JP4770830B2 - Liquid container - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid container.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, ink jet recording apparatuses are widely known as liquid ejecting apparatuses that eject liquid onto a target. Specifically, the ink jet recording apparatus includes a carriage, a recording head mounted on the carriage, and an ink cartridge that stores ink as a liquid. Then, while moving the carriage relative to the recording medium, ink is supplied from the ink cartridge to the recording head, and ink is ejected from the nozzles formed on the recording head, whereby printing is performed on the recording medium. It was like that. Such an ink cartridge usually includes a bag-shaped ink pack for storing ink and a case for storing the ink pack.

  By the way, in the ink jet recording apparatus, the use of pigment ink is spreading instead of dye ink. Since this pigment ink is an aqueous dispersion, there is a problem of sedimentation of pigment particles. For example, if the ink particles are left in the state of an ink pack on a shelf or a store shelf for a long time, the pigment particles gradually settle inside the ink pack, so the concentration of the pigment particles in the direction from the bottom to the top of the ink pack. Inclination occurs. That is, a layer having a high density and a dark color is formed at the bottom of the ink pack, while a layer having a low density and a light color is formed at the top of the ink pack. In this state, when the ink pack is accommodated in the ink cartridge, mounted in the ink jet recording apparatus, and printing is started, ink having a density gradient is supplied from the ink pack. Therefore, a change in ink density, that is, a change in color has occurred in the process of using the ink.

To solve this problem, a driven shaft portion is provided for the ink cartridge, and the ink cartridge provided with the ink pack is rotated 180 degrees around the driven shaft portion as a rotation center to stir the ink inside the ink pack. There has been a rotary ink cartridge that makes the density uniform (for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-200764

  However, the rotation type ink cartridge described in Patent Document 1 requires a space for rotation for rotating the rotation type ink cartridge, which increases the size of the entire apparatus. Also, a mechanism for rotating the rotary ink cartridge is necessary, which increases the number of parts and complicates the apparatus.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid container that can reduce changes in color in the process of using liquid while being simple and small. There is to do.

In order to solve the above problems, the liquid container according to the present invention stores the liquid supplied to the liquid ejecting apparatus and supplies the stored liquid to the liquid ejecting apparatus by being mounted on the liquid ejecting apparatus. A possible liquid container comprising: a single liquid container that contains the liquid; and a lead-out member that is connected to the liquid container and has a liquid channel that communicates the outside with the inside of the liquid container. provided, the liquid container side of the delivery member is provided two liquid suction passage for sucking a liquid, each liquid inlet pathway have equal flow path cross-sectional area, the liquid container accommodates liquid flexible a liquid storage bag provided with the outlet member communicating with the liquid storage portion and a liquid containing portion having the is formed of a case member for accommodating the liquid containing bag, the respective liquid inlet pathway further, the In a liquid containing bag, The liquid container becomes an upper region and a lower region across the central axis in the vertical direction in a state where the central axis passing through the center of the liquid flow path in the outlet member is along the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. in position, Ru respectively.

According to the present invention, the two liquid suction paths provided on the liquid storage portion side of the outlet member are arranged in the liquid storage bag, and the central axis passing through the center of the liquid flow path in the outlet member is perpendicular to the central axis. Since the liquid crystal is provided in the upper region and the lower region with the central axis in the vertical direction along the direction perpendicular to the direction, the lower portion and the lower portion of the liquid concentration in the upper region of the liquid container Liquid can be sucked in both from the area where the liquid concentration is high. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the change in color between the beginning and end of use of the liquid.

Furthermore, the liquid container includes: a liquid container having a flexible liquid container that stores the liquid; a liquid container including a lead member that communicates with the liquid container; and a case member that stores the liquid container. Since it is formed, for example, the liquid container can be placed in the liquid ejecting apparatus in a flat, vertical, or oblique state. When the liquid container is placed flat, vertically, or obliquely in the liquid ejecting apparatus, the two liquid suction passages are the upper regions sandwiching the central axis in the vertical direction in the liquid containing bag. And in the lower region. As a result, the liquid can be sucked from both the portion where the concentration of the liquid in the upper region of the liquid container is low and the portion where the concentration of the liquid in the lower region is high. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the change in color between the beginning and end of use of the liquid while being simple and small in size.

The liquid container of the present invention, the liquid containing bag is facing the film member are overlapped in their state of sandwiching the lead-out member in one side of said liquid containing portion flat by welding the edges together are shaped bag-like, each liquid inlet path is formed on both sides of the superposing direction of said film member of the liquid containing bag.
According to the present invention, the liquid suction path is formed in a flat bag shape by overlapping the film members facing each other in a state where the lead-out member is sandwiched on one side and welding the edges. because it is formed on both sides superposition direction of the film member in, for example, upon the placing in a liquid ejecting apparatus in a state of placing the liquid container flat, two liquid suction passage, in the liquid containing bag It is located in the upper region and the lower region with the central axis in the vertical direction. As a result, the liquid can be sucked from both the portion where the concentration of the liquid in the upper region of the liquid container is low and the portion where the concentration of the liquid in the lower region is high. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the change in color between the beginning and end of use of the liquid while being simple and small in size.

