Ink storage body and ink discharge device

Abstract

To provide an ink storage body, which is configured so that amounts used of plastic materials can be reduced, which can contribute to achieving a sustainable society such as a decarbonizing / recycling society.SOLUTION: An ink storage body, which supplies ink to an ink discharge device that discharges ink, comprises an ink storage container 20 in which a storage space 25 for storing ink is formed, and an ink support port part, provided on the ink storage container 20, through which ink stored in the storage space 25 is supplied to the ink discharge device. The ink storage container 20 has a base layer 40 surrounding the storage space 25 and a surface layer 43 formed outside the base layer 40 using plastic materials. First regions 51 in which the base layer 40 is exposed and second regions 52 in which the surface layer 43 is exposed are repeatedly formed in a certain direction, on the surface of the ink storage container 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A liquid ejection device such as an inkjet printer includes a carriage that reciprocates across a recording medium and a liquid ejection head mounted on the carriage. The liquid ejection head mounted on the carriage ejects liquid such as ink toward the recording medium. One known method for supplying ink to the liquid ejection head is to mount an ink container containing ink above the liquid ejection head on the carriage and send ink from the ink container to the liquid ejection head. Another known method for supplying ink to the liquid ejection head is to mount an ink container on the main body of the liquid ejection device and send ink from the ink container to the liquid ejection head using a pump or the like.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an ink container (liquid container) that has excellent resistance to impact when dropped, etc. The ink container described in Patent Document 1 has a buffer section on the outside of an ink storage bag that can store ink, to absorb impact when dropped, etc. The buffer section is formed into a convex shape with air bubbles inside by pressing two sheets together. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-129101 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to reduce the burden on the environment, there is a demand to reduce the amount of plastic material used in ink containers. However, for example, in ink containers with buffer sections provided in the ink container bag, it has been difficult to reduce the amount of plastic material used because the buffer sections are formed using plastic material.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide an ink container that reduces the amount of plastic material used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An ink container according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an ink container for supplying ink to an ink ejection device that ejects ink, and comprises an ink storage container having an ink storage space formed therein for storing ink, and an ink supply port portion provided in the ink storage container for supplying the ink stored in the storage space to the ink ejection device, wherein the ink storage container has a base layer surrounding the storage space and a surface layer formed on the outside of the base layer using a plastic material, and a first region in which the base layer is exposed and a second region in which the surface layer is exposed are repeatedly formed in a certain direction on the surface of the ink storage container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an ink container that reduces the amount of plastic material used. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a liquid ejection device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ink container. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the ink container. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the ink containing container. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the surface of the ink accommodating body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the surface of the ink accommodating body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a sheet member. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the surface of an ink accommodating body according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the surface of an ink accommodating body according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the ink accommodating body according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the following embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of the present disclosure. Note that the same components will be described with the same reference numerals.

[0011] <<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, an ink container that reduces the amount of plastic material used will be described as a technology that can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

[0012] <Configuration of Liquid Ejection Device> FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a liquid ejection device 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection device 100 includes a liquid ejection head 101, a carriage 102, a transport roller 103, a liquid supply unit 105, a liquid supply tube 106, and a recovery unit 107. The liquid ejection device 100 repeats reciprocating movement of the liquid ejection head 101 (main scanning) and transport of a recording sheet P, which is a recording medium, at a predetermined pitch (sub-scanning). The liquid ejection device 100 selectively ejects liquid of multiple colors (e.g., ink) from the liquid ejection head 101 in synchronization with the main scanning and sub-scanning, causing the liquid to land on the recording sheet P, thereby forming characters, symbols, images, and the like. An example of the liquid ejection device 100 is an inkjet printer. For this reason, the liquid ejection device 100 may also be referred to as an ink ejection device, and the liquid ejection head 101 may also be referred to as an ink ejection head. The liquid supply unit 105 may also be referred to as an ink supply unit, and the liquid supply tube 106 may also be referred to as an ink supply tube.

[0013] The recording medium is not limited to the recording sheet P, but may be anything on which ink droplets can land to form an image, etc. For example, recording media of various materials and shapes, such as paper, cloth, optical disc labels, plastic sheets, overhead projector sheets, envelopes, etc., can be used. In addition, in each of the figures referred to below, the Z direction indicates the vertical direction and intersects (orthogonal in this embodiment) the XY plane defined by the X and Y directions.

[0014] The liquid ejection head 101 is detachably mounted on a carriage 102. The carriage 102 is supported by two guide rails 104 so as to be slidable in the X direction. The carriage 102 on which the liquid ejection head 101 is mounted moves back and forth in a straight line along the guide rails 104 by a driving means (not shown) such as a motor.

