JP4240703B2 - Liquid container and fiber body used therefor, lyophilic method for the fiber body, method for producing the fiber body, surface modification method for the fiber body, and wetted surface structure of the fiber - Google Patents

Description

以上の測定結果から判るように、親水化処理により高表面張力インクに対する濡れ性が高まるため、インクタンク内の吸収体にインク注入する工程や設備を簡素化することができる。さらに、インクの濡れ状態を均一にできる。また、インクジェットヘッドへのインク供給時におけるインク流抵抗を下げることができるため、高速印字に伴い高流量供給が必要となるプリンターへの展開が容易になる。
【００６４】
（第２の実施形態）
図２は、本発明の第２の実施形態による液体収納容器の概略断面図である。この図においてインク自体及び繊維体に保持されたインクは横向きの点線で、インクの無い繊維体自体をドットで表してある。
【００６５】
図２に示す形態のインクタンク１１は、負圧発生部材収納室１２とインク収納室１３とにより構成されている。
【００６６】
負圧発生部材収納室１２は、液体を吐出口から吐出して記録を行なうインクジェットヘッド等の外部へインク（処理液などの液体を含む）を供給するインク供給口１４を有する筐体と、筐体内部に収納される負圧発生部材としてのＰＰ繊維体１５とを備えている。筐体はさらに、内部に収納したＰＰ繊維体１５と外気とを連通させるための大気連通口１６を備えている。インク供給口１４は予め開口されているものや、始めはシール２０で塞さがれていて使用時にシール２０を取り外して開口するものであってもよい。
【００６７】
一方、インク収納室１３は、内部にインクを収納するとともに、底面近傍に液体を負圧発生部材収納室１２へ導出するためのインク導出口１７を備えている。インク導出口１７が設けられた両室１２，１３間の仕切り壁１８の負圧発生部材収納室１２側の面には、後述する気液交換を促進するための大気導入溝１９が仕切り壁１８の所定の高さからインク導出口１７へと延びている。
【００６８】
ここで、大気導入溝１９の機能について説明する。図２においてインク供給口１４からインクが消費されると、負圧発生部材収納室１２のＰＰ繊維体１５内の液面Ｈが低下する。さらにインク供給口１４からのインク消費が進むと、インク収納室１３に気体が導入されるようになる。このとき、ＰＰ繊維体１５内の液面レベルは大気導入溝１９の上端部の高さでほぼ一定であり、大気連通口１６から大気連通溝１９及びインク導出口１７を経由した空気がインク収納室１３に入ることで、インク収納室１３からインクが負圧発生部材収納室１２のＰＰ繊維体１５へと移動する。したがって、インクジェットヘッドよりインクが消費されてもその消費量に応じてインクがＰＰ繊維体１５に充填され、ＰＰ繊維体１５は液面レベルを維持して負圧をほぼ一定に保つので、インクジェットヘッドへのインク供給が安定する。
【００６９】
以上のような構成からなるインクタンクでは、ＰＰ繊維体１５としては絡み合ったＰＰ繊維の表面が親水化処理されているものを用い、この親水化処理はＰＰ繊維体の全部または、大気導入溝１９及びこの周辺に対するＰＰ繊維体１５の当接部分（図３中に網線で示す親水化領域２０）もしくはこの当接部分よりインク供給口１４までの領域（図４中に網線で示す親水化領域２１）に施されている。
【００７０】
図３に示す形態例によれば、ＰＰ繊維体１５の大気導入溝１９及びこの周辺に対応する部分が安定的にインクを保持するため、気液交換状態に達する前に、不用意なエアパスにより気液交換動作が行なわれるのを防ぐことができる。また、気液交換状態においてインク消費が停止したとき、ＰＰ繊維体１５の大気導入溝１９及びこの周辺に対応する部分をインクで満たし速やかに大気連通溝１９を塞ぐことができる。
【００７１】
さらに図４に示す形態例によれば、ＰＰ繊維体１５の大気導入溝１９及びこの周辺に対応する部分からインク供給口１４に対応する部分までを親水化処理したことで、図３の形態の効果に加え、負圧発生部材収納室１２内のインクをインクジェットヘッドへのインク供給口１４に対して途切ることなく安定的に送ることができ、インク供給性能が向上する。また、インクジェットヘッドへのインク供給時におけるインク流抵抗が下がるため、高速印字に伴い高流量供給が必要となるプリンターへの展開が容易になる。
【００７２】
なお、図３及び図４に示した形態例において、大気導入溝１９に接した親水化処理域の高さは図示した位置に限られず、安定した気液交換動作を行える最適な高さに設定すればよい。特に吸収体への積極的なインク引き込みを考えた場合は、気液交換時のエアパスを妨げない程度に親水化処理域が大気導入溝の上端近傍に存在することが望ましい。
【００７３】
（第３の実施形態）
図５は本発明の第３の実施形態による液体収容容器であるインクジェットヘッドカートリッジの概略断面図である。
【００７４】
本実施形態のインクジェットヘッドカートリッジは、図５に示すように、インクジェットヘッドユニット１６０、ホルダ１５０、負圧制御室ユニット１００及びインクタンクユニット２００などから構成されている。ホルダ１５０内に負圧制御室ユニット１００が固定され、負圧制御室ユニット１００の下方にはホルダを介してインクジェットヘッドユニット１６０が固定されている。負圧制御室ユニット１００は、上面に開口部が形成された負圧制御室容器１１０と、負圧制御室容器１１０の上面に取り付けられた負圧制御室蓋１２０と、負圧制御室容器１１０内に装填された、インクを含浸保持するための２つの吸収体１３０、１４０とから構成されている。吸収体１３０、１４０は、このインクジェットヘッドカートリッジ７０の使用状態において上下２段に積み重ねられて互いに密着して負圧制御室容器１１０内に充填されており、下段の吸収体１４０が発生する毛管力は、上段の吸収体１３０が発生する毛管力よりも高いため、下段の吸収体１４０のほうがインク保持力が高いものである。インクジェットヘッドユニット１６０へは、インク供給管１６５を通して負圧制御室ユニット１００内のインクが供給される。
【００７５】
吸収体１３０は大気連通口１１５と連通し、吸収体１４０は、その上面で吸収体１３０と密着するとともに、その下面でフィルタ１６１と密着している。吸収体１３０と１４０との境界面１１３ｃは、連通部としてのジョイントパイプ１８０の上端より使用時姿勢において上方となっている。
【００７６】
吸収体１３０、１４０は、ポリオレフィン系樹脂繊維（例えば、ＰＰの表層にＰＥを形成した２軸の繊維）を絡み合わせたものからなる。吸収体１４０は、ジョイントパイプ１８０の開口の半分付近から供給口１３１までの部分（図５中網線部分）の繊維を親水化処理したものを用いている。
【００７７】
吸収体１３０、１４０の境界面１１３ｃを使用時姿勢におけるジョイントパイプ１８０の上部、望ましくは、本実施形態のようにジョイントパイプ１８０の近傍に設けることで、後述する気液交換動作において、気液交換動作中の吸収体１３０、１４０中でのインクと気体との界面を、境界面１１３ｃとすることができ、結果としてインク供給動作中のヘッド部における静負圧を安定化させることができる。さらに、吸収体１３０の毛管力より吸収体１４０の毛管力の強さを相対的に高くすることで、吸収体１３０、１４０の双方にインクが存在する場合では、上方の吸収体１３０内のインクを消費した後、下方の吸収体１４０内のインクを消費することが可能となる。また、環境変化により気液界面が変動する場合、はじめに吸収体１４０、及び吸収体１３０と１４０との境界面１１３ｃ近傍が充填された後、吸収体１３０にインクが進入する。
【００７８】
インクタンクユニット２００は、ホルダ１５０に対して着脱自在な構成となっている。負圧制御室容器１１０のインクタンクユニット２００側の面に設けられた被接合部であるジョイントパイプ１８０は、インクタンクユニット２００のジョイント口２３０の内部に挿入されて接続されている。そのジョイントパイプ１８０とジョイント口２３０との接続部を介して、インクタンクユニット２００内のインクが負圧制御室ユニット１００内へと供給されるように負圧制御室ユニット１００及びインクタンクユニット２００が構成されている。負圧制御室容器１１０のインクタンクユニット２００側の面におけるジョイントパイプ１８０よりも上方の部分には、その面から突出した、インクタンクユニット２００の誤装着防止のためのＩＤ部材１７０が一体的に設けられている。
【００７９】
負圧制御室蓋１２０には、負圧制御室容器１１０の内部と外気、ここでは負圧制御室容器１１０内に収納された吸収体１３０と外気とを連通させるための大気連通口１１５が形成されており、負圧制御室容器１１０内における大気連通口１１５の近傍には、負圧制御室蓋１２０の吸収体１３０側の面から突出したリブにより形成された空間、及び吸収体中のインク（液体）の存在しない領域からなる、バッファ空間１１６が設けられている。
【００８０】
ジョイント口２３０内には弁機構が設けられており、その弁機構は第１弁枠２６０ａ、第２弁枠２６０ｂ、弁体２６１、弁蓋２６２及び付勢部材２６３から構成されている。弁体２６１は、第２弁体２６０ｂ内で摺動可能に支持されると共に付勢部材２６３によって第１弁枠２６０ａ側に付勢されている。ジョイント口２３０内にジョイントパイプ１８０が挿入されていない状態では、付勢部材２６３の付勢力により弁体２６１の第１弁枠２６０ａ側の部分の縁部が第１弁枠２６０ａに押圧されることより、インクタンクユニット２００内の気密性が維持される。
【００８１】
ジョイント口２３０の内部へジョイントパイプ１８０が挿入され、ジョイントパイプ１８０によって弁体２６１が押圧されて第１弁枠２６０ａから離れる方向に移動することにより、第２弁枠２６０ｂの側面に形成された開口を介してジョイントパイプ１８０内がインクタンクユニット２００の内部と連通する。これによりインクタンクユニット２００内の気密が開放され、インクタンクユニット２００内のインクがジョイント口２３０及びジョイントパイプ１８０を通って負圧制御室ユニット１００内へと供給される。つまり、ジョイント口２３０内の弁が開くことによって、密閉状態であったインクタンクユニット２００のインク収容部内が前記開口を介してのみ連通状態となるものである。
【００８２】
インクタンクユニット２００はインク収納容器２０１とＩＤ部材２５０とから構成されている。ＩＤ部材２５０は、インクタンクユニット２００と負圧制御室ユニット１００との装着の際に誤装着を防止するためのものである。また、このＩＤ部材２５０には、上述した第１弁枠２６０ａが形成されており、この第１弁体２６０ａを用いて、ジョイント口２３０内でインクの流れを制御する弁機構が構成されている。この弁機構は、負圧制御室ユニット１００のジョイントパイプ１８０と係合されることにより開閉動作を行う。また、ＩＤ部材２５０の、負圧制御室ユニット１００側となる前面には、インクタンクユニット２００の誤挿入防止のためのＩＤ用凹部２５２が形成されている。
【００８３】
インク収納容器２０１は、負圧発生機能を有する、ほぼ多角柱形状の中空容器である。インク収納容器２０１は筐体２１０と内袋２２０とから構成され、筐体２１０と内袋２２０とがそれぞれ剥離可能になっている。内袋２２０は可撓性を有しており、この内袋２２０は、内部に収納されたインクの導出に伴い変形可能である。また、内袋２２０はピンチオフ部（溶着部）２２１を有し、このピンチオフ部２２１で内袋２２０が筐体２１０に係合する形で支持されている。また、筐体２１０の、ピンチオフ部２２１の近傍の部分には外気連通口２２２が設けられており、外気連通口２２２を通して内袋２２０と筐体２１０との間に大気を導入可能となっている。
【００８４】
ＩＤ部材２５０はインク収納容器２０１の筐体２１０及び内袋２２０のそれぞれに接合されている。ＩＤ部材２５０は、内袋２２０に対してインク収納容器２０１のインク導出部にあたる内袋２２０のシール面１０２と、ＩＤ部材２５０におけるジョイント口２３０の部分の対応する面との溶着により接合される。これによりインク収納容器２０１の供給口部が完全にシールされ、インクタンクユニット２００の着脱時におけるＩＤ部材２５０とインク収納容器２０１とのシール部分からのインク漏れ等が防止される。
【００８５】
また、筐体２１０とＩＤ部材２５０との接合では、筐体２１０の上面に形成された係合部２１０ａと、ＩＤ部材２５０の上部に形成されたクリック部２５０ａとが少なくとも係合されることにより、インク収納容器２０１にＩＤ部材２５０がほぼ固定されている。
【００８６】
インクジェットヘッドユニット１６０に関しては、そのインク吐出口をキャップで塞さがれてインク吐出口から強制的にインクを吐出したり、インク吐出口をキャップ５０２０で塞いだ状態で吸引手段５０１０により吸引したりすることで正常状態への回復を図ることが可能となっている。
【００８７】
図５で説明してきた第３の実施形態の変形例として、図６に示すように、負圧制御室容器１１０の一側面におけるジョイントパイプ１８０の開口半分付近から、供給口１３１が形成された負圧制御室容器１１０の底面の角隅まで斜めに親水化処理を設けてもよい。
【００８８】
次に、図６の形態を例にとって、インクタンクユニット２００と負圧制御室ユニット１００との間でのインクの移動について説明する。
【００８９】
図９（ａ）に示すようにインクタンクユニット２００と負圧制御室ユニット１００とを接続させたとき、図９（ｂ）に示すように、負圧制御室ユニット１００内とインク収納容器２０１内との圧力が等しくなるまでインク収納容器２０１内のインクが負圧制御室ユニット１００内へ移動する（この状態を、使用開始状態、と称する。）
インクジェットヘッドユニット１６０によりインクの消費が開始されると、内袋２２０内と吸収体１４０の双方の発生する静負圧の値が増大する方向にバランスを取りつつ、内袋２２０内と吸収体１４０の双方に保持されたインクが消費される。ここで、吸収体１３０にインクが保持されている場合には、吸収体１３０のインクも消費される。
【００９０】
図９（ｃ）の状態より負圧制御室ユニット１００内のインク量が低下してジョイントパイプが大気と連通すると、直ちに内袋２２０内に気体が導入され、これに代わって内袋２２０内のインクが負圧制御室ユニット１００内に移動する。これにより、吸収体１３０、１４０が気液界面を保ちながらインクの導出に対してほぼ一定の負圧を保持する。このような気液交換状態を経て、内袋２２０内のインクの全てが負圧制御室ユニット１００内へ移動したら、負圧制御室ユニット１００内に残存するインクが消費される。
【００９１】
以上説明したような構成では、負圧発生部材としてのインク吸収体であるポリオレフィン系繊維体において、少なくともジョイントパイプ１８０からインク供給口１３１までのインク供給域が親水化処理されている。この親水化処理域は図５中に網線で示したように、ジョイントパイプ１８０の開口半分付近の高さから、供給口１３１が形成された負圧制御室容器１１０の底面まで一様に存在させることに限らず、例えば図６に網線で示すように、負圧制御室容器１１０の一側面におけるジョイントパイプ１８０の開口半分付近から、供給口１３１が形成された負圧制御室容器１１０の底面の角隅まで斜めに親水化処理域を存在させてもよい。あるいは図７に網線で示すように、負圧制御室容器１１０の一側面におけるジョイントパイプ１８０の開口半分付近から供給口１３１まで弧を描くようにできる限り最短距離で親水化処理域を存在させてもよい。また、図８に網線で示すように、吸収体１３０、１４０の間の境界線１１３ｃをジョイントパイプ１８０の開口半分付近の高さに合わせ、吸収体１４０の全体を親水化したものでもよい。なお、図５〜図７に示す親水化処理域の例は、図２〜図４に示した第２の実施形態の液体収容容器内の吸収体に対しても適用することができる。
【００９２】
以上のような形態によれば、気液交換動作において図９（ｄ）に示すように上部吸収体１３０の液面が吸収体の持つミクロな疎密差により乱れて低下しても、親水化処理域（図中の網線部分）おいて、突出した低下液面が止められる。つまり、図１０に示すように気液交換におけるエアー（例えば図中矢印Ａ）はインク収納容器からのインク（図中矢印Ｂ）を途切らせることなくジョイントパイプ１８０内の上部を流れるので、安定した気液交換動作が行われる。
【００９３】
また、インク供給口１３１付近が親水化処理されていることで、その周囲に常に存在しようとするため、インク供給口１３１においてもインク切れを起こしにくい。
【００９４】
さらには、新しいインク収納容器２０１に交換した際に、吸収体１４０の親水化処理域が積極的にインクを呼ぶ込むため、第７の実施形態の欄で後述説明するようなキャップ５０２０と吸引手段５０１０によるヘッド回復を速やかにできる。また、ヘッド回復に必要なインク量を、親水化処理域の範囲の変更や、単位面積あたりの親水基の数によりコントロールできる。
【００９５】
また、本形態の変形例として、図１１に示すように吸収体１４０のジョイントパイプ１８０の開口及びその周辺と対応する部分のみに親水化処理を施したものでもよい。図１１の例によれば、第２の実施形態で説明した気液交換時のインク引き込みに加え、インクタンクユニット２００を取り外したときのジョイントパイプ１８０内の残留インクを吸い込みやすいため、インクたれを防止することができる。
【００９６】
また、図示しないが、別の変形例として、吸収体１３０と１４０を一体化した吸収体を配置して、吸収体１４０に相当する領域を親水化することで、吸収体１４０相当の毛管力を付与することと同様に本発明の親水化領域を設けてもよい。
【００９７】
なお、図５〜図１１に示した形態例において、ジョイントパイプ１８０の開口に接した親水化処理域の高さは図示した位置に限られず、安定した気液交換動作を行える最適なパイプ開口近傍の高さに設定すればよい。特に吸収体への積極的なインク引き込みを考えた場合は、気液交換時のエアパスを妨げない程度に親水化処理域がパイプ開口面に存在することが望ましい。
【００９８】
（第４の実施形態）
図１２は本発明の第４の実施形態による液体収納容器の概略断面図である。この図では、インク自体及び吸収体に保持されたインクを横向きの点線で、インクの無い吸収体をドットで表している。
【００９９】
図１２で示す形態の液体収納容器は、図２に示した第２の実施形態の液体収納容器において、インクを積極的に保持し、インクジェットヘッド側へのインク接続性を高めるために、負圧発生部材収納室１２内のＰＰ繊維の吸収体１５よりも毛管力の高い部材としてＰＰ繊維の圧接体３１をインク供給口１４内に設けたものである。
【０１００】
そして本例においては、圧接体３１に親水化処理を施した。このような親水化処理を施した圧接体は、第２の実施形態の液体収納容器に限らず、第１の実施形態や第３の実施形態の液体収納容器のインク供給口に設けることができる。
【０１０１】
インク供給口に圧接体を設ける形態は、インクを高流量でヘッド側へ供給する必要が生じた場合、圧接体部分で生じる流抵抗は非常に大きくなりインク供給性を著しく低下させるおそれがある。しかし本例のように圧接体に親水化処理を施すことで、インク流抵抗を低減し、インクの流動性を高めることができるので、高流量のインク供給が可能になる。
【０１０２】
さらには、圧接体内部に気泡が滞留した場合、インク流路が狭くなるので、流抵抗の更なる上昇が生じるおそれがあるが、親水化処理の効果により、気泡の滞留を防ぐことができるため、この面でも流抵抗の上昇を抑制できる。
【０１０３】
（第５の実施形態）
図１３は本発明の第５の実施形態による液体収納容器を示す概略断面図である。
【０１０４】
図１３で示す形態の液体収納容器は、第３の実施形態のインクジェットヘッドカートリッジにおいて、負圧制御室容器１１０内のＰＰ繊維体からなる上部吸収体１３０に親水化処理域（図中の網線部分）を重力方向と交差する平面層として存在させたものである。
【０１０５】
図１４は、本例のような親水化処理域が有る場合（図（ａ））と無い場合（図（ｂ））との効果の違いを説明するための図である。
【０１０６】
インク収納容器２０１内のインク及び気体が環境変化により急激に膨張した際、インクが負圧制御室容器１１０内に流れ込み、液面Ｈが上昇する。このとき、図１４（ｂ）に矢印で示すようにインクは吸収体１３０，１４０のうちの流抵抗の低い繊維密度が疎である場所を求めて流れる。これにより、容器内の急激な圧力上昇が緩和されるが、このような圧力緩和機能（バッファ機能とも言う）を充分に発揮させるために従来の液体収納容器では負圧制御室容器の上部体積を必要以上に大きくしなければならなかった。しかし、本例のような親水化処理域を設けると、急激な圧力上昇に伴うインクの吸収体上方への流れを親水化処理域にて捕らえ、図１４（ａ）に矢印で示すように重力方向と交差する方向へと散らすことができる。これにより、負圧制御室容器の上部体積を必要以上に大きくしなくても上記バッファ機能を充分に発揮させることができる。
【０１０７】
なお、このような親水化処理域は、重力方向に沿って多段に設けてもよい。また本例は、第３の実施形態の液体収納容器に限らず、第２の実施形態の液体収納容器にも施すことができる。
【０１０８】
（第６の実施形態）
図１５は本発明の第６の実施形態による液体収納容器内の吸収体の親水化処理方法を説明するための図である。
【０１０９】
本実施形態では図１５（ｄ）に示すように、液体を吐出して記録を行うインクジェットヘッドに対する負圧発生部材としてＰＰ繊維体（図中にドットで示す。）２を内部にほぼくまなく配置し、インクジェットヘッドへ供給する液体をＰＰ繊維体２に保持させて収納するものである。タンク筐体の上端には大気連通口３が設けられている。また、ＰＰ繊維体２としては絡み合ったＰＰ繊維の表面が親水化処理されているものを用い、この親水化処理域は図中に網線で示すように、容器内のインク供給口４の周辺面に密接し、これ以外とは容器の内側面よりある程度離れて存在している。このように親水化処理域を形成したのは、ＰＰ繊維体とタンク内側面との間に若干の隙間が有る場合にＰＰ繊維体の全部に親水化処理が施されていると、タンク内側面に接する液面とＰＰ繊維体との間でインクのやりとりが無くなり、タンク内側面に沿って空気が入り込みやすくなり、やがてはインク供給口より空気が侵入するので、これを防止するためである。
【０１１０】
次に、図１５を参照して、上記の親水化処理域の形成方法を説明する。
【０１１１】
まず、図１５（ｂ）に示すように大気連通口３より注射器の針をＰＰ繊維体２に差し込み、ＰＰ繊維体２の中央部に親水化処理液５を注入する。そして、図１５（ｃ）に示すようにインク供給口４より親水化処理液５を吸引し、親水化処理液５がタンク１の内側面に到達しない前に親水化処理液５を排出する。その後、ＰＰ繊維体２を乾燥させることで図１５（ｄ）に示す形態の液体収納容器が完成する。
【０１１２】
（第７の実施形態）
第３の実施形態を例にとって説明したインクジェットヘッドカートリッジにおいては、図３８の（ａ）〜（ｃ）に示す形態を用いることができる。
【０１１３】
図３８（ｂ）は、負圧発生部材としてのインク吸収体であるポリオレフィン系繊維体において、上方の吸収体１３０及び下方の吸収体１４０の全領域を親水化処理域とした形態、図３８（ａ）は、下方の吸収体１４０のみの全領域を親水か処理とした形態であり、いずれの形態も吸収体１３０，１４０の境界面１１３ｃは使用時姿勢におけるジョイントパイプ１８０の上方近傍に設けてある。
【０１１４】
