JP2007055139A - Liquid storage and liquid cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a liquid filling an interior from leaking out even if a storage is damaged by abrasion due to vibrations and impact involving a drop, or damaged by hitting of something sharp. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid storage has an impermeable base material 5 and a liquid absorbing layer 6 absorbing a liquid provided on the base material 5. Even if the storage is damaged, the liquid absorbing layer 6 prevents a leakage by absorbing the liquid leaking from the interior by forming the base material 4 as the inside and the liquid absorbing layer 6 as the outside. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid storage container that stores a liquid such as ink and a liquid cartridge that stores the liquid storage container.

  In the ink cartridge mounted on the ink jet printer apparatus, a flexible ink storage container is stored in a rigid case. The ink storage container is formed, for example, by folding a sheet-like base material into a bag shape, and stores ink. Since such an ink container is in a sheet form, its strength is low, and it easily breaks when it rubs against other objects, receives an impact, or hits a sharp object. For this reason, the ink cartridge protects the flexible ink storage container by storing the ink storage container in a rigid case.

  As an ink cartridge in which an ink storage container is stored in a case, for example, there is a cartridge described in Patent Document 1 below. In Patent Document 1, a coupling margin provided around a flexible ink storage container is sandwiched between a rigid upper case and a lower case and fixed in the case to protect the ink storage container. Yes.

  In the ink cartridge described in Patent Document 1, the case may be crushed when it is rubbed with other vibrations due to vibration during transportation, dropped, or hit with a sharp object. In such a case, in the ink cartridge, the ink storage container stored in the case may be torn. In the ink cartridge, when the ink storage container is damaged, the ink leaks from the damaged portion of the ink storage container, so that it is necessary to prevent the ink storage container from being damaged.

  For example, Patent Document 2 proposes that a vibration absorbing member be interposed between the ink storage container and the case. In the ink cartridge disclosed in Patent Document 2, vibration is absorbed by a vibration absorbing member interposed between the ink storage container and the case to protect the ink storage container.

  In the ink cartridges proposed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, since the ink storage container and the case and the vibration absorbing member face each other, when vibration or impact is transmitted to the ink storage container, the ink storage container and the case Otherwise, the ink absorbing container may be damaged by rubbing against the vibration absorbing member. In the methods proposed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, when the ink storage container is damaged and the ink leaks, the ink leaking in the case or in the case leaks out of the case. Thereby, in the method proposed in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2, there is a possibility that the inside of the case or the outer surface of the case is soiled.

  Moreover, as a liquid storage container which can store a liquid, there exist some which are proposed by the following patent document 3 or the following patent document 4. FIG. The liquid storage container proposed in the following Patent Document 3 and the following Patent Document 4 is a flexible bag formed of a sheet-like base material, and is accommodated in a case or the like. Used without. In such a liquid storage container, when it is rubbed against other things due to vibration during transportation, shocked when dropped, or sharp objects hit, it easily breaks and liquid leaks from the damaged part. End up.

  For example, in Patent Document 3 below, a film with ridges is integrally formed on the outermost layer of the packaging bag. In patent document 4, the outermost layer which consists of a thermoplastic resin in which the embossment of the regular uneven | corrugated pattern was formed is provided.

  The methods proposed in Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4 can alleviate rubbing due to vibration during transportation, but sufficiently prevent damage when dropped or when a sharp object hits. There is a possibility of not being able to. For this reason, in patent document 3 and patent document 4, when a strong vibration is received, an impact at the time of dropping, or when a sharp object hits, the bag may be torn and the liquid may leak.

JP 60-32671 A JP-A-60-155105 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 56-62943 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-84748

  The present invention provides a liquid storage container that can be prevented from being leaked to the outside even if it is damaged by rubbing due to vibration or an impact when dropped, or even when a sharp object hits it. An object is to provide a liquid cartridge.

