Liquid container

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of reducing the possibility that a bag body is damaged by an adapter even when the adapter is displaced with respect to a liquid storage bag.SOLUTION: The liquid container includes a liquid containing bag and an adapter, the bag main body includes a main body welded portion and a main body portion, the adapter includes a first facing portion facing the main body welded portion, a direction in which the one end portion and the other end portion face each other is a first direction, and a direction in which the main body welded portion and the first facing portion face each other is a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, A direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction is a third direction, and the adapter further includes a second facing portion that faces the main body portion and does not include at least a first type rib extending along the third direction on a side facing the main body portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid container technology. [Background technology]

[0002] A liquid container having a liquid containing bag and an adapter is known (Patent Document 1). The liquid containing bag has a bag body that contains the liquid and a supply member that supplies the liquid to the outside. The adapter also has a hook portion that forms a snap fit, and the adapter is fixed to the supply member by this hook portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-13094 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional technology, the adapter is secured to the supply member by a hook portion that constitutes a snap fit. Therefore, if the liquid container is subjected to an impact, such as by being dropped, the engagement by the hook portion may be released, causing the adapter to move closer to the liquid containing bag. When the adapter moves closer to the liquid containing bag, the adapter may come into contact with the bag body of the liquid containing bag, potentially damaging the bag body. If the bag body is damaged, liquid may leak to the outside. Therefore, a technology is desired that can reduce the possibility of the bag body being damaged by the adapter, even when the adapter is displaced relative to the liquid containing bag. This issue is not limited to liquid containers in which the adapter is secured to the supply member by a hook portion that constitutes a snap fit, but is common to all liquid containers in which the adapter may move closer to the liquid containing bag due to an impact or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid container. This liquid container comprises a liquid storage bag having a bag body that contains liquid, the bag body having one end and the other end, a supply member attached to the one end and that supplies the liquid in the bag body to the outside, and an adapter attached to the supply member, wherein the bag body has a body welding portion that constitutes the one end and is welded to the supply member, and a body portion that extends from the body welding portion toward the other end and is not welded to the supply member, the adapter has a first opposing portion that faces the body welding portion, the direction in which the one end and the other end face each other is a first direction, the direction in which the body welding portion and the first opposing portion face each other is a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, and the direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is a third direction, and the adapter further has a second opposing portion that faces the body portion, the second opposing portion not having a first type rib extending along at least the third direction on the side facing the body portion.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid container comprising: a liquid containing bag having a bag main body for containing liquid, the bag main body having one end and the other end; a supply member attached to the one end and supplying the liquid in the bag main body to an outside; and an adapter attached to the supply member, wherein the bag main body has a main body weld portion constituting the one end and welded to the supply member, and a main body portion extending from the main body weld portion toward the other end and not welded to the supply member, and the adapter has a first opposing portion facing the main body weld portion, a stepped portion extending in a direction away from the bag main body and extending from the first opposing portion, and a second opposing portion connected to the stepped portion and facing the main body portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid ejecting apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the liquid ejecting apparatus. [Figure 3]Schematic diagram of the hapriner viewed in the +Z direction. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a liquid container. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one end of the liquid containing bag. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] IX-IX partial cross-sectional view of Figure 5. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a liquid container according to a reference example. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a liquid container according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a liquid container according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a liquid container according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a liquid container according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a liquid container 100 according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a first diagram for explaining a liquid container according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a second diagram for explaining a liquid container according to the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A. First embodiment: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid ejection device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 illustrates an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis, which are perpendicular to one another. The direction along the Z-axis is parallel to the direction of gravity. The +Z direction is the direction of gravity, and the -Z direction is the direction opposite to the direction of gravity. The direction along the Z-axis is the up-down direction of the liquid ejection device 10. The direction along the Y-axis is the front-rear direction of the liquid ejection device 10. The direction along the X-axis is the left-right direction of the liquid ejection device 10.

[0009] In this embodiment, the liquid ejection device 10 is an inkjet printer. The liquid consumed by ejection in the liquid ejection device 10 is, for example, ink. The ink may be, for example, pigment ink. The liquid ejection device 10 forms an image by ejecting ink droplets and recording ink dots on a medium MP to be processed, which is shown in FIG. 2 and will be described later. The medium MP is, for example, paper. The liquid ejection device 10 includes a housing 10c, which is a hollow resin box that forms the exterior of the liquid ejection device 10. The housing 10c has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. An operation unit 13, a medium discharge port 14, a medium receiving unit 15, a medium storage port 16, a medium storage unit 17, and a cover member 18 are provided on a front surface 12 on the -Y direction side of the housing 10c.

[0010] The operation unit 13 has a display unit 13i that displays information to the user, and multiple operation buttons 13b that accept user operations. The medium discharge port 14 is an outlet for the medium MP that is dispensed from inside the liquid ejection device 10. The medium discharge port 14 opens in the shape of a wide slit in the direction along the X axis. The medium receiving unit 15 protrudes like a canopy in the -Y direction below the medium discharge port 14 and receives the medium MP that is discharged from the medium discharge port 14.

[0011] The medium storage port 16 is an opening through which the user supplies the liquid ejection device 10 with medium MP. In this embodiment, the medium storage port 16 has a generally rectangular opening that is wide in the direction along the X-axis below the medium receiving portion 15. The medium storage unit 17 is a tray-shaped member that stores the medium MP. The medium storage unit 17 is stored in the medium storage port 16 with its front surface visible from outside the liquid ejection device 10 through the medium storage port 16. The user can store the medium in the medium storage unit 17 that has been pulled out from the liquid ejection device 10 in the -Y direction through the medium storage port 16, and then load the medium storage unit 17 back into the medium storage port 16 from the medium storage port 16, thereby supplying the liquid ejection device 10 with medium MP.

