Ink bag and method for producing ink bag

Abstract

The present invention provides an ink bag and an ink bag manufacturing method that can reuse a part of the ink bag to reduce the amount of plastic used. The ink bag can supply ink to an ink consuming device, and the ink bag includes: a first bag that can store the ink; an ink supply unit that is provided on the first bag and can supply the ink to the ink consuming device; and a second bag that can store the first bag, and the first bag and the second bag can be separated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an ink bag and a method for manufacturing the ink bag. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an ink cartridge including an ink bag and a case for housing the ink bag as described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] In the above-mentioned ink cartridge, the ink bag is protected by the case. However, there is a problem that the amount of plastic material used for the case is large, which leads to an increase in carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacture of the case.

[0004] Furthermore, when the used ink cartridge is reused, if the ink bag is damaged, the entire ink bag needs to be replaced with a new one, which reduces the reuse rate of the ink bag.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-200971 Summary of the invention

[0006] An ink bag capable of supplying ink to an ink consuming device, the ink bag comprising: a first bag capable of storing the ink; an ink supply portion which is arranged on the first bag and capable of supplying the ink to the ink consuming device; and a second bag capable of storing the first bag, the first bag and the second bag being separable.

[0007] A method for manufacturing an ink bag, wherein the ink bag comprises: a first bag capable of storing ink; an ink supply unit, which is arranged on the first bag and can supply the ink to an ink consuming device; and a second bag capable of storing the first bag. In the method for manufacturing the ink bag, the first bag storing the ink is stored in the second bag, and the pressure between the first bag and the second bag is reduced, so that the first bag and the second bag are tightly attached to each other.

[0008] A method for manufacturing an ink bag, which is a method for manufacturing a new ink bag by reusing a part of the ink bag manufactured by the above-mentioned manufacturing method. In the method for manufacturing the ink bag, air is injected between the first bag and the second bag while the first bag and the second bag are in a state of being tightly attached to each other, and after the first bag and the second bag are separated, the first bag and the second bag are separated, and either the first bag or the second bag is replaced with a new first bag or second bag.

[0009] A method for manufacturing an ink bag, wherein the ink bag comprises: a first bag capable of storing ink; an ink supply unit, which is provided on the first bag and capable of supplying the ink to an ink consuming device; and a second bag capable of storing the first bag. In the method for manufacturing the ink bag, the first bag storing the ink is stored in the second bag, and air is injected between the first bag and the second bag to form an air layer between the first bag and the second bag.

[0010] A method for manufacturing an ink bag, which is a method for manufacturing a new ink bag by reusing a part of the ink bag manufactured by the above-mentioned manufacturing method. In the method for manufacturing the ink bag, the first bag and the second bag are separated, and either the first bag or the second bag is replaced with a new first bag or second bag. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 It is a plan view showing the structure of the ink bag according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the ink bag according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the ink bag according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 It is a flowchart which shows the manufacturing method of the ink bag which concerns on 1st Embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram which shows the manufacturing method of the ink bag which concerns on 1st Embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 It is a flowchart which shows the manufacturing method of the novel ink bag which concerns on 1st Embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram showing the manufacturing method of the new ink bag according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an ink bag according to a second embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 9 It is a flowchart which shows the manufacturing method of the ink bag which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

[0020] Fig.10 It is a flowchart which shows the manufacturing method of the novel ink bag which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] 1. First Implementation

[0022] First, the structure of the ink pack 1 will be described.

[0023] The ink pack 1 is an ink container that stores ink that can be supplied to a printer as an ink consuming device.

[0024] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 ( Figure 1 AA cross-section diagram) and Figure 3 ( Figure 1 As shown in the BB cross-sectional view, the ink bag 1 includes a first bag 10 and a second bag 20. The first bag 10 can store ink, and the second bag 20 can store the first bag 10.

[0025] The ink pack 1 of the present embodiment has a substantially rectangular outer peripheral shape with the direction along the X-axis as the longitudinal direction when viewed from above.

[0026] The length of the ink bag 1 along the Z axis is smaller than the length along the X axis, and also smaller than the length along the Y axis. That is, the ink bag 1 is in the shape of a thin flat plate along the Z axis. Therefore, by setting the XY plane of the ink bag 1 as the placement plane in the printer, the ink bag 1 can be placed in a stable state.

