Liquid storage apparatus, and method for re-use of liquid storage apparatus

Abstract

To provide a liquid storage apparatus and a method for re-use of the liquid storage apparatus that have high reliability.SOLUTION: A liquid storage apparatus comprises: a liquid lead-out member 66 which supplies a liquid 200 to the exterior; and a liquid storage bag 60 for accommodating a part of the liquid lead-out member 66. The liquid lead-out member 66 is provided with a plurality of deposition faces 66A, 66B at a contact part between itself and the liquid storage bag 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid containing device and a method for reusing a liquid containing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration of a liquid container in which ink as a liquid is contained in a bag, and an opening of the bag and a welded part of a liquid lead-out member are welded and joined together. For example, the liquid container can be reused by cutting off a corner of the bag, refilling the cut-off part with ink, and then sealing it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-198990 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, even if the parts housed in the bag, for example the liquid lead-out member, have a quality defect, they are reused without being checked. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The liquid storage device comprises a liquid outlet member that supplies liquid to the outside, and a liquid storage bag that contains a portion of the liquid outlet member, and the liquid outlet member has a plurality of welding surfaces at the contact portion with the liquid storage bag.

[0006] The liquid storage device comprises a liquid outlet member that supplies liquid to the outside, and a liquid storage bag that contains a portion of the liquid outlet member, wherein the thickness of a first bag layer in a first region that is welded to the liquid outlet member is thicker than the thickness of the first bag layer in a second region that is different from the first region.

[0007] A method for reusing a liquid containing device includes a liquid outlet member that supplies liquid to the outside and a liquid containing bag that contains a portion of the liquid outlet member, and includes the steps of: peeling off a first welding surface of a plurality of welding surfaces provided at a contact portion of the liquid outlet member with the liquid containing bag from the liquid containing bag; and welding a second welding surface of the plurality of welding surfaces to a liquid containing bag other than the liquid containing bag. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a liquid ejecting apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a liquid containing device and a container. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a liquid storage device. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a liquid leading-out member. [Figure 9] 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the liquid storage device shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion B of the liquid storage device shown in FIG. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing a method for reusing a liquid containing device. [Figure 12A] 11A to 11C are plan views showing a method for reusing the liquid containing device. [Figure 12B] 11A to 11C are plan views showing a method for reusing the liquid containing device. [Figure 12C] 11A to 11C are plan views showing a method for reusing the liquid containing device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a liquid storage device according to a modified example. [Figure 14] 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion C of the liquid storage device shown in FIG. 13. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] In the following figures, the three mutually orthogonal axes are described as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The direction along the X-axis is the "X-direction", the direction along the Y-axis is the "Y-direction", and the direction along the Z-axis is the "Z-direction", with the arrow direction being the + direction and the direction opposite to the + direction being the - direction. The +Z direction is sometimes called "upper" or "upper side" or "front side", and the -Z direction is sometimes called "lower" or "lower side" or "rear side", and the view from the +Z direction and -Z direction is also called a planar view or planar. The surface on the +Z side is described as the "upper surface" or "front side", and the surface on the opposite side of the -Z side is described as the "lower surface" or "rear side".

[0010] First, the configuration of a liquid ejecting device 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0011] 1, the liquid ejecting device 11 is, for example, an inkjet printer that performs printing by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper. The liquid ejecting device 11 includes an exterior body 12 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0012] On the front portion of the exterior body 12, from the bottom side to the top, there are arranged a rotatable front cover 15 that covers an attachment section 14 to which the container 13 is detachably attached, and an attachment opening 17 to which a cassette 16 capable of storing paper is attached. Furthermore, above the attachment opening 17, there are arranged an ejection tray 18 from which paper is ejected, and an operation panel 19 for operating the liquid ejection device 11.

[0013] The mounting portion 14 of this embodiment can mount a plurality of containers 13 in a manner that they are aligned in the width direction, that is, in the X direction. The liquid containing device 100 is removably placed on the container 13.

[0014] Next, the configuration of the mounting portion 14 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0015] 2, the mounting portion 14 has a frame 24 that forms a storage space capable of storing multiple containers 13. The frame 24 is formed with an insertion opening 25 that communicates with the storage space from the front cover 15 side, i.e., the front side in the -Y direction.

