination channel portion165become the surface inclined upward toward the lead-out port69side. Accordingly, the bubbles generated in the curved channel portion163move to the lead-out port69side through the inclination channel portion165, and led out from the lead-out port69along with the ink.

Next, an operation of the float valve131will be described.

The state shown inFIG. 19shows a state where a liquid surface line IL of the ink in the ink chamber137is considerably above a line EL at the time of the threshold remaining amount, that is, a state where the remaining amount of the ink in the ink chamber137is sufficient to continue the printing by ejecting the ink from the liquid ejecting head24with respect to the paper S. Accordingly, in the state shown inFIG. 19, since the sum of the second biasing force of the coil spring195and the buoyancy of the float member181is equal to or more than the first biasing force of the coil spring184, the float member181is not pushed downward by the first biasing force of the coil spring184, and thus, the valve body182does not abut the valve opening192.

That is, in this case, as shown inFIG. 19, the sum of the buoyancy generated from each air chamber187of the float member181is larger than the first biasing force of the coil spring184, and the float member181floats at the position separated upward from the valve body182. On the other hand, since the valve body182is not pressed downward from the coil spring184via the float member181, the valve body182receives only the second biasing force which acts upward from the coil spring195, is separated upward from the valve opening192, and is positioned at the opened valve position at which the outlet channel138is opened.

Moreover, if the printing is continued from the state ofFIG. 19, the remaining amount of the ink in the ink chamber137is gradually decreased. Accordingly, if the liquid surface line IL of the ink approaches the line EL at the time of the threshold remaining amount, as shown inFIG. 28, the sum of the buoyancy of the float member181and the second biasing force of the coil spring195and the first biasing force of the coil spring184balance each other. Therefore, the float member181is pressed downward by the first biasing force of the coil spring184, and the pressing portion189of the lower surface of the float member181abuts the valve body182, which is positioned at the opened valve position, from the above. In addition, at this time, the float member181abuts the valve body182from the above. However, the float member181does not reach until the float member causes the valve body182to displace toward the closed valve position of the lower side.

Moreover, if the printing is further continued from the state shown inFIG. 28, the remaining amount of the ink in the ink chamber137is further decreased. Accordingly, if the liquid surface line IL of the ink is below the line EL at the time of the threshold remaining amount, as shown inFIG. 29, the sum of the buoyancy of the float member181and the second biasing force of the coil spring195is smaller than the first biasing force of the coil spring184. Therefore, the float member181is further pressed downward by the first biasing force of the coil spring184, and presses the valve body182, which is positioned at the opened valve position, downward by the pressing portion189of the lower surface of the float member181. As a result, the valve body182is displaced to the closed valve position at which the valve opening192is closed.

Accordingly, the valve opening192is closed, the outlet channel138is closed, and the ink does not flow to the downstream side of the valve opening192. Therefore, the ink does not flow into the liquid chamber53disposed at the downstream side of the outlet channel138, and as a result, the remaining amount detection rod45moves, and the state where the remaining amount detection rod45blocks the light between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor68is maintained. Accordingly, the sensor68detects that the remaining amount of the ink is less than the threshold remaining amount. Moreover, if new ink is poured into the ink chamber137from the filler port73according to the detected results, the liquid surface line IL of the ink in the ink chamber137is above the line EL at the time of the threshold remaining amount. Accordingly, the buoyancy of the float member181is larger than the first biasing force of the coil spring184, and the float member181floats to be separated upward from the valve body182.

At this time, in the valve body182which is pressed downward by the pressing portion189of the float member181biased downward by the first biasing force of the coil spring184and is positioned at the closed valve position in which the valve opening192is closed, if the state of the closed valve position is lengthened, even after the pressing from the above due to the float member181is released, the valve body182may be stuck to the valve opening192. With respect to this, in the case of the embodiment, since the second biasing force of the coil spring195biases the valve body182, which is positioned at the closed valve position, toward the opened valve position of the upper side, even if the valve body182is temporarily stuck to the valve opening192, the valve body182is separated from the valve opening192and is released from the stuck state.

Moreover, if the ink is strongly poured from the filler port73into the ink chamber137, the inflow pressure of the ink in the ink chamber137at the time of the pouring may be increased. Accordingly, if the thin film member186, which forms the air chamber187by closing the opening portion185aof the frame body185in the float valve131, directly receives the strong inflow pressure, there is a concern that the thin film member186may be damaged. With respect to this, in the case of the embodiment, the float valve131is disposed in the second ink chamber152which is partitioned by the partition wall150to the first ink chamber151in which the filler port73is formed. Accordingly, the ink poured from the filler port73is prevented from directly falling on float valve131from the above.

Moreover, even if the ink strongly flows from the first ink chamber151side to the second ink chamber152side via the wall communication opening155formed in the partition wall150, there is a concern that the thin film member186of the float member181in the float valve131may be damaged by the inflow pressure. With respect to this, in the embodiment, the float member181is disposed in the second ink chamber152so that the thin film member186is disposed to be non-opposite to the front-rear direction Y which is the inflow direction of the ink into the second ink chamber152via the wall communication opening155, that is, the thin film member186is disposed along the front-rear direction Y. Accordingly, the inflow pressure of the ink, which flows into the second ink chamber152from the wall communication opening155, acts on the thin film member186of the float member181so that the ink flows in the front-rear direction Y along the film surface with respect to the thin film member186of the float member181.

