Ink container

Abstract

This technology provides an ink container that allows for the stable and complete use of ink while reducing the burden on the global environment. This technology can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, such as a decarbonized / circular economy. [Solution] The ink container 10 comprises a flexible ink storage section 11 capable of storing ink inside, and an ink supply section 16 for supplying the ink stored inside the ink storage section 11 to the outside. The ink storage section 11 is formed using a film member 30 having a break elongation of 1% or more. The film member 30 has an inner layer made of an olefin resin that surrounds the inside of the ink storage section 11, and an outer layer made of paper that is formed on the outside of the inner layer. The viscosity of the ink stored inside the ink storage section 11 is 2 [mPa·s] or more and 3 [mPa·s] or less, and the weight ratio of the outer layer paper to the ink container 10 is 50% or more.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ink storage container.

Background Art

[0002] An inkjet printer forms characters, images, etc. by ejecting ink from an ink ejection head onto a recording medium. In recent years, inkjet printers are used not only for home printers and office printers but also for industrial printers. Some inkjet printers supply and use the ink stored in a bag-shaped ink storage container to an ink ejection head.

[0003] In recent years, product development for reducing the burden on the global environment has been demanded. As a method for reducing the burden on the global environment, manufacturing an ink storage container using paper can be mentioned. By using paper for the ink storage container, the amount of plastic used can be reduced, and the burden on the global environment associated with the treatment of plastic waste can be reduced. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique capable of suppressing peeling of a joint portion in a paper material in an ink storage container including an ink storage portion formed using a paper material.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As the applications of inkjet printers expand, there is a growing demand for ink storage containers, not only for small-capacity containers for home use, but also for large-capacity containers for office or industrial use. In ink storage containers where the ink storage section is formed using paper, the thinner the paper used, the less paper is used, but the mechanical strength, such as the rigidity of the ink storage section, and the ability of the ink storage section to regain its shape are reduced. As a result, during the manufacturing process, the transportation process, and the process of the ink storage section shrinking when supplying ink to an inkjet printer, the ink storage section is prone to irregular deformation and fine, deep wrinkles that are characteristic of thin paper. In ink storage containers where the ink storage section is formed using paper, the irregular deformation and fine, deep wrinkles characteristic of thin paper reduce the fluidity of the ink inside the ink storage section, making it difficult to use up all the ink inside the ink storage section.

[0006] This disclosure aims to provide an ink container that allows for stable and complete use of ink while reducing the burden on the global environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An ink storage container according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a flexible ink storage section capable of storing ink internally, and an ink supply section for supplying the ink stored inside the ink storage section to the outside, wherein the ink storage section is formed using a film member having a break elongation of 1% or more, the film member having an inner layer formed using an olefin resin and surrounding the inside of the ink storage section, and an outer layer formed using paper on the outside of the inner layer, the viscosity of the ink stored inside the ink storage section being 2 [mPa·s] or more and 3 [mPa·s] or less, and the weight ratio of the paper of the outer layer to the ink storage container being 50% or more. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an ink container that allows for stable and complete use of ink while reducing the burden on the global environment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of the ink ejection device. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing an ink container according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing a film component. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing an ink container according to the third embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the ink container according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing an ink container according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the maximum value of the radius of curvature in a curved section. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing a first modified example of the ink container according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing a second modified example of the ink container according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing a third modified example of the ink container according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not limiting to the scope of this disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the following embodiments are essential to the solutions of this disclosure. Identical components will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0011] <<First Embodiment>> The technologies described herein can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, such as a decarbonized / circular economy. In this embodiment, as a technology that can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, we describe an ink container that can reliably use up all of the ink while reducing the burden on the global environment.

[0012] <Ink ejection device configuration> Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the ink ejection device 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the ink ejection device 100 includes an ink ejection head 101, a carriage 102, a transport roller 103, an ink supply unit 105, an ink supply tube 106, and a recovery unit 107. The ink ejection device 100 repeatedly performs reciprocating movement of the ink ejection head 101 (main scan) and transport of the recording sheet P, which is a recording medium, at predetermined pitch intervals (sub-scan). The ink ejection device 100 forms characters, symbols, images, etc. by selectively ejecting multiple colors of ink from the ink ejection head 101 and landing them on the recording sheet P, while synchronizing with the main scan and sub-scan described above. An example of the ink ejection device 100 is an inkjet printer, etc.

