Liquid container and introduction member

Abstract

To provide a liquid storage body which can supply liquid to a liquid discharge device with a simple constitution.SOLUTION: A liquid storage body 100 includes a liquid storage bag 120, and an introduction member. The introduction member includes a first liquid introduction member, and a second liquid introduction member. The first liquid introduction member includes a first spacer part, and a first connection part which is integrally connected to the first spacer part, and is formed with a first groove for flowing liquid to a liquid lead-out part. The second liquid introduction member includes a second spacer part, and a second connection part which is integrally connected to the second spacer part, and is formed with a second groove for flowing liquid to the liquid lead-out part. The first liquid introduction member and the second liquid introduction member are joined to each other so that a surface where the first groove is formed and a surface where the second groove is formed face each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technique of the present disclosure relates to a liquid container and an introduction member for supplying liquid to a liquid ejection device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid container for supplying liquid taken from a spacer to a liquid discharge device via a liquid outlet pipe. This spacer has a predetermined height and is provided with an inlet for taking in the liquid. Even if the liquid in the bag decreases as water is continuously taken in and the bag becomes crushed, the provision of the spacer maintains a space for taking in water around the inlet, so that it is possible to prevent the inlet from being blocked by the bag and becoming unable to take in water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-65373 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, a liquid container having a complex structure as in Patent Document 1 leads to an increase in the number of parts, an increase in the number of assembly steps, and an increase in the cost of the liquid leading-out unit.

[0005] In order to solve such problems, an object of the technique disclosed herein is to provide a liquid container that is capable of supplying liquid to a liquid ejection device with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technology disclosed herein is a liquid container comprising a liquid containing bag for containing a liquid, and an introduction member disposed inside the liquid containing bag for introducing the liquid into a liquid outlet portion, the introduction member comprising a first liquid introducing member and a second liquid introducing member joined to the first liquid introducing member, the first liquid introducing member comprising a first spacer portion having a first liquid intake port for taking in the liquid, and a first connecting portion integrally connected to the first spacer portion and having a first groove for allowing the liquid taken in from the first liquid intake port to flow into the liquid outlet portion, the second liquid introducing member comprising a second spacer portion having a second liquid intake port for taking in the liquid, and a second connecting portion integrally connected to the second spacer portion and having a second groove for allowing the liquid taken in from the second liquid intake port to flow into the liquid outlet portion, the first liquid introducing member and the second liquid introducing member being joined so that the surface on which the first groove is formed and the surface on which the second groove is formed face each other. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the technique of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a liquid container capable of supplying liquid to a liquid ejection device with a simple configuration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an overview of a liquid ejection device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of a liquid container. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing an overview of a liquid transport member. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of a liquid introduction member. [Diagram 5] Cross-sectional view of line VV in Figure 4(a). [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view showing an overview of another liquid introduction member. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an external perspective view showing an overview of components of the liquid introduction member. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing an overview of a liquid introduction member. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view showing an overview of components of another liquid introducing member. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of a liquid lead-out member. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of a liquid lead-out member. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of a liquid introduction member. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of a liquid lead-out member. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing an overview of a liquid transport member. [Figure 15] FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing an overview of a liquid transport member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0010] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0011] <Liquid discharge device> 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a liquid ejection device 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection device 10 includes a liquid ejection head 11, a recording sheet 12, a carriage 13, a transport roller 14, a liquid supply unit 15, a liquid supply tube 16, and a recovery unit 17.

[0012] The liquid ejection device 10 repeats reciprocating movement (main scanning) of the liquid ejection head 11 and conveyance (sub-scanning) of a recording medium, a recording sheet 12, at a predetermined pitch. In synchronization with these movements, liquids (e.g., ink, etc.) of multiple colors are selectively ejected from the liquid ejection head 11, and the liquids land on the recording medium, a recording sheet 12, to form characters, symbols, images, etc. Examples of the liquid ejection device 10 include inkjet printers, etc. Note that any recording medium may be used as long as it is capable of forming an image by landing ink droplets on the recording medium. For example, recording media of various materials and shapes, such as paper, cloth, the label surface of an optical disk, a plastic sheet, an OHP sheet, and an envelope, can be used.

[0013] The liquid ejection head 11 is slidably supported on two guide rails, and is detachably mounted on a carriage 13 that reciprocates in a straight line along the guide rails by a driving means (not shown) such as a motor.

[0014] The recording sheet 12 on which the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection portion of the liquid ejection head 11 lands is conveyed by a conveying roller 14, which is a conveying means, in a direction that faces the liquid ejection surface of the liquid ejection head 11 and intersects with the movement direction of the carriage 13. The liquid ejection head 11 has a plurality of nozzle rows, each of which ejects liquid of a different color, as a plurality of liquid ejection portions. A plurality of independent liquid containers 100 (see FIG. 2), each having a liquid outlet member for guiding the liquid in accordance with the color of the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head 11, are detachably attached to the liquid supply unit 15.

