Storage bag and printing apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage bag and a printing apparatus. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a storage bag capable of suppressing the occurrence of a vertical crease at a lining portion. The storage bag comprises a bag body and a discharge port. The bag body includes a first surface portion, a second surface portion, a third surface portion configured to serve as a liner portion, and a fourth surface portion configured to serve as a liner portion. The first surface portion and the third surface portion are coupled by a first coupling portion. The first surface portion and the fourth surface portion are coupled by a second coupling portion. The first coupling portion includes a first protrusion. The second coupling portion includes a second protrusion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a storage bag and a printing device. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-16825 discloses an ink bag (storage bag) including an upper gusset portion and a lower gusset portion. In the ink bag according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-16825, the rigidity of the lower gusset portion is greater than that of the upper portion. Therefore, when using the ink, after the upper gusset portion is folded, the lower gusset portion is folded. According to such a configuration, when using the ink, after the upper side of the ink bag is flattened, the lower side of the ink bag is gradually flattened, and thus the ink exhaustion performance is achieved.

[0003] However, in the case of the ink bag of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-16825, for example, when injecting ink into the ink bag and the gusset portion bulges, there may sometimes occur a vertical crease intersecting with the crease line provided at the gusset portion. When the ink is being used and the ink bag is being flattened, such a vertical crease acts as a resistance to folding. Therefore, there is a possibility that the smooth folding at the gusset portion is hindered. In the case where the smooth folding at the gusset portion is hindered, it is difficult to exhaust the ink. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a storage bag capable of suppressing the occurrence of vertical creases at the gusset portion and improving the ink exhaustion performance.

[0005] The storage bag of the present disclosure includes: a bag body and a discharge port for discharging the liquid stored in the bag body, wherein the bag body includes: a first surface portion; a second surface portion opposite to the first surface portion; a third surface portion configured to serve as a lining portion, the third surface portion being configured to connect the first surface portion and the second surface portion; and a fourth surface portion opposite to the third surface portion and configured to serve as a lining portion, the fourth surface portion being configured to connect the first surface portion and the second surface portion, the first surface portion and the third surface portion are joined by a first joining portion configured to extend in a first direction, the first surface portion and the fourth surface portion are joined by a second joining portion configured to extend in the first direction, the first joining portion includes a first convex portion configured to protrude toward the inside of the first surface portion along a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second joining portion includes a second convex portion configured to protrude toward the inside of the first surface portion along the second direction, the second surface portion and the third surface portion are joined by a third joining portion configured to extend in the first direction, the second surface portion and the fourth surface portion are joined by a fourth joining portion configured to extend in the first direction, the third joining portion includes a third convex portion configured to protrude toward the inside of the second surface portion along the second direction, the fourth joining portion includes a fourth convex portion configured to protrude toward the inside of the second surface portion along the second direction, the first convex portion and the third convex portion are located at the same position in the first direction, and the second convex portion and the fourth convex portion are located at the same position in the first direction.

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

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a printing device that can be applied to one embodiment;

[0008] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a storage bag in one embodiment;

[0009] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of a vertical crease;

[0010] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the storage bag showing the joining portion in one embodiment;

[0011] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the joining portion in one embodiment;

[0012] Figure 6A is a plan view showing a part of Region VI in Figure 5 ;

[0013] Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIB-VIB in Figure 6A ;

[0014] Figure 6C is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIC-VIC in Figure 6A ;

[0015] Figure 7 is a view showing a modified example of the connecting portion; and

[0016] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the storage bag, showing the connecting portion in one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] [First Embodiment]

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a printing apparatus 100 to which the present embodiment can be applied.

[0019] Explanation of the coordinate axes in the drawings. In the drawings referred to in this specification, the X direction and the Y direction represent two directions perpendicular to each other on a horizontal plane. The Z direction represents the vertical direction. Specifically, the -Y direction represents the backward direction of the printing apparatus 100, the +Y direction represents the forward direction, the -X direction represents the leftward direction when viewed from the front, the +X direction represents the rightward direction, the +Z direction represents the upward direction, and the -Z direction represents the downward direction. The -Y direction also represents the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the printing medium 101, and the +Y direction also represents the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the printing medium 101. Appropriately, the Y direction is referred to as the conveyance direction, and the X direction is referred to as the scanning direction of the print head 103. The X direction represents the width of the storage bag 200 (see Figure 2 ), the Y direction corresponds to the length (depth) direction of the storage bag 200 in the posture in which the storage bag 200 is mounted on the liquid supply unit 106 (to be described later), and the Z direction corresponds to the height direction of the storage bag 200. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the upward direction, the downward direction, the leftward direction, and the rightward direction represent the directions in the posture of using the printing apparatus 100 and the storage bag 200 in the normal state.

[0020] As Figure 1As shown, the printing device 100 includes a conveyance roller 102 that conveys a printing medium 101 in a conveyance direction. The printing device 100 includes a print head 103 capable of ejecting a liquid (e.g., ink), a carriage 104 on which the print head 103 can be detachably attached, and two guide rails 105 that slidably support the carriage 104. The printing device 100 includes a liquid supply unit 106 for supplying the liquid to the print head 103, a tube 107 connecting the print head 103 and the liquid supply unit 106, and a recovery unit 108 for maintaining and restoring the performance of the print head 103.