[0013] Furthermore, the recording medium is not limited to the recording sheet P; any material capable of forming images by depositing ink droplets is acceptable. For example, various materials and forms of recording media can be used, such as paper, cloth, optical disc labels, plastic sheets, OHP sheets, envelopes, etc. Also, in the figures referenced below, the Z direction represents the vertical direction and intersects (orthogonal in this embodiment) with the XY plane defined by the X and Y directions.

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

[0015] The recording sheet P is conveyed by a conveying roller 103, which is a conveying means, in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the carriage 102, specifically, in a direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the moving direction of the carriage 102. When the recording sheet P is conveyed by the conveying roller 103, it faces an ink ejection part (not shown) of the ink ejection head 101. Ink droplets ejected from the ink ejection part of the ink ejection head 101 land on the recording sheet P facing the ink ejection part of the ink ejection head 101.

[0016] The ink ejection head 101 has a plurality of nozzle arrays for ejecting inks of different colors as a plurality of ink ejection parts. Corresponding to the plurality of colors of inks ejected from the ink ejection head 101, a plurality of independent ink storage containers 10 are mounted on the ink supply unit 105. Each ink storage container 10 is detachably mounted on the ink supply unit 105 of the ink ejection device 100.

[0017] The ink supply unit 105 and the ink ejection head 101 are connected by a plurality of ink supply tubes 106 corresponding to the plurality of colors of inks. By mounting the ink storage container 10 on the ink supply unit 105, it becomes possible to independently supply the inks of each color stored inside the ink storage container 10 to each nozzle array of the ink ejection head 101. Thus, the ink ejection device 100 has a function of ejecting the ink supplied from the ink storage container 10.

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

[0019] The cap portion of the recovery unit 107 is a component for capping the ink ejection portion of the ink ejection head 101. The suction mechanism of the recovery unit 107 is a mechanism for forcibly sucking up ink while the ink ejection portion of the ink ejection head 101 is capped. The cleaning blade of the recovery unit 107 is a component for wiping away dirt from the ink ejection portion of the ink ejection head 101. The recovery process, including capping by the cap portion of the recovery unit 107 and ink suction by the suction mechanism, is performed prior to the ejection operation of the ink ejection device 100. Even if the ink ejection device 100 is operated after being left idle for a long time, the recovery process performed by the recovery unit 107 can remove air bubbles remaining in the ink ejection portion of the ink ejection head 101, as well as ink that has become thickened near the ejection port of the ink ejection head 101. This maintains the ejection characteristics of the ink ejection head 101.

[0020] <Ink container configuration> Next, the ink storage container 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. As mentioned above, a plurality of independent ink storage containers 10 are mounted on the ink supply unit 105 to correspond to the multiple colors of ink ejected from the ink ejection head 101. Each ink storage container 10 is detachably mounted on the ink supply unit 105. The configuration of each ink storage container 10 is basically the same.

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the ink container 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2(a) is a schematic plan view showing the ink container 10. Figure 2(b) is a schematic side view showing the ink container 10. In Figures 2 and 4 to 10, the X, Y, and Z directions indicate the directions when the ink container 10 is mounted on the ink supply unit 105. The orientation of the ink container 10 is not limited to the orientations shown in Figures 2 and 4 to 10, and the orientation of the ink container 10 can be changed as appropriate when the ink container 10 is removed from the ink supply unit 105. As shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the ink container 10 comprises an ink storage section 11 and an ink supply section 16 for supplying the ink stored inside the ink storage section 11 to an external ink ejection device 100.

[0022] The ink storage section 11 is formed in the shape of a bag capable of containing ink. The viscosity of the ink stored inside the ink storage section 11 is between 2 [mPa·s] and 3 [mPa·s]. The viscosity of the ink is measured, for example, by an E-type viscometer using a cone plate (rotation speed: 50-100 rpm). The ink storage section 11 is formed using a flexible film member 30 that includes a layer having ink resistance and gas barrier properties. For example, the ink storage section 11 is formed in the shape of a gusseted bag with gussets on the sides by folding and welding the film member 30.