[0027] The first bag 10 is a bag body having a storage portion 13 for storing ink therein. The first bag 10 is made of a thin sheet member and has flexibility. The flexibility of the first bag 10 may be a degree of bending due to its own weight, or a degree of bending when a load greater than its own weight is applied while maintaining its shape for its own weight. The first bag 10 is in a roughly rectangular shape with the direction along the X-axis as the long side direction when viewed from above. The first bag 10 of the present embodiment is formed by folding a thin sheet member, overlapping the outer periphery of the end in the -Y direction and the outer periphery of the end in the +Y direction, and welding these outer peripheries to form a bag body.

[0028] The sheet member of the first bag 10 is formed of a flexible material. For example, the sheet member is formed of a film member of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, polyethylene, etc. The sheet member may also be formed by laminating a plurality of films made of the above materials. For example, the outer layer may be formed of a film of PET or nylon having excellent impact resistance, and the inner layer may be formed of a film of polyethylene having excellent ink resistance.

[0029] An ink supply unit 15 is installed at the +X direction end of the first bag 10. The ink supply unit 15 is cylindrical. A portion of the outer peripheral surface of the ink supply unit 15 is fused to the sheet member of the first bag 10. The ink supply unit 15 has a supply channel 15a, which connects the storage unit 13 of the first bag 10 with the outside. The supply channel 15a is arranged along the X axis. The ink stored in the first bag 10 can be supplied to the printer through the supply channel 15a. The ink supply unit 15 is formed of a resin member such as polypropylene.

[0030] The film member FM is attached to the +X direction end of the ink supply unit 15. As a result, the supply channel 15a is closed and the ink contained in the first bag 10 is sealed. When supplying ink to the printer, the supply channel 15a is opened by removing or penetrating the film member FM, and the ink contained in the first bag 10 can be supplied to the printer.

[0031] Furthermore, at the +X direction end portion of the first bag 10 , the sheet members in the region other than the ink supply portion 15 are welded to each other.

[0032] The second bag 20 is a bag body for storing the first bag 10, and is formed larger than the first bag 10. Thus, the entire first bag 10 is covered by the second bag 20. The second bag 20 is composed of a thin sheet member and has flexibility. The flexibility of the second bag 20 can be the degree of bending due to its own weight, or the degree of bending when a load greater than its own weight is applied while maintaining its shape for its own weight. The second bag 20 has a roughly rectangular shape with the direction along the X-axis as the long side direction when viewed from above.

[0033] The ink pack 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the first bag 10 and the second bag 20 are separable.

[0034] The second bag 20 of this embodiment is formed by overlapping two thin sheet members. Moreover, a part of the outer periphery of the second bag 20 is bonded together by a double-sided tape 23 as an easily peelable member. In this embodiment, the two thin sheet members are overlapped, and the outer periphery of the -Y direction end and the outer periphery of the +Y direction end are bonded together by the double-sided tape 23 ( Figure 3 ). In addition, regarding the +X direction end of the second bag 20, the surface of the sheet member of the first bag 10 and the inside of the sheet member of the second bag 20 are bonded together by a double-sided tape 23 ( Figure 2 ).

[0035] The second bag 20 has a pressure reducing portion 25. The pressure reducing portion 25 of this embodiment is disposed at the -X direction end of the second bag 20. The pressure reducing portion 25 is cylindrical. The -X direction end of the second bag 20 is welded together in a state where a part of the pressure reducing portion 25 is sandwiched between two sheet members.

[0036] In the second bag 20, the portion adhered by the double-sided tape 23 (the outer peripheral portion other than the -X direction end of the second bag 20) can be easily peeled off by pulling the sheet member with fingers. Thus, the second bag 20 can be easily opened, and the first bag 10 and the second bag 20 can be separated.

[0037] In addition, for example, an easily peelable film or the like that can be easily peeled off may be used as the easily peelable member.

[0038] The decompression unit 25 is configured to be able to decompress the space between the first bag 10 and the second bag 20. The decompression unit 25 includes a communication passage 25a that communicates the inside and the outside of the second bag 20. The communication passage 25a is arranged along the X-axis. The decompression unit 25 is formed of a resin member such as polypropylene.