[0021] During a printing operation, the printing device 100 repeatedly performs a reciprocating movement (main scan) of the print head 103 and a conveyance (sub scan) of the printing medium 101 at each predetermined pitch. Printing of the printing medium 101 is performed by selectively ejecting liquids of a plurality of colors from the print head 103 in synchronization with these movements and causing the liquids to land on the printing medium 101.

[0022] There is no limitation on the printing medium 101 as long as droplets can land on the printing medium 101 and an image can be formed thereon. For example, as the printing medium 101, media of various materials and aspects can be used, such as paper, cloth, the surface of a CD label, a plastic sheet, an OHP sheet, and an envelope.

[0023] Driven by a drive unit (e.g., a motor, not schematically shown), the carriage 104 reciprocates along the two guide rails 105. The printing medium 101 that receives the liquid ejected from a liquid ejection unit (not schematically shown) of the print head 103 is conveyed by the conveyance roller 102 in the conveyance direction that faces the liquid ejection surface of the print head 103 and is perpendicular to the moving direction of the carriage 104.

[0024] The print head 103 has a plurality of nozzle arrays for ejecting liquids of different colors from each other as a plurality of liquid ejection units. According to the color of the liquid ejected from the print head 103, a plurality of independent storage containers 109 having discharge ports 202 (see Figure 2 ) can be detachably attached to the liquid supply unit 106.

[0025] The storage containers 109 include a first storage container 109A, a second storage container 109B, a third storage container 109C, and a fourth storage container 109D that store liquids of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively. The colors of the liquids are not limited to the above four colors. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to particularly distinguish the first storage container 109A, the second storage container 109B, the third storage container 109C, and the fourth storage container 109D, they are referred to as storage containers 109.

[0026] The liquid supply unit 106 and the print head 103 are connected by a plurality of tubes 107 corresponding to each color. In the present embodiment, the liquid supply unit 106 and the print head 103 are connected by four tubes 107 corresponding to each of the above four colors.

[0027] In the present embodiment, the storage container 109 includes a rigid housing and a storage bag 200 stored in the rigid housing (see Figure 2 ). Inside the rigid housing, the storage bag 200 (see Figure 2 ) is positioned in a predetermined posture.

[0028] In the present embodiment, the shape of the rigid housing is a tray type. The storage bag 200 (see Figure 2 ) can be detachably attached and installed in the tray-type rigid housing. However, the shape of the rigid housing can be a box type. The storage bag 200 (see Figure 2 ) can also be detachably stored in the box-type rigid housing.

[0029] By the user advancing the rigid housing of the storage container 109 and mounting the rigid housing on the liquid supply unit 106, the liquid of each color stored in the storage bag 200 (see Figure 2 ) can be independently supplied to each nozzle array of the print head 103. The liquid supply unit 106 includes a pump mechanism (not shown schematically). The pump mechanism can suck the liquid from the storage container 109 and send the liquid to the print head 103.

[0030] <Storage bag 200>

[0031] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the storage bag 200 in the present embodiment.

[0032] As Figure 2 shown, the storage bag 200 includes a flexible bag body 201 capable of sealingly storing the liquid and a discharge port 202 for discharging the liquid from the inside of the bag body 201 to the outside. The discharge port 202 is manufactured by injection molding. By driving the above pump mechanism, the ink is sucked from the discharge port 202 and supplied to the print head 103 via the tube 107 (see Figure 1 ).

[0033] The bag body 201 includes a top surface film 204 located on the top surface side in the posture of using the bag body 201 and a bottom surface film 205 opposite to the top surface film 204 and located on the bottom surface side. The bag body 201 includes a left surface film 206 connecting the ends of the top surface film 204 and the bottom surface film 205. The storage bag 200 includes a right surface film 207 opposite to the left surface film 206 and connecting the ends of the top surface film 204 and the bottom surface film 205.

[0034] The top surface film 204, the left surface film 206, the bottom surface film 205, and the right surface film 207 include materials that inhibit leakage of the internally stored liquid and are easy to join (in this embodiment, easy to thermally weld). The top surface film 204, the left surface film 206, the bottom surface film 205, and the right surface film 207 can be joined by an adhesive.

[0035] As examples of the materials for each of the top surface film 204, the left surface film 206, the bottom surface film 205, and the right surface film 207, there are polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. Considering gas barrier properties and strength, a multilayer film including multiple materials (such as aluminum, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), nylon, etc.) can also be used.

[0036] When forming the bag body 201, each of the top end portions of the left surface film 206 and the right surface film 207 is joined to each of the left end portion and the right end portion of the top surface film 204. Then, each of the bottom end portions of the left surface film 206 and the right surface film 207 is joined to each of the left end portion and the right end portion of the bottom surface film 205. As described above, when forming the bag body 201, the top surface film 204, the left surface film 206, the bottom surface film 205, and the right surface film 207 are joined into a cylindrical shape.

