Liquid storage body and liquid ejection device

Abstract

A liquid storage body includes a bag member which is flexible and arranged to store a liquid therein, a liquid outlet member attached to a first end portion of the bag member and arranged to discharge the liquid stored in the bag member to a liquid ejection device, and a flow passage member arranged inside the bag member and arranged to cause the liquid to flow to the liquid outlet member, wherein both ends of the flow passage member are connected to the liquid outlet member, a first region of the flow passage member is located in the vicinity of a second end portion of the bag member which is farthest from the first end portion, and the flow passage member has a liquid inlet portion through which the liquid inside the bag member is sucked into the flow passage member. A liquid ejection device is also disclosed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a liquid storage body and a liquid ejection device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2018-65373 discloses a liquid storage body having a spacer member and two liquid outlet tubes connected to the spacer member within a flexible bag.

[0003] The liquid storage body disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2018-65373 has a spacer member so that the liquid within the bag is completely used up. However, there can be cases where the liquid within the bag is not completely used up, depending on how the bag is crushed.

[0004] To solve this problem, it is an object of the present application to provide a technology capable of improving the ease of use of the liquid stored in a liquid storage body. SUMMARY

[0005] A liquid storage body according to the present application for solving the above problem includes a bag member that is flexible and is provided to store a liquid therein, a liquid outlet member that is attached to a first end portion of the bag member and is provided to discharge the liquid stored in the bag member to a liquid ejection device, and a flow passage member that is arranged inside the bag member and is provided to cause the liquid to flow to the liquid outlet member, wherein both ends of the flow passage member are connected to the liquid outlet member, a first region of the flow passage member is located near a second end portion of the bag member that is farthest from the first end portion, and the flow passage member has a liquid inlet portion through which the liquid inside the bag member is sucked into the flow passage member.

[0006] Other features of the present application will become apparent from the following description of example embodiments with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a liquid ejection device in the first embodiment;

[0008] Figure 2A illustrates a schematic perspective view of a liquid storage body according to the first embodiment;

[0009] Figure 2B is a schematic side view of the liquid storage body according to the first embodiment;

[0010] Figure 2C is a schematic view showing the internal structure of the liquid storage body when viewed from the +Z direction in Figure 2A

[0011] Figure 3 is a view showing the internal structure of the liquid storage body when viewed from the -Z direction in​Figure 2A Sectional view of line III-III in the middle;

[0012] Figure 4 This is a partial enlarged view schematically showing a portion of the liquid inlet section in the first embodiment;

[0013] Figure 5 This is a view that illustrates how validation tests are performed;

[0014] Figure 6A This is a schematic diagram of the liquid outlet component in the first embodiment;

[0015] Figure 6B This is a perspective view of the first half-section forming the liquid outlet component in the first embodiment;

[0016] Figure 6C This is a perspective view of the second half-section forming the liquid outlet component in the first embodiment;

[0017] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6A A sectional view of line VII-VII in the middle;

[0018] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating that the liquid outlet component in the first embodiment is connected to the liquid injection device;

[0019] Figure 9 It is from Figure 6A The view of the liquid outlet component in the first embodiment is shown in the direction of arrow IX.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the liquid storage body in the second embodiment when viewed from the +Z direction;

[0021] Figure 11 This is a partially enlarged view schematically showing a portion of the liquid inlet according to the second embodiment;

[0022] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the liquid storage body in the third embodiment when viewed from the +Z direction; and

[0023] Figure 13 This is a view representing an instance of a liquid reservoir with a corner plate portion. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] [First Embodiment]

[0026] Figure 1This is a perspective view of the liquid injection device 100, in which the liquid storage body 1 according to the first embodiment is installed. The coordinate axes used in the drawings will be described below. The Y-direction is the direction of the forward and backward movement of the receiving tray 101 included in the liquid injection device 100 relative to the liquid injection device 100. The +Y-direction is the direction of the forward movement of the receiving tray 101 relative to the liquid injection device 100. The -Y-direction is the direction of the backward movement of the receiving tray 101 relative to the liquid injection device 100. The X-direction represents the width direction of the liquid storage body 1. The Z-direction represents the height direction of the liquid storage body 1. The X, Y, and Z directions are orthogonal to each other.