The liquid container of the present invention, the liquid containing bag is facing the film member are overlapped in their state of sandwiching the lead-out member in one side of said liquid containing portion flat by welding the edges together is formed into a bag-like shape, the respective liquid inlet path is formed on both sides of a direction perpendicular to the direction superposition of said film member of the liquid containing bag.
According to the present invention, the liquid suction path is formed in a flat bag shape by overlapping the film members facing each other in a state where the lead-out member is sandwiched on one side and welding the edges. in order to overlay formed on both sides of a direction perpendicular to the direction of the film member, for example, upon the placing in a liquid ejecting apparatus in the form of vertically a liquid container, two liquid suction passage, the liquid It comes to be located in the upper region and the lower region that sandwich the central axis in the vertical direction in the containing bag . As a result, the liquid can be sucked from both the portion where the concentration of the liquid in the upper region of the liquid container is low and the portion where the concentration of the liquid in the lower region is high. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the change in color between the beginning and end of use of the liquid while being simple and small in size.

The liquid container of the present invention, the liquid containing bag is facing the film member are overlapped in their state of sandwiching the lead-out member in one side of said liquid containing portion flat by welding the edges together are shaped bag-like, each liquid inlet path is formed on both sides of the direction inclined with respect to the direction superposition said film member of the liquid containing bag.
According to the present invention, the liquid suction path is formed in a flat bag shape by overlapping the film members facing each other in a state where the lead-out member is sandwiched on one side and welding the edges. because it is formed on both sides of a direction inclined to the direction overlay film member in, for example, upon the placing in a liquid ejecting apparatus in a state of placing obliquely liquid container, two liquid suction passage Then, it is located in the upper region and the lower region sandwiching the central axis in the vertical direction in the liquid storage bag . As a result, the liquid can be sucked from both the portion where the concentration of the liquid in the upper region of the liquid container is low and the portion where the concentration of the liquid in the lower region is high. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the change in color between the beginning and end of use of the liquid while being simple and small in size.

The liquid container of the present invention, in the case member, the with the liquid containing bag is more accommodating, central axis a plurality of the liquid containing bag through the center of the liquid flow passage in the leading member of each The liquid storage portions are accommodated at the same angle with respect to a straight line that is parallel to each other so that a part of the liquid storage portions overlap with each other and that connects the central axes of the lead-out members. The member is fixed to the side wall of the case member so as to be located on the same line.

According to the present invention, the case member stores a plurality of liquid storage bags, and the plurality of liquid storage bags have a central axis passing through the center of the liquid flow path in each lead-out member and a liquid storage portion. The liquid storage portions are stored at the same angle with respect to a straight line that is shifted from each other so as to partially overlap and connects the central axes of the lead-out members, and the lead-out members are positioned on the same line on the side wall of the case member For example, the liquid container can be placed in the liquid ejecting apparatus in an oblique state. When the liquid container is placed in the liquid ejecting apparatus in an oblique state, the two liquid suction paths are located in an upper region and a lower region sandwiching the central axis in the vertical direction in the liquid container bag. It becomes like this. As a result, the liquid can be sucked from both the portion where the concentration of the liquid in the upper region of the liquid container is low and the portion where the concentration of the liquid in the lower region is high. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the change in color between the beginning and end of use of the liquid while being simple and small in size.
The liquid container of the present invention is a liquid container that can supply a liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejecting apparatus and can be supplied to the liquid ejecting apparatus by being mounted on the liquid ejecting apparatus . and a single liquid accommodating portion for accommodating the liquid, a leading member having a liquid passage communicating the interior with the outside is connected to the liquid storage portion the liquid storage portion, the liquid containing portion side of the lead member A liquid suction member connected to the liquid suction member, wherein the liquid suction member is provided with two liquid suction passages for sucking liquid, and the liquid suction passages further have equal channel cross-sectional areas and are located in the liquid suction member. And an upper region and a lower region sandwiching the central axis in a vertical direction in a state where a central axis passing through a center of the liquid flow path in the outlet member is along a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. Position , Ru respectively provided.
According to this invention, since the liquid suction member in which two liquid suction paths are formed is connected to the liquid storage portion side of the lead-out member, for example, a liquid container in which no liquid suction path is formed in the lead-out member, In addition, by simply connecting the liquid suction member to the lead-out member, the liquid can be sucked from both the portion having a low liquid concentration in the upper region of the liquid container and the portion having a high liquid concentration in the lower region. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the change in color between the beginning and end of use of the liquid while being simple and small in size.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ink jet recording apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a printer 1) as a liquid ejecting apparatus of the present embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 7 provided in the printer 1.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the printer 1 of the present embodiment is an ink jet type and includes a frame 2. The printer 1 includes a guide member 3, a carriage 4, a recording head 5, a valve unit 6, an ink cartridge 7 as a liquid container, and an air pressure pump 8 in the frame 2. The frame 2 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box, and a cartridge holder 2a is formed on the front surface thereof.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the guide member 3 is formed in a rod shape and is installed in the frame 2. In the present embodiment, the direction in which the guide member 3 is installed is referred to as a main scanning direction. The carriage 4 is inserted so as to be relatively movable with respect to the guide member 3, and can be reciprocated in the main scanning direction. The carriage 4 is connected to a carriage motor (not shown) via a timing belt (not shown). The carriage motor is supported by the frame 2, and when the carriage motor is driven, the carriage 4 is driven via the timing belt, and the carriage 4 is reciprocated along the guide member 3, that is, in the main scanning direction. .

  On the other hand, the recording head 5 is provided on the lower surface of the carriage 4 and includes a plurality of nozzles (not shown) for ejecting ink as liquid. The valve unit 6 is mounted on the carriage 4 and supplies the temporarily stored ink to the recording head 5 with the pressure adjusted.

