JP2008143171A - Ink storage container - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To ensure a function of controlling an air flow by assembling a valve in an ink storage container without exposing a valve disc to thermal affection. <P>SOLUTION: An air flow control part 20 for controlling an air flow between the inside 11 of an ink storage part and the outside is embedded in a recess 10e having a vent hole 14 formed at a bottom 10f and covered with a cap 50 so as to hold the air flow control part 20 between the cap 50 and the bottom 10f. Further, the air flow control part 20 is provided with a water-repellent membrane 24 having air permeability and undergoes water repellent treatment, which is disposed on the bottom 10f, an annular pressure ring 26 having flat surfaces on both front and back faces and keeping a penetrated hole 26a formed at a center approximately corresponding to the vent hole 14 which is disposed on the front face of the water repellent membrane, and a valve 22 composed of an open-cell foam capable of elastically deforming so as not to make air flow in ordinary circumstances but to interchange air between the outside depending on an inner pressure variation of an ink storage part 10 which is disposed on the front face of the pressure ring. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink storage container.

  Examples of ink storage containers include ink tanks for writing instruments and ink (tank) cartridges for inkjet printers. In response to the amount of ink consumed for writing and printing to form letters and images, outside air is taken into the tank and the air is exchanged so that changes in pressure in the tank do not adversely affect ink consumption. Examples of the mechanism include a mechanism in which a simple hole is formed as an outside air intake port, and a mechanism in which an air passage with a valve mechanism that vents air as necessary is formed.

  However, if a simple hole is provided as an outside air intake, ink from this hole may leak. In both writing instruments and ink jet printers, the ink ejection means such as the pen tip and the printer head have a water head pressure due to the weight of the ink (a liquid column that stands up to the liquid surface with the horizontal unit area at a height above the liquid surface as the bottom surface. Therefore, if the outside air intake port is simply a perforated one or a membrane that allows gas to pass but does not allow liquid to pass through, the ink tank or ink cartridge Since the inside becomes the same as the atmospheric pressure, there is a possibility that the ink may blow out from the ejection port due to the water head pressure described above. Therefore, it is necessary to hold the ink by disposing an ink occlusion body such as a sponge in at least a part of the ink storage part on the ink discharge port.

  However, when ink is held by an ink storage body such as a sponge as described above, the amount of ink retained is smaller than that of an empty ink storage section that does not have an ink storage body, and printing is performed by reducing the amount of ink in the same volume. The number decreases.

  Therefore, by using an ink storage container having an air passage with a valve mechanism for venting air as necessary, it is possible to prevent the amount of ink retained from being reduced compared to the case where an ink storage body is disposed. The ink can be prevented from blowing out.

  Conventionally, as a technique having a vent passage with a valve mechanism for venting the air, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1, for example. The one described in Patent Document 1 relates to an ink cartridge, and a concave valve mounting portion formed on the lid mounting portion is provided with a valve body which is a communicating porous body, and a lid having an air passage hole is provided thereon. While storing, the protrusion part which has a slit-shaped opening is provided under the hole. Further, the valve body is sealed in the valve mounting portion by joining and fixing the lid to the lid mounting portion by ultrasonic welding.

  As a valve body with a plurality of valve lids, a communicating hole is basically formed using an elastic material, and the communicating hole is apparently blocked by compression. Therefore, it is possible to perform ink ejection control appropriate for both a minute pressure conversion and a large pressure conversion.

In the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, although there is air permeability, a gas permeable membrane having a water-repellent treatment on the surface of the ink liquid surface is provided at the lower part of the one-way valve so as to prevent or prevent the passage of ink. An ink tank having an installed configuration is disclosed. Such a gas permeable membrane prevents ink from entering upward and adhering to the one-way valve.
JP 2001-277777 A JP-A-8-187874

  However, the valve body used in the ink reservoir described in Patent Document 1 has a slit-like opening formed on the side wall of the protrusion. For this reason, since the valve body always communicates with the ink liquid surface side, the ink contacts or adheres to the valve body even if the protruding portion exists. When the ink comes into contact or the like, the communicating pore that vents is blocked by the ink, and the air permeability is reduced. If the ink comes into contact with the valve body in this way, it will hinder proper ink ejection control over a region from a slight pressure change to a large pressure change. If the air flow cannot be controlled properly due to this trouble, for example, when the ink storage container is used as a cartridge for an ink jet printer, factors such as ink running out and scumming due to lack of ink, and vice versa. This may cause leakage and excessive ink ejection.

  Further, when the lid is ultrasonically welded to the lid mounting portion, the valve body is hardened under the influence of heat, and the valve body itself is likely to be deformed due to stress caused by thermal deformation. As a result, there is also a problem that the air flow control function that should be inherently deteriorated, that the communication pores of the ultrafine structure of the valve body must be elastically deformed according to the pressure difference between the inside and outside air. Further, even if the valve body itself does not transmit ink, there is a problem that if the valve body is not properly held, ink leaks from the periphery of the valve body.

  By the way, if the valve itself is made of a water-repellent material or not made of a water-repellent material, and if the valve body is made water-repellent by performing water-repellent treatment after the production, the ink will flow through the valve body. A method of preventing the communication pores from being blocked is also conceivable. However, this is difficult for the following reasons. That is, it is difficult to manufacture a continuous porous body or a compressed porous body having excellent elasticity in order to manufacture the valve body itself with a water-repellent material such as a fluorine-based material. Also, when not manufactured with a water repellent material, and manufactured as a water repellent valve after water repellent treatment, various environmental changes (for example, environmental changes such as temperature change, pressure change, impact, vibration, aging, etc.) On the other hand, treatment with a high degree of adhesion is difficult, and there is a problem that it is difficult to produce a continuous porous body or a compressed porous body with a water-repellent film that is difficult to peel off.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and reliably prevents ink or the like from adhering to or coming into contact with the valve body. By incorporating it into the ink storage container without being exposed to thermal influence, it prevents the venting control function (air flow control function) of the valve body from being damaged, and maintains and improves the controllability of the airflow through the valve body. The main object of the present invention is to provide an ink storage container that can reliably perform appropriate ink ejection control over a range from a slight pressure change to a large pressure change.

  The present invention solves the above problems by the following means. That is,

  (1) According to the present invention, a concave portion is formed in the upper surface portion of the ink storage portion for storing ink, a vent is formed in the bottom portion of the concave portion, and an air flow rate is formed between the inside and outside of the ink storage portion in the concave portion. An ink storage container is mounted with an air flow rate control unit for controlling the air flow rate, and a cap is attached to an upper surface side of the air flow rate control unit, and a ventilation hole is formed in a ceiling portion of the cap, and the air flow rate control unit The control unit is placed on the bottom, has a breathable and water-repellent treatment, and is placed on the upper surface of the water-repellent membrane, and has flat surfaces on both upper and lower sides. And an annular pressure ring having a through hole substantially corresponding to the vent hole in the center, and is placed on the upper surface of the pressure ring, and normally does not circulate air, but changes in the internal pressure of the ink reservoir The elastically deformable link that exchanges air with the outside depending on the A porous valve body, and at least the water-repellent film body, the pressing ring, and the valve body are sandwiched between the bottom portion and the cap in the recess. It is an ink storage container.

  According to such a configuration, the water-repellent film body, the pressure ring, and the valve body formed of a member such as a sponge body, which are constituent elements as the air flow rate control unit, are sandwiched and pressed in a three-layered state. It is stored in. Thereby, the water repellent film body is flattened by the contact surface between the pressing ring having a predetermined smoothness and the water repellent film body, and the water repellent film body can be brought into contact with the bottom. it can. That is, the influence of the unevenness of the valve body is avoided by the pressing ring, and uniform contact pressure is applied to the contact surfaces between the upper and lower surfaces of the water-repellent film body with the mating member, respectively. Maintained high.

  For this reason, even if the ink inside the ink storage section or its splash adheres to the water repellent film body, it drops by the water repellent action of the water repellent film body itself, and even if it does not drop, the ink is repelled by the water repellent film. Intrusion into the contact surface between the body and the bottom and the contact surface between the water repellent film body and the pressing ring can be reliably prevented. Even if the ink enters the contact surface between the water-repellent film body and the pressure ring, there is an air layer (gap layer) secured between the valve body and the water-repellent film body. It is also possible to prevent ink from adhering to the lower surface of the body. As a result, since the ultra fine holes of the valve body are not blocked by ink, it is possible to reliably prevent the air flow control function of the air flow control unit by the valve body from being impaired.