  The liquid container according to the present invention includes a water-impermeable base material and a liquid absorption layer that absorbs the liquid provided on the base material so that the base material is on the inside and the liquid absorption layer is on the outside. Form. The liquid absorption layer absorbs the liquid, for example, by a capillary phenomenon, or absorbs the liquid with a polymer having a liquid absorption capability.

  Moreover, the liquid cartridge according to the present invention is one in which the liquid absorption container is accommodated in a rigid case.

  In the present invention, the inner side is formed of a base material, and the outer side is formed as a liquid absorption layer that absorbs liquid, so that even when a sharp object hits when it receives vibration or impact, The liquid absorption layer absorbs the liquid that leaks outward from the damaged part. Thereby, in this invention, it can prevent that a liquid does not leak outside, but an outer surface gets dirty or the circumference | surroundings are made dirty.

  Hereinafter, an ink cartridge to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. The ink cartridge 1 is mounted on, for example, an ink jet printer apparatus and supplies ink to the ink jet printer apparatus. As shown in FIG. 1, the ink cartridge 1 includes an ink storage container 2 that stores ink and a case 3 having rigidity.

  The ink storage container 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and is provided with an ink supply member 4 for supplying ink filled inside on one short side to the ink jet printer apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the ink storage container 2 is formed of a water-impermeable base material 5 so that the ink stored inside does not leak to the outside. On the base material 5, an ink absorbing layer 6 capable of absorbing ink is provided. The ink storage container 2 is formed of a water-impermeable base material 5 by folding back a sheet-like base material 5 and heat-sealing the periphery, and the surface of the base material 5 opposite to the side in contact with the ink That is, the outer surface is formed by the ink absorbing layer 6. The ink container 2 is flexible because it is made of the sheet-like base material 5. In addition, the base material 5 can use the general thing used for the bag.

  Specifically, the base material 5 is the innermost side of the ink container 2 and includes a water-impermeable layer 7 that is water-impermeable and has chemical resistance because it directly contacts the ink. On this water impermeable layer 7, there is provided a blocking layer 8 that blocks the penetration of gas, moisture and light from the outside to prevent the ink from deteriorating. A reinforcing layer 9 for reinforcing the strength of the water impermeable layer 7 and the blocking layer 8 is provided on the blocking layer 8. The substrate 5 has a three-layer structure of the water impermeable layer 7, the blocking layer 8, and the reinforcing layer 9, and these three layers are integrally formed in a sheet shape. This base material 5 can accommodate the ink inside due to this three-layer structure, and is excellent in strength.

  The water-impermeable layer 7 is the innermost side of the ink container 2 and has water-impermeable and chemical resistance, and can be heat-sealed, for example, a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, a polyester resin, polypropylene, or the like Made of a thermoplastic resin such as polyolefin resin.

  The blocking layer 8 is made of, for example, aluminum that can block the ingress of gas, moisture, and light from the outside in order to prevent deterioration of the ink stored in the ink storage container 2.

  The reinforcing layer 9 is made of nylon, for example, and reinforces the water impermeable layer 7 and the blocking layer 8. Each layer is not limited to being formed on the thermoplastic resin, aluminum, or nylon mentioned in the examples, and any material that is generally used as a bag base material can be used.

  The blocking layer 8 and the reinforcing layer 9 are not limited to being formed as a single layer as shown in FIG. 2, and may be formed as a plurality of layers of two or more layers using the same material or different materials. . Further, the base material 5 is not limited to a three-layer structure, and is formed only by a water-impermeable layer 7 made of a thermoplastic resin film having heat sealing properties, or a barrier layer such as aluminum or nylon on the water-impermeable layer 7. It is good also as a 2 layer structure or more by laminating | stacking the layer which consists of other reinforcement materials, such as other layers. Further, the stacking order of the layers is not limited.

  The ink absorption layer 6 provided on the substrate 5 is bonded to the entire surface of the reinforcing layer 9 with an adhesive to form the outer surface of the ink container 2. The ink absorption layer 6 can absorb and hold liquid by capillary action. Examples of the ink that can absorb ink by capillary action include non-woven fabric, fabric, fiber, paper, foamed resin, porous material, and thermally foamable resin. The ink absorbing layer 6 is formed including at least one of these.