[0012] The cover member 18 is a plate-like member made of resin that forms part of the exterior of the liquid ejection device 10. In this embodiment, the cover member 18 has a generally rectangular shape that is wide in the direction along the X-axis, and is disposed below the medium storage opening 16. The cover member 18 has claws (not shown) on its outer periphery, and is detachably attached to the housing 10c. The cover member 18 covers and protects the multiple liquid containers 100 stored inside the liquid ejection device 10.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the liquid ejection device 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid ejection device 10 includes a control unit 20, an ejection execution unit 30, a medium conveying unit 35, a liquid supply unit 40, and a case storage unit 60. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the liquid ejection device 10 viewed in the +Z direction with the housing 10c and cover member 18 removed. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the connection receiving unit 50. The control unit 20, the ejection execution unit 30, and the medium conveying unit 35 are omitted from FIG. 3. For convenience, FIG. 3 also shows a state in which each of the multiple liquid containers 100 is pulled out in the -Y direction together with the case 61 from the arrangement area LA, which is the mounting position where the liquid ejection device 10 has been fully mounted.

[0014] 2, in the liquid ejection device 10, liquid is supplied from the liquid container 100 housed in the case housing 60 to the ejection execution unit 30 via the supply pipe 42 of the liquid supply unit 40. Then, the ejection execution unit 30 ejects the liquid onto the medium MP that is being fed from the medium housing unit 17 and transported by the medium transport unit 35, thereby forming a print image on the medium MP.

[0015] The control unit 20 controls the driving of each component in the liquid ejection device 10. The control unit 20 is configured by a microcomputer that includes at least a central processing unit and a main memory device, and performs various functions by the central processing unit loading and executing various programs into the main memory device.

[0016] The ejection execution unit 30 includes a head unit 31 and a plurality of tubes 32. The head unit 31 receives a supply of liquid from a liquid supply unit 40 via the plurality of tubes 32. The head unit 31 includes a liquid chamber that stores the liquid supplied from the liquid supply unit 40. A nozzle 33 that opens downward is provided on the bottom surface of the liquid chamber. Under the control of the control unit 20, the head unit 31 ejects the liquid from the liquid chamber through the nozzle 33 by, for example, applying pressure to the ink using a piezoelectric element.

[0017] The head unit 31 is mounted on a carriage 34 and moves back and forth linearly in the direction along the X-axis. The ejection execution unit 30 includes, as a drive mechanism for moving the head unit 31, a guide shaft for moving the carriage 34, a motor that generates driving force, and a pulley that transmits the driving force.

[0018] The multiple tubes 32 connected to the head unit 31 are flexible. The multiple tubes 32 are arranged in parallel in a direction along the Y axis. The multiple tubes 32 are connected to the head unit 31 from joints 43, which are connection sites with the supply pipes 42 of the liquid supply unit 40.

[0019] The medium transport unit 35 transports the medium MP. The medium transport unit 35 includes a transport roller 36 that is installed below the head unit 31 in a direction along the X-axis. A medium storage unit 17 is disposed below the transport roller 36. The medium transport unit 35 includes a feed mechanism that feeds out the medium MP one sheet at a time from the medium storage unit 17 onto the outer peripheral side surface of the transport roller 36. The medium transport unit 35 rotates the transport roller 36 using a drive motor, and moves the medium MP in the -Y direction below the head unit 31 using the rotational driving force. In this embodiment, the sub-scanning direction of the liquid ejecting device 10 coincides with the -Y direction. The medium MP that has passed through the area below the head unit 31 is discharged to the outside of the liquid ejecting device 10 via the medium discharge port 14.

[0020] When a printing process is performed in the liquid ejecting device 10, the control unit 20 causes the medium transport unit 35 to transport the medium MP in the sub-scanning direction described above. Then, above the transport roller 36, the head unit 31 is caused to move back and forth in the main scanning direction (the direction along the X axis) along the transport roller 36, and ink droplets are ejected from the head unit 31 toward the printing surface of the medium MP at timing determined based on the print data. In this way, ink dots are recorded on the medium MP at positions determined based on the print data, and an image based on the print data is formed.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid supply unit 40 includes a plurality of connection receptacles 50, a fluctuating pressure generating unit 45, and a pressure transmission pipe 46, in addition to the plurality of supply pipes 42 and joints 43 described above.

[0022] The liquid supply unit 40 is connected to each of the multiple liquid containers 100 housed in the case storage unit 60 via multiple connection receptacles 50. The liquid containers 100 are configured to be detachable from the main body of the liquid ejection device 10. The liquid ejection device 10 of this embodiment is equipped with four liquid containers 100, one for each color ink. Therefore, in this embodiment, the liquid supply unit 40 includes four connection receptacles 50 corresponding to each of the four liquid containers 100. The multiple connection receptacles 50 are installed at the end of the case storage unit 60 on the +Y direction side. Each connection receptacle 50 is installed so as to be able to receive a connection from the -Y direction side of the corresponding liquid container 100.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 4, the connection receiving portion 50 is configured as a single component in which the liquid introduction portion 51, the device-side electrical connection portion 52, the first positioning portion 53f, the second positioning portion 53s, and the fitting structure 55 are integrated. The liquid introduction portion 51 is a flow path through which the liquid flows from the liquid container 100. The device-side electrical connection portion 52 is a connector that is electrically connected to the liquid container 100. The device-side electrical connection portion 52 has a plurality of terminal portions 52t. Each terminal portion 52t protrudes from the surface of the device-side electrical connection portion 52 and comes into contact with and is electrically connected to the container-side electrical connection portion 140 of the liquid container 100. Each terminal portion 52t is biased in the protruding direction by an elastic member such as a leaf spring.

