Patent Publication Number: US-8109619-B2

Title: Method of manufacturing liquid container and liquid container manufactured using the same

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a liquid container manufacturing method, and to a liquid container manufactured using the liquid container manufacturing method. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     An ink cartridge for housing ink is one known liquid container that houses a liquid inside, for example. Also ink cartridges equipped with an ink volume sensor used to detect the ink volume stored in the ink cartridge are known. 
     Various methods are known to charge liquids to a liquid container inside of which a liquid receptacle is stored, including an ink cartridge inside of which an ink pack is stored. For example, technology is known by which it is possible to fill liquid in a liquid container by a step of pressurizing liquid in the liquid container in the inflow direction and a step of vibrating the liquid. 
     However, among such liquid receptacles, there are liquid receptacles equipped with a liquid volume detector device for detecting the remaining volume or consumed volume of the liquid stored therein, and when filling liquid in these liquid containers, there was the risk of problems occurring with the liquid volume detector device, due to the flow dynamics of the filled liquid, the air bubbles that occur during filling, and the like. 
     Also, after manufacturing, when filling liquid in the liquid container in a state with the return check valve inside the liquid receptacle functioning, it was not possible to easily execute because the flow path for filling the liquid was blocked by the return check valve. 
     Furthermore, in the past, when manufacturing ink cartridges equipped with an ink volume sensor, an ink receptor already filled with ink is connected to the ink volume sensor. Therefore, when connecting the ink receptor to the ink volume sensor, there is the risk of ink leakage occurring. 
     Another problem is that of having to perform ink filling twice, with ink filling to the ink receptor and ink filling to the ink volume sensor. Specifically, first, ink is filled in the ink receptor; and subsequently, after connecting the ink receptor to the ink volume sensor, ink has to be charged (introduced) into the ink volume sensor from the ink receptor. 
     These problems are not limited to ink cartridges, but rather are problems common to liquid containers and to liquid containers equipped with liquid receptacles and liquid volume sensors. 
     The present invention is intended to address the problems of the prior art described above at least in part, and has as one object to reduce the occurrence of problems with the liquid volume detector device when a liquid container equipped with a liquid volume detector device is filled. 
     It is another object of the present invention to easily regenerate a liquid container for which a liquid receptacle is stored inside. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to reduce liquid leakage during the process of filling a liquid in the liquid container and to simplify the filling process. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention of this application uses the following aspects in order to address at least part of the problems noted above. 
     The first aspect provides a method of manufacturing a liquid container. The method of the first aspect of the present invention comprises preparing the liquid container having a storage container capable of storing a liquid receptacle, the liquid housed in the liquid receptacle is supplied to the outside via a flow path inside a liquid volume detector device; charging liquid into the liquid receptacle stored in the storage container; and connecting the liquid volume detector device to the liquid receptacle filled with liquid. 
     With the method of the first aspect, the liquid is charged with the liquid volume detector device removed from the liquid container, so the filled liquid does not pass through the liquid volume detector device. Thus, even where the liquid container is equipped with a liquid volume detector device, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of problems with the liquid volume detector device caused by filling with liquid. 
     In the method of the first aspect, the liquid volume detector device connected to the liquid receptacle may be removed, and filling the liquid to the liquid receptacle may be carried out by charging the liquid into the liquid receptacle from which the liquid volume detector device has been removed. In this case, even when charging a liquid in order to reuse a liquid receptacle equipped with a liquid volume detector device, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of problems with the liquid volume detector device caused by filling with liquid, because the liquid volume detector device has been removed from the liquid receptacle before filling. 
     The method of the first aspect may also include introducing the liquid filled in the liquid receptacle to the flow path of the liquid volume detector device. In this case, it is possible to eliminate air bubbles inside the flow path of the liquid volume detector device using the introduced liquid, making it possible for the liquid container to supply liquid with stability. 
     The method of the first aspect may also include introducing the liquid to the flow path of the liquid volume detector device in advance before connecting the liquid volume detector device to the liquid receptacle. In this case, by introducing the liquid into the flow path of the liquid volume detector device in advance, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of air bubbles inside the flow path so that the liquid container may supply liquid consistently. 
     The method of the first aspect may also include cleaning the flow path of the liquid volume detector device prior to connecting the liquid volume detector device to the liquid receptacle. In this case, by performing cleaning, it will be possible to eliminate air bubbles inside the flow path of the liquid volume detector device, making it possible for the liquid container to supply liquid consistently. 
     With the method of the first aspect, the introduction of the liquid filled in the liquid receptacle to the flow path of the liquid volume detector device may be executed by introducing liquid to the flow path of the liquid volume detector device until the liquid filled in the liquid receptacle reaches a specified volume. In this case, the liquid receptacle discharges liquid to the liquid volume detector device until a specified volume is reached. By doing this, the liquid receptacle is able to maintain the appropriate liquid volume housed in the liquid receptacle, and the liquid container is able to supply the liquid appropriately. 
     With the method of the first aspect, the storage container may have an opening that is closed off by a flexible member, and for filling of the liquid in the liquid receptacle to be carried out by filling the liquid receptacle stored in the storage container through the opening. In this case, it is possible to fill the liquid in the liquid receptacle stored in the storage container whose opening is closed by the flexible member. 
     In the method of the first aspect, the liquid may be ink, and introduction of liquid to the liquid receptacle may be executed by introducing ink of a specified temperature to the flow path of the liquid volume detector device. In this case, by making the ink a specified temperature, the ink is more easily filled in the flow path of the liquid volume detector device. 
     The second aspect provides a method of manufacturing a liquid container. The method of the second aspect comprises preparing a liquid receptacle capable of housing a liquid; storing the liquid receptacle in a storage container capable of storing the liquid receptacle; charging liquid into the liquid receptacle stored in the storage container; and connecting a liquid volume detector device to the liquid receptacle filled with liquid. 
     With the method of the second aspect, even in the case of manufacture of a liquid container equipped with a liquid volume detector device, the liquid will not pass through the liquid volume detector device during filling because the liquid volume detector device is attached only after the liquid has been charged into the liquid receptacle. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture a liquid container experiencing fewer problems with the liquid volume detector device due to liquid filling. 
     The method of the second aspect may include using a flexible member to close an opening of the storage container in which the liquid receptacle is stored. In this case, it is possible to charge the liquid with fewer problems of the liquid volume detector device in a liquid container equipped with a storage container whose opening is closed off with a flexible member. 
     The method of the second aspect may also include introducing a liquid for charging into the liquid receptacle into a flow path of the liquid volume detector device. In this case, by introducing the liquid in the flow path of the liquid volume detector device in advance, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of air bubbles inside the flow path, making it possible for the liquid container to supply liquid with stability. 
     With the method of the second aspect, the introduction of the liquid to the liquid receptacle may be executed by filling the flow path of the liquid volume detector device with liquid until the liquid filling the liquid receptacle reaches a specified volume. In this case, the liquid receptacle will discharge liquid to the liquid volume detector device until a specified volume is reached. Therefore, it is possible to maintain an appropriate volume of liquid in the liquid receptacle, and it is possible for the liquid container to appropriately supply the liquid. 
     In the method of the second aspect, the liquid may be ink, and introduction of liquid to the liquid receptacle may be executed by introducing ink of a specified temperature to a flow path of the liquid volume detector device. In this case, by making the ink a specified temperature, it is easy to fill the ink in the flow path of the liquid volume detector device. 
     The third aspect provides a method of manufacturing a liquid container. The method of the third aspect provides preparing the liquid container having a liquid receptacle capable of housing liquid, and a storage unit which stores the liquid receptacle and for which the opening is sealed by a sealing member; separating at least part of the sealing member from the storage unit, removing the liquid receptacle stored in the storage unit from the opening to outside the storage unit; storing a liquid receptacle filled with liquid from the opening to the storage unit; and sealing the opening of the storage unit in which the liquid receptacle filled with liquid is stored with a sealing member. 
     With the method of the third aspect, even when liquid is charged into a used liquid container, the liquid receptacle is removed from the opening and the liquid receptacle filled with liquid is stored in the liquid container from the opening, so it is possible to easily fill liquid in the liquid container. 
     The method of the third aspect may include machining the contact surface of the storage unit that contacts the sealing member, and sealing may be executed by adhering the sealing member to the processed contact surface. In this case, it is possible to make adhesion of the sealing member and the contact surface of the storage unit during sealing easy. 
     The method of the third aspect may also include filling liquid in the liquid receptacle; and the storing may be executed by storing the filled liquid receptacle in the storage unit. In this case, because storing in the storage unit is done after filling the liquid in the liquid receptacle, it is possible to easily fill liquid in the liquid container. 
     With the method of the third aspect, the machining may also be executed by smoothing the contact surface of the storage unit through cutting or grinding. In this case, by smoothing the part that contacts the sealing member of the storage container, it is possible to make adhesion of the sealing member easy. 
     With the method of the third aspect, sealing may also be executed by heat bonding of the sealing member to the storage unit. In this case, it is possible to seal the opening by adhering the sealing member to the storage unit using heat bonding. 
     With the method of the third aspect, it is possible to execute sealing through ultrasonic welding of the sealing member to the storage unit. In this case, it is possible to seal the opening by adhering the sealing member to the storage unit using ultrasonic welding. 
     With the method of the third aspect, the sealing maybe executed through vibration bonding of the sealing member to the storage unit. In this case, it is possible to seal the opening by adhering the sealing member to the storage unit using vibration bonding. 
     With the method of the third aspect, the sealing maybe executed by adhering the sealing member to the storage unit using an adhesive. In this case, it is possible to seal the opening by adhering the sealing member to the storage unit using an adhesive. 
     With the method of the third aspect, the storing maybe executed by storing the liquid receptacle not equipped with a return check valve in the storage unit. In this case, it is possible to easily fill the liquid because the inflow of the liquid is not blocked by a return check valve during filling of the liquid to the liquid receptacle. 
     With the method of the third aspect, the liquid container may also be equipped with a liquid volume detector device capable of detecting the volume of a liquid housed in the liquid receptacle. In this case, the flow path inside the liquid volume detector device is not used during regeneration, so it is possible to easily do regenerating of liquid containers for which a liquid volume detector device is mounted. 