[0027] The liquid reservoir 1 is detachably attached to the liquid jetting device 100 and can move back and forth in the Y direction. The liquid jetting device 100 includes a printhead (not shown), a printing media receiving component (not shown), a printing media delivery mechanism (not shown), and a receiving tray 101 that holds the liquid reservoir 1. The liquid jetting device 100 performs printing by jetting liquid from the printhead onto the printing media. The liquid reservoir 1 stores the liquid to be jetted from the printhead of the liquid jetting device 100. In this invention, liquid is supplied from the liquid reservoir 1 to the printhead by using a pump unit provided inside the liquid jetting device 100 to deliver liquid under predetermined suction conditions. It should be noted that the configuration of this invention can also be applied to liquid jetting devices configured to supply liquid via a force difference or the like.

[0028] (Structure of liquid storage 1)

[0029] The construction of the liquid storage body 1 according to this embodiment will now be described using Figures 2 and 3.

[0030] Figures 2A to 2C This is a schematic diagram of liquid storage body 1. Figure 2A This shows an external perspective view of the liquid storage body 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2A This indicates that the liquid storage body 1 is in a state where all the liquid stored in it has been consumed. Figure 2B This is a schematic side view of the liquid storage body 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2B This indicates that the liquid storage body 1 is in a state where the liquid stored in it has not been consumed.

[0031] Figure 2C When viewed from the +Z direction Figure 2A The view shown depicts the liquid storage body 1, where the upper (+Z side) sheet of the two sheets forming the bag 2 is removed, or indicates that when... Figure 2A The diagram shows the internal structure of the liquid storage body when viewed from the +Z direction.

[0032] like Figure 2CAs shown, the liquid storage body 1 includes: a bag 2, which is flexible and stores liquid (i.e., the bag component); and a flow channel component 3, which is housed inside the bag 2 and draws in the liquid stored inside the bag 2 and causes the liquid to flow to the liquid outlet component 4.

[0033] In this embodiment, bag 2 is pillow-shaped, comprising two rectangular (e.g., elongated) films, one disposed on top of the other, wherein the ends of the films are joined by welding or the like. Specifically, bag 2 is formed of a laminate comprising multiple layers (e.g., polyester, aluminum, nylon, or polyethylene layers). Different materials or components can be used depending on the properties of the liquid or the desired mass, for example by providing a silica vapor deposition layer or an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) layer.

[0034] In the view of bag 2 from the +Z direction, each end portion of the film of bag 2 is an edge having one end side and another end side. Here, the one end side is, for example, the -X side in the figure, and the other end side is, for example, the +X side in the figure.

[0035] The first end portion 2a of the bag 2 has a liquid outlet component 4. The second end portion 2b is opposite to the first end portion 2a. In this embodiment, the first end portion 2a and the second end portion 2b form the edges on the short side (i.e., the edge along the X direction) of the elliptical bag 2. Each (X-direction) edge has a length of 120 mm at the first end portion 2a and the second end portion 2b. The bag 2 also has a third end portion 2c connecting one end of the first end portion 2a and one end of the second end portion 2b, and a fourth end portion 2d connecting the other end of the first end portion 2a and the other end of the second end portion 2b. In this embodiment, the third end portion 2c and the fourth end portion 2d form the edges on the long side (i.e., the edge along the Y direction) of the elliptical bag 2. Each (Y-direction) edge has a length of 220 mm at the third end portion 2c and the fourth end portion 2d.

[0036] Furthermore, bag 2 has: a first corner portion 2e, where a first end portion 2a and a third end portion 2c meet; and a second corner portion 2f, where a third end portion 2c and a second end portion 2b meet. Bag 2 also has: a third corner portion 2g, where a second end portion 2b and a fourth end portion 2d meet; and a fourth corner portion 2h, where a fourth end portion 2d and a first end portion 2a meet. Hereinafter, these corner portions will be appropriately referred to as “corner portions” unless they need to be distinguished from each other.

