JP2019171598A - Ink absorbing device and droplet discharge device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an ink absorbing device and a droplet discharge device which can improve absorption characteristics of ink and can prevent leakage of ink after absorption.SOLUTION: An ink absorbing device includes at least one sheet used for absorption of ink and a container storing the sheet, in which the sheet has a fiber base material containing a fiber and a water-absorbing resin supported on the fiber base material. In the ink absorbing device, the fiber base material forms a sheet shape, and the water-absorbing resin is preferably attached to at least one surface side of the fiber base material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink absorber and a droplet discharge device.

  In an ink jet printer, waste ink is usually generated during a head cleaning operation performed to prevent deterioration in print quality due to ink clogging or an ink filling operation after ink cartridge replacement. Therefore, in order to prevent such waste ink from unintentionally adhering to a mechanism or the like inside the printer, a liquid absorber (ink absorber) that absorbs waste ink is provided.

  Conventionally, as liquid absorbers (ink absorbers), those containing natural cellulose fibers and / or synthetic fibers and a heat-fusible substance have been used (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  However, conventional liquid absorbers (ink absorbers) are inferior in ink permeability and cannot quickly absorb waste ink. Furthermore, depending on the amount of ink absorbed, the ink may leak unintentionally once it has been absorbed.

Japanese Patent No. 3536870

  An object of the present invention is to provide an ink absorber and a droplet discharge device that can improve ink absorption characteristics and prevent leakage of ink after absorption.

  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 follows.

The ink absorber of the present invention comprises at least one sheet used for ink absorption;
A container for storing the sheet,
The sheet has a fiber base material containing fibers and a water-absorbent resin supported on the fiber base material.

  As a result, when ink is applied to the sheet, the fiber (fiber substrate) once holds the ink, and then can be efficiently fed by the water-absorbing resin, improving the ink absorption characteristics of the entire sheet Can be made. Further, it is possible to keep the ink for a long time after absorption, and thus it is possible to prevent the ink from leaking from the ink absorber.

  In the ink absorber of the present invention, it is preferable that the water-absorbing resin is attached to at least one surface side of the fiber base material.

  Thereby, since the water absorbent resin is exposed to the fiber base material, the ink can be quickly absorbed by the water absorbent resin.

  In the ink absorber of the present invention, it is preferable that the water-absorbing resin is present in the middle of the thickness direction of the fiber base material.

  As a result, the ink can be held (absorbed) as far as possible on the back side of the sheet, that is, on the center side in the thickness direction of the sheet, so that the ink holding state can be maintained for a long time.

In the ink absorber of the present invention, the container has a bottom,
The sheet is preferably stored in the container in a state of being overlapped along the bottom.

  Thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent the ink once retained from floating in the container. Further, when the sheets are stored in the container, one sheet or a plurality of sheets can be put together and put in order from the bottom side of the container, so that the storing operation can be easily performed.

In the ink absorber of the present invention, the container has a bottom,
It is preferable that the sheet is stored in the container in an upright state with respect to the bottom.

  As a result, the sheets buckle due to their own weight, and as a result, a gap is formed between the sheets (when there are a plurality of sheets). Therefore, the ink can be wet and spread in the gap by capillary action, and at that time, the ink is absorbed by the sheet.

  In the ink absorber of the present invention, it is preferable that the sheet is folded and stored in the container.

  Thereby, the storage state of the sheet in the container is stabilized, and thus the sheet can absorb ink stably.

  In the ink absorber of the present invention, it is preferable that the sheet is wound in a roll shape and stored in the container.

  As a result, the seat is in a stand-up state. Such a configuration is effective when it is desired to prevent seat buckling.

  In the ink absorber according to the present invention, it is preferable that a plurality of the sheets are stored in the container.

  As a result, the absorption performance for absorbing ink in the ink absorber is increased by the number of sheets.

  In the ink absorber of the present invention, when the volume of the container is V1 and the total volume of the sheet before water absorption is V2, the ratio V2 / V1 of V1 and V2 is 0.1 or more and 0.7 or less. Is preferred.

  Thereby, a space | gap arises in a container. The sheet expands (swells) after absorbing the ink. This void serves as a buffer when the sheet expands, and thus the sheet can sufficiently absorb ink.

  In the ink absorber of the present invention, it is preferable that the sheet has a quadrangular shape in a plan view.

  Thereby, the contact area with the ink can be ensured as much as possible, and thus the absorption performance for absorbing the ink is improved.

In the ink absorber of the present invention, the sheet has a band shape,
In the middle of the sheet in the longitudinal direction, it is preferable that a fragile portion is provided that is more fragile than other portions of the sheet.

  Thereby, a sheet | seat can be bent by a weak part. In this case, for example, when the sheet is folded and stored in the container, it can be easily folded at the fragile portion, so that the storing operation can be easily performed. Further, the sheet can be broken at the fragile portion. In this case, the sheet can be broken at the fragile portion to adjust the filling amount of the sheet into the container (storage amount, that is, the total volume of the sheet).

In the ink absorber of the present invention, it is preferable that the container is hard.
Thereby, even if each container expand | swells after each sheet | seat absorbs ink and receives the force from the sheet | seat from an inner side, the container's own shape can be maintained. Thereby, the installation state of the container is stabilized, and each sheet can absorb ink stably.

In the ink absorber of the present invention, it is preferable that the container has flexibility.
Thereby, a container can be suitably deform | transformed according to the installation location of an ink absorber. Thereby, the installation state of the ink absorber is stabilized, and the sheet can absorb the ink stably. Further, even if the sheet absorbs ink and expands, the container can be deformed following the expansion. It also contributes to weight reduction of the ink absorber (container).

In the ink absorber according to the present invention, it is preferable to include a lid for sealing the container.
Thereby, for example, even when the ink flowing into the container collides with the sheet and jumps up, the ink can be prevented from splashing outward, so that the ink adheres to the periphery of the ink absorber. And can be prevented from becoming dirty.

