Ink container, method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink, and method for injecting ink into an ink container.

Abstract

This invention provides an easily manufactured ink container, a method for manufacturing the same, and an ink injection method that facilitates ink injection into the ink container. In other words, the technology described herein can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, such as a decarbonized / circular economy. [Solution] A method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink, comprising the steps of: forming an opening on the surface of the ink container by inserting a needle into the ink container having a flexible ink container capable of containing ink inside, and a structure provided inside the ink container; injecting ink into the ink container through the opening; and sealing the opening, wherein the position where the opening is formed in the ink container is near the region in which the structure is provided inside when the ink container is viewed from the direction in which the needle is inserted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ink storage container, a method for manufacturing an ink storage container containing ink, and a method for injecting ink into an ink storage container.

Background Art

[0002] In an inkjet recording apparatus, an inkjet recording head is mounted on a carriage, and recording such as an image or characters is performed on a recording medium by discharging ink from a discharge element substrate provided in the inkjet recording head. The ink supplied to the inkjet recording head is supplied from an ink storage container that is detachable from the inkjet recording apparatus. As such an ink storage container, an ink storage container having flexibility and having an ink storage portion for storing ink therein and a structure that can be provided inside the ink storage portion is known. In this type of ink storage container, usually, when the remaining amount of the stored ink becomes less than a predetermined lower limit, it is removed from the inkjet recording apparatus and replaced with a new one. Conventionally, an ink storage container after use removed from an inkjet recording apparatus may be discarded as it is, even though the ink storage portion and the structure are still in a usable state. Such a situation is not preferable for the realization of a society such as a decarbonized / circular society that has been demanded in recent years.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, as a method for reusing an ink storage container, a form is disclosed in which an end region of an ink storage bag that has run out of ink is cut off to form an opening for ink injection, and after injecting ink from the opening, the opening is welded and sealed. Furthermore, a form is disclosed in which a needle is inserted into the end of an ink storage bag that has run out of ink to form an opening for ink injection, and ink is injected from the opening and sealed with a sealing member. Among these forms, in the reuse method using a needle, since there is no need to cut or weld the end region, the ink storage container can be reused particularly easily.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-198990 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, in the method for reusing ink containers using a needle disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to form an opening for ink injection in the ink container bag because the needle is inserted into the end of the ink container bag. This is because, after the ink has been used up, the inner surfaces of the ink container bag are in close contact with each other. Therefore, there is a concern that the needle may penetrate both the front and back surfaces of the ink container bag, or that the cycle time for reusing the ink container will increase, thus hindering the reuse of ink containers.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an ink container that can be easily manufactured and injected with ink, a method for manufacturing the same, and an ink injection method that facilitates the injection of ink into the ink container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an ink container, comprising: forming an opening on the surface of a flexible ink container capable of containing ink, and a structure provided inside the ink container, by inserting a needle into the ink container; injecting ink into the ink container through the opening; and sealing the opening, wherein the position where the opening is formed in the ink container is near the region where the structure is provided inside the ink container when the ink container is viewed from the direction in which the needle is inserted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ink container that can be easily manufactured, a method for manufacturing the same, and an ink injection method that facilitates the injection of ink into the ink container. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Perspective view of an inkjet recording device. [Figure 2] External view of the ink container. [Figure 3] Perspective view of the structure. [Figure 4] External view of the ink outlet section. [Figure 5] A cross-sectional view showing the connection between the inkjet recording device and the ink reservoir. [Figure 6] Manufacturing flow for ink containers. [Figure 7] A process diagram showing the manufacturing process for ink containers. [Figure 8] Perspective view of the structure. [Figure 9] Top view of the structure. [Figure 10] Side view of the ink reservoir in the mounted position. [Figure 11] A schematic front view of the ink intake section. [Figure 12] A schematic perspective view of the structure. [Figure 13] A schematic perspective view of the structure. [Figure 14] A close-up view of the vicinity of the structure of the ink container after the ink has been used up. [Figure 15] A schematic diagram showing the process of forming an opening. [Figure 16] Top view of the structure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the matters of the present invention, and not all combinations of the features described in the present embodiment are essential for the solution means of the present invention. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same components.

[0011] (Inkjet recording device) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inkjet recording apparatus 100 equipped with an ink storage container 1 according to the present embodiment. The inkjet recording apparatus 100 includes a housing 101, a storage unit 102 for a recording medium, a discharge unit 103 for the recording medium, an operation panel 104, and a housing 105. Inside the housing 101, an inkjet recording head (not shown) for discharging ink and a carriage (not shown) for mounting the inkjet recording head are provided. A plurality of recording media can be stored in the recording medium storage unit 102. The recording medium is conveyed from the recording medium storage unit 102, and ink is discharged from the inkjet recording head onto the conveyed recording medium, thereby recording images, characters, etc. The recording medium on which the recording is completed is discharged from the recording medium discharge unit 103 and can be confirmed by the user. The operation panel 104 is a panel for the user to operate the inkjet recording apparatus. The housing 105 is a frame for inserting the ink storage container 1 in the present invention into the apparatus. The number of housings 105 provided can be changed according to the type of ink discharged from the inkjet recording head. The ink in the ink storage container 1 is sucked as needed by a suction pump mounted on the inkjet recording apparatus 100, and while the ink is supplied to the inkjet recording apparatus 100, the ink in the ink storage container 1 decreases.

