Ink storage container and ink ejection apparatus

Abstract

To provide an ink storage container having high reliability while reducing the usage amount of plastic.SOLUTION: An ink storage container attachable to and detachable from an apparatus main body of an ink ejection apparatus includes a flexible inner bag for storing ink, a flexible outer bag configured to cover the inner bag, an ink discharge portion capable of discharging ink stored in the inner bag to the outside of the inner bag, and an air introduction portion capable of introducing air into a space between the inner bag and the outer bag or discharging air from the space. The present technology can contribute to realization of a sustainable society such as a decarbonization / recycling-oriented society.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ink storage container used in an ink ejection device, and aims to reduce the amount of plastic used in the ink storage container used to store ink, thereby preventing ink leakage and improving the use-up of ink supplied to the ink ejection device. [Background technology]

[0002] In a recording device serving as an ink ejection device (liquid ejection device) that ejects ink as a recording liquid onto a recording medium to perform recording on the recording medium, there has been a conventional device that allows the user to manually replace an ink container that is detachable from the device body to easily replenish ink as the ink is consumed. If the device is accidentally dropped during replacement of the ink container, the impact can cause ink leakage. Furthermore, there are cases where it is difficult to use up all the ink in the ink container.

[0003] To solve this problem, for example, there is an invention such as that described in Patent Document 1. According to Patent Document 1, the outside of the ink containing bag is covered and protected with a hard case such as plastic to prevent ink leakage. Also, to ensure that the ink contained in the ink containing container can be used without waste, a pump or the like is used to supply air around the ink containing bag and pressurize the ink containing bag, thereby supplying the ink to the main body without waste. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-183651 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, social demands have called for the development of technologies that can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, such as a carbon-free, recycling-oriented society. From the perspective of environmental issues, there is a particular need for the so-called "elimination of waste plastic" and "reduction of waste plastic," i.e., the reduction of the use of plastic materials as much as possible. The method described in Patent Document 1 uses a large amount of plastic material, and it is therefore necessary to provide an ink container and inkjet recording device that solves these problems.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an ink container that is highly reliable while reducing the amount of plastic used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the ink container of the present invention comprises: An ink container that is detachable from a main body of an ink ejection device, a flexible inner bag for containing ink; a flexible outer bag configured to cover the inner bag; an ink discharge portion capable of discharging the ink contained in the inner bag to the outside of the inner bag; an air introduction section capable of introducing air into the space between the inner bag and the outer bag; The present invention is characterized by comprising: In order to achieve the above object, the ink ejection device of the present invention comprises: The ink container, The ink container is detachably attached to the device body, a first connection portion connected to the ink discharge portion; a second connection portion connected to the air introduction portion; a discharge portion that discharges ink supplied from the ink discharge portion via the first connection portion; a device body including: The present invention is characterized by comprising: [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a highly reliable ink container while reducing the amount of plastic used. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of a main part of a recording apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ink storage container according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ink supply unit of an ink storage container according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air communication part of an ink containing container in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a connection configuration between an ink container and a recording device in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for supplying air to an ink containing container in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration for discharging air between the outer bag and the inner bag in Example 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for supplying ink from an ink storage container in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ink container according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ink supply unit and an air communication unit in Example 2. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a connection configuration between an ink container and a recording device in a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of air supply and ink supply in Example 2. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration for discharging air between the outer bag and the inner bag in Example 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a detailed description will be given of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention based on examples. The dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the embodiments may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention. The components described in the embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to those alone.

[0011] Example 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a recording device serving as an ink ejection device in this embodiment. The recording device shown in FIG. 1 repeats reciprocating movement (main scanning) of a recording head 1 and conveyance (sub-scanning) of a recording sheet 8, which is a recording medium, at predetermined intervals. Synchronized with these movements, the recording head 1 selectively ejects ink of multiple colors onto the recording sheet 8, which is a recording medium, to form characters, symbols, images, and the like. Any recording medium may be used as long as it can form an image by ejecting ink droplets onto the recording sheet 8. For example, recording media of various materials and shapes, such as paper, cloth, optical disc label surfaces, plastic sheets, overhead projector sheets, and envelopes, may be used. While ink is typically used as the liquid contained in a liquid container to which the present invention can be applied, the liquid may also be a reaction liquid or pretreatment liquid replenished in a liquid ejection device.