[0015] The recording sheet P is conveyed by conveying rollers 103, which are conveying means, in a direction intersecting the movement direction of the carriage 102, specifically in a direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the movement direction of the carriage 102. When conveyed by the conveying rollers 103, the recording sheet P faces an ink discharge unit (not shown) of the liquid discharge head 101. Ink discharged from the ink discharge unit of the liquid discharge head 101 lands on the recording sheet P facing the ink discharge unit of the liquid discharge head 101.

[0016] The liquid ejection head 101 has a plurality of nozzle rows as a plurality of ink ejection units, each for ejecting ink of a different color. A plurality of independent ink containers 10 are attached to the liquid supply unit 105 corresponding to the plurality of colors of ink ejected from the liquid ejection head 101. Each ink container 10 is detachably attached to the liquid supply unit 105 of the liquid ejection device 100.

[0017] The liquid supply unit 105 and the liquid ejection head 101 are connected by a plurality of liquid supply tubes 106 corresponding to the plurality of colors of ink. By attaching the ink container 10 to the liquid supply unit 105, it becomes possible to independently supply each color of ink contained inside the ink container 10 to each nozzle row of the liquid ejection head 101. In this way, the liquid ejection device 100 has the function of ejecting ink supplied from the ink container 10.

[0018] A recovery unit 107 is provided in a non-printing area, which is an area within the reciprocating movement range of the liquid ejection head 101 but outside the passing range of the recording sheet P. The recovery unit 107 is disposed at a position facing the ink ejection portion (not shown) of the liquid ejection head 101 that has moved to the non-printing area. The recovery unit 107 has a cap portion, a suction mechanism, a cleaning blade, etc.

[0019] The cap portion of the recovery unit 107 is a member for capping the ink ejection portion of the liquid ejection head 101. The suction mechanism of the recovery unit 107 is a mechanism for forcibly sucking ink while the ink ejection portion of the liquid ejection head 101 is capped. The cleaning blade of the recovery unit 107 is a member for wiping dirt from the ink ejection portion of the liquid ejection head 101. Recovery processes such as capping with the cap portion of the recovery unit 107 and suction of ink with the suction mechanism are performed before the liquid ejection device 100 starts ejecting. Even when the liquid ejection device 100 is operated after being left unused for a long period of time, the recovery process performed by the recovery unit 107 can remove air bubbles remaining in the ink ejection portion of the liquid ejection head 101, ink that has thickened near the ejection ports of the liquid ejection head 101, and the like. This maintains the ejection characteristics of the liquid ejection head 101.

[0020] <Configuration of liquid container> Next, the ink container 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. As described above, a plurality of independent ink containers 10 are attached to the liquid supply unit 105 in correspondence with the plurality of colors of ink ejected from the liquid ejection head 101. Each ink container 10 is detachably attached to the liquid supply unit 105. The configuration of each ink container 10 is basically the same.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ink container 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the ink container 10 according to the first embodiment. In FIGS. 2 to 6 and 8 to 10, the X, Y, and Z directions indicate the directions when the ink container 10 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. The orientation of the ink container 10 is not limited to the orientations shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 and 8 to 10, and the orientation of the ink container 10 can be changed as appropriate when the ink container 10 is detached from the liquid supply unit 105. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the ink container 10 includes an ink container 20 and an ink supply port 30 for supplying ink (liquid) contained in the ink container 20 to the liquid ejection head 101 of the liquid ejection device 100.

[0022] The ink containing container 20 contains ink containing a colorant, as an example of a liquid supplied to the liquid ejection device 100. The ink containing container 20 is formed in the shape of a so-called pillow-type bag without a gusset using two flexible sheet members 21. The sheet members 21 are formed in a rectangular sheet shape. Outer edge portions 22 of the two stacked sheet members 21 are thermally welded to each other. This forms a storage space 25 for storing ink inside the ink containing container 20. Note that the ink containing container 20 is not limited to the pillow-type described above, and may be formed in the shape of a so-called gusset-type bag with a gusset. Furthermore, the outer edge portion 22 of the ink containing container 20 (sheet members 21) and the outer periphery of the ink supply port portion 30 are thermally welded to each other, thereby joining the ink supply port portion 30 to the longitudinal end (the end in the -Y direction) of the ink containing container 20.

[0023] The ink supply port portion 30 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the ink containing container 20 (Y direction intersecting with the Z direction (vertical direction)), and is connected to the liquid ejection device 100. When the ink containing body 10 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105 of the liquid ejection device 100, a nozzle (not shown) provided on the liquid ejection device 100 is inserted into the ink supply port portion 30, thereby connecting the ink supply port portion 30 and the liquid ejection device 100. With the ink supply port portion 30 and the liquid ejection device 100 connected, the storage space 25 of the ink containing container 20 and the inside of the liquid supply tube 106 communicate with each other. A spring 31, a valve seat 32, and a seal portion 33 are provided inside the ink supply port portion 30.