[0023] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the film member 30. As shown in Figure 3, the film member 30 has an outer layer 31 and an inner layer 32. The outer layer 31 is formed on the outside of the inner layer 32 using paper. The thickness of the outer layer 31 is, for example, 50 [μm]. The inner layer 32 is formed in a sheet shape that matches the outer circumference shape of the outer layer 31 using an olefin resin. In this embodiment, polyethylene is used as the olefin resin that forms the inner layer 32. The thickness of the inner layer 32 is, for example, 10 [μm]. The inner layer 32 is laminated to the inside of the outer layer 31. The inner layer 32 is in contact with the ink contained inside the ink storage section 11. The film member 30 is also called a laminate film. The elongation at break of the film member 30 is, for example, 1%. The weight ratio of the outer layer 31 in the film member 30 is greater than the weight ratio of the inner layer 32 in the film member 30. When an outer layer 31 is formed using paper with a thickness of 100 [μm] and an inner layer 32 is formed using polyethylene film with a thickness of 10 [μm], the weight ratio of the paper in the outer layer 31 to the ink container 10 is approximately 88%. The specific gravity of the paper is 0.7, and the specific gravity of the polyethylene film is 0.9. Furthermore, the weight ratio of the paper in the outer layer 31 to the ink container 10 is the weight ratio of the paper in the outer layer 31 to the ink container 10 when no ink is contained inside the ink storage section 11.

[0024] Furthermore, the rigidity of the ink container 10 may be increased by increasing the thickness of the outer layer 31. The thickness of the outer layer 31 may be 50 [μm] or more, or 200 [μm] or less. In addition, the weldability of the film member 30 may be improved by increasing the thickness of the inner layer 32. The thickness of the inner layer 32 may be 10 [μm] or more, or 150 [μm] or less. Also, the elongation rate at break of the film member 30 and the weight ratio of the outer layer 31 paper to the ink container 10 may change depending on the thickness of the outer layer 31 and the inner layer 32. The elongation rate at break of the film member 30 may be 1% or more, or 160% or less. The weight ratio of the outer layer 31 paper to the ink container 10 may be 50% or more, or 99.9% or less.

[0025] The ink supply unit 16 has, for example, a spout member 16a made of resin. By welding the outer peripheries of two film members 30 together with the spout member 16a in between, the ink supply unit 16 is formed into a cylindrical shape that can connect the ink storage unit 11 and the ink ejection device 100. The ink storage container 10 takes the form of a so-called spout pouch. The ink supply unit 16 functions as a filling port when filling the inside of the ink storage unit 11 with ink, and as a connection port when supplying the ink stored inside the ink storage unit 11 to the ink ejection device 100. A welded portion 12 is formed on the outer periphery side of the ink storage unit 11 where the outer peripheries of the two film members 30 are welded together. The shape of the welded portion 12 is determined by the shape of the welding tool. In other words, the shape of the welding tool determines the outer periphery shape of the ink storage unit 11, including the shape of the inner corners 14 formed at the four corners of the ink storage unit 11. After the ink storage container 10 is formed, ink is filled inside the ink storage unit 11. Furthermore, the inside of the ink storage section 11 is depressurized before the ink is filled, and the degassed ink is filled into the depressurized ink storage section 11. This eliminates the air inside the ink storage section 11 and suppresses the generation of air from the ink stored inside the ink storage section 11. In the ink storage container 10 according to this embodiment, since no air is contained inside the ink storage section 11, the bag-shaped ink storage section 11 contracts as the ink stored inside the ink storage section 11 is used and decreases.

[0026] In this embodiment, it is desirable that the elongation at break of the film member 30 be 1% or more, and that the weight ratio of the outer layer 31 paper to the ink container 10 be 50% or more. By using more paper in the ink container 10, the amount of plastic used can be reduced, and the burden on the global environment associated with the disposal of plastic waste can be reduced. Furthermore, it is desirable that the viscosity of the ink contained inside the ink container 11 be 2 [mPa·s] or more and 3 [mPa·s] or less. By containing relatively low viscosity ink, even if the ink container 11 experiences irregular deformation and fine, deep wrinkles characteristic of thin paper, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the fluidity of the ink inside the ink container 11. Therefore, compared to the case where the viscosity of the ink contained inside the ink container 11 is 20 [mPa·s], it becomes possible to use up the ink stably.

