Patent Publication Number: US-7722174-B2

Title: Liquid container, component for forming liquid container, and method for producing liquid container

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is a division of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/794,616, filed on Mar. 5, 2004, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a liquid container, a component for forming a liquid container, and a method for producing a liquid container. 
   Conventionally, an ink jet recording apparatus has been widely used as a liquid ejecting apparatus, which ejects liquid to a target. In greater detail, this ink jet recording apparatus comprises a carriage, a recording head mounted on the carriage, and an ink cartridge containing ink as liquid. Printing is carried out on a recording medium by ejecting ink from nozzles formed on the recording head while moving the carriage relative to the recording medium and providing ink to the recording head from the ink cartridge. 
   Moreover, in such an ink jet recording apparatus, in order to reduce the load on a carriage, or to make the apparatus compact and thin, there is a structure, in which an ink cartridge is not mounted on a carriage (a so-called off-carriage type). Such an ink cartridge typically includes an ink pack containing ink, and a case accommodating the ink pack. 
   Conventionally, an ink pack  180  with an outlet portion  181  shown in  FIG. 25  is known as such an ink pack (For example, see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-192739). In detail, this outlet portion  181  is held in an opening of a bag portion  182  of the ink pack  180  in a manner being sandwiched, and discharges the ink contained in the bag portion  182 . This outlet portion  181  is provided with a first tube body  183 , and a second tube body  184 . 
   An annular rubber packing  185 , and a first valve body  187  capable of sealingly closing an opening of the rubber packing  185  by a biasing force of a coil-shaped spring component  186  are provided inside the first tube body  183 . When an ink inlet tube  188  connected to an ink supply tube (not show) is inserted into the outlet portion  181 , a first valve body  187  is pressed and moved by the ink inlet tube  188 , and then the opening of the rubber packing  185  is opened. 
   In addition, in the state where the ink inlet tube  188  is not inserted into the outlet portion  181 , the first valve body  187  abuts and sealingly closes the opening of the rubber packing  185  so that the ink in the ink pack  180  does not leak to the outside. 
   The second tube body  184  is fixed by press-fitting into the first tube body  183 . A valve body accommodating chamber  191  is defined by the second tube body  184  and the first tube body  183 . This valve body accommodating chamber  191  movably accommodates a disc-shaped second valve body  192 . This second valve body  192  abuts a valve seat  193  provided in the second tube body  184  so as to sealingly close a tube path of the outlet portion  181 . On the other hand, when the pressure of the ink in the ink pack increases, the second valve body  192  moves away from the valve seat  193  so as to open the path of the outlet portion  181 . Thus, this second valve body  192  and the seat  193  construct a valve device  194 , this valve device  194  functions as a check valve, which allows the flow of ink only from an inside of the ink pack  180  to the outside. 
   In order to supply ink from the ink pack  180  having the outlet portion  181  as constructed above to a recording head, an ink inlet tube  188  is first inserted into the outlet portion  181 , then the pressure of the ink in the ink pack  180  is increased by pressing the bag portion  182  or the like. As a result, the second valve body  192  moves away from the valve seat  193 , and the ink in the ink pack  180  is supplied to the recording head through the outlet portion  181  and an ink supply tube. 
   The ink pack  180  having the outlet portion  181  as mentioned above has the following advantages: That is, for example, even if a user forcedly moves the first valve body  187  with a screw driver, etc., the valve device  194  functions as a check valve. Accordingly, this can prevent leakage of the ink in the ink pack  180  to the outside because the movement of the first valve body  187  by such user&#39;s operation causes ink in the interior of the first tube body  183  to attempt to flow into the inside of the ink pack  180  but this relatively strong or quick reverse flow of ink instantaneously move the second valve body  192  to seat on the valve seat  193 . Also, this can prevent the outside air and so on associated with such relatively strong or quick reverse flow from flowing into the ink pack  180 , to thereby maintain the degassed rate or cleanliness of the ink in the ink pack  180 . 
   In addition, the valve device  194  functioning as a check valve may permit a slight or slow reverse flow which does not cause the entry of the outside air and so on into the ink pack  180 , and which would be occasionally caused, for example, during printing. 
   The outlet portion  181  is required to maintain high performance of the valve device  194  functioning as a check valve, and therefore to improve airtightness of the valve body accommodating chamber  191 . As one of methods for improving airtightness of the valve body accommodating chamber  191 , heat-crimping is used to fix the first tube body  183  and the second tube body  184  in a tight fit state to form the valve body accommodating chamber  191 . 
   However, since recent tendency is directed toward a case in which both of the first tube body  183  and second tube body  184  are formed of synthetic resin or the like such as plastic, and since both of the first tube body  183  and the second tube body  184 , in this case, are rigid, the aforementioned method suffers from a possibility that unevenness in dimension of the first and second tube bodies  183  and  184 , and thus unevenness in airtightness of the valve body accommodating chamber  191  tends to appear. This deteriorates the performance of the second valve body  192  as a check valve. 
   The present invention aims at solving the above problem, and its object is to provide a liquid container, a component for forming a liquid container, and a method for producing the liquid container capable of maintaining constant performance of a check valve disposed in the liquid container. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid container having a check valve that can more reliably prevents the flow of outside air or the like into its inside. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to ease injection of ink into a liquid container having a check valve. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In the present invention, a liquid container comprises a liquid containing portion for containing liquid; a flow path forming component connected to the liquid containing portion; a liquid flow path, which is provided in the flow path forming component, for communicating an inside and an outside of the liquid containing portion; and a check valve, which is provided in the liquid flow path, for limiting flow of liquid between the inside of the liquid containing portion and the outside to only a single direction, wherein the check valve includes a valve seat and a valve body, the valve body is accommodated in the valve body accommodating chamber formed in the liquid flow path, the valve body accommodating chamber is formed of a recess portion for accommodating the valve body formed in a recessed shape in the flow path forming component, and a first flexible component sealingly closing the recess portion for accommodating the valve body. 
   According to the present invention, the valve body accommodating chamber for accommodating the valve body of the check valve, which is provided in the liquid container, is formed of the recess portion for accommodating the valve body, which is formed in the flow path forming component, and the first flexible component, which sealingly closes it. In the case where the valve body accommodating chamber is formed by crimping rigid bodies together, for example, dimensional deviation occurring in forming the valve body accommodating chamber may deteriorate the airtightness of the valve body accommodating chamber. On the contrary, according to the present invention, since the valve body accommodating chamber is formed of a first flexible component having flexibility, the junction is improved. As a result, the airtightness of the valve body accommodating chamber is improved, and the performance of the check valve is maintained constant. 
   In this liquid container, the check valve allows the flow of liquid from the inside of the liquid containing portion to the outside and stops the flow of liquid from the outside to the inside of the liquid containing portion, the valve body is located at a position close to the outside from the valve seat, the recess portion for accommodating the valve body communicates with the inside of the liquid containing portion for containing liquid in the state where the recess portion for accommodating the valve body is not sealingly closed by the first flexible component, and does not communicate with the inside of the liquid containing portion in the state where the recess portion for accommodating the valve body is sealingly closed by the first flexible component. 
   According to this construction, in production of a liquid container, since the recess portion for accommodating the valve body is in the state not being sealingly closed by the first flexible component, this can allow for liquid to be injected into the inside of the liquid containing portion through the recess portion for accommodating the valve body. Subsequently, after the injection of the liquid is completed, forming the recess portion for accommodating the valve body by sealingly closing by the first flexible component can allow for the check valve to have a function of allowing the flow of liquid only from the inside of the liquid containing portion to the outside. 
   Accordingly, even if a liquid container has a check valve for stopping the flow of liquid from the outside to the inside of the liquid containing portion in the liquid flow path, it is possible to inject liquid from the liquid flow path to the inside of the liquid containing portion through a recess portion for accommodating a valve body. As a result, after only the inside of the liquid containing portion is decompressed through the liquid flow path, liquid is injected through the liquid flow path and the recess portion for accommodating the valve body again, so that it is possible to inject liquid of high purity into the liquid containing portion. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a large-scale decompressor to decompress the whole periphery of a liquid container, so that it is possible to produce a liquid container at low cost. 
   In this liquid container, the first flexible component sealingly closes the recess portion for accommodating the valve body by being heat-welded on the flow path forming component. 
   This construction ensures that the valve body accommodating chamber is sealingly closed, and improves the accuracy of airtightness of the valve body accommodating chamber to maintain the constant performance of a check valve. 
   In this liquid container, the first flexible member is integrally formed with the liquid containing portion. 
   According to this construction, the first flexible component and the liquid containing portion are integrally formed, and the number of components can be reduced, therefore, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of a valve body accommodating body. 
   In this liquid container, the liquid containing portion includes a component for forming the liquid containing portion which is integrally formed with the flow path forming component, and a second flexible component for sealingly closing a recess portion for containing liquid formed in the component for forming the liquid containing portion. Further, the first flexible component and the second flexible component are integrally formed to form a third flexible component. 
   According to this construction, since the first flexible component and the second flexible component are integrally formed, it is possible to perform both sealing of the recess portion for containing liquid by the second flexible component to form the liquid containing portion and sealing of the recess portion for accommodating the valve body by the first flexible component. That is, both of the sealings can be performed simultaneously and/or with the use of the same component. Accordingly, this can save effort in producing a valve body accommodating body, and can reduce manufacturing cost. 
   In this liquid container, the valve body includes means for regulating the amount of movement in the direction away from the valve seat. 
   According to this construction, the check valve stably opens and closes, so that the performance of the check valve can be made preferable. 
