JP2005067094A - Liquid pack and liquid ejection device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid pack and a liquid ejector that prevent a concentration irregularity from occurring due to the settling of particles in a liquid in a liquid pack, stably supply a liquid of a uniform concentration and uses up the liquid in the liquid pack. <P>SOLUTION: An agitator 40 is stored in the storage bag 12 of an ink pack 10 together with an ink 1. The agitator 40 has a disk-like support section 40b and a plate-like agitation blade 40a made by cutting the central portion of the support section 40b, bending diagonally upward and extending. The agitator 40 is rotated by a magnetic force from a magnet generation section arranged near the lower portion of the ink pack 10. The agitator 40 is flatly deformed by the warping and falling down of the agitation blade 40a, pressed against the inside of the storage bag 12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is a liquid pack suitable for containing a liquid in which a pigment or powder is dispersed in a dispersion medium, such as pigment ink, and preventing the pigment or powder from settling in the contained liquid. And a liquid ejecting apparatus.

  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 container to the recording head while discharging the ink from the nozzles formed on the recording head while moving the carriage relative to the recording medium. It has become.

  However, in recent years, with the diversification of printing, there is a tendency to use ink in which a pigment is dispersed in a solvent (dispersion medium) (hereinafter referred to as pigment ink). 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 pack 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 due to the progress of printing. In extreme cases, the condensed pigment may clog the filter member that reaches the recording head, or may enter a complicated ink flow path formed in the recording head and clog the portion. There is also a risk of developing a problem of making it impossible to eject ink droplets.

In Patent Document 1, a magnetic stirrer in which a space in which a rotating rod-shaped body rotates is secured by an annular frame portion in an ink pack, and ink is stirred with this magnetic stirrer. Further, when the ink in the ink pack is reduced and its volume is reduced, the ink pack comes into contact with the ring-shaped frame portion of the magnetic stirrer, and a space for rotating the rotating rod-like body is secured.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-200765 (page 5, FIGS. 3 and 4)

  However, in the magnetic stirrer, since the ink in the space secured by the ring-shaped frame portion is partitioned by the ink pack and the ring-shaped frame portion, the ink in this region cannot be used up to the end. Further, since ink remains in an area formed by the outer periphery of the ring-shaped frame portion and the ink pack, the ink in this area cannot be used up to the end. In addition, the magnetic stirrer is composed of many members, and there is a problem that the structure is complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its purpose is to prevent the occurrence of concentration unevenness due to sedimentation of particles in the liquid in the liquid pack, and to stably supply a liquid having a uniform concentration. Another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid pack and a liquid ejecting apparatus that can use up the liquid in the liquid pack to the end.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a liquid pack comprising a liquid supply unit and a storage bag that encloses liquid in a state where the liquid supply unit is partially exposed. And the agitator that is deformed into a flat shape by being pushed by the inner surface when the container bag is deformed to reduce its volume as the liquid is discharged from the liquid supply unit. This is the summary.

  According to this invention, the liquid in the storage bag is agitated by the stirring body in the storage bag being driven or rotated or moved from the outside of the storage bag by the action of magnetic force or the like. As a result, even after a relatively long rest period, sedimentation of particles such as pigments is suppressed, or powders such as pigments that have partially settled are dispersed again, and the liquid in the storage bag It becomes easy to suppress uneven density. Further, the agitator is deformed into a flat shape by being pushed by the inner surface of the storage bag when the storage bag is deformed so as to reduce its volume as the liquid is discharged from the liquid supply unit. Therefore, the liquid in the storage bag can be used up effectively to the end.

  In the liquid pack of the present invention, the stirrer has a bent portion that bends so that the liquid can be stirred at the time of its rotation or movement, and the inner surface when the containing bag is deformed to reduce its volume. The gist is that the bent part is deformed into a flat shape by being pushed down and falling down. Here, the term “spinning” includes a movement in which the stirring member rotates in one direction, a movement in which the stirring body reciprocates in the rotation direction, or a movement in which the rotation in one direction and the rotation in the opposite direction are repeated. “Movement” includes a movement reciprocating between two points on a straight line and a movement reciprocating along a two-dimensional predetermined movement path (curved path or the like). Furthermore, it includes a movement that “moves” while performing a “spinning” movement.

  According to this invention, when the stirring body rotates or moves, the bent portion efficiently stirs the liquid. Further, when the containing bag is deformed so as to reduce its volume, the stirring member is deformed into a flat shape by being pushed by its inner surface and causing the bent portion to collapse. For this reason, the liquid in the storage bag can be used up to the end effectively.

In the liquid of the present invention, the gist is that the minimum diagonal length of the shape formed by the stirring member is larger than the maximum thickness of the containing bag.
According to this, since the minimum diagonal length of the shape formed by the stirrer is larger than the maximum thickness of the storage bag, the stirrer is unlikely to be reversed in the storage bag, and the posture or orientation in which the stirrer can be stirred can be maintained.

  Further, in the present invention, the stirrer is a flat shape that can swing so that the free end side changes the separation distance from the inner surface of the storage bag with the fixed end side as the center with respect to the inner surface of the storage bag. When the storage bag is deformed so as to reduce its volume, it is pushed by its inner surface and displaced so that the free end side of the stirrer approaches the inner surface of the storage bag.

  According to this, the stirrer swings by displacing the free end side away from the inner surface of the storage bag with the fixed end side fixed to the inner surface of the storage bag as the center, and the liquid in the storage bag Let stir.

  Further, the present invention is a liquid ejecting apparatus, comprising: the liquid pack according to the invention; a magnetic generation unit that moves the stirring body in the storage bag by applying a magnetic force from the outside of the storage bag; and the magnetic generation unit. The gist of the invention is that it comprises a control means for controlling the drive.

According to this, magnetic force is given from the outside of the storage bag by driving and controlling the magnetism generating unit by the control means, the stirring body in the storage bag moves, and the liquid in the storage bag is stirred.
The present invention further includes a detecting means for detecting the presence / absence of the liquid pack, and a time measuring means for measuring a time when the detection means detects that the liquid pack is present, and the control means The gist is to drive the magnetic generator at a predetermined time based on the time measured by the means to move the stirring member.