     The fourth aspect provides a method of manufacturing a liquid container. The fourth aspect comprises preparing a liquid container for which a liquid receptacle and a liquid supply port are linked via a liquid volume detector; connecting a liquid reservoir and the liquid supply port; and charging liquid into the liquid receptacle housed in the liquid container and connected with the liquid volume detector via the liquid supply port and the liquid volume detector. 
     According to the fourth aspect, liquid is charged into the liquid receptacle housed in the liquid container and connected to the liquid volume detector, so it is possible to reduce liquid leakage during the process of charging the liquid in the liquid container and to simplify the filling process. 
     With the fourth aspect, the charging the liquid in the liquid receptacle may be performed using pressurized filling. In this case, it is possible to shorten the time required for the filling process. 
     With the fourth aspect, the liquid reservoir may have a pressurized supply device that may supply liquid at a specified pressure and the pressurized filling may be executed using the pressurized supply device. In this case, it is possible to charge the liquid at a desired specified pressure. 
     With the fourth aspect, the liquid reservoir may be arranged at a position higher than the liquid container and the pressurized filling may be executed using the water head difference between the liquid reservoir and the liquid container. In this case, it is possible to execute the filling process without using power. 
     With the fourth aspect, the liquid volume detector may have a first flow path linking the liquid supply port and the liquid receptacle, and a second flow path closed using a specified biasing force by a biasing member; and for pressurized filling to be executed using pressure of the biasing force or less. Alternatively, pressurized filling may be executed using pressure higher than the biasing force. In the former case, it is possible to inhibit inflow of air bubbles to the second flow path, and also possible to reduce the air bubble volume that remains in the liquid volume detector. In the latter case, it is possible to shorten the liquid filling processing time. 
     With the fourth aspect, the discharge part of the charged liquid from the liquid supply port of the liquid container may be filled with liquid. In this case, it is possible to further induce the discharging of air bubbles within the liquid volume detector. 
     With the fourth aspect, the liquid receptacle may have a return check valve unit that operates by being operated from the outside, and the method may include activating the reverse check valve unit of the liquid receptacle after being filled with liquid. In this case, even if the liquid receptacle has a return check valve, it is possible to fill liquid smoothly. 
     With the fourth aspect, the liquid container may be a used liquid container, and the filling of the liquid in the liquid receptacle is refilling. In this case, it is possible to execute the filling process to a used liquid container without disassembling the liquid container. 
     The fifth aspect provides a liquid container manufactured using any of the first to fourth aspects. 
     The present invention may be reduced to practice in various aspects, for example, a liquid container regenerated or manufactured using the manufacturing method; a device for realizing the manufacturing method; a program for executing the manufacturing method on a device, or the like. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. To facilitate this description, like reference numerals designate like structural elements. 
         FIG. 1  is an explanatory drawing showing the schematic structure of the ink cartridge of the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is an explanatory drawing showing the schematic structure of the cross section of the ink cartridge of the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a flow chart showing the procedure of the ink liquid container manufacturing method of the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is an explanatory drawing showing the state of the ink cartridge with the ink consumed; 
         FIG. 5  is an explanatory drawing showing the state with the sensor removed from the ink cartridge; 
         FIG. 6  is an explanatory drawing showing the state of ink being filled in the ink cartridge; 
         FIG. 7  is an explanatory drawing showing the state with the sensor attached to the ink cartridge; 
         FIG. 8  is an explanatory drawing showing the state with ink suctioned from the ink cartridge; 
         FIG. 9  is a flow chart showing the procedure of the ink cartridge manufacturing method of the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is an explanatory drawing showing the state of the ink pack stored in the storage container; 
         FIG. 11  is an explanatory drawing showing the schematic structure of a printer using the ink cartridge; 
         FIG. 12  is an explanatory drawing showing a variation example of attaching a sensor to the ink cartridge; 
         FIG. 13(A)  and  FIG. 13(B)  are explanatory drawings showing the schematic structure of the ink cartridge of the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is an explanatory drawing showing the schematic structure of the cross section of the ink cartridge of the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  is a flow chart showing the procedure of the ink liquid container manufacturing method of the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  is an explanatory drawing showing the state of the ink cartridge with the ink consumed; 
         FIG. 17  is an explanatory drawing showing the state with the sealing member peeled from the ink cartridge; 
         FIG. 18  is an explanatory drawing showing the state with the ink pack removed from the ink cartridge; 
         FIG. 19(A)  and  FIG. 19(B)  are explanatory drawings showing the state with ink filled in the ink pack; 
         FIG. 20  is an explanatory drawing showing the state of the junction surface of the sealing member and the opening edge; 
         FIG. 21  is an explanatory drawing showing the state with the ink pack stored in the ink cartridge; 
         FIG. 22(A)  through  FIG. 22(C)  are explanatory drawings showing the state of the contact part of the sealing member and the opening edge; 
         FIG. 23  is an explanatory drawing of removing the ink pack from the ink cartridge with variation example 1; 
         FIG. 24  is an explanatory drawing of removing the ink pack from the ink cartridge with variation example 2; 
         FIG. 25  is a plan view typically showing the liquid container used with the fourth embodiment; 
         FIG. 26  is a side view typically showing the liquid container used with the fourth embodiment; 
         FIG. 27  is a front view typically showing the liquid container used with the fourth embodiment; 
         FIG. 28  is an explanatory drawing showing the junction of the liquid receptacle and the liquid volume detector used with the fourth embodiment; 
         FIG. 29  is a plan view typically showing the sensor module of the ink volume sensor of the fourth embodiment; 
         FIG. 30  is an explanatory drawing typically showing the cross section of the sensor module cut at line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a flow chart showing the ink filling process of the fourth embodiment; 
         FIG. 32  is an explanatory drawing showing the state of the ink cartridge at the start of the ink filling process; 
         FIG. 33  is an explanatory drawing showing the state of the ink cartridge midway in the ink filling process; 
         FIG. 34  is an explanatory drawing showing the state of the ink cartridge at the end of the ink filling process; 
         FIG. 35  is an explanatory drawing typically showing the flow of ink inside the sensor module when the ink supply pressure is lower than the biasing force; 
         FIG. 36  is an explanatory drawing typically showing the flow of ink inside the sensor module when the ink supply pressure is higher than the biasing force; 
         FIG. 37  is a flow chart showing the ink cartridge manufacturing process of the fifth embodiment; 
         FIG. 38  is an explanatory drawing showing an example of the ink lead-out unit equipped with a return check valve; 
         FIG. 39  is an explanatory drawing showing the state of the return check valve functioning with the ink lead-out unit equipped with a return check valve; 
         FIG. 40  is a schematic structure diagram of the printing device used with an ink cartridge of the fourth and fifth embodiments mounted; and 
         FIG. 41  is an explanatory drawing typically showing the internal structure of the sensor module of another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Following, the method of manufacturing a liquid container and a liquid container manufactured by the method according to the present invention are described based on embodiments while referring to the drawings. 
     First Embodiment 
     The schematic structure of an ink cartridge that is the liquid container of the first embodiment will now be described.  FIG. 1  is an explanatory drawing showing the schematic structure of the ink cartridge. The ink cartridge  10  includes a storage container  20 , an ink pack  30 , a sensor  40 , and a flexible member  50 . The ink cartridge  10  of this embodiment contains ink housed in the ink pack  30  constituting a liquid receptacle supplied to a printer (not illustrated) via the sensor  40  which is the liquid volume detector device. Note that the liquid container can also be called a liquid supply body. 
     The storage container  20  has a roughly cabinet shape, and is equipped with an opening  24   a  formed by the opening edge  24  on the top surface. The storage container  20  is formed from a thermoplastic resin such as polystyrene or the like. The storage container  20  has the ink pack  30  stored in the inside of the container from the opening  24   a . At the side surface of the storage container  20  are provided a pass-through port  21 , a sensor fixing unit  22 , and a pressurization port  23 . The pass-through port  21  is engaged with the discharge unit  32  of the ink pack  30  stored in the inside of the storage container  20 , and the ink inside the ink pack  30  can be discharged to outside the storage container  20 . The sensor fixing unit  22  fixes the sensor  40  so as to be detachable to the outside surface of the storage container  20 . The sensor fixing unit  22  can be a member that is engaged using a convex/concave shape, or can be constituted using a magnet. The pressurization port  23  is able to inflow air to the inside of the storage container  20 . 
     The ink pack  30  has a bag  31  and a discharge unit  32 . The ink pack  30  houses ink on the inside of the bag  31 , and discharges the housed ink from the discharge unit  32  to outside the ink pack  30 . The bag  31  is formed by pasting together the mutual peripheral edge parts of aluminum laminate multi layer films formed by lamination of aluminum layers on a resin film layer. The discharge unit  32  has a roughly round cylinder shape, is connected via the pass-through port  21  to an introduction port  42  that the sensor  40  is equipped with, and leads out the ink housed in the bag  31  to the sensor  40 . 
     The sensor  40  performs detection of the remaining volume of ink housed in the ink pack  30 . The sensor  40  has a sensor case  40   a , a lead-out port  41 , an introduction port  42 , and an integrated circuit substrate  43 . The sensor  40  introduces ink housed in the ink pack  30  from the introduction port  42 , and leads it out from the lead-out port  41  connected to the printer via the inside of the sensor case  40   a . With this embodiment, the sensor  40  has a function of detecting the remaining volume of ink inside the ink pack  30 , but the sensor  40  can also be equipped with a function of detecting the consumed volume of ink consumed by the printer, the flow volume of ink that passes through the flow path of the sensor  40 , or the retained volume of ink housed in the ink receiving unit. The integrated circuit substrate  43  is electrically connected to a printer (not illustrated), and provides to the printer the information relating to the residual volume of ink inside the ink pack  30  detected by the sensor  40 . 
     The flexible member  50  is a flexible film made of polyethylene terephthalate. The flexible member  50  is welded to the opening edge  24  of the storage container  20 , and closes the opening  24   a . The welding is implemented by fusion using heat of the thermoplastic resin constituted on the surface that contacts the opening edge  24 . The adhesion of the flexible member  50  and the opening edge  24  can be accomplished not only by heat bonding, but also by ultrasonic welding, vibration bonding, or using an adhesive. 
       FIG. 2  is an explanatory drawing showing the schematic structure of the cross section of the ink cartridge. Inside the storage container  20  in which the ink pack  30  is stored is formed a pressurization chamber  25  which is sealed by the flexible member  50  and for which liquid other than that from the pressurization port  23  cannot go in or out of the inside. By injecting gas inside the pressurization chamber  25  from the pressurization port  23 , the ink pack  30  is compressed, and the ink housed in the ink pack  30  is discharged. 