  In the ink absorber of the present invention, it is preferable that the water absorbent resin contains a polyacrylic acid polymer crosslinked product.

  Thereby, for example, there are advantages such as improvement in ink absorption performance and reduction in manufacturing cost.

The ink absorber of the present invention is preferably used for absorbing the waste liquid of the ink.
Thereby, for example, the ink absorber can be used as a so-called “waste liquid tank (waste ink tank)” of the printing apparatus. When the ink absorption amount of the ink absorber reaches the limit, the ink absorber can be replaced with a new (unused) ink absorber.

  The droplet discharge device of the present invention is characterized in that the ink absorber of the present invention is used for absorbing the waste liquid of the ink.

  As a result, when ink is applied to the sheet, the fiber (fiber substrate) once holds the ink, and then can be efficiently fed by the water-absorbing resin, improving the ink absorption characteristics of the entire sheet Can be made. Further, it is possible to keep the ink for a long time after absorption, and thus it is possible to prevent the ink from leaking from the ink absorber. Further, the ink absorber can be used as a so-called “waste liquid tank (waste ink tank)”. When the ink absorption amount of the ink absorber reaches the limit, the ink absorber can be replaced with a new (unused) ink absorber.

FIG. 1 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of a usage state of an ink absorber (first embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sheet provided in the ink absorber shown in FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a sheet provided in the ink absorber (second embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the positional relationship between the sheet and the spacer provided in the ink absorber (third embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view showing the fourth embodiment of the ink absorber of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an enlarged vertical sectional view showing a state of a sheet provided in the ink absorber shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view showing the fifth embodiment of the ink absorber of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a sixth embodiment of the ink absorber according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view showing a seventh embodiment of the ink absorber of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a development view of a sheet provided in the ink absorber (eighth embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a ninth embodiment of the ink absorber according to the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a tenth embodiment of the ink absorber according to the present invention.

  Hereinafter, an ink absorber and a droplet discharge device of the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of a usage state of an ink absorber (first embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sheet provided in the ink absorber shown in FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the upper side in FIGS. 1 to 3 (FIGS. 4 to 10, 12, and 13) is “upper (or upper)” and the lower side is “lower (lower)”. To tell.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ink absorber 100 of the present invention includes at least one sheet 1 used for absorbing the ink Q, and a container 9 for storing the sheet 1. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sheet 1 includes a fiber base 2 containing fibers and a water absorbent resin 3 carried on the fiber base 2.

  As a result, as will be described later, when the ink Q is applied to the sheet 1, the contact area with the ink Q can be ensured as wide as possible, and the fibers (fiber base material 2) once serve as the ink Q. Can be held. Thereafter, the ink Q can be efficiently fed from the fibers by the water-absorbent resin 3, and the absorption characteristics of the ink Q as the entire sheet 1 can be improved. Further, the ink Q can be kept for a long time after absorption, and therefore, the ink Q can be prevented from leaking from the ink absorber 100.

  In this specification, “water absorption” means absorption of a water-based ink in which a coloring material is dissolved in an aqueous solvent, as well as a solvent-based ink in which a binder is dissolved in a solvent, or a liquid monomer that is cured by UV irradiation. It refers to absorbing ink in general, such as UV curable ink in which the binder is dissolved and latex ink in which the binder is dispersed in a dispersion medium.

  A printing apparatus (droplet discharge apparatus) 200 shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, an ink jet color printer. The printing apparatus 200 includes an ink discharge head 201 that discharges ink Q, a capping unit 202 that prevents clogging of the nozzles 201a of the ink discharge head 201, and a tube 203 that connects the capping unit 202 and the ink absorber 100. , And a roller pump 204 that sends the ink Q from the capping unit 202 to the ink absorber 100.

  The ink ejection head 201 has a plurality of nozzles 201a that eject ink Q downward. The ink discharge head 201 can perform printing by discharging ink Q while moving relative to a recording medium (not shown) such as a PPC sheet (drawn by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1). Ink discharge head 201).

  The capping unit 202 prevents the nozzles 201a from being clogged by sucking the nozzles 201a at once by the operation of the roller pump 204 when the ink discharge head 201 is at the standby position.

  The tube 203 allows the ink Q sucked through the capping unit 202 to pass toward the ink absorber 100. The tube 203 has flexibility.

  The roller pump 204 is disposed in the middle of the tube 203, and has a roller portion 204a and a clamping portion 204b that clamps the middle of the tube 203 between the roller portion 204a. As the roller portion 204 a rotates, a suction force is generated in the capping unit 202 through the tube 203. Then, as the roller unit 204a continues to rotate, the ink Q attached to the nozzle 201a can be sent to the ink absorber 100. The ink Q is absorbed by the ink absorber 100 as waste liquid. The ink Q includes various colors.

  The ink absorber 100 having the sheet 1 as the ink absorbing material is detachably attached to the printing apparatus 200, and is used for absorbing the waste liquid of the ink Q as described above in the attached state. Thus, the ink absorber 100 can be used as a so-called “waste liquid tank (waste ink tank)”. When the amount of ink Q absorbed by the ink absorber 100 reaches the limit, the ink absorber 100 can be replaced with a new (unused) ink absorber 100. Note that whether or not the amount of ink Q absorbed by the ink absorber 100 has reached the limit is detected by a detection unit (not shown) in the printing apparatus 200. Further, when the amount of ink Q absorbed by the ink absorber 100 reaches the limit, this is notified, for example, by a notification unit such as a monitor built in the printing apparatus 200.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ink absorber 100 seals a plurality of sheets 1, a container 9 that stacks a plurality of sheets 1 in the depth direction of the container 9, and stores them together. And a lid body 8 to be used. Hereinafter, the configuration of each unit will be described.

  The container 9 has a box shape having a bottom portion (bottom plate) 91 having, for example, a quadrilateral shape in plan view, and four side wall portions 92 erected upward from each side (edge portion) of the bottom portion 91. is there. A plurality of sheets 1 can be collectively stored in a storage space 93 surrounded by the bottom portion 91 and the four side wall portions 92.

