JP4706719B2 - Liquid container - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid container suitable for a case where a dispersoid composed of particles such as pigments is liable to settle in a dispersion medium such as a solvent, and a liquid filling method and a liquid refilling method using the same. .

  Conventionally, an ink jet printer has been widely used as a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid onto a target. Specifically, the ink jet printer includes a carriage, a recording head mounted on the carriage, and an ink container that stores ink as a liquid. Printing is performed on the recording medium by supplying ink from the ink pack of the ink container to the recording head and ejecting (jetting) ink from the nozzles of the recording head while moving the carriage relative to the recording medium. Is called.

  In recent years, with the diversification of printing, there is a trend to use pigment dispersion ink and ink in which various powders are dispersed in a solvent (hereinafter referred to as pigment ink). In this pigment ink, a pigment is used as a coloring matter, and the pigment is dispersed in an ink solvent (dispersion medium). Although this pigment ink has excellent light resistance and water resistance, printed matter using the pigment ink is dispersed in the ink solvent as particles in the pigment itself. The problem of sedimentation occurs.

  For this reason, when the printer has been idle for a relatively long period of time, or when a new ink cartridge is used, the pigment concentration decreases at the upper side of the ink pack as the pigment settles, and at the lower side. Concentration unevenness occurs in which the pigment concentration increases. For this reason, there arises a problem that density unevenness occurs in printing. In extreme cases, the condensed pigment clogs the filter member that reaches the print head, or enters the complicated ink flow path formed in the print head, causing the problem of clogging that portion, and the problem is that There is a case where the problem of disabling ejection of ink droplets may be developed.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, in a printer and an ink cartridge that use pigment ink, for example, vibration generated by a piezo element can be transmitted to the ink cartridge, and the ink stored in the ink cartridge can be vibrated and agitated. It is said.

  In Patent Document 2, an operation portion of an agitator that is swung by a drive unit is formed to extend at an end of an ink pack that is opposite to a side on which a liquid lead-out member protrudes from the ink pack. This prevents uneven density in the ink.

  Patent Documents 3 and 4 can be cited as examples of arranging various members in the liquid container. Patent Document 3 discloses disposing a vacuum portion enclosed by a partition member that is insoluble in the ink composition and has gas permeability in the ink pack. Thereby, the dissolved gas is diffused into the vacuum portion by partial pressure, and the concentration of dissolved nitrogen and oxygen in the ink is lowered to reduce the change with time of the ink. However, Patent Document 3 does not disclose prevention of density unevenness. Patent Document 4 discloses disposing a moving stirring body that settles and a floating body that floats in an ink storage chamber of an on-carriage type ink cartridge. The moving stirrer is moved by moving the carriage to stir the ink, and when the remaining ink amount is low, the moving stirrer collides with the inner wall of the ink storage chamber to reduce noise.

JP 2002-192742 A (FIGS. 4 to 7) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-66520 (FIG. 2) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-208145 (FIGS. 2 to 3) JP 2006-69129 A (FIGS. 12 to 13)

  Since Patent Document 1 applies vibration from the outside of the ink, there is a problem that the vibration effect is not sufficient. For example, vibration may be absorbed and attenuated by the tank member, or vibration may be transmitted only to the vicinity of the wall surface of the tank, and sufficient stirring may not be expected. Further, in the case of vibration, it was difficult to stir the ink as a whole even if the vicinity of the vibration source was stirred.

  The ink pack is deformed as the ink is led out, and changes to a volume corresponding to the remaining ink amount. In the method of stirring the ink inside the liquid container as in Patent Document 2, the amount of displacement of the stirring body is reduced by being disturbed by the inner wall of the ink pack when the remaining amount of ink is reduced. Therefore, the ink stirring effect is particularly small when the remaining ink amount is low.

  Patent Document 4 is applicable only to on-carriage ink cartridges, and not applicable to off-carriage ink cartridges.

  Some aspects of the present invention do not employ the technique of stirring the liquid by applying vibration inside or outside the liquid container as in Patent Documents 1-3, causing the quality failure or malfunction. It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid container that prevents the liquid to be derived from being led out, a liquid filling method and a liquid refilling method using the same.

  One aspect of the present invention is a liquid container that is formed of a flexible film and contains pigment ink; a liquid lead-out member that is connected to the liquid container; and the liquid container that is disposed in the liquid container. A coil spring-like spacer member having a specific gravity heavier than that of the ink and disposed so as to settle downward in the gravity direction of the liquid container due to its own weight when the pigment ink is filled in the liquid container. The spacer member forms a liquid residual space in which the pigment ink remains when the remaining amount of the pigment ink is reduced.

  In one aspect of the present invention, when the remaining amount of the liquid is reduced, the spacer member can form a liquid remaining space in which the liquid remains between the opposing inner wall surfaces of the flexible film. Therefore, if the liquid remaining in the liquid residual space is not led out, it is possible to prevent a failure caused by leading out the liquid remaining to the end in the liquid container.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the spacer member can be disposed below the gravitational direction in the liquid container. In this way, the spacer member can be held at a substantially fixed position in the liquid container. In order to allow the spacer member to settle in the liquid container, the spacer member may be formed of a material having a higher specific gravity than the liquid. Or you may provide further the weight member connected with a spacer member and arrange | positioning a spacer member below a gravity direction within a liquid container. In this case, the spacer member can be formed of a material having a lighter specific gravity than the liquid.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. The present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims, and all the configurations described in the present embodiment are indispensable as means for solving the present invention. Not necessarily.

[First Embodiment]
<Outline of liquid ejecting device>
As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 11 as a liquid ejecting apparatus according to this embodiment is covered with a frame 12. In the frame 12, as shown in FIG. 2, a guide shaft 14, a carriage 15, a recording head 20 as a liquid ejecting head, a valve unit 21, an ink cartridge 23 (see FIG. 1) as a liquid container, and pressurization. A pump 25 (see FIG. 1) is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the frame 12 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box, and a cartridge holder 12a is formed on the front surface thereof.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the guide shaft 14 is formed in a rod shape and is installed in the frame 12. In the present embodiment, the direction in which the guide shaft 14 is installed is referred to as a main scanning direction. The carriage 15 is inserted so as to be relatively movable with respect to the guide shaft 14, and can be reciprocated in the main scanning direction. The carriage 15 is connected to a carriage motor (not shown) via a timing belt (not shown). The carriage motor is supported by the frame 12, and when the carriage motor is driven, the carriage 15 is driven via the timing belt, and the carriage 15 is reciprocated along the guide shaft 14, that is, in the main scanning direction. The

  The recording head 20 provided on the lower surface of the carriage 15 is provided with a plurality of nozzles (not shown) for ejecting ink as a liquid, and ejects ink droplets onto a printing medium such as recording paper. Records print data such as characters. The valve unit 21 is mounted on the carriage 15 and supplies the temporarily stored ink to the recording head 20 with the pressure adjusted.

  In the present embodiment, the valve unit 21 can individually supply two types of ink to the recording head 20 with the pressure adjusted. In the present embodiment, a total of three valve units 21 are provided and correspond to six ink colors (black, yellow, magenta, cyan, light magenta, and light cyan).

  A platen (not shown) is provided below the recording head 20, and this platen is used as a target to be fed in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction by a paper feeding means (not shown). It is for supporting the recording medium.