また、図３８（ｃ）は、負圧制御室容器１１０に、１つの吸収体１３０のみを収容し、ほぼ水平界面１１３ｃをもって下方全領域を親水化した形態であり、親水化の非処理域と処理域の界面１１３ｃは、使用時姿勢におけるジョイントパイプ１８０の上方近傍に設けてある。
【０１１５】
図３８（ａ），（ｂ），（ｃ）は前述の実施形態における負圧発生部材収納室（部）に対して任意に置き換えることができるものである。図３８（ａ）は、繊維からなる吸収体１３０，１４０を繊維体として見るとき、吸収体１４０がインク供給口側であり、吸収体１３０が大気連通口側である。そして、部分親水化処理が吸収体１４０の全体に対して行われていると見ることができる。
【０１１６】
図３８の（ａ）〜（ｃ）はいずれもポリオレフィン系繊維体の水に対する接触角が８０度以上の作用に対して、親水化領域が供給口側にあるため、水系インクのインク保持性や負圧発生の液面レベルが、少なくとも吸収体１４０内では同一レベル化できるため、負圧の安定化が達成される。同時に、前述した処理液による親水化がされている場合は、親水性基による流抵抗の低下による優れた供給性を確保しつつ、インクジェット記録が中断又は停止中に、液面レベルが水平化し易く、インクの保持性・分布性が極めて均一化されるので安定した負圧を即時に確保できる。
【０１１７】
特に、図３８（ｃ）では、１部材として繊維体を構成できるため、２部材を用いる場合に対して安価であり、２部材間の界面による前記作用と同一の作用を得ることはできないまでも、親水と疎水との界面による効果は得ることができる。
【０１１８】
図３８（ｂ）は、吸収体１３０も親水化されているものであるが、吸収体１３０，１４０間の界面効果を利用しつつ、何らかの圧力変化に対しても充分な吸液効果があるため、インク漏れの原因自体を根本的に解決できるものである。
【０１１９】
図３８（ａ）〜（ｃ）のいずれも、ジョイントパイプ１８０から供給されるインク受け面が親水化されているので、供給されるインクだけでなく、パイプ１８０に着脱されるインク充填容器からのインクを確実に吸収できる。また、前述した気液交換や繊維方向に関するものすべてが、図３８（ａ）〜（ｃ）のいずれにも適用されることは言うまでもない。
【０１２０】
図３８の形態は、図８を用いて説明した形態に対し、この図８の形態の効果を含むだけでなく、本発明の部分親水による全ての効果も含むものである。
【０１２１】
尚、上述の実施形態では、負圧発生部材収納室にジョイントパイプが設けられた例で説明したが、負圧発生部材収納室にジョイントパイプがなく、液体収納室のインク導出口が負圧発生部材収納室内に押圧され、負圧発生部材を押圧するような構成であっても、それぞれ上述の効果を奏することができる。
【０１２２】
（第８の実施形態）
次に、図１６を参照し、上記の各実施形態に係る液体収納容器を搭載して記録を行う液体吐出記録装置について説明する。図１６に、本発明の第７の実施形態による液体吐出記録装置の概略図を示す。
【０１２３】
図１６において、液体収納容器１０００は、液体吐出記録装置ＩＪＲＡ本体にキャリッジＨＣの不図示の位置決め手段によって固定支持されるとともに、キャリッジＨＣに対してそれぞれ着脱可能な形で装着される。記録液滴を吐出する記録ヘッド（不図示）はキャリッジＨＣに予め設けられていてもよいし、液体収納容器１０００のインク供給口に予め設けられていてもよい。
【０１２４】
駆動モータ５１３０の正逆回転は駆動伝達ギア５１１０、５１００、５０９０を介してリードスクリュー５０４０に伝達され、これを回転させ、またキャリッジＨＣはリードスクリュー５０４０の螺旋溝５０５０に係合されていることでガイドシャフト５０３０に沿って往復移動可能となっている。
【０１２５】
符号５０２０は記録ヘッドの前面を塞ぐキャップを示し、キャップ５０２０は不図示の吸引手段によりキャップ内開口を介して記録ヘッドの吸引回復を行うために用いられる。キャップ５０２０はギア５０８０、５０９０等を介して伝達される駆動力により移動して各記録ヘッドの吐出口面を覆うことができる。キャップ５０２０の近傍には、不図示のクリーニングブレードが設けられ、このブレードは図の上下方向に移動可能に支持されている。ブレードは、この形態に限られず、周知のクリーニングブレードが本例に適用できることは言うまでもない。
【０１２６】
これらのキャッピング、クリーニング、吸引回復は、キャリッジＨＣがホームポジションに移動したときにリードスクリュー５０４０の作用によってそれらの対応位置で所望の処理が行えるように構成されているが、周知のタイミングで所望の動作を行うようにすれば、本例にはいずれも適応できる。
【０１２７】
また、本発明は、特にインクジェット記録方式の中でも熱エネルギーを利用して飛翔的液滴を形成し、記録を行うインクジェット方式において、優れた効果をもたらすものである。
【０１２８】
その代表的な構成や原理については、例えば、米国特許第４７２３１２９号明細書、同第４７４０７９６号明細書に開示されている基本的な原理を用いて行うものが好ましい。この方式はいわゆるオンデマンド型、コンティニュアス型のいずれにも適用可能であるが、特に、オンデマンド型の場合には、液体（インク）が保持されているシートや液路に対応して配置されている電気熱変換体に、記録情報に対応していて核沸騰を越える急速な温度上昇を与える少なくとも一つの駆動信号を印加することによって、電気熱変換体に熱エネルギーを発生せしめ、記録ヘッドの熱作用面に膜沸騰を生じさせて、結果的にこの駆動信号に一対一で対応した液体（インク）内の気泡を形成できるので有効である。この気泡の成長、収縮により吐出用開口を介して液体（インク）を吐出させて、少なくとも一つの滴を形成する。この駆動信号をパルス形状とすると、即時適切に気泡の成長収縮が行なわれるので、特に応答性に優れた液体（インク）の吐出が達成でき、より好ましい。
【０１２９】
このパルス形状の駆動信号としては、米国特許第４４６３３５９号明細書、同第４３４５２６２号明細書に記載されているようなものが適している。なお、上記熱作用面の温度上昇率に関する発明の米国特許第４３１３１２４号明細書に記載されている条件を採用すると、更に優れた記録を行なうことができる。
【０１３０】
記録ヘッドの構成としては、上述の各明細書に開示されているような吐出口、液路、電気熱変換体の組み合わせ構成（直線状液流路または直角液流路）の他に、熱作用部が屈曲する領域に配置されている構成を開示する米国特許第４５５８３３３号明細書、米国特許第４４５９６００号明細書を用いた構成も本発明に含まれるものである。
【０１３１】
加えて、複数の電気熱変換体に対して、共通するスリットを電気熱変換体の吐出部とする構成を開示する特開昭５９−１２３６７０号公報や熱エネルギーの圧力波を吸収する開孔を吐出部に対応させる構成を開示する特開昭５９−１３８４６１号公報に基づいた構成としても本発明は有効である。
【０１３２】
さらに、記録装置が記録できる最大記録媒体の幅に対応した長さを有するフルラインタイプの記録ヘッドとしては、上述した明細書に開示されているような複数記録ヘッドの組み合わせによってその長さを満たす構成や、一体的に形成された１個の記録ヘッドとしての構成のいずれでもよいが、本発明は、上述した効果を一層有効に発揮することができる。
【０１３３】
加えて、装置本体に装着されることで、装置本体との電気的な接続や装置本体からのインクの供給が可能になる交換自在のチップタイプの記録ヘッド、あるいは記録ヘッド自体に一体的にインクタンクが設けられたカートリッジタイプの記録ヘッドを用いた場合にも本発明は有効である。
【０１３４】
また、本発明の記録装置の構成として設けられる、記録ヘッドに対しての回復手段、予備的な補助手段等を付加することは本発明の効果を一層安定できるので好ましいものである。これらを具体的に挙げれば、記録ヘッドに対してのキャッピング手段、クリーニング手段、加圧あるいは吸引手段、電気熱変換体あるいはこれとは別の加熱素子あるいはこれらの組み合わせによる予備加熱手段、記録とは別の吐出を行う予備吐出モードを行うことも安定した記録を行うために有効である。
【０１３５】
さらに、記録装置の記録モードとしては黒色等の主流色のみの記録モードだけではなく、記録ヘッドを一体的に構成するか複数個の組み合わせによってでもよいが、異なる色の複色カラー、または混色によるフルカラーの少なくとも一つを備えた装置にも本発明は極めて有効である。
【０１３６】
以上説明した本発明の実施形態においては、インクを液体として説明しているが、室温やそれ以下で固化するインクであって、室温で軟化するもの、もしくは液体であるもの、あるいは上述のインクジェット方式ではインク自体を３０℃以上７０℃以下の範囲内で温度調整を行ってインクの粘性を安定吐出範囲にあるように温度制御するものが一般的であるから、使用記録信号付与時にインクが液状をなすものであれば良い。
【０１３７】
加えて、積極的に熱エネルギーによる昇温をインクの固形状態から液体状態への状態変化のエネルギーとして使用せしめることで防止するか、またはインクの蒸発防止を目的として放置状態で固化するインクを用いるかして、いずれにしても熱エネルギーの記録信号に応じた付与によってインクが液化し、液状インクとして吐出するものや、記録媒体に到達する時点では既に固化し始めるもの等のような、熱エネルギーによって初めて液化する性質のインクの使用も本発明には適用可能である。本発明においては、上述した各インクに対して最も有効なものは、上述した膜沸騰方式を実行するものである。
【０１３８】
さらに加えて、本発明に係る記録装置の形態としては、ワードプロセッサやコンピュータ等の情報処理機器の画像出力端末として一体または別体に設けられるものの他、リーダと組み合せた複写装置、さらには送受信機能を有するファクシミリ装置の形態を採るものであってもよい。
【０１３９】
なお、記録ヘッドとしては、上述の方式のほか、ピエゾ素子を用いたものであってもよい。
【０１４０】
（その他の実施形態）
以上説明した液体収納容器の負圧発生部材として使用された繊維の吸収体を親水化させる方法について更に詳しく説明する。
【０１４１】
まず、吸収体を構成する繊維を親水化させるのに適用可能である物品の表面改質原理について、より具体的に説明する。
【０１４２】
以下に説明する表面改質方法は、物品が有する表面を構成する物質に含まれる分子が有する官能基などを利用して、高分子（あるいは高分子の細分化物）を特定の配向を採らせて表面上に付着させ、該高分子（あるいは高分子の細分化物）が有する基に付随する性質を表面に与えることで、目的とする表面改質を図ることを可能とする方法である。
【０１４３】
ここで、「物品」とは、種々の材料から形成され、一定の外形を保持するものを意味する。従って、この外形に付随して、外部に露出している外表面を有している。加えて、その内部に、外部と連通する部分を含む空隙部や空洞部、あるいは中空部が存在したものでもよく、これらの部分を区画する内表面（内壁面）も本発明における表面改質処理対象としての部分表面とすることができる。中空部には、これを画する内表面を有し、外部とは完全に隔絶された空間であるものも含まれるが、改質処理前においては中空部内への表面処理液の付与が可能であり、改質処理後に外部と隔離された中空部となるものであれば、本発明の処理対象となり得る。
【０１４４】
このように、本発明に適用される表面改質方法は、各種物品が有する全ての表面のうち、物品の形状を損なうことなく、外部から液状の表面処理用溶液を接触させることが可能な表面を対象とするものである。従って、物品の外表面と、それと連結される内部表面の夫々または両方を部分表面の対象とする。そして、その対象とする表面から選択される細分化された部分表面の性質を変更することも本発明に含まれる。選択によっては、物品の外表面とそれと連結される内部表面を選択する態様も、所望の部分表面領域の改質に含まれるものである。
【０１４５】
上記の表面改質においては、物品の有する表面の少なくとも一部を構成する改質すべき部分（部分表面）が処理される。すなわち、所望に応じて選択された物品の表面から一部あるいは物品の表面全体である。
【０１４６】
また、本明細書において「高分子の細分化」とは、高分子の一部が切れたものから、単量体までのいずれかでよく、実施例的には高分子が酸等の開裂触媒により開裂したものすべてを含むものとする。また、「高分子膜化」とは、実質的な膜が形成されるもの、あるいは２次元的な面に対して各部が異なる配向したものを含む。
【０１４７】
また、本明細書において「高分子」とは、機能性基を有する第１の部分と、この機能性基の界面エネルギーとは異なり、かつ、付着対象の物品の表面エネルギーと略同等の界面エネルギーを有する第２の部分とを備え、上記の物品表面の構成材料とは異なることが好ましい。よって、改質される物品の構成材料に応じて、適宜その物品表面の表面エネルギーと略同等の界面エネルギーを有する高分子の中から、所望の高分子を選択すればよい。「高分子」としてより好ましくは、該高分子が開裂できるものであること、さらには開裂後に縮合できるものであることが望ましい。また、上述の第１の部分および第２の部分以外にも機能性基を備えていてもよいが、その場合には、親水化処理を一例にすると、機能性基としての親水性基は、第１、第２の部分以外の機能性基（上記親水性基に対して相対的に疎水性基となる）に対して、相対的に長鎖であることが望ましい。
【０１４８】
「表面改質がなされる原理」
本発明に適用可能である物品の表面改質は、表面改質剤に用いる高分子として、物品の表面（基材表面）の表面（界面）エネルギーと略同等の界面エネルギーを有する主骨格（主鎖または側鎖基或いは基群を総称して呼ぶ）と、物品表面の表面（界面）エネルギーと異なる界面エネルギーを有する基が結合してなる高分子を利用し、この表面改質剤中の物品表面の界面エネルギーと略同等の界面エネルギーを有する主骨格部を用いて物品表面上に高分子を付着させ、物品表面の界面エネルギーと異なる界面エネルギーを有する基が物品表面に対して外側に配向する高分子化膜（高分子被覆）を形成させることにより達成される。
【０１４９】
上述の表面改質剤に用いる高分子を異なる観点から換言すれば、表面改質前の物品の表面に露出している基と本質的に水との親和性が異なる第一の基と、この物品の表面に露出している基と実質的に類似する水との親和性を示し、その主骨格に含まれる繰り返し単位中に含まれる第二の基と、を備えたもの、と捉えることもできる。
【０１５０】
このような配向形態の代表例を模式的に示したのが図１７である。図１７（ａ）は主鎖に対して第１の基１−１と第２の基１−２が側鎖として結合している高分子を用いた場合を示し、図１７（ｂ）は第１の基１−１が主鎖１−３自体を構成し、第２の基１−２が側鎖を構成している場合を示すものである。
【０１５１】
図１７に示される配向をとると、物品の表面改質すべき表面を構成する基材５６の最表面（外側）は基材５６の表面（界面）エネルギーとは異なる界面エネルギーを有する基１−２が表面に配向した状態になるため、基材５６の表面（界面）エネルギーと異なる界面エネルギーを有する基１−２に付随する性質が利用されて表面が改質される。ここで、基材５６の表面（界面）エネルギーは、表面を構成している物質・分子が、表面上に露出している基５５に由来して決定されている。すなわち、図１７に示す例では、第２の基１−２が表面改質用の機能性基として作用し、基材５６の表面が疎水性であって、第２の基１−２が親水性であれば、基材５６の表面に親水性が付与される。なお、第２の基１−２が親水性であり、基材５６側の基５５が疎水性である場合には、例えば後述するポリシロキサンを利用した場合などには、図３７に示すような状態が基材５６の表面に存在していると考えられる。この状態において、改質後の基材５６の表面における親水性基と疎水性基とのバランスを調整することで、改質処理後の基材表面に水や水を主体とする水性液体を通過させる場合の通過状態や通過時の流速を調整することも可能である。そして、このような表面状態を繊維外壁面に有する例えばポリオレフィン系樹脂からなる繊維体をインクジェット記録ヘッドに一体化された、あるいは別部品として設けられるインクタンク中に用いることで、インクタンク中へのインクの充填やインクタンクからのヘッドへのインクの供給を極めて効果的に行うとともに、インクタンク内での適度な負圧の確保によって、インク吐出直後の記録ヘッドの吐出口付近でのインク界面（メニスカス）位置の良好な確保が可能となる。これにより、動負圧より正負圧の方が大きいという、インクジェット記録ヘッドへのインク供給用インクを保持する負圧発生部材に最も適したものが提供可能となる。
【０１５２】
特に、図３７の繊維表面構造の場合、親水性基１−２は、高分子基であるため、同じ側の側鎖のメチル基（疎水性基）よりも長い構造となっている。そのため、親水性基１−２は、インクが流れる際には、その流速に対して繊維表面にならうように傾斜する（同時に、上記メチル基を実質的に覆うようになる）。結果的に流抵抗は大幅に小さくなる。逆にインクが停止してメニスカスを繊維体間に形成する際には、親水基１−２は、インクに対して向かう方向、即ち、繊維表面から垂直方向になるため（上記メチル基が繊維表面に露出する）、分子内レベルでの親水（大）−疎水（小）のバランスを形成して充分な負圧を形成できる。この親水性基１−２を（-Ｃ-Ｏ-Ｃ-）結合の多数と端末基としてのＯＨ基とで形成した前記実施形態のように、親水基を高分子に数多く（少なくとも複数）有していることで、上記親水性基１−２の作用を確実なものとできるので好ましいものとなる。また、上記メチル基の他の疎水性基を高分子内に有する場合は、疎水性基の存在範囲よりも親水性基の存在範囲が大きくなるように、親水性基の方がより高分子レベルであることが好ましく、上記の如く親水性＞疎水性となるようにバランスしていれば良い。
【０１５３】
ところで、インク供給口部における静負圧は次式で表される。
【０１５４】
静負圧＝（インク供給口部からのインク界面までの高さ）−（インク界面における繊維の毛管力）
この毛管力は、インクと繊維吸収体との濡れ接触角をθとしたときにＣＯＳθに比例する。したがって本発明の親水化処理の有無によって、ＣＯＳθの変化が大きいインクの場合にはその分静負圧を低めにし、絶対値で言えば高めに確保することが可能となる。
【０１５５】
具体的に言えば、接触角１０°レベルであれば親水処理を施しても最大２％程度の毛管力アップであるが、インクと繊維が濡れにくい組み合わせ、例えば接触角５０°の状態は親水処理によって１０°以下となれば、５０％の毛管力アップとなる。（ＣＯＳ０°／ＣＯＳ１０°≒１．０２ ＣＯＳ１０°／ＣＯＳ５０°≒１．５）
ここで、図１７に示す改質表面を有する物品を製造するための具体的な方法として、表面改質に用いる高分子の良溶媒でかつ基材に対して処理剤の濡れ性を向上させる向上剤を用いる方法について以下に説明する。この方法は、表面改質剤の高分子が均一に溶解する処理液（表面改質溶液）を基材の表面上に塗布した後、処理液に含まれる溶媒を除去しつつ、この処理液中に含まれる表面改質剤の高分子を上述のように配向させるものである。
【０１５６】
より具体的には、高分子に対する良溶媒であり、かつ基材表面に対し十分に濡れる溶剤中に、所定量の高分子と開裂触媒とを混合した液体（表面処理液、好ましくは機能性基を親水性基とする場合は純水を含むことが望ましい。）を作製し、表面処理液を基材表面に塗布した後、表面処理液中の溶媒を除去するため、蒸発乾燥（例えば、６０℃オーブン中）させる工程を持つことが挙げられる。
【０１５７】
ここで、基材の表面に対して十分に濡れ性を示し、また表面改質剤としての高分子を溶解する有機溶媒を溶媒に含むことは、表面改質に用いる高分子の均一な塗布を容易にするという観点から、より望ましいものである。さらに、表面改質剤としての高分子が溶媒の蒸発に伴い、濃度が高くなる際にも、塗布された液層中に均一に分散して、十分に溶解している状態を保持する作用を持つことも、その効果として挙げることができる。加えて、表面処理液が基材に対して、十分に濡れることにより表面改質剤の高分子を基材表面に対し均一に塗り広げることができる結果、複雑な形状を有する表面に対しても、高分子被覆を均一に行うことを可能とする。
【０１５８】
また、表面処理液には、基材表面に対して濡れ性があり、高分子に対して良溶媒である揮発性の第１の溶媒に加えて、高分子に対して良溶媒であるが、基材表面に対する濡れ性が第１の溶媒に比べて相対的に劣り、また、第１の溶媒に比べて相対的に揮発性の低い第２の溶媒を併用することもできる。このような例としては、例えば、基材表面がポリオレフィン系樹脂からなり、高分子としてポリオキシアルキレン・ポリジチルシロキサンを用いた場合における後述するイソプロピルアルコールと水の組み合わせを挙げることができる。
【０１５９】
ここで、表面処理液中に開裂触媒としての酸を加えることによる効果は、以下のようなものが考えられる。例えば、表面処理液の蒸発乾燥過程において用材の蒸発に伴う酸成分の濃度上昇がなされる際に、加熱を伴う高濃度の酸により、表面改質に用いる高分子の部分的な分解（開裂）、高分子の細分化物の生成により、基材表面の、より微細な部分への配向が可能となり、また、蒸発乾燥の終末過程において高分子の開裂部同士の再結合による表面改質剤高分子のポリマー化を介して、高分子化膜（高分子被覆、好ましくは単分子膜）の形成を促進する効果が期待できる。
【０１６０】
また、表面処理液の蒸発乾燥過程において溶剤の蒸発に伴う酸成分の濃度上昇がなされる際に、この高濃度の酸が基材表面及び表面近傍の不純物質を除去することにより、清浄な基材表面が形成される効果も期待される。こうした清浄な表面では、基材物質・分子と表面改質剤の高分子の物理的な付着力の向上なども期待される。
【０１６１】
この際一部では、加熱を伴う高濃度の酸により基材表面が分解され、基材表面に活性点が出現し、この活性点と、上述の高分子の開裂による細分化物とが結合する副次的な化学反応が起こる場合が想定される。場合によっては、このような副次的な表面改質剤と基材との化学吸着による、基材上での表面改質剤の付着安定化の向上も一部では存在すると考えられる。
【０１６２】
次に、表面改質剤（親水処理液含む）の基材の表面エネルギーと略同等の表面エネルギーを有する主骨格の開裂と基材表面上での開裂物としての細分化物の縮合による高分子膜化工程について、機能性基が親水性基であり、疎水性基材表面に親水性を付与する場合を例とし、図１８〜図２４参照して説明する。なお、親水性基とは、基全体として親水性を付与できる構造を有するもので、親水基そのものや、疎水性の鎖や疎水基を有するものでも親水基などを置換配置したことで親水性を付与できる基としての機能を有するものであれば親水性基として利用できる。
【０１６３】
図１８に、親水処理液塗布後の拡大図を示す。この時点では、親水処理液５８中の親水化剤である高分子５１〜５４と酸５７とは、基材５６表面上の親水処理液中で均一に溶解している。図１９に、親水処理液塗布後乾燥工程の拡大図を示す。親水処理液塗布後乾燥工程における加熱を伴う乾燥において、溶剤の蒸発に伴う酸成分の濃度上昇により基材５６の表面及び表面近傍の不純物質の除去が行われるといった基材５６の表面の洗浄作用により純粋な基材５６の表面が形成されることによる基材５６と表面改質剤としての高分子５１〜５４の物理吸着力が向上する。また、親水処理液塗布後乾燥工程における加熱を伴う乾燥において、溶剤の蒸発に伴う酸成分の濃度上昇により親水化剤の高分子５１〜５４の一部が開裂される部分も存在する。
【０１６４】
