Storage bag and recording apparatus

Abstract

To provide a storage bag which can inhibit occurrence of longitudinal folding in a gusset part.SOLUTION: A storage bag includes: a bag body; and a discharge port for discharging liquid stored in the bag body. The bag body includes: a first surface portion; a second surface portion facing the first surface portion; a third surface portion configured to serve as a gusset portion connecting the first surface portion with the second surface portion; and a fourth surface portion facing the third surface portion and configured to serve as a gusset portion connecting the first surface portion with the second surface portion. The first surface portion and the third surface portion are coupled by a first coupling portion extending in a first direction. The first surface portion and the fourth surface portion are coupled by a second coupling portion extending in the first direction. The first coupling portion includes a first convex portion protruding toward the inner side of the first surface portion along a second direction intersecting the first portion. The second coupling portion includes a second convex portion protruding toward the inner side of the first surface portion along the second direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a storage bag and a recording device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an ink pack (storage bag) including an upper flange portion and a lower flange portion. According to the ink pack of Patent Document 1, since the rigidity of the lower flange portion is greater than that of the upper flange portion, while the ink is being used, the lower flange portion is folded later than the upper flange portion. According to such a configuration, while the ink is being used, after the upper side of the ink pack is crushed, the lower side of the ink pack is gradually crushed, thereby realizing an improvement in the usability of the ink.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the ink pack of Patent Document 1, for example, when ink is injected into the ink pack and the flange portion swells, vertical folds may occur that intersect the fold lines provided in the flange portion. Such vertical folds become a resistance to folding while the ink is being used and the ink pack is being crushed, and there is a risk of inhibiting smooth folding in the flange portion. When smooth folding in the flange portion is inhibited, it becomes difficult to use up the ink.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a storage bag that can suppress the occurrence of vertical folds in the flange portion and improve the usability of the ink.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The storage bag of the present disclosure includes a bag body and a discharge port for discharging the liquid stored in the bag body. The bag body includes a first surface portion, a second surface portion facing the first surface portion, a third surface portion serving as a gusset portion connecting the first surface portion and the second surface portion, and a fourth surface portion facing the third surface portion and serving as a gusset portion connecting the first surface portion and the second surface portion. The first surface portion and the third surface portion are connected by a first connecting portion extending in a first direction, and the first surface portion and the fourth surface portion are connected by a second connecting portion extending in the first direction. The first connecting portion includes a first convex portion protruding toward the inside of the first surface portion along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the second connecting portion includes a second convex portion protruding toward the inside of the first surface portion along the second direction. This is the feature.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the storage bag of the present disclosure, the occurrence of longitudinal folding in the gusset portion can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a recording apparatus 100 to which the present embodiment can be applied.

[0010] The coordinate axes in the figure will be described. In the drawings referred to in this specification, the X direction and the Y direction indicate two directions orthogonal to each other on a horizontal plane. The Z direction indicates the vertical direction. The -Y direction indicates the rear of the recording apparatus 100, the +Y direction indicates the front, the -X direction indicates the left when facing forward, the +X direction indicates the right, the +Z direction indicates upward, and the -Z direction indicates downward, respectively. The -Y direction is also the downstream of the conveyance direction of the recording medium 101, and the +Y direction is also the upstream of the conveyance direction of the recording medium 101. Appropriately, the Y direction is referred to as the conveyance direction, and the X direction is referred to as the scanning direction of the recording head 103. The X direction indicates the width of the storage bag 200 (see FIG. 2), the Y direction corresponds to the length (depth) direction of the storage bag 200 in the posture in which the storage bag 200 described later is attached to the liquid supply unit 106, and the Z direction corresponds to the height direction of the storage bag 200. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, upward, downward, left, and right indicate the directions in the posture in which the recording apparatus 100 and the storage bag 200 are used in a normal state.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the recording apparatus 100 includes a conveyance roller 102 that conveys a recording medium 101 in the conveyance direction. The recording apparatus 100 includes a recording head 103 capable of discharging a liquid (for example, ink), a carriage 104 to which the recording head 103 can be detachably attached, and two guide rails 105 that slidably support the carriage 104. The recording apparatus 100 includes a liquid supply unit 106 for supplying a liquid to the recording head 103, a tube 107 that connects the recording head 103 and the liquid supply unit 106, and a recovery unit 108 for maintaining and recovering the performance of the recording head 103.

[0012] During the recording operation, the recording apparatus 100 repeats the reciprocating movement (main scanning) of the recording head 103 and the conveyance (sub-scanning) of the recording medium 101 at a predetermined pitch. While synchronizing with these movements, a plurality of colored liquids are selectively ejected from the recording head 103 and landed on the recording medium 101, thereby performing recording on the recording medium 101.

[0013] Note that the recording medium 101 is not limited as long as it can land droplets to form an image. For example, as the recording medium 101, media of various materials and forms such as paper, cloth, the label surface of an optical disc, a plastic sheet, an OHP sheet, an envelope, etc. can be used.

[0014] When a driving means (for example, a motor not shown) is driven, the carriage 104 reciprocates along the two guide rails 105. The recording medium 101 that receives the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection portion (not shown) of the recording head 103 is conveyed by the conveyance roller 102 to face the liquid ejection surface of the recording head 103 in a conveyance direction that intersects the moving direction of the carriage 104.