[0039] A cover 25b is provided at the end of the decompression part 25 in the -X direction, and the cover 25b can open and close the connecting passage 25a. When the cover 25b is opened, air is sucked from the outside through the connecting passage 25a, so that the inside of the second bag 20 is decompressed, and the first bag 10 and the second bag 20 are closely attached. In addition, at least a part of the first bag 10 and the second bag 20 may be in contact with each other in the decompression state. Then, the connecting passage 25a is converted into a closed state by the cover 25b. Thus, the close contact between the first bag 10 and the second bag 20 can be maintained, so that the decompression degree of the ink stored in the first bag 10 can be maintained. In addition, when there is a gap in the space between the first bag 10 and the second bag 20, the stored ink absorbs air through the sheet member of the first bag 10, resulting in a decrease in the degassing degree of the ink. In this embodiment, the occurrence of such a problem can be suppressed. Thus, the ink can be stably ejected in the printer.

[0040] On the other hand, when the lid 25b is opened, air is supplied from the outside into the second bag 20 through the communication passage 25a, thereby pressurizing the inside of the second bag 20. Thus, the first bag 10 and the second bag 20 can be separated, and the second bag 20 can be easily opened.

[0041] The sheet member of the second bag 20 is formed of a flexible material. For example, the sheet member is composed of a film member of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, polyethylene, etc. The sheet member can also be composed of a plurality of layers of films composed of the above materials. In addition, the second bag 20 has a gas barrier layer, which can inhibit the entry of air from the outside. The gas barrier layer is, for example, a layer on which aluminum is vapor-deposited. Thus, when the first bag 10 and the second bag 20 are in close contact, the entry of air from the outside of the ink bag 1 can be inhibited, thereby inhibiting the reduction of the degassing degree of the ink in the first bag 10.

[0042] In addition, the gas barrier layer may be a gas barrier resin other than an aluminum layer, for example, a gas barrier resin composed of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer such as a polyvinyl alcohol resin or an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer saponification product, or a vapor-deposited film in which a metal or metal oxide is vapor-deposited on a resin film such as an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer.

[0043] Next, a method for manufacturing the ink pack 1 will be described.

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, in step S11, ink is stored in the first bag 10. For example, first, air in the first bag 10 is sucked out through the ink supply unit 15 to deaerate the air. As a result, the volume of the storage unit 13 of the first bag 10 becomes substantially zero.

[0045] Then, ink is injected through the ink supply unit 15 without entraining air. In addition, it is preferable to perform a degassing treatment on the ink before injection to remove the gas existing in a dissolved form in advance. Then, after a predetermined amount of ink is filled in the storage unit 13 of the first bag 10, the film member FM is attached to the ink supply unit 15. Thus, the first bag 10 stores the ink in a sealed state.

[0046] Next, in step S12, the first bag 10 is stored in the second bag 20. Specifically, the first bag 10 is entirely wrapped with the second bag 20 in an unsealed state, and the outer periphery of the second bag 20 is adhered with the double-sided tape 23. Thus, the first bag 10 is stored in the second bag 20. In addition, when the first bag 10 is stored in the second bag 20, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, a gap is formed between the first bag 10 and the second bag 20. If there is a gap between the first bag 10 and the second bag 20, the ink may absorb air through the sheet member of the first bag 10, and the deaeration degree of the ink may decrease.

[0047] Therefore, in step S13, the pressure in the second bag 20 is reduced via the pressure reducing unit 25. Specifically, with the cover 25b open, the air in the second bag 20 is sucked out via the connecting passage 25a using a pump or the like. As a result, the pressure in the second bag 20 is reduced, and the first bag 10 and the second bag 20 are in close contact with each other. Since the sheet member of the second bag 20 includes a gas barrier layer, the pressure reduction degree of the ink contained in the first bag 10 can be maintained by the first bag 10 and the second bag 20 being in close contact with each other. Then, the connecting passage 25a is switched to a closed state by the cover 25b. As a result, the ink bag 1 ( Figure 2 ).

[0048] Next, a method for manufacturing a new ink bag 1 is described. Specifically, a method for recycling the used ink bag 1 and manufacturing a new ink bag 1 after the ink bag 1 is used is described. Here, when recycling the used ink bag 1, there is a case where the used ink bag is transported without being protected by a separate packaging box, etc., resulting in damage to the used ink bag during transportation. In such a case, in this embodiment, a part of the used ink bag 1 is reused to manufacture a new ink bag 1.