     The ink pack  30  is equipped with a return check valve  33 , a valve seat  34 , and packing  35  in the discharge unit  32 . The return check valve  33  is a roughly plate shaped valve having roughly the same shape as the inside cross section of the discharge unit  32 . The return check valve  33  is separated from the valve seat  34  by the flow dynamics of the ink when discharging the ink housed in the bag  31  to outside the bag  31 , and this makes discharging of the ink possible, but when inflowing ink to the bag  31 , it contacts the valve seat  34  by the flow dynamics in the opposite direction as when discharging, and functions so as to block the inflow of ink. The packing  35  forms a ring shape on the inside of the discharge part  32 , and when the discharge part  32  is connected to the introduction port  42 , by filling in the gaps, outflow of ink from the connection part to the outside is prevented. 
     The sensor case  40   a  is equipped with a liquid flow path  44 , a piezoelectric vibrating component  45 , a liquid detection path  46 , a bearing plate  47 , a diaphragm  48 , and a spring  49 . A flow path in the claims includes the liquid flow path and the liquid detection path  46 . Depending on the volume of ink that flows through the liquid flow path  44  formed by the diaphragm  48  and the bearing plate  47 , the bearing plate  47  rises and falls in resistance to the bias of the spring  49 . The free vibration of the vibrating plate of the piezoelectric vibrating component  45  is permitted or restricted by the rise and fall operation of the bearing plate  47 , and with the back electromotive force generated in the piezoelectric vibrating component  45  by this free vibration, signals representing the presence or absence of ink in the printer are output from the integrated circuit substrate  43 . 
     The ink cartridge manufacturing method of the first embodiment will now be described.  FIG. 3  is a flow chart showing the process of the ink filling method for the ink cartridge manufacturing method of the first embodiment. To fill ink in the ink cartridge  10 , first, the ink cartridge  10  for which the ink has been consumed is prepared (step S 11 ).  FIG. 4  is an explanatory drawing showing the state of the ink cartridge with the ink consumed. With the ink cartridge  10 , the ink housed in the ink pack  30  is consumed by being supplied to the printer. The ink inside the ink pack  30  does not have to be completely consumed. 
     After the ink cartridge  10  for which the ink has been consumed is prepared, removal of the sensor  40  from the ink cartridge  10  is performed (step S 12 ).  FIG. 5  is an explanatory drawing showing the state with the sensor removed from the ink cartridge. Removal of the sensor  40  can be implemented by releasing the connection between the sensor fixing unit  22  and the sensor case  40   a  and by releasing the connection between the discharge unit  32  and the introduction port  42 . 
     After the sensor  40  is removed from the ink cartridge  10 , filling of the ink into the ink cartridge  10  is performed (step S 13 ).  FIG. 6  is an explanatory drawing showing the state of ink being filled in the ink cartridge. A filling port  60  is an ink discharge port provided on the supply device capable of supplying ink to the outside. The shape of the filling port  60  is roughly the same shape as the introduction port  42  of the sensor  40 . The filling port  60  is connected to the discharge unit  32  of the ink cartridge  10  for which the sensor  40  is removed. Ink is flowed in from the filling port  60  to the bag  31 . 
     When charging ink, it is possible to have contact between the return check valve  33  and the valve seat  34  and to block the inflow of ink. However, it is possible to have the ink flow in to the bag  31  before there is contact by the return check valve  33  with the valve seat  34  by adjusting the pressure of the ink inflow, changing the installation angle of the discharge unit  32  when filling the ink, or shaking the ink being filled. 
     After the ink is charged into the ink cartridge  10 , cleaning of the sensor  40  is performed (step S 14 ). The sensor  40  has been removed from the ink cartridge  10 . The cleaning of the sensor  40  is implemented by cleaning the liquid flow path  44  and the liquid detector path  46  that compose an ink flow path. The cleaning can be performed by inflowing liquid from the introduction port  42  or the lead-out port  41 ; or a suction means (suction device) or pressurization means (pressurization device) can be connected to the introduction port  42  or the lead-out port  41 , and the ink remaining in the liquid flow path  44  and the liquid detection path  46  can be removed using suction or pressure feed. 
     With this embodiment, the sensor  40  is cleaned after the ink is filled into the ink cartridge  10 , but as long as it is after the sensor  40  is removed from the ink cartridge  10 , it is also possible to implement cleaning before filling of the ink to the ink cartridge  10  or during filling. 
     The sensor  40  after cleaning is attached to the ink cartridge  10  filled with ink (step S 15 ).  FIG. 7  is an explanatory drawing showing the state with the sensor attached to the ink cartridge. The discharge unit  32  of the ink pack  30  filled with ink and the introduction port  42  of the sensor  40  for which cleaning is finished are connected to the bag  31 . Also, the sensor case  40   a  is fixed to the sensor fixing unit  22 , and the sensor  40  is attached to the ink cartridge  10 . 
     After the sensor  40  is fixed to the ink cartridge  10 , suction of the ink from the ink cartridge  10  is performed (step S 16 ).  FIG. 8  is an explanatory drawing showing the state with ink suctioned from the ink cartridge. A suction device (not illustrated) is connected to the lead-out port  41  of the ink cartridge  10 . By performing suction using the suction device, the interiors of the liquid flow path  44  and the liquid detection path  46  are set to negative pressure, and the ink housed in the ink pack  30  is flowed in to the liquid flow path  44  and the liquid detection path  46 . 
     In addition to the manner of this embodiment for inflow of ink to the liquid flow path  44  an the liquid detection path  46 , it is also possible to implement this by injection of air inside the pressurization chamber  25  using a pressurization means from the pressurization port  23  and discharging ink from the ink pack  30 . It is also possible to simultaneously implement suction from the lead-out port  41  and the injection of air from the pressurization port  41 . 
     The ink that inflows to the liquid flow path  44  and the liquid detection path  46  is heated to a specified temperature to lower the viscosity. Heating of the ink can be carried out before attachment of the sensor  40  to the storage container  20 , and can also be carried out after attachment, as long as it is before the inflow of ink to the liquid flow path  44  and the liquid detection path  46 . 
     The inflow of ink to the liquid flow path  44  and the liquid detection path  46  is executed until the volume of ink inside the ink pack  30  reaches a specified volume. When there is inflow of ink at greater than the capacity that can be received inside the liquid flow path  44  and the liquid detection path  46 , the ink is discharged from the lead-out port  41 . 
     With the liquid container manufacturing method of the first embodiment described above, even in a case of charging ink to the ink cartridge  10  equipped with the sensor  40 , the ink is charged with the sensor  40  removed from the ink cartridge  10 , so it is possible to reduce the occurrence of problems with the sensor  40  due to ink filling. The liquid container manufacturing method of the first embodiment can also be called a method of filling a liquid (ink) in a liquid container. 
     With the liquid container manufacturing method of the first embodiment, because the ink is filled into the ink pack  30  after the sensor  40  connected to the ink pack  30  is removed, even when filling ink for reuse of the ink cartridge  10 , it is possible to reduce the occurrence of problems with the sensor  40  due to ink filling. 
     With the liquid container manufacturing method of the first embodiment, it is possible to fill ink into the ink cartridge  10  for which the opening  24   a  for storing the ink pack  30  in the storage container  20  is closed by the flexible member  50 . 
     With the liquid container manufacturing method of the first embodiment, it is possible to eliminate air bubbles inside the liquid flow path  44  and the liquid detection path  46  by inflowing ink housed in the ink pack  30  to the liquid flow path  44  and the liquid detection path  46  using a suction device. By doing this, it is possible to reduce the decrease in function of the sensor  40 , and it is possible for the ink cartridge  10  to supply ink with stability. 
     With the liquid container manufacturing method of the first embodiment, the inflow of ink to the liquid flow path  44  and the liquid detection path  46  is implemented until the volume of ink inside the ink pack  30  reaches a specified volume, so it is possible to maintain the suitability of the volume of liquid received by the ink pack  30 , and in addition to reducing the variation of the ink for each ink pack  30 , it is also possible to implement suitable ink discharge by suppressing the ink within the ink pack  30  to an allowed holding capacity range. 
     With the liquid container manufacturing method of the first embodiment, by cleaning the liquid flow path  44  and the liquid detection path  46  before attaching the sensor  40  to the storage container  20 , it is possible to eliminate air bubbles inside the liquid flow path  44  and the liquid detection path  46 . By doing this, it is possible to reduce the decrease in function of the sensor  40 , and possible for the ink cartridge  10  to supply ink with stability. 
     With the liquid container manufacturing method of the first embodiment, the ink flowed in to the liquid flow path  44  and the liquid detection path  46  is heated to a specified temperature, the ink viscosity is lowered, and not only is it easier to inflow to the liquid flow path  44  and the liquid detection path  46 , but it is also possible to reduce the occurrence of air bubbles due to inflow. 
     Second Embodiment 
     In the first embodiment, the method of manufacturing the ink container (ink cartridge) for filling ink to reuse the ink cartridge  10  for which the ink has been consumed is described. Specifically, a case of a manufacturing method (regenerating method) for reusing the liquid container is explained. As the second embodiment, we will describe an example of applying this when manufacturing the ink cartridge  10 . 
     The schematic structure of the ink cartridge of the second embodiment is the same structure as the ink cartridge of the first embodiment, so its description is omitted here. Here, the method of manufacturing the ink cartridge of the second embodiment will be described.  FIG. 9  is a flow chart showing the procedure of the ink cartridge manufacturing method of the second embodiment. To manufacture the ink cartridge  10 , first, the ink pack  30  which is not filled with ink is prepared (step S 21 ). The ink pack  30  can be newly manufactured, or it can be a used item. In the case of a used item, the ink does not have to be completely consumed. 
     The ink pack  30  is stored in the storage container  20  (step S 22 ).  FIG. 10  is an explanatory drawing showing the state of the ink pack stored in the storage container. To store the ink pack  30 , first, a storage container  20  equipped with an opening  24   a  is prepared. The storage container  20  can be newly manufactured or it can be a used item. The prepared ink pack  30  is introduced inside the storage container  20  from the opening  24   a  of the storage container  20 , and is engaged with the pass-through port  21  and the discharge unit  32 . 