[0012] Here, the dimensions used in this specification will be described. The X direction is the width direction of the ink storage container 1, the Y direction is the direction in which the ink storage container 1 moves forward and backward with respect to the inkjet recording apparatus 100, and the Z direction is the direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction and represents the thickness direction of the ink storage container 1, respectively.

[0013] (Ink storage container) Next, the details of the ink container 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view of the ink container 1, FIG. 2(b) is a view of the ink container 1 seen from the X direction, and FIG. 2(c) is a view of the ink container 1 seen from the Z direction. The ink container 1 according to the present embodiment includes an ink storage bag 2 that is an ink storage portion, a structure 3, and an ink outlet portion 4.

[0014] The ink storage bag 2 is a bag having flexibility and capable of storing ink therein. The ink storage bag 2 has a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface. The ink storage bag 2 may be a pillow-type bag in which two rectangular films are overlapped and the peripheral portions are joined by welding or the like, a gusset-type bag in which margins are formed at both ends in the X direction, or a bag welded into a cylindrical shape from a single film. Since the ink storage bag 2 stores ink therein, it is required to have a gas barrier property for suppressing evaporation of the ink and a wear resistance for suppressing breakage of the ink storage bag. Therefore, it is preferable that the ink storage bag 2 is laminated with a plurality of layers such as PET, aluminum foil, nylon, and polypropylene. In the present embodiment, the ink storage bag is described as an example of the ink storage portion, but the member for storing ink is not limited to a bag as long as it can store ink.

[0015] The ink outlet portion 4 is a member for leading out the ink stored inside the ink storage bag 2 to the outside. It is preferable that the ink outlet portion 4 is provided with a check valve (not shown) that allows the ink to flow out from the inside of the ink storage bag 2 to the outside and restricts the inflow of ink from the outside into the inner space of the ink storage bag 2. Thereby, while allowing the ink to flow out from the inside of the ink storage bag 2 to the outside, it is possible to suppress the mixing of ink, dust, etc. from the outside into the inside of the ink storage bag 2. On the other hand, if a check valve is provided in the ink outlet portion 4, it becomes difficult to inject ink from the ink outlet portion 4 into the ink storage bag 2. Therefore, the manufacturing method and the ink injection method of the ink container of the present invention described later are suitable for the ink container 1 provided with a check valve in the ink outlet portion 4.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, the structure 3 according to this embodiment is a component that is provided inside the ink storage bag 2, at least a portion of which is located inside the ink storage bag 2, and extends from the ink outlet 4 toward the internal space of the ink storage bag 2. An enlarged view of the structure 3 is shown in Figure 3. The structure 3 according to this embodiment has a rectangular prism shape. The material of the structure 3 is not particularly limited, but polyester or polypropylene is preferred. The structure 3 has a connection hole 6 formed on the side (Y direction) that connects to the ink outlet 4, two communication holes 5 formed on the side in the X direction, and one communication hole 5 formed on the side opposite to the ink outlet 4. The internal space of the ink storage bag 2 and the ink outlet 4 are in communication via the structure 3. Since the structure 3 has a communication hole 5 on the Y direction side and two communication holes 5 on the side in the X direction, the liquid in the internal space of the ink storage bag 2 can be taken in without bias. The ink taken into the structure 3 from the communication holes 5 is supplied to the ink outlet 4 from the connection hole 6. The shape and number of the connection holes 6 and communication holes 5 are not limited to this.

[0017] Next, we will describe the details of the ink outlet section 4. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the ink outlet section 4.

[0018] The ink outlet section 4 shown in Figure 4(a) is formed by assembling a first component 7 shown in Figure 4(b), a second component 8 shown in Figure 4(c), and an elastic member 9 made of an elastomer such as rubber. The first component 7 and the second component 8 are joined by welding or bonding with the elastic member 9 sandwiched between the first surface 10 of the first component 7 and the second surface 11 of the second component 8. The ink outlet section 4 has a connection hole 12 and an outlet 30 formed by assembling the first component 7 and the second component 8. By joining the structure 3 and the ink outlet section 4, and by connecting the connection hole 6 of the structure 3 and the connection hole 12 of the ink outlet section 4, ink can be supplied from the structure 3 to the ink outlet section 4. The joining of the structure 3 and the ink outlet section 4 is not particularly limited, but bonding or welding via an adhesive is preferred.

[0019] Furthermore, the ink outlet section 4 and the ink storage bag 2 are joined together. The joining method between the ink outlet section 4 and the ink storage bag 2 is not particularly limited and may be by welding or adhesive. When welding the two together, the ink storage bag 2 is placed on top of the ink outlet section 4 and heated from the outside to melt the welding layer of the ink storage bag 2 and the resin of the ink outlet section 4, and then cooled. Also, when adhesive is used to bond the two together, the type of adhesive is not particularly limited.

