liquid container
A flexible liquid container with a flexible outlet pipe and internal spacer member with a filter chamber addresses the issue of bag damage from impacts, maintaining container integrity and filtration efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SEIKO EPSON CORP
- Filing Date
- 2022-07-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
Smart Images
Figure 0007882016000001 
Figure 0007882016000002 
Figure 0007882016000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid container.
Background Art
[0002] The liquid container disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a liquid outlet pipe having a spacer member for filtering liquid attached to its tip. This spacer member is connected by a connecting member to a liquid outlet portion for导出 the contained liquid to the outside.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] In the liquid container of Patent Document 1, the spacer member is fixed to the connecting member. Therefore, when the liquid container is dropped or otherwise receives an impact, the spacer member may press against and damage the bag from the inside of the bag of the liquid container.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid container is provided. This liquid container has flexibility and includes a bag for containing liquid inside, a liquid outlet member attached to one end of the bag and having a liquid outlet portion for导出 the liquid to a liquid injection device, a spacer member disposed inside the bag and having a filter chamber in which a filter for filtering the liquid is disposed, and a liquid outlet pipe disposed inside the bag, connected to the filter chamber and the liquid outlet member, and for flowing the liquid filtered by the filter to the liquid outlet portion, and the liquid outlet pipe has flexibility.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0006] [Figure 1] Perspective view of a liquid injection device. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram of the liquid injection device as seen from the front. [Figure 3] A schematic plan view of the liquid supply unit from above. [Figure 4] A schematic perspective view of the liquid supply section. [Figure 5] A schematic exploded perspective view showing the liquid container removed from the case. [Figure 6] A schematic exploded perspective view showing the adapter section detached from the liquid outlet member. [Figure 7] A perspective view of the liquid outlet member with the adapter attached. [Figure 8] Exploded perspective view of the internal structure. [Figure 9] Perspective view of the internal structure. [Figure 10] A schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the internal components. [Figure 11] Front view of the internal structure. [Figure 12] A perspective view of the spacer member seen from above. [Figure 13] A perspective view of the spacer member seen from below. [Figure 14] A plan view of a liquid container according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] A perspective view of a liquid container according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] A perspective view of a liquid discharge member to which the adapter portion according to the third embodiment is attached. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0007] A. First Embodiment: A1. Configuration of the liquid injection device: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the liquid injection device 10 of this embodiment. Figure 1 shows arrows X, Y, and Z indicating three mutually orthogonal directions. Arrows X, Y, and Z are also shown in the other figures as appropriate, corresponding to Figure 1.
[0008] The directions indicated by arrows X, Y, and Z correspond to the orientation of the liquid injection device 10 when it is in its normal operating state. The normal operating state of the liquid injection device 10 is when it is positioned on a horizontal plane. Hereinafter, the directions indicated by arrows X, Y, and Z will be referred to as the "X direction," "Y direction," and "Z direction," respectively. The Z direction is the vertical direction. Of the X directions, one direction will be called the "+X direction," and the other direction will be called the "-X direction." Similarly, for the Y and Z directions, one direction will be called the "+Y direction" and the "+Z direction," and the other direction will be called the "-Y direction" and the "-Z direction." In the following explanation, the -Y direction will also be called the "forward direction," and the +Y direction will also be called the "backward direction." The -X direction will also be called the "right direction," and the +X direction will also be called the "left direction." The -Z direction will also be called the "up direction," and the +Z direction will also be called the "down direction."
[0009] The liquid ejection device 10 is an inkjet printer. The liquid consumed by ejection in the liquid ejection device 10 is ink. The liquid ejection device 10 ejects ink droplets to form a printed image on the medium MP. The medium MP is, for example, cloth or printing paper. The liquid ejection device 10 of this embodiment includes a housing 10c, which is a hollow resin box that constitutes the exterior of the liquid ejection device 10. The housing 10c has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The front part 12 of the housing 10c is provided with an operating part 13, a medium discharge port 14, a medium receiving part 15, and a cover member 18.
[0010] The operation unit 13 has a display unit that displays information to the user and a plurality of operation buttons that accept user input. The media outlet 14 is the outlet for the media MP discharged from inside the liquid injection device 10. The media outlet 14 is a wide, slit-shaped opening in the X direction. The media receiving unit 15 protrudes in a canopy-like manner in the -Y direction below the media outlet 14 and receives the media MP discharged from the media outlet 14.
