Ink storage bag

Abstract

The present application relates to an ink storage bag for refilling a liquid discharge device with ink, comprising: a bag portion for storing ink; and a nozzle provided in the pouch portion and equipped with a discharge path that discharges ink from an interior of the pouch portion, in which the nozzle includes a first portion in which the discharge path extends in a first direction and a second portion in which the discharge path extends in a second direction. The discharge path extends in a second direction crossing the first direction in the second portion. The techniques described in this specification are possible to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development society, such as decarburization society / recycling society.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ink storage bag. BACKGROUND

[0002] Recording devices (e.g., inkjet printers) as ink discharge devices (liquid discharge devices) that perform recording on a recording medium by ejecting a liquid (e.g., ink) onto the recording medium are conventionally known. For this type of ink discharge device, when the ink in a tank is insufficient, the tank is refilled with ink by injecting refill ink from a container that contains refill ink into a refill port. As a container for storing refill ink, a bottle-shaped container or a storage bag in which a storage pouch (bag) formed by joining the periphery of a flexible film is provided with a spout for pouring out ink can be used. Specifically, for example, an ink storage bag can be formed by heat-welding the four edges of two films to each other to form a bag-like shape (e.g., Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-2262). SUMMARY

[0003] In recent years, there is a social demand to develop technologies that can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society (e.g., a decarbonized society / circular society). Specifically, from the viewpoint of being environmentally friendly, since an ink storage bag uses less material than an ink bottle, an ink storage bag is preferable as a container for storing refill ink. However, since an ink bag is flexible unlike an ink bottle, it can be difficult to align a nozzle with an ink refill receiver. Therefore, a concern is that alignment takes time or misalignment causes liquid leakage.

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology capable of improving the work performance of a liquid refill work in an ink storage bag.

[0005] To achieve the above object, an ink storage bag for refilling a liquid discharge device according to the present disclosure includes:

[0006] a bag portion for storing ink; and

[0007] a nozzle provided in the bag portion and equipped with a discharge path that discharges ink from the inside of the bag portion,

[0008] wherein the nozzle includes a first portion and a second portion, the discharge path extends in a first direction in the first portion, the discharge path extends in a second direction that crosses the first direction in the second portion.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the work performance of a liquid refill work in an ink storage bag.

[0010] Other features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram of an ink storage bag according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is an explanatory diagram of an ink storage bag according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is an explanatory diagram of an ink storage bag according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram of a variant ink storage bag according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is an explanatory diagram of an ink storage bag according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figures 6A to 6F This is an explanatory diagram of an ink storage bag according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figures 7A to 7D This is an explanatory diagram of an ink storage bag according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figures 8A to 8F These are explanatory diagrams of an ink storage bag according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0019] Figures 9A to 9E This is an explanatory diagram of an ink storage bag according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The manner in which this disclosure is implemented will now be described in detail based on examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and like of the components described in the embodiments are intended to be appropriately varied depending on the configuration of the device to which this disclosure is applied and various conditions. In other words, the scope of this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described below. While multiple features are described in the various embodiments presented below, these multiple features are not necessarily all essential to the disclosure, and these multiple features can be combined with each other in any way. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same reference numerals will be assigned to the same or similar components in the various embodiments, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0021] First Embodiment

[0022] Figure 1An example of a description of directly supplying ink from the ink storage bag 1 (liquid storage bag) according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure to the ink supply receiver 104 included in the sub-ink tank 103 of the inkjet printer 100 is shown.

[0023] The inkjet printer 100 is a liquid discharge apparatus constituted by the recording mechanism 102 and the sub-ink tank 103. The recording mechanism 102 includes an inkjet head (recording head) (not shown) that discharges ink supplied from the sub-ink tank 103 to a recording medium and performs recording. Characters, symbols, images, and the like are formed by selectively causing a plurality of colors of liquid to be discharged from the inkjet head and depositing the liquid on the recording medium. Any recording medium can be used as long as the recording medium is capable of forming images and the like by depositing droplets. For example, various materials and forms of media, including paper, cloth, optical disc label surfaces, plastic sheets, OHP sheets, and envelopes, can be used as the recording medium. Although the liquid stored in the liquid storage container to which the present disclosure can be applied is typically ink, the liquid is not limited to ink and can also be a reaction fluid or a pretreatment fluid used for refilling the liquid discharge apparatus.

[0024] The inkjet printer 100 includes an open / close lid 108, and when the open / close lid 108 is opened, the ink supply receiver 104 of the sub-ink tank 103 is exposed. The sub-ink tank 103 is provided for various types of ink (e.g., various colors of ink) used for recording. When the ink is consumed due to recording and the amount of ink stored in the sub-ink tank 103 becomes low, the sub-ink tank 103 can be refilled with ink from the ink storage bag 1.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, Figure 1 When the sub-ink tank 103 of the inkjet printer 100 is directly refilled with ink from the ink storage bag 1, the refilling of ink is performed by connecting the nozzle 4 to the ink supply receiver 104. At this time, since the folding structure is formed in the nozzle 4, the ink storage bladder 2, which is flexible and difficult to hold with the palm of the hand H, can be positioned and held in a stable horizontal direction in the ink storage bag 1. The ink storage bag 1 according to the present embodiment has a folding structure in which the nozzle 4 is constituted by a pipe portion 3 (first portion) shaped to protrude from the ink storage bladder 2 and a tip pipe portion 5 (second portion) bent from the tip of the pipe portion 3. The connection of the ink storage bag 1 and the sub-ink tank 103 is performed by inserting the tip pipe portion 5 extending vertically downward into the ink supply receiver 104 opening vertically upward. Since the nozzle 4 has the above-described folding structure, the nozzle 4 and the ink supply receiver 104 can be easily positioned in a stable holding posture in which the ink storage bladder 2, which is flexible and easily becomes unstable when held by the hand H, is placed on the palm of the hand H. Note that, Figure 1 The inkjet printer 100 shown in FIG. 1 is installed on a horizontal surface as a normally presented installation condition (normal use condition).