[0037] In this embodiment, the flow channel component 3 has multiple liquid inlets through which liquid from the bag 2 is drawn into the flow channel component 3. In this embodiment, the flow channel component 3 has a first liquid inlet 5, a second liquid inlet 6, a third liquid inlet 7, a fourth liquid inlet 8, and a fifth liquid inlet 9 (hereinafter, these liquid inlets will be referred to simply as "liquid inlet portions" unless they need to be distinguished from each other).

[0038] like Figure 2B As shown, before the liquid is supplied to the liquid injection device 100, the liquid storage body 1 contains stored liquid (ink), causing the bag 2 to expand. The liquid outlet component 4 is attached to the first end portion 2a of the bag 2. The liquid outlet component 4 is used to discharge the liquid stored in the bag 2 to the liquid injection device 100 when the liquid storage body 1 is connected to the liquid injection device 100.

[0039] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2A The cross-sectional view is shown in line III-III. To better illustrate the flattening of bag 2 as the liquid stored in liquid reservoir 1 is consumed, the position of bag 2 before flattening is indicated by a long dashed line and two short dashed lines. Figure 3 As shown, when all the liquid stored in the liquid storage body 1 is supplied to the liquid injection device 100, the bag 2 portion that houses the flow channel component 3 becomes a convex shape.

[0040] (Construction of bag 2 and flow channel component 3)

[0041] The flow channel component 3 will now be described. The flow channel component 3 is a hollow tube containing resin as its material. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the flow channel component 3 is formed from a single flexible tube. Both ends of the single tube are connected to the liquid outlet component 4. Of course, the flow channel component 3 can be formed by connecting multiple tubes. These multiple tubes can be connected using connectors or the like. Similarly, in this case, both ends of the flow channel component 3 formed from multiple tubes are connected to the liquid outlet component 4 as a whole.

[0042] In this embodiment, the liquid stored in the bag 2 is drawn into the flow channel component 3 through the liquid inlet portion and then supplied to the liquid injection device 100. The outer diameter of the flow channel component 3 is 4 mm. The inner diameter of the flow channel component 3 is 3 mm. Moreover, the flow channel component 3 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The aforementioned outer diameter, inner diameter, and material are determined by taking into account the wettability and elasticity with the liquid. Of course, materials different from PTFE or different diameters can be selected depending on the size, rigidity, etc. of the bag 2 to be used. It should be noted that the bag 2 needs to be able to deform (i.e., flatten) by drawing in liquid and also has a certain degree of rigidity.

[0043] The flow channel component 3 has such rigidity to prevent the bag 2 from bending. Therefore, the materials of the bag 2 and the flow channel component 3 need to be selected such that the bag 2, the flow channel component 3, and the liquid suction force satisfy the following relationship.

[0044] The rigidity of bag 2 < the liquid suction force < the rigidity of flow channel component 3 (Formula 1)

[0045] The following will use Figure 2C Let's describe the positional relationship between bag 2 and flow channel component 3. For example... Figure 2C As shown, one end of the flow channel component 3 is connected to the first connection hole 22a included in the liquid outlet component 4 (see Figure 1). Figure 9 On the other hand, the other end of the flow channel component 3 is connected to the second connecting hole 22b (see...). Figure 9 Since the flow channel component 3 is flexible, connecting both ends of the flow channel component 3 to the liquid outlet component 4 results in the flow channel component 3 having a basically U-shaped shape. Therefore, the assembled liquid outlet component 4 and flow channel component 3 have an annular shape (e.g., a basically elliptical annular shape).

[0046] In this embodiment, the flow channel component 3 is elastic and has higher rigidity than the bag 2. The first region A1 of the flow channel component 3 is located near the second end portion 2b of the bag 2, which is located furthest from the first end portion 2a. Therefore, by utilizing the characteristics of the flow channel component 3, tension is generated on the bag 2 to unfold the bag 2 along a first direction (e.g., longitudinal direction) from the first end portion 2a toward the second end portion 2b and along a second direction (e.g., transverse direction) intersecting the first direction.