[0037] That is, at one of the openings in the bag body 201 joined into a cylindrical shape ( Figure 2 the front side in), the top surface film 204 and the bottom surface film 205 are joined by the folded left surface film 206 and the folded right surface film 207. Specifically, the left and right portions of the top surface film 204 and the bottom surface film 205 are joined by the first end portion 209 of the first fold line 208 in the left surface film 206 and the second end portion 211 of the second fold line 210 in the right surface film 207. On the other hand, the central portions of the top surface film 204 and the bottom surface film 205 are directly joined without other films intervening.

[0038] At the other opening in the bag body 201 joined into a cylindrical shape ( Figure 2 the depth side in), the top surface film 204 and the bottom surface film 205 are joined in a state where the folded left surface film 206, the folded right surface film 207, and a part of the discharge port 202 are sandwiched in between. Specifically, the left and right portions of the top surface film 204 and the bottom surface film 205 are joined by the third end portion 212 of the first fold line 208 and the fourth end portion 213 of the second fold line 210. On the other hand, the central portions of the top surface film 204 and the bottom surface film 205 are directly joined in a state where a part of the discharge port 202 is sandwiched in between.

[0039] In the present embodiment, the hermetically sealed storage bag 200 is formed as described above. In the storage bag 200, the left surface film 206 and the right surface film 207 serve as the lining portions.

[0040] Figure 3 is a view for explaining the appearance of the vertical crease 300. In Figure 3 it, the storage bag 200 is shown in the posture of using the storage bag 200 (i.e., the posture in which the storage bag 200 is mounted on the liquid supply unit 106).

[0041] As Figure 3 shown, in the storage bag 200 before starting use (i.e., in the initial state), in order to have flexibility, a liquid is stored in an amount not less than 50% and not greater than 80% of the maximum amount that can be stored. The greater the amount of the remaining liquid in the storage bag 200, the more the storage bag 200 bulges. The more the storage bag 200 bulges, the greater the angle formed by the upper side and the lower side with the first fold line 208 as the boundary in the left surface film 206. Similarly, in the right surface film 207, as in the left surface film 206, the angle formed by the upper side and the lower side with the second fold line 210 (not schematically shown in Figure 3 it) as the boundary becomes larger.

[0042] For example, when the posture changes from the posture of using the storage bag 200 to another different posture, sometimes the liquid may move inside the storage bag 200 and the left surface film 206 and the right surface film 207 may unfold. Specifically, in the case of mounting a brand-new storage bag 200 on the rigid housing of the storage container 109 (see Figure 1 ), sometimes the user may hold the discharge port 202 with the gravity direction upward. In this case, inside the bag body 201, the liquid moves to a position away from the discharge port 202 and accumulates at that position. When the posture of the storage bag 200 changes as described above, the left surface film 206 and the right surface film 207 are pushed from the inside of the bag body 201 to the outside and unfold.

[0043] As described above, the left surface film 206 and the right surface film 207 serve as the lining portions and can increase the capacity of the bag body 201. However, each of one end of the top surface film 204 and one end of the bottom surface film 205 is joined by each of the first end 209 and the second end 211. Then, each of the other end of the top surface film 204 and the other end of the bottom surface film 205 is joined by each of the third end 212 and the fourth end 213. Therefore, the range in which the left surface film 206 and the right surface film 207 can unfold as the lining portions is limited.

[0044] In the left surface film 206, as the folding angle toward the inside of the bag body 201 approaches 180 degrees (i.e., as the folding disappears), the vertical crease 300 that is substantially perpendicular to the first folding line 208 becomes more likely to appear. On the other hand, in the right surface film 207, similarly, as the folding angle toward the inside of the bag body 201 approaches 180 degrees (i.e., as the folding disappears), the vertical crease 300 that is substantially perpendicular to the second folding line 210 becomes more likely to appear.

[0045] In the case where the vertical crease 300 appears, when the liquid is used and the left surface film 206 and the right surface film 207 are folded up, the vertical crease 300 acts as a resistance to the folding and hinders the smooth contraction of the storage bag 200.

[0046] Originally, as the amount of the remaining liquid decreases, each of the left surface film 206 and the right surface film 207 is folded along each of the first folding line 208 and the second folding line 210, and the capacity of the storage bag 200 decreases. However, in the case where the vertical crease 300 appears, the folding of the left surface film 206 and the right surface film 207 is hindered, and it becomes difficult to use up the liquid. In order to suppress the appearance of such a vertical crease 300, in the present embodiment, the shape of the joint portion of each film is characterized.

[0047] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the storage bag 200, showing the joint portion 400 of the bag body 201 in the present embodiment.

[0048] As Figure 4 shown, the bag body 201 includes a joint portion 400 where the top surface film 204, the left surface film 206, the right surface film 207, and the bottom surface film 205 are joined. As described above, in the present embodiment, the top surface film 204, the left surface film 206, the right surface film 207, and the bottom surface film 205 are heat-sealed at the joint portion 400. That is, in the present embodiment, the joint portion 400 is a welding area.