[0020] (Connection between ink reservoir and inkjet recording device) Next, the connection between the ink container 1 and the inkjet recording device 100 will be described. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view from the Y direction of the vicinity of the ink outlet 4 when the ink container 1 and the inkjet recording device 100 are connected. Note that in Figure 5, parts of the ink container other than the ink outlet 4 and parts of the inkjet recording device 100 other than the needle 13 are omitted. The inkjet recording device 100 is equipped with a hollow needle 13 for drawing ink from the ink container 1, and the needle 13 is inserted into the outlet 30 of the ink outlet 4. In this state, a suction pump mounted on the inkjet recording device 100 draws in suction, causing ink to flow from the ink container 1 through the hollow part of the needle and be supplied to the inkjet recording device 100.

[0021] (Manufacturing method for ink containers (method for injecting ink into ink containers)) Next, the manufacturing method of the ink container 1 containing the ink according to this embodiment (method of injecting ink into the ink container) will be described. Figure 6 shows the manufacturing flow (ink injection flow) of the ink container 1 according to this embodiment. Each step will be explained with reference to the drawings.

[0022] Figure 7(a) shows the process of preparing the ink storage container 1 (S501), and is a cross-sectional view of the ink storage container 1 as seen from the X direction. As shown in Figure 7(a), when the ink stored in the ink storage bag 2 is used up, the internal volume of the ink storage bag 2 decreases compared to when it contains ink. If there is no structure 3 in the internal space of the ink storage bag 2, the ink storage bag 2 can freely change shape, so the first surface and the second surface of the ink storage bag may be in close contact. On the other hand, in the present invention, as shown in Figure 7(b), which is an enlarged view of part A in Figure 7(a) (corresponding to the CC cross section in Figure 2), a structure 3 exists inside the ink storage bag 2. Therefore, if the rigidity of the surface of the ink storage bag 2 near the structure 3 is high against the force with which the inkjet recording device 100 draws ink from the ink storage container 1, a region 14 is formed near the structure 3 where the first surface and the second surface of the ink storage bag 2 are not in close contact.

[0023] Furthermore, the ink storage bag 2 used in this embodiment is laminated with aluminum foil as an evaporation prevention layer, and has higher rigidity compared to an ink storage bag that is not laminated with aluminum foil. Therefore, the ink storage bag 2 is less likely to deform to conform to the structure 3, and a region 14 is more likely to be created in the vicinity of the structure 3. Here, the vicinity of the structure 3 refers to the area within 1 cm of the structure 3.

[0024] Next, in step S502, an opening 31 is formed in the ink storage bag 2. At this time, as shown in Figure 7(c), the opening 31 is formed by inserting a needle 15 into the surface of the ink storage bag 2 near the structure 3. A region 14 is formed near the structure 3 where the first surface and the second surface of the ink storage bag 2 are not in close contact. Therefore, when viewing the ink storage bag from the direction in which the needle is inserted, inserting the needle 15 near the region of the ink storage part where the structure is located inside is equivalent to inserting the needle 15 into the ink storage bag 2 aiming for region 14. When inserting the needle 15 into the ink storage bag 2 aiming for region 14, the opening 31 is easily formed because the first surface and the second surface are not in close contact. In other words, the risk of the needle 15 penetrating the front and back surfaces of the ink storage bag 2 or an increase in the cycle time in the manufacturing of the ink storage container 1 can be reduced.

[0025] Furthermore, when viewing the ink storage bag 2 from the thickness direction (Z direction), it is preferable to provide a position indicator (not shown) that indicates the location of the area where the first surface and the second surface are not in close contact, in a position that overlaps with the area 14 within the ink storage bag 2. The provision of the position indicator makes it possible to accurately insert the needle 15 into the area 14 when forming the opening 31 in the ink storage bag 2. It is preferable, but not limited to, that the position indicator be printed on the ink storage bag 2.

[0026] Furthermore, the angle at which the needle 15 is inserted into the ink storage bag 2 is preferably such that the needle 15 can easily penetrate the ink storage bag 2. For example, it is preferable to insert the needle 15 so that the tip of the needle 15 is approximately perpendicular to the surface of the ink storage bag 2. Also, when inserting the needle 15 into the ink storage bag 2, it is preferable to insert it so that the tip of the needle 15 contacts the structure 3. In this way, an opening 31 can be easily formed targeting the region 14, while further reducing the risk of the needle 15 penetrating the front and back surfaces of the ink storage bag 2.

[0027] Next, in step S503, ink is injected into the ink storage bag 2 through the opening 31. In step S503, it is preferable to inject the ink into the ink storage bag 2 through the needle 15 that has formed the opening 31, but the ink may also be injected using a different needle. When injecting the ink into the ink storage bag 2 using the needle 15 that has formed the opening 31, the ink is injected in the state shown in Figure 7(c).

