Ink pack and manufacturing method of ink pack

Abstract

To partially reuse an ink pack to reduce a used amount of plastic.SOLUTION: An ink pack capable of supplying ink to an ink consumption device includes: a first pack capable of storing the ink; an ink supply part installed to the first pack and capable of supplying the ink to the ink consumption device; and a second pack capable of storing the first pack, where the first pack and the second pack are separable from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ink pack and a method for manufacturing the ink pack. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1, an ink cartridge is known that includes an ink pack and a case that houses the ink pack. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-200971 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the ink cartridge, the ink pack is protected by a case. However, there is a problem in that the case uses a large amount of plastic material, and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted during the manufacturing of the case is large. Furthermore, when reusing a used ink cartridge, if the ink pack is damaged, the entire ink pack must be replaced with a new one, which reduces the reusability of the ink pack. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The ink pack is an ink pack capable of supplying ink to an ink consuming device, and comprises a first pack capable of containing the ink, an ink supply section provided in the first pack and capable of supplying the ink to the ink consuming device, and a second pack capable of containing the first pack, and the first pack and the second pack are separable.

[0006] The method for manufacturing an ink pack includes a first pack capable of containing ink, an ink supply section provided in the first pack and capable of supplying the ink to an ink consuming device, and a second pack capable of containing the first pack, wherein the first pack containing the ink is contained in the second pack, the pressure between the first pack and the second pack is reduced, and the first pack and the second pack are brought into tight contact with each other.

[0007] The method for manufacturing an ink pack is a method for manufacturing a new ink pack that reuses a portion of the ink pack manufactured by the above manufacturing method, and while the first pack and the second pack are in close contact with each other, air is injected between the first pack and the second pack to separate the first pack and the second pack, and then the first pack and the second pack are separated, and either the first pack or the second pack is replaced with a new first pack or second pack.

[0008] A method for manufacturing an ink pack includes a first pack capable of containing ink, an ink supply section provided in the first pack and capable of supplying the ink to an ink consuming device, and a second pack capable of containing the first pack, wherein the first pack containing the ink is contained in the second pack, and air is injected between the first pack and the second pack to form an air layer between the first pack and the second pack.

[0009] The method for manufacturing an ink pack is a method for manufacturing a new ink pack that reuses a portion of the ink pack manufactured by the above manufacturing method, in which the first pack and the second pack are separated, and either the first pack or the second pack is replaced with a new first pack or second pack. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the ink pack according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the ink pack according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the ink pack according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing method of an ink pack according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 3A to 3C are schematic diagrams illustrating a manufacturing method of the ink pack according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing a new method for manufacturing an ink pack according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 3A to 3C are schematic diagrams illustrating a manufacturing method of a new ink pack according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an ink pack according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing an ink pack according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a new method for manufacturing an ink pack according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] 1. First embodiment First, the configuration of the ink pack 1 will be described. The ink pack 1 is an ink container that contains ink that can be supplied to a printer as an ink consuming device. As shown in Figures 1, 2 (a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 1) and 3 (a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 1), the ink pack 1 comprises a first pack 10 capable of containing ink and a second pack 20 capable of containing the first pack 10.

[0012] In a plan view, the ink pack 1 of this embodiment has a substantially rectangular outer periphery contour shape with the direction along the X axis as the longitudinal direction. The length of the ink pack 1 along the Z axis is smaller than the length along the X axis, and is also smaller than the length along the Y axis. In other words, the ink pack 1 is thin and flat in the direction along the Z axis. Therefore, by using the XY plane of the ink pack 1 as the mounting surface inside the printer, the ink pack 1 can be installed in a stable state.