  In addition, the container 9 is not limited to what has the bottom part 91 which makes a rectangular shape by planar view, For example, it has the bottom part 91 which makes circular shape by planar view, and the whole may be cylindrical.

  Further, the number of sheets 1 stored in the container 9 is a plurality of sheets (multiple sheets) in the configuration shown in FIG. 1, but the number of sheets is not particularly limited, and may be one sheet, for example. Two or more sheets may be used.

  The container 9 is hard. In other words, the container 9 has a shape retaining property such that the volume V1 does not change by 10% or more when an internal pressure or an external force is applied to the container 9.

  Thereby, the container 9 can maintain the shape of the container 9 itself even if each sheet 1 expands after absorbing the ink Q and receives a force from the sheet 1 from the inside. Thereby, the installation state of the container 9 in the printing apparatus 200 is stabilized, and each sheet 1 can absorb the ink Q stably.

  In addition, if the container 9 is comprised with the material which does not permeate | transmit the ink Q, the constituent material will not be specifically limited. As a constituent material of such a container 9, for example, various resin materials such as cyclic polyolefin and polycarbonate can be used. Moreover, as a constituent material of the container 9, in addition to the various resin materials, for example, various metal materials such as aluminum and stainless steel can be used.

  Further, the container 9 may be either transparent (including translucent) having internal visibility or opaque.

  As described above, the ink absorber 100 includes the lid body 8 that seals the container 9. As shown in FIG. 1, the lid 8 has a plate shape and can be fitted into the upper opening 94 of the container 9. By this fitting, the upper opening 94 can be liquid-tightly sealed. Thereby, for example, when the ink Q is ejected from the tube 203 and dropped, even if the ink Q collides with the sheet 1 and jumps up, the ink Q can be prevented from splashing outward. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink Q from adhering to the periphery of the ink absorber 100 and becoming dirty. In addition, the lid 8 prevents outflow / leakage when the ink absorber 100 is inverted.

  A connection port 81 to which the tube 203 is connected is formed at the center of the lid body 8. The connection port 81 is configured by a through-hole penetrating the lid 8 in the thickness direction. Then, a downstream end portion (lower end portion) of the tube 203 can be inserted and connected to the connection port 81 (through hole). At this time, the discharge port (opening) 203a of the tube 203 faces downward.

  For example, radial ribs or grooves may be formed around the connection port 81 on the lower surface (back surface) 82 of the lid 8. The ribs and grooves function as, for example, a restricting portion (guide portion) that restricts the flow direction of the ink Q in the container 9 or an anchor portion (fixing portion) that prevents the displacement of the sheet 1 in the container 9. ).

  The lid 8 may have an absorptivity that absorbs the ink Q, or may have a liquid repellency that repels the ink Q.

  The thickness of the lid body 8 is not particularly limited, and is preferably 1 mm or more and 20 mm or less, and more preferably 8 mm or more and 10 mm or less. The lid 8 is not limited to a plate having such a numerical value range, and may be a film (sheet) thinner than that. In this case, the thickness of the lid 8 is not particularly limited, and is preferably, for example, 10 μm or more and less than 1 mm.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of sheets 1 are stored in the container 9. Each sheet 1 is used for absorbing the ink Q that has flowed into the container 9 via the tube 203. Thus, the ink absorber 100 has a simple configuration in which the necessary sheets 1 are stored in the container 9.

  As described above, the sheet 1 has the fiber base 2 containing the fibers and the water absorbent resin 3 supported on the fiber base 2. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the fiber base material 2 has a sheet shape. The water absorbent resin 3 is attached to at least one side of the fiber base 2 (the front side 21 and the back side 22 in the configuration shown in FIG. 3). As a result, the ink Q reaches each sheet 1 on either the front surface 21 side (one surface side) or the back surface 22 side (the other surface in the relationship between the one surface and the front surface). However, the ink Q can be absorbed by the water absorbent resin 3. Further, since the water absorbent resin 3 is exposed to the fiber base material 2, the ink Q can be quickly absorbed by the water absorbent resin 3.

  The water-absorbing resin 3 preferably has the same amount of water-absorbing resin 3 on the front surface 21 side and the back surface 22 side of the fiber substrate 2, but may be different.

  The water-absorbing resin 3 is preferably arranged and dispersed uniformly on either the front surface 21 side of the fiber base material 2 or the back surface 22 side of the fiber base material 2. There may be sparseness.

  Further, the degree of dispersion of the water absorbent resin 3 on the front surface 21 side and the degree of dispersion of the water absorbent resin 3 on the back surface 22 side are more preferably the same, but they may be different. Good.

  The method for supporting (attaching) the water absorbent resin 3 to the fiber substrate 2 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method in which water, PVA, or glue is applied and supported by these. Moreover, it does not specifically limit as a ratio which makes the fiber base material 2 support the water absorbing resin 3, For example, when the fiber base material 2 is the range of more than 0g and 0.24g, the water absorbing resin 3 is 0.04g or more. It is preferable to set appropriately in the range of 0.12 g or less.

  The water base resin 2 can be suitably supported by the fiber base material 2, and the water base resin 3 can be more suitably prevented from falling off or detached from the fiber base material 2. Further, when the ink Q is applied to the sheet 1, the ink Q can be temporarily held by the fiber (fiber base material 2), and then efficiently fed by the water absorbent resin 3. The absorption characteristic of Q can be improved. In general, fibers such as cellulose fibers (particularly, fibers derived from waste paper) are cheaper than the water-absorbent resin 3 and are advantageous from the viewpoint of reducing the manufacturing cost of the sheet 1. Moreover, since the thing derived from waste paper can be used suitably as a fiber, it is advantageous also from viewpoints, such as reduction of a waste material and effective utilization of resources.