[0026] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B Describe the details of ink storage bag 1. Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is an illustrative configuration diagram of the ink storage bag 1 according to this embodiment, wherein... Figure 2A The cross-sectional configuration of the ink storage bag 1 and the configuration of the cover portion 301 are shown. Figure 2B yes Figure 2A Enlarged view of mechanism 300, indicated by the dashed circle.

[0027] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the ink storage bag 1 includes a flexible ink storage bladder 2 as a bag portion for storing ink and a nozzle 4 forming a discharge path for discharging ink from the interior of the ink storage bladder 2 to the exterior. The outer periphery of the ink storage bladder 2 is formed into a flat shape and sealed by heat fusion and similar means to create a structure that prevents liquid leakage. The nozzle 4 is integrally provided at one end of the ink storage bladder 2 in the longitudinal direction L (corresponding to a portion of the shorter side of a generally rectangular shape in the plan view). The nozzle 4 is configured to protrude from one end of the ink storage bladder 2 in the longitudinal direction L, generally along the longitudinal direction L.

[0028] The ink reservoir 2 is flexible and deformable due to pressure exerted by the ink stored in the ink reservoir 1. On the other hand, the nozzle 4 in the ink reservoir 1 is a rigid part, which allows the nozzle 4 to maintain a constant shape relative to the pressure exerted by the stored liquid. In other words, the ink reservoir 1 can be said to be primarily composed of flexible parts. According to this embodiment, the ink reservoir 1 can, for example, have the ink inside the flexible ink reservoir 2 discharged through the nozzle 4 to the outside of the ink reservoir 1 (ink reservoir 2) by applying pressure to the ink reservoir 2.

[0029] The ink reservoir 2 is formed from a material that is flexible, airtight, and impermeable to liquids, serving as the first material. For example, the ink reservoir 2 can be constructed from a membrane-like component such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, or polyethylene. Alternatively, the ink reservoir 2 can be constructed by stacking multiple membrane-like component sheets made from the aforementioned raw materials. In this case, for example, the outer layer can be formed from a PET or nylon film with excellent impact resistance, and the inner layer can be formed from a polyethylene film with excellent ink resistance. Furthermore, layers of aluminum or other vapor-deposited materials can be added to the stacked structure.

[0030] The material (second material) constituting the nozzle 4 is plastic, and more specifically, a resin such as polypropylene. In the nozzle 4, a through-flow path 304 (discharge path) for supplying liquid (discharging liquid from the inside of the ink storage bladder 2) is formed. The through-flow path 304 includes an introduction port 311 (port) that opens in the inside of the ink storage bladder 2 to introduce ink in the inside of the ink storage bladder 2 into the through-flow path 304, and a discharge port 312 for discharging ink flowing through the through-flow path 304 to the outside of the ink storage bag 1 (ink storage bladder 2).

[0031] The nozzle 4 of the ink storage bag 1 according to the present embodiment has a folded structure described below. Specifically, the nozzle 4 includes a pipe portion 3 as a first portion and a terminal pipe portion 5 as a second portion, which extend in directions crossing each other. The pipe portion 3 is a portion connected to the ink storage bladder 2 and extending in the longitudinal direction L of the ink storage bladder 2. The terminal pipe portion 5 is a portion bent and extended from the terminal of the pipe portion 3 extending from the ink storage bladder 2, and extends in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction L of the ink storage bladder 2, which is a direction V orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L of the ink storage bladder 2 in the present embodiment. In other words, in the present embodiment, the pipe portion 3 and the terminal pipe portion 5 are arranged to form a substantially L shape. The through-flow path 304 is formed in the directions in which the pipe portion 3 and the terminal pipe portion 5 extend.

[0032] In the present embodiment, when the ink storage bag 1 is held so that the longitudinal direction L of the ink storage bladder 2 is parallel to the horizontal direction, the direction in which the pipe portion 3 extends (first direction) is the horizontal direction, and the direction V in which the terminal pipe portion 5 extends (second direction) is the vertical direction. The through-flow path 304 includes a first flow path 341 (first discharge path) provided in the pipe portion 3 and a second flow path 342 (second discharge path) provided in the terminal pipe portion 5. The first flow path 341 extends in the direction in which the pipe portion 3 extends (first direction), and the second flow path 342 extends in the direction in which the terminal pipe portion 5 extends (second direction). The introduction port 311 is provided in the first flow path 341 and opens in the longitudinal direction L, and the discharge port 312 is provided in the second flow path 342 and opens in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction L, which is a direction V orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L in the present embodiment.