[0016] The container 13 is inserted into the accommodation space through the insertion port 25 and moved along a movement path extending in the +Y direction, thereby being attached to the attachment part 14. At the back side of the accommodation space, i.e., in the +Y direction, a connection mechanism 29 is provided so as to individually correspond to the container 13.

[0017] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a supply flow path 30 that supplies liquid from a liquid storage device 100 (see FIG. 5) mounted on the mounting portion 14 together with a container 13 to a liquid ejection portion (not shown), and a supply mechanism 31 configured to send liquid stored in a liquid storage bag 60 (see FIG. 4) to the supply flow path 30.

[0018] The supply flow path 30 is provided for each color of liquid 200 (see FIG. 9), and includes an ink introduction needle 32 to which the liquid containing device 100 is connected, and a flexible supply tube 33. A pump chamber (not shown) is provided between the ink introduction needle 32 and the supply tube 33.

[0019] Next, the configuration of the connection mechanism 29 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the connection mechanism 29 has a first connection mechanism 29F and a second connection mechanism 29S at positions sandwiching the ink introduction needle 32 in the X direction.

[0021] The first connection mechanism 29F is disposed vertically below the ink introduction needle 32 and includes an arm 38 that protrudes in the -Y direction. A locking portion 39 is provided at the tip of the arm 38. The arm 38 is configured so that the tip side can rotate around the base end side. The locking portion 39 is disposed on the movement path of the container 13 when the container 13 is attached to the mounting portion 14 (see FIG. 2), for example by protruding vertically upward from the arm 38. When the container 13 is attached to the mounting portion 14, the locking portion 39 fits into an engagement groove 78 (see FIG. 5) provided on the back surface of the container 13, preventing the container 13 from easily coming off the mounting portion 14.

[0022] The first connection mechanism 29F includes a terminal portion 40 that is disposed vertically above the ink introduction needle 32 and protrudes in the removal direction. The terminal portion 40 is connected to a control device 42 via an electric circuit 41 such as a flat cable. The terminal portion 40 is preferably disposed so that its upper end protrudes in the removal direction more than its lower end and faces diagonally downward.

[0023] The second connection mechanism 29S is preferably disposed vertically above the ink introduction needle 32 and includes a block 44 for preventing erroneous insertion that protrudes in the removal direction. The block 44 has an uneven shape that faces downward. The shape of the unevenness differs for each connection mechanism 29.

[0024] The connection mechanism 29 includes a pair of positioning protrusions 45, 46, an extrusion mechanism 47 disposed so as to surround the ink introduction needle 32, and a liquid receiving portion 48 protruding in the removal direction below the ink introduction needle 32. The pair of positioning protrusions 45, 46 are aligned in the X direction sandwiching the ink introduction needle 32 so as to be included in the first connection mechanism 29F and the second connection mechanism 29S, respectively. The positioning protrusions 45, 46 can be, for example, rod-shaped protrusions that protrude in the removal direction in parallel to each other. It is preferable that the protruding length of the positioning protrusions 45, 46 in the removal direction is longer than the protruding length of the ink introduction needle 32 in the removal direction.

[0025] The extrusion mechanism 47 includes a frame member 47a that surrounds the base end portion of the ink introduction needle 32, a pressing portion 47b that protrudes from the frame member 47a in the removal direction, and a biasing portion 47c that biases the container 13 in the removal direction via the pressing portion 47b. The biasing portion 47c can be, for example, a coil spring interposed between the frame member 47a and the pressing portion 47b.

[0026] Next, the configuration of the mounting body 50 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0027] 4, in this embodiment, the mounting body 50 is configured by the container 13 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape and the liquid containing device 100 placed on the container 13. The liquid containing device 100 has a liquid containing bag 60 and a liquid leading-out member 66 (see FIG. 6).

[0028] The liquid containing bag 60 is for supplying the liquid having a sedimentation component to the liquid ejection device 11. The liquid containing bag 60 is flexible. The shape of the liquid containing bag 60 may be a pillow type or a gusset type. The liquid containing bag 60 of this embodiment is a pillow type bag formed by stacking two rectangular films and joining their peripheral portions together.

[0029] The film constituting the liquid containing bag 60 is made of a material having flexibility and gas barrier properties. Examples of the film material include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, and polyethylene. The film may also be formed using a laminated structure in which a plurality of films made of these materials are laminated together. In such a laminated structure, for example, the outer layer may be made of PET or nylon, which have excellent impact resistance, and the inner layer may be made of polyethylene, which has excellent ink resistance. Furthermore, a film having a layer on which aluminum or the like is vapor-deposited may be used as one of the constituent members of the laminated structure.