[0028] If the opening 31 remains open, the ink injected into the internal space of the ink storage bag 2 will leak out through the opening 31. Therefore, in step S504, the opening 31 formed in the ink storage bag 2 is sealed. Figure 7(d) is an external view of the ink storage container 1 with the opening 31 sealed by the sealing member 16, viewed from the Z direction. It is preferable to use a sealing member 16 that has an adhesive layer on the surface that contacts the ink storage bag 2 and whose base layer is made of the same material as the ink storage bag 2. By doing so, the sealing member 16 can more easily seal the opening 31, and because the properties of the sealing member 16 are the same as those of the ink storage bag 2, the risk of the sealing member 16 peeling off due to the bending of the ink storage bag 2 can be reduced.

[0029] Based on the above, this embodiment provides a method for manufacturing (ink injection method) an ink container that can be easily manufactured (ink injected). Therefore, it is possible to promote the reuse of ink containers and reduce the number of ink containers that are discarded. In other words, the technology described herein can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society such as a decarbonized / circular economy.

[0030] (Modified example of sealing member) Next, a modified example of the sealing member 16 will be described.

[0031] As the sealing member 16, a material with higher rigidity than the ink storage bag 2 can be used. Due to the higher rigidity of the sealing member 16, wrinkles are less likely to form on the sealing member 16 when it is attached to the ink storage bag 2, making it easier to handle the sealing seal and enabling stable sealing of the opening 31. The method for creating a difference in rigidity between the ink storage bag 2 and the sealing member 16 is not particularly limited, but for example, a difference in rigidity can be created by using the alumina vapor-deposited layer of the ink storage bag 2 and providing an aluminum foil layer for the sealing member 16. In addition, for example, the ink storage bag can be a film in which one layer of polyethylene (PE) with alumina vapor-deposited between a nylon layer and a polypropylene layer, and the sealing member can be a film in which two layers of PE with alumina vapor-deposited on it are laminated with the same layer configuration.

[0032] Furthermore, a material with lower rigidity than the ink storage bag 2 can be used as the sealing member 16. Because the sealing member 16 has lower rigidity, it is easy to layer multiple sealing members 16 on the same spot when reusing the ink storage bag 2 multiple times. In addition, as the ink stored in the ink storage bag 2 is consumed and the ink storage bag 2 shrinks, the low rigidity of the sealing member 16 does not affect the shrinkage of the ink storage bag 2. For example, the sealing member can be a film in which one layer of polyethylene (PE) with alumina vapor-deposited between a nylon layer and a polypropylene layer, and the ink storage bag can be a film in which two layers of PE with alumina vapor-deposited on it are laminated with the same layer configuration.

[0033] Furthermore, it is preferable that the sealing member 16 has an ink information display section that displays information about the ink contained in the ink storage bag 2. This allows the sealing member and the member that displays the ink information contained in the ink storage bag 2 to be combined into one, thereby reducing the amount of material used. In other words, it reduces the amount of material that is discarded, which is preferable from an environmental protection standpoint.

[0034] (Sealing member includes elastomer) Alternatively, a sealing member containing an elastomer may be used as the sealing member 16. In this case, prior to the step of forming an opening in the ink storage bag 2 (S502), a step of attaching the sealing member to the vicinity of the area of ​​the ink storage bag 2 in which the structure 3 is located is performed. Then, in the step of forming the opening 31, an opening 31 is formed in the ink storage bag 2 and a second opening (not shown) is formed in the sealing member by inserting a needle into the ink storage bag 2 through the sealing member. At this time, in the step of injecting ink (S503), ink is injected through the needle 15 without removing the needle 15 that was inserted into the ink storage bag 2 in the step of forming the opening (S502). Then, when the needle 15 is removed from the ink storage bag 2, the second opening, which had expanded, closes due to the elastic force of the elastomer. In other words, the step of sealing the opening 31 is performed by the second opening closing due to the elastic force of the sealing member. Therefore, if the sealing member contains an elastomer, it is possible to inject ink into the ink storage bag 2 multiple times via the elastomer. Furthermore, when the needle 15 is removed, the second opening formed in the sealing member is closed by elastic force before the ink leaks out of the ink storage bag 2, thus reducing the risk of ink leaking from the ink storage bag.

[0035] Furthermore, if the sealing member contains an elastomer, it may be attached in advance when the ink storage bag 2 is first used, or it may be attached from the second reuse onwards. Attaching the sealing member in advance reduces the risk of sealing failure due to wrinkles forming between the sealing member and the ink storage bag 2 when attaching the sealing member to the ink storage bag 2, compared to attaching the sealing member to an ink storage bag that has run out of ink.

[0036] (Second embodiment) Next, the ink container 1 in the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs mainly in the structure 23 from the structure 3 in the first embodiment. In the following description, only the parts that differ mainly from the first embodiment will be described, and the parts that are the same as the first embodiment will not be described.

[0037] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the structure 23 in this embodiment, and Figure 9 is a top view of the structure 23 viewed from the Z direction. Note that the ink storage bag 2 is not shown in Figures 8 and 9. The structure 23 is made of a synthetic resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The structure 23 includes an ink supply pipe 80 for supplying ink to the ink outlet, an ink introduction section 90 having a groove for introducing ink into the ink supply pipe, and a connecting member 85 that connects the ink introduction section and the ink outlet 4.

