Ink storage body and ink discharge apparatus

Abstract

To provide an ink storage body that enables reuse of as many members as possible and can contribute to realization of a sustainable society such as a decarbonized / recycling-oriented society.SOLUTION: An ink storage body comprises a bag body, a derivation member, and a fixing portion. The bag body is configured to be capable of storing ink. The derivation member is configured to allow ink to be led out from an interior of the bag body to an exterior. The fixing portion is configured to fix the bag body and the derivation member in a manner that allows them to be attachable and detachable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ink container and an ink ejection device. [Background technology]

[0002] From the perspective of realizing a sustainable society, used liquid containers are sometimes collected, refilled with liquid (e.g., ink), and manufactured (recycled) into new liquid containers. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for manufacturing a liquid container that includes a step of preparing a liquid container before recycling, and a liquid container manufactured by this manufacturing method. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-198990 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the manufacturing method of Patent Document 1, the liquid container is prepared by welding a bag (bag body) for storing the liquid and a liquid lead-out member (lead-out member) for leading out the liquid. Therefore, even if the liquid lead-out member is reusable, if the bag is difficult to reuse, these must be discarded together.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an ink container that allows as many components as possible to be reused. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The ink container of the present disclosure is characterized by comprising a bag body for storing ink, a discharge member for discharging ink from the inside of the bag body to the outside, and a fixing portion for fixing the bag body and the discharge member so that they can be attached and detached. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the ink container of the present disclosure, it is possible to reuse as many components as possible. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a liquid ejection apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective plan view showing an example of a liquid container according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid container according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a liquid container according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective plan view illustrating an example of a liquid container according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of an upper adapter and a lower adapter according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid container according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [First embodiment] The technology described in this specification can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society such as a carbon-free / recycling-based society. In this embodiment, a liquid container that allows as many components as possible to be reused will be described as a technology that can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a liquid ejection device 100 that can be applied to this embodiment. Arrows X, Y, and Z indicating three mutually orthogonal directions are shown in Fig. 1. Note that the arrows X, Y, and Z are also shown appropriately in other figures referred to in this specification so as to correspond to Fig. 1.

[0011] The directions indicated by the arrows X, Y, and Z correspond to the usage posture of the liquid ejection device 100 and the liquid container 101 in a normal usage state. The normal usage state of the liquid ejection device 100 is a state in which the liquid ejection device 100 is used while being placed on a horizontal surface.

[0012] The Z direction indicates a direction parallel to the direction of gravity. The +Z direction is the anti-gravity direction, and the -Z direction is the direction of gravity. The Z direction coincides with the up-down direction (height direction) of the liquid ejection device 100. In the following description, when "up" or "down" is used with respect to the liquid ejection device 100 and the liquid container 101, it means the up-down direction based on the direction of the arrow Z, unless otherwise specified. "Up" means the +Z direction, and "down" means the -Z direction. Furthermore, "horizontal direction" means the direction perpendicular to the Z direction.

[0013] The Y direction indicates the direction in which the liquid container 101 is attached to or detached from the liquid ejection device 100, and is a direction parallel to the front-to-rear direction (depth direction) of the liquid ejection device 100. The +Y direction indicates the direction in which the liquid container 101 is attached to the main body of the liquid ejection device 100, and is a direction from the front side to the back side of the liquid ejection device 100. The -Y direction indicates the direction in which the liquid container 101 is detached from the main body of the liquid ejection device 100, and is a direction from the back side to the front side of the liquid ejection device 100.

[0014] In the following description, when referring to the liquid ejection device 100 and the liquid container 101, "front" and "rear" refer to the front-to-rear direction based on the direction of arrow Y, unless otherwise specified. "Front" refers to the -Y direction, and "rear" refers to the +Y direction.

[0015] The X direction indicates a direction parallel to the left-right direction (width direction) of the liquid ejection device 100. The -X direction is the direction from right to left when facing the front of the liquid ejection device 100. The +X direction is the direction from left to right when facing the front of the liquid ejection device 100. In the following description, when referring to the liquid ejection device 100 and the liquid container 101, "right" and "left" refer to the left-right direction relative to the direction of the arrow X, unless otherwise specified. "Right" refers to the +X direction, and "left" refers to the -X direction.