  According to this, the time when the presence of the liquid pack is detected by the detecting means is timed by the time measuring means. The control means drives the magnetic generator at a predetermined time based on the time measured by the time measuring means to move the stirring body. Therefore, the liquid in the storage bag is agitated at a predetermined time according to the elapsed time since the liquid pack was attached to the liquid ejecting apparatus.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a liquid ejecting apparatus equipped with the ink pack unit of the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, a printer 20 as a liquid ejecting apparatus includes a plurality of (for example, six) storage units 22 on the front right side of a main body 20a. Each storage unit 22 can store a case 23 for storing an ink pack 10 as a liquid pack. Each storage section 22 is provided with one supply needle 26 facing each other, and each supply needle 26 is connected to the recording head 21 through a tube 27. The ink pack 10 is positioned in the case 23 by the liquid supply portion 11 being guided by a guide 25 that is recessed in the longitudinal direction of the case 23. A unit in which the ink pack 10 is set in the positioning state in the case 23 is referred to as an ink pack unit 24.

  When the ink pack unit 24 is inserted into the storage unit 22, the supply needle 26 passes through the liquid supply unit 11 of the ink pack 10 and is inserted into the ink pack 10. The recording head 21 can reciprocate in the main scanning direction (arrow direction in the figure), and the paper P is transported in the sub-scanning direction (direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction). By alternately moving the recording head 21 in the main scanning direction and transporting the recording paper P in the sub-scanning direction, an image based on the print data is printed on the recording paper P by ink ejected from the recording head 21. Is printed. With this printing operation, the ink in the ink pack 10 is supplied to the recording head 21 through the supply needle 26 and the tube 27, and printing is performed on the recording paper P. A plurality of ink pack units 24 can be set for each ink color.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the ink pack unit and the printer.
The liquid supply portion protruding from the ink pack 10 has a guide groove 11a and a cut surface 11b. The guide groove 11 a is engaged with the guide 25 of the case 23, and the position of the ink pack 10 is determined with respect to the case 23. In addition, the cut surface 11 b prevents the ink pack 10 from being attached to the case 23 in the reverse direction. That is, the direction in which the stirring body 40 can rotate is secured. The case 23 is provided with a relief hole 23a and a drawer portion 23b. The escape hole 23a is disposed in order to increase the efficiency of the magnetic field of the coil 31 by bringing the magnetism generating unit 30 as close to the stirrer 40 as possible. The coil 31 may be at least one. The drawer 23b is used when the ink pack unit 24 is mounted on the printer 20 and pulled out by ink replacement or the like.

  The ink pack unit 24 in which the ink pack 10 is attached to the case 23 is attached to the printer 20 while being guided by the case holding portions 28 and 29 disposed in the storage portion 22 (shown in FIG. 1) of the printer 20. Is done. The printer 20 has a supply needle 26 disposed opposite to each storage unit 22 and passes through the liquid supply unit 11 to supply the ink in the ink pack 10 to the printer 20.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the ink pack.
In FIG. 3, the ink pack 10 has a containing bag 12 formed in a soft case shape by joining two ink pack films (hereinafter simply referred to as films) 12a at the peripheral edge thereof. The film 12a is made of, for example, a laminated film obtained by vapor-depositing aluminum on a polyethylene film having gas barrier properties, or an aluminum laminated film having a configuration in which an aluminum foil is sandwiched between a nylon film and an inner layer between polyethylene films. Of the joining portions of the two films 12a, the three sides are joined so as to sandwich the deformation preventing members 14a to 14c one by one so that the ink pack 10 is held in a square shape.

  Inside the containing bag 12, ink (pigment ink) 1 (see FIG. 4) as a liquid in which a printing pigment (particles (dispersoid)) is dispersed in a solvent (dispersion medium), and an agitator 40 are provided. Are stored in a state of being blocked from the outside air of the storage bag 12, that is, in a so-called sealed state. A liquid supply unit 11 is protruded from the end of the ink pack 10 so as to be partially exposed, and the ink in the ink pack 10 is taken out from the liquid supply unit 11.

  The liquid supply unit 11 is provided with a guide groove 11a and a cut surface 11b. By changing the shape of the guide groove 11a and the cut surface 11b, the case 23 (shown in FIG. 1) can be mounted in only one direction. When the ink pack 10 is erected in a substantially vertical direction, the lower part of the ink pack 10 swells due to gravity, and there is a concern that the direction of the stirring member 40 changes in the ink pack 10. In order to prevent this, the shape of the ink pack is held by sandwiching the three deformation preventing members 14a to 14c around the peripheral edge of the film 12a. The material of the deformation preventing members 14a to 14c is, for example, polyethylene resin or metal.

  In the manufacturing method of the ink pack 10, the liquid supply unit 11 is overlapped at a predetermined position between the two films 12a, and the sides where the liquid supply unit 11 protrudes are joined by thermocompression bonding or adhesion. Furthermore, the other two sides are joined by, for example, thermocompression bonding or adhesion with the deformation preventing members 14b and 14c interposed therebetween. The stirrer 40 and the ink 1 (see FIG. 4) are accommodated from the opening of the remaining one side in the state of the ink pack 10 bonded to the three sides. At this time, the direction in which the stirrer 40 is accommodated is a predetermined direction suitable for rotation (spinning) in the ink pack 10 according to the direction in which the ink pack 10 is mounted. The ink is filled after the stirrer 40 is accommodated, but this order may be reversed. For example, the deformation preventing member 14a is sandwiched between the remaining one side of the film 12a and bonded by thermocompression bonding or adhesion. The deformation preventing members 14a to 14c may be bonded in advance to the inner surface of the film 12a on one side.

4 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line AA in FIG.
In FIG. 4, printing ink (pigment ink) 1 and agitator 40 are accommodated in the storage bag 12. Since the stirrer 40 is in the ink 1, a surface treatment is applied to a part or the whole of the surface of the stirrer 40 so as not to cause a chemical reaction with each other. Further, a part or the whole of the stirrer 40 is made of resin and metal, and a part or the whole of the metal is surface-treated with a substance that does not relatively react with the ink 1.