[0024] The spring 31 is formed using, for example, a compression coil spring. The spring 31 applies a biasing force that moves the valve seat 32 to a closed position, which will be described later. The valve seat 32 is disposed inside the ink supply port 30 between the spring 31 and the seal portion 33. The valve seat 32 is movable along the extension direction of the ink supply port 30 between a closed position, in which the valve seat 32 closes the opening of the seal portion 33, and an open position, in which the valve seat 32 moves away from the seal portion 33. The seal portion 33 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an opening in its center. When the ink container 10 is removed from the liquid supply unit 105 of the liquid ejection device 100, the valve seat 32 moves to the closed position due to the biasing force of the spring 31, thereby closing the opening of the seal portion 33. The valve seat 32 moves to the closed position due to the biasing force of the spring 31, thereby closing the opening of the seal portion 33, thereby preventing ink contained in the storage space 25 of the ink container 20 from leaking to the outside.

[0025] When a nozzle (not shown) provided in the liquid ejection device 100 is inserted into the ink supply port 30, it passes through the opening of the seal portion 33 and presses against the valve seat 32. The valve seat 32 pressed by the nozzle of the liquid ejection device 100 moves from the closed position to the open position against the biasing force of the spring 31, forming a gap between the valve seat 32 and the seal portion 33. As a result, a path for supplying ink from the storage space 25 of the ink containing container 20 to the liquid ejection device 100 via the nozzle is formed inside the ink supply port 30 connected to the liquid ejection device 100. In this way, with the ink containing body 10 attached to the liquid supply unit 105 of the liquid ejection device 100, the valve seat 32 moves to the open position against the biasing force of the spring 31 by the nozzle provided in the liquid ejection device 100. When the valve seat 32 moves to the open position, ink (liquid) stored in the storage space 25 can be supplied to the liquid ejection head 101 of the liquid ejection device 100 via the ink supply port 30. The gap between the nozzle of the liquid ejection device 100 and the ink supply port portion 30 is sealed by a seal portion 33 .

[0026] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the ink containing container 20. As shown in Fig. 4, the sheet member 21 of the ink containing container 20 has a base layer 40 that surrounds the containing space 25 and a surface layer 43 formed on the outside of the base layer 40. The base layer 40 also includes an inner layer 41 and a barrier layer 42.

[0027] The inner layer 41 is formed on the inside of the ink containing container 20 using a plastic material and surrounds the containing space 25. The plastic material of the inner layer 41 is, for example, polyethylene (PE). The outer edge portions 22 of the two sheet members 21 are welded to each other at the inner layer 41 by thermal welding. The outer edge portions 22 of the two sheet members 21 are also welded to the outer periphery of the ink supply port portion 30 at the inner layer 41. The inner layer 41 is also referred to as a welding layer.

[0028] The barrier layer 42 is formed on the outside of the inner layer 41 using a metal material. For example, aluminum (Al) is used as the metal material for the barrier layer 42. The barrier layer 42 prevents liquid and gas from passing through the sheet member 21. This makes it possible to prevent events that cause ink deterioration, such as a decrease in the amount of solvent contained in the ink contained in the storage space 25 (an increase in the viscosity of the ink) and an inflow of air from outside the ink storage container 20 into the storage space 25.

[0029] The surface layer 43 is made of a plastic material and is formed on the outside of the barrier layer 42. For example, polyethylene or polyamide (PA) is used as the plastic material for the surface layer 43. The surface layer 43 is an impact absorbing layer that absorbs the impact that the ink containing container 20 receives when it is dropped, for example.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the surface of the ink containing container 20 in the ink containing body 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the surface of the ink containing container 20 in the ink containing body 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the surface layer 43 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is arranged side by side in the X and Y directions on the surface of the ink containing container 20. As a result, on the surface of the ink containing container 20, a first region 51 where the base layer 40 (barrier layer 42) is exposed and a second region 52 where the surface layer 43 is exposed are repeatedly formed in a certain direction (X and Y directions). The second region 52 is formed in a quadrangular shape (for example, a square shape) in a plan view. The first region 51 is formed in a frame shape surrounding the second region 52 in a plan view. The first region 51 and the second region 52 may be formed repeatedly in a certain direction, or may be formed repeatedly in a certain direction, but not periodically.