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, in step S21, the recovered ink bag 1 is separated. In addition, the recovered ink bag is in a state where the first bag 10 and the second bag 20 are in close contact with each other, and it is difficult to separate the first bag 10 and the second bag 20. Therefore, air is injected between the first bag 10 and the second bag 20 while the first bag 10 and the second bag 20 are in close contact with each other. Specifically, with the cover 25b open, air is supplied to the second bag via the connecting channel 25a using a compressor or the like. As a result, the second bag 20 is pressurized, and the first bag 10 and the second bag 20 are separated. Then, the double-sided tape 23 provided on the outer periphery of the second bag 20 is torn off. Since the first bag 10 and the second bag 20 are in a state of being separated, the double-sided tape 23 can be easily peeled off. As a result, as Figure 7 As shown, the second bag 20 is unsealed, and the first bag 10 and the second bag 20 are separated.

[0050] Next, in step S22, the appearance of the first bag 10 and the second bag 20 is inspected. The appearance inspection is performed by visual observation or a stereomicroscope to inspect the surface conditions (scratches, dents, cracks, etc.) of the sheet members of the first bag 10 and the second bag 20.

[0051] Then, based on the inspection result, it is determined and selected whether the first bag 10 or the second bag 20 can be reused.

[0052] In addition, in the appearance inspection, the surface conditions of the first bag 10 and the second bag 20 may be inspected by touching them with fingers.

[0053] Next, in step S23, any one of the first bag 10 and the second bag 20 is replaced with a new first bag 10 or second bag 20. Specifically, for example, in step S22, when the first bag 10 is reusable and the second bag 20 is non-reusable, the non-reusable second bag 20 is replaced with a new second bag 20, and the new second bag 20 and the reusable first bag 10 are set as a pair.

[0054] In step S22, when the first bag 10 is non-reusable and the second bag 20 is reusable, the non-reusable first bag 10 is replaced with a new first bag 10, and the new first bag 10 and the reusable second bag 20 are set as a pair.

[0055] Hereinafter, a case where a new ink bag 1 is manufactured from a new second bag 20 and a reusable first bag 10 will be described.

[0056] In step S24, ink is stored in the first bag 10 via the ink supply unit 15. After a predetermined amount of ink is filled in the storage unit 13 of the first bag 10, the film member FM is attached to the ink supply unit 15. Thus, the first bag 10 stores ink in a sealed state.

[0057] Next, in step S25, the first bag 10 is stored in the new second bag 20. Specifically, the first bag 10 is entirely wrapped in the new second bag 20 in an unsealed state, and the outer periphery of the new second bag 20 is adhered with the double-sided tape 23. Thus, the first bag 10 is stored in the new second bag 20.

[0058] Next, in step S26, the pressure inside the new second bag 20 is reduced via the pressure reducing unit 25. Specifically, the air inside the new second bag 20 is sucked through the communication passage 25a by a pump or the like while the cover 25b is open. Thus, the pressure inside the new second bag 20 is reduced, and the reused first bag 10 and the new second bag 20 are closely attached. Then, the communication passage 25a is switched to a closed state by the cover 25b. Thus, a new ink bag 1 is formed.

[0059] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the ink bag 1 has a double structure, and the first bag 10 containing the ink can be protected from external forces by the second bag 20. Therefore, even if damage occurs on the first bag 10, the ink can be prevented from leaking from the ink bag 1 because it is covered by the second bag 20. In addition, the first bag 10 and the second bag 20 are configured to be separable. Therefore, for example, even if damage occurs on the first bag 10 or the second bag 20 during the recovery and transportation of the used ink bag 1, the damaged one of the first bag 10 and the second bag 20 can be replaced with a new bag, and the undamaged one can be reused, thereby providing a new ink bag 1 that maintains the same function as a new product. Thus, the reuse rate of the used ink bag 1 can be improved. That is, the ink bag 1 of the present embodiment has a protection function from external forces and a reuse function. As a result, the plastic shell covering the ink bag 1 becomes unnecessary, thereby reducing the amount of plastic material used and suppressing the emission of carbon dioxide.

[0060] 2. Second Implementation

[0061] Next, the second embodiment will be described. Note that the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those of the first embodiment, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0062] like Figure 8 As shown, the ink pack 1A includes a first bag 10A that can store ink and a second bag 20A that can store the first bag 10A.

