JP2019171602A - Ink absorber storage container and structure for ink absorption - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an ink absorber storage container and a structure for ink absorption which can prevent an ink absorber in the ink absorber storage container from degrading by irradiation with ultraviolet rays.SOLUTION: An ink absorber storage container storing an ink absorber containing a water absorbing resin capable of absorbing ink, of which at least a part has ultraviolet shielding properties. The ink absorber storage container has a storage body having a storage space storing the ink absorber and a lid body blocking the storage space, in which at least one of the container body and the lid body has ultraviolet shielding properties.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink absorber storage container and an ink absorbing structure.

  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). In addition, the liquid absorber includes a highly water-absorbing resin, and enhances the water absorption of the liquid absorber. Such a liquid absorber is generally installed in an ink jet printer in a state of being housed in a hard container.

  Here, when the liquid absorber is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, for example, the covalent bond portion of the molecular structure of the superabsorbent resin may be cut, and the superabsorbent resin may be deteriorated. That is, the water absorption performance and water retention performance of the liquid absorber may be reduced.

Japanese Patent No. 3536870

  An object of the present invention is to provide an ink absorber storage container and an ink absorption structure capable of preventing the ink absorber in the ink absorber storage container from being deteriorated by irradiation with ultraviolet rays. is there.

  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 storage container of the present invention is an ink absorber storage container that stores an ink absorber containing a water absorbent resin capable of absorbing ink,
At least a part has an ultraviolet shielding property.

  Thereby, it can prevent or suppress that an ultraviolet ray is irradiated to the ink absorber accommodated in the ink absorber storage container. Therefore, it can prevent that the ink absorber in an ink absorber storage container deteriorates by irradiating with an ultraviolet-ray. As a result, the excellent water absorption performance and water retention performance of the ink absorber can be maintained.

In the ink absorber storage container of the present invention, a container body having a storage space for storing the ink absorber;
A lid that closes the storage space;
It is preferable that at least one of the container main body and the lid body has ultraviolet shielding properties.

  Thereby, it can prevent or suppress that an ultraviolet ray is irradiated to the ink absorber accommodated in the ink absorber storage container.

  The ink absorber storage container of the present invention has an ultraviolet shielding layer including an ultraviolet shielding agent that is provided on at least one surface of the container body and the lid and absorbs or reflects ultraviolet rays to shield them. preferable.

  Thereby, it can prevent or suppress that an ultraviolet ray is irradiated to the ink absorber accommodated in the ink absorber storage container.

  In the ink absorber storage container of the present invention, it is preferable that the ultraviolet shielding layer is exposed outside the ink absorber storage container.

  Thereby, the position which provides an ultraviolet-ray shielding layer can be suitably selected according to the structure of the apparatus which installs an ink absorber storage container.

In the ink absorber storage container of the present invention, it is preferable that at least one of the container main body and the lid is a molded body obtained by molding a material containing an ultraviolet shielding agent that absorbs or reflects ultraviolet rays and shields them. .
Thereby, the operation | work which laminates | stacks an ultraviolet-ray shielding layer on the surface of a container can be skipped.

In the ink absorber storage container of the present invention, the ultraviolet shielding agent is preferably an ultraviolet absorber.
Thereby, it becomes easy to ensure sufficient visible light permeability of the ink absorber storage container.

In the ink absorber storage container of the present invention, the container main body has a flexible inner container, and a hard outer container located outside the inner container,
The inner container preferably has ultraviolet shielding properties.

  Thereby, when discarding the ink absorber together with the inner container, it is possible to prevent the ink absorber from being irradiated with ultraviolet rays during the operation.

  In the ink absorber storage container of the present invention, it is preferable that the lid body has water vapor permeability.

  Thereby, the water | moisture content of the ink which the ink absorber absorbed can be permeate | transmitted. As a result, the amount of ink that can be absorbed by the ink absorber can be increased.