[0012] In Fig. 1, the recording head 1, which is a component of the device main body, is slidably supported on two guide rails and is detachably mounted on a carriage 2 which is moved back and forth in a straight line along the guide rails by a driving means such as a motor (not shown). A recording sheet 8 which receives ink ejected from the ink ejection portions of the recording head 1 is conveyed by a conveying roller 3, which is a conveying means, in a direction which intersects with the moving direction of the carriage 2, facing the ink ejection surface of the recording head 1. The recording head 1 has a plurality of ink ejection portions which each eject ink of a different color. The recording head 1 has multiple nozzle rows. A plurality of independent ink containers 5, each with an ink supply port corresponding to the color of ink ejected from the recording head 1, are detachably attached to the ink supply unit 6. The ink supply unit 6 and the recording head 1 are connected by a plurality of ink supply tubes 7, each corresponding to the color of ink. By attaching the ink containers 5 to the ink supply unit 6, it is possible to independently supply each color of ink stored in the ink containers 5 to each nozzle row of the recording head 1. A recovery unit 4 is disposed in a non-printing area, which is within the reciprocating movement range of the recording head 1 but outside the range through which the recording sheet 8 passes, so as to face the ink ejection surface of the recording head 1. The recovery unit 4 includes a cap portion for capping the ink ejection surface of the recording head 1, a suction mechanism for forcibly sucking ink while the ink ejection port surface is capped, and a cleaning blade for wiping dirt from the ink ejection surface. The suction operation described above is performed by the recovery unit 4 prior to the recording operation of this recording device. As a result, even if the recording device is operated after being left unused for a long period of time, the recovery process performed by the recovery unit 4 can remove residual air bubbles in the ink ejection section of the recording head 1 and thickened ink near the ejection ports, thereby maintaining the ejection characteristics of the recording head 1.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing each ink containing container 5 of each color housed in the ink supply unit 6 of the recording device in FIG. 1, showing the configuration of the ink containing container in Example 1. FIG. 2(a) is a diagram showing the Ab-Ab cross section of FIG. 2(b). FIG. 2(b) is a diagram showing the ink containing container 5 in this Example as seen from the side of a spout 54 serving as an ink discharge section and an air communication section 55 serving as an air introduction section, which will be described later. FIG. 2(c) is a diagram showing the Bb-Bb cross section of FIG. 2(a). As shown in FIG. 2(a), the spout 54 and the air communication section 55 are provided separately from each other at one end in the longitudinal direction of the ink containing container 5. An inner bag 53 is welded and fixed to the spout 54. An outer bag 52 is welded and fixed to the spout 54 and the air communication section 55. Ink 51 is poured into inner bag 53, and air 10 is sealed in the space between inner bag 53 and outer bag 52.

[0014] In Patent Document 1, the outer container covering the inner bag is made of a hard case such as plastic. However, in this embodiment, the outer bag 52 is made of a flexible material, which eliminates the need for waste plastic, thereby reducing the amount of plastic used (waste). More specifically, in this embodiment, the inner bag 53 and the outer bag 52 are both made of a flexible material (first material) that can deform under pressure from the ink. The spout 54, which can discharge ink contained in the inner bag 53 to the outside of the inner bag 53, and the air communication section 55, which can introduce air 10 into the space between the inner bag 53 and the outer bag 52, are made of a material (second material), such as plastic, that can maintain a constant shape against pressure from the ink. In Patent Document 1, plastic is used in many parts, such as the housing 12 that covers the ink bag body 11 that contains the ink and the ink outlet 13. In contrast, in this embodiment, the outer bag 52 that covers the inner bag 53 is made of a flexible material, thereby reducing the amount of plastic used compared to conventional inks. In other words, when viewed as a whole, the only parts made of the second material are the first part where spout 54 is formed and the second part where air communication part 55 is formed, and the remaining parts can be seen as being made of the first material. In other words, the only parts that use the second material, such as plastic, are spout 54 and air communication part 55, so the amount of plastic used is reduced even when viewed as a whole ink container.

