JP2010167775A - Liquid container - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase the suppression accuracy of a liquid leakage from the penetrating opening, and to increase the degree of freedom in the arrangement of an absorber. <P>SOLUTION: On the rear side of the front surface wall 111 of the cover of a liquid container 10, a groove 113 is formed at a position in a vicinity of the penetrating port 112, in concrete, which becomes below the penetrating port 112 in the vertical direction under a state wherein the liquid container 10 is fitted in an inkjet type recording apparatus. The groove 113 is constituted of a bottom surface 114, and two confronted side surfaces 115 and 116, and capillary force is generated by corner sections 117 between each of the side surfaces 115 and 116 and the bottom surface 114. An ink which has been leaked in the vicinity of the penetrating port 112 is guided to the liquid absorber 106 which is arranged at a position being away from the penetrating port 112 by the capillary force of the groove 113. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid container that contains a liquid, and more particularly, to a liquid container that is attached to a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid.

  The liquid container stores therein a liquid container having a discharge port for discharging the liquid to the outside, and has a through-hole for exposing the discharge port to the outside. When the supply needle is inserted into the discharge port through the through-hole, the liquid is supplied to the outside through the supply needle. The liquid container is configured to be detachable from the liquid ejecting apparatus.

  In such a liquid container, when the liquid container is removed from the liquid ejecting apparatus such as replacement of the liquid container, in order to suppress the liquid from leaking from the through hole formed in the discharge port by inserting the supply needle, For example, an absorber that absorbs liquid is provided so as to cover the front surface of the discharge port.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-12044

  However, in the conventional liquid container, since the absorber is arranged so as to cover the discharge port, there is a problem that liquid that is absorbed by the absorber and not dried leaks to the outside. There is also a problem that the degree of freedom of arrangement of the absorber is low.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the above-mentioned subject, and it aims at the improvement of the suppression precision of the liquid leak from a through-hole, and the improvement of the arrangement | positioning freedom degree of an absorber.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

[Application Example 1]
A liquid container comprising a liquid container for containing a liquid, a discharge port for discharging the liquid stored in the liquid container, and a casing for storing the liquid container. The body includes a through-hole that exposes the discharge port to the outside, a liquid recovery unit that is disposed at a position away from the through-hole, and a liquid recovery unit that is located near the through-hole. A liquid container comprising: guiding means for guiding the liquid.
According to the liquid container of Application Example 1, since the casing is provided with guiding means for guiding the liquid from the vicinity of the through-hole to the liquid recovery means, the liquid leaking from the discharge port in the vicinity of the through-hole is guided by the guiding means. It is guided to the liquid recovery means provided at a position away from the through hole. Therefore, since the liquid leaking from the discharge port can be collected at a position away from the through port, the liquid collected by the liquid collecting means can be prevented from leaking from the through port to the outside. Further, since the liquid leaking from the discharge port can be guided to the liquid recovery means by the guiding means, the liquid recovery means can be arranged at a desired position. Therefore, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the liquid recovery means can be improved.

[Application Example 2]
In the liquid container according to Application Example 1, the guide unit is a capillary force generation unit that is provided in the vicinity of the through hole and generates a capillary force.
According to the liquid container of Application Example 2, the guiding means is provided with the capillary force generating means in the vicinity of the through hole. Therefore, the liquid leaking from the discharge port can be guided by the capillary force to the liquid recovery means arranged at a position away from the through port.

[Application Example 3]
In the liquid container according to Application Example 2, the capillary force generation unit is provided at a position below the through-hole in the vertical direction in a state where the liquid container is mounted on a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects the liquid. ing.
According to the liquid container of Application Example 3, the capillary force generation means is provided at a position that is below the through-hole in the vertical direction in a state where the liquid container is mounted on the liquid ejecting apparatus. Accordingly, the liquid flowing downward from the through hole due to gravity can be guided to the liquid recovery means by the capillary force generating means.

[Application Example 4]
In the liquid container according to Application Example 2, the capillary force generation unit is a groove extending from the vicinity of the through-hole toward the liquid recovery unit.
According to the liquid container of Application Example 4, the capillary force generation means is configured by a groove extending from the vicinity of the through-hole toward the liquid recovery means. Therefore, the housing and the capillary force generating means can be molded integrally. Therefore, liquid leakage can be suppressed without requiring separate parts. Further, since the capillary force generating means is a groove, it is formed in a hollow shape. Therefore, since the space of the liquid container is not occupied, the enlargement of the liquid container can be suppressed.