[0031] The first region 51 has two layers (an inner layer 41 and a barrier layer 42), with the outer barrier layer 42 exposed. The second region 52 has three layers (the inner layer 41, the barrier layer 42, and the surface layer 43), with the outermost surface layer 43 exposed. The thickness of the first region 51 is, for example, 30 μm to 80 μm. The thickness of the second region 52 is greater than the thickness of the first region 51, for example, 50 μm to 150 μm. If the difference in thickness between the first region 51 and the second region 52 is large, the surface layer 43 becomes thicker, which can significantly reduce the impact that the ink containing container 20 receives when dropped, for example. On the other hand, if the difference in thickness between the first region 51 and the second region 52 is small, the surface layer 43 becomes thinner, which makes it easier for the ink containing container 20 to deform and makes it easier to use up the ink contained in the containing space 25 of the ink containing container 20.

[0032] The length of the surface layer 43 in the second region 52 in the X or Y direction is, for example, 1 mm to 10 mm. The interval between the surface layers 43 in the second region 52 in the X or Y direction is, for example, 0.5 mm to 10 mm.

[0033] The area of ​​the second region 52 may be larger than the area of ​​the first region 51. In this case, the ratio of the area of ​​the second region 52 to the total area of ​​the first region 51 and the second region 52 is preferably 0.6 to 0.9 (60 to 90%). This increases the area of ​​the second region 52 where the surface layer 43 is exposed, thereby reducing the amount of plastic material used in the ink container 10 and significantly mitigating the impact that the ink container 20 receives when dropped, for example. Note that the total area of ​​the first region 51 and the second region 52 may be the area of ​​the entire surface of the ink container 20.

[0034] The area of ​​the second region 52 may be smaller than the area of ​​the first region 51. In this case, the ratio of the area of ​​the second region 52 to the total area of ​​the first region 51 and the second region 52 is preferably 0.1 to 0.4 (10% to 40%). This reduces the area of ​​the second region 52 where the surface layer 43 is exposed, thereby mitigating the impact the ink containing container 20 receives when dropped, and significantly reducing the amount of plastic material used in the ink containing body 10. This also makes it easier for the ink containing container 20 to deform, making it easier to use up the ink contained in the containing space 25 of the ink containing container 20. The total area of ​​the first region 51 and the second region 52 may be the area of ​​the entire surface of the ink containing container 20.

[0035] In this embodiment, a first region 51 in which the base layer 40 (barrier layer 42) is exposed and a second region 52 in which the surface layer 43 is exposed are repeatedly formed in a certain direction (X direction and Y direction) on the surface of the ink containing container 20. By forming the first region 51 that does not have the surface layer 43 on a part of the surface of the ink containing container 20, the area of ​​the second region 52 that has the surface layer 43 is limited to the minimum necessary size. This allows the surface layer 43 of the second region 52 to absorb the impact that the ink containing container 20 receives when dropped, etc., while also reducing the amount of plastic material used in the ink containing body 10.

[0036] <Method of manufacturing sheet member> Next, a method for manufacturing the sheet member 21 that constitutes the ink containing container 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the method for manufacturing the sheet member 21.

[0037] First, in step S101, the surface layer 43 of the sheet member 21 is formed on a processing film (not shown) having an adhesive surface. At this time, a surface film (not shown) for forming the surface layer 43 is attached to the adhesive surface of the processing film. Then, unnecessary portions of the surface film are removed so that rectangular parallelepiped surface layers 43 are formed aligned in the X direction and the Y direction. For example, the unnecessary portions of the surface film can be removed by cutting (removal) using a cutting tool, removal using laser light, or the like. In addition, an adhesive is applied to the adhesive surface of the processing film. As the adhesive, for example, an acrylic adhesive made of an acrylic polymer, a urethane adhesive made of polyurethane, a silicone adhesive mainly composed of a silicone polymer, or the like can be used.

[0038] In the next step S102, the barrier layer 42 of the sheet member 21 is formed inside the surface layer 43. At this time, an adhesive is uniformly applied to the surface of the surface layer film (surface layer 43) opposite the processing film, and a barrier layer film (not shown) for forming the barrier layer 42 is attached to it. Then, the surface layer film (surface layer 43) and the barrier layer film (barrier layer 42) are pressurized and heated to harden the adhesive.

[0039] In the next step S103, the inner layer 41 of the sheet member 21 is formed inside the barrier layer 42. At this time, an adhesive is uniformly applied to the surface of the barrier layer film (barrier layer 42) opposite to the surface layer film (surface layer 43), and an inner layer film (not shown) for forming the inner layer 41 is bonded to the surface. Then, the barrier layer film (barrier layer 42) and the inner layer film (inner layer 41) are pressurized and heated to harden the adhesive.

[0040] Then, in step S104, the processing film is peeled off and removed from the surface film (surface layer 43). In this manner, the sheet member 21 is manufactured, in which the inner layer 41, the barrier layer 42, and the surface layer 43 are laminated. As described above, the ink containing container 20 is formed into the shape of a bag using two sheet members 21, with the containing space 25 formed therein.