[0049] The joint portion 400 includes a first area 401 that joins the end of the left surface film 206 and the end of the top surface film 204 along the entire area in the first direction (Y direction), and a first convex portion 402 that is configured to protrude from the first area 401 toward the inside of the top surface film 204. The joint portion 400 includes a second area 403 that joins the end of the left surface film 206 and the end of the bottom surface film 205 along the entire area in the first direction (Y direction), and a second convex portion 404 that is configured to protrude from the second area 403 toward the inside of the bottom surface film 205.

[0050] The connecting portion 400 includes a third region 405 that connects the end of the right surface film 207 and the end of the top surface film 204 along the entire region in the first direction (Y direction), and a third convex portion 406 configured to protrude from the third region 405 toward the inside of the top surface film 204. The connecting portion 400 includes a fourth region 407 that connects the end of the right surface film 207 and the end of the bottom surface film 205 along the entire region in the first direction (Y direction), and a fourth convex portion 408 configured to protrude from the fourth region 407 toward the inside of the bottom surface film 205. In the present embodiment, the first direction (Y direction) is the direction from the bottom of the bag body 201 toward the discharge port 202.

[0051] In addition, it is preferable that the first convex portion 402, the second convex portion 404, the third convex portion 406, and the fourth convex portion 408 are disposed at the same position in the Y direction. According to this configuration, it is easy to suppress the occurrence of the vertical crease 300 extending in the Z direction (see Figure 3 ). As long as the occurrence of the vertical crease 300 (see Figure 3 ) can be suppressed, the positions where the first convex portion 402, the second convex portion 404, the third convex portion 406, and the fourth convex portion 408 are provided may not be the same position in the Y direction.

[0052] In addition, when connecting the top surface film 204, the left surface film 206, the right surface film 207, and the bottom surface film 205, a connecting tool (not schematically shown) that connects them while pressing the four films together is used.

[0053] In the present embodiment, as the connecting tool, a welding tool (not schematically shown) that welds the top surface film 204, the left surface film 206, the right surface film 207, and the bottom surface film 205 together while pressing them is used. Specifically, by designing a part of the pressing surface of the welding tool to have the same shape as the shapes of the first convex portion 402, the second convex portion 404, the third convex portion 406, and the fourth convex portion 408, the four films can be heat-welded together while providing the four convex portions. According to such a welding method, the shape of the connecting portion 400 can be formed without increasing the number of processes.

[0054] Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining the connecting portion 400 in the present embodiment.

[0055] As Figure 5 shown, the first convex portion 402 in the connecting portion 400 has a first width 501 (which is the length in the first direction (Y direction)) and a first protruding amount 502 (which is the length in the second direction (X direction)). Like the first convex portion 402, the second convex portion 404 (not schematically shown in Figure 5 ) also has a second width (inFigure 5 is not schematically shown) (which is the length in the first direction (Y direction)) and a second protruding amount 605 protruding from the second region 403 in the second direction (X direction) (see Figure 6C ).

[0056] As Figure 5 shown, the third convex portion 406 has a third width 503 (which is the length in the first direction (Y direction)) and a third protruding amount 504 protruding from the third region 405 along the second direction (X direction). Like the third convex portion 406, the fourth convex portion 408 (not schematically shown in Figure 5 ) also has a fourth width (not schematically shown in Figure 5 ) (which is the length in the first direction (Y direction)) and a fourth protruding amount protruding from the fourth convex portion 408 in the second direction (X direction) (not schematically shown in Figure 5 ).

[0057] The first width 501, the second width, the third width 503, and the fourth width are not less than about 5 mm and not greater than about 30 mm. The first protruding amount 502, the second protruding amount, the third protruding amount 504, and the fourth protruding amount are not less than about 5 mm and not greater than about 30 mm.

[0058] As Figure 5 shown, preferably, each of the plurality of first convex portions 402 is disposed within a range not less than about 10 mm and not greater than about 70 mm from each of the first end 209 and the third end 212 toward the inside of the first fold line 208. Like the first convex portion 402, preferably, each of the plurality of second convex portions 404 (not schematically shown in Figure 5 ) is disposed within a range not less than about 10 mm and not greater than about 70 mm from each of the first end 209 and the third end 212 toward the inside of the first fold line 208.

[0059] As Figure 5 shown, preferably, each of the plurality of third convex portions 406 is disposed within a range not less than about 10 mm and not greater than about 70 mm from each of the second end 211 and the fourth end 213 toward the inside of the second fold line 210. Like the third convex portion 406, preferably, each of the plurality of fourth convex portions 408 (not schematically shown in Figure 5 ) is disposed within a range not less than about 10 mm and not greater than about 70 mm from each of the second end 211 and the fourth end 213 toward the inside of the second fold line 210.

[0060] The reason is that by providing the plurality of convex portions within the above range, the occurrence of the vertical crease 300 can be effectively suppressed. For example, when the bottom of the storage bag 200 (the end portion on the -Y direction side) faces downward in the gravitational direction, the liquid accumulates downward. Given that the left surface film 206 and the right surface film 207 are unfolded at the end portions on the Y direction side in the storage bag 200 and the vertical crease 300 may occur, by concentrically arranging each convex portion within a range of not less than about 10 mm and not greater than 70 mm from the bottom toward the inside of each of the first folding line 208 and the second folding line 210, the occurrence of the vertical crease 300 can be effectively suppressed.