[0015] The interior of the inner bag 53 is filled with ink (not shown in the figure), and the inner bag 53 is made by heat welding or the like of a flexible film. There are various shapes for the inner bag 53, but pillow type, three-sided type, gusset type, etc., which become flat when the ink is used up, are desirable. The flexible film has a liquid-contacting layer made of a thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene, which has ink-wettability and excellent heat-weldability, on the inside of the bag body that comes into contact with the ink. A gas barrier layer made of multiple layers of low gas permeability, such as aluminum, is formed on the outside of the bag that comes into contact with the air 10. Here, the aluminum layer is deposited as a film by vapor deposition or lamination. The film does not necessarily have to be a multi-layer type, and for example, a single-layer resin type may be used in applications where gas barrier properties are not particularly important.

[0016] The same configuration may be used for the outer bag 52. Although the outer bag 52 is not always in contact with the ink, it is desirable that the bag be liquid-wettable in case ink leaks from the inner bag 53.

[0017] As described above, the outer bag 52 and the inner bag 53 may be made of the same material. However, in order to strengthen the outer bag 52, which is subject to large external forces such as impacts from being dropped during transportation, it is also effective to select a stronger material for the outer bag 52 that is more rigid than the inner bag 53 (for example, by increasing the number of aluminum layers).

[0018] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the spout 54 in FIG. 2, illustrating the detailed configuration of the spout 54. FIG. 3(a) is a view illustrating the Ab-Ab cross section of FIG. 3(b). FIG. 3(b) is a view of the spout 54 as viewed from the ink outlet port 541 side. An ink outlet member 542 is disposed in the spout 54 as an ink supply unit (ink discharge unit) to form the ink outlet port 541 (ink discharge port). Inside the spout 54 is provided a valve body 543 as a first sealing member configured to be capable of taking a first sealing position in contact with a wall surface 548 of the ink outlet member 542 to block the ink outlet port 541 from the inside, and a first non-sealing position away from the wall surface 548. FIG. 3(a) illustrates the state in which the valve body 543 is in close contact with the back surface (wall surface) 548, blocking the ink outlet port 541. Furthermore, a biasing force is applied to the valve body 543 by using a coil spring 544 or the like as a first biasing member so that the valve body 543 can come into close contact with the wall surface of the ink outlet member 542 in the first sealing position. The coil spring 544 is fixed to a coil spring fixing member 545. The coil spring fixing member 545 also has a part of the ink discharge path that communicates between the inside of the inner bag 53 and the ink outlet port 541. Therefore, the inner wall surface of the spout 54, the ink outlet member 542, and the coil spring fixing member 545 function as a discharge path forming member that forms the ink discharge path.

[0019] 4 is an enlarged view of the air communication section 55 in FIG. 2, illustrating the detailed configuration of the air communication section 55. FIG. 4(a) is a view illustrating the Ab-Ab cross section of FIG. 4(b). FIG. 4(b) is a view of the air communication section 55 as viewed from the air communication port 551 side. The air communication section 55, which serves as an air introduction section, has an air communication port 551 (air inlet) formed therein, and is provided with a wall surface 556 that, together with a coil spring fixing member 554 described below, forms an air introduction path for introducing air from the air communication port 551. The air communication section 55 is also provided with a valve body 552 serving as a second sealing member, which is configured to be capable of taking a second sealing position in contact with the wall surface 556 so as to block the air communication port from the inside, and a second non-sealing position away from the wall surface 556. 4(a) shows the state in which valve element 552 is in close contact with rear surface (wall surface) 556, blocking air communication port 551. Furthermore, a biasing force is applied to valve element 552 using a coil spring 553 or the like as a second biasing member so that valve element 552 can be in close contact with wall surface 556 to block air communication port 551. Coil spring 553 is fixed to coil spring fixing member 554. Coil spring fixing member 554 also has a part of the air introduction path that connects the space between inner bag 53 and outer bag 52 with air communication port 551. Therefore, coil spring fixing member 554 and wall surface 556 of air communication portion 55 function as an introduction path forming member that forms the air introduction path.