濃酸による高分子５１の分解の模式図を図２０に示す。このようにして分解された親水化剤の基材に対する吸着の様子を図２１に示す。さらに溶剤の蒸発が進むにつれて、溶解飽和に達した親水化剤を構成する高分子からの細分化物５１ａ〜５４ｂの基材の表面エネルギーと略同等の表面エネルギーを有する主骨格部が、洗浄により形成された純粋な基材５６の表面に対し選択的に吸着する。その結果、表面改質剤中の基材５６の表面エネルギーと異なる表面エネルギーを有する基１−２が基材５６に対し外側に配向する。
【０１６５】
従って、基材５６の表面には、この表面の表面（界面）エネルギーと略同等の界面エネルギーを有する主骨格部分が配向し、基材５６の表面エネルギーと異なる表面エネルギーを有する基１−２が基材５６の表面とは反対側の外側に配向した状態になるために、基１−２が親水性基である場合には、基材５６の表面に親水性が付与されて、表面が改質される。親水処理液塗布乾燥後の親水化剤と基材表面の吸着状態の模式図を図２２に示す。
【０１６６】
なお、高分子として、例えばポリシロキサンのように開裂によって生成した細分化物が縮合などによって細分化物の少なくとも一部で結合可能なものを用いることで、基材５６表面に吸着した細分化物間に結合を生じさせて高分子化し、親水性化剤の皮膜をより強固なものとすることもできる。図２３に、このような縮合反応による再結合の模式図を示す。なお、ポリシロキサンを用いた場合の開裂による細分化物の形成とその縮合による高分子化のメカニズムは以下のとおりである。
【０１６７】
すなわち、被処理表面における表面処理液の制御された乾燥に伴い、この表面処理液中に含まれる希酸の濃度が上昇して濃酸化し、その濃酸（例えばＨ₂ＳＯ₄）がポリシロキサンのシロキサン結合を開裂させ、その結果、ポリシロキサンの細分化物およびシリル硫酸が生成する（スキーム１）。そして被処理表面に存在する処理液がさらに乾燥していくにつれて、表面処理液中に存在する細分化物の濃度も高まっていき、細分化物同士の接触確率が向上する。その結果、スキーム２に示すように、細分化物同士が縮合し、シロキサン結合が再生される。また、副生成物としてのシリル硫酸も、被処理表面が疎水性である場合には、シリル硫酸のメチル基が被処理表面に向かって配向し、スルホン基が被処理表面とは異なる方向に配向し、被処理表面の親水化に何らかの寄与を果たすものと考えられる。
【０１６８】
【化１】

【０１６９】
なお、表面処理液として溶媒中に水が存在する組成を有するものを利用した場合についての表面処置液の状態の一例を図２４に模式的に示す。処理液の溶媒中に水が存在する場合は、加熱を伴う親水化のための処理液からの溶媒の蒸発において、水及び揮発性有機溶剤が蒸発する（水の気体分子を６１、有機性有機溶剤の気体分子を６０で示す）。その際、揮発性有機溶剤の蒸発速度が水よりも速いため処理液中の水の濃度が高まっていき、処理液の表面張力が上昇していく。その結果、基材５６の被処理面と処理液との界面に表面エネルギーの差が生じ、基材５６の被処理面と、蒸発により水の濃度が高まった処理液（含水層６２）との界面において、親水化剤としての高分子からの細分化物５１ａ〜５４ｂにおける基材５６の被処理面と略同等の表面エネルギーを有する部分が基材５６の被処理面側に配向する。その一方で、親水化剤としての高分子からの細分化物の親水性基を有する部分は、有機溶媒の蒸発により水の濃度が高まった含水層６２側へ配向する。その結果、高分子細分化物の所定の配向性がより向上すると考えられる。
【０１７０】
本発明は、負圧によってインクを保持するインクジェット用繊維吸収体に関し、その繊維吸収体を構成する繊維の表面に親水化処理を施すものであるが、本発明に適用される、前述した物品に対する表面改質によれば、表面改質の対象は繊維に限らず、高分子の有する機能性基の特性や種類に応じて種々の物品や用途が挙げられる。以下にその幾つかの例について説明する。
【０１７１】
（１）機能性基が親水基である場合
物品としては、インクジェット系で用いられるインク吸収体等の吸収性を必要とするもの（オレフィン系繊維を含む場合は上記実施形態により対応できる）で、瞬間的に液体（上述の各実施形態などで説明される水系のインクなど）を吸収できる親水性を本発明の表面改質によって与えることができる。また、液体保持性を必要とする場合にも有効である。
【０１７２】
（２）機能性基が親油基である場合
本発明に適用される表面改質によれば、親油性を必要とするものに対しても有効に機能を与えることができる。
【０１７３】
（３）表面改質の他への応用は、上記原理のメカニズムを用いて達成できるものすべてが可能であり、本原理に含まれるものである。
【０１７４】
特に、処理剤として、物品表面への濡れ性と高分子の媒液を達成できる濡れ性を向上できる濡れ性向上剤（例えば、イソプロピルアルコール：ＩＰＡ）と高分子開裂を生じせしめる媒体と、前述のいずれかの機能性基とこの基とは異なる界面エネルギーであって、物品表面の部分表面エネルギーと略同等の基（または基群）を有する高分子を有するものを用いた場合における、開裂後の縮合による表面改質は、特に優れた効果を発揮し、従来からは得られない均一性や特性を確実に与えることができる。
【０１７５】
なお、本明細書では、こうした収容される液体に対する濡れ性に優れる性質を「親液性」と称することにする。
【０１７６】
また、本発明の補足概念として、繊維を成型または形成する際に用いられる中和剤（ステアソン酸カルシウムやハイドロタルサイト等）や他の添加物が繊維に含まれている場合があるが、上述した表面改質法の適用によって、これらのインクに対する溶出やインクにより析出されることのいずれも軽減でき、本発明の講分子膜が形成される場合は、これらの問題を解決できる。したがって、上述の表面改質法によれば、中和剤等の添加物の使用範囲を拡大できたり、またインク自在の特性変化も防止できる他、インクジェットヘッド自体の特性変化をも防止できる。
【０１７７】
これらの各種物品の製造における工程図の一例を図３６に示す。製造開始時において物品と処理液が提供され、物品の改質すべき表面（被改質面）への処理液付与工程、被改質面からの余剰物除去工程、被改質面上での高分子の開裂及び細分化物の配向のための処理液濃縮蒸発工程、細分化物間の結合による高分子化のための高分子縮合工程などを経て、改質された表面を有する物品を得ることができる。
【０１７８】
処理液濃縮工程及び処理液蒸発工程は、好ましくは室温よりも高い温度で溶媒の沸点以下の温度（例えば６０℃）での連続した加熱乾燥工程によって行うことができ、ポリオレフィン系樹脂からなる表面を改質するためにポリシロキサンを、水、酸及び有機溶媒（例えばイソプロピルアルコール）ともに用いた場合で、例えば、４５分〜２時間程度とすることができ、４０重量％のイソプロピルアルコール水溶液の使用においては例えば２時間前後である。なお、水分の含有量を少なくすることでこの乾燥処理時間を短くすることができる。なお、水分の含有量を少なくすることでこの乾燥処理時間を短くすることができる。
【０１７９】
なお、図３６の例では、高分子の開裂による細分化物の形成が物品の被改質面上で行なわれているが、細分化物を既に含む処理液を物品の被改質面上に供給して、配向させてもよい。
【０１８０】
処理液の組成としては、先に述べたように、例えば、被改質面に対する処理液のぬれ性を向上させるための被改質面に対するぬれ性を有し、表面改質剤の有効成分である高分子の良溶媒であるぬれ性向上剤、溶媒、高分子開裂触媒、被改質面への改質効果を付与するための機能性基と被改質面への付着機能を得るための基を有する高分子とを含んで構成されるものが利用できる。
【０１８１】
「原理適用例１」
次に、ポリプロピレン・ポリエチレン繊維体に対して上述の表面親水化の原理を適用した例を説明する。実際のポリプロピレン・ポリエチレン繊維体は、例えば、インクなどの液体を染み込ませ、インクを保持する目的で利用されるインク吸収体に利用できる形状を採る繊維を複合させて塊形状としたものである。例えば、図２５（ａ）に示すように、大気に対して開放された開口８５を有する適当な形状の容器８１内にインクなどの各種液体の吸収保持体として機能する繊維体８３を所定の配向で収納して、液体保持容器として使用することができる。更に、このようなインク吸収体は、インクジェット記録装置に用いるインクタンク中に好適に利用できるものである。特に、後に図２７及び図２８を用いて説明するように、親水処理液を含浸させた繊維吸収体を押しつぶして繊維の隙間から余分な処理溶液をしぼり出した後、加熱乾燥させるという処理を行った繊維吸収体をタンク内に収容させる場合は、処理溶液のしぼり出し方向と、タンクへ挿入するときの繊維吸収体の圧縮方向とを一致させると望ましい。つまり、上記のように処理溶液のしぼり作業時に圧縮させた繊維吸収体が復元したとき、例えば繊維の分岐又に親水化剤が確実に付いていなくても、その不具合を繊維吸収体のタンク挿入時に相殺させることができる。
【０１８２】
また、繊維は具体的にはポリプロピレンとポリエチレンの二軸繊維体から構成されており、個々の繊維は、長さが大凡６０ｍｍである。この二軸繊維体は、その断面形状を図２６（ａ）に例示するように、軸に対して垂直方向における断面の外形（外周形状）は略円形状（閉環状）であり、相対的に融点の高いポリプロピレン繊維を芯材とし、その周囲に相対的に融点の低いポリエチレンで覆い鞘材としたものである。このような断面構造の短繊維からなる繊維塊を梳綿機により、その繊維並び方向を揃えた後、加熱して、繊維間に融着を生じさせる。具体的には、鞘材のポリエチレンの融点よりは高く、芯材のポリプロピレンの融点よりは低い温度に加熱して、繊維が互いに接する部位の鞘材のポリエチレン相互が融着した構造体とする。
【０１８３】
上記の繊維構造体においては、図２５（ｃ）に示すように、梳綿機により繊維並び方向を揃えたため、繊維は、主に長手方向（Ｆ１）に連続的に配列されており、部分的に繊維は、相互に接触している。加熱により、この接触点（交点）において、相互の融着が生じて、網目構造を形成し、直交する方向（Ｆ２）についての機械的な弾力性を有するものとなっている。それに伴い、図２５（ｂ）に示す長手方向（Ｆ１）への引っ張り強度を増しているが、それに対して、直交する方向（Ｆ２）は、引っ張り強度は劣るものの、押しつぶし変形に対しては、復元力を有する弾性構造となっている。
【０１８４】
より詳細にこの繊維構造体を見ると、図２５（ｃ）に示すように、個々の繊維は捲縮されており、この捲縮に伴い、隣接する繊維間で複雑な網目構造を形成し、融着が生じている。一部の捲縮した繊維は、直交する方向（Ｆ２）に向くことで、三次元的な融着をも完成している。本例で実際に用いた繊維構造体は、融点約１８０℃の芯材のポリプロピレン繊維に対して、融点約１３２℃のポリエチレンが、図２６の（ａ）に示す略同心円状に被覆した二軸繊維のトウを用いて、スライバーに形成した。用いた繊維構造体では、主に繊維が配列する繊維方向（Ｆ１）が存在するので、仮に液体を浸漬すると、内部での流動性ならびに静止状態での保持の様子が、繊維方向（Ｆ１）とそれと直交する方向（Ｆ２）とでは、明確な差異を有する。
【０１８５】
この例では、対象とする物品形状が繊維構造体であり、平面な表面を有する物品より液体の保持性が一般に高いため、処理液溶液を以下の組成とした。
【０１８６】
【表２】

【０１８７】
（１）ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体の親水化処理方法
上記組成の親水処理液に、図２７（ａ）に示す構造のポリプロピレン・ポリエチレン繊維吸収体を浸漬した（図２７（ｂ））。この時、繊維吸収体の間隙に処理液が保持される。その後、繊維吸収体を押しつぶして（図２７の（ｃ））、繊維の隙間に保持されている、余分な処理溶液を除去した。金網等の抑え治具から取り出すと、繊維吸収体は元の形状に復元して（図２８の（ａ））、繊維表面に液層が塗布されたものとなる。この繊維表面が液で濡れたものを、６０℃オーブンにて、１時間乾燥させた（図２８（ｂ））。
【０１８８】
（対比例１及び参照例１）
加えて、対比例１として、上記繊維体親水処理液において調製した硫酸とイソプロピルアルコールのみを含む液についても、図２７及び図２８で説明した方法と同じ操作を施した。すなわち、表１で示した処理液から、（ポリオキシアルキレン）・ポリ（ジメチルシロキサン）を除いた液を用いた。また、参照例として、未処理のＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体を用いた。
【０１８９】
なお、上記の原理適用例１において、使用したＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体も重量０．５ｇに対し、前記の塗布法で繊維吸収体全体に塗布される親水処理液は０．３〜０．５ｇである。また、対比例１においても、塗布される液量は、原理適用例１と同じである。
【０１９０】
以上の操作で得られた各繊維吸収体における表面の処理状態についての評価及びその結果を以下に示す。
【０１９１】
（１）ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体親水性評価方法
イ）スポイト純水滴下評価
原理適用例１の処理をしたＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体、対比例１のＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体および参照例の未処理のＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体について、それぞれ、上部からスポイトにて純水を滴下した際、純水のしみこみ具合を観察した。
【０１９２】
ロ）純水浸漬評価
ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体が十分に入る大きさの容器に純水を満たし、この容器に中に、原理適用例１による処理のＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体、対比例１のＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体および参照例の未処理のＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体をゆっくり乗せ、その際、それぞれのＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体への純水のしみこみ具合を観察した。
【０１９３】
（２）ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体親水性評価結果
イ）スポイト純水滴下評価結果
原理適用例１の処理をしたＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体では、上部からスポイトにて純水を滴下した際、純水は瞬時に繊維吸収体の内部へと浸透していった。
【０１９４】
一方、対比例１のＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体ならびに参照例１の未処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体では、上部からスポイトにて純水を滴下したが、純水はＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体にまったく浸透せず、ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体上をはじくような形で球状形の液滴を形成していた。
【０１９５】
ロ）純水浸漬評価結果
原理適用例１の処理をしたＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体を純水を満たした容器に中にゆっくり乗せると、ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体はゆっくりと水中に沈んでいった。少なくとも、これは、図２７及び図２８を用いて説明した例によって処理したＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体の表面は、親水性有することを表している。
【０１９６】
一方、対比例１のＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体、ならびに参照例１の未処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体を純水を満たした容器に中にゆっくり乗せた際には、対比例１のＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体と未処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体は、共に純水の上に完全に浮いた状態になった。その後も、まったく水を吸収する様子はみられず、明らかに撥水性を示していた。
【０１９７】
以上の結果から、ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体に対しても、ポリアルキレンオキサイド鎖を有するポリアルキルシロキサン、酸、アルコールからなる処理液を塗布し、乾燥することにより、図２８（ｃ）に示すようなポリアルキルシロキサンの被覆が形成され、有効に表面親水化処理が行われると判断される。その結果として、上記の処理を施したＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体は、水性インクに対しても、十分にインク吸収体としての機能を持たせることが可能であることが判明した。
【０１９８】
上記の結果、すなわち、本発明に適用された表面改質において、ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維の表面にポリアルキレンオキサイド鎖を有するポリアルキルシロキサンが付着し、高分子被覆を形成することの査証を得る目的で、繊維表面のＳＥＭ写真による観察を行った。
【０１９９】
図２９、図３０、図３１に、参照例１（未処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体）の未処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維表面の拡大ＳＥＭ写真を示す。また、図３２に、対比例４（酸とアルコールのみ処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体）の酸処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維表面の拡大ＳＥＭ写真を示す。
【０２００】
図３３、図３４、図３５に、図２７及び図２８を用いて説明した例例（親水化処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体）の処理済ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維表面の拡大ＳＥＭ写真を示す。
【０２０１】
先ず、これら全てのＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維表面拡大ＳＥＭ写真において、繊維表面上に有機物の付着に起因すると判断される、明確な構造変化は確認できない。実際に、図３１の未処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維及び、図３５の親水化処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維の２０００倍拡大写真を詳細に比較しても、未処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維と親水化処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維の表面のＳＥＭ観察において両者の違いは認められない。従って、親水化処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維において、（ポリオキシアルキレン）・ポリ（ジメチルシロキサン）は繊維表面に均一に薄い膜状（単分子膜と思われる）に付着しているため、形状的には、元の繊維表面と区別が付かないものとなっており、ＳＥＭ観察上差異が認められないと判断される。
【０２０２】
一方、図３２の酸とアルコールのみで処理したＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維のＳＥＭ写真を見ると、繊維の交点（溶着部）の切断が多く生じ、また、繊維中に節のようなものが多く見られる。この変化は、加熱乾燥の過程で、溶剤の蒸発による高濃度の酸と、乾燥工程自体の熱により、繊維表面のＰＥ・ＰＰ分子、特に表層ＰＥの劣化が誘起・促進された結果を示している。
【０２０３】
一方、親水化処理溶液も、同じ濃度の酸を含み、同じく加熱乾燥を施すにもかかわらず、酸とアルコールのみで処理した酸処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維にて観測されるような、繊維結合部の切断、および、繊維中に節のようなものは認めれない。この事実は、原理適用例１の親水化処理では、繊維表面のＰＥ分子の劣化が抑制されていることを示している。これは、酸が作用して、繊維表面のＰＥ分子の切断が生じ、分子内にラジカルが生成した際にも、何らかの物質・構造がラジカルを捕捉し、ラジカルが連鎖的にＰＥを破壊することを抑制していると考えられる。そのラジカルの捕捉にも、表面に付着する（ポリオキシアルキレン）・ポリ（ジメチルシロキサン）が関与し、生成したラジカルを捕捉する形でＰＥ表面と化学的な結合をも形成することで、ラジカル連鎖によるＰＥ／ＰＰの破壊を抑制する副次的な現象・効果も否定はできない。
【０２０４】
これらを総合すると、原理適用例１においては、繊維表面の改質は、（ポリオキシアルキレン）・ポリ（ジメチルシロキサン）が繊維表面に均一に薄い膜状に付着していることで達成されていると判断される。その過程において、親水化処理に用いる溶液中に含まれる酸と溶剤による繊維表面の洗浄効果も期待でき、ポリアルキレンオキサイド鎖の物理的な吸着を促進する作用も予測される。それ以外に、高濃度の酸と熱によるＰＥ分子の切断に伴うＰＥ分子の切断部とポリアルキレンオキサイド鎖の化学的結合の可能性も少なからず存在していることも考えられる。
【０２０５】
さらには、原理適用例１では、曲面から形成される繊維表面に対しても、例えば、図２８（ｃ）に模式的に示すように、高分子の被覆を容易に達成できることを示している。このように表面の周部（断面の外周形状が閉環状である部分）を、高分子の被覆が環状に覆うことで、この高分子の被覆により表面改質がなされた部分が物品から容易に剥離しないようにすることができる。
【０２０６】
なお、二軸繊維には、二軸繊維の中には図２６（ｂ）に示すように偏芯して、核部（芯材）１ｂが部分的に外壁面に露出して、表層（鞘材）からなる表面と核部からなる表面が混在している場合があるが、この様な場合においても、上記の本発明にかかる表面改質処理を行うことで、核部の露出部分および表層の表面の両方に親水性を付与すれることが可能である。なお、親水性機能をもつ界面滑性剤を塗布し、乾燥させただけの場合には、部分的ではあるが初期親水性は得られるものの、純水により軽く揉み洗いすると、すぐに界面滑性剤が水に溶解して溶出してしまい、親水性が失われる。