  Examples of the fibers include synthetic resin fibers such as polyester fibers and polyamide fibers; natural resin fibers such as cellulose fibers, keratin fibers, and fibroin fibers, and chemically modified products thereof. These may be used alone or in combination as appropriate. However, it is preferable to mainly use cellulose fibers, and it is more preferable that almost all of them are cellulose fibers.

  Since cellulose is a material having suitable hydrophilicity, when the ink Q is applied to the sheet 1, the ink Q can be suitably taken in, and the fluidity is particularly high (for example, the viscosity is 10 mPa · s). In addition, the ink Q once taken in can be suitably fed into the water absorbent resin 3. As a result, the ink Q absorption characteristics of the sheet 1 as a whole can be made particularly excellent. In addition, since cellulose generally has a high affinity with the water-absorbing resin 3, the water-absorbing resin 3 can be more suitably supported on the fiber surface. Cellulose fibers are natural materials that can be regenerated, and among various fibers, are inexpensive and easily available, which is advantageous from the viewpoints of reducing the production cost of the sheet 1, stable production, and reducing the environmental load. It is.

  In the present specification, the cellulose fiber is not particularly limited as long as it is mainly composed of cellulose (narrowly defined cellulose) as a compound and forms a fibrous form, and includes hemicellulose and lignin in addition to cellulose (narrowly defined cellulose). It may be a thing.

  For example, waste paper may be used as the fiber raw material. As a result, the above-described effects can be obtained, and it is also preferable from the viewpoint of resource saving. In addition, when used paper is used as a raw material for the fiber, the used paper may be used as it is, or a crushed material subjected to a crushing process or a defibrated material subjected to a defibrating process may be used.

  Further, in this case, the sheet 1 is a fiber base material 2 made of used paper as a raw material, and a particulate water-absorbing resin 3 supported thereon, and is a conventional one (for example, a laminate formed by laminating a plurality of layers). It is clearly different from the constructed porous absorber and the like.

  The average length of the fiber is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 7 mm or less, more preferably 0.1 mm or more and 5 mm or less, and further preferably 0.1 mm or more and 3 mm or less. preferable.

  The average width (diameter) of the fiber is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 200 μm or less, and more preferably 1.0 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

  The average aspect ratio of the fiber (the ratio of the average length to the average width) is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 or more and 1000 or less, and more preferably 15 or more and 500 or less.

  With the numerical range as described above, the water-absorbing resin 3 can be supported, the ink Q can be held by the fibers, and the ink Q can be sent to the water-absorbing resin 3 more appropriately. Absorption characteristics can be further improved.

  The water-absorbing resin 3 is not particularly limited as long as it has a water-absorbing property. For example, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, starch-acrylic acid graft copolymer, starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymer Hydrolyzate, vinyl acetate-acrylic acid ester copolymer, copolymer of isobutylene and maleic acid, etc., hydrolyzate of acrylonitrile copolymer and acrylamide copolymer, polyethylene oxide, polysulfonic acid compound, polyglutamic acid And salts thereof (neutralized products), cross-linked products, and the like. Here, the water absorption refers to a function that has hydrophilicity and retains moisture. Many water-absorbent resins 3 are gelled when water is absorbed.

  Among these, the water absorbent resin 3 is preferably a resin having a functional group in the side chain. Examples of the functional group include an acid group, a hydroxyl group, an epoxy group, and an amino group.

  In particular, the water absorbent resin 3 is preferably a resin having an acid group in the side chain, and more preferably a resin having a carboxyl group in the side chain.

  Examples of the carboxyl group-containing unit constituting the water absorbent resin 3 include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, maleic acid, crotonic acid, fumaric acid, sorbic acid, cinnamic acid, and anhydrides and salts thereof. The thing derived from a monomer is mentioned.

  When the water-absorbing resin 3 having an acid group in the side chain is included, the proportion of the acid groups contained in the water-absorbing resin 3 that are neutralized to form a salt is 30 mol% or more and 100 mol% or less. It is preferably 50 mol% or more and 95 mol% or less, more preferably 60 mol% or more and 90 mol% or less, and most preferably 70 mol% or more and 80 mol% or less. Thereby, the absorptivity of the ink Q by the water absorbent resin 3 (sheet 1) can be made more excellent.

  The type of the salt for neutralization is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include alkali metal salts such as sodium salt, potassium salt and lithium salt, and salts of nitrogen-containing basic substances such as ammonia, and sodium salt is preferable. Thereby, the absorptivity of the ink Q by the water absorbent resin 3 (sheet 1) can be made more excellent.

  The water-absorbent resin 3 having an acid group in the side chain is preferable because an electrostatic repulsion between acid groups occurs during ink absorption and the absorption speed increases. Further, when the acid group is neutralized, the ink Q is easily absorbed into the water absorbent resin 3 by the osmotic pressure.

  The water absorbent resin 3 may have a structural unit that does not contain an acid group. Examples of such a structural unit include a hydrophilic structural unit, a hydrophobic structural unit, a polymerizable crosslinking agent, and the like. And the like.

  Examples of the hydrophilic structural unit include acrylamide, methacrylamide, N-ethyl (meth) acrylamide, Nn-propyl (meth) acrylamide, N-isopropyl (meth) acrylamide, and N, N-dimethyl (meth). Acrylamide, 2-hydroxyethyl (meth) acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl (meth) acrylate, methoxypolyethylene glycol (meth) acrylate, polyethylene glycol mono (meth) acrylate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, N-acryloylpiperidine, N-acryloylpyrrolidine And structural units derived from nonionic compounds such as

  Examples of the hydrophobic structural unit include structural units derived from compounds such as (meth) acrylonitrile, styrene, vinyl chloride, butadiene, isobutene, ethylene, propylene, stearyl (meth) acrylate, and lauryl (meth) acrylate. Etc.