[0015] The recording head 103 has a plurality of nozzle arrays for ejecting liquids of different colors as a plurality of liquid ejection portions. Corresponding to the colors of the liquids ejected from the recording head 103, a plurality of independent storage containers 109 having discharge ports 202 (see FIG. 2) are detachably attached to the liquid supply unit 106.

[0016] The storage container 109 includes a first storage container 109A, a second storage container 109B, a third storage container 109C, and a fourth storage container 109D that respectively store black, cyan, magenta, and yellow liquids. Note that the colors of the liquids are not limited to the above four colors. Hereinafter, when there is no need to particularly distinguish each of the first storage container 109A, the second storage container 109B, the third storage container 109C, and the fourth storage container 109D, it is referred to as the storage container 109.

[0017] The liquid supply unit 106 and the recording head 103 are connected by a plurality of tubes 107 corresponding to each color. In the present embodiment, the liquid supply unit 106 and the recording head 103 are connected by four tubes 107 corresponding to each of the four colors described above.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the storage container 109 includes a hard case and a storage bag 200 (see FIG. 2) stored in the hard case. Inside the hard case, the storage bag 200 (see FIG. 2) is positioned in a predetermined posture.

[0019] In the present embodiment, the shape of the hard case is a tray type. The storage bag 200 (see FIG. 2) is detachably attached to the tray-type hard case. However, the shape of the hard case may be a box type. It is also possible to detachably accommodate the storage bag 200 (see FIG. 2) inside the box-type hard case.

[0020] When the user advances the hard case of the storage container 109 and attaches it to the liquid supply unit 106, it becomes possible to independently supply the liquids of each color stored in the storage bag 200 (see FIG. 2) to each nozzle row of the recording head 103. Note that the liquid supply unit 106 includes a pump mechanism (not shown). The pump mechanism can suck the liquid from the storage container 109 and send the liquid to the recording head 103.

[0021] <Storage bag 200> FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the storage bag 200 in the present embodiment.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the storage bag 200 includes a flexible bag body 201 capable of sealing the liquid, and a discharge port 202 for discharging the liquid from the inside of the bag body 201 to the outside. The discharge port 202 is manufactured by injection molding. When the above-described pump mechanism is driven, ink is sucked from the discharge port 202 and supplied to the recording head 103 via the tube 107 (see FIG. 1).

[0023] The bag body 201 includes, in the posture of use, an upper surface film 204 positioned on the upper surface side, and a lower surface film 205 facing the upper surface film 204 and positioned on the lower surface side. The bag body 201 includes a left surface film 206 connecting the end of the upper surface film 204 and the end of the lower surface film 205. The storage bag 200 includes a right surface film 207 facing the left surface film 206 and connecting the end of the upper surface film 204 and the end of the lower surface film 205.

[0024] The upper surface film 204, the left surface film 206, the lower surface film 205, and the right surface film 207 include materials that suppress leakage of the liquid stored inside and are easy to bond (in this embodiment, heat welding). Note that the upper surface film 204, the left surface film 206, the lower surface film 205, and the right surface film 207 may be bonded by an adhesive.

[0025] Examples of the material for each of the upper surface film 204, the left surface film 206, the lower surface film 205, and the right surface film 207 include polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. Considering the gas barrier property and robustness of each film, a multilayer film including a plurality of materials such as aluminum, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), and nylon can also be used.

[0026] When the bag body 201 is formed, the upper end portions of the left surface film 206 and the right surface film 207 are respectively bonded to the left and right end portions of the upper surface film 204. And the lower end portions of the left surface film 206 and the right surface film 207 are respectively bonded to the left and right end portions of the lower surface film 205. In this way, when the bag body 201 is formed, the upper surface film 204, the left surface film 206, the lower surface film 205, and the right surface film 207 are bonded in a cylindrical shape.

[0027] That is, at the opening on one side (the front side in the figure) of the bag body 201 joined in a tubular shape, the upper film 204 and the lower film 205 are joined through the left side film 206 and the right side film 207 which are folded in two. Specifically, the left and right portions of the upper film 204 and the lower film 205 are joined through the first end portion 209 of the first fold line 208 in the left side film 206 and the second end portion 211 of the second fold line 210 in the right side film 207, which are folded in two. On the other hand, the central portions of the upper film 204 and the lower film 205 are directly joined without passing through other films.

[0028] At the opening on the other side (the back side in the figure) of the bag body 201 joined in a tubular shape, the upper film 204 and the lower film 205 are joined in a state of sandwiching the left side film 206 and the right side film 207, which are folded in two, and a part of the discharge port 202. Specifically, the left and right portions of the upper film 204 and the lower film 205 are joined through the third end portion 212 of the first fold line 208 and the fourth end portion 213 of the second fold line 210. On the other hand, the centers of the upper film 204 and the lower film 205 are directly joined in a state of sandwiching a part of the discharge port 202.

[0029] In this embodiment, in this way, the sealed storage bag 200 is formed. In the storage bag 200, the left side film 206 and the right side film 207 function as a gusset portion.

[0030] Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining the occurrence of the longitudinal fold 300. In Figure 3, the storage bag 200 is shown in the posture in which it is used (that is, the posture in which it is attached to the liquid supply unit 106).