[0016] <Liquid discharge device 100> As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection device 100 includes a plurality of cases 102 configured to accommodate one liquid container 101 containing liquid therein. In addition to the case 102, the liquid ejection device 100 also includes a liquid ejection head (not shown) that ejects liquid, a container (not shown) for a recording medium (e.g., paper, not shown), and a transport mechanism (not shown) for the recording medium. The case 102 is configured to be detachable from the main body of the liquid ejection device 100. By attaching the case 102 to the liquid ejection device 100 with the liquid container 101 mounted therein, it becomes possible to supply liquid from the liquid container 101 to the liquid ejection device 100. A specific example of the liquid ejection device 100 of the present disclosure is an inkjet recording device.

[0017] In this embodiment, ink packs containing ink to be ejected from the liquid ejection head are used as the liquid containers 101. For example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks are contained in the four liquid containers 101, respectively. Each of the four liquid containers 101 is housed in a case 102 and is then attached to the liquid ejection device 100. Note that the types of ink are not limited to these four colors.

[0018] In the liquid ejection device 100 of this embodiment, the liquid ejection head is slidably supported on a guide rail (not shown) and is mounted on a carriage (not shown) that is moved back and forth in a straight line along the guide rail by a driving means (for example, a motor, not shown). A recording medium that receives the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head is conveyed by a conveyance mechanism (for example, a conveyance roller, etc.) in a direction that faces the liquid ejection surface of the liquid ejection head and intersects with the direction of movement of the carriage.

[0019] In the liquid ejection device 100 of this embodiment, the reciprocating movement of the liquid ejection head and the conveyance of the recording medium at a predetermined pitch are repeated. Then, in synchronization with these movements, multiple types of liquid (in this embodiment, the four colors of ink described above) are selectively ejected from the liquid ejection head and applied to the recording medium to form characters, symbols, images, and the like. Hereinafter, the position in which the liquid container 101, housed in the case 102, is attached to the liquid ejection device 100 in a normal use state will be referred to as the "use position."

[0020] [Liquid container 101] 2 is a plan perspective view showing an example of a liquid container 101 that can be applied to this embodiment. The directions indicated by X, Y, and Z indicate the directions when the liquid container 101 is in use. The orientation of the liquid container 101 can be freely changed during the manufacturing process of the liquid container 101 (described below) or when the liquid container 101 is not mounted on the liquid ejection device 100. The same applies to the following drawings that show the liquid container 101 alone.

[0021] 2, the liquid container 101 includes a bag 201 capable of containing liquid. The liquid container 101 includes a lead-out member 202 capable of leading out liquid from the inside of the bag 201 to the outside. The liquid container 101 includes an adapter 203 (fixing part) capable of fixing the bag 201 and the lead-out member 202 so that they can be attached and detached.

[0022] Bag body 201 is flexible. Bag body 201 may be flexible enough to bend under its own weight, or it may be flexible enough to maintain its shape against its own weight and bend when a load greater than its own weight is applied. In a plan view, bag body 201 has a substantially rectangular shape with the X direction as the short side and the Y direction as the long side.

[0023] In this embodiment, the bag body 201 is formed by overlapping two films and joining (for example, welding or gluing) the outer peripheries of the films. The bag body 201 may also be formed by folding one film over. The films that form the bag body 201 are joined by thermal welding. The films are welded together, leaving a portion of one side of the welded portion 204 of the films, leaving a space for inserting the lead-out member 202.

[0024] The material constituting bag body 201 has flexibility, gas barrier properties, and liquid impermeability. For example, bag body 201 may be made of a film containing polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, polyethylene, or the like. Bag body 201 may be made by laminating multiple films containing the above-mentioned materials. In this case, for example, the outer layer of bag body 201 may be made of a PET or nylon film that has excellent impact resistance, and the inner layer of bag body 201 may be made of a polyethylene film that has excellent ink resistance. Furthermore, a layer on which aluminum or the like is vapor-deposited may be added to the laminated structure constituting bag body 201.

[0025] The outlet member 202 has a function of connecting to a connection receptacle (not shown) of a corresponding liquid discharge device 100 (see FIG. 1). The outlet member 202 has a flow path 205 for leading the liquid contained in the bag body 201 to the outside. The opening of the flow path 205 is sealed by a sealing member 206 (for example, a valve, a film, or a tape). With this configuration, when the sealing member 206 seals the opening of the flow path 205, the liquid does not leak from the inside of the bag body 201 to the outside through the flow path 205.