[0020] FIG. 5 shows a state in which the recording head 1 (recording apparatus main body) and the pressurizing and suction mechanism 9 are connected to the ink containing container 5 of the present embodiment 1. As described above, the spout 54 is connected to the ink in the inner bag 53. An ink outlet 541 is formed for supplying ink to the recording head 1, and a hollow needle 601 provided in the first connecting part 600 is inserted into the ink outlet 541. A pressure / suction mechanism 9 serving as a pressure / suction means is connected via the second connecting part 900 to supply air from the air communication port 551 of the air communication part 55 to the space between the inner bag 53 and the outer bag 52 or to exhaust air from the space between the inner bag 53 and the outer bag 52. The pressure / suction mechanism 9 may be, for example, a pump, but is not limited to this and may be any mechanism capable of applying pressure and sucking air. For example, a fan within the recording device or a manual pump operated by the user may be used.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a mechanism for introducing air 10 from the pressurizing / suction mechanism 9 shown in FIG. 5 between the inner bag 53 and the outer bag 52. FIG. 6(a) is a diagram illustrating the Ab-Ab cross section of FIG. 6(b). FIG. 6(b) is a diagram illustrating the configuration for introducing air 10 as viewed from the air inflow direction. The air communication section 55, which is part of the introduction path forming member described above, is configured to be connectable to the second connection section 900. When introducing air 10, the second connection section 900, which is connected to the pressurizing / suction mechanism 9, is connected to the air communication section 55. Then, air 10 is sent from the air supply port 901 to pressurize the valve body 552. At this time, the magnitude relationship between the pressurizing force of the air 10 and the biasing force of the coil spring 553 is such that the air pressurizing force is greater than the biasing force of the coil spring. Therefore, valve element 552 is pushed by pressurization by air 10 and moves from the second sealing position where it blocks air communication port 551 to the second unsealing position, opening air communication port 551 and allowing air 10 to be introduced into the space between inner bag 53 and outer bag 52. When the pressurization by air is stopped, the biasing force of coil spring 553 causes valve element 552 to again come into close contact with wall surface 556, and air communication port 551 is sealed.

[0022] An air communication port seal member 555 may be provided to prevent air 10 from leaking from the air communication port 551 when pressurized with air 10.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for discharging air 10 from the space between inner bag 53 and outer bag 52 using pressurization / suction mechanism 9 shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7(a) is a diagram illustrating a cross section taken along line Ab-Ab in FIG. 7(b). FIG. 7(b) is a diagram illustrating the configuration for discharging air 10 as viewed from the direction of air discharge. In this embodiment, an atmosphere vent pin 572 is provided inside second connection part 900, which can be connected to air communication part 55. This atmosphere vent pin 572 protrudes toward valve element 552 and contacts valve element 552. When atmosphere vent pin 572 is further protruded to press valve element 552, valve element 552, which has been biased by coil spring 553, separates from wall surface 556 and moves from the second sealing position to the second non-sealing position. As a result, air communication part 55 and the inside of second connecting part 900 communicate with each other through air communication port 551, and air 10 between inner bag 53 and outer bag 52 can be discharged.

[0024] FIG. 8 shows a configuration for supplying ink 51 from the spout 54 in FIG. 5 to the recording head 1 (recording apparatus main body). FIG. 8(a) is a diagram showing the Ab-Ab cross section of FIG. 8(b). FIG. 8(b) is a diagram of the spout 54 as viewed from the ink outlet port 541. The ink outlet port 541 is configured so that a hollow needle 601 provided in the first connection part 600 can be inserted into it. The interior of the hollow needle 601 is hollow, forming an ink flow path. Furthermore, an ink inlet port 602 for introducing ink 51 into the flow path is formed at the tip side of the hollow needle 601. When ink 51 is to be supplied from inside the inner bag 53, the hollow needle 601 is inserted into the ink outlet port 541. The tip of the hollow needle 601 presses against the valve element 543, and the valve element 543, which has been biased by the coil spring 544, moves from a first sealing position that closes the ink outlet port to a first unsealing position. As a result, the ink discharge path inside the coil spring fixing member 545 communicates with the flow path inside the hollow needle 601 , making it possible to supply the ink 51 to the recording head 1 .

[0025] The above-mentioned configuration for injecting air 10 and the configuration for supplying ink 51 to the recording head 1 The inner bag 53 is pressurized by the air 10 , and the ink 51 is supplied to the recording head 1 through the ink outlet 541 .

[0026] As explained above, in Example 1, by changing the outer container covering the inner bag 53 from a hard case such as plastic to a flexible outer bag 52, it is possible to eliminate so-called waste plastic from the outer container, thereby reducing the amount of plastic used.