     The opening  24   a  of the storage container  20  in which the ink pack  30  is stored is closed using the flexible member  50  (step S 23 ). The flexible member  50  is prepared, the opening edge  24  is heat welded, and the opening  24   a  is closed. As long as it is after the ink pack  30  is stored in the storage container  20 , the closing of the opening  24   a  can be after the ink filling described later or it can be after the attachment of the sensor  40 . 
     The ink cartridge  10  is filled with ink (step S 24 ). The same as with embodiment  1 , the filling port  60  is connected to the discharge unit  32 , and filling of the ink into the ink cartridge  10  is performed by inflowing ink to the bag  31 . The explanatory drawing of filling the ink in the ink cartridge  10  is as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The sensor  40  is attached to the ink cartridge  10  (step S 25 ). As in the first embodiment, the discharge unit  32  of the ink pack  30  for which ink is filled in the bag  31  and the introduction port  42  of the sensor  40  are connected, and the sensor case  40   a  is fixed to the sensor fixing unit  22 . The explanatory drawing of the attachment of the sensor  40  to the ink cartridge  10  is as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     Ink is suctioned from the ink cartridge  10  (step S 26 ). As in the first embodiment, suction is performed by a suction device (not illustrated) at the lead-out port  41  of the ink cartridge  10 , and the ink housed in the ink pack  30  is flowed in to the liquid flow path  44  and the liquid detection path  46 . The explanatory drawing of ink being suctioned from the ink cartridge  10  is as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     With the manufacturing method of the second embodiment described above, even during manufacturing of the ink cartridge  10  equipped with the sensor  40 , the sensor  40  is attached after the ink is filled in the ink pack  30 , so it is possible to manufacture liquid containers with a reduction in the occurrence of problems with the sensor  40  due to ink filling. 
     With the method of manufacturing the ink cartridge of the second embodiment, the ink pack  30  is stored in the storage container  20 , and for the ink cartridge  10  for which the opening  24   a  is closed using the flexible member  50 , it is possible to manufacture this with a reduction in the occurrence of problems with the sensor  40 . 
     With the ink cartridge manufacturing method of the second embodiment, the effects of inflowing ink housed in the ink pack  30  to the liquid flow path  44  and the liquid detection path  46 , having the ink volume inside the ink pack  30  be a specified volume, and heating the ink to a specified temperature, are the same as those of the first embodiment. 
     Example of Using the Ink Cartridge of the Embodiment 
     An example of using the ink cartridge  10  obtained using the manufacturing method of this embodiment will now be described.  FIG. 11  is an explanatory drawing showing the schematic structure of a printer using the ink cartridge. The printer  100  is an inkjet printer that records text or graphics by spraying ink drops on printing paper P. The printer  100  is equipped with a paper supply tray  15 , a paper ejection tray  16 , and a case  17 . The printer  100  introduces printer paper P inside the case  17  from the paper tray  15 , sprays ink drops on a printing mechanism  13  inside the case  17 , and ejects the printing paper P on which text or graphics are recorded from the paper ejection tray  16  to outside the case  17 . 
     The case  17  has stored inside it the ink cartridge  10  of this embodiment, an ink supply unit  11 , a supply tube  12 , the printing mechanism  13 , and a control unit  14 . The ink cartridges  10  house inside them respectively black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink. Each color ink cartridge  10  is connected to the ink supply unit  11 . As another embodiment, it is also possible to connect four or more colors of ink cartridge  10  to the ink supply unit  11  with a printer that performs printing with four or more colors of ink. 
     The ink supply unit  11  has the ink cartridge  10  and the supply tube  12  connected. The connected ink cartridge  10  receives the supply of ink, and supplies ink to the printing mechanism  13  via the supply tube  12 . The printing mechanism  13  incorporates a spray head (not illustrated), and is equipped with a carriage (not illustrated) connected to the supply tube  12 . The carriage is moved by a motor (not illustrated), and spraying of the ink drops on the printing paper P is performed from the spray head. The control unit  14  controls each part of the printer  100 , and also is electrically connected to the integrated circuit substrate  43  of the ink cartridge  10 , and receives information regarding the remaining volume of ink. 
     Modified Embodiments 
     It is to be understood that the present invention can be embodied in various modes other modes without departing from the scope and spirit thereof. 
     Modified Embodiment 1 
       FIG. 12  is an explanatory drawing showing a variation example of attaching a sensor to the ink cartridge. With this embodiment, the sensor  40  in a state for which ink is not filled inside the liquid flow path  44  and the liquid detection path  46  is connected with the ink pack  30 , but it is also possible to add a step of filling ink inside the liquid flow path  44  and the liquid detection path  46  in advance before connecting with the ink pack  30 , and to connect the sensor  40  filled with ink to the ink pack  30 . Also, when filling ink in the sensor  40 , it is also possible to fill ink that has been heated to a specified temperature. 
     Modified Embodiment 2 
     In the ink cartridge  10  of this embodiment, the opening  24   a  of the storage container  20  is closed off with the flexible member  50 , but it is also possible to use a material that is not flexible, as long as it is possible to form an airtight pressurization chamber  25 . 
     Modified Embodiment 3 
     The ink cartridge  10  of this embodiment is equipped with a return check valve at the discharge unit  32  of the ink pack  30 , but it is also possible to constitute the ink pack  30  without the return check valve. 
     Modified Embodiment 4 
     In this embodiment, the ink charged to the ink pack  30  was heated and introduced to the sensor  40 , but it is also possible to heat the ink charged to the ink cartridge  10  to a specified temperature in advance and to introduce this to the ink pack  30 . 
     Modified Embodiment 5 
     In the first embodiment, after cleaning the sensor  40  which was removed from the storage container  20 , it was reattached, but it is also possible to attach a different sensor  40  to the storage container  20  than the sensor  40  that was removed. 
     With the ink cartridge manufacturing methods according to the variation examples described above, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of air bubbles inside the liquid flow path  44  and the liquid detection path  46  by connecting the sensor  40  for which ink is filled inside the liquid flow path  44  and the liquid detection path  46  to the ink pack  30 . By doing this, it is possible to reduce the decrease in functioning of the sensor  40 , and it is possible for the ink cartridge  10  to supply ink with stability. 
     Also, if the discharge unit  32  of the ink pack  30  is not equipped with a return check valve, it is possible to easily fill with ink during filling of the ink to the ink pack  30  without blocking the inflow of ink by contact by the return check valve  33  with the valve seat  34 . 
     Third Embodiment 
     The schematic structure of the ink cartridge which is the liquid container of the third embodiment will now be described.  FIG. 13  is an explanatory drawing showing the schematic structure of the ink cartridge. The ink cartridge  10  is equipped with a cabinet unit  20 , the ink pack  30 , the liquid volume detector device  40 , the sealing member  50 , and a lid  60 . With the ink cartridge  10  of this embodiment, the ink housed in the ink pack  30  which is the liquid receptacle is supplied to a printer (not illustrated) via the liquid volume detector device  40 . In the following explanation, the same reference numbers used in the first or second embodiments are used. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13(A) , the cabinet unit  20  has a roughly cabinet shape, and is equipped with two independent items, an ink receiver  22   a  and sensor receiver chamber  22   b . The top surface of the ink receiving chamber  22   a  is equipped with the opening  24   a  formed by the opening edge  24 . The cabinet unit  20  is formed by a thermoplastic resin such as polystyrene or the like. The cabinet unit  20  stores the ink pack  30  in the ink receiving chamber  22   a  from the opening  24   a . As shown in  FIG. 13(B) , the cabinet unit  20  is equipped with a first opening  21   a , a second opening  21   b , a third opening  21   c , and a fourth opening  21   d . The first opening  21   a  and the fourth opening  21   d  link the ink receiving chamber  22   a  and the sensor receiving chamber  22   b , and the second opening  21   b  and the third opening  21   c  link the sensor receiving chamber  22   b  and outside of the cabinet unit  20 . The first opening  21   a  is used to connect the ink pack  30  and the liquid volume detector device  40 . The second opening  21   b  is used to discharge the ink inside the liquid volume detector device  40  to outside the cabinet unit. The third opening  21   c  and the fourth opening  21   d  are used to arrange a pressurization tube  23  for supplying pressurized air to the ink receiving chamber  22   a  from outside the cabinet unit. 
     The ink pack  30  is equipped with the bag  31  and the discharge unit  32 . The ink pack  30  receives ink inside the bag  31 , and the ink received from the discharge unit  32  is discharged to outside the ink pack  30 . The bag  31  is formed by pasting together the peripheral edge parts of the aluminum laminate multi layer film formed by lamination of aluminum layers on the resin film layer. The discharge unit  32  has a roughly round cylinder shape, is connected via the first opening  21   a  to the introduction port  42  that the liquid volume detector device  40  described later is equipped with, and the ink housed in the bag  31  is led-out to the liquid volume detector device  40 . 
     The liquid volume detector device  40  performs detection of the remaining volume of ink housed in the ink pack  30 . The liquid volume detector device  40  is equipped with a sensor case  40   a , a lead-out port  41 , and an introduction port  42 . The liquid volume detector device  40  introduces the ink housed in the ink pack  30  from the introduction port  42 , and discharges it from the lead-out port  41  connected to the printer via the inside of the sensor case  40   a . With this embodiment, the liquid volume detector device  40  is equipped with a function of detecting the remaining volume of ink inside the ink pack  30 , but in addition, it is also possible to be equipped with a function of detecting the ink consumption volume consumed by the printer, the flow volume of ink that posses through the flow path of the liquid volume detector device  40 , or the pooled ink volume housed in the ink receptor. The integrated circuit substrate  43  is fixed to the side surface of the cabinet unit  20  so as to be electrically connected to the liquid volume detector device  40 , and provides information relating to the remaining volume of ink inside the ink pack  30  detected by the liquid volume detector device  40  to the printer (not illustrated). 
     The sealing member  50  is a flexible film for which one surface is constituted by a junction material  52  made from the same material as the cabinet unit  20 , such as polystyrene, for example, and the other is constituted by a surface material  51  made from the polyethylene terephthalate of the backing member. The sealing member  50  is welded to the opening edge  24  of the cabinet unit  20 , and the opening  24   a  is sealed. The welding can be implemented through heat fusion of the junction material  52  in a state facing opposite the surface made from the junction material  52  at the side of the surface in contact with the opening edge  24 . Adhesion of the sealing member  50  and the opening edge  24  can be accomplished not only by heat bonding as taught in this embodiment, but can also be accomplished using ultrasonic welding, vibration bonding, or adhesion using an adhesive agent. 