  In the present embodiment, the valve unit 6 can individually supply two types of ink to the recording head 5 with the pressure adjusted. In the present embodiment, a total of three valve units 6 are provided, which correspond to six ink colors (black, yellow, magenta, cyan, light magenta, and light cyan).

  Further, a platen (not shown) is provided below the recording head 5, and this platen is fed by a paper feeding means (not shown) in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. Support P.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ink cartridge 7 is detachably accommodated in the cartridge holder 2a, and six ink cartridges 7 are provided corresponding to the ink colors described above.
As shown in FIG. 3, the ink cartridge 7 is disposed in a flat state. That is, the cartridge case 9 as the case member is disposed with the bottom surface 9a facing down, and the cartridge case 9 includes a liquid container and an ink pack 10 as a liquid storage bag. As shown in FIG. 4, the ink pack 10 includes a bag portion 11 as a liquid storage portion for storing ink and a lead-out portion 12 as a lead-out member, and ink is enclosed in the bag portion 11, and the sealed ink Is derived from the deriving unit 12. At this time, the ink pack 10 is set in a state where a part of the lead-out portion 12 is exposed from the cartridge case 9, and the other part is stored in the cartridge case 9 in an airtight state. The cartridge case 9 is provided with an air inlet (not shown) so as to communicate with a gap S formed between the cartridge case 9 and the ink pack 10. With this configuration, it is possible to generate a force that crushes the ink pack 10 by increasing the pressure in the gap S by flowing air from the air inlet.

  On the other hand, the lead-out part 12 of the ink pack 10 is connected to the valve unit 6 via an ink supply tube 14 (see FIG. 2) provided for each ink color. The valve unit 6 is connected to the recording head 5 as described above. With this configuration, the ink in the ink pack 10 is supplied to the valve unit 6 via the ink supply tube 14. In FIG. 3, only one of the six ink cartridges 7 is illustrated, and the remaining five ink cartridges 7 have the same structure, and thus illustration thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the air pressurization pump 8 is fixed to the back side of the frame 2. And the air pressurization pump 8 attracts | sucks air | atmosphere and discharges the attracted | sucked air | atmosphere as pressurized air. The air pressure pumps 8 are connected to the air inlets of the corresponding ink cartridges 7 via six air tubes (not shown). With this configuration, the air pressurized by the air pressurizing pump 8 is introduced into the gap S of the ink cartridge 7 through the air tube.

  Therefore, for example, when pressurized air flows into the gap S from the air pressure pump 8 and the ink packs 10 of the ink cartridges 7 are pressurized, the ink in the ink packs 10 is supplied to the valve unit 6. The The ink temporarily stored in the valve unit 6 is supplied to the recording head 5 with the pressure adjusted. Based on the image data, the printer 1 moves the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction while moving the recording medium P in the sub-scanning direction by the paper feeding means, and ejects ink from the recording head 5, thereby recording the recording medium. Printing is performed on P.

Next, the configuration of the ink pack 10 housed in the cartridge case 9 described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 4, the ink pack 10 includes a bag portion 11 and a lead-out portion 12. In this embodiment, the bag part 11 is composed of two rectangular film members 11a and 11b. Each film member 11a, 11b is formed by vapor-depositing a gas barrier layer such as aluminum on a thermoplastic resin layer such as a polypropylene film. The bag part 11 has both film members 11a and 11b facing each other with the thermoplastic resin layer facing each other with the lead-out part 12 sandwiched between the center parts of the one side, and the edges of the four sides are heat-welded. By doing so, it is formed in a flat bag shape. The derivation | leading-out part 12 is formed from the resin which can be heat-welded with the thermoplastic resin layer of film member 11a, 11b. Various inks are stored in the inner space of the bag portion 11 in a degassed state.

  Next, the derivation unit 12 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the derivation unit 12 includes a first tubular body 15 and a second tubular body 16. The first tubular body 15 has the second tubular body 16 fitted into a fitting recess 18 formed at the base end thereof. As shown in FIG. 8, the second tube body 16 as the liquid suction member is provided so as to be disposed in the bag portion 11 of the ink pack 10.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the first tubular body 15 has a fitting portion 20, a welded portion 22, and a cylindrical portion 24. As shown in FIG. 8, the fitting portion 20 includes a fitting recess 18 in the base end face 26. As shown in FIG. 5, a columnar first engaging protrusion 28 and a second engaging protrusion 30 project from the base end face 26 with the fitting recess 18 interposed therebetween.

  The welded portion 22 has a boat-shaped cross section, and as shown in FIG. 8, the outer peripheral surface is sandwiched between the film members 11a and 11b, and the film members 11a and 11b are fixed. More specifically, the film member 11a is sealed on the upper surface 22a of the welded portion 22 (the upper surface when the ink pack 10 is stored in the cartridge case 9) so as to seal the first bypass channel 32 formed on the upper surface 22a. It is fixed. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 8, the second bypass flow path 34 formed on the lower surface 22b is sealed on the lower surface 22b of the welded portion 22 (the lower surface when the ink pack 10 is stored in the cartridge case 9). Thus, the film member 11b is fixed.

