Ink pack and liquid ejection device

Abstract

To provide an ink pack that can suppress ink leakage during ink filling and can contribute to realizing a sustainable society such as a carbon-neutral / recycling-based society.SOLUTION: An ink pack configured to allow ink to be injected into an ink tank provided in a liquid ejection device includes a bag body in which ink is stored, and an ejection portion that extends from the inside to the outside of the bag body and ejects the ink. The bag body includes a first gripping portion provided on one side forming the outer periphery, and a second gripping portion provided on a side different from the side on which the first gripping portion is provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A refill pouch (ink pack) containing ink is sometimes used to refill an ink tank provided in a liquid ejection device (for example, an inkjet printer, etc.).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a refill pouch that includes a storage bag (bag body) for storing ink, a pouring portion (discharge portion) that can be engaged with a refill port of an ink tank provided in a liquid ejection device, and a lid member that can be attached and detached to the pouring portion. According to the refill pouch of Patent Document 1, the pouring portion and the lid member are each formed with threaded portions that engage with each other, and when the lid member is opened or closed, the ink flows down these threaded portions and returns to the storage pouch. This reduces the risk of contamination of the area around the pouring portion by ink running down the outer surface of the lid member when the lid member is opened or closed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-2262 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the refill pouch of Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the ink may overflow and leak from the refill pouch while the ink is being poured, depending on how it is handled during the pouring of the ink.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an ink pack that can prevent ink leakage when ink is filled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The ink pack of the present disclosure is an ink pack configured to allow ink to be injected into an ink tank provided in a liquid ejection device, and is characterized in that it comprises a bag body in which the ink is stored and a discharge portion that extends from the inside of the bag body to the outside and discharges the ink, and the bag body is provided with a first grip portion provided on one of the sides that form the outer periphery, and a second grip portion provided on a side different from the side on which the first grip portion is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the ink pack of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent ink leakage when ink is injected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a liquid ejection apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating an example of an ink pack according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an ink injection method according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating an example of an ink pack according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of an ink pack according to an embodiment, as viewed from above the front. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating an example of an ink pack according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an ink injection method according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating an example of an ink pack according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an ink injection method according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating an example of an ink pack according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating an example of an ink pack according to an embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of an ink pack according to an embodiment, as viewed from above the front. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating an example of an ink pack according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a method for forming an anti-slip portion that can be applied to one embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of an ink pack that can be applied to a modified example of an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 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 disclosure, an ink pack and a liquid ejection device that can suppress ink leakage when ink is injected are described as technologies that can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

[0011] [First embodiment] <Liquid discharge device 100> FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a liquid ejection device 100 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0012] In this embodiment, the liquid ejection device 100 will be described as an inkjet printer. However, as long as the device is configured to be able to eject droplets, the technology of the present disclosure can be applied to devices other than inkjet printers.

[0013] In this embodiment, ink packs 200 (see FIG. 2) containing ink to be ejected from the ejection head 101 are used as the liquid containers. For example, each of the four liquid containers contains cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink. Note that the liquids that can be contained in the liquid containers of the present disclosure are not limited to these four colors of ink. For example, various liquids can be used, including treatment liquids used for purposes such as improving ink fixation on the recording medium 105, reducing gloss unevenness, or improving abrasion resistance.

[0014] In this embodiment, the recording medium 105 is assumed to be paper. However, as long as it is configured to allow ink droplets to land on the recording medium to form an image, the medium to which the technology of the present disclosure can be applied is not limited to paper. Examples of the recording medium 105 other than paper include media of various materials and shapes, such as film, cloth, optical disc label surfaces, plastic sheets, overhead projector sheets, and envelopes.

[0015] In this disclosure, "recording" does not only mean forming meaningful information (for example, characters or figures that are visible to humans). "Recording" also means forming insignificant information. Furthermore, in this disclosure, "recording" broadly means forming an image, a design, a pattern, a structure, or a combination thereof on the recording medium 105, or processing the medium.

[0016] 1 shows arrows X, Y, and Z indicating three mutually orthogonal directions. Note that the arrows X, Y, and Z are also shown in other figures referred to in this disclosure as appropriate, corresponding to FIG.

[0017] 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 ink pack 200 (see FIG. 2), 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.

[0018] The Y direction indicates the transport direction of the recording medium 105 in the liquid ejection device 100, and is a direction perpendicular to the width direction (X direction) of the liquid ejection device 100 on a plane. The +Y direction is the direction from the front side to the rear side of the liquid ejection device 100. The -Y direction is the direction from the rear side to the front side of the liquid ejection device 100. The recording medium 105 is transported from the rear side to the front side of the liquid ejection device 100.

[0019] 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 ink pack 200, "right" and "left" refer to the left-right direction relative to the direction of the arrow X, unless otherwise specified. "Right" means the +X direction, and "left" means the -X direction.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection device 100 includes an ejection head 101 that ejects ink, a flexible tube 102, and an ink tank 103 that stores the ink. The ink tank 103 includes a storage section 103a that stores the ink and an injection port 103b for injecting the ink into the interior. The liquid ejection device 100 includes a carriage 104 on which the ejection head 101 can be mounted. The ejection head 101 may be mounted on the carriage 104 in a configuration that allows it to be easily attached and detached, or in a fixed configuration. The liquid ejection device 100 includes a transport roller 106 that transports a recording medium 105 in a transport direction (-Y direction), and two guide rails 107 that extend along the scanning direction.