  (2) In the present invention, the pressing ring is made of metal, and a water-repellent film body seating portion for seating the water-repellent film body is formed on the bottom portion of the recess. The ink storage container according to (1) above, wherein an annular smooth surface that is in close contact with the water-repellent film body is formed on the part.

  According to this configuration, the smoothness of the upper and lower surfaces of the pressure ring is increased by using a metal material, and the water-repellent film body seating portion also forms a smooth surface. The degree of adhesion of each contact surface with the mating member is extremely high. For this reason, even if ink adheres to the water-repellent film body, it becomes difficult for the ink to enter each of the contact surfaces. In particular, since the water-repellent film body has low wettability, a high sealing function can be obtained when it adheres to a smooth surface, and ink can be prevented from entering. That is, by using this water-repellent film body, air permeability and water repellency can be ensured by the central portion, and sealing properties can be secured around the periphery. Note that Teflon (“Teflon” is a trademark) is suitable as a material for the water-repellent film body. Since the Teflon film body also has flexibility, the adhesion to a smooth surface is increased, and both sealing properties and water repellency can be achieved at a high level.

  (3) The ink storage container according to (2), wherein the water-repellent film body seating portion is made of an olefin resin. According to such a configuration, since the olefin resin itself has low wettability, ink can be prevented from entering the smooth surface of the water-repellent film body seating portion.

  (4) The ink according to (2) or (3), wherein the valve body seating portion for supporting the valve body is formed on a lower surface of the ceiling portion of the cap. It is a storage container.

  According to such a configuration, since the water repellent film body seating portion and the valve body seating portion are disposed to face each other, the air flow rate control unit (water repellent film body, pressing ring, and The operation of loading and incorporating the valve body) can be performed easily.

  (5) The ink storage container according to (4), wherein the water-repellent film body seating portion and the valve body seating portion are each formed of an annular depression.

  According to such a configuration, at least the water-repellent film body is received by the water-repellent film body seating portion formed by the annular recess, and the valve body seating portion formed by the annular recess has a valve. Since the body can be received without being displaced, the air flow control unit can be smoothly loaded and stored in the recess between the cap and the bottom, so that the air flow control unit can be installed efficiently. become.

  (6) The present invention is also the ink storage container according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein a plurality of the air holes are provided in the ceiling portion of the cap.

  According to such a configuration, when the ink storage container is replaced and replaced with the carriage in the printer recording apparatus, the ink mistakenly attached to the hand is provided in the valve seating portion on the ceiling portion of the cap. Even if it adheres to one of the pores or some water droplets adhere to a part of the vent hole, the remaining vent hole can secure the ventilation performance of the inside and outside air, and as a result, the flow control function of the air flow control unit It can be maintained well.

  (7) In the present invention, the cap has a cylindrical peripheral surface portion extending in an axial direction from a peripheral edge of the ceiling portion, and when the cap is attached to the concave portion, The ink storage container according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein a lower end functions as a stopper by contacting the bottom of the recess.

  According to such a configuration, since the lower end of the peripheral surface portion of the cap is formed so as to contact the bottom portion, when the cap is pushed in and the air flow control unit is loaded, the lower end serves as a stopper even if the pushing force is too strong. Function. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the valve body from being unnecessarily compressed or pulled by the cap, so that the valve body does not undergo distorted elastic deformation and the air flow control function of the valve body is impaired. It will be possible to prevent it.

  (8) The present invention is also the ink storage container according to (7) above, wherein an elastic hinge formed of an annular thin structure is provided at the base on the inner surface side of the peripheral surface portion.

  According to such a configuration, the elastic hinge formed on the inner side of the ceiling portion makes it easier for the peripheral surface portion to bend and deform with the base as a base. For this reason, when the cap is pushed into the recess and fitted, it can be pushed in smoothly without applying a force at the time of pushing into the valve body through the cap. In addition, since the deformation of the valve body seating portion (ceiling) that holds the valve body can be reduced, the valve body does not distort elastically, in other words, the elastic deformation that the valve body receives is minimized. Can be suppressed. In other words, the valve body can be loaded without impairing the air flow rate control function that should be inherently provided, and unnecessary ink leakage can be avoided.

  (9) According to the present invention, an engaging portion is formed on an outer surface of the peripheral surface portion of the cap, and an engaged portion that can be fitted to the engaging portion is formed on the inner peripheral wall of the concave portion. The ink storage container according to (7) or (8), wherein the ink storage container is characterized.

  According to such a configuration, the cap-side engaging portion fits into the engaged portion of the inner peripheral wall on the concave portion side, so that the cap does not slip out in the axial direction with respect to the concave portion and also prevents rotation. Is done. As a result, since the cap is fitted into the recess without play in the recess, the cap is stably held without exerting external force on the air flow rate control unit formed by the valve body, the pressing ring, and the water repellent film body, It becomes possible to avoid impairing the air flow control function of the valve body.

  (10) In the present invention, a fitting portion formed by the engaging portion and the engaged portion is formed in a plurality of stages in the axial direction of the peripheral surface portion, and one of the plurality of fitting portions is formed. The ink storage container according to (9), wherein the fitting portion is prevented from coming off in the axial direction, and the other fitting portion is prevented from rotating in the circumferential direction.

  According to such a configuration, out of the fitting portions formed by the plurality of engaging portions and the engaged portion, one fitting portion functions to prevent axial disconnection, and another fitting portion. Since the section functions to prevent circumferential rotation, the air flow rate control section can be held more stably.

  (11) In the present invention, the inner edge of the vent hole formed in the bottom portion is formed with a tapered surface that expands toward the bottom as it goes downward. (10) The ink storage container according to any one of (10).

  According to such a configuration, even if ink adheres to the lower surface or the tapered surface of the water repellent film body, the ink can easily be dripped into the container through the tapered surface, and the amount of ink adhering to the water repellent film body can always be suppressed. It becomes like this.

  (12) The ink storage container according to claim 11, wherein at least the tapered surface is subjected to water repellent treatment. According to such a configuration, it is possible to further reduce ink remaining on the tapered surface, and it is possible to suppress adhesion of ink to the water repellent film body.

  (13) According to the present invention, a disk-shaped buffer portion that inhibits movement of ink toward the vent port is disposed below the vent port formed in the bottom portion, and the vent port in the buffer unit is provided. The ink storage container according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein a conical surface having a center projecting toward the vent is formed on the side.

  According to such a configuration, the buffer portion suppresses ink from flowing directly into the air flow rate control portion. Further, even when the ink adhering to the lower surface of the Teflon film is dropped on the buffer portion, it is easy to return to the inside of the container through this conical surface, and the ink can be prevented from staying.

  (14) The present invention is also the ink storage container according to the above (1), wherein the air flow rate control unit is interposed between the valve body and the cap and has flat surfaces on both upper and lower surfaces. And an annular waterproof membrane having a through hole formed in the center, and in the recess, the water-repellent membrane body, the pressure ring, the valve body, and the waterproof membrane are stacked in order from the bottom, It is characterized by being clamped between the bottom and the cap.

  According to such a configuration, the water-repellent film body, the pressure ring, the valve body, and the waterproof film are stacked and sandwiched between the bottom of the recess and the cap, so that temperature change, pressure change, impact, vibration, time, etc. It is possible to stably position and fix without accompanying environmental changes. Further, it is not necessary to use an adhesive, and it can be housed in the recess simply by placing the components of the air flow rate control unit on the bottom, so that assembly can be easily performed.

  (15) The ink storage container according to (14), wherein the cap has a plurality of vent holes in a range where the through hole of the waterproof film faces.

  With this configuration, even if some water droplets accidentally adhere to the upper surface of the cap and a certain vent hole is clogged with water droplets, there are remaining vent holes that are not clogged with water droplets. Thus, it is possible to effectively avoid impairing the ventilation performance.