  The cylindrical portion 24 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. In these fitting part 20, welding part 22, and cylindrical part 24, a first communication hole 36, a second communication hole 38 as a liquid flow path, and the like from the fitting part 20 toward the cylindrical part 24, and A third communication hole 40 is formed through. Then, the ink stored in the bag portion 11 is taken out via the first communication hole 36, the second communication hole 38, and the third communication hole 40. The first communication hole 36 communicates with the first bypass channel 32 and the second bypass channel 34. The first and second bypass flow paths 32 and 34 are used when filling the bag portion 11 with ink. The second communication hole 38 has a larger diameter than the first communication hole 36, and includes a center hole 38a and a plurality of communication grooves 38b formed in the center hole 38a. The center hole 38a has a substantially circular cross section. The communication groove 38b is recessed in the inner peripheral surface of the center hole 38a. Here, the communication groove 38b is formed in two places on the inner peripheral surface of the center hole 38a. The third communication hole 40 is formed in the cylindrical portion 24.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a first valve mechanism V <b> 1 is provided in the first tube body 15. The first valve mechanism V <b> 1 includes a valve body 50 and a seal member 52. The outer diameter of the valve body 50 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the central hole 38a, and the central hole 38a is slidable in the central axis X direction. A recess 50d is provided on the surface of the valve body 50 on the seal member 52 side.

  The seal member 52 is made of a flexible material such as an elastomer and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The insertion hole 52a that penetrates the center of the seal member 52 has an inner diameter on the valve body 50 side that is a diameter that allows a hollow needle (not shown) provided in the ink supply tube 14 to be tightly fitted, and is directed toward the outlet side. According to the expansion. A valve seat 54 projects from the proximal end surface 52b of the seal member 52 so as to surround the opening of the insertion hole 52a. When the valve body 50 is seated on the valve seat 54, the insertion hole 52 a of the seal member 52 is closed by the valve body 50. The hollow needle is formed in a hollow shape, and the ink flows into the inside through the hole.

  Furthermore, the first valve mechanism V <b> 1 includes a coil spring 56 that biases the valve body 50. The coil spring 56 is supported and fixed in the center hole 38a so as to urge the valve body 50 toward the seal member 52. When no force is applied from the outside, the coil spring 56 urges the valve body 50 so as to be in pressure contact with the valve seat 54 of the seal member 52 as shown in FIG. When the hollow needle is inserted into the recess 50 d of the valve body 50 through the insertion hole 52 a of the seal member 52, the valve body 50 moves in a direction away from the seal member 52 against the biasing force of the coil spring 56. . At this time, the tip of the hollow needle is inserted in a state of being sealed by the seal member 52. Further, when the valve body 50 is separated from the seal member 52, the hole of the hollow needle, the center hole 38a on the opposite side across the valve body 50, and the communication groove 38b are connected. Therefore, when the ink in the bag portion 11 is introduced into the second communication hole 38 through the first communication hole 36, the ink is centered on the seal member 52 side with the valve body 50 interposed therebetween through the communication groove 38b. It is guided to the hole 38a and flows into the ink supply tube 14 from the hole of the hollow needle.

  That is, when the ink cartridge 7 is attached to the cartridge holder 2 a, the hollow needle is inserted into the seal member 52, and the ink is supplied to the valve unit 6 through the ink supply tube 14.

  The second tube body 16 fitted in the fitting recess 18 of the first tube body 15 is made of, for example, polypropylene. As shown in FIG. 5, the second tube body 16 includes a tube main body 58, a flange 60 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the proximal end side of the tube main body 58, and an ink introduction portion 62 formed on the proximal end surface of the tube main body 58. have. The tube main body 58 has an elliptical cross section, and the second tube body 16 and the first tube body 15 are connected and fixed by being press-fitted into the fitting recess 18 of the first tube body 15. As shown in FIG. 8, the tube main body 58 is formed with a guide hole 64 that penetrates the central portion thereof, and the guide hole 64 communicates with the first communication hole 36 of the first tube body 15. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the flange 60 is formed with a pair of left and right fitting holes 68 and 70. Then, when the pipe body 58 is press-fitted into the fitting recess 18, the first engagement protrusion 28 and the second engagement protrusion 30 of the first tube body 15 are inserted into the fitting holes 68 and 70, The second tubular body 16 is fixed to the first tubular body 15 by caulking the tips of the first engaging protrusion 28 and the second engaging protrusion 30 that protrude from the flange 60.

  The ink introduction part 62 is a base end face of the tube main body 58, and a pair of left and right walls 62a and 62b projecting from the guide hole 64 and a regulation wall connected between the pair of left and right walls 62a and 62b. 62c. The pair of left and right walls 62 a and 62 b restrict ink from flowing into the guide hole 64 from the left and right sides of the guide hole 64 of the tube main body 58. As shown in FIG. 8, the regulating wall 62c is positioned opposite to the guide hole 64 of the pipe body 58, and is formed to be separated from the guide hole 64 and connected between the pair of left and right walls 62a and 62b. Therefore, the ink is restricted from flowing into the guide hole 64 from the front surface of the guide hole 64 of the tube main body 58.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the guide hole 64 of the pipe body 58 is located below the lower end of the restriction wall 62c and between the pair of left and right walls 62a, 62b (first liquid suction The ink in the bag portion 11 from the upper and lower directions of a portion (referred to as a second liquid suction passage 74) above the upper end of the restriction wall 62c and sandwiched between the pair of left and right walls 62a and 62b. Inflow. That is, the first and second liquid suction paths 72 and 74 are formed on both sides of the bag portion 11 in the thickness direction.