【０２０７】
「原理適用例２、３」
次に、ＰＰ繊維体に対して上述の表面親水化の原理を適用した例を説明する。具体的には、ＰＰ繊維体として、２ｃｍ×２ｃｍ×３ｃｍの直方体形状に成形した繊維径が２デニールの繊維塊を利用した。
【０２０８】
先ず、下記する二種の組成の親水処理溶液を調製した。
【０２０９】
【表３】

【０２１０】
【表４】

【０２１１】
第２の組成（原理適用例３）は、イソプロピルアルコールならびに純水をこの順に所定量加えて、上記の組成としたものである。ここでも、含まれる硫酸と（ポリオキシアルキレン）・ポリ（ジメチルシロキサン）は、４倍に希釈されたものとなっている。
【０２１２】
図２７及び図２８を用いて説明したＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体の親水化処理方法の手順に準じて、イソプロピルアルコールを主な溶媒とする第１組成（表２）の溶液で処理したＰＰ繊維体（原理適用例２）と、水と、イソプロピルアルコールの混合溶媒とする第２組成の溶液で処理したＰＰ繊維体（原理適用例３）を得た。
【０２１３】
（参照例２）
未処理のＰＰ繊維体を参照例２とした。
【０２１４】
原理適用例１と同様に、参照例２の未処理のＰＰ繊維体は、その表面は撥水性であるものが、原理適用例２のＰＰ繊維体、原理適用例３のＰＰ繊維体ともに親水性を示す表面に改質されていた。その親水性の程度を評価する目的で、シャーレに水性インク（γ＝４６ｄｙｎ/ｃｍ）７ｇを入れ、そのインク液表面に、原理適用例２のＰＰ繊維体、原理適用例３のＰＰ繊維体、ならびに参照例２の未処理のＰＰ繊維体を静かに乗せた。
【０２１５】
参照例２の未処理のＰＰ繊維体は、水性インク上に浮いた状態であったが、原理適用例２のＰＰ繊維体、原理適用例３のＰＰ繊維体では、繊維体の底面からインクを吸い上げていた。しかしながら、原理適用例２のＰＰ繊維体と原理適用例３のＰＰ繊維体とを比較すると、吸い上げられた水性インク量に明確な差異が見られ、原理適用例２のＰＰ繊維体は、シャーレ内のインクを全て吸い上げ・吸収していたが、原理適用例３のＰＰ繊維体では、シャーレ内にインクの凡そ半量が残っていた。
【０２１６】
原理適用例２のＰＰ繊維体と原理適用例３のＰＰ繊維体とにおいて、その表面上に被覆する高分子である（ポリオキシアルキレン）・ポリ（ジメチルシロキサン）の総量は、実質的な顕著な差異はないが、その被覆における高分子自体の配向の程度に差異がある結果と考えられる。
【０２１７】
例えば、原理適用例２のＰＰ繊維体においては、その表面上に被覆する高分子は、概ね配向するものの、部分的には、配向に乱れを含む状態で付着を完成している。一方、原理適用例３のＰＰ繊維体においては、前記する配向の乱れは格段に少なくされている。
【０２１８】
この（ポリオキシアルキレン）・ポリ（ジメチルシロキサン）による親水化処理は、イソプロピルアルコールに加えて、水を溶媒に加えることで、密で、より配向が揃った被覆が達成されていると判断される。処理液自体、表面を均一に濡らす必要があるので、少なくともイソプロピルアルコールを２０％程度含むことが望ましいが、上記の原理適用例３のイソプロピルアルコールの含有率４０％よりも少ないイソプロピルアルコールの含有率であっても、被覆が可能と考えられる。すなわち、溶媒を蒸散して、乾燥させる過程では、イソプロピルアルコールがより早く揮発して失われ、その間、イソプロピルアルコールの含有率は一層低下するので、それを考慮すると、イソプロピルアルコールの含有率４０％よりも少ないイソプロピルアルコールの含有率であっても、被覆が可能と考えられる。また、工業的には安全性からみて、イソプロピルアルコールの量は４０％以下が好ましい。
【０２１９】
また、本発明の上記改質方法及び改質された表面、物品における上記技術思想は負圧発生部材としての繊維以外の多孔質体にもすべて適用可能であることは言うまでもない。
【０２２０】
なお、上記（その他の実施形態）の欄に開示した方法で一様に親液化された負圧発生部材は、発明が解決すべき課題の欄でも述べられているような、負圧発生部材内に含浸したインク（液体）が抜き取られた後の、インクの再度の吸い上げに関して、インクの抜き取り量やくり返しの回数によらず、再度の吸い上げ後の負圧発生部材で保持するインク量がほぼ同じ、言い換えれば初期負圧に復帰できる、という効果がある。
【０２２１】
一方、負圧発生部材収納室に対して液体収納室を着脱自在に設ける実施形態では、液体収納室を交換する際の負圧発生部材収納室の液体の保持量は、インク導出口との連結部であるジョイントパイプ近傍にまで液体が保持されている場合や、インク供給口近傍の液体まで消費されている場合もしくは、消費（供給）できるインクが無い場合といったように様々である。上記本発明の適用によれば、上記（その他の実施形態）の欄に開示した方法のいずれかで負圧発生部材収納室内の負圧発生部材に対して親液化処理することで、液体収納室の交換後の、負圧発生部材収納室のインク供給口部における負圧を、交換回数や交換前の負圧発生部材収納室内の液体の残量にかかわらず、初期水準（負圧、量）に常に復帰せしめることができる。ここで、本発明の部分親水化を考慮する場合、その処理部においては、交換前の負圧発生部材の液体の残量がこの処理部内近傍にあれば（例えばジョイントパイプ近傍の液体のみが消費されている場合）、負圧発生部材全体を上述の方法で親水化するのではなく、液体が補充される部分から液体が消費される部分にわたって、上述の親液化処理が行われていればよい。
【０２２２】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明によれば、液体吐出ヘッド用記録液体を保持するための液体収納容器に収納された負圧発生部材としての繊維体において、繊維表面にポリオレフィン系樹脂を有し、該ポリオレフィン系樹脂が親水基を該樹脂表面に配向して持つことにより、繊維表面の濡れ性が高くなるので、使用する液体が高表面張力インクであってもその注入に従来必要であった特別の工程や設備を簡素化することができる。また記録用液体の移動時の流抵抗が低下するので、高速印字に伴う液体吐出ヘッドへの高流量の供給に対応することも可能である。
【０２２３】
また、液体収納容器の供給口部分に配した繊維の圧接体に親水化処理を施すことにより、インク流抵抗を低減し、インクの流動性を高めることができるので、高流量のインク供給が可能になる。さらには、繊維体を圧接体とした場合の気泡の滞留を防ぐことができるため、この面でも流抵抗の上昇を抑制できる。
【０２２４】
また、液体収納容器に収納された負圧発生部材としての繊維体の、供給口に対応する部分及びその周辺域を親水化処理したことにより、供給口及びその周辺に記録用液体が常に存在しようとするため、ヘッドへの液体供給が途切れにくい。
【０２２５】
また、負圧発生部材収納室と液体収納室とを互いの連通部を介して一体又は着脱自在に構成した液体収納室において、前記供給口を重力方向下向きにした姿勢で、負圧発生部材としての繊維体の、前記負圧発生部材収納部と前記液体収納部との連通部より重力方向に関して上方に在って重力方向に対して交差する平面層を親水化処理したことにより、環境変化により液体収納部内の液体及び気体が膨張しても、繊維間を流れる液体を前記親水化処理部で拡散させることができる。そのため、負圧発生部材収納室の容積を増加させずに急激な圧力上昇を充分に緩和させることができる。
【０２２６】
また、負圧発生部材収納室と液体収納室とを互いの連通部を介して一体又は着脱自在に構成した液体収納室において、収納された負圧発生部材としての繊維体の、前記負圧発生部材収納部と前記液体収納部との連通部から、液体吐出ヘッドへの液体の供給口までの液体供給域を親水化処理したことにより、繊維体の持つミクロな疎密差により気液交換時の液面が乱れて低下しても、親水化処理域おいて、突出した低下液面が止められる。これにより、液体収納部から負圧発生部材収納部への液体の移動をエアーで途切らせることがないので、安定した気液交換動作が行われる。また、供給口付近が親水化処理されていることで、その周囲に常に存在しようとするため、供給口において記録用液体が途切れにくい。さらには、新しい液体収納部に交換した際に、繊維体の親水化処理域が積極的に液体を呼ぶ込むため、液体吐出ヘッドの回復を速やかにできる。また、液体吐出ヘッドの回復に必要な液量を、親水化処理域の大きさでコントロールできる。
【０２２７】
また、負圧発生部材収納室と液体収納室とを互いの連通部を介して一体又は着脱自在に構成した液体収納室において、収納された負圧発生部材としての繊維体の、前記負圧発生部材収納部と前記液体収納部との連通部もしくはその近傍の大気導入溝及び、その周辺に対応する領域を親水化処理したことにより、この親水化部分が安定的に液体を保持するため、気液交換状態に達する前に、不用意なエアパスにより気液交換動作が行なわれるのを防ぐことができる。また、気液交換状態において記録用液体の消費が停止したとき、前記繊維体の大気導入溝及びその周辺に対応する部分を液体で満たし速やかに大気連通溝もしくは連通部を塞ぐことができる。以上の機能により安定した気液交換動作が可能となる。また、前記液体収納容器を交換するために取り外した際、前記負圧発生部材収納部側の連通部より液体がたれにくい。
【０２２８】
加えて、本発明に適用される表面改質法によれば、多孔質体や微細加工物品などの複雑な形状を有する負圧発生部材の内部全体表面に対して、所望の親液性処理が行える。そして、表面改質が困難とされているオレフィン系樹脂に対して、従来よりも長期的に親液性を維持できる。さらに、負圧発生部材構造や重量増加がほとんど無く、改質表面自体が分子レベル、好ましくは単分子レベルの薄層として形成できる。さらに、所望の改質を自由に行え、また、簡単で且つ量産性に優れた製造方法を提供できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施形態による液体収納容器の概略断面図である。
【図２】本発明の第２の実施形態による液体収納容器の概略断面図である。
【図３】本発明の第２の実施形態による液体収納容器の吸収体における親水化処理域の例を示す図である。
【図４】本発明の第２の実施形態による液体収納容器の吸収体における親水化処理域の例を示す図である。
【図５】本発明の第３の実施形態による液体収納容器であるインクジェットヘッドカートリッジ内の負圧発生部材（吸収体）における親水化処理域の例を示す図である。
【図６】本発明の第３の実施形態による液体収納容器であるインクジェットヘッドカートリッジ内の負圧発生部材（吸収体）における親水化処理域の例を示す図である。
【図７】本発明の第３の実施形態による液体収納容器であるインクジェットヘッドカートリッジ内の負圧発生部材（吸収体）における親水化処理域の例を示す図である。
【図８】本発明の第３の実施形態による液体収納容器であるインクジェットヘッドカートリッジ内の負圧発生部材（吸収体）における親水化処理域の例を示す図である。
【図９】本発明の第３の実施形態による液体収納容器であるインクジェットヘッドカートリッジにおけるインクの移動状態の例を示す図である。
【図１０】本発明の第３の実施形態による液体収納容器であるインクジェットヘッドカートリッジにおける気液交換時の親水化処理域の効果を説明するための図である。
【図１１】本発明の第３の実施形態による液体収納容器であるインクジェットヘッドカートリッジ内の負圧発生部材（吸収体）における親水化処理域の例を示す図である。
【図１２】本発明の第４の実施形態による圧接体を有する液体収納容器を示す概略断面図である。
【図１３】本発明の第５の実施形態による液体収納容器を示す概略断面図である。
【図１４】図１３に示すような親水化処理域が有る場合と無い場合との効果の違いを説明するための図である。
【図１５】本発明の第６の実施形態による液体収納容器内の吸収体の親水化処理方法を説明するための図である。
【図１６】本発明の第７の実施形態による液体吐出記録装置を示す概略斜視図である。
【図１７】本発明に適用可能な表面改質方法における、物品（基材）の被改質表面上に形成される表面改質剤の高分子と物品表面との付着形態を模式的に示す図であり、（ａ）は機能性基としての第２の基と物品表面への付着のための第１の基の両方が高分子の側鎖にある場合について説明する図であり、（ｂ）は第１の基が主鎖中に含まれている場合を説明する図である。
【図１８】本発明に適用可能な表面改質方法において、表面改質剤の高分子を含む処理溶液を塗布し、基材上に塗布層を形成した状態を模式的に示す図である。
【図１９】本発明に適用可能な表面改質方法において、基材上に形成した表面改質剤の高分子を含む塗布層中の溶媒を一部除去する工程を示す概念図である。
【図２０】表面改質剤の高分子を含む塗布層中の溶媒を一部除去する工程に付随し、処理溶液中に添加する酸により誘起される、表面改質剤の高分子の部分的な解離過程を示す概念図である。
【図２１】表面改質剤の高分子を含む塗布層中の溶媒をさらに除去する工程に付随し、表面改質剤の高分子あるいはその解離細分化物が配向形成する過程を示す概念図である。
【図２２】塗布層中の溶媒を乾燥除去して、表面改質剤の高分子あるいはその解離細分化物が配向して、表面上に付着固定される過程を示す概念図である。
【図２３】表面上に付着固定される表面改質剤の高分子由来の解離細分化物相互が、縮合反応により再結合する過程を示す概念図である。
【図２４】本発明に適用可能な表面改質方法を、撥水性表面の親水化処理に適用する事例を示し、処理溶液中に水を添加する効果を示す概念図である。
【図２５】インクタンクにおけるインク吸収体に利用されうるＰＥ・ＰＰ繊維体を示し、（ａ）は、インクタンクにおけるインク吸収体としての利用形態を、（ｂ）は、ＰＥ・ＰＰ繊維体の全体形状と、繊維の配列方向Ｆ１とそれと直交する方向Ｆ２を、（ｃ）は、前記ＰＥ・ＰＰ繊維体を加熱融着して形成する前の状態を、（ｄ）は、前記ＰＥ・ＰＰ繊維体を加熱融着して形成した状態をそれぞれ模式的に示す図である。
【図２６】図２５に示すＰＥ・ＰＰ繊維体の断面構造の一例であり、（ａ）はＰＰ芯材上にＰＥ鞘材がほぼ同心円状に被覆する例、（ｂ）はＰＰ芯材上にＰＥ鞘材が偏心して被覆する例を模式的に示す図である。
【図２７】図２５に示すＰＥ・ＰＰ繊維体の撥水性表面の親水化処理に本発明の表面改質方法を適用する事例を示し、（ａ）は未処理の繊維体を、（ｂ）は繊維体を親水化処理液に浸漬する工程を、（ｃ）は浸漬後、繊維体を圧縮し、余剰の処理液を除く工程を模式的に示す図である。
【図２８】図２７に示す工程に引き続く工程を示し、（ａ）は繊維体表面に形成された塗布層を、（ｂ）は塗布層中に含まれる溶媒を乾燥除去する工程を、（ｃ）は、繊維表面を覆う親水化剤の被覆を模式的に示す図である。
【図２９】参照例１（未処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体）の未処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維形状とその表面状態を表わす１５０倍拡大の図面代用のＳＥＭ写真を示す。
【図３０】参照例１（未処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体）の未処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維形状とその表面状態を表わす５００倍拡大の図面代用のＳＥＭ写真を示す。
【図３１】参照例１（未処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体）の未処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維形状とその表面状態を表わす２０００倍拡大の図面代用のＳＥＭ写真を示す。
【図３２】対比例１（酸とアルコールのみ処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体）の酸処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維形状とその表面状態を表わす１５０倍拡大の図面代用のＳＥＭ写真を示す。
【図３３】原理適用例１（親水化処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体）の処理済ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維形状とその表面状態を表わす１５０倍拡大の図面代用のＳＥＭ写真を示す。
【図３４】原理適用例１（親水化処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体）の処理済ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維形状とその表面状態を表わす５００倍拡大の図面代用のＳＥＭ写真を示す。
【図３５】原理適用例１（親水化処理ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維吸収体）の処理済ＰＰ・ＰＥ繊維形状とその表面状態を表わす２０００倍拡大の図面代用のＳＥＭ写真を示す。
【図３６】本発明に適用可能な改質表面処理の製造工程の一例を示す工程図である。
【図３７】本発明に適用可能な表面改質処理による表面の親水性基と疎水性基の推定される分布の一例を模式的に示す図である。
【図３８】本発明に適用可能な、インクジェットヘッドカートリッジ内の負圧発生部材（吸収体）における親水化処理の例を示す図である。
【符号の説明】
１、１１ インクタンク
２、１５ ＰＰ繊維体
３、１６ 大気連通口
４、１４ インク供給口
５ 親水化処理液
１２ 負圧発生部材収納室
１３ インク収納室
１７ インク導出口
１８ 仕切り壁
１９ 大気導入溝
２０ シール
１００ 負圧制御ユニット
１０２ シール面
１１０ 負圧制御室容器
１１３ｃ 境界面
１１５ 大気連通口
１１６ バッファ空間
１２０ 蓋部材
１３０、１４０ 吸収体
１５０ ホルダー
１６０ インクジェットヘッドユニット
１６１ フィルター
１６５ インク供給管
１７０、２５０ ＩＤ部材
１８０ ジョイントパイプ
１８０ａ シール用突起
１８０ｂ 弁開閉用突起
２００ インクタンクユニット
２０１ インク収納容器
２１０ 筐体
２１０ａ 係合部
２２０ 内袋
２２１ ピンチオフ部
２２２ 外気連通口
２３０ ジョイント口
２５０ａ クリック部
２５２ ＩＤ用凹部
２６０ａ 第１弁枠
２６０ｂ 第２弁枠
２６１ 弁体
２６２ 弁蓋
２６３ 付勢部材
３００
Ｈ 液面（気液界面）
１０００ 液体収納容器
５０２０ キャップ
５０３０ ガイドシャフト
５０４０ リードスクリュー
５０５０ 螺旋溝
５０８０ ギア
５０９０、５１００、５１１０、５２００ 駆動伝達ギア
５１３０ 駆動モータ
ＨＣ キャリッジ
ＩＪＲＡ インク吐出記録装置[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fiber body used in a container for storing a liquid to be supplied to a liquid discharge head for discharging a liquid to perform recording, and a liquid storage container for storing the fiber body.
[0002]
Furthermore, the present invention improves the wettability by changing the properties and properties of either the surface of the fiber itself used as a negative pressure generating member in the liquid storage container or the surface subjected to any treatment on this surface. The present invention relates to a surface modification method for an article, and relates to a surface-modified negative pressure generating member.
[0003]
In particular, the present invention relates to a surface modification method capable of reliably performing surface modification on a fiber composed of an olefin resin that is difficult to perform surface treatment but is environmentally friendly, a fiber having a modified surface, and a method for producing the fiber. .
[0004]
[Prior art]
An ink tank for an ink jet recording apparatus houses an absorber in the tank and holds the ink by the internal negative pressure of the absorber, thereby maintaining a stable meniscus at the ink ejection portion of the recording head.
[0005]
One of the absorbers that generate a negative pressure in such an ink tank is a fiber body that holds ink by a capillary force between entangled fibers. As this fibrous body, one using a fiber made of polyolefin resin in which polyethylene (PE) is formed on the surface layer of polypropylene (PP) has been put into practical use from the viewpoint of improving recyclability and ink wet resistance.
[0006]
Conventionally, the properties and properties of articles themselves are dominated by the properties of the constituent materials, but the properties have been modified on the surface to give desired properties. This desired property includes a reactive group having reactivity on the surface such as water repellency and hydrophilicity or a reactive group capable of reacting with an adduct.