[0013] The first pack 10 is a bag body having a storage section 13 that stores ink therein. The first pack 10 is made of a sheet member and is flexible. The flexibility of the first pack 10 may be such that it bends under its own weight, or such that it maintains its shape under its own weight and bends when a load greater than its own weight is applied. In a plan view, the first pack 10 has a substantially rectangular shape with its longitudinal direction along the X axis. In the first pack 10 of this embodiment, the bag body is formed by folding a single sheet member, overlapping the outer periphery of the -Y direction end and the outer periphery of the +Y direction end, and welding these outer peripheries.

[0014] The sheet member of the first pack 10 is made of a flexible material. The sheet member is made of a film member such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, or polyethylene. The sheet member may be made by laminating multiple films made of the above materials. For example, the outer layer may be made of a PET or nylon film that has excellent impact resistance, and the inner layer may be made of a polyethylene film that has excellent ink resistance.

[0015] An ink supply unit 15 is attached to the +X direction end of the first pack 10. The ink supply unit 15 is cylindrical. A portion of the outer peripheral surface of the ink supply unit 15 is welded to the sheet member of the first pack 10. The ink supply unit 15 has a supply path 15a that connects the storage section 13 of the first pack 10 to the outside. The supply path 15a is arranged along the X axis. The ink stored in the first pack 10 can be supplied to the printer via the supply path 15a. The ink supply unit 15 is made of a resin member such as polypropylene. A film member FM is attached to the +X direction end of the ink supply unit 15. This seals the supply path 15a, and the ink contained in the first pack 10 is hermetically sealed. When ink is to be supplied to the printer, the film member FM is removed or penetrated, which opens the supply path 15a and allows the ink contained in the first pack 10 to be supplied to the printer. At the end of the first pack 10 in the +X direction, in the area other than the ink supply section 15, the sheet members are welded together.

[0016] The second pack 20 is a bag that accommodates the first pack 10 and is formed larger than the first pack 10. As a result, the entire first pack 10 is covered by the second pack 20. The second pack 20 is made of a sheet member and is flexible. The flexibility of the second pack 20 may be such that it bends under its own weight, or such that it maintains its shape under its own weight and bends when a load greater than its own weight is applied. In a plan view, the second pack 20 has a substantially rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction along the X-axis.

[0017] The ink pack 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the first pack 10 and the second pack 20 are separable. The second pack 20 of this embodiment is formed by overlapping two sheet members. Part of the outer periphery of the second pack 20 is adhered with double-sided tape 23 as an easily peelable member. In this embodiment, two sheet members are overlapped, and the outer periphery of the -Y direction end and the outer periphery of the +Y direction end are adhered with double-sided tape 23 (FIG. 3). Furthermore, at the +X direction end of the second pack 20, the front surface of the sheet member of the first pack 10 and the back surface of the sheet member of the second pack 20 are adhered with double-sided tape 23 (FIG. 2).

[0018] The second pack 20 also has a pressure reduction section 25. In this embodiment, the pressure reduction section 25 is disposed at the −X direction end of the second pack 20. The pressure reduction section 25 has a cylindrical shape. The −X direction end of the second pack 20 is welded with a portion of the pressure reduction section 25 sandwiched between two sheet members. The portion of the second pack 20 adhered with the double-sided tape 23 (the outer periphery of the second pack 20 other than the end in the -X direction) can be easily peeled off by pulling the sheet member with the fingers. This allows the second pack 20 to be easily opened, and the first pack 10 and the second pack 20 to be separated. The easily peelable member may be, for example, an easy peel film that can be easily peeled off.

[0019] The pressure reducing section 25 is configured to be able to reduce the pressure in the space between the first pack 10 and the second pack 20. The pressure reducing section 25 includes a communication passage 25a that connects the inside and outside of the second pack 20. The communication passage 25a is arranged along the X-axis. The pressure reducing section 25 is formed of a resin member such as polypropylene. A lid 25b capable of opening and closing the communication passage 25a is provided at the −X-direction end of the pressure reducing unit 25. With the lid 25b open, air is sucked in from the outside through the communication passage 25a, reducing the pressure inside the second pack 20 and bringing the first pack 10 and the second pack 20 into tight contact. Note that at least a portion of the first pack 10 and the second pack 20 need to be in contact with each other in the decompressed state. The lid 25b then closes the communication passage 25a. This maintains tight contact between the first pack 10 and the second pack 20, allowing the ink contained in the first pack 10 to maintain its decompression level. If there is a gap between the first pack 10 and the second pack 20, the ink absorbs air through the sheet material of the first pack 10, reducing the ink's degassing ability. This embodiment prevents such problems from occurring, enabling stable ink ejection in the printer.