[0011] The cover member 18 is a resin plate-like member that forms part of the exterior of the liquid injection device 10. The cover member 18 is detachably attached to the housing 10c. The cover member 18 covers and protects the mounting body 105 shown in FIG. 2, which is housed inside the liquid injection device 10.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the liquid injection device 10 as viewed from the front. As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid injection device 10 includes a control unit 20, a discharge execution unit 30, a conveyance roller 36, a liquid supply unit 40, and a case storage unit 60.
[0013] The case storage unit 60 is disposed inside the cover member 18 shown in FIG. 1 and is arranged at the lowermost stage of the liquid injection device 10. Four mounting bodies 105 are stored in the case storage unit 60. Specifically, the four mounting bodies 105 include three first mounting bodies 105a and one second mounting body 105b. The first mounting body 105a and the second mounting body 105b have different sizes. The second mounting body 105b is larger than the first mounting body 105a. The mounting body 105 is composed of a case 61 and a liquid container 100 housed in the case 61. Similarly to the mounting body 105, the four cases 61 include three first cases 61a and one second case 61b. The four liquid containers 100 include three first liquid containers 100a and one second liquid container 100b. The first mounting body 105a is formed by housing the first liquid container 100a in the first case 61a. The second mounting body 105b is formed by housing the second liquid container 100b in the second case 61b. And the second liquid container 100b is larger than the first liquid container 100a. For example, each of the three first liquid containers 100a may contain cyan, magenta, and yellow inks, and the second liquid container 100b may contain black ink.
[0014] The ejection execution unit 30 includes a liquid ejection unit 31, a plurality of tubes 32, and a carriage 34. A nozzle 33 that opens downward is provided on the bottom surface of the liquid ejection unit 31. The liquid ejection unit 31 ejects liquid from the nozzle 33, for example, by applying pressure to ink using a piezo element. The liquid ejection unit 31 is mounted on the carriage 34. The carriage 34 linearly reciprocates in the X direction. The conveyance roller 36 is installed in the X direction below the liquid ejection unit 31. The conveyance roller 36 conveys the medium MP. The plurality of tubes 32 are arranged in the Y direction and are connected to the liquid ejection unit 31.
[0015] The liquid supply unit 40 has four supply pipes 42, a joint part 43, and a suction unit 45. Each of the four supply pipes 42 is connected to each of the four liquid containers 100. The joint part 43 connects each of the four supply pipes 42 and each of the plurality of tubes 32. Ink stored in the liquid container 100 is supplied to the liquid ejection unit 31 via the four supply pipes 42, the joint part 43, and the plurality of tubes 32. The suction unit 45 generates pressure for sending ink from the liquid container 100 to the supply pipe 42.
[0016] The control unit 20 controls the driving of each part in the liquid injection device 10. The control unit 20 is constituted by a microcomputer including at least a central processing unit and a main storage device, and the central processing unit reads and executes various programs in the main storage device to exhibit various functions.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the liquid supply unit 40 seen from above. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the liquid supply unit 40. As shown in FIG. 3, a mounting body 105 is inserted into the case storage unit 60 from the outside in the +Y direction. Four mounting bodies 105 are arranged and stored in the case storage unit 60 in the X direction. In FIG. 3, an arrangement area LA, which is the arrangement position of the mounting body 105 in the case storage unit 60, is indicated by a dashed line.
[0018] In addition to the configuration described above, the liquid supply unit 40 includes four switching mechanisms 50 and a pressure transmission pipe 46. The four switching mechanisms 50 are located on the +Y direction side of the arrangement area LA. Each of the four switching mechanisms 50 is located corresponding to each of the four arrangement areas LA. Specifically, the four switching mechanisms 50 include three first switching mechanisms 50a and one second switching mechanism 50b. Each of the three first switching mechanisms 50a corresponds to each of the three first liquid containers 100a. The second switching mechanism 50b corresponds to the second liquid container 100b.
[0019] As shown in Figure 4, each switching mechanism 50 has a supply needle 51. The supply needle 51 is detachably attached to the liquid container 100. The supply needle 51 has a tubular shape that extends linearly in the -Y direction. The supply needle 51 is connected to the liquid container 100 by inserting its tip 51t into the liquid container 100. The liquid contained in the liquid container 100 then flows through the inside of the supply needle 51. The pressure transmission pipe 46 transmits the pressure generated by the suction section 45.