The ink absorbing structure of the present invention includes the ink absorber storage container of the present invention,
And an ink absorber containing a water-absorbing resin that is stored in the ink absorber storage container and capable of absorbing ink.

  Thereby, it can prevent or suppress that an ultraviolet ray is irradiated to the ink absorber accommodated in the ink absorber storage container. Therefore, it can prevent that the ink absorber in an ink absorber storage container deteriorates by irradiating with an ultraviolet-ray. As a result, the excellent water absorption performance and water retention performance of the ink absorber can be maintained.

FIG. 1 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view sequentially illustrating a use state (one example) in a first embodiment of an ink absorbing structure (ink absorber housing container) of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged detail view of the ink absorber provided in the ink absorbing structure shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view showing a usage state (one example) in the second embodiment of the ink absorbing structure (ink absorber housing container) of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view showing a use state (one example) in the third embodiment of the ink absorbing structure (ink absorber housing container) of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view showing a use state (one example) in the third embodiment of the ink absorbing structure (ink absorber housing container) of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an ink absorber storage container and an ink absorbing structure according to 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 sequentially illustrating a use state (one example) in a first embodiment of an ink absorbing structure (ink absorber housing container) of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged detail view of the ink absorber provided in the ink absorbing structure shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the upper side in FIG. 1 (the same applies to FIGS. 3 to 5) is referred to as “upper (or upper)”, and the lower side is referred to as “lower (lower)”.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ink absorber storage container 1 of the present invention is an ink absorber storage container that stores an ink absorber 10 including a water absorbent resin 30 capable of absorbing ink. Some have ultraviolet shielding properties.

  The ink absorbing structure 100 according to the present invention includes an ink absorber housing container 1 and an ink absorber 10 that is housed in the ink absorber housing container 1 and includes a water absorbent resin 30 capable of absorbing ink Q. .

  According to the present invention as described above, it is possible to prevent or suppress ultraviolet rays from being applied to the ink absorber 10 stored in the ink absorber storage container 1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink absorber 10 in the ink absorber storage container 1 from being deteriorated by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays. As a result, the excellent water absorption performance and water retention performance of the ink absorber 10 can be maintained.

  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 200 illustrated 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 that connects the capping unit 202 and the ink absorbing structure 100. 203 and a roller pump 204 that sends the ink Q from the capping unit 202 to the ink absorbing structure 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 absorbing structure 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, the ink Q attached to the nozzle 201a can be sent to the ink absorbing structure 100 by continuing to rotate the roller portion 204a. The ink Q is absorbed by the ink absorbing structure 100 as waste liquid. The ink Q includes various colors.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ink absorbing structure 100 includes an ink absorber storage container 1 and an ink absorber 10 used for absorbing ink Q. The ink absorbing structure 100 is detachably attached to the printing apparatus 200, and is used for absorbing the waste liquid of the ink Q in the attached state as described above. Thus, the ink absorbing structure 100 can be used as a so-called “waste liquid tank (waste ink tank)”. When the amount of ink Q absorbed by the ink absorbing structure 100 reaches a limit, the ink absorbing structure 100 can be replaced with a new (unused) ink absorbing structure 100. Note that whether or not the amount of ink Q absorbed by the ink absorbing structure 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 absorbing structure 100 reaches a limit, this is notified by a notification unit such as a monitor built in the printing apparatus 200, for example.

  The ink absorber 10 is used for absorbing the ink Q in the ink absorber storage container 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the ink absorber 10 includes a fiber 20 and a water absorbent resin 30 attached (supported) to the fiber 20, and forms a cotton shape as a whole in this embodiment. In addition, it is preferable that the fibers 20 are bonded to each other via a binder (not shown).

  Further, when the ink Q is applied to the ink absorber 10 by the fiber 20, the fiber 20 can be temporarily held by the fiber 20, and then efficiently fed by the water absorbent resin 30, so that the entire ink absorber 10 can be sent. As a result, the absorption characteristics of the ink Q can be improved. In general, fibers such as cellulose fibers (especially fibers derived from waste paper) are less expensive than the water absorbent resin 30 and are advantageous from the viewpoint of reducing the manufacturing cost of the ink absorber 10. Moreover, since the thing derived from used paper can be used suitably as the fiber 20, it is advantageous also from viewpoints, such as reduction of a waste material and effective utilization of resources.