  The surface treatment may be any material that does not relatively react with the ink 1. For example, a polyethylene-based resin or an inorganic member that is a film material inside the film 12a is subjected to a coating process, a vapor deposition process, a plating process, or the like.

  The metal material of the stirrer 40 is made of, for example, high carbon steel or stainless steel. The material of the resin of the stirrer 40 is made of, for example, a polyethylene-based resin, which is a film material inside the film 12a, or a rubber obtained by kneading a magnetic material.

  The stirrer 40 includes a support portion 40b that supports movement when rotating, and a stirring blade (impeller) 40a as a bent portion that stirs the ink 1. The bent portion is composed of at least one bent portion with respect to the support portion 40b. That is, as the stirring member 40 rotates or moves in the ink 1, the ink 1 is stirred by the stirring blade 40a.

FIG. 5 is an electric block diagram showing the electrical configuration, and FIG. 6 is a plan sectional view for explaining the magnetic characteristics of the stirring member.
The stirrer 40 accommodated in the ink pack 10 shown in FIG. 5 has at least a pair of magnetic poles as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the stirrer 40 includes, for example, a plate-shaped stirring blade 40a as a bent portion by cutting a thin steel plate into a circular plate by press working and bending the central portion by cutting out three sides. Manufactured by forming. Thereafter, the magnetizing process is performed to magnetize each part facing each other across the stirring blade 40a to the N pole and the S pole. Therefore, the stirring blade 40a is accommodated in the notch 40c in a state where the stirring blade 40a is bent and falls, and in this state, the stirring body 40 becomes equal to the thickness of the plate.

  In FIG. 5, a magnetism generating unit (coil unit) 30 is disposed close to the ink pack 10. The CPU 51 built in the printer 20 causes a current to flow to one or more coils 31 (see FIG. 9) of the magnetism generation unit 30 through the coil driver 52, and at least the magnetic field generated by the passed current and the stirrer 40 have. The stirrer 40 can be rotated or moved by the pair of magnetic poles. At this time, when the stirring body 40 rotates or moves, the ink 1 is stirred by the stirring blade 40a. The magnetism generating unit 30 may not be a coil as long as it generates a magnetic field. For example, a magnetism generator having a configuration in which a magnet is rotated by an actuator can be employed.

  The stirrer 40 may be rotated whenever the power of the printer 20 is turned on. However, since it takes a relatively long time for the pigment in the ink 1 to settle, in this embodiment, the stirrer 40 is periodically stirred. I do. The printer 20 has a plurality of color inks 1, and each ink 1 has a different settling time depending on the concentration of the pigment with respect to the solvent and the use temperature. Therefore, the agitation frequency for each ink 1, the time for agitation at one time, the intensity of agitation, etc. are programmed and stored in the ROM 53.

  The printer 20 prints an image or a character on the recording paper P (shown in FIG. 1). The amount of ink used from each ink pack 10 varies depending on the image to be printed and the color scheme of the character. When a new ink pack 10 is mounted on the printer 20, a relatively long time has elapsed since the ink pack 10 was manufactured, and the pigment in the ink pack 10 has settled.

  Therefore, when the ink pack 10 is connected to the printer 20, the ink 31 is agitated by energizing the coil 31 of the magnetism generator 30 and rotating the agitator 40 in the ink pack 10. Further, since the pigment in the ink pack 10 settles as time passes, the elapsed time (connection accumulated time) from the time when the ink pack 10 is connected with a new one is counted, and the coil 31 is applied to the coil 31 every time the set time elapses. The ink 1 in the ink pack 10 is agitated by energizing and rotating the agitator 40.

  An ink pack presence / absence detection sensor 54 serving as a detection unit corresponding to each ink pack 10 is provided to detect “present” or “not present” of the ink pack 10 in the storage unit 22 (shown in FIG. 12). The ink pack presence / absence detection sensor 54 includes, for example, a case where an ink pack 10 is provided between a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and the ink pack 10 blocks light emitted from the light emitting unit. It is determined as “present” and the other is determined as “not present”. The detection signal of the ink pack presence / absence detection sensor 54 is input to the CPU 51. When the CPU 51 recognizes that the ink pack 10 is “present” based on the detection signal of the ink pack presence / absence detection sensor 54, the CPU 51 causes the counter 55 to start measuring time. The CPU 51 stores timekeeping time data (connection cumulative time data) for each ink pack 10 in a dedicated storage area in the RAM 56, and periodically adds the timekeeping time of the counter 55 to the timekeeping data in the RAM 56. Update time data.

  When the ink pack 10 is removed, the ink pack presence / absence detection sensor 54 detects “none” and sends a “none” signal to the CPU 51. When the CPU 51 receives a signal indicating absence from the ink pack presence / absence detection sensor 54, the CPU 51 causes the counter 55 to stop counting. The CPU 51 adds the time counted by the counter 55 to the measured time stored in the dedicated storage area of the RAM 56, calculates the accumulated time to which the ink pack 10 is connected, and stores this accumulated time in the dedicated storage area of the RAM 56. To do.

  When the ink pack presence / absence detection sensor 54 detects “present”, the time measurement is accumulated in each dedicated storage area of the RAM 56 corresponding to each ink pack 10. This time measurement is continuously accumulated until the ink pack presence / absence detection sensor 54 detects “absence”. Even when the printer 20 is turned off, the time is accumulated by the backup power source. When the power of the printer 20 is turned on, the CPU 51 executes the program read from the ROM 53, and when the time set in the program (hereinafter referred to as a predetermined time) has passed, the CPU 51 sets the program for each ink pack 10. The coil driver 52 is instructed to command the current value and energization time, and the coils 31 of the magnetism generator 30 are energized and controlled through the coil driver 52. As a result, the stirrer 40 receives the force of the magnetic field from each coil 31 and rotates in the ink pack 10, whereby the ink 1 in the ink pack 10 is stirred. Of course, when the time measurement data exceeds the set time while the power is turned off, the CPU 51 uses the backup power source to energize each coil 31 through the coil driver 52, thereby rotating the stirrer 40. It is also possible to stir the ink 1.