[0047] Incidentally, the term "near the end portion" as used herein refers to the portion of the bag 2 that is within the diameter of the flow channel component 3. In this embodiment, portions of the flow channel component 3 inside the bag 2 are located approximately 4 mm from the end portions 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d of the bag 2, respectively. Therefore, even if the bag 2 is flattened due to the consumption of liquid within the bag 2, tension is generated on the bag 2 along the first and second directions. This prevents the bag 2 from bending. In other words, it prevents the bag 2 from wrinkling or sagging. Moreover, the concept of "near the end portion" does not exclude contact with the end portions 2a, 2b, 2c, or 2d of the bag 2. When the flow channel component 3 is in contact with the end portions of the bag 2, the effect of the tension from the flow channel component 3 works more reliably.

[0048] (Structure of the liquid inlet section)

[0049] The structure of the liquid inlet portion of the flow channel component 3 according to this embodiment will be described below. Figure 2CAs shown, when the liquid storage body 1 has a basically rectangular shape, the corner portions of the bag 2 are located away from the flow channel component 3. Therefore, inside the bag 2, the liquid tends to remain around the corner portions (even though the flow channel component 3 has liquid inlet portions). To solve this problem, in this embodiment, some of the liquid inlet openings are oriented toward the corner portions of the bag 2 in order to actively draw in the remaining liquid around the corner portions. Specifically, the opening of the first liquid inlet 5 is oriented toward the first corner portion 2e. The opening of the second liquid inlet 6 is oriented toward the second corner portion 2f. The opening of the third liquid inlet 7 is oriented toward the third corner portion 2g. The opening of the fourth liquid inlet 8 is oriented toward the fourth corner portion 2h.

[0050] Furthermore, the opening of the fifth liquid inlet 9, located in the first region A1 of the flow channel component 3, is oriented towards the interior of the bag 2. This is also to draw liquid from around the center of the bag 2, and because the positions of the first to fourth liquid inlets 5 to 8 and the orientation of their openings need to be considered to adjust the balance.

[0051] Figure 4 This is a partial enlarged schematic view showing one of the liquid inlet portions of the flow channel component 3. Figure 4 A first liquid inlet 5 is shown as an example of a liquid inlet portion. The first liquid inlet 5 is rectangular in shape (e.g., a rectangle). The vertical width 10 of the first liquid inlet 5 extends along the Z direction. The horizontal width 11 of the first liquid inlet 5 extends along the Y direction. The vertical width 10 is 1 mm. The horizontal width 11 is 3 mm. It should be noted that the opening shape of the liquid inlet portion is not limited to a rectangular shape. Needless to say, any shape can be adopted, as long as the liquid inlet portion can draw liquid to the extent that it achieves the "liquid inlet" function of the present invention, and the opening shape can be, for example, a polygonal, circular, or elliptical shape.

[0052] (Verification Test)

[0053] Tests were conducted to confirm that even when the flow channel component 3 has multiple liquid inlet sections, liquid is drawn in not only from the liquid inlet section near the liquid outlet component 4, but also from the liquid inlet section far from the liquid outlet component 4.

[0054] Figure 5This is a schematic view illustrating how a verification test is performed. In the test, ink is placed in a container. Then, one end of the second flow channel component 14, having a sixth liquid inlet 12 and a seventh liquid inlet 13, is sealed. The other end of the second flow channel component 14 is connected to a syringe 15 that draws ink from the container. Then, ink is drawn from the container under the same suction conditions as the liquid jetting device 100. The outer diameter of the second flow channel component 14 is 8 mm. The inner diameter of the second flow channel component 14 is 5 mm. The horizontal width of the sixth liquid inlet 12 and the horizontal width of the seventh liquid inlet 13 are both 4 mm. The vertical width of the sixth liquid inlet 12 and the vertical width of the seventh liquid inlet 13 are both 1 mm. The interval between the sixth liquid inlet 12 and the seventh liquid inlet 13 is 50 mm. Based on the test results, it is confirmed that ink is drawn not only from the seventh liquid inlet 13, which is closer to the syringe 15 than the sixth liquid inlet 12, but also from the sixth liquid inlet 12, which is farther from the syringe 15 than the seventh liquid inlet 13.