  The case 3 for storing the ink storage container 2 stores the ink storage container 2 therein, thereby suppressing vibrations and impacts from being transmitted to the flexible ink storage container 2, and other members serving as the ink storage container 2. The ink storage container 2 is protected so as not to come into direct contact with the ink container. The case 3 includes an upper case 10 and a lower case 11, and is formed of a resin or the like in a substantially rectangular shape. The upper case 10 and the lower case 11 are formed in a concave shape so that the ink storage container 2 can be stored. Further, the upper case 10 and the lower case 11 are formed with openings 10a and 11a that allow an ink supply member 4 attached to an ink storage container 2 to be described later to face the outside on a part of the short side.

  The ink cartridge 1 configured as described above is manufactured as follows. First, the ink storage container 2 is produced. When the ink container 2 is produced, the ink absorbing layer 6 is bonded to the entire surface of the reinforcing layer 9 of the base material 5 formed in a sheet shape with an adhesive. The sheet-like substrate 5 on which the ink absorbing layer 6 is bonded is folded back so that the water-impermeable layers 7 made of polyethylene face each other. The folded base material 5 is heat-sealed and bonded to two sides at both ends except for the side to which the ink supply member 4 is attached to form a bag shape with one side opened. Then, the ink bag 2 is obtained by filling the formed bag with ink, inserting the ink supply member 4 between the two base materials 5 on the side that is not heat-sealed, and heat-sealing.

  Next, the ink cartridge 1 is produced. When the ink cartridge 1 is manufactured, the upper case 10 and the lower case 10 are arranged so that the ink supply member 4 of the obtained ink storage container 2 faces the outside from the openings 10a and 11a provided in the upper case 10 and the lower case 11. The upper case 10 and the lower case 11 are fitted with each other between the cases 11. The ink storage container 2 may fix an adhesive to the inner surfaces of the upper case 10 and the lower case 11.

  In the above-described method for manufacturing the ink storage container 2, the ink storage container 2 is formed using a material in which the ink absorption layer 6 is bonded to the entire surface of the base material 5 formed in a sheet shape. Alternatively, after forming a bag having one side opened with the base material 5, the ink absorbing layer 6 may be bonded onto the base material 5 by an arbitrary method such as an adhesive before filling with ink.

  Further, in the method for manufacturing the ink container 2, the single base material 5 is folded and formed. However, the base material 5 may be formed by using two sheets in which the ink absorbing layer 6 is bonded to the entire surface. . In the case of forming using two base materials 5, the non-water-permeable layers 7 of the base material 5 are overlapped so as to face each other, and the surrounding three sides excluding the side to which the ink supply member 4 is attached are heat sealed. It is formed in a bag shape with one side open. Next, the bag may be filled with ink from one side that is open, the ink supply member 4 is sandwiched between the two base materials 5, and heat sealed.

  In the ink cartridge 1 obtained as described above, since the ink absorption layer 6 is provided on the outer surface of the ink container 2, the ink absorption layer 6 functions as a buffer material and absorbs vibration and impact. Damage to the ink container 2 can be prevented. In addition, in the ink cartridge 1, since the ink storage container 2 stored therein is flexible, the case is crushed due to vibration during transportation, impact during dropping, or a sharp object hitting it. In this case, even if the ink storage container 2 is damaged, the ink absorption layer 6 can absorb and hold ink leaking from the damaged portion. Thereby, in the ink cartridge 1, it is possible to prevent ink from leaking to the outer surface of the ink storage container 2, and it is possible to prevent the outer surface of the ink storage container 2, the inside of the case, and the surroundings from being stained with ink.

  In the ink cartridge 1, the ink absorbing layer 6 is provided on the entire surface of the substrate 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ink is applied to a part that is easily rubbed by vibrations or a part that is easily affected by a drop. The absorption layer 6 may be selectively provided.