  (16) The present invention is also characterized in that a bolt insertion hole is arranged on the circumference at a position outside the vent hole of the cap so as not to interfere with the air flow rate control unit. The ink storage container described.

  According to such a configuration, the cap is provided with the vent hole and the bolt insertion hole arranged on the outside thereof, so that when the air flow control unit is sandwiched between the bottom of the recess and the cap, it interferes with the bolt. Since the air flow rate control unit is tightened by the bolt without doing so, the valve body can be uniformly pressed from both the upper and lower surfaces. Therefore, non-uniform external force does not act on the valve body, so that the air flow rate control function can be stably maintained.

  (17) The present invention is also characterized in that a pedestal is provided on the upper surface of the ink storage container, the recess is provided in the pedestal, and the air flow rate control unit is loaded in the recess. (14) The ink storage container according to any one of (16).

  According to such a configuration, the air flow rate control unit can be incorporated into the recess of the pedestal portion to make a subassembly, and thus the subflow assembled pedestal unit integrated air flow rate control portion can be easily and easily attached to the ink storage container. It becomes possible to incorporate it into.

  (18) According to the present invention, a bolt hole into which a bolt is screwed is formed in a bottom portion of the concave portion in a direction along the ventilation hole, and the cap is integrated with the base portion by the bolt. The ink storage container according to any one of (14) to (17), wherein the ink storage container is fastened to an upper surface portion of the ink storage container.

  With such a configuration, when the cap is tightened with the bolt, the pedestal portion can be integrated into the ink storage container and the ink storage container can be manufactured efficiently.

  (19) The present invention also includes a discharge unit that discharges ink from the ink storage unit to an ink discharge target, the discharge unit including a vertically movable valve, and the vertically movable valve passes through. An opening is provided, and when moved upward during ink supply, the ink reservoir and the ink discharge port communicate with each other through the through-hole, and ink is discharged from the discharge portion. The ink storage container according to any one of (14) to (18), wherein the ink storage container has a structure that does not allow communication.

  According to such a configuration, the vertically movable valve causes the ink to be ejected from the ejection part through the through-hole or the through-hole is closed to stop the ejection of the ink in accordance with the vertical movement in the ejection part. As described above, when ink is ejected, that is, when ink is supplied, ink can be supplied quickly, and when ink ejection is stopped, ink leakage is prevented, so that it is not necessary to use an ink occlusion body. Therefore, no ink is absorbed by the occlusion body, so that wasteful consumption of ink can be suppressed.

  (20) The present invention is also configured such that the vertically movable valve is provided with an elastic body, and the vertically movable valve is controlled to move up and down by an elastic force of the elastic body. The ink storage container according to any one of 19).

  According to such a configuration, the vertically movable valve is controlled using the elastic force of the elastic body, so that ink can be supplied to the printer and cut quickly.

  (21) In the present invention, the water-repellent film body has a plurality of micropores having a pore diameter of 5 μm or less made of fluororesin or fluororubber, and the water-repellent film body has a critical surface tension of 25 dyn / cm. It is formed below, It is an ink storage container as described in any one of said (1)-(20) characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to such a configuration, the water repellent film body protects the valve body by blocking the valve body from the ink, and as a result, in printing using the ink storage container, the printing is prevented from fading, Normal printing can be performed, and as a result, an ink storage container having excellent print quality can be obtained.

  (22) The present invention is also an ink storage container, wherein the ink storage container according to any one of (1) to (21) is an ink cartridge for an ink jet printer.

  According to such a configuration, the ink is prevented from adhering to the air flow rate control unit formed of a water repellent film body and the air flow rate control is ensured, and the ink discharge is performed over a slight pressure change to a large pressure change. An ink cartridge for an ink jet printer that can be smoothly controlled can be obtained. In addition, an ink cartridge for an ink jet printer can be manufactured at low cost.

  The present invention prevents ink and the like from causing damage to the ventilation control of the valve body, ensures a stable air flow control function, and enables ink discharge control appropriate for both small and large pressure changes. In addition, there is an advantage that the ink storage container can be manufactured at low cost.

Hereinafter, an ink storage container according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the case where the ink storage container in each of the following embodiments is applied to an ink cartridge for an ink jet printer will be described as an example.
(Ink storage container)

  FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an ink storage container 100 as an ink cartridge for an ink jet printer according to the first embodiment. The ink storage container 100 according to the first embodiment stores ink in an interior 11, and is installed on an upper surface portion 12 and a casing portion including a bottom surface 16, and is installed on the upper surface. An air flow rate control unit 20 that controls the air flow rate at the air vent 14 to the inside of the ink storage unit 10, and the ink stored in the inside 11 of the ink storage unit 10 is ejected from the ink ejection port 18. And an ink discharge section 30 that controls the above.

In the first embodiment, the air flow rate control unit 20 and the ink discharge unit 30 are arranged as a suitable example so as to face the ink storage container 100 via the ink storage unit 10, but this is not limitative. The arrangement of the air flow rate control unit 20 and the ink discharge unit 30 is determined. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, since the ink cartridge is for an ink jet printer, the ink discharge unit 30 is necessary. However, if the ink discharge unit 30 is used for other purposes, the ink discharge unit 30 may not be necessary. . In FIG. 1, the air flow rate control unit 20 is illustrated including a portion protruding from the upper surface of the ink storage unit 10, that is, a configuration in which a pedestal portion 23 is provided. It is preferable from the viewpoint of space and the like that it is embedded in the upper surface portion 12 of the ink storage portion 10 or completely buried, and the portion protruding to the upper surface portion 12 of the ink storage portion 10 is eliminated.
(Ink storage)

  An interior 11 of the ink storage unit 10 includes a vent 14 on the top surface 12 that is a casing, and an ink discharge port 18 on the bottom surface 16. A container other than the vent 14 and the ink discharge unit 18 is sealed by a casing. . The air vent 14 is provided with an air flow rate control unit 20 that controls the air flow rate of the air vent 14, and the ink discharge port 18 is provided with an ink discharge unit 30 that controls the ink discharge amount.

In the first embodiment, since it is preferable not to include an ink reservoir that causes a decrease in the amount of ink retained, the ink is stored in an empty space. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The ink occlusion body may be used for a part or all of the ink storage unit 10.
(Air flow control unit)

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the air flow rate control unit 20 and its surroundings. 2A to 2F are a schematic top view of members constituting the air flow rate control unit 20 described later, and a schematic cross-sectional view taken along a dotted line in the schematic top view.

  The air flow rate control unit 20 is made of a communicating porous elastic material in which a plurality of micropores communicate with each other, and the amount of air passing through the plurality of micropores is determined according to the pressure difference between the outside and the ink storage unit 10. The valve body 22 (hereinafter referred to as “valve” in the first embodiment) 22 having a function of controlling the air flow rate from the outside to the ink storage unit 10 by the change, the valve 22 and the ink storage unit 10 The structure includes a water repellent film body (hereinafter referred to as an “ink-proof film” in the first embodiment) 24 that is provided therebetween and prevents ink from reaching the valve 22. Further, in the first embodiment, the air flow rate control unit 20 includes a flat plate 26 as a pressing ring having a hollow portion as an air layer forming member between the ink-proof film 24 and the valve 22, and the flat plate 26 is an ink-proof film. The structure is sandwiched between the valve 24 and the valve 22. Furthermore, a waterproof membrane 28 is provided between the valve 22 and the outside, and is a flat plate having a hollow portion and prevents moisture from reaching the valve 22. In the first embodiment, the waterproof membrane 28 and the flat plate 26 function as a fixing member that presses and fixes the valve 22, and the waterproof membrane 28 and the flat plate 26 include the upper lid (cap) 21 and the pedestal portion 23 (the vent hole). The structure is pressed by the end 25).

  In the pedestal portion 23 and the upper surface portion 12, eight bolt holes 27 are arranged on the outer side of the vent hole 14 and centering on the vent hole 14, and the bolt 27 a is oriented along the vent hole 14. The bolt is integrally fastened together with the upper lid 21 by being inserted and tightened.