   In this liquid container, the valve body is formed of an elastic material. 
   According to this construction, it is possible to bias the valve body in the direction that the valve body abuts against or moves away from the valve seat by using the elastic force of the valve body itself. As a result, control of opening and closing of the check valve is easy, so that the performance of the check valve can be more preferable. 
   In this liquid container, the valve seat is formed so as to project toward the valve body side. 
   According to this construction, the valve body and the valve seat are in closer contact with each other, so that the performance of the check valve can be made preferable. 
   In this liquid container, the recessed direction of the recess portion for accommodating the valve body is perpendicular to the flow direction of the liquid flow path. 
   According to this construction, the valve body is easily accommodated in the recess portion for accommodating the valve body, so that it is possible to produce a liquid container easily. 
   In this liquid container, a first liquid flow path, which is a portion between the valve body accommodating chamber and the inside of the liquid containing portion, is provided along the extension of the recessed direction of the recess portion for accommodating the valve body. 
   According to this construction, the recess portion for accommodating the valve body and a partial flow path, which is a part of the liquid flow path, are located in a straight line. Accordingly, forming a through hole in a flow path forming component can form the recess portion for accommodating the valve body and the partial flow path together, therefore, it is possible to produce a liquid container easily. 
   In this liquid container, the liquid is ink, and the liquid container is an ink pack used for an ink jet recording apparatus. 
   According to this construction, the performance of the check valve provided in the ink pack used in the ink jet recording apparatus can be constant. Since the check valve is provided so as to allow the flow of ink only from the ink pack to a recording head of the ink jet apparatus, it is possible to prevent the reverse flow of ink, the flow of air, or the like, into the ink pack. As a result, this improves the degassed rate and cleanliness of the ink in the ink pack, therefore, it is possible to provide preferable printing in an ink jet recording apparatus. 
   In this liquid container, the liquid containing portion is a film member, means for preventing deformation of the liquid flow path is provided in a welded portion of the fluid path forming component where the film member is welded. 
   According to this construction, since means for preventing deformation to prevent deformation of the liquid flow path to a minimum is provided in the flow path forming component, it is possible to prevent deformation of the liquid flow path to a minimum when the film member is welded onto the flow path forming component. Thus, even when the film member is welded onto the flow path forming component, the liquid flow path hardly deforms by welding. Accordingly, it is possible to smoothly discharge liquid to the outside through the liquid flow path. In addition, since the liquid flow path hardly deforms, even if a valve device is provided in a welded portion of the flow path forming component where the film member is welded, this construction can reduce the possibility that a second valve body is stopped in the middle of a liquid flow path, and can ensure the operation of the valve device more reliably. Thus, when the valve device is provided in the welded portion where the film member is welded, shortening the length of the liquid flow path can downsize the whole of a liquid container. 
   In this liquid container, the means for preventing deformation is a rib inwardly projecting in the liquid flow path located in the welded portion. 
   According to this construction, means for preventing deformation is a rib inwardly projecting in the liquid flow path. Although it is conceivable to make a periphery portion of the liquid flow path thick in order to prevent deformation of the liquid flow path, in this case, a sink (a recess formed on the surface) occasionally appears in the periphery of the flow path forming component. That is, for this recess, it is difficult for the film member to be in intimate contact with the flow path forming component. However, providing the rib in the liquid flow path as mentioned above can allow for the thickness of the periphery of the flow path forming component to be thick partially. Thus, the liquid flow path hardly deforms as increasing the thickness of the welded portion, however, a portion with increased thickness is limited to only a part of it. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the appearance of a sink to a minimum. Therefore, it is possible to keep deformation of the liquid flow path to a minimum, and to allow for the flow path forming component and the film member to be in intimate contact with each other easily by keeping the appearance of a sink to a minimum. 
   In this liquid container, the means for preventing deformation is a groove formed in an annular or arcuate shape around the periphery of the liquid flow path in the welded portion. 
   According to this construction, means for preventing deformation is the groove formed in an annular or arcuate shape around the periphery of the liquid flow path. Thus, since the heat during heat-welding first deforms a groove portion and then deforms a middle circular portion, the middle circular portion is more difficult to deform. In addition, the distance between the periphery portion of the welded portion, where the heat in heat-welding is applied, and the middle circular portion can be greater, and the thickness between the middle circular potion and the groove portion can be thinner. Accordingly, the middle circular portion hardly deforms, and a sink hardly appears. Therefore, it is possible to keep deformation of the liquid flow path to a minimum, and to allow for the flow path forming component and the film member to be in intimate contact with each other easily by keeping the appearance of a sink to a minimum. 
   In this liquid container, a part of the component of a valve mechanism, which opens and closes this liquid flow path is provided in the liquid flow path located in the welded portion where the means for preventing deformation is provided. 
   According to this construction, a part of the component of the valve mechanism, which opens and closes this liquid flow path, is provided in the liquid flow path located in the welded portion. Accordingly, since the valve mechanism, which opens and closes the liquid flow path, can be disposed without escaping the liquid flow path of the welded portion, the length of the liquid flow path can be shortened to downsize the whole of a liquid container. 
   In this liquid container, the valve mechanism includes a second valve seat; a second valve body, which is seated on this second valve seat so as to be in a valve close state and moves away from the second valve seat so as to be in a valve open state; and means for biasing the second valve seat so that this second valve body is normally seated on the second valve seat, wherein means for regulating the movement of the second valve body so that the second valve body is not located in the liquid flow path located in the welded portion is provided in the liquid flow path. 
   According to this construction, means for regulating the second valve body is provided so that the second valve body, which performs the operation for opening and closing of the valve mechanism, is not located in the liquid flow path of the welded portion. That is, the second valve, body is not located in the liquid flow path of the welded portion. Accordingly, even if the liquid flow path of the welded portion deforms regardless of providing means for preventing deformation, the second valve body, which performs the operation for opening and closing of the valve mechanism, does not come into the deformed liquid flow path of the welded portion. Therefore, this construction can further reduce the possibility that the second valve body does not operate by entering into the deformed liquid flow path, and can ensure the operation for opening and closing of the valve mechanism more reliably. 
   In this liquid container, guiding means is provided in the liquid flow path so that the second valve body moves along the inner wall of the flow path forming component as a guide. 
   According to this construction, the second valve body moves along the inner wail of the flow path forming component, while being guided thereby. Thus, when the inner wall deforms by deformation of the liquid flow path, the second valve body moves along the deformed guiding means. However, since means for preventing deformation is provided so as to prevent deformation of the liquid flow path, the second valve body is seldom guided by such a deformed guiding means. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that the second valve body moves more reliably, and to ensure the operation for opening and closing of the valve mechanism more reliably. 
   In the present invention, a component, for forming a liquid container comprises a liquid containing portion capable of containing liquid, a flow path forming component connected to the liquid containing portion, a liquid flow path, which is provided in the flow path forming component, for communicating an inside and an outside of the liquid containing portion, and a check valve, which is provided in the liquid flow path, for allowing only the flow of liquid from the inside of the liquid containing portion to the outside, a recess portion for accommodating a valve body formed in the liquid flow path forming component so as to communicate with the liquid flow path and the liquid containing portion, a first flexible component, which is provided so as to be capable of sealingly closing the recess portion for accommodating the valve body, wherein when the recess portion for accommodating the valve body is sealingly closed by the first flexible component, the recess portion for accommodating the valve body does not communicate with the inside of the liquid containing portion. The check valve includes a valve seat and the valve body, which is located at the position close to the outside from the valve seat, the valve body is located inside the recess portion for accommodating the valve body. 
   According to the present invention, when liquid is injected into the liquid containing portion of the liquid container forming component, it is possible to inject liquid into the inside of the liquid container through the recess portion for accommodating the valve body. Subsequently, after the injection of the liquid is completed, sealingly closing the recess portion for accommodating the valve body by the first flexible component can allow for the check valve to have a function of allowing the flow of liquid only from the inside of the liquid containing portion to the outside. 
   Accordingly, even if the liquid container comprises the check valve for stopping the flow of liquid from the outside to the inside of the liquid containing portion in the liquid flow path, it is possible to inject liquid from the liquid flow path to the inside of the liquid containing portion through the recess portion for accommodating the valve body. As a result, after only the inside of the liquid containing portion is decompressed through the liquid flow path, liquid is injected through the liquid flow path and the recess portion for accommodating the valve body again, so that it is possible to inject liquid of high purity into the liquid containing portion. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a large-scale decompressor to decompress the whole periphery of the liquid container, so that it is possible to produce the liquid container at low cost. 
   In the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a liquid container including a liquid containing portion capable of containing liquid, a flow path forming component connected to the liquid containing portion, a liquid flow path, which is provided in the flow path forming component, for communicating an inside and an outside of the liquid containing portion, and a check valve, which is provided in the liquid flow path, for allowing flow of liquid only from the inside of the liquid containing portion to the outside. The method comprises steps of: injecting the liquid into the inside of the liquid containing portion through a recess portion, which is formed in the liquid flow path forming component at a position close to the outside from a valve seat of the check valve, which allows the liquid flow path to communicate with the inside of the liquid container, and which accommodates a valve body of the check valve; and sealingly closing the recess portion for accommodating the valve body by a first flexible component so that the recess portion for accommodating the valve body is in a non-communicating state with the inside of the liquid containing portion. 