[0033] Further, the ink storage bag 1 according to the present embodiment is equipped with a removable cap portion 301 made of plastic, or more specifically, resin such as polypropylene, to prevent ink leakage when not in use. An O-ring 303 for preventing liquid leakage is formed near the tip of the tip pipe portion 5 of the nozzle 4, and an O-ring 302 for preventing liquid leakage is formed in the cap portion 301. When the ink storage bag 1 is not in use, the cap portion 301 is connected to the tip of the tip pipe portion 5 of the nozzle 4 to seal the discharge port 312 that is open at the tip of the tip pipe portion 5, in order to prevent ink leakage.

[0034] A mechanism 300 to stop liquid feed when the ink storage bladder 2 is not subjected to pressure is formed near the base of the nozzle 4 (first portion 41). The mechanism 300 to stop liquid feed is made of resin such as polypropylene, and is composed of a valve body 306 including a valve shaft 308, a spring 307, a shaft support portion 310, and a valve body stop portion 309. The shaft support portion 310 and the valve body stop portion 309 are formed by reducing the diameter of a portion of the first flow path 341 of the through flow path 304.

[0035] The valve body 306 and the valve shaft 308, which are sealing members, are disposed inside the first flow path 341 of the through flow path 304, and form a state to stop liquid feed by coming into contact with the wall surface (valve body stop portion 309) of the first flow path 341 to block the introduction port 311 from the inside of the through flow path 304. The valve body 306 is held in a sealing position in which the valve body 306 blocks the introduction port 311 due to the biasing force of the spring 307, which is a biasing member. The biasing force exerted on the valve body 306 by the spring 307 is set to be greater than the pressurization force when only the weight of the ink contained inside the ink storage bladder 2 acts on the valve body 306.

[0036] When the ink storage bladder 2 is pressurized, the valve body 306 is pushed out to the nozzle tip side together with the ink, and the ink is supplied through the through flow path 304. In other words, when an external force is applied to the ink storage bladder 2 and the pressurization force acting on the valve body 306 from the inside of the ink storage bladder 2 becomes greater than the biasing force of the spring 307, the valve body 306 moves to a non-sealing position in which the valve body 306 is separated from the valve body stop portion 309. Thus, the ink inside the ink storage bladder 2 is introduced from the introduction port 311 into the through flow path 304, and is discharged from the discharge port 312 to the outside of the ink storage bag 1. When the pressure applied to the ink storage bladder 2 is low or non-existent, the valve body 306 is pressed against the valve body stop portion 309 by the spring 307, and liquid flow is prevented, the flow of ink is eliminated, and unnecessary ink leakage is prevented, etc.

[0037] As Figure 1As shown, when the ink storage bladder 2 is held in the horizontal direction (held so that the longitudinal direction L of the ink storage bladder 2 is the horizontal direction), the folding angle of the folded structure of the nozzle 4 is configured to be within the following range. In other words, the angle formed by the axis 11 formed by the tip pipe portion 5 and the axis 12 formed by the ink supply receiver 104 of the sub-ink tank 103 is preferably within the range of 0° or more to 15° or less, with the parallel state being 0°. The axis 11 is a virtual axis that passes through the center of the discharge port 312, and the axis 12 is a virtual axis that passes through the center of the ink supply receiver 104, for example.

[0038] Second Embodiment

[0039] Figure 3A And Figure 3B is a drawing that shows a second embodiment that is a variation of the first embodiment. Here, only the components of the second embodiment that are different from the components of the first embodiment will be described, and the component descriptions that are common to the component descriptions of the first embodiment will not be repeated. The configuration of the second embodiment that is not specifically described here is similar to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0040] The second embodiment adopts a configuration in which, as the refill destination of the ink storage bag 1, ink is not refilled directly from the ink storage bag 1 to the inkjet printer 100, but is refilled from the ink storage bag 1 to the inkjet printer 100 via the ink refill bottle 105.

[0041] Figure 3A is an explanatory drawing that shows a situation according to the present embodiment in which ink is refilled from the ink storage bag 1 to the inkjet printer 100 via the ink refill bottle 105, rather than being refilled directly from the ink storage bag 1 to the inkjet printer 100. When the amount of ink stored in the sub-ink tank 103 becomes low as ink is consumed due to recording, the sub-ink tank 103 can be refilled with ink from the ink refill bottle 105. When refilling the ink, the ink is supplied due to the weight of the ink itself or a suction mechanism (not shown) by connecting the nozzle 106 of the ink refill bottle 105 and the ink supply receiver 104 of the sub-ink tank 103 to each other.

[0042] Figure 3B is an explanatory drawing that shows a situation in which ink is refilled from the ink storage bag 1, which is a first liquid refill container, to the ink refill bottle 105, which is a second liquid refill container. When the amount of ink in the ink refill bottle 105 is low, the ink is refilled by the ink storage bag 1, as Figure 3BThe ink storage bag 1 according to the present embodiment is configured in a similar manner to the ink storage bag 1 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, the nozzle 4 is configured in a substantially L shape in which the pipe portion 3 (first portion) and the terminal pipe portion 5 (second portion) are substantially orthogonal to each other. A reference line 21 extending perpendicularly with respect to the opening surface of the nozzle 106 of the ink refilling bottle 105 extends in the vertical direction. In contrast, a reference line 22 extending in the perpendicular direction with respect to the pipe cross section of the pipe portion 3 of the nozzle 4 of the ink storage bag 1 in which the ink storage bladder 2 is held such that the longitudinal direction of the ink storage bladder 2 is the horizontal direction extends in the horizontal direction. Accordingly, the angle 23 formed by the reference line 21 and the reference line 22 is 90°.