  Examples of the structural unit serving as the polymerizable crosslinking agent include diethylene glycol diacrylate, N, N′-methylenebisacrylamide, polyethylene glycol diacrylate, polypropylene glycol diacrylate, trimethylolpropane diallyl ether, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, and allyl. Examples include structural units derived from glycidyl ether, pentaerythritol triallyl ether, pentaerythritol diacrylate monostearate, bisphenol diacrylate, isocyanuric acid diacrylate, tetraallyloxyethane, diallyloxyacetate, and the like.

  The water absorbent resin 3 preferably contains a polyacrylate copolymer or a polyacrylic acid polymerized crosslinked product. Thereby, for example, there is an advantage that the absorption performance with respect to the ink Q is improved and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

  As the polyacrylic acid polymer crosslinked product, the proportion of the structural unit having a carboxyl group in all the structural units constituting the molecular chain is preferably 50 mol% or more, more preferably 80 mol% or more, and more preferably 90 mol% or more. More preferred.

  If the proportion of the structural unit containing a carboxyl group is too small, it may be difficult to make the absorption performance of the ink Q sufficiently excellent.

  The carboxyl group in the polyacrylic acid polymer crosslinked product is preferably partially neutralized (partially neutralized) to form a salt.

  The ratio of the neutralized occupying in all the carboxyl groups in the polyacrylic acid polymer crosslinked product is preferably 30 mol% or more and 99 mol% or less, more preferably 50 mol% or more and 99 mol% or less, and 70 mol%. More preferably, it is 99 mol% or less.

  The water absorbent resin 3 may have a structure crosslinked with a crosslinking agent other than the polymerizable crosslinking agent described above.

  When the water absorbent resin 3 is a resin having an acid group, as the crosslinking agent, for example, a compound having a plurality of functional groups that react with an acid group can be preferably used.

  When the water absorbent resin 3 is a resin having a functional group that reacts with an acid group, a compound having a plurality of functional groups that react with an acid group in the molecule can be suitably used as the crosslinking agent.

  Examples of the compound having a plurality of functional groups that react with an acid group (crosslinking agent) include, for example, ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether, (poly) glycerin polyglycidyl ether, diglycerin polyglycidyl ether, and propylene glycol. Glycidyl ether compounds such as diglycidyl ether; (poly) glycerin, (poly) ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, polyoxyethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, etc. Polyhydric alcohols; polyhydric amines such as ethylenediamine, diethylenediamine, polyethyleneimine, and hexamethylenediamine. Also, multivalent ions such as zinc, calcium, magnesium, and aluminum can be suitably used because they react with the acid groups of the water-absorbent resin 3 and function as a crosslinking agent.

  The water-absorbent resin 3 may have any shape such as a scale shape, a needle shape, a fiber shape, and a particle shape, but preferably has a particle shape. When the water absorbent resin 3 is in the form of particles, the permeability of the ink Q can be easily ensured. Moreover, the water absorbent resin 3 can be suitably supported on the fiber base 2 (fiber). The average particle size of the particles is preferably 15 μm or more and 800 μm or less, more preferably 15 μm or more and 400 μm or less, and further preferably 15 μm or more and 50 μm or less.

  In addition, as an average particle diameter of particle | grains, the volume average particle size MVD (Mean Volume Diameter) measured with the laser diffraction type particle size distribution measuring apparatus can be used, for example. With a particle size distribution measuring apparatus based on the laser diffraction / scattering method, that is, a laser diffraction particle size distribution measuring apparatus, the particle size distribution can be measured on a volume basis.

  Further, the water absorbent resin 3 with respect to the fiber substrate 2 is preferably more than 5% by weight and 90% by weight or less, more preferably 20% by weight or more and 70% by weight or less, and 40% by weight or more and 55% by weight. % Or less is more preferable.

  Further, when the average particle diameter of the water absorbent resin 3 is D [μm] and the average length of the fibers is L [μm], it is preferable that the relationship of 0.15 ≦ L / D ≦ 467 is satisfied, It is more preferable to satisfy the relationship of 0.25 ≦ L / D ≦ 333, and it is further preferable to satisfy the relationship of 2 ≦ L / D ≦ 200.

  Moreover, the sheet | seat 1 may contain components (other components) other than having mentioned above. Examples of such components include surfactants, lubricants, antifoaming agents, fillers, anti-blocking agents, UV absorbers, colorants such as pigments and dyes, flame retardants, and fluidity improvers.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the water absorbent resin 3 is attached to the front surface 21 and the back surface 22 of the fiber base material 2, but is not limited to this, for example, the front surface 21 and the back surface 22. The water absorbent resin 3 on one of the surfaces 22 may be omitted.

  The sheet 1 may be one in which an intermediate layer is provided between the fiber base 2 and the water absorbent resin 3. The intermediate layer is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a layer that promotes bonding between the fiber base 2 and the water absorbent resin 3.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet 1 configured as described above has a quadrangular shape (rectangular shape in FIG. 2) in plan view. Thereby, the contact area with the ink Q can be ensured as much as possible, and thus the absorption performance for absorbing the ink Q is improved. Further, when the sheet 1 is stored in the container 9 having the shape as described above, the storing operation can be easily performed. Further, the storage state of the sheet 1 in the container 9 is stabilized.

Note that the total length (the long side direction of the length) _{L 1} of the sheet 1, although depending on the shape and size of the container 9, for example, is preferably at least 50mm 500mm or less, at least 100mm 300mm or less More preferred.

Further, the width (length in the short side direction) W _{1 of} the sheet 1 is also preferably, for example, 50 mm to 500 mm, and preferably 100 mm to 300 mm, depending on the shape and size of the container 9. More preferred.

Similarly to the above, the thickness t ₁ of the sheet 1 is preferably, for example, 50 μm or more and 2 mm or less, and more preferably 0.1 mm or more and 1 mm or less.

  Further, the shape of the sheet 1 in plan view is not limited to a rectangle, and may be, for example, another square such as a square, a parallelogram (including a rhombus), a trapezoid, or the like. Further, the shape of the sheet 1 in plan view may be, for example, other polygons such as a triangle or a circle in addition to the quadrangle.