[0030] The liquid containing bag 60 is provided therein with a liquid containing section 60c that contains liquid. The liquid containing section 60c contains ink in which a pigment as a sedimentation component is dispersed in a solvent. The liquid containing bag 60 has one end 60a and the other end 60b that faces the one end 60a. The adaptor 61 is attached to the one end 60a of the liquid containing bag 60. The adaptor 61 includes a liquid outlet section 52 for leading the liquid in the liquid containing section 60c to the liquid ejecting device 11. Hereinafter, the liquid outlet section 52 is also referred to as a liquid supply port section 52.

[0031] When the mounting body 50 is attached to the mounting part 14 (see FIG. 2), the end that advances first is the tip, and the end opposite the tip is the base end, the mounting body 50 has a connecting structure 51 at the tip portion. The connecting structure 51 has a first connecting structure 51F and a second connecting structure 51S on both sides of the liquid supply port part 52 in the X direction.

[0032] The first connection structure 51F includes a connection terminal 53 disposed vertically above the liquid supply port portion 52. The connection terminal 53 is provided, for example, on the surface of a circuit board, and this circuit board includes a storage unit that stores various information related to the liquid containing bag 60, such as the type of liquid containing bag 60 and the amount of liquid contained therein. The connection terminal 53 is preferably disposed so as to face obliquely upward in a recess 53a that is provided in a manner that opens upward and in the mounting direction.

[0033] The second connection structure 51S preferably includes an identification portion 54 for preventing erroneous insertion, which is disposed vertically above the liquid supply port portion 52. The identification portion 54 has projections and recesses shaped to fit into the corresponding block 44 (see FIG. 3) of the connection mechanism 29.

[0034] The connecting structure 51 includes a pair of positioning holes 55, 56, a biasing force receiving portion 57 that receives the biasing force of the biasing portion 47c (see FIG. 3), and an insertion portion 58 that extends below the liquid supply port portion 52. The positioning holes 55, 56 are aligned in the X direction on either side of the liquid supply port portion 52 so as to be included in the first connecting structure 51F and the second connecting structure 51S, respectively. It is preferable that the first positioning hole 55 included in the first connecting structure 51F is a circular hole, whereas the second positioning hole 56 included in the second connecting structure 51S is an elongated hole having a substantially elliptical shape that is long in the X direction.

[0035] Next, the configuration of the liquid containing device 100 and the container 13 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0036] 5, a notch 65a that engages with an insertion portion 58 provided on an adapter 61 of the liquid containing device 100 is formed at the tip of the container 13. Furthermore, a first hole 55a and a second hole 56a are formed on both sides of the notch 65a in the X direction, and a first hole 55b and a second hole 56b are formed at the tip of the adapter 61. When the liquid containing device 100 is placed on the container 13, the first holes 55a, 55b and the second holes 56a, 56b are aligned in the Y direction, so that the first holes 55a, 55b form a first positioning hole 55, and the second holes 56a, 56b form a second positioning hole 56.

[0037] The adaptor 61 includes a handle portion 62. The handle portion 62 is configured as a separate member from the adaptor 61 and is movable relative to the adaptor 61. Specifically, the handle portion 62 is movable by rotating about a rotation shaft 63 provided on the adaptor 61. The rotation shaft 63 is formed so as to open on both sides in the X direction, and a semi-cylindrical portion with a bottom protrudes from the upper surface of the adaptor 61.

[0038] The handle 62 has a gripping portion 62a to be gripped by a user. The gripping portion 62a is located closer to the liquid containing bag 60 in the Y direction than the shaft portion 62b supported by the rotation shaft 63 and away from the adapter 61. The handle 62 is rotatable between a first position in which the gripping portion 62a and the rotation shaft 63 are at the same height or the gripping portion 62a is located lower than the rotation shaft 63, and a second position in which the gripping portion 62a is located higher than the rotation shaft 63.