[0027] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide an ink container 10 that can stably use up the ink while reducing the burden on the global environment. Specifically, in this embodiment, the elongation at break of the film member 30 is 1% or more, and the weight ratio of the outer layer 31 paper to the ink container 10 is 50% or more. By using more paper in the ink container 10, the amount of plastic used can be reduced, and the burden on the global environment associated with the disposal of plastic waste can be reduced. In addition, the viscosity of the ink contained inside the ink container 11 is 2 [mPa·s] or more and 3 [mPa·s] or less. By containing relatively low viscosity ink, even if the ink container 11 experiences irregular deformation and fine, deep wrinkles characteristic of thin paper, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the fluidity of the ink inside the ink container 11. Therefore, it becomes possible to stably use up the ink. In this way, it is possible to provide an ink container 10 that can stably use up the ink while reducing the burden on the global environment.

[0028] <<Second Embodiment>> Next, a second embodiment will be described. Since the individual components in the second embodiment have the same configuration as those in the first embodiment described above, they will be described using the same reference numerals as those used for each component in the first embodiment. The ink container 10 according to the second embodiment is formed similarly to the ink container 10 according to the first embodiment, except that the ink inside the ink storage section 11 is supplied to the ink dispensing device 100 by gas-liquid exchange.

[0029] <Ink container configuration> In the second embodiment, the ink supply unit 16 is provided with a gas-liquid exchange communication hole (not shown) that communicates with the inside and outside of the ink storage unit 11. In the ink storage container 10 according to the second embodiment, air is contained inside the ink storage unit 11, and as the ink stored inside the ink storage unit 11 is used and decreases, air flows into the inside of the ink storage unit 11 through the communication hole of the ink supply unit 16. In the second embodiment, attention is paid to the adhesion of ink to the inner layer 32 of the film member 30 that forms the ink storage unit 11. The adhesion of ink to the inner layer 32 of the ink storage unit 11 (film member 30) is determined by the relationship between the surface tension of the ink and the surface tension (surface free energy) of the inner layer 32 of the ink storage unit 11. The greater the surface tension of the inner layer 32 of the ink storage unit 11 is compared to the surface tension of the ink, the more easily the inner layer 32 of the ink storage unit 11 tends to wet. When the viscosity of the ink increases, the ink is more likely to adhere to the inner layer 32 of the ink storage section 11, regardless of the surface tension of the ink and the inner layer 32 of the ink storage section 11. Also, as the temperature rises, both the surface tension and viscosity of the ink tend to decrease. When the surface tension of the ink decreases due to the rising temperature, the ink is more likely to adhere to the inner layer 32 of the ink storage section 11.

[0030] In the second embodiment, polyethylene is used as the olefin resin forming the inner layer 32, similar to the first embodiment. The viscosity of the ink contained inside the ink storage section 11 is 2 [mPa·s] or more and 3 [mPa·s] or less, while the surface tension of the ink is 20 [mN / m] or more and 45 [mN / m] or less. The surface tension of the ink is measured, for example, using the Wilhelmy method. The inventors of the present invention have discovered that by using ink with a surface tension of 20 [mN / m] or more and 45 [mN / m] or less, the ink can be used up stably, regardless of the presence or absence of air inside the ink storage section 11, compared to ink with a surface tension of 70 [mN / m].

[0031] As described above, the second embodiment provides an ink container 10 that, like the first embodiment, can stably use up all the ink while reducing the burden on the global environment. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the surface tension of the ink contained inside the ink container 11 is 20 [mN / m] or more and 45 [mN / m] or less. This makes it possible to stably use up all the ink regardless of the presence or absence of air inside the ink container 11.

[0032] In the first and second embodiments described above, the ink container 10 takes the form of a spout pouch as shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), but is not limited thereto. For example, the ink container may take the form of a so-called standing pouch. This makes it possible for the ink container to stand on its own. When the ink container takes the form of a standing pouch, the ink storage portion is formed in the shape of a gusseted bag with gussets on the sides.

[0033] <<Third Embodiment>> Next, a third embodiment will be described. Since the individual components in the third embodiment have the same configuration as those in the first embodiment described above, they will be described using the same reference numerals as those used for each component in the first embodiment. The ink container 10 according to the third embodiment is formed in the same way as the ink container 10 according to the first embodiment, except for the shape of the ink storage portion 11.