[0020] On the other hand, with the lid portion 25b open, air is supplied from the outside into the second pack 20 through the communication passage 25a, thereby pressurizing the inside of the second pack 20. This separates the first pack 10 and the second pack 20, making it easier to open the second pack 20.

[0021] The sheet member of the second pack 20 is made of a flexible material. The sheet member is made of a film member such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, or polyethylene. The sheet member may be made by laminating multiple films made of the above materials. Furthermore, the second pack 20 has a gas barrier layer that can prevent air from entering from the outside. The gas barrier layer is, for example, a layer on which aluminum or the like is vapor-deposited. This prevents air from entering the ink pack 1 from the outside when the first pack 10 and the second pack 20 are in close contact with each other, and prevents a decrease in the degree of degassing of the ink in the first pack 10. The gas barrier layer may be an aluminum layer, or may be a gas barrier resin made of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer such as a polyvinyl alcohol resin or a saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, or a vapor-deposited film in which a metal or metal oxide is vapor-deposited onto a resin film such as an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer.

[0022] Next, a method for manufacturing the ink pack 1 will be described. 4, in step S11, ink is stored in the first pack 10. For example, first, air is sucked out of the first pack 10 via the ink supply unit 15 to degas it. As a result, the volume of the storage unit 13 of the first pack 10 becomes almost zero. Thereafter, ink is injected through the ink supply unit 15, taking care not to entrain air. Note that it is preferable to degas the ink before injection to remove dissolved gas. Then, after a predetermined amount of ink has been filled into the storage unit 13 of the first pack 10, a film member FM is attached to the ink supply unit 15. This allows the ink to be stored in a sealed state in the first pack 10.

[0023] Next, in step S12, the first pack 10 is housed in the second pack 20. Specifically, the first pack 10 is entirely wrapped in the opened second pack 20, and the outer periphery of the second pack 20 is adhered with double-sided tape 23. In this way, the first pack 10 is housed in the second pack 20. Note that, when the first pack 10 is housed in the second pack 20, a gap is formed between the first pack 10 and the second pack 20, as shown in FIG. 5. If a gap exists between the first pack 10 and the second pack 20, the ink will absorb air through the sheet member of the first pack 10, which could reduce the degassing ability of the ink.

[0024] Therefore, in step S13, the pressure inside the second pack 20 is reduced via the pressure reducing unit 25. Specifically, with the lid portion 25b open, the air inside the second pack 20 is sucked via the communication passage 25a using a pump or the like. This reduces the pressure inside the second pack 20, and the first pack 10 and the second pack 20 come into close contact with each other. Because the sheet member of the second pack 20 includes a gas barrier layer, the degree of reduced pressure of the ink contained in the first pack 10 can be maintained by the close contact between the first pack 10 and the second pack 20. Thereafter, the communication passage 25a is closed by the lid portion 25b. This forms the ink pack 1 (FIG. 2).