[0041] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide an ink container 10 in which the amount of plastic material used is reduced. That is, in this embodiment, a first region 51 in which the base layer 40 (barrier layer 42) is exposed and a second region 52 in which the surface layer 43 is exposed are repeatedly formed in a certain direction on the surface of the ink container 20. By forming the first region 51 that does not have the surface layer 43 on a portion of the surface of the ink container 20, the area of ​​the second region 52 that has the surface layer 43 is limited to the minimum necessary size. This allows the surface layer 43 of the second region 52 to absorb impacts that the ink container 20 receives when dropped, for example, while reducing the amount of plastic material used in the ink container 10. In this way, it is possible to provide an ink container 10 in which the amount of plastic material used is reduced.

[0042] The area of ​​the second region 52 may be larger than the area of ​​the first region 51. This increases the area of ​​the second region 52 where the surface layer 43 is exposed, thereby reducing the amount of plastic material used in the ink container 10 and significantly mitigating the impact that the ink container 20 receives when dropped, for example.

[0043] The area of ​​the second region 52 may be smaller than the area of ​​the first region 51. This reduces the area of ​​the second region 52 where the surface layer 43 is exposed, making it possible to significantly reduce the amount of plastic material used in the ink container 10 while absorbing the impact that the ink container 20 receives when dropped, etc. Furthermore, the ink container 20 becomes more easily deformable, making it easier to use up the ink contained in the container space 25 of the ink container 20.

[0044] Furthermore, the second region 52 is formed in a quadrangular shape (for example, a square shape) in a plan view, and the first region 51 is formed in a frame shape surrounding the second region 52 in a plan view. This simplifies the surface shape of the ink containing container 20, making it possible to easily form the first region 51 and the second region 52.

[0045] The base layer 40 also includes an inner layer 41 and a barrier layer 42, and aluminum (Al) is used as the metallic material of the barrier layer 42. This makes it possible to suppress events that cause ink deterioration, such as a decrease in the amount of solvent contained in the ink contained in the containing space 25 (an increase in the viscosity of the ink) and an inflow of air from outside the ink containing container 20 into the containing space 25.

[0046] The base layer 40 also includes an inner layer 41 and a barrier layer 42, and polyethylene (PE) is used as the plastic material for the inner layer 41. This allows the ink containing container 20 to be easily formed into a bag shape by thermally welding the outer edge portions 22 of the two sheet members 21 to each other at the inner layer 41.

[0047] In the first embodiment described above, the surface layer 43 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape of the same size over the entire surface of the ink containing container 20, but this is not limited to this. For example, the surface layer 43 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape of different sizes depending on the position on the surface of the ink containing container 20. Furthermore, the surface layer is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and may be formed in a quadrangular pyramid shape or a triangular pyramid shape. The surface layer may be formed in a hemispherical shape, a conical shape, or a cylindrical shape.

[0048] <<Second embodiment>> Next, a second embodiment will be described. Since the individual components in the second embodiment have the same configuration as those in the first embodiment, they will be described using the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment. The ink accommodating body 10 according to the second embodiment is formed in the same manner as the ink accommodating body 10 according to the first embodiment, except for the shape of the surface layer 43.

[0049] <Configuration of liquid container> FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the surface of the ink containing container 20 in the ink containing body 10 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the surface layer 43 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape and is arranged side by side in the X and Y directions on the surface of the ink containing container 20. As a result, a first region 51 where the base layer 40 (barrier layer 42) is exposed and a second region 52 where the surface layer 43 is exposed are repeatedly formed in a certain direction (X and Y directions) on the surface of the ink containing container 20. The first region 51 is formed in a quadrangular shape (for example, a square shape) in a plan view. The second region 52 is formed in a frame shape surrounding the first region 51 in a plan view. The first region 51 and the second region 52 may be formed repeatedly in a certain direction periodically or aperiodically in a certain direction.

[0050] As in the first embodiment, two layers (an inner layer 41 and a barrier layer 42) are provided in the first region 51, and the outer barrier layer 42 is exposed. Three layers (an inner layer 41, a barrier layer 42, and a surface layer 43) are provided in the second region 52, and the outermost surface layer 43 is exposed. The thickness of the first region 51 is the same as that of the first region 51 in the first embodiment. The thickness of the second region 52 is the same as that of the second region 52 in the first embodiment.

[0051] As in the first embodiment, the area of ​​the second region 52 may be larger than the area of ​​the first region 51. In this case, the ratio of the area of ​​the second region 52 to the total area of ​​the first region 51 and the second region 52 is preferably 0.6 to 0.9 (60% to 90%). Alternatively, the area of ​​the second region 52 may be smaller than the area of ​​the first region 51. In this case, the ratio of the area of ​​the second region 52 to the total area of ​​the first region 51 and the second region 52 is preferably 0.1 to 0.4 (10% to 40%).