[0021] The liquid ejection device 100 repeats reciprocating movement (main scanning) of the ejection head 101 and conveyance (sub-scanning) of a recording sheet as a recording medium 105 at predetermined pitches. In synchronization with these movements, multiple types of recording liquid are selectively ejected from the ejection head 101 and caused to land on the recording medium 105, thereby forming characters, symbols, images, and the like.

[0022] In this embodiment, a description will be given assuming that cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks are ejected from the ejection head 101. However, the types of recording liquid ejected from the ejection head 101 are not limited to these four colors of ink.

[0023] The ejection head 101 is slidably supported on two guide rails 107 and is mounted on a carriage 104 that moves back and forth in a straight line along the guide rails 107 by a driving means (for example, a motor, not shown). The ejection head 101 is equipped with an energy generating element that generates energy for ejecting ink. Examples of the energy generating element include an electrothermal conversion element (heater) or a piezoelectric element.

[0024] A plurality of energy generating elements are arranged in the ejection head 101. The ejection energy generating elements eject ink supplied from an ink tank 103 via a tube 102 from an ink ejection section. An example of a configuration for ejecting ink is to generate bubbles by generating heat from a heater, and then eject the ink from the ejection head 101 using the bubble generation energy.

[0025] The recording medium 105 onto which droplets ejected from the ejection head 101 land is conveyed by a conveyance roller 106 in a direction intersecting the movement direction of the carriage 104, facing the ejection surface (surface facing the -Z direction) of the ejection head 101. The ejection head 101 has multiple nozzle rows for ejecting multiple different types of ink.

[0026] Corresponding to the type of ink to be ejected from the ejection head 101, ink is injected into a plurality of independent ink tanks 103 from ink packs 200 (see FIG. 2) that contain a predetermined amount of ink in advance.

[0027] In this embodiment, the four ink tanks 103 store cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink, respectively.

[0028] The ink tanks 103 and the ejection head 101 are connected by a plurality of tubes 102 corresponding to the types of ink stored in each ink tank 103. By driving a suction device (for example, a suction pump not shown) provided in the liquid ejection device 100, the various types of ink stored in the ink tanks 103 can be supplied independently to each nozzle row of the ejection head 101. Of course, at this time, the ink may move within a flow path other than the tubes 102.

[0029] 2 is a schematic front view of an ink pack 200 that can be used in this embodiment. The arrows X, Y, and Z here indicate the ink pack 200 standing on a horizontal surface, but the orientation of the ink pack 200 that is not connected to the liquid ejection device 100 can be freely changed.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the ink pack 200 includes a bag 201 that contains ink, and a discharge portion 202 that extends from the inside of the bag 201 to the outside and discharges the ink. In the front view, the bag 201 has at least three sides that form its outer periphery. In this disclosure, an area of ​​the containing portion 204 that includes one side that extends in a linear direction and has a width is referred to as a "side." A first grip portion 206 is provided on one of the sides, and a second grip portion 207 is provided on a side different from the side on which the first grip portion 206 is provided.

[0031] Specifically, the ink pack 200 includes a flexible bag 201, a discharge portion 202 (e.g., a spout) configured to be able to discharge liquid from the inside of the bag 201 to the outside, and a lid 203 that seals the discharge portion 202. A flow path is formed inside the discharge portion 202 for discharging ink from the inside of the bag 201 to the outside. A base end of the flow path is located inside the bag 201, and the other end of the flow path is located outside the bag 201. A lid 203 is detachably attached to the other end of the flow path. The bag 201 includes a storage portion 204 that stores ink inside, and a non-storage portion 205 that does not store ink inside.

[0032] In this embodiment, the bag body 201 is formed by fixing (for example, heat welding) a plurality of sides of a plurality of (for example, two) films to each other while aligning them. That is, the non-storage portion 205 in this embodiment is a welded portion where a plurality of films are welded. The non-storage portion 205 is formed continuously along the outer periphery of the bag body 201.

[0033] In this embodiment, the non-storage section 205 is fixed across the discharge section 202 and includes a first side 205a extending in a direction intersecting (orthogonal to) the direction in which the discharge section 202 extends. At the first side 205a, the discharge section 202 is fixed by being sandwiched between two films and welded together. The non-storage section 205 includes a second side 205b adjacent to the first side 205a and extending in a direction intersecting the first side 205a. The second side 205b includes a first grip 206 configured to be grippable by a user.

[0034] First grip portion 206 is formed so as to have a width (size in the direction from the outer periphery of bag body 201 toward storage portion 204) greater than the band-shaped portion of second side portion 205b. In this embodiment, first grip portion 206 is formed in a semicircular shape from second side portion 205b toward storage portion 204. However, the shape of first grip portion 206 is not limited to a semicircular shape as long as it is a shape that can be gripped by a user.