[0015] The liquid supply unit 15 and the liquid ejection head 11 are connected by a plurality of liquid supply tubes 16, each of which corresponds to a different color of liquid. By mounting the liquid container 100 inside the liquid supply unit 15, it becomes possible to independently supply each color of liquid stored in the liquid container 100 to each nozzle row of the liquid ejection head 11. In a non-recording area, which is within the reciprocating movement range of the liquid ejection head 11 and outside the passing range of the recording sheet 12, a recovery unit 17 is disposed so as to face the liquid ejection surface of the liquid ejection head 11.

[0016] The recovery unit 17 has a cap portion for capping the liquid ejection surface of the liquid ejection head 11, a suction mechanism for forcibly sucking the liquid while the liquid ejection surface is capped, and a cleaning blade for wiping off dirt from the liquid ejection surface. The above-mentioned suction operation is performed by the recovery unit 17 prior to the recording operation of the liquid ejection device 10. As a result, even if the liquid ejection device 10 is operated after being left unused for a long period of time, the recovery process performed by the recovery unit 17 can remove residual air bubbles in the liquid ejection section of the liquid ejection head 11 and / or thickened liquid near the ejection orifice. As a result, the ejection characteristics of the liquid ejection head 11 are maintained.

[0017] <Liquid container> Next, the configuration of the liquid container 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the liquid container 100 of this embodiment. FIG. 2(a) is an external perspective view showing an overview of the liquid container 100. As described above, the liquid container 100 is attached to the liquid supply unit 15 (see FIG. 1) and supplies liquid to the liquid ejection section of the liquid ejection head 11. FIG. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIb-IIb in FIG. 2(a). As shown in FIG. 2(b), the liquid container 100 includes a liquid containing bag 120 and a liquid transport member 130 contained in the liquid containing bag 120.

[0019] <Liquid transport member> 3 is an external perspective view showing an overview of the liquid transport member 130. The liquid transport member 130 includes a liquid introduction member 170 and a liquid outlet member 140. As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid outlet member 140 is attached to the tip of the liquid introduction member 170. The liquid transport member 130 is a member that transports the liquid in the liquid containing bag 120 to the liquid discharge device 10. The material of the liquid transport member 130 can be a synthetic resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene. In this embodiment, the material of the liquid transport member 130 is polypropylene, and the following description will continue.

[0020] The liquid introduction member 170 includes a spacer portion 150 and a connecting portion 160. The liquid introduction member 170 has a function of introducing the liquid taken in from the spacer portion 150 through a flow path in the connecting portion 160 to the liquid outlet member 140. Details of the liquid introduction member 170 will be described later with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. The liquid outlet member 140 has a function of guiding the liquid introduced from the liquid introduction member 170 to the liquid ejection device 10. Details of the liquid outlet member 140 will be described later with reference to Figs. 10 and 11.

[0021] The dimensions shown in the drawings below will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. In this specification, the direction extending from the liquid lead-out member 140 to the spacer portion 150 (i.e., the length direction) is defined as the +Y direction, the planar direction perpendicular to the length direction (i.e., the width direction) is defined as the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions (i.e., the height direction) is defined as the Z direction.

[0022] <Liquid Containment Bag> The liquid containing bag 120 described above contains a liquid therein and is flexible. The liquid containing bag 120 is a pillow-type bag in which two rectangular films are stacked and the periphery is joined by welding or other means. The liquid containing bag 120 according to this embodiment is configured by laminating multiple layers of polyester, aluminum, nylon, or polyethylene. For example, the film of the liquid containing bag 120 may be provided with at least one of a vapor deposition layer of silica and an EVOH layer. Furthermore, other materials or configurations may be adopted depending on the properties of the liquid or the quality required for the liquid.

[0023] <Liquid introduction member> Next, the liquid introduction member 170 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 7. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of the liquid introduction member 170. FIG. 4(a) is a diagram showing the liquid introduction member 170 as viewed from the +Z direction (i.e., a plan view of the liquid introduction member 170). As shown in FIG. 4(a), the shape of the spacer portion 150 is a rectangle as viewed from the Z direction. The liquid introduction member 170 includes the spacer portion 150 and a connecting portion 160. The spacer portion 150 and the connecting portion 160 are integrally connected. The spacer portion 150 is disposed on the +Y direction side (i.e., the base end side) of the connecting portion 160 in the liquid introduction member 170. The spacer portion 150 includes a first liquid intake port 151a and a second liquid intake port 151b (see FIG. 4(b)). The connecting portion 160 connects the spacer portion 150 and the liquid leading-out member 140 , and has a flow path formed therein for allowing the liquid taken from the spacer portion 150 to flow to the liquid leading-out member 140 .