[0024] The device-side electrical connection unit 52 is connected to the control unit 20 via wiring. By electrically connecting the device-side electrical connection unit 52 and the container-side electrical connection unit 140 (FIG. 5B), the control unit 20 exchanges electrical signals with the liquid container 100. In this way, the control unit 20 acquires information about the liquid contained in the liquid container 100. Information about the liquid includes, for example, the color of the ink, the type of ink, and parameters that represent the amount of liquid contained in the liquid container 100. The control unit 20 also electrically detects the connection state of the liquid container 100.

[0025] The first positioning portion 53f and the second positioning portion 53s are configured as axial portions extending in the -Y direction, and are arranged in parallel with the liquid introduction portion 51. The first positioning portion 53f and the second positioning portion 53s have the function of determining the arrangement position of the liquid container 100 in the direction along the X axis and the arrangement angle in the horizontal direction when the liquid container 100 is attached.

[0026] The fitting structure 55 is provided on the +X direction side of the liquid introduction portion 51. The fitting structure 55 is located above the second positioning portion 53s and has a concave-convex structure in which a plurality of substantially rectangular protrusions 55c are arranged, protruding at the same height in the +Z direction and extending in parallel in the -Y direction. The arrangement pattern of the protrusions 55c in the concave-convex structure of the fitting structure 55 differs for each connection receiving portion 50. The liquid container 100 corresponding to each connection receiving portion 50 is provided with a fitting structure receiving portion 155 shown in FIG. 6, which has a concave-convex structure that corresponds to the arrangement pattern of the concave-convex structure and can be fitted with the corresponding liquid container 100. This prevents an incompatible liquid container 100 from being connected to the connection receiving portion 50.

[0027] 3 is a source that generates pressure fluctuations for sucking and delivering liquid, and is constituted by, for example, a pump. Pressure transmission piping 46 is connected to the fluctuation pressure generating unit 45 and transmits the pressure fluctuations generated by the fluctuation pressure generating unit 45. The pressure transmission piping 46 is connected to a pressure chamber (not shown) provided inside each connection receiving unit 50. In the liquid supply unit 40, the fluctuation pressure generating unit 45 repeatedly increases and decreases the pressure in the pressure chamber, thereby realizing the supply of liquid to the ejection execution unit 30.

[0028] In the liquid ejection device 10 of this embodiment, the case storage section 60 shown in FIG. 2 is provided at the bottom. A plurality of cases 61 are stored in the case storage section 60. When the plurality of cases 61 are in a case storage state in the case storage section 60, the plurality of cases 61 are arranged in a line in the direction along the X-axis in the case storage section 60. A liquid container 100 is disposed in each of the plurality of cases 61.

[0029] 3, a corresponding connection receiving portion 50 is provided on the +Y direction side of the placement area LA of each liquid container 100. As described above, in this embodiment, the liquid containers 100 each contain a different color ink. The combination of color inks contained in each liquid container 100 is not particularly limited. For example, each liquid container 100 contains cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.

[0030] 2 can be attached to and detached from the liquid ejection device 10 by moving the case 61 in the direction along the Y axis in the case storage section 60. The case 61 can be set in the case storage section 60 even when the liquid containing bag 110 is removed.

[0031] Next, the configuration of the liquid container 100 will be described. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the liquid container 100. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the liquid container 100. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of one end side of the liquid containing bag 110, and is a view of the liquid container 100 as seen from the second main surface 112fb side.

[0032] 5, the liquid container 100 is an ink pack. The liquid container 100 includes a liquid containing bag 110 and an adapter 120. The liquid containing bag 110 includes a bag main body 112 that contains ink as a liquid, and a supply member 116 that supplies the liquid in the bag main body 112 to the outside.

[0033] The bag body 112 has one end 112p and another end 112t opposite to the one end 112p. The bag body 112 has a longitudinal direction along the Y-axis direction, a lateral direction along the X-axis direction, and a thickness direction along the Z-axis direction. The bag body 112 is formed by overlapping two sheet members and welding their outer peripheral edges. The number of sheets constituting the bag body 112 is not limited to two, but may be three or four.

[0034] The bag body 112 is formed from a material that is flexible, gas-barrier, and liquid-impermeable. The bag body 112 is made of a film member such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, or polyethylene. As liquid is supplied to the outside, the volume of the bag body 112 decreases as the two sheets deform so as to approach each other. Specifically, the first main surface 112fa and the second main surface 112fb, which face each other in the Z-axis direction of the bag body 112, deform so as to approach each other.

[0035] 7, supply member 116 is attached to one end 112p of bag body 112. Bag body 112 comprises one end 112p and has a main body weld part 113 attached to supply member 116, and a main body part 114 extending from main body weld part 113 towards the other end 112t. Main body part 114 is not attached to supply member 116 and forms a storage space for storing liquid. Main body weld part 113 is sandwiched between two sheet members that make up bag body 112 and is heat-sealed to the inner surfaces of the two sheet members.

[0036] Supply member 116 has supply channel 117 that distributes the liquid in bag main body 112 to the outside, and a pair of positioning holes 118 formed on both sides of supply channel 117 in the X-axis direction. Supply channel 117 is a cylindrical member and has a central axis along the Y-axis direction. The pair of positioning holes 118 are holes that penetrate supply member 116 in the Z-axis direction. Supply member 116 also has supply section welded part 119 that is welded to main body welded part 113 of bag main body 112. A part of supply channel 117 is also formed in supply section welded part 119.