[0038] Next, the orientation of the ink container 1 when mounted on the inkjet recording device 100 will be described using Figure 10. In the orientation of the ink container 1 mounted on the inkjet recording device 100, at least one of the lowest and highest parts of the ink introduction section 90 in the Z direction is in contact with the inner surface of the ink storage bag 2. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, both the lowest and highest parts of the ink introduction section 90 are in contact with the inner surface of the ink storage bag 2. Hereinafter, the orientation of the ink container 1 when it is mounted on the inkjet recording device will be referred to as the "mounted orientation".

[0039] The ink introduction section 90 has a portion located on the Y-direction side of the ink supply pipe 80. Furthermore, the ink introduction section 90 is positioned at a location where it intersects with the YZ plane passing through the central axis CX of the ink outlet section 4. The YZ plane is a plane that includes both the Y and Z directions. The ink introduction section 90 has an inclined surface 91 that is inclined in the Y direction such that its dimension increases along the Z direction. In this embodiment, the ink introduction section 90 has inclined surfaces 91 on the Z-direction side of the central axis CX. In this embodiment, "surface" includes not only surfaces composed solely of planes, but also surfaces with grooves or recesses, surfaces with protrusions or convexities, and virtual surfaces enclosed by a frame. In other words, as long as the whole can be perceived as a "surface," it is acceptable for there to be irregularities or through holes within a certain area occupied by that surface. In this embodiment, in the mounted position, the center between the lowest height of the ink introduction section 90 and the highest height of the ink introduction section 90 is the same as the height of the central axis CX of the ink outlet section 4.

[0040] In the installed position, the ink supply pipe 80 extends horizontally from the ink outlet section 4 towards the internal space of the ink storage bag 2. In this embodiment, the ink introduction section 90 is fixed to the ink outlet section 4 by a connecting member 85. In this embodiment, the connecting member 85 is integrally connected to the ink introduction section 90.

[0041] The ink supply pipe 80 has a first flow channel section 81 and a second flow channel section 82. In this embodiment, the ink container 1 has two flow channel sections, but it may have three or more.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first flow channel 81 and the second flow channel 82 are the same length, but this is not limited to this.

[0043] As shown in Figure 9, the first flow channel section 81 has a first base end 81a connected to the ink outlet section 4 and a first tip end 81b that introduces ink from the internal space of the ink storage bag 2 into the flow channel section 81. The second flow channel section 82 has a second base end 82a connected to the ink outlet section 4 and a second tip end 82b that introduces ink from the internal space of the ink storage bag 2 into the second flow channel section 82. As shown in Figure 10, in the mounted position, the first tip end 81b is located above the second tip end 82b in the Z direction.

[0044] The Y-direction end of the connecting member 85 is provided with a locking portion 86 that engages with and secures to a claw portion provided on the Y-direction surface. In other embodiments, the ink introduction portion 90 does not have to be fixed to the ink outlet portion 4. For example, the ink introduction portion 90 may be fixed to the inner surface of the ink storage bag 2.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the aforementioned locking portion 86 is positioned horizontally between the first base end portion 81a of the first flow channel portion 81 and the second base end portion 82a of the second flow channel portion 82.

[0046] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, in the mounted position, the first base end 81a of the first channel section 81 and the second base end 82a of the second channel section 82 are aligned horizontally, while the first tip end 81b of the first channel section 81 and the second tip end 82b of the second channel section 82 are aligned vertically. Therefore, the liquids drawn in from the first channel section 81 and the second channel section 82 are converted from flowing vertically to flowing horizontally, then mixed within the ink discharge section 4, and discharged from the ink storage bag 2 to the inkjet recording device 100.

[0047] In other embodiments, a configuration in which the first base portion 81a and the second base portion 82a are aligned vertically and the first tip portion 81b and the second tip portion 82b are aligned horizontally is also possible. Furthermore, a configuration in which the first base portion 81a and the second base portion 82a are aligned vertically and the first tip portion 81b and the second tip portion 82b are also aligned vertically, and a configuration in which the first base portion 81a and the second base portion 82a are aligned horizontally and the first tip portion 81b and the second tip portion 82b are also aligned horizontally is also possible.

[0048] Figure 11 is a schematic front view of the ink introduction section 90. Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of the rear side of the ink introduction section 90. The ink introduction section 90 has a first inlet 92 and a second inlet 93. The first inlet 92 is an opening that introduces liquid from the upper side in the Z direction of the internal space of the ink storage bag 2 into the first flow channel section 81. The second inlet 92 is an opening that introduces liquid from the lower side in the Z direction of the internal space of the ink storage bag 2 into the second flow channel section 82.

[0049] As shown in Figure 8, the ink introduction section 90 has a back member 94 along the XZ plane at the part where its dimensions are largest in the Z direction. The back member 94 has a roughly hexagonal shape with horizontal top and bottom edges. The first inlet 92 and the second inlet 93 are provided on this back member 94. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the first inlet 92 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second inlet 93. That is, the inner diameter of the second inlet 93 is larger than the inner diameter of the first inlet 92. Therefore, the second inlet 93, which is located below the first inlet 92, is more likely to draw in ink from the internal space of the ink storage bag 2. As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment, the ink introduction section 90 has an inclined surface not only on the Y direction side but also on the X direction side.