   Thus, according to the present invention, since liquid is injected into the inside of the liquid containing portion of the liquid container through the recess portion for accommodating the valve body, injection of liquid to the liquid container is not hindered by the check valve. Further, since the recess portion for accommodating the valve body is sealingly closed by the first flexible component after the injection of the liquid, the liquid container, i.e. a completed product, has the check valve having a function of allowing the flow of liquid only from the inside of the liquid containing portion to the outside. 
   Namely, even if the liquid container comprises the check valve, provided in the liquid flow path, for stopping the flow of liquid from the outside to the inside of the liquid containing portion, it is possible to inject liquid from the liquid flow path to the inside of the liquid containing portion through the recess portion for accommodating the valve body. As a result, after only the inside of the liquid containing portion is decompressed through the liquid flow path, liquid is injected through the liquid flow path and the recess portion for accommodating the valve body again, so that it is possible to inject liquid of high purity into the liquid containing portion. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a large-scale decompressor to decompress the whole periphery of the liquid container, so that it is possible to produce a liquid container at low cost. 
   In the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a liquid container comprising a liquid containing port ion capable of containing liquid, a flow path forming component connected to the liquid containing portion, a liquid flow path, which is provided in the flow path forming component, for communicating an inside and an outside of the liquid containing portion, and a check valve, which is provided in the liquid flow path, for allowing only flow of liquid from the inside of the liquid containing portion to the outside, the liquid containing portion including a component for forming the liquid containing portion, which is integral with the flow path forming component, and also including a recess portion for containing the liquid, which is formed in the component for forming the liquid containing portion. The method comprises steps of sealingly closing both a recess portion for accommodating a valve body of the check valve, which recess is formed in the flow path forming component, communicates with the liquid flow path and accommodates the valve body of the check valve, and the recess portion for containing the liquid by a third flexible component; and injecting the liquid into a space formed by the recess portion for containing the liquid and the third flexible component. 
   Thus, according to the present invention, in the sealingly closing step, it is possible to simultaneously perform both sealing the recess portion for containing the liquid by the third flexible component to form the liquid containing portion and sealing the recess portion for accommodating the valve body by the third flexible component. Accordingly, this can save effort in producing a valve body accommodating body, and can reduce manufacturing cost. 
   The present disclosure relates to the subject matter contained in Japanese patent application Nos. 2003-059019 (filed on Mar. 5, 2003) and 2003-104134 (filed on Apr. 8, 2003), each of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a plan view of a printer according to Embodiment 1. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the ink pack according to Embodiment 1. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a primary part of an outlet portion according to Embodiment 1. 
       FIG. 4  is a plan view of a primary part of an outlet portion according to Embodiment 1. 
       FIG. 5  is a fragmentary sectional view of the ink pack according to Embodiment 1. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the outlet portion according to Embodiment 1. 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the outlet portion according to Embodiment 1. 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram for explanation of the function of the outlet portion according to Embodiment 1. 
       FIG. 9  is a diagram for explanation of the function of the ink pack according to Embodiment 1. 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a component for forming an ink pack according to Embodiment 1. 
       FIG. 11  is a fragmentary sectional view of the component for forming an ink pack according to Embodiment 1. 
       FIG. 12  is a conceptual diagram of an apparatus for injecting ink according to Embodiment 1. 
       FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of a primary part of an outlet portion according to Embodiment 2. 
       FIG. 14  is a fragmentary sectional view of the ink pack according to Embodiment 2. 
       FIG. 15  is a diagram for explanation of the function of the ink pack according to Embodiment 2. 
       FIG. 16  is a cutaway perspective view of a primary part of an ink pack according to Embodiment 3. 
       FIG. 17  is a fragmentary sectional view of the ink pack according to Embodiment 3. 
       FIG. 18  is a fragmentary sectional view of the ink pack according to another embodiment. 
       FIG. 19  is a fragmentary sectional view of a component for forming an ink pack according to another embodiment. 
       FIG. 20  is a fragmentary sectional view of the ink pack according to another embodiment. 
       FIG. 21  is a plan view of a primary part of an outlet portion according to another embodiment. 
       FIG. 22  is a plan view of a primary part of an outlet portion according to another embodiment. 
       FIG. 23  is a plan view of a primary part of an outlet portion according to another embodiment. 
       FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a first valve body according to another embodiment. 
       FIG. 25  is a fragmentary sectional view of a conventional ink pack. 
       FIG. 26  is a sectional view of an ink outlet portion having a rib as means for preventing deformation. 
       FIG. 27  is a sectional view of an ink outlet portion having the same. 
       FIG. 28  is a sectional view of an ink outlet portion having the same. 
       FIG. 29  is a sectional view of an ink outlet portion with a plurality of deformation preventing rooms around the periphery of liquid flow path as a means for preventing deformation. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Embodiment 1 
   The following description will describe one embodiment to give a concrete form to the invention with reference to  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 11 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , a printer  11  as an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention comprises a nearly rectangular parallelepiped frame  12  with an opening on its upper side. A paper-feeding component  13  is constructed on the frame  12  so that a paper can be fed on this paper-feeding component  13  by a paper-feeding mechanism (not shown). A guide component  14  is constructed on the frame  12  in parallel to the paper-feeding component  13 . In this guide component, the carriage  15  is inserted and supported movably in the axis direction of the guide component  14 . In addition, this carriage  15  is connected to a carriage motor  17  via a timing belt  16 . The carriage motor  17  drives the carriage  15  so as to move along the guide component  14  back and forth. 
   A recording head  20  is mounted on the surface of the carriage  15  opposing the paper-feeding component  13 . Valve units  21 K,  21 C,  21 M, and  21 Y (hereinafter occasionally referred to as simply “valve unit  21 ” as representative of respective valve units) for supplying ink as liquid to the recording head  20  are mounted on the carriage  15 . In this embodiment, four valve units  21 K,  21 C,  21 M, and  21 Y are provided corresponding to ink colors (respective colors, black ink K, cyan C, magenta M, and yellow Y) in order to temporarily store the ink therein. 
   In addition, nozzle outlets (not shown) are provided on the under surface of the recording head  20 . Ink is supplied from the valve units  21 K,  21 C,  21 M, and  21 Y to the recording head  20 , and then ink droplets are ejected onto a paper by drive of piezoelectric elements (not shown) to print. 
   A cartridge holder  22  is formed at the right end of the frame  12 . Ink cartridges  23 K,  23 C,  23 M, and  23 Y (hereinafter occasionally referred to as simply “ink cartridge  23 ” as representative of respective ink cartridges) are removably provided on the cartridge holder  22 . Each of these ink cartridges  23 K,  23 C,  23 M, and  23 Y includes an outer case  24  which can define at least a part of a hermetically sealed interior, and an ink pack  25  (see  FIG. 2 ) that is provided inside the outer case  24  and that functions as a liquid container. The ink packs  25  contain the black ink K, and respective color ink, cyan C, magenta M and yellow Y, and a detailed description will be described later. 
   The ink packs  25  of the ink cartridges  23  and the valve units  21  are connected to each other through flexible supply tubes  28 K,  28 C,  28 M, and  28 Y (hereinafter occasionally referred to as simply “supply tube  28 ” as representative of respective supply tubes), respectively. 
   In addition, a pressure pump  33  is provided above the ink cartridge  23 Y containing yellow ink Y. This pressure pump  33  is connected to the outer cases  24  of the ink cartridges  23 K,  23 C,  23 M, and  23 Y through air supply tubes  34 K,  34 C,  34 M, and  34 Y, respectively. Accordingly, air pressurized by the pressure pump  33  is supplied to the outer cases  24  of the ink cartridges  23 K,  23 C,  23 M, and  23 Y through the air supply tubes  34 K,  34 C,  34 M, and  34 Y so that the pressurized air is introduced into spaces (not shown) formed between the outer cases  24  and the ink packs  25 . 
   That is, air is supplied into the outer case  24  by drive of the pressure pump  33 , therefore, the ink pack  25  is pressed by the pressurized air. Consequently, the respective ink contained in the ink packs  25  is supplied to the valve units  21 K,  21 C,  21 M, and  21 Y through the supply tubes  28 K,  28 C,  28 M,  28 Y. 
   Next, the following description will describe the ink pack  25  in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 2  to  FIG. 9 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 2 , the ink pack  25  according to this embodiment comprises a bag portion  36  as a liquid containing portion and an outlet portion  37 . In this embodiment, the bag portion  36  comprises two laminate films  36   a  and  36   b  that have the same size and a rectangular shape and that serve as a first flexible component. These laminate films  36   a  and  36   b  are overlaid one on the other, and then heat-welded at four sides to form a bag shape. The outlet portion  37  is heat-welded to a side  38 , which is one of the four sides of the bag portion  36 , in a state in which the outlet portion  37  is held between the laminate films  36   a  and  36   b . Thus, the internal space S (see  FIG. 5 ) of the bag portion  36  is sealed, and contains ink. In addition, each of the laminate films  36   a  and  36   b  are formed of a polyethylene film having gas-barrier characteristics onto which aluminum is vapor-deposited. 
   The outlet portion  37  is designed to allow the ink contained in the internal space S of the bag portion  36  to flow out therefrom, and comprises a first flow path forming component  41 , a second flow path forming component  42 , and a third flow path forming component  43  arranged in this order along the axis line A as shown in  FIG. 3 . These flow path forming components  41 - 43  are integrally formed of a synthetic resin, such as plastic, or the like. 