[0039] The container 13 has an engagement receiving portion 65 at its tip portion with which the adapter 61 of the liquid storage device 100 can engage. The adapter 61 includes a connection terminal 53, a recess 53a, a guide recess 53g, an identification portion 54, a first hole 55b, and a second hole 56b. The engagement receiving portion 65 of the container 13 includes a biasing receiving portion 57, a first hole 55a, and a second hole 56a. The adapter 61 is located at the tip portion of the container 13 when engaged with the engagement receiving portion 65.

[0040] The container 13 comprises a bottom plate 67 that forms the bottom surface, side plates 68 that stand vertically upward from both ends of the bottom plate 67 in the X direction, a front plate 69 that stands vertically upward from the base end of the bottom plate 67, and a front plate 70 that stands vertically upward from the tip of the bottom plate 67.

[0041] In the container 13, the bottom plate 67, the side plate 68, the front plate 69 and the end plate 70 constitute a main body portion that forms a storage space for storing the liquid storage device 100. The container 13 has an opening 13a for inserting and removing the liquid storage device 100 into and from the storage space. In this embodiment, the opening 13a of the container 13 is open in a direction (vertically upward) different from the direction in which the container 13 advances when mounted in the mounting portion 14 (mounting direction).

[0042] Two guided portions 72 each having a substantially circular hole shape formed penetrating in the guiding direction are provided in the adaptor 61 of the liquid containing device 100. In this embodiment, the two guided portions 72 are formed to be aligned in the X direction.

[0043] The engagement receiving portion 65 of the container 13 is provided with two guide portions 73 each having a substantially cylindrical shape and protruding from the bottom plate 67 in the guide direction. In this embodiment, the two guide portions 73 are formed to be aligned in the X direction. The guide direction is a direction that intersects with the bottom plate 67 or the opening 13a and runs along the side plate 68.

[0044] The guiding portion 73 provided on the container 13 guides the guided portion 72 provided on the adapter 61 in the guiding direction. On the other hand, the guided portion 72 provided on the adapter 61 is guided in the guiding direction by the guiding portion 73 provided on the container 13.

[0045] In this embodiment, the guide portion 73 has a convex shape that is approximately semi-cylindrical, and the side surface of the guide portion 73 along the guiding direction has a planar regulating portion 73a located on the tip side and a curved portion 73b on the base end side of the regulating portion 73a.

[0046] The guided portion 72 is formed in a shape having a restricting portion 72a and a curved portion 72b so as to fit the shape of the guiding portion 73. The restricting portions 72a and 73a restrict the liquid containing device 100 placed on the container 13 from escaping or rotating.

[0047] Furthermore, a protrusion 75, for example of a dome shape, is formed on the tip surface of the adapter 61, with at least the corner in the guide direction being chamfered. Also, an engagement hole 76 that engages with the protrusion 75 is formed on the front plate 70 of the container 13. In this way, when the liquid containing device 100 is placed on the container 13, the user can be given a sense or feeling (click sensation) that the engagement between the container 13 and the liquid containing device 100 has been completed. The protrusion 75 and the engagement hole 76 in this embodiment are formed in pairs lined up on both sides in the X direction, sandwiching the liquid supply port 52 of the adapter 61 and the notch 65a of the container 13 therebetween.

[0048] Next, the configuration of the liquid storage device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0049] 6, in manufacturing the liquid containing bag 60, first, the spacer member 90 is fixed to the liquid leading-out member 66 by connecting the locking portion 86 provided on the connecting member 85 to the claw portion 59 provided on the liquid leading-out member 66. Then, the liquid leading-out tube 80 (the first flow path portion 81 and the second flow path portion 82) is connected to the spacer member 90 and the liquid leading-out member 66. The liquid leading-out member 66 to which the spacer member 90 and the liquid leading-out tube 80 are connected is inserted from the spacer member 90 side into the liquid containing bag 60, which has an opening 60d provided in advance on the one end portion 60a side, through the opening 60d.

[0050] When the spacer member 90 and the liquid outlet tube 80 are inserted into the liquid containing bag 60, the opening 60d of the liquid containing bag 60 is joined by heat welding to the welding portion 66a provided on the outer periphery of the liquid outlet member 66. The welding portion 66a is the portion of the liquid outlet member 66 that has the largest outer periphery. The inner periphery of the opening 60d is equal to or larger than the outer periphery of the welding portion 66a of the liquid outlet member 66. In addition, the outer periphery of the welding portion 66a of the liquid outlet member 66 is larger than the outer periphery of the back member 94 of the spacer member 90, which has the largest outer periphery.