[0024] Fig. 4(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVb-IVb in Fig. 4(a). As shown in Fig. 4(b), the shape of spacer part 150 is such that, when viewed from the X direction, the tip becomes sharper as it advances in the +Y direction (i.e., toward the base end). Spacer part 150 has a first liquid intake port 151a (see Fig. 4(a)) and a second liquid intake port 151b.

[0025] First liquid intake port 151a is disposed higher than second liquid intake port 151b in the direction of gravity, and is capable of taking in liquid within liquid containing bag 120 into a flow path within connecting portion 160 from a +Z direction relatively more than second liquid intake port 151b. On the other hand, second liquid intake port 151b is capable of taking in liquid within liquid containing bag 120 into a flow path within connecting portion 160 from a -Z direction relatively more than first liquid intake port 151a.

[0026] The liquid container 100 is mounted inside the liquid supply unit 15 (see FIG. 1) with the XY directions in FIG. 2(a) as a plane. For this reason, when the liquid contains a plurality of components with different specific gravities, the components with higher specific gravities may settle, resulting in a higher concentration of the liquid at the bottom of the liquid containing bag 120 and a lower concentration of the liquid at the upper part of the liquid containing bag 120. For example, when the liquid is ink, settling of the ink components may result in a situation in which the difference in ink concentration is different between the bottom part (-Z direction side) of the liquid containing bag 120 and the upper part (+Z direction side) of the liquid containing bag 120.

[0027] However, as in this embodiment, by taking in liquid from both the +Z and -Z directions and mixing it in liquid storage section 142 (see FIG. 9(a)) described below, it is possible to eliminate the difference in concentration of the liquid supplied to liquid ejection device 10. Furthermore, if it is desired to change the difference in concentration of the liquid, the size of first liquid intake port 151a or second liquid intake port 151b may be changed separately.

[0028] <Connection part> Next, the connecting portion 160 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in Figure 4(a). The connecting portion 160 is formed with a first flow path 161 for allowing the liquid taken in from the first liquid intake port 151a to flow to the liquid outlet member 140, and a second flow path 162 for allowing the liquid taken in from the second liquid intake port 151b to flow to the liquid outlet member 140.

[0029] First flow path 161 and second flow path 162 are formed by joining first connecting portion 160a (described later) and second connecting portion 160b (described later) so that they face each other. That is, liquid taken in from first liquid intake port 151a flows through first flow path 161. And liquid taken in from second liquid intake port 151b flows through second flow path 162.

[0030] A first groove 161a and a second groove 162a (see FIG. 7) described later are provided in parallel over the entire length of the first connecting portion 160a, and a third groove 161b and a fourth groove 162b (see FIG. 7) described later are provided in parallel over the entire length of the second connecting portion 160b. Therefore, the first flow path 161 formed by the first groove 161a and the third groove 161b is provided in parallel over the entire length of the connecting portion 160. Similarly, the second flow path 162 formed by the second groove 162a and the fourth groove 162b is provided in parallel over the entire length of the connecting portion 160.

[0031] Also, when the liquid introduction member 170 is viewed from the -Y direction side (i.e., the tip side), as shown in FIG. 5, the first opening 152a of the first liquid intake port 151a is formed at a position lower than at least the topmost part 153a of the first spacer part 150a described later. In other words, the height of the side wall of the first liquid intake port 151a is different between the left and right. This is to prevent the first liquid intake port 151a from being blocked by the liquid containing bag 120 and being unable to take in water when the liquid containing bag 120 starts to collapse as a result of continued water intake. As a result, even if the liquid containing bag 120 starts to collapse as a result of continued water intake, a space for taking in water is created around the first liquid intake port 151a, so that water intake can be continued.

[0032] Correspondingly, second opening 152b of second liquid intake port 151b is formed at a position higher than at least a lowest portion 153b of second spacer portion 150b, which will be described later. In other words, the heights of the side walls of second liquid intake port 151b are also different on the left and right. This is to ensure that, as described above, even if water intake continues and liquid containing bag 120 becomes crushed, space for water intake is secured around second liquid intake port 151b, so that water intake can continue.

[0033] (Variations of flow path) In FIG. 5, an example in which the cross-sectional shape of the flow path is a rectangle and the width is the same is shown, but the shape of the flow path is not limited to this example. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the flow path may be a ring shape or an elliptical ring shape. Furthermore, when the purpose is to adjust the ink concentration by using the shape of the groove, the shape of the groove may be changed on each side. For example, as shown in FIG. 6(c) described later, the width of the first flow path 161 and the width of the second flow path 162 may be different.