[Application Example 5]
In the liquid container according to Application Example 4, the groove includes a bottom surface and a pair of side surfaces facing each other, and a corner between the bottom surface and at least one side surface of the pair of side surfaces It is formed so that the radius becomes smaller as it approaches the liquid recovery means.
According to the liquid container of Application Example 5, the corner between the bottom surface and the side surface of the groove is formed so that the radius becomes smaller as the distance to the liquid recovery means is approached. Generally, the capillary force increases as the corner radius decreases. Accordingly, it is possible to promote the liquid guidance to the liquid recovery means.

[Application Example 6]
In the liquid container according to Application Example 2, the capillary force generation unit is a rib extending from the vicinity of the through-hole toward the liquid recovery unit.
According to the liquid container of Application Example 6, the capillary force generation means is configured by a rib extending from the vicinity of the through-hole toward the liquid recovery means. Therefore, the housing and the capillary force generating means can be molded integrally. Therefore, liquid leakage can be suppressed without requiring separate parts.

[Application Example 7]
In the liquid container according to Application Example 6, the corner between the side surface of the rib and the wall surface of the housing is formed so that the radius becomes smaller as the liquid recovery means is approached.
According to the liquid container of Application Example 7, the radius of the corner between the side surface of the rib and the wall surface of the housing becomes smaller as the liquid recovery means is approached. Accordingly, it is possible to promote the liquid guidance to the liquid recovery means.

[Application Example 8]
In the liquid container according to Application Example 2, the capillary force generation unit is formed so as to surround the through hole.
According to the liquid container of the application example 8, the capillary force generating means is provided so as to surround the through hole. Therefore, regardless of the posture of the liquid container, the liquid can be guided to the liquid recovery means by capillary force.

[Application Example 9]
The liquid container according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 8, wherein the liquid recovery means is a liquid absorber formed of a porous material.
According to the liquid container of Application Example 9, the liquid absorber can absorb the liquid guided by the guiding unit, and can prevent the leaked liquid from spreading inside the liquid container or leaking outside the liquid container.

[Application Example 10]
The liquid container according to Application Example 9 includes detection means for detecting the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid container, and the liquid absorber is disposed in the vicinity of the detection means.
According to the liquid container of Application Example 10, the liquid absorber is disposed in the vicinity of the detection unit that detects the remaining amount of liquid. Therefore, when the liquid container falls or the like, the liquid absorber can alleviate the impact applied to the detection means. Therefore, failure and breakage of the detection means can be suppressed.

[Application Example 11]
The liquid container according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 8, further comprising detection means for detecting a remaining amount of liquid in the liquid container, wherein the detection means is an introduction port connected to the liquid container And a discharge channel, a flow path for communicating the introduction port and the discharge port, and a sensor provided in the flow path, wherein the liquid recovery means is formed of a porous material. It is a liquid absorber and is arranged in the vicinity of the detection means.
According to the liquid container of Application Example 11, the liquid absorber can mitigate the impact applied to the detection means, and the failure and breakage of the detection means can be suppressed.

[Application Example 12]
The liquid container according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 8, wherein the casing is a storage unit that stores the liquid container, and a first case including a storage unit that is partially formed of a film. And a second case fixed to the first case so as to cover the film, and the liquid recovery means is a space formed between the film and the second case.
According to the liquid container of Application Example 12, ink leakage to the outside can be suppressed using the internal space of the liquid container.

[Application Example 13]
A liquid container having a discharge port for discharging liquid, a liquid container for storing the liquid, and a housing for storing the liquid container, wherein the liquid container includes: A housing having a through-hole that exposes the discharge port to the outside; a liquid recovery means for recovering the liquid that is provided in the housing and disposed at a position away from the through-hole; and the housing A liquid container comprising: a guiding unit that is provided on a body and guides the liquid from the vicinity of the through hole to the liquid collecting unit.
According to the liquid container of Application Example 13, since the liquid leaked from the discharge port can be collected at a position away from the through port, the liquid collected by the liquid collecting unit can be prevented from leaking from the through port to the outside. In addition, since the liquid leaking from the discharge port can be guided to the liquid recovery means by the guide means, the degree of freedom in arranging the liquid recovery means can be improved.

[Application Example 14]
A liquid container, a liquid container for containing the liquid, a housing for containing the liquid container, connected to the liquid container, and a discharge port for discharging the liquid; A housing having a through-hole that exposes a discharge port to the outside; a liquid absorber for absorbing the liquid that is provided in the housing and disposed at a position away from the through-hole; and the housing And a guiding means for guiding the liquid from the vicinity of the through-hole to the liquid absorber.

