Patent Publication Number: US-2023150269-A1

Title: Ink pack and method of manufacturing the ink pack

Description:
The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Serial Number 2021-185443, filed Nov. 15, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to an ink pack and a method of manufacturing the ink pack. 
     2. Related Art 
     Ink cartridges that include an ink pack and a case that accommodates the ink pack, for example, an ink cartridge described in JP-A-2008-200971, are known. 
     The ink pack in such an ink cartridge is protected by the case. The case, however, uses a large amount of plastic material, and carbon dioxide emissions in manufacturing the case are high. In addition, in reusing the used ink cartridge, when the ink pack is damaged, the whole ink pack is to be replaced with a new one, resulting in a lower ink-pack reuse rate. 
     SUMMARY 
     An ink pack configured to supply an ink to an ink-consuming apparatus includes a first pack configured to contain the ink, an ink supplying section provided to the first pack, the ink supplying section being configured to supply the ink to the ink-consuming apparatus, and a second pack configured to accommodate the first pack, in which the first pack and the second pack are separable. 
     A method of manufacturing an ink pack including a first pack configured to contain an ink, an ink supplying section provided to the first pack, the ink supplying section being configured to supply the ink to the ink-consuming apparatus, and a second pack configured to accommodate the first pack is provided. The method includes accommodating the first pack filled with the ink by using the second pack, and reducing the pressure in a space between the first pack and the second pack such that the first pack and the second pack come into close contact with each other. 
     A method of manufacturing a new ink pack by reusing a part of the ink pack manufactured in accordance with the manufacturing method according to the above-described manufacturing method is provided. The method includes, in a state in which the first pack and the second pack are in close contact, injecting air into a space between the first pack and the second pack to separate the first pack and the second pack, separating the first pack and the second pack from each other, and replacing the first pack or the second pack with a new first pack or a new second pack. 
     A method of manufacturing an ink pack including a first pack configured to contain an ink, an ink supplying section provided to the first pack, the ink supplying section being configured to supply the ink to the ink-consuming apparatus, and a second pack configured to accommodate the first pack is provided. The method includes accommodating the first pack filled with the ink by using the second pack, and injecting air into a space between the first pack and the second pack to form an air layer between the first pack and the second pack. 
     A method of manufacturing a new ink pack by reusing a part of the ink pack manufactured in accordance with the manufacturing method according to the above-described method is provided. The method includes separating the first pack and the second pack from each other, and replacing the first pack or the second pack with a new first pack or a new second pack. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a plan view illustrating an ink pack according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional view illustrating the ink pack according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional view illustrating the ink pack according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing the ink pack according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic view illustrating a method of manufacturing the ink pack according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a new ink pack according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    is a schematic view illustrating a method of manufacturing the new ink pack according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG.  8    is a cross-sectional view illustrating an ink pack according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG.  9    is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing the ink pack according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a new ink pack according to the second embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     1. First Embodiment 
     First, a configuration of an ink pack  1  is described. The ink pack  1  is an ink container that contains an ink to be supplied to a printer, which is an ink-consuming apparatus. The ink pack  1  includes a first pack  10  that can contain an ink and a second pack  20  that can accommodate the first pack  10 , as illustrated in  FIG.  1   ,  FIG.  2    (a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in  FIG.  1   ), and  FIG.  3    (a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in  FIG.  1   ). 
     The ink pack  1  according to the embodiment has a substantially rectangular outer peripheral portion elongated in the X-axis direction in plan view. The dimension of the ink pack  1  in the Z-axis direction is shorter than the dimension in the X-axis direction and shorter than the dimension in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the ink pack  1  has a plate-like shape that is thin in the Z-axis direction. Accordingly, the XY plane of the ink pack  1  is used as a mounting surface in the printer, enabling the user to stably install the ink pack  1 . 
     The first pack  10  is a pouch containing a container  13  for ink. The flexible first pack  10  is made of a sheet member. The first pack  10  may be flexible enough to bend under its own weight or may be flexible enough to retain its shape under its own weight but bend under a load exceeding its own weight. The first pack  10  is substantially rectangular and elongated in the X-axis direction in plan view. The first pack  10  according to the embodiment is formed in a pouch shape by folding a sheet member, overlapping the outer peripheral portion at the end in the −Y direction and the outer peripheral portion at the end in the +Y direction, and welding the respective outer peripheries. 