[0051] Next, the configuration of the adapter 61 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0052] 7, the adaptor 61 can be separated in the Z direction and includes a cover member 61a and a bottom member 61b. The cover member 61a and the bottom member 61b sandwich the end of the liquid containing bag 60 on the +Y direction side from the +Z direction side and the -Z direction side, thereby fixing the liquid containing bag 60 to the adaptor 61.

[0053] The cover member 61a is mainly formed with the identification portion 54. The bottom member 61b is mainly formed with the insertion portion 58 and the recess 53a. In this embodiment, the bottom member 61b is provided with a first protrusion 61c and a second protrusion 61d facing in the +Z direction. The first protrusion 61c and the second protrusion 61d are provided at positions sandwiching the insertion portion 58 in the X direction.

[0054] A fixing portion 66s provided on a portion of the liquid leading-out member 66 exposed in the +Y direction from the liquid containing bag 60 is provided with a first through hole 66c and a second through hole 66d at positions sandwiching the liquid supply port portion 52. The first protrusion 61c is inserted into the first through hole 66c, and the second protrusion 61d is inserted into the second through hole 66d. A part of the end portion of the liquid containing bag 60 on the +Y direction side is sandwiched between the cover member 61a and the bottom member 61b, together with the fixing portion 66s of the liquid leading-out member 66.

[0055] Next, the configuration of the liquid lead-out member 66 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0056] 8, the liquid lead-out member 66 includes the liquid supply port 52 and a welded portion 66a. The welded portion 66a has a first welded surface 66A and a second welded surface 66B. The first welded surface 66A and the second welded surface 66B of the liquid lead-out member 66, i.e., a part of the liquid lead-out member 66, are accommodated in the opening 60d of the liquid containing bag 60 and welded to the liquid containing bag 60 (see FIG. 6).

[0057] A plurality of grooves 66A1 are formed on the first welding surface 66A. A plurality of grooves 66B1 are formed on the second welding surface 66B. A width W1 in the X direction of the first welding surface 66A is smaller than a width W2 in the X direction of the second welding surface 66B, for example. A thickness in the Z direction of the first welding surface 66A is smaller than a thickness in the Z direction of the second welding surface 66B, for example.

[0058] By making the second welding surface 66B wider or thicker, even if traces of the first welding remain on the first welding surface 66A, the second welding can be performed on the second welding surface 66B without being an obstacle. Note that the first welding surface 66A and the second welding surface 66B may have the same widths W1 and W2 or the same thickness.

[0059] The configuration of the liquid storage device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Note that Figure 9 omits the illustration of the spacer member 90 and the like.

[0060] 9 and 10, the liquid containing device 100 has a liquid leading-out member 66 and a liquid containing bag 60. The liquid leading-out member 66 is made of a material such as resin.

[0061] 9, a first welded surface 66A of the liquid lead-out member 66 is welded to the liquid containing bag 60. A second welded surface 66B of the liquid lead-out member 66 is welded to the liquid containing bag 60. When using the liquid containing device 100 for the first time, it is preferable to weld and seal the first welded surface 66A and the liquid containing bag 60, and when refilling a new liquid containing bag 60 with liquid after using the liquid, it is preferable to weld and seal the second welded surface 66B and the liquid containing bag 60 for reuse.

[0062] By using it in this manner, it is possible to reuse the liquid leading-out member 66 multiple times. Furthermore, when reusing, since the liquid containing bag 60 and the liquid leading-out member 66 are removed, the condition of the parts contained in the liquid containing bag 60 can be checked.

[0063] 10, the liquid containing bag 60 is composed of a plurality of films. The liquid containing bag 60 includes, for example, a welding layer 160 as a first bag layer, a first adhesive layer 161, a nylon (Ny) layer 162, a second adhesive layer 163, and a polyester (PET) layer 164 arranged in this order from the liquid 200 contained in the containing space.

[0064] The welding layer 160 is a layer that is welded to the first welding surface 66A and the second welding surface 66B, and is, for example, polyethylene (PE). In the liquid containing bag 60 of this embodiment, the side facing the liquid 200 is also referred to as the inside, and the side opposite the liquid 200 is also referred to as the outside.