[0026] The connection receiving portion of the liquid ejection device 100 includes, for example, a hollow needle (not shown) having an opening (not shown). The hollow needle breaks through the sealing member 206 and is inserted into the flow path 205, thereby enabling liquid to be supplied from the liquid container 101 to the liquid ejection device 100. For example, when the liquid container 101 is attached to the liquid ejection device 100, a pump or the like (not shown) provided on the main body of the liquid ejection device 100 is driven, causing the liquid to move through the flow path 205, the opening of the hollow needle, and the interior of the hollow needle in that order. In this embodiment, the liquid is supplied in this manner.

[0027] The lead-out member 202 includes a sealing portion 207 that liquid-tightly seals the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the bag body 201 and the outer peripheral surface of the lead-out member 202. The sealing portion 207 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body of the lead-out member 202. The sealing portion 207 has elasticity and liquid-wettability.

[0028] In this embodiment, nitrile rubber is used for the sealing portion 207. However, as long as it has elasticity and liquid-wettability, the sealing portion 207 is not limited to nitrile rubber. For example, silicone rubber, fluororubber, or the like can also be used for the sealing portion 207.

[0029] The liquid container 101 also has a positioning portion 208 for determining the position of the lead-out member 202 relative to the adapter 203. The positioning portion 208 includes a convex portion 303 (see FIG. 3) formed on the adapter 203, a through-hole 310 (see FIG. 3) formed in the lead-out member 202, and a concave portion 306 (see FIG. 3) formed in the adapter 203. The position of the lead-out member 202 relative to the adapter 203 is determined by the convex portion 303 passing through the through-hole 310 and fitting into the concave portion 306.

[0030] The adapter 203 includes a pair of upper and lower adapters, an upper adapter 301 (see FIG. 3) and a lower adapter 302 (see FIG. 3). The adapter 203 has a clamping portion 209 that clamps the sealing portion 207 from above the bag body 201. The upper adapter 301 and the lower adapter 302 are fixed by being fastened with screws 210.

[0031] The shape of the thread of the screw 210 is preferably a special shape (for example, a three-pronged shape). By making the shape of the thread a special shape, it is possible to prevent the screw 210 from being removed with a general Phillips head screwdriver or flat head screwdriver. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid from leaking to the outside when, for example, the user removes the screw 210 and disassembles the liquid container 101 even when a relatively large amount of liquid is contained inside the bag body 201.

[0032] In this way, in this embodiment, the lead-out member 202 is fixed to the bag body 201 without being welded to the bag body 201. Specifically, the sealing portion 207 of the lead-out member 202 is inserted into the bag body 201 and is clamped from the outside of the bag body 201 by the clamping portion 209 of the adapter 203, thereby being fixed to the bag body 201.

[0033] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid container 101 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, when the liquid container 101 is in the usage position, the lower adapter 302 has a convex portion 303 extending vertically from the surface facing the upper adapter 301, and a screw hole 304 penetrating the lower adapter 302 in the height direction (Z direction).

[0035] The lower adapter 302 has a lower clamping portion 305 that contacts the lower surface of the bag body 201. For example, the lower adapter 302 is integrally formed from resin. That is, the portions other than the lower clamping portion 305 and the upper clamping portion 308 are formed from the same material.

[0036] In addition, when the liquid container 101 is in the usage position, the upper adapter 301 has a recess 306 formed on the surface facing the lower adapter 302, and a screw hole 307 that penetrates the upper adapter 301 in the height direction (Z direction).

[0037] The upper adapter 301 has an upper clamping portion 308 that contacts the upper surface of the bag body 201. For example, the upper adapter 301 is integrally formed from resin. That is, the upper clamping portion 308 and the portions other than the upper clamping portion 308 are formed from the same material.

[0038] The main body portion of the lead-out member 202 that is clamped by the lower clamping portion 305 and the upper clamping portion 308 has a flat shape.

[0039] According to this configuration, compared to when the main body portion of lead-out member 202 is cylindrical, it is possible to increase the pressing force that lead-out member 202 receives when it is clamped by lower clamping portion 305 and upper clamping portion 308. Therefore, by providing sealing portion 207 on the main body portion of lead-out member 202, which has a flat shape, it is possible to improve sealing performance compared to when the main body portion of lead-out member 202 is cylindrical.