[0035] Non-container portion 205 includes third side portion 205c that is adjacent to second side portion 205b and extends so as to intersect with second side portion 205b. In non-container portion 205 of this embodiment, third side portion 205c is the longest. Third side portion 205c includes second grip portion 207 that is configured to be grippable by a user. Second grip portion 207 is formed so as to have a width (size in the direction from the outer periphery of bag body 201 toward containing portion 204) greater than the band-shaped portion of third side portion 205c.

[0036] The non-container portion 205 includes a fourth side portion 205d that is adjacent to the third side portion 205c and extends so as to intersect with the third side portion 205c.

[0037] In this embodiment, second grip portion 207 is formed in a quadrant shape from the corner formed by third side portion 205c and fourth side portion 205d toward storage portion 204. However, the shape of second grip portion 207 is not limited to a quadrant shape as long as it is a shape that can be held by a user.

[0038] The non-container portion 205 includes a fourth side portion 205d and a fifth side portion 205e extending to connect the first side portion 205a.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a method for injecting ink from the ink pack 200 into the ink tank 103 in this embodiment.

[0040] 3, the ink pack 200 is configured to allow ink to be poured into the ink tank 103. The ink tank 103 includes a storage section 103a for storing ink, and an inlet 103b provided above the storage section 103a (on the +Z direction side). The ink poured through the inlet 103b is stored in the storage section 103a.

[0041] When filling the ink tank 103 with ink, the user holds the first gripping portion 206 and the second gripping portion 207 and orients the discharge portion 202 in the direction of gravity. In this embodiment, both the first gripping portion 206 and the second gripping portion 207 are held, but it is also possible to hold only one of the first gripping portion 206 or the second gripping portion 207. Then, by connecting the ink pack 200 to the ink tank 103 with the discharge portion 202 also facing the direction of gravity, it becomes possible to fill the ink tank 103 with liquid from the ink pack 200.

[0042] When filling the ink tank 103 with ink, the user removes the lid 203 (see FIG. 2) of the ink pack 200 from the discharge portion 202.

[0043] An engagement portion (not shown) (for example, a slit valve mechanism and a valve spring mechanism) is provided inside the discharge portion 202. A valve provided in this engagement portion is closed until the discharge portion 202 of the ink pack 200 engages with the filler port 103b of the ink tank 103. Therefore, even if the discharge portion 202 is tilted, ink will not leak from the discharge portion 202 until the discharge portion 202 engages with the filler port 103b.

[0044] When the discharge part 202 engages with the inlet 103b, a valve provided inside the discharge part 202 opens, and the force of gravity causes ink to be injected from the ink pack 200 into the ink tank 103. Hereinafter, the position in which the discharge part 202 faces the direction of gravity (-Z direction) (the position of the ink pack 200 shown in FIG. 3) will be referred to as the "injection position."

[0045] For example, the user removes the lid 203 of the ink pack 200, and then rotates the ink pack 200 from a position in which the discharge portion 202 faces upward (the +Z direction in FIG. 3) to a filling position in which the discharge portion 202 faces the direction of gravity (the -Z direction). In this disclosure, for example, when the ink pack 200 is rotated clockwise to assume the filling position, the direction at 3 o'clock in that rotation direction (the +X direction in FIG. 3) is referred to as the "front." On the other hand, when the ink pack 200 is rotated clockwise to assume the filling position, the direction at 9 o'clock in that rotation direction (the -X direction in FIG. 3) is referred to as the "rear."

[0046] In the injection position, the first gripping portion 206 is positioned forward and above the discharge portion 202 , and the second gripping portion 207 is positioned rearward of the discharge portion 202 and above the first gripping portion 206 .

[0047] With this configuration, in the filling attitude, the first gripping portion 206 and the second gripping portion 207 are positioned above the discharge portion 202 from which the ink flows out, thereby reducing the risk of ink adhering to the user's fingers. Furthermore, in the filling attitude, the first gripping portion 206 and the second gripping portion 207 are positioned in front of and behind the discharge portion 202 in the rotational direction (on the +X direction side and the -X direction side), respectively, so the filling attitude can be stably maintained.

[0048] Considering that the user will grip and carry the ink pack 200, it is preferable that the length of the first grip portion 206 and the second grip portion 207 along each side that forms the outer periphery of the bag body 201 be 10 cm or less.

[0049] Considering that the first grip portion 206 and the second grip portion 207 are held by the user's fingers in the injection posture, the area of ​​the first grip portion 206 and the area of ​​the second grip portion 207 are both 1 cm 2 It is preferable that this is equal to or greater than this.

[0050] Considering the possibility that ink may get on the user's fingers while the ink is being poured, it is preferable that the first grip portion 206 be positioned at a distance of 3 cm or more from the discharge portion 202.

[0051] As described above, in this embodiment, the user holds the first gripping portion 206 with one hand and the second gripping portion 207 with the other hand, thereby improving handling when injecting ink.

[0052] Furthermore, because the first gripping portion 206 and the second gripping portion 207 are held with both hands of the user, the user is prevented from gripping the storage portion 204 while pouring ink. This reduces the risk that the user will grip the storage portion 204 tightly while pouring ink, causing pressure to be applied to the inside of the storage portion 204 and causing ink to overflow from the discharge portion 202.