[0063] The first bag 10A is a bag body having a storage portion 13 for storing ink therein. The first bag 10A is made of a thin sheet member and has flexibility. The first bag 10A of this embodiment is formed by folding a sheet member, overlapping the outer peripheral portion of the -Y direction end portion and the outer peripheral portion of the +Y direction end portion, and welding these outer peripheral portions.

[0064] The sheet member of the first bag 10A is formed of a flexible material. For example, the sheet member is composed of a film member of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, polyethylene, etc. The sheet member can also be composed of a plurality of layers of films composed of the above materials. For example, the outer layer can be formed by a film of PET or nylon with excellent impact resistance, and the inner layer can be formed by a film of polyethylene with excellent ink resistance. In addition, the first bag 10A has a gas barrier layer that can suppress the entry of air from the outside. The gas barrier layer is, for example, a layer on which aluminum is vapor-deposited. Thereby, the entry of air from the outside of the first bag 10A can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the reduction of the degassing degree of the ink in the first bag 10.

[0065] The second bag 20A is a bag body that accommodates the first bag 10A, and is formed larger than the first bag 10A. The second bag 20A is made of a sheet member and has flexibility.

[0066] The ink pack 1A is configured such that a first pack 10A and a second pack 20A are separable.

[0067] The second bag 20A of the present embodiment is formed by overlapping two sheet members. Specifically, a part of the outer periphery of the second bag 20A is bonded together with a double-sided tape 23 as an easily peelable member.

[0068] In this embodiment, the two sheet members are overlapped, and the outer periphery of the -Y direction end and the outer periphery of the +Y direction end are bonded together by the double-sided tape 23. In addition, at the +X direction end of the second bag 20A, the surface of the sheet member of the first bag 10A and the back surface of the sheet member of the second bag 20A are bonded together by the double-sided tape 23.

[0069] The second bag 20A has an injection portion 35. The injection portion 35 of this embodiment is disposed at the -X direction end of the second bag 20A. The injection portion 35 is cylindrical. The -X direction end of the second bag 20A is welded together with the injection portion 35 sandwiched between two sheet members.

[0070] In the second bag 20A, the portion bonded by the double-sided tape 23 can be easily peeled off by pulling the sheet member with fingers. Thus, the second bag 20A can be easily opened, and the first bag 10A and the second bag 20A can be separated.

[0071] The injection portion 35 is configured to be able to inject air between the first bag 10A and the second bag 20A. The injection portion 35 includes a communication passage 35a that communicates the inside and outside of the second bag 20A. The communication passage 35a is arranged along the X axis. The injection portion 35 is formed of a resin member such as polypropylene.

[0072] A cover 35b is provided at the end of the injection portion 35 in the -X direction, and the cover 35b can open and close the connecting passage 35a. When the cover 35b is opened, air is injected from the outside through the connecting passage 35a, so that the inside of the second bag 20A is pressurized, and an air layer 30 is formed between the first bag 10A and the second bag 20A. In addition, air is injected into the second bag 20A to such an extent that the double-sided tape 23 will not peel off. Then, the connecting passage 35a is transferred to a closed state by the cover 35b. Thus, a state in which the air layer 30 is maintained between the first bag 10A and the second bag 20A can be maintained. By forming the air layer 30 between the first bag 10A and the second bag 20A, when the ink bag 1A is hit from the outside, the air layer 30 becomes a buffer layer, thereby protecting the first bag 10A.

[0073] In addition, since there is an air layer 30 between the first bag 10A and the second bag 20A, there is a possibility that the ink in the first bag 10A absorbs air through the sheet member, resulting in a decrease in the deaeration degree of the ink. However, in this embodiment, since the first bag 10A has a gas barrier layer, it is possible to suppress the entry of air into the first bag 10, and further suppress the decrease in the deaeration degree of the ink. As a result, the ink can be stably ejected in the printer.

[0074] Furthermore, since the air layer 30 is present between the first bag 10A and the second bag 20A, the second bag 20A can be easily opened.

[0075] The sheet member of the second bag 20A is formed of a flexible material. For example, the sheet member is formed of a film member of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, polyethylene, etc. The sheet member may be formed by laminating a plurality of films made of the above materials.

[0076] Next, a method for manufacturing the ink pack 1A will be described.