  Examples of the fibers 20 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. Although it can be used, 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 ink absorber 10, the ink Q can be suitably taken in, and the fluidity is particularly high (for example, the viscosity is high). 10 mPa · s or less) can be quickly removed, and the ink Q once taken in can be suitably fed into the water absorbent resin 30. As a result, the absorption characteristics of the ink Q as the ink absorber 10 as a whole can be made particularly excellent. In addition, since cellulose generally has high affinity with the water absorbent resin 30, the water absorbent resin 30 can be more suitably supported on the surface of the fiber 20. Cellulose fibers are natural materials that can be regenerated, and among various fibers, are inexpensive and easy to obtain. From the viewpoints of reducing the production cost of the ink absorber 10, stable production, and reducing the environmental load. Is also advantageous.

  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.

  Further, in the ink absorber 10, the fibers 20 may be included, for example, in a cotton shape, or may be formed into a sheet shape, a strip shape, a small piece shape, or the like.

  As a raw material of the fiber 20, for example, used paper may be used. As a result, the above-described effects can be obtained, and it is also preferable from the viewpoint of resource saving. When used paper is used as a raw material for the fiber 20, the used paper may be used as it is, or a crushed product subjected to a crushing process or a defibrated material subjected to a defibrating process may be used.

  The average length of the fibers 20 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. .

  The average width (diameter) of the fiber 20 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 (the ratio of the average length to the average width) of the fiber 20 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 absorbent resin 30 can be supported, the ink Q can be held by the fibers 20, and the ink Q can be fed into the water absorbent resin 30. The ink absorption characteristics can be made more excellent.

  The water-absorbing resin 30 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 30 are gelled when water is absorbed.

  Among these, the water absorbent resin 30 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 30 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 30 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 absorbent resin 30 having an acid group in the side chain is included, the proportion of the acid groups contained in the water absorbent resin 30 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 absorbability of the ink Q by the water absorbing resin 30 (ink absorber 10) 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 absorbability of the ink Q by the water absorbing resin 30 (ink absorber 10) can be made more excellent.

  The water-absorbent resin 30 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 30 by the osmotic pressure.

  The water absorbent resin 30 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 30 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 30 may have a structure crosslinked with a crosslinking agent other than the polymerizable crosslinking agent described above.

  When the water absorbent resin 30 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 30 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 30 and function as a crosslinking agent.

  The water absorbent resin 30 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 30 is in the form of particles, the permeability of the ink Q can be easily ensured. Further, the water absorbent resin 30 can be suitably supported on the fiber 20. 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.

  The water absorbent resin 30 with respect to the fiber 20 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. More preferably.

  Further, when the average particle diameter of the water absorbent resin 30 is D [μm] and the average length of the fibers 20 is L [μm], it is preferable to satisfy the relationship of 0.15 ≦ L / D ≦ 467, 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.

  The ink absorber 10 may contain components other than those described above (other components). 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.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ink absorber storage container 1 includes a container body 9 having a storage space 93 for storing the ink absorber 10, and a lid 8 that is detachably attached to the container body 9. Yes.

  The container body 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. It is. The ink absorber 10 can be stored in the storage space 93 surrounded by the bottom portion 91 and the four side wall portions 92.

  The container body 9 is not limited to the one having the bottom portion 91 that is rectangular in plan view, and may be, for example, a cylindrical portion having the bottom portion 91 that is circular in plan view. .