[0043] When refilling the ink from the ink storage bag 1 to the ink refilling bottle 105, first, the terminal pipe portion 5 of the nozzle 4 is inserted or connected to the nozzle 106 of the ink refilling bottle 105. In addition, after stabilizing the support state of the ink storage bag 1 by, for example, placing the ink storage bladder 2 on the palm of the hand H such that the lateral portion of the ink storage bladder 2 faces downward, the ink storage bladder 2 is pressurized to push out the ink inside thereof. Accordingly, the ink stored in the ink storage bladder 2 can be injected into the nozzle 106 of the ink refilling bottle 105 in a stable manner.

[0044] Due to the folding structure of the nozzle 4 described above, the ink storage bag 1, which is flexible and difficult to hold with the palm of the hand H, can be positioned and held in a stable horizontal direction. Accordingly, the nozzle 4 of the ink storage bag 1 and the nozzle 106 of the ink refilling bottle 105 can be easily positioned.

[0045] Figure 4is an explanatory view showing a condition according to a variation of the second embodiment in which ink is refilled from the ink storage bag 1b as the first liquid refilling container to the ink refilling bottle 105 as the second liquid refilling container. The ink storage bag 1b is configured so that the angle formed by the pipe portion 3 (first direction) of the nozzle 4 and the tip pipe portion 5 (second direction) is 120° instead of 90° as in the ink storage bag 1. Therefore, the reference line 21 extending perpendicularly with respect to the opening surface of the nozzle 106 of the ink refilling bottle 105 extends in the vertical direction. In contrast, the reference line 22 extending in the perpendicular direction with respect to the pipe cross section of the tip pipe portion 5 of the nozzle 4 of the ink storage bag 1b in which the tip pipe portion 5 is connected to the nozzle 106 extends in a direction at an angle of 120° with respect to the vertical direction. Therefore, the angle 24 formed by the reference line 21 and the reference line 22 is 120°. Since the nozzle 4 includes the folded portion, the efficiency of the refilling of the ink filled in the ink storage bag 1 into the ink refilling bottle 105 is improved due to the effect of the weight of the ink itself.

[0046] The angles 23 and 24 are preferably in the range of 90° or more to 150° or less in view of the stability of the support state when the ink storage pouch 2 is held by the hand H and the refilling effect of the ink under the weight of the ink itself. In addition, as shown in Figure 4 The ink storage pouch 2 according to the present embodiment shown in Figure 1 may also be used in a configuration in which the ink is directly refilled into the sub-ink tank 103 of the inkjet printer 100 in an appropriate manner.

[0047] Third Embodiment

[0048] A third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figures 6A to 6F Here, only the components of the third embodiment that are different from those of the first and second embodiments will be described, and the description of the components common to the description of the first and second embodiments will not be repeated. The configuration of the third embodiment not specifically described here is similar to that of the first and second embodiments.

[0049] The present embodiment is an example of a configuration in which the tip portion of the nozzle is configured as a second portion so that the relative attitude of the tip portion with respect to the ink storage bag is variable and the refilling of the ink is allowed when the direction in which the tip portion extends assumes a predetermined direction (second direction). Since the method of the ink refilling to the sub-ink tank 103 of the inkjet printer 100 and the method of the ink refilling to the ink refilling bottle 105 using the ink storage bag are the same as those according to the first and second embodiments, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, the ink storage bag 1c according to the present embodiment includes a nozzle 400 having a movable folding structure. The nozzle 400 is configured such that a root portion 401, which is a first portion, integrally provided in the ink storage bladder 2 and a tip portion 407, which is a second portion, having a discharge port 312 are coupled to each other by a movable shaft 404 so as to be able to relatively rotate. Figure 5A is a schematic view of the ink storage bag 1c when the nozzle 400 assumes a folded shape in which the root portion 401 and the tip portion 407 are arranged such that their respective directions of extension cross each other (a state in which ink can be supplied). Figure 5B is a schematic view of the ink storage bag 1c when the nozzle 400 assumes a linear shape in which the root portion 401 and the tip portion 407 are arranged such that their respective directions of extension are the same direction (a state in which ink cannot be supplied).

[0051] Figure 6A is a schematic view showing only the tip portion 407 of the nozzle 400 and the movable shaft 404, Figure 6B is a B-arrow direction view of Figure 6A , and Figure 6C is a C-arrow direction view of Figure 6A . Figure 6D is a schematic view showing only the root portion 401 of the nozzle 400 and the movable shaft 404, Figure 6E is a D-arrow direction view of Figure 6D , and Figure 6F is an E-arrow direction view of Figure 6A . The movable shaft 404 is, for example, a bolt made of a resin such as polypropylene or a bolt made of a metal such as aluminum. As shown in Figures 6A to 6F , the movable shaft 404 is provided in pairs on both sides across the hollow space so as not to cross the respective hollow spaces of the root portion 401 and the tip portion 407, and connects the root portion 401 and the tip portion 407.