       FIG. 14  is an explanatory drawing showing the schematic structure of the cross section of the ink cartridge. The ink receiving chamber  22   a  in which the ink pack  30  is stored is made airtight by the sealing member  50 , and liquid cannot go out or in other than from the pressurization tube  23 . By injecting gas inside the ink receiving chamber  22   a  from the pressurization tube  23 , the ink pack  30  is compressed, and the ink housed in the ink pack  30  is discharged. 
     The ink pack  30  is equipped with the return check valve  33 , the valve seat  34 , and the packing  35  on the discharge unit  32 . The return check valve  33  is a roughly plate shaped valve unit with roughly the same shape as the inside cross section of the discharge unit  32 . The return check valve  33  can separated from the valve seat  34  by the ink flow dynamics and discharge ink when discharging ink housed in the bag  31  to outside the bag  31 , but when inflowing ink to the bag  31 , it functions so as to contact the valve seat  34  by the flow dynamics in the opposite direction from those during discharging, which blocks the inflow of ink. The packing  35  forms a ring shape on the inside of the discharge unit  32 , and when the discharge unit  32  connects with the introduction port  42 , by filling in the gap, outflow of ink to outside from the connection part is prevented. 
     The sensor case  40   a  is equipped with the liquid flow path  44 , the piezoelectric vibrating component  45 , the liquid detection path  46 , the bearing plate  47 , the diaphragm  48 , and the spring  49 . The bearing plate  47  rises and falls in resistance to the bias of the spring  49  according to the volume of ink that flows through the liquid flow path  44  formed by the diaphragm  48  and the bearing plate  47 . By rising and falling operation of the bearing plate  47 , the shape and capacity of the liquid flow path  44  that contacts the vibrating plate of the piezoelectric vibrating component  45  changes, and the back electromotive force generated at the piezoelectric vibrating component  45  changes. The presence or absence of ink is determined by the printer by outputting this back electromotive force information to the printer via the integrated circuit substrate  43 . 
     The ink cartridge manufacturing method (ink cartridge regenerating method) of the third embodiment will now be described.  FIG. 15  is a flow chart showing the process of the ink filling method for the ink cartridge manufacturing method of the third embodiment. To implement filling of ink in the ink cartridge  10 , first, the ink cartridge  10  for which the ink has been consumed is prepared (step S 31 ).  FIG. 16  is an explanatory drawing showing the state of the ink cartridge with the ink consumed. As shown in  FIG. 16 , for the ink cartridge  10 , an item was prepared for which the ink housed in the ink pack  30  is consumed by being supplied to the printer. The ink inside the ink pack  30  also does not have to be completely consumed. 
     The lid  60  of the prepared ink cartridge  10  is removed, and the sealing member  50  is peeled off (step S 32 ).  FIG. 17  is an explanatory drawing showing the state with the sealing member peeled from the ink cartridge. As shown in  FIG. 17 , after removing the lid  60 , so that it becomes possible to remove the ink pack  30  from the cabinet unit  20  for which the opening  24   a  is sealed by the sealing member  50 , the welded part with the opening edge  24  of the sealing member  50  is peeled. The welded part can also be peeled from the opening edge  24  so as to completely separate the sealing member  50  and the cabinet unit  20 . 
     After the sealing member  50  is peeled off, the ink pack  30  is removed from the ink cartridge  10  (step S 33 ).  FIG. 18  is an explanatory drawing showing the state with the ink pack removed from the ink cartridge. As shown in  FIG. 18 , the removal of the ink pack  30  can be implemented by releasing the connection of the discharge unit  32  of the ink pack  30  and the introduction port  42 , and by removing it to the outside of the cabinet unit  20  from the opening  24   a.    
     Filling of ink to the removed ink pack  30  is performed (step S 34 ).  FIG. 19  is an explanatory drawing showing the state with ink filled in the ink pack. When filling the ink, because the return check valve  33  functions, though it takes time, the pressure received by the return check valve  33  changes by changing of the injection flow volume of the charging difference, and it is also possible to fill by applying vibration. It is also possible to use the ink pack  30  filled with ink by the method shown in  FIG. 19  without using the removed ink pack  30 . As shown in  FIG. 19(A) , a supply port  70  of a filling device to which ink can be supplied and the ink pack  30  discharge unit  32  are connected, and the ink is flowed into the bag  31 . The ink is flowed into the bag  31  via a bypass path  32   a  on the discharge unit  32 , so it is possible to fill ink without blocking of the inflow by the return check valve  33 . After the ink is filled, as shown in  FIG. 19(B) , the bypass path  32   a  is plugged by heat bonding of the bag  31 . In addition to this, it goes without saying that in a case when the ink pack that is interchanged with the removed ink pack  30  is not equipped with a return check valve, or with an ink pack equipped with a return check valve that functions by being attached to the ink cartridge, when using an ink pack that is not a newly manufactured item, it is possible to do filling easily. 
     The opening edge  24  of the cabinet unit  20  is made smooth (step S 35 ).  FIG. 20  is an explanatory drawing showing the state of the junction surface of the sealing member and the opening edge. As shown in  FIG. 20 , when peeling the sealing member  50  from the opening edge  24 , part of the junction material  52  is separated from the surface material  51 , and is attached to the opening edge  24 . Part of the surface material  51  is also separated and attached to the opening edge  24 . Because of this, using a machining mechanism such as a grinder or the like, the surface of the opening edge  24  is scraped, and the surface material  51  and junction material  52  attached to the opening edge  24  are removed. 
     With this embodiment, the smoothing of the opening edge  24  is implemented after removing the ink pack  30  from the cabinet unit  20 , but as long as it is after the sealing member  50  is peeled from the ink cartridge  10 , it can also be implemented before removing the ink pack  30  from the ink cartridge  10 . It is also possible to implement this after storing the ink pack  30  described later in the cabinet unit  20 . 
     After the opening edge  24  is smoothed, the ink pack  30  is stored in the ink cartridge  10  (step S 36 ).  FIG. 21  is an explanatory drawing showing the state with the ink pack stored in the ink cartridge. As shown in  FIG. 21 , the ink pack  30  filled with ink is arranged inside the cabinet unit  20  from the opening  24   a , and this is stored in the ink cartridge  10  by the discharge  32  being connected with the introduction port  42 . 
     The sealing member  50  is welded to the ink cartridge  10  in which the ink pack  30  is stored (step S 37 ).  FIG. 22  is an explanatory drawing showing the state of the contact part of the sealing member and the opening edge. As shown in  FIG. 22(A) , with this embodiment, the junction material  52  that the sealing member  50  is equipped with and the opening edge  24  are in contact, and this is welded to the opening edge  24  by fusing the junction material  52  using heat. By doing this, the sealing member  50  seals the opening  24   a.    
     In addition to the heat bonding of this embodiment for the welding of the sealing member  50  and the opening edge  24 , it is also possible to repeatedly add compression force to the sealing member  50 , to do ultrasonic welding that adheres by heat generation inside the member, or to use vibration bonding that adheres by heat using friction. In this case, as shown in  FIG. 22(B) , a convex part  24   b  is formed on the opening edge  24 , and welding can be done by fusing the convex part  24   b  using heat. Also, as shown in  FIG. 22(C) , it is also possible for the sealing member  50  to be equipped with a convex part. By welding of the sealing member  50 , regeneration of the ink cartridge of the third embodiment is completed. 
     With the ink cartridge manufacturing method of the third embodiment described above, even when filling ink in the used ink cartridge  10 , the ink pack  30  is removed from the opening  24   a , so it is possible to fill ink in the ink pack  30  without using the flow path inside the liquid volume detector device. Also, to store the ink pack  30  filled with ink in the ink cartridge  10 , while reducing the possibility of problems occurring in the liquid volume detector device due to filling, it is possible to easily fill the ink cartridge  10  with ink. Note that the ink cartridge manufacturing method of the embodiment noted above can also be called an ink cartridge regenerating method. 
     With the ink cartridge manufacturing method of the third embodiment, the surface of the opening edge  24  is machined before welding the sealing member  50  to the cabinet unit  20 , so it is possible to remove the junction material  52  and the like adhered to the opening edge  24 , and it is possible to easily weld the sealing member  50 . 
     With the ink cartridge manufacturing method of the third embodiment, storing in the cabinet unit  20  is done after filling of the ink in the ink pack  30 , so, for example, with a new ink pack, it is possible to fill the ink using a method called a bypass path that does not go via the return check valve, and it is possible to easily fill ink in the ink cartridge  10 . 
     With the ink cartridge manufacturing method of the third embodiment, the sealing member  50  and the opening edge  24  are welded using heat bonding, ultrasonic welding, or vibration bonding. By doing this, because the inside of the ink receiving chamber  22   a  is airtight sealed, it is possible for the ink cartridge  10  to supply ink with stability. 
     With the ink cartridge manufacturing method of the third embodiment, the ink cartridge  10  is equipped with a liquid volume detector device  40 , so it is possible to fill ink even in the ink cartridge  10  equipped with the liquid volume detector device  40 . 
     Example of Use of the Ink Cartridge of this Embodiment 
     An example of using the ink cartridge  10  manufactured by the ink cartridge manufacturing method of this embodiment will now be described.  FIG. 11  is an explanatory drawing showing the schematic structure of the printer using the ink cartridge. The printer  100  is an inkjet printer for recording text or graphics by spraying ink drops on the printing paper P. The printer  100  is equipped with the paper supply tray  15 , the paper ejection tray  16 , and the case  17 . The printer  100  introduces the printing paper P from the paper supply tray  15  to inside the case  17 , sprays ink drops with the printing mechanism  13  inside the case  17 , and discharges the printing paper P on which text or graphics are recorded from the paper ejection tray  16  to outside the case  17 . 
     The case  17  is constituted from the lid and the main body, and inside it are stored the ink cartridge  10  of this embodiment, the ink supply unit  11 , the supply tube  12 , the printing mechanism  13 , and the control unit  14 . 