  Further, an ink end sensor 57 for detecting that the ink in the ink pack 10 has run out is provided, and when the ink has run out, a signal for informing the CPU 51 of the end of the ink is output. The CPU 51, which has recognized the ink end based on the detection signal input from the ink end sensor 57, notifies the user that the ink end has been reached by turning on a lamp or the like while not causing the coil 31 to pass a current. The notification means for notifying the ink end may be a display device, a speaker, a buzzer or the like in addition to the lamp.

  Further, when the ink 1 in the ink pack 10 decreases, the inner surface of the upper film 12a comes into contact with the stirrer 40, and the load due to frictional resistance when the stirrer 40 rotates increases so that the stirrer 40 finally becomes Cannot rotate. In this case, the stirrer 40 does not rotate even when a current is passed through the magnetism generator 30, so that a counter electromotive current is generated in the coil 31 of the magnetism generator 30. The shunt 61 detects this back electromotive current, and the CPU 51 is in a state where the stirring body 40 is difficult to rotate when the back electromotive current detected through the shunt 61 and the coil driver 52 is larger than a predetermined value. It recognizes that it is in the state which is not rotating, and stops electricity supply to coil 31 of magnetism generating part 30.

  The shunt 61 replaces current measurement with voltage measurement by, for example, connecting a resistor (shunt resistor) to an electric circuit in advance and measuring a voltage drop across the shunt resistor. Alternatively, the current path may be divided into two hands using two resistors and the current value may be calculated from the product of the ratio of the two resistors and the indicated value of the ammeter.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the structure and principle of the ink end sensor.
In FIG. 7, the ink end sensor 57 includes a semiconductor strain gauge pressure transducer 62 on the ink flow path between the ink pack 10 and the recording head 21, for example. When the ink 1 in the flow path is exhausted, the negative pressure H in the flow path increases markedly. When the air enters the flow path, bubbles are formed in the ink 1 and the ink flow path of the recording head 21 is shielded, which has a serious adverse effect on the print quality. For this reason, the inside of the flow path is sealed from the atmosphere, and when the ink 1 in the ink pack 10 runs out, the negative pressure H increases in the flow path.

  The ink end sensor 57 is fixed to the joint 71 by molding a portion excluding the semiconductor diaphragm 64 with a mold resin member 70. The tube 27 is attached to the joint 71 in a liquid-tight state. When the negative pressure H increases, the semiconductor diaphragm 64 formed by etching the semiconductor inactive surface 63 of the semiconductor strain gauge pressure transducer 62 is sucked by the negative pressure H and deformed downward. When deformed downward, the electrical resistance value (gauge resistance value) between the plurality of electrodes 66 disposed in the vicinity of the active surface 65 side of the deformed portion of the semiconductor diaphragm 64 changes. This change in gauge resistance value is sent to a conversion circuit (not shown) disposed on the active surface 65. The received conversion circuit converts the change in the gauge resistance value into an output signal (detection signal) and transmits it to the substrate 68 through the bonding wire 67 protected by the potting member 69. The substrate 68 is electrically connected to the CPU 51, and the CPU 51 (shown in FIG. 5) determines that the ink has ended when the value of the detection signal input through the substrate exceeds a preset threshold value.

  In addition, an operation switch corresponding to each ink pack unit 24 is provided in the printer 20, and when the operation switch is pressed, the CPU 51 causes a current to flow through the corresponding coil 31 of the magnetism generation unit 30 based on the pressing signal to rotate the stirrer 40. The ink 1 is stirred. At this time, the time measurement data (connection accumulated time data) corresponding to each ink pack unit 24 stored in the RAM 56 may be continuously accumulated as it is, or stirring based on the operation of the operation switch is performed. You may reset it every time. In the case of a configuration in which stirring is performed only while the operation switch is pressed, the time measurement data is reset only when the stirring time exceeds a predetermined time (that is, the time when the operation switch is pressed exceeds a predetermined time). It is good. The coil 31 includes a coil wire wound one or more times or a pattern formed on a circuit board.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the ink pack unit in a state where the ink remaining amount is low. The thickness of a new ink pack 10 attached to the ink pack unit 24 is indicated by a position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. When the ink pack unit 24 is attached to the printer 20 and printing is performed, the ink in the ink pack 10 decreases. Since air does not enter the ink pack 10, the two films 12 a and 12 a constituting the containing bag 12 approach each other. In this case, the stirring body 40 is pressed (pressed) by the inner surface of the containing bag 12. When pressed, the stirring blade 40a of the stirring body 40 is bent and becomes flat. This means that the ink 1 in the ink pack 10 can be used up effectively when the stirring blade 40a is bent.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the correlation between the size of the stirring member and the thickness of the ink.
Let L be the minimum width (diameter) in which the width (diameter in the case of a circle or an ellipse) is the shortest in any direction within the plane of the shape (planar shape) formed by the stirring body 40. Further, the maximum thickness T when the ink pack 10 is placed horizontally is defined as a maximum thickness T. Since the stirrer 40 is only thrown into the ink 1, it can move in the ink 1 relatively freely. In order to rotate the stirrer 40 with the magnetic field from the magnetic generator 30 shown in FIG. 5, the stirrer 40 maintains the relative relationship shown in FIG. 5 with respect to the magnetic generator 30 so that the stirrer 40 does not reverse. There is a need. Therefore, the minimum width L of the stirring body 40 is formed to be larger than the maximum thickness T.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
Before the ink pack 10 is attached to the case 23, the ink pack 10 is held at the periphery regardless of whether the liquid supply unit 11 is on the upper side or the lower side or the ink is biased downward by gravity. Since the shape is held by the deformation preventing members 14a to 14c, the lower part of the containing bag 12 is unlikely to swell. Further, since the minimum width L of the stirrer 40 is longer than the maximum thickness T of the ink pack 10, the stirrer 40 does not reverse.

  For this reason, in a state where the ink pack 10 is attached to the case 23 in a predetermined direction determined from the guide groove 11a and the cut surface 11b, the stirring body 40 in the ink pack 10 always has a direction in which the stirring blade 40a extends upward. Placed in. Therefore, the stirrer 40 can be rotated by receiving a force generated by the magnetic field from the magnetic generator 30. Of course, in a state where the ink pack unit 24 is stored in the printer 20 and the ink pack 10 is disposed horizontally, the stirring member 40 having the minimum width L longer than the maximum thickness T of the ink pack 10 is used as the ink pack 10. It will never flip inside.