[Application Example 15]
A liquid container having a discharge port for discharging liquid, a liquid container for storing the liquid, and a housing for storing the liquid container, wherein the liquid container includes: A housing having a through-hole for exposing the discharge port to the outside; a liquid absorber for absorbing the liquid provided in the housing and disposed at a position away from the through-hole; and the housing A liquid container provided with a guiding means for guiding the liquid from the vicinity of the through-hole to the liquid absorber.
According to the liquid containers of Application Example 14 and Application Example 15, since the liquid leaked from the discharge port can be absorbed at a position away from the through port, the liquid absorbed by the liquid absorber leaks from the through port to the outside. Can be suppressed. In addition, since the liquid leaking from the discharge port can be guided to the liquid absorber by the guiding means, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the liquid absorber can be improved.

  In the present invention, the various aspects described above can be applied by appropriately combining or omitting some of them.

The disassembled perspective view of the liquid container 10 in 1st Example. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the front surface of the liquid container 10 in the first embodiment. The perspective view which illustrates schematically the structure of the groove | channel 113 in 1st Example. The top view which illustrates the back side of front wall 111 in the 1st example. Sectional drawing explaining the radius of roundness of the corner | angular part of the groove | channel 113 in 1st Example. Explanatory drawing explaining the contact state of the liquid absorber 106 and the groove | channel 113 in 1st Example. Explanatory drawing explaining the generation | occurrence | production principle of the liquid leak in 1st Example. The perspective view which illustrates schematically the structure of the rib in 2nd Example. The top view which illustrates the back side of front wall 111 in the 2nd example. Sectional drawing explaining the radius of roundness of the corner | angular part of the rib 213 in 2nd Example. Explanatory drawing explaining the contact state of the liquid absorber 106 and the rib 213 in 2nd Example. The perspective view which illustrates roughly the structure of the groove | channel 313 in 3rd Example. The top view which illustrates the back side of the front wall 111 of the cover in a modification.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.

A. First embodiment:
With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the liquid container in 1st Example is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid container 10 in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the front surface of the liquid container 10 in the first embodiment. The liquid container 10 includes a container body (first case) 100, a cover (second case) 110, and an ink pack 130, and is detachably attached to a mounting portion of an ink jet recording apparatus (not shown). Ink is supplied to a recording head provided in the ink jet recording apparatus. In the first embodiment, the front surface means a surface facing the mounting portion in a state where the liquid container 10 is mounted on the mounting portion of the ink jet recording apparatus. In the first embodiment, the “ink pack 130” corresponds to the “liquid container” in the claims, and the ink jet recording apparatus corresponds to the “liquid ejecting apparatus” in the claims. In the first embodiment, the liquid is ink.

  The container main body 100 is a housing formed by resin molding, and is partitioned into a substantially box-shaped storage unit 101 having an open top and a detection means storage unit 102 located on the front side of the storage unit 101. . The open surface of the storage unit 101 is sealed with a seal film 101a after the ink pack 130 is stored, and the storage unit 101 is used as a sealed chamber. The seal film 101 a is welded to the frame portion 104 that partitions the storage portion 101. The detection unit storage unit 102 is a space for storing the remaining amount detection unit 103 that detects the remaining amount of liquid. The container main body 100 includes a pressurizing port 107 that is a communication path for feeding pressurized air into a storage unit 101 that is formed to be a sealed chamber, a porous resin or fiber that can absorb liquid, and the like. The liquid absorber 106 formed by the above is provided.

  The remaining amount detecting means 103 is a member having a discharge port 105 for discharging the ink stored in the ink pack 130 to the outside, and a flow path communicating between the connection port 131 and the discharge port 105 of the ink pack 130. Yes, and fixed to the container body 100. The front surface of the discharge port 105 is previously sealed with a film 105a at the manufacturing stage. The remaining amount detecting means 103 includes a connection needle (inlet) (not shown), an internal flow path, and a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of ink provided in the vicinity of the internal flow path. For example, a piezo element is used as the sensor. When the connecting needle of the remaining amount detecting means 103 is inserted into the connection port 131 of the ink pack 130, the remaining amount detecting means 103 and the ink pack 130 communicate with each other, and the ink in the ink pack 130 flows into the internal flow path of the remaining amount detecting means 103. To the discharge port 105. The sensor of the remaining amount detecting means 103 detects the remaining amount of ink from the inflow state (pressure fluctuation) of the ink into the internal flow path. The container main body 100 may be provided with a discharge port 105, and the remaining amount detecting means 103 may be provided with a flow path communicating between the connection port 131 of the ink pack 130 and the discharge port 105 of the container main body 100.