     The ink cartridge  10  receives ink of different colors for each ink cartridge inside it. With this embodiment, each ink cartridge  10  receiving black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink is connected to the ink supply unit  11 . As another embodiment, with a printer that performs printing with four or more colors of ink, it is also possible to connect four or more colors of ink cartridges  10  to the ink supply unit  11 . 
     The ink supply unit  11  has the ink cartridge  10  and the supply tube  12  connected. The supply of ink is received from the connected ink cartridge  10 , and ink is supplied via the supply tube  12  to the printing mechanism  13 . The supply tube  12  is formed with a material having gas permeability, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer such as an olefin, a styrene or the like. 
     The printing mechanism  13  incorporates a spray head (not illustrated), and is equipped with a carriage (not illustrated) connected to the supply tube  12 . The carriage is moved by a motor (not illustrated), and spraying of ink drops on the printing paper P is performed from the spray head. 
     The control unit  14  controls each part of the printer  100 . The control unit  14  an includes ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) equipped with hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU) (not shown), a read only memory (ROM), and random access memory (RAM) and the like. Software for realizing the various functions of the printer  100  is installed in the control unit  14 . It is also electrically connected with the integrated circuit substrate  43  and receives information regarding the remaining volume of ink. 
     Modified Embodiments 
     It is to be understood that the present invention can be embodied in various modes other modes without departing from the scope and spirit thereof. 
     Modified Embodiment 1 
       FIG. 23  is an explanatory drawing of removing the ink pack from the ink cartridge with variation example 1. With this embodiment the sealing member  50  is separated from the opening edge  24  and the ink pack  30  is removed from the opening  24   a , but it is also possible to provide a sealing member opening  50   a  at part of the sealing member  50  to remove the ink pack  30 . 
     Modified Embodiment 2 
       FIG. 24  is an explanatory drawing of removing the ink pack from the ink cartridge with variation example 2. With this embodiment, the sealing member  50  is separated from the opening edge  24  and the ink pack  30  is removed from the opening  24   a , but it is also possible to remove the ink pack  30  by cutting the cabinet unit  20  near the opening edge  24 . In this case, for the sealing of the opening  24   a , the sealing member  50  is welded to the generated surface  24   c  newly created by cutting. 
     Modified Embodiment 3 
     The ink cartridge  10  of this embodiment has adhesion of the sealing member  50  and the opening edge  24  implemented by welding, but as long as the opening  24   a  is airtight sealed, adhesion can be done using an adhesive agent or the like. 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     With the fourth embodiment, we will describe the method of filling liquid to the liquid container. 
       FIG. 25  is a plan view typically showing the liquid container used with this embodiment.  FIG. 26  is a side view typically showing the liquid container used with this embodiment.  FIG. 27  is a front view typically showing the liquid container used with this embodiment.  FIG. 28  is an explanatory drawing showing the junction of the liquid receptacle and the liquid volume detector used with this embodiment. 
     With this embodiment, as an example of the liquid container, an ink cartridge used mounted on an inkjet printer is used. The ink cartridge  110  of this embodiment is equipped with the case  120 , the lid  125 , the ink receptor  130 , and the ink volume sensor  140 . Note that with  FIG. 25 , for purposes of explanation, this will described using the ink cartridge  110  which is not equipped with the lid  125 . Also, the ink receptor  130  correlates to the liquid receptacle and the ink volume sensor  140  correlates to the liquid volume detector. 
     The case  120  has an external appearance forming a roughly rectangular solid shape and has two independent items, an ink receiving chamber  120   a  and sensor receiving chamber  120   b . Each receiving chamber  120   a  and  120   b  has segments formed by a wall surface  120   c , and the top surface is open. The case  120  is formed, for example, by a resin material including a thermoplastic resin, a metal material, or a hybrid material of metal and resin. 
     The case  120  is equipped with the first opening  121   a , the second opening  121   b , the third opening  121   c , and the fourth opening  121   d . The first opening  121   a  and the fourth opening  121   d  link the ink receiving chamber  120   a  and the sensor receiving chamber  120   b , and the second opening  121   b  and the third opening  121   c  link the sensor receiving chamber  120   b  and the case exterior. 
     The first opening  121   a  is used to connect the ink receptor  130  and the ink volume sensor  140 . The second opening  121   b  is used to arrange the ink supply port  122 . The third opening  121   c  and the fourth opening  121   d  are used to arrange the pressurization tube  123  for supplying pressurized air to the ink receiving chamber  120   a  from the case exterior. 
     The lid  125  has a shape corresponding to the top surface shape of the case  120 . As shown in  FIG. 26  and  FIG. 27 , each opening of the case  120  is airtight sealed by the sealing material  150 , and the lid  125  is mounted on the case  120  overlapping the sealing material  150 . The sealing material  150  seals the openings of each receiving chamber  120   a  and  120   b  to airtight seal at least the ink receiving chamber  120   a . When the ink cartridge  110  is mounted in the printing device, pressurized air is supplied to the ink receiving chamber  120   a  via the pressurization tube  123  from the printing device. This pressurization process is executed to smooth the supply of ink to the printing device by adding pressure from the outside to the ink receptor  130 . Therefore, the ink receiving chamber  120   a  is required to be airtight sealed. As the sealing material  150 , it would be possible to use for example a laminate film composed of the same material as the case  120 , e.g. polyethylene terephthalate with a polystyrene backing. The sealing material  150  is adhered in a state with the surface of the same material as the case  120  used as the wall surface side of the case  120 . 
     The ink receptor  130  is equipped with a bag shaped main body and the ink lead-out unit  131  mounted at one edge of the main body. The main body is formed from a multi layer film of a rectangular shape for which a gas barrier layer is formed by lamination on the resin film layer, for example. The ink lead-out unit  131  is formed by a round cylinder shaped resin member that can be heat bonded with the resin film layer. The ink receptor  130  is formed by sandwiching the ink lead-out unit  131  between one side of two multi layer films that are overlapped, and with this embodiment, one side among the short sides, and by heat bonding the film edge part and the film and the ink lead-out unit  131 . As the resin film layer, for example, a thermoplastic resin that can be heat bonded, such as polyethylene or propylene can be used, as the gas barrier layer, aluminum can be used, and as the backing member, polyamide or polyethylene terephthalate can be used. 
     The ink volume sensor  140  is equipped with a sensor module unit described later, a first connecting unit  140   a , and a second connecting unit  140   b . The first connecting unit  140   a  is mounted on the ink lead-out unit  131  of the ink receptor  130  via the first opening  121   a . In specific terms, as shown in  FIG. 28 , the tip of the first connecting unit is inserted through the first connecting unit  140   a  until it reaches the receiving part inside the ink lead-out unit  131 . The outer periphery surface of the first connecting unit  140   a  and the inner periphery surface of the ink lead-out unit  131  are sealed by the sealing member. 
     The ink supply port  122  is mounted on the second connecting unit  140   b  via the second opening  121   b . Note that the ink supply port  122  can be formed as an integrated unit with the second connecting unit  140   b . In this case, the second connecting unit  140   b  that functions as the ink supply port projects from the second opening  121   b.    
     Ink Volume Sensor Constitution: 
       FIG. 29  is a plan view typically showing the sensor module of the ink volume sensor of this embodiment.  FIG. 30  is an explanatory drawing typically showing the cross section of the sensor module cut at line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 29 . 
     The ink volume sensor  140  is equipped with the first connecting unit  140   a  and the second connecting unit  140   b  on the case  40 C as described previously. Note that for purposes of explanation,  FIG. 29  shows the state with the top surface of the case  40 C of the ink volume sensor  140  removed. 
     The ink volume sensor  140  is equipped with the sensor module  141 , a first linking path  142   a , and a second linking path  142   b . The first linking path  142   a  links the sensor module  141  and the first connecting unit  140   a , and the second linking path  142   b  links the sensor module  141  and the second connecting unit  140   b.    
     The sensor module  141  is equipped with a sensor case  1411 , a pressure receiving body  1412 , a diaphragm  1413 , a biasing member  1414 , a detection flow path forming member  1415 , and a sensor  143 . The sensor case  1411  planar view makes a circular ring shape, and is equipped with a top side case member  1411   a  and a bottom side case member  1411   b  for which the circular ring widths differ. With this embodiment, the circular ring width of the bottom side case member  1411   b  is larger than the circular ring width of the top side case member  1411   a . As shown in  FIG. 30 , at the connecting part of the first linking path  142   a  and the second linking path  142   b  of the sensor case  1411 , the linking unit  1411   c  and  1411   d  for linking the outside of the sensor case  1411  and the inside of the sensor case  1411  are respectively formed. 
     The detection flow path forming member  1415  has two flow paths inside, and is fixed to the bottom side case member  1411   b  by the circular ring fixing member  1416 . A detection flow path  162  is formed by the two flow paths of the detection flow path forming member  1415  and the   shaped sensor  143 . The sensor  143  can be constituted from a vibrating plate that directly contacts the fluid and the sensor main body, or it can be constituted from only the sensor main body. As the sensor main body, an electrostriction component which is a passive component that is deformed (electrostriction) by the application of voltage and that outputs voltage (back electromotive force) according to outside force is used. As the electrostriction component (piezoelectric element), for example, it is possible to use zircon lead titanate (PZT), lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PZTL), or a lead-free piezoelectric film that does not use lead. The detection signals generated by the sensor  143  are sent to a control circuit (not illustrated). 
     The pressure receiving body  1412  is equipped with a bottom side part having a size that can close the detection flow path  162 , and a top side part of a size that can be in contact with the biasing member  1414 . The pressure receiving body  1412  is connected to the top side case member  1411   a  by the diaphragm  1413 . 
     An ink flow path  161  is formed on the sensor case  1411 . When the pressure receiving body  1412  is in contact with the detection flow path forming member  1415  by the biasing force of the biasing member  1414 , the ink flows through the ink flow path  161 . Meanwhile, when the pressure receiving body  1412  and the detection flow path forming member  1415  are divided, the ink flows through the two flow paths of the ink flow path  161  and the detection flow path  162 . 
     The biasing force applied to the pressure receiving body  1412  by the biasing member  1414  can be set, for example, to be weaker than the pressurization force applied to the ink receptor  130  by the pressurized air during use. As a result, during use, the pressure receiving body  1412  and the detection flow path forming member  1415  are divided, and when not used (when removed, when non-pressurized), the pressure receiving body  1412  and the detection flow path forming member  1415  are in contact, and mixing or the like of air bubbles in the detection flow path  162  is suppressed and prevented. 