  In addition, the first and second liquid suction paths 72 and 74 as the liquid suction path are formed symmetrically with respect to the center axis X, and therefore are formed by the first liquid suction path 72 and the guide hole 64. The channel cross-sectional area and the channel length of the formed channel are equal to the channel cross-sectional area and the channel length of the channel formed by the second liquid suction channel 74 and the guide hole 64. That is, the amount of liquid sucked from the first liquid suction passage 72 and the amount of liquid sucked from the second liquid suction passage 74 are equal. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 8, the dark ink from the first liquid suction path 72 and the low density ink from the second liquid suction path 74 are similarly supplied to the lead-out unit 12 by the same amount. Derived. As a result, the deriving unit 12 derives a uniform density ink in which the dark ink and the light ink are mixed.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a second valve mechanism V <b> 2 is provided in the first communication hole 36 at the connection location of the first tube body 15 and the second tube body 16. The second valve mechanism V <b> 2 includes a valve body 80 and a valve seat 82. The valve body 80 is formed in a substantially disk shape having a size capable of closing the opening of the guide hole 64. As shown in FIG. 6, the valve seat 82 protrudes in an annular shape around the opening of the guide hole 64 on the distal end surface 58 a of the second pipe body 16.

  Then, the valve body 80 reciprocates in the central axis X direction through the first communication hole 36 due to the pressure difference between the fluid in the guide hole 64 and the fluid pressure in the first communication hole 36. Specifically, when the pressure of the fluid in the guide hole 64 is lower than the pressure of the fluid in the first communication hole 36, the valve body 80 moves to the valve seat 82 side, and the valve body 80 is moved to the valve seat 82. The guide hole 64 is closed.

  On the other hand, when the ink is led out from the bag portion 11, the pressure of the ink in the guide hole 64 becomes larger than the pressure of the ink in the first communication hole 36, and the valve body 80 moves away from the valve seat 82. As a result, the guide hole 64 and the first communication hole 36 communicate with each other, and the ink is led out from the bag portion 11. That is, the second valve mechanism V2 functions as a check valve that allows a fluid flow from the guide hole 64 to the first communication hole 36 and blocks the reverse flow.

  Note that the ink pack 10 of the present embodiment has a film member so that the first and second bypass flow paths 32 and 34 are not blocked by the film members 11a and 11b until the bag portion 11 is filled with ink. 11 a and 11 b are welded to the weld portion 22. Then, the ink supplied to the first communication hole 36 via the first valve mechanism V1 is filled into the bag portion 11 via the first and second bypass flow paths 32 and 34. Yes. When the bag portion 11 is filled with ink, the film members 11a and 11b are welded to the weld portion 22 so that the first and second bypass flow paths 32 and 34 are sealed. There is no back flow in the outlet 12 through the first and second bypass flow paths 32, 34.

Next, the operation of the first and second liquid suction paths 72 and 74 provided in the second pipe body 16 will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 3, when the ink pack 10 is stored in the cartridge case 9 in a state where the cartridge case 9 is placed flat, as shown in FIG. 8, the lower portion of the bag portion 11 as the lower region of the ink pack 10 is placed. In this case, since the color material in the pigment ink is settled, the ink density is high, while the ink density in the upper part of the bag 11 as the upper area is low. However, from the first liquid suction path 72 formed in the second tubular body 16, the ink with a high concentration is similarly discharged from the second liquid suction path 74 with the same amount of the ink. 12 is derived. As a result, the deriving unit 12 derives a uniform density ink in which the dark ink and the light ink are mixed. Accordingly, in the process of using the ink, such as printing on the recording medium P by ejecting the ink supplied from the lead-out unit 12 from the recording head 5 as described above, while having a simple and small configuration, Can be reduced.

According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) According to this embodiment, the 2nd pipe body 16 was provided in the bag part 11 side of the derivation | leading-out part 12. FIG. A guide hole 64 that communicates with the second tube body 16 with the first communication hole 36 of the first tube body 15, and a position that becomes an upper region and a lower region in the vertical direction, the guide hole 64. The first and second liquid suction passages 72 and 74 opposed to each other with the gap interposed therebetween were formed. As a result, when the ink pack 10 is placed flat (when the bottom surface 9a of the cartridge case 9 is placed downward), the ink having a high concentration from the first liquid suction path 72 is discharged from the second liquid suction path 74. Ink with a low density is derived, and the deriving unit 12 derives an ink with a uniform density obtained by mixing the dark ink and the light ink. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce changes in color in the process of using the ink.

  (2) According to the present embodiment, ink having a uniform density can be derived from the derivation unit 12 simply by providing the second tubular body 16 in the first tubular body 15 of the derivation unit 12. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the change in color in the process of using the ink even though the configuration is simple and small.

  (3) According to the present embodiment, the first and second liquid suction paths 72 that are the positions corresponding to the guide hole 64 and the upper and lower regions in the vertical direction and that face each other across the guide hole 64. 74 are formed so as to penetrate therethrough, and the first and second liquid suction passages 72, 74 are formed so as to be vertically symmetrical. And the flow path cross-sectional area and flow path length of the flow path formed by the first liquid suction path 72 and the guide hole 64, and the flow path formed by the second liquid suction path 74 and the guide hole 64. The channel cross-sectional area and the channel length were made equal. Accordingly, the dark ink at the lower part in the bag 11 and the light ink at the upper part are led out by the same amount, so that the ink having a uniform density is led out from the lead-out part 12. It is possible to further reduce the color change in the use process.

(4) According to the present embodiment, the second tube 16 is simply provided on the bag portion 11 side of the derivation portion 12, that is, the second tube is added to the existing derivation portion 12 (first tube body 15). By simply connecting the body 16, ink having a uniform density can be derived from the deriving unit 12. As a result, it is not necessary to newly develop a large-scale device that reduces the change in color, and this contributes to a reduction in the development process and cost reduction of the entire device.
(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 9 to 11. In the present embodiment, the cartridge case 9 described in the first embodiment is used in a vertically placed state, and accordingly, the configuration of the ink introduction part 62 formed in the second tubular body 16 of the first embodiment is different. In the following embodiments, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the ink cartridge 7 is disposed in a vertically placed state. That is, the cartridge case 9 is disposed with the side surface 9b (see FIG. 3) facing down, and the ink pack 10 is provided in the cartridge case 9. When the ink cartridge 7 is installed vertically, it is desirable to change the configuration of the printer 1 as appropriate.