[0007]
Further, this type of conventional surface modification is generally performed by radicalizing the surface of an article by ozone, UV, or a combination of UV and ozone, and forming the main component of the treatment agent only by chemical bonding.
[0008]
On the other hand, there are some which obtain a desired property instantaneously by attaching a treatment agent having the desired property itself to the surface of the product without radicalizing the surface of the product, but there is no sustainability.
[0009]
In particular, in the hydrophilization of environmentally friendly olefin-based resins, conventionally, only an incomplete hydrophilic state is temporarily obtained in the presence of a liquid by mixing an interfacial lubricant.
[0010]
Conventionally, an adhesive or a primer is used to form an additional layer on an article. Among them, a primer that performs only reactive bonding to the surface of an article such as a silane coupling agent needs to be treated so that the article itself can react.
[0011]
As a primer, there is also a method using affinity using the same material system as the article. As this primer, acid-modified chlorinated polypropylene used for forming a polyurethane resin topcoat layer on polypropylene is known. However, when the same material system as that of the article surface must be used, the article volume increases as a result, and a technique for performing uniform coating thinly is required. In addition, it cannot be performed uniformly to the inside of a fine object or porous body. In particular, acid-modified chlorinated polypropylene is insoluble in water and cannot be used after being water-soluble, and its application is limited.
[0012]
Therefore, even if it is a material different from the surface of the article, it can be said that there is no material that can be made into an aqueous solution and can perform a thin and uniform surface modification without being restricted by the shape of the article.
[0013]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since PE and PP constituting the fiber have poor wettability depending on the ink (contact angle with water of 80 ° or more), injecting ink into the fiber body in this case includes a step of decompressing the inside of the ink tank container. I had to adopt it. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare an injection device, and there is a problem that the manufacturing process is complicated.
[0014]
Furthermore, recent ink jet printers have been improved in image quality and a wide variety of inks, and the inks used tend to be added with a solvent that enhances the fixing property on the paper surface or pigments. Accordingly, the viscosity of the ink to be used is increased, and the ink flow resistance in the fiber body is increased. As a result, there arises a problem that it becomes difficult to supply ink to a printer that tends to increase the printing speed.
[0015]
In addition, there is an ink tank in which a pressure contact body composed of a fiber bundle with the fiber direction aligned with the liquid supply direction is arranged in the liquid supply port to the recording head. If it is high, there is a problem that ink cannot be stably fed to the head when high-flow ink supply is required with high-speed printing.
[0016]
The present invention is an epoch-making invention made on the basis of new knowledge while considering the prior art.
[0017]
Conventional surface modification only by chemical bonding by radicalization cannot perform uniform surface modification on a complex-shaped surface. Moreover, surface modification cannot be particularly performed inside a negative pressure generating member having a complicated porous portion inside, such as a sponge or fiber composite used in the inkjet field for generating negative pressure.
[0018]
In addition, the addition of an interfacial lubricant or the like in the liquid does not modify the surface of the porous body itself. When the interfacial lubricant disappears, the characteristics disappear completely, and the characteristics of the surface itself are immediately improved. I will return.
[0019]
In addition, although the olefin resin is excellent in water repellency such that the contact angle with water is 80 degrees or more, there is no method for surface modification that makes it possible to obtain lyophilic properties over a long period of time.
[0020]
Therefore, the inventors of the present invention first provide a method capable of performing surface modification of any article by rationally modifying the surface of the olefin resin and elucidating a method for maintaining the modification characteristics. As a result of research, we focused on using liquid processing liquid and decided to make it possible to process negative pressure generating members with complicated shapes.
[0021]
Further, as a new finding of the present inventors, the balance between the reactive group and the reactive group is desired by utilizing the surface energy in the relationship between the surface to be modified of the negative pressure generating member and the polymer having the reactive group. We found out that it can be controlled to the above state and that further improvement in durability and quality stability can be achieved by analyzing the polymer itself.
[0022]
From another point of view, the present inventors have newly recognized the following problems when paying attention to the negative pressure characteristics of a negative pressure generating member such as a porous body.
[0023]
In other words, the conventional negative pressure generating member is often exposed to liquid such as initially filled liquid ink, and even when the negative pressure chamber and the liquid storage chamber are integrated, Although the exposed portion may be consumed and refilled, it is not assumed that the negative pressure generating member that is totally consumed will be refilled with liquid in a normal apparatus. Therefore, whether or not to return to the initial negative pressure or the initial liquid holding amount by replenishing the liquid is not recognized by those skilled in the art.
[0024]
According to the present invention, whether or not such a return can be made by attaching a replenishing liquid storage chamber (container or tank) to the negative pressure generating member storage chamber after consuming the contained liquid at an arbitrary level. As a result, it is possible to obtain a considerable amount of liquid that is initially filled in the negative pressure generating member by using some kind of forced injection. However, when the liquid is simply refilled in this way, the air in the negative pressure generating member Because removal was difficult, only about half of the recovery was obtained, and repeating this showed that the amount of liquid that could be held again decreased and the negative pressure also increased.
[0025]
Based on the above problems, the present inventors have conducted intensive studies. As a result, if the surface of the fiber made of PE and PP is hydrophilized, the ink wettability is improved and the flow resistance during ink movement is reduced. In addition, they found out what kind of hydrophilization treatment can achieve long-term hydrophilicity. And the knowledge that a hydrophilic treatment can be developed more rationally by using such a hydrophilic treatment for a desired region of a fibrous body as a negative pressure generating member in accordance with the form of a liquid container. It came to.
[0026]
That is, in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, one aspect of the present invention is a fibrous body that can exhibit ink supply properties corresponding to a wide variety of inks and a high-speed printing, and that allows easy ink injection. An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid storage container and a method for hydrophilizing the fibrous body.
[0027]
[Means for achieving the object]
The present invention does not process the characteristics of the negative pressure generating member as described above by a technique such as radicalization by ozone or ultraviolet light, but also causes uneven coating by applying a primer such as a silane coupling agent. An innovative new liquid surface modification method capable of performing a desired new liquid surface modification by a novel mechanism, which is not a generated technique, and a treatment liquid used therefor, a negative pressure generating member obtained thereby, and The main purpose is to provide a fiber negative pressure generating member that is excellent in the ability to return to the initial negative pressure by re-supplying the liquid, especially the surface structure obtained by modification to the surface of the new liquid, and excellent in liquid supply. To do.
[0028]
The first object of the present invention is to use a liquid treatment liquid capable of performing a desired lyophilic treatment on the entire internal surface of a negative pressure generating member having a complicated shape such as a porous body or a microfabricated article. The lyophilic surface modification method can be provided.
[0029]
The second object of the present invention is to provide a novel lyophilic surface modification method capable of maintaining lyophilicity for a long period of time and a surface structure itself for an olefin resin that is difficult to modify. It is to provide.
[0030]
The third object of the present invention is to provide a novel lyophilic surface modification method and surface capable of forming a modified surface itself as a thin layer at a molecular level, preferably a monomolecular level, with almost no negative pressure generating member structure or weight increase. To provide the structure itself.
[0031]
The fourth object of the present invention is to provide a treatment method capable of freely performing desired modification by introducing a new mechanism into the lyophilic surface modification method itself.
[0032]
The fifth object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a negative pressure generating member surface lyophilic treatment which is simple and excellent in mass productivity.