   In this embodiment, the first flow path forming component  41  has a shape such as a boat shape, which has both edges cut straightly, in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axis line A. That is, the first flow path forming component  41  has two opposing convex surfaces (side surfaces  41   a ,  41   c , see  FIGS. 2 and 5 ) and two opposing planar surfaces that are in parallel to each other and that connect the convex surfaces, to thereby provide the boat shape in the cross-sectional view. The first flow path forming component  41  has a large recess portion  45  which is recessed from one side surface  41   a  (the convex surface) in a direction perpendicular to the axis line A. The first flow path forming component  41  has a first ink flow path  46  which is in a recessed shape and which extends from an upper surface  41   b  in a direction parallel to the axis line A. 
   As shown in  FIG. 3  to  FIG. 5 , the large recess portion  45  comprises a first recess portion  47 , which is circular in cross-section and which serves as a recess portion for accommodating a valve body, a second recess portion  48  which is circular in cross-section and which has a diameter smaller than that of the first recess portion  47 , and a third recess portion  49 , which communicates with the first recess portion  47  and the second recess portion  48 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , a second ink flow path  51  having a diameter smaller than that of the first recess portion  47  is formed to extend from the bottom surface  47   a  of the first recess portion  47  in the direction perpendicular to the axis line A (see  FIG. 3 ). This second ink flow path  51  communicates with the first ink flow path  46 . Additionally, an annular valve seat  53  is formed in a projecting shape in the bottom surface  47   a  of the first recess portion  47  so as to surround the outlet of the second ink flow path  51 . 
   When the outlet portion  37  is heat-welded onto the bag portion  36 , the opening of the large recess portion  45  is sealed by the laminate film  36   a . Thus, the first recess portion  47  and the laminate film  36   a  form a valve body accommodating chamber  55 . The second recess portion  48 , the third recess portion  49  and the laminate film  36   a  form a third ink flow path  56 . As shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 , a fourth ink flow path  57  extends from this third ink flow path  56  in the direction along the axis line A (see  FIG. 3 ). The first ink flow path  46 , the second ink flow path  51 , the valve body accommodating chamber  55 , the third ink flow path  56 , and the fourth ink flow path  57  form a liquid flow path. 
   Moreover, a first valve body  58  as a valve body is movably accommodated in the valve body accommodating chamber  55 . The first valve body  58  is capable of unattachedly migrating in the valve body accommodating chamber  55  so as to stop a flow of ink or air attempting to flow into the space S of the ink pack  25 . In detail, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the first valve body  58  comprises a disc portion  58   a , the diameter of which is slightly smaller than that of the inner wall surface of the first recess portion  47  and is greater than that of the valve seat  53 , and a cylinder portion  58   b , the diameter of which is smaller than the disc portion  58   a , as regulating means. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the first valve body  58  is accommodated in the valve body accommodating chamber  55  such that the disc portion  58   a  can abut against the valve seat  53  and the cylinder portion  58   b  can abut against the laminate film  36   a.    
   In this embodiment, this first valve body  58  and the valve seat  53  form a first valve device  59 . This first valve device  53  operates so that the disc portion  58   a  is forced by fluid and moves away from the valve seat  53  when the fluid pressure in the second ink flow path  51  is higher than the fluid pressure in the valve body accommodating chamber  55 , i.e., when fluid flows from the second ink flow path  51  to the valve body accommodating chamber  55 . Accordingly, the second ink flow path  51  and the valve body accommodating chamber  55  are made in fluid communication with each other. 
   The first valve device  58  also operates so that the disc portion  58   a  is forced by fluid and abuts against the valve seat  53  when the fluid pressure in the second ink flow path  51  is lower than the fluid pressure in the valve body accommodating chamber  55 , i.e., when fluid attempts to flow from the valve body accommodating chamber  55  to the second ink flow path  51 . Accordingly, the second ink flow path  51  is made in fluid non-communication with the valve body accommodating chamber  55 . That is, the first valve device  59  functions as a check valve, which allows the flow of fluid from the second ink flow path  51  to the valve body accommodating chamber  55 , and stops the reverse flow of fluid. 
   The inner wall surface of the first, recess portion  47  regulates the movement of the first valve body  58  in the direction perpendicular to the direction where the first valve body  58  abuts against and moves away from the valve seat  53 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 3 , in this embodiment, the second flow path forming component  42  has a boat shape in a cross-sectional view of the direction perpendicular to the axis line A. That is, the second flow path forming component  42  has two side surfaces  42   a ,  42   b  which connects to each other at lateral ends (see  FIG. 7 ), and each of which is formed by a convex surface flush with and connecting to the corresponding convex surface of the first flow path forming component  41 , and two concave surfaces smoothly connecting, at one end thereof, to a respective lateral end of the convex surface of the second flow path forming component  42  and also connecting, at the other end, to the opposing concave surface of the second flow path forming component  42 , to thereby present the boat shape in the cross-sectional view. In this embodiment, the third flow path forming component  43  has a circular-shape in a cross-sectional view of the direction perpendicular to the axis line A. 
   As shown in  FIG. 6 , these second and third flow path forming components  42  and  43  have a fifth ink flow path  61 , and a sixth ink flow path  62  arranged in this order from the first flow path forming component  41  side along the axis line A (see  FIG. 3 ). The fifth ink flow path  61  communicates with the fourth ink flow path  57  formed in the first flow path forming component  41 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the fifth ink flow path  61  is formed such that diametrically opposing two grooves  61   b  and  61   c  are formed in and recessed from a circular portion  61   a  having a cross-sectional circular shape. 
   As shown in  FIG. 6 , the sixth ink flow path  62  communicates, at one end thereof with the fifth ink flow path  61 , and communicates, at the other end, with the outside through the bottom surface  43   a  of the third flow path forming component  43 . In this embodiment, the sixth ink flow path  62  has a cross-sectional circular shape. Thus, the first ink flow path  46 , the second ink flow path  51 , the valve body accommodating chamber  55 , the third ink flow path  56 , the fourth ink flow path  57 , the fifth ink flow path  61 , and the sixth ink flow path  62  form a series of liquid flow paths in the outlet portion  37 . 
   In addition, a second valve device  63  is provided in these fifth and six ink flow paths  61 , and  62 . In detail, the second valve device  63  comprises a rubber packing  71 , a second valve body  72 , and a coil spring  73 . In this embodiment, the rubber packing  71  has an annular shape, and is inserted concentrically into the sixth ink flow path  62 . 
   In this embodiment, the second valve body  72  has a nearly cylindrical shape, and is located in the fifth ink flow path  61 . The second valve body  72  has a size capable of slidably moving along the circular portion  61   a  of the fifth ink flow path  61 . By this sliding movement, one end of the second valve body  72  can abut against and move away from the rubber packing  71 . As a result, opening of the rubber packing  71  is closed or opened, and therefore fluid communication between the fifth ink flow path  61  and the sixth ink flow path  62  is interrupted or established. Additionally, the other end of the second valve body  72  has a tapered shape. 
   The coil spring  73  is a compression spring, and is located in the fifth ink flow path  61  between the first flow path forming component  41  side and the second valve body  72 . The coil spring  73  has an outer diameter of approximately the same as the second valve body  72 . One end of the coil spring  73  abuts against the bottom surface  61   d  of the fifth ink flow path  61 , and the other end thereof abuts against the tapered portion of the second valve body  72 . 
   That is, the coil spring  73  can expand and contract inside the fifth ink flow path  61 , and biases the second valve body  72  in a direction in which the second valve body  72  abuts against the rubber packing  71 . In addition, when an external force is not applied to the coil spring  73 , the second valve body abuts against the rubber packing  71  by the biasing force  72  of the coil spring  73  to close the fifth ink flow path  61 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 5 , heat welding the laminate films  36   a  and  36   b  onto the side surfaces  41   a  and  41   c  of the first flow path forming component  41 , and the side surfaces  42   a  and  42   b  (see  FIG. 7 ) of the first flow path forming component  42  fixes the outlet portion  37  mentioned above to the bag portion  36 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , only third flow path forming component  43  is exposed outside. The first ink flow path  46  of the first flow path forming component  41  (see  FIG. 3 ) communicates with the internal space S of the bag portion  36 , and the ink contained in the internal space S of the bag portion  36  flows into the first ink flow path  46 . 
   In addition, in the ink pack  25  as mentioned above, when the supply tube  28  (see  FIG. 1 ) is not connected to the outlet portion  37 , the second valve device  63  of the ink pack  25  is closed. Accordingly, in this state, the ink in the ink pack  25  does not flow to the outside through the outlet portion  37 . 
   Further, as shown in  FIG. 8 , when a supply needle  77  is inserted into the outlet portion  37  of the ink pack  25 , the second valve body  72  is pressed by the supply needle  77 , and moves toward the first flow path forming component  41 . Accordingly, the second valve device  63  is opened. The supply needle  77  is a hollow needle provided at the end portion of the supply tube  28  (see  FIG. 1 ), and a plurality of supply holes  77   a  are formed at its tip portion. Accordingly, in this state, the fifth ink flow path  61  communicates with the supply holes  77   a  of the supply needle  77 . 
   In this state, the pressure of the ink in the bag portion  36  increases when the bag portion  36  of the ink pack  25  (see  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 ) is pressed by drive of the pressure pump  33  (see  FIG. 1 ). Consequently, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the pressure of the ink in the first ink flow path  46  and the second ink flow path  51 , which flow from the bag portion  36 , also increases, and the first valve body  58  is forced in the direction away from the valve seat  53  by the ink. Consequently, the first valve body  58  moves in the valve body accommodating chamber  55  to the position where its cylinder portion  58   b  abuts against the laminate film  36   a.    