  The liquid absorber 106 is provided in the vicinity of the remaining amount detecting means 103 and at a position away from a through-hole 112 described later.

  The cover 110 is formed by resin molding, and is fixed to the container body 100 so as to cover the storage portion 101 and the detection means storage portion 102 of the container body 100. The cover 110 includes a front wall 111 positioned on the front surface of the liquid container 10 and a through-hole 112 provided in the front wall 111 and exposing the discharge port 105 to the outside of the liquid container 10.

  Inside the front wall 111 of the cover 110 and in the vicinity of the through-hole 112, liquid that leaks from the discharge port 105 of the liquid container 10 when the liquid container 10 is removed from the ink jet recording apparatus is disposed in the liquid absorber. A groove 113 is provided for guiding to 106. The liquid absorber 106 absorbs the liquid guided by the groove 113 and suppresses the leaked liquid from spreading inside the liquid container 10 and leaking to the outside from the boundary between the container body 100 and the cover 110 or the like. As described above, the liquid absorber 106 functions as a liquid recovery unit that recovers the leaked liquid or a liquid holding unit that holds the leaked liquid. The groove 113 in the first embodiment corresponds to “guidance means” and “capillary force generation means” in the claims. The groove 113 will be described in detail later.

  The ink pack 130 stores ink therein and is stored in the storage unit 101. The ink pack 130 is formed by preparing four aluminum laminate films in which an aluminum layer is laminated on a resin film layer having flexibility, and bonding these peripheral portions together.

  When the liquid container 10 is attached to the ink jet recording apparatus, pressurized air is supplied from the ink jet recording apparatus to the storage unit 101 through the pressure port 107. The ink pack 130 is pressed by the supplied pressurized air, and the ink in the ink pack 130 is supplied to an ink jet recording apparatus (recording head) via an ink supply needle 50 (see FIG. 7A) described later. The

A2. About capillary action:
The details of the groove structure will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of the groove 113 in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating the back side of the front wall 111 in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the radius of roundness at the corner of the groove 113 in the first embodiment. 3 and 4 show a state of the back side of the front wall 111 of the cover 110, that is, a state of the front wall 111 viewed from the rear side. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 4, FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 4, and FIG. It is sectional drawing cut | disconnected in CC cross section in.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, on the back side of the front wall 111, in the vicinity of the through-hole 112, specifically, in a state where the liquid container 10 is mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus, A groove 113 having a width d1 and a depth d2 is formed at a lower position. The groove 113 is integrally formed when the cover 110 is molded by resin molding.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the groove 113 is composed of a bottom surface 114 and two opposing side surfaces 115 and 116, and a capillary portion is formed by a corner 117 between each of the side surfaces 115 and 116 and the bottom surface 114. Generating power. The corner 117 may be rounded to a size that can generate capillary force. Further, the corner portion 117 may be formed so that the radius of roundness of the corner portion 117 gradually decreases from the through-hole 112 toward the liquid absorber 106, that is, as it approaches the liquid absorber 106 from the through-hole 112. Good. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5A, the corner 117 in the AA cross section of FIG. 4 is rounded with a radius R1, and as shown in FIG. The corner 117 in the BB cross section is rounded with a radius R2 smaller than the radius R1, and as shown in FIG. 5C, the corner 117 in the CC cross section in FIG. 4 is not rounded. In other words, the radius is 0. The groove 113 is formed as described above. In the following description, the radius of roundness at the corner is also referred to as corner R.

  Next, the positional relationship between the liquid absorber 106 and the groove 113 will be described. The liquid absorber 106 is provided so as to be in contact with the front wall 111 and at least partially in contact with the groove 113.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a contact state between the liquid absorber 106 and the groove 113 in the first embodiment. 6A and 6B show cross-sectional views taken along the line DD in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6A shows a state before the cover 110 is fixed to the container body 100. FIG. 6B shows a state after the cover 11 is fixed to the container body 100. The front wall 111 of the cover 110 abuts the liquid absorber 106 so as to press the liquid absorber 106 in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 6A when the cover 110 is fixed to the container body 100. Since the liquid absorber 106 and the groove 113 are provided in the positional relationship described above, the liquid guided toward the liquid absorber 106 by the groove 113 is absorbed by the liquid absorber 106.