[0025] Next, a method for manufacturing a new ink pack 1 will be described. Specifically, a method for manufacturing a new ink pack 1 by collecting the used ink pack after use will be described. When collecting the used ink pack 1, the used ink pack may be transported without being protected by an individual packaging box or the like, and the used ink pack may be damaged during the transport process. Even in such a case, in this embodiment, a part of the used ink pack 1 is reused to manufacture a new ink pack 1.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 6 , in step S21, the collected ink packs 1 are separated. The collected ink packs have the first pack 10 and the second pack 20 in a tightly packed state, making it difficult to separate them. Therefore, while the first pack 10 and the second pack 20 are in a tightly packed state, air is injected between them. Specifically, with the lid 25b open, air is supplied into the second pack 20 through the communication passage 25a using a compressor or the like. This pressurizes the inside of the second pack 20, separating the first pack 10 and the second pack 20. Then, the double-sided tape 23 attached to the outer periphery of the second pack 20 is peeled off. Because the first pack 10 and the second pack 20 are separated, the double-sided tape 23 can be easily peeled off. As a result, the second pack 20 is opened, and the first pack 10 and the second pack 20 are separated, as shown in FIG. 7 .

[0027] Next, in step S22, an appearance inspection is performed on the first pack 10 and the second pack 20. The appearance inspection is performed by, for example, visually inspecting or using a stereomicroscope to check the surface condition (scratches, dents, cracks, etc.) of the sheet members of the first pack 10 and the second pack 20. Then, based on the inspection results, it is determined whether the first pack 10 or the second pack 20 can be reused, and sorting is performed. In addition, in the appearance inspection, the surface condition of the first pack 10 and the second pack 20 may be inspected by touching them with fingers.

[0028] Next, in step S23, either the first pack 10 or the second pack 20 is replaced with a new first pack 10 or second pack 20. Specifically, for example, if the first pack 10 is reusable and the second pack 20 is not reusable in step S22, the non-reusable second pack 20 is replaced with a new second pack 20, and the new second pack 20 and the reusable first pack 10 are paired. In step S22, if the first pack 10 cannot be reused but the second pack 20 can be reused, the first pack 10 that cannot be reused is replaced with a new first pack 10, and the new first pack 10 is paired with the reusable second pack 20. The following describes the case where a new ink pack 1A is manufactured using a new second pack 20 and a reusable first pack 10.

[0029] In step S24, ink is stored in first pack 10 via ink supply unit 15. Then, after a predetermined amount of ink has been filled into storage unit 13 of first pack 10, film member FM is attached to ink supply unit 15. This allows first pack 10 to store ink in a sealed state.

[0030] Next, in step S25, the first pack 10 is housed in a new second pack 20. Specifically, the entire first pack 10 is wrapped in the new second pack 20 in an opened state, and the outer periphery of the new second pack 20 is adhered with double-sided tape 23. In this way, the first pack 10 is housed in the new second pack 20.

[0031] Next, in step S26, the pressure inside the new second pack 20 is reduced via the pressure reducing unit 25. Specifically, with the lid portion 25b open, air inside the new second pack 20 is sucked through the communication passage 25a using a pump or the like. This reduces the pressure inside the new second pack 20, and the reused first pack 10 and the new second pack 20 are tightly attached to each other. Thereafter, the communication passage 25a is closed by the lid portion 25b. This forms a new ink pack 1.

[0032] As described above, according to this embodiment, the ink pack 1 has a double structure, and the first pack 10 containing ink is protected from external forces by the second pack 20. Therefore, even if the first pack 10 is damaged, it is covered by the second pack 20, preventing ink leakage from the ink pack 1. Furthermore, the first pack 10 and the second pack 20 are configured to be separable. Therefore, even if the first pack 10 or the second pack 20 is damaged during collection and transportation of a used ink pack 1, the damaged first pack 10 or the second pack 20 can be replaced with a new one and the undamaged one can be reused, providing a new ink pack 1 that maintains the same functionality as a new one. This increases the reuse rate of used ink packs 1. In other words, the ink pack 1 of this embodiment has a function to protect from external forces and a function to reuse. This eliminates the need for a plastic case to cover the ink pack 1, reducing the amount of plastic material used and suppressing carbon dioxide emissions.

[0033] 2. Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 8, the ink pack 1A includes a first pack 10A capable of containing ink, and a second pack 20A capable of containing the first pack 10A.