Moreover, the thin film member186in the float member181is partially damaged due to deterioration over time, or the like, and thus, some of the plurality of (four in the embodiment) air chambers187may not be closed. In addition, in this case, since the entire buoyancy of the float member181is decreased, the valve function of the float valve131may be damaged. However, in the embodiment, even if only one air chamber187functions, the sum of the buoyancy generated by the one air chamber187and the second biasing force of the coil spring195is set to be equal to or more than the first biasing force of the coil spring184when the remaining amount of the ink is equal to or more than the threshold remaining amount. Accordingly, even if only air chamber187functions, the valve function of the float valve131is surely exerted without damage.

In addition, if the float member181floats in the up-down direction Z according to the change of the remaining amount of the ink in the ink chamber137, the rod shaped portion190is inserted into the insertion hole198aof the cylindrical portion198, and thus, the float member181is positioned in the front-rear direction Y and the left-right direction X. Moreover, since the convex portions188which protrude from both the front and rear surfaces of the frame body185are inserted into the long guide holes201of the regulation case183, the rotation of the float member181with the rod shaped portion190as the center is regulated. In addition, the float member181, in the state where the coil spring184is placed, floating to the position above the opened valve position of the valve body182is regulated by the upper surface of the cylindrical portion198in the regulation case183.

Moreover, if the float member181floats in the front-rear direction Y and the left-right direction X in the ink chamber137, for example, the thin film member186coming into surface contact with the opposite side walls196aof the regulation case183is regulated by abutting the cross shaped plate shaped portion191and the inner side surface of the cylindrical portion198each other in the horizontal direction. That is, in the state where the rod shaped portion190is inserted into the insertion hole198aof the cylindrical portion198, the float member181is set so that a gap distance between the tip edge in the radiation direction of the plate shaped portion191and the inner side surface of the cylindrical portion198is shorter than a gap distance between the thin film member186and the inner surface of each of the left and right side walls196aof the regulation case183. Accordingly, the thin film member186of the float member181coming into surface contact with both side walls196aof the regulation case183opposite to the thin film member186is regulated. In this point, the plate shaped portion191severs as an example of a regulation abutment portion which regulates the surface contact between surfaces which are opposite to each other in the horizontal direction of the regulation case183and the float member181.

In addition, in this case, in the side walls196aof the regulation case183and the thin film member186of the float member181opposite to each other in the left-right direction X, since the rectangular cut out portions199are formed in the side walls196aof the regulation case183, the thin film member186sliding on the inner surface of the side wall196aof the regulation case183and being damaged is also suppressed.

Moreover, particularly, if the float member181floats upward in the regulation case183, the ink in the regulation case183is pressed from downward by the float member181, and thus, there is a concern that the ink pressure may be increased. With respect to the increase of the ink pressure, in the embodiment, flowing out of the ink from the through holes202and the cut out portions199formed in the plurality of places of the regulation case183is allowed, and thus, the ink pressure is suppressed from being increased unnecessarily.

According to the embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) In the liquid storage container21, since the filler port73is formed in the first portion (first storage body portion37) of the liquid storage body33positioned outside the printer11, the pouring of the ink can be performed in the state where the liquid storage body33is fixed to the printer11. Accordingly, damage at the time of the ink pouring or spill of the liquid remaining in the inner portion can be suppressed. Moreover, there is a high probability that the liquid storage body33is held to the printer11without falling due to the second portion (second storage body portion38) of the liquid storage body33, which is positioned inside the printer11, when the fixed state is released.

(2) In the liquid storage container21, the circuit substrate75, which records the relevant information of the ink poured into the liquid storage body33fixed so as to be unmovable, can move from outside the printer11to inside the printer11using the slider34which slides with respect to the liquid storage body33. Accordingly, when the circuit substrate75moves into the printer11, for example, if the circuit substrate75is designed to contact the electric terminal78or the like provided in the printer11, the relevant information of the ink poured into the liquid storage body33can be correctly transferred to the printer11. In addition, after the circuit substrate75is placed on the circuit substrate holder76, which is included in the moving portion of the slider34, from outside the printer11, the placed circuit substrate75can be easily inserted into the printer11by the sliding of the slider34.

(3) Since the filler port73is covered by the slider34, entering of the foreign substances to the filler port73can be suppressed without a separate cover for the filler port73.

(4) In the state where the filler port73is covered by the slider34, the filler port73can be covered or exposed by the displacement of the provided open-close cover74without sliding the slider.

(5) In the state where the open-close cover74is displaced from the closed cover position to the opened cover position, the open-close cover74is positioned at the printer11side with respect to the filler port73. Accordingly, the open-close cover74does not hinder the pouring of the ink to the filler port73.

(6) Since the open-close cover74can be stably maintained at the closed cover position, careless opening of the open-close cover74and exposure of the filler port73can be suppressed.

(7) Since the circuit substrate holder76is positioned in the direction intersecting the movement direction of the moving portion of the circuit substrate holder76in the printer11, the circuit substrate75placed on the circuit substrate holder76is accurately positioned in the printer11. Accordingly, since the electric terminal78included in the printer11contacts the circuit substrate75in the state where the positional displacement is suppressed, the transfer of the relevant information recorded in the circuit substrate75to the printer11is performed with high probability.