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, in the storage bag 200 before use (i.e., the initial state), in order to give it flexibility, the liquid contained is about 50% or more and about 80% or less of the maximum amount that can be contained. The more liquid remains in the storage bag 200, the more inflated the storage bag 200 is. The more inflated the storage bag 200 is, the greater the angle formed by the lower side and the upper side of the left film 206 with the first fold line 208 as the boundary. Similarly, for the right film 207, the angle formed by the lower side and the upper side with the second fold line 210 (not shown in FIG. 3) as the boundary also becomes larger.

[0032] For example, when the posture of the storage bag 200 changes from the posture in which it is used, the liquid moves inside the storage bag 200, and the left film 206 and the right film 207 may expand. Specifically, when a new storage bag 200 is attached to the hard case of the storage container 109 (see FIG. 1), the user may orient the discharge port 202 upward in the direction of gravity. In this case, inside the bag body 201, the liquid moves to a position far from the discharge port 202 and accumulates. When the posture of the storage bag 200 changes in this way, the left film 206 and the right film 207 are pushed and expanded from the inside of the bag body 201 toward the outside.

[0033] As described above, the left film 206 and the right film 207 function as gussets and can increase the volume of the bag body 201. However, one end of the upper film 204 and one end of the lower film 205 are respectively connected via the first end 209 and the second end 211. And the other end of the upper film 204 and the ends of the lower film 205 are respectively connected via the third end 212 and the fourth end 213. Therefore, there is a limit to the range in which the left film 206 and the right film 207 can expand as gussets.

[0034] In the left film 206, as the folding angle towards the inside of the bag body 201 approaches 180 degrees (i.e., as the fold disappears), a vertical fold 300 that is substantially perpendicular to the first fold line 208 is likely to occur. On the other hand, also in the right film 207, as the folding angle towards the inside of the bag body 201 approaches 180 degrees (i.e., as the fold disappears), a vertical fold 300 that is substantially perpendicular to the second fold line 210 is likely to occur.

[0035] When the vertical fold 300 occurs, a liquid is used, and while the left film 206 and the right film 207 are being folded, the vertical fold 300 becomes a resistance to the folding and inhibits the smooth reduction in the storage bag 200.

[0036] Originally, as the remaining amount of the liquid decreases, each of the left film 206 and the right film 207 is folded along the first fold line 208 and the second fold line 210 respectively, and the volume of the storage bag 200 is reduced. However, when the vertical fold 300 occurs, the folding of the left film 206 and the right film 207 is inhibited, making it difficult to use up the liquid. In order to suppress the occurrence of such a vertical fold 300, in this embodiment, the shape of the joint portion of each film is made characteristic.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the storage bag 200 showing the joint portion 400 of the bag body 201 in this embodiment.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the bag body 201 includes a joint portion 400 to which the upper film 204, the left film 206, the right film 207, and the lower film 205 are joined. As described above, in this embodiment, the upper film 204, the left film 206, the right film 207, and the lower film 205 are heat-sealed at the joint portion 400. That is, the joint portion 400 of this embodiment is the welding cost.

[0039] The joint portion 400 includes a first region 401 that joins the end of the left surface film 206 and the end of the upper surface film 204 along the entire area in the first direction (Y direction), and a first convex portion 402 that protrudes from the first region 401 toward the inside of the upper surface film 204. The joint portion 400 includes a second region 403 that joins the end of the left surface film 206 and the end of the lower surface film 205 along the entire area in the first direction (Y direction), and a second convex portion 404 that protrudes from the second region 403 toward the inside of the lower surface film 205.

[0040] The joint portion 400 includes a third region 405 that joins the end of the right surface film 207 and the end of the upper surface film 204 along the entire area in the first direction (Y direction), and a third convex portion 406 that protrudes from the third region 405 toward the inside of the upper surface film 204. The joint portion 400 includes a fourth region 407 that joins the end of the right surface film 207 and the end of the lower surface film 205 along the entire area in the first direction (Y direction), and a fourth convex portion 408 that protrudes from the fourth region 407 toward the inside of the lower surface film 205. In the present embodiment, the first direction (Y direction) is the direction from the bottom of the bag body 201 toward the discharge port 202.

[0041] Also, it is preferable that the first convex portion 402, the second convex portion 404, the third convex portion 406, and the fourth convex portion 408 are provided at the same position in the Y direction. According to this configuration, it becomes easy to suppress the occurrence of the vertical fold 300 (see FIG. 3) extending along the Z direction. As long as the occurrence of the vertical fold 300 (see FIG. 3) can be suppressed, the positions where the first convex portion 402, the second convex portion 404, the third convex portion 406, and the fourth convex portion 408 are provided do not have to be the same position in the Y direction.

[0042] Also, when the upper surface film 204, the left surface film 206, the right surface film 207, and the lower surface film 205 are joined, a joining tool (not shown) that joins them while pressing these four films together is used.

[0043] In this embodiment, as a bonding tool, a welding tool (not shown) that welds while pressing the upper surface film 204, the left surface film 206, the right surface film 207, and the lower surface film 205 together is used. Specifically, by making a part of the pressing surface of this welding tool have the same shape as the first convex portion 402, the second convex portion 404, the third convex portion 406, and the fourth convex portion 408, while providing these four convex portions, these four films can be heat-welded together. According to such a welding method, the shape of the joint portion 400 can be formed without increasing the number of processes.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the joint portion 400 in this embodiment.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the first convex portion 402 in the joint portion 400 has a first width 501 that is the length in the first direction (Y direction) and a first protrusion amount 502 that is the length in the second direction (X direction). Similar to the first convex portion 402, the second convex portion 404 (not shown in FIG. 5) also has a second width (not shown in FIG. 5) that is the length in the first direction (Y direction) and a second protrusion amount 605 (see FIG. 6(c)) that protrudes from the second region 403 in the second direction (X direction).