[0034] The first pack 10A is a bag having a storage section 13 for storing ink therein. The first pack 10A is made of a flexible sheet material. In the first pack 10A of this embodiment, a single sheet material is folded, and the outer periphery of the -Y direction end and the outer periphery of the +Y direction end are overlapped and welded together to form the bag.

[0035] The sheet member of the first pack 10A is made of a flexible material. The sheet member is made of a film member such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, or polyethylene. The sheet member may be made by laminating multiple films made of the above materials. For example, the outer layer may be made of a PET or nylon film, which has excellent impact resistance, and the inner layer may be made of a polyethylene film, which has excellent ink resistance. Furthermore, the first pack 10A has a gas barrier layer that can prevent air from entering from the outside. The gas barrier layer is, for example, a layer on which aluminum or the like is vapor-deposited. This prevents air from entering from the outside of the first pack 10A, and prevents a decrease in the degassing degree of the ink in the first pack 10.

[0036] The second pack 20A is a bag that accommodates the first pack 10A, and is formed to be larger than the first pack 10A. The second pack 20A is made of a sheet member and is flexible.

[0037] The ink pack 1A is configured so that a first pack 10A and a second pack 20A can be separated. The second pack 20A of this embodiment is formed by stacking two sheet members. Specifically, part of the outer periphery of the second pack 20A is adhered with double-sided tape 23 as an easily peelable member. In this embodiment, two sheet members are stacked on top of each other, and the outer peripheries of the -Y direction end and the +Y direction end are adhered with double-sided tape 23. In addition, at the +X direction end of second pack 20A, the front surface of the sheet member of first pack 10 and the back surface of the sheet member of second pack 20A are adhered with double-sided tape 23.

[0038] The second pack 20A also has an injection portion 35. In this embodiment, the injection portion 35 is disposed at the −X direction end of the second pack 20A. The injection portion 35 has a cylindrical shape. The −X direction end of the second pack 20A is welded with the injection portion 35 sandwiched between two sheet members. The portion of the second pack 20A adhered with the double-sided tape 23 can be easily peeled off by pulling the sheet member with the fingers, which allows the second pack 20A to be easily opened and the first pack 10A and the second pack 20A to be separated.

[0039] The injection section 35 is configured to be able to inject air between the first pack 10A and the second pack 20A. The injection section 35 has a communication passage 35a that connects the inside and outside of the second pack 20A. The communication passage 35a is arranged along the X-axis. The injection section 35 is formed from a resin member such as polypropylene. A lid 35b capable of opening and closing the communication passage 35a is provided at the -X-direction end of the injection section 35. With the lid 35b open, air is injected from the outside through the communication passage 35a to pressurize the second pack 20A, forming an air layer 30 between the first pack 10A and the second pack 20A. Air is injected into the second pack 20A to the extent that the double-sided tape 23 does not peel off. The lid 35b then closes the communication passage 35a. This maintains the air layer 30 between the first pack 10A and the second pack 20A. By forming the air layer 30 between the first pack 10A and the second pack 20A, the air layer 30 acts as a buffer layer to protect the first pack 10A when the ink pack 1A receives an external impact.

[0040] Furthermore, because there is an air layer 30 between the first pack 10A and the second pack 20A, there is a concern that the ink in the first pack 10A will absorb air through the sheet member, reducing the ink's degassing ability. However, in this embodiment, the first pack 10A has a gas barrier layer, which prevents air from entering the first pack 10A and reduces the ink's degassing ability. This allows the printer to eject ink stably. Furthermore, since there is an air layer 30 between the first pack 10A and the second pack 20A, the second pack 20A can be easily opened.

[0041] The sheet member of the second pack 20A is made of a flexible material. The sheet member is made of a film member such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, or polyethylene. The sheet member may be made by laminating multiple films made of the above materials.