[0020] A2. Composition of the liquid container: Figure 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the first liquid container 100a removed from the first case 61a. Figure 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the adapter portion 130 removed from the liquid outlet member 120. The second mounting body 105b has the same configuration as the first mounting body 105a. Therefore, the first mounting body 105a will be described as a representative example below, and the description of the second mounting body 105b will be omitted.
[0021] Case 61 is a tray-shaped container with an open top. Case 61 is made of a resin material such as polypropylene. A liquid container 100 is removably housed in Case 61 from above. Two cylindrical guide portions 62 are provided at the +Y end of Case 61, rising upward from the bottom surface of Case 61. The two guide portions 62 guide the adapter portion 130, which will be described later, when the liquid container 100 is housed in Case 61.
[0022] The liquid container 100 comprises a bag 110 shown in Figure 5, an adapter portion 130, an internal structure 200, and a liquid discharge member 120 shown in Figure 6. The bag 110 contains ink as a liquid. The bag 110 is elongated in the -Y direction from one end 621 to the other end 622 and has a flattened shape. The bag 110 is bag-shaped and is formed by attaching multiple flexible films together. Specifically, the bag 110 is formed by overlapping multiple films and joining parts of the periphery to each other, and other parts of the periphery to the adapter portion 130 by methods such as heat welding. In this embodiment, the bag 110 is a so-called gusset-type bag formed from a first surface 111 film, a second surface 112 film, and two films that form gussets, each positioned at both ends in the X direction. Note that the bag 110 is not limited to a gusset type, and may also be a so-called pillow-type bag formed from two films. The film constituting the bag 110 is made of a material having flexibility and gas barrier properties. For example, the film material can be polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, polyethylene, etc. Alternatively, the film may be formed using a laminated structure in which multiple films made of these materials are laminated together. In such a laminated structure, for example, the outer layer may be made of PET or nylon which has excellent impact resistance, and the inner layer may be made of polyethylene which has excellent ink resistance. Furthermore, a film having a layer to which aluminum or the like is vapor-deposited may be used as one of the components of the laminated structure.
[0023] The bag 110 has a first surface 111 that forms the top surface and a second surface 112 that forms the bottom surface. The first surface 111 and the second surface 112 are each made of a single film. The periphery of the overlapping first surface 111 and the second surface 112 is sealed to form a liquid-containing space. The bag 110 has one end 621 and the other end 622 that is opposite to the first end 621. The first end 621 is the end on the +Y direction side. The other end 622 is the end on the -Y direction side. As the liquid inside the bag 110 is consumed, the bag 110 deforms so that the first surface 111 and the second surface 112 move closer to each other.
[0024] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the liquid outlet member 120 with the adapter portion 130 attached, viewed from below.
[0025] As shown in Figure 6, the adapter portion 130 is attached to the liquid outlet member 120 so as to cover it from above. As shown in Figure 7, the upper surface of the adapter portion 130 is provided with two positioning protrusions 133 that project in the Z direction. The liquid outlet member 120 is provided with two positioning holes 122 that penetrate in the Z direction, through which each of the two positioning protrusions 133 is inserted. The adapter portion 130 is attached to the liquid outlet member 120 by inserting each of the two positioning protrusions 133 through each of the two positioning holes 122.
[0026] As shown in Figure 6, the adapter portion 130 is located on one end 621 side of the bag 110. The adapter portion 130 has a closure portion 134 whose outer shape is generally rectangular. The adapter portion 130 is detachably attached to the liquid discharge member 120 which is welded to the bag 110. When the liquid container 100 is attached to the liquid discharge device 10, the adapter portion 130 is connected to the switching mechanism 50 of the liquid discharge device 10. As shown in Figure 7, when the adapter portion 130 is attached, the closure portion 134 is located behind the liquid discharge member 120. As shown in Figure 6, the adapter portion 130 has a through hole portion 131 that opens in the +Y direction. The through hole portion 131 is a hole that penetrates in the Y direction for inserting the liquid discharge portion 121, which will be described later. The adapter portion 130 has a connection terminal 132. The connection terminal 132 is provided, for example, on the surface of a circuit board, which includes a storage unit that stores various information about the liquid container 100. The information about the liquid container 100 includes, for example, information indicating the type of liquid container 100 and the amount of liquid it contains.