  Since the liquid absorber 106 is formed of a porous resin or fiber having a buffering property, the liquid absorber 106 is deformed by being pressed and enters the inside of the groove 113 as shown in FIG.

  The occurrence of liquid leakage will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the principle of occurrence of liquid leakage in the first embodiment. FIG. 7A shows a state in which the liquid container 10 is mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus, and FIG. 7B shows a state in which the liquid container 10 is removed from the ink jet recording apparatus. c) is an explanatory view showing the movement of the liquid leaking from the ink supply needle 50 and the discharge port 105. FIG. FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C all show a state cut along the XX cross section of FIG. 4.

  When the liquid container 10 is attached to the ink jet recording apparatus, the ink supply needle 50 provided in the ink jet recording apparatus is provided in the discharge port 105 through the through-hole 112 as shown in FIG. It breaks through the film 105a and enters the inside of the discharge port 105. A valve (not shown) that is opened in response to the penetration of the ink supply needle 50 is provided inside the discharge port 105, and ink can be supplied at this point.

  Next, when the liquid container 10 is removed from the ink jet recording apparatus, the ink supply needle 50 is pulled out from the discharge port 105 and the valve is closed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7B, the ink droplet P leaks from the tip of the ink supply needle 50 and the through hole 105 b of the film 105 a formed by the ink supply needle 50. As shown by the arrow P in FIG. 7C and FIG. 4, the ink droplet P flows downward on the inner surface side of the front wall 111 by gravity and reaches the groove 113.

  Since the groove 113 is configured to generate a capillary force, the ink droplet P is drawn into the groove 113 and moves along the groove 113. Therefore, the ink droplet P leaking from the ink supply needle 50 and the discharge port 105 can be received by the groove 113 and guided toward the liquid absorber 106 by capillary action. The ink guided to the vicinity of the liquid absorber 106 is absorbed by the liquid absorber 106. In this way, leakage of ink to the outside of the liquid container 10 is suppressed. In general, the capillary force becomes stronger as the corner R (radius forming the roundness of the corner) is smaller, so that the corner portion of the groove 113 is liquidated from the through-hole 112 as described with reference to FIGS. When the angle R is formed so as to gradually decrease toward the absorbent body 106, a capillary force from the left side to the right side of the drawing can be positively generated as indicated by an arrow Y in FIG.

  The position and shape of the groove 113, the distance to the liquid absorber 106, and the like can be arbitrarily determined. However, if the ink is dried and deposited on the corner portion 117 of the groove 113, the capillary force may be reduced, so that the ink is not dried while being guided to the liquid absorber 106 after the leakage ink is started. It is preferable to determine appropriately according to the ink composition, installation environment, and the like. In this way, it is possible to suppress the drying of the ink during the induction, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in the capillary force of the groove 113.

  According to the liquid container 10 of the first embodiment described above, the groove 113 for guiding the ink from the vicinity of the through-hole 112 to the liquid absorber 106 is provided in the front wall 111 of the cover 110, so Thus, the ink leaking from the discharge port 105 and the ink supply needle 50 is guided to the liquid absorber 106 by the groove 113. Therefore, the liquid absorber 106 can be disposed at a desired position away from the through-hole 112. Therefore, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the liquid absorber 106 can be improved. Further, since the liquid absorber 106 is provided at a position away from the through-hole 112, it is possible to suppress the ink absorbed by the liquid absorber 106 from leaking to the outside from the through-hole 112.

  Further, according to the liquid container 10 of the first embodiment, the groove 113 which is a means for generating a capillary force is provided in the vicinity of the through-hole 112. Therefore, the ink leaking from the discharge port 105 can be guided to the liquid absorber 106 arranged at a position away from the through port 112 by capillary force.

  In addition, in the case where the corner R between the bottom surface 114 and the side surfaces 115 and 116 of the groove 113 is formed so as to become smaller as it approaches the liquid absorber 106, ink is guided to the liquid absorber 106. Can promote.

  Further, according to the liquid container 10 of the first embodiment, the groove 113 for generating capillary force is provided at a position below the through-hole 112 in the vertical direction when the liquid container 10 is mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus. ing. Therefore, the ink that has flowed below the through-hole 112 due to gravity can be guided to the liquid absorber 106 by the groove 113.

  Further, according to the liquid container 10 of the first embodiment, the liquid absorber 106 has a buffer property and is disposed in the vicinity of the remaining amount detecting means 103 that detects the remaining amount of ink. Therefore, when the liquid container 10 falls or the like, the impact applied to the remaining amount detecting means 103 is alleviated by the liquid absorber 106. Therefore, failure and damage of the remaining amount detecting means 103 can be suppressed.