The ink pack 10 includes a first tube body 15 and a second tube body 16 as in the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 9, the second pipe body 16 includes a pipe main body 58, a flange 60 formed on the base end side outer peripheral surface of the pipe main body 58, and an ink introduction portion 90 formed on the base end face of the pipe main body 58. have. The present embodiment is characterized by the ink introduction part 90, and the tube main body 58 and the flange 60 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the ink introduction part 90 has a substantially cubic shape, and is formed with a through hole 91 penetrating the left side wall 90a and the right side wall 90b. The through hole 91 communicates with the guide hole 64 at an intermediate position. The flow path leading to the guide hole 64 from the left side wall 90a as the first liquid suction path 92 and the flow path leading to the guide hole 64 from the right side wall 90b as the second liquid suction path. 94. That is, the first liquid suction path 92 and the second liquid suction path 94 are formed on both sides in the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the bag portion 11.

  Therefore, the ink in the bag portion 11 introduced into the guide hole 64 is formed in the first liquid suction passage 92 formed in the left side wall 90a and the right side wall 90b as shown in FIGS. It is introduced from the second liquid suction passage 94. As a result, when the ink pack 10 is placed vertically, the second liquid suction path 94 formed in the right side wall 90b of the ink introduction unit 90 and the left side of the ink introduction unit 90 are inserted into the guide hole 64 of the tube body 58. Ink in the bag portion 11 flows from the upper and lower two directions of the first liquid suction path 92 formed in the wall 90a.

  Further, the first liquid suction path 92 and the second liquid suction path 94 as the liquid suction path are formed to have the same channel cross-sectional area and channel length. Therefore, the amount of liquid sucked from the first liquid suction passage 92 and the amount of liquid sucked from the second liquid suction passage 94 are equal.

  As in the first embodiment, when the ink pack 10 is formed, the cartridge case 9 is placed vertically, that is, as shown in FIG. The ink pack 10 is stored in the cartridge case 9 in the state of being placed. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, dark ink from the first liquid suction path 92 and similarly low density ink from the second liquid suction path 94 to the lead-out section 12 by the same amount. Derived. As a result, the deriving unit 12 derives a uniform density ink in which the dark ink and the light ink are mixed. Accordingly, in the process of using the ink, such as printing on the recording medium P by ejecting the ink supplied from the lead-out unit 12 from the recording head 5 as described above, while having a simple and small configuration, Can be reduced.

According to the said embodiment, in addition to the effect of 1st Embodiment, the following effects can be acquired.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, when the cartridge case 9 is placed with the side surface 9 b down, the first liquid suction path 92 and the second liquid suction path 94 have an upper region in the vertical direction and It is arranged at a position that becomes a lower region. As a result, the dark ink is drawn from the first liquid suction path 92, the low density ink is drawn from the second liquid suction path 94, and the mixed density of the dark ink and the thin ink is derived from the lead-out section 12. Uniform ink is derived. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce changes in color in the process of using the ink.
(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, the configuration of the cartridge case 9 described in the first and second embodiments is different, and accordingly, the configurations of the ink introducing portions 62 and 90 in the first and second embodiments are different. In the following embodiments, the same parts as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, a cartridge mounting portion 102 is provided on one side of the front surface of the printer 100. The cartridge mounting portion 102 is formed with a substantially rectangular insertion port 106 into which an ink cartridge 104 as a liquid container is inserted.

  The ink cartridge 104 is arranged in a flat state as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, an ink pack is arranged with the bottom surface of a cartridge case 108 as the case member facing down, and has the same configuration as the first and second embodiments in the cartridge case 108. 6 are accommodated corresponding to the ink colors described above. The leftmost ink pack 10 stored in the cartridge case 108 is disposed along the rib 110 formed in the cartridge case 108. As a result, the ink pack 10 maintains a posture inclined at an angle θ with respect to the straight line L1 (and the bottom surface of the cartridge case 108) connecting the lead-out portions 12. That is, the ink pack 10 is placed obliquely.

The ink pack 10 includes first and second tubular bodies 15 and 16 as in the first and second embodiments.
As shown in FIG. 14, the second tube body 16 includes a tube main body 58, a flange 60 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the proximal end side of the tube main body 58, and an ink introduction portion 120 formed on the proximal end surface of the tube main body 58. have. The present embodiment is characterized by the ink introduction part 120, and the tube main body 58 and the flange 60 are the same as in the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the ink introduction part 120 is substantially cubic and is counterclockwise with respect to the ink introduction part 90 of the second embodiment about the central axis X of the guide hole 64. The tube body 58 is disposed and formed on the proximal end surface of the tube body 58 while being rotated by an angle of 90-θ degrees. The left and right side walls 120a and 120b of the ink introduction part 120 are at positions rotated by an angle of 90-θ degrees counterclockwise with respect to the left and right side walls 90a and 90b of the ink introduction part 90 of the second embodiment. .