  Next, another ink storage container to which the present invention is applied will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the ink container 20 is provided with an ink absorption layer 22 on a base material 21. The ink absorption layer 22 is formed of a polymer having a liquid absorption capability. The ink container 20 can be manufactured by the same method as the method for manufacturing the ink container 2 described above. The ink storage container 20 is not shown in the same manner as the ink storage container 2 described above, but is stored in the case 3 to form an ink cartridge.

  The base material 21 is the same as the base material 5 of the ink container 2 described above, and has a water-impermeable layer 23 made of polyethylene that is water-impermeable, chemical-resistant and heat-sealable, and gas, moisture, and light intrusion. It consists of a barrier layer 24 made of aluminum that cuts off water and a reinforcing layer 25 made of nylon for reinforcement. The base material 21 is formed in a sheet shape so that the water impermeable layer 23, the blocking layer 24, and the reinforcing layer 25 are integrated. The material and configuration of the base material 21 are not limited in the same manner as the base material 5 of the ink container 2 described above.

  The ink absorbing layer 22 provided on the substrate 21 is formed of a polymer having a liquid absorbing ability, and this polymer can absorb and hold ink. The ink absorbing layer is made of, for example, a water absorbing polymer. Examples of the water-absorbing polymer include starch / polyacrylonitrile hydrolyzate, starch / polyacrylate cross-linked product, cross-linked carboxymethyl cellulose, vinyl acetate / methyl acrylate copolymer saponified product, which are known as high water-absorbing polymers. , Cross-linked sodium polyacrylate, water-expanded rubber and the like are used. Moreover, what is used for what is called a water stop material, such as a water expansion rubber, a water expansion resin, a super water absorption fiber, can also be used as another polymer which has a liquid absorptivity. As the water-expandable rubber, a rubber obtained by mixing a highly water-absorbing polymer with a synthetic rubber such as natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber or chloroprene rubber can be used. The ink absorbing layer 22 is formed of at least one of these polymers having liquid absorbing ability.

  When water-swelling rubber is used for the ink absorbing layer 22, the water-swelling rubber expands due to moisture in the ink leaked from the damaged part of the ink container 20, and a hole formed in the damaged part of the ink container 20 is formed. Can be closed. Therefore, the ink absorption layer 22 can block the damaged portion of the ink storage container 20 and self-repair. Thereby, the ink storage container 20 can prevent continuous ink leakage.

  In the ink storage container 20, since the ink absorption layer 22 is provided on the outer surface, the ink absorption layer 22 functions as a cushioning material, and directly vibrates on the base material 21 when subjected to vibration, impact, or other objects. Damage can be prevented without hitting, impact, or anything else.

  Further, even if the ink storage container 20 is damaged, the ink absorption layer 22 can absorb and hold the ink leaked from the damaged portion, and the ink can be prevented from leaking to the outer surface. Thereby, in the ink storage container 20, it can prevent that an outer surface, the inside of the case 3, and the circumference | surroundings are stained with ink.

  Further, even in the ink cartridge containing the ink storage container 20, ink can leak from the ink storage container 20 in the same manner, so that the outer surface of the case 3 and the inside of the case 3 can be prevented from being stained with ink.

  Next, another ink storage container to which the present invention is applied will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the ink storage container 30 is further provided with a non-ink absorption layer 33 that does not absorb ink on an ink absorption layer 32 provided on a substrate 31. Since the ink container 30 is provided with the non-ink absorbing layer 33 on the ink absorbing layer 32, the non-ink absorbing layer 33 forms the outer surface. In the ink storage container 30, the ink absorbed by the ink absorption layer 32 can be further prevented from leaking outside by the non-ink absorption layer 33. The ink storage container 30 is not shown in the same manner as the ink storage container 2 described above, but is stored in the case 3 to form an ink cartridge.