[0040] The lead-out member 202 has a flat plate portion 309 that protrudes from the bag body 201 when the sealing portion 207 is inserted into the bag body 201. When the liquid container 101 is in the usage position, the lead-out member 202 has a through-hole 310 that penetrates the flat plate portion 309 in the height direction (Z direction). When the liquid container 101 is assembled, the convex portion 303 is fitted into the concave portion 306 so as to pass through the through-hole 310, thereby determining the position of the lead-out member 202 relative to the adapter 203. When the lead-out member 202 is inserted into the bag body 201, the flat plate portion 309 and the welded portion 204 are sandwiched between the lower adapter 302 and the upper adapter 301, thereby fixing the lead-out member 202 to the adapter 203.

[0041] When the screw 210 is passed through the threaded hole 307 and screwed into the threaded hole 304, the sealing portion 207 is sandwiched between the lower clamping portion 305 and the upper clamping portion 308, and the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the bag body 201 and the outer peripheral surface of the lead-out member 202 is liquid-tightly sealed. The lower clamping portion 305 and the upper clamping portion 308 each have a convex shape that protrudes from the lower adapter 302 and the upper adapter 301, respectively, so as to approach each other.

[0042] The elastic bag body 201 and sealing portion 207 are clamped in a concave manner by the convex lower clamping portion 305 and upper clamping portion 308, thereby maintaining a seal between the inner peripheral surface of the bag body 201 and the outer peripheral surface of the lead-out member 202. On the other hand, when the screw 210 is removed, the adapter 203 can be separated into the lower adapter 302 and the upper adapter 301. When the lower adapter 302 and the upper adapter 301 are separated, the lead-out member 202 can be pulled out of the bag body 201, and the lead-out member 202 and the bag body 201 can be separated. With this configuration, for example, if the bag body 201 is torn but the lead-out member 202 is intact, the lead-out member 202 can be reused to manufacture a new liquid container 101.

[0043] On the other hand, if the discharge member 202 is broken but the bag 201 is intact, the bag 201 can be reused to manufacture a new liquid container 101. Of course, if the bag 201 and the discharge member 202 are intact, both of them can be reused to manufacture a new liquid container 101.

[0044] Furthermore, if the lower adapter 302 is cracked but the upper adapter 301 is undamaged, the upper adapter 301 can be reused to manufacture a new liquid container 101. Conversely, if the upper adapter 301 is cracked but the lower adapter 302 is undamaged, the lower adapter 302 can be reused to manufacture a new liquid container 101. Of course, if the upper adapter 301 and the lower adapter 302 are undamaged, both of them can be reused to manufacture a new liquid container 101.

[0045] In this way, the liquid container 101 of this embodiment is configured to allow for the reuse of as many components as possible. In contrast, in the technology of Patent Document 1, the bag and the liquid lead-out member are welded together. Therefore, if one of them is not reusable, they must be discarded together, even if the other is reusable. However, in this embodiment, the bag 201, the lead-out member 202, the upper adapter 301, and the lower adapter 302 can be individually separated. Therefore, a new liquid container 101 can be manufactured by replacing only the components that are difficult to reuse. In this way, the liquid container 101 of this embodiment, which is configured to allow for the reuse of many components, can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

[0046] <Method of manufacturing liquid container> FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a liquid container. FIG. 4 shows a method for manufacturing a new liquid container by recovering reusable members from among the multiple members that make up the liquid container. For ease of explanation, the liquid container from which the members are to be recovered will be referred to as a "used liquid container," and a liquid container newly manufactured using the recovered members will be referred to as a "new liquid container." Furthermore, as necessary, members removed from a used liquid container will be referred to as a "used member." For example, a bag removed from a used liquid container will be referred to as a "used bag."

[0047] In FIG. 4, a description will be given assuming that the bag body 201 (see FIG. 2, etc.) is collected from a used liquid container 101 (see FIG. 1) and a new liquid container including the bag body is manufactured. However, the member to be collected is not limited to the bag body 201, as long as it can be removed from the liquid container 101. For example, the outlet member 202 (see FIG. 2, etc.), the upper adapter 301 (see FIG. 3, etc.), or the lower adapter 302 (see FIG. 3, etc.) may also be collected. Of course, a single new liquid container may also be manufactured by collecting multiple members from one or multiple used liquid containers. Note that the symbol "S" in the description of each process refers to a step in the flowchart.