  Further, when the volume of the container body 9 (storage space 93) is V1, and the total volume of the ink absorber 10 before absorbing the ink Q (before water absorption) is V2, the ratio V2 / V1 of V1 and V2 is: It is preferably 0.1 or more and 0.7 or less, and more preferably 0.2 or more and 0.7 or less (see FIG. 1). As a result, a gap 95 is formed in the container main body 9 above the ink absorber 10. The ink absorber 10 swells (swells) once after absorbing the ink Q. The gap 95 serves as a buffer when the ink absorber 10 expands, and thus the ink absorber 10 can sufficiently absorb the ink Q.

  In the present embodiment, the container body 9 is hard, that is, has a shape retaining property such that the volume V1 does not change by, for example, 10% or more when an internal pressure or an external force is applied to the container body 9. . Thereby, the container main body 9 can maintain the shape of the container main body 9 itself even if the ink absorber 10 expands after absorbing the ink Q and receives the force from the ink absorber 10 from the inside. . Thereby, the installation state of the container main body 9 in the printing apparatus 200 is stabilized, and the ink absorber 10 can stably absorb the ink Q.

  If the container main body 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 main body 9, for example, various resin materials such as cyclic polyolefin and polycarbonate can be used. In addition to the various resin materials, various metal materials such as aluminum and stainless steel can be used as the constituent material of the container body 9.

  The container body 9 is not limited to a hard one, but has a flexibility (soft one), that is, when the internal pressure or the external force is applied to the container body 9, the volume V1 changes by 10% or more. It may be a thing.

  The container body 9 may be transparent (including translucent) having internal visibility, or opaque, but at least a part of the container body 9 and the lid 8 described later has internal visibility. What has is preferable.

  As described above, the ink absorbing structure 100 includes the lid 8. As shown in FIG. 1, the lid 8 has a plate shape and can be fitted into the upper opening 94 of the container body 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 ink absorber 10 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 absorbing structure 100 and becoming dirty.

  A tube 203 is connected to the central portion of the lid 8, and an ink supply port (connection port) 81 for supplying ink Q is formed in the storage space 93. The ink supply port 81 is configured by a through hole that penetrates the lid 8 in the thickness direction. Then, the downstream end portion (lower end portion) of the tube 203 can be inserted into and connected to the ink supply port 81 (through hole). At this time, the discharge port (opening) 203a of the tube 203 faces downward. The ink supply port 81 may be formed at a position shifted from the center portion of the lid 8.

  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.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the cover body 8 has water vapor permeability. Thereby, moisture evaporated from the absorbed ink Q can be transmitted to the outside. Therefore, it is possible to secure a larger amount that the ink absorber 10 can absorb the ink Q.

The water vapor permeability of the lid 8 is preferably 1.0 g / m ² · day (40 ° C./90% RH) or more and 120 g / m ² · day (40 ° C./90% RH) or less. It is more preferably 0.0 g / m ² · day (40 ° C. · 90% RH) or more and 100 g / m ² · day (40 ° C. · 90% RH) or less. Thereby, the said effect can be exhibited more reliably.

  The constituent materials of the container body 9 and the lid body 8 are not particularly limited, and for example, various resin materials can be suitably used. Examples of the resin material include various thermoplastic resins, and various curable resins such as a thermosetting resin and a photocurable resin. Specifically, for example, polyolefin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyamide, polyimide, polycarbonate, poly- (4-methylpentene-1), ionomer, acrylic resin, Polymethyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS resin), acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer (AS resin), butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) , Polyether, polyetherketone (PEK), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide, polyacetal (POM), polyphenylene oxide, polysulfone, poly -Tersulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, aromatic polyester (liquid crystal polymer), polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, other fluororesins, epoxy resins, phenol resins, urea resins, melamine resins, silicone resins, polyurethanes, etc. And a copolymer, a blend, a polymer alloy, and the like, and one or more of them can be used in combination.

  Here, for example, depending on the apparatus configuration of the printing apparatus 200, the ink absorber storage container may be installed at a position where ultraviolet rays derived from diplomacy and the like are irradiated. In this case, in the conventional ink absorber storage container, ultraviolet rays (UV) are irradiated to the internal ink absorber through the ink absorber storage container. When the water-absorbing resin of the ink absorber is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, the covalent bond portion of the molecular structure of the highly water-absorbing resin may be cut, which may cause deterioration of the highly water-absorbing resin. That is, the water absorption performance and water retention performance of the ink absorber may be reduced.