     The sheet member of the first pack  10  is made of a flexible material. The sheet member is a film member made of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, or polyethylene. The sheet member may be made of stacked films of the above-described material. For example, the sheet member may include an outer layer made of a high-impact film of PET or nylon and an inner layer made of an ink-resistant film of polyethylene. 
     An ink supplying section  15  is attached to a +X-direction end of the first pack  10 . The ink supplying section  15  has a tubular shape. Part of the outer circumferential surface of the ink supplying section  15  is welded to the sheet member of the first pack  10 . The ink supplying section  15  has a supply path  15   a  that communicates with the container  13  of the first pack  10  and the outside. The supply path  15   a  is provided in the X-axis direction. The ink contained in the first pack  10  can be supplied to a printer via the supply path  15   a.  The ink supplying section  15  is a resin member made of, for example, polypropylene. A film member FM is attached to a +X-direction end of the ink supplying section  15 . The film member FM seals the supply path  15   a  to seal the ink contained in the first pack  10 . To supply the ink to a printer, the film member FM is removed or pierced to open the supply path  15   a,  thereby supplying the ink contained in the first pack  10  to the printer. It should be noted that the sheet members are welded to each other at the +X-direction end of the first pack  10  other than the area of the ink supplying section  15 . 
     The second pack  20  is a pouch that accommodates the first pack  10  and is larger than the first pack  10 . Accordingly, the whole of the first pack  10  is covered with the second pack  20 . The flexible second pack  20  is made of a sheet member. The second pack  20  may be flexible enough to bend under its own weight or may be flexible enough to retain its shape under its own weight but bend under a load exceeding its own weight. The second pack  20  is substantially rectangular and elongated in the X-axis direction in plan view. 
     The ink pack  1  according to the embodiment includes the first pack  10  and the second pack  20 , which are separable. The second pack  20  according to the embodiment includes two sheet members that overlap each other. Part of an outer peripheral portion of the second pack  20  is bonded with a double-sided tape  23 , which is a removable member. In this embodiment, two sheet members overlap each other, and the outer peripheral portions at the −Y-direction end and the outer peripheral portions at the +Y-direction end are bonded with the double-sided tapes  23  ( FIG.  3   ). At the +X-direction end of the second pack  20 , the front surface of the sheet member of the first pack  10  and the rear surface of the sheet member of the second pack  20  are bonded with the double-sided tape  23  ( FIG.  2   ). 
     The second pack  20  has a pressure-reducing section  25 . The pressure-reducing section  25  according to the embodiment is disposed at the −X-direction end of the second pack  20 . The pressure-reducing section  25  has a tubular shape. At the −X-direction end of the second pack  20 , part of the pressure-reducing section  25  is welded in a state in which the pressure-reducing section  25  is held between the two sheet members. In the second pack  20 , the portion (the outer peripheral portion of the second pack  20  other than the −X-direction end) bonded with the double-sided tape  23  can be readily removed by pulling the sheet member with fingers. This structure enables the second pack  20  to be readily opened, and thus the first pack  10  and the second pack  20  can be separated. The removable member may be, for example, an easy-peel film that can be readily separated. 
     The pressure-reducing section  25  is configured to reduce the pressure in the space between the first pack  10  and the second pack  20 . The pressure-reducing section  25  has a communication path  25   a  that communicates with the inside and the outside of the second pack  20 . The communication path  25   a  is provided in the X-axis direction. The pressure-reducing section  25  is a resin member made of, for example, polypropylene. A cover  25   b  that can open or close the communication path  25   a  is provided at the −X-direction end of the pressure-reducing section  25 . In a state in which the cover  25   b  is open, the air inside is sucked out from the outside via the communication path  25   a  to reduce the pressure inside the second pack  20 , and the first pack  10  and the second pack  20  thereby come into close contact with each other. In the pressure-reduced state, at least part of the first pack  10  and part of the second pack  20  may be in contact with each other. After the pressure-reducing process, the communication path  25   a  is closed by the cover  25   b.  The cover  25   b  maintains the first pack  10  and the second pack  20  in close contact, and thus the level of the reduced pressure in the ink contained in the first pack  10  can be maintained. If a space exists between the first pack  10  and the second pack  20 , the contained ink absorbs the air through the sheet member of the first pack  10 , resulting in a decrease in the degree of deaeration. This embodiment, however, suppresses such a problem from occurring. Accordingly, the ink can be stably discharged from the printer. 