[0061] The number of the above convex portions and the position of each convex portion are not limited to the examples of this embodiment. The number and the position of the above convex portions can be determined according to the tendency of the position and the number of the occurrence of the vertical crease 300.

[0062] Figure 6A is a plan view showing Figure 5 region VI in

[0063] As Figure 6A shown, it is desirable that the first protrusion amount 502 in the first convex portion 402 is not more than about two-thirds of the shortest distance from the first region 401 to the first folding line 208.

[0064] Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along the VIB-VIB line in Figure 6A . In Figure 6B , a state where the amount of the remaining liquid is small is shown. Figure 6B The solid line portion in Figure 6B shows the attitude of using the storage bag 200 (the attitude where the storage bag 200 is placed horizontally). On the other hand, Figure 6B the dotted line portion in

[0065] shows the attitude moved from the attitude of placing the storage bag 200 horizontally, and in this attitude, the discharge port 202 (not schematically shown in Figure 6B is kept upright facing upward.

[0066] As Figure 6B shown by the solid line portion in

[0067] With the storage bag 200 held upright with the discharge port 202 facing upward, the left surface film 206 is opened. Then, the bag body 201 has a second angle 612 formed by the upper and lower sides of the left surface film 206 with the first fold line 208 as the boundary. The second angle 612 is greater than the first angle 611.

[0068] For example, when the posture of using the storage bag 200 changes to the posture where the discharge port 202 is held upright and facing upward, the ink in the bag body 201 moves in the direction of gravity. Therefore, at the bottom of the storage bag 200, the left surface film 206 bulges along the direction in which the left surface film 206 resists the opening of the first fold line 208. By opening the left surface film 206 as described above, the second distance 602 from the top surface film 204 to the bottom surface film 205 becomes greater than the first distance 601 before the left surface film 206 is opened.

[0069] Figure 6C is a cross-sectional view along the Figure 6A VIC-VIC line in Figure 6C The solid line part in Figure 6C shows the state of using the storage bag 200 (the state where the storage bag 200 is placed horizontally). On the other hand, Figure 6C The dashed line part in Figure 6C shows the posture after the storage bag 200 moves from the posture where the storage bag 200 is placed horizontally, and the discharge port 202 (not shown schematically in Figure 6B is held upright and facing upward. In

[0070] As Figure 6C shown by the solid line part in Figure 6B , at the part where the first convex portion 402 and the second convex portion 404 in the left surface film 206 are provided, the bag body 201 has a third distance 603 from the top surface film 204 to the bottom surface film 205. However, since the first convex portion 402 and the second convex portion 404 are provided, the third distance 603 is smaller than the first distance 601 (see

[0071] As Figure 6CAs shown by the dashed line portion in [reference], in the state where the storage bag 200 with the discharge port 202 held upright and facing upward, the bag body 201 has a fourth distance 604 from the top surface film 204 to the bottom surface film 205. However, the fourth distance 604 is greater than the third distance 603. Then, the first convex portion 402 and the second convex portion 404 are provided, and thus, the fourth distance 604 is less than the second distance 602 (see Figure 6B ).

[0072] In the state where the storage bag 200 with the discharge port 202 held upright and facing upward, the left surface film 206 is opened, and the bag body 201 has a fourth angle 614 formed by the upper side and the lower side of the left surface film 206 with the first fold line 208 as the boundary. The fourth angle 614 is greater than the third angle 613. As described above, in the left surface film 206, the movable region in the ±Y direction of the portion provided with the first convex portion 402 and the second convex portion 404 is smaller than the movable region in the ±Y direction of the portion not provided with the first convex portion 402 or the second convex portion 404. That is, since the opening of the left surface film 206 is suppressed, the fourth distance 604 at the portion provided with the first convex portion 402 and the second convex portion 404 becomes smaller than the second distance 602 (see Figure 6B ).

[0073] As described above, as the angle of the left surface film 206 approaches 180 degrees, the possibility of the vertical crease 300 appearing becomes greater. However, in the left surface film 206, the distance from the top surface film 204 to the bottom surface film 205 at the portion provided with the first convex portion 402 and the second convex portion 404 can be made shorter than the distance from the top surface film 204 to the bottom surface film 205 at the portion not provided with the first convex portion 402 or the second convex portion 404. That is, by providing the first convex portion 402 and the second convex portion 404 to increase the strength of the left surface film 206, the appearance of the vertical crease 300 (not schematically shown in Figure 6C ) can be suppressed.

[0074] In addition, similarly, in the right surface film 207 (not schematically shown in Figure 6C ), the appearance of the vertical crease 300 ( Figure 6C not schematically shown) can be suppressed in the same manner as in the left surface film 206.

[0075] As described above, at the connection portion on the side surface of the storage bag of the present embodiment, convex portions are provided. At the connection portion on the side surface, the movable region of the side surface (lining portion) at the portion provided with the convex portions is controlled compared with the portion where the convex position is not provided, and thus, the possibility of the vertical crease appearing on the side surface is suppressed.