(8) Since the movement of the circuit substrate holder76in the sliding direction of the slider34is suppressed, the circuit substrate holder76is accurately positioned in the sliding direction of the slider34in the printer11. Moreover, since the circuit substrate75placed on the circuit substrate holder76is inclined in the sliding direction of the slider34, for example, the electric terminal78included in the printer11moves while rubbing the circuit substrate75(terminals (including the contact portion75b)75a) and is electrically connected to the circuit substrate. Accordingly, the reliability of electrical conduction is increased.

(9) If the user pours the ink to the first ink chamber151(ink chamber137) of the liquid storage body33via the filler port73, even if the ink drops to the periphery of the filler port73, the ink can be received by the liquid receiving surface116. Moreover, since the liquid receiving surface116is inclined downward (in the gravity direction) toward the filler port73, the ink received by the liquid receiving surface116is guided up to the filler port73along on the inclined liquid receiving surface116. Accordingly, if the ink is poured into the filler port73of the liquid storage container21, even though the ink drops to the periphery of the filler port73, contamination of the ink in the periphery along the outer surface of the liquid storage container21from the periphery of the filler port73can be suppressed.

(10) If the ink is poured into the first ink chamber151of the liquid storage body33, the ink can be suppressed from overflowing the outside of the liquid receiving surface116due to the peripheral walls117which surround the periphery of the liquid receiving surface116.

(11) If the user pours the ink to the first ink chamber151via the filler port73from the liquid pouring source126, the liquid pouring source126can be positioned by abutting the liquid pouring source126to the cut out groove118of the peripheral wall117. According to this, the user can stably pour the ink if the ink is poured from the liquid pouring source126to the first ink chamber151.

(12) The covering body120which covers the filler port73is fixed to the liquid storage body33via the connecting portion125and the fixing portion123. Accordingly, if the covering body120is removed from the filler port73, there can be a less concern that the covering body120may be lost. Moreover, the filler port73is covered by the covering body120, and thus, evaporation of the ink from the first ink chamber151or mixing of foreign substances to the first ink chamber151can be suppressed.

(13) If the ink is poured, the covering body120can be placed on the rear surface74aof the open-close cover74which is positioned at the opened cover position. Accordingly, if the user pours the ink to the first ink chamber151, for example, performing the pouring of the ink in a state where the covering body120is held by one hand and the hand is not usable can be suppressed.

(14) If the covering body120is placed on the open-close cover74positioned at the opened cover position, even if the ink is attached to the covering body120, the ink can be suppressed from being leaked to the outside of the open-close cover74by the shielding portion.

(15) The covering body120can be placed so as to enter the region of the rear surface74aof the open-close cover74which is positioned at the opened cover position. Moreover, even if the ink is attached to the placed covering body120, since the rear surface74aof the open-close cover74is inclined downward (gravity direction) toward the filler port73, the ink is suppressed from spreading over the entire region of the rear surface74a.

(16) Since the connecting portion125of the covering member is bent, the covering body120can be placed on the liquid receiving surface116with improved storing ability. Moreover, compared to a case where the connecting portion125is linearly formed, in the case where the ink is attached to the covering body120if the covering body120is removed from the filler port73, the ink cannot be easily transmitted to the connecting portion125.

(17) Since the fixing portion123is fixed at a higher place than the filler port73on the liquid receiving surface116, if the ink is poured into the liquid storage body33, the ink flowing the liquid receiving surface116cannot be easily attached to the fixing portion123of the covering member121. Accordingly, for example, influence of the fixing state of the fixing portion123due to attachment of the ink to fixing portion123and solidification of the ink can be suppressed.

(18) If the user pours the ink having a plurality of kinds to the plurality of liquid storage containers21(ink chamber137), the covering body120provided to correspond to one liquid storage container21can be suppressed from covering the filler port73of other liquid storage containers21juxtaposed to the one liquid storage container21. According to this, the covering body120provided to correspond to the one liquid storage container21covering the filler ports73of other liquid storage containers21and the ink being mixed into the ink chambers137of other liquid storage containers21via the covering body120can be suppressed.

(19) The wall communication opening155is positioned at the position twisted to the filler port73and at the position away from the opposite surface153. Accordingly, if the ink poured from the filler port73flows into the second ink chamber152via the wall communication opening155, compared to the ink, the foreign substances mixed from the filler port73or the foreign substances generated in the first ink chamber151do not easily pass through the wall communication opening155. That is, since the foreign substances can easily stay in the first ink chamber151, the ink in which the mixing of the foreign substances is suppressed flows into the second ink chamber152. Accordingly, even if the foreign substances are mixed from the filler port73or the foreign substances are generated in the inner portion, there is a less concern that the mixed foreign substances may be led out from the lead-out port69, and improved ink can be led out.

(20) Since the concave portion154recessed in the gravity direction is formed on the opposite surface153, even if the foreign substances staying in the first ink chamber151are settled with time, the foreign substances can be accumulated in the concave portion154. That is, if the ink is poured from the filler port73in the state where the foreign substances are accumulated in the concave portion154, the accumulated foreign substances can be suppressed from being scattered from the inner portion of the concave portion154to the outside of the concave portion154.

(21) The mixed or the generated foreign substances can be accumulated in the concave portion154. Moreover, since the concave portion154is provided so as to be positionally shifted to the filler port73in the direction intersecting the gravity direction, the scattering of the foreign substances accumulated in the concave portion154can be further suppressed if the ink is poured from the filler port73.