[0033]
The sixth object of the present invention is an epoch-making that utilizes interfacial physical adsorption by a substantially equivalent energy level due to cleavage of a polymer, while utilizing the viewpoint of the interfacial energy of a group (or group) included in the polymer. The object is to provide a lyophilic treatment method for the surface of a negative pressure generating member.
[0034]
The seventh object of the present invention is to provide a novel lyophilic surface modification method capable of uniformly modifying the periphery of the negative pressure generating member, and the surface structure itself is at a level not conventionally obtained from the viewpoint of the entire periphery. To provide a surface structure.
[0035]
Other objects of the present invention will be understood from the following description, and the present invention can also achieve a complex object by any combination of the above individual objects.
[0036]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a negative pressure generating fiber body used in a container that can supply liquid to be supplied to a liquid discharge head that discharges liquid to perform recording, and includes an olefin resin. At least on the fiber surface, the olefin resin Relatively long chain on its surface With lyophilic groups Wetted surface structure with relatively short-chain lyophobic groups It is characterized by having an orientation.
[0037]
The present invention also relates to a fiber body made of a fiber having a polymer compound applied to at least a partial surface thereof, which is used in a container that can supply an aqueous liquid to be supplied to a liquid discharge head that performs recording by discharging the aqueous liquid. Because
The polymer compound is Relatively long chain A first portion having a hydrophilic group and a group having an interface energy lower than the surface energy of the hydrophilic group and substantially equal to the surface energy of the surface of the portion Relatively short chain A second part,
The second portion is oriented toward the partial surface, and the first portion is oriented in a direction different from the partial surface.
[0038]
When the surface of the fiber is an olefin resin, the polymer compound is preferably a polyalkylsiloxane having a hydrophilic group, for example, and the hydrophilic group preferably has a polyalkylene oxide chain, for example.
[0039]
The olefin-based resin is preferably polypropylene or polyethylene, and the polyalkylsiloxane is preferably a polyoxyalkylene / dimethylpolysiloxane.
[0040]
Moreover, this invention is a liquid storage container which accommodates said fiber body as a negative pressure generation member.
[0041]
The present invention also includes a negative pressure generating member storage portion that stores the fibrous body as a negative pressure generating member, and a liquid storage portion that supplies liquid to the negative pressure generation member storage portion. Is a liquid storage container configured to be integrally or detachable with respect to the negative pressure generating member storage portion.
[0042]
The liquid storage portion stores liquid, deforms as the liquid is led out and generates a negative pressure, a housing that covers the inner bag, and introduces air between the housing and the inner bag. It may be provided with a possible outside air communication port.
[0043]
The entire fibrous body as the negative pressure generating member stored above has a polyolefin resin on the fiber surface, and the polyolefin resin has a hydrophilic group oriented on the resin surface so that the fiber surface is wetted. Therefore, even if the liquid to be used is high surface tension ink, the injection process can be simplified. Further, since the flow resistance during the movement of the recording liquid is lowered, it is possible to cope with the supply of a high flow rate to the liquid discharge head accompanying high-speed printing.
[0044]
Further, the present invention provides a liquid storage container having a supply port for supplying a liquid to the liquid discharge head and an atmosphere communication port for communicating the inside with the atmosphere, and housing the negative pressure generating member, It is characterized in that a fibrous body such as is arranged. By disposing the fiber body thus hydrophilized in the supply port portion, it is possible to reduce the ink flow resistance and increase the fluidity of the ink while obtaining a desired capillary force. Ink supply becomes possible. Furthermore, since it is possible to prevent bubbles from staying when the fibrous body is a pressure contact body, an increase in flow resistance can also be suppressed in this aspect.
[0045]
The present invention also provides a liquid storage container having a supply port for supplying a liquid to the liquid discharge head and an air communication port for communicating the inside with the air, and storing the fiber body as a negative pressure generating member. Only the part corresponding to the supply port of the body and the peripheral part thereof are partially lyophilicized. Hydrophilizing such a part includes a negative pressure generating member storing portion storing a fibrous body as a negative pressure generating member, an air communication port for communicating the inside of the negative pressure generating member storing portion with the atmosphere, A supply port for supplying the liquid held by the fiber body to the liquid discharge head; and a liquid storage unit for leading the liquid to the negative pressure generation member storage unit, the liquid storage unit being connected to the negative pressure generation member storage unit The present invention can be applied to a liquid container that is integrally or detachable.
[0046]
Since the part corresponding to the supply port of the fiber body as the housed negative pressure generating member and the peripheral region part thereof are only partially lyophilic, the recording liquid is supplied to the supply port and the periphery thereof. Since it always tries to exist, liquid supply to the head is difficult to interrupt, and in addition, bubbles do not easily flow into the recording head.
[0047]
Further, the present invention provides a negative pressure generating member storage portion storing a fibrous body as a negative pressure generating member, an atmosphere communication port for communicating the inside of the negative pressure generating member storage portion with the atmosphere, and a liquid held by the fibrous body. A supply port for supplying the liquid to the liquid discharge head; and a liquid storage section for leading the liquid to the negative pressure generating member storage section, wherein the liquid storage section is integrated with or removable from the negative pressure generation member storage section. In the configured liquid storage container,
With the posture in which the supply port is directed downward in the direction of gravity, From the communicating portion between the negative pressure generating member storage portion and the liquid storage portion of the fibrous body Regarding the direction of gravity A planar layer that is above and intersects the direction of gravity is partially lyophilicized around its periphery.
[0048]
Hydrophilization treatment of the planar layer that intersects the direction of gravity above the communicating portion between the negative pressure generating member storage portion and the liquid storage portion of the fiber body as the stored negative pressure generating member. As a result, even if the liquid and gas in the liquid storage part due to environmental changes expand, the liquid flowing between the fibers can be diffused by the hydrophilic treatment part. For this reason, it is possible to sufficiently alleviate the sudden pressure increase in the cross-sectional direction with respect to the vertical direction without increasing the volume of the negative pressure generating member storage chamber.
[0049]
Further, the present invention provides a negative pressure generating member storage portion storing a fibrous body as a negative pressure generating member, an atmosphere communication port for communicating the inside of the negative pressure generating member storage portion with the atmosphere, and a liquid held by the fibrous body. A supply port for supplying the liquid to the liquid discharge head; and a liquid storage section for leading the liquid to the negative pressure generating member storage section, wherein the liquid storage section is integrated with or removable from the negative pressure generation member storage section. In the constructed liquid storage container, a liquid supply area of at least the negative pressure generating member storage part and the liquid storage part from the communication part to the supply port of the fiber body is partially lyophilic with respect to the entire fiber body. It is processed.
[0050]
The fiber body as the stored negative pressure generating member has a partial liquid supply area from at least the communication portion between the negative pressure generating member storage portion and the liquid storage portion to the supply port with respect to the entire fiber body. As a result of the lyophilic treatment, even if the liquid level at the time of gas-liquid exchange is disturbed and lowered due to the micro density difference of the fibrous body, the protruding lowered liquid level is stopped in the lyophilic treatment area. Thereby, since the movement of the liquid from the liquid storage part to the negative pressure generating member storage part is not interrupted by air, a stable gas-liquid exchange operation is performed. In addition, since the vicinity of the supply port is lyophilic, the recording liquid is unlikely to be interrupted at the supply port because it always tends to exist around the supply port. Furthermore, when the liquid storage unit is replaced with a new one, the lyophilic area of the fiber body actively calls in the liquid, so that the head can be recovered quickly. In addition, the amount of liquid necessary for head recovery can be controlled by the size of the lyophilic area.
[0051]
Further, the present invention provides a negative pressure generating member storage portion storing a fibrous body as a negative pressure generating member, an atmosphere communication port for communicating the inside of the negative pressure generating member storage portion with the atmosphere, and a liquid held by the fibrous body. A supply port for supplying the liquid to the liquid discharge head; and a liquid storage section for leading the liquid to the negative pressure generating member storage section, wherein the liquid storage section is integrated with or removable from the negative pressure generation member storage section. In the constructed liquid storage container, a communicating portion between the negative pressure generating member storage portion and the liquid storage portion of the fibrous body is partially lyophilicized with respect to the entire fibrous body.
[0052]
Further, the present invention provides a negative pressure generating member storage portion storing a fibrous body as a negative pressure generating member, an atmosphere communication port for communicating the inside of the negative pressure generating member storage portion with the atmosphere, and a liquid held by the fibrous body. A supply port that supplies liquid to the liquid discharge head; a liquid storage unit that supplies liquid to the negative pressure generation member storage unit; and a liquid communication portion between the negative pressure generation member storage unit and the liquid storage unit. An atmosphere introduction groove for causing gas-liquid exchange to cause liquid to be led to the negative pressure generating member storing portion in response to introduction of gas into the liquid storing portion, and the liquid storing portion is connected to the negative pressure generating member storing portion. In the liquid container configured to be integrally or detachable with respect to the above, the region of the fibrous body corresponding to the atmosphere introduction groove is partially lyophilicized with respect to the entire fibrous body. .
[0053]
A region corresponding to the communicating portion of the negative pressure generating member storage portion and the liquid storage portion or the atmosphere introduction groove portion of the fiber body as the stored negative pressure generating member is partially with respect to the entire fiber body. Since the lyophilic part stably holds the liquid by performing the lyophilic process, it is possible to prevent the gas-liquid exchange operation from being performed by an inadvertent air path before reaching the gas-liquid exchange state. In addition, when the consumption of the recording liquid is stopped in the gas-liquid exchange state, the portion corresponding to the air introduction groove of the fibrous body can be filled with the liquid, and the air communication groove or the communication portion can be closed quickly. With the above functions, a stable gas-liquid exchange operation is possible. Further, when the liquid storage container is removed for replacement, the liquid is less likely to drip than the communication portion on the negative pressure generating member storage portion side.
[0054]
In the liquid storage container in which the fibrous body is partially made lyophilic as described above, the liquid storage section covers the inner bag that stores the liquid and can be deformed as the liquid is led out to generate a negative pressure. You may provide the housing | casing and the external air communication port which can introduce | transduce air | atmosphere between this housing | casing and the said inner bag.
[0055]
Further, the present invention provides a liquid storage container having a supply port for supplying a liquid to the liquid discharge head, an air communication port for communicating the inside with the air, and a fiber body in which the fiber body is stored as a negative pressure generating member. A method for lyophilizing a portion corresponding to the supply port of a fiber body and its peripheral area, using a syringe containing a lyophilic treatment solution, and inserting a needle of the syringe into the fiber body from the atmosphere communication port, A step of injecting the lyophilic treatment liquid near the center of the fibrous body, and before the lyophilic treatment liquid reaches the inner surface of the liquid storage container after the lyophilic treatment liquid is sucked from the supply port. And a step of discharging the lyophilic treatment liquid.
[0056]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, the liquid storage container will be described as a representative example of holding a recording liquid used for an ink jet recording head or a fixing liquid for the recording liquid. In addition, the ink stored in the tank is described as being water-based, but the present invention can be applied even if it is oily.
[0057]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid storage container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0058]
An ink tank 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a PP fiber body (a polypropylene fiber entangled body (hereinafter referred to as a PP fiber body, hereinafter referred to as a PP fiber body) as a negative pressure generating member for an inkjet head that performs recording by discharging liquid. )) 2 is arranged almost entirely inside, and the liquid supplied to the inkjet head is held in the PP fiber body 2 and stored. An air communication port 3 is provided at the upper end of the tank casing. In addition, as the PP fiber body 2, an intertwined PP fiber whose surface has been subjected to a hydrophilic treatment is used, and this hydrophilic treatment is not limited to the entire PP fiber body 2 as in this example, and ink supply to the head. Only the peripheral portion of the mouth 4 may be used.
[0059]
In the ink tank of this embodiment, ink having the following physical properties was used, and the degree of ink penetration and flow resistance were measured.
[0060]
<Ink used for measurement>
・ C. I. FB (Food Black) II 5.0 parts
・ Glycerin 5.0 parts
・ Ethylene glycol 5.0 parts
・ 5.0 parts of urea
・ IPA (isopropyl alcohol) 5.0 parts
・ Ion exchange water 75.0 parts
As the ink having the above physical properties, an ink having a surface tension of 44 (dyn / cm) and a viscosity of 2.2 (cP) was used. The ink components are not limited to those having the physical properties listed above.
[0061]
The ink penetration and flow resistance are measured with and without a hydrophilic treatment (invention) and without a hydrophilic treatment (conventional example). The degree of ink penetration was determined by dropping ink onto the surface of the fibrous body and whether or not it penetrates naturally. In the flow resistance measurement, ink was sucked from the lower end of the liquid storage container at a suction amount of 3.0 (g / min), and measured by a manometer connected to the suction portion.
[0062]
Table 1 shows the above measurement results.
[0063]
[Table 1]

As can be seen from the above measurement results, wettability to high surface tension ink is enhanced by the hydrophilization treatment, so that the process and equipment for injecting ink into the absorber in the ink tank can be simplified. Furthermore, the wet state of the ink can be made uniform. Further, since the ink flow resistance at the time of ink supply to the ink jet head can be lowered, the development to a printer that requires high flow rate supply with high speed printing becomes easy.
[0064]
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid storage container according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the ink itself and the ink held on the fibrous body are represented by horizontal dotted lines, and the fibrous body itself without ink is represented by dots.
[0065]
The ink tank 11 shown in FIG. 2 includes a negative pressure generating member storage chamber 12 and an ink storage chamber 13.
[0066]
The negative pressure generating member storage chamber 12 includes a housing having an ink supply port 14 for supplying ink (including liquid such as processing liquid) to the outside of an inkjet head or the like that performs recording by discharging liquid from the discharge port. And a PP fiber body 15 as a negative pressure generating member housed inside the body. The housing further includes an air communication port 16 for communicating the PP fiber body 15 housed inside with the outside air. The ink supply port 14 may be opened in advance, or may be initially closed by the seal 20 and opened by removing the seal 20 during use.
[0067]
On the other hand, the ink storage chamber 13 stores ink therein, and includes an ink outlet 17 for leading liquid to the negative pressure generating member storage chamber 12 in the vicinity of the bottom surface. On the surface of the partition wall 18 between the chambers 12 and 13 provided with the ink outlet 17 on the negative pressure generating member storage chamber 12 side, an air introduction groove 19 for promoting gas-liquid exchange described later is formed on the partition wall 18. From the predetermined height to the ink outlet 17.
[0068]
Here, the function of the air introduction groove 19 will be described. In FIG. 2, when ink is consumed from the ink supply port 14, the liquid level H in the PP fiber body 15 in the negative pressure generating member storage chamber 12 decreases. As the ink consumption from the ink supply port 14 further proceeds, gas is introduced into the ink storage chamber 13. At this time, the liquid level in the PP fiber body 15 is substantially constant at the height of the upper end portion of the atmospheric introduction groove 19, and the air from the atmospheric communication port 16 through the atmospheric communication groove 19 and the ink outlet 17 is stored in the ink. By entering the chamber 13, the ink moves from the ink storage chamber 13 to the PP fiber body 15 in the negative pressure generating member storage chamber 12. Therefore, even if ink is consumed from the ink jet head, the ink is filled into the PP fiber body 15 according to the amount consumed, and the PP fiber body 15 maintains the liquid level and keeps the negative pressure substantially constant. The ink supply to the is stable.
[0069]
In the ink tank having the above-described configuration, the PP fiber body 15 used is one in which the surface of the intertwined PP fibers is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment, and this hydrophilic treatment is performed on the entire PP fiber body or the air introduction groove 19. Further, the contact portion of the PP fiber body 15 with respect to the periphery (hydrophilic region 20 indicated by a mesh line in FIG. 3) or the region from the contact portion to the ink supply port 14 (hydrophilicity indicated by the mesh line in FIG. 4). Area 21).
[0070]
According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, since the air introduction groove 19 of the PP fiber body 15 and the portion corresponding to the periphery of the PP fiber body 15 stably hold the ink, before reaching the gas-liquid exchange state, an inadvertent air path is used. It is possible to prevent the gas-liquid exchange operation from being performed. Further, when the ink consumption is stopped in the gas-liquid exchange state, the atmosphere introduction groove 19 of the PP fiber body 15 and the portion corresponding to the periphery thereof can be filled with ink, and the atmosphere communication groove 19 can be closed quickly.
[0071]
Further, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, hydrophilic treatment is performed from the air introduction groove 19 of the PP fiber body 15 and the portion corresponding to the periphery to the portion corresponding to the ink supply port 14. In addition to the effects, the ink in the negative pressure generating member storage chamber 12 can be stably sent to the ink supply port 14 to the inkjet head without interruption, and the ink supply performance is improved. Further, since the ink flow resistance at the time of supplying ink to the ink jet head is lowered, the development to a printer that requires high flow rate supply with high speed printing becomes easy.
[0072]
3 and 4, the height of the hydrophilization treatment area in contact with the atmospheric introduction groove 19 is not limited to the position shown in the figure, and is set to an optimal height that enables stable gas-liquid exchange operation. do it. In particular, in consideration of positive ink drawing into the absorber, it is desirable that the hydrophilic treatment area exists in the vicinity of the upper end of the air introduction groove to the extent that the air path during gas-liquid exchange is not hindered.
[0073]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an ink jet head cartridge which is a liquid container according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0074]
As shown in FIG. 5, the ink jet head cartridge of this embodiment includes an ink jet head unit 160, a holder 150, a negative pressure control chamber unit 100, an ink tank unit 200, and the like. The negative pressure control chamber unit 100 is fixed in the holder 150, and the ink jet head unit 160 is fixed below the negative pressure control chamber unit 100 via the holder. The negative pressure control chamber unit 100 includes a negative pressure control chamber container 110 having an opening formed on the upper surface, a negative pressure control chamber lid 120 attached to the upper surface of the negative pressure control chamber container 110, and a negative pressure control chamber container 110. It is composed of two absorbers 130 and 140 for impregnating and holding ink loaded therein. The absorbers 130 and 140 are stacked in two upper and lower stages in the use state of the ink jet head cartridge 70 and are in close contact with each other to fill the negative pressure control chamber container 110, and the capillary force generated by the lower absorber 140 is generated. Is higher than the capillary force generated by the upper absorber 130, the lower absorber 140 has a higher ink holding force. Ink in the negative pressure control chamber unit 100 is supplied to the inkjet head unit 160 through the ink supply pipe 165.
[0075]
The absorber 130 communicates with the atmosphere communication port 115, and the absorber 140 is in close contact with the absorber 130 on its upper surface and in close contact with the filter 161 on its lower surface. The boundary surface 113c between the absorbers 130 and 140 is above the upper end of the joint pipe 180 as a communicating portion in the use posture.