B. Second embodiment:
In the second embodiment, instead of the groove 113 of the first embodiment, a rib is provided on the inner side (back side) of the front wall 111, so that the ink droplet P leaked from the ink supply needle 50 and the discharge port 105 is removed from the liquid absorber. To 106. The liquid container of the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except that the groove 113 is replaced by a rib.

B1. About capillary action:
Details of the rib structure will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of the rib in the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating the back side of the front wall 111 in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the radius of roundness at the corner of the rib in the second embodiment. 8 and 9 show the state of the back side of the front wall 111 of the cover 110, that is, the state of the front wall 111 viewed from the rear side. 10A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line aa in FIG. 9, FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line bb in FIG. 9, and FIG. It is sectional drawing cut | disconnected in cc cross section in.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a rib 213 is formed on the back side of the front wall 111 at a position below the through hole 112. The rib 213 is integrally formed when the cover 110 is molded by resin molding. The liquid absorber 106 is provided so as to be in contact with the front wall 111 and at least partially in contact with the rib 213.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the rib 213 includes an upper surface 214 and two opposing side surfaces 215 and 216, and a corner portion 217 between each of the side surfaces 215 and 216 and the front wall 111 is It is formed so that capillary force can be generated. The corner 217 may be rounded to a size that can generate capillary force. Further, the corner portion 217 may be formed so that the angle R gradually decreases from the through-hole 112 toward the liquid absorber 106, that is, as it approaches the liquid absorber 106 from the through-hole 112. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10A, the corner 217 in the aa cross section is rounded with a radius R1, and as shown in FIG. 10B, the corner in the bb cross section is rounded. The portion 217 is rounded with a radius R2 smaller than the radius R1, and as shown in FIG. 10C, the corner portion 217 in the cc cross section is formed so as not to be rounded. As described in the first embodiment, the capillary force increases as the angle R decreases, and this also applies to the angle R between the side surface of the rib 213 and the front wall 111. Therefore, the rib 213 can positively generate a capillary force from the left side to the right side as shown by the arrow Y in FIG.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a contact state between the liquid absorber 106 and the rib 213 in the second embodiment. 11 (a) and 11 (b) show cross-sectional views taken along the line dd in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 (a) shows a state before the cover 110 is fixed to the container body 100. FIG. FIG. 11B shows a state after the cover 110 is fixed to the container main body 100. The front wall 111 of the cover 110 is in contact with the liquid absorber 106 so as to press the liquid absorber 106 in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG.

  Since the liquid absorber 106 is formed of a porous resin or fiber, it is deformed so as to cover the rib 213 when pressed, as shown in FIG.

  With the configuration as described above, the ink droplet leaking from the ink supply needle 50 and the discharge port 105 can be received by the rib 213 and guided toward the liquid absorber 106 by capillary action. The ink guided to the vicinity of the liquid absorber 106 is absorbed by the liquid absorber 106. In this way, leakage of ink to the outside of the liquid container 10 is suppressed. Since the ink droplet leaking from the ink supply needle 50 and the discharge port 105 can be received by the side surface 215 on the side close to the through-hole 112, only the corner portion 117 between the side surface 215 and the bottom surface 114 generates a capillary force. You may form so that it can do.

  According to the liquid container of the second embodiment described above, the cover 110 includes the rib 213 that extends from the vicinity of the through-hole 112 toward the liquid absorber 106 and generates a capillary force. Therefore, the container main body 100 and the rib 213 can be integrally molded. Therefore, ink leakage can be suppressed without requiring separate parts.

  In addition, in the case where the angle R between the side surface 215 of the rib 213 and the front wall 111 is formed so as to be closer to the liquid absorber 106, the induction of ink to the liquid absorber 106 can be promoted.

C. Third embodiment:
In the first and second embodiments, the ink leaked in the vicinity of the through-hole 112 is guided to the liquid absorber 106, but in the third embodiment, the ink pack 130 is stored instead of the liquid absorber 106. The leaked ink is guided to the space between the seal film 101a of the storage unit 101 and the back surface of the side wall 120 of the cover 110.

  FIG. 12 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of the groove 313 in the third embodiment. The groove 313 includes a first groove portion 313a and a second groove portion 313b, and a capillary force is generated by a corner portion between the bottom surface and the side surface of the groove 313 as in the first embodiment.