(22) The distance L1 between the channel opening162and the partition wall150is shorter than the distance L2 between the upper end of the concave portion154and the lower end of the wall communication opening155, and thus, the channel opening162can be formed at the position close to the partition wall150. Accordingly, there can be a less concern that the foreign substances passing through the wall communication opening155along the ink from the first ink chamber151side to the second ink chamber152side may be settled in the channel opening162and may enter the outlet channel138.

(23) Even if the foreign substances enter the second ink chamber152or the foreign substances are generated in the second ink chamber152, the foreign substances settled in the second ink chamber152can be accumulated on the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158d. Accordingly, the foreign substances can be suppressed from being mixed into the ink which is led out from the channel opening162, which is positioned to the gravity direction side from the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158d, to the outlet channel138.

(24) Since the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158dextend along the direction intersecting with respect to the up-down direction Z and the front-rear direction Y, the foreign substances accumulated in the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158dcan be collected in one direction according to the decrease of the ink stored in the second ink chamber152.

(25) For example, if the foreign substances are accumulated in the float member181, there is a concern that malfunction of the float valve131, which displaces the valve body182using the float member181which floats according to the change of the remaining amount of the ink, may occur due to the weight of the accumulated foreign substance. With respect to this, since the foreign substances can be accumulated in the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158dwhich are provided to the antigravity direction side from the float valve131, the foreign substances settled in the second ink chamber152can be suppressed from being accumulated in the float member181.

(26) Even if the foreign substances accumulated in the third horizontally inclined rib portion158cand the fourth horizontally inclined rib portion158dmove according to the change of the remaining amount of the ink stored in the second ink chamber152, and fall from the third horizontally inclined rib portion158cand the fourth horizontally inclined rib portion158d, the foreign substances can fall so as to avoid the float valve131.

(27) After the ink led out from the channel opening162passes through the filter166, the ink can flow to the float valve131side. That is, for example, the foreign substances, which have relatively large sizes among the foreign substances mixed into the ink in the first ink chamber151from the filler port73, stay in the first ink chamber151, and are accumulated in the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158din the second ink chamber152. Accordingly, since the foreign substances, which is mixed to the ink led out to the outlet channel138from the channel opening162, have relatively small sizes, compared to the case where large foreign substances enter, even in a case where the foreign substances enter from the channel opening162, clogging of the outlet channel138is suppressed. Moreover, since the ink passes through the filter166provided in the outlet channel138, the foreign substances, which are mixed into the ink led out from the lead-out port69, can be further decreased.

(28) Since the area of the wall communication opening155is smaller than the area of the filler port73, if foreign substances having large sizes are mixed from the filler port73, there can be a less concern that the foreign substances may enter the second ink chamber152over the wall communication opening155.

(29) Bubbles in the ink easily stay at the bent portions in the outlet channel138. With respect to this, the bubbles positioned at the curved channel portion163are introduced to the lead-out port69side via the inclination channel portion165. Accordingly, for example, there can be a less concern that bubbles staying in the curved channel portion163may be grown and may block the outlet channel138, and thus, the ink can be led out while influence of the bubbles is decreased.

(30) Before the ink flows up to the curved channel portion163in which bubbles easily stay, the ink passes through the filter166, and thus, bubbles, which previously occur, can be trapped in advance.

(31) Since bubbles generated in the ink chamber137move upward the gravity direction, the channel opening162is opened to the bottom surface152a, and thus, there can be a less concern that the bubbles may enter the outlet channel138from the channel opening162.

(32) The horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158dare formed, and thus, the ink chamber137can be reinforced. Moreover, since the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158dextend along the direction intersecting the horizontal direction, if bubbles are generated in the ink stored in the ink chamber137, the bubbles can move along the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158d. That is, there can be a less concern that the bubbles may be trapped by the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158d.

(33) The bottom surface152aof the ink chamber137can be inclined along the inclination channel portion165. That is, in the inclination channel portion165, since the channel opening162side is formed to be lower, the ink in the ink chamber137can collected at the channel opening162side.

(34) Since the cross-sectional area of the inclination channel portion165is large, there can be a less concern that the inclination channel portion165may be blocked by the bubbles generated in the curved channel portion163.

(35) Even if bubbles are generated in the wall communication opening155, since the upper surface155cof the antigravity direction side is inclined, there can be a less concern that bubbles may stay at the wall communication opening155.

(36) Due to the wall ventilation opening156formed in the partition wall150, the pressure difference between the first ink chamber151and the second ink chamber152can be decreased. In addition, since the wall ventilation opening156formed in the partition wall150is formed to be closer to the ceiling surface137bthan the rib ventilation openings160formed in the intersection rib portions157ato157i, there can be a less concern that the ink in the second ink chamber152may enter the first ink chamber151from the wall ventilation opening156.

(37) The positioning protrusion141is formed, and thus, deviation of the air passage formation film147is suppressed, and the air passage formation film147can be easily adhered to the meander grooves142and143.

(38) Since the filter166is mounted on the first channel formation concave portion168aformed on the lower surface40of the storage body case130, the filter166can be easily exchanged.

(39) In the float valve131which is disposed in the second ink chamber152of the liquid storage body33, the thin film member186which closes the opening portion185aof the air chamber187does not directly receive the inflow pressure of the ink which flows into the second ink chamber152by the pouring of the filler port73. That is, the inflow pressure of the ink acts along the film surface of the thin film member186. Accordingly, even if the ink is strongly poured from the outside into the first ink chamber151of the ink chamber137through the filler port73, the inflow pressure of the ink can be suppressed from strongly acting on the thin film member186of the float member181in the second ink chamber152via the first ink chamber151in the direction in which the thin film member186is pressed. Therefore, the float valve131disposed inside the second ink chamber152is not damaged by the inflow pressure of the ink poured from the outside, and an appropriate valve operation can be maintained.