[0052] As shown in Figure 5A and Figure 5B , a resin pipe 402, which is a flexible tube, is coupled between the root portion 401 and the tip portion 407 as a third portion in a region including the movable shaft 404. The resin pipe 402 is a soft member made of vinyl chloride to which a plasticizer is added or the like. A flow path 304 of the nozzle 400 is constituted by a first flow path 341 (a first discharge path) in the root portion 401, a second flow path 342 (a second discharge path) in the tip portion 407, and a third flow path 343 (a third discharge path) constituted by an inner cylindrical portion of the resin pipe 402. The third flow path 343 is a flow path connecting the first flow path 341 and the second flow path 342 to each other.

[0053] As shown in Figure 5A, Figure 5B as well as Figures 6A to 6F As shown, a protruding portion 406 (first pressing portion) is formed on the inner side of the root portion 401, and a protruding portion 403 (second pressing portion) is formed on the inner side of the end portion 407. The protruding portions 406 and 403 are configured to contact the outer surface of the resin conduit 402, respectively, with their contact positions opposite each other, and are arranged in an opposing configuration across the resin conduit 402. The protruding portions 406 and 403 are arranged to change their relative positions such that the distance (gap) between the protruding portions 406 and 403 changes as the relative positions of the root portion 401 and the end portion 407 change.

[0054] like Figure 5A As shown, when the end portion 407 is in an L-shaped folded arrangement relative to the root portion 401, the protruding portions 406 and 403 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other, creating a predetermined gap between them. At this time, the third flow path 343 of the resin conduit 402 can dispense ink and can feed ink from the inside of the ink storage bladder 2 to the outside of the ink storage bag 1c (ink storage bladder 2).

[0055] On the other hand, such as Figure 5B As shown, when the end portion 407 is arranged in a linear shape (unfolded) relative to the root portion 401, the gap between the protruding portions 403 and 406 narrows. Therefore, the resin conduit 402 is clamped between and squeezed by the protruding portions 403 and 406, resulting in the third flow path 343 being blocked and ink feeding stopping. In other words, when the nozzle 400 is folded into an L-shape, the relative positions of the protruding portions 403 and 406 are in an open position, the third flow path 343 is open, and ink can be fed. Conversely, when the nozzle 400 is in a linear shape, the relative positions of the protruding portions 403 and 406 are in a closed position, the third flow path 343 is closed, and ink feeding stops.

[0056] As described above, by employing a movable configuration of the nozzle 400 that allows the nozzle 400 to switch between folded and linear shapes, and by employing a configuration that allows the ink feed channel to open or close according to shape changes, the need for a cap, such as that according to the first embodiment, can be eliminated.

[0057] Fourth embodiment

[0058] Reference Figures 7A to 7D as well as Figures 8A to 8FA fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Here, only the components of the fourth embodiment that are different from those of the first to third embodiments will be described, and the description of the components common to those of the first to third embodiments will not be repeated. The configuration of the fourth embodiment not specifically described here is similar to that of the first to third embodiments.

[0059] This embodiment is an example of a configuration in which the tip portion of the nozzle is configured as a second portion such that the relative attitude of the tip portion with respect to the ink storage pouch is variable and ink refilling is allowed when the direction in which the tip portion extends assumes a predetermined direction (second direction). Since the ink refilling method to the sub-ink tank 103 of the inkjet printer 100 using the ink storage pouch and the ink refilling method to the ink refilling bottle 105 are the same as those according to the first and second embodiments, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0060] Figure 7A and Figure 7B is a drawing showing the configuration of the portion of the nozzle 501 having an L-shaped folded shape, which is composed of the longitudinal portion 531 as a first portion and the tip portion 532 as a second portion, wherein Figure 7B is Figure 7A a G-arrow direction view thereof. The longitudinal portion 531 and the tip portion 532 of the nozzle 501 have a unitary configuration arranged in a substantially L shape. The tip of the tip portion 532 has a discharge port 542 opening on a tip surface and an O-ring 505 on the outer periphery of the tip portion for improving sealing performance when connected to the ink supply receiver 104. A first flow path 521 (first discharge path) is provided in the longitudinal portion 531, and a second flow path 522 (second discharge path) is provided in the tip portion 532, which together with a third flow path (third discharge path) 512 provided in the root portion 514 described later form a through-flow path 502 capable of feeding ink. An inner peripheral connection portion 504 capable of being connected to the root portion 514 integrally provided at one end portion (portion corresponding to one short side of a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view) in the longitudinal direction L of the ink storage bladder 2 is formed on the upstream side in the ink feeding direction of the first flow path 521 of the longitudinal portion 531. Further, a fan-shaped through-hole 503 is formed on the downstream side of the inner peripheral connection portion 504 in the ink feeding direction of the first flow path 521 so as to locally narrow the flow path area of the ink feeding.

[0061] Figure 7C and Figure 7D is a drawing showing the configuration of the ink storage bladder 2 and the root portion 514 as a third portion of the nozzle 501, wherein Figure 7D is Figure 7Cis an I-arrow direction view. The root portion 514 is provided integrally with the ink storage bladder 2 at one longitudinal end of the ink storage bladder 2. The root portion 514 includes an introduction port 541 (port) that opens to the inside of the ink storage bladder 2, a third flow path 512 that extends from the introduction port 541 in the longitudinal direction L, and an outer peripheral connection portion 513 to be mated with an inner peripheral connection portion 504 of the longitudinal portion 531. Further, a fan-shaped through-hole 511 is formed at a downstream end in the ink feeding direction of the third flow path 512 so as to locally narrow the flow path area of the ink feeding.