  When the ink pack presence / absence detection sensor 54 provided for each ink pack 10 detects “None”, the CPU 51 resets the accumulated connection time of the ink pack 10 to “0”. Further, when the ink pack presence / absence detection sensor 54 detects “present”, the connection accumulated time is newly counted. Thus, the elapsed time (cumulative time) after the replacement is managed for each ink pack 10 whose ink has been replaced, and the stirrer 40 is stirred for a predetermined time each time the set time set by the program elapses. Thus, the magnetic generator 30 is driven and controlled.

  Therefore, when a new ink pack 10 is connected, first, a current flows through the coil 31 of the magnetism generator 30, and the stirrer 40 rotates in the ink 1 by obtaining a magnetic field force from the magnetism generator 30. Next, whenever a set time elapses after the new ink pack 10 is connected, a current flows through the coil 31 of the magnetism generating unit 30, and the stirrer 40 obtains the magnetic field force from the magnetism generating unit 30 to Rotate in.

  As the remaining amount of ink in the ink pack 10 decreases, the containing bag 12 is deformed so as to reduce its volume. When the coil 31 of the magnetism generating unit 30 is energized in a state where the remaining amount of ink is reduced and the inner surfaces of the films 12a and 12a are in contact with the stirrer 40, the stirrer 40 is smoothed by the frictional resistance received from the films 12a and 12a. It may happen that it becomes impossible to rotate. At this time, the CPU 51 stops energization of the coil 31 by recognizing that the stirrer 40 cannot be smoothly rotated by the detected current from the flow divider 61. Therefore, a situation in which the stirrer 40 is forcibly rotated to damage the film 12a, or a load is applied to the magnetism generating unit 30 or the coil driver 52 by the counter electromotive force generated in the coil 31 in an attempt to forcibly rotate the stirrer 40. Can be avoided.

  When the remaining amount of ink in the ink pack 10 decreases, the upper film 12a gradually approaches the lower film 12a and eventually presses the stirring blade 40a. The agitating blade 40a is bent so as to fall down when pressed by the upper film 12a, and when the ink remaining amount is almost gone, it is flattened to the thickness of only its thickness as shown by the solid line in FIG. Therefore, the ink 1 in the ink pack 10 can be used up even though the stirring member 40 is accommodated in the ink pack 10.

As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) By rotating the stirrer 40 in the ink, the sedimentation of the pigment that occurs after a relatively long rest period in the ink pack 10 is stirred and prevented, and problems caused by uneven density of the ink 1 are prevented. it can. Further, when the ink 1 in the ink pack 10 is reduced, the stirrer 40 is pushed by the inner surface of the containing bag 12 and deformed into a flat shape, so that the ink 1 in the ink pack 10 can be used up effectively. On the other hand, in the prior art described in Patent Document 1, the magnetic stirrer is relatively thick with a structure having a ring-shaped frame portion, so that the upper and lower films of the storage bag can be formed around the magnetic stirrer. The volume of the gap region is relatively large, and the ink for that volume remains, and the ink cannot be used up to the end. Further, since the stirrer 40 is manufactured by pressing one thin steel plate, its structure is very simple and its manufacture is very simple.

  (2) Since a structure for preventing erroneous mounting when the ink pack 10 is mounted on the case 23 is employed, any person can replace the ink without mounting the ink pack 10 in the wrong direction. For this reason, since the ink pack 10 is mounted in such a direction that the stirrer 40 is reversed, it is possible to prevent the stirrer 40 from rotating.

  (3) Since the deformation preventing members 14 a to 14 c are provided on the outer periphery of the ink pack 10, the stirring body 40 is prevented from being reversed in the ink pack 10, and when the ink pack 10 is mounted on the printer 20, the stirring body 40 Can rotate reliably.

  (4) Since the connection accumulation time can be managed for each ink pack 10 by the ink pack presence / absence detection sensor 54 and the counter 55, the stirrer 40 is rotated at an appropriate frequency each time a predetermined time elapses. Can do. Therefore, the ink in the ink pack 10 can be periodically stirred to prevent the pigment from settling. When a new ink pack 10 is connected, the stirrer 40 is rotated by detecting the ink pack 10 by the ink pack presence / absence detection sensor 54, so that the pigment is temporarily set in the new ink pack 10. Can also disperse the pigment.

  (5) The ink end sensor 57 can reliably detect the ink end and stop the supply of current to the magnetism generating unit 30, and light the lamp or the like to inform the user that the ink has ended.

(Second embodiment)
Below, 2nd embodiment which actualized this invention is described based on Fig.10 (a), (b). The stirrer of this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the structure of the stirrer. Since the other configuration is common to the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  10A and 10B, a shape for forming the reinforcing portion 40d indicated by a two-dot chain line is formed by pressing or the like, and bent inward at the bending portion 40e. In this case, the distal end portion 40f of the reinforcing portion 40d is arranged near the bending position of the stirring blade 40a. In a state where the stirring blade 40a is bent and falls down, the stirring blade 40a is accommodated in the notch 40c, and the stirring body 40 becomes equal to the plate thickness. The stirring body 40 has at least a pair of magnetic poles.

Then, the effect | action of the stirring body comprised like said 2nd embodiment is demonstrated.
The stirrer 40 obtains a force that rotates or moves from the magnetic generator 30 of the first embodiment, and rotates or moves in the ink 1. Further, when the remaining amount of ink decreases, the rotation of the stirring member 40 is stopped, and the stirring member 40 is pushed by the inner surface of the upper film 12a and becomes flat. The stirring blade 40a of the stirring body 40 needs rigidity when stirring, and needs to bend with a weak force when the amount of ink decreases. In the third embodiment, the stirrer blade 40a is secured so that the reinforcing portion 40d receives a force during stirring. Moreover, when pushed by the inner surface of the film 12a, the stirring blade 40a can be bent with a weak force because it is pushed in a direction where the reinforcing portion 40d is not present. About the structure of the stirring body of this embodiment other than the above, since it is the same as that of 1st embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(6) The stirring blade 40a of the stirring body 40 has high rigidity when stirring the ink, and when the ink 1 is reduced, the stirring blade 40a is bent and deformed by a weak force received from the inner surface of the containing bag 12 to become flat. The ink 1 is well stirred and the ink 1 can be used up effectively.