[0076]
The absorbers 130 and 140 are made of entangled polyolefin resin fibers (for example, biaxial fibers in which PE is formed on the surface layer of PP). The absorbent body 140 is made by hydrophilizing fibers in the portion from the vicinity of half of the opening of the joint pipe 180 to the supply port 131 (the mesh line portion in FIG. 5).
[0077]
By providing the boundary surface 113c of the absorbers 130 and 140 in the upper part of the joint pipe 180 in the use posture, preferably in the vicinity of the joint pipe 180 as in the present embodiment, gas-liquid exchange is performed in the gas-liquid exchange operation described later. The interface between the ink and the gas in the absorbers 130 and 140 during operation can be the boundary surface 113c, and as a result, the static negative pressure in the head portion during the ink supply operation can be stabilized. Furthermore, by making the strength of the capillary force of the absorber 140 relatively higher than the capillary force of the absorber 130, when ink is present in both of the absorbers 130 and 140, the ink in the upper absorber 130 After the ink is consumed, the ink in the lower absorber 140 can be consumed. Further, when the gas-liquid interface fluctuates due to environmental changes, first, the ink enters the absorber 130 after the absorber 140 and the vicinity of the boundary surface 113c between the absorbers 130 and 140 are filled.
[0078]
The ink tank unit 200 is configured to be detachable from the holder 150. A joint pipe 180 which is a bonded portion provided on the surface of the negative pressure control chamber container 110 on the ink tank unit 200 side is inserted into and connected to the joint port 230 of the ink tank unit 200. The negative pressure control chamber unit 100 and the ink tank unit 200 are supplied so that the ink in the ink tank unit 200 is supplied into the negative pressure control chamber unit 100 through the connection portion between the joint pipe 180 and the joint port 230. It is configured. An ID member 170 that protrudes from the surface of the negative pressure control chamber container 110 on the side of the ink tank unit 200 on the side of the ink tank unit 200 and that prevents the erroneous mounting of the ink tank unit 200 is integrally formed. Is provided.
[0079]
The negative pressure control chamber lid 120 is formed with an air communication port 115 for communicating the inside of the negative pressure control chamber container 110 with the outside air, here the absorber 130 housed in the negative pressure control chamber container 110 and the outside air. In the vicinity of the atmosphere communication port 115 in the negative pressure control chamber container 110, a space formed by a rib protruding from the surface on the absorber 130 side of the negative pressure control chamber lid 120, and ink in the absorber A buffer space 116 is provided which is made up of a region where (liquid) does not exist.
[0080]
A valve mechanism is provided in the joint port 230, and the valve mechanism includes a first valve frame 260a, a second valve frame 260b, a valve body 261, a valve lid 262, and an urging member 263. The valve body 261 is slidably supported in the second valve body 260b and is urged toward the first valve frame 260a by the urging member 263. In a state where the joint pipe 180 is not inserted into the joint port 230, the edge portion of the valve body 261 on the first valve frame 260a side is pressed against the first valve frame 260a by the biasing force of the biasing member 263. Thus, the airtightness in the ink tank unit 200 is maintained.
[0081]
The joint pipe 180 is inserted into the joint port 230, and the valve body 261 is pressed by the joint pipe 180 and moves away from the first valve frame 260a, whereby an opening formed on the side surface of the second valve frame 260b. The joint pipe 180 communicates with the inside of the ink tank unit 200 via the. As a result, airtightness in the ink tank unit 200 is released, and ink in the ink tank unit 200 is supplied into the negative pressure control chamber unit 100 through the joint port 230 and the joint pipe 180. That is, when the valve in the joint port 230 is opened, the inside of the ink storage unit of the ink tank unit 200 which is in a sealed state is brought into a communication state only through the opening.
[0082]
The ink tank unit 200 includes an ink storage container 201 and an ID member 250. The ID member 250 is for preventing erroneous mounting when the ink tank unit 200 and the negative pressure control chamber unit 100 are mounted. The ID member 250 is formed with the first valve frame 260a described above, and a valve mechanism that controls the flow of ink in the joint port 230 is configured by using the first valve body 260a. . This valve mechanism opens and closes when engaged with the joint pipe 180 of the negative pressure control chamber unit 100. An ID recess 252 for preventing erroneous insertion of the ink tank unit 200 is formed on the front surface of the ID member 250 on the negative pressure control chamber unit 100 side.
[0083]
The ink storage container 201 is a substantially polygonal hollow container having a negative pressure generating function. The ink storage container 201 includes a casing 210 and an inner bag 220, and the casing 210 and the inner bag 220 can be separated from each other. The inner bag 220 has flexibility, and the inner bag 220 can be deformed as the ink stored therein is led out. The inner bag 220 has a pinch-off portion (welding portion) 221, and the inner bag 220 is supported by the pinch-off portion 221 so as to engage with the housing 210. In addition, an outside air communication port 222 is provided in a portion of the housing 210 in the vicinity of the pinch-off portion 221 so that the atmosphere can be introduced between the inner bag 220 and the housing 210 through the outside air communication port 222. .
[0084]
The ID member 250 is joined to each of the casing 210 and the inner bag 220 of the ink container 201. The ID member 250 is bonded to the inner bag 220 by welding the seal surface 102 of the inner bag 220 corresponding to the ink outlet portion of the ink storage container 201 and the corresponding surface of the joint port 230 portion of the ID member 250. As a result, the supply port of the ink storage container 201 is completely sealed, and ink leakage from the seal portion between the ID member 250 and the ink storage container 201 when the ink tank unit 200 is attached or detached is prevented.
[0085]
In addition, when the casing 210 and the ID member 250 are joined, the engaging portion 210a formed on the upper surface of the casing 210 and the click portion 250a formed on the upper portion of the ID member 250 are at least engaged. The ID member 250 is substantially fixed to the ink storage container 201.
[0086]
Regarding the ink jet head unit 160, the ink discharge port is closed with a cap and ink is forcibly discharged from the ink discharge port, or the ink discharge port is closed with a cap 5020 and sucked by the suction means 5010. By doing so, it is possible to recover to a normal state.
[0087]
As a modification of the third embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5, as shown in FIG. 6, a negative in which a supply port 131 is formed from the vicinity of the half opening of the joint pipe 180 on one side surface of the negative pressure control chamber container 110. A hydrophilization treatment may be provided obliquely to the corners of the bottom surface of the pressure control chamber container 110.
[0088]
Next, taking the form of FIG. 6 as an example, the movement of ink between the ink tank unit 200 and the negative pressure control chamber unit 100 will be described.
[0089]
When the ink tank unit 200 and the negative pressure control chamber unit 100 are connected as shown in FIG. 9A, the inside of the negative pressure control chamber unit 100 and the ink storage container 201 are shown in FIG. 9B. Until the pressure becomes equal, the ink in the ink container 201 moves into the negative pressure control chamber unit 100 (this state is referred to as a use start state).
When consumption of ink is started by the inkjet head unit 160, the inner bag 220 and the absorber 140 are balanced while maintaining a balance in the direction in which the static negative pressure values generated in both the inner bag 220 and the absorber 140 increase. Ink held on both sides is consumed. Here, when the ink is held in the absorber 130, the ink in the absorber 130 is also consumed.
[0090]
When the amount of ink in the negative pressure control chamber unit 100 decreases from the state of FIG. 9C and the joint pipe communicates with the atmosphere, gas is immediately introduced into the inner bag 220, and in place of this, Ink moves into the negative pressure control chamber unit 100. As a result, the absorbers 130 and 140 maintain a substantially constant negative pressure with respect to ink discharge while maintaining the gas-liquid interface. When all of the ink in the inner bag 220 moves into the negative pressure control chamber unit 100 through such a gas-liquid exchange state, the ink remaining in the negative pressure control chamber unit 100 is consumed.
[0091]
In the configuration described above, at least the ink supply area from the joint pipe 180 to the ink supply port 131 is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment in the polyolefin-based fiber body that is an ink absorber as the negative pressure generating member. As shown by the mesh line in FIG. 5, this hydrophilization treatment area exists uniformly from the height near the opening half of the joint pipe 180 to the bottom surface of the negative pressure control chamber container 110 in which the supply port 131 is formed. For example, as shown by a mesh line in FIG. 6, the negative pressure control chamber container 110 in which the supply port 131 is formed near the opening half of the joint pipe 180 on one side surface of the negative pressure control chamber container 110. A hydrophilization treatment region may exist diagonally to the corners of the bottom surface. Alternatively, as shown by a mesh line in FIG. 7, the hydrophilization treatment region is present at the shortest possible distance so that an arc is drawn from the vicinity of the half opening of the joint pipe 180 to the supply port 131 on one side of the negative pressure control chamber container 110. May be. Further, as shown by a mesh line in FIG. 8, the boundary line 113c between the absorbent bodies 130 and 140 may be adjusted to the height near the opening half of the joint pipe 180 to make the entire absorbent body 140 hydrophilic. The examples of the hydrophilization treatment area shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 can also be applied to the absorbent body in the liquid container of the second embodiment shown in FIGS.
[0092]
According to the above configuration, even if the liquid level of the upper absorbent body 130 is disturbed by the micro-density difference of the absorbent body as shown in FIG. In the region (the meshed portion in the figure), the protruding lowered liquid level is stopped. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the air in the gas-liquid exchange (for example, arrow A in the figure) flows through the upper part in the joint pipe 180 without interrupting the ink (arrow B in the figure) from the ink storage container. The gas-liquid exchange operation is performed.
[0093]
Further, since the vicinity of the ink supply port 131 is subjected to the hydrophilic treatment, the ink supply port 131 always tends to exist around the ink supply port 131, so that the ink supply port 131 does not easily run out of ink.
[0094]
Further, when the ink container 201 is replaced with a new ink container 201, the hydrophilic treatment area of the absorber 140 actively draws ink, so that the cap 5020 and the suction means described later in the column of the seventh embodiment are used. The head recovery by 5010 can be promptly performed. Further, the amount of ink necessary for head recovery can be controlled by changing the range of the hydrophilic treatment area or the number of hydrophilic groups per unit area.
[0095]
Further, as a modification of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, only the portion corresponding to the opening of the joint pipe 180 of the absorbent body 140 and the periphery thereof may be subjected to a hydrophilic treatment. According to the example of FIG. 11, in addition to ink drawing at the time of gas-liquid exchange described in the second embodiment, residual ink in the joint pipe 180 when the ink tank unit 200 is removed is easily sucked. Can be prevented.
[0096]
Although not shown, as another modification, an absorbent body in which the absorbent bodies 130 and 140 are integrated is arranged, and the region corresponding to the absorbent body 140 is hydrophilized so that the capillary force equivalent to the absorbent body 140 is obtained. The hydrophilic region of the present invention may be provided in the same manner as imparting.
[0097]
5 to 11, the height of the hydrophilization treatment area in contact with the opening of the joint pipe 180 is not limited to the illustrated position, and the vicinity of the optimal pipe opening that can perform a stable gas-liquid exchange operation. Should be set to the height of. In particular, considering the active ink drawing into the absorber, it is desirable that the hydrophilic treatment area exists on the pipe opening surface to the extent that the air path during gas-liquid exchange is not hindered.
[0098]
(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view of a liquid container according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the ink itself and the ink held by the absorber are represented by horizontal dotted lines, and the absorber without ink is represented by dots.
[0099]
The liquid storage container of the form shown in FIG. 12 is a negative pressure in the liquid storage container of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2 in order to positively hold ink and improve ink connectivity to the inkjet head side. A PP fiber pressure contact member 31 is provided in the ink supply port 14 as a member having a higher capillary force than the PP fiber absorber 15 in the generating member storage chamber 12.
[0100]
In this example, the press contact body 31 was subjected to a hydrophilic treatment. The pressure contact body subjected to such a hydrophilic treatment can be provided not only in the liquid storage container of the second embodiment but also in the ink supply port of the liquid storage container of the first embodiment or the third embodiment. .
[0101]
In the configuration in which the pressure contact member is provided at the ink supply port, when it is necessary to supply the ink to the head side at a high flow rate, the flow resistance generated at the pressure contact portion becomes very large, and the ink supply property may be significantly reduced. However, by applying a hydrophilic treatment to the pressure contact body as in this example, the ink flow resistance can be reduced and the fluidity of the ink can be increased, so that a high flow rate of ink can be supplied.
[0102]
Furthermore, if air bubbles stay inside the pressure contact body, the ink flow path becomes narrow, which may further increase the flow resistance. However, the retention of air bubbles can be prevented by the effect of the hydrophilic treatment. Also in this aspect, the increase in flow resistance can be suppressed.
[0103]
(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional view showing a liquid container according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0104]
The liquid storage container of the form shown in FIG. 13 is a hydrophilic treatment area (a mesh line in the figure) in the upper absorbent body 130 made of PP fibrous body in the negative pressure control chamber container 110 in the ink jet head cartridge of the third embodiment. Part) as a plane layer intersecting the direction of gravity.
[0105]
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the difference in effect between the case (FIG. (A)) and the case (FIG. (B)) where there is a hydrophilic treatment area as in this example.
[0106]
When the ink and gas in the ink storage container 201 rapidly expand due to environmental changes, the ink flows into the negative pressure control chamber container 110 and the liquid level H rises. At this time, as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 14B, the ink flows in the absorbers 130 and 140 in a place where the fiber density with low flow resistance is sparse. As a result, the sudden pressure rise in the container is relieved, but in order to sufficiently exhibit such a pressure relieving function (also referred to as a buffer function), the conventional liquid storage container has an upper volume of the negative pressure control chamber container. I had to make it bigger than necessary. However, when a hydrophilization treatment area as in this example is provided, the flow of ink above the absorber due to a rapid pressure increase is captured in the hydrophilization treatment area, and gravity is applied as indicated by an arrow in FIG. It can be scattered in a direction that intersects the direction. As a result, the buffer function can be sufficiently exerted without increasing the upper volume of the negative pressure control chamber container more than necessary.
[0107]
In addition, you may provide such a hydrophilic treatment area | region in multistage along a gravity direction. Moreover, this example can be applied not only to the liquid container of the third embodiment but also to the liquid container of the second embodiment.
[0108]
(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 15 is a view for explaining a hydrophilic treatment method for an absorbent body in a liquid container according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0109]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15 (d), PP fiber bodies (shown by dots in the figure) 2 are arranged almost throughout as a negative pressure generating member for an ink jet head that performs recording by discharging liquid. Then, the liquid supplied to the ink jet head is held and stored in the PP fiber body 2. An air communication port 3 is provided at the upper end of the tank casing. Further, as the PP fiber body 2, an intertwined PP fiber whose surface is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment is used, and this hydrophilic treatment area is around the ink supply port 4 in the container as indicated by a mesh line in the figure. Close to the surface, the others are some distance away from the inner surface of the container. The hydrophilic treatment region was formed in this manner when the hydrophilicity treatment was applied to the entire PP fiber body when there was a slight gap between the PP fiber body and the tank inner surface. This is to prevent ink from being exchanged between the liquid surface in contact with the PP fiber body and the air easily entering along the inner surface of the tank, and eventually entering the air from the ink supply port.
[0110]
Next, with reference to FIG. 15, the formation method of said hydrophilic treatment area | region is demonstrated.
[0111]
First, as shown in FIG. 15 (b), the needle of the syringe is inserted into the PP fiber body 2 from the atmosphere communication port 3, and the hydrophilic treatment liquid 5 is injected into the central portion of the PP fiber body 2. Then, as shown in FIG. 15C, the hydrophilic treatment liquid 5 is sucked from the ink supply port 4, and the hydrophilic treatment liquid 5 is discharged before the hydrophilic treatment liquid 5 reaches the inner surface of the tank 1. Thereafter, the PP fiber body 2 is dried to complete the liquid container of the form shown in FIG.
[0112]
(Seventh embodiment)
In the ink jet head cartridge described by taking the third embodiment as an example, the forms shown in FIGS. 38A to 38C can be used.
[0113]
FIG. 38B shows a configuration in which the entire region of the upper absorbent body 130 and the lower absorbent body 140 is a hydrophilic treatment area in a polyolefin-based fiber body that is an ink absorber as a negative pressure generating member. a) is a form in which the entire region of only the lower absorbent body 140 is made hydrophilic or treated, and in any form, the boundary surface 113c of the absorbent bodies 130 and 140 is provided in the vicinity of the upper part of the joint pipe 180 in the use posture. is there.
[0114]
FIG. 38 (c) shows a form in which only one absorber 130 is accommodated in the negative pressure control chamber container 110, and the entire lower area is hydrophilized with a substantially horizontal interface 113c. The processing area interface 113c is provided in the vicinity of the upper portion of the joint pipe 180 in the in-use posture.
[0115]
38 (a), (b), and (c) can be arbitrarily replaced with the negative pressure generating member storage chamber (portion) in the above-described embodiment. In FIG. 38A, when the absorbers 130 and 140 made of fibers are viewed as fiber bodies, the absorber 140 is on the ink supply port side, and the absorber 130 is on the atmosphere communication port side. It can be seen that the partial hydrophilization treatment is performed on the entire absorbent body 140.
[0116]
38 (a) to 38 (c) all have the hydrophilicity region on the supply port side for the action of the contact angle of water of the polyolefin fiber body with water of 80 degrees or more. Since the liquid level of the negative pressure generation can be at least the same level in the absorber 140, the negative pressure can be stabilized. At the same time, when the above-described treatment liquid is hydrophilized, it is easy to level the liquid level while the ink jet recording is interrupted or stopped while ensuring excellent supply by reducing the flow resistance due to the hydrophilic group. In addition, since the ink retention and distribution are extremely uniform, a stable negative pressure can be secured immediately.
[0117]
In particular, in FIG. 38 (c), since the fibrous body can be configured as one member, it is inexpensive compared to the case where two members are used, and the same action as the above-described action due to the interface between the two members cannot be obtained. The effect of the interface between hydrophilic and hydrophobic can be obtained.
[0118]
In FIG. 38 (b), the absorber 130 is also made hydrophilic, but has a sufficient liquid absorbing effect against any pressure change while utilizing the interface effect between the absorbers 130 and 140. The cause of ink leakage itself can be fundamentally solved.
[0119]
In any of FIGS. 38A to 38C, the ink receiving surface supplied from the joint pipe 180 is made hydrophilic, so that not only the supplied ink but also the ink from the ink filling container attached to the pipe 180 can be removed. Ink can be absorbed reliably. Moreover, it cannot be overemphasized that all the things regarding the gas-liquid exchange mentioned above and a fiber direction apply to all of Fig.38 (a)-(c).
[0120]
The form of FIG. 38 includes not only the effects of the form of FIG. 8 but also all the effects of the partial hydrophilicity of the present invention with respect to the form described with reference to FIG.