     In contrast, when the cover  25   b  is open, the air is supplied from the outside via the communication path  25   a  into the second pack  20  to pressurize the inside of the second pack  20 , and the first pack  10  and the second pack  20  are thereby separated from each other to enable the second pack  20  to be readily opened. 
     The sheet member of the second pack  20  is made of a flexible material. The sheet member may be a film member made of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, or polyethylene. The sheet member may be made of stacked films of the above-described material. The second pack  20  also includes a gas-barrier layer capable of suppressing entry of outside air. The gas-barrier layer is, for example, a vapor-deposited aluminum layer. The gas-barrier layer suppresses entry of air from the outside of the ink pack  1  when the first pack  10  and the second pack  20  are in close contact and thus suppresses a decrease in the degree of deaeration of the ink in the first pack  10 . Other than the aluminum layer, the gas-barrier layer may be made of, for example, a gas-barrier resin consisting of a polyvinyl alcohol resin or an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, such as an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer saponification, or a vapor-deposited film of a metal or metal oxide deposited onto a resin film of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer. 
     Next, a method of manufacturing the ink pack  1  is described. In step S 11 , the first pack  10  is filled with an ink, as in  FIG.  4   . For example, the air in the first pack  10  is sucked out via the ink supplying section  15  to remove the air. This process reduces the volume of the container  13  in the first pack  10  to substantially zero. After this process, the first pack  10  is filled with an ink via the ink supplying section  15  such that air is not contained. It should be noted that before the ink filling process, the ink may be subjected to deaeration to remove dissolved gas. After a predetermined amount of ink is supplied into the container  13  in the first pack  10 , a film member FM is attached to the ink supplying section  15 . The film member FM enables the ink to be contained in the first pack  10  in a state in which the first pack  10  is sealed. 
     In step S 12 , the first pack  10  is wrapped with the second pack  20 . More specifically, the whole of the first pack  10  is wrapped with the second pack  20  that is in an open state, and the outer peripheral portion of the second pack  20  is bonded with the double-sided tape  23 . By this process, the first pack  10  is accommodated in the second pack  20 . In such a state in which the first pack  10  is accommodated in the second pack  20 , a space is formed between the first pack  10  and the second pack  20  as illustrated in  FIG.  5   . When the space is formed between the first pack  10  and the second pack  20 , the ink absorbs the air through the sheet member of the first pack  10 , and the degree of deaeration of the ink may be decreased. 
     To solve the problem, in step S 13 , the pressure inside the second pack  20  is reduced via the pressure-reducing section  25 . More specifically, when the cover  25   b  is open, the air in the second pack  20  is sucked out via the communication path  25   a  by using, for example, a pump. This process reduces the pressure in the second pack  20 , enabling the first pack  10  and the second pack  20  to come into close contact with each other. The sheet member of the second pack  20  includes the gas-barrier layer, and thus the first pack  10  and the second pack  20  in close contact can maintain the level of the reduced pressure in the ink contained in the first pack  10 . After the pressure-reducing process, the communication path  25   a  is closed by the cover  25   b  to be in a closed state. By the above-described processing, the ink pack  1  is provided ( FIG.  2   ). 
     Next, a method of manufacturing a new ink pack  1  is described. Specifically, a method of manufacturing a new ink pack  1  after the ink pack  1  is used and collected is described. In collecting a used ink pack  1 , the used ink pack  1  may be transported without being protected in an individual box and may be damaged during transit. In such a case, in this embodiment, a new ink pack  1  is manufactured by reusing a part of the used ink pack  1 . 
     In step S 21 , the collected ink pack  1  is separated, as in  FIG.  6   . The collected ink pack includes, however, the first pack  10  and the second pack  20  that adhere to each other, and it is difficult to separate the first pack  10  and the second pack  20 . In such a state in which the first pack  10  and the second pack  20  adhere to each other, air is injected into a space between the first pack  10  and the second pack  20 . More specifically, in a state in which the cover  25   b  is open, air is supplied via the communication path  25   a  into the second pack by using a compressor or the like, thereby pressurizing the inside of the second pack  20  and separating the first pack  10  and the second pack  20  from each other. After the separation, the double-sided tape  23  is removed from the outer peripheral portion of the second pack  20 . The first pack  10  and the second pack  20  are separated from each other, and the double-sided tape  23  can be readily removed. By this process, the second pack  20  is opened and the first pack  10  and the second pack  20  are separated from each other as illustrated in  FIG.  7   . 