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5, the third convex portion 406 has a third width 503 that is the length in the first direction (Y direction) and a third protrusion amount 504 that protrudes along the second direction (X direction) from the third region 405. Similar to the third convex portion 406, the fourth convex portion 408 (not shown in FIG. 5) also has a fourth width (not shown in FIG. 5) that is the length in the first direction (Y direction) and a fourth protrusion amount (not shown in FIG. 5) that protrudes from the fourth convex portion 408 in the second direction (X direction).

[0047] The first width 501, the second width, the third width 503, and the fourth width are from about 5 mm to about 30 mm. The first protrusion amount 502, the second protrusion amount, the third protrusion amount 504, and the fourth protrusion amount are from about 5 mm to about 30 mm.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, each of the plurality of first convex portions 402 is preferably provided within a range of about 10 mm or more and about 70 mm or less from each of the first end portion 209 and the third end portion 212 toward the inside of the first broken line 208. Similarly to the first convex portion 402, each of the plurality of second convex portions 404 (not shown in FIG. 5) is preferably provided within a range of about 10 mm or more and about 70 mm or less from each of the first end portion 209 and the third end portion 212 toward the inside of the first broken line 208.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5, each of the plurality of third convex portions 406 is preferably provided within a range of about 10 mm or more and about 70 mm or less from each of the second end portion 211 and the fourth end portion 213 toward the inside of the second broken line 210. Similarly to the third convex portion 406, each of the plurality of fourth convex portions 408 (not shown in FIG. 5) is preferably provided within a range of about 10 mm or more and about 70 mm or less from each of the second end portion 211 and the fourth end portion 213 toward the inside of the second broken line 210.

[0050] This is because by providing the plurality of convex portions within the above-described range, the occurrence of the longitudinal fold 300 can be efficiently suppressed. For example, when the bottom portion (-Y direction side end portion) of the storage bag 200 is directed downward in the gravitational direction, the liquid will gather downward. Considering that the left surface film 206 and the right surface film 207 spread at the Y direction side end portion of the storage bag 200 and the longitudinal fold 300 is likely to occur, by intensively providing each convex portion within a range of about 10 mm or more and about 70 mm or less from the bottom portion toward the inside of each of the first broken line 208 and the second broken line 210, the occurrence of the longitudinal fold 300 can be efficiently suppressed.

[0051] Note that the number and position of each of the above-described convex portions are not limited to the examples of the present embodiment. It is possible to determine the number and position of each of the above-described convex portions according to the tendency of the position and number where the longitudinal fold 300 occurs.

[0052] FIG. 6(a) is a plan view showing region VI in FIG. 5.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6(a), it is desirable that the first protrusion amount 502 in the first convex portion 402 is not more than about two-thirds of the shortest distance from the first region 401 to the first broken line 208.

[0054] FIG. 6(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIb-VIb of FIG. 6(a). Note that in FIG. 6(b), a state where the remaining amount of the liquid is small is shown. The solid line portion in FIG. 6(b) indicates the posture (horizontally placed posture) in which the storage bag 200 is used. On the other hand, the broken line portion in FIG. 6(b) indicates the posture in which the storage bag 200 is moved from the horizontally placed posture and erected with the discharge port 202 (not shown in FIG. 6(b)) facing upward.

[0055] As shown in the solid line portion of FIG. 6(b), in the posture in which the storage bag 200 is used, the bag body 201 has a first distance 601 from the upper surface film 204 to the lower surface film 205. In the posture in which the storage bag 200 is used, the bag body 201 has a first angle 611 formed by the upper side and the lower side of the left surface film 206 with the first broken line 208 as a boundary.

[0056] As shown in the broken line portion of FIG. 6(b), in the state where the storage bag 200 is erected with the discharge port 202 facing upward, the bag body 201 has a second distance 602 from the upper surface film 204 to the lower surface film 205. The second distance 602 is larger than the first distance 601.

[0057] In the state where the storage bag 200 is erected with the discharge port 202 facing upward, the left surface film 206 opens. Then, the bag body 201 has a second angle 612 formed by the upper side and the lower side of the left surface film 206 with the first broken line 208 as a boundary. The second angle 612 is larger than the first angle 611.

[0058] For example, when the accommodating bag 200 changes from the posture in which it is used to the posture in which the discharge port 202 is erected upward, the ink in the bag body 201 moves in the direction of gravity. Therefore, at the bottom of the accommodating bag 200, the left surface film 206 bulges in the direction of opening against the first folding line 208. In this way, when the left surface film 206 opens, the second distance 602 from the upper surface film 204 to the lower surface film 205 becomes larger than the first distance 601 before the left surface film 206 opens.