  More specifically, the upper lid (cap) 21 has three vent holes 21a as shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A. These vent holes 21a are placed in a range corresponding to an area where the through hole 28a of the waterproof film 28 exists. In addition, a bolt insertion hole 21b for inserting the bolt 27a is disposed outside the ventilation hole 21a in the upper lid 21 so as to correspond to the bolt hole 27 described above. The bolt insertion hole 21 b is located outside the air flow control unit 20 including the valve 22, the ink-proof film 24, the flat plate 26, and the waterproof film 28 so as not to interfere with the components of the air flow control unit 20. It has become.

  The upper lid 21 is fastened by bolts 27a through the bolts 27 and the upper surface portion 12 of the pedestal 23 and the ink reservoir, and the fastening by the bolts 27a causes a pressing force from the upper lid 21 and a reaction from the end portion 25 accompanying this. The valve 22 is pressed uniformly through the waterproof film 28 and the flat plate 26.

    The valve (valve element) 22 is made of a continuous porous elastic material in which a plurality of micropores communicate with each other, and the amount of air that passes through the plurality of micropores according to the pressure difference between the outside and the ink storage unit. However, the material, structure, etc. are not particularly limited, and a valve having this function is disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1. It can be obtained by what was disclosed by etc. or commercially available. The shape of the valve 22 is a substantially disc-shaped flat plate.

  In the first embodiment, the valve 22 is a compression body so as not to have air permeability when compressed. In other words, the communicating porous body made of an elastic material is compressed until air permeability is lost, and the compressed porous body is made so that the air flow rate control function can be further exerted. In such a compressed porous body, a large number of irregular spaces formed by smashing and folding the elastic body constituting the communicating porous body are formed inside, but in the compressed state, the air permeability is lost. . However, since a large number of irregular spaces formed in the compressed porous body communicate with each other, when a pressure difference between the inside and the outside occurs, the compressed pores from the outside are generated due to a pressure difference greater than a predetermined pressure generated by the valve 22 extending. Air is pushed into the inside of the body, and the air deforms the valve while expanding the air holes connecting the networked space in the compressed porous body, so that the opposite side of the compressed porous body, that is, the ink storage unit 10 side. Produces breathability by moving to. This air flow rate (air flow rate) is determined by the ease of passage of the space networked in the compressed porous body. Therefore, when the pressure difference is large, the valve 22 expands greatly, and air passes through the space networked in the compressed porous body. It becomes easy to pass and the air flow becomes large. On the other hand, when the pressure difference is equal to or larger than the predetermined pressure difference and the pressure difference is small, the valve 22 extends small, the amount of air passing through the space networked in the compressed porous body is small, and the ventilation amount is small. When the pressure difference decreases due to ventilation by the valve 22, the valve 22 also contracts, and the ventilation amount decreases. Further, when the pressure difference is less than the predetermined pressure difference, the valve 22 is compressed again, so that the air permeability of the valve 22 is lost. In this way, since the amount of air flow also depends on the magnitude of the pressure difference, it is possible to quickly and appropriately adjust the pressure to make the pressure in the ink storage unit 10 constant.

The degree of the pressure difference between the outside (atmosphere) and the ink storage unit 10 may be determined by appropriately selecting the degree of communication porosity, the degree of compression, etc. When the pressure difference is 20 mmH ₂ O or less, there is no air permeability, and when the pressure difference is 20 mmH ₂ O or more, it is preferable to compress the air pressure so that it has air permeability.

  The elastic material constituting the valve 22 is sufficient if it has a plurality of micropores and passes through the micropores in a stretched state, and examples thereof include polypropylene, various rubbers, and various elastomers. In the case of a continuous porous body, a rubber and / or plastic raw material is mixed with an inert gas, a decomposable foaming agent, and a volatile organic liquid, and foam is formed by forming bubbles inside to form a continuous pore. And a rubber / plastic raw material in which inorganic particles such as calcium carbonate are kneaded and formed into a plate shape, and then the inorganic particles are eluted to form continuous pores. As raw materials, elastic rubber, natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, neoprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene, polystyrene, polyamide, polyurethane, silicone resin, epoxy resin, phenol resin , Urea resin, fluorine resin, etc. It is. Among these, ether-based polyurethane resins and the like are preferable in view of durability against liquids, ease of formation of a continuous porous body, productivity, and the like.

  The elastic material constituting the valve 22 expands when a pressure difference is applied, and the pressure difference decreases when vented, and finally returns to its original state, and there is no ventilation. It is preferred that it be maintained. For this purpose, the compression set is preferably excellent in compression set characteristics. As another characteristic, it is preferable that the Young's modulus of the valve 22 is 1 MPa or more and 5000 MPa or less. The valve 22 preferably has a hardness of 30 or more and less than 100 as measured by an Asker F-type hardness meter.

  The valve 22 has a number of holes per unit length before compression of 4 / cm or more and 1000 / cm or less, so that the internal pressure can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, it is desirable that the molded article obtained by applying heat generated by heating or high frequency has a hardness of 20 or more and less than 100 when a disk-shaped body having a thickness of 8 mm is used as a specimen. . This compression tends to be surely blocked when the pressure difference is less than a predetermined value by setting the compression ratio to 5% to 40% of the thickness of the material before compression.

  The valve 22 is installed in the air control unit 20 by mounting the valve 22 on a flat plate (pressing ring) 26 and fixing the waterproof membrane 28 as a hollow flat plate shown in FIG. 2E from above. It becomes possible to install simply by fixing in this way. In the first embodiment, the flat plate waterproof film 28 presses the valve 22 over a wide area as in the flat plate 26, so that the valve 22 can be pressed uniformly, the degree of elongation of the valve 22 becomes excessive, and the air flow becomes excessive. This can be prevented.

  Since the ink-proof film (water-repellent film body) 24 is suitable in the first embodiment, a breathable water-repellent material is used. Any film that prevents the components from coming into contact is sufficient, and a material having a large critical surface tension may be used. Breathability may not be necessary when the membrane does not block the entire vent 14 and at least partially penetrates it.

  The water repellent material used in the first embodiment may be a material that itself has air permeability. In particular, a water repellent material having a critical surface tension of 25 dyn / cm or less is preferable. As such a material, various resin films and inorganic films are used, and fluororesin, fluororubber and the like can be preferably used, and polytetrafluoroethylene is more preferable.

  The ink-proof film 24 has a plurality of fine holes communicating in consideration of air permeability, and the diameter of the plurality of fine holes is preferably 5 μm or less, more preferably 0.1 μm or less.

  A method of installing the ink-proof film 24 on the air flow rate control unit 20 is fixed by placing the flat plate 26 on the pedestal 23 shown in FIG. 2F so as to cover the vent hole 14. With such a fixing method, there is no environmental change such as temperature change, pressure change, impact, vibration, aging, etc., and there is no need to bond with an adhesive, and it is only necessary to place it. It is easy.

  As shown in FIG. 2C, the flat plate (pressing ring) 26 is a substantially disc-shaped and hollow portion is also a substantially cylindrical through hole 26a, and is a so-called donut-shaped flat plate, in other words, flat surfaces on both upper and lower surfaces. And is formed as an annular flat plate with a through hole 26a formed in the center. The flat plate 26 forms an air layer 29 between the ink-proof film 24 and the valve 22. This air layer is preferable because the air layer 29 is present even if it passes through the ink-preventing film 24, so that the ink stored in the ink storage unit 10 can be prevented from reaching the valve 22. In the first embodiment, a so-called donut-shaped flat plate is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plate having a structure capable of forming the air layer 29 can be used instead. That is, any member shape and arrangement capable of forming an air layer between the ink-proof film 24 and the valve 22 can be substituted. In the first embodiment, as described above, a hollow substantially disk-shaped flat plate is used because the valve 22 is pressed uniformly.

  As shown in FIG. 2E, the waterproof film 28 has an annular shape having flat surfaces on both upper and lower surfaces and a through hole 28a formed in the center. The waterproof film 28 is not particularly limited as long as it is a waterproof material that can ensure air permeability. Of course, even with water-repellent materials such as fluororesin. In the first embodiment, a hollow, substantially disk-shaped flat plate (O-ring) is used, and the waterproof property is improved by forming an air layer, but this is not restrictive. The waterproof film 28 is placed on the flat plate 26 and fixed by being pressed by the upper lid 21.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the air flow rate control unit 20 has the ink-proof film (water repellent film body) 24 / flat plate (press ring) 26 / valve on the end 25 of the vent hole 14 in the pedestal 23. (Valve) 22 / waterproof membrane 28 / upper lid 21 are placed in this order, and the bolt 27a is inserted into the bolt insertion hole 21a of the upper lid 21 and tightened with a bolt 27a to stop the ink-proof film 24 / flat plate 26 / valve. 22 / A simple fixing method of fixing the waterproof membrane 28 is possible.