<Liquid container>
As shown in FIG. 1, ink cartridges 23, which are liquid containers, are detachably accommodated with respect to the cartridge holder 12a, and six ink cartridges 23 are provided corresponding to the ink colors. The structure of the ink cartridge 23 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the ink cartridge 23 includes a main body case 31a, an upper case 31b, and an ink pack 32 as a liquid storage bag. The main body case 31a and the upper case 31b constitute an ink case 31 as a case, and the ink pack 32 is accommodated in the case. FIG. 3 shows only one of the six ink cartridges 23, and the remaining five ink cartridges 23 have the same structure and are not shown.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the ink pack 32 includes an ink bag 32 a that is a flexible portion, an ink lead-out member 32 b as a liquid lead-out portion, and a seal member 33. The ink bag 32a is formed of a material having flexibility and a gas barrier. For example, an aluminum laminated sealing film having a configuration in which the outside is sandwiched between nylon sealing films and the inside is sealed with a sealing film such as polypropylene or polyethylene is used. It is formed by stacking two sheets and joining the periphery by a method such as heat welding.

  The ink lead-out member 32b is made of, for example, polypropylene, and is attached to the ink bag 32a by a method such as heat welding. Specifically, when forming the ink bag 32a, after joining the three sides of the two laminated aluminum laminated sealing films by heat welding, the remaining one side is connected to the ink lead-out member 32b at the center. The ink pack 32 is formed by heat welding in the arranged state. The ink in the ink bag 32a is stored in a deaerated state. The ink lead-out member 32b has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the inside forms an ink lead-out port 32c that is a liquid passage. The ink stored in the ink bag 32a is taken out through the ink outlet 32c.

  Further, the ink outlet 32c is provided with a valve mechanism that is opened only when ink is supplied, so that the ink in the ink bag 32a does not leak. More specifically, the valve mechanism of the ink outlet 32 c is disposed in the ink outlet 32 c of the ink outlet member 32 b and inside the seal member 33. This valve mechanism has a movable valve body 34 disposed so as to be able to contact the seal member 33, and a spring member 35 as an urging member that urges the valve body 34 so as to be in pressure contact with the seal member 33. . The spring member 35 biases the valve body 34 toward the seal member 33 side. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 4, the valve body 34 closes the supply port 33 a of the seal member 33. Furthermore, the supply port 33a is covered with the sealing film F2. The sealing film F2 will be described later.

  When the ink cartridge 23 is disposed in the cartridge holder 12a, the ink supply needle 40 as a liquid lead needle formed in the liquid ejecting apparatus penetrates the sealing film F2 and is inserted into the ink lead member 32b. Further, the ink supply needle 40 presses the valve body 34 against the ink bag 32a against the elastic force of the spring member 35 (see FIG. 5). When the valve body 34 is separated from the seal member 33, the ink in the ink bag 32 a flows out from the gap between the seal member 33 and the valve body 34 through the plurality of holes 40 a provided at the tip of the ink supply needle 40. To do.

  That is, before the ink supply needle 40 is inserted, the seal member 33 functions as a valve seat member that is pressed against the valve body 34 and blocks the ink outlet 32c. When the ink supply needle 40 is inserted, the valve body 34 is separated from the seal member 33 against the biasing force of the spring member 35 by the ink supply needle 40, and the ink outlet 32c is opened.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the main body case 31a includes an outer case 31c and an inner case 31d, and is formed of, for example, polypropylene or polyethylene. The outer case 31c has a substantially rectangular shape and is a box with an upper opening. The inner case 31d is slightly smaller than the outer case 31c and has a shape similar to the ink pack 32, and restricts the movement of the ink pack 32 according to the movement of the ink case 31. The upper case 31b is formed of a substantially rectangular plate-like body that covers the upper surface of the main body case 31a, and is formed of, for example, polypropylene. The upper case 31b is provided with a locking piece K1 at a predetermined location, and engages with an engagement member K2 formed between the outer case 31c and the inner case 31d when the upper case 31b is put on the upper surface of the main body case 31a. It is supposed to be.

  A square supply port mounting portion 31f is formed at the center of the front surface 31e of the main body case 31a. The supply port mounting portion 31f is provided with an opening 31g communicating with the inner case 31d. An annular protrusion R2 is formed to project from the opening edge of the opening 31g toward the outside of the ink case 31 along the opening edge. In addition, columnar independent protrusions R3 are formed at the four corners of the supply port attachment part 31f in the outward direction of the ink case 31 with the same protrusion amount as the annular protrusion R2.

  A pressure port H is formed on one side of the supply port mounting portion 31f. The pressure port H communicates the outside of the main body case 31a and the inside of the inner case 31d.

  When the ink pack 32 is stored in the ink case 31, the ink lead-out member 32b of the ink pack 32 is stored in the inner case 31d so as to be exposed from the inside to the outside of the opening 31g. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the ink lead-out member 32b exposed from the opening 31g is accommodated so that the tip R1 is in the same protruding position as the annular protrusion R2.

  When the ink pack 32 is stored in the inner case 31d, a sealing film F1 (see FIG. 3) made of, for example, polypropylene or polyethylene is thermally welded to the inner case 31d.

<Seal structure>
The seal member 33 disposed inside the ink outlet 32c of the ink outlet member 32b is formed of an elastic material such as a thermoplastic elastomer. The seal member 33 is an elastic ring having a substantially cylindrical shape and open at the top and bottom. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the inside of the seal member 33 forms a funnel-shaped supply port 33 a and elastically seals the outer periphery of the ink supply needle 40. Then, the liquid inlet of the ink supply needle 40 inserted into the supply port 33a is positioned in the flow path 32d of the ink outlet member 32b, whereby the ink contained in the ink bag 32a is supplied to the liquid ejecting apparatus. .

  A recess 32e is formed on a side surface 32g of the inner wall forming the ink outlet 32c of the ink outlet member 32b. On the outer peripheral surface 33e of the seal member 33, a protrusion 33b that contacts the recess 32e is formed. In the present embodiment, the position of the seal member 33 is determined by the contact between the outer peripheral surfaces 33e and 33d of the seal member 33 and the side surface 32g and the bottom surface 32f of the inner wall that forms the ink outlet port 32c of the ink outlet member 32b. ing. That is, the position of the seal member 33 in the insertion direction of the ink supply needle 40 is the surface 33d of the seal member 33 opposite to the surface 33c contacting the sealing film F2, and the ink outlet 32c of the ink outlet member 32b. Is determined by abutting against the bottom surface 32f of the inner wall forming the. On the other hand, with respect to the surface direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the ink supply needle 40, a protrusion 33b formed on the outer peripheral surface 33e of the seal member 33 and a recess 32e formed on the side surface 32g of the inner wall of the ink outlet 32c. It is determined by abutting.

  In the present embodiment, the sealing film F2 is thermally welded to the supply port attachment portion 31f side of the ink case 31. More specifically, the sealing film F2 includes an annular protrusion R2 formed on the opening end surface of the opening 31g protruding outward from the supply port attachment portion 31f, a tip R1 of the ink outlet member 32b, and a seal member. While being heat-welded to the opening end face of 33, it is heat-welded to each independent protrusion R3 (see FIG. 3).