  Therefore, in the present invention, at least a part of the ink absorber storage container 1 is configured to have an ultraviolet shielding property (UV cut property). Thereby, it can prevent or suppress that the ink absorber 10 accommodated in the ink absorber storage container 1 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink absorber 10 in the ink absorber storage container 1 from being deteriorated by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays. As a result, the excellent water absorption performance and water retention performance of the ink absorber can be maintained.

  The term “ultraviolet shielding” in the present specification means a property of preventing the transmission of ultraviolet rays by absorbing or reflecting the ultraviolet rays, and specifically, ultraviolet rays (having a wavelength of 400 nm or less m Of light) is 5% or less.

  Further, the portion having an ultraviolet shielding property in the area of the outer surface of the ink absorber storage container 1 is preferably 50% or more and 100%, more preferably 70% or more and 100%, and more preferably 850% or more and 100%. % Is more preferable.

  In addition, when the ink absorber 10 is installed in the printing apparatus 200 and the direction in which diplomacy is irradiated is known, ultraviolet shielding can be imparted only to that portion.

  In the present embodiment, the entire ink absorber housing container 1, that is, the container main body 9 (the bottom portion 91 and each side wall portion 92) and the lid body 8 have ultraviolet shielding properties. Thereby, it can prevent more reliably that an ultraviolet-ray is irradiated to the ink absorber 10 accommodated in the ink absorber storage container 1. FIG.

  In the present invention, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the above effect can be exhibited as long as at least a part of the ink absorber storage container 1 has ultraviolet shielding properties. That is, if at least one of the container main body 9 and the lid body 8 has an ultraviolet shielding property, the ink absorber 10 housed in the ink absorber housing container 1 is prevented from being irradiated with ultraviolet light. Or it can be suppressed.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the container main body 9 (bottom part 91 and each side wall part 92) and the cover body 8 are the molded objects which shape | molded the material which has ultraviolet-ray shielding. That is, it is a molded body obtained by molding a material containing an ultraviolet shielding agent described later. Thereby, compared with the structure which laminates | stacks an ultraviolet shielding layer (ultraviolet shielding film) on the surface of the container main body 9, or the cover body 8, for example, the operation | work which laminates | stacks can be abbreviate | omitted. Therefore, the effect of the present invention can be obtained more easily. If at least one of the container main body 9 and the lid body 8 is a molded body obtained by molding a material containing an ultraviolet shielding agent that absorbs or reflects ultraviolet rays to shield them, the above effect can be obtained.

  Examples of the ultraviolet shielding agent include an ultraviolet absorber that absorbs ultraviolet rays and an ultraviolet reflector that reflects ultraviolet rays, and one or both of them can be used.

  When the ultraviolet shielding agent is an ultraviolet absorber, the visible light permeability of the ink absorber housing container 1 can be sufficiently increased as compared with the case of using an ultraviolet reflector that tends to have a relatively low visible light permeability. Therefore, the internal visibility of the ink absorber storage container 1 is increased. In addition, there is an advantage that it is easy to control the degree of ultraviolet shielding.

  The ultraviolet absorber is not particularly limited, but triazine, benzophenone, benzotriazole, cyanoacrylate, salicylate, avobenzone, hindered amine, benzoylmethane, oxybenzone, cerium oxide, zinc oxide, and One or two or more selected from titanium oxide can be used in combination. Among these, a triazine-based ultraviolet absorber is preferably used, and among the triazine-based ultraviolet absorbers, a hydroxyphenyl triazine-based ultraviolet absorber is more preferable.

  Examples of the ultraviolet reflector include carbon black, iron oxide, chromium oxide, lead oxide, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, titanium oxide, calcium carbonate, barium sulfate and the like, and one or more of these are used in combination. be able to.