According to the first embodiment, ink can be prevented from reaching the valve 22 by the ink layer 24 and further by the air layer formed by the flat plate 26, and the air flow rate can be controlled with higher accuracy. Further, the waterproof film 28 can prevent moisture from the outside air from reaching the valve 22 and can control the air flow rate with higher accuracy. Further, since the valve 22 is uniformly pressed over a wide area from the upper and lower surfaces by a flat plate (pressing ring) 26 and a waterproof membrane 28 which is another flat plate, the expansion / contraction change amount can be controlled with higher accuracy, and more accurate. A high air flow rate can be controlled.
(Ink ejection part)

  FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the ink discharge unit 30 and its periphery.

  The ink discharge unit 30 is provided at the ink discharge port 18 of the ink storage unit 10, and is a pressure contact body 32 that is press-contacted when ink is supplied to the ink-jet printer, and a movable valve that is joined and integrated with the pressure contact body 32. 34 mainly. The ink discharge port 18 is provided with protrusions 19a, 19b, 19c protruding from the bottom surface 16 toward the center of the ink discharge port 18, and the joint body of the pressure contact body 32 and the moving valve 34 moves except when ink is supplied. The lower end 36 of the end portion of the valve 34 is in a state installed on the protruding portion 19c.

  The moving valve 34 is a waterproof member such as a metal that prevents ink leakage from the ink discharge port 18 via the pressure contact member 32. However, when the ink is not supplied, the movement valve 34 is located between the protrusions 19a and 19b. A through-hole 38 is provided at a portion in contact with the integrated pressure contact body 32. When ink is not supplied, the ink in the ink storage unit 10 is prevented from leaking from the ink discharge port 18 by the upper surface 39 and the protrusion 19a of the moving valve 34.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3A, the joint body of the press contact body 32 and the moving valve 34 is pushed up toward the inside of the ink storage unit 10 by the corresponding member 40 of the ink jet printer by being installed in the ink jet printer when supplying ink. Become. Then, at least a part of the through-hole 38 moves upward from the protruding portion 19a, and the ink is indicated by the arrow to the press contact body 32 through the portion of the through-hole 38 moved upward from the protruding portion 19a. Then, the ink flows into the pressure contact body 32, and ink is similarly supplied from the pressure contact body 32 to the corresponding member of the ink jet printer.

  When the joint body of the press contact body 32 and the moving valve 34 is removed from the ink jet printer, the lower end 36 returns to the state where it is placed on the protruding portion 19c, thereby preventing the ink from leaking again. Leakage from the end portion of the ink discharge port 18 is prevented not only by the protrusion 19a but also by 19b and 19c. In addition, the structure which prevents the ink leakage by not providing the protrusion parts 19a and 19b, and making the side surface of the movement valve 34 contact the side wall of the ink discharge port 18 may be sufficient.

  The movement control device for the vertical movement of the movement valve 34 can be used without any particular limitation. For example, the upper surface portion 39 is provided with an elastic body (spring or the like) not shown, and the corresponding member 40 is set. Thus, a mechanism may be adopted in which the moving valve 34 is reduced when moving upward, and when the corresponding member 40 is not set again, the moving valve 34 is moved downward to the original position by extending.

  By providing such an ink discharge section 30, it is possible to prevent ink leakage from the ink discharge port 18 without using an ink occlusion body. In addition, when ink is supplied, the ink is promptly passed through the through-hole 38 and the pressure contact body 32. It can be supplied to an inkjet printer.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the ink discharge unit 30 and its periphery.

  The ink discharge unit 30 is provided at the ink discharge port 18 of the ink storage unit 10 and mainly includes a moving valve 34 that moves when ink is supplied to the ink jet printer. The ink discharge port 18 includes a protruding portion 19 c that protrudes from the bottom surface 16 toward the center of the ink discharge port 18.

  The moving valve 34 includes a lower valve 33 and an upper surface 39, and the lower valve 33 and the upper surface 39 are connected by a spring 39 that is an elastic body. Ink is prevented from leaking out by the lower valve 33 except when ink is supplied.

  The movement valve 34 is provided with a through hole 38 on a side surface. As shown in FIG. 4A, the lower valve 34 of the moving valve 34 is installed in the ink jet printer when ink is supplied, so that the spring 35 is moved upward from the protruding portion 19c by the corresponding member 40 of the ink jet printer. Ink is ejected as shown by the arrow through the generated gap, and the ink is supplied to the corresponding member 40 of the inkjet printer.

  When the lower valve 33 is removed from the ink jet printer, the spring 35 extends to return to a position substantially the same as the protruding portion 19c, thereby preventing ink leakage again.

  As in the above modification, by providing the ink discharge portion 30, it is possible to prevent ink leakage from the ink discharge port 18 without using the ink occlusion body and the pressure contact body, and the ink penetrates promptly when ink is supplied. The ink can be supplied to the ink jet printer through the port 38 and the pressure contact body 32.

  Next, 2nd Embodiment of this invention is described based on FIGS. The same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment are assigned to the same or equivalent members as those in the first embodiment. As shown in the longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 5, the ink storage container 100 is formed of a main body portion 10a formed of an appropriate synthetic resin material and an upper surface portion 10b fitted with a lid on the main body portion 10a. , B parts are connected to each other. The ink storage container 100 is a rectangular parallelepiped having a small depth with respect to the vertical dimension, and two chambers 11a and 11b are provided in the inside 11 by a partition wall 10d having a through hole 10c at the bottom. Further, an air flow rate control unit 20 (to be described later) is provided in the A part, and an ink discharge part 30 is provided in the C part.

  Part A of FIG. 5 shows a part where the air flow rate control unit 20 is provided, and the outline of the configuration of the recess 10e in which the air flow rate control unit 20 is loaded will be described with reference to FIGS. That is, a recessed portion 10e having a circular cross section that is depressed is formed in the upper surface portion 10a, and the recessed portion 10e is covered with a cap 50. The bottom 10f of the recess 10e has a vent 14 communicating with the inside 11 of the container at the center thereof, and a buffer 10h is provided below the vent 14 via a slit 10g. In addition, the upper surface of the buffer part 10h is formed with a conical surface whose center protrudes toward the vent 14 and has a structure in which ink does not stay easily. The bottom 10f is provided with a Teflon film body seating portion 10i and a lower end receiving portion 10j. The Teflon film body seating portion 10 i is an annular recess (annular step) that positions and receives the Teflon film body 24 as a water repellent film body that is a component of the air flow rate control unit 20. The lower end receiving portion 10j is an annular groove provided concentrically on the outer periphery of the Teflon film body seating portion 10i, and has a structure for receiving the lower end of the peripheral surface portion 50a of the cap 50. Therefore, when the cap 50 is attached to the recess 10e, the lower end of the peripheral surface portion 50a temporarily functions as a stopper by coming into contact with the lower end receiving portion 10j. As a result, at the time of assembly, it is possible to suppress the overload from acting on the valve body 22 and the Teflon film body 24, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in the function of the air flow rate control unit 20. After the assembly is completed, the cap 50 is biased upward by the restoring force of the air flow rate control unit 20, so that a minute gap is formed between the lower end of the peripheral surface portion 50a of the cap 50 and the lower end receiving portion 10j. Is done. In this way, the air flow rate control unit 20 is loaded in an internal space formed by attaching the cap 50 to the recess 10e. Hereinafter, the configuration around the air flow rate control unit 20 will be specifically described.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the air flow rate control unit 20 is placed on the Teflon membrane body seating portion 10 i, has air permeability, and is a disc-shaped Teflon membrane body subjected to water repellent treatment. (Corresponding to the ink-proof film of the first embodiment) 24 and a through-hole mounted on the upper surface of the Teflon film body 24, having flat surfaces on both upper and lower surfaces, and having an inner diameter corresponding to the vent hole 14 An annular (washer-like) pressure ring (corresponding to the flat plate of the first embodiment) 26 provided at the center of 26a and an upper surface of the pressure ring 26, and air is not normally circulated, but the internal pressure of the interior 11 An elastically deformable communicating porous valve body (corresponding to the valve of the first embodiment) 22 that allows air exchange with the outside in accordance with changes. These three members 24, 26, and 22 are stacked in order from the bottom to form the air flow rate control unit 20.