[0034] As an example of a means for eliminating the concentration difference caused by the settling of ink components, the width of the flow path that takes in the ink is made different. This makes it possible to change the mixing ratio of the ink taken in from above and below, and to adjust the mixed concentration to a desired concentration. Below, a modified example of the flow path is explained using Figure 6.

[0035] 6 is an external perspective view showing an outline of another liquid introducing member in which the width of first flow path 161 and the width of second flow path 162 are different. In the example shown in FIG. 6(a) and FIG. 6(b), the width of second liquid intake port 151b is wider than the width of first liquid intake port 151a. The width of second groove 162a is wider than the width of first groove 161a. Furthermore, the width of fourth groove 162b is wider than the width of third groove 161b. Details of first groove 161a, second groove 162a, third groove 161b, and fourth groove 162b will be described later with reference to FIG. 7.

[0036] 6(a) and 6(b) are combined to complete a liquid introducing member 170 as shown in Fig. 6(c), in which the width of the second flow path 162 is wider than the width of the first flow path 161. Details of the half-split body, the configuration of the liquid introducing member 170, and the manufacturing method of the liquid introducing member 170 will be described later with reference to Fig. 7. Of course, depending on the desired mixed concentration of the liquid, the width of the first flow path 161 may be configured to be wider than the width of the second flow path 162.

[0037] Alternatively, a groove may be formed so that first flow path 161 has a rectangular cross section, and a groove may be formed so that second flow path 162 has a circular cross section.

[0038] <Components and manufacturing method of liquid introduction member> Next, the components and manufacturing method of the liquid introduction member 170 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 is an external perspective view showing an overview of the components of the liquid introduction member 170. Hereinafter, the components shown in FIG. 7 will be referred to as half bodies. FIG. 7(a) shows the first half body 170a, and FIG. 7(b) shows the second half body 170b. The liquid introduction member 170 is completed by assembling the first half body 170a and the second half body 170b. In this embodiment, these two half bodies have the same shape. When molding the first half body 170a and the second half body 170b, they can be molded by splitting the mold in the Z direction.

[0039] The first half body 170a is an integrally molded part in which the first spacer portion 150a and the first connecting portion 160a are integrally formed. As described above, the first spacer portion 150a is formed with the first liquid intake port 151a. The first connecting portion 160a is formed with the first groove 161a for forming the first flow path 161 and the second groove 162a for forming the second flow path 162. That is, the first groove 161a is formed continuously from the first liquid intake port 151a, and after the first half body 170a and the second half body 170b are joined so as to face each other, the first flow path 161 for flowing the liquid taken in from the first liquid intake port 151a is formed. On the other hand, the second groove 162a forms the second flow path 162 through which the liquid taken in from the second liquid intake port 151b flows after the first half body 170a and the second half body 170b are joined so as to face each other. The first groove 161a and the second groove 162a are provided in parallel over the entire length of the first connecting portion 160a.

[0040] The second half body 170b is an integrally molded part in which the second spacer portion 150b and the second connecting portion 160b are integrally formed. As described above, the second spacer portion 150b is formed with the second liquid intake port 151b. The second connecting portion 160b is formed with the third groove 161b for forming the second flow path 162 and the fourth groove 162b for forming the second flow path 162. That is, the fourth groove 162b is formed continuously from the second liquid intake port 151b, and after the first half body 170a and the second half body 170b are joined so as to face each other, the fourth groove 162b forms the second flow path 162 through which the liquid taken in from the second liquid intake port 151b flows. On the other hand, the third groove 161b forms the first flow path 161 through which the liquid taken in from the first liquid intake port 151a flows after the first half body 170a and the second half body 170b are joined so as to face each other. The third groove 161b and the fourth groove 162b are provided in parallel over the entire length of the second connecting portion 160b.

[0041] 8 is an external perspective view showing an overview of the liquid introduction member 170 after the half bodies are assembled. As described above, the liquid introduction member 170 is made by joining the first half body 170a and the second half body 170b so that they face each other. The first half body 170a is disposed lower than the second half body 170b in the direction of gravity. The liquid introduction member 170 according to this embodiment does not use a liquid outlet pipe as a means for transporting liquid, so there is no need to arrange the connection part of the liquid outlet pipe in the Y direction, which is advantageous in terms of mold splitting.