  Here, since butyl rubber, which is a material of the conventional seal member, has no material in common with the ink case 31 and the ink lead-out member 32b, the seal member can be used regardless of the material of the sealing film F2. And it was impossible to weld to the sealing film F2 together with the ink lead-out member 32b.

  The above-described welding can be performed by selecting a material for the seal member 33. As a thermoplastic elastomer which is the material of the seal member 33, for example, trade name MUNUX (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-225303) manufactured by Bridgestone Corporation can be given. It has been found through experiments by the present inventors that the sealing member 33 formed of this material is well heat-welded with polyolefins such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and erythropoietin (EPO). did.

  In the present embodiment, since the ink lead-out member 32b is thermally welded to the ink bag 32a, the material of the ink lead-out member 32b is preferably the same as the material of the ink bag 32a. In this sense, in the present embodiment, the material of the ink bag 32a, the ink outlet member 32b, and the ink case 31 is made of polypropylene, polyethylene, or the like. If the material of the sealing film F2 is also made of polypropylene or polyethylene, the above-described welding can be realized.

  Therefore, when the sealing film F2 is thermally welded to the annular protrusion R2, the tip R1 of the ink lead-out member 32b, and the seal member 33, the opening 31g and the ink lead-out member 32b are formed by the sealing film F2. The gap D1 between them and the gap D2 between the ink lead-out member 32b and the seal member 33 are sealed.

  As a result of the gap D2 being sealed by the sealing film F2, the recess 32e of the ink lead-out member 32b and the protrusion 33b of the seal member 33 function only for positioning of the seal member 33, and the liquid-tight sealing property is not necessarily required. No need to request. From this, it can be understood that the configuration of the protrusion 33b of the seal member 33 and the recess 32e of the ink lead-out member 32b is not essential. That is, one or both of the side surface 32g of the inner wall forming the ink outlet 32c of the ink outlet member 32b and the outer peripheral surface 33e of the seal member 33 may be flat.

  By sealing the gap D2 with the sealing film F2, the following special effects can be achieved. For example, even if the accuracy of the roundness of the ink lead-out member 32b is deteriorated and the sealing performance between the recess 32e and the protrusion 33b is incomplete, ink leakage does not occur through the gap D2. Further, by supplying ink from the ink bag 32a under pressure, ink leakage can be prevented by the sealing film F2 even if the seal between the recess 32e and the protrusion 33b is broken. Furthermore, ink leakage can be prevented by the sealing film F2 even when the ink cartridge 23 is dropped or when vibration is applied to the ink cartridge 23.

  On the other hand, the following effects can be produced by simultaneously sealing the gap D1 with the sealing film F2.

  A space S (see FIG. 3) formed by the inner case 31 d that stores the ink pack 32 and the sealing film F <b> 1 is in a sealed state except for the pressure port H. Therefore, the air supplied from the pressurizing pump 25 (see FIG. 1) supported by the frame 12 into the inner case 31d from the pressurizing port H is airtight because the inner case 31d is kept airtight. The ink pack 32 stored in the container is pressurized.

  Further, since the sealing film F2 is thermally welded to the leading end portion R1 of the ink lead-out member 32b, the ink lead-out port 32c of the ink lead-out member 32b is also sealed, and the inside of the ink pack is blocked from the outside. The sealing film F2 is thermally welded to the annular protrusion R2 to seal the ink outlet 32c of the ink outlet member 32b. Therefore, the ink supply needle 40 is inserted from the outside to open the valve body 34. In addition, there is no problem that air bubbles are taken into the ink pack 32. Furthermore, since the sealing film F2 is thermally welded to the four independent protrusions R3 surrounding the annular protrusion R2, it is possible to prevent the sealing film F2 from being peeled off from the annular protrusion R2 due to some force.

  Further, the main body case 31a is formed with two ink lead-out member fixing ribs 31j so as to sandwich the ink lead-out member 32b, and an end portion 31j1 of the ink lead-out member fixing rib 31j is formed in a disc shape on the outer periphery of the ink lead-out member 32b. The main body case 31a is fixed in contact with the annular protrusion 32b1 formed on the main body. This restricts the movement of the ink lead-out member 32b into the main body case 31a during heat welding.

  The anti-rotation member 31k is a protrusion that engages with a recess (not shown) formed in the annular protrusion 32b1 of the ink lead-out member 32b, and restricts the movement of the ink pack 32 in the rotation direction to restrict the ink pack 32. Is positioned at a predetermined position.

<Other examples of ink lead-out member>
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the ink lead-out member 50 different from the first embodiment. The ink lead-out member 50 shown in FIG. 6 is different in outer shape from the ink lead-out member 32b of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sealing film F2 is not welded to the ink case, and is welded only to the ink outlet 51 and the seal member 60. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in these points, and the other points are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state where the seal member 60 is inserted into the ink outlet 51 and before the sealing film F2 is thermally welded.

  The ink lead-out member 50 has an annular first welding allowance 54 that protrudes by a height H from the opening end surface 53. Similarly, the seal member 60 has an annular second welding margin 62 that protrudes by a height H with respect to the opening end surface 53 of the ink lead-out member 50 in a state of being inserted into the ink lead-out port 51. That is, the first and second welding allowances 54 and 62 are flush with each other.

  After setting the state shown in FIG. 7, the sealing film F2 is placed on the first and second welding margins 54, 62, and the sealing film F2 is welded by heat and pressure. At this time, the first and second welding allowances 54 and 62 are melted, and are integrally welded with the melted sealing film F2. After welding, since the first and second welding margins 54 and 62 are melted, the sealing film F2 is supported on a surface that is flush with the opening end surface 53.

  As described above, by forming the first and second welding allowances 54 and 62 in a ring shape, the melting point is limited, and the welding can be completed with relatively little pressure and time. Further, by performing welding until the first and second welding allowances 54 and 62 are eliminated, it is possible to visually confirm the completion of welding and reduce the occurrence of poor welding.

  Also in the present embodiment, the point corresponding to the gap D2 shown in FIG. 4 can be sealed and the ink leakage can be prevented as in the first embodiment. Therefore, according to this embodiment, although the effect by sealing the gap D1 cannot be obtained, all the effects of the first embodiment other than that can be obtained. The changes described in the first embodiment can also be applied to this embodiment except that it is not necessary to close or cover the gap D1. In addition, the 1st, 2nd welding allowances 54 and 62 shown in FIG. 7 are applicable also to 1st Embodiment.

<Other examples of ink cartridge>
FIG. 8 shows an ink cartridge 100 of a type different from that of FIG. 3 using the ink lead-out member 107a having the same structure as the ink lead-out member shown in FIGS. The ink cartridge 100 can also be mounted on the same liquid ejecting apparatus as described in the above-described embodiment. Therefore, the detailed description regarding the liquid ejecting apparatus is omitted. In the following, ink may be expressed as liquid, or liquid may be expressed as ink.

  An ink cartridge 100 shown in FIG. 8 is detachably mounted on a cartridge mounting portion of a commercial ink jet recording apparatus, and supplies ink to a recording head (liquid ejecting head) mounted on the recording apparatus.