[0077] like Fig. 9 As shown, in step S31, ink is stored in the first bag 10A. For example, air in the first bag 10A is sucked out through the ink supply unit 15 to deaerate the ink. As a result, the volume of the storage unit 13 of the first bag 10A becomes substantially zero.

[0078] Then, ink is injected without entraining air through the ink supply portion 15 of the degassed first bag 10A. In addition, it is preferable to perform a degassing treatment on the ink before injection to remove the gas existing in a dissolved form in advance. Then, after a predetermined amount of ink is filled in the storage portion 13 of the first bag 10A, the film member FM is attached to the ink supply portion 15. Thus, the first bag 10A stores ink in a sealed state.

[0079] Next, in step S32, the first bag 10A is stored in the second bag 20A. Specifically, the first bag 10A is entirely wrapped with the unsealed second bag 20A, and the outer periphery of the second bag 20A is adhered with the double-sided tape 23. Thus, the first bag 10A is stored in the second bag 20A.

[0080] Next, in step S33, air is injected into the second bag 20A via the injection unit 35. Specifically, with the cover 35b open, air is injected into the second bag 20A via the connecting passage 35a using a compressor or the like. Air is injected into the second bag 20A to such an extent that the double-sided tape 23 does not peel off. As a result, the second bag 20 is pressurized, and an air layer 30 is formed between the first bag 10A and the second bag 20A. Then, the connecting passage 35a is switched to a closed state by the cover 35b. As a result, the ink bag 1A ( Figure 8 ).

[0081] Next, a method for manufacturing the new ink pack 1A will be described.

[0082] like Fig.10 As shown, in step S41, the recovered ink bag 1A is separated. Specifically, the double-sided tape 23 provided on the outer periphery of the second bag 20 is torn off. Thus, the second bag 20A is opened, and the first bag 10A and the second bag 20A are separated.

[0083] Next, in step S42, the first bag 10A and the second bag 20A are visually inspected. The visual inspection is performed by visually inspecting the surface conditions (scratches, dents, cracks, etc.) of the sheet members of the first bag 10A and the second bag 20A or using a stereo microscope.

[0084] Then, based on the inspection result, it is determined and selected whether the first bag 10A or the second bag 20A can be reused.

[0085] In addition, in the appearance inspection, the surface conditions of the first bag 10A and the second bag 20A may be inspected by touching them with fingers.

[0086] Next, in step S43, either the first bag 10A or the second bag 20A is replaced with a new first bag 10A or second bag 20A. Specifically, for example, in step S42, when the first bag 10A is reusable and the second bag 20A is non-reusable, the non-reusable second bag 20A is replaced with a new second bag 20A, and the new second bag 20A and the reusable first bag 10A are set as a pair.

[0087] In step S42, when the first bag 10A is non-reusable and the second bag 20A is reusable, the non-reusable first bag 10A is replaced with a new first bag 10A, and the new first bag 10A and the reusable second bag 20A are paired.

[0088] Hereinafter, a case where a new ink bag 1A is manufactured from a new second bag 20A and a reusable first bag 10A will be described.

[0089] In step S44, ink is stored in the first bag 10A via the ink supply unit 15. After a predetermined amount of ink is filled in the storage unit 13 of the first bag 10A, the film member FM is attached to the ink supply unit 15. Thus, the first bag 10A stores ink in a sealed state.

[0090] In step S45, the first bag 10A is stored in the new second bag 20A. Specifically, the first bag 10A is entirely wrapped with the new second bag 20A in an unsealed state, and the outer periphery of the new second bag 20A is adhered with the double-sided tape 23. Thus, the first bag 10A is stored in the new second bag 20A.

[0091] Next, in step S46, air is injected into the new second bag 20A via the injection unit 35. Specifically, with the cover 35b opened, air is injected into the new second bag 20A via the communication passage 35a using a compressor or the like. Air is injected into the second bag 20A to such an extent that the double-sided tape 23 does not peel off. Thus, the new second bag 20A is pressurized, and an air layer 30 is formed between the reused first bag 10A and the new second bag 20A. Then, the communication passage 35a is switched to a closed state by the cover 35b. Thus, a new ink bag 1A is formed.