[0052] In this embodiment, a first region 51 in which the base layer 40 (barrier layer 42) is exposed and a second region 52 in which the surface layer 43 is exposed are repeatedly formed in a certain direction (X direction and Y direction) on the surface of the ink containing container 20. By forming the first region 51 that does not have the surface layer 43 on a part of the surface of the ink containing container 20, the area of ​​the second region 52 that has the surface layer 43 is limited to the minimum necessary size. This allows the surface layer 43 of the second region 52 to absorb the impact that the ink containing container 20 receives when dropped, etc., while also reducing the amount of plastic material used in the ink containing body 10.

[0053] The sheet member 21 that constitutes the ink containing container 20 is manufactured using the same manufacturing method as in the first embodiment, so a description of the manufacturing method for the sheet member 21 will be omitted.

[0054] As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to provide an ink container 10 in which the amount of plastic material used is reduced, similar to the first embodiment.

[0055] In the second embodiment, the first region 51 is formed in a quadrangular shape (for example, a square shape) in a plan view, and the second region 52 is formed in a frame shape surrounding the first region 51 in a plan view. This simplifies the surface shape of the ink containing container 20, making it easy to form the first region 51 and the second region 52.

[0056] In the second embodiment described above, the surface layer 43 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape of the same size over the entire surface of the ink containing container 20, but this is not limited to this. For example, the surface layer 43 may be formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape of different sizes depending on the position on the surface of the ink containing container 20. Furthermore, the surface layer is not limited to a rectangular cylindrical shape, and may be formed in a hexagonal cylindrical shape (honeycomb shape) or a triangular cylindrical shape.

[0057] <<Third Embodiment>> Next, a third embodiment will be described. Since the individual components in the third embodiment have the same configuration as those in the first embodiment, they will be described using the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment. The ink accommodating body 10 according to the third embodiment is formed in the same manner as the ink accommodating body 10 according to the first embodiment, except for the shape of the surface layer 43.

[0058] <Configuration of liquid container> FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the surface of the ink containing container 20 in the ink containing body 10 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the surface layer 43 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending elongately in the Y direction, and is arranged side by side in the X direction on the surface of the ink containing container 20. As a result, a first region 51 where the base layer 40 (barrier layer 42) is exposed and a second region 52 where the surface layer 43 is exposed are repeatedly formed in a fixed direction (X direction) on the surface of the ink containing container 20. The first region 51 is formed to extend linearly in the Y direction in a plan view. The second region 52 is formed to extend linearly in the Y direction adjacent to the first region 51 in a plan view. The first region 51 and the second region 52 may be formed to be periodically repeated in a fixed direction, or may be formed to be non-periodically repeated in a fixed direction.

[0059] As in the first embodiment, two layers (an inner layer 41 and a barrier layer 42) are provided in the first region 51, and the outer barrier layer 42 is exposed. Three layers (an inner layer 41, a barrier layer 42, and a surface layer 43) are provided in the second region 52, and the outermost surface layer 43 is exposed. The thickness of the first region 51 is the same as that of the first region 51 in the first embodiment. The thickness of the second region 52 is the same as that of the second region 52 in the first embodiment.

[0060] As in the first embodiment, the area of ​​the second region 52 may be larger than the area of ​​the first region 51. In this case, the ratio of the area of ​​the second region 52 to the total area of ​​the first region 51 and the second region 52 is preferably 0.6 to 0.9 (60% to 90%). Alternatively, the area of ​​the second region 52 may be smaller than the area of ​​the first region 51. In this case, the ratio of the area of ​​the second region 52 to the total area of ​​the first region 51 and the second region 52 is preferably 0.1 to 0.4 (10% to 40%).

[0061] In this embodiment, a first region 51 in which the base layer 40 (barrier layer 42) is exposed and a second region 52 in which the surface layer 43 is exposed are repeatedly formed in a certain direction (X direction) on the surface of the ink containing container 20. By forming the first region 51 that does not have the surface layer 43 on a part of the surface of the ink containing container 20, the area of ​​the second region 52 that has the surface layer 43 is limited to the minimum necessary size. This allows the surface layer 43 of the second region 52 to absorb the impact that the ink containing container 20 receives when dropped, etc., while also reducing the amount of plastic material used in the ink containing body 10.

[0062] The sheet member 21 that constitutes the ink containing container 20 is manufactured using the same manufacturing method as in the first embodiment, so a description of the manufacturing method for the sheet member 21 will be omitted.

[0063] As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to provide an ink container 10 in which the amount of plastic material used is reduced, similar to the first embodiment.

[0064] In the third embodiment, the first region 51 is formed to extend linearly in a plan view, and the second region 52 is formed to extend linearly adjacent to the first region 51 in a plan view. This simplifies the surface shape of the ink containing container 20, making it easy to form the first region 51 and the second region 52.