[0062] The inner peripheral connection portion 504 of the longitudinal portion 531 and the outer peripheral connection portion 513 of the root portion 514 are configured to be connectable concentrically to each other and freely rotatable with respect to each other, and connect the longitudinal portion 531 and the root portion 514 so as to be rotatable with respect to each other while maintaining the sealing property of the ink. Connecting the longitudinal portion 531 and the root portion 514 results in a state in which the surface on which the through-hole 503 of the longitudinal portion 531 opens and the surface on which the through-hole 511 of the root portion 514 opens contact each other.

[0063] The through-hole 503 and the through-hole 511 are arranged at positions that do not cross the rotation axis of the relative rotation of the longitudinal portion 531 and the root portion 514. Therefore, the through-hole 503 and the through-hole 511 are configured such that their relative positions with respect to each other can be changed by the relative rotation of the longitudinal portion 531 and the root portion 514. The relative rotation phase of the longitudinal portion 531 and the root portion 514 includes an open phase (open position) in which the through-hole 503 and the through-hole 511 overlap each other and the first flow path 521 and the third flow path 512 communicate with each other. Further, the rotation phase of the longitudinal portion 531 and the root portion 514 includes a closed phase (closed position) in which the through-hole 503 and the through-hole 511 do not overlap each other and the first flow path 521 and the third flow path 512 do not communicate with each other.

[0064] Figure 8A is a diagram showing the configuration of the ink storage bag 1d according to the present embodiment, and shows a case in which the through-hole 503 and the through-hole 511 are in an open phase in which the through-hole 503 and the through-hole 511 overlap each other. Figure 8B shows the arrangement of the through-hole 503 when viewed in the longitudinal direction L, and Figure 8C shows the arrangement of the through-hole 511 when viewed in the longitudinal direction L. When the through-hole 503 and the through-hole 511 are in an open phase in which the through-hole 503 and the through-hole 511 overlap each other, for example, by applying pressure to the ink storage bladder 2, the ink inside the ink storage bladder 2 can be discharged from the discharge port 542 via the through-flow path 502 (the ink can be fed). Therefore, the ink can be fed to the ink supply receiver 104 and the like.

[0065] Figure 8D is a view showing the configuration of the ink storage bag 1d according to the present embodiment, and shows a case where the through-hole 503 and the through-hole 511 are in the closed phase in which the through-hole 503 and the through-hole 511 do not overlap each other. Figure 8E shows the arrangement of the through-hole 503 when viewed in the longitudinal direction L, and Figure 8F shows the arrangement of the through-hole 511 when viewed in the longitudinal direction L. In this state, since the through-flow path 502 is blocked at the position where the through-hole 503 and the through-hole 511 are provided, even when pressure is applied to the ink storage bladder 2, ink does not feed downstream in the through-flow path 502.

[0066] As Figure 8A shown, when the ink storage bladder 2 is held in a position in which its longitudinal direction L is parallel to the horizontal direction, the extension direction of the tip portion 532 of the nozzle 501 in the open phase is configured to be downward in the vertical direction. Therefore, in a similar manner to the first embodiment, the tip portion 532 of the nozzle 501 can be easily positioned and inserted with respect to the ink supply receiver 104 of the sub-ink tank 103 that is open upward in the vertical direction.

[0067] In addition, as Figure 8B shown, when the ink storage bladder 2 is held in a position in which its longitudinal direction L is parallel to the horizontal direction, the extension direction of the tip portion 532 of the nozzle 501 in the closed phase is configured to be upward in the vertical direction. Therefore, a configuration is adopted in which, in a state in which the tip portion 532 extends in a direction in which it is difficult to insert the tip portion 532 into the ink supply receiver 104 that is open upward in the vertical direction, no ink leakage occurs.

[0068] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to control the opening and closing of ink feeding in accordance with the orientation of the folded portion of the nozzle 501. In addition, the folded shape of the nozzle 501 can contribute to enabling the nozzle 501 to be easily rotated.

[0069] Fifth Embodiment

[0070] A fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 9A to 9E Here, only the components of the fifth embodiment that are different from the components of the first to fourth embodiments will be described, and the description of the components that are common to the first to fourth embodiments will not be repeated. The configuration of the fifth embodiment that is not specifically described here is similar to the configurations of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0071] Since the method of refilling ink to the sub-ink tank 103 of the inkjet printer 100 using the ink storage bag and the method of refilling ink to the ink refill bottle 105 are the same as the methods according to the first and second embodiments, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0072] Figure 9A The configuration of the ink storage bag 1e according to the present embodiment, which is equipped with a nozzle 600 including a folding structure, is shown. The ink storage bag 1e according to the present embodiment is configured so that the nozzle 600 unique to the present embodiment is attached to the ink storage bladder 2 and the root portion 514 (third portion), similarly to that shown in the fourth embodiment. Figure 7C and Figure 7D The nozzle 600 includes a tip nozzle 601 configured so that a longitudinal portion 631 as a first portion and a tip portion 632 as a second portion are coupled to each other via a bellows portion 633 so as to be able to arbitrarily change their relative positions. The bellows portion 633 is contained in the nozzle 600 to facilitate positioning of the discharge port 642 of the nozzle 4 and the ink supply receiver.