[0048] In S401, a used liquid container 101 is prepared. For example, it is preferable that the liquid container 101 is prepared in a state where the remaining amount of liquid is acquired by a control device (for example, a CPU, not shown) while the liquid container 101 is attached to the liquid ejection device 100 (see FIG. 1) and the remaining amount of liquid is determined to be insufficient. The smaller the remaining amount of liquid in the used liquid container 101 that is prepared, the better. However, it is possible to manufacture a new liquid container regardless of the remaining amount of liquid in the used liquid container 101. After S401 is performed, the processing of S402 is performed.

[0049] In S402, the upper adapter 301 and the lower adapter 302 are removed from the used liquid container 101. After S402 is performed, the process of S403 is carried out.

[0050] In S403, the lead-out member 202 is removed from the used bag body 201. After S403 is performed, the process of S404 is performed.

[0051] In S404, the used bag 201 is washed and dried. After the liquid and foreign matter remaining in the used bag 201 are washed away, the bag 201 is dried, and thus no moisture remains on the used bag 201. After S404 is performed, the process of S405 is performed.

[0052] In S405, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the used bag 201. In S405, the used bag 201 is inspected, and if the inspection reveals that the bag is difficult to reuse, it is determined that there is an abnormality. For example, a visual inspection is performed on the used bag 201, and if the visual inspection reveals that the bag 201 is torn, it is determined that there is an abnormality. Note that the visual inspection may be performed visually or with a camera.

[0053] Alternatively, an air leak test may be performed using a known test device, and if it is detected that air is leaking from the bag body 201, it may be determined that there is an abnormality in the bag body 201. If it is determined that there is an abnormality in the bag body 201 (YES in S405), the process of S406 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no abnormality in the bag body 201 (NO in S405), the process of S407 is performed.

[0054] In S406, the used bag 201 determined to have an abnormality is replaced with a new bag. For example, a torn used bag 201 is replaced with an unused bag (in its initial state). The used bag 201 determined to have an abnormality may be replaced with an unused bag (in its initial state), or with a spare used bag determined to have no abnormality. For example, if a used discharge member is determined to have an abnormality and a used bag attached to the discharge member is determined to have no abnormality, the bag can be collected and attached as a new bag. After S406 is performed, the process of S407 is performed.

[0055] In S407, the lead-out member removed in S403 is attached to the bag body without being fixed. Specifically, the sealing portion 207 of the lead-out member 202 removed in S403 is inserted into the opening of the bag body without being fixed (for example, welded) After S407 is performed, the process of S408 is performed.

[0056] In S408, the upper adapter and the lower adapter are attached. In consideration of reusing as many components as possible, it is preferable to attach the upper adapter 301 and the lower adapter 302 removed in S402. After S408 is performed, the process of S409 is carried out.

[0057] In S409, the liquid is poured into the bag. After S409 is performed, the process of S410 is carried out.

[0058] In S410, a new sealing member 206 (see FIG. 2 and the like) is attached to the opening of the lead-out member 202.

[0059] Through the above steps, as many reusable members as possible can be collected from one or more used liquid containers 101, and one new liquid container can be manufactured.

[0060] As described above, in this embodiment, when a liquid is poured into a used bag, the bag is not cut off. Therefore, unlike the manufacturing method of Patent Document 1, when a liquid is poured into a used bag, pieces of the bag do not become waste.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the opening formed for injecting the liquid is not sealed by welding, as in the manufacturing method of Patent Document 1. Therefore, even if there is a problem with the welding work, the liquid will not leak from the welded portion.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if there are components that are difficult to reuse, other reusable components can be collected as spares and used when manufacturing a new liquid container.

[0063] Therefore, the technology disclosed herein can provide a liquid container that allows as many components as possible to be reused, and ultimately can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, such as a carbon-free / recycling-based society.

[0064] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components similar to or corresponding to those of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted, with differences being mainly described. The object of this embodiment is to provide a liquid container with improved sealing properties.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a plan perspective view showing an example of a liquid container 101 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0066] 5, in the usage orientation of the liquid container 101, the adapter 203 of this embodiment includes a plurality of clamping portions 209 arranged along the direction in which the liquid is discharged (Y direction). In this embodiment, two clamping portions 209 clamp the sealing portion 207 from above the bag body 201. When three or more clamping portions 209 are present, the intervals at which these clamping portions 209 are arranged may be equal or different.