  The valve body 22 has substantially the same configuration as the valve 22 of the first embodiment. That is, the valve body 22 is configured as a disk-like compressed porous body made of polyurethane or the like, for example, and in a normal time when there is no pressure difference between the inside 11 and the outside, the air permeability is blocked and air does not enter and exit. However, when a pressure difference of a predetermined value or more is generated, the valve element 22 is extended by a slight elastic deformation, and this causes the micropores to be expanded to cause air permeability, so that the pressure increases from the high pressure side to the low pressure side. The function of controlling the air flow rate is exhibited by the inflow of air.

  Further, unlike the flat plate 26 of the first embodiment, the pressing ring 26 is formed using a metal as a material. As a result, the smoothness of the upper and lower surfaces of the pressure ring 26 is increased, and a uniform surface pressure acts on the valve body 22 and the Teflon film body 24 to increase the close contact between the contact surfaces, thereby preventing the ink from leaking. I try to prevent it.

  Further, unlike the ink-proof film 24 of the first embodiment, the Teflon film body 24 is formed from a sheet-like material made of Teflon, and the water repellency makes it difficult to attach ink as much as possible. Yes. That is, when Teflon is used as the material of the Teflon film 24 that is a water repellent film body, the Teflon film body 24 has both water repellency and flexibility, so that each smooth surface in the pressing ring 26 and the Teflon film body seating portion 10i. As a result, the water-repellent property as well as the sealing property can be maintained at a high level. Thus, since the Teflon film body 24 has low wettability, it is possible to maintain a high level of sealing performance when it adheres to a smooth surface and to prevent ink from entering. In other words, by using such a Teflon film body 24, air permeability and water repellency are ensured by the central portion facing the vent hole 14, and sealing characteristics are provided by the portion in surface contact with the surrounding mating members 26 and 10 i. It can be secured.

  The Teflon membrane body seating portion 10i is formed of an olefin resin material and is formed as a smooth surface with increased smoothness. When the Teflon membrane body 24 is seated on the seating portion 10i, the Teflon membrane body 24 is formed. Is set so as to prevent the ink from entering between the contact surfaces as much as possible. In addition, an annular protrusion 10k that is partitioned from the lower end receiving portion 10j is formed around the Teflon membrane seating portion 10i so that the Teflon membrane 24 is not displaced in the lateral direction, and a cap 50 described later. It is made to function also as a guide which makes the approach of the surrounding surface part smooth (refer FIG. 7). In particular, since the olefin resin material has low wettability, the water repellent effect is high. Therefore, the ink cannot enter the gap by being in close contact with the Teflon film body 24. In addition, although there exist various raw materials, such as a polypropylene and polyethylene, as an olefin resin, a polypropylene is employ | adopted in this embodiment.

  Next, the structure of the cap 50 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the cap 50 is formed of a resin material having an appropriate rigidity, and includes a circular ceiling portion 50 a and a cylindrical peripheral surface portion 50 b extending in the axial direction from the periphery thereof. Have. The ceiling 50a is formed with a valve body seating portion 50c having a flat surface at a position facing the Teflon membrane body seating portion 10i, and three vent holes 50d are provided in the valve body seating portion 50c. However, the number of the air holes is not limited to three, and a plurality of air holes may be used.

  Moreover, the elastic hinge P formed in thin wall is provided in the corner | angular part inside the ceiling part 50a and the surrounding surface part 50b, in other words, the periphery (base of the inner peripheral side of the surrounding surface part 50b) of the lower surface side of the ceiling part 50a. In this manner, the peripheral surface portion 50b is easily elastically deformed with the hinge P existing in the vicinity of the outside of the circular protrusion 50e forming the valve body seating portion 50c as a base point. Further, the lower end of the peripheral surface portion 50b is formed so as to be in contact with the lower end receiving portion 10j, and the pushing amount of the cap 50 is limited to be constant by the lower end being in contact with the lower end receiving portion 10j. 20 is prevented from being overcompressed.

  Next, the configuration of the mutual relationship between the cap 50 and the recess 10e in the D part of FIG. 7 will be described. That is, as shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part in FIGS. 9 and 10 in which the portion D is enlarged, the outer surface of the peripheral surface portion 50b of the cap 50 is shelf-like in order from the top in the axial direction (cross-sectional wedge shape or cross-sectional sawtooth shape). An engaging portion is formed in the circumferential direction, which is composed of a first engaging portion 50f protruding in a straight line and a second engaging portion 50g protruding in a gentle mountain shape. The first engaging portion 50f is formed with an inclined surface 50f1, so that the cap 50 can be pushed in smoothly together with the second engaging portion 50g. On the inner peripheral wall of the recess 10e, engaged portions that engage with the engaging portion, that is, a first engaged portion 10l and a second engaged portion 10m are formed in the inner peripheral direction, thereby A fitting portion that engages with the first engaging portion 50f and the second engaging portion 50g is formed.

  In this way, when the cap 50 is pushed into the recess 10e to cover it, the peripheral surface portion 50b enters the recess 10e while being deformed with the elastic hinge P as the center, and is shown by the cross hatching portion of FIG. As described above, the first engaging portion 50f bites into the first engaged portion 10l and the second engaging portion 50g bites into the second engaged portion 10m. As a result, the fitting of the first engaging portion 50f and the first engaged portion 10l prevents the cap 50 from coming off in the axial direction due to the wedge effect, and the second engaging portion 50g and the second engaged portion are prevented. The fitting with the joint portion 10m prevents the cap from rotating in the circumferential direction due to the wideness of the contact surface property.

  6 and 7, the Teflon film body 24 is placed on the Teflon film body seating portion 10i, the pressing ring 26 is placed thereon, and the valve body 22 is placed thereon. The air flow rate control unit 20 stacked in three layers is loaded into the recess 10e. Thereafter, the valve body seating portion 50c is applied to the upper surface of the valve body 22, and the cap 50 is pushed in to close the lid, whereby the air flow rate control unit 20 is stored and held in a state of being pressed by the recess 10e.

  In the above description, the engaging portion, that is, the fitting portion is formed by the first engaging portion and the first engaged portion, and the second engaging portion and the second engaged portion. As long as the fitting portion has a function of preventing the 50 from coming off and rotating, the fitting portion may be formed by one engaging portion and one engaged portion that can be engaged therewith. Of course. In the above description, the first engagement portion 50f is set upward and the second engagement portion 50g is set downward. Needless to say, the vertical positional relationship can be reversed. Similarly, although the case where the engaging portion is formed on the peripheral surface portion 50b side and the engaged portion is formed on the concave portion 10e side is shown here, these relationships may be reversed.

  The upper surface part 10b into which the air flow rate control part 20 is incorporated is fitted and fixed to the main body part 10a as shown in part B of FIG. As shown in FIG. 11 in which the B portion is enlarged, the bulging portion 10b1 formed on the upper surface portion 10b side and the bulging portion 10a1 formed on the main body portion 10a side are fitted to the mating member. It is fixed by that. In addition, as shown in the crossed hatched portion, the protrusion 10b2 formed over the entire periphery of the upper surface portion 10b bites into the inclined portion formed over the entire periphery of the main body 10a, so that ink does not leak to the outside. Is sealed.

  Next, the ink discharge unit 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 12. In FIG. 12, the pressure contact body 32 is not shown. The ink discharge unit 30 is configured to have substantially the same function as the ink discharge unit 30 in the first embodiment. That is, a discharge port 18 having a circular cross section protrudes from the bottom surface 16, and a movable valve 34 that can move up and down is accommodated therein. The moving valve 34 is composed of a small-diameter lower valve portion 34a and a large-diameter upper valve portion 34b. The pressure contact body 32 is accommodated in the lower valve portion 34a so as to be integrated as shown by hatching in FIG. Yes. The pressure contact member 32 is made of a material known per se that allows ink to pass therethrough. A guide portion 16a having a slit is erected on the bottom surface 16 outside the upper valve portion 34b. Thereby, the movement valve 34 integral with the press contact body 32 can be moved up and down by being guided by the discharge port 18 and the guide portion 16a.