  As shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, the ink introduction part 120 is formed with a through hole 121 that penetrates the left side wall 120 a and the right side wall 120 b, and communicates with the guide hole 64 at an intermediate position of the through hole 121. . A flow path that is the through hole 121 and communicates with the guide hole 64 from the left side wall 120a is defined as a first liquid suction path 122, and as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the guide hole 64 from the right side wall 120b is provided in the guide hole 64. The flow path leading to this is a second liquid suction path 124. The first and second liquid suction passages 122 and 124 of the ink introduction unit 120 have an angle 90 − in the counterclockwise direction with respect to the first liquid suction passage 92 and the second liquid suction passage 94 of the second embodiment. The position is rotated by θ degrees. That is, the first and second liquid suction passages 122 and 124 are formed on both sides in a direction inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the bag portion 11.

  Therefore, when the ink pack 10 is stored in the cartridge case 108 at an angle θ obliquely, the first liquid suction path 122 formed in the left side wall 120a of the ink introduction part 120 is inserted into the guide hole 64 of the tube body 58. Then, the ink in the bag portion 11 flows from the upper and lower two directions of the second liquid suction passage 124 formed on the right side wall 120b.

  Then, the ink pack 10 is stored in the cartridge case 108 as in the first and second embodiments. Then, the ink pack 10 is inclined at an angle θ with respect to the straight line L1 connecting the lead-out portions 12, and is placed obliquely as shown in FIG. Then, the first and second liquid suction paths 122 and 124 as the liquid suction paths of the ink introduction unit 120 are arranged in the vertical direction with respect to the bottom surface of the cartridge case 108.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 17 which is a cross-sectional view taken along the alternate long and short dash line of FIG. Are derived to the deriving unit 12 by the same amount. As a result, the deriving unit 12 derives a uniform density ink in which the dark ink and the light ink are mixed. Accordingly, in the process of using the ink, such as printing on the recording medium P by ejecting the ink supplied from the lead-out unit 12 from the recording head 5 as described above, while having a simple and small configuration, Can be reduced.

According to the said embodiment, in addition to the effect of 1st and 2nd embodiment, the following effects can be acquired.
According to this embodiment, the guide hole 64 and the first and second liquid suction passages 122 and 124 facing each other with the guide hole 64 interposed therebetween are formed through the central portion of the second tubular body 16. When the ink pack 10 is stored at an angle θ with respect to the bottom surface of the cartridge case 108, the first and second liquid suction paths 122 and 124 are arranged in the vertical direction. As a result, the dark ink is drawn from the first liquid suction path 122, the low density ink is drawn from the second liquid suction path 124, and the mixed density of the dark ink and the thin ink is derived from the lead-out section 12. Uniform ink is derived. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce changes in color in the process of using the ink.

  Even if the first and second liquid suction passages 122 and 124 are not strictly arranged vertically above and below the horizontal plane, the same effect can be obtained if they are located in the upper and lower regions in the vertical direction. Can do. That is, in the case of the ink cartridge of the form shown in FIG. 13, when the angle θ is relatively small, the first and second liquid suction paths 72 may be used even if the second tubular body 16 shown in FIG. 6 is used. , 74 are arranged in an upper region and a lower region in the vertical direction. As a result, the dark ink is drawn from the first liquid suction path 72, the low density ink is drawn from the second liquid suction path 74, and the density obtained by mixing the dark ink and the light ink is derived from the lead-out portion 12. Uniform ink is derived. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce changes in color in the process of using the ink.

In addition, you may change each said embodiment as follows.
In each of the above embodiments, the first liquid suction path 72 (92, 122) and the second liquid suction path 74 (94, 124) are provided at positions facing each other across the guide hole 64. It does not have to be a position to perform.

  In each of the above embodiments, the first liquid suction passage 72 (92, 122) and the second liquid suction passage 74 (94, 124) are provided one by one at positions facing each other across the guide hole 64. A plurality of first liquid suction paths 72 (92, 122) and a plurality of second liquid suction paths 74 (94, 124) may be provided.

  In each of the above embodiments, the first liquid suction passage 72 (92, 122) and the second liquid suction passage 74 (94, 124) are provided one by one at positions facing each other across the guide hole 64. The first liquid suction passages 72 (92, 122) and the second liquid suction passages 74 (94, 124) may be different from each other, not the same number. As a result, for example, in the case of ink in which sedimentation of the coloring material or the like in the ink is remarkable and the ink in the lower part of the ink pack 10 becomes very dark, the second liquid suction path 74 (94, 124) If the number of one liquid suction path 72 (92, 122) is reduced, ink having a uniform density can be derived from the deriving unit 12.

  In each of the above embodiments, the first liquid suction path 72 (92, 122) and the second liquid suction path 74 (94, 124) have the same channel cross-sectional area and channel length. However, at least one of the channel cross-sectional area and the channel length may be different from each other. As a result, for example, in the case of ink in which sedimentation of the coloring material or the like in the ink is remarkable and the ink in the lower part of the ink pack 10 becomes very dark, the second liquid suction path 74 (94, 124) If the flow path cross-sectional area of one liquid suction path 72 (92, 122) is reduced or the flow path length is increased, ink having a uniform concentration can be derived from the outlet 12.

  In each of the above embodiments, the lead-out portion 12 of the ink pack 10 includes the first tubular body 15 and the second tubular body 16, and the second tubular body 16 is connected to the first tubular body 15. Provided. Alternatively, the first tube body 15 and the second tube body 16 may be integrally formed. Thereby, the effect similar to 1st-3rd embodiment can be acquired.