  The base material 31 is the same as the base material 5 of the ink container 2 described above, and is a water-impermeable layer 34 made of polyethylene having a water-impermeable, chemical-resistant and heat-sealing property, and gas, moisture, and light intrusion. It consists of a barrier layer 35 made of aluminum that cuts off water and a reinforcing layer 36 made of nylon for reinforcement. The base material 31 is formed in a sheet shape so that the water impermeable layer 34, the blocking layer 35, and the reinforcing layer 36 are integrated. The material and configuration of the base material 31 are not limited in the same manner as the base material 5 of the ink container 2 described above.

  The ink absorption layer 32 is formed of a material that can absorb liquid by capillary action like the ink absorption layer 6 of the ink storage container 2 described above, or the ink absorption layer 22 of the ink storage container 20 described above. And a polymer having a liquid absorbing ability.

  The non-ink absorbing layer 33 is formed of the above-described material used for the base material 31, and is formed of, for example, polyester. In addition to the material used for the base material 31, the non-ink absorbing layer 33 may use a material having cushioning properties in order to impart impact resistance.

  When the ink container 30 having the above-described configuration is manufactured, the ink absorbing layer 32 is bonded to the sheet-like base material 31 with an adhesive, and the non-ink is further bonded to the bonded ink absorbing layer 30 with an adhesive. It can manufacture like the ink storage container 2 mentioned above using what bonded the absorption layer 33 together.

  Further, as another method for producing the ink storage container 30, after forming a bag having one side opened with the base material 5, the ink absorbing layer 6 is formed on the base material by an arbitrary method such as an adhesive before filling with ink. The non-ink absorbing layer 33 may be bonded to the bonded ink absorbing layer 6 with an adhesive or the like.

  In the ink storage container 30 obtained in this way, when the absorption capacity of the ink absorption layer 32 is exceeded, the ink leaking to the surface of the ink absorption layer 32 can be prevented from leaking to the outer surface. Thereby, in the ink storage container 30, even if the absorption capacity of the ink absorption layer 32 is exceeded, it is possible to prevent ink from leaking into the case 3 or outside the case 3. Further, in the ink storage container 30, even if the object is touched or an object comes into contact with the outer surface, the ink does not adhere to the contact object, and the contact object can be prevented from becoming dirty or the surroundings can be prevented from becoming dirty.

  Next, another ink storage container to which the present invention is applied will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the ink storage container 40 is further provided with a non-ink absorbing layer 43 in a mesh shape on an ink absorbing layer 42 provided on a base material 41. Since the ink storage container 40 is provided with the non-ink absorption layer 43 in a mesh shape on the ink absorption layer 42, the mesh-like non-ink absorption layer 43 forms the outer surface. In this ink storage container 40, the ink absorbed in the ink absorption layer 42 does not leak further to the outside even when the absorption capacity of the ink absorption layer 32 is exceeded by the non-ink absorption layer 43 formed in a mesh shape. . The ink storage container 40 can be manufactured by a method similar to the manufacturing method of the ink storage container 30 described above. The ink storage container 40 is also stored in the case 3 in the same manner as the ink storage container 2 described above to constitute an ink cartridge.

  The base material 41 is the same as the base material 5 of the ink container 2 described above, and has a water-impermeable layer 44 made of polyethylene having water permeability, chemical resistance and heat sealing properties, and gas, moisture, and light intrusion. It consists of a blocking layer 45 made of aluminum for blocking and a reinforcing layer 46 made of nylon for reinforcement. The base material 41 is formed in a sheet shape so that the water impermeable layer 44, the blocking layer 45, and the reinforcing layer 46 are integrated. The material and configuration of the base material 5 are not limited in the same manner as the base material 5 of the ink container 2 described above.

  The ink absorption layer 42 is formed of a material that can absorb ink by capillary action like the ink absorption layer 6 of the ink storage container 2 described above, or the ink absorption layer 22 of the ink storage container 20 described above. And a polymer having a liquid absorbing ability.