[0027] As shown in Figure 7, in addition to the above configuration, the liquid discharge member 120 has a liquid discharge section 121 for discharging liquid to the liquid injection device 10, two cylindrical sections 123, and a welded section 124. The liquid discharge member 120 is attached to one end 621 of the bag 110.
[0028] As shown in Figure 6, one end 621 of the bag 110 is welded to the welded portion 124. As shown in Figure 7, in the Y direction, the liquid outlet portion 121 and the two cylindrical portions 123 are positioned with the welded portion 124 in between. When the bag 110 is welded to the welded portion 124, the two cylindrical portions 123 are located inside the bag 110, and the liquid outlet portion 121 is located outside the bag 110. The liquid outlet portion 121 and the two cylindrical portions 123 each have a cylindrical shape with their axial direction parallel to the Y direction. The two cylindrical portions 123 are aligned in the X direction. The internal space of each cylindrical portion 123 is in communication with the internal space of the liquid outlet portion 121. The first liquid outlet pipe 140a and the second liquid outlet pipe 140b, which will be described later, are attached to the two cylindrical portions 123, respectively, as shown in Figure 5. In the following description, the first liquid outlet tube 140a and the second liquid outlet tube 140b are collectively referred to as the liquid outlet tube 140. When the liquid container 100 is new, a film is welded to the tip of the liquid outlet section 121. When the liquid container 100 is attached to the liquid injection device 10, the film welded to the liquid outlet section 121 is torn by the supply needle 51.
[0029] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the internal structure 200. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the internal structure 200. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the internal structure 200. Figure 11 is a front view of the internal structure 200 as seen from the front. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the spacer member 160 as seen from above. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the spacer member 160 as seen from below. Figures 12 and 13 show the spacer member 160 in a state where the filter 171 and film 172, which will be described later, are not yet joined.
[0030] As shown in Figure 8, the internal structure 200 includes a plurality of liquid outlet tubes 140, a spacer member 160, a filter 171, and a film 172. The spacer member 160 is attached to the end of the liquid outlet tube 140. The filter 171 and the film 172 are attached to the spacer member 160.
[0031] As shown in Figure 5, the multiple liquid outlet tubes 140 are connected to the liquid outlet member 120 and arranged in the liquid storage section 110a, which is the internal space of the bag 110. The multiple liquid outlet tubes 140 include a first liquid outlet tube 140a and a second liquid outlet tube 140b. Each liquid outlet tube 140 is a flexible tube. As the material for each liquid outlet tube 140, for example, a synthetic resin such as elastomer or polypropylene can be used. The material for each liquid outlet tube 140 is preferably a material that does not react with the ink in the bag 110. In this embodiment, the material for each liquid outlet tube 140 is elastomer. Because each liquid outlet tube 140 is flexible, even if the liquid storage body 100 is dropped or subjected to an impact, it can bend in response to the external force, thereby preventing the bag 110 from being pushed in from the inside and damaged.
[0032] The spacer member 160 is a structure for partitioning a region of a certain volume within the liquid-containing section 110a of the bag 110. The spacer member 160 restricts the shrinkage of the bag 110 in the thickness direction. The spacer member 160 is formed from a synthetic resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene.
[0033] As shown in Figure 8, the spacer member 160 has a restricting structure 901 and a filter portion 902. The restricting structure 901 and the filter portion 902 are aligned and in contact in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the restricting structure 901 and the filter portion 902 are integrally molded, but the restricting structure 901 and the filter portion 902 may be formed separately and then integrally joined or assembled.
[0034] The restricting structure 901 is a part that functions as a spacer to restrict the shrinkage of the bag 110 in the thickness direction. The restricting structure 901 has a general shape in which the thickness in the Z direction becomes thinner towards the tip in the -Y direction, and the tip becomes pointed. As shown in Figure 10, the restricting structure 901 has an inclined surface 91 facing the -Z direction and an inclined surface 91 facing the +Z direction. The two inclined surfaces 91 are inclined with respect to the XY plane. The inclined surface 91 facing the -Z direction is inclined toward the +Z direction as it moves toward the -Y direction. The inclined surface 91 facing the +Z direction is inclined toward the -Z direction as it moves toward the -Y direction.