[0037] 5, the adapter 120 is attached to the supply member 116. More specifically, the adapter 120 has a plurality of hook portions that form a snap fit, which will be described later. The hook portions engage with the supply member 116, thereby attaching the adapter 120 to the supply member 116. The adapter 120 is integrally molded from a resin material such as polypropylene.

[0038] The adapter 120 has a first block portion 120a and a second block portion 120b connected to the first block portion 120a. The first block portion 120a is a portion that protrudes further toward the +Y-axis direction than one end portion 112p of the bag main body 112. The first block portion 120a has a first adapter surface 121 that forms the tip surface in the +Y-axis direction, which is the mounting direction of the liquid container 100. A connection component for connecting to the connection receiving portion 50 is formed on the first block portion 120a. The second block portion 120b faces the bag main body 112 in the Z-axis direction.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 6, the first block portion 120a is provided with the following connection components: a liquid outlet 131, a container-side electrical connection portion 140, a first receiving portion 150f, a second receiving portion 150s, and a fitting structure receiving portion 155.

[0040] The liquid outlet 131 is an opening that opens in the +Y direction. In other words, the central axis of the liquid outlet 131 is parallel to the direction along the Y axis. The liquid outlet 131 is inserted into the liquid introduction portion 51 of the connection receiving portion 50. When the liquid container 100 is viewed from the first adapter surface 121 side, the liquid outlet 131 and the supply channel 117 are positioned so as to overlap.

[0041] The container-side electrical connection portion 140 includes a substrate portion 141 for connection to the device-side electrical connection portion 52. The substrate portion 141 is disposed in a recess in the first adapter surface 121. This prevents, for example, a user from accidentally touching the substrate portion 141 or from being damaged when the liquid container 100 is accidentally dropped. The container-side electrical connection portion 140 electrically contacts the device-side electrical connection portion 52 of the connection receiving portion 50. A plurality of terminals 142 are disposed on the surface of the substrate portion 141. The plurality of terminals 142 are disposed at positions corresponding to the terminal portions 52t of the device-side electrical connection portion 52. A memory device for storing information about the liquid, a circuit for detecting connection of the device-side electrical connection portion 52, and the like are provided on the surface opposite to the surface of the substrate portion 141.

[0042] The first receiving portion 150f and the second receiving portion 150s are formed as holes extending in the -Y-axis direction and have a first opening 151f and a second opening 151s, respectively. The first and second openings 151f, 151s of the first receiving portion 150f and the second receiving portion 150s respectively receive insertion from the +Y-direction sides of the corresponding first and second positioning portions 53f, 53s. This allows the installation position of the liquid container 100 to be appropriately determined.

[0043] In this embodiment, the liquid outlet 131 is sandwiched between the pair of first and second receiving portions 150f and 150s in the direction along the X axis, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the liquid outlet 131 relative to the liquid introduction portion 51 in the direction along the X axis when the liquid container 100 is attached to the liquid ejecting device 10.

[0044] The fitting structure receiving portion 155 is provided on the +X direction side of the liquid outlet port 131. The fitting structure receiving portion 155 has an uneven structure in which a plurality of generally rectangular protrusions 156 are arranged, protruding at the same height in the −Z axis direction and extending in parallel in the −Y axis direction. The arrangement pattern of the protrusions 156 in the fitting structure receiving portion 155 and the valleys 157, which are recesses formed between them, in the direction along the X axis is, for example, the opposite of the arrangement pattern in the uneven structure of the fitting structure 55, which is the connection target.

[0045] When the liquid container 100 is moved in the +Y-axis direction to connect to the corresponding connection receiving portion 50, the concave-convex structure of the fitting structure 55 and the concave-convex structure of the fitting structure receiving portion 155 are allowed to fit together. On the other hand, if the combination of the liquid container 100 and the connection receiving portion 50 is inappropriate, the concave-convex structure of the fitting structure 55 will not match the concave-convex structure of the fitting structure receiving portion 155, and fitting will not be possible. This prevents an incompatible liquid container 100 from being connected to the connection receiving portion 50.

[0046] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of adapter 120. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 5. For ease of understanding, in FIG. 9, the region of bag body 112 where main body weld portion 113 is located is shown as region R113, and the region where main body portion 114 is located is shown as region R114. Adapter 120 will be further explained mainly using FIGS. 8 and 9. As shown in FIG. 8, the adapter has a pair of positioning projections 129 and a plurality of hook portions 124 that form a snap fit.

[0047] The pair of positioning protrusions 129 are formed on the first block portion 120a. The pair of positioning protrusions 129 are arranged with a gap in the X-axis direction. The pair of positioning protrusions 129 are inserted into the corresponding positioning holes 118 shown in FIG.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 8, the number of the hook portions 124 is three in this embodiment. The number of the hook portions 124 is not limited to three, and may be less than or greater than three. The hook portions 124 are formed on the first block portion 120a. The hook portions 124 detachably engage with the supply member 116. The hook portions 124 engage with the supply member 116, specifically, with the surface of the supply member 116 on the +Z direction side, thereby attaching the adapter 120 to the supply member 116.