  The non-ink absorbing layer 43 is formed of, for example, polyester or the like, like the layer 33 that does not absorb ink in the ink container 30 described above. In addition to the material used for the base material 41, the non-ink absorbing layer 43 may use a material having cushioning properties in order to impart impact resistance.

  In this ink container 40, by providing the non-ink absorbing layer 43 in a mesh shape on the ink absorbing layer 42, even if ink leakage exceeding the absorbing capacity of the ink absorbing layer 42 occurs, the ink is not formed on the outer surface or the periphery. Can be prevented from leaking out. Further, in the ink storage container 40, the non-ink absorbing layer 43 that forms the outer surface is formed in a mesh shape, thereby improving the touch. In the ink storage container 40, by providing the non-ink absorbing layer 43 on the ink absorbing layer 42, the ink does not adhere to the contact object even if the object touches or touches the outer surface, the contact object becomes dirty, It can prevent getting dirty.

  In the ink storage container 30 and the ink storage container 40 described above, the non-ink absorbing layers 33 and 43 are formed of the material used for the base materials 31 and 41, but other elastic members may be used. In the case of using an elastic member, for example, it is formed on the surface with irregularities or a suction cup shape. In the ink storage containers 30 and 40, the surface of the non-ink absorbing layers 33 and 43 is made uneven or sucked to improve the grip with the inner surface of the case 3, and with the case 3 due to vibration during transportation. Suppress rubbing and prevent damage.

  In the above description, the ink storage containers 2, 20, 30, and 40 filled with ink have been described as examples. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to any container that is filled with liquid and stored. It is possible to prevent liquid leakage and damage to the container.

  Further, the ink cartridge 1 described above may be a one-time-use one or a cartridge that can be used repeatedly.

  In the above description, the ink absorbing layers 6, 22, 32, and 42 are provided on the outer surfaces of the flexible ink storage containers 2, 20, 30, and 40 to absorb the leaked ink. The present invention can be applied not only to the ink storage containers 2, 20, 30, and 40 having flexibility, but also to containers having rigidity formed of resin or the like. In an ink storage container filled with ink, by providing an ink absorbing layer made of the above-described material on the outer surface, it is possible to prevent ink from leaking to the outside. Further, in the ink container, since the ink absorption layer is provided on the outer surface, it is possible to prevent the vibration and impact from being directly transmitted and to prevent damage.

It is a perspective view showing an example of an ink cartridge. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of an ink storage container. It is a partial cross section figure of the ink storage container of the other example. It is a partial cross section figure of the ink storage container of the other example. It is a partial cross section figure of the ink storage container of the other example.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ink cartridge, 2 Ink storage container, 3 Case, 4 Ink supply member, 5 Base material, 6 Ink absorption layer, 7 Water-impermeable layer, 8 Barrier layer, 9 Reinforcement layer, 10 Upper case, 11 Lower case

Claims (9)

  A non-water-permeable base material and a liquid absorbing layer that absorbs the liquid provided on the base material, the base material being inside and the liquid absorbing layer being outside. Characteristic liquid storage container.   The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the liquid container is flexible.   The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the liquid absorption layer is capable of absorbing the liquid by capillary action.   The liquid container according to claim 3, wherein the liquid absorption layer includes at least one of a nonwoven fabric, a fabric, paper, a foamed resin, and a porous body.   The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the liquid absorption layer is made of a polymer having a liquid absorption capability.   6. The liquid container according to claim 5, wherein the liquid absorption layer includes at least one of a water-absorbing polymer, a water expansion resin, a water expansion rubber, and a super water absorption fiber.   2. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein a non-liquid absorption layer that does not absorb the liquid is provided on the liquid absorption layer.   8. The liquid container according to claim 7, wherein the non-liquid absorption layer is a mesh layer. A liquid container for storing liquid;
A case having rigidity and containing the liquid container;
The liquid container includes a water-impermeable base material and a liquid absorption layer that absorbs the liquid provided on the base material, and is formed so that the base material is on the inside and the liquid absorption layer is on the outside. A liquid cartridge characterized by being made.

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