[0055] (Liquid outlet component 4)

[0056] Figures 6A to 6C This is a view explaining the liquid outlet component 4. Figure 6A This is a schematic diagram of liquid outlet component 4. Figure 6A As shown, the liquid outlet component 4 includes a first half 16, a second half 17, and a rubber gasket 18. It should be noted that the first half 16 and the second half 17 contain resin as a constituent material. Furthermore, the first half 16 and the second half 17 have the same shape. Figure 6B This is a perspective view of the first half-section 16. Figure 6C This is a perspective view of the second half-section 17.

[0057] The liquid outlet component 4 is formed by fixing the first connecting surface 19 provided on the first half-body 16 and the second connecting surface 20 provided on the second half-body 17 to each other. It should be noted that examples of methods for fixing the first connecting surface 19 and the second connecting surface 20 include bonding, welding, etc.

[0058] The rubber gasket 18 is sandwiched between the first groove 61a in the first half-section 16 and the second groove 61b in the second half-section 17. The rubber gasket 18 is fixed with an adhesive.

[0059] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6A A sectional view of line VII-VII in the diagram. (See attached image.) Figure 7As shown, the liquid outlet component 4 has a connecting portion 23 that receives liquid drawn in through the flow channel component 3. At the connecting portion 23, multiple portions of the liquid drawn in from the liquid inlet portion of the flow channel component 3 mix with each other. Even when the liquid composition is unevenly distributed inside the bag 2, the liquid can be supplied to the liquid injection device 100 with reduced compositional unevenness by mixing the multiple portions of the liquid at the connecting portion 23.

[0060] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid outlet component 4 in the state of being connected to the liquid injection device 100. When the liquid reservoir 1 is connected to the liquid injection device 100, the hollow needle 21 included in the liquid injection device 100 punctures the rubber liner 18. Then, the liquid inside the bag 2 is supplied to the liquid injection device 100 through the flow channel component 3 and the liquid outlet component 4.

[0061] (Connection between liquid outlet component 4 and flow channel component 3)

[0062] Figure 9 It is from Figure 6A The view of the liquid outlet component 4 is shown in the direction of arrow IX. The liquid outlet component 4 has: a first connecting hole 22a, to which one end of the flow channel component 3 can be connected; and a second connecting hole 22b, to which the other end of the flow channel component 3 can be connected. By connecting one end of the flow channel component 3 to the first connecting hole 22a and connecting the other end of the flow channel component 3 to the second connecting hole 22b, both ends of the flow channel component 3 are connected to the liquid outlet component 4. Regarding the method of fixing the flow channel component 3 connected to the liquid outlet component 4, the flow channel component 3 can be fixed using an adhesive or by a mating mechanism.

[0063] (in conclusion)

[0064] According to this embodiment, the liquid storage body 1 has the flow channel component 3 arranged in a basically U-shape inside the bag 2. In this state, a portion of the flow channel component 3 is located near the second end portion 2b furthest from the liquid outlet component 4 (both ends of the flow channel component 3 are connected to the liquid outlet component). Furthermore, the flow channel component 3 has a liquid inlet portion. This allows liquid to be drawn in until the bag 2 is completely flattened along the flow channel component 3, wherein tension is maintained on the bag 2 by the rigidity of the flow channel component 3. Therefore, the liquid storage body according to this embodiment improves the ease of using up the liquid stored therein.

[0065] Furthermore, the liquid reservoir 1 according to this embodiment prevents liquid leakage upon drop. In the event of a conventional liquid reservoir being accidentally dropped, the end portion of the flow channel component may puncture the bag, causing liquid to leak out. However, in the liquid reservoir 1 according to this embodiment, both ends of the flow channel component 3 are internally connected to the liquid outlet component 4. Therefore, even if the liquid reservoir 1 is dropped, the possibility of the end portion of the flow channel component 3 puncturing the bag 2 is very low. In other words, the liquid reservoir 1 according to this embodiment is considered to prevent liquid leakage upon drop.

[0066] Furthermore, the liquid reservoir 1 according to this embodiment is resistant to impacts upon drop. In this embodiment, the flow channel component 3 is arranged in a U-shape inside the bag 2. Therefore, even if the liquid reservoir 1 falls, as long as any edge of the bag 2 impacts the ground first, the impact of the fall can be absorbed by the elasticity of the flow channel component 3. In other words, the liquid reservoir 1 according to this embodiment is considered resistant to impacts upon drop.