[0035] As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, each of the two inclined surfaces 91 has multiple grooves extending along the X direction. In this embodiment, the term "surface" includes not only surfaces composed solely of flat surfaces, but also surfaces with grooves or recesses formed on their surface, surfaces with protrusions or convex parts formed on their surface, and virtual surfaces enclosed by a frame. In other words, as long as it can be perceived as a "surface" as a whole, it is acceptable for there to be irregularities or through holes in a certain area occupied by that surface.
[0036] As shown in Figure 8, the filter section 902 has a filter chamber 170. As shown in Figure 10, the filter chamber 170 is a portion recessed in the +Z direction from the upper surface of the spacer member 160. The filter chamber 170 is partitioned by the opening 905 being closed by the film 172. The film 172 is welded to the edge of the opening 905.
[0037] As shown in Figure 10, a filter 171 for filtering liquid is placed inside the filter chamber 170. As shown in Figure 8, an internal peripheral portion 906 for welding the filter 171 is provided on the side wall that partitions the filter chamber 170. The filter 171 is then welded to the internal peripheral portion 906. In this embodiment, the filter 171 is mounted parallel to the XY plane.
[0038] As shown in Figure 10, the filter chamber 170 is divided into an upper space S1 and a lower space S2 by the filter 171. In this embodiment, the filter 171 for filtering liquid is made of a SUS metal mesh. The filter 171 may also be made of a metal nonwoven fabric. The filter 171 removes foreign matter mixed into the bag 110 or foreign matter generated within the bag 110.
[0039] The spacer member 160 further includes a first liquid inlet 92 and a second liquid inlet 93 that communicate with the filter chamber 170. The first liquid inlet 92 and the second liquid inlet 93 are openings for introducing liquid into the filter chamber 170. More specifically, the first liquid inlet 92 and the second liquid inlet 93 communicate with the upper space S1 of the filter chamber 170. The flow path of the first liquid inlet 92 and the flow path of the second liquid inlet 93 merge at a confluence 907 located upstream of the upper space S1. As shown in Figures 8 and 12, the confluence 907 is provided with ribs 908 that protrude in the -Z direction from the bottom surface that defines the confluence 907. The provision of ribs 908 prevents the film 172 from coming into contact with the bottom surface that defines the confluence 907.
[0040] As shown in Figure 10, the first liquid inlet 92 and the second liquid inlet 93 are positioned at different heights when the liquid container 100 is in use. Specifically, when the liquid container 100 is in use, the second liquid inlet 93 is positioned higher in the Z direction than the first liquid inlet 92. This allows the lower concentration liquid at the top of the bag 110 and the higher concentration liquid at the bottom of the bag 110 to be mixed within the spacer member 160 and supplied to the liquid injection device when the liquid contains sedimentation components. Thus, the concentration of the liquid supplied to the liquid injection device 10 can be stabilized. The second liquid inlet 93 is located at the -Y direction end of the filter chamber 170, near the upper end of the regulating structure 901, and is formed to face the -Y direction. On the other hand, the first liquid inlet 92 is located near the lower end of the regulating structure 901 and is formed to face the +Z direction. In this embodiment, the opening area of the first liquid inlet 92 is larger than the opening area of the second liquid inlet 93. The opening area is the area of the portion of each inlet that opens towards the space inside the bag 110. This makes the flow resistance of the first liquid inlet 92 smaller than that of the second liquid inlet 93. Therefore, if the liquid contains sedimentation components, the liquid in the lower part of the bag 110, which has a higher concentration than the liquid in the upper part of the bag 110, can be preferentially supplied to the liquid injection device 10.