  The ink cartridge 100 includes a container main body 105 in which a bag body accommodating portion 103 that is pressurized by a pressurizing unit is defined, and an ink that is stored and accommodated in the bag body accommodating portion 103 to be added to the bag body accommodating portion 103. An ink pack 107 serving as a fluid container for discharging ink stored by pressure from an ink outlet member (fluid outlet portion) 107a, and a liquid outlet member 109 for supplying ink to a recording head which is an external liquid consumption device. And a liquid remaining amount detection unit 111 that is detachably attached to the container main body 105.

  The container body 105 is a housing formed by resin molding. The container main body 105 includes a substantially box-shaped bag body housing portion 103 having an open top, and a detection unit housing portion 113 that is located on the front side of the bag body housing portion 103 and houses the liquid remaining amount detection unit 111. A compartment is formed.

  The open surface of the bag body accommodating portion 103 is sealed with the sealing film 115 after the ink pack 107 is accommodated. Thereby, the bag housing part 103 becomes a sealed chamber.

  In order to supply pressurized air into the bag housing part 103 formed in the sealed chamber by the sealing film 115, the partition wall 105 a partitioning the bag body housing part 103 and the detection unit housing part 113. The pressurizing port 117 which is a communication path is provided. When the ink cartridge 100 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion of the ink jet recording apparatus, the pressurized air supply means on the cartridge mounting portion side is connected to the pressure port 117, and ink is supplied by the pressurized air supplied into the bag housing portion 103. The pack 107 can be pressurized.

  The ink pack 107 includes a cylindrical ink lead-out member 107a into which a connection needle (not shown) of the liquid remaining amount detection unit 111 is inserted and connected to one end of a flexible bag 107b formed of a multilayer sealing film. It is joined.

  The ink lead-out member 107a of the ink pack 107 is hermetically inserted through the connection port insertion opening 118 formed in the partition wall 105a, and the tip protrudes into the detection unit housing portion 113. The sealing film 108 is also welded to the ink lead-out member 107a.

  When the ink pack 107 is attached to the bag housing portion 103, the resin member 119 is attached on the front and rear inclined portions 107c and 107d of the flexible bag 107b. The resin member 119 prevents the ink pack 107 from rattling in the sealed chamber when the upper surface of the bag housing portion 103 is covered with the sealing film 115 and the bag housing portion 103 becomes a sealed chamber. Then, an extra empty space in the sealed chamber is filled to increase the pressure efficiency when the bag housing 103 is pressurized with pressurized air.

  FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the ink lead-out member 107a and the check valve lid member 120 attached to the rear end thereof. In FIG. 9, a valve body 34 and a spring member 35 (both see FIG. 5) and a seal member 60 constituting a valve mechanism and a seal member 60 are inserted into one end of the flow path of the ink lead-out member 107a, and the opening end is sealed. Sealed with film 108. A check valve 130 is inserted into the other end of the flow path of the ink outlet member 107a. In order to prevent the check valve 130 from being detached from the ink lead-out member 107a, a check valve lid member 120 is connected to the other end of the flow path of the ink lead-out member 107a. The check valve 130 is movable in the ink flow path, and prevents back flow of ink when the ink returns to the ink pack 107 side.

  For example, two bosses 107a1 are formed at the other end of the ink lead-out member 107a and are inserted into two holes 122 formed in the check valve lid member 120. The tip of the boss 107a1 protruding from the hole 122 is crimped by heat, so that the ink outlet member 107a and the check valve lid member 120 are integrated. The check valve lid member 120 is formed with, for example, three holes 124 communicating with the flow path of the ink outlet member 107a. Further, the check valve lid member 120 is formed with a claw member 126 and a stopper 128 which are locked members.

<Structure of spacer member>
FIG. 10 is a view showing an ink pack having a spacer member according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11A is an ink formed by closely attaching a spacer member and two flexible films. It is a figure which shows residual amount space, FIG.11 (B) is a side view of a spacer member. In FIG. 10, among the flexible films constituting the flexible bag 107b shown in FIG. 8, the flexible film 107b1 on the front surface side is removed, and the inner wall surface of the flexible film 107b2 on the back surface side is exposed. It is shown in the state.

  FIG. 10 shows a state in which the ink cartridge 100 (23) is mounted on the printer, and the spacer member 200 is disposed below the gravitational direction in the flexible bag 107b forming the ink pack 107. For this reason, the spacer member 200 is made of a material having a specific gravity higher than that of ink, such as metal or resin. When the stored liquid is ink or the like, the spacer member 200 is preferably a material that is insoluble in the ink composition and does not precipitate foreign matter. Examples of the material insoluble in the ink composition include stainless steel SUS304 as a metal. When the spacer member 200 is made of resin, many materials insoluble in the ink composition have a lighter specific gravity than the ink. For example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has a higher specific gravity than the ink. Can be used. Note that as the resin material insoluble in the ink composition, a highly reliable resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene can be used. In this case, the spacer member 200 is connected to the spacer member 200 to be flexible. A weight member disposed below the gravitational direction in the bag 107b can be further included.

  Next, the spacer member 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B. FIG. 11A shows two flexible sheets facing each other in the direction of arrow A of the ink pack 107 when the remaining amount of ink decreases as the ink in the ink pack 107 is led out through the ink lead-out member 107a. The state which deform | transformed in the direction which the inner wall surfaces of adhesive film 107b1 and 107b2 contact | adhere is shown. The spacer member 200 regulates the close contact between the inner wall surfaces of the two flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 facing each other when the ink remaining amount is reduced, thereby forming an ink remaining space 140 in which liquid remains. As a member, it is formed in a coil spring shape. The spacer member 200 is formed such that a plurality of turns are brought into close contact with both end portions 200A and 200B so that the end portions are not entangled even when mixed with other spacer members 200. However, a gap is formed between adjacent turns 200 </ b> C in the region excluding both ends of the spacer member 200. As a result, the spacer member 200 can circulate ink inside and outside the ink liquid residual space via the gap between the turns 200 </ b> C, in addition to the end holes shown in FIG. 11B.

<Operation of spacer member>
As described above, when the ink cartridge 100 (23) is mounted on the printer side, the ink pack 107 (32) is pressurized and deformed by the pressurized air supplied from the pressure pump, and the ink pack 107 (32). The ink inside is led out through the ink lead-out member 107a (32b).

  FIG. 10 shows the state of the ink cartridge 100 attached to the printer, and the ink in the ink pack 107 shown in FIG. 10 tends to be derived in the order of the upper region, the middle region, and the lower region. This is because the ink in the lower region of the ink pack that is below the direction of gravity tends to be derived last.

  On the other hand, for example, in a pigment ink in which a pigment used as a pigment is dispersed in an ink solvent, the pigment tends to settle in the lower region of the ink pack 107 because the specific gravity of the pigment is heavier than that of the ink solvent.

  Accordingly, the pigment ink derived last from the ink pack 107 is an ink having a higher pigment concentration by the amount of the settled pigment. Deriving this ink leads to density unevenness during printing and equipment failure. This dark ink is about several percent of the total ink contained in the ink pack 107.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the ink remaining in the ink pack 107 until the end is formed by the spacer member 200 between two opposing flexible films 107b1 and 107b2, as shown in FIG. The ink remaining space 140 is accommodated. When the two opposing flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 are in close contact with each other except for the residual ink space 140, the ink pack 107 does not move even if pressurized air is pumped around the ink pack 107 from the pressure pump. No more deformation. Therefore, the ink in the ink residual space 140 cannot be derived. Alternatively, at the timing when ink remains in the ink remaining space 140, for example, the ink end may be detected by a remaining amount sensor so that the ink in the ink remaining space 140 is not derived.