  The first groove portion 313a is formed on the back surface of the front wall 111 of the cover 110 at a position below the through-hole 112 in the mounting posture of the liquid container, and extends to the back surface of the side wall 120 of the cover 110. The second groove portion 313b is formed on the back surface of the side wall 120 of the cover 110, and one end of the second groove portion 313b is continuous with the first groove portion 313a, and the other end is located in a region facing the seal film 101a of the storage unit 101 or in the vicinity thereof. It is formed as follows. As in the second embodiment, a rib may be used instead of the groove 313.

  A gap (space) 306 between the back surface of the side wall 120 and the seal film 101a is set so narrow that capillary force acts. Further, the gap between the back surface of the side wall 120 and the seal film 101 a and the shape of the groove 313 are set so that the capillary force due to the gap 306 is larger than the capillary force due to the groove 313.

  The ink leaking in the vicinity of the through-hole 112 is guided to the gap 306 by the groove 313 and further guided into the gap (liquid recovery means or liquid holding means) 306 having a larger capillary force than the groove 313. Retained. When the bottom surface on the other end side of the second groove portion 313b is inclined so that the groove depth becomes shallower toward the gap 306, ink can be easily guided from the groove 313b to the gap 306. In this way, ink leakage to the outside can be suppressed using the internal space of the liquid container 10.

D. Variation:
(1) In the first to third embodiments, the guiding means (the groove 113, the rib 213, and the groove 313) for guiding the liquid is straight at a position below the through-hole 112 with the cartridge mounted. For example, it may be provided so as to surround the through-hole 112.

  FIG. 13 is a plan view illustrating the back side of the front wall 111 of the cover 110 in a modified example. As shown in FIG. 13, in the modification, the front wall 111 has a groove 413 that surrounds the periphery of the through hole 112 and extends toward the liquid absorber 106. As in the first embodiment, the groove 413 is formed so that the radius of the corner between the bottom surface and the side surface of the groove 413 decreases from the vicinity of the through-hole 112 toward the liquid absorber 106. preferable. In this way, a capillary force toward the liquid absorber 106 can be positively generated. Instead of the groove 413, a rib may be used. Further, the groove 413 may be extended to the gap (space) 306 so that the liquid may be guided to the space 306 instead of the liquid absorber 106.

  According to the configuration of the modified example (1) described above, the liquid leaking from the discharge port 105 is received by the groove 413 regardless of the posture of the liquid container 10, and the liquid absorber 106 is obtained by the capillary action of the groove 413. Can be guided to. For example, when the liquid container removed from the ink jet recording apparatus is placed in such a posture that the liquid absorber 106 is positioned above the through-hole 112 as shown in FIG. The ink droplet P leaking from the needle rises as indicated by an arrow Z along the groove 413 by the capillary action of the groove 413 and is absorbed by the liquid absorber 106.

(2) In the first and second embodiments, the liquid absorber 106 is provided on the container main body 100 side, but may be provided on the cover 110 side. For example, it may be formed in a shape having a small thickness and may be attached to the front wall 111 so that a part thereof is in contact with the guiding means (groove 113, rib 213). Alternatively, as in the third embodiment, the guide means may be extended to the back surface of the side wall 120, and the liquid absorber 106 may be attached so that a part of the guide means is in contact with the back surface.

(3) In the first embodiment and the third embodiment, each of the two corners 117 of the groove 113 is formed so as to be able to generate a capillary force, but at least of the two corners Only one corner may be formed so that capillary force can be generated. It is preferable to form the corner portion 117 between the side surface 116 and the bottom surface 114 that are vertically downward in the posture when the liquid container 10 is mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus so that capillary force can be generated.

(4) In the first and third embodiments, the groove 113 has a shape capable of generating a capillary force, but has a shape that does not generate a capillary force (for example, a size such that the corner R does not generate a capillary force). It may be a simple groove. Also according to this modification, the ink leaked from the discharge port 105 can be guided and guided by the groove and absorbed by the liquid absorber 106 or the space 306 provided at the tip of the groove.

(5) In the second embodiment, the rib 213 is formed to have a substantially rectangular cross section. However, the rib 213 has a corner so that a capillary force can be generated between the side surface of the rib 213 and the front wall 111. Any shape may be used as long as it is formed in a shape.

(6) Although the liquid absorber 106 is not provided in the third embodiment, the liquid absorber 106 may be provided so as to come into contact with the first groove portion 313a as in the first embodiment.