[0073] The tip of the tip portion 632 has a discharge port 642 opening on a tip surface and an O-ring 605 on an outer periphery of the tip portion for improving sealing performance when connected to the ink supply receiver 104. A first flow path 621 (first discharge path) is provided in the longitudinal portion 631, and a second flow path 622 (second discharge path) is provided in the tip portion 632. A fan-shaped through-hole 606 is formed at an upstream end in the ink feed direction of the first flow path 621 so as to locally narrow the flow path area of ink feed.

[0074] In addition, the nozzle 600 includes a connection portion 610 to be connected to the root portion 514 provided integrally with the ink storage bladder 2. The connection portion 610 is a substantially cylindrical member and includes an inner peripheral connection portion 604 and a fan-shaped through-hole 611, which is fixed and connected to the outer peripheral connection portion 513 of the root portion 514 in a liquid-tight manner.

[0075] Furthermore, the nozzle 600 has a joint portion 607 as a fourth portion, which is connected between the longitudinal portion 631 and the connection portion 610. The joint portion 607 is rotatably connected to both the longitudinal portion 631 and the connection portion 610 while maintaining the sealing properties of the ink. The joint portion 607 is a substantially cylindrical member and has a fourth flow path 624 (fourth discharge path) extending in the longitudinal direction L. Fan-shaped through-holes 603 are formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction L of the fourth flow path 624 so as to locally narrow the flow path area of ink feed. The surface of the joint portion 607 where the through-holes 603 on the upstream side in the ink feed direction open is configured to be in contact with the surface of the connection portion 610 where the through-hole 611 opens. The surface of the joint portion 607 where the through-holes 603 on the downstream side in the ink feed direction open is configured to be in contact with the surface of the longitudinal portion 631 where the through-hole 606 opens.

[0076] The nozzle 600 includes a through-flow path 602 that is capable of feeding ink from the inside of the ink storage bladder 2 to the outside, the through-flow path including a first flow path 621 of the longitudinal portion 631, a second flow path 622 of the tip portion 632, a third flow path 512 of the root portion 514, and a fourth flow path 624 of the joint portion 607.

[0077] The joint portion 607 is relatively rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal direction L with respect to both the longitudinal portion 631 and the connecting portion 610. The through-hole 606 of the longitudinal portion 631 and the through-hole 611 of the connecting portion 610 are configured at positions that do not cross the rotation axis of the joint portion 607, and are arranged and shaped so as to overlap each other when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis. The through-holes 603 at both longitudinal ends of the joint portion 607 are also configured at positions that do not cross the rotation axis of the joint portion 607, and are arranged and shaped so as to overlap each other when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis. Thus, the through-holes 603 of the joint portion 607, the through-hole 606 of the longitudinal portion 631, and the through-hole 611 of the connecting portion 610 are configured such that their relative positions with respect to each other can be changed by relative rotation of the joint portion 607, the longitudinal portion 631, and the connecting portion 610. The rotational phase of the relative rotation includes an open phase (open position) in which the through-holes 603 at both longitudinal ends, the through-hole 606, and the through-hole 611 overlap each other and the first flow path 621, the fourth flow path 624, and the third flow path 512 communicate in that order. In addition, the rotational phase of the relative rotation includes a closed phase (closed position) in which the through-holes 603 at both longitudinal ends do not overlap both the through-hole 606 and the through-hole 611, and the first flow path 621 and the third flow path 512 do not communicate with each other.

[0078] When the relative positions of the joint portion 607, the longitudinal portion 631, and the connecting portion 610 are in the open phase, Figure 9B the arrangement of the through-hole 606 and the through-hole 611 when viewed in the longitudinal direction L is shown, Figure 9C the arrangement of the through-holes 603 when viewed in the longitudinal direction L is shown. When the through-holes 603 at both longitudinal ends, and the through-hole 606 and the through-hole 611 are in the open phase in which the through-holes overlap each other, for example, by applying pressure to the ink storage bladder 2, ink within the ink storage bladder 2 can be discharged (ink can be fed) from the discharge port 642 via the through-flow path 602. Thus, ink can be fed to the ink supply receiver 104 and the like.

[0079] When the relative positions of the joint portion 607, the longitudinal portion 631, and the connecting portion 610 are in the closed phase, Figure 9D the arrangement of the through-hole 606 and the through-hole 611 when viewed in the longitudinal direction L is shown,Figure 9E The arrangement of the through hole 603 when viewed in the longitudinal direction L is shown. In this state, since the through flow path 602 is blocked between the first flow path 621 and the third flow path 512, ink does not feed downstream in the through flow path 602 even when pressure is applied to the ink storage bladder 2.

[0080] When refilling the ink refill bottle 105 with ink in the ink storage bag 1e, the tip nozzle 601 of the nozzle 600 is connected to the ink supply receiver 104 of the ink refill bottle 105 in a state in which the ink supply path (through flow path 602) is closed. Subsequently, by rotating the joint portion 607 and opening the ink supply path, the ink refill bottle 105 can be refilled with ink while the ink storage bag 1e is held by hand in a stable manner without any ink leakage.