[0076] Therefore, according to the storage bag of the present embodiment, the appearance of the vertical crease at the lining portion can be suppressed.

[0077] [Variant Example]

[0078] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing a variant example of the connection part 400 in the first embodiment.

[0079] As Figure 7 shown, preferably, a plurality of first convex portions 402, a plurality of second convex portions 404 (not schematically shown in Figure 7 ), a plurality of third convex portions 406 and a plurality of fourth convex portions 408 (not schematically shown in Figure 7 ) are centrally provided at positions where the vertical crease 300 may occur.

[0080] In this variant example, within a range not less than about 10 mm and not greater than about 70 mm from the first end 209 toward the inside of the first fold line 208, two first convex portions 402 and two second convex portions 404 (not schematically shown in Figure 7 ) are provided. Within a range not less than about 10 mm and not greater than about 70 mm from the third end 212 toward the inside of the first fold line 208, two first convex portions 402 and two second convex portions 404 (not schematically shown in Figure 7 ) are provided.

[0081] On the other hand, within a range not less than about 10 mm and not greater than about 70 mm from the second end 211 toward the inside of the second fold line 210, two third convex portions 406 and two fourth convex portions 408 (not schematically shown in Figure 7 ) are provided. Within a range not less than about 10 mm and not greater than about 70 mm from the fourth end 213 toward the inside of the second fold line 210, two third convex portions 406 and two fourth convex portions 408 (not schematically shown in Figure 7 ) are provided.

[0082] In Figure 7 the example, the size of each of the first convex portion 402, the second convex portion 404, the third convex portion 406, and the fourth convex portion 408 is the same, but the size of each of them can be changed. For example, the protruding amount of each of the first convex portion 402, the second convex portion 404, the third convex portion 406, and the fourth convex portion 408 can be changed, or the width of each of the first convex portion 402, the second convex portion 404, the third convex portion 406, and the fourth convex portion 408 can be changed. Of course, the first convex portion 402, the second convex portion 404, the third convex portion 406, and the fourth convex portion 408 with different sizes can also be provided in combination.

[0083] In addition, the vertical crease 300 that appears at a position far from the discharge port 202 has a greater impact on the liquid exhaustion performance than the vertical crease 300 that appears at a position close to the discharge port 202. Therefore, the first convex portion 402, the second convex portion 404, the third convex portion 406, and the fourth convex portion 408 can be provided only at positions far from the discharge port 202, and there is no need to provide them near the discharge port 202.

[0084] By providing the first convex portion 402 and the third convex portion 406, the unfolding of the left surface film 206 (not schematically shown in Figure 7 and the right surface film 207 (not schematically shown in Figure 7 is partially suppressed. Therefore, it is considered that the maximum amount of liquid that can be stored in the storage bag 200 is reduced.

[0085] However, when the size of each of the first convex portion 402 and the second convex portion 404 is the above-mentioned size and the number of the first convex portion 402 and the number of the second convex portion 404 are both less than five with respect to the first folding line 208, there is no significant impact on the liquid storage amount. Similarly, when the size of each of the third convex portion 406 and the fourth convex portion 408 is the above-mentioned size and the number of the third convex portion 406 and the number of the fourth convex portion 408 are both less than five with respect to the second folding line 210, there is no significant impact on the liquid storage amount. That is to say, when the number of convex portions at the connection part with respect to one folding line is less than ten and the size of each of these convex portions is the above-mentioned size, there is no significant impact on the liquid storage amount.

[0086] Therefore, the number of the first convex portion 402, the number of the second convex portion 404, the number of the third convex portion 406, and the number of the fourth convex portion 408 can be appropriately determined according to the maximum amount of liquid stored in the storage bag 200, the size of the lining part, the material of the film, etc.

[0087] In addition, the interval D between adjacent first convex portions among the plurality of first convex portions 402, the interval D between adjacent second convex portions among the plurality of second convex portions 404, the interval D between adjacent third convex portions among the plurality of third convex portions 406, and the interval D between adjacent fourth convex portions among the plurality of fourth convex portions 408 can also be determined according to the amount of liquid to be stored, etc.

[0088] In addition, preferably, in a state where the storage bag 200 is observed from the left side surface of the storage bag, the first convex portion 402 and the second convex portion 404 are provided at positions symmetric with respect to the first folding line 208. Similarly, preferably, in a state where the storage bag 200 is observed from the right side surface of the storage bag, the third convex portion 406 and the fourth convex portion 408 are provided at positions symmetric with respect to the second folding line 210.

[0089] The first convex portion 402 and the second convex portion 404 can also be disposed at positions asymmetric with respect to the first fold line 208 in a state where the storage bag 200 is viewed from the left side surface of the storage bag. Similarly, the third convex portion 406 and the fourth convex portion 408 can also be disposed at positions asymmetric with respect to the second fold line 210 in a state where the storage bag 200 is viewed from the right side surface.

[0090] With the above-described modified example of the storage bag, the appearance of vertical creases at the lining portion can be suppressed.