[0042] The joining of the first half body 170a and the second half body 170b will be described with reference to Figs. 7(a) and 7(b). The first and fourth joining surfaces 163a and 163b, the second and fifth joining surfaces 164a and 164b, and the third and sixth joining surfaces 165a and 165b are joined so as to face each other. The joining is performed by, for example, ultrasonic welding. When the joining is completed, the first groove 161a and the third groove 161b form the first flow path 161. Similarly, the second groove 162a and the fourth groove 162b form the second flow path 162.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first half body 170a and the second half body 170b are joined by ultrasonic welding, but they may be joined using an adhesive, etc. In this embodiment, the first spacer portion 150a and the second spacer portion 150b are not joined, but in cases where the fixation is unstable, the first spacer portion 150a and the second spacer portion 150b may be joined.

[0044] (Modification of the split half) In this embodiment, first half body 170a and second half body 170b have the same shape, but may have various shapes other than the configuration shown in Fig. 6 as long as the liquid taken in from first liquid intake port 151a and second liquid intake port 151b can be introduced into liquid lead-out member 140. Below, modified examples of the half bodies will be described with reference to Fig. 9.

[0045] FIG. 9 is an external perspective view showing an overview of components of another liquid introducing member.

[0046] For example, as shown in Fig. 9(a), the first spacer portion 150a and the first connecting portion 160a constituting the first half body 170a (see Fig. 7) may be separate members. Also, as shown in Fig. 9(b), the second spacer portion 150b and the second connecting portion 160b constituting the second half body 170b (see Fig. 7) may be separate members.

[0047] When first spacer portion 150a and first connecting portion 160a are separate members, the lower end portion (part indicated as A) of first liquid intake port 151a and the base end portion (part indicated as A') of first groove 161a are combined.

[0048] On the other hand, when the second spacer portion 150b and the second connecting portion 160b are separate components, the upper end portion (part indicated as B) of the second liquid intake port 151b and the base end portion (part indicated as B') of the fourth groove 162b are combined.

[0049] By making each component into a separate member in this way, it becomes possible to easily select a combination of water intakes and flow paths according to the type of liquid used, the required mixture ratio of the liquid, and the like.

[0050] <Liquid discharge member> Next, the liquid leading-out member 140 will be described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an overview of the liquid leading-out member 140. Fig. 10(a) is a diagram showing the liquid leading-out member 140 from the +Z direction (i.e., a plan view). Fig. 10(b) is a diagram showing the liquid leading-out member 140 from the -Y direction (i.e., the tip side). Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an overview of the liquid leading-out member 140. Fig. 11(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in Fig. 10(b). Fig. 11(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX showing the liquid leading-out member 140 with the needle 40 inserted therein.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 11(a), the liquid outlet member 140 includes a joining space 141 to which the connecting portion 160 is joined, a liquid storage portion 142, a spring 143, a check valve 144, and a rubber packing 145. The liquid introduction member 170 is joined to the liquid outlet member 140 by fitting the tip of the connecting portion 160 to the joining space 141. The liquid outlet member 140 and the connecting portion 160 may be joined by fitting, or the liquid outlet member 140 and the connecting portion 160 may be bonded to each other using an adhesive. In the liquid storage portion 142, the low-concentration liquid flowing through the first flow path 161 and the high-concentration liquid flowing through the second flow path 162 are mixed together, so that the concentration of the liquid becomes constant. This makes it possible to supply liquid of a stable concentration to the liquid discharger 10.

[0052] Next, the connection between the liquid discharger 10 and the liquid lead-out member 140 will be described with reference to Fig. 11(b). As described above, the liquid lead-out member 140 includes the spring 143, the check valve 144, and the rubber packing 145. When the liquid container 100 is attached to the liquid discharger 10, a metal needle 40 having a flow path formed in its center is attached to the portion where the liquid container 100 is attached to the main body of the liquid discharger 10.

[0053] When the liquid container 100 is connected to the main body of the liquid ejection device 10, the needle 40 pierces through the rubber packing 145 attached to the liquid container 100. The needle 40 then pushes down the check valve 144, and the liquid in the liquid lead-out member 140 is supplied to the main body of the liquid ejection device 10 through a flow path provided in the needle 40. When the liquid container 100 is removed from the main body of the liquid ejection device 10, the needle 40 comes out and the spring 143 stretches, closing the check valve 144 and stopping the supply of liquid.

[0054] The liquid outflow member 140 according to this embodiment is divided along the line IX-IX in Figure 10(b). After a spring 143 and a check valve 144 are assembled inside, the cross sections along the line IX-IX are joined together, and a rubber packing 145 is bonded to the opening of the liquid outflow member 140. The liquid containing bag 120 is welded to the periphery of the outer wall of the liquid outflow member 140 to form a sealed space. Liquid is then sealed in the sealed space, completing the liquid container 100.