[0053] In addition, in the filling position of this embodiment, the first gripping portion 206 and the second gripping portion 207 are positioned above the discharge portion 202. Therefore, even if ink overflows from the discharge portion 202 during ink filling, it is possible to prevent the user's fingers from getting dirty.

[0054] Furthermore, in the injection posture of this embodiment, first grip portion 206 and second grip portion 207 are disposed in front of and behind discharge portion 202, respectively, and are grasped and fixed at those positions by the user, thereby stabilizing the injection posture.

[0055] Therefore, with the ink pack of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent ink leakage when ink is filled.

[0056] [Second embodiment] In this embodiment, an ink pack with a simpler shape is provided. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to designate components that are the same as or correspond to those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted, with differences being mainly described.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of an ink pack 200 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0058] 4, the ink pack 200 of this embodiment has four sides. Specifically, when viewed from the front of the ink pack 200, the bag body 201 has a substantially rectangular shape. The non-container section 205 of this embodiment is made up of a first side 205a, a second side 205b, a third side 205c, and a fourth side 205d.

[0059] In this embodiment, the first gripping portion 206 is provided at the corner formed by the first side portion 205a and the second side portion 205b. The shape of the first gripping portion 206 in this embodiment is a quadrant. However, the shape of the first gripping portion 206 is not limited to the quadrant.

[0060] The second gripping portion 207 is provided on the third side 205c. In this embodiment, the second gripping portion 207 is provided approximately in the center of the third side 205c. In this embodiment, the shape of the second gripping portion 207 is semicircular. However, the shape of the second gripping portion 207 is not limited to semicircular.

[0061] Even with this configuration, in the filling position, the first gripping portion 206 and the second gripping portion 207 are positioned above the discharge portion 202, thereby reducing the risk of ink getting on the user's fingers.

[0062] In addition, in the filling position of this embodiment, the second gripping portion 207 is positioned on the imaginary line 401 of the discharge portion 202 that extends vertically, but even with this arrangement, the filling position can be stably maintained. In this embodiment, the user can maintain the filling position while holding the first gripping portion 206 with one hand and the second gripping portion 207 with the other hand, thereby improving handling when filling the ink.

[0063] Therefore, according to the technology of this embodiment, it is possible to provide an ink pack with a simpler shape.

[0064] [Third embodiment] In the present embodiment, a self-standing ink pack is provided. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to designate components similar to or corresponding to those in the first and second embodiments, and a description thereof will be omitted, with differences being mainly described.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of an ink pack 200 that can be used in this embodiment, viewed from above and in front.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 5, the ink pack 200 of this embodiment has a gusset portion 500 located at the bottom of the containing portion 204 when the ink pack 200 is upright. The non-containing portion 205 of this embodiment includes, instead of the fourth side portion 205d (see FIG. 2, etc.), a front-side welded portion 501a between the gusset portion 500 and the film on the front side, and a back-side welded portion 501b between the gusset portion 500 and the film on the back side. In this embodiment, the first grip portion 206 and the second grip portion 207 are semicircular in shape. However, the shapes of the first grip portion 206 and the second grip portion 207 are not limited to semicircular.

[0067] This configuration is convenient because it allows the ink pack 200 to stand on its own. Furthermore, the volume of the containing section 204 can be made larger than in the first and second embodiments by the amount of the gusset portion provided.

[0068] Even with this configuration, in the injection posture, first gripping portion 206 and second gripping portion 207 are positioned above discharge portion 202. Second gripping portion 207 is positioned rearward of discharge portion 202, and first gripping portion 206 is positioned forward of discharge portion 202.

[0069] Therefore, according to the technology of this embodiment, it is possible to provide an ink pack that can stand on its own, and further, it is possible to increase the capacity.

[0070] [Fourth embodiment] This embodiment provides an ink pack that makes it easy to recognize the filling position. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for components that are similar to or correspond to those of the first to third embodiments, and the description will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0071] FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of an ink pack 200 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 6, when the ink pack 200 of this embodiment is viewed from the front, the containing section 204 has an arrow 600 indicating the rotation direction for putting the ink pack 200 into the filling position.

[0073] In this embodiment, the direction of the arrow 600 indicates a clockwise direction, but the rotation direction of the ink pack 200 may be counterclockwise as long as the ink pack 200 can be set to the filling position when filling ink. In other words, the direction of the arrow 600 may be set appropriately depending on the positional relationship between the first gripping portion 206, the second gripping portion 207, and the discharge portion 202.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the arrow is displayed approximately in the center of the storage section 204, but as long as the ink pack 200 can be placed in the filling position when filling ink, the position where the arrow is displayed is not limited to approximately in the center of the storage section 204. The arrow 600 may be directly recorded on the surface of the storage section 204, or a concave-convex portion representing the arrow 600 may be formed on the surface of the storage section 204, or a label on which the arrow 600 is recorded may be affixed to the surface of the storage section 204. Of course, multiple arrows 600 may be displayed.