[0034] <Ink container configuration> Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the ink container 10 according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the ink storage section 11 of the third embodiment is formed into a three-sided bag shape by folding and welding the film member 30. Because the ink storage section 11 is formed into a three-sided bag shape, there is no need to form a gusset compared to a gusset bag, so the shape of the welded section 12 and the inner corner section 14 can be easily formed, making it possible to increase the productivity of the ink container 10. In addition, because the shape of the welded section 12 and the inner corner section 14 can be easily formed, it is possible to increase the design freedom of the ink container 10, such as the design freedom regarding the shape of the inner corner section 14 and the design freedom regarding the arrangement of the ink supply section 16. For example, the inner corner sections 14 formed at the four corners of the ink storage section 11 and the outer corner sections 17 formed at the four corners of the welded section 12 (ink container 10) may be formed in an arc shape. By making the radius of curvature RE of the outer corner 17 larger than the radius of curvature RN of the inner corner 14, it becomes easier to avoid the outer corner 17 coming into contact with other parts.

[0035] Furthermore, in the ink storage container 10 according to the third embodiment, as with the first embodiment, the bag-shaped ink storage section 11 shrinks as the ink stored inside the ink storage section 11 is used and decreases. Also, as with the second embodiment, as the ink stored inside the ink storage section 11 is used and decreases, air may be allowed to flow into the inside of the ink storage section 11 through the communication hole of the ink supply section 16.

[0036] As described above, the third embodiment, like the first embodiment, provides an ink container 10 that can reliably use up all of the ink while reducing the burden on the global environment. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the ink storage section 11 is formed in the shape of a three-sided pouch. This makes it possible to increase the productivity of the ink container 10 and the degree of design freedom for the ink container 10.

[0037] In the third embodiment described above, the radius of curvature RE of the outer corner 17 is larger than the radius of curvature RN of the inner corner 14, but is not limited to this. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the ink container 10 according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the radius of curvature RE of the outer corner 17 may be smaller than the radius of curvature RN of the inner corner 14. In this case, the width of the portion between the inner corner 14 and the outer corner 17 in the welded portion 12 becomes wider, making it possible to increase the strength of the welded portion 12.

[0038] <<Fourth Embodiment>> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Since the individual components in the fourth embodiment have the same configuration as those in the first embodiment described above, they will be described using the same reference numerals as those used for each component in the first embodiment. The ink container 10 according to the fourth embodiment is formed in the same way as the ink container 10 according to the first embodiment, except for the shape of the ink storage section 11.

[0039] <Ink container configuration> Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the ink container 10 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the ink container 11 of the fourth embodiment is formed into a three-sided pouch shape by folding and welding the film member 30. In the fourth embodiment, compared to the third embodiment, curved portions 20 are formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the ink container 11, forming part of the boundary line between the ink container 11 and the welded portion 12. This makes it possible to relieve the stress generated in the welded portion 12 when a large amount of ink is contained inside the ink container 11, thereby preventing the ink container 11 from tearing from the welded portion 12. The opposing portion 21 on the outer circumference of the ink container 10 that is opposite to the curved portion 20 is formed in a straight line extending in the short direction (X direction) of the ink container 10. The radius of curvature of the curved portion 20 varies according to the dimensions of the ink container 10. The maximum value of the radius of curvature of the curved portion 20 is expressed by the following equation (1).

[0040] R = (A - 2B) / 0.347 ... (1) However, R: Maximum value of the radius of curvature of the curved section 20 A: Length of the opposing portion 21 to the curved portion 20 on the outer circumference of the ink container 10. B: Width of the non-relative portion 22 that intersects with the relative portion 21 in the welded portion 12

[0041] Here, the length A of the relative portion 21 is the length of the portion of the outer circumference of the ink container 10 that does not intersect with the extension of the curved portion 20. The width B of the non-relative portion 22 that intersects (orthogonal in this embodiment) with the relative portion 21 is the width of the portion of the welded portion 12 that intersects with the extension of the curved portion 20. In this embodiment, the width B of the non-relative portion 22 is the width of the relative portion 21 in the extension direction of the non-relative portion 22, in other words, the width of the ink container 10 in the short direction (X direction) of the non-relative portion 22. By satisfying equation (1), the stress generated in the welded portion 12 when ink is contained inside the ink container 11 can be relieved, and thus it is possible to prevent the ink container 11 from tearing from the welded portion 12.