  Here, before the two opposing flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 start to come into close contact with the spacer member 200, regardless of the presence of the spacer member 200, the ink is removed from the ink pack 107 according to the pressure applied from the pressure pump. To be derived. Since the two flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 facing each other are not in close contact with the spacer member 200, the ink can freely enter and exit the inside and outside of the spacer member 200, and no resistance force is generated in the lead-out of the ink. .

  Even after the two opposing flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 are in close contact with the spacer member 200, the ink can freely enter and leave the ink remaining space 140. Therefore, particularly in the vicinity of the ink end, the dark ink having settled in the lower region in the ink pack 107 can also freely enter the spacer member 200.

  As described above, the ink of several percent by volume that has settled in the lower region of the ink pack 107 is disposed in the lower region of the ink pack 107 in the vicinity of the ink end before the ink end is detected by the ink remaining amount sensor. The ink is introduced into the residual ink space 140 in the spacer member 200 and is stopped in the residual ink space 140 when the ink end is detected.

  In fact, according to the experiments by the present inventors, by not deriving the ink that has remained in the ink residual space 140 when the ink end is detected, the print quality is maintained constant, and the apparatus does not fail.

<Ink pack manufacturing method (including ink filling method)>
The flexible bag 107b shown in FIG. 8 is opened over a range narrower than the center width L of the leading edge shown in FIG. 10, and the other side is delivered in a bag shape with a flexible film welded. First, as shown in FIG. 10, the spacer member 200 is inserted into the flexible bag 107 b through the opening having a width L, and is introduced into the interior. Next, the ink lead-out member 107a and the check valve lid member 120 are inserted into the flexible bag 107b through the opening having the width L.

  Thereafter, in the opening of the width L, the region indicated by the arrow A1 not including the bypass passage 56 of the ink outlet member 107a shown in FIG. 6 is welded to the flexible films 107b1 and 107b2, so that the ink outlet member 107a is flexible. Temporarily fixed to the bag 107b.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12A, the spacer member 200 is disposed in the flexible bag 107b at a position facing the ink lead-out member 107a, and the flexible bag 107b is sucked and exhausted. To do. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the valve body 34 is pushed down against the biasing force of the spring member 35 to open the valve. This exhaust is performed via the bypass passage 56 opened in addition to the flow paths of the ink lead-out member 107a, the check valve lid member 120, and the spacer member 200. At this time, the two opposing flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 are in close contact with the spacer member 200 as shown in FIG. Therefore, the two flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 facing each other are in direct contact with each other outside the region of the spacer member 200, and air does not remain. Due to this exhaust, the close contact between the inner walls of the two opposing flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 is regulated by the spacer member 200, and a space 140 (air, not ink remains) is formed in the spacer member 200. Is done.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12B, the space 140 is filled with ink with the ink lead-out member 107a facing upward in the direction of gravity. This ink filling is performed via the bypass passage 56 opened in addition to the flow paths of the ink lead-out member 107a, the check valve lid member 120, and the spacer member 200. By filling the ink, the air in the space 140 is pushed upward and then exhausted again, so that the air in the space 140 is finally discharged to the outside. Thereby, all the air in the flexible bag 107b is discharged.

When printing is performed in a state where a large amount of N ₂ or O ₂ is dissolved in the ink in the ink cartridge 100 (23), bubbles may be generated in the ink due to a change in pressure during ink ejection. When bubbles are generated in the ink as described above, ejection failure may occur due to the blockage of the ink flow path due to the bubbles, which may cause deterioration in print quality. In the present embodiment, such defects can be reduced.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12C, the flexible bag 107b is filled with a predetermined amount of ink, and the ink filling is completed. At this time, the spacer member 200 settles down in the direction of gravity in the flexible bag 107b by its own weight as shown in FIG.

  Finally, the region indicated by the arrow A2 including the bypass passage 56 of the ink lead-out member 107a shown in FIG. 6 is welded to the flexible films 107b1 and 107b2, and the ink lead-out member 107a is finally fixed to the flexible bag 107b. .

<Refilling method of ink>
Next, a liquid refilling method in which the ink in the ink cartridge 100 (23) is recovered from the market after being derived and refilled with ink in the ink cartridge 100 (23) will be described. In the case of the ink cartridge 100 shown in FIG. 8, it is preferable to remove the liquid remaining amount detection unit 111 and refill it.

  First, as shown in FIG. 13, for example, the ink lead-out member 107a is directed downward in the gravitational direction, and the spacer member 200 is disposed to face the ink lead-out member 107a. In this state, the valve body 34 and the spring member 35 constituting the valve mechanism in the ink lead-out member 107a are opened, and the ink remaining in the ink residual space 140 is discharged. As a result, the ink pack 107 is in the same state as before the exhaust process in FIG. Therefore, after that, if necessary, the process of sucking and exhausting the gas inside the ink pack 107 (see FIG. 12A) and the ink lead-out member 107a facing upward in the direction of gravity are placed in the spacer member 200. A step of injecting a predetermined amount of ink into the formed space 140 (which may be a small amount), then sucking and exhausting the gas from the space 140 in the spacer member 200 (see FIG. 12B), and then an ink pack A step of refilling the ink 107 (see FIG. 12C) may be performed.

[Second Embodiment]
<Structure of spacer member>
In this embodiment, the spacer member 200 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11A and 11B is replaced with the spacer member 300 shown in FIGS. It is a replacement. 14, 15 </ b> A, and 15 </ b> B, the spacer member 300 is formed by an adhesion regulating member in which a plurality of holes 310 are formed through a cylindrical peripheral surface. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the spacer member 300 is also disposed below the gravity direction in the flexible bag 107b by its own weight.

<Operation of spacer member>
Also in this embodiment, the ink remaining in the ink pack 107 until the end is the ink formed by the spacer member 300 between the two flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 facing each other as shown in FIG. It is accommodated in the residual space 140. When the two opposing flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 are in close contact with each other except for the residual ink space 140, the ink pack 107 does not move even if pressurized air is pumped around the ink pack 107 from the pressure pump. No more deformation. Therefore, the ink in the ink residual space 140 cannot be derived. Alternatively, at the timing when ink remains in the ink remaining space 140, for example, the ink end may be detected by a remaining amount sensor so that the ink in the ink remaining space 140 is not derived.

  Here, before the two opposing flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 start to come into close contact with the spacer member 300, regardless of the presence of the spacer member 300, the ink is removed from the ink pack 107 according to the pressure applied from the pressure pump. To be derived. Since the two flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 facing each other are not in close contact with the spacer member 300, ink enters and exits the inside and outside of the spacer member 300 from the openings at both ends of the cylindrical portion and on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion. This is because it can be performed freely through the formed holes 310.

  Even after the two opposing flexible films 107 b 1 and 107 b 2 are in close contact with the spacer member 300, the ink can freely enter and leave the ink remaining space 140. Here, in the longitudinal direction both ends of the spacer member 300 shown in FIG. 15A and the cross section shown in FIG. 15B, the adhesion followability of the flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 is poor only by the surrounding pressure. . Accordingly, ink can be circulated inside and outside the ink residual space 140 through the openings on both ends of the spacer member 300 and the holes 310 on the peripheral surface. Therefore, particularly in the vicinity of the ink end, the dark ink that has settled in the lower region in the ink pack 107 can also freely enter the spacer member 300.