   As a result, the first valve device  59  becomes in the open state, as shown in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 , the internal space S of the bag portion  36  communicates with all of the first to second ink flow paths  46  and  51 , the valve body accommodating chamber  55 , and the third to fifth ink flow paths  56 ,  57  and  61 . The ink contained in the internal space S of the bag portion  36  is supplied to the supply tube  28  (see  FIG. 1 ) through the first to second ink flow paths  46  and  51 , the valve body accommodating chamber  55 , and the third to fifth ink flow paths  56 ,  57  and  61 . 
   At this time, since the outer diameter of the supply needle  77  is designed for press-fitting with the inner diameter of the rubber packing  71 , ink does not leak to the outside through the gap between the rubber packing  71  and the supply needle  77 . 
   On the other hand, if a screw driver (not shown) or the like is forcedly inserted into the outlet portion  37  of the ink pack  25  instead of the supply needle  77 , the second valve device  63  is opened. However, in such a case, since the first valve device  59  maintains a close state, it is possible to prevent, leakage of the ink in the bag portion  36  to the outside. 
   The first valve device  59  is designed to somewhat permit the reverse flow of the fluid, but to surely establish the close state when a quick or strong reverse flow causing entry of air bubble attempt to occur. To this end, i.e. to provide a valve structure that can restrict the fluid flow in only one direction, it is preferable to set the specific gravities of the fluid and the valve body (the first valve body  58  in this embodiment) to be substantially equal to each other. In case where ink is used as the fluid, the specific gravity of the valve body (the first valve body  58  in this embodiment) is preferably set to be about 1.07×10 −3  g/mm 3  that is the specific gravity of ink. Here, “substantially equal” encompasses the following cases: If the first valve body has a relatively large volume (like the valve body  58  as shown in  FIG. 5 ), the specific gravity of the fluid may be larger than that of the first valve body. This is because, in this case, a resistance is likely to occur against the movement of the valve body to assist the reverse flow preventing function. On this other hand, in a case of a film-like or plate-like valve body (as in a case of a first valve body  169  shown in  FIG. 14 ), the specific gravity of the fluid may be smaller than that of the first valve body. This is because, if the specific gravity of the film-like or plate-like first valve body ( 169 ) is smaller than the specific gravity of the fluid, the valve body may move to and stay at an undesired position, not at an intended initial position, depending on a posture of the ink cartridge. In addition, it is preferably to restrict the movement of the first valve body  169  to such an extend as to seat on the intended initial position, and in this case the first valve body  169  may be larger in specific, gravity than the fluid in order to provide the valve structure that can be closed when the quick or strong reverse flow attempts to occur. 
   Next, the following description will describe a component for forming a liquid container according to the present invention, taking, as an example, a component for forming an ink pack  25  mentioned above, with reference to  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 . This ink pack forming component  81  becomes an ink pack  25  after processing, and components the same as or similar to those of the ink pack  25  are attached with the same reference numerals and their description is omitted. 
   As shown in  FIG. 10 , the ink pack forming component  81  according to this embodiment comprises the outlet portion  37  and the bag portion  36 , and ink is not contained in its internal space S (see  FIG. 11 ). The laminate films  36   a  and  36   b  forming the bag portion  36  are heat-welded onto the side surfaces  42   a  and  42   b  (see  FIG. 7 ) of the second flow path forming component  42  of the outlet portion  37 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 11 , regarding the first flow path forming component  41  of the outlet portion  37 , the laminate film  36   a  is not heat-welded onto one side surface  41   a , but only the laminate film  36   b  is heat-welded onto another side surface  41   c . Thus, the large recess portion  45  provided in the one side surface  41   a  of the first flow path forming component  41  of the outlet portion  37  is not sealed by the laminate film  36   a . As a result, in this ink pack forming component  81 , the formation of the valve body accommodating chamber  55 , which accommodates the first valve body  58 , is not complete. 
   In the case of the ink pack  25 , if the first valve device  59  is not opened, the internal space S of the bag portion  36  cannot communicate with the valve body accommodating chamber  55  through the first and second ink flow paths  46  and  51 . However, in the case of this ink pack forming component  81 , the internal space S of the bag portion  36  can communicate with the large recess portion  45  without passing through the first and second ink flow paths  46  and  51 . 
   That is, the internal space S of the bag portion  36  can communicate with the fifth ink flow path  61  of the outlet portion  37  without passing through the first valve device  59 . As a result, this ink pack forming component  81  allows not only the flow of liquid from the inside of the bag portion  36  to the outside, but also the flow of liquid from the outside to the inside of the bag portion  36 . 
   Next, the following description will describe an apparatus for injecting ink to produce the ink pack  25  using the ink pack forming component  81  mentioned above with reference to  FIG. 12 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 12 , an ink injection apparatus  85  comprises an ink tank  86 , a unit for separating gas and liquid  87 , a measuring tube  88 , and a waste tank  89 . The ink tank  86  stores ink. The gas/liquid separating unit  87  comprises a vacuum pump  87   a , and a bundle of hollow threads (not shown), and serves as a unit for degassing ink. The ink tank  86  and the gas/liquid separating unit  87  are connected through a first ink pipe  91 . A pump for pressure-conveying ink  92  is provided midway in the first ink pipe  91 . 
   In addition, the measuring tube  88  comprises a cylinder  88   a  and a piston  88   b . The measuring tube  88  and the gas/liquid separating unit  87  are connected through a second ink pipe  93 . A first stop valve  94  is provided midway in the second ink pipe  93 . A third ink pipe  95  branches from the second ink pipe  93  at the position between the cylinder  88   a  and the first stop valve  94 . A second stop valve  96  is provided midway in the third ink pipe  95 . 
   The waste tank  89  stores unnecessary ink or the like. The waste tank  89  is connected to one end of a fourth ink pipe  97 . A suction pump  98  and a third stop valve  99  are provided midway in this fourth ink pipe  97  in this order from the waste tank  89  side. Another end of this fourth ink pipe  97  is connected to the end of the third ink pipe  95 . A fifth ink pipe  100  branches from the junction of the third ink pipe  95  and the fourth ink pipe  97 . 
   A hollow needle (not shown) is provided at the end of the fifth ink pipe  100 . This hollow needle is similar to the supply needle  77  (see  FIG. 8 ) provided in the supply tube  28 . 
   Next, the following description will describe a method for manufacturing an ink pack  25  using the ink injecting apparatus  85  mentioned above with reference to  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 12 , first, the ink pack forming component  81  is prepared, and the hollow needle provided at the other end of the fifth ink pipe  100  is inserted into the outlet portion  37  of the ink pack forming component  81 . In addition, in this embodiment, the hollow needle is inserted into the cutlet portion  37 , which is located at the highest position in the gravity direction in the ink pack forming component  81 . 
   Subsequently, the method advances to a discharging process, in which the first stop valve  94  is closed, and the second and third stop valve  96  and  99  are opened, and then the suction pump  98  operates. The insides of the fourth ink flow pipe  97 , the fifth ink flow pipe  100 , the ink pack forming component  81 , the third ink pipe  95 , the second ink pipe  93 , and the measuring tube  88  are decompressed successively. When the pressure in the insides becomes a predetermined value, the second and third stop valves  96  and  99  are closed, and then the first stop valve  94  is opened. 
   Next, the pump  92  for pressure-conveying ink operates, and the ink stored in the ink tank  86  is supplied to the gas/liquid separating unit  87 , and is degassed. The degassed ink is supplied to the measuring tube  88  through the second ink pipe  93 . Subsequently, the method advances to a process for injecting a small amount of liquid, in which the first step valve  94  is closed, and the second stop valve  96  is opened, and then a very small amount of ink is discharged from the measuring tube  88  by depressing the piston  88   b  of the measuring tube  88  by a predetermined amount. 
   The very small amount of ink thus discharged is supplied to the inside of the ink pack forming component  81  through the second to fourth ink pipes  93 ,  95 , and  100 . At this time, since the ink pack forming component  81  is constructed as shown in  FIG. 11 , the ink, which flows into the fifth ink flow path  61 , is directly supplied, to the internal space S of the bag portion  36  through the opening of the large recess portion  45 . The valve device  59  of the ink pack forming component  81  does not operate as a check valve. 
   As shown in  FIG. 12 , subsequently after the very small amount of ink is supplied into the ink pack forming component  81 , the method advances to a process for discharging a small amount of liquid, in which after the second stop valve  96  is closed, and the third stop valve  99  is opened, and then the suction pump  98  operates. Thus, the ink in the ink pack forming component  81  is conveyed to the waste tank  89  through the fifth ink pipe  100  and the fourth ink pipe  97 . At this time, dust, air, and so on slightly remaining in the ink pack forming component  81  are also conveyed with the ink, therefore, it is possible to improve degassed rate and cleanliness of the ink pack forming component  81 . 
   Subsequently, the method advances to an injecting process, in which the third stop valve  99  is closed, and the second stop valve  96  is opened, and then all ink in the cylinder  88   a  is conveyed to the ink pack forming component  81  by pressing the piston  88   b  of the measuring tube  88 . Then, the hollow needle is removed from the outlet portion  37  of the ink pack forming component  81 . 
   Subsequently, the method advances to a sealingly closing process, in which the laminate film  36   a  is heat-welded onto one side surface  41   a  (see  FIG. 11 ) of the first flow path forming component  41  of the ink pack forming component  81  by a heat and pressure attaching tool (not shown). As a result, the ink pack  25  shown in  FIG. 2  to  FIG. 9  is completed. In this ink pack  25 , the large recess portion  45  of the first flow path forming component  41  and the laminate film  36   a  form a valve body accommodating chamber  55 . The outlet portion  37  of the ink pack  25  allows only the discharge of ink from the inside of the bag portion  36  to the outside, and stops the reverse flow of ink. 