[0067] According to this configuration, even if a liquid leak occurs at a position clamped by the clamping portion 209 arranged on the base end side (inside the bag body) of the lead-out member 202, the liquid leak can be stopped at a position clamped by the clamping portion 209 arranged on the tip side of the lead-out member 202. In other words, even if a liquid leak occurs at a position clamped by the clamping portion 209 arranged on the -Y direction side, the liquid leak can be stopped at a position clamped by the clamping portion 209 arranged on the +Y direction side.

[0068] FIG. 6(a) is a planar perspective view of an upper adapter 301 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0069] As shown in Figure 6(a), in the usage position of the liquid container 101 (see Figure 5), the upper adapter 301 of this embodiment has multiple (two in Figure 6(a)) upper clamping portions 308 arranged along the Y direction.

[0070] FIG. 6(b) is a plan view of the lower adapter 302 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0071] 6(b), in the usage attitude of the liquid container 101 (see FIG. 5), the lower adapter 302 of this embodiment includes a plurality of (two in FIG. 6(b)) lower clamping portions 305 arranged along the Y direction. In this embodiment, when the upper adapter 301 and the lower adapter 302 are fixed, the two upper clamping portions 308 and the two lower clamping portions 305 face each other.

[0072] With this configuration, even if, for some reason, liquid leakage occurs in the portion sealed by the upper clamping portion 308 and the lower clamping portion 305 on the base end side, the liquid leakage can be stopped in the portion sealed by the upper clamping portion 308 and the lower clamping portion 305 on the tip end side.

[0073] Therefore, the liquid container of this embodiment can improve the sealing performance compared to the first embodiment.

[0074] [Third embodiment] A third embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components similar to or corresponding to those of the first and second embodiments, and a description thereof will be omitted, with differences being mainly described. The liquid container of this embodiment aims to suppress liquid leakage using fewer components than the first and second embodiments.

[0075] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a lead-out member 202 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 7 , the lead-out member 202 of this embodiment includes an annular sealing portion 207 formed to surround the outer periphery of the main body portion. In this embodiment, the sealing portion 207 is a part of the lead-out member 202 and is a rib formed from the same material as the main body portion of the lead-out member 202. In this embodiment as well, the sealing portion 207 is clamped by the clamping portion 209 (see FIG. 2 , etc.). With the sealing portion 207 clamped by the clamping portion 209, the sealing portion 207 liquid-tightly seals the gap between the outer periphery of the lead-out member 202 (see FIG. 2 , etc.) and the inner periphery of the bag body 201 (see FIG. 2 , etc.).

[0077] According to this configuration, even if an elastic member (e.g., nitrile rubber, etc.) is not attached to the outlet member 202 as the sealing portion 207, the sealing property of the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the outlet member 202 and the inner peripheral surface of the bag body 201 can be maintained.

[0078] That is, according to the liquid container of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress liquid leakage with fewer parts than in the first and second embodiments. In this way, reducing the number of parts that make up the liquid container can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

[0079] [Fourth embodiment] A fourth embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components similar to or corresponding to those of the first and second embodiments, and a description thereof will be omitted, with differences being mainly described. The object of the liquid container of this embodiment is to provide a liquid container that is capable of recovering as many components as possible.

[0080] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid container 101 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0081] 8, the lead-out member 202 of this embodiment does not include a sealing portion 207. The sealing portion 207 of this embodiment is arranged in the upper adapter 301 and the lower adapter 302. In this embodiment, the inner peripheral surface of the sealing portion 207 presses against the outer peripheral surface of the bag body 201, liquid-tightly sealing the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the bag body 201 and the outer peripheral surface of the lead-out member 202. The lower adapter 302 functions as the sealing portion 207 and has a lower sealing portion 802 that contacts the lower surface of the bag body 201.

[0082] In this embodiment, an elastic member (e.g., nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, or fluororubber) that functions as the lower sealing portion 802 is fixed by a method such as welding to the lower adapter 302. That is, in the lower adapter 302 of this embodiment, the lower sealing portion 802 and the portions other than the lower sealing portion 802 are made of different materials.