[0041] As shown in Figure 11, the regulating structure 901 further has a first groove 912 and a second groove 913 extending in the Y direction. As shown in Figure 13, the first groove 912 is formed on an inclined surface 91 facing +Z. The first groove 912 is formed in the Y direction from the -Y end of the regulating structure 901 to the first liquid inlet 92. Similarly, as shown in Figure 12, the second groove 913 is formed on an inclined surface 91 facing -Z. The second groove 913 is formed in the Y direction from the -Y end of the regulating structure 901 to the second liquid inlet 93. As shown in Figure 11, the first groove 912 is formed recessed in the -Z direction from the inclined surface 91 facing +Z. The bottom surface of the first groove 912 is approximately parallel to the XY plane and close to the XY plane passing through the central axis CX of the regulating structure 901. Similarly, the second groove 913 is formed as a recess in the +Z direction from the inclined surface 91 facing -Z. The bottom surface of the second groove 913 is approximately parallel to the XY plane and close to the XY plane passing through the central axis CX. As shown in Figure 10, the formation of the first groove 912 allows liquid in front of the first liquid inlet 92 within the liquid container 100 to flow through the first groove 912 and be introduced into the first liquid inlet 92. Similarly, the formation of the second groove 913 allows liquid in front of the second liquid inlet 93 to flow through the second groove 913 and be introduced into the second liquid inlet 93. Therefore, the formation of the first groove 912 and the second groove 913 makes it easier to introduce liquid into the first liquid inlet 92 and the second liquid inlet 93.
[0042] As shown in Figure 8, two cylindrical second protrusions 141 and 142 are arranged side by side in the X direction at the +Y direction end of the filter section 902. As shown in Figure 10, the internal spaces of each of the second protrusions 141 and 142 communicate with the lower space S2 of the filter chamber 170. As shown in Figure 8, the first liquid outlet pipe 140a and the second liquid outlet pipe 140b are connected to the second protrusions 141 and 142, respectively.
[0043] As shown in Figure 10, the liquids flowing in from the first liquid inlet 92 and the second liquid inlet 93 merge at the confluence 907, then flow from the upper space S1 through the filter 171 into the lower space S2. As a result, the liquid is filtered by the filter 171. The liquid filtered by the filter 171 passes through the flow paths in the second protrusions 141, 142, each liquid outlet pipe 140, and each cylindrical section 123, merges within the liquid outlet member 120, and is then discharged to the outside from the liquid outlet section 121. Thus, liquid from which foreign matter has been removed can be supplied to the liquid injection device 10.
[0044] According to the first embodiment described above, since each liquid outlet tube 140 is flexible, it can bend in accordance with the external force it receives when subjected to impact, thereby preventing the spacer member 160 from damaging the bag 110 from the inside.
[0045] B. Second Embodiment: Figure 14 is a plan view of the liquid container 2100 according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, after the liquid contained in the liquid container 2100 is consumed, the liquid is refilled and the liquid container 2100 can be used again. As shown in Figure 14, the liquid container 2100 according to this embodiment differs from the liquid container 100 according to the first embodiment in that it has two liquid outlet members 120 and two adapter parts 130. Components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted as appropriate.
[0046] In this embodiment, a liquid outlet member 120 is attached to one end 621 of the liquid container 2100, and another liquid outlet member 120 is attached to the other end 622 of the liquid container 2100. The liquid outlet member 120 attached to the one end 621 is fitted with an internal structure 200, similar to the first embodiment. In contrast, the liquid outlet member 120 attached to the other end 622 is not fitted with an internal structure 200. As described above, the liquid outlet member 120 attached to the other end 622 includes a liquid outlet section 121 which serves as a liquid flow path section with a liquid flow path that communicates with the inside of the bag 110.
[0047] Since the liquid outlet member 120 is attached to the other end 622, after the liquid contained in the liquid container 100 is consumed, the liquid can be refilled into the bag 110 through the liquid outlet portion 121 of the liquid outlet member 120 attached to the other end 622. Furthermore, by refilling the liquid using the liquid outlet member 120 attached to the other end 622, foreign matter can be properly removed from the liquid using the filter 171 during the process of supplying the refilled liquid to the liquid injection device 10.
[0048] If, for example, the liquid is refilled from the liquid outlet 121 attached to one end 621, and the liquid contains foreign matter, the foreign matter will be captured by the filter 171 shown in Figure 10 and remain in the lower space S2. Then, in the process of supplying the liquid to the liquid injection device 10, the foreign matter remaining in the lower space S2 is supplied to the liquid injection device 10. In this respect, according to this embodiment, even if the liquid to be refilled contains foreign matter, the liquid to be refilled is filled into the bag 110 without passing through the internal structure 200. Therefore, in the process of supplying the liquid to the liquid injection device 10, the foreign matter contained in the liquid can be removed by the filter 171.