[0055] This makes it possible to provide a liquid container capable of supplying liquid to a liquid ejection device with a simple configuration.

[0056] Second embodiment A second liquid introduction member 270 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12 to Fig. 14. In the first embodiment, the liquid storage section 142 was formed in the liquid lead-out member 140. In contrast, in this embodiment, the second liquid storage section 242 is formed in the connecting section 260. In the following description, the same components as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted, and differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0057] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an overview of the second liquid introduction member 270. Fig. 12(a) is an external perspective view showing an overview of the third half body. Fig. 12(b) is an external perspective view showing an overview of the fourth half body. Fig. 12(c) is an external perspective view showing an overview of the second liquid introduction member 270.

[0058] 12(a), the third connecting portion 260a of the third half body 270a is formed with a fifth groove 261a, a sixth groove 262a, a seventh bonding surface 263a, a first partition 264a which also serves as an eighth bonding surface, and a ninth bonding surface 265a. Furthermore, a first liquid storage space 242a is formed at the tip of the third connecting portion 260a, and the length of the first liquid storage space 242a is indicated as "L1" in FIG.

[0059] The fifth groove 261a is a groove for allowing the liquid taken in from the first liquid intake port 151a to flow to the first liquid storage space 242a. The sixth groove 262a is a groove for allowing the liquid taken in from the second liquid intake port 151b to flow to the first liquid storage space 242a.

[0060] The first partition 264a is a partition formed between the fifth groove 261a and the sixth groove 262a. The first partition 264a does not extend to the end of the third connecting part 260a opposite to the end connected to the first spacer part 150a (i.e., the tip of the third connecting part 260a), so a space is formed at the tip of the third connecting part 260a. This space is the first liquid storage space 242a.

[0061] 12(b), the fourth connecting portion 260b of the fourth half body 270b is formed with a seventh groove 261b, an eighth groove 262b, a tenth bonding surface 263b, a second partition 264b which also serves as an eleventh bonding surface, and a twelfth bonding surface 265b. Furthermore, a second liquid storage space 242b is formed at the tip of the fourth half body 270b, and in FIG. 12(b), the length of the second liquid storage space 242b is indicated as "L2."

[0062] The seventh groove 261b is a groove for allowing the liquid taken in from the first liquid intake port 151a to flow to the second liquid storage space 242b. The eighth groove 262b is a groove for allowing the liquid taken in from the second liquid intake port 151b to flow to the second liquid storage space 242b.

[0063] The second partition 264b is a partition formed between the seventh groove 261b and the eighth groove 262b. Since the second partition 264b does not extend to the end of the fourth connecting part 260b opposite to the end connected to the second spacer part 150b (i.e., the tip of the fourth connecting part 260b), a space is formed at the tip of the fourth connecting part 260b. This space is the second liquid storage space 242b.

[0064] A method for manufacturing the second liquid introduction member 270 will be described below. First, the spring 143 and the check valve 144 are assembled into the second liquid lead-out member 240 (see FIG. 13) described later. Then, the seventh and tenth joint surfaces 263a and 263b, the first and second partitions 264a and 264b, and the ninth and twelfth joint surfaces 265a and 265b are joined so as to face each other. When the joining is completed, the second liquid introduction member 270 is formed as shown in FIG. 12(c), and the fifth groove 261a and the seventh groove 261b form the third flow path 261. Similarly, the sixth groove 262a and the eighth groove 262b form the fourth flow path 262.

[0065] When the third half body 270a and the fourth half body 270b are joined together, the first liquid storage space 242a and the second liquid storage space 242b form the second liquid storage section 242. This second liquid storage section 242 corresponds to the liquid storage section 142 formed in the liquid lead-out member 140 according to the first embodiment. That is, in the second liquid storage section 242, the low concentration liquid that has passed through the third flow path 261 and the high concentration liquid that has passed through the fourth flow path 262 are mixed together, so that the concentration of the liquid becomes constant, and it becomes possible to supply liquid of a stable concentration to the liquid ejection device 10.

[0066] 13 is a cross-sectional view of the second liquid lead-out member 240 according to this embodiment. The cutting lines in this cross-sectional view are the same as those in the first embodiment. Since a space equivalent to the liquid storage section 142 according to the first embodiment (i.e., the second liquid storage section 242) exists in the connecting section 260, there is no need to form a liquid storage section in the second liquid lead-out member 240. Therefore, in this embodiment, the liquid transport member can be made smaller than in the first embodiment.

[0067] 14 is an external perspective view showing an overview of the second liquid transport member 230 in this embodiment. When the second liquid lead-out member 240 is attached to the second liquid introduction member 270, it becomes the second liquid transport member 230. A second liquid storage portion 242 is formed in the connection portion 260 of the second liquid transport member 230. Furthermore, by changing the length of the second liquid storage portion 242, it is possible to enlarge the second liquid storage portion 242 within a range in which the difference in liquid concentration is not noticeable.