[0083] The upper adapter 301 has an upper sealing portion 801 that functions as the sealing portion 207 and contacts the upper surface of the bag body 201. In this embodiment, an elastic member (e.g., nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, or fluororubber) that functions as the upper sealing portion 801 is fixed to the upper adapter 301 by, for example, welding. That is, in the upper adapter 301 of this embodiment, the upper sealing portion 801 and the portions other than the upper sealing portion 801 are made of different materials.

[0084] In this embodiment, the screw 210 passes through the threaded hole 307 and is screwed into the threaded hole 304. As a result, the bag body 201 and the lead-out member 202 are sandwiched between the lower sealing portion 802 and the upper sealing portion 801, and the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the bag body 201 and the outer peripheral surface of the lead-out member 202 is liquid-tightly sealed. In this way, the bag body 201 and the sealing portion 207 are sandwiched between the lower sealing portion 802 and the upper sealing portion 801, which have elasticity and a convex shape, thereby maintaining a seal between the inner peripheral surface of the bag body 201 and the outer peripheral surface of the lead-out member 202.

[0085] On the other hand, when the screw 210 is removed, the adapter 203 can be separated into the lower adapter 302 and the upper adapter 301. When the lower adapter 302 and the upper adapter 301 are separated, the clamping by the lower sealing portion 802 and the upper sealing portion 801 is released, and the lead-out member 202 can be pulled out from the bag body 201, and the lead-out member 202 and the bag body 201 can be separated.

[0086] This configuration also allows for the recovery of as many reusable parts as possible.

[0087] [Other embodiments] In the first, second and third embodiments, a bag body made of two films welded together is used, but a gusset-type bag body having a gusset portion may also be used.

[0088] In the first and second embodiments, one elastic member (nitrile rubber) was used as the sealing part, but multiple elastic members may be attached to the discharge member along the direction in which the liquid is discharged (Y direction).

[0089] When multiple elastic members are attached to the lead-out member as sealing parts, it is preferable that clamping parts are formed at positions corresponding to these elastic members. When three or more elastic members are attached to the lead-out member as sealing parts, the spacing between the elastic members may be equal or different.

[0090] In the third embodiment, one rib is formed as the sealing portion, but multiple ribs may be formed as the sealing portion along the direction in which the liquid is discharged (Y direction). When three or more ribs are formed, the intervals at which the ribs are formed may be equal or different. When multiple ribs are formed as the sealing portion, it is preferable that clamping portions be formed at positions corresponding to these ribs.

[0091] Furthermore, one or more elastic members and one or more ribs may be arranged as a sealing portion on one outlet member along the direction in which the liquid is discharged (Y direction). In this way, when a combination of multiple elastic members and ribs is arranged as a sealing portion, it is preferable that a clamping portion be formed at a position corresponding to these elastic members and ribs.

[0092] 4 may be performed in a different order or omitted as appropriate. For example, the order of steps S404 and S405 may be reversed. Of course, multiple steps may be performed simultaneously.

[0093] The present disclosure includes the following configurations or methods.

[0094] [Configuration 1] a bag for storing ink; a discharge member that discharges ink from the inside of the bag to the outside; a fixing portion that fixes the bag body and the lead-out member so that they can be attached and detached; An ink container comprising:

[0095] [Configuration 2] The lead-out member is inserted into the bag body without being welded thereto. The ink container according to configuration 1.

[0096] [Configuration 3] The outlet member includes a sealing portion that seals a gap between the bag body and the outlet member. The ink container according to the first or second aspect.

[0097] [Configuration 4] The sealing portion is an elastic member having liquid contact properties. The ink container according to configuration 3.

[0098] [Configuration 5] The elastic member is made of nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, or fluororubber. The ink container according to configuration 4.

[0099] [Configuration 6] The fixing portion includes a clamping portion that clamps the sealing portion. 6. The ink container according to any one of the third to fifth aspects.

[0100] [Configuration 7] the fixing portion includes a plurality of clamping portions that clamp the sealing portion, Each of the plurality of clamping portions is arranged along a direction in which ink is discharged. The ink container according to configuration 6.

[0101] [Configuration 8] The sealing portion is an annular rib formed to surround the outer periphery of the main body portion of the lead-out member. The ink container according to any one of the third to seventh aspects.