[0042] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the maximum value of the radius of curvature of the curved section 20. As shown in Figure 7, let RC be the radius of curvature of the curved section 20. Let d be the length of the line segment (chord) passing through both ends of the curved section 20. Let θ be the angle of inclination of the tangent line at the end of the curved section 20 to the straight line passing through both ends of the curved section 20. In this case, as shown in Figure 7, d = A - 2B. Also, RC = d / (2sinθ) = (A - 2B) / (2sinθ). The radius of curvature RC of the curved section 20 is minimized when θ = 90°. The inventor of this application set θ = 10° as the condition for the maximum radius of curvature RC of the curved section 20. Note that 2sin(10°) = 0.347. Thus, the maximum value R of the radius of curvature of the curved section 20 is expressed by equation (1) above.

[0043] Furthermore, in the ink storage container 10 according to the fourth embodiment, as with the first embodiment, the bag-shaped ink storage section 11 shrinks as the ink stored inside the ink storage section 11 is used and decreases. Also, as with the second embodiment, as the ink stored inside the ink storage section 11 is used and decreases, air may be allowed to flow into the inside of the ink storage section 11 through the communication hole of the ink supply section 16.

[0044] As described above, the fourth embodiment, like the first embodiment, provides an ink container 10 that can stably use up all of the ink while reducing the burden on the global environment. In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the ink storage section 11 is formed in the shape of a three-sided bag. This makes it possible to increase the productivity of the ink container 10 and the degree of design freedom for the ink container 10. Furthermore, the maximum value of the radius of curvature of the curved section 20 that forms the boundary line between the ink storage section 11 and the welded section 12 is expressed by the equation (1) above. This makes it possible to alleviate the stress generated in the welded section 12 when a large amount of ink is stored inside the ink storage section 11, thereby preventing the ink storage section 11 from tearing from the welded section 12.

[0045] In the fourth embodiment described above, curved portions 20 are formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the ink storage portion 11, forming part of the boundary line between the ink storage portion 11 and the welded portion 12, but the invention is not limited to this. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a first modified example of the ink storage container 10 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the opposing portions 21 on the outer circumference of the ink storage container 10 that are opposite the curved portions 20 may be formed in a curved shape. The opposing portions 21 may also be formed in a curved shape at the four corners of the ink storage container 10. The radius of curvature (maximum value R) of the curved portion 20 may be larger than the radius of curvature RS of the curved opposing portions 21. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as in the fourth embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0046] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a second modified example of the ink container 10 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, curved portions 20 that form part of the boundary line between the ink container 11 and the welded portion 12 may be formed at both ends in the short direction (X direction) of the ink container 11. The opposing portion 21 on the outer circumference of the ink container 10 that is opposite to the curved portion 20 is formed in a straight line extending in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the ink container 10. The maximum value R of the radius of curvature of the curved portion 20 is expressed by equation (1) above. In the second modified example, the width B of the non-opposing portion 22 that intersects with the opposing portion 21 is the width of the opposing portion 21 in the extension direction of the non-opposing portion 22, in other words, the width of the ink container 10 in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the non-opposing portion 22. Even with this configuration, the same effects as the fourth embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0047] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a third modified example of the ink container 10 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, curved portions 20 may be formed at both ends in the short direction (X direction) of the ink storage portion 11, similar to the second modified example. The opposing portion 21 on the outer circumference of the ink container 10 that is opposite to the curved portion 20 may be formed in a curved shape. The radius of curvature (maximum value R) of the curved portion 20 may be smaller than the radius of curvature RS of the curved opposing portion 21. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as those of the fourth embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0048] In the embodiments described above, polyethylene is used as the olefin resin forming the inner layer 32, but it is not limited to this. For example, polypropylene may be used as the olefin resin forming the inner layer 32.

[0049] Furthermore, the ink storage container 10 according to the second to fourth embodiments is detachably attached to the ink supply unit 105 of the ink ejection device 100, but is not limited to this. The ink storage container 10 according to the second to fourth embodiments may be used in an ink ejection device equipped with an ink tank. In this case, the ink stored inside the ink storage section 11 may be poured into the ink tank from the ink supply section 16.

[0050] <<Other Embodiments>> The disclosure of this embodiment includes configurations represented by the following example of an ink container.

[0051] <Configuration 1> An ink container comprising: a flexible ink storage section capable of containing ink internally; and an ink supply section for supplying the ink contained inside the ink storage section to the outside, The ink-containing portion is formed using a film member having a break elongation of 1% or more. The film member has an inner layer formed using an olefin resin that surrounds the inside of the ink storage portion, and an outer layer formed on the outside of the inner layer using paper. The viscosity of the ink contained inside the ink storage section is 2 [mPa·s] or more and 3 [mPa·s] or less. An ink container characterized in that the weight ratio of the outer layer paper to the ink container is 50% or more.