[0050] The first inlet 92 and the second inlet 93 face in the Y direction. Furthermore, the first inlet 92 and the second inlet 93 are positioned symmetrically in the Z direction with respect to the central axis CX of the ink discharge section 4 shown in Figure 10. The first inlet 92 is located above the central axis CX, and the second inlet 93 is located below the central axis CX.

[0051] As shown in Figure 8, the first tip 81b of the first flow channel section 81 of the ink supply pipe 80 is connected to the first inlet 92. Figures 12 and 13 show schematic perspective views of the structure. As shown in Figure 12, a cylindrical first connecting pipe 92a communicating with the first inlet 92 is provided on the surface of the back member 94, and by inserting this first connecting pipe 92a into the first tip 81b of the first flow channel section 81, the first tip 81b of the first flow channel section 81 is connected to the first inlet 92. The second tip 82b of the second flow channel section 82 is connected to the second inlet 93. More specifically, a cylindrical second connecting pipe 93a communicating with the second inlet 93 is provided on the Y-direction side surface of the back member 94, and this second connecting pipe 93a is inserted into the second tip 82b of the second flow channel section 82, and the second tip 82b of the second flow channel section 82 is connected to the second inlet 93. In this embodiment, the lengths of the second connecting pipe 93a and the first connecting pipe 92a along the Y direction are the same.

[0052] As shown in Figures 8 and 13, the ink introduction section 90 includes a groove-shaped first channel 95 and a second channel 96. The first channel 95 is a channel for flowing liquid to the first inlet 92 and the second inlet 93. The second channel 96 is a channel for circulating liquid in a direction intersecting the Y direction. In this embodiment, a plurality of second channels 96 are formed. The second channels 96 are formed by forming grooves that extend vertically along the X direction from the inclined surface 91 of the ink introduction section 90. The second channels 96 may be formed to circulate ink in a direction intersecting both the X and Y directions. Alternatively, the system may have only one of the first channels 95 or the second channels 96.

[0053] In this embodiment, the ink introduction section 90 includes a plate-shaped partition section 97 along the horizontal XY plane. The partition section 97 is located in the Z direction between the first tip section 81b and the second tip section 82b, that is, between the first inlet 92 and the second inlet 93. In this embodiment, the partition section 97 passes through the central axis CX of the liquid outlet 52. In other words, in this embodiment, the partition section 97 is provided horizontally at the center of the internal space of the ink storage bag 2. It can also be said that the multiple flow paths 96 are formed by providing multiple ribs on the partition section 97. In other embodiments, the partition section 97 may be omitted.

[0054] (Method for manufacturing an ink container in the second embodiment (ink injection method)) Next, a method for manufacturing an ink container having the structure 23 in this embodiment (ink injection method) will be described.

[0055] Figures 14 and 15 are magnified views of the Y-direction end of the ink introduction section 90 in the ink container 1 when the ink has been used up, as seen from the X-direction. Figure 16 is a view of the ink introduction section 90 as seen from the Z-direction, showing the location of the region 98, which will be described later.

[0056] The ink introduction section 90 has a corner formed by a convex portion in the Z direction of the back member 94 and a flat portion of the partition 97. As shown in Figure 14, when the ink in the ink storage bag is used up, the ink storage bag 2 cannot fully conform to the shape of the ink introduction section 90 when ink is drawn in by the inkjet recording device 100, that is, a region 98 is created in the corner where the first surface and the second surface do not make close contact.

[0057] Similar to step S502 in the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 15, an opening 31 is formed in the ink storage bag 2 using the needle 15 in region 98. In region 98, as in the first embodiment, the ink storage bags 2 are not in close contact with each other, making it easy to form the opening 31. That is, the risk of the needle 15 penetrating the front and back surfaces of the ink storage bag 2 or an increase in the cycle time in the manufacture of the ink storage container 1 can be reduced. Note that since the ink supply pipe 80 is located near the center of the ink introduction section 90 in the X direction, it is preferable to insert the needle 15 at a position that avoids the ink supply pipe 80.

[0058] Next, ink is injected into the ink storage bag through the opening 31, similar to step S503 in the first embodiment. Then, the opening 31 is sealed, similar to step S504 in the first embodiment, thereby manufacturing the ink storage container 1 (injecting ink into the ink storage container 1).

[0059] Based on the above, this embodiment provides a method for manufacturing (ink injection method) an ink container that can be easily manufactured (ink injected). Therefore, it is possible to promote the reuse of ink containers and reduce the number of ink containers that are discarded. In other words, the technology described herein can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society such as a decarbonized / circular economy.

[0060] To summarize the present invention, it includes the following methods and configurations.

[0061] (Method 1) The process involves forming an opening on the surface of an ink storage container by inserting a needle into an ink storage container having a flexible ink storage portion capable of containing ink, and a structure provided inside the ink storage portion. A step of injecting ink into the ink storage section from the opening, A step of sealing the aforementioned opening, A method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink, including, A method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink, characterized in that the position where the opening is formed in the ink container is near the region in which the structure is provided when the ink container is viewed from the direction in which the needle is inserted.