Further, when the lid 8 has an ultraviolet shielding property, the content of the ultraviolet absorber in the lid 8 is preferably 0.1 mg / cm ² or more and 10 mg / cm ² or less in terms of area ratio, More preferably, it is 0.2 mg / cm ² or more and 1.0 mg / cm ² or less. Thereby, sufficient ultraviolet-ray shielding property can be exhibited, ensuring the intensity | strength of the cover body 8 fully.

Moreover, when the container main body 9 (the bottom part 91 and each side wall part 92) has ultraviolet shielding property, the content of the ultraviolet absorbent in the container main body 9 is expressed in terms of area ratio of 0.1 mg / cm ² or more and 10 mg / cm ^2. preferably at cm ² or less, and more preferably 0.2 mg / cm ² or more 1.0 mg / cm ² or less. Thereby, sufficient ultraviolet-ray shielding property can be exhibited, ensuring the intensity | strength of the container main body 9 (bottom part 91 and each side wall part 92) fully.

<Second Embodiment>
FIG. 3 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view showing a usage state (one example) in the second embodiment of the ink absorbing structure (ink absorber housing container) of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the ink absorbing container storage container and the ink absorbing structure of the present invention will be described with reference to this drawing. The description is omitted.

  This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that an ultraviolet shielding layer is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the ink absorber storage container 1 of the present embodiment includes at least one surface of the container main body 9 and the lid body 8 (in this embodiment, the bottom portion 91, the side wall portions 92, and the lid body). And an ultraviolet shielding layer 2 containing an ultraviolet shielding agent that shields by absorbing or reflecting ultraviolet rays. Thereby, according to the apparatus structure of the printing apparatus 200, the ultraviolet-ray shielding layer 2 can be provided in a desired position, and ultraviolet shielding property can be provided to a desired part. For example, when the printing apparatus 200 is configured to irradiate ultraviolet rays from above, that is, from the lid 8 side, the ultraviolet shielding layer 2 can be provided only on the lid 8.

  The ultraviolet shielding layer 2 may be exposed to the outside of the ink absorber storage container 1 of the in-ink absorber storage container 1 or may be located inside, but is exposed to the outside. preferable. Thereby, it can prevent that the container main body 9 or the cover body 8 deteriorates with an ultraviolet-ray. Furthermore, the ultraviolet shielding layer 2 can be prevented from coming into contact with the ink Q. As a result, although it depends on the constituent material of the ultraviolet shielding layer 2, it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet shielding layer 2 from deteriorating due to contact with the ink Q.

  The thickness of the ultraviolet shielding layer 2 is preferably from 0.1 mm to 5 mm, and more preferably from 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

The content of the ultraviolet absorber in the ultraviolet shielding layer 2 is preferably 0.1 mg / cm ² or more and 10 mg / cm ² or less in terms of area ratio, and is 0.2 mg / cm ² or more and 1.0 mg / cm ^2. More preferably, it is ² or less. Thereby, sufficient ultraviolet shielding property can be exhibited.

  Examples of the method of forming the ultraviolet shielding layer 2 include a method of applying and curing a composition containing an ultraviolet absorber, and a method of attaching a film containing an ultraviolet absorber.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are partial vertical sectional views showing a use state (one example) in the third embodiment of the ink absorbing structure (ink absorber housing container) of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the third embodiment of the ink absorber storage container and the ink absorbing structure according to the present invention will be described with reference to these drawings. Will not be described.
This embodiment is the same as the second embodiment except that the configuration of the container body is different.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the container main body 9 includes a flexible inner container 9 </ b> A and a hard outer container 9 </ b> B positioned outside the inner container 9 </ b> A. The inner container 9A has a bag shape, and the ink absorber 10 is accommodated inside. Further, as described above, the outer container 9B has a box shape having a bottom portion 91 and side wall portions 92.