[0027] Example 2 FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an ink containing container 5 in Example 2. FIG. 9(a) is a diagram showing the Ab-Ab cross section of FIG. 9(b). FIG. 9(b) is a diagram of the ink containing container 5 as seen from the spout 54 side. Furthermore, FIG. 9(c) is a diagram showing the Bb-Bb cross section of FIG. 9(a). In Example 1, the spout 54 and the air communication part 55 were provided separately from each other, but in the ink containing container 5 of this example, the spout 54, which is the ink supply part (ink discharge part), and the air communication part are provided integrally. By integrating the ink supply part and the air communication part in this way, it is possible to further reduce the amount of plastic used.

[0028] Figure 10 is a diagram showing in detail the integrated structure of the spout 54, which is the ink supply section in Figure 9, and the air communication section. Figure 10(a) is a diagram showing the Ab-Ab cross section of Figure 10(b). Figure 10(b) is a diagram showing the spout 54 as viewed from the ink outlet 541 side. The sealing structure of the ink outlet 541 and the air communication port 551 is the same as in Example 1, so it will not be described here. In this example, since the spout 54 and the air communication section are integrated, the discharge path forming member that forms the ink discharge path and the introduction path forming member that forms the air introduction path are also configured as an integrated member.

[0029] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the connection state between the ink containing container 5 and the recording head 1 (recording apparatus main body) of Example 2. As in Example 1, the spout 54 is formed with an ink outlet port 541 for supplying ink in the inner bag 53 to the recording head 1, and a hollow needle 601 provided in the first connecting part 600 is inserted into the ink outlet port 541. In addition, a pressurizing / suction mechanism 9 is provided that can supply air through an air communication port 551 to the space between the inner bag 53 and the outer bag 52.

[0030] Figure 12 is a diagram showing in detail the configuration for supplying ink 51 from the ink container 5 to the recording head 1 in Figure 10, and the configuration for supplying air 10 from the pressurizing / suction mechanism 9 between the inner bag 53 and the outer bag 52 to pressurize the inner bag 53. Figure 12(a) is a diagram showing the Ab-Ab cross section of Figure 12(b). Figure 12(b) is a diagram seen from the ink outlet port 541 side.

[0031] As in the first embodiment, a hollow needle 601 provided in a first connection part 600 is inserted into an ink outlet port 541, and by pressing the valve element 543, the valve element 543, which has been biased by a coil spring 544, moves. As a result, the ink discharge path and the flow path inside the hollow needle 601 communicate with each other, and ink 51 is supplied to the recording head 1. The mechanism for introducing air 10 is also the same as in the first embodiment, in that a second connection part 900 connected to a pressurizing / suction mechanism 9 is connected to the air communication part of the spout 54, and air 10 is sent from an air supply port 901 to pressurize the valve element 552. As the pressurized valve element 552 moves, the air communication port 551 is opened, and air 10 is supplied to the space between the inner bag 53 and the outer bag 52.

[0032] With the above-mentioned configuration for allowing air 10 to flow in and the configuration for supplying ink 51 to the recording head 1, when the inner bag 53 is pressurized by air 10, the ink 51 is supplied to the recording head 1 through the ink outlet 541.

[0033] In the second embodiment, the function is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the spout 54 and the air communication part are Because of the integrated structure, the amount of plastic used can be further reduced compared to Example 1.

[0034] As shown in Figures 2 and 9, air 10 is introduced into the ink container 5 of the present invention through the air communication port 551 during manufacturing, and when viewed as a single ink container, the space between the inner bag 53 and the outer bag 52 is filled with air 10. The space filled with air 10 is sealed by the valve body 552, so a constant amount of air can be maintained within the space. Therefore, even if a user accidentally applies an impact (such as dropping) to the ink container after it is manufactured and shipped in this state, the air filling the space between the inner bag 53 and the outer bag 52 acts as a cushion to prevent ink leakage. Furthermore, when ink is supplied to the recording head 1, the inner bag 53 is pressurized by the air 10, increasing the amount of usable ink and improving ink use-up performance.