[0065] Polyethylene has resistance to, for example, ultraviolet-curable ink, which is an example of the liquid 200. That is, polyethylene limits the transmission of ultraviolet light, and can therefore protect the liquid 200, such as ultraviolet-curable ink, contained in the containing space. Polyethylene has excellent heat-sealing properties. Therefore, the bag can be easily formed by bonding the innermost welding layers 160 together by heat.

[0066] The first adhesive layer 161 bonds the welding layer 160 and the nylon layer 162, and is made of, for example, a urethane adhesive, an ester adhesive, an ethylene adhesive, an epoxy adhesive, or the like.

[0067] The nylon layer 162 is oil and puncture resistant.

[0068] The first adhesive layer 163 bonds the nylon layer 162 and the polyester layer 164 together, and is made of, for example, a urethane adhesive, an ester adhesive, an ethylene adhesive, an epoxy adhesive, or the like.

[0069] The polyester layer 164 is in contact with the outside air on the side opposite to the liquid 200. The polyester layer 164 may be formed of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate on whose surface alumina is vapor-deposited. Polyethylene terephthalate on which alumina is vapor-deposited has barrier properties against oxygen and water vapor, and resistance to impact and vibration.

[0070] Next, a method for reusing the liquid containing device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11, 12A, 12B, and 12C.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 11, first, in step S11, a liquid containing bag 60 is prepared. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 12A, a liquid containing bag 60 is prepared.

[0072] Next, in step S12, the liquid 200 is contained in the liquid containing bag 60.

[0073] Next, in step S13, the first weld surface 66A of the liquid lead-out member 66 is welded to the liquid containing bag 60. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 12A, the liquid lead-out member 66 is inserted from one end 60a side of the liquid containing bag 60, and when the liquid lead-out member 66 is inserted to a predetermined position, the first weld surface 66A is thermally welded to the liquid containing bag 60. With the above steps, the liquid containing device 100 is completed.

[0074] Next, in step S14, the liquid containing device 100 is attached to the liquid ejecting device 11 and liquid is ejected onto paper or the like for printing, that is, it is used.

[0075] Next, in step S15, the liquid containing bag 60 is peeled off from the first welded surface 66A. Specifically, when the liquid 200 in the liquid containing device 100 runs out, that is, when use of the liquid containing device 100 is finished, the liquid containing bag 60 is peeled off from the first welded surface 66A of the liquid lead-out member 66, as shown in FIG.

[0076] Next, in step S16, prepare a new liquid containing bag 60. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 12C, the liquid containing bag 60 that has been used up until now is discarded, and a new liquid containing bag 60 is prepared.

[0077] Next, in step S17, the liquid 200 is contained. Specifically, the liquid 200 is contained in a new liquid containing bag 60.

[0078] Next, in step S18, the second welded surface 66B of the liquid lead-out member 66 is welded to the liquid containing bag 60. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 12C, the liquid lead-out member 66 is inserted from one end 60a side of the liquid containing bag 60, and when the liquid lead-out member 66 is inserted to a predetermined position, the second welded surface 66B is thermally welded to the liquid containing bag 60. In this manner, a new liquid containing device 100 in which the liquid lead-out member 66 is reused is completed.

[0079] Next, in step S19, the new liquid containing device 100 is attached to the liquid ejection device 11, and is used by ejecting liquid onto paper, etc. With the above, the steps of the method for reusing the liquid containing device 100 are completed.

[0080] According to this method, since the liquid lead-out member 66 has a plurality of welded surfaces 66A, 66B, the liquid 200 is poured into the liquid containing bag 60, and then the first welded surface 66A of the plurality of welded surfaces 66A, 66B is welded to the liquid containing bag 60 to obtain the liquid containing device 100. After using the liquid 200 in the liquid containing device 100, the liquid containing bag 60 is peeled off from the first welded surface 66A and removed, and further, a new liquid containing bag 60 is refilled with the liquid 200, and then the second welded surface 66B of the plurality of welded surfaces 66A, 66B of the liquid lead-out member 66 is welded to the new liquid containing bag 60, so that the liquid containing device 100 can be reused as a new liquid containing device 100. In other words, the liquid lead-out member 66 can be reused multiple times. In addition, since the liquid containing bag 60 and the liquid lead-out member 66 are removed during reuse, it is possible to check whether the condition of the parts contained in the liquid containing bag 60 is normal or not.