[0049] In this embodiment, an adapter portion 130 is attached to the liquid outlet member 120 attached to the other end 622. This protects the liquid outlet portion 121 of the other end 622. Furthermore, the liquid outlet member 120 attached to the other end 622 is the same as the liquid outlet member 120 attached to the one end 621. This allows the use of a common liquid outlet member 120, thereby suppressing an increase in manufacturing costs.
[0050] According to the second embodiment described above, the liquid container 2100 has a liquid outlet 121 attached to the other end 622, which communicates with the inside of the bag 110, in addition to the liquid outlet member 120 at one end 621 to which the internal structure 200 is attached. Therefore, the liquid for refilling can be injected into the liquid container 2100 through the liquid outlet 121 at the other end 622 without passing through the filter 171. Furthermore, the liquid outlet 121 used for refilling is attached to the other end 622. As a result, by changing the length from one end 621 to the other end 622 of the bag 110, the liquid container 2100 can be used with the existing liquid injection device 10.
[0051] C. Third Embodiment: Figure 15 is a perspective view of the liquid container 3100 according to the third embodiment. Figure 16 is a perspective view of the liquid outlet member 3120 according to the third embodiment with the adapter portion 130 attached. In this embodiment as well as in the second embodiment, after the liquid contained in the liquid container 3100 is consumed, the liquid is refilled and the liquid container 3100 can be used again. As shown in Figure 15, the liquid container 3100 according to this embodiment differs from the liquid container 100 according to the first embodiment in that the liquid outlet member 3120 is provided with a liquid flow path portion 125. Components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.
[0052] As shown in Figure 15, a liquid channel section 125 is formed in the liquid outlet member 3120. Specifically, as shown in Figure 16, the liquid channel section 125 is located at the -X end of the welded portion 124. A through hole penetrating the liquid channel section 125 in the Y direction becomes a liquid channel that communicates with the inside of the bag 110. The liquid channel section 125 has a channel opening 125a that opens onto the surface of the liquid outlet member 3120, specifically the welded portion 124. A film (not shown) is welded to the channel opening 125a.
[0053] Since the liquid outlet member 3120 is provided with a liquid channel section 125, after the liquid contained in the liquid container 3100 is consumed, the liquid can be refilled into the bag 110 through the liquid channel section 125. Furthermore, by refilling the liquid using the liquid channel section 125, as in the second embodiment, foreign matter can be appropriately removed from the liquid using the filter 171 during the process of supplying the refilled liquid to the liquid injection device 10. When refilling the liquid, the film welded to the channel opening 125a is removed, the liquid is refilled, and then the film is welded to the channel opening 125a again.
[0054] As shown in Figure 16, the closure portion 134 of the adapter portion 130 covers the flow channel opening 125a. This protects the flow channel opening 125a. Furthermore, because the flow channel opening 125a is covered by the closure portion 134, it becomes difficult for the user to see the flow channel opening 125a, thus preventing the user from accidentally touching the flow channel opening 125a.
[0055] According to the third embodiment described above, the liquid outlet member 3120 has a liquid flow path section 125 separate from the liquid outlet section 121. Therefore, the liquid for refilling can be injected into the liquid container 3100 through the liquid flow path section 125 without passing through the filter 171. In addition, since the adapter section 130 has a closing section 134 that covers the flow path opening 125a, the flow path opening 125a can be protected.
[0056] D. Other Embodiments (D1) In the second embodiment described above, the liquid discharge member 120 for refilling is attached to the other end 622. The attachment position of the liquid discharge member 120 for refilling is not limited to the other end 622, but may be, for example, a side of the bag 110 parallel to the Y direction.
[0057] E. Other forms: This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various configurations without departing from its spirit. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each of the embodiments described below can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be deleted as appropriate.
[0058] (1) According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a liquid container is provided. The liquid container comprises a flexible bag for containing a liquid inside, a liquid discharge member attached to one end of the bag and having a liquid discharge section for discharging the liquid to a liquid injection device, a spacer member disposed inside the bag and having a filter chamber in which a filter for filtering the liquid is disposed, and a liquid discharge pipe disposed inside the bag and connected to the filter chamber and the liquid discharge member, for discharging the liquid filtered by the filter to the liquid discharge section, wherein the liquid discharge pipe is flexible. According to this embodiment, because the liquid discharge pipe is flexible, it can bend in accordance with the external force received when subjected to impact, thereby preventing the spacer member from damaging the bag from the inside.