     In step S 22 , the first pack  10  and the second pack  20  are visually inspected. In the visual inspection, for example, the surface condition (e.g., scratches, dents, and cracks) of the sheet members of the first pack  10  and the second pack  20  is inspected by eye or by using a stereoscopic microscope. Based on the inspection result, whether the first pack  10  or the second pack  20  can be reused is determined, and a selection is made. In the visual inspection, the surface condition may be inspected by touching the first pack  10  and the second pack  20  with fingers. 
     In step S 23 , the first pack  10  or the second pack  20  is replaced with a new first pack  10  or a new second pack  20 . More specifically, in step S 22 , for example, when the first pack  10  is reusable and the second pack  20  is not reusable, the second pack  20  that is not reusable is replaced with a new second pack  20 , and the new second pack  20  is paired with the reusable first pack  10 . In step S 22 , when the first pack  10  is not reusable and the second pack  20  is reusable, the first pack  10  that is not reusable is replaced with a new first pack  10 , and the new first pack  10  is paired with the reusable second pack  20 . Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing a new ink pack  1 A by using a new second pack  20  and a reusable first pack  10  is described. 
     In step S 24 , the first pack  10  is filled with an ink via the ink supplying section  15 . After a predetermined amount of ink is supplied into the container  13  in the first pack  10 , a film member FM is attached to the ink supplying section  15 . The film member FM enables the ink to be contained in a state in which the first pack  10  is sealed. 
     In step S 25 , the first pack  10  is accommodated in the new second pack  20 . More specifically, the whole of the first pack  10  is wrapped with the new second pack  20  that is in an open state, and the outer peripheral portion of the new second pack  20  is bonded with the double-sided tape  23 . This process enables the first pack  10  to be accommodated in the second pack  20 . 
     In step S 26 , the pressure inside the new second pack  20  is reduced via the pressure-reducing section  25 . More specifically, in a state in which the cover  25   b  is open, the air in the new second pack  20  is sucked out via the communication path  25   a  by using, for example, a pump. This process reduces the pressure in the new second pack  20 , enabling the reused first pack  10  and the new second pack  20  to come into close contact with each other. After the pressure-reducing process, the communication path  25   a  is closed by the cover  25   b  to be in a closed state. By the above-described processing, the new ink pack  1  is provided. 
     As described above, according to the embodiment, the ink pack  1  has a double structure, and the first pack  10  containing the ink is protected from external forces by the second pack  20 . Accordingly, even if the first pack  10  is damaged, the first pack  10  is covered by the second pack  20 , thereby preventing ink leakage from the ink pack  1 . In addition, since the first pack  10  and the second pack  20  are separable, for example, even if the first pack  10  or the second pack  20  is damaged while in transit following collection of the used ink pack  1 , the damaged first pack  10  or second pack  20  can be replaced with a new pack, and the undamaged pack can be reused. Accordingly, a new ink pack  1  having functions similar to those of new packs can be provided. As a result, the rate of reuse of used ink packs  1  can be increased. In other words, the ink pack  1  according to the embodiment has a function of protecting the pack against external forces and a function of enabling reuse. Thus, the ink pack  1  can be provided without a plastic protective case, thereby reducing the plastic material usage and carbon dioxide emissions. 
     2. Second Embodiment 
     Next, a second embodiment is described. To components similar to those in the first embodiment, same reference numerals are given to omit their overlapping descriptions. An ink pack  1 A includes a first pack  10 A that can contain an ink and a second pack  20 A that can accommodate the first pack  10 A, as illustrated in  FIG.  8   . 
     The first pack  10 A is a pouch that has a container  13  inside it to contain an ink. The flexible first pack  10 A is made of a sheet member. The first pack  10 A according to the embodiment is formed in a pouch shape by folding a sheet member, overlapping the outer peripheral portion at the end in the −Y direction and the outer peripheral portion at the end in the +Y direction, and welding the respective outer peripheries. 