[0091] [Second Embodiment]

[0092] In the above-described embodiment, the case where vertical creases appear at the lining portions on the left and right side surfaces is described by way of assumption. However, a configuration in which the lining portion is disposed at the bottom surface is also acceptable. The technique of the present disclosure can also be applied in the case where vertical creases appear at the lining portion on the bottom surface. In the following description, the same reference numerals are attached to the same or corresponding configurations as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted, and the differences are mainly described.

[0093] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the second storage bag 800, showing the connecting portion 400 of the bag body 201 in the present embodiment.

[0094] As Figure 8 shown, the bag body 201 of the present embodiment includes a bottom surface film 801 serving as a lining portion. Examples of the material of the bottom surface film 801 include polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. In view of the gas barrier property and strength of the bottom surface film 801, a multilayer film including a plurality of materials (for example, aluminum, PET, and nylon) can also be used. By including the bottom surface film 801, the capacity of the bag body 201 of the present embodiment can be made larger than that of the first embodiment.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the top surface film 204 and the bottom surface film 205 are connected by the bottom surface film 801 folded in half along the third fold line 802.

[0096] The connecting portion 400 of the present embodiment includes a fifth region 803 that connects the end portion of the bottom surface film 801 and the end portion of the top surface film 204 along the entire region in the second direction (X direction), and a fifth convex portion 804 that is configured to protrude inward from the fifth region 803 toward the top surface film 204. The connecting portion 400 of the present embodiment includes a sixth region 805 that connects the end portion of the bottom surface film 801 and the end portion of the bottom surface film 205 along the entire region in the second direction (X direction), and a sixth convex portion 806 that is configured to protrude inward from the sixth region 805 toward the bottom surface film 205.

[0097] Depending on the attitude of the bag body 201, it is considered that vertical creases have appeared in the bottom surface film 801.

[0098] However, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, in the bottom surface film 801, the movable area of the portion where the fifth convex portion 804 and the sixth convex portion 806 are provided is smaller than the movable area of the portion where the fifth convex portion 804 or the sixth convex portion 806 is not provided. That is, the distance from the top surface film 204 to the bottom surface film 205 at the portion where the fifth convex portion 804 and the sixth convex portion 806 are provided is shorter than the distance at the portion where the fifth convex portion 804 or the sixth convex portion 806 is not provided. As described above, in the bottom surface film 801 of the present embodiment, since the movable area is suppressed, as in the case of the left surface film 206 and the right surface film 207, the appearance of vertical creases is suppressed.

[0099] Therefore, by using the second storage bag 800, even when the bottom surface is used as the lining portion, the appearance of vertical creases in the bottom surface can be suppressed.

[0100] [Other Embodiments]

[0101] In the above embodiment, the description is given by assuming that the liquid is ink, but the liquid applicable to the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to ink. That is, various printing liquids can be used, including treatment liquids for the purpose of improving the fixing performance of ink, reducing gloss unevenness, improving scratch resistance, etc. in the printing medium.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the description is given by assuming the case where vertical creases appear due to the user making the discharge port face upward in the direction of gravity when attaching a brand-new storage bag to the rigid housing. In addition, when removing the storage bag that has not been exhausted from the rigid housing, temporarily storing the storage bag by the user, and then reinstalling the storage bag on the rigid housing, vertical creases may also appear.

[0103] Furthermore, when the user replenishes the liquid in the storage bag by injecting the liquid into the interior of the storage bag from the discharge port, vertical creases may also appear.

[0104] According to the storage bag of the present disclosure, the appearance of vertical creases at the lining portion can be suppressed.

[0105] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims should be interpreted in the broadest sense so as to cover all such variations as well as equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A storage bag, comprising a bag body and a discharge port for discharging liquid stored in the bag body, wherein The bag body comprises: a first surface portion; a second surface portion opposite the first surface portion; a third surface portion configured to function as a lining portion, the third surface portion configured to connect the first surface portion and the second surface portion; and a fourth surface portion opposite to the third surface portion and configured to serve as a lining portion, the fourth surface portion being configured to connect the first surface portion and the second surface portion, The first surface portion and the third surface portion are coupled by a first coupling portion configured to extend in a first direction, The first surface portion and the fourth surface portion are coupled by a second coupling portion configured to extend in the first direction, The first coupling portion includes a first protrusion configured to protrude toward an inner side of the first surface portion along a second direction intersecting the first direction, The second coupling portion includes a second protrusion configured to protrude toward an inner side of the first surface portion along the second direction, The second surface portion and the third surface portion are coupled by a third coupling portion configured to extend in the first direction, The second surface portion and the fourth surface portion are coupled by a fourth coupling portion configured to extend in the first direction, the third coupling portion includes a third protrusion configured to protrude toward an inner side of the second surface portion along the second direction, the fourth coupling portion includes a fourth protrusion configured to protrude toward an inner side of the second surface portion along the second direction, The first convex portion and the third convex portion are located at the same position in the first direction, and The second convex portion and the fourth convex portion are located at the same position in the first direction.