(Third embodiment)
Below, 3rd embodiment which actualized this invention is described based on Fig.11 (a), (b). The stirring body of this embodiment is different from the second embodiment in the structure of the stirring body. Since the other configuration is common to the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  11 (a) and 11 (b), a magnet 41 is attached to the support 40b of the stirring member 40 on the surface opposite to the bending rise of the stirring blade 40a. The magnet 41 is relatively thin and has at least a pair of magnetic poles. The material of the stirring member 40 here is a magnetic material or a non-magnetic material. The stirrer 40 and the magnet 41 are bonded with, for example, an adhesive. Surface treatment may be performed similarly to the first embodiment. By attaching a magnet to the stirrer 40, the rotating force from the magnetism generating unit 30 can be received more strongly.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(7) By attaching the magnet 41 to the support portion 40b of the stirrer 40, the stirring force of the stirrer 40 can be increased, and the material selection of the stirrer 40 can be performed widely.

(Fourth embodiment)
Below, 4th embodiment which actualized this invention is described based on FIG. 12 and FIG. The stirrer of this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the structure of the stirrer. Since the other configuration is common to the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

12 and 13 are plan side views showing the stirrer according to the fourth embodiment.
12 (a) and 12 (b), the bend M of the stirrer 40 having a substantially rectangular shape is largely bent, and the stirrer blades 40a are formed on the respective surfaces. In this case, it is possible to employ a configuration in which there is no stirring blade 40a or there are one or more stirring blades 40a. When the stirring blade 40a is not present at all, the stirring can be performed at the portion that is bent upward at the bent portion M and extends upward.

  12 (c) and 12 (d), the stirrer 40 is partially bent at the bent portion M, and a portion extending diagonally to the left of the bent portion M functions to stir the ink 1. It becomes the stirring blade 40a.

  13 (a) and 13 (b), the stirrer 40 is greatly bent at a bent portion M at a substantially central portion of a substantially rectangular shape, and a stirring blade that functions to stir ink by a portion extending to the left and right from the bent portion M. 40a.

  Each stirring body 40 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 obtains a rotating force from the magnetism generator 30 of the first embodiment and rotates in the ink 1. Further, when the remaining amount of ink is reduced, any of the stirring bodies 40 is pushed by the inner surface of the containing bag 12 and becomes flat.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(8) The ink 1 can be stirred by largely bending a part of the stirring body 40. Since the stirring body 40 is deformed into a flat shape by being pressed against the inner surface of the containing bag 12, the ink can be used up to the end. Further, when the stirring blade 40a is formed on at least one of the two bent surfaces of the stirring body 40 as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the stirring performance is further improved.

(Fifth embodiment)
Below, 5th embodiment which actualized this invention is described based on FIG. The stirrer of this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the structure and movement of the stirrer. Since the other configuration is common to the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

14A to 14C are cross-sectional views of the ink pack showing the stirrer according to the fifth embodiment.
In FIG. 14A, the ink pack 10 is provided with a swinging stirring body 42 as a stirring body having at least a pair of magnetic poles in the containing bag 12. The oscillating stirring body 42 includes a fixed portion 42a as a fixed end and a stirring blade 42b on the free end side. The fixing portion 42a is fixed to the inner surface of the lower film 12a constituting the containing bag 12 by adhesion or thermocompression bonding. The stirring blade 42b is bent with the fixed portion 42a as a base end and extends obliquely upward.

  A magnetic generation unit 30 (shown in FIG. 5) is disposed below the oscillating stirrer 42 and in the vicinity of the outside of the ink pack 10, and a magnetic field is applied to the oscillating agitator 42 by the magnetic generation unit 30. . In addition, the magnetic generation unit 30 in the present embodiment is configured such that the magnetic poles on the upper surface are periodically switched.

In FIG. 14 (b), a magnet 41 is attached to the upper surface of the stirring blade 42 b of the rocking stirring body 42. The magnet 41 has at least a pair of magnetic poles. Others are the same as those in FIG.
In FIG.14 (c), the two rocking | swirling stirring bodies 42 are being fixed to the inner surface of the film 12a by the fixing | fixed part 42a. The two rocking agitators 42 are fixed at positions where they do not interfere with each other. A magnet 41 having at least a pair of magnetic poles is attached to the stirring blade 42b. Others are the same as FIG.14 (b).

Next, the operation of the oscillating stirrer configured as in the fifth embodiment will be described.
When a magnetic field is applied to the oscillating stirrer 42 from the magnetic generator 30 (shown in FIG. 4), if the magnetic pole at the tip of the stirring blade 42b and the magnetic pole of the magnetic generator 30 are the same, they repel each other and move upward. Further, when the magnetic pole at the tip of the stirring blade 42b is different from the magnetic pole of the magnetism generating unit 30, it is attracted and moved downward. That is, the ink 1 is agitated when the rocking stirring member 42 swings the portion of the stirring blade 42b around the fixed portion 42a. When the remaining amount of ink decreases and is pressed from the inner surface of the containing bag 12, the swinging stirring member 42 closes so that the stirring blade 42b comes into contact with the entire surface of the lower film 12a. Can be used up.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(9) By moving the oscillating stirrer 42 in the ink, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems due to density unevenness due to the sedimentation action of the pigment generated in the ink pack 10 after a relatively long pause period. .

  (10) Since the rocking stirrer 42 has a configuration in which a part thereof is fixed to the inner surface of the containing bag 12, even if the ink pack 10 is mounted in a substantially vertical state with respect to the printer 20, a stirring function is provided. Can be demonstrated. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the ink pack 10 corresponding to the mounting posture of the ink pack 10 so that the ink 1 can be stirred in any direction.