[0102] [Configuration 9] The rib is formed of the same material as the main body of the lead-out member. The ink container according to configuration 8.

[0103] [Configuration 10] the fixing portion includes a sealing portion that holds the bag body and the lead-out member from outside the bag body and seals a gap between the bag body and the lead-out member. 10. The ink container according to any one of the first to ninth aspects.

[0104] [Configuration 11] The sealing portion is an elastic member. 11. The ink container according to claim 10.

[0105] [Configuration 12] The elastic member is made of nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, or fluororubber. 12. The ink container according to claim 11.

[0106] [Configuration 13] the fixing portion includes a plurality of the sealing portions arranged along a direction in which ink is discharged, 12. The ink container according to claim 10 or 11.

[0107] [Configuration 14] The ink container is configured to be attachable to an ink ejection device. 14. The ink container according to any one of the first to third aspects.

[0108] [Configuration 15] a bag for storing ink; a discharge member that discharges ink from the inside of the bag to the outside; a fixing portion configured to be detachably attached to an inkjet recording apparatus and configured to detachably fix the bag body and the lead-out member; An ink pack comprising:

[0109] [Method 16] A method for manufacturing an ink container including a bag capable of storing ink, a lead-out member capable of leading the ink from inside the bag to outside, and a fixing part capable of fixing the bag and the lead-out member, a step of detachably attaching the lead-out member to the bag body; a step of attaching an adapter that holds the bag body and the outlet member and seals a gap between the bag body and the outlet member; A manufacturing method comprising:

[0110] [Method 17] further comprising the step of injecting ink into the bag. The method of production described in Method 16.

[0111] [Method 18] Further comprising the step of cleaning the bag. The method of manufacture described in Method 17.

[0112] [Method 19] Further comprising a step of inspecting whether or not there is an abnormality in the bag body. The method according to method 17 or 18.

Claims

1. a bag for storing ink; a discharge member that discharges ink from the inside of the bag to the outside; a fixing portion that fixes the bag body and the lead-out member so that they can be attached and detached; An ink container comprising:

2. The lead-out member is inserted into the bag body without being welded thereto. The ink container according to claim 1 .

3. The outlet member includes a sealing portion that seals a gap between the bag body and the outlet member. The ink container according to claim 1 .

4. The sealing portion is an elastic member having liquid contact properties. The ink container according to claim 3 .

5. The elastic member is made of nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, or fluororubber. The ink container according to claim 4 .

6. The fixing portion includes a clamping portion that clamps the sealing portion. The ink container according to claim 3 .

7. the fixing portion includes a plurality of clamping portions that clamp the sealing portion, Each of the plurality of clamping portions is arranged along a direction in which ink is discharged. The ink container according to claim 6 .

8. The sealing portion is an annular rib formed to surround the outer periphery of the main body portion of the lead-out member. The ink container according to claim 3 .

9. The rib is formed of the same material as the main body of the lead-out member. The ink container according to claim 8 .

10. the fixing portion includes a sealing portion that holds the bag body and the lead-out member from outside the bag body and seals a gap between the bag body and the lead-out member. The ink container according to claim 1 .

11. The sealing portion is an elastic member. The ink container according to claim 10.

12. The elastic member is made of nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, or fluororubber. The ink container according to claim 11.

13. the fixing portion includes a plurality of the sealing portions arranged along a direction in which ink is discharged, The ink container according to claim 10.

14. The ink container is configured to be attachable to an ink ejection device. The ink container according to claim 1 .

15. a bag for storing ink; a discharge member that discharges ink from the inside of the bag to the outside; a fixing portion configured to be detachably attached to an inkjet recording apparatus and configured to detachably fix the bag body and the lead-out member; An ink pack comprising:

16. A method for manufacturing an ink container including a bag capable of storing ink, a lead-out member capable of leading the ink from inside the bag to outside, and a fixing part capable of fixing the bag and the lead-out member, a step of detachably attaching the lead-out member to the bag body; a step of attaching an adapter that holds the bag body and the outlet member and seals a gap between the bag body and the outlet member; A manufacturing method comprising:

17. further comprising the step of injecting ink into the bag. The method of claim 16.

18. Further comprising the step of cleaning the bag. The method of claim 16.

19. Further comprising a step of inspecting whether or not there is an abnormality in the bag body. The method of claim 16.

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