[0065] In the third embodiment described above, the first regions 51 and the second regions 52 are repeatedly formed in the X direction on the surface of the ink containing container 20, but this is not limiting. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the ink containing body 10 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the surface layer 43 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending elongatedly in the X direction and arranged side by side in the Y direction on the surface of the ink containing container 20. This allows the first regions 51 and the second regions 52 to be repeatedly formed in the Y direction on the surface of the ink containing container 20. In this case, the first regions 51 may be formed to extend linearly in the X direction in a plan view. The second regions 52 may be formed to extend linearly in the X direction adjacent to the first regions 51 in a plan view. In this way, it is possible to provide an ink containing body 10 that reduces the amount of plastic material used, as in the first embodiment.

[0066] In the above-described embodiments, the first region 51 and the second region 52 are formed in the same shape over the entire surface of the ink containing container 20, but this is not limited to this. The first region 51 and the second region 52 according to the first embodiment may be repeatedly formed in a fixed direction on a portion of the surface of the ink containing container 20, and the first region 51 and the second region 52 according to the second embodiment may be repeatedly formed in a fixed direction on the remaining surface, excluding that portion. The first region 51 and the second region 52 according to the first embodiment may be repeatedly formed in a fixed direction on a portion of the surface of the ink containing container 20, and the first region 51 and the second region 52 according to the third embodiment may be repeatedly formed in a fixed direction on the remaining surface, excluding that portion. The first region 51 and the second region 52 according to the second embodiment may be repeatedly formed in a fixed direction on a portion of the surface of the ink containing container 20, and the first region 51 and the second region 52 according to the third embodiment may be repeatedly formed in a fixed direction on the remaining surface, excluding that portion. In addition, the surface of the ink storage container 20 may be formed with a mixture of the first region 51 and the second region 52 according to the first embodiment, the first region 51 and the second region 52 according to the second embodiment, and the first region 51 and the second region 52 according to the third embodiment.

[0067] In each of the above-described embodiments, the surface layer 43 is configured from one layer, but this is not limiting. For example, the surface layer may be configured from two layers, or from three or more layers.

[0068] In each of the above-described embodiments, the base layer 40 is composed of two layers (the inner layer 41 and the barrier layer 42), but this is not limiting. For example, the base layer may be composed of one layer, or may be composed of three or more layers.

[0069] <<Other embodiments>> The disclosure of this embodiment includes configurations represented by the following examples of ink containers and ink ejection devices.

[0070] <Configuration 1> An ink container for supplying ink to an ink ejection device that ejects ink, an ink container having an ink storage space formed therein; an ink supply port portion provided in the ink container for supplying the ink contained in the containing space to the ink ejection device; Equipped with The ink container is a base layer surrounding the storage space; a surface layer formed on the outside of the base layer using a plastic material; and The ink container has a surface on which a first region where the base layer is exposed and a second region where the surface layer is exposed, which are repeatedly formed in a certain direction.

[0071] <Configuration 2> 2. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the second region has a larger area than the first region.

[0072] <Configuration 3> 3. The ink container according to claim 2, wherein the ratio of the area of ​​the second region to the total area of ​​the first region and the area of ​​the second region is 0.6 to 0.9.

[0073] <Configuration 4> 2. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the area of ​​the second region is smaller than the area of ​​the first region.

[0074] <Configuration 5> 5. The ink container according to claim 4, wherein the ratio of the area of ​​the second region to the total area of ​​the first region and the area of ​​the second region is 0.1 or more and 0.4 or less.

[0075] <Configuration 6> 6. The ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the plastic material of the surface layer is polyethylene or polyamide.

[0076] <Configuration 7> 7. The ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the surface layer is an impact absorbing layer for absorbing an impact that the ink container receives.

[0077] <Configuration 8> The base layer is an inner layer formed using a plastic material and surrounding the storage space; a barrier layer formed on the outside of the inner layer using a metal material; Including, 8. The ink container according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the surface layer is formed on the outside of the barrier layer.

[0078] <Configuration 9> 9. The ink container according to claim 8, wherein the metal material of the barrier layer is aluminum.

[0079] <Configuration 10> 10. The ink container according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the plastic material of the inner layer is polyethylene.

[0080] <Configuration 11> the ink container is detachably attached to the ink ejection device, The ink supply port portion is a valve seat provided inside the ink supply port portion, the valve seat being movable between an open position where the ink contained in the storage space can be supplied to the ink ejection device via the ink supply port portion and a closed position where the ink contained in the storage space is prevented from leaking to the outside; a spring that applies a biasing force to move the valve seat to the closed position; Including, When the ink container is attached to the ink ejection device, the valve seat moves to the open position against the biasing force of the spring, 11. The ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the valve seat moves to the closed position by the biasing force of the spring when the ink container is removed from the ink ejection device.