[0081] As described above, the liquid storage device 100 of this embodiment comprises a liquid outlet member 66 that supplies liquid 200 to the outside, and a liquid storage bag 60 that contains a portion of the liquid outlet member 66, and the liquid outlet member 66 has a plurality of welding surfaces 66A, 66B at the contact portion with the liquid storage bag 60.

[0082] According to this configuration, since the liquid outlet member 66 is provided with a plurality of welding surfaces 66A, 66B, the liquid 200 is poured into the liquid containing bag 60, and then one of the welding surfaces 66A, 66B is welded to the liquid containing bag 60 to obtain the liquid containing device 100. After using the liquid 200 in the liquid containing device 100, the liquid 200 is refilled into a new liquid containing bag 60, and the other of the welding surfaces 66A, 66B in the liquid outlet member 66 is welded to the liquid containing bag 60 to obtain a new liquid containing device 100. In other words, the liquid outlet member 66 can be reused multiple times. In addition, since the liquid containing bag 60 and the liquid outlet member 66 are removed during reuse, it is possible to check whether the parts contained in the liquid containing bag 60 are damaged. In other words, reliability can be ensured. In addition, the recycling rate of plastic can be improved, and a product that contributes to environmental measures can be provided.

[0083] Furthermore, the method for reusing the liquid storage device 100 of the present embodiment is a method for reusing the liquid storage device 100, which comprises a liquid outlet member 66 that supplies liquid 200 to the outside, and a liquid storage bag 60 that contains a portion of the liquid outlet member 66, and includes a step of peeling off a first welding surface 66A of the multiple welding surfaces 66A, 66B provided at the contact portion of the liquid outlet member 66 with the liquid storage bag 60, and the liquid storage bag 60, and a step of welding a second welding surface 66B of the multiple welding surfaces 66A, 66B to a liquid storage bag 60 other than the liquid storage bag 60.

[0084] According to this method, since the liquid lead-out member 66 has a plurality of welded surfaces 66A, 66B, the liquid 200 is poured into the liquid containing bag 60, and then the first welded surface 66A of the plurality of welded surfaces 66A, 66B is welded to the liquid containing bag 60 to obtain the liquid containing device 100. After using the liquid 200 in the liquid containing device 100, the liquid containing bag 60 is peeled off from the first welded surface 66A and removed, and further, a new liquid containing bag 60 is refilled with the liquid 200, and then the second welded surface 66B of the plurality of welded surfaces 66A, 66B of the liquid lead-out member 66 is welded to the new liquid containing bag 60, so that the liquid containing device 100 can be reused as a new liquid containing device 100. In other words, the liquid lead-out member 66 can be reused multiple times. In addition, since the liquid containing bag 60 and the liquid lead-out member 66 are removed during reuse, the state of the parts contained in the liquid containing bag 60 can be confirmed.

[0085] Modifications of the above embodiment will now be described.

[0086] As in the above-described embodiment, instead of reusing the liquid guide member 66 by switching the location of welding and joining to the liquid containing bag 60 between the first welding surface 66A and the second welding surface 66B, it is also possible to use the structure as shown in Figures 13 and 14.

[0087] 13 and 14, the liquid containing bag 260 of the modified example differs from the liquid containing bag 60 of the above embodiment in that the thickness L1 of the welding layer 160 in the first region A1, which is welded to the welding surfaces 66A, 66B of the liquid lead-out member 66, is thicker than the thickness L2 of the welding layer 160 in the second region A2 different from the first region A1 by the thickness of the welding layer 160a. The thickness L1 is, for example, 150 μm or more.

[0088] In this manner, the modified liquid storage device 100A comprises a liquid outlet member 66 that supplies liquid 200 to the outside, and a liquid storage bag 60 that contains a portion of the liquid outlet member 66, and it is preferable that the thickness L1 of the welding layer 160 in the first region A1 that is welded to the liquid outlet member 66 is thicker than the thickness L2 of the welding layer 160 in a second region A2 that is different from the first region A1.

[0089] According to this configuration, since the thickness L1 of the welding layer 160 in the first region A1 is large, after the liquid outlet member 66 and the liquid containing bag 60 are welded together and the liquid containing device 100 is used, the same liquid containing bag 60 can be refilled with liquid 200, and the remaining welding layer 160 and the liquid outlet member 66 of the liquid containing bag 60 can be welded together to reuse the liquid containing device 100 as a new liquid containing device. In other words, the liquid containing bag 60 can be reused multiple times. For example, even if the thickness of the welding layer 160 is halved in the first welding, the remaining welding layer 160 can be welded together in the second welding. In addition, since the liquid containing bag 60 and the liquid outlet member 66 are removed when reusing the liquid containing bag 60, the state of the parts contained in the liquid containing bag 60 can be confirmed.