  And the sheet | seat 1 which makes such a shape is accommodated in the multiple sheet container 9, as shown in FIG. Thereby, the absorption performance for absorbing the ink Q in the ink absorber 100 is increased by the number of sheets 1.

  As described above, the container 9 has the bottom 91. Each sheet 1 is unfolded and overlapped along the bottom 91, that is, stored in the container 9 in a state of being laid down on the bottom 91. Thus, by stacking the sheets 1 in a lying state, it is possible to prevent, for example, the ink Q once held from floating in the container 9. Further, when the sheets 1 are stored in the container 9, the sheets 1 can be put one by one or a plurality of sheets and put in order from the bottom 91 side of the container 9, so that the storing work can be easily performed. it can.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the sheet 1 is formed with a plurality of through holes 11 penetrating in the thickness direction. The ink Q can pass through each through hole 11, that is, the liquid permeability of the ink Q can be ensured. As a result, the ink Q flowing downward (in the depth direction of the container 9) in the container 9 is prevented from being blocked by the sheet 1 in the middle, and thus introduced to the back (bottom 91) of the container 9. Can penetrate. Accordingly, the ink Q can be absorbed by each sheet 1 without excess or deficiency and can be held for a long time. Further, the formation of the through hole 11 increases the surface area of the fiber base 2 in contact with the ink Q and improves the absorbability.

  In addition, it does not specifically limit as a diameter of the through-hole 11, For example, it is preferable that they are 0.5 mm or more and 5 mm or less, and it is more preferable that they are 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

  Further, the arrangement density of the through holes 11 may be uniform along the surface direction of the sheet 1 or may vary. Further, the through hole 11 may be omitted.

  When the volume of the container 9 (storage space 93) is V1, and the total volume of the sheet 1 before absorbing the ink Q (before water absorption) is V2, the ratio V2 / V1 of V1 and V2 is 0.1. It is preferably 0.7 or more and 0.7 or less, more preferably 0.2 or more and 0.7 or less (see FIG. 1).

  As a result, a gap 95 is generated in the container 9. Each sheet 1 expands (swells) after absorbing the ink Q. The air gap 95 serves as a buffer when each sheet 1 expands. Therefore, each sheet 1 can sufficiently absorb the ink Q.

<Second Embodiment>
FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a sheet provided in the ink absorber (second embodiment) of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the ink absorber and the droplet discharge device of the present invention will be described with reference to this figure, but the description will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment, and the same matters will be described. Omitted.

  The present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the positional relationship between the fiber base material and the water absorbent resin is different.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the fiber base material 2 has comprised the sheet form. And the water absorbent resin 3 exists in the middle of the thickness direction of the fiber base material 2. That is, the absorbent resin 3 is impregnated inside the fiber base 2 in the thickness direction. As a result, the ink Q can be held (absorbed) as far as possible in the sheet 1, that is, in the center in the thickness direction of the sheet 1, and thus the ink Q can be held for a long time. be able to. Also, the water-absorbing resin 3 can be prevented from dropping from the fiber base 2.

  The water absorbent resin 3 may be uniformly dispersed in the thickness direction of the fiber base material 2 or may be unevenly distributed on the front surface 21 or the back surface 22 of the fiber base material 2.

  Moreover, the combination with the structure shown in FIG. 3, that is, the water absorbent resin 3 is also present (attached) on at least one surface side (front surface 21 or back surface 22) of the fiber base 2. May be.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the positional relationship between the sheet and the spacer provided in the ink absorber (third embodiment) of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the third embodiment of the ink absorber and the droplet discharge device of the present invention will be described with reference to this drawing. However, the difference from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and the same matters will be described. Omitted.

  This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the configuration of the ink absorber is different.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the ink absorber 100 includes a plurality of spacers 4. One spacer 4 is interposed between the sheets 1. Each spacer 4 has a frame shape, and the contour shape thereof is the same as the contour shape of the sheet 1. Such a spacer 4 forms a gap 20 between the sheets 1. As a result, the ink Q can spread and spread in the gap 20 by capillary action, and is absorbed by the sheet 1 (water absorbent resin 3).

  Note that the thickness of the spacer 4 may be the same as or different from the thickness of the sheet 1.

  The spacer 4 may be hard or flexible, that is, may be soft.

  Moreover, it does not specifically limit as a constituent material of the spacer 4, For example, various resin materials and various metal materials can be used.

<Fourth embodiment>
FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view showing the fourth embodiment of the ink absorber of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an enlarged vertical sectional view showing a state of a sheet provided in the ink absorber shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment of the ink absorber and the droplet discharge device of the present invention will be described with reference to these drawings. The difference from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and the same matters will be described. Is omitted.

  The present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the storage state of the sheet in the container is different.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the container 9 has a bottom 91. In the present embodiment, each sheet 1 is unfolded and stored in the container 9 in a state of being upright with respect to the bottom 91. In such a storage state, each sheet 1 is buckled by its own weight as shown in FIG. 7, and as a result, a gap 20 is formed between the sheets 1. As a result, the ink Q is introduced and diffused in the gap 20 along the surface of the sheet 1 in the sheet 1 disposed corresponding to the position where the ink is introduced and dropped (discharge port / opening 203a). 1 (absorbent resin 3). Further, the ink Q that has reached the bottom portion 91 spreads and spreads along the bottom portion 91 toward the side wall portion 92, and is disposed farther to the side wall portion 92 than the position where the ink Q is introduced and dropped. The sheet 1 can also be wet and spread by capillary action, and is absorbed by the sheet 1 (water absorbent resin 3). Accordingly, since the ink Q is sufficiently diffused and absorbed even in the sheet 1 disposed corresponding to the position away from the position where the ink Q is introduced / dropped (discharge port / opening 203a), the ink Q can be efficiently absorbed. Can be absorbed.