(40) Since the float valve131is disposed in the second ink chamber152which is partitioned by the partition wall150to the first ink chamber151in which the filler port73is formed, the ink poured from the outside via the filler port73directly falling on the float valve131can be avoided, and thus, there may be a decreased concern for the float valve131being damaged.

(41) Even if one air chamber187of the plurality of (four in the embodiment) air chambers187is damaged and the sealed state fails, if the volume of the air chambers187is designed so that the total of the volume of other residual air chambers187generates the desired buoyancy in the float member181, the function of the float valve131can be favorably maintained.

(42) Particularly, if the remaining amount of the ink is equal to or more than the threshold remaining amount by the pouring of the ink via the filler port73from the state where the remaining amount of the ink is less than the threshold remaining amount for long time and the valve body182is positioned at the closed valve position, the valve body182can be suppressed from being the stuck state at the closed valve position, and the valve body182can be rapidly displaced from the closed valve position to the opened valve position.

(43) The inflow pressure of the ink flowing into the second ink chamber152directly applying to the float member181is suppressed by the annular wall portion196of the regulation case183, and if the float member181floats in the up-down direction Z, there can be a less concern that the float member181slides the annular wall portion196of the regulation case183in a surface contact state and a movement resistance may be generated.

(44) If the float member181floats in the vertical direction, there can be a less concern that the thin film member186slides the annular wall portion196of the regulation case183and may be damaged.

(45) If the float member181floats in the up-down direction Z, since the ink flowing between the inner side and the outer side of the annular wall portion196of the regulation case183via the through holes202is allowed, a smooth floating state of the float member181can be maintained according to the change of the remaining amount of the ink.

(46) Since there can be a less concern that the surfaces opposite to each other in the horizontal direction of the regulation case183and the float member181, that is, the thin film member186and the side wall196amay be fixed to each other by surface tension of the ink, an appropriate valve operation of the float valve131can be maintained.

(47) Since the valve body182can be displaced between the opened valve position and the closed valve position only by pressing the float member181to the valve body182with a small stroke, compactification of the float valve131can be achieved.

(48) Since the liquid storage container21includes the first portion positioned outside the printer11and the second portion inserted to the printer11, and the lower portion of the first portion in which the filler port73is formed is configured to be lower than the lower portion of the second portion, for example, compared to a configuration in which the height of the lower surface of the first portion is the same as the height of the lower surface of the second portion and the first portion extends in the horizontal direction, the disadvantage that the entire size in the horizontal direction of the printer11including the liquid storage container21is increased can be prevented. Moreover, for example, if the first portion positioned outside the printer11extends in the horizontal direction, compared to the case where the lower portion of the first portion is lower than the lower portion of the second portion (the case where the first portion extends in the gravity direction), a force applied to the second portion is increased as the distance from the second portion inserted into the printer11is long, and thus, damage or the like of the second portion may occur. In addition, for example, due to similar reasons, the printer11may be inclined to the first portion side. With respect to this, the lower portion of the first portion is lower than the lower portion of the second portion, and thus, it is possible to decrease the probability of disadvantages such as the damage of the second portion or the inclination of the printer11.

(49) Since the first portion having the larger capacity than that of the second portion is positioned outside the printer11, compared to a case where the second portion having the smaller capacity than that of the first portion is positioned outside the printer11, the user easily understands the remaining amount of the ink in the liquid storage container21, and thus, it is possible to decrease the probability of disadvantages such as the ink being overflowed from the liquid storage container21due to excessive pouring of the ink or the printing being continued although the remaining amount of the ink is small.

(50) Since the height of the top face of the first portion is the same as the top face of the second portion, capacity enlargement of the liquid storage container21is achieved, and rising of the position of the filler port according to the capacity enlargement of the liquid storage container21can be prevented. If the height of the filler port73becomes high, when the user pours the ink, the disadvantage that the user should raise the container storing the ink for pouring up to the height of the filler port73can be prevented.

(51) Since the lengths in the short direction of the first portion and the second portion are the same as each other, when inserted into the printer11, the user easily suppose the remaining amount in the second portion at which the remaining amount of the ink of the inner portion is not easily understood by the user, and thus, it is possible to decrease the probability of disadvantages such as the ink being overflowed from the liquid storage container21due to excessive pouring of the ink or the printing being continued although the remaining amount of the ink is small.

(52) Since the outlet52connected to the printer11is provided in the second portion which is inserted to the printer11, compared to a case where the outlet52is provided at the first portion positioned outside the printer11, it is possible to decrease the probability of the disadvantage such as the printer11and the outlet52not being connected to each other. Specifically, since the first portion is positioned outside the printer11, the user may place materials on the upper portion of the first portion, or impact may be directly applied to the first portion due to accidental collision or the like. In this case, if the outlet52is provided in the first portion, the printer11and the outlet52may be disconnected from each other due to the impact. On the other hand, if the outlet52is provided in the second portion, the impact is also indirectly applied to the second portion. However, compared to the case where the outlet52is provided in the first portion, the received impact can be decreased.