[0042] Next, a method for manufacturing the ink pack 1A will be described. 9, in step S31, ink is stored in the first pack 10A. For example, the air inside the first pack 10A is sucked out via the ink supply unit 15 to degas it. As a result, the volume of the storage unit 13 of the first pack 10A becomes almost zero. After that, ink is injected through the ink supply portion 15 of the degassed first pack 10A, taking care not to entrain air. Note that the ink is preferably degassed before injection to remove dissolved gas. After a predetermined amount of ink is filled into the storage portion 13 of the first pack 10A, a film member FM is attached to the ink supply portion 15. This allows the ink to be stored in a sealed state in the first pack 10A.

[0043] Next, in step S32, the first pack 10A is housed in the second pack 20A. Specifically, the first pack 10A is entirely wrapped in the opened second pack 20A, and the outer periphery of the second pack 20A is adhered with double-sided tape 23. In this way, the first pack 10A is housed in the second pack 20A.

[0044] Next, in step S33, air is injected into the second pack 20A via the injection unit 35. Specifically, with the lid 35b open, the air inside the second pack 20A is injected via the communication path 35a using a compressor or the like. Air is injected into the second pack 20A to the extent that the double-sided tape 23 does not peel off. This pressurizes the inside of the second pack 20A, forming an air layer 30 between the first pack 10A and the second pack 20A. After that, the lid 35b closes the communication path 35a. This forms the ink pack 1A (FIG. 8).

[0045] Next, a method for manufacturing the new ink pack 1A will be described. 10, in step S41, the collected ink packs 1A are separated. Specifically, the double-sided tape 23 provided on the outer periphery of the second pack 20A is peeled off. This opens the second pack 20A, and the first pack 10A and the second pack 20A are separated.

[0046] Next, in step S42, an appearance inspection is performed on the first pack 10A and the second pack 20A. The appearance inspection is performed by visually inspecting or using a stereomicroscope to check the surface condition (scratches, dents, cracks, etc.) of the sheet materials of the first pack 10A and the second pack 20A. Then, based on the inspection results, it is determined whether the first pack 10A or the second pack 20A can be reused, and sorting is performed. In the appearance inspection, the surface condition of the first pack 10A and the second pack 20A may be inspected by touching them with fingers.

[0047] Next, in step S43, either the first pack 10A or the second pack 20A is replaced with a new first pack 10A or second pack 20A. Specifically, for example, if the first pack 10A is reusable and the second pack 20A is not reusable in step S42, the non-reusable second pack 20A is replaced with a new second pack 20A, and the new second pack 20A and the reusable first pack 10A are paired. In step S42, if the first pack 10A is not reusable but the second pack 20A is reusable, the non-reusable first pack 10A is replaced with a new first pack 10A, and the new first pack 10A is paired with the reusable second pack 20A. The following describes the case where a new ink pack 1 is manufactured using a new second pack 20A and a reusable first pack 10A.

[0048] In step S44, ink is stored in first pack 10A via ink supply unit 15. Then, after a predetermined amount of ink has been filled into storage unit 13 of first pack 10A, film member FM is attached to ink supply unit 15. This causes first pack 10A to store ink in a sealed state.

[0049] In step S45, the first pack 10A is housed in a new second pack 20A. Specifically, the first pack 10A is entirely wrapped in the new second pack 20A in an unsealed state, and the outer periphery of the new second pack 20A is adhered with double-sided tape 23. In this way, the first pack 10A is housed in the new second pack 20A.

[0050] Next, in step S46, air is injected into the new second pack 20A via the injection unit 35. Specifically, with the lid 35b open, air is injected into the new second pack 20A via the communication path 35a using a compressor or the like. Air is injected into the second pack 20A to the extent that the double-sided tape 23 does not peel off. This pressurizes the new second pack 20A, forming an air layer 30 between the reused first pack 10A and the new second pack 20A. Thereafter, the communication path 35a is closed by the lid 35b. This forms a new ink pack 1A.