  As described above, the volume% ink that has settled in the lower region of the ink pack 107 is the ink remaining space in the spacer member 300 in the vicinity of the ink end before the ink end is detected by the ink remaining amount sensor. 140, and is stopped in the remaining ink space 140 when the ink end is detected.

  In fact, according to experiments by the present inventors, by not deriving the ink that has remained in the ink remaining amount space 140 when the ink end is detected, the print quality is maintained constant, and no equipment failure occurs.

[Third Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, in the first embodiment described above, the spacer member 200 as the adhesion regulating member disposed below the gravity direction in the flexible bag 107b is extended on a straight line of the flow path of the ink outlet member 107a. The spacer member 400 is replaced. Therefore, except for the structure and operation of the spacer member, it is the same as the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. Moreover, about the member which has the same function as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

<Structure of spacer member>
16 shows a spacer member 400 according to the third embodiment connected to the ink lead-out member 107a shown in FIG. 9 and disposed in the ink pack 107. FIG. 17 shows the spacer member 400 with the check valve lid. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the ink connection member 107a is connected via a member 120. FIGS. 18A to 18D show a spacer member 400 according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 16, among the flexible films constituting the flexible bag 107b shown in FIG. 8, the flexible film 107b1 on the front surface side is removed, and the inner wall surface of the flexible film 107b2 on the back surface side is exposed. It is shown in the state.

First, the spacer member 400 will be described with reference to FIGS. 18A to 18D and FIG.
FIG. 18A shows that two inks facing each other in the direction of arrow A of the ink pack 107 when the remaining amount of ink decreases as the ink inside the ink pack 107 is led out through the ink lead-out member 107a. The state which deform | transformed in the direction which the inner wall surfaces of the flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 closely_contact | adhere is shown. 18B is a front view showing a connected state of the ink lead-out member 107a, the check valve lid member 120, and the spacer member 400, FIG. 18C is a right side view thereof, and FIG. It is BB sectional drawing of 18 (B). This spacer member 400 regulates part of the inner wall surfaces of the two flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 facing each other when the ink remaining amount is reduced, thereby forming an ink residual space 140 in which liquid remains. It is.

  The spacer member 400 includes a first end 410 that is connected to the ink lead-out member 107a via the check valve lid member 120, and an adhesion regulating member 420 that extends from the first end 410 toward the second end 412. including. The adhesion regulating member 420 regulates that a part of the inner wall surfaces of the two opposing flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 are in contact with each other and a part of the inner wall surfaces are in close contact with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the first end portion 410 of the spacer member 400 communicates with the flow path (first flow path) of the ink outlet member 107 a and the hole 124 of the check valve lid member 120. Two flow paths 414 are provided. Further, for example, two locking holes 416 are formed in the first end portion 410. The two claw members 126, which are the members to be locked formed on the check valve lid member 120, are locked in the locking holes 416 in the two locking holes 416. As a result, the spacer member 400 is connected to the ink lead-out member 107a via the check valve lid member 120. Note that a gap is set between the check valve lid member 128 and the first end portion 410 by the stopper 128 formed on the check valve lid member 120 coming into contact with the first end portion 410.

  In the present embodiment, the adhesion regulating member 420 includes first and second adhesion regulating members 420A and 420B arranged in two stages in the thickness direction of the spacer member 400, and the two stages of the first and first adhesion regulating members 420A and 420B. The two adhesion regulating members 420A and 420B are arranged so as to be shifted in the width direction of the spacer member 400 (see FIGS. 18B to 18D).

  Each of the first and second adhesion regulating members 420A and 420B has a predetermined height in a direction intersecting with the inner wall surfaces of the two opposing flexible films 107b1 and 107b2, and partitions the ink residual space 140. A ring-shaped outer shell member 422. Each of the first and second adhesion regulating members 420A and 420B further includes, for example, a lattice-shaped partition forming member 424 that partitions the ink residual space 140 in the outer shell member 422 into a plurality of chambers 140A.

  Here, the spacer member 400 is formed in a shape that allows the ink to flow inside and outside the ink residual space 140 even when the ink remaining amount is decreasing. The outer shell member 422 has a predetermined height in a direction crossing the inner wall surfaces of the two flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 facing each other (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 18A). The ink residual space 140 is formed by the flexible films 107b1 and 107b2. However, as shown in FIGS. 18B and 18C, the opening 426 in the region where the first and second adhesion regulating members 420A and 420B do not overlap in the width direction of the spacer member 400 is the flexible film 107b1. 107b2 is not blocked. Accordingly, the ink can be circulated inside and outside the ink residual space 140 through the opening 426 as indicated by arrows 430 and 432 in FIG.

  In addition, the partition forming member 424 is formed in a shape that allows ink to flow between adjacent rooms among the plurality of rooms 140A. That is, as shown in FIGS. 18B and 18C, the partition forming members 424 of the first and second adhesion regulating members 420A and 420B in the width and length directions of the spacer member 400 are in the thickness direction. The opening 428 in the non-overlapping region is not blocked by the flexible films 107b1 and 107b2. Accordingly, the ink can be circulated between the adjacent chambers 140A of the ink residual space 140 through the opening 428 as indicated by arrows 434 and 436 in FIG.

  The first and second adhesion regulating members 420A and 420B do not necessarily require the outer shell member 422. This is because the ink residual space 140 can be formed between the two flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 facing each other only by the lattice-shaped partition forming member 424 (for example, a fish bone-shaped member). However, the outer shell member 422 has an advantage that the spacer member 400 can be easily inserted into the ink pack 107 because both ends of the partition forming member 424 in the width direction are not exposed. Further, as shown in FIG. 18A, when the outer shell member 422 includes a tapered tip whose height in the A direction decreases toward the second end portion 412, the spacer member 400 is inserted into the ink pack 107. It becomes easy. On the contrary, the close contact regulating member 420 may be formed only by the outer shell member 422. However, the flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 positioned on the inner side of the outer shell member 422 may bend and the volume of the ink residual space 140 as designed may not be obtained. Therefore, it is preferable to form the partition forming member 424 together.

<Operation of spacer member>
As described above, when the ink cartridge 100 (23) is mounted on the printer side, the ink pack 107 (32) is pressurized and deformed by the pressurized air supplied from the pressure pump, and the ink pack 107 (32). The ink inside is led out through the ink lead-out member 107a (32b).

  FIG. 16 shows the state of the ink cartridge 100 attached to the printer, and the ink in the ink pack 107 shown in FIG. 16 tends to be derived in the order of the upper region, the middle region, and the lower region. This is because the ink in the lower region of the ink pack that is below the direction of gravity tends to be derived last.

  On the other hand, for example, in a pigment ink in which a pigment used as a pigment is dispersed in an ink solvent, the pigment tends to settle in the lower region of the ink pack 107 because the specific gravity of the pigment is heavier than that of the ink solvent.