(7) In the first to third embodiments, the discharge port 105 is provided in the liquid remaining amount detecting means 103 or the container main body 100, and the liquid in the ink pack 130 passes through the liquid remaining amount detecting means 103. Although it flows to the discharge port 105, the ink may be directly supplied from the ink pack 130 to the outside. For example, the connection port 131 of the ink pack 130 may be exposed to the outside through the through-hole 112 of the cover 110 to serve as a discharge port.

  As mentioned above, although the various Example of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these Examples, A various structure can be taken in the range which does not deviate from the meaning.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Liquid container 50 ... Ink supply needle 100 ... Container main body 101 ... Storage part 102 ... Detection means storage part 103 ... Remaining amount detection means 105 ... Discharge port 105a ... Film 105b ... Through-hole 106 ... Liquid absorber 107 ... Pressure port DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 110 ... Cover 111 ... Front wall 112 ... Through-hole 113 ... Groove 114 ... Bottom 115, 116 ... Side surface 117 ... Corner part 131 ... Connection port 213 ... Rib 214 ... Upper surface 215,216 ... Side surface 217 ... Corner part 313 ... Groove 413 ... groove

Claims (15)

A liquid container for containing a liquid;
A discharge port for discharging the liquid stored in the liquid container;
A housing for housing the liquid container;
A liquid container comprising:
The housing is
A through hole for exposing the discharge port to the outside;
A liquid recovery means for recovering the liquid disposed at a position away from the through hole;
Guiding means for guiding the liquid from the vicinity of the through hole to the liquid recovery means;
A liquid container comprising: The liquid container according to claim 1,
The liquid container, which is a capillary force generation unit that is provided in the vicinity of the through hole and generates a capillary force. The liquid container according to claim 2,
The capillary force generating means is a liquid container provided at a position below the through-hole in the vertical direction in a state where the liquid container is mounted on a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects the liquid. The liquid container according to claim 2,
The capillary force generation means is a liquid container that is a groove extending from the vicinity of the through-hole toward the liquid recovery means. The liquid container according to claim 4,
The groove includes a bottom surface and a pair of side surfaces facing each other, and a corner between the bottom surface and at least one side surface of the pair of side surfaces has a radius that decreases as it approaches the recovery means. A liquid container that is formed as follows. The liquid container according to claim 2,
The capillary force generation means is a liquid container that is a rib extending from the vicinity of the through-hole toward the liquid recovery means. The liquid container according to claim 6,
The rib is a liquid container in which a corner between a side surface of the rib and a wall surface of the housing is formed so that a radius becomes smaller as the liquid recovery means is approached. The liquid container according to claim 2,
The capillary force generating means is a liquid container formed so as to surround the through hole. A liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The liquid recovery means is a liquid container which is a liquid absorber formed of a porous material. The liquid container according to claim 9,
A detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid container;
The liquid absorber is a liquid container disposed in the vicinity of the detection means. A liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid container;
The detection means includes an introduction port connected to the liquid container, the discharge port, a flow channel communicating the introduction port and the discharge port, and a sensor provided in the flow channel. And
The liquid recovery means is a liquid container which is a liquid absorber formed of a porous material and is disposed in the vicinity of the detection means. A liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The housing is
A first case including a storage part for storing the liquid container, a part of which is formed of a film;
A second case fixed to the first case so as to cover the film;
With
The liquid recovery means is a liquid container that is a space formed between the film and the second case. A liquid container,
A liquid container having a discharge port for discharging the liquid and containing the liquid;
A housing for storing the liquid container, and a housing having a through-hole for exposing the discharge port of the stored liquid container to the outside;
A liquid recovery means for recovering the liquid, provided in the housing and disposed at a position away from the through hole;
A guiding means provided in the housing for guiding the liquid from the vicinity of the through-hole to the liquid recovery means;
A liquid container comprising: A liquid container,
A liquid container for containing a liquid;
A casing for storing the liquid container, the casing being connected to the liquid container and having a discharge port for discharging the liquid, and a through-hole for exposing the discharge port to the outside;
A liquid absorber for absorbing the liquid, provided in the housing and disposed at a position away from the through hole;
A guiding means provided in the housing for guiding the liquid from the vicinity of the through hole to the liquid absorber;
A liquid container comprising: A liquid container,
A liquid container having a discharge port for discharging the liquid and containing the liquid;
A housing for storing the liquid container, and a housing having a through-hole for exposing the discharge port of the stored liquid container to the outside;
A liquid absorber for absorbing the liquid, provided in the housing and disposed at a position away from the through hole;
A guiding means provided in the housing for guiding the liquid from the vicinity of the through hole to the liquid absorber;
A liquid container comprising:

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