(53) Since the fixed portion37aengaging with the printer11is provided on the first surface of the insertion direction side of the liquid storage container21in the first portion, compared to a case where the fixed portion37ais provided on the second surface opposite to the first surface, an increase in the size of the printer11can be prevented. Moreover, since the first surface is positioned at the insertion direction side, it is possible to decrease the probability of the disadvantage such as observation of the user with respect to the remaining amount in the liquid storage container21being hindered due to the fixed portion37a.

(54) Since the filler port73is formed at the position closer to the second surface opposite to the first surface than the first surface of the second portion side, in the first portion, although the ink is overflowed outside the filler port73by mistake when the user pours the ink, it is possible to decrease the probability of the disadvantage such as contamination due to attachment of the ink to printer11. Moreover, since the first surface is the surface closer to the liquid consumption apparatus than the second surface, the filler port73is provided at the position closer to the second surface, and thus, it is possible to decrease the probability of the disadvantage such as the user being not able to visually recognize the state of the pouring being not capable of being visually recognized due to the printer11.

(55) Since the atmosphere communication hole140is formed between the filler port73and the second portion in the first portion, it is possible to decrease the probability of the disadvantage such as the ink, which hangs down along a portion of an ink supplement container which is positioned in a blind spot of the user when the user pours the ink from the ink supplement container in which the ink for pouring is stored, entering the atmosphere communication hole140and blocking atmosphere communication hole140.

(56) Since the second portion of the liquid storage container21and the printer11are connected to each other to be swung, even if a force is applied to the first portion when the ink is poured, the connection can be maintained, and thus, it is possible to decrease the probability of the disadvantage such as disconnection between the liquid storage container and the printer.

Moreover, the embodiment may be modified to other embodiments as follows.

In the embodiment, the second portion (a portion of the liquid storage container21positioned inside the apparatus main body14) may be the portion which contacts the guide groove84provided in the mounting portion31in the liquid storage container21. Accordingly, the first portion (a portion of the liquid storage container21positioned outside the apparatus main body14) may be a portion other than the second portion in the liquid storage container21or a portion which does not contact the guide groove84provided in the mounting portion31in the liquid storage container21.

In the embodiment, the mounted member50can be swung to the liquid storage body33. However, the embodiment is not limited to the mounted member50, and the material corresponding to the mounted member is not necessarily limited to the mounted member50if the liquid storage body33and the printer11are connected to each other to be swung.

In the embodiment, the circuit substrate holder76may be provided in the slider34to be inserted into the slider34in the direction along the sliding direction of the slider34with respect to the liquid storage body33, that is, the direction along the longitudinal direction. Moreover, the circuit substrate75mounted to the circuit substrate holder76is not necessarily inclined in the sliding direction of the slider34, and for example, may be placed on the circuit substrate holder76in a state where the circuit substrate75is parallel in the sliding direction and in a state where the circuit substrate75is orthogonal to the sliding direction.

In the embodiment, when the moving portion of the slider34moves in the printer11, the groove shaped portion107, which is an example of the positioning shape portion positioned in the printer11, may not necessarily be provided in the circuit substrate holder76. For example, when the slider34is inserted into the mounting portion31in a state where the slider34is positioned to the communication portion77, the positioning shape portion is not needed.

In the embodiment, the engagement portion (groove112) between the slider34and the open-close cover74may not necessarily be provided in the slider34. For example, if the open-close cover74is engaged in a state where the bearing portion90of the open-close cover74is interference-fitted to the rotation axis89of the slider34, since the rotation load can be obtained by the interference-fit, the engagement portion is not needed.

In the embodiment, the open-close cover74may not have necessarily a configuration in which the open-close cover74rotates with the axis extending along the short direction of the liquid storage body33as the rotational center. For example, a configuration, in which the open-close cover74move to be parallel to the slider34in the longitudinal direction and is displaced from the closed cover position to the opened cover position, may be adopted.

In the embodiment, the open-close cover74may not necessarily be provided in the slider34which is provided to cover the filler port73. In this case, the filler port73of the ink may be exposed by extracting the slider34from the printer11(mounting portion31).

In the embodiment, the filler port73may not necessarily be provided on the upper surface39which becomes the antigravity direction side in the liquid storage body33. For example, the filler port73may be provided on the side surface which is positioned at the horizontal direction side. Moreover, the slider34may not necessarily be provided in the state where the slider34covers the filler port73. In this case, the filler port73may be covered by a member different from the slider34.

In the embodiment, the circuit substrate holder76is not necessarily mounted to the holder mounting portion86of the slider34. For example, the circuit substrate holder76may be integrally formed to a portion of the slider34. Moreover, the circuit substrate75supported by the holder76may be a flexible circuit substrate. In addition, the circuit substrate75may be configured of combination of a flexible material and a substrate. That is, the circuit substrate75means both a substrate in which circuits, terminals, memory, or the like configuring the circuit substrate75are provided in the substrate structurally different from each other or a substrate in which circuits, terminals, memory, or the like are integrally provided. Accordingly, the circuit substrate75being inclined means a state where at least one of the above-described configurations is inclined. Moreover, in the embodiment, the circuit substrate75is inclined. However, the circuit substrate75may be inclined in a state where at least the terminal75aor the contact portion75bprovided in the circuit substrate75is electrically connected to the electric terminal78included in the communication portion77. In addition, as described above, the circuit substrate75is an example of the memory unit, and the circuit substrate holder76is an example of the memory unit holding member. However, the circuit substrate75may be the same as the memory unit, and the circuit substrate holder76may be the same as the memory unit holding member.