[0081] <Configuration 12> The second region is formed in a quadrangular shape in a plan view, 12. The ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the first region is formed in a frame shape surrounding the second region in a plan view.

[0082] <Configuration 13> The first region is formed in a quadrangular shape in a plan view, 12. The ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the second region is formed in a frame shape surrounding the first region in a plan view.

[0083] <Configuration 14> the first region is formed to extend linearly in a plan view, 12. The ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the second region is formed adjacent to the first region and extends linearly in a plan view.

[0084] <Configuration 15> an ink ejection head that ejects ink; an ink container for supplying ink to the ink ejection head; Equipped with The ink container is an ink container having an ink storage space formed therein; an ink supply port portion provided in the ink container for supplying the ink contained in the containing space to the ink ejection head; Equipped with The ink container is a base layer surrounding the storage space; a surface layer formed on the outside of the base layer using a plastic material; and An ink ejection device, characterized in that a first region where the base layer is exposed and a second region where the surface layer is exposed are repeatedly formed in a certain direction on the surface of the ink containing container. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10 Ink container 20 Ink storage container 25 Containment Space 30 Ink supply port 40 Base layer 41 Inner layer 42 Barrier Layer 43 Surface layer 51 First area 52 Second area

Claims

1. An ink container for supplying ink to an ink ejection device that ejects ink, an ink container having an ink storage space formed therein; an ink supply port portion provided in the ink container for supplying the ink contained in the containing space to the ink ejection device; Equipped with The ink container is a base layer surrounding the storage space; a surface layer formed on the outside of the base layer using a plastic material; and An ink container, characterized in that a first region where the base layer is exposed and a second region where the surface layer is exposed are repeatedly formed in a certain direction on the surface of the ink container.

2. The ink container according to claim 1 , wherein the area of ​​the second region is larger than the area of ​​the first region.

3. The ink container according to claim 2 , wherein a ratio of the area of ​​the second region to the total area of ​​the first region and the area of ​​the second region is equal to or greater than 0.6 and equal to or less than 0.

9.

4. The ink container according to claim 1 , wherein the area of ​​the second region is smaller than the area of ​​the first region.

5. The ink container according to claim 4 , wherein a ratio of the area of ​​the second region to the total area of ​​the first region and the area of ​​the second region is equal to or greater than 0.1 and equal to or less than 0.

4.

6. The ink container according to claim 1 , wherein the plastic material of the surface layer is polyethylene or polyamide.

7. The ink container according to claim 1 , wherein the surface layer is an impact absorbing layer for absorbing an impact that the ink container receives.

8. The base layer is an inner layer formed using a plastic material and surrounding the storage space; a barrier layer formed on the outside of the inner layer using a metal material; Including, The ink container according to claim 1 , wherein the surface layer is formed on the outside of the barrier layer.

9. The ink container according to claim 8 , wherein the metal material of the barrier layer is aluminum.

10. The ink container according to claim 8 , wherein the plastic material of the inner layer is polyethylene.

11. the ink container is detachably attached to the ink ejection device, The ink supply port portion is a valve seat provided inside the ink supply port portion, the valve seat being movable between an open position where the ink contained in the storage space can be supplied to the ink ejection device via the ink supply port portion and a closed position where the ink contained in the storage space is prevented from leaking to the outside; a spring that applies a biasing force to move the valve seat to the closed position; Including, When the ink container is attached to the ink ejection device, the valve seat moves to the open position against the biasing force of the spring, The ink container according to claim 1 , wherein the valve seat is moved to the closed position by the biasing force of the spring when the ink container is removed from the ink ejection device.

12. The second region is formed in a quadrangular shape in a plan view, The ink container according to claim 1 , wherein the first region is formed in a frame shape surrounding the second region in a plan view.

13. The first region is formed in a quadrangular shape in a plan view, The ink container according to claim 1 , wherein the second region is formed in a frame shape surrounding the first region in a plan view.

14. the first region is formed to extend linearly in a plan view, The ink container according to claim 1 , wherein the second region is formed adjacent to the first region and extends linearly in a plan view.

15. an ink ejection head that ejects ink; an ink container for supplying ink to the ink ejection head; Equipped with The ink container is an ink container having an ink storage space formed therein; an ink supply port portion provided in the ink container for supplying the ink contained in the containing space to the ink ejection head; Equipped with The ink container is a base layer surrounding the storage space; a surface layer formed on the outside of the base layer using a plastic material; and An ink ejection device, characterized in that a first region where the base layer is exposed and a second region where the surface layer is exposed are repeatedly formed in a certain direction on the surface of the ink containing container.

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