  A protrusion 18 a is provided on the inner periphery of the discharge port 18 and is in pressure contact with the moving valve 34. Further, the moving valve 34 is formed with an inclined surface 34d along the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the intermediate wall 34c, that is, the boundary between the lower valve portion 34a and the upper valve portion 34b, and is formed on the seal portion 18b on the discharge port 18 side. It comes to contact. Further, the lower valve portion 34a is provided with a through-hole port 38 so that the interior 11 and the press contact body 32 communicate with each other when the moving valve 34 is raised.

  On the other hand, the coil spring 60 is contracted between the intermediate wall 34c of the moving valve 34 and the upper surface portion 10b, and always urges the moving valve 34 downward.

  Thus, in the case where the ink storage container 100 is not set on the carriage on the ink jet printer (not shown), the moving valve 34 is pushed down in the axial direction (downward) by the spring reaction force of the coil spring 60, and the inclined surface 34d is formed. By contacting the seal portion 18b, the ink sealed in the inside 11 is prevented from leaking to the outside.

  When the ink storage container 100 is loaded in the carriage, a corresponding portion (not shown) in the carriage of the ink jet printer pushes the moving valve 34 upward against the spring reaction force of the coil spring 60 via the pressure contact body 32. As a result, the movement valve 34 integral with the press contact body 32 moves upward while being guided by the guide portion 16 a and the protruding portion 18 a, and the through-hole 38 communicates with the interior 11. In this way, the ink in the ink storage container 100 is supplied to the ink jet printer side via the pressure contact body 32.

  According to the second embodiment, the valve corresponding to the air flow rate control unit of the second embodiment is fixed by fixing the cap 50 to the recess 10e by ultrasonic welding as in the technique described in Patent Document 1. Unlike the technique of storing and fixing in the recess, the air flow rate control unit 20 can be stored in the recess 10e with a simple configuration by simply covering with the cap 50. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the air flow control function that the air flow control unit 20 should originally have is impaired.

  In addition, according to the second embodiment, the air flow rate control unit 20 is not bonded using an adhesive, but the air flow rate is simply increased by simply overlapping the elements 22, 26, and 24 and covering the cap 50. The control unit 20 can be housed in the recess 10e and incorporated to easily manufacture the ink storage container.

  Further, in the second embodiment, a Teflon film body 24 is provided at the lower portion of the pressing ring 26, thereby preventing the valve body 22 from being directly exposed to the ink side via the vent hole 14. Therefore, there is an advantage that ink adhesion to the valve body 22 can be effectively prevented.

  Moreover, in 2nd Embodiment, since it comprised so that the cap 50 could be pushed in using the structure which the surrounding surface part 50b bends and deforms on the basis of the elastic hinge P, without giving unnecessary external force to the valve body 22 The positioning and fixing can be performed in the recess 10e. Further, since the cap is mechanically fixed, it is not necessary to apply a thermal load due to ultrasonic welding or the like to the valve body 22. As a result, the air flow rate control function in the valve body 22 can be fixed without any loss, and as a result, the ink storage container 100 can be manufactured at low cost.

  In addition, once the air flow rate control unit 20 is fixed by the cap 50, the air flow rate control unit 20 is in a state of being pinched between the cap 50 and the bottom portion 10f. Even if there is distortion, the pressure applied to the Teflon film body 24 is made uniform by the pressing ring 26, so that the degree of adhesion is kept extremely high. Therefore, there is an advantage that ink can smoothly be prevented from entering the contact surface between the Teflon film body 24 and the bottom portion 10f and the contact surface between the Teflon film body 24 and the pressing ring 26.

  In the second embodiment, even if the ink enters through the contact surface between the Teflon film body 24 and the pressing ring 26, an air layer (gap layer) formed by the through hole 26a of the pressing ring 26 is used. The presence of 29 also has an advantage of preventing the ink from adhering to the lower surface of the valve body 22. For this reason, it is possible to avoid clogging of the ultrafine holes due to the ink adhesion of the valve body 22 and maintain the air flow rate control function of the air flow rate control unit 20 by the valve body 22.

  Further, since the pressing ring 26 is made of metal, the smoothness of the upper and lower surfaces is enhanced, and the smooth surface is also formed in the Teflon film body seating portion 10i. The contact surface between the mating member and the mating member has a high degree of adhesion, and there is an advantage that ink can be prevented from entering between the Teflon film body 24 and the Teflon film body seating portion 10i.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the Teflon membrane body seating portion 10i and the valve body seating portion 50c are arranged to face each other, and the both seating portions are formed by annular recesses, so that the air to the recess 10e Since the loading of the flow rate control unit (Teflon membrane body, pressing ring, and valve body) 20 can be incorporated without misalignment, there is a practical effect that the assembling work can be simplified.

  Further, since the lower end portion of the peripheral surface portion 50b of the cap is formed so as to be able to contact the lower end receiving portion 10j, it functions as a stopper when the cap 50 is attached to the lower end receiving portion 10j. For this reason, even if the cap 50 is pushed in excessively, it is possible to prevent the valve body 22 from being subjected to forced compression or tensile deformation by the stopper function, and it is possible to prevent the air flow rate control function of the valve body from being impaired.

  Further, in the second embodiment, since the three vent holes 50d are provided in the valve seat 50c, for example, even if ink that has accidentally adhered to the hand adheres to the ceiling 50a, the remaining other holes The ventilation hole is advantageous because it can ensure the ventilation performance of the inside and outside air.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the fitting of the first engaging portion 50f and the first engaged portion 10l prevents the cap 50 from coming off in the axial direction, and the second engaging portion 50g. And the second engaged portion 10m are fitted to prevent the cap from rotating in the circumferential direction. For this reason, since the valve body 22 is housed without being displaced in the recess 10e by the cap 50, the valve body 22 can stably maintain the initial clamped loading state, and as a result, the air flow rate control function Can be prevented.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the first and second embodiments, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and design changes and the like within a scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. It is included in the range.

  For example, in the second embodiment, as in the first modification shown in FIG. 13, the vent hole 14 is formed with a tapered surface 14 a that expands in a divergent shape (conical surface shape) as it goes downward. It can also be configured. In this case, an appropriate number of grooves along the circumferential direction or the generatrix direction may be provided in the tapered surface 14a. It is also preferable to perform water repellent treatment on at least the tapered surface 14a. With such a configuration, the ink adhering to the lower surface of the Teflon film body 24 and the tapered surface 14a can be efficiently repelled and dropped.

  Further, in the second embodiment and the first modification, the concave portion 10e is formed so as to be recessed from the upper surface portion 10b, but instead of the upper surface as in the second modification example shown in FIG. The air flow rate control unit 20 may be housed in the protruding portion 70 protruding upward from the portion 10b.

  Further, in the second modified example, the protruding portion 70 is formed integrally with the upper surface portion 10b, that is, the ink storage portion 10, but instead, the protruding portion 70 is formed as in the third modified example shown in FIG. It is good also as a structure which forms separately from the ink storage part 10, and fixes this using fasteners 72, such as a bis | screw and a volt | bolt, through the suitable sealing member 71. FIG.

  By adopting the configuration of the third modified example, the unit can be formed by incorporating the air flow rate control unit 20, the cap 50, and the like in advance into the protrusion 70. Thereby, the protrusion part 70 can be easily attached to the ink storage container 10 using the fastener 72, and there exists an advantage which can improve the manufacture efficiency of an ink storage container.

  Further, as in the fourth modified example shown in FIG. 16, a recess 73 is formed in the upper surface portion 10 b, the protrusion 70 is received in the recess 73 via the seal member 71, and the fastener 72 is tightened. Thereby, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the protruding portion 70 is fixed to the upper surface portion 10b.