In the embodiment, the medium is not limited to the paper S, and may be a plate shaped member which has a metal plate, a resin plate, cloth, or the like as the material. That is, if the material is a member which can be recorded (printed) by the liquid ejected from the liquid ejecting head24, the material can be adopted as the medium.

In the embodiment, the liquid consumption apparatus is not limited to the serial type printer11in which the liquid ejecting head24reciprocates according to the carriage25, and may be a line head type printer in which the printing of the maximum width range of the paper can be performed in a state where the liquid ejecting head24is fixed.

In the embodiment, the covering member121may include at least the covering body120.

In the embodiment, an absorbent material which can absorb the ink may be disposed on the rear surface74aof the open-close cover74.

In the embodiment, the connecting portion125may not be the shape in which the connecting portion125is folded in plural on the liquid receiving surface116. For example, the connecting portion125may be formed in a L shape in a plan view by being bent only once at a portion of the connecting portion125. Moreover, the connecting portion125may be formed of metal chains or the like and be placed on the liquid receiving surface116.

In the embodiment, the rear surface74aof the open-close cover74may not be the surface inclined downward toward the filler port73if the open-close cover74is positioned at the opened cover position. In this case, in the rear surface74aof the open-close cover74, it is preferable that the above-described ink absorbent material be disposed in the portion on which the covering body120is placed.

In the embodiment, the covering body120of the covering member121may not be placed on the rear surface74aof the open-close cover74.

In the embodiment, the cut out groove118may be provided at the peripheral position of the filler port73except for the peripheral walls117. For example, the cut out groove118may be formed at the opening edge73aof the filler port73. Moreover, instead of the cut out groove118which is a concave portion, a convex portion which protrudes upward from the peripheral walls117may be provided. In addition, in this case, it is preferable that two convex portions be provided to position the liquid pouring source126from both sides.

In the embodiment, the area of the wall communication opening155may be the same as the area of the filler port73. Moreover, the area of the wall communication opening155may be larger than the area of the filler port73.

In the embodiment, the filter166may not be provided. In addition, the filter166may be provided to cover the channel opening162in the second ink chamber152.

In the embodiment, the float valve131may not be provided.

In the embodiment, the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158dmay not be provided. Moreover, the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158dmay be provided individually, and the provided rib portions among the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158dmay be arbitrarily selected. For example, any one of the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158dmay be provided. In addition, for example, any two horizontally inclined rib portions such as the third horizontally inclined rib portion158cand the fourth horizontally inclined rib portion158d, or any three horizontally inclined rib portions such as the first to the third horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158cmay be provided.

In the embodiment, the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158dnot only extend in one direction, but the rib portions158ato158dmay also be partially bent or be partially curved. That is, for example, the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158dmay include both of the portion which extends along the gravity direction and the portion which intersects the gravity direction.

In the embodiment, the third horizontally inclined rib portion158cand the fourth horizontally inclined rib portion158dmay not be a line symmetry. That is, for example, the third horizontally inclined rib portion158cand the fourth horizontally inclined rib portion158dmay be formed to shift one of the inclined rib portions in the up-down direction Z. Moreover, the axis, which becomes the reference of the line symmetry of the third horizontally inclined rib portion158cand the fourth horizontally inclined rib portion158d, may pass through any position of the float valve131if the axis is along the gravity direction. In addition, the third horizontally inclined rib portion158cand the fourth horizontally inclined rib portion158dmay be a partial line symmetry with the axis as the reference.

In the embodiment, the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158dmay be formed to extend along the front-rear direction Y. Moreover, the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158dmay be formed to extend in the direction which intersects the left-right direction X.

In the embodiment, the horizontally inclined rib portions158ato158dmay be provided to be positionally shifted in the channel opening162and the up-down direction Z.

In the embodiment, the channel opening162may be formed at a position different from the bottom surface152a. For example, the channel opening may be formed on the side wall130b. Moreover, the channel opening162may be formed at a position away from the partition wall150. That is, the distance L1 may be longer than the distance L2.

In the embodiment, the concave portion154may not be provided on the opposite surface153. In addition, the concave portion154may be formed to be recessed toward the direction intersecting the gravity direction. Moreover, the concave portion154may be formed to coincide with the pouring virtual line M. That is, the concave portion154may be formed at the position of the gravity direction side of the filler port73. Moreover, the shapes of the concave portion154and the filler port73are different from each other in a top view, and the size of the concave portion154is larger than the size of the filler port73in the left-right direction X. Accordingly, even if the concave portion154is formed at the position of the gravity direction side of the filler port73, a portion of the concave portion154is positioned at the position which is shifted to the filler port73in the direction intersecting the gravity direction. Therefore, the concave portion154may be formed to be smaller than the filler port73in a top view, and the filler port73and the concave portion154may be formed to be the same shape as each other.

In the embodiment, the liquid storage container21may not include the slider34. That is, the liquid storage container21may be configured of only the liquid storage body33.

In the embodiment, the partition wall150may be provided to intersect the up-down direction Z.

In the embodiment, the storage body case130may not include the intersection rib portions157ato157i.

In the embodiment, the storage body case130may not include the partition wall150.

In the embodiment, the upper surface155cof the wall communication opening155may be formed along the horizontal direction.

In the embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the inclination channel portion165may be the same as the cross-sectional area of the connection channel portion164. Moreover, the cross-sectional area of the inclination channel portion165may be larger than the cross-sectional area of the curved channel portion163. In addition, the cross-sectional area of the inclination channel portion165may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the connection channel portion164and the cross-sectional area of the curved channel portion163.