[0067] [Second Embodiment]

[0068] One object of the second embodiment is to provide a liquid reservoir that further improves the ease of using up the liquid therein. Components similar to those in the first embodiment will be referred to using the same reference numerals, and descriptions of these components will be omitted. The main focus will be on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0069] Figure 10 This is a view of the liquid reservoir 1 in this embodiment as viewed from the +Z direction (where the upper sheet of the two sheets forming the bag 2 is removed), or a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the liquid reservoir as viewed from the +Z direction. Figure 10 As shown, the flow channel component 3 according to this embodiment has an eighth liquid inlet 24.

[0070] Figure 11 This is a magnified schematic diagram of the eighth liquid inlet, 24. (See attached image.) Figure 11As shown, in this embodiment, each eighth liquid inlet 24 is a slit cut at an angle in the flow channel component 3. Specifically, each eighth liquid inlet 24 is spiral-shaped. This allows the flow channel component 3 to draw liquid from all sides in the circumferential direction. For example, the flow channel component 3 can draw liquid from the -Z side (where liquid tends to accumulate). Incidentally, if the use of the eighth liquid inlet 24 reduces the rigidity of the flow channel component 3, the material or the tube thickness can be changed. This ensures the rigidity of the flow channel component 3. The spacing between the cuts in each eighth liquid inlet 24 is 1 mm. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each eighth liquid inlet 24 is provided by forming two wrapping cuts along the flow channel component 3, but this embodiment is not limited to this construction. For example, the cuts do not necessarily have to be formed in the flow channel component 3 to wrap once along the flow channel component 3. Moreover, the cuts can be formed in a direction orthogonal to the flow channel component 3, as long as the flow channel component 3 is not divided into multiple parts. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the eighth liquid inlet 24 is provided at four locations such that its opening is oriented toward the corner portion of the bag 2, but this embodiment is not limited to this configuration. The number of slits in each eighth liquid inlet 24 or the position of the eighth liquid inlet 24 can be appropriately varied according to the amount of liquid to be drawn in, etc.

[0071] As described above, compared with the liquid storage body according to the first embodiment, the liquid storage body according to this embodiment greatly improves the ease of using up the liquid therein.

[0072] [Third Embodiment]

[0073] One object of the third embodiment is to provide a liquid reservoir that further improves the ease of using up the liquid therein. Components similar to those in the first embodiment will be referred to using the same reference numerals, and descriptions of these components will be omitted. The main focus will be on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0074] Figure 12 This is a view of the liquid reservoir 1 in this embodiment when viewed from the +Z direction (where the upper sheet of the two sheets forming the bag 2 is removed), or it represents a view when viewed from the +Z direction. Figure 2A The diagram shows the internal structure of the liquid storage body when viewed from the +Z direction.

[0075] In this embodiment, the first region A1 of the flow channel component 3 and one end of the flow channel component 3 (the end connected to the first connection hole 22a of the liquid outlet component 4) are located (see Figure 9The second region A2, located at the basic midpoint between the two regions, is near the third end portion 2c. Similarly, the region A2 is located in the first region A1 of the flow channel component 3 and the other end of the flow channel component 3 (the end connected to the second connection hole 22b of the liquid outlet component 4, see...) Figure 9 The third region A3, located at the basic midpoint between the first end portion 2a and the second end portion 2b, is near the fourth end portion 2d. This generates tension on the bag 2 according to this embodiment, causing the bag 2 to unfold more strongly in a first direction (e.g., longitudinal direction) from the first end portion 2a toward the second end portion 2b and in a second direction (e.g., transverse direction) intersecting the first direction than in the first embodiment.

[0076] In order to configure the flow channel component 3 to be wider along the second direction than in the first embodiment, Figure 9 The spacing between the first and second connecting holes 22a and 22b shown can be wider. Alternatively, the forming angle of the first connecting hole 22a and the second connecting hole 22b can be set such that the first connecting hole 22a and the second connecting hole 22b are more parallel to each other.