[0052] <Configuration 2> The ink container according to configuration 1, wherein the thickness of the outer layer is 50 [μm] or more.

[0053] <Structure 3> The ink container according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the inner layer is 10 [μm] or more.

[0054] <Structure 4> An ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the surface tension of the ink contained inside the ink storage section is 20 [mN / m] or more and 45 [mN / m] or less.

[0055] <Composition 5> The ink container according to any one of the four components, wherein the olefin resin is polyethylene.

[0056] <Composition 6> The ink storage portion is formed in the shape of a gusseted bag using the film member, as described in any one of the configurations 1 to 5.

[0057] <Composition 7> The ink storage portion is formed in the shape of a three-sided pouch using the film member, and is an ink storage container according to any one of configurations 1 to 5.

[0058] <Structure 8> The outer periphery of the ink storage portion further comprises a welded portion formed by welding the film members together, The maximum radius of curvature of the curved portion forming the boundary between the ink storage portion and the welded portion is expressed by the following formula, in the ink storage container according to configuration 7. R = (A - 2B) / 0.347 However, R: the maximum value of the radius of curvature of the curved section. A: Length of the relative portion opposite the curved portion on the outer circumference of the ink container. B: Width of the non-relative portion intersecting the relative portion in the welded portion.

[0059] <Composition 9> The outer periphery of the ink storage portion further comprises a welded portion formed by welding the film members together, The ink container according to configuration 7 or 8, wherein the radius of curvature of the curved portion that forms the boundary line between the ink container and the welded portion is smaller than the radius of curvature of the relative portion on the outer circumference of the ink container that is opposite to the curved portion.

[0060] <Composition 10> The outer periphery of the ink storage portion further comprises a welded portion formed by welding the film members together, The ink container according to configuration 7 or 8, wherein the radius of curvature of the curved portion that forms the boundary line between the ink container and the welded portion is greater than the radius of curvature of the relative portion on the outer circumference of the ink container that is opposite to the curved portion. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 10 Ink containers 11. Ink storage section 16. Ink supply unit 30 Film component 31 Outer layer 32 Inner layer

Claims

1. An ink container comprising: a flexible ink storage section capable of containing ink internally; and an ink supply section for supplying the ink contained inside the ink storage section to the outside, The ink-containing portion is formed using a film member having a break elongation of 1% or more. The film member has an inner layer formed using an olefin resin that surrounds the inside of the ink storage portion, and an outer layer formed on the outside of the inner layer using paper. The viscosity of the ink contained inside the ink storage section is 2 [mPa·s] or more and 3 [mPa·s] or less. An ink container characterized in that the weight ratio of the outer layer paper to the ink container is 50% or more.

2. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the outer layer is 50 [μm] or more.

3. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the inner layer is 10 [μm] or more.

4. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the surface tension of the ink contained inside the ink storage section is 20 [mN / m] or more and 45 [mN / m] or less.

5. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the olefin resin is polyethylene.

6. The ink storage container according to claim 1, wherein the ink storage portion is formed in the shape of a gusseted bag using the film member.

7. The ink storage container according to claim 1, wherein the ink storage portion is formed in the shape of a three-sided pouch using the film member.

8. The outer periphery of the ink storage portion further comprises a welded portion formed by welding the film members together, The ink container according to claim 7, wherein the maximum value of the radius of curvature of the curved portion forming the boundary line between the ink container and the welded portion is expressed by the following formula. R=(A-2B) / 0.347 However, R: the maximum value of the radius of curvature of the curved section. A: Length of the relative portion opposite the curved portion on the outer circumference of the ink container. B: Width of the non-relative portion that intersects the relative portion in the welded portion.

9. The outer periphery of the ink storage portion further comprises a welded portion formed by welding the film members together, The ink container according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the radius of curvature of the curved portion that forms the boundary line between the ink container and the welded portion is smaller than the radius of curvature of the relative portion on the outer circumference of the ink container that is opposite to the curved portion.

10. The outer periphery of the ink storage portion further comprises a welded portion formed by welding the film members together, The ink container according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the radius of curvature of the curved portion that forms the boundary line between the ink container and the welded portion is greater than the radius of curvature of the relative portion on the outer circumference of the ink container that is opposite to the curved portion.

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