  When replacing the ink absorber 10, first, the ink absorber storage container 1 is taken out from the printing apparatus 200 (not shown), and the lid 8 is removed from the container body 9. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the opening of the inner container 9A is closed, and the inner container 9A is taken out from the outer container 9B while the ink absorber 10 is stored. Thereby, the ink absorber 10 can be easily replaced.

  In the present embodiment, the inner container 9A is configured to have ultraviolet shielding properties. As a result, similarly to the above-described embodiments, it is possible to prevent the ink absorber 10 from being deteriorated by irradiating the ink absorber 10 with ultraviolet rays in a state where the ink absorber 10 is mounted. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the ink absorber 10 is prevented from being irradiated with ultraviolet rays before the inner container 9 </ b> A is taken out while the ink absorber 10 is housed and the ink absorber 10 inside is discarded. can do.

  The inner container 9A may have a configuration in which an ultraviolet shielding layer is formed on the surface of the bag body, or may have a configuration in which an ultraviolet shielding agent is kneaded into the constituent material of the bag body. Regardless of whether or not the inner container 9A has an ultraviolet shielding property, the lid body 9 may have an ultraviolet shielding property.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the inner container 9A has ultraviolet shielding properties has been described. However, the outer container 9B may have a configuration having ultraviolet shielding properties, and both the inner container 9A and the outer container 9B have both. The structure which has ultraviolet-ray shielding property may be sufficient.

  In the above, the illustrated embodiment of the ink absorber storage container and the ink absorbing structure of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ink absorber storing container and the ink absorbing structure are not limited thereto. Each component constituting the can be replaced with any component that can exhibit the same function. Moreover, arbitrary components may be added.

  Moreover, the ink absorber storage container and the ink absorbing structure of the present invention may be a combination of any two or more configurations (features) of the above embodiments.

  In each of the above embodiments, the ink absorber has a cotton shape, but is not limited thereto. For example, the ink absorber has a sheet shape or a small piece shape (strip shape) smaller than the sheet shape. It may be a thing. Further, the water absorbent resin may be used alone.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Ink absorber storage container 2 ... Ultraviolet shielding layer 8 ... Cover body 9 ... Container main body 9A ... Inner container 9B ... Outer container 10 ... Ink absorber 20 ... Fiber 30 ... Water-absorbing resin 81 ... Ink supply port 91 ... Bottom 92 ... side wall 93 ... storage space 94 ... upper opening 95 ... gap 100 ... ink absorbing structure 200 ... printing apparatus 201 ... ink discharge head 201a ... nozzle 202 ... capping unit 203 ... tube 203a ... discharge port 204 ... roller pump 204a ... Roller part 204b ... Nipping part Q ... Ink

Claims (9)

An ink absorber storage container for storing an ink absorber containing a water absorbent resin capable of absorbing ink,
An ink absorber storage container, wherein at least a part has ultraviolet shielding properties. A container body having a storage space for storing the ink absorber;
A lid that closes the storage space;
The ink absorber storage container according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the container main body and the lid body has an ultraviolet shielding property.   The ink absorber storage container according to claim 2, further comprising an ultraviolet shielding layer that is provided on at least one surface of the container main body and the lid and includes an ultraviolet shielding agent that absorbs or reflects ultraviolet rays to shield.   The ink absorber storage container according to claim 3, wherein the ultraviolet shielding layer is exposed to the outside of the ink absorber storage container.   The at least one of the said container main body and the said cover body is a molded object which shape | molded the material containing the ultraviolet-ray shielding agent which absorbs or reflects and shields an ultraviolet-ray. Ink absorber storage container.   The ink absorber container according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the ultraviolet shielding agent is an ultraviolet absorber. The container body has a flexible inner container, and a hard outer container located outside the inner container,
The ink absorbent container according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the inner container has ultraviolet shielding properties.   The ink absorber storage container according to claim 2, wherein the lid has water vapor permeability. The ink absorber storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
And an ink absorber containing a water-absorbing resin that is stored in the ink absorber storage container and capable of absorbing ink.

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