[0075] Furthermore, as long as it is possible to guide the user to place the ink pack 200 in the filling position, the guide attached to the ink pack 200 may be a guide other than an arrow. For example, text may be displayed instructing the user to rotate the ink pack 200 so that the discharge portion 202 faces the weight direction.

[0076] <How to inject ink> 7(a) to 7(c) are diagrams illustrating the ink injection procedure that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0077] 7(a) is a diagram showing a state in which the lid 203 (see FIG. 6, etc.) has been removed from an unused ink pack 200. As shown in FIG. 7(a), the user first removes the lid 203 from the discharge portion 202. After removing the lid 203 from the discharge portion 202, the user grips the first grip portion 206 and the second grip portion 207.

[0078] 7(b) is a diagram showing a state in which the user is gripping the first gripping portion 206 and the second gripping portion 207. As shown in FIG. 7(b), the user grips the first gripping portion 206 and the second gripping portion 207 and lifts up the ink pack 200. Furthermore, the user rotates the ink pack 200 while gripping the first gripping portion 206 and the second gripping portion 207.

[0079] Figure 7(c) is a diagram showing the ink pack 200 in the filling position. As shown in Figure 7(c), the user rotates the ink pack 200 in the direction of rotation of arrow 600 to place it in the filling position. In this manner, while maintaining the filling position, the user engages the discharge part 202 with the filler port 103b. When the discharge part 202 engages with the filler port 103b, the valve of the valve mechanism opens and ink is injected.

[0080] This configuration makes it easier to recognize the rotation direction for putting the ink pack 200 into the filling position, compared to a configuration in which the rotation direction is not displayed.

[0081] Therefore, with the ink pack of this embodiment, the filling position can be easily recognized. In particular, when the two gripping portions and the discharge portion are in the positional relationship shown in FIG. 6, while the ink pack 200 is being rotated to assume the filling position, the first gripping portion 206 and the second gripping portion 207 can be kept behind the discharge portion 202 in the rotational direction, as shown in FIG. 7. Therefore, even if ink drips from the discharge portion 202 for some reason, the risk of the user's fingers being soiled with ink can be reduced. However, in this embodiment, the positions of the two gripping portions and the discharge portion are not limited to the above example.

[0082] [Modification of the fourth embodiment] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a modified example of the ink pack 200 that can be applied to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, in this modified example, a first gripping portion 206 is provided on the fifth side 205e. The rest of the configuration is the same as the example shown in Figure 6 and Figures 7(a) to (c).

[0083] 9(a) to 9(c) are diagrams illustrating the ink injection procedure in this modified example.

[0084] 9(a) is a diagram showing a state in which the lid 203 has been removed from an unused ink pack 200. As shown in FIG. 9(a), the user first removes the lid 203 (see FIG. 8) from the discharge portion 202.

[0085] FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a state in which the user rotates the ink pack 200 while gripping the first grip portion 206 and the second grip portion 207. As shown in FIG.

[0086] FIG. 9C is a diagram showing the ink pack 200 in the filling position.

[0087] In this modified example, as shown in Figure 9(b), when a user grips the first grip portion 206 and rotates the ink pack 200 in the direction of rotation indicated by the arrow 600, the fingers gripping the first grip portion 206 are positioned directly below the discharge portion 202. Therefore, compared to the configuration in Figure 6, there is a risk that the user's fingers may become dirty. However, even with this configuration, by adding the arrow 600, the user can connect the ink pack to the ink tank in the correct rotation direction and refill the ink.

[0088] That is, this modification also makes it possible to appropriately replenish ink while suppressing ink leakage during ink injection.

[0089] [Fifth embodiment] This embodiment provides an ink pack that is easier to grip. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to designate components that are similar to or correspond to those of the first to fourth embodiments, and a description thereof will be omitted, with differences being mainly described.

[0090] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of an ink pack 200 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0091] 10, in this embodiment, a third grip portion 1001 different from the first grip portion 206 and the second grip portion 207 is further provided on a side portion other than the first side portion 205a. For example, the second grip portion 207 and the third grip portion 1001 are provided on the third side portion 205c. The third grip portion 1001 is configured to be able to be held by a user. The third grip portion 1001 is formed so as to have a width (size in the direction from the outer periphery of the bag body 201 toward the storage portion 204) greater than the band-shaped portion of the third side portion 205c.

[0092] The third grip portion 1001 is formed in a semicircular shape from the third side portion 205c toward the storage portion 204. However, the shape of the third grip portion 1001 is not limited to a semicircular shape as long as it is a shape that can be held by the user. Considering that the user will hold it with their fingers, the third grip portion 1001 is formed in a shape that is 1 cm 2 It is preferable that the area is equal to or larger than this.

[0093] Second gripping portion 207 is provided at the corner formed by third side portion 205c and fourth side portion 205d. Third gripping portion 1001 is provided between second gripping portion 207 and the corner formed by second side portion 205b and third side portion 205c.