[0035] Example 3 FIG. 13 shows the spout 54 in Example 3. FIG. 13(a) shows the Ab-Ab cross section of FIG. 13(b). FIG. 13(b) shows the spout 54 as viewed from the ink supply unit 541 side. In Examples 1 and 2, the inner bag 53 is pressurized to improve the ease of using up the ink. An ink containing container 5 that has run out of ink is replaced with a replacement ink containing container 5 filled with ink. However, if the used ink containing container 5 is removed in this state, the outer bag will be bulging with pressurized air. This state will require unnecessary space during disposal or recycling. In Example 3, the air 10 between the outer bag 52 and the inner bag 53 is discharged. An atmosphere vent pin 572 is provided inside the second connecting portion 900. The atmosphere vent pin 572 is protruded toward the valve body 552 of the air communicating member 55, so that the atmosphere vent pin 572 comes into contact with the valve body 552. When it is further extended, the coil spring 553 is pressed, and the valve body 552 moves away from the wall surface 556, moving from the second sealing position where the valve body 552 closes the air communication port 551 to the second unsealing position. In this state, the space between the outer bag 52 and the inner bag 53 communicates with the space outside the ink containing container 5. The air sealed inside the outer bag 53 is discharged, and the entire ink containing container 5 becomes deflated.

[0036] Example 4 In the fourth embodiment, a configuration (not shown) is adopted to more actively expel air. In the fourth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the air release pin 572 is used to press the valve body 552, so that the space between the outer bag 52 and the inner bag 53 is in communication with the space outside the ink containing container 5. In this state, a suction operation is performed using the pump 9 as a pressurizing and suction mechanism. This suction operation allows the air to be expelled quickly and reliably. This suction may also be performed manually by the user using a pump. Furthermore, the ink containing container 5 may be removed, and a toothpick or similar object may be inserted into the valve body 552 to expel the air.

[0037] As explained above, the outer bag 52, which has conventionally been made of plastic, is now made of a flexible material, and the spout 54 and air communication part, which have been made of plastic, are now made into an integrated structure. By adopting such a structure, it is possible to reduce the amount of plastic used. In other words, the technology described in this specification can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, such as an oxygen-free / recycling-based society.

[0038] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) An ink container that is detachable from a main body of an ink ejection device, a flexible inner bag for containing ink; a flexible outer bag configured to cover the inner bag; an ink discharge portion capable of discharging the ink contained in the inner bag to the outside of the inner bag; an air introduction section capable of introducing air into the space between the inner bag and the outer bag; An ink storage container comprising: (Configuration 2) the inner bag and the outer bag are made of a first material that is deformable by pressure from ink, The ink container according to configuration 1, wherein the ink discharge portion and the air introduction portion are made of a second material that can maintain a constant shape against pressure from the ink. (Configuration 3) a first portion made of the second material and having the ink ejection portion formed therein; a second portion made of the second material and in which the air introduction portion is formed; and 3. The ink container according to claim 2, wherein the first portion and the second portion are provided separately from each other. (Configuration 4) 4. The ink container according to configuration 3, wherein the first portion and the second portion are each provided at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the ink container. (Configuration 5) 3. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the ink discharge portion and the air introduction portion are integrally formed. (Configuration 6) The ink discharge unit includes: a discharge path forming member having an ink discharge port and an ink discharge path communicating between the inside of the inner bag and the ink discharge port; a first sealing member configured to be capable of taking a first sealing position in contact with a wall surface of the ink discharge path so as to close the ink discharge port from the inside of the ink discharge path, and a first non-sealing position in which the first sealing member is away from the wall surface; a first biasing member that applies a biasing force to the first sealing member to position the first sealing member at the first sealing position; 6. The ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, comprising: (Configuration 7) the ink outlet is configured so that a first connector provided on the device body can be inserted therein; the first sealing member is moved from the first sealing position to the first unsealing position by being pushed into the first connecting portion inserted into the ink discharge port; 7. The ink container according to claim 6, wherein the ink discharge path communicates with an ink inlet provided in the first connecting portion when the first sealing member is pressed into the first unsealing position. (Configuration 8) The air introduction section an introduction path forming member having an air introduction port and an air introduction path that communicates between the space and the air introduction port; a second sealing member configured to be capable of taking a second sealing position in contact with a wall surface of the air introduction path so as to close the air introduction port from the inside of the air introduction path, and a second non-sealing position in which the second sealing member is separated from the wall surface; a second biasing member that applies a biasing force to the second sealing member to position the second sealing member at the second sealing position; 7. The ink container according to claim 6, comprising: (Configuration 9) the introduction path forming member is configured to be connectable to a second connection portion provided on the device body, the air inlet is configured to be connectable to an air supply port of the second connection portion connected to the introduction path forming member, the second sealing member moves from the second sealing position to the second non-sealing position when the pressure of the air supplied from the air supply port of the second connection portion connected to the air inlet exceeds the biasing force of the second biasing member, 9. The ink containing container according to configuration 8, wherein the air introduction path communicates with the air supply port of the second connecting portion when the second sealing member is in the second unsealing position. (Configuration 10) 10. The ink container according to claim 8, wherein the discharge path forming member and the introduction path forming member are an integral member. (Configuration 11) 4. The ink container according to claim 2, wherein the second material is plastic. (Configuration 12) the ink container according to configuration 1; The ink container is detachably attached to the device body, a first connection portion connected to the ink discharge portion; a second connection portion connected to the air introduction portion; a discharge portion that discharges ink supplied from the ink discharge portion via the first connection portion; a device body including: An ink ejection device comprising: (Configuration 13) 13. The ink ejection device according to claim 12, wherein the device body has a mechanism for applying pressure to the second connection portion to supply air and for sucking air from the space. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 5...ink storage container, 51...ink, 52...outer bag, 53...inner bag, 54...spout, 55...air communication part, 10...air