[0049] When attaching adapter 120 to supply member 116, positioning protrusions 129 are fitted into positioning holes 118 and adapter 120 is brought into contact with supply member 116, whereupon hook portion 124 is inserted while being bent by the reaction force from supply member 116. When hook portion 124 reaches the engagement portion of supply member 116, it is released from the reaction force from supply member 116 and returns to its original state. As a result, hook portion 124 engages with supply member 116, and adapter 120 is attached to supply member 116.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 9, adapter 120 has a first opposing portion 125 that faces the first main surface 112fa, i.e., the surface on the -Z-axis direction, of main body weld portion 113. First opposing portion 125 is part of second block portion 120b. Here, the Y-axis direction, in which one end 112p and the other end 112t shown in FIG. 5 face each other, is also referred to as the first direction Y. The Z-axis direction, in which main body weld portion 113 and first opposing portion 125 shown in FIG. 9 face each other, is also referred to as the second direction Z. The X-axis direction, which is perpendicular to first direction Y and second direction Z, is also referred to as the third direction X.

[0051] 9, the liquid container 100 further has a spacer member 182 disposed inside the bag main body 112. The spacer member 182 is connected to the supply unit welded part 119. The spacer member 182 is a member for ensuring a liquid flow path inside the bag main body 112. In detail, the spacer member 182 brings a part of the first main surface 112fa and a part of the second main surface 112fb into close contact with each other, thereby preventing the flow path of the liquid inside the bag main body 112 from being blocked.

[0052] 8 and 9, the adapter 120 further has a second opposing portion 126 that faces the surface of the main body portion 114 that forms the first main surface 112fa. The second opposing portion 126 extends from the first opposing portion 125 toward the other end portion 112t in the -X axis direction. As shown in FIG. 8, the first opposing portion 125 and the second opposing portion 126 are each formed in the second block portion 120b.

[0053] 8, the first opposing portion 125 has a first-type rib 127a and a second-type rib 127b on the side opposing the main body welded portion 113. The first-type rib 127a is a plate-like member extending along the third direction X. In this embodiment, the first opposing portion 125 has a plurality of first-type ribs 127a provided at intervals along the first direction Y. The first-type ribs 127a only need to be aligned along the third direction X, and may be parallel to the third direction X or slightly inclined with respect to the third direction X.

[0054] The second-type ribs 127b of the first opposing portion 125 are plate-like members extending along the first direction Y. In this embodiment, the second-type ribs 127b of the first opposing portion 125 are provided at intervals along the third direction X. The second-type ribs 127b only need to be aligned along the first direction Y, and may be parallel to the first direction Y or slightly inclined relative to the first direction Y.

[0055] In this embodiment, the first type ribs 127a and the second type ribs 127b of the first opposing portion 125 intersect with each other to form a lattice pattern. The first type ribs 127a and the second type ribs 127b of the first opposing portion 125 constitute a rib group 127.

[0056] 8 and 9, the second opposing portion 126 has a second-type rib 127b on the side facing the main body portion 114. On the other hand, the second opposing portion 126 does not have at least a first-type rib 127a on the side facing the main body portion 114. Of the multiple ribs 127 of the first opposing portion 125 and the second opposing portion 126, the end faces facing the bag main body 112 are located at the same height and on the same plane parallel to the X-axis and Y-axis directions. Note that the second opposing portion 126 does not have a first-type rib 127a whose end face is located on a plane passing through each end face 127fa of the rib group 127 of the first opposing portion 125.

[0057] Here, in order to distinguish between the second type ribs 127b of the first opposing portion 125 and the second opposing portion 126, the second type rib 127b of the first opposing portion 125 may be given a suffix of "1" and the second type rib 127b of the second opposing portion 126 may be given a suffix of "2".

[0058] The second-type rib 127b2 has an end face 127fa located at the same height as the end face of the second-type rib 127b1, and an end 128 of the second-type rib 127b2 extending from the end face 127fa toward the other end 112t. The end 128 does not have any acute or right-angled corners on the surface extending toward the -Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the end 128 is an arc-shaped curved surface and does not have any corners.

[0059] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a liquid container 100t according to a reference example. The liquid container 100t differs from the liquid container 100 of the first embodiment shown in Figs. 8 and 9 in that the second opposing portion 126t of the liquid container 100t has a first-type rib 127a. The other configuration of the liquid container 100t is the same as that of the liquid container 100, and therefore the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0060] When the liquid container 100t receives an impact due to being dropped or the like, the engagement by the hook portion may be released, and the adapter 120 may be displaced so as to approach the bag main body 112. In this case, the first-type rib 127a of the second opposing portion 126t extending along the third direction X may get caught on the spacer member 182, specifically, on the surface convex portion 182a of the spacer member 182, or may rub against the surface convex portion 182a. In this case, the corner of the first-type rib 127a of the second opposing portion 126t may damage the main body portion 114 located around the spacer member 182. Furthermore, the first-type rib 127a of the second opposing portion 126t may get caught on the convex portion 117a formed at the end of the supply channel 117 on the bag main body 112 side, or may rub against the convex portion 117a, and thus damage the main body portion 114 located around the convex portion 117a. If main body 114 is damaged, the liquid inside bag main body 112 may leak out from the damaged part of main body 114. Protrusion 117a is formed, for example, when melted parts gather together and solidify when bag main body 112 is heat-sealed to supply channel 117.

[0061] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the liquid container 100 of the first embodiment. Even if the adapter 120 of the liquid container 100 is displaced toward the bag main body 112 due to an impact or the like, the second opposing portion 126 of the liquid container 100 does not have the first-type rib 127a. Therefore, as described in FIG. 10, the first-type rib 127 of the second opposing portion 126 will not cause damage to the main body portion 114 of the bag main body 112. Furthermore, the end portion 128 of the second-type rib 127b2 does not have any acute or right-angled corners, but has an arc-shaped curved surface. Therefore, the second-type rib 127b can prevent the main body portion 114 of the bag main body 112 from being punctured, further reducing the possibility of damage to the bag main body 112.