[0090] The liquid lead-out member 66 in the first region A1 may be configured with one welded surface, or may be configured with a first welded surface 66A and a second welded surface 66B as in the above embodiment, i.e., as shown in Figures 13 and 14. By being configured with the first welded surface 66A and the second welded surface 66B, it is possible to realize both reuse of the liquid containing bag 60 and reuse of the liquid lead-out member 66.

[0091] As described above, the liquid guide member 66 is not limited to having the first welding surface 66A and the second welding surface 66B, but may have three or more welding surfaces and may be welded three or more times. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 11...liquid ejection device, 12...exterior body, 13...container, 13a...opening, 14...mounting portion, 15...front cover, 16...cassette, 17...mounting port, 18...ejection tray, 19...operation panel, 24...frame, 25...insertion port, 29...connection mechanism, 29F...first connection mechanism, 29S...second connection mechanism, 30...supply flow path, 31...supply mechanism, 32...ink introduction needle, 33...supply tube, 38...arm, 39...engagement portion, 40...terminal portion, 41...electrical circuit, 42...control device, 44...block, 45, 46...positioning protrusion , 47... extrusion mechanism, 47a... frame member, 47b... pressing portion, 47c... biasing portion, 48... liquid receiving portion, 50... attachment body, 51... connection structure, 51F... first connection structure, 51S... second connection structure, 52... liquid outlet portion, liquid supply port portion, 53... connection terminal, 53a... recess, 53g... guide recess, 54... identification portion, 55... first positioning hole, 55a, 55b... first hole, 56... second positioning hole, 56a, 56b... second hole, 57... biasing receiving portion, 58... insertion portion, 59... claw portion, 60... liquid containing bag, 60a... one end portion, 60b... etc. End, 60c...Liquid storage part, 60d...Opening part, 61...Adapter, 61a...Lid member, 61b...Bottom member, 61c...First protrusion, 61d...Second protrusion, 62...Handle part, 62a...Gripping part, 62b...Shaft part, 63...Rotation shaft, 65...Engagement receiving part, 66...Liquid Body leading member, 66A...first welding surface, 66a...welding part, 66A1...groove, 66B1...groove, 66B...second welding surface, 66c...first through hole, 66d...second through hole, 66s...fixing part, 67...bottom plate, 68...side plate, 69...front plate, 70...tip plate, 72...guided part , 72a...regulating portion, 72b...curved portion, 73...guide portion, 73a...regulating portion, 73b...curved portion, 75...protrusion, 76...engagement hole, 78...engagement groove, 80...liquid outlet tube, 81...first flow path portion, 82...second flow path portion, 85...connecting member, 86...locking portion, 90...spacer member, 94...back member, 100, 100A...liquid storage device, 160...welding layer as first bag layer, 161...first adhesive layer, 162...nylon layer, 163...second adhesive layer, 164...polyester layer, 200...liquid, 260...liquid storage bag.

Claims

1. A liquid outlet member that supplies the liquid to the outside; a liquid containing bag that contains a portion of the liquid leading-out member; Equipped with The liquid outlet member is provided with a plurality of welded surfaces at a portion where the liquid outlet member comes into contact with the liquid containing bag.

2. A liquid outlet member that supplies the liquid to the outside; a liquid containing bag that contains a portion of the liquid leading-out member; Equipped with A liquid containing device, wherein the thickness of a first bag layer in a first region where the liquid containing bag is welded to the liquid lead-out member is greater than the thickness of the first bag layer in a second region different from the first region.

3. A liquid outlet member that supplies the liquid to the outside; a liquid containing bag that contains a portion of the liquid leading-out member; A method for reusing a liquid containing device, comprising: a step of peeling off a first welded surface of a plurality of welded surfaces provided at a portion of the liquid lead-out member that comes into contact with the liquid containing bag, and the liquid containing bag; a step of welding a second welding surface of the plurality of welding surfaces to a liquid containing bag other than the liquid containing bag; A method for reusing a liquid containing device comprising the steps of:

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