[0059] FIG. 6(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIc-VIc of FIG. 6(a). The solid line portion in FIG. 6(c) shows the state (the state of being placed horizontally) in which the accommodating bag 200 is used. On the other hand, the broken line portion in FIG. 6(c) shows the posture in which the accommodating bag 200 is moved from the horizontally placed posture and the discharge port 202 (not shown in FIG. 6(c)) is erected upward. In FIG. 6(c), it is assumed that the remaining amount of the liquid in each of the solid line portion and the broken line portion is the same as the remaining amount of the liquid in each of the solid line portion and the broken line portion shown in FIG. 6(b).

[0060] As shown in the solid line portion of FIG. 6(c), in the portion where the first convex portion 402 and the second convex portion 404 are provided on the left surface film 206, the bag body 201 has a third distance 603 from the upper surface film 204 to the lower surface film 205. However, since the first convex portion 402 and the second convex portion 404 are provided, the third distance 603 is smaller than the first distance 601 (see FIG. 6(b)). In the posture in which the accommodating bag 200 is used, the bag body 201 has a third angle 613 formed by the upper side and the lower side of the left surface film 206 with the first folding line 208 as the boundary.

[0061] As shown in the broken line portion of FIG. 6(c), in the state where the accommodating bag 200 is erected with the discharge port 202 upward, the bag body 201 has a fourth distance 604 from the upper surface film 204 to the lower surface film 205. However, the fourth distance 604 is larger than the third distance 603. And since the first convex portion 402 and the second convex portion 404 are provided, the fourth distance 604 is smaller than the second distance 602 (see FIG. 6(b)).

[0062] When the storage bag 200 is set upright with the discharge port 202 facing upward, the left side film 206 opens, and the bag body 201 has a fourth angle 614 formed between the upper side and the lower side of the left side film 206 with the first fold line 208 as the boundary. The fourth angle 614 is larger than the third angle 613. Thus, in the left side film 206, the portion where the first convex portion 402 and the second convex portion 404 are provided has a smaller movable range in the ±Y direction than the portion where the first convex portion 402 and the second convex portion 404 are not provided. That is, as a result of suppressing the opening of the left side film 206, the fourth distance 604 in the portion where the first convex portion 402 and the second convex portion 404 are provided becomes smaller than the second distance 602 (see FIG. 6(b)).

[0063] As described above, as the angle of the left side film 206 approaches 180 degrees, the possibility of the vertical fold 300 occurring increases. However, in the left side film 206, the portion where the first convex portion 402 and the second convex portion 404 are provided can suppress the distance from the upper side film 204 to the lower side film 205 to be shorter than the portion where the first convex portion 402 and the second convex portion 404 are not provided. That is, by providing the first convex portion 402 and the second convex portion 404, the strength of the left side film 206 can be increased and the occurrence of the vertical fold 300 (not shown in FIG. 6(c)) can be suppressed.

[0064] Also, in the right side film 207 (not shown in FIG. 6(c)), similar to the left side film 206, the occurrence of the vertical fold 300 (not shown in FIG. 6(c)) can be suppressed.

[0065] As described above, in the side joint portion of the storage bag of the present embodiment, convex portions are provided. In the side joint portion, the portion where the convex portions are provided has a restricted movable range of the side surface (the gusset portion) compared to the portion where the convex portions are not provided, and the possibility of a vertical fold occurring on the side surface is suppressed.

[0066] Therefore, according to the storage bag of the present embodiment, the occurrence of vertical folds in the gusset portion can be suppressed.

[0067] [Modified Example] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a modified example of the joint portion 400 in the first embodiment.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 7, it is preferable that a plurality of first convex portions 402, a plurality of second convex portions 404 (not shown in FIG. 7), a plurality of third convex portions 406, and a plurality of fourth convex portions 408 (not shown in FIG. 7) are concentratedly provided at positions where the longitudinal fold 300 is likely to occur.

[0069] In this modified example, two first convex portions 402 and two second convex portions 404 (not shown in FIG. 7) are provided within a range of about 10 mm or more and about 70 mm or less from the first end portion 209 toward the inside of the first fold line 208. Two first convex portions 402 and two second convex portions 404 (not shown in FIG. 7) are provided within a range of about 10 mm or more and about 70 mm or less from the third end portion 212 toward the inside of the first fold line 208.

[0070] On the other hand, two third convex portions 406 and two fourth convex portions 408 (not shown in FIG. 7) are provided within a range of about 10 mm or more and about 70 mm or less from the second end portion 211 toward the inside of the second fold line 210. Two third convex portions 406 and two fourth convex portions 408 (not shown in FIG. 7) are provided within a range of about 10 mm or more and about 70 mm or less from the fourth end portion 213 toward the inside of the second fold line 210.

[0071] In the example of FIG. 7, the sizes of each of the first convex portion 402, the second convex portion 404, the third convex portion 406, and the fourth convex portion 408 are all the same, but the sizes of each of them may be changed. For example, the protruding amounts of each of the first convex portion 402, the second convex portion 404, the third convex portion 406, and the fourth convex portion 408 may be changed, or the widths of each of the first convex portion 402, the second convex portion 404, the third convex portion 406, and the fourth convex portion 408 may be changed. Of course, the first convex portion 402, the second convex portion 404, the third convex portion 406, and the fourth convex portion 408 having different sizes may be provided in combination.