   According to the above Embodiment 1, the following effects can be obtained. 
   (1) In the above Embodiment 1, the first recess portion  47  formed in a recessed shape in the first flow path forming component  41  of the outlet portion  37  and the laminate film  36   a , which sealingly closes it, form the valve body accommodating chamber  55 , which accommodates the first valve body  58  of the first valve device  59  provided in the ink pack  25 . As a result, the valve body accommodating chamber  55  is formed of a rigid body and a flexible member joined together, and therefore the junction is improved. Accordingly, the airtightness is improved. In addition, for example, when the valve body accommodating chamber  55  is formed of rigid bodies by crimping or the like, the airtightness may be reduced by a gap, etc., caused by unevenness in dimension, however, such a deterioration can be prevented in this embodiment. As a result, it is possible to reliably isolate the valve body accommodating chamber  55  from the internal space S of the ink pack  25 , so that the performance of a check valve can be constant. 
   (2) In the above Embodiment 1, when the ink pack  25  is produced, ink is injected into the internal space S through the first recess portion  47  in a state where the first recess portion  47  of the ink pack forming component  81  is not sealingly closed by the laminate film  36   a . After ink injection is completed, the first recess portion  47  is sealingly closed by the laminate film  36   a  to form the valve body accommodating chamber  55 . Accordingly, the ink pack  25  formed by the ink pack forming component  81  can have the first valve device  59  that allows the flow of liquid only from the internal space S of the ink pack  25  to the outside. 
   Therefore, even in a case where the first valve device  59  is provided in the ink pack  25  as a completed product, ink can be injected into the internal space S through the outlet portion  37  of the ink pack  25  in a state where the first recess portion  47  in the ink pack forming component  81  is not sealingly closed by the laminate film  36   a . As a result, to manufacture the ink pack  25 , the internal space S of the ink pack forming component  81  can be decompressed through the outlet portion  37 , and then ink can be injected into the internal space S through the outlet portion  37  again. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the ink pack  25  containing ink with high purity. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a large-scale decompressor to decompress the whole periphery of the ink pack forming component  81  to manufacture or produce the ink pack  25  containing ink with high purity. Accordingly, it is possible to produce the ink pack  25  at low cost. 
   (3) In the above Embodiment 1, the valve body accommodating chamber  55  is formed by heat-welding the first flow pass forming component  41  and laminate film  36   a . Accordingly, it is possible to improve airtightness of the valve body accommodating chamber  55  from the internal space S, and to maintain the performance of the first valve device  59  constant. 
   (4) In the above Embodiment 1, the laminate film  36   a , which forms the bag portion  36 , is used to form the valve body accommodating chamber  55 . Thus, the laminate film  36   a  is used commonly to a component for forming the bag portion  36  and a component for forming the valve body accommodating chamber  55 . Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the number of components for the ink pack  25 . As a result, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the ink pack  25 . 
   (5) In the above Embodiment 1, the first valve body comprises a cylinder portion  58   b  for regulating the amount of the movement in the direction away from the valve seat  53 . Thus, the first valve body stably moves, therefore, the first valve device  59  stably opens and closes. As a result, the performance of the first valve device  59  can be made preferable. 
   (6) In the above Embodiment 1, the valve seat  53  is formed so as to project toward the first valve body  58  side. According to this construction, the first valve body  58  and the valve seat  53  are in more intimate contact with each other, so that the performance of the first valve device  59  can be made preferable. 
   (7) In the above Embodiment 1, the first recess portion  47  is formed in a recessed shape in the first, flow path forming component  41  in the direction perpendicular to the axis line A, in other words, perpendicular to the flow direction of the first ink flow path  46  and the fourth ink flow path  57 . Accordingly, the first recess portion  47  is formed in a recessed shape from the one side surface  41   a  of the first flow path forming component  41 , therefore, the first valve body  58  is easily accommodated in the first recess portion  58 . As a result, it is possible to easily produce the ink pack  25 . 
   Embodiment 2 
   The following description will describe an Embodiment 2 to give a concrete form to the invention with reference to  FIG. 13  to  FIG. 15 . In addition, in Embodiment 2, only a construction corresponding to the outlet portion  37  of the ink pack  25  according to Embodiment 1 is different from Embodiment 1, therefore, description of components the same as or similar to those of Embodiment 1 is omitted. 
   As shown in  FIG. 13 , an outlet portion  103  according to this embodiment comprises a first flow path forming component  104 , a second flow path forming component  42 , and a third flow path forming component  43 . Regarding the second and third flow path forming components  42  and  43 , their constructions are similar to those of Embodiment 1, and description is omitted. 
   The first flow path forming component  104  has a large recess portion  105  which is recessed from one side surface  104   a  in the direction perpendicular to the axis line A. The large recess portion  105  includes a first recess portion  106  having a cross-sectional ellipse shape as a recess portion for accommodating a valve body, a second recess portion  48 , and a third recess portion  49 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , a first projecting portion  108  is formed at the right side of the valve seat  53  on the bottom surface  106   a  of the first recess portion  106 , and a second projecting portion  109  is formed on this first projecting portion  108 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the first projecting portion  108  is formed in a cylinder shape, and its height from the bottom surface  106   a  is the same as the valve seat  53 . In addition, the second projecting portion  109  is formed in a cross-sectional ellipse shape. 
   As shown in  FIG. 14 , when the outlet portion  103  is heat-welded onto the bag portion  36 , the opening of the large recess portion  105  is sealed by a laminate film  36   a . Thus, the first recess portion  106  and the laminate film  36   a  form a valve body accommodating chamber  111 . In this first flow path forming component  104 , the first ink flow path  46 , the second ink flow path  51 , the valve body accommodating chamber  111 , the third ink flow path  56 , and the fourth ink flow path  57  form a series of a liquid flow path. 
   Moreover, a deformable first valve body  113  as a valve body is accommodated in the valve body accommodating chamber  111 . In detail, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the first, valve body  113  is formed of the elastic material to have a plate-like shape elliptic in a plane view. The first valve body  113  has a fit hole  113   a  having a nearly rectangular shape, being located at its right side and passing through the first valve body  113 . This fit hole  113   a  has such a size that the second projecting portion  109  formed in the first recess portion  106  can be fitted into the fit hole  113   a . A through hole  113   b  is formed in the center part of the first valve body  113 . By forming this through hole  113   b , the first valve  113  is provided with a circular portion  113   c  having a circular shape at the left side. This circular portion  113   c  has a diameter greater than that of the valve seat  53 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 14 , the first valve body  113  as mentioned above is accommodated in the valve body accommodating chamber  111 , and the second projecting portion  109  is fitted into the fit hole  113   a , so that the first valve body  113  is fixed and supported in a cantilevered manner. When an external force is not applied to the first valve body  113 , its circular portion  113   c  abuts the valve seat  53  by its elastic force (elasticity). Thus, the first valve body  113  interrupts communication between the second ink flow path  51  and the valve body accommodating chamber  111 . 
   In this embodiment, this first valve body  113  and the valve seat  53  form a first valve device  115 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , this first, valve body  113  operates so that the circular portion  113   c  is forced by the fluid when the fluid pressure in the second ink flow path  51  is higher than the fluid pressure in the valve body accommodating chamber  111 , i.e., when fluid flows from the second ink flow path  51  to the valve body accommodating chamber  111 . As a result, since the through hole  113   b  is formed in the center part of the first valve body  113  to make the center part more flexible, the first valve body  113  bends at the center part. Thus, the circular portion  113   c  of the first valve body  113  moves upward, and moves away from the valve seat  53 . As a result, the second ink flow path  51  communicates with the valve body accommodating chamber  111 . 
   On the other hand, the first valve body  113  operates so that the circular portion  113   c  is forced by fluid and kept in abutment against the valve seat  53  when the fluid pressure in the second ink flow path  51  is smaller than the fluid pressure in the valve body accommodating chamber  111 , i.e., when fluid attempts to flow from the valve body accommodating chamber  111  to the second ink flow path  51 . Accordingly, the second ink flow path  51  is made in a non-communicating state with the valve body accommodating chamber  111 . That is, the first valve device  115  functions as a check valve, which allows the flow of liquid from the second ink flow path  51  to the valve body accommodating chamber  111 , and stops the reverse flow of fluid. 
   According to the above Embodiment 2, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects (1)-(4), (6), and (7) of Embodiment 1. 
   (8) In the above Embodiment 2, the first valve body  113  is formed of an elastic material, and the second projecting portion  109  formed in the first flow path forming component  104  is fittingly inserted into the fit hole  113   a  formed at its one end so that the first valve body  113  is supported in a cantilevered manner. The first valve body  113  is normally in contact with the valve seat  53  by its own elastic force, when an external force is not applied thereto. Accordingly, it is possible to control the opening-and-closing of the first valve device  115  more easily. 
   Embodiment 3 
   The following description will describe an Embodiment 3 to give a concrete form to the invention with reference to  FIG. 16  and  FIG. 17 . In addition, in Embodiment 3, only a construction corresponding to the ink pack  25  according to Embodiment 1 is different from Embodiment 1, therefore, description of components the same as or similar to those of Embodiment 1 is omitted. 