[0092] As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the ink bag 1A has an air layer 30 between the first bag 10A and the second bag 20A, the first bag 10A containing the ink can be protected from external forces by the air layer 30. In addition, the first bag 10A and the second bag 20A are configured to be separable. Therefore, for example, even if damage occurs to the first bag 10A or the second bag 20A during the recovery and transportation of the used ink bag 1A, it is possible to provide a new ink bag 1A that maintains the same function as a new product by replacing the damaged one of the first bag 10A and the second bag 20A with a new bag and reusing the undamaged one. That is, the ink bag 1A of the present embodiment has a protection function from external forces and a reusability function. As a result, the plastic shell covering the ink bag 1A becomes unnecessary, thereby reducing the amount of plastic material used and suppressing the emission of carbon dioxide.

[0093] Explanation of symbols

[0094] 1, 1A…ink bag; 10, 10A…first bag; 13…storage portion; 15…ink supply portion; 15a…supply channel; 20, 20A…second bag; 23…double-sided tape; 25…decompression portion; 25a…communication channel; 25b…cover; 30…air layer; 35…injection portion; 35a…communication channel; 35b…cover.

Claims

1. An ink bag capable of supplying ink to an ink consuming device, The ink bag comprises: A first bag, which can store the ink; an ink supply unit, which is provided on the first bag and is capable of supplying the ink to the ink consuming device; a second bag, which can store the first bag; The second bag is formed by overlapping two thin sheet members. A portion of the outer periphery of the second bag is bonded together by an easily peelable member. In the second bag, the portion bonded by the easily peelable member is peeled off by pulling the sheet member with fingers, so that the second bag can be opened and the first bag and the second bag can be separated.

2. The ink bag according to claim 1, wherein: The second bag is provided with a decompression portion, which can decompress the space between the first bag and the second bag. The first bag and the second bag come into close contact with each other by reducing the pressure via the reducing pressure section.

3. The ink bag according to claim 2, wherein: The second bag includes a gas barrier layer capable of inhibiting entry of air from the outside.

4. The ink bag according to claim 1, wherein: The second bag is provided with an injection portion, which can inject air into a space between the first bag and the second bag. By injecting air through the injection portion, an air layer is formed between the first bag and the second bag.

5. The ink bag according to claim 4, wherein: The first bag includes a gas barrier layer capable of inhibiting entry of air from the outside.

6. A method for manufacturing an ink bag, wherein: The ink bag comprises: a first bag capable of storing ink; an ink supply unit, which is provided on the first bag and is capable of supplying the ink to the ink consuming device; a second bag, which can store the first bag; The second bag is formed by overlapping two thin sheet members. A portion of the outer periphery of the second bag is bonded together by an easily peelable member. In the second bag, the portion bonded by the easily peelable member is peeled off by pulling the sheet member with fingers, so that the second bag can be opened and the first bag and the second bag can be separated. In the method for manufacturing the ink bag, The first bag containing the ink is stored in the second bag. The pressure between the first bag and the second bag is reduced so that the first bag and the second bag are in close contact with each other.

7. A method for manufacturing an ink bag, which is a method for manufacturing a new ink bag by reusing a part of the ink bag manufactured by the manufacturing method according to claim 6, In the method for manufacturing the ink bag, In a state where the first bag and the second bag are in close contact, air is injected into a space between the first bag and the second bag, and after the first bag and the second bag are separated, the first bag and the second bag are separated. Replace any one of the first bag and the second bag with a new first bag or second bag.

8. A method for manufacturing an ink bag, wherein: The ink bag comprises: a first bag capable of storing ink; an ink supply unit, which is provided on the first bag and is capable of supplying the ink to the ink consuming device; a second bag, which can store the first bag; The second bag is formed by overlapping two thin sheet members. A portion of the outer periphery of the second bag is bonded together by an easily peelable member. In the second bag, the portion bonded by the easily peelable member is peeled off by pulling the sheet member with fingers, so that the second bag can be opened and the first bag and the second bag can be separated. In the method for manufacturing the ink bag, The first bag containing the ink is stored in the second bag. Air is injected between the first bag and the second bag to form an air layer between the first bag and the second bag.

9. A method for manufacturing an ink bag, which is a method for manufacturing a new ink bag by reusing a part of the ink bag manufactured by the manufacturing method according to claim 8, In the method for manufacturing the ink bag, separating the first bag from the second bag, Replace any one of the first bag and the second bag with a new first bag or second bag.

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