[0062] (Method 2) The ink container has an ink outlet for discharging the ink contained inside the ink storage section to the outside. The structure extends from the ink outlet toward the ink storage portion, and is a method for manufacturing an ink storage container containing ink according to Method 1.

[0063] (Method 3) The method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink according to Method 2, wherein the structure comprises an ink supply pipe for supplying ink to the ink outlet, an ink introduction section having a groove formed therein for introducing ink into the ink supply pipe, and a connecting member for connecting the ink introduction section and the ink outlet.

[0064] (Method 4) A method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink according to method 2 or 3, wherein the ink outlet is provided with a check valve for restricting the inflow of ink from the outside into the inside of the ink container.

[0065] (Method 5) The ink storage section is a bag having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A region is formed in the vicinity of the structure in which the first surface and the second surface do not come into close contact. A method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink according to any one of methods 1 to 4, wherein the step of forming the opening is performed by inserting a needle into the ink container, aiming at an area where the first surface and the second surface are not in close contact.

[0066] (Method 6) A method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink according to Method 5, wherein, when the ink container is viewed from the direction in which the needle is inserted, a position indicator is provided at a position that overlaps with the area in the ink container where the first surface and the second surface do not come into contact, indicating the position of the area where the first surface and the second surface do not come into contact.

[0067] (Method 7) A method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink according to any one of methods 1 to 6, wherein the opening is formed in the ink container at a position that overlaps with the structure when the ink container is viewed from the direction in which the needle is inserted.

[0068] (Method 8) The method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink according to any one of methods 1 to 7, wherein the sealing step is performed by attaching a sealing member with higher rigidity than the ink container to the ink container.

[0069] (Method 9) The method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink according to any one of methods 1 to 7, wherein the sealing step is performed by attaching a sealing member having lower rigidity than the ink container to the ink container.

[0070] (Method 10) A method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink according to any one of methods 1 to 9, wherein the sealing member includes an ink information display unit that displays information about the ink contained inside the ink container.

[0071] (Method 11) Prior to the step of forming the opening, the step includes attaching a sealing member to the vicinity of the area of ​​the ink storage portion in which the structure is located, when the ink storage portion is viewed from the direction in which the needle is inserted. The sealing member includes an elastomer, The process of forming the opening involves inserting a needle into the ink storage portion through the sealing member, thereby forming the opening in the ink storage portion and a second opening in the sealing member. The process of injecting the ink involves injecting ink into the inside of the ink storage portion through the opening from the needle without removing the needle that was inserted into the ink storage portion in the process of forming the opening. A method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink according to any one of methods 1 to 10, wherein the step of sealing the opening is performed by closing the second opening due to the elastic force of the sealing member.

[0072] (Composition 1) An ink storage section that is flexible and capable of containing ink inside, A structure provided inside the ink storage section, An ink container having, When the ink storage portion is viewed from the thickness direction, an opening is formed near the region in which the structure of the ink storage portion is located inside. An ink container characterized in that the aforementioned opening is sealed by a sealing member.

[0073] (Configuration 2) The ink storage section has an ink discharge section for discharging the ink stored inside to the outside, The structure comprises an ink supply pipe for supplying ink to the ink outlet, an ink introduction section having a groove formed for introducing ink into the ink supply pipe, and a connecting member for connecting the ink introduction section and the ink outlet, as described in Configuration 1.

[0074] (Composition 3) The ink container according to configuration 2, wherein the ink outlet is provided with a check valve to restrict the inflow of ink from the outside into the ink container.

[0075] (Composition 4) The ink storage section is a bag having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. An ink storage container according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the opening is formed in the ink storage portion at a position that overlaps with the structure when the ink storage portion is viewed from the thickness direction of the ink storage portion.

[0076] (Composition 5) The ink storage section is a bag having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A region is formed in the vicinity of the structure in which the first surface and the second surface do not come into close contact. The container according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein, when the ink container is viewed from the thickness direction of the ink container, a position indicator is provided at a position that overlaps with the area in the ink container where the first surface and the second surface do not come into contact, indicating the position of the area where the first surface and the second surface do not come into contact.

[0077] (Composition 6) The ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the sealing member has higher rigidity than the ink storage portion.

[0078] (Composition 7) The ink container according to configurations 1 to 5, wherein the sealing member has lower rigidity than the ink storage portion.

[0079] (Composition 8) The ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the sealing member is provided with an ink information display unit that displays information about the ink contained inside the ink storage unit.

[0080] (Method 12) The process involves forming an opening on the surface of the ink storage portion of an ink storage container, which has a flexible ink storage portion capable of containing ink, and a structure provided inside the ink storage portion, by inserting a needle into the container. A step of injecting ink into the ink storage section from the opening, A step of sealing the aforementioned opening, A method for injecting ink into an ink container, including, A method for injecting ink into an ink storage container, characterized in that the position where the opening is formed in the ink storage portion is near the region in which the structure is provided when the ink storage portion is viewed from the direction in which the needle is inserted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 1. Ink container 2 ink storage pouches 3 structure 4. Ink outlet section 14 areas 15 needles 16. Sealing member 31 Opening

Claims

1. The process involves forming an opening on the surface of an ink storage container by inserting a needle into an ink storage container having a flexible ink storage portion capable of containing ink, and a structure provided inside the ink storage portion. A step of injecting ink into the ink storage section from the opening, A step of sealing the aforementioned opening, A method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink, including, A method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink, characterized in that the position where the opening is formed in the ink container is near the region in which the structure is provided when the ink container is viewed from the direction in which the needle is inserted.