  In each of the above embodiments, the lead-out portion 12 is provided in the flexible ink pack 10. Alternatively, an ink cartridge may be formed by attaching a film to an opening of a case that is a rectangular rigid body, putting ink between the film and the case, and integrally forming the lead-out portion 12 in the case. At this time, the liquid container in the claims corresponds to, for example, between the film and the case. The liquid container in the claims corresponds to, for example, an ink cartridge.

In the above embodiments, six ink packs 10 are provided. However, any number of ink packs 10 may be installed in the printer 1.
In each of the above embodiments, the ink cartridge 7 (104) is disposed at a place other than the carriage 4, and a suitable result is obtained by applying it to a so-called off-carriage type printer. 4 may be applied to a printer in which the ink cartridge 7 is mounted.

  In each of the above embodiments, the liquid ejecting apparatus is embodied in the printer 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the liquid ejecting apparatus may be embodied in a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects another liquid. For example, as a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquids such as electrode materials and color materials used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, EL displays, and surface-emitting displays, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects bioorganic materials used in biochip manufacturing, and a precision pipette The sample injection device may be used.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining an outline of the printer of the first embodiment. Similarly, the perspective view for demonstrating the internal structure of a printer. Similarly, a cross-sectional view for explaining a configuration of an ink cartridge. Similarly, the perspective view for demonstrating the structure of an ink pack. Similarly, the disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the structure of a derivation | leading-out part. Similarly, the perspective view for demonstrating an ink introduction part. Similarly, the top view for demonstrating the structure of a derivation | leading-out part. Similarly, sectional drawing for demonstrating the structure of an ink pack. The disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the structure of the derivation | leading-out part of 2nd Embodiment. Similarly, the side view for demonstrating the structure of a derivation | leading-out part. Similarly, sectional drawing for demonstrating the structure of an ink pack. The perspective view for demonstrating the outline of the printer of 3rd Embodiment. Similarly, a cross-sectional view for explaining a configuration of an ink cartridge. Similarly, the disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the structure of a derivation | leading-out part. Similarly, the rear view for demonstrating an ink introduction part. Similarly, the top view for demonstrating the structure of a derivation | leading-out part. Similarly, sectional drawing for demonstrating the structure of an ink pack.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,100 ... Printer, 7,104 ... Ink cartridge, 9,108 ... Cartridge case, 10 ... Ink pack, 11 ... Bag part, 12 ... Derivation part, 15 ... 1st pipe body, 16 ... 2nd pipe body 58 ... Pipe body, 60 ... Flange, 62, 90, 120 ... Ink introduction part, 64 ... Guide hole, 72, 92, 122 ... First liquid suction path, 74, 94, 124 ... Second liquid suction path .

Claims (6)

A liquid container that can supply the liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejecting apparatus by storing the liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejecting apparatus and being mounted on the liquid ejecting apparatus ,
A single liquid storage portion for storing the liquid; and a lead-out member connected to the liquid storage portion and having a liquid flow path communicating the outside with the inside of the liquid storage portion; the part side provided two liquid suction passage for sucking a liquid,
Each of the liquid suction passages has the same cross-sectional area,
Forming from the liquid container includes a liquid storage bag provided with the delivering member in communication with the liquid storage portion and a liquid containing portion having flexibility for containing the liquid, a case member for accommodating the liquid containing bag Has been
Each of the liquid suction paths is further in the liquid storage bag, and the liquid container is in a state in which a central axis passing through the center of the liquid flow path in the outlet member is along a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. vertical in a position to be the upper and lower regions across the central axis in the direction, the liquid container, characterized in Rukoto provided each. The liquid container according to claim 1,
The liquid storage bag is formed in a flat bag shape with the film members facing each other, overlapping with the lead-out member sandwiched on one side thereof, and welding the edges. In addition, each liquid suction path is formed on both sides of the liquid storage bag in the overlapping direction of the film member . The liquid container according to claim 1,
The liquid storage bag is formed in a flat bag shape with the film members facing each other, overlapping with the lead-out member sandwiched on one side thereof, and welding the edges. In addition, each liquid suction path is formed on both sides of the liquid storage bag in a direction perpendicular to the overlapping direction of the film members . The liquid container according to claim 1,
The liquid storage bag is formed in a flat bag shape with the film members facing each other, overlapping with the lead-out member sandwiched on one side thereof, and welding the edges. In addition, each liquid suction passage is formed on both sides of the liquid storage bag in a direction inclined with respect to the overlapping direction of the film members . The liquid container according to claim 1,
The case member stores a plurality of the liquid storage bags, and the plurality of liquid storage bags have a central axis passing through the center of the liquid flow path in each of the outlet members and the liquid storage portion. The liquid storage portions are stored at the same angle with respect to a straight line connecting the central axes of the lead-out members so that a part of the lead-out members overlap each other, and the lead-out members are stored on the side walls of the case member. A liquid container which is fixed so as to be located on the same line. A liquid container that can supply the liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejecting apparatus by storing the liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejecting apparatus and being mounted on the liquid ejecting apparatus ,
And a single liquid accommodating portion for accommodating the liquid, a leading member having a liquid passage communicating the interior with the outside is connected to the liquid storage portion the liquid storage portion, the liquid containing portion side of the lead member A liquid suction member connected to the liquid suction member, the liquid suction member is provided with two liquid suction passages for sucking liquid,
Further, each of the liquid suction paths has the same flow path cross-sectional area, is in the liquid suction member, and the liquid container passes through the center of the liquid flow path in the outlet member and is perpendicular to the vertical direction. in the vertical direction across the center axis becomes the upper and lower regions position in a state in which along a direction, the liquid container, characterized in Rukoto respectively.

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