     The sheet member of the first pack  10 A is made of a flexible material. The sheet member may be made of a film member of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, or polyethylene. The sheet member may be made of stacked films of the above-described material. For example, the sheet member may include an outer layer made of a high-impact film of PET or nylon and an inner layer made of an ink-resistant film of polyethylene. The first pack  10 A also includes a gas-barrier layer capable of suppressing entry of outside air. The gas-barrier layer is, for example, a vapor-deposited aluminum layer. The gas-barrier layer suppresses entry of air from the outside of the first pack  10 A, and thus suppresses a decrease in the degree of deaeration of the ink in the first pack  10 A. 
     The second pack  20 A is a pouch that accommodates the first pack  10 A and is larger than the first pack  10 A. The flexible second pack  20 A is made of a sheet member. 
     The ink pack  1 A includes the first pack  10 A and the second pack  20 A, which are separable. The second pack  20 A according to the embodiment has two sheet members that overlap each other. More specifically, part of an outer peripheral portion of the second pack  20 A is bonded with the double-sided tape  23 , which is a removable member. In this embodiment, two sheet members overlap each other, and the outer peripheral portions at the −Y-direction end and the outer peripheral portions at the +Y-direction end are bonded with the double-sided tape  23 . At the +X-direction end of the second pack  20 A, the front surface of the sheet member of the first pack  10 A and the rear surface of the sheet member of the second pack  20 A are bonded with the double-sided tape  23 . 
     The second pack  20 A has an injection section  35 . The injection section  35  according to the embodiment is disposed at the −X-direction end of the second pack  20 A. The injection section  35  has a tubular shape. At the −X-direction end of the second pack  20 A, the injection section  35  is welded in a state in which the injection section  35  is held between the two sheet members. In the second pack  20 A, the portions bonded with the double-sided tapes  23  can be readily removed by pulling the sheet member with fingers. This structure enables the second pack  20 A to be readily opened, and thus the first pack  10 A and the second pack  20 A can be separated. 
     The injection section  35  is configured such that air can be injected into a space between the first pack  10 A and the second pack  20 A. The injection section  35  has a communication path  35   a  that communicates with the inside and the outside of the second pack  20 A. The communication path  35   a  is provided in the X-axis direction. The injection section  35  is made of a resin member such as polypropylene. A cover  35   b  that can open or close the communication path  35   a  is disposed at the −X-direction end of the injection section  35 . In a state in which the cover  35   b  is open, air is injected from the outside via the communication path  35   a  to pressurize the inside of the second pack  20 A, and an air layer  30  is thereby formed between the first pack  10 A and the second pack  20 A. The air is injected into the second pack  20 A such that the double-sided tape  23  does not separate. After this process, the communication path  35   a  is closed by the cover  35   b  to be in a closed state. Accordingly, the air layer  30  can be held between the first pack  10 A and the second pack  20 A. The air layer  30  between the first pack  10 A and the second pack  20 A can function as a cushioning layer for protecting the first pack  10 A when the ink pack  1 A is subjected to an external shock. 
     The air layer  30  between the first pack  10 A and the second pack  20 A however allows the ink in the first pack  10 A to absorb the air through the sheet member, and the degree of deaeration of the ink may be decreased. The first pack  10 A according to the embodiment, however, includes the gas-barrier layer, and thus entry of the air into the first pack  10  can be suppressed and a decrease in the degree of deaeration of the ink can be suppressed. Accordingly, the ink can be stably discharged from the printer. In addition, the air layer  30  between the first pack  10 A and the second pack  20 A enables the second pack  20 A to be readily opened. 
     The sheet member of the second pack  20 A is made of a flexible material. The sheet member may be made of a film member of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, or polyethylene. The sheet member may be made of stacked films of the above-described material. 
     Next, a method of manufacturing the ink pack  1 A is described. In step S 31 , the first pack  10 A is filled with an ink, as in  FIG.  9   . For example, the air in the first pack  10 A is sucked out via the ink supplying section  15  to remove the air. This process reduces the volume of the container  13  in the first pack  10 A to substantially zero. After this process, the first pack  10 A is filled with an ink via the ink supplying section  15  of the deaerated first pack  10 A such that air is not contained. It should be noted that before the ink filling process, the ink may be subjected to deaeration to remove dissolved gas. After a predetermined amount of ink is supplied into the container  13  in the first pack  10 A, the film member FM is attached to the ink supplying section  15 . The film member FM enables the ink to be contained in a state in which the first pack  10 A is sealed. 