[0094] In this embodiment, when injecting ink from the ink pack 200 into the ink tank 103, the user grips the second grip portion 207 and either the first grip portion 206 or the third grip portion 1001. As a result, in the injection posture, the first grip portion 206, the second grip portion 207, and the third grip portion 1001 are positioned above the discharge portion 202. Therefore, even when the user is injecting ink by gripping the second grip portion 207 and the third grip portion 1001, the risk of the user's fingers becoming stained with ink can be reduced.

[0095] In addition, in the injection posture of this embodiment, the first gripping part 206 and the third gripping part 1001 are located in front of the discharge part 202, and the second gripping part 207 is located behind the discharge part 202. Therefore, the handling property can be improved and the injection posture can be stabilized.

[0096] As described above, with the ink pack of this embodiment, the number of locations that can be gripped when filling the ink can be increased compared to the first to fourth embodiments. Therefore, when filling the ink, it is convenient to select either the second grip portion 207 or the first grip portion 206 or the third grip portion 1001 to be gripped.

[0097] Therefore, according to the technology of this embodiment, it is possible to provide an ink pack that is easier to grip.

[0098] [Sixth embodiment] This embodiment provides an ink pack having a grip portion on the outside of the side portion. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to designate components similar to or corresponding to those in the first to sixth embodiments, and the description will be omitted, with the differences being mainly described.

[0099] FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of an ink pack 200 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0100] 11 , in this embodiment, the first gripping portion 206 is provided so as to protrude from the second side 205b in a direction away from the storage portion 204. The first gripping portion 206 in this embodiment is provided at approximately the center of the second side 205b. The second gripping portion 207 is provided so as to protrude from the third side 205c in a direction away from the storage portion 204. The second gripping portion 207 in this embodiment is provided at the corner formed by the third side 205c and the fourth side 205d.

[0101] In this embodiment, the first gripping portion 206 and the second gripping portion 207 are semicircular tab-shaped and extend from the inside to the outside of the bag body 201. However, the shapes of the first gripping portion 206 and the second gripping portion 207 are not limited to the semicircular tab-shaped shapes.

[0102] According to this configuration, the first gripping portion 206 and the second gripping portion 207 do not extend from the second side portion 205b and the third side portion 205c, respectively, toward the storage portion 204. Therefore, in this embodiment, the capacity of the storage portion 204 can be increased more than in the above embodiment.

[0103] Therefore, the technology of this embodiment can provide an ink pack with a grip on the outside of the side, and can also accommodate a larger volume of ink than the first, second, fourth, and fifth embodiments.

[0104] [Seventh embodiment] This embodiment provides an ink pack that can store even more ink than the above-described embodiments. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to designate components that are similar to or correspond to those in the first to sixth embodiments, and a description thereof will be omitted, with differences being mainly described.

[0105] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of an ink pack 200 that can be used in this embodiment, viewed from above and in front.

[0106] 12, the ink pack 200 of this embodiment has a gusset portion 500. This allows the ink pack 200 to be more stable when not in the filling position, and also increases the capacity, compared to a configuration without the gusset portion 500.

[0107] In this embodiment, the first gripping portion 206 is provided so as to protrude from the second side portion 205b in a direction away from the storage portion 204. The first gripping portion 206 in this embodiment is provided in approximately the center of the second side portion 205b.

[0108] Second grip portion 207 is provided so as to protrude from front side weld portion 501a in a direction away from storage portion 204. Second grip portion 207 is provided near the corner formed by front side weld portion 501a and third side portion 205c.

[0109] In this embodiment, the first grip portion 206 and the second grip portion 207 have a semicircular tab shape. However, the shapes of the first grip portion 206 and the second grip portion 207 are not limited to the semicircular tab shape.

[0110] According to this configuration, similar to the third embodiment, the inclusion of the gusset portion 500 allows for a larger ink capacity to be stored compared to a configuration without the gusset portion 500. Also, similar to the seventh embodiment, the first gripping portion 206 and the second gripping portion 207 do not extend from the second side portion 205b and the third side portion 205c toward the storage portion 204, respectively, and therefore the capacity of the storage portion 204 does not need to be reduced.

[0111] Therefore, the ink pack of this embodiment can store a larger amount of ink.

[0112] [Eighth embodiment] This embodiment provides an ink pack that can further improve gripping force. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to designate components that are similar to or correspond to those in the first to seventh embodiments, and descriptions thereof will be omitted, with differences being mainly described.

[0113] FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of an ink pack 200 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0114] 13, first grip portion 206 of this embodiment includes anti-slip portion 1300 that is anti-slip treated to increase frictional force compared to the surface of storage portion 204. Note that the anti-slip treatment may be applied to second grip portion 207, or may be applied to both first grip portion 206 and second grip portion 207.

[0115] Examples of the non-slip portion 1300 include materials such as paper, film, and rubber fixed to the first gripping portion 206. The materials fixed to the first gripping portion 206 are not limited to paper, film, and rubber, as long as they have a frictional force greater than that of the surface of the storage portion 204. These materials are attached to the first gripping portion 206 by welding, adhesive, or the like. That is, each of the first gripping portion 206 and the second gripping portion 207 may be formed so as to have a thickness (length extending in the depth direction in FIG. 13 ) greater than that of the band-shaped portions of the second side portion 205b and the third side portion 205c, respectively.