     We will give a brief description of the ink volume detection using the sensor module  141 . The sensor  143  has the role of both an exciter that gives excitation oscillation to an oscillation system, and an oscillation detector that detects the oscillation frequency for an oscillation system. In specific terms, the sensor  143  starts excitation oscillation by stopping the application of drive signals after electrostriction by application of square wave drive signals. By matching the excitation oscillation count given to the oscillation system by the sensor  143 , specifically, the frequency of the drive signals applied to the sensor  143 , to the oscillation count inherent to the oscillation system of the sensor module  141 , resonance occurs in the oscillation system. The sensor  143  varies according to the generated resonant oscillation, specifically, the oscillation is detected, and the voltage value that varies according to the detected oscillation, specifically, the resonance frequency signals, are output as the detection result signals. 
     The oscillation system of the sensor module  141  indicates a different inherent oscillation count according to whether or not the detection flow path  162  is plugged by the pressure receiving body  1412 . Pressurization force acts on the ink receptor  130 , and when there is a larger amount of ink than the specified volume in the ink receptor  130 , the pressure receiving body  1412  and the detection flow path forming member  1415  are divided by high ink pressure, and when there is a smaller amount of ink than the specified volume in the ink receptor  130 , the pressure receiving body  1412  and the detection flow path forming member  1415  are in contact by the drop in ink pressure. Therefore, the detection flow path  162  is linked with the ink flow path  161  when there is a larger volume of ink than the specified volume in the ink receptor  130 , and is separated from the ink flow path  161  when there is ink of the specified volume or less in the ink receptor  130 . Specifically, by using the difference in the back electromotive force brought by the difference in the inherent oscillation count for the oscillation system formed when the detection flow path  162  is plugged by the pressure receiving body  1412  and for the oscillation system formed when not plugged, it is possible to judge whether or not the ink volume received in the ink receptor  130  is the specified volume or less. Note that the ink volume sensor  140  performs detection of the ink volume based on changes in ink pressure, so it can be called a pressure sensor. 
     The ink volume sensor  140  of this embodiment is a sensor that judges whether or not the ink volume in the ink receptor  130  is a specified volume or greater as described above (whether it is less than a specified volume), but in addition to this, for example, it goes without saying that it is also possible to use a sensor that can detect the consumed volume or the remaining volume by detecting the total volume (flow volume) of ink supplied to the printer. 
     The method of filling ink in the ink cartridge  110  of this embodiment will now be described.  FIG. 31  is a flow chart showing the ink filling process of this embodiment.  FIG. 32  is an explanatory drawing showing the state of the ink cartridge at the start of the ink filling process.  FIG. 33  is an explanatory drawing showing the state of the ink cartridge midway in the ink filling process.  FIG. 34  is an explanatory drawing showing the state of the ink cartridge at the end of the ink filling process. 
     The ink supply device used with the following process is equipped with an ink reservoir tank  1200 , a first control valve  1201 , a second control valve  1202 , and an ink supply pump PP. During ink supply, the first control valve  1201  is in a linked state (open), and the second control valve  1202  is in an unlinked state (closed), and during the air removal process, the first control valve  1201  is in an unlinked state (closed), and the second control valve  1202  is in a linked state (open). Note that in  FIG. 32 to 10 , the open control valve is white, and the closed control valve is black. 
     The ink supply port  122  and the ink supply device for the ink cartridge  110  are connected (step S 100 : see  FIG. 32 ). In specific terms, the ink supply port  122  of the ink cartridge  110  in a state with the ink receptor  130  and the ink volume sensor  140  incorporated is connected to the supply tube that is connected to the discharge port of the ink supply pump PP. The ink cartridge  110  can be a newly manufactured ink cartridge, or it can be an ink cartridge that was used once and is refilled with ink for reuse. In the case of a new ink cartridge, there is no ink in the internal flow paths of the ink receptor  130  and the ink volume sensor  140 . On the other hand, in the case of a used ink cartridge, when cleaning has not been executed on the ink receptor  130  and the ink volume sensor  140 , there is ink in the internal flow paths of the ink receptor  130  and the ink volume sensor  140 . 
     The ink supply pump PP is operated with the first control valve  1201  in a linked state, and the second control valve  1202  in a non-linked state, and filling of ink to the ink receptor  130  via the ink volume sensor  140  starts (step S 110 : see  FIG. 33 ). The ink supplied via the ink supply port  122  flows to the ink receptor  130  via the internal flow paths of the ink volume sensor  140 , specifically, at least the first linking path  142   a , the second linking path  142   b , and the ink flow path  161 . 
     Note that when a return check valve is equipped in the ink receptor  130  to prevent or suppress the reverse inflow of ink from the outside, for example when equipped in the ink lead-out unit  131 , a contrivance is required for the filling of ink. For example, filling of ink is performed by supply pressure that is less than the operating pressure of the return check valve, an operating unit is provided on the ink receptor  130  for turning off the return check valve function from the outside, and during ink filling, the return check valve function is turned off. Alternatively, it is possible to have at least two flow paths formed on the ink lead-out unit  131  of the ink receptor  130  that link with the ink receptor  130 , and to provide a switching valve for switching the two flow paths. A return check valve can be provided on one flow path, and during normal use, the flow path equipped with the return check valve is operated, and during ink filling, the other flow path that is not equipped with a return check valve is operated. 
     Meanwhile, when the return check valve is not equipped in the ink receptor  130 , ink can be filled inside the ink receptor  130  simply by operating the ink supply pump PP. 
     When a specified volume of ink is filled in the ink receptor  130 , the ink supply pump PP is stopped, and the filling of ink to the ink receptor  130  stops (step S 120 ). 
     When the ink filling ends, the first control valve  1201  is in a non-linked state, and the second control valve  1202  is in a linked state, the ink supply pump PP is put to reverse operation, and the air removal process is executed (step S 130 : see  FIG. 34 ). With this embodiment, the air removal process is not a required process, but by executing the air removal process together, it is possible to improve the reliability of eliminating mixing of air bubbles in the sensor module  141 , particularly the detection flow path  162 . In specific terms, the pressure receiving body  1412  with the sensor module  141  is divided from the detection flow path forming member  1415 , and the suction process is executed by the pressure that brings the inflow of ink to the detection flow path  162 . As a result, the air bubbles inside the detection flow path  162  are discharged to outside the ink cartridge  110 . Also, at the same time, the air bubbles inside the ink volume sensor  140  and the ink receptor  130  are also discharged to outside the ink cartridge  110 . As a result, it is possible to suppress or stop the generation of ink volume detection errors due to air bubble mixing. 
     When the air removal process is completed, the connection between the ink cartridge  110  ink supply port  122  and the ink supply device is released (step S 104 ). Specifically, the supply tube is removed from the ink supply port  122 . 
     Note that the following two modes are conceivable during filling of ink to the ink cartridge  110 .  FIG. 35  is an explanatory drawing typically showing the flow of ink inside the sensor module when the ink supply pressure is lower than the biasing force.  FIG. 36  is an explanatory drawing typically showing the flow of ink inside the sensor module when the ink supply pressure is higher than the biasing force. 
     When the ink supply pressure is lower than the biasing force, as shown in  FIG. 35 , the pressure receiving body  1412  and the detection flow path forming member  1415  are left in contact, and without the inflow port to the detection flow path  162  being exposed, the ink flows to the ink receptor  130  exclusively through the ink flow path  161 . Therefore, by the air removal process described previously, while there is a requirement for introduction of ink to the detection flow path  162 , the detection flow path  162  is plugged by the pressure receiving body  1412 , so there is little mixing of air bubbles into the detection flow path  162 , and it is possible to reduce the residual air bubbles inside the ink flow path  161 . 
     Meanwhile, when the ink supply pressure is higher than the biasing force, as shown in  FIG. 36 , the pressure receiving body  1412  and the detection flow path forming member  1415  are divided. Therefore, the inflow port to the detection flow path  162  is exposed, and the ink flows to the ink receptor  130  through the detection flow path  162  and the ink flow path  161 . In this case, by the air removal process described previously, discharging of the air bubbles mixed in the ink introduced inside the detection flow path  162  is induced. It is also possible to shorten the time required for the ink filling process. 
     Note that with this embodiment, the sensor module  141  is filled with ink during the ink filling process, so the air removal process for introducing ink to the sensor module of the prior art is unnecessary, and the air removal process noted above should be distinguished from the prior art air removal process for filling ink to the sensor module. 
     As described above, with the ink filling method of the fourth embodiment, the ink filling is executed in a state with the ink receptor  130  and the ink volume sensor  140  mounted on the case  120 , so it is possible to prevent or suppress ink leakage. Specifically, the ink filling process is executed with the ink receptor  130  and the ink volume sensor  140  connected, so it is possible to prevent or suppress the ink leakage when connecting the ink sensor to an ink receptor filled with ink that occurred with the prior art. As a result, the work of removing the leaked ink and the like during filling of ink to the ink cartridge is unnecessary, and it is possible to make the ink filling process more efficient. 
     Also, the ink filling process is executed in a state with the ink receptor  130  and the ink volume sensor  140  connected, so the ink volume sensor  140  interior is filled with ink during the filling process. Therefore, it is possible to not execute the ink filling process to the ink volume sensor that was performed with the prior art in addition to the ink filling process to the ink receptor. As a result, it is possible to make the ink filling process simpler. 
     Furthermore, when filling ink in the ink cartridge  110  that has been used, in addition to what is noted above, it is also possible to enjoy the advantage that it is possible to execute refilling of ink to the ink receptor  130  without disassembling the used ink cartridge  110 . 
     Fifth Embodiment 
     The method of manufacturing the ink cartridge of the fifth embodiment will be described following.  FIG. 37  is a flow chart showing the ink cartridge manufacturing process of this embodiment. With this embodiment filling of the ink to the assembled ink cartridge is executed, so first, assembly of the ink cartridge is executed (step S 200 ). In specific terms, the ink receptor  130  and the ink volume sensor  140  are incorporated in the case  120 , and the opening of the ink receiving chamber  120   a  and the sensor receiving chamber  120   b  was plugged using the sealing material  150 . With this embodiment, first, the ink receptor  130  is arranged in the ink receiving chamber  130   a , and subsequently, the first connecting unit  140   a  of the ink volume sensor  140  is arranged in the sensor receiving chamber  120   b  of the ink volume sensor  140  while being inserted in the ink lead-out unit  131  of the ink receptor  130 . Insertion of the first connecting unit  140   a  into the ink lead-out unit  131  can be executed by simply pushing in the first connecting unit  140   a , or it can be executed by inserting the first connecting unit  140   a  while rotating, and making it such that the first connecting unit  140   a  and the ink lead-out unit  131  or the wall surface  120   c  mechanically lock. 