   As shown in  FIG. 16 , an ink pack  121  as a liquid container according to this embodiment comprises a box body  122  with an opening in the topside as a component for forming liquid containing portion, and a film member  123 , which sealingly closes the opening in the top side of the box body  122 , as a third flexible member. The inside of the box body  122  is divided into two areas by a dividing board  122   a . Accordingly, the box body  122  has a first space  124 , and a second space  125  that serves as a recess portion for containing liquid. 
   The first space  124  is formed with a cylinder body  126  extending across the first space  124  in the central part of the first space  124 . An ink path (not shown) corresponding to the fifth ink path  61  and the sixth ink path  62  of the above Embodiment 1 is provided inside the cylinder body  126 . This ink path is provided for communication between the outside of the box body  122  and the second space  125  of the box body  122 . Further, a valve device (not shown) corresponding to the second valve device  63  of the above Embodiment 1 is provided inside the cylinder body  126 . Accordingly, inserting the supply needle  77  of Embodiment 1 (see  FIG. 8 ) into this cylinder body  126  opens the valve device provided inside the cylinder body  126 , so that the supply tube  28  (see  FIG. 1 ) communicates with the second space  125 . 
   In addition, a first flow path forming component  128  is provided in the second space, and is adjacent to the cylinder body  126  of the first space  124 . In this embodiment, the cylinder body  126  and the first flow path forming component  128  form a flow path forming component. This first flow path forming component  128  corresponds to the first flow path forming component  41  of Embodiment 1, and is formed with the box body  122  integrally in this embodiment. Moreover, the height of the first flow path forming component  128  is approximately the same as the height of each side of the box body  122 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 16  and  FIG. 17 , a large recess portion  131  is recessed from the top plane  128   a  of the first flow path forming component  128 . A first ink flow path  133  is recessed from the side plane  128   b  (see  FIG. 16 ) of the first flow path forming component  128  in a direction parallel to the cylinder body  126 . This first ink flow path  133  communicates with the internal space of the second space  125 . 
   The large recess portion  131  comprises a first recess portion  134  having a cross-sectional square shape, which serves as a recess portion for accommodating a valve body. The large recess portion  131  further comprises a second recess portion  135  having a cross-sectional circular shape, and a third recess portion  136  communicating the first recess portion  134  with the second recess portion  135 . A second flow path  138  extends from the bottom surface  134   a  of the first recess portion  134 . This second ink flow path  138  communicates with the first ink flow path  133 . An annular valve seat  139  is formed in and projected from the bottom surface  134   a  of the first recess portion  134  so as to surround the outlet of the second ink flow path  138 . 
   The film member  123  is formed in a size capable of sealingly closing the whole top plane  128   a  of the first flow path forming component  128  and the whole opening of the second space  125  together. In this embodiment, a portion, which covers the top plane  128   a  of the first flow path forming component  128 , of the film member  123  corresponds to a first flexible member, and a remaining portion, i.e. a portion, which covers the opening of the second space  125 , corresponds to a second flexible component. The film member  123  is heat-welded onto the top plane  128   a  of the first flow path forming component  128  and the opening of the second space  125 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 17 , the top plane  128   a  of the first flow path forming component  123  is sealingly closed by the film member  123 , and the recess portion  134  and the film member  123  form the valve body accommodating chamber  141 . The second and third recess portions  135  and  136  and the film member  123  form a third ink flow path  143 . A fourth ink flow path  145 , which communicates with the ink flow path formed in the cylinder body  126 , is formed in the first flow path forming component  128 . This third ink flow path  143  communicates with this fourth ink flow path  145 . 
   Thus, the first ink flow path  133 , the second ink flow path  138 , the valve body accommodating chamber  141 , the third ink flow path  143 , and the fourth ink flow path  145  form a series of a flow path. 
   Moreover, a first valve body  147  as a valve body is movably accommodated in the valve body accommodating chamber  141 . The first valve body  147  is capable of unattachedly migrating in the valve body accommodating chamber  141  so as to stop a flow of ink or air attempting to flow into the internal space S of the space  125 . This first valve body  147  is similar to the first valve body  58  of Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, this first valve body  147  and the valve seat  139  form a first valve device  148 . That is, the first valve body  147  functions as a check valve, which allows the flow of fluid from the second ink flow path  138  to the valve body accommodating chamber  141 , and stops the reverse flow of fluid. 
   As shown in  FIG. 16  and  FIG. 17 , the internal space S is formed by sealingly closing the second space  125  by the film member  123 . That is, in this embodiment, a liquid containing portion is formed of the second space  125  and the film member  123 . The internal space S communicates with the first ink flow path  133  formed in the first flow path forming component  128 . The internal space S contains ink, and the first ink flow path  133  is also filled with ink flowing therein. 
   When the supply tube  28  is not connected to the cylinder body  126  of the ink pack  121  as mentioned above, the valve device in the cylinder body  126  is closed. Accordingly, in this state, the ink in the ink pack  121  does not flow to the outside through the first, flow path forming component  128  and the cylinder body  126 . 
   When the supply needle  77  is inserted into the cylinder body  126  of the ink pack  121 , the valve device in the cylinder body  126  is opened, and the ink flow path formed in the cylinder body  126  communicates with the supply needle. In this state, the pressure of the ink contained in the internal space S increases when the film member  123  of the ink pack  121  is pressed by air supplied through a pressurized air inlet port  203  by drive of the pressure pump  33  (see  FIG. 1 ). Thus, the first valve device  148  is opened, and the internal space S communicates with the supply tube. As a result, the ink filled in the internal space S is supplied to the supply tube  28 . In addition, in order to apply pressure to the ink pack  121 , a hermetically sealing film (not shown) is heat-welded onto outer peripheral rib or flange portions  205   a ,  205   b ,  205   c  and  205   d  to define an airtight space between the film  123  and the hermetically sealing film. The pressurized air supplied through the pressurized air inlet port  203  is introduced through the space  124  into the airtight space between the film  123  and the hermetically sealing film, to thereby press, through the film  123 , the ink contained in the internal space S. An additional upper lid member may be fixed to the box body  122  to be overlaid on the hermetically sealing film. 
   Next, the following description will describe an ink pack forming component for forming the ink pack  121  as mentioned above. This ink pack forming component becomes the ink pack  121  by processing, and its description will be described with reference to  FIG. 16  and  FIG. 17 . In addition, components the same as or similar to those of the ink pack  121  are attached with the same reference numerals and their description is omitted. 
   The ink pack forming component according to this embodiment is a component which corresponds to the ink pack  121  shown in  FIG. 16  and  FIG. 17 , but the internal space S of which is not filled with ink. Although, in the ink pack  121 , the film member  123  is heat-welded onto the top surface  128   a  of the first flow path forming component  128 , in this ink pack forming component, the film member  123  is not heat-welded onto the top surface  128   a  of the first flow path forming component  128 . As a result, in case of this ink pack forming component, the valve body accommodating chamber  141  is not formed yet, thus, the first recess portion  134  communicates with the internal space S. 
   That is, the internal space S can communicate with the ink flow path formed in the cylinder body  126  without passing through the first valve device  148 . As a result, this ink pack forming component allows not only the flow of liquid from the internal space S to the outside, but also the flow of liquid from the outside to the internal space S. 
   Accordingly, in this embodiment, it is also possible to produce or manufacture the ink pack  121  with this ink pack forming component by the processes similar to Embodiment 1. 
   According to the above Embodiment 3, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects (1)-(3), (5)-(7) of Embodiment 1. 
   (9) In the above Embodiment 3, the height of the first, flow path forming component  128  is approximately same as the height of the second space  125 , thus, the film member  123  can seal both the second space  125  and the large recess portion  131  of the first flow path forming component  128  together. Accordingly, one film member  123  can seal the second space  125  to form the internal space S, and the large recess portion  131  to form the valve body accommodating chamber  141  at the same time. As a result, this can save effort in producing the ink pack  121 , and can reduce manufacturing cost. 
   In addition, the above Embodiments 1 through 3 may be modified as described below. 
   In the above Embodiment 1 and 2, the laminate film  36   a , which forms the valve body accommodating chamber  55 ,  111 , is a common component for forming the bag portion  36 . This may be a component separated from a component for forming the bag portion  36 . 
   In the above Embodiments 1 through 3, the liquid flow paths formed in the ink pack  25 ,  121  such as the first, ink flow path  46 ,  133 , the second ink flow path  51 ,  138 , the valve body accommodating chamber  55 ,  111 ,  141 , the third ink flow path  56 , the fourth ink flow path  57 , and the fifth ink flow path  61 , etc., are not aligned in a straight line. As shown in  FIG. 18 , this construction may be modified such that a first ink flow path  151 , a second ink flow path  152 , a valve body accommodating chamber  153 , the fifth ink flow path  154 , etc., are aligned in a straight line. 
   In such a case, as shown in  FIG. 19 , the valve body accommodating chamber  153  may be formed by sealingly closing the accommodating chamber  157  as a recess portion for accommodating a valve body with laminate films  36   a  and  36   b  so as to be in non-communication with the internal space S without passing through the first valve device. This accommodating chamber  157  may be formed with two communication holes  158  and  159  communicating with the internal space S and opposing each other, and these communication holes  158  and  159  may be sealingly closed with the laminate films  36   b  and  36   a , respectively, so that the valve body accommodating chamber  153  is in non-communication with the internal space S without passing through the first valve device. 