  Accordingly, the pigment ink derived last from the ink pack 107 is an ink having a higher pigment concentration by the amount of the settled pigment. Deriving this ink leads to density unevenness during printing and equipment failure. This dark ink is about several percent of the total ink contained in the ink pack 107.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the ink remaining in the ink pack 107 until the end is formed by the spacer member 400 between the two opposing flexible films 107b1 and 107b2, as shown in FIG. The ink remaining space 140 is accommodated. When the two opposing flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 are in close contact with each other except for the residual ink space 140, the ink pack 107 does not move even if pressurized air is pumped around the ink pack 107 from the pressure pump. No more deformation. Therefore, the ink in the ink residual space 140 cannot be derived. Alternatively, at the timing when ink remains in the ink remaining space 140, for example, the ink end may be detected by a remaining amount sensor so that the ink in the ink remaining space 140 is not derived.

  Here, before the two opposing flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 start to adhere to the spacer member 400, the ink is removed from the ink pack 107 regardless of the presence of the spacer member 400 according to the applied pressure from the pressure pump. To be derived. This is because the two flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 facing each other are not in close contact with the spacer member 400, so that the ink can enter and leave the spacer member 400 at all times.

  Even after two opposing flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 are in close contact with the spacer member 400, the inside and outside of the ink residual space 140 and a plurality of ink residual spaces 140 partitioned by the partition forming member 424 are provided. The ink can enter and leave the room 140A. Therefore, particularly in the vicinity of the ink end, the dark ink that has settled in the lower region in the ink pack 107 can also freely enter the spacer member 400.

  As described above, the ink of several percent by volume that has settled in the lower region of the ink pack 107 is the ink residual space 140 in the spacer member 400 in the vicinity of the ink end before the ink end is detected by the ink remaining amount sensor. And is stopped in the ink residual space 140 when the ink end is detected.

  In fact, according to the experiments by the present inventors, by not deriving the ink that has remained in the ink residual space 140 when the ink end is detected, the print quality is maintained constant, and the apparatus does not fail.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In this embodiment, in the third embodiment, the spacer member 400 extending on the straight line of the flow path of the ink outlet member 107a is separated from the straight line of the flow path of the ink outlet member 107a. The spacer member 700 is biased in the ink pack 107. Therefore, except for the structure and operation of the spacer member, it is the same as the third embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. Further, members having the same functions as those of the third embodiment (including the first embodiment) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted or simplified.

<Structure of spacer member>
19 shows a spacer member 700 according to the fourth embodiment connected to the ink lead-out member 107a shown in FIG. 9 and disposed in the ink pack 107. FIG. 20 shows the spacer member 700 with the check valve lid. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the ink connection member 107a is connected via a member 120. FIGS. 21A to 21D show a spacer member 700 according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 19, among the flexible films constituting the flexible bag 107b shown in FIG. 8, the front surface side flexible film 107b1 is removed, and the inner wall surface of the back surface side flexible film 107b2 is exposed. It is shown in the state.

First, the spacer member 700 will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 (A) to 21 (D) and FIG.
The spacer member 700 includes a first end portion 710 connected to the ink lead-out member 107a through the check valve lid member 120, and an adhesion regulating member 720 extending in an L shape from the first end portion 710. The leading end of the regulating member 720 is a second end 712. In the spacer member 400 (see FIGS. 16 to 18) shown in the third embodiment, the first channel is formed on the straight line connecting the first channel of the ink outlet member 107a and the second channel 414 of the first end 410. Although the end portion 410 and the second end portion 412 are located, the spacer member 700 is separated from the straight line where the second end portion 712 connects the first and second flow paths as shown in FIG. The ink pack 107 is disposed at a biased position. That is, the second end portion 712 is disposed at a position that is biased downward in the gravitational direction in the ink pack 107.

  The adhesion regulating member 720 has a ring-shaped outer shell member 722 that has a predetermined height in a direction intersecting with the inner wall surfaces of the two flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 facing each other and partitions the ink residual space 140. . The adhesion regulating member 720 further includes, for example, a lattice-shaped partition forming member 724 that partitions the ink residual space 140 in the outer shell member 722 into a plurality of chambers 140A.

  Here, the spacer member 700 is formed in a shape that allows the ink to flow inside and outside the ink residual space 140 even when the ink remaining amount is decreasing. The outer shell member 722 has a predetermined height in a direction intersecting the inner wall surfaces of the two flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 facing each other (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 21A). The ink residual space 140 is formed by the flexible films 107b1 and 107b2. However, as shown in FIGS. 21B and 21C, the relatively steep taper portion formed at the second end 712 of the spacer member 700 is formed by the flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 only by the surrounding pressure. The adhesion followability is poor. Therefore, ink can be circulated inside and outside the ink residual space 140 as shown by an arrow 730 in FIG. 21D through the opening on the first end portion 710 side.

  In addition, the partition forming member 724 is formed in a shape that allows ink to flow between adjacent rooms among the plurality of rooms 140A. That is, as shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21D, which is a CC cross section of FIG. 21B, in the partition forming member 724, the height of the central region 724A is lower than both end regions 724B. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 21B, the two rooms 140A partitioned by the central region 724A of the partition forming member 724 having a low height can be completely closed by the flexible films 107b1 and 107b2. Absent. Therefore, as indicated by arrows 732 and 734 in FIG. 21B, ink can flow between the adjacent chambers 140A of the ink residual space 140.

  Note that the contact regulating member 720 does not necessarily require the outer shell member 722, as in the third embodiment.

<Operation of spacer member>
FIG. 19 shows the state of the ink cartridge attached to the printer, and the third embodiment also shows that the ink in the ink pack 107 shown in FIG. 19 tends to be derived in the order of the upper region, the middle region, and the lower region. It is the same as the form. As in the third embodiment, the ink in the lower region of the ink pack, which is below the gravitational direction, is derived last, and the pigment tends to settle in the lower region of the ink pack 107.

  In the present embodiment, the ink remaining in the ink pack 107 until the end is the ink formed by the spacer member 700 between two opposing flexible films 107b1 and 107b2, as shown in FIG. It is accommodated in the residual space 140. At the timing when the ink remains in the ink remaining space 140, for example, the ink end is detected by a remaining amount sensor so that the ink in the ink remaining space 140 is not led out.

  Here, even after two opposing flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 are brought into close contact with the spacer member 700, the ink inflow / outflow path 730 secured in the second end 712 in FIG. The inside of the ink residual space 140 and the lower region of the ink pack 107 can communicate with each other. Therefore, as described above, the ink of several percent by volume that has settled in the lower region of the ink pack 107 is the ink remaining in the spacer member 700 in the vicinity of the ink end before the ink end is detected by the ink remaining amount sensor. The ink is introduced into the space 140 and is stopped in the ink remaining space 140 when the ink end is detected.

  In fact, according to the experiments by the present inventors, by not deriving the ink that has stopped in the ink remaining space 140 of the spacer member 700 when the ink end is detected, the print quality is maintained constant, and no equipment failure occurs. It was.

[Modification]
The use of the liquid container of the present invention shown in the first to fourth embodiments is not limited to the ink cartridge of the ink jet recording apparatus. The present invention can be used for various liquid consuming devices including a liquid ejecting head that discharges a minute amount of liquid droplets.

  Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as described above, those skilled in the art can easily understand that many modifications can be made without departing from the novel matters and effects of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention. For example, a term described at least once together with a different term having a broader meaning or the same meaning in the specification or the drawings can be replaced with the different term in any part of the specification or the drawings.