2. The storage bag according to claim 1, wherein At the first coupling portion, the first surface portion and the third surface portion are coupled by welding or an adhesive, and At the second coupling portion, the first surface portion and the fourth surface portion are coupled by welding or an adhesive.

3. The storage bag according to claim 1 or 2, wherein At the first coupling portion, the first protrusion extends in the first direction and the second direction by a distance not less than 5 mm and not more than 30 mm, and At the second coupling portion, the second convex portion extends in the first direction and the second direction by a distance not less than 5 mm and not more than 30 mm.

4. The storage bag according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first convex portion is provided in a range extending in the first direction from an end portion of the third surface portion toward an inner side of the third surface portion by not less than 10 mm and not more than 70 mm, and The second convex portion is provided in a range extending from an end portion of the fourth surface portion toward an inner side of the fourth surface portion in the first direction by not less than 10 mm and not more than 70 mm.

5. The storage bag according to claim 1 or 2, wherein At the third coupling portion, the second surface portion and the third surface portion are coupled by welding or an adhesive, and At the fourth coupling portion, the second surface portion and the fourth surface portion are coupled by welding or an adhesive.

6. The storage bag according to claim 1 or 2, wherein At the third coupling portion, the third protrusion extends in the first direction and the second direction by a distance not less than 5 mm and not more than 30 mm, and At the fourth coupling portion, the fourth protrusion extends in the first direction and the second direction by a distance not less than 5 mm and not more than 30 mm.

7. The storage bag according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The third convex portion is provided in a range extending from an end of the third surface portion toward an inner side of the third surface portion in the first direction by not less than 10 mm and not more than 70 mm, and The fourth convex portion is provided in a range extending from an end portion of the fourth surface portion toward an inner side of the fourth surface portion in the first direction by not less than 10 mm and not more than 70 mm.

8. The storage bag according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The total number of the first protrusions and the third protrusions is ten or less, and The total number of the second convex portions and the fourth convex portions is ten or less.

9. The storage bag according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first direction is a direction from the bottom of the bag body toward the discharge port.

10. The storage bag according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first surface portion, the second surface portion, the third surface portion, and the fourth surface portion are composed of a film including at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, aluminum, polyethylene terephthalate, and nylon.

11. The storage bag according to claim 1 or 2, wherein As liquid drains from the bag, the third surface portion and the fourth surface portion are folded along fold lines extending in the first direction.

12. The storage bag according to claim 1, wherein The bag body further includes a fifth surface portion configured to function as a lining portion, the fifth surface portion configured to connect the first surface portion, the second surface portion, the third surface portion, and the fourth surface portion, The first surface portion and the fifth surface portion are coupled by a fifth coupling portion configured to extend in the second direction, The second surface portion and the fifth surface portion are coupled by a sixth coupling portion configured to extend in the second direction, The fifth coupling portion includes a fifth protrusion configured to protrude toward an inner side of the first surface portion along the first direction, and The sixth coupling portion includes a sixth protrusion configured to protrude toward an inner side of the first surface portion along the first direction.

13. The storage bag according to claim 12, wherein The fifth convex portion and the sixth convex portion are located at the same position in the second direction.

14. The storage bag according to claim 12, wherein At the fifth coupling portion, the first surface portion and the fifth surface portion are coupled by welding or an adhesive, and At the sixth coupling portion, the second surface portion and the fifth surface portion are coupled by welding or an adhesive.

15. The storage bag according to claim 12, wherein The fifth surface portion is composed of a film including at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, aluminum, polyethylene terephthalate, and nylon.

16. The storage bag according to claim 12, wherein As liquid drains from the bag, the fifth surface portion is folded along a fold line extending in the second direction.

17. A printing device comprising: an installation unit capable of installing a storage bag, wherein the storage bag includes a bag body and a discharge port for discharging liquid stored in the bag body; as well as A print head capable of printing an image on a print medium by ejecting liquid discharged from the discharge port, wherein The bag body includes: a first surface portion; a second surface portion opposite to the first surface portion; a third surface portion configured to serve as a lining portion, the third surface portion configured to connect the first surface portion and the second surface portion; and a fourth surface portion opposite to the third surface portion and configured to serve as a lining portion, the fourth surface portion configured to connect the first surface portion and the second surface portion, The first surface portion and the third surface portion are coupled by a first coupling portion configured to extend in a first direction, The first surface portion and the fourth surface portion are coupled by a second coupling portion configured to extend in the first direction, The first coupling portion includes a first protrusion configured to protrude toward an inner side of the first surface portion along a second direction intersecting the first direction, The second coupling portion includes a second protrusion configured to protrude toward an inner side of the first surface portion along the second direction, The second surface portion and the third surface portion are coupled by a third coupling portion configured to extend in the first direction, The second surface portion and the fourth surface portion are coupled by a fourth coupling portion configured to extend in the first direction, the third coupling portion includes a third protrusion configured to protrude toward an inner side of the second surface portion along the second direction, the fourth coupling portion includes a fourth protrusion configured to protrude toward an inner side of the second surface portion along the second direction, The first convex portion and the third convex portion are located at the same position in the first direction, and The second convex portion and the fourth convex portion are located at the same position in the first direction.

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