2. The ink container has an ink outlet for discharging the ink contained inside the ink storage section to the outside. The method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink according to claim 1, wherein the structure extends from the ink outlet toward the ink storage portion.

3. The method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink according to claim 2, wherein the structure comprises an ink supply pipe for supplying ink to the ink outlet, an ink introduction section having a groove formed therein for introducing ink into the ink supply pipe, and a connecting member for connecting the ink introduction section and the ink outlet.

4. The method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink according to claim 2, wherein the ink outlet is provided with a check valve for restricting the inflow of ink from the outside into the inside of the ink container.

5. The ink storage section is a bag having a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface. A region is formed in the vicinity of the structure in which the first surface and the second surface do not come into close contact. The method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink according to claim 1, wherein the step of forming the opening is performed by inserting a needle into the ink container, aiming at an area where the first surface and the second surface are not in close contact.

6. A method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink according to claim 5, wherein, when the ink container is viewed from the direction in which the needle is inserted, a position indicator is provided at a position that overlaps with the area in the ink container where the first surface and the second surface do not come into contact, indicating the position of the area where the first surface and the second surface do not come into contact.

7. A method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink according to claim 1, wherein, when the ink container is viewed from the direction in which the needle is inserted, the opening is formed in the ink container at a position that overlaps with the structure.

8. The method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink according to claim 1, wherein the sealing step is performed by attaching a sealing member with higher rigidity than the ink container to the ink container.

9. The method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink according to claim 1, wherein the sealing step is performed by attaching a sealing member having lower rigidity than the ink container to the ink container.

10. The method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the sealing member includes an ink information display unit that displays information about the ink contained inside the ink container.

11. Prior to the step of forming the opening, the step includes attaching a sealing member to the vicinity of the area of ​​the ink storage portion in which the structure is located, when the ink storage portion is viewed from the direction in which the needle is inserted. The sealing member includes an elastomer, The process of forming the opening involves inserting a needle into the ink storage portion through the sealing member, thereby forming the opening in the ink storage portion and a second opening in the sealing member. The process of injecting the ink involves injecting ink into the inside of the ink storage portion through the opening from the needle without removing the needle that was inserted into the ink storage portion in the process of forming the opening. The method for manufacturing an ink container containing ink according to claim 1, wherein the step of sealing the opening is performed by closing the second opening due to the elastic force of the sealing member.

12. An ink storage section that is flexible and capable of containing ink inside, A structure provided inside the ink storage section, An ink container having, When the ink storage portion is viewed from the thickness direction, an opening is formed near the region in which the structure of the ink storage portion is located inside. An ink container characterized in that the aforementioned opening is sealed by a sealing member.

13. The ink storage section has an ink discharge section for discharging the ink stored inside to the outside, The ink container according to claim 12, wherein the structure comprises an ink supply pipe for supplying ink to the ink outlet, an ink introduction section having a groove formed for introducing ink into the ink supply pipe, and a connecting member for connecting the ink introduction section and the ink outlet.

14. The ink container according to claim 13, wherein the ink outlet is provided with a check valve for restricting the inflow of ink from the outside into the inside of the ink container.

15. The ink storage section is a bag having a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface. The ink storage container according to claim 12, wherein the opening is formed in the ink storage portion at a position that overlaps with the structure when the ink storage portion is viewed from the thickness direction of the ink storage portion.

16. The ink storage section is a bag having a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface. A region is formed in the vicinity of the structure in which the first surface and the second surface do not come into close contact. The container according to claim 12, wherein, when the ink container is viewed from the thickness direction of the ink container, a position indicator is provided at a position that overlaps with the area in the ink container where the first surface and the second surface do not come into contact, indicating the position of the area where the first surface and the second surface do not come into contact.

17. The ink container according to claim 12, wherein the sealing member has higher rigidity than the ink storage portion.

18. The ink container according to claim 12, wherein the sealing member has lower rigidity than the ink storage portion.

19. The ink container according to claim 12, wherein the sealing member includes an ink information display unit that displays information about the ink contained inside the ink storage unit.

20. The process involves forming an opening on the surface of the ink storage portion of an ink storage container, which has a flexible ink storage portion capable of containing ink, and a structure provided inside the ink storage portion, by inserting a needle into the container. A step of injecting ink into the ink storage section from the opening, A step of sealing the aforementioned opening, A method for injecting ink into an ink container, including, A method for injecting ink into an ink container, characterized in that the position where the opening is formed in the ink storage portion is near the region in which the structure is provided when the ink storage portion is viewed from the direction in which the needle is inserted.

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