  As the spacer member, when the remaining amount of the liquid is reduced, a part of the inner wall surfaces of the two flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 facing each other is regulated to form a liquid residual space in which the liquid remains. Any shape can be used.

  For example, FIGS. 22A and 22B show a coil-shaped spacer member (adhesion regulating member) 500 shown in FIG. The pressure that deforms the inner wall surfaces of the two flexible films 107b1 and 107b2 facing each other when the liquid such as ink is led out is defined as a first pressure. Here, at the time of exhausting shown in FIG. 12A, an excessive second pressure exceeding the first pressure is applied, for example, mechanically between the pressing members 600 and 610 (see FIG. 22B). ). In this way, the coil-shaped spacer member 500 can be elastically deformed in the direction of reducing the ink residual space 140 as shown in FIG. Therefore, the exhaust process in the ink residual space 140 shown in FIG. 12B can be eliminated, or the exhaust process in the ink residual space 140 can be shortened by reducing the ink filling amount.

  Further, in the refilling method in which the ink in the ink cartridge having the spacer member 500 shown in FIG. 22A is extracted from the market and refilled with ink in the ink pack 107, the refilling method shown in FIG. As shown, the spacer member 500 is elastically deformed to discharge the residual ink in the ink pack 107, and the ink pack 107 is sucked and exhausted. Thereafter, if ink is refilled in the ink pack 107, air can be prevented from being mixed into the ink pack 107.

  In the various embodiments described above, the spacer members 200, 300, and 500 are installed below the flexible bag 107b in the gravity direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, ink with pigment may settle out and ink with low pigment concentration may be derived before ink with high concentration is derived. Ink with a low concentration stays in the upper part of the liquid container in the direction of gravity. Therefore, the spacer member may be formed of a material having a specific gravity lighter than that of the liquid, and may be disposed at a position other than the lower side in the gravity direction of the flexible bag 107b. Further, the spacer members 200, 300, and 500 are replaced with the spacer member 400 in the third embodiment, engaged with the ink lead-out member 107a, and arranged and used on a substantially straight line of the flow path of the ink lead-out member 107a. You can also. Furthermore, the spacer member 400 can be used by being inserted into the flexible bag 107b without engaging with the ink lead-out member 107a.

  Specific examples of the liquid consuming device or the liquid ejecting device are, for example, used for forming an electrode such as a device having a color material ejecting head used for manufacturing a color filter such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, and a surface emitting display (FED) Examples include an apparatus equipped with an electrode material (conductive paste) ejection head, an apparatus equipped with a bio-organic matter ejection head used in biochip manufacturing, an apparatus equipped with a sample ejection head as a precision pipette, a printing apparatus, a micro dispenser, and the like. .

  In the above embodiment, the liquid ejecting apparatus corresponds to the length of the recording paper (not shown) in the width direction (left and right direction) in the direction intersecting the transport direction (front and back direction) of the recording paper (not shown). The present invention may be embodied in a so-called full line type (line head type) printer.

  In the above embodiment, the liquid ejecting apparatus is embodied in the ink jet printer 11. However, the liquid ejecting apparatus is not limited to this, but other liquids (such as a liquid or gel in which functional material particles are dispersed or mixed in the liquid). It is also possible to embody the present invention in a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects or discharges a fluid (including a fluid body). For example, a liquid material ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid material that is dispersed or dissolved in materials such as electrode materials and color materials (pixel materials) used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, EL (electroluminescence) displays, and surface-emitting displays. Further, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a bio-organic matter used for biochip manufacturing, or a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid that is used as a precision pipette and serves as a sample may be used. In addition, transparent resin liquids such as UV curable resin to form liquid injection devices that pinpoint lubricant oil onto precision machines such as watches and cameras, and micro hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication elements. A liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid onto the substrate, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects an etching solution such as acid or alkali to etch the substrate, and a fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a fluid such as a gel (for example, a physical gel) It may be. The present invention can be applied to any one of these liquid ejecting apparatuses. In the present specification, “liquid” is a concept that does not include a liquid consisting of only gas, and examples of the liquid include inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, and liquid metals (metal melts). In addition, liquids and fluids are included.

1 is a perspective view of a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the printer shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the ink cartridge shown in FIG. 1. It is a fragmentary sectional view of an ink cartridge. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge in a state where an ink lead-out needle is inserted. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the other example of a seal structure. It is sectional drawing which shows the state before welding a sealing film in the seal structure of FIG. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing another example of an ink cartridge having the seal structure of FIG. 6. It is an assembly exploded perspective view of an ink lead-out member and a check valve lid member attached to the rear end thereof. It is a figure which shows the ink pack which has the spacer member which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 11A is a view showing a spacer member in close contact between the inner wall surfaces of two flexible films, and FIG. 11B is a side view of the spacer member. 12A shows the exhaust process in the ink pack, FIG. 12B shows the exhaust process in the spacer member, and FIG. 12C shows the ink filling process in the ink pack. It is a figure explaining the process of draining the residual ink in a spacer member before ink refilling. It is a figure which shows the ink pack which has the spacer member which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 15A is a longitudinal sectional view of a spacer member closely attached between the inner wall surfaces of the two flexible films, and FIG. 15B is a spacer closely attached between the inner wall surfaces of the two flexible films. It is a cross-sectional view of a member. It is a figure which shows the ink pack which has the spacer member which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which connects the spacer member which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention to an ink derivation | leading-out member. FIG. 18A is a view showing a spacer member according to the third embodiment in close contact between the inner wall surfaces of two flexible films, FIG. 18B is a front view of the spacer member, and FIG. FIG. 18D is a right side view of the spacer member, and FIG. 18D is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 18B. It is a figure which shows the ink pack which has the spacer member which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which connects the spacer member which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention to an ink derivation member. FIG. 21A is a view showing a spacer member according to the fourth embodiment in close contact between the inner wall surfaces of two flexible films, FIG. 21B is a front view of the spacer member, and FIG. FIG. 21D is a right side view of the spacer member, and FIG. 21D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 21B. 22A is a cross-sectional view of an ink pack having an elastically deformable spacer member according to a modification, and FIG. 22B is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the spacer member is elastically deformed in the ink pack.

Explanation of symbols

  23, 100 ... ink cartridge, 32, 107 ... ink pack, 32a, 107b ... flexible bag, 107b1, 107b2 ... flexible film, 32b, 107a ... ink outlet member, 33 ... seal member, 34 ... valve body, 35 ... Spring member, F2, 108 ... Sealing film, 120 ... Check valve lid member, 130 ... Check valve, 140 ... Liquid residual space, 140A ... Room, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700 ... Spacer member, 410, 710 ... first end, 412, 712 ... second end, 420, 720 ... adhesion regulating member, 422, 722 ... outer shell member, 424, 724 ... partition forming member.

Claims (1)

A liquid container formed of a flexible film and containing pigment ink;
A liquid outlet member connected to the liquid container;
It is arranged in the liquid container, has a specific gravity heavier than the pigment ink, and sinks below the liquid container due to its own weight when the pigment ink is filled in the liquid container. A coil spring-shaped spacer member;
Have
The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the spacer member forms a liquid remaining space in which the pigment ink remains when the remaining amount of the pigment ink decreases.

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