[0072] In addition, with respect to the discharge port 202, the longitudinal fold 300 that occurs farther away has a greater impact on the usability of the liquid than the longitudinal fold 300 that occurs closer. Therefore, the first convex portion 402, the second convex portion 404, the third convex portion 406, and the fourth convex portion 408 are provided only far from the discharge port 202, and they do not have to be provided near the discharge port 202.

[0073] In addition, by providing the first convex portion 402 and the third convex portion 406, the spread of the left surface film 206 (not shown in FIG. 7) and the right surface film 207 (not shown in FIG. 7) is partially suppressed. For this reason, it is conceivable that the maximum amount of liquid that can be stored in the storage bag 200 will decrease.

[0074] However, when each of the first convex portion 402 and the second convex portion 404 has the above-described size and is five or less with respect to the first fold line 208, there is no significant impact on the liquid storage capacity. Similarly, when each of the third convex portion 406 and the fourth convex portion 408 has the above-described size and is five or less with respect to the second fold line 210, there is no significant impact on the liquid storage capacity. That is, when the number of convex portions at the joint with respect to one fold line is 10 or less and the sizes of these convex portions are the above-described sizes, there is no significant impact on the liquid storage capacity.

[0075] Therefore, the number of the first convex portion 402, the second convex portion 404, the third convex portion 406, and the fourth convex portion 408 may be appropriately determined according to the maximum amount of liquid stored in the storage bag 200, the size of the gusset portion, the material of the film, and the like.

[0076] In addition, the intervals D between the plurality of first convex portions 402, the intervals D between the plurality of second convex portions 404, the intervals D between the plurality of third convex portions 406, and the intervals D between the plurality of fourth convex portions 408 may also be determined according to the amount of liquid to be stored and the like.

[0077] In addition, in the state where the storage bag 200 is viewed from the left side, it is preferable that the first convex portion 402 and the second convex portion 404 are provided at positions symmetric with respect to the first fold line 208. Similarly, in the state where the storage bag 200 is viewed from the right side, it is preferable that the third convex portion 406 and the fourth convex portion 408 are provided at positions symmetric with respect to the second fold line 210.

[0078] In the state where the storage bag 200 is viewed from the left side, the first convex portion 402 and the second convex portion 404 may be provided at positions asymmetric with respect to the first fold line 208. Similarly, in the state where the storage bag 200 is viewed from the right side, the third convex portion 406 and the fourth convex portion 408 may be provided at positions asymmetric with respect to the second fold line 210.

[0079] Even with the modification example of the storage bag as described above, the occurrence of vertical folding in the gusset portion can be suppressed.

[0080] [Second Embodiment] In the above-described embodiment, the case where vertical folding occurs in the gusset portions on the left and right sides has been described, but a configuration in which the gusset portion is arranged on the bottom surface may also be used. Even when vertical folding occurs in the gusset portion on the bottom surface, the technology of the present disclosure can be applied. In the following description, for the same or corresponding configurations as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals will be given and the description will be omitted, and the different points will be mainly described.

[0081] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second storage bag 800 showing a joint portion 400 of the bag body 201 in the present embodiment.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 8, the bag body 201 of the present embodiment includes a bottom film 801 that functions as a gusset portion. Examples of the material of the bottom film 801 include polyethylene and polypropylene. In consideration of the gas barrier property and the durability of the bottom film 801, a multilayer film including a plurality of materials such as aluminum, PET, and nylon can also be used. By providing the bottom film 801, the capacity of the bag body 201 of the present embodiment can be made larger than that of the first embodiment.

[0083] In this embodiment, the upper film 204 and the lower film 205 are connected via a bottom film 801 that is folded in half along a third fold line 802.

[0084] The joint portion 400 of this embodiment includes a fifth region 803 that joins the end of the bottom film 801 and the end of the upper film 204 along the entire region in the second direction (X direction), and a fifth convex portion 804 that protrudes from the fifth region 803 toward the inside of the upper film 204. The joint portion 400 of this embodiment includes a sixth region 805 that joins the end of the bottom film 801 and the end of the lower film 205 along the entire region in the second direction (X direction), and a sixth convex portion 806 that protrudes from the sixth region 805 toward the inside of the lower film 205.

[0085] Depending on the posture of the bag body 201, it is conceivable that longitudinal folding may occur in the bottom film 801.

[0086] However, according to the configuration of this embodiment, in the bottom film 801, the portions where the fifth convex portion 804 and the sixth convex portion 806 are provided have a smaller movable range than the portions where the fifth convex portion 804 and the sixth convex portion 806 are not provided. That is, the distance from the upper film 204 to the lower film 205 in the portions where the fifth convex portion 804 and the sixth convex portion 806 are provided is smaller than that distance in the portions where the fifth convex portion 804 and the sixth convex portion 806 are not provided. Thus, in the bottom film 801 of this embodiment, as a result of suppressing the movable range, the occurrence of longitudinal folding is suppressed, similar to the left side film 206 and the right side film 207.

[0087] Therefore, according to the second storage bag 800, even when the bottom surface functions as a gusset portion, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of longitudinal folding on the bottom surface.

[0088] [Other Embodiments] In the above embodiments, the case where the liquid is ink has been described. However, the liquid applicable to the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to ink. That is, as the liquid, various recording liquids including treatment liquids used for the purpose of improving the fixing property of ink on a recording medium, reducing gloss unevenness, and improving abrasion resistance can be used.