<Fifth Embodiment>
FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view showing the fifth embodiment of the ink absorber of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the fifth embodiment of the ink absorber and the droplet discharge device of the present invention will be described with reference to this drawing. However, the difference from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and the same matters will be described. Omitted.

  The present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the storage state of the sheet in the container is different.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the sheet 1 is arranged corresponding to the position where the ink Q is introduced / dropped, and is composed of a plurality of sheets 1 lying on the bottom 91. A second sheet composed of the first sheet group 10 </ b> A and a plurality of sheets 1 disposed on the outside (side wall portion 92 side) of the position where the ink Q is introduced and dropped and standing up with respect to the bottom portion 91. There is a group 10B. Two second sheet groups 10B are provided. The first sheet group 10A is disposed between the two second sheet groups 10B.

  The ink absorber 100 having such a configuration can have both the advantages of the above-described state in which the sheet 1 is lying down and the advantages of the state in which the sheet 1 stands up. Specifically, the ink Q is dropped onto the outermost sheet 1 of the first sheet group 10A arranged corresponding to the position where the ink is introduced and dropped (discharge port / opening 203a), and the depth of the container 9 is reduced. It penetrates and is absorbed in the first sheet group 10A in the vertical direction. On the other hand, when a large amount of ink Q is introduced, the second sheet disposed on the outer side (side wall side) of the first sheet group 10A is spread and spreads along the outermost sheet 1 surface of the first sheet group 10A. One end of the sheet group 10B on the lid 8 side is immersed in the ink Q. The ink Q that has reached the second sheet group 10 </ b> B travels along the interval and surface of the sheet 1, is introduced and diffused in the depth direction of the container 9, and is absorbed by the sheet 1 (absorbent resin 3). Accordingly, the ink Q is sufficiently diffused and absorbed even in the sheet 1 arranged corresponding to the position away from the position (discharge port / opening 203a) where the ink Q is introduced / dropped. Q can be absorbed.

  In the present embodiment, the first sheet group 10A and the second sheet group 10B have one first sheet group 10A and two second sheet groups 10B. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  Further, the positional relationship between the first sheet group 10A and the second sheet group 10B is not limited to that shown in FIG. For example, when two first sheet groups 10A and one second sheet group 10B are provided, the second sheet group 10B may be provided between the two first sheet groups 10A.

<Sixth Embodiment>
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a sixth embodiment of the ink absorber according to the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the sixth embodiment of the ink absorber and the droplet discharge device of the present invention will be described with reference to this drawing. However, the difference from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and the same matters will be described. Omitted.

  The present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the storage state of the sheet in the container is different.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the present embodiment, each sheet 1 is wound in a roll shape around the winding center axis along the vertical direction and stored in the container 9. Thereby, each sheet | seat 1 will be in the state which stood up independently. Such a configuration is effective when it is desired to prevent the seat 1 from buckling. In addition, the sheet 1 can be easily handled when the sheet 1 is stored.

In addition, although the roll diameter of each sheet | seat 1 is the same, you may differ.
Further, in the present embodiment, each sheet 1 is wound in a roll shape around the winding center axis along the vertical direction in FIG. 9, but is not limited to this, for example, the horizontal direction in FIG. 9. It may be wound in the shape of a roll around the winding central axis along the axis.

  Furthermore, a plurality of roll-shaped sheets 1 having different winding center axis directions may be stored in the container 9 regularly or randomly.

<Seventh embodiment>
FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view showing a seventh embodiment of the ink absorber of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the seventh embodiment of the ink absorber and the droplet discharge device of the present invention will be described with reference to these drawings. However, the difference from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and the same matters will be described. Is omitted.

  The present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the storage state of the sheet in the container is different.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the present embodiment, the container 9 stores a single sheet 1 having a belt shape. The sheet 1 is alternately bent in opposite directions with a plurality of portions in the middle of the longitudinal direction as bent portions 12. Thereby, the sheet 1 is folded and stored in the container 9. With such a configuration, the storage state of the sheet 1 in the container 9 is stabilized, so that the sheet 1 can stably absorb the ink Q. In addition, the sheet 1 can be easily handled when the sheet 1 is stored.

  The number of sheets 1 stored is one in the present embodiment, but is not limited to this, and may be a plurality of sheets, for example.

  Moreover, in the example of illustration, although the formation pitch of the bending part 12 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet | seat 1 is the same, there may exist a different part.

  Further, the sheet 1 is rotated by 90 ° with respect to the container 9 while the bent portions 12 on both sides are adjacent to the side wall portions 92, or the bottom portion 91 and the lower surface of the lid body 8 on the bent portions 12 on both sides, respectively. It is good also as a posture rotated 90 degrees to container 9 so that it may adjoin 82.

<Eighth Embodiment>
FIG. 11 is a development view of a sheet provided in the ink absorber (eighth embodiment) of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the eighth embodiment of the ink absorber and the droplet discharge device of the present invention will be described with reference to this drawing. However, the difference from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and the same matters will be described. Omitted.
This embodiment is the same as the seventh embodiment except that the configuration of the sheet is different.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the sheet 1 has a strip shape. In the present embodiment, a plurality of fragile portions 13 that are more fragile than other portions of the sheet 1 are provided in the middle of the sheet 1 in the longitudinal direction. The fragile portions 13 are arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the sheet 1. Moreover, each weak part 13 is comprised by the perforation in this embodiment. Thereby, the weak part 13 can be used as the bending part 12. In this case, for example, when the sheet 1 is folded and stored in the container 9, it can be easily folded at the desired fragile portion 13 (folded portion 12), so that the storing operation can be easily performed. Further, the sheet 1 can be broken at the fragile portion 13. In this case, the sheet 1 can be broken at a desired weakened portion 13 to adjust the filling amount of the sheet 1 into the container 9 (storage amount, that is, the total volume V2 of the sheet 1).

  In addition, although the weak part 13 is comprised by the perforation in this embodiment, it is not limited to this, For example, you may be comprised by the thin part.