[0062] 8 and 9, according to the first embodiment, the second opposing portion 126 opposing the main body portion 114 of the bag main body 112 does not have the first-type rib 127a. This prevents the first-type rib 127a from coming into contact with the main body portion 114 even when an impact is applied to the liquid container 100 due to being dropped or the like, causing the hook portion 124 to disengage and the adapter 120 to move closer to the liquid containing bag 110. This reduces the possibility that the main body portion 114 will be damaged by the first-type rib 127a, causing the liquid in the liquid containing bag 110 to leak out.

[0063] 8, the first opposing portion 125 has the rib group 127 including the first-type ribs 127a and the second-type ribs 127b, thereby improving the rigidity of the first opposing portion 125. Also, according to the first embodiment, the second opposing portion 126 has the second-type ribs 127b, thereby improving the rigidity of the second opposing portion 126.

[0064] 8 and 9, in the first embodiment, the end 128 of the second-type rib 127b2 of the second opposing portion 126 on the other end 112t side does not have an acute corner or a right-angled corner. This reduces the possibility that the end 128 of the second-type rib 127b2 will break through the main body portion 114 even if it comes into contact with the main body portion 114 of the bag body 112. This further reduces the possibility that the main body portion 114 will be damaged.

[0065] B. Second embodiment: FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a liquid container 100a according to the second embodiment. The liquid container 100a differs from the liquid container 100 according to the first embodiment in the shape of the end 128a of the second-type rib 127b2a of the second opposing portion 126a of the adapter 120a. The same components of the liquid container 100a as those of the liquid container 100 according to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted where appropriate. The end 128a is an inclined surface that slopes toward the −Y-axis direction (the other end 112t) toward the −Z-axis direction (the side away from the bag body 112). The corner where the end 128a intersects with the end face 127fa of the second-type rib 127b2a, which is parallel to the first direction Y and the third direction X, forms an obtuse angle. Similarly to the first embodiment, the second opposing portion 126a does not have a first-type rib 127a.

[0066] The second embodiment provides the same advantages as the first embodiment in that it has the same configuration. For example, because the second opposing portion 126a does not have the first-type rib 127a, even if the liquid container 100a is subjected to an impact or the like and the adapter 120a is displaced so as to approach the liquid containing bag 110, the first-type rib 127a can be prevented from contacting the main body portion 114, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the main body portion 114. Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the corner where the end face 127fa and the end portion 128a intersect forms an obtuse angle. Therefore, even if the corner constituting the end portion 128 of the second-type rib 127b2 comes into contact with the main body portion 114 of the bag body 112, the possibility of breaking through the main body portion 114 can be reduced. This further reduces the possibility of damage to the main body portion 114.

[0067] C. Third embodiment: FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a liquid container 100b according to a third embodiment. The liquid container 100b differs from the liquid container 100 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the second-type ribs 127b2b of the second opposing portion 126b of the adapter 120b. In the liquid container 100b, the same components as those in the liquid container 100 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate. The length of the second-type ribs 127b2 along the first direction Y is shorter than the length of the second-type ribs 127b2 shown in FIG. 8. The end faces of the second-type ribs 127b2 are entirely arc-shaped.

[0068] The third embodiment provides the same advantages as the first embodiment in that it has the same configuration. For example, since the second opposing portion 126b does not have the first-type rib 127a, even if an impact is applied to the liquid container 100b and the adapter 120b is displaced toward the liquid containing bag 110, the first-type rib 127a can be prevented from contacting the main body portion 114, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the main body portion 114. Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 13 , the end 128 of the second-type rib 127b2b of the second opposing portion 126b on the other end 112t side does not have an acute or right-angled corner. This reduces the possibility of the end 128 of the second-type rib 127b2b breaking through the main body portion 114 even if it comes into contact with the main body portion 114 of the bag body 112. This further reduces the possibility of damage to the main body portion 114.

[0069] D. Fourth embodiment: FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a liquid container 100c according to a fourth embodiment. The liquid container 100c according to the fourth embodiment differs from the liquid container 100 according to the first embodiment in the shape of the second-type rib 127b2c of the adapter 120c. The same components of the liquid container 100c as those of the liquid container 100 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. An end 128c on the −Y-axis direction side, which is the side of one end 112p of the second-type rib 127b2c, has a corner that bends at a substantially right angle. Similarly to the first embodiment, the second opposing portion 126a does not have a first-type rib 127a. The corner of the end 128c may be rounded or chamfered to eliminate the right or acute angle.

[0070] The fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, and thus provides the same effects. For example, since the second opposing portion 126c does not have the first-type rib 127a, even if the liquid container 100c is subjected to an impact or the like and the adapter 120c is displaced so as to approach the liquid containing bag 110, the first-type rib 127a can be prevented from coming into contact with the main body 114, thereby reducing the possibility of the main body 114 being damaged.