[0077] When the liquid storage body 1 is basically rectangular in shape, the bag 2 can also bend along the first direction when the liquid inside the bag 2 is consumed. However, in this embodiment, the tension generated is stronger than that in the first embodiment.

[0078] This prevents the formation of blockages (the liquid inside bag 2 cannot be drawn in from the blockage). In other words, the liquid storage body according to this embodiment further improves the ease of using up the liquid stored therein.

[0079] [Other embodiments]

[0080] Figure 13 This is a view showing an example of a liquid reservoir 1 having a corner plate portion. In the first embodiment, the liquid reservoir 1 does not have a corner plate portion, but it may have one. Figure 13 As shown, a corner plate bag 130 with corner plates formed at both ends along the X direction can be used. In another example, a bag 2 formed by folding a single sheet into a sleeve shape and welding it can be used instead of a bag 2 formed from two sheets.

[0081] In the first embodiment, the opening sizes of the liquid inlet portions are the same, but they can also be different. The balance of the opening sizes of the liquid inlet portions can be adjusted based on the amount of liquid to be drawn from the liquid inlet portions, and then the opening sizes can be determined. For example, the first liquid inlet 5 and the fifth liquid inlet 9 can have different opening sizes. Specifically, the opening size of the first liquid inlet 5, which is located closer to the liquid outlet component 4 than the fifth liquid inlet 9, can be smaller than the opening size of the fifth liquid inlet 9. This is because proximity to the liquid outlet component 4 reduces the flow resistance of the flow channel component 3 and facilitates liquid suction. Preferably, the opening sizes of each liquid inlet portion are adjusted while the rigidity of the flow channel component 3 is set to be as high as possible.

[0082] In the first embodiment, the flow channel component 3 is set to a basic elliptical ring shape, but it can also be set to a polygonal shape.

[0083] Some or all of the embodiments in the first to third embodiments can be combined.

[0084] The liquid storage body according to the present invention improves the ease of using up the liquid stored in the liquid storage body.

[0085] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims should be interpreted in the broadest sense to cover all such variations and equivalent structures and functions.

[0086] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-063281 (filed on April 6, 2022) and Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-002383 (filed on January 11, 2023), which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A liquid storage body, comprising: A bag component, which is flexible and configured to store liquid therein; A liquid outlet component is attached to a first end portion of the bag component and configured to discharge liquid stored in the bag component into a liquid injection device; as well as A flow channel component is disposed inside the bag component and configured to allow liquid to flow toward the liquid outlet component, wherein, The flow channel component is formed from a single tube. Both ends of the flow channel component are connected to the liquid outlet component. The first region of the flow channel component is located near the second end portion of the bag component, which is furthest from the first end portion, and The first region of the flow channel component has a liquid inlet portion through which liquid inside the bag component is drawn into the flow channel component.

2. The liquid storage body according to claim 1, wherein: The flow channel component is arranged to unfold the bag component from the inside.

3. The liquid storage body according to claim 2, wherein: The flow channel component generates tension to cause the bag component to unfold along a first direction from the first end portion toward the second end portion and along a second direction intersecting the first direction.

4. The liquid storage body according to claim 1, wherein: The bag component has corner portions, and The liquid inlet portion has a liquid inlet, and the liquid inlet has an opening oriented toward the corner portion.

5. The liquid storage body according to claim 4, wherein: The shape of the liquid inlet is selected from rectangular, polygonal, circular, and elliptical shapes.

6. The liquid storage body according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid inlet portion is a slit cut at an angle in the flow channel component.

7. The liquid storage body according to claim 6, wherein: The liquid inlet section is spiral-shaped.

8. The liquid storage body according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid inlet section includes a first liquid inlet and a second liquid inlet, the second liquid inlet being located at a different position from the first liquid inlet; and The first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet are different in size.

9. The liquid storage body according to claim 8, wherein: The first liquid inlet is closer to the liquid outlet component than the second liquid inlet, and The first liquid inlet is smaller than the second liquid inlet.

10. The liquid storage body according to claim 1, wherein: The flow channel component is U-shaped.

11. A liquid injection device comprising a receiving tray configured to receive a liquid reservoir according to claim 1.

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