     In step S 32 , the first pack  10 A is accommodated in the second pack  20 A. More specifically, the whole of the first pack  10 A is wrapped with the second pack  20 A that is in an open state, and the outer peripheral portion of the second pack  20 A is bonded with the double-sided tape  23 . This process enables the first pack  10 A to be accommodated in the second pack  20 A. 
     In step S 33 , air is injected into the second pack  20 A via the injection section  35 . More specifically, in a state in which the cover  35   b  is open, air is injected into the second pack  20 A via the communication path  35   a  by using, for example, a compressor. The air is injected into the second pack  20 A such that the double-sided tape  23  does not separate. The air pressurizes the inside of the second pack  20  and forms the air layer  30  between the first pack  10 A and the second pack  20 A. After this process, the communication path  35   a  is closed by the cover  35   b  to be in a closed state. By the above-described processing, the ink pack  1 A is provided ( FIG.  8   ). 
     Next, a method of manufacturing a new ink pack  1 A is described. In step S 41 , a collected ink pack  1 A is separated, as in  FIG.  10   . More specifically, the double-sided tape  23  on the outer peripheral portion of the second pack  20  is removed, and, thereby, the second pack  20 A is opened and the first pack  10 A and the second pack  20 A are separated from each other. 
     In step S 42 , the first pack  10 A and the second pack  20 A are visually inspected. In the visual inspection, for example, the surface condition (e.g., scratches, dents, and cracks) of the sheet members of the first pack  10 A and the second pack  20 A is inspected visually or by using a stereoscopic microscope. Based on the inspection result, whether the first pack  10 A or the second pack  20 A can be reused is determined and selection is performed. In the visual inspection, the surface condition may be inspected by touching the first pack  10 A and the second pack  20 A with fingers. 
     In step S 43 , the first pack  10 A or the second pack  20 A is replaced with a new first pack  10 A or a new second pack  20 A. More specifically, in step S 42 , for example, when the first pack  10 A is reusable and the second pack  20 A is not reusable, the second pack  20 A that is not reusable is replaced with a new second pack  20 A, and the new second pack  20 A is paired with the reusable first pack  10 A. In step S 42 , when the first pack  10 A is not reusable and the second pack  20 A is reusable, the first pack  10 A that is not reusable is replaced with a new first pack  10 A, and the new first pack  10 A is paired with the reusable second pack  20 A. Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing a new ink pack  1 A by using a new second pack  20 A and a reusable first pack  10 A is described. 
     In step S 44 , the first pack  10 A is filled with an ink via the ink supplying section  15 . After a predetermined amount of ink is supplied into the container  13  in the first pack  10 A, the film member FM is attached to the ink supplying section  15 . The film member FM enables the ink to be contained in a state in which the first pack  10 A is sealed. 
     In step S 45 , the first pack  10 A is accommodated in the new second pack  20 A. More specifically, the whole of the first pack  10 A is wrapped with the new second pack  20 A in an open state, and the outer peripheral portion of the new second pack  20 A is bonded with the double-sided tape  23 . This process enables the first pack  10 A to be accommodated in the new second pack  20 A. 
     In step S 46 , air is injected into the new second pack  20 A via the injection section  35 . More specifically, in a state in which the cover  35   b  is open, air is injected into the new second pack  20 A via the communication path  35   a  by using, for example, a compressor. The air is injected into the second pack  20 A such that the double-sided tape  23  does not separate. The air pressurizes the inside of the second pack  20 A and forms the air layer  30  between the first pack  10 A and the second pack  20 A. After this process, the communication path  35   a  is closed by the cover  35   b  to be in a closed state. By the above-described processing, the new ink pack  1 A is provided. 
     As described above, according to the embodiment, the ink pack  1 A includes the air layer  30  between the first pack  10 A and the second pack  20 A, and the first pack  10 A containing the ink is protected from external forces by the air layer  30 . In addition, since the first pack  10 A and the second pack  20 A are separable, for example, even if the first pack  10 A or the second pack  20 A is damaged while the used ink pack  1 A is collected and transported, the damaged first pack  10 A or second pack  20 A can be replaced with a new pack, and the undamaged pack can be reused. Accordingly, a new ink pack  1 A that has functions similar to those of new packs can be provided. In other words, the ink pack  1 A according to the embodiment has a function of protecting the pack against external forces and a function of enabling reuse. Thus, the ink pack  1 A can be provided without a plastic protective case, thereby reducing the plastic material usage and carbon dioxide emissions.