[0071] E. Fifth embodiment: 15 is a diagram illustrating a liquid container 100d according to a fifth embodiment. The liquid container 100d differs from the liquid container 100 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the second opposing portion 126d of the adapter 120d. In the liquid container 100d, the same components as those in the liquid container 100 according to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 15, the second opposing portion 126d does not have a first-type rib 127a or a second-type rib 127b. The side of the second opposing portion 126d facing the main body portion 114 of the bag body 112 is formed by a flat surface 921. The flat surface 921 is the end face on the +Z-axis direction of a block-shaped member 920 of the second opposing portion 126d. The flat surface 921 and the end faces on the +Z-axis direction of each of the ribs 127a and 127b constituting the rib group 127 of the first opposing portion 125 are located in the same plane defined by the X-axis and Y-axis directions. Furthermore, the end 922 on the -Y-axis direction side of the flat surface 921, i.e., on the side of the other end 112t of the bag body 112, does not have an acute or right-angled corner. The end 922 is the intersection of the flat surface 921 and a wall portion 924 on the -Y-axis direction side of the second opposing portion 126d. The end portion 922 is an arc-shaped curved surface. However, the end portion 922 is not limited to an arc-shaped curved surface, and may be an inclined surface formed by C-surface processing or the like.

[0073] The fifth embodiment provides the same effects as the first embodiment in that it has the same configuration. For example, since the second opposing portion 126a does not have the first-type rib 127a, even if an impact or the like is applied to the liquid container 100d and the adapter 120d is displaced so as to approach the liquid containing bag 110, the first-type rib 127a can be prevented from contacting the main body portion 114, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the main body portion 114. Furthermore, according to the fifth embodiment, the side of the second opposing portion 126d facing the main body portion 114 is formed by the flat surface 921. Therefore, even if the second opposing portion 126d is displaced toward the main body portion 114 due to an impact or the like, the flat surface 921 comes into contact with the main body portion 114, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the main body portion 114.

[0074] F. Sixth embodiment: Fig. 16 is a first diagram illustrating a liquid container 100e according to a sixth embodiment. Fig. 17 is a second diagram illustrating a liquid container 100e according to the sixth embodiment. Fig. 17 is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 9. The liquid container 100e differs from the liquid container 100 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the second opposing portion 126e of the adapter 120e and in the inclusion of a new step portion 930. In the liquid container 100e, components similar to those of the liquid container 100 according to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described further.

[0075] 16 and 17, the adapter 120e of the liquid container 100e has a first opposing portion 125 opposing the main body welded portion 113 shown in FIG. 9, a step portion 930 extending in the −Z axis direction, which is the direction away from the bag main body 112, and a second opposing portion 126e opposing the main body portion 114. The step portion 930 extends in the −Z axis direction from the end of the first opposing portion 125 on the −Y axis direction side. The second opposing portion 126e is connected to the step portion 930. The second opposing portion 126e has a plurality of second-type ribs 127b. The second opposing portion 126e may or may not have first-type ribs 127a.

[0076] According to the sixth embodiment, the step portion 930 allows the second opposing portion 126e to be positioned farther away from the main body portion 114. This reduces the possibility that the second opposing portion 126e will come into contact with the main body portion 114 even if the second opposing portion 126e is displaced in a direction approaching the main body portion 114 due to an impact or the like. This reduces the possibility that the main body portion 114 will be damaged. Furthermore, the sixth embodiment provides the same effects as the first embodiment in that it has the same configuration.

[0077] G. Other Embodiments: G-1. Alternative embodiment 1: In the above embodiments, the adapters 120 to 120e are detachably attached to the supply member 116 by the hook portions 124 that form a snap fit, but the method of attachment to the supply member 116 is not limited to this.

[0078] G-2. Alternative embodiment 2: In each of the above embodiments, the first opposing portion 125 of the adapters 120 to 120e has the first type rib 127 and the second type rib 127b, but it may have only the second type rib 127b, or only the first type rib 127a.

[0079] G-3. Alternative embodiment 3: In the above-described embodiments, the liquid containers 100 to 100e contain ink, but may contain other liquids. For example, the liquid may be a color material used in manufacturing a color filter for an image display device such as a liquid crystal display, or an electrode material used in forming electrodes for an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, a field emission display (FED), or the like.

[0080] H. Other forms: The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be realized in various forms without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the present disclosure can also be realized in the following aspects. The technical features in the above embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each aspect described below can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the problems of the present disclosure or to achieve some or all of the effects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0081] (1) According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid container is provided. This liquid container comprises a liquid storage bag having a bag body that contains liquid, the bag body having one end and the other end, a supply member attached to the one end and that supplies the liquid in the bag body to the outside, and an adapter attached to the supply member, wherein the bag body has a body welding portion that constitutes the one end and is welded to the supply member, and a body portion that extends from the body welding portion toward the other end and is not welded to the supply member, the adapter has a first opposing portion that faces the body welding portion, the direction in which the one end and the other end face each other is a first direction, the direction in which the body welding portion and the first opposing portion face each other is a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, and the direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is a third direction, and the adapter further has a second opposing portion that faces the body portion, the second opposing portion not having a first type rib extending along at least the third direction on the side facing the body portion. According to this configuration, the second opposing portion that faces the main body portion of the bag body does not have a first-type rib, so even if an impact or the like is applied to the liquid container and the adapter is displaced so as to approach the liquid containing bag, the first-type rib can be prevented from coming into contact with the main body portion, thereby reducing the possibility of the main body portion being damaged.

[0082] (2) In the above embodiment, the first opposing portion may have a rib group including the first-type rib on the side facing the main body welded portion. According to this embodiment, the first opposing portion has a rib group including the first-type rib, thereby improving the rigidity of the first opposing portion.

[0083] (3) In the above embodiment, the rib group may include a second-type rib extending along the first direction. According to this embodiment, the first opposing portion has a rib group including the second-type rib, thereby improving the rigidity of the first opposing portion.

[0084] (4) In the above embodiment, the second opposing portion may have a second-type rib extending along the first direction on a side facing the main body portion. According to this embodiment, the second opposing portion has the second-type rib, which can improve the rigidity of the second opposing portion.