[0068] (Third embodiment) A third liquid transport member 330 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0069] The differences between the liquid transport member 130 in the first embodiment and the third liquid transport member 330 in this embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the liquid introduction member 170 and the liquid lead-out member 140 were separate members. In contrast, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the connection portion and the liquid lead-out portion are integrally molded. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for configurations similar to those in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted, and the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0070] FIG. 15 is an external perspective view showing an outline of the half body according to this embodiment. FIG. 15(a) is an external perspective view showing an outline of the fifth half body. As shown in FIG. 15(a), the fifth connecting portion 360a of the fifth half body 370a is formed with the ninth groove 361a, the tenth groove 362a, the thirteenth joint surface 363a, the fourteenth joint surface 364a, the fifteenth joint surface 365a, and the third liquid storage space 342a. The ninth groove 361a is a groove for allowing the liquid taken from the first liquid intake port 151a to flow to the third liquid storage space 342a. The tenth groove 362a is a groove for allowing the liquid taken from the second liquid intake port 151b to flow to the third liquid storage space 342a. In addition, since the fifth connecting portion 360a according to this embodiment includes a liquid outlet portion, the fifth connecting portion 360a has a structure in which the spacer portion, the connecting portion, and the liquid outlet portion are integrated together. In other words, the first liquid intake port 151a, the ninth groove 361a, and the third liquid storage space 342a are formed continuously.

[0071] Fig. 15(b) is an external perspective view showing an outline of the sixth half body. As shown in Fig. 15(b), the sixth connecting portion 360b of the sixth half body 370b is formed with an eleventh groove 361b, a twelfth groove 362b, a sixteenth joint surface 363b, a seventeenth joint surface 364b, an eighteenth joint surface 365b, and a fourth liquid storage space 342b. The eleventh groove 361b is a groove for allowing the liquid taken in from the first liquid intake port 151a to flow to the fourth liquid storage space 342b. The twelfth groove 362b is a groove for allowing the liquid taken in from the second liquid intake port 151b to flow to the fourth liquid storage space 342b. In addition, since the sixth connecting portion 360b according to this embodiment includes a liquid outlet portion, the sixth connecting portion 360b has a structure in which the spacer portion, the connecting portion, and the liquid outlet portion are integrated together. In other words, the second liquid intake port 151b, the eleventh groove 361b, and the fourth liquid storage space 342b are formed continuously.

[0072] FIG. 16 is an external perspective view showing an overview of the third liquid transport member 330. The manufacturing method of the third liquid transport member 330 shown in FIG. 16 will be described below. First, the spring 143 and the check valve 144 are assembled into either the fifth half body 370a or the sixth half body 370b. Then, the thirteenth joint surface 363a, the fourteenth joint surface 364a, and the fifteenth joint surface 365a shown in FIG. 15(a) are joined to the sixteenth joint surface 363b, the seventeenth joint surface 364b, and the eighteenth joint surface 365b shown in FIG. 15(b) so as to face each other. When the joining is completed, the third liquid transport member 330 is formed as shown in FIG. 16, and the fifth flow path 361 is formed by the ninth groove 361a and the eleventh groove 361b. Similarly, the tenth groove 362a and the twelfth groove 362b form the sixth flow path 362. After the fifth half body 370a and the sixth half body 370b are joined together, the third liquid storage space 342a and the fourth liquid storage space 342b form the third liquid storage portion 342. Then, the third liquid transport member 330 is completed by adhering the rubber packing 145 to the opening of the liquid outlet portion.

[0073] According to this embodiment, the number of parts is reduced compared to the first embodiment, and therefore the number of assembly steps can be reduced.

[0074] (Fourth embodiment) In the following description, the description of the configuration similar to that of the first embodiment will be omitted, and the description will focus on the points different from the first embodiment.

[0075] In the first embodiment, the first groove 161a and the second groove 162a are provided in parallel over the entire length of the connecting portion 160. In contrast, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the second groove 162a is not formed.

[0076] In this embodiment, when forming grooves in the half bodies, the first groove 161a formed continuously from the first liquid intake port 151a is formed over the entire length of the connecting part, but the second groove 162a for flowing the liquid taken in from the second liquid intake port 151b is not formed. Then, the half bodies of the same shape in which the first groove 161a is formed are joined together so that their joining surfaces face each other.

[0077] According to this embodiment, since the number of grooves to be formed is smaller than that in the first embodiment, the number of assembly steps can be reduced.