[0116] This configuration can improve the gripping force compared to a configuration in which the smooth film that constitutes the non-container portion 205 and the container portion 204 is directly gripped.

[0117] As the anti-slip portion 1300, the first grip portion 206 may be subjected to a surface treatment (for example, an uneven surface treatment) to form a rough surface with a greater friction force than the surface of the storage portion 204.

[0118] This configuration increases the frictional force when gripping the first grip portion 206 compared to a configuration without a non-slip portion. Therefore, the ink pack of this embodiment can further improve gripping force.

[0119] <Method of forming anti-slip portion 1300> 14(a) and 14(b) are diagrams illustrating a method for forming the non-slip portion 1300 that can be applied to this embodiment. The following description will be given assuming that rubber is welded to the first gripping portion 206 as the non-slip portion 1300.

[0120] FIG. 14(a) is a diagram showing a process of smoothing the first gripping portion 206. As shown in FIG.

[0121] FIG. 14(a) shows an ink pack before the anti-slip portion 1300 is formed. A smoothing process is performed on the portion 1400 where the anti-slip process is to be performed. The portion 1400 may be uneven or dirty. Even if welding is performed under such conditions, it is difficult to obtain good welding properties. Therefore, in this embodiment, the portion 1400 is smoothed to enable the rubber that functions as the anti-slip portion 1300 to be more firmly welded. This allows the rubber to be more firmly welded to the portion 1400 than when the rubber is welded to the portion 1400 without smoothing.

[0122] FIG. 14(b) is a diagram showing a process of forming an anti-slip portion 1300 on the first grip portion 206.

[0123] As shown in Figure 14(b), rubber that functions as the anti-slip portion 1300 is welded to the portion where the intended portion 1400 (see Figure 14(a)) is provided. This method allows the rubber to be welded to a smoother surface.

[0124] Therefore, according to the method for forming the non-slip portion in this embodiment, the non-slip portion can be formed more firmly with respect to the first grip portion.

[0125] [Modification of the Eighth Embodiment] FIG. 15 is a schematic front view of an ink pack 200 that can be used in this modification.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 15 , the first grip portion 206 in this modification has one or more through-holes that penetrate the first grip portion 206 in the depth direction in the figure. With this configuration, when a user grips the first grip portion 206, the user's fingers (e.g., first finger) and fingers (e.g., second finger) come into direct contact with each other through the through-holes. Therefore, this configuration also improves the gripping force. Note that the through-holes may be formed in the second grip portion 207, or may be formed in both the first grip portion 206 and the second grip portion 207.

[0127] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, two or three gripping portions are formed, but four or more gripping portions may be formed.

[0128] The liquid ejection apparatus to which the technology of the present disclosure can be applied is not limited to serial scan inkjet printers. For example, the technology of the present disclosure can also be applied to so-called full-line inkjet printers that have a length in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction and that deposit ink droplets onto a recording medium without scanning.

[0129] The present disclosure includes the following configurations.

[0130] [Configuration 1] An ink pack configured to be able to inject ink into an ink tank provided in a liquid ejection device, a bag containing ink; a discharge portion extending from the inside of the bag to the outside and discharging ink; Equipped with The bag body is a first gripping portion provided on one of the sides constituting the outer periphery; a second gripping portion provided on a side different from the side on which the first gripping portion is provided; An ink pack comprising:

[0131] [Configuration 2] the side portions constituting the outer periphery include a first side portion, a second side portion adjacent to the first side portion, and a third side portion adjacent to the second side portion; the discharge portion is provided on the first side portion, The first gripping portion is provided on the second side portion, The second gripping portion is provided on the third side portion, 2. The ink pack according to claim 1.

[0132] [Configuration 3] the bag body is formed by a plurality of films fixed to each other along their sides, and includes a non-containing portion in which no ink is contained; The first gripping portion and the second gripping portion are provided in the non-container portion. 3. The ink pack according to claim 2.

[0133] [Configuration 4] the first gripping portion is a portion of the non-container portion formed along the first side portion and having a width greater than that of other portions, The second gripping portion is a portion of the non-container portion formed along the second side portion, the portion being wider than other portions of the non-container portion. 4. The ink pack according to claim 3.

[0134] [Configuration 5] the ink pack is rotated from a position in which the discharge portion faces upward to an injection position for injecting ink into the ink tank; In the injection posture, the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion are positioned above the discharge portion. 5. The ink pack according to any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0135] [Configuration 6] In the injection position, the first gripping portion is located forward of the ejection portion in the direction of rotation, The second gripping portion is located behind the ejection portion in the rotation direction. 6. The ink pack according to configuration 5.

[0136] [Configuration 7] the discharge section includes a valve mechanism; The valve of the valve mechanism is The discharge portion is in a closed state in a state where the discharge portion is not engaged with the ink tank, The ejection portion is brought into an open state with the ejection portion engaged with the ink tank. 7. The ink pack according to any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0137] [Configuration 8] The bag body is formed by heat-welding a plurality of side portions of a plurality of films to each other. 8. The ink pack according to any one of configurations 1 to 7.