   In the above Embodiments 1 through 3, the first ink flow path  46 ,  133  is formed so as to extend in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first recess portion  47 ,  106 ,  134  forming the valve body accommodating chamber  55 ,  111 ,  141  is recessed. As shown in  FIG. 20 , this construction may be modified such that the first ink flow path  46  is formed in a direction coincident with the direction in which the first, recess portion  47  is recessed, whereby the first recess portion  47 , the second ink flow path  51 , and the first ink flow path  46  are aligned in a straight line. In this modification, one through hole can be formed in the first flow path forming portion  41  to define all of the first recess portion  47 , the second ink flow path  51 , and the first ink flow path  46  at the same time. Therefore, it is possible to produce the ink pack  25  easily. 
   In the above Embodiment 1, the first recess portion  47  formed in the first flow path forming portion  41  has a cross-sectional circular shape having a diameter slightly larger than a diameter of the disc portion  58   a  of the first valve body  58 . As long as the first valve body  58  is movable in the first recess portion  47 , and a gap is formed so that ink flows between the first recess portion  47  and the first valve body  58 , the shapes of the first recess portion  47  and the first valve body  58  may be modified, respectively. 
   For example, as shown in  FIG. 21 , the first recess portion  47  may be formed in a cross-sectional rectangular shape. Further, as shown in  FIG. 22 , protruding ribs  161 ,  162  and  163 , which are in contact, with the first valve body  58 , may be provided on the inner circumference surface of the first recess portion  47 . In this case, the movement of the first valve body  58  can be more accurate. 
   Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 23 , projections  165 ,  166 , and  167 , which contact the first recess portion  47 , may be provided on the outer surface of the first valve body  58 . Also, in this case, the movement of the first valve body  58  can be more accurate. 
   In the above Embodiments 1 and 3, the first valve body  58 ,  147  comprises the disc portion  58   a ,  147   a , and the cylinder portion  58   b ,  147   b  as regulating means. The first valve body  58 ,  147  may be dispensed with the regulating means. For example, the disc shape first valve body  169  as shown in  FIG. 18  and  FIG. 19  may be used in the Embodiments 1 and 3. As shown in  FIG. 24 , the first valve body may be formed of a disc portion  171 , and projections  172 ,  173 , and  174  projecting from the edge of the disc portion  171  as regulation means. 
   In the above Embodiments 1 through 3, the valve seat  53 , 139  is formed so as to project toward the first valve body  58 ,  113 ,  147 , however, the valve seat  53 ,  139  may be formed without projecting. 
   In the above Embodiments 1 through 3, the sealingly closing process is conducted such that the one side surface  41   a  of the first flow path forming component  41  is heat-welded to the laminate film  36   a , or the top plane  128   a  of first flow path forming component  128  is heat-welded to the film member  123 , however, they may be sealingly closed with any other means. For example, they may be sealingly closed with an adhesive agent. 
   In the above Embodiments 1 and 2, a method for manufacturing the ink pack  25  comprises the discharging process, the process for injecting a small amount of liquid, and the process for discharging a small amount of liquid in addition to the injecting process and the sealingly closing process. The method may only comprise the injecting process, and the sealingly closing process. In addition, the method may only additionally comprise the discharging process in addition to the injecting process, and the sealingly closing process. Additionally, the method may only additionally comprise the process for injecting a small amount of liquid, and the process for discharging a small amount of liquid in addition to the injecting process and the sealingly closing process. 
   In the above Embodiment 3, the ink pack  121  is manufactured by the processes similar to Embodiment 1. This manufacturing method may be modified such that the injecting process is performed after the sealingly closing process. That is, before the injecting process, the method may conduct the sealingly closing process, in which the first flow path forming component  128  and the second space  125  of the ink pack forming component are sealingly closed by the film member  123 . In this case, an opening may be provided in a part of the second space  125  so that the film member  123  does not sealingly close this opening, and the injecting process may be conducted such that ink is injected into the internal space S of the ink pack forming component via this opening. The opening may be closed after the injection of ink. Even in this modification, the injecting process can be conducted so that ink is injected into the internal space S without passing through the first valve device  148 . 
   In addition, in the above embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 26 and 27 , in order to prevent deformation of the liquid flow path in the sealingly closing process, in which the laminate film is welded onto the flow path forming component, a rib or ribs  200  may be provided in the circular portion of the fifth ink flow path as means for preventing deformation. 
   Accordingly, since the means for preventing deformation prevents deformation of the ink flow path, it is possible to ensure operation of the second valve body and to smoothly discharge the ink in the internal space S to the outside through the ink flow path even when a part of the second valve device is provided in the ink flow path located on the welded portion. 
   Additionally, since the means for preventing deformation is a rib or ribs, the welded portion, which is the outer periphery of the ink flow path, is partly thicker. Thus, the ink flow path hardly deforms as increasing the thickness of the welded portion. Further, since a portion with increased thickness is limited to only a part of it, it is possible to keep appearance of a sink to a minimum. Therefore, the liquid flow path forming component and the laminate film can be easily made in intimate contact with each other. 
   Further, as shown in  FIG. 28 , a plurality of ribs  200  are formed in and projected from the circular portion  201   a  on the fifth ink flow path so as to be located between two opposing grooves  201   b  and  201   c . Further, as shown in  FIG. 27 , each of the ribs extends in length and location corresponding to the welded portion of the fifth ink flow path. Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 27 , the second valve body abuts against and regulated by these ribs  200 , so that the valve body does not move to the position corresponding to the welded portion. That is, since the ribs  200  function as regulating means, the second valve body, which opens and closes, does not come into the ink flow path corresponding to the yielded portion, which may deform. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that the ink flow path is opened and closed more reliably. 
   As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of components and to provide these means at low cost. 
   The shape of each rib  200  and arrangement of the ribs are not limited to those shown in  FIG. 28 . Any suitable shape and arrangement can be adopted for the ribs  200  as long as the thickness of the periphery around the circular portion  201  of the ink flow path can be partially made thicker by the ribs  200 . 
   The regulating means, which regulates the valve body to prevent the valve body from moving into the position corresponding to the welded portion, may be realized without the use of the ribs mentioned above. That is, the welded portion is set in one end side of the fifth ink flow path as shown in  FIG. 26 , and the regulating means may be realized as long as the regulating means has such a function as to prevent the second valve body from moving into the position corresponding to the welded portion. Even if a fluid flow path corresponding in location to the welded portion is accidentally deformed by welding, the presence of such regulating means can prevent the second valve body from moving into the deformed fluid flow path corresponding to the welded portion and can ensure the opening and closing operation of the second valve body. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid a possibility that the second valve body moves into and is caught by the deformed fluid flow path and does not perform the intended operation. Therefore, the opening and closing operation of the valve device can be reliably performed. 
   In addition, as shown in  FIG. 29 , a plurality of deformation preventing spaces  202  may be provided around the outer periphery of the liquid flow path as means for preventing deformation. Accordingly, since the total thickness (total radial thickness) from the outer periphery of the welded portion to the liquid flow path can be thick, it is possible to keep deformation of the liquid flow path to a minimum. Further, since the thickness of the continuous portion can be thin, it is possible to keep the appearance of a sink to a minimum, and to allow for the liquid flow path forming component and the film member to be in intimate contact with each other easily. 
   In place of the deformation preventing spaces  202 , a plurality of holes (for example, blind holes extending in a direction parallel to an axis of liquid flow path) may be provided around the liquid flow path. Further, two or more deformation preventing spaces  202  may be provided around the liquid flow path. That is, for example, two or more deformation preventing spaces  202  may be provided radially between the liquid flow path and the outer periphery of the welded portion. Further, in place of the annular or arcuate deformation preventing spaces  202 , a spiral space groove may be provided around the liquid flow path. That is, it is sufficient to provide, in the outer periphery of the circular portion  201   a , such a space as to be deformed prior to the deformation of the circuit portion  201   a  due to heat during heat-welding. 
   In place of the deformation preventing means, such a modification may be adopted, in which the movement of the second valve body is not guided by the circular portion of the liquid flow path, and one end portion of the coil spring, which is a part of the valve device, is provided in the circular portion of the liquid flow path. In this case, a large clearance is provided between the inner wall of the circular portion corresponding in location to the welded portion and the one end portion of the coil spring, the valve device can be more reliably operated even if the liquid flow path corresponding in location to the welded portion is deformed due to heat during the heat-welding. 
   Although Embodiments 1 to 3 have been discussed with reference to a case in which the liquid container (and the liquid container forming component) supplies ink as liquid via the flexible supply tube  28  to the recording head  20  mounted on the carriage  15 , the present invention is applicable to a case in which the liquid container (and the liquid container forming component) is directly mounted on the carriage. 
   Although Embodiments 1 to 3 have been discussed with reference to a case in which the ink pack is pressurized to supply ink therefrom, the present invention is applicable to a case in which the ink pack is not pressurized, and ink is supplied from the ink pack by a negative pressure caused, for example by ejection of ink from the recording head. 
   In the above Embodiments 1 through 3, the ink packs  25  and  121 , and the ink pack forming component  81 , which are provided for a printer  11  (including a printing apparatus such as a facsimile and a copier), are described as a liquid container and a liquid container forming component. The present invention may be embodied as a liquid container and a liquid container forming component, which are used for the other liquid ejecting apparatus ejecting the other liquid. For example, the liquid ejecting apparatus, to which the present invention is applicable, includes, not limited to, 1) a liquid ejecting apparatus, which ejects liquid such as an electrode material, a color material, or the like, used for producing a liquid crystal display, an EL display, plane light-emitting display, etc., 2) a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting a biogenic organic material used for producing a biochip, and 3) a test material ejecting apparatus as a high-precision pipette. Moreover, liquid other than ink may be used as the liquid.