[0059] (2) In the liquid container of the above form, a liquid channel section may be provided, separate from the liquid outlet section, in which a liquid channel is formed that communicates with the inside of the bag. In this form, since the liquid channel section is separate from the liquid outlet section, the liquid for refilling can be injected into the liquid container through the liquid channel section without passing through a filter.
[0060] (3) In the liquid container of the above form, the liquid container may be attached to the other end of the bag opposite to the one end of the bag. With this form, by changing the length from one end to the other of the bag, it can be used in existing liquid spraying devices.
[0061] (4) In the liquid container of the above form, the liquid flow path may be formed in the liquid outlet member. This form allows for the provision of a liquid flow path without increasing the number of members.
[0062] (5) In the liquid container of the above form, an adapter portion may be provided which is detachably attached to the liquid outlet member and connects the liquid outlet member to the liquid injection device, the liquid flow path portion has a flow path opening that opens to the surface of the liquid outlet member, and the adapter portion has a closing portion that covers the flow path opening. In this form, the closing portion can protect the flow path opening.
[0063] In addition to the above-described embodiments, this disclosure can also be implemented in forms such as a method for manufacturing a liquid container, and a liquid ejection system comprising a liquid ejection device and a liquid container. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0064] 10...Liquid injection device, 10c...Housing, 12...Front section, 13...Operation section, 14...Media outlet, 15...Media receiving section, 18...Cover member, 20...Control unit, 30...Discharge execution unit, 31...Liquid discharge unit, 32...Tube, 33...Nozzle, 34...Carriage, 36...Conveyor roller, 40...Liquid supply unit, 42...Supply piping, 43...Joint section, 45...Suction unit, 46...Pressure transmission piping, 50...Switching mechanism, 50a...First switching mechanism, 5 0b...Second switching mechanism, 51...Supply needle, 51t...Tip, 60...Case storage section, 61...Case, 61a...First case, 61b...Second case, 62...Guide section, 91...Inclined surface, 92...First liquid inlet, 93...Second liquid inlet, 100, 2100, 3100...Liquid container, 100a...First liquid container, 100b...Second liquid container, 105...Mounting unit, 105a...First mounting unit, 105b...Second mounting unit, 110...Bag 110a...Liquid containment section, 111...First surface, 112...Second surface, 120, 3120...Liquid outlet member, 121...Liquid outlet section, 122...Hole, 123...Cylindrical section, 124...Welded section, 125...Liquid flow path section, 125a...Flow path opening, 130...Adapter section, 131...Through hole section, 132...Connection terminal, 133...Protrusion, 134...Closing section, 140...Liquid outlet tube, 140a...First liquid outlet tube, 140b...Second liquid outlet tube, 141, 14 2…Second protrusion, 160…Spacer member, 170…Filter chamber, 171…Filter, 172…Film, 200…Internal structure, 621…One end, 622…Other end, 901…Restricting structure, 902…Filter section, 905…Opening, 906…Internal peripheral edge, 907…Confluence section, 908…Rib, 912…First groove, 913…Second groove, CX…Central axis, LA…Placement area, MP…Media, S1…Upper space, S2…Lower space
Claims
1. A liquid container, A bag that contains a liquid inside and is deformable as the liquid is consumed, A liquid discharge member attached to one end of the bag and having a liquid discharge section for discharging the liquid to a liquid spraying device, A spacer member having a filter chamber in which a filter for filtering the liquid is placed, which is disposed inside the bag, A liquid outlet pipe is placed inside the bag, connected to the filter chamber and the liquid outlet member, and is used to allow the liquid filtered by the filter to flow to the liquid outlet section. Separate from the liquid outlet section, there is a liquid channel section in which a liquid channel is formed that communicates with the inside of the bag, The device comprises an adapter portion that is detachably attached to the liquid discharge member and connects the liquid discharge member to the liquid injection device, The liquid outlet tube is formed using at least one of elastomer and polypropylene, and is flexible. The liquid flow channel section is formed in the liquid outlet member and has a flow channel opening that opens to the surface of the liquid outlet member. The adapter portion is a liquid container having a closing portion that covers the flow channel opening.
2. A liquid container according to claim 1, The aforementioned liquid flow channel section is A liquid container attached to the other end of the bag opposite to the one end of the bag.