Claims

1. An ink container that is detachable from a main body of an ink ejection device, a flexible inner bag for containing ink; a flexible outer bag configured to cover the inner bag; an ink discharge portion capable of discharging the ink contained in the inner bag to the outside of the inner bag; an air introduction section capable of introducing air into the space between the inner bag and the outer bag; An ink storage container comprising:

2. the inner bag and the outer bag are made of a first material that is deformable by pressure from ink, 2. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the ink discharge portion and the air introduction portion are made of a second material that can maintain a constant shape against pressure from the ink.

3. a first portion made of the second material and having the ink discharge portion formed therein; a second portion made of the second material and in which the air introduction portion is formed; and 3. The ink container according to claim 2, wherein the first portion and the second portion are provided separately from each other.

4. 4. The ink container according to claim 3, wherein the first portion and the second portion are each provided at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the ink container.

5. 3. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the ink discharge portion and the air introduction portion are integrally formed.

6. The ink discharge unit includes: a discharge path forming member having an ink discharge port and an ink discharge path communicating between the inside of the inner bag and the ink discharge port; a first sealing member configured to be capable of taking a first sealing position in contact with a wall surface of the ink discharge path so as to close the ink discharge port from the inside of the ink discharge path, and a first non-sealing position in which the first sealing member is away from the wall surface; a first biasing member that applies a biasing force to the first sealing member to position the first sealing member at the first sealing position; 3. The ink container according to claim 1, further comprising:

7. the ink outlet is configured so that a first connector provided on the device body can be inserted therein; the first sealing member is moved from the first sealing position to the first unsealing position by being pushed into the first connecting portion inserted into the ink discharge port; The ink container according to claim 6 , wherein the ink discharge path communicates with an ink inlet provided in the first connecting portion when the first sealing member is pressed into the first unsealing position.

8. The air introduction section an introduction path forming member having an air introduction port and an air introduction path that communicates between the space and the air introduction port; a second sealing member configured to be capable of taking a second sealing position in contact with a wall surface of the air introduction path so as to close the air introduction port from the inside of the air introduction path, and a second non-sealing position in which the second sealing member is separated from the wall surface; a second biasing member that applies a biasing force to the second sealing member to position the second sealing member at the second sealing position; 7. The ink container according to claim 6, further comprising:

9. the introduction path forming member is configured to be connectable to a second connection portion provided on the device body, the air inlet is configured to be connectable to the air supply port of the second connection portion connected to the introduction path forming member, the second sealing member moves from the second sealing position to the second non-sealing position when the pressure of the air supplied from the air supply port of the second connection portion connected to the air inlet exceeds the biasing force of the second biasing member, 9. The ink container according to claim 8, wherein the air introduction path communicates with the air supply port of the second connecting portion when the second sealing member is in the second unsealing position.

10. 9. The ink container according to claim 8, wherein the discharge path forming member and the introduction path forming member are an integral member.

11. 4. The ink container according to claim 2, wherein the second material is plastic.

12. The ink container according to claim 1 ; The ink container is detachably attached to the device body, a first connection portion connected to the ink discharge portion; a second connection portion connected to the air introduction portion; a discharge portion that discharges ink supplied from the ink discharge portion via the first connection portion; a device body including: An ink ejection device comprising:

13. The ink ejection device according to claim 12 , wherein the device body has a mechanism capable of applying pressure to supply air to the second connection portion and sucking air from the space.

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