  Moreover, although the formation number of the weak parts 13 is multiple in this embodiment, it is not limited to this, One may be sufficient.

<Ninth Embodiment>
FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a ninth embodiment of the ink absorber according to the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the ninth embodiment of the ink absorber and the droplet discharge device of the present invention will be described with reference to this drawing. However, the difference from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and the same matters will be described. Omitted.

  This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the shapes of the container and the sheet are different.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the present embodiment, the container 9 has a protruding portion 921 that protrudes (projects) inwardly on one of the four side wall portions 92. The opposite side of the projecting portion 921 is recessed, and is, for example, a relief portion that prevents interference with peripheral members when the ink absorber 100 is installed in the printing apparatus 200.

  Further, the sheet 1 is formed with a deficient portion (escape portion) 14 that prevents interference with the protruding portion 921. Thereby, the sheet | seat 1 can be accommodated in the container 9 easily. Further, the stored state of the subsequent sheet 1 is also stabilized.

  In addition, although the protrusion part 921 is formed in one side wall part 92 of the four side wall parts 92 in this embodiment, it is not limited to this, For example, two, three, or four (all) It may be formed on the side wall portion 92 of the.

<Tenth Embodiment>
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a tenth embodiment of the ink absorber according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, the tenth embodiment of the ink absorber and the droplet discharge device of the present invention will be described with reference to this drawing. However, the description will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment, and the same matters will be described. Omitted.
This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the configuration of the container is different.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the present embodiment, the container 9 has flexibility, that is, has a soft bag shape. In other words, the container 9 has a shape retaining property such that the volume V1 changes by 10% or more when an internal pressure or an external force is applied to the container 9.

  In FIG. 13, as an example, the ink absorber 100 is of “pillow packaging”. Such a container 9 can be appropriately deformed according to the installation location of the ink absorber 100. Thereby, the installation state of the ink absorber 100 is stabilized, and each sheet 1 can absorb the ink Q stably. Further, even if each sheet 1 absorbs the ink Q and expands, the container 9 can be deformed following the expansion. Moreover, it contributes to weight reduction of the ink absorber 100 (container 9).

  In addition, a connection port 97 to which the tube 203 is connected is provided at the center of the container 9 on the upper surface 96 side. The connection port 97 has a tubular shape and is formed to protrude upward.

  The material constituting the container 9 is not particularly limited. For example, polyethylene, polyolefin such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polyurethane. And various thermoplastic elastomers.

  In the above, the illustrated embodiment of the ink absorber and the droplet discharge device of the present invention has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and each part constituting the ink absorber and the droplet discharge device includes: It can be replaced with any structure capable of performing the same function. Moreover, arbitrary components may be added.

  In addition, the ink absorber and the droplet discharge device of the present invention may be a combination of any two or more configurations (features) of the above embodiments.

  In addition, the use of the ink absorber of the present invention is the “waste liquid tank (waste ink tank)” in each of the above embodiments, but is not limited to this. For example, it is unintentional from the ink flow path of the printing apparatus. It may be an “ink leak receiver” that absorbs ink leaked into the printer.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Sheet | seat, 11 ... Through-hole, 12 ... Bending part, 13 ... Fragile part, 14 ... Defect part (escape part), 2 ... Fiber base material, 21 ... Front side surface, 22 ... Back side surface, 3 ... Water absorption Resin, 4 ... Spacer, 8 ... Lid, 81 ... Connection port, 82 ... Bottom (back), 9 ... Container, 91 ... Bottom (bottom plate), 92 ... Side wall, 921 ... Projection, 93 ... Storage space, 94 ... upper opening, 95 ... gap, 96 ... upper surface, 97 ... connection port, 10A ... first sheet group, 10B ... second sheet group, 20 ... gap, 100 ... ink absorber, 200 ... printing device, 201 ... ink discharge head, 201a ... nozzle, 202 ... capping unit, 203 ... tube, 203a ... outlet (opening), 204 ... roller pump, 204a ... roller portion, 204b ... clamping portion, L 1 _... overall length (the long side direction length Is), Q ... ink, t ... thickness, W 1 _... width (length in the short side direction), V1 ... volume, V2 ... total volume

Claims (17)

At least one sheet used for ink absorption;
A container for storing the sheet,
The ink absorber according to claim 1, wherein the sheet includes a fiber base material containing fibers and a water-absorbing resin supported on the fiber base material.   The ink absorber according to claim 1, wherein the water absorbent resin is attached to at least one surface side of the fiber base material.   The ink absorber according to claim 1, wherein the water absorbent resin is present in the middle of the fiber base in the thickness direction. The container has a bottom;
The ink absorber according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sheet is stored in the container in a state of being overlapped along the bottom portion. The container has a bottom;
The ink absorber according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sheet is stored in the container in an upright state with respect to the bottom portion.   The ink absorber according to claim 1, wherein the sheet is folded and stored in the container.   The ink absorber according to claim 1, wherein the sheet is wound in a roll shape and stored in the container.   The ink absorber according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the sheets are stored in the container.   The ratio V2 / V1 of V1 and V2 is 0.1 or more and 0.7 or less, where V1 is the volume of the container and V2 is the total volume of the sheet before water absorption. The ink absorber according to item 1.   The ink absorber according to claim 1, wherein the sheet has a quadrangular shape in plan view. The sheet has a band shape,
The ink absorber according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a weakened portion that is weaker than other portions of the sheet is provided in the middle of the longitudinal direction of the sheet.   The ink absorber according to claim 1, wherein the container is hard.   The ink absorber according to claim 1, wherein the container has flexibility.   The ink absorber according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a lid for sealing the container.   The ink absorber according to claim 1, wherein the water absorbent resin contains a polyacrylic acid polymer crosslinked product.   The ink absorber according to claim 1, wherein the ink absorber is used for absorbing a waste liquid of the ink.   17. A liquid droplet ejection apparatus, wherein the ink absorber according to claim 1 is used for absorbing a waste liquid of the ink.

Images