[0078] Fifth embodiment In the following description, the description of the configuration similar to that of the first embodiment will be omitted, and the description will focus on the points different from the first embodiment.

[0079] The difference between the half body in the first embodiment and the half body in this embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the first half body 170a and the second half body 170b are both provided with the first groove 161a and the second groove 162a in parallel over the entire length of the connecting portion 160. In contrast, in this embodiment, the second groove 162a is formed only in either the first half body 170a or the second half body 170b, which is different from the first embodiment. For example, the first groove 161a and the second groove 162a are formed in the first half body 170a, whereas the fourth groove 162b is formed in the second half body 170b but the third groove 161b is not formed. Then, the first half body 170a and the second half body 170b are joined so that their joining surfaces face each other.

[0080] According to this embodiment, since the number of grooves to be formed is smaller than that in the first embodiment, the number of assembly steps can be reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 100 Liquid container 120 Liquid Containment Bag 130 Liquid transport member 140 Liquid outlet member 150 Spacer part 151a 1st liquid intake 151b 2nd liquid intake 160 Connection section 161 First Channel 162 Second Stream 170a 1st half body 170b Second half body 170 Liquid introduction member

Claims

1. A liquid container comprising: a liquid containing bag for containing a liquid; and an introduction member disposed inside the liquid containing bag for introducing the liquid into a liquid outlet portion, The introduction member is A first liquid introducing member; a second liquid introduction member joined to the first liquid introduction member, The first liquid introducing member is a first spacer portion having a first liquid intake port for taking in the liquid; a first connecting portion that is integrally connected to the first spacer portion and has a first groove formed therein for allowing the liquid taken in from the first liquid intake port to flow to the liquid outlet portion, The second liquid introduction member is a second spacer portion having a second liquid intake port formed therein for taking in the liquid; a second connection portion integrally connected to the second spacer portion and having a second groove formed therein for allowing the liquid taken in from the second liquid intake port to flow to the liquid outlet portion, The first liquid introduction member and the second liquid introduction member are joined together such that a surface on which the first groove is formed and a surface on which the second groove is formed face each other. A liquid container characterized in that

2. The first groove is provided over the entire length of the first connecting portion, The second groove is provided over the entire length of the second connecting portion. The liquid container according to claim 1 .

3. The first liquid intake is disposed above the second liquid intake in a gravity direction, an opening of the first liquid intake port is formed at a position lower than at least a topmost portion of the first spacer portion, 3. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein an opening of the second liquid intake port is formed at a position higher than at least a lowest portion of the second spacer portion.

4. The first connecting portion is formed with a third groove for allowing the liquid taken in from the second liquid intake port to flow.

4. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the liquid container is a liquid container having a liquid container.

5. The third groove is provided over the entire length of the first connecting portion.

5. The liquid container according to claim 4.

6. The second connecting portion is formed with a fourth groove for allowing the liquid taken in from the first liquid intake port to flow.

6. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the liquid container is a liquid container having a liquid container.

7. The fourth groove is provided over the entire length of the second connecting portion. The liquid container according to claim 6 .

8. A first space for storing liquid taken in from the first liquid intake port and the second liquid intake port is formed in the first connecting portion. The liquid container according to claim 3 .

9. A second space is formed in the second connecting portion for storing liquid taken in from the first liquid intake port and the second liquid intake port.

9. The liquid container according to claim 3 or 8.

10. The liquid outlet portion is further provided, the liquid outlet portion has a space for storing liquid that is taken in from the first liquid intake port and the second liquid intake port and flows through the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

8. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the liquid container is a liquid container having a liquid container.

11. the liquid outlet portion is constituted by a first liquid outlet portion and a second liquid outlet portion, the first liquid outlet portion is integrally connected to the first connecting portion, and the second liquid outlet portion is integrally connected to the second connecting portion. The liquid container according to claim 10 .

12. An introduction member that is disposed inside the liquid containing bag and that introduces the liquid into the liquid outlet portion, The introduction member is A first liquid introducing member; a second liquid introduction member joined to the first liquid introduction member, The first liquid introducing member is a first spacer portion having a first liquid intake port for taking in the liquid; a first connecting portion that is integrally connected to the first spacer portion and has a first groove formed therein for allowing the liquid taken in from the first liquid intake port to flow to the liquid outlet portion, The second liquid introduction member is a second spacer portion having a second liquid intake port for taking in the liquid; a second connection portion integrally connected to the second spacer portion and having a second groove formed therein for allowing the liquid taken in from a second liquid intake port for taking in the liquid to flow to the liquid outlet portion, The first liquid introduction member and the second liquid introduction member are joined together such that a surface on which the first groove is formed and a surface on which the second groove is formed face each other. An introduction member characterized by:

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