[0089] In the above embodiments, when a new storage bag is attached to the hard case, the case where vertical folding occurs when the user turns the discharge port upward in the direction of gravity has been described. In addition to this, when a partially used storage bag is removed from the hard case, the storage bag is temporarily stored by the user, and the storage bag is reattached to the hard case, vertical folding may also occur.

[0090] Also, when the user injects liquid into the storage bag through the discharge port to replenish the liquid, there is a risk of vertical folding.

[0091] The present disclosure includes the following configurations.

[0092] [Configuration 1] A storage bag including a bag body and a discharge port for discharging the liquid stored in the bag body, wherein the bag body includes a first surface portion, a second surface portion facing the first surface portion, a third surface portion serving as a gusset portion connecting the first surface portion and the second surface portion, and a fourth surface portion facing the third surface portion and serving as a gusset portion connecting the first surface portion and the second surface portion, the first surface portion and the third surface portion are connected by a first connecting portion extending in a first direction, the first surface portion and the fourth surface portion are connected by a second connecting portion extending in the first direction, the first connecting portion includes a first convex portion protruding toward the inside of the first surface portion along a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second connecting portion includes a second convex portion protruding toward the inside of the first surface portion along the second direction, characterized by the above.

[0093] [Configuration 2] The second face portion and the third face portion are joined by a third joining portion extending in the first direction, The second face portion and the fourth face portion are joined by a fourth joining portion extending in the first direction, The third joining portion includes a third convex portion protruding toward the inside of the second face portion along the second direction, The fourth joining portion includes a fourth convex portion protruding toward the inside of the second face portion along the second direction, The storage bag according to Configuration 1.

[0094] [Configuration 3] The first convex portion and the third convex portion are at the same position in the first direction, The second convex portion and the fourth convex portion are at the same position in the first direction, The storage bag according to Configuration 2.

[0095] [Configuration 4] In the first joining portion, the first face portion and the third face portion are joined by welding or an adhesive, In the second joining portion, the first face portion and the fourth face portion are joined by welding or an adhesive, The storage bag according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3.

[0096] [Configuration 5] In the first joining portion, the distance that the first convex portion extends in the first direction and the second direction is 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less, In the second joining portion, the distance that the second convex portion extends in the first direction and the second direction is 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less, The storage bag according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4.

[0097] [Configuration 6] The first convex portion is provided within a range extending 10 mm or more and 70 mm or less in the first direction from the end of the third surface portion toward the inside of the third surface portion. The second convex portion is provided within a range extending 10 mm or more and 70 mm or less in the first direction from the end of the fourth surface portion toward the inside of the fourth surface portion. The storage bag according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5.

[0098] [Configuration 7] In the third coupling portion, the second surface portion and the third surface portion are coupled by welding or an adhesive. In the fourth coupling portion, the second surface portion and the fourth surface portion are coupled by welding or an adhesive. The storage bag according to Configuration 2.

[0099] [Configuration 8] In the third coupling portion, the distances by which the third convex portion extends in the first direction and the second direction are 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less. In the fourth coupling portion, the distances by which the fourth convex portion extends in the first direction and the second direction are 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less. The storage bag according to Configuration 2 or 7.

[0100] [Configuration 9] The first convex portion is provided within a range extending 10 mm or more and 70 mm or less in the first direction from the end of the third surface portion toward the inside of the third surface portion. The second convex portion is provided within a range extending 10 mm or more and 70 mm or less in the first direction from the end of the fourth surface portion toward the inside of the fourth surface portion. The storage bag according to any one of Configurations 2, 7, or 8.

[0101] [Configuration 10] The total number of the first convex portions and the third convex portions is 10 or less. The total number of the second convex portions and the fourth convex portions is 10 or less. The storage bag according to any one of Configurations 2, 7, 8, or 9.

[0102] [Configuration 11] The first direction is the direction from the bottom of the bag body toward the discharge port. The storage bag according to any one of Configurations 1 to 10.

[0103] [Configuration 12] The first face portion, the second face portion, the third face portion, and the fourth face portion are formed of a film including at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, aluminum, polyethylene terephthalate, and nylon. The storage bag according to any one of Configurations 1 to 11.

[0104] [Configuration 13] As the liquid is discharged from the bag body, the third face portion and the fourth face portion are folded along a broken line extending in the first direction. The storage bag according to any one of Configurations 1 to 12.

[0105] [Configuration 14] The bag body further includes a fifth face portion that is a gusset portion connecting the first face portion, the second face portion, the third face portion, and the fourth face portion. The first face portion and the fifth face portion are joined by a fifth joining portion extending in the second direction. The second face portion and the fifth face portion are joined by a sixth joining portion extending in the second direction. The fifth joining portion includes a fifth convex portion protruding toward the inside of the first face portion along the first direction. The sixth joining portion includes a sixth convex portion protruding toward the inside of the first face portion along the first direction. The storage bag according to any one of Configurations 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13.

[0106] [Configuration 15] The fifth convex portion and the sixth convex portion are in the same position in the second direction. The storage bag according to Configuration 14. [Configuration 16] At the fifth joint portion, the first surface portion and the fifth surface portion are joined by welding or an adhesive. At the sixth joint portion, the second surface portion and the fifth surface portion are joined by welding or an adhesive. The storage bag according to Configuration 14 or 15.