In the embodiment, the inclination channel portion165may be provided at the position which is shifted to the lower side position in the gravity direction of the ink chamber137. That is, for example, the inclination channel portion165may be provided to be adjacent to the ink chamber137via the side wall130b.

In the embodiment, the valve body182fixed to the bottom surface152aof the second ink chamber152may be omitted, and the valve opening192may be provided to have a function of a valve body to be closed if the pressing portion189protruding downward in the vertical direction from the lower surface of the float member181moves downward.

In the embodiment, the plate shaped portion191which, serves as an example of the regulation abutment portion with respect to the regulation case183in the float member181, may have shapes different from the cross shape in the cross-sectional shape. In brief, if the gap distance between the portion configuring the regulation abutment portion and the inner surface of the cylindrical portion198is smaller than the gap distance between the thin film member186and the inner surface of the annular wall portion196, the shape of the plate shaped portion191may be arbitrary changed.

In the embodiment, the shape of the through hole202in the regulation case183is not limited to the rectangular shape, and may be a round shape, a triangular shape, or a cut out shape. In brief, if the shape of the through hole is a shape which allows the ink flow when the float member181floats, the shape may be arbitrary changed.

In the embodiment, the cut out portion199, which is formed on the side wall196aalong the front-rear direction Y of the regulation case183, may be omitted. Alternatively, the cut out portion199may be formed on the side wall196balong the left-right direction X. Also in this case, the cut out portion199makes the inner portion and the outer portion of the regulation case183communicate with each other and allows the ink flow, and can decrease a concern that the float member181may slide against the regulation case183when the float member181floats.

In the embodiment, the coil spring195, which has the second biasing force biasing the valve body182toward the opened valve position of the upper side, may be omitted.

In the embodiment, at least one air chamber187may be provided in the float member181. That is, the number of the air chambers187is not necessarily limited to four, and may be at least one or more such as two, three, five.

In the embodiment, the partition wall150, which partitions the ink chamber137into the first ink chamber151and the second ink chamber152, may not be provided. That is, only a single ink chamber137of the liquid storage body33may be provided, and the float valve131may be disposed in the single ink chamber137.

In the embodiment, the shape of the regulation case183is not limited to a box shape. That is, the shape of the regulation case183may be arbitrary changed if the regulation case183has the annular wall portion196which surrounds the float member181to prevent the float member181with respect to the inflow pressure of the ink flowing into the second ink chamber152.

In the embodiment, the regulation member may not be the box shape like the regulation case183, and may be a frame shape. In brief, when the float member181floats upward according to the increase of the liquid surface of the ink, if the regulation member has a structure which abuts to stop the upward floating at the position below the ceiling of the ink chamber137and regulates the floating, the shape of the regulation member may be arbitrary changed.

In the embodiment, for example, the thin film member186which forms the air chamber187by closing the opening portion185aof the float member181may be a thin resin sheet, a plate, or the like different from the film.

In the embodiment, as the posture when the liquid storage container21is used, in addition to the state where the liquid storage container21is mounted to the mounting portion31of the printer11and fixed unmovable to the printer11, a state where the liquid storage container21is placed on the side of the printer11and is connected to supply the liquid by a tube may be adopted.

In the embodiment, although the liquid container and the liquid pouring source are described, both may be represented by a liquid container.

In the embodiment, the liquid consumption apparatus may be a liquid ejecting apparatus which ejects or discharges other liquids in addition to the ink. Moreover, the state of the liquid, which is discharged to be liquid droplets of a minute amount from the liquid ejecting apparatus, include granular, tear-shaped, threadlike trailed droplets. In addition, here, the liquid may be any material as long as it can be ejected from the liquid ejecting apparatus. For example, it is preferable if the material is a liquid phase, however, examples of the liquid may include not only a liquid body having high or low viscosity, but also a fluidal body such as sol, gel water, other inorganic solvent, organic solvent, solution, liquid resin, and liquid metal (molten metal). Moreover, the material is not limited to the liquid which is one state of a material, and may include a material in which particles of functional material consisting of solid material such as pigments or metal particles are dissolved, distributed or mixed in solvent. Further, as a representative example of the liquid, as described above in the embodiments, there is ink, liquid crystal, or the like. Here, the ink may include general water-based ink and oil-based ink, and various liquid compositions such as gel ink or hot melt ink. For example, as a specific example of the liquid ejecting apparatus, there is a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting the liquid obtained by distributing and dissolving electrode materials, color materials, or the like which are used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, EL (electroluminescence) display, a surface light emitting display, a color filter, and the like. In addition, the liquid ejecting apparatus may include a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting bioorganic materials used in the manufacture of bio circuit substrates, a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting liquid including samples used as a precision pipette, an apparatus for printing, a micro-dispenser, or the like. In addition, the liquid ejecting apparatus may include a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting lubricating oil by pin points in precision machines such as watches or cameras, or a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting transparent resins such as ultraviolet-curable resin for forming micro-hemispherical lens (optical lens) used in optical communication elements or the like to the substrate. Moreover, the liquid ejecting apparatus may include a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting etching solutions of acid, alkaline, or the like for etching substrates or the like.

In the embodiment, the memory unit records the relevant information related to the liquid. However, the memory unit may not actually store the information, but may just store the information.