     A tube shaped member that becomes the ink supply port  122  is mounted on the second connecting part  140   b  of the ink sensor  140  received in the sensor receiving chamber  120   b . Also, the pressurization tube  123  (normally formed as an integrated unit with the case  120 ) is mounted on the third opening  121   c  and the fourth opening  121   d  of the case  120 . Subsequently, the sealing material  150  is arranged in the opening of the case  120 , and the sealing material  150  and the case  120  (end surface of the wall surface  120   c ) are adhered using heat bonding, ultrasonic welding or the like. Finally, the lid  125  is mounted on the case  120  and the assembly of the ink cartridge  110  is ended. Note that the mounting of the lid  125  can also be executed after completion of the ink filling process. 
     When the ink cartridge  110  is completed, the ink filling process (steps S 210  to S 250 ) corresponding to the previously described ink filling process (steps S 100  to S 130 ) is executed. Specifically, to describe this briefly, the ink supply device is connected to the ink supply port  122  of the ink cartridge  110  (step S 210 ), and the filling of ink to the ink receptor  130  is started (step S 220 ). When filling of a specified volume of ink is completed, the ink filling process is stopped (step S 230 ), the air removal process is executed (step S 240 ), the connection between the ink cartridge  110  ink supply port  122  and the ink supply device is released (step S 250 ), and the ink cartridge  110  manufacturing process is completed. 
     Note that with the ink cartridge  110  manufacturing process, it is possible to execute ink filling using a high supply pressure with the method described below even for the ink receptor  130  equipped with the return check valve.  FIG. 38  is an explanatory drawing showing an example of the ink lead-out unit equipped with a return check valve.  FIG. 39  is an explanatory drawing showing the state of the return check valve functioning with the ink lead-out unit equipped with a return check valve. 
     With the example shown in  FIG. 38 , the ink lead-out unit  131  is equipped with the film material  1311  that forms the bag of the ink receptor  130 , the return check valve  1312 , and the bypass path  1313 . During ink filling, the bypass path  1313  and the interior of the ink receptor  130  are linked, so the ink supplied to the ink lead-out unit  131  flows to the inside of the ink receptor  130  via the bypass path  1313  though it cannot pass through the return check valve  1312 . At the point that filling of the ink to the ink receptor  130  is completed, as shown in  FIG. 39 , if the bypass path  1313  is sealed by the film material  1311 , the only path for the ink receptor  130  is the path via the return check valve  1312 . As a result, the return check valve  1312  switches to the functioning state. Note that the sealing of the bypass path  1313  by the film material  1311  can be executed by heat bonding, for example. 
     When using this mode, the welding of the sealing material  150  to the case  120  is executed after filling of the ink to the ink receptor  130  has ended and the sealing of the bypass path  1313  is completed. 
     As described above, with the ink cartridge manufacturing method of this embodiment, filling of the ink is executed in a state with the ink receptor  130  and the ink volume sensor  140  mounted on the case  120 , so it is possible to prevent or suppress ink leakage during ink cartridge manufacturing. As a result, it is possible to prevent or suppress dirtying of the ink cartridge due to ink leakage, and the work step of removing leaked ink or the like is unnecessary, so it is possible to make the manufacturing process more efficient. 
     Also, the ink filling process is executed in a state with the ink receptor  130  and the ink volume sensor  140  connected, so the inside of the ink volume sensor  140  is filled with ink during the filling process. Therefore, it is possible to not execute the ink filling process to the ink volume sensor that was performed with the prior art in addition to the ink filling process to the ink receptor. As a result, it is possible to simplify the ink cartridge manufacturing process. 
     Ink Cartridge Application Example 
     As an application example of the ink cartridge  110  manufactured using the ink cartridge manufacturing method of this embodiment, we will briefly describe this using an example of the ink cartridge  110  incorporated in a printing device.  FIG. 40  is a schematic structure diagram of the printing device used with an ink cartridge of this embodiment mounted. 
     The printing device  1300  is equipped with a main scan feed mechanism, a sub scan feed mechanism, a printing head drive mechanism, and a control circuit  1310  for controlling the drive of each of these mechanisms as well as for executing the various program functions for controlling the consumption volume of ink as the liquid. 
     The main scan feed mechanism is equipped with a carriage motor  1302  for driving the carriage  1301 , a sliding axis  1304  for slidably holding the carriage  1301  installed in parallel with the axis of the platen  1303 , a pulley  1306  for which an endless drive belt  1305  is extended between it and the carriage motor  1302 , and a position sensor (not illustrated) for detecting the origin point position of the carriage  1301 . The main scan feed mechanism moves the carriage  1301  back and forth in the axis direction (main scan direction) of the platen  1303  using the carriage motor  1302 . 
     The carriage  1301  is equipped with printing heads IH 1  to IH 4 . Ink is supplied to the printing heads IH 1  to IH 4  from a plurality of ink cartridges  110   a  to  110   d  arranged at different positions from the printing heads IH 1  to IH 4 . Specifically, the printing device  1300  is an off-carriage type printing device. Note that for the ink cartridge  110 , it goes without saying that instead of an off-carriage type, it is also possible to mount on the printing device an on-carriage type for which the ink cartridge is mounted on a holder equipped on the printing head. 
     Pressurized air of a specified pressure is supplied from a compressor  1400  to the ink cartridges  110   a  to  110   d . Specifically, by having the pressure inside the ink receptor  130   a  be a specified pressure via the pressurization tube  123 , a specified pressure is applied to the ink receptor  130  and the supplying of the ink is stabilized. 
     The sub scan feed mechanism is equipped with a paper feed motor  1307 , and a gear train  1308 . The sub scan feed mechanism conveys the printing paper P in the sub scan direction by transmitting the rotation of the paper feed motor  1307  to the platen  1303  via the gear train  1308 . 
     The head driving mechanism drives the printing heads IH 1  to IH 4  incorporated in the carriage  1301 , controls the ink discharge volume and timing, and forms the desired dot patterns on the printing medium. As the ink driving mechanism, for example, it is possible to use a drive mechanism using piezoelectric deformation for which distortion occurs due to voltage application, or a drive mechanism that uses air bubbles that occur inside the ink using a heater heated by the application of voltage. 
     The control circuit  1310  is connected to the carriage motor  1302 , the paper feed motor  1307 , and the operating panel  1309  via a signal line. The control circuit  1310  also can be connected to a computer or a digital still camera via input/output terminals. The control circuit  1310  drives the carriage motor  1302 , the paper feed motor  1307 , and the printing heads IH 1  to IH 4  according to instructions from the computer and the operating panel  1309 , or according to various programs stored in the control circuit  1310 . 
     Alternative Embodiments 
     (1) It is also possible to equip a pressure receiving body flow path  163  that is linked with the detection flow path  162  and the ink flow path  161  on the pressure receiving body  1412  that constitutes the sensor module  141 .  FIG. 41  is an explanatory drawing typically showing the internal structure of the sensor module of another embodiment. By forming the pressure receiving body flow path  163  on the pressure receiving body  1412 , it is possible to make introduction of ink to the detection flow path  162  easier. Specifically, by equipping the pressure receiving body flow path  163  parallel to the ink flow direction during the ink filling process, even in a state when the pressure receiving body  1412  and the detection flow path forming member  1415  are not sufficiently divided, it is possible to effectively introduce ink to the detection flow path  162 . It is also possible to make introduction of the ink to the detection flow path  162  more efficient by adjusting the distance between the pressure receiving body flow path  163  and the linking unit  1411   c.    
     (2) With each of the embodiments noted above, the lid  125  was used, but it is also possible to not use the lid  125 . Specifically, this is because though the lid  125  exhibits the function of stopping damage to the sealing material  150 , the ink receiving chamber  130   a  and the sensor receiving chamber  130   b  are sealed by the sealing material  150 , and it is possible to execute pressurization processing on the ink receiving chamber  130   a . Also, by using a flexible, thin plate member as the sealing material  150 , the lid  125  is no longer an essential constitutional member when the strength of the sealing material  150  itself is increased. 
     (3) With each of the embodiments noted above, the ink supply port  122  is arranged with an offset in relation to the ink lead-out unit  131 , but the ink lead-out unit  131  and the ink supply port  122  can also be arranged on roughly the same line. It is acceptable as long as there is an optimal arrangement structure that is suitable according to the internal flow path structure of the ink flow sensor  140 . 
     (4) With each of the embodiments noted above, when filling ink, the ink supply pump PP was used, but instead of this, it is also possible to execute the ink filling process using the water head difference which is the height difference of the ink cartridge  110  and the ink reservoir tank  1200 . In this case, it is possible to execute ink filling without using a power source. 
     (5) With each of the embodiments noted above, during ink filling, pressurized filling is executed using the ink supply pump PP, but it is also possible to fill ink using vacuum suction using a suction pump such as a vacuum pump or the like. In this case, it is possible to smoothly execute ink filling. 
     (6) With each of the embodiments noted above, we described examples with ink as the liquid, but instead of this, it is also possible to apply this to a liquid container for housing drinking water. 
     (7) With each of the embodiments noted above, the sealing material  150  is not limited to being a film shaped material, but can also be a somewhat thin plate material having flexibility. Also, as the sealing material  150 , when a material different from that of the case  120  is used, it is acceptable as long as the same material as the case  120  is arranged at the contact surface with the wall surface  120   c  at least at the sealing material  150 . 
     While the present invention is described hereinabove based on certain preferred embodiments, these are intended to aid understanding of the invention and should not be construed as limiting of the invention. It is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied with various changes, modifications and improvements which may occur to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     The following Japanese patent applications as the basis of the priority claim of this application are incorporated in the disclosure hereof by reference:
     Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-234009 (filing date: Sep. 10, 2007);   Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-234955 (filing date: Sep. 11, 2007); and   Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-254488 (filing date: Sep. 28, 2007).