[0051] As described above, according to this embodiment, the ink pack 1A includes an air layer 30 between the first pack 10A and the second pack 20A. This air layer 30 protects the first pack 10A containing ink from external forces. The first pack 10A and the second pack 20A are also separable. Therefore, even if the first pack 10A or the second pack 20A is damaged during collection and transportation of the used ink pack 1A, the damaged pack can be replaced with a new one and the undamaged pack can be reused, providing a new ink pack 1A that maintains the same functionality as a new one. In other words, the ink pack 1A of this embodiment not only provides protection from external forces but also has a reusable function. This eliminates the need for a plastic case to cover the ink pack 1A, reducing the amount of plastic material used and carbon dioxide emissions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1,1A...ink pack, 10,10A...first pack, 13...storage section, 15...ink supply section, 15a...supply path, 20,20A...second pack, 23...double-sided tape, 25...pressure reduction section, 25a...communicating path, 25b...lid section, 30...air layer, 35...injection section, 35a...communicating path, 35b...lid section.

Claims

1. An ink pack capable of supplying ink to an ink consuming device, a first pack capable of containing the ink; a nozzle provided at an end of the first pack in the longitudinal direction, the nozzle being capable of supplying the ink to the ink consuming device; an ink supply unit capable of a second pack capable of accommodating the first pack; The first pack and the second pack are separable, The second pack has a longitudinal end opposite to the end where the ink supply unit is provided. a pressure reducing section that can reduce the pressure of the space between the first pack and the second pack; The first pack and the second pack are brought into close contact with each other by reducing the pressure through the pressure reducing section. Ink pack.

2. 2. The ink pack according to claim 1, The second pack includes a gas barrier layer that can prevent air from entering from the outside. pack.

3. 2. The ink pack according to claim 1, The second pack has a nozzle for injecting air between the first pack and the second pack. Entrance is provided, By injecting air through the injection portion, the gap between the first pack and the second pack is An air layer is formed in the ink pack.

4. 4. The ink pack according to claim 3, The first pack contains an ink containing a gas barrier layer that can prevent air from entering from the outside. pack.

5. The ink pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The outer periphery of the second pack is adhered with an easily peelable member.

6. a first pack capable of containing ink; and a second pack provided at an end of the first pack in the longitudinal direction. an ink supply unit capable of supplying the ink to an ink consuming device; and a second ink supply unit capable of accommodating the first pack. The second pack has a longitudinal end opposite to the end where the ink supply unit is provided. A method for manufacturing an ink pack having a pressure reducing section at an end on the opposite side, The first pack containing the ink is accommodated in the second pack, The pressure reducing section reduces the pressure between the first pack and the second pack, and the first pack and the second pack are brought into close contact with each other.

7. A new method for reusing a part of an ink pack manufactured by the manufacturing method according to claim 6. A method for manufacturing an ink pack, In a state where the first pack and the second pack are in close contact with each other, Air is injected between the first pack and the second pack to separate the first pack and the second pack. After the first pack and the second pack are separated, Either the first pack or the second pack is replaced with a new first pack or A manufacturing method for an ink pack that is replaced with a second pack.

8. a first pack capable of containing ink; and a second pack provided at an end of the first pack in the longitudinal direction. an ink supply unit capable of supplying the ink to an ink consuming device; and a second ink supply unit capable of accommodating the first pack. The second pack has a longitudinal end opposite to the end where the ink supply unit is provided. A method for manufacturing an ink pack having a pressure reducing section at an end on the opposite side, The first pack containing the ink is accommodated in the second pack, Air is injected between the first pack and the second pack, and A method for manufacturing an ink pack in which an air layer is formed between the pack and the ink pack.

9. A new method for reusing a part of an ink pack manufactured by the manufacturing method according to claim 8. A method for manufacturing an ink pack, Separating the first pack from the second pack; Either the first pack or the second pack is replaced with a new first pack or A manufacturing method for an ink pack that is replaced with a second pack.

Images