[0081] The configurations and various modifications of the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0082] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed example embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be construed as including all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An ink storage bag for an ink refill liquid discharge device, comprising: The bag portion is used to store ink; as well as A nozzle is disposed within the bag portion and equipped with a discharge path for discharging ink from the interior of the bag portion. The nozzle includes a first portion and a second portion, the discharge path extending in the first portion along a first direction, and the discharge path extending in the second portion along a second direction intersecting the first direction.

2. The ink storage bag according to claim 1, The nozzle includes a discharge port at the end of the second portion, through which ink is discharged to the outside of the bag portion. The second direction is the direction that intersects the longitudinal direction of the bag portion.

3. The ink storage bag according to claim 2, The first direction is the longitudinal direction of the bag portion.

4. The ink storage bag according to claim 2, The nozzle includes: A port that opens into the interior of the bag portion and introduces ink from inside the bag portion into the discharge path; A sealing member is disposed within the discharge path and configured to switch between a sealed position and an unsealed position, wherein in the sealed position the sealing member contacts the wall surface of the discharge path to seal the port from the interior of the discharge path, and in the unsealed position the sealing member is separated from the wall surface; as well as A biasing member applies a biasing force to the sealing member, the biasing force positioning the sealing member in the sealing position.

5. The ink storage bag according to claim 4, The biasing force is set to be greater than the applied force when the weight of the ink stored only inside the bag portion acts on the biasing member.

6. The ink storage bag according to claim 4 or 5, The port, the sealing member, and the biasing member are disposed in the first part.

7. The ink storage bag according to claim 1 or 2, The nozzles are arranged such that the first portion and the second portion form a generally L-shape.

8. The ink storage bag according to claim 2, The second part is configured such that its relative position with respect to the bag portion is changeable. The second portion is configured such that, at a position where the direction in which the second portion extends changes to the relative position of the second direction, the interior of the bag portion is able to communicate with the exterior of the bag portion via the discharge port.

9. The ink storage bag according to claim 2, The discharge path includes a first discharge path disposed in the first part and a second discharge path disposed in the second part. The nozzle is equipped with a flexible tube that is connected between the first portion and the second portion and forms a third discharge path to connect the first discharge path and the second discharge path to each other. The first part includes a first pressing part that can contact the outer surface of the tube. The second part includes a second pressing portion that can contact the outer surface at a position on the side opposite to the first pressing portion. The first and second portions are configured to change their relative positions to each other and to switch between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the first and second pressing portions clamp the tube and close the third discharge path. In the open position, the first and second pressing portions separate from each other and open the third discharge path.

10. The ink storage bag according to claim 9, Wherein, when the relative position presents the open position, the direction in which the second part extends is the second direction.

11. The ink storage bag according to claim 9 or 10, Wherein the relative position presents the closed position, the direction in which the second part extends is the first direction.

12. The ink storage bag according to claim 2, The nozzle is equipped with a third portion, which includes a port leading to the interior of the bag portion and introducing ink from inside the bag portion into the discharge path. The first part is connected in such a way that its relative position with respect to the third part can be changed. The discharge path includes a first discharge path disposed in the first part and a third discharge path disposed in the third part. The first part can switch between an open position and a closed position as a relative position to the third part. In the open position, the first discharge path is connected to the third discharge path, and in the closed position, the first discharge path is not connected to the third discharge path.

13. The ink storage bag according to claim 12, The second part is integrally constructed with the first part, and Wherein, when the relative position presents the open position, the direction in which the second part extends is the second direction.

14. The ink storage bag according to claim 2, The nozzle includes: The third part includes a port leading to the interior of the bag portion and introducing ink from the interior of the bag portion into the discharge path; as well as The fourth part, which is connected between the first part and the third part and is configured such that its relative position with respect to the first part and the third part is changeable, The discharge path includes a first discharge path disposed in the first part, a third discharge path disposed in the third part, and a fourth discharge path disposed in the fourth part. The fourth part is switchable between an open position and a closed position as a relative position to the first part and the third part. In the open position, the fourth discharge path is connected to the first discharge path and the third discharge path. In the closed position, the fourth discharge path is not connected to the first discharge path and the third discharge path.

15. The ink storage bag according to claim 1 or 2, The first part and the second part are connected to each other by a corrugated section, which can change the relative position of the first part and the second part.

16. The ink storage bag according to claim 1 or 2, While the bag portion is held such that the longitudinal direction of the bag portion is parallel to the horizontal direction, the second direction forms an angle in the range of 0° to 15° with respect to the virtual axis passing through the center of the receiver provided at the destination of ink refilling by the ink storage bag.

17. The ink storage bag according to claim 1 or 2, The angle formed between the first direction and the second direction is in the range of 90° to 150°.

18. The ink storage bag according to claim 1 or 2, The bag portion is flexible. The nozzle is rigid, which allows it to maintain a constant shape relative to the pressure exerted by the ink stored inside the bag portion.

19. The ink storage bag according to claim 1 or 2, The nozzle is located at one end of the bag portion in the longitudinal direction.

20. The ink storage bag according to claim 1 or 2, The nozzle rotates to switch between an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the interior of the bag portion is able to communicate with the exterior of the bag portion via the discharge port. In the closed state, the interior of the bag portion is not connected to the exterior of the bag portion via the discharge port.

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