[0107] [Configuration 17] The fifth surface portion is composed of a film containing at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, aluminum, polyethylene terephthalate, and nylon. The storage bag according to any one of Configurations 14 to 16.

[0108] [Configuration 18] As the liquid is discharged from the bag body, the fifth surface portion is folded along a broken line extending in the second direction. The storage bag according to any one of Configurations 14 to 17.

[0109] [Configuration 19] A mounting portion capable of mounting the storage bag according to any one of Configurations 1 to 18, A recording head capable of discharging the liquid discharged from the discharge port and recording an image on a recording medium, A recording apparatus characterized by comprising the above.

Claims

1. A storage bag comprising a bag body and a discharge port for discharging the liquid stored in the bag body, wherein the bag body includes a first surface portion, a second surface portion facing the first surface portion, a third surface portion serving as a gusset portion connecting the first surface portion and the second surface portion, and a fourth surface portion facing the third surface portion and serving as a gusset portion connecting the first surface portion and the second surface portion, the first surface portion and the third surface portion are connected by a first connecting portion extending in a first direction, the first surface portion and the fourth surface portion are connected by a second connecting portion extending in the first direction, the first connecting portion includes a first convex portion protruding toward the inside of the first surface portion along a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second connecting portion includes a second convex portion protruding toward the inside of the first surface portion along the second direction, characterized in that it is a storage bag.

2. the second surface portion and the third surface portion are connected by a third connecting portion extending in the first direction, the second surface portion and the fourth surface portion are connected by a fourth connecting portion extending in the first direction, the third connecting portion includes a third convex portion protruding toward the inside of the second surface portion along the second direction, the fourth connecting portion includes a fourth convex portion protruding toward the inside of the second surface portion along the second direction, The storage bag according to claim 1.

3. the first convex portion and the third convex portion are at the same position in the first direction, the second convex portion and the fourth convex portion are at the same position in the first direction, The storage bag according to claim 2.

4. In the first connecting portion, the first surface portion and the third surface portion are connected by welding or an adhesive, In the second connecting portion, the first surface portion and the fourth surface portion are connected by welding or an adhesive, The storage bag according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. In the first connecting portion, the distance that the first convex portion extends in the first direction and the second direction is 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less, In the second connecting portion, the distance that the second convex portion extends in the first direction and the second direction is 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less, The storage bag according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The first convex portion is provided within a range extending 10 mm or more and 70 mm or less in the first direction from the end of the third face portion toward the inside of the third face portion. The second convex portion is provided within a range extending 10 mm or more and 70 mm or less in the first direction from the end of the fourth face portion toward the inside of the fourth face portion. The storage bag according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. At the third joint portion, the second face portion and the third face portion are joined by welding or an adhesive. At the fourth joint portion, the second face portion and the fourth face portion are joined by welding or an adhesive. The storage bag according to claim 2.

8. At the third joint portion, the distances by which the third convex portion extends in the first direction and the second direction are 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less. At the fourth joint portion, the distances by which the fourth convex portion extends in the first direction and the second direction are 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less. The storage bag according to claim 2 or 7.

9. The third convex portion is provided within a range extending 10 mm or more and 70 mm or less in the first direction from the end of the third face portion toward the inside of the third face portion. The fourth convex portion is provided within a range extending 10 mm or more and 70 mm or less in the first direction from the end of the fourth face portion toward the inside of the fourth face portion. The storage bag according to any one of claims 2 or 7.

10. The total number of the first convex portions and the third convex portions is 10 or less. The total number of the second convex portions and the fourth convex portions is 10 or less. The storage bag according to any one of claims 2 or 7.

11. The first direction is the direction from the bottom of the bag body toward the discharge port. The storage bag according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. The first face portion, the second face portion, the third face portion, and the fourth face portion are formed of a film containing at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, aluminum, polyethylene terephthalate, and nylon. The storage bag according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

13. As liquid is discharged from the bag body, the third face portion and the fourth face portion are folded along a broken line extending in the first direction. The storage bag according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

14. The bag body further includes a fifth surface portion that is a gusset portion connecting the first surface portion, the second surface portion, the third surface portion, and the fourth surface portion. The first surface portion and the fifth surface portion are joined by a fifth joining portion extending in the second direction. The second surface portion and the fifth surface portion are joined by a sixth joining portion extending in the second direction. The fifth joining portion includes a fifth convex portion that protrudes inward of the first surface portion along the first direction. The sixth joining portion includes a sixth convex portion that protrudes inward of the first surface portion along the first direction. The storage bag according to claim 2.

15. The fifth convex portion and the sixth convex portion are at the same position in the second direction. The storage bag according to claim 14.

16. In the fifth joining portion, the first surface portion and the fifth surface portion are joined by welding or an adhesive. In the sixth joining portion, the second surface portion and the fifth surface portion are joined by welding or an adhesive. The storage bag according to claim 14.

17. The fifth surface portion is formed of a film including at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, aluminum, polyethylene terephthalate, and nylon. The storage bag according to claim 14.

18. As liquid is discharged from the bag body, the fifth surface portion is folded along a folding line extending in the second direction. The storage bag according to claim 14.

19. A mounting portion capable of mounting the storage bag according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 14, A recording head capable of discharging the liquid discharged from the discharge port and recording an image on a recording medium. A recording apparatus comprising the same.

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