[0085] (5) In the above embodiment, the end portion of the second type rib of the second opposing portion on the other end side may not have an acute or right-angled corner. According to this embodiment, the end portion of the second type rib of the second opposing portion on the other end side does not have an acute or right-angled corner, thereby reducing the possibility that the end portion will break through the main body portion of the bag body. Therefore, the possibility of the main body portion being damaged can be reduced.

[0086] (6) In the above embodiment, the second opposing portion may have a flat surface on the side facing the main body portion. According to this embodiment, even if the second opposing portion is displaced toward the main body portion due to an impact or the like, the flat surface comes into contact with the main body portion, thereby reducing the possibility of the main body portion being damaged.

[0087] (7) According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid container. The liquid container includes a liquid storage bag having a bag main body for storing liquid, the bag main body having one end and the other end, a supply member attached to the one end and supplying the liquid from the bag main body to an outside, and an adapter attached to the supply member. The bag main body has a main body weld portion constituting the one end and welded to the supply member, and a main body portion extending from the main body weld portion toward the other end and not welded to the supply member. The adapter has a first opposing portion facing the main body weld portion, a stepped portion extending in a direction away from the bag main body and extending from the first opposing portion, and a second opposing portion connected to the stepped portion and facing the main body portion. According to this aspect, the stepped portion allows the second opposing portion to be positioned farther away from the main body portion. This reduces the possibility of the second opposing portion coming into contact with the main body portion even if the second opposing portion is displaced in a direction approaching the main body portion due to an impact or the like, thereby reducing the possibility of the main body portion being damaged.

[0088] The present disclosure may be realized in various forms other than those described above, such as a method for manufacturing a liquid container or a liquid container set, or a printing system including a printing device and a liquid container. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 10...liquid ejection device, 10c...housing, 12...front portion, 13...operation portion, 13b...operation button, 13i...display portion, 14...medium discharge port, 15...medium receiving portion, 16...medium storage port, 17...medium storage portion, 18...cover member, 20...control portion, 30...ejection execution portion, 31...head portion, 32...tube, 33...nozzle, 34...carriage, 35...medium transport portion, 36...transport roller, 40...liquid supply portion, 42...supply pipe, 43...joint portion, 4 5...Fluctuation pressure generating section, 46...Pressure transmission piping, 50...Connection receiving section, 51...Liquid introduction section, 52...Device side electrical connection section, 52t...Terminal section, 53f...First positioning section, 53s...Second positioning section, 55...Fitting structure, 55c...Protrusion section, 60...Case storage section, 61...Case, 100 to 100e, 100t...Liquid container, 110...Liquid storage bag, 112...Bag body, 112fa...First main surface, 112fb...Second main surface, 112p...One end section, 112t ...other end portion, 113...main body welding portion, 114...main body portion, 116...supply member, 117...supply path, 117a...projection portion, 118...positioning hole, 119...supply portion welding portion, 120-120e...adapter, 121...first adapter surface, 124...hook portion, 125...first opposing portion, 126-126e, 126t...second opposing portion, 127...rib group, 127a...first type rib, 127b, 127b2...second type rib, 127fa...end surface, 128, 128 a, 128c...end, 129...positioning protrusion, 131...liquid outlet, 140...accommodating body side electrical connection portion, 141...substrate portion, 142...terminal, 150f...first receiving portion, 150s...second receiving portion, 151f...first opening, 151s...second opening, 155...fitting structure receiving portion, 156...protrusion portion, 157...valley portion, 182...spacer member, 182a...surface convex portion, 920...member, 921...flat surface, 922...end, 924...wall portion, 930...step portion

Claims

1. A liquid container, a liquid containing bag including a bag body for containing a liquid, the bag body having one end and the other end, and a supply member attached to the one end, the supply member supplying the liquid in the bag body to the outside; an adapter attached to the supply member; The bag body is a main body weld portion that forms the one end portion and is welded to the supply member; a main body portion extending from the main body weld portion toward the other end portion and not welded to the supply member, the adapter has a first opposing portion opposing the main body weld portion, a direction in which the one end and the other end face each other is a first direction, a direction in which the main body welded portion and the first facing portion face each other is a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is a third direction; The adapter further comprises: a second opposing portion that faces the main body portion, the second opposing portion having no first-type ribs extending at least along the third direction on the side facing the main body portion;

2. The liquid container according to claim 1 , The first opposing portion has a rib group including the first type rib on a side opposing the main body welded portion.

3. The liquid container according to claim 2, The liquid container, wherein the rib group includes a second type rib extending along the first direction.

4. The liquid container according to claim 1 , The second opposing portion has a second type rib extending along the first direction on a side opposing the main body portion.

5. The liquid container according to claim 4, The liquid container, wherein the end portion of the second type rib of the second opposing portion on the other end side does not have an acute corner portion or a right-angle corner portion.

6. The liquid container according to claim 1 , The liquid container, wherein the second opposing portion has a flat surface on the side opposing the main body portion.

7. A liquid container, a liquid containing bag including a bag body for containing a liquid, the bag body having one end and the other end, and a supply member attached to the one end, the supply member supplying the liquid in the bag body to the outside; an adapter attached to the supply member; The bag body is a main body weld portion that forms the one end portion and is welded to the supply member; a main body portion extending from the main body weld portion toward the other end portion and not welded to the supply member, The adapter is a first opposing portion opposing the main body weld portion; a step portion extending in a direction away from the bag body, the step portion extending from the first opposing portion; a second opposing portion connected to the step portion and opposing the main body portion;

Images