  According to the fourth modified example, since the protrusion 70 is simply fitted into the recess 73 and positioning is easily performed, the attaching operation of the protrusion 70 to the ink storage container 10 can be performed efficiently, and positioning is performed. Therefore, the sealing performance by the seal member 71 can be improved.

  In each of the third and fourth modified examples, the protruding portion 70 is attached using the fastener 72. However, instead of using the fastener, it may be attached with an adhesive, or It is also possible to adopt a mode in which the fastener 72 and the adhesive are used in combination.

  Furthermore, although the case where the buffer part 10h was provided in the vicinity of the vent hole 14 was shown in the said 2nd Embodiment, this invention is not limited to it, Of course, it is also possible not to provide the buffer part 10h.

  The present invention can be used as an ink storage container, particularly an ink cartridge for an ink jet printer.

It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the ink storage container which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. Similarly, it is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an air flow rate control unit and its periphery. Similarly, it is a schematic diagram of components in the air flow rate control unit. Similarly, it is a schematic diagram of components in the air flow rate control unit. Similarly, it is a schematic diagram of components in the air flow rate control unit. Similarly, it is a schematic diagram of components in the air flow rate control unit. Similarly, it is a schematic diagram of components in the air flow rate control unit. Similarly, it is a schematic diagram of components in the air flow rate control unit. Similarly, it is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an ink discharge portion and its periphery. Similarly, it is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an ink discharge portion and its periphery. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the ink discharge part which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment, and its periphery. Similarly, it is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an ink discharge portion and its periphery. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ink storage container which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is an expanded sectional view in the A section of FIG. FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view similar to FIG. 5, omitting the illustration of the air flow rate control unit in FIG. 6. Similarly, it is an assembly exploded external view of a cap and an air flow control part. It is the principal part expanded sectional view which decomposed | disassembled and showed the D section of FIG. It is a principal part expanded sectional view in the D section of FIG. It is a principal part expanded sectional view in the B section of FIG. It is a principal part expanded sectional view in the C section of FIG. It is sectional drawing in the 1st modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing in the 2nd modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing in the 3rd modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing in the 4th modification of 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Ink storage container 10 Ink storage part 10a Main body part 10b Upper surface part 10e Recessed part 10f Bottom part 10h Buffer part 10i Teflon film body seating part 10j Lower end receiving part
10l 1st engaged part 10m 2nd engaged part 11 Inside 12 Upper surface 14 Ventilation hole 16 Bottom surface 16a Guide part with slit 18 Discharge port 20 Air flow rate control part 21 Upper lid (cap)
21a Vent hole 21b Bolt insertion hole 22 Valve element (pressing ring)
23 pedestal 24 Teflon film body (water repellent film body)
25 End of vent 26 Flat plate (Pressing ring)
26a Through-hole 27 Bolt hole 27a Bolt 28 Waterproof film 28a Through-hole 29 Air layer 30 Ink discharge part 32 Press contact body 34 Moving valve (valve movable vertically)
34a Lower valve part 34b Upper valve part 38 Through port 39 Spring (elastic body)
50 cap 50a ceiling part 50b peripheral surface part 50c valve body seating part 50d vent hole
50f 1st engagement part 50g 2nd engagement part 60 Coil spring 70 Protrusion part 71 Seal member 72 Fastener P Elastic hinge

Claims (22)

A concave portion is formed in the upper surface portion of the ink storage portion that stores ink, a vent is formed in the bottom portion of the concave portion, and an air flow rate control unit that controls an air flow rate between the inside and outside of the ink storage portion in the concave portion And an ink storage container in which a cap is attached to the upper surface side of the air flow rate control unit, and a vent is formed in the ceiling of the cap,
The air flow rate control unit
A water-repellent film body placed on the bottom and having breathability and water-repellent treatment;
An annular pressure ring placed on the upper surface of the water repellent film body, having flat surfaces on both upper and lower surfaces, and having a through hole substantially corresponding to the vent in the center;
An elastically deformable communicating porous valve body that is placed on the upper surface of the pressure ring and does not normally allow air to circulate, but allows air exchange with the outside in accordance with changes in the internal pressure of the ink reservoir. , And
An ink storage container, wherein at least the water repellent film body, the pressing ring, and the valve body are sandwiched between the bottom portion and the cap in the recess. The pressing ring is made of metal, and a water repellent film body seating portion for seating the water repellent film body is formed on the bottom of the recess,
The ink storage container according to claim 1, wherein the water repellent film body seating portion is formed with an annular smooth surface in close contact with the water repellent film body.   The ink storage container according to claim 2, wherein the water repellent film body seating portion is made of an olefin resin.   4. The ink storage container according to claim 2, wherein a valve body seating portion that supports the valve body is formed on a lower surface of the ceiling portion of the cap. 5.   5. The ink storage container according to claim 4, wherein the water repellent film body seating portion and the valve body seating portion are each formed by an annular depression.   The ink storage container according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the air holes are provided in the ceiling portion of the cap. The cap has a cylindrical peripheral surface portion extending in the axial direction from the peripheral edge of the ceiling portion,
The ink according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when the cap is attached to the concave portion, the lower end of the peripheral surface portion abuts on the bottom portion of the concave portion and functions as a stopper. Storage container.   The ink storage container according to claim 7, wherein an elastic hinge formed of an annular thin structure is provided at a base on the inner surface side of the peripheral surface portion. Forming an engaging portion on the outer surface of the peripheral surface portion of the cap;
The ink storage container according to claim 7 or 8, wherein an engaged portion that can be fitted to the engaging portion is formed on an inner peripheral wall of the concave portion. The engaging portion formed by the engaging portion and the engaged portion is formed in a plurality of stages in the axial direction of the peripheral surface portion,
The ink storage container according to claim 9, wherein among the plurality of fitting portions, one fitting portion is prevented from coming off in the axial direction, and the other fitting portion is prevented from rotating in the circumferential direction.   The taper surface which expands in a divergent shape as it goes downward is formed on the inner edge of the vent hole pierced in the bottom portion. Ink storage container.   The ink storage container according to claim 11, wherein at least the tapered surface is subjected to water repellent treatment. A disc-shaped buffer portion that inhibits movement of ink toward the vent is disposed below the vent that is bored in the bottom.
The ink storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a conical surface whose center protrudes toward the vent port is formed on the vent port side of the buffer portion. The ink storage container according to claim 1,
The air flow rate control unit
It is interposed between the valve body and the cap, has a flat surface on both upper and lower surfaces, and has an annular waterproof membrane with a through hole formed in the center,
In the recess, the water repellent film body, the pressure ring, the valve body, and the waterproof film are stacked in order from the bottom, and are sandwiched between the bottom and the cap. Storage container.   The ink storage container according to claim 14, wherein a plurality of vent holes of the cap are provided in a range where the through hole of the waterproof film faces.   16. The ink storage container according to claim 14, wherein a bolt insertion hole is arranged on the circumference at a position outside the vent hole of the cap so as not to interfere with the air flow rate control unit.   The pedestal is provided on the upper surface of the ink storage container, the recess is provided in the pedestal, and the air flow rate controller is loaded in the recess. The ink storage container according to Item.   A bolt hole into which a bolt is screwed is formed in the bottom portion of the recess in a direction along the vent hole, and the cap is fastened to the upper surface portion of the ink storage unit integrally with the base portion by the bolt. The ink storage container according to claim 14, wherein the ink storage container is a container.   A discharge unit for discharging ink from the ink storage unit to an ink discharge target is provided, the discharge unit is provided with a vertically movable valve, and the vertically movable valve is provided with a through-hole, and when supplying ink The ink storage unit and the ink discharge port communicate with each other through the through-hole when moved upward, and ink is ejected from the discharge unit, and the communication is not performed outside when ink is supplied. The ink storage container according to any one of 14 to 18.   The ink according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the vertically movable valve is provided with an elastic body, and the vertically movable valve is controlled to move up and down by an elastic force of the elastic body. Storage container.   The water-repellent film body has a plurality of micropores having a pore diameter of 5 μm or less made of fluororesin or fluororubber, and the water repellent film body has a critical surface tension of 25 dyn / cm or less. The ink storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 20.   The ink storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the ink storage container is an ink cartridge for an inkjet printer.

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