[0138] [Configuration 9] The bag body has a gusset portion. 9. The ink pack according to any one of the first to eighth aspects.

[0139] [Configuration 10] The bag has a rotation direction indicated thereon for injecting ink into the ink tank. 10. The ink pack according to any one of configurations 1 to 9.

[0140] [Configuration 11] A third gripping portion different from the second gripping portion is further provided on a side portion other than the first side portion. The ink pack according to any one of configurations 2 to 10.

[0141] [Configuration 12] The first grip portion and the second grip portion are provided so as to extend from the inside to the outside of the bag body. 12. The ink pack according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects.

[0142] [Configuration 13] The first grip portion, the second grip portion, or both of them include a non-slip portion. 13. The ink pack according to any one of configurations 1 to 12.

[0143] [Configuration 14] The anti-slip portion is a portion to which a member having a greater frictional force than the surface of the bag body is attached. 14. The ink pack according to claim 13.

[0144] [Configuration 15] The anti-slip portion is a portion that is textured so as to have a greater frictional force than the surface of the bag body. 14. The ink pack according to claim 13.

[0145] [Configuration 16] The first gripping portion, the second gripping portion, or both of them have a through hole. 16. The ink pack according to any one of configurations 1 to 15.

[0146] [Configuration 17] The first gripping portion is disposed at a position 3 cm or more away from the discharge portion. 17. The ink pack according to any one of configurations 1 to 16. [Configuration 18] The first gripping portion and the second gripping portion are 1 cm 2 having an area of ​​more than 18. The ink pack according to any one of configurations 1 to 17.

[0147] [Configuration 19] The third gripping portion is 1 cm 2 having an area of ​​more than 19. The ink pack according to any one of configurations 11 to 18.

[0148] [Configuration 20] The length of the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion along the plurality of sides is 10 cm or less. 19. The ink pack according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects.

Claims

1. An ink pack configured to be able to inject ink into an ink tank provided in a liquid ejection device, a bag containing ink; a discharge portion extending from the inside of the bag to the outside and discharging ink; Equipped with The bag body is a first gripping portion provided on one of the sides constituting the outer periphery; a second gripping portion provided on a side different from the side on which the first gripping portion is provided; An ink pack comprising:

2. the side portions constituting the outer periphery include a first side portion, a second side portion adjacent to the first side portion, and a third side portion adjacent to the second side portion; the discharge portion is provided on the first side portion, the first gripping portion is provided on the second side portion, The second gripping portion is provided on the third side portion. The ink pack according to claim 1 .

3. the bag body is formed by a plurality of films fixed to each other along their sides, and includes a non-containing portion in which no ink is contained; The first gripping portion and the second gripping portion are provided in the non-container portion. The ink pack according to claim 2 .

4. the first gripping portion is a portion of the non-container portion formed along the first side portion and having a width greater than that of other portions, The second gripping portion is a portion of the non-container portion formed along the second side portion, the portion having a width greater than that of other portions. The ink pack according to claim 3 .

5. the ink pack is rotated from a position in which the discharge portion faces upward to an injection position for injecting ink into the ink tank; In the injection posture, the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion are positioned above the discharge portion. The ink pack according to claim 1 .

6. In the injection position, the first gripping portion is located forward of the ejection portion in the direction of rotation, The second gripping portion is located behind the ejection portion in the direction of rotation. The ink pack according to claim 5 .

7. the discharge section includes a valve mechanism; The valve of the valve mechanism is The discharge portion is in a closed state in a state where the discharge portion is not engaged with the ink tank, The ejection portion is brought into an open state with the ejection portion engaged with the ink tank. The ink pack according to claim 1 .

8. The bag body is formed by heat-welding a plurality of side portions of a plurality of films to each other. The ink pack according to claim 1 .

9. The bag body has a gusset portion. The ink pack according to claim 1 .

10. The bag has a rotation direction indicated thereon for injecting ink into the ink tank. The ink pack according to claim 1 .

11. A third gripping portion different from the second gripping portion is further provided on a side portion other than the first side portion. The ink pack according to claim 2 .

12. The first grip portion and the second grip portion are provided so as to extend from the inside to the outside of the bag body. The ink pack according to claim 1 .

13. the first gripping portion, the second gripping portion, or both of them include a non-slip portion; The ink pack according to claim 1 .

14. The anti-slip portion is a portion to which a member having a greater frictional force than the surface of the bag body is attached. The ink pack according to claim 13.

15. The anti-slip portion is a portion that is textured so as to have a greater frictional force than the surface of the bag body. The ink pack according to claim 13.

16. The first gripping portion, the second gripping portion, or both of them have a through hole. The ink pack according to claim 1 .

17. The first gripping portion is disposed at a position 3 cm or more away from the discharge portion. The ink pack according to claim 1 .

18. The first gripping portion and the second gripping portion are 1 cm 2 having an area of ​​more than The ink pack according to claim 1 .

19. The third gripping portion is 1 cm 2 having an area of ​​more than The ink pack according to claim 11.

20. The length of the first grip portion and the second grip portion along the plurality of sides is 10 cm or less. The ink pack according to claim 1 .

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