(Sixth embodiment)
Below, 6th embodiment which actualized this invention is described based on FIG. The stirrer of this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the structure of the stirrer. Since the other configuration is common to the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

15 (a) and 15 (b) are plan side views showing the stirrer according to the sixth embodiment.
In FIG. 15, the stirrer 40 has a second support portion 40h having the same circular shape extending from one end of the first support portion 40g having a circular shape through a connection portion 40i. A bent portion 40j is formed at the other end of the first support portion 40g opposite to the connection portion 40i. The connecting portion 40i is bent at two locations, and the bent portion 40j is also bent at two locations, so that the first support portion 40g and the second support portion 40h are substantially parallel. Moreover, the stirring blade 40a is formed in the 1st support part 40g. A magnet 41 having at least a pair of magnetic poles is attached to each of the support portions 40g and 40h on the outer surface side by adhesion or thermocompression bonding. The material of the part other than the magnet 41 of the stirrer 40 is made of metal or resin. The connecting portion 40i, the bending portion 40j, and the stirring blade 40a are arranged in parallel with substantially the same inclination, and are substantially parallelograms (one set of diagonals is an acute angle) in a side view shown in FIG. It has the shape of Therefore, when the stirring member 40 receives a pressing force from above and below in FIG. 5B, both the support portions 40g and 40h are crushed so that the stirring blade 40a, the connecting portion 40i, and the bending portion 40j are bent. Fall down.

Next, the operation of the stirrer configured as in the sixth embodiment will be described.
When the ink pack unit 24 in which the stirrer 40 and the ink 1 are accommodated in the ink pack 10 is attached to the printer 20, the force generated by the magnetic field is received from the magnetism generating unit 30 (shown in FIG. 5), and the stirring in the ink pack 10 is performed. The ink 1 can be stirred by the rotation of the body 40.

Further, when the amount of ink 1 in the ink pack 10 is reduced, the stirrer 40 is pushed and deformed by the inner surface of the containing bag 12, so that the ink 1 can be used up effectively.
As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  (11) There are two ways of accommodating the ink pack 10 by making the support portion 40g and the support portion 40h substantially parallel, one is a method of putting the support portion 40g downward, and the other is In this method, the support portion 40h is placed downward. That is, the stirring body 40 can be accommodated in either of two directions. Further, when the ink pack 10 is attached to the case 23 (shown in FIG. 2), the ink pack 10 can be attached without restricting the orientation of the ink pack 10. Therefore, the cut surface 11b (shown in FIG. 3) is not necessary, and ink replacement can be facilitated.

In addition, embodiment is not limited to the above, You may make it the following aspects.
(Modification 1) The movement of the stirring member is not limited to rotation or swinging. For example, the stirrer may be reciprocated. FIG. 16 shows an example in which the stirrer is reciprocated. As shown in the figure, a driving device 75 is disposed below the ink pack 10. The driving device 75 is configured such that a timing belt 76 extending along the longitudinal direction of the main body 75a is driven to rotate forward and backward by a motor M1, and is fixed via a support member 77 fixed to the timing belt 76. A magnet 78 is provided so as to be capable of reciprocating in the left-right direction in FIG. The motor M1 is driven by a CPU 51 through a driver (not shown) for a set time at a set time as in the above embodiments. When the stirring blade 40a is pushed down by the inner surface of the containing bag 12 and falls into the notch 40c, the stirring member 40 is flattened, so that the ink can be used up effectively.

(Modification 2) A magnet may be attached to the stirrer 40 to which no magnet is attached in the above embodiments.
(Modification 3) Although the ink supply of the ink pack 10 at the time of ink replacement is prevented by using the shape of the liquid supply unit 11, the shape of the ink pack 10 and the case 23 may be used.

(Modification 4) A plurality of stirring bodies 40 may be accommodated in one ink pack 10. In this case, there may be a plurality of magnetism generators 30.
(Modification 5) In order to prevent the deformation of the ink pack 10, the deformation preventing members 14 a to 14 c are arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the ink pack 10. You may make it.

  (Modification 6) The stirrer 40 is configured to rotate within the containing bag 12 under the force of the magnetic field from the magnetism generating unit 30. A hole may be formed in 40, and the agitator 40 may be rotated by attaching the shaft and the hole.

(Modification 7) The number of stirring blades 40a is not limited, and may be more than two.
(Modification 8) In the second embodiment, a part of the stirrer 40 is bent to form the reinforcing part 40d, but other members may be provided.

  (Modification 9) In the fifth embodiment, the oscillating stirrer 42 is fixed to the approximate center of the ink pack 10, but when the ink pack 10 is mounted on the printer 20 substantially vertically, the ink 1 Since the pigment settles downward, the rocking stirrer 42 may be fixed below the ink pack 10.

(Modification 10) In the fifth embodiment, one or two rocking agitators 42 have been described, but three or more rocking agitators 42 may be provided.
(Modification 11) In the fifth embodiment, the magnetism generator 30 is disposed below the ink pack 10, but when the rocking stirrer 42 is fixed to the inner surface of the upper film 12a, The magnetism generating unit 30 may be disposed close to the upper side of the ink pack 10. When the two ink pack units 24 are adjacent to each other, the magnetism generating unit 30 is disposed between the two ink pack units 24, and the two magnet packs 10 are swung by the one magnetism generating unit 30. The stirrer 42 may be driven and controlled.

  (Modification 12) In the sixth embodiment, one ink pack unit 24 is driven and controlled by the magnetism generator 30, but when two ink pack units 24 are adjacent to each other, two ink pack units 24 are used. The magnetic generation unit 30 may be disposed between the two, and the stirring bodies 40 of the two ink pack units 24 may be driven and controlled by one magnetic generation unit 30.

  (Modification 13) In the sixth embodiment, the magnet 41 is attached to the support portion 40g and the support portion 40h of the stirrer 40. However, the stirrer 40 itself may have at least a pair of magnetic poles.

The technical idea grasped from the respective embodiments and modifications will be described below.
(1) In any one of claims 1 to 4, the stirrer has a magnet.

(2) The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the stirring body is subjected to a surface treatment for reducing a reaction with the liquid.
(3) In the technical idea (2), the surface treatment of the stirrer is characterized by performing a coating treatment, a vapor deposition treatment or a plating treatment on a polyethylene resin or an inorganic member.

(4) In any one of claims 1 to 4, a reinforcing portion for restricting the bending of the bent portion of the stirrer is provided.
(5) In any one of claims 1 to 4, there are a plurality of stirring bodies.

(6) In any one of claims 1 to 4, a deformation preventing member is disposed on the periphery of the containing bag.
(7) In Claim 5 or 6, the magnetism generator (30) has at least one coil (31).

  (8) The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the liquid pack, wherein the control means detects a state in which the liquid pack is absent from the state without the liquid pack. The magnetic generator is driven to move the stirring member. According to this configuration, it is possible to detect that a new liquid pack has been mounted and move the stirring body in the liquid pack to stir the liquid.

  (9) In Claim 5 or 6, when the stirrer is pushed by the inner surface of the containing bag and cannot rotate or move, the control means detects the current of the magnetic generator (30). Is characterized by prohibiting energization of the magnetism generator (30).

(10) In claim 5 or 6, an operation switch is provided, and the control means drives the drive unit based on an operation signal of the operation switch.
(11) In claim 5 or 6, a liquid end sensor (57) for detecting the end of the liquid in the liquid pack is provided, and the control means determines that the liquid end is based on a detection signal from the liquid end sensor. It is characterized by prohibiting energization to the magnetism generating part.

  (12) Diaphragm portion (64) provided by etching from the non-active surface of the semiconductor, a plurality of electrodes (66) disposed on the active surface side of the diaphragm portion, and a resistance value change between the electrodes. A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: a liquid end sensor (57) having an output circuit for measuring and outputting a signal indicating that the change in resistance value is equal to or greater than a preset value.

  (13) A recording head, a liquid pack, a liquid flow path (27) from the recording head to the liquid pack, and a value provided in the liquid flow path and corresponding to the pressure of the liquid in the liquid flow path A liquid end sensor (57) having a semiconductor strain gauge pressure transducer for outputting a detection signal of the liquid, a determination means (51) for determining a liquid end based on the detection signal of the liquid end sensor, and the determination means being a liquid end A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: an informing means for informing that when it is determined.

  (14) A method for producing a liquid pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the liquid supply part is sandwiched and joined between one side of the liquid pack film (12a), and the liquid pack film. A procedure for joining the other two sides, a procedure for accommodating the stirring body (40) in the liquid pack film, a procedure for filling a liquid in the liquid pack film, and a remaining side of the liquid pack film And a liquid pack manufacturing method comprising the steps of:

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a liquid ejecting apparatus equipped with the ink pack unit of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a relationship between an ink pack unit and a printer. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an ink pack. Sectional drawing between AA of FIG. The electric block diagram which shows an electric structure. The stirring body is shown, (a) is a top view, (b) is a sectional side view. Sectional drawing explaining the structure and principle of an ink end sensor. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the ink pack unit in a state where the ink remaining amount is low. Sectional drawing which shows the relationship between the width | variety of a stirring body and the thickness of an ink pack. The stirring body in 2nd embodiment is shown, (a) is a top view, (b) is sectional side view. The stirring body in 3rd embodiment is shown, (a) is a top view, (b) is sectional side view. (A)-(d) is a plane side view which shows the stirring body in 4th embodiment. The two types of stirring bodies in 4th embodiment are shown, (a) (c) is each top view, (b) (d) is each side view. In the fifth embodiment, (a) to (c) are cross-sectional views of ink packs showing three types of rocking agitators, respectively. The stirring body in 6th embodiment is shown, (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view. The schematic side view which shows the drive device of the stirring body in a modification.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Ink, 10 ... Ink pack, 11 ... Liquid supply part, 12 ... Storage bag, 14a-14c ... Deformation prevention member, 20 ... Printer as a liquid ejecting apparatus, 21 ... Recording head, 22 ... Storage part, 23 ... Case , 24 ... Ink pack unit, 30 ... Magnetic generating part (coil unit), 31 ... Coil, 40 ... Stirring body, 40a ... Stirring blade, 40b ... Supporting part, 40c ... Notch, 40d ... Reinforcing part, 40e ... Bending part , 40f ... tip part, 40g ... support A part, 40h ... support part, 40i ... connection part, 40j ... bending part, 41 ... magnet, 42 ... rocking stirrer, 42a ... fixed part, 42b ... stirring blade, 51 ... CPU constituting control means and timing means 52... Coil driver constituting control means, 53... ROM, 54... Ink pack presence / absence detection sensor as detection means, 55. Unter, 56 ... RAM constituting time measuring means, 57 ... Ink end sensor, 61 ... Diverter, 62 ... Semiconductor strain gauge pressure transducer, T ... Maximum thickness, L ... Minimum width of stirrer, M ... Bending part, H: Negative pressure.

Claims (6)

A liquid pack comprising a liquid supply unit and a storage bag that encloses liquid in a state where the liquid supply unit is partially exposed,
A stirrer placed in the containing bag;
A liquid pack comprising: the stirrer that is deformed into a flat shape by being pushed by an inner surface of the container bag when the container bag is deformed to reduce its volume as the liquid is discharged from the liquid supply unit. . The liquid pack according to claim 1,
The stirrer has a bent portion that bends so that the liquid can be stirred during the rotation or movement of the stirrer, and falls when the bent portion is pushed to the inner surface when the containing bag is deformed to reduce its volume. The liquid pack is characterized by being deformed into a flat shape. The liquid pack according to claim 1 or 2,
The liquid pack, wherein a minimum diagonal length of the shape formed by the stirring body is larger than a maximum thickness of the containing bag. The liquid pack according to claim 1,
The stirrer is formed in a flat shape swingable so that a free end side of the inner surface of the storage bag changes a separation distance from the inner surface of the storage bag with a fixed end side as a center. A liquid pack, characterized in that when the bag is deformed so as to reduce its volume, the bag is pushed so as to be displaced so that the free end side of the stirring member approaches the inner surface of the containing bag. A liquid pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A magnetic generator for moving the stirring body in the storage bag by applying a magnetic force from the outside of the storage bag;
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: a control unit that drives and controls the magnetism generation unit. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 5,
Detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of the liquid pack;
Comprising time measuring means for measuring time when it is detected by the detecting means that the liquid pack is present,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit drives the magnetism generating unit at a predetermined time based on the time measured by the time measuring unit to move the stirring body.

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