[0121]
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the joint pipe is provided in the negative pressure generating member storage chamber has been described. However, the negative pressure generating member storage chamber has no joint pipe, and the ink outlet port of the liquid storage chamber generates negative pressure. Even if the configuration is such that the negative pressure generating member is pressed by being pressed into the member storage chamber, the above-described effects can be achieved.
[0122]
(Eighth embodiment)
Next, with reference to FIG. 16, a liquid discharge recording apparatus that performs recording by mounting the liquid storage container according to each of the above embodiments will be described. FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a liquid discharge recording apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0123]
In FIG. 16, the liquid storage container 1000 is fixedly supported by the liquid ejection recording apparatus IJRA main body by positioning means (not shown) of the carriage HC, and is attached to the carriage HC in a detachable manner. A recording head (not shown) for discharging recording droplets may be provided in advance in the carriage HC, or may be provided in advance in the ink supply port of the liquid storage container 1000.
[0124]
The forward / reverse rotation of the drive motor 5130 is transmitted to the lead screw 5040 via the drive transmission gears 5110, 5100, and 5090 to rotate it, and the carriage HC is engaged with the spiral groove 5050 of the lead screw 5040. A reciprocating movement is possible along the guide shaft 5030.
[0125]
Reference numeral 5020 denotes a cap that closes the front surface of the recording head, and the cap 5020 is used to perform suction recovery of the recording head through an opening in the cap by suction means (not shown). The cap 5020 can be moved by the driving force transmitted through the gears 5080, 5090, etc., and can cover the ejection port surface of each recording head. A cleaning blade (not shown) is provided in the vicinity of the cap 5020, and this blade is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction in the figure. Needless to say, the blade is not limited to this form, and a known cleaning blade can be applied to this example.
[0126]
These capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured so that desired processing can be performed at their corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 5040 when the carriage HC moves to the home position. Any operation can be applied to this example as long as the operation is performed.
[0127]
In addition, the present invention provides an excellent effect particularly in an ink jet system that performs recording by forming flying droplets using thermal energy among ink jet recording systems.
[0128]
As its typical configuration and principle, for example, those performed using the basic principle disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740,796 are preferable. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and continuous type. In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, it is arranged corresponding to the sheet or liquid path holding the liquid (ink). By applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recorded information and giving a rapid temperature rise exceeding the nucleate boiling to the electrothermal transducer, the thermal energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer, and the recording head This is effective because film boiling occurs on the heat acting surface of the liquid and, as a result, bubbles in the liquid (ink) corresponding to the drive signal on a one-to-one basis can be formed. By the growth and contraction of the bubbles, liquid (ink) is ejected through the ejection opening to form at least one droplet. It is more preferable that the drive signal has a pulse shape, since the bubble growth and contraction is performed immediately and appropriately, and thus it is possible to achieve discharge of a liquid (ink) with particularly excellent response.
[0129]
As this pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. Further excellent recording can be performed by employing the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 of the invention relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface.
[0130]
As the configuration of the recording head, in addition to the combination configuration (straight liquid channel or right-angle liquid channel) of the discharge port, the liquid channel, and the electrothermal transducer as disclosed in each of the above-mentioned specifications, the thermal action A configuration using US Pat. No. 4,558,333 and US Pat. No. 4,459,600, which disclose a configuration in which the portion is arranged in a bent region, is also included in the present invention.
[0131]
In addition, for a plurality of electrothermal transducers, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-123670 that discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of the electrothermal transducer, or an aperture that absorbs pressure waves of thermal energy is provided. The present invention is also effective as a configuration based on Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-138461 which discloses a configuration corresponding to the discharge unit.
[0132]
Furthermore, as a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the width of the maximum recording medium that can be recorded by the recording apparatus, the length is satisfied by a combination of a plurality of recording heads as disclosed in the above specification. Either the configuration or the configuration as a single recording head formed integrally may be used, but the present invention can exhibit the above-described effects more effectively.
[0133]
In addition, the ink is integrated into the replaceable chip type recording head or the recording head itself, which can be electrically connected to the apparatus main body and supplied with ink from the apparatus main body by being attached to the apparatus main body. The present invention is also effective when a cartridge type recording head provided with a tank is used.
[0134]
In addition, it is preferable to add recovery means for the recording head, preliminary auxiliary means, and the like provided as the configuration of the recording apparatus of the present invention, since the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. Specifically, capping means, cleaning means, pressurizing or suction means for the recording head, preheating means using a heating element different from this, or a combination thereof, or recording is used. Performing a preliminary discharge mode for performing another discharge is also effective for performing stable recording.
[0135]
Further, the recording mode of the recording apparatus is not limited to the recording mode of only the mainstream color such as black, but the recording head may be integrally formed or may be a combination of a plurality of colors. The present invention is extremely effective for an apparatus having at least one of full colors.
[0136]
In the embodiment of the present invention described above, the ink is described as a liquid. However, the ink is solidified at room temperature or lower and softens at room temperature, or is liquid, or the above-described ink jet system. In general, the temperature of the ink itself is adjusted within a range of 30 ° C. or higher and 70 ° C. or lower to control the temperature so that the viscosity of the ink is within the stable ejection range. Anything you want.
[0137]
In addition, it is possible to prevent the temperature rise by heat energy from being used as the energy for changing the state of the ink from the solid state to the liquid state, or to use ink that solidifies in the standing state for the purpose of preventing ink evaporation. In any case, thermal energy such as ink that liquefies by application according to a recording signal of thermal energy and ejects as liquid ink, or that starts to solidify when it reaches the recording medium, etc. The use of ink having the property of being liquefied for the first time is also applicable to the present invention. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-described inks is to execute the above-described film boiling method.
[0138]
In addition, as a form of the recording apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to an image output terminal of an information processing device such as a word processor or a computer, a copying apparatus combined with a reader and a transmission / reception function are provided. It may be in the form of a facsimile machine having the same.
[0139]
In addition to the above-described method, the recording head may use a piezo element.
[0140]
(Other embodiments)
The method for hydrophilizing the fiber absorbent used as the negative pressure generating member of the liquid container described above will be described in more detail.
[0141]
First, the surface modification principle of an article that can be applied to make the fibers constituting the absorbent body hydrophilic will be described more specifically.
[0142]
In the surface modification method described below, a polymer (or a polymer fragment) is made to take a specific orientation using a functional group of a molecule included in a substance constituting a surface of an article. It is a method that allows the target surface modification to be achieved by adhering to the surface and imparting to the surface properties associated with the group of the polymer (or polymer fragment).
[0143]
Here, the “article” means one formed of various materials and maintaining a certain external shape. Therefore, it has the outer surface exposed to the outside accompanying this external shape. In addition, there may be voids, cavities, or hollows including portions communicating with the outside, and the inner surface (inner wall surface) that defines these portions is also the surface modification treatment in the present invention. It can be a partial surface as an object. The hollow part includes an inner surface that defines this and a space that is completely isolated from the outside, but it is possible to apply a surface treatment liquid into the hollow part before the reforming treatment. If it becomes a hollow part isolated from the outside after the reforming process, it can be a processing target of the present invention.
[0144]
As described above, the surface modification method applied to the present invention is a surface that can contact a liquid surface treatment solution from the outside without damaging the shape of the article among all the surfaces of various articles. It is intended for. Accordingly, the outer surface of the article and the inner surface connected to the outer surface or both of them are targeted as partial surfaces. And changing the property of the subdivided partial surface selected from the target surface is also included in the present invention. Depending on the selection, an aspect of selecting the outer surface of the article and the inner surface connected thereto is also included in the modification of the desired partial surface region.
[0145]
In the surface modification described above, a portion to be modified (partial surface) constituting at least a part of the surface of the article is processed. That is, a part of the surface of the article selected as desired or the entire surface of the article.
[0146]
Further, in the present specification, the term “polymer fragmentation” may be any one from a part of the polymer to a monomer, and in the examples, the polymer is a cleavage catalyst such as an acid. Including all those cleaved by. In addition, “polymerization” includes a material in which a substantial film is formed or a material in which each part is oriented differently with respect to a two-dimensional surface.
[0147]
Further, in the present specification, the “polymer” is different from the interface energy of the first part having a functional group and the functional group, and is substantially equivalent to the surface energy of the article to be adhered. It is preferable that it is different from the constituent material of said article surface. Therefore, a desired polymer may be selected from polymers having an interface energy substantially equal to the surface energy of the surface of the article depending on the material constituting the article to be modified. As the “polymer”, it is more preferable that the polymer can be cleaved, and further that it can be condensed after cleavage. In addition, the functional group may be provided in addition to the first part and the second part described above. In that case, when the hydrophilic treatment is taken as an example, the hydrophilic group as the functional group is: It is desirable that the functional group other than the first and second parts is relatively long with respect to the functional group (which is relatively hydrophobic with respect to the hydrophilic group).
[0148]
"Principle of surface modification"
The surface modification of an article that can be applied to the present invention is a main skeleton (mainly having a surface energy (interface) energy substantially equal to the surface (interface) energy of the surface (base material surface) of the article as a polymer used as a surface modifier. Articles in this surface modifier using a polymer in which a chain or a side chain group or group of groups is collectively called) and a group having an interface energy different from the surface (interface) energy of the article surface is used. A polymer is deposited on the surface of the article using a main skeleton having an interface energy substantially equal to the surface energy of the surface, and a group having an interface energy different from that of the article surface is oriented outward with respect to the article surface. This is achieved by forming a polymerized film (polymer coating).
[0149]
In other words, the polymer used for the surface modifying agent described above is different from the first group in which the affinity between water and the group exposed on the surface of the article before the surface modification is essentially different. It can also be understood as having a second group contained in the repeating unit contained in the main skeleton, showing affinity with water that is substantially similar to the group exposed on the surface of the article. it can.
[0150]
FIG. 17 schematically shows a typical example of such an orientation form. FIG. 17A shows a case where a polymer in which the first group 1-1 and the second group 1-2 are bonded as side chains to the main chain is used, and FIG. 1 shows that the first group 1-1 constitutes the main chain 1-3 itself and the second group 1-2 constitutes the side chain.
[0151]
When the orientation shown in FIG. 17 is taken, the outermost surface (outer side) of the base material 56 constituting the surface to be surface-modified of the article is a group 1-2 having an interface energy different from the surface (interface) energy of the base material 56. Therefore, the surface is modified by utilizing the property associated with the group 1-2 having an interface energy different from the surface (interface) energy of the base material 56. Here, the surface (interface) energy of the base material 56 is determined based on the group 55 in which substances and molecules constituting the surface are exposed on the surface. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 17, the second group 1-2 acts as a functional group for surface modification, the surface of the substrate 56 is hydrophobic, and the second group 1-2 is hydrophilic. If hydrophilic, hydrophilicity is imparted to the surface of the substrate 56. When the second group 1-2 is hydrophilic and the group 55 on the substrate 56 side is hydrophobic, for example, when polysiloxane described later is used, as shown in FIG. It is considered that the state exists on the surface of the substrate 56. In this state, by adjusting the balance between the hydrophilic group and the hydrophobic group on the surface of the substrate 56 after modification, water or an aqueous liquid mainly composed of water passes through the substrate surface after the modification treatment. It is also possible to adjust the passing state and the flow velocity at the time of passing. Then, by using a fiber body made of, for example, polyolefin resin having such a surface state on the fiber outer wall surface in an ink tank integrated with an ink jet recording head or provided as a separate part, Ink filling and ink supply from the ink tank to the head are extremely effective, and by securing an appropriate negative pressure in the ink tank, the ink interface ( Good position of the meniscus can be secured. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the most suitable negative pressure generating member for holding ink for supplying ink to the ink jet recording head, in which the positive and negative pressure is larger than the dynamic negative pressure.
[0152]
In particular, in the case of the fiber surface structure of FIG. 37, the hydrophilic group 1-2 is a polymer group, and thus has a structure longer than the methyl group (hydrophobic group) of the side chain on the same side. Therefore, when the ink flows, the hydrophilic group 1-2 is inclined so as to follow the fiber surface with respect to the flow rate (at the same time, it substantially covers the methyl group). As a result, the flow resistance is significantly reduced. Conversely, when the ink stops and the meniscus is formed between the fiber bodies, the hydrophilic groups 1-2 are in the direction toward the ink, that is, the direction perpendicular to the fiber surface (the methyl group is the fiber surface). It is possible to form a sufficient negative pressure by forming a hydrophilic (large) -hydrophobic (small) balance at the intramolecular level. As in the above-described embodiment, the hydrophilic group 1-2 is formed of a large number of (—C—O—C—) bonds and an OH group as a terminal group. By doing so, the action of the hydrophilic group 1-2 can be ensured, which is preferable. In addition, when the polymer has other hydrophobic groups in the above-mentioned methyl group, the hydrophilic group is higher in the polymer level so that the hydrophilic group exists in a larger range than the hydrophobic group. It is preferable that the balance should be such that hydrophilicity> hydrophobicity as described above.
[0153]
Incidentally, the static negative pressure at the ink supply port is expressed by the following equation.
[0154]
Static negative pressure = (height from ink supply port to ink interface) − (capillary force of fiber at ink interface)
This capillary force is proportional to COSθ, where θ is the wetting contact angle between the ink and the fiber absorber. Therefore, depending on the presence or absence of the hydrophilization treatment of the present invention, in the case of ink with a large change in COSθ, the static negative pressure can be lowered by that amount, and in terms of absolute value, it can be secured higher.
[0155]
Specifically, if the contact angle is 10 ° level, the capillary force can be increased by up to about 2% even if the hydrophilic treatment is performed. However, the ink and the fiber are not easily wetted, for example, the contact angle of 50 ° is the hydrophilic treatment. If the angle is 10 ° or less, the capillary force is increased by 50%. (COS 0 ° / COS 10 ° ≈1.02 COS 10 ° / COS 50 ° ≈1.5)
Here, as a specific method for producing an article having a modified surface shown in FIG. 17, an improvement in the wettability of the treatment agent with respect to the base material is a good polymer solvent used for the surface modification. The method using the agent will be described below. In this method, after a treatment liquid (surface modification solution) in which the polymer of the surface modifier is uniformly dissolved is applied on the surface of the substrate, the solvent contained in the treatment liquid is removed while the treatment liquid The polymer of the surface modifier contained in is oriented as described above.
[0156]
More specifically, a liquid (a surface treatment solution, preferably a functional group) in which a predetermined amount of a polymer and a cleavage catalyst are mixed in a solvent that is a good solvent for the polymer and that sufficiently wets the substrate surface. In order to remove the solvent in the surface treatment solution, it is preferable to include evaporating and drying (for example, 60). For example, having a step of heating in an oven.
[0157]
Here, when the solvent contains an organic solvent that exhibits sufficient wettability to the surface of the substrate and dissolves the polymer as the surface modifier, uniform application of the polymer used for the surface modification is possible. From the viewpoint of facilitating, it is more desirable. Furthermore, even when the concentration of the polymer as a surface modifier increases as the solvent evaporates, the polymer is uniformly dispersed in the applied liquid layer and maintains a sufficiently dissolved state. Having it can also be listed as an effect. In addition, as a result of the surface treatment liquid being sufficiently wetted with the base material, the polymer of the surface modifier can be uniformly spread on the base material surface. The polymer coating can be performed uniformly.
[0158]
Further, the surface treatment liquid has wettability to the substrate surface, and in addition to the volatile first solvent that is a good solvent for the polymer, it is a good solvent for the polymer. A wettability with respect to the substrate surface is relatively inferior to that of the first solvent, and a second solvent having a relatively low volatility compared to the first solvent can be used in combination. As such an example, for example, a combination of isopropyl alcohol and water, which will be described later, in the case where the substrate surface is made of a polyolefin-based resin and polyoxyalkylene / polyditylsiloxane is used as a polymer can be mentioned.
[0159]
Here, the effects of adding an acid as a cleavage catalyst to the surface treatment solution can be considered as follows. For example, when the concentration of the acid component accompanying the evaporation of the material is increased during the evaporation and drying process of the surface treatment liquid, partial decomposition (cleavage) of the polymer used for surface modification by the high concentration of acid accompanying heating. The formation of polymer fragments enables the orientation of the substrate surface to a finer part, and the surface modifier polymer by recombination of polymer cleavage parts in the final process of evaporation and drying. The effect of accelerating the formation of a polymerized film (polymer coating, preferably a monomolecular film) can be expected through polymerization.
[0160]
Further, when the concentration of the acid component is increased due to the evaporation of the solvent in the evaporation and drying process of the surface treatment liquid, the high concentration acid removes impurities on the surface of the substrate and in the vicinity of the surface. The effect of forming the material surface is also expected. Such a clean surface is expected to improve the physical adhesion between the base material / molecule and the surface modifier polymer.
[0161]
At this time, in part, the surface of the base material is decomposed by a high concentration of acid accompanying heating, and active sites appear on the surface of the base material. The active sites are bonded to the above-mentioned fragmented products of the polymer cleavage. It is assumed that the following chemical reaction occurs. In some cases, it is considered that the adhesion stabilization of the surface modifier on the substrate due to such chemical adsorption between the secondary surface modifier and the substrate is partly present.
[0162]
Next, a polymer film obtained by cleaving the main skeleton having a surface energy substantially equal to the surface energy of the base material of the surface modifier (including the hydrophilic treatment liquid) and condensing the subdivided product as a cleaved material on the base material surface. The conversion step will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 24, taking as an example a case where the functional group is a hydrophilic group and hydrophilicity is imparted to the surface of the hydrophobic substrate. The hydrophilic group has a structure capable of imparting hydrophilicity as a whole group, and even if the hydrophilic group itself or a group having a hydrophobic chain or hydrophobic group is substituted with a hydrophilic group, the hydrophilic group is made hydrophilic. Any group having a function as a group that can be imparted can be used as a hydrophilic group.
[0163]
FIG. 18 shows an enlarged view after applying the hydrophilic treatment liquid. At this time, the polymers 51 to 54 and the acid 57 which are hydrophilizing agents in the hydrophilic treatment liquid 58 are uniformly dissolved in the hydrophilic treatment liquid on the surface of the substrate 56. In FIG. 19, the enlarged view of the drying process after hydrophilic treatment liquid application is shown. In the drying with heating in the drying step after the application of the hydrophilic treatment liquid, the surface 56 surface cleaning action such as removal of impurities on the surface of the substrate 56 and in the vicinity of the surface by the increase in the concentration of the acid component accompanying the evaporation of the solvent. Thus, the physical adsorption force of the base material 56 and the polymers 51 to 54 as the surface modifier due to the formation of the surface of the pure base material 56 is improved. In addition, there is a portion where a part of the polymers 51 to 54 of the hydrophilizing agent is cleaved due to the increase in the concentration of the acid component accompanying the evaporation of the solvent in the drying accompanied by heating in the drying step after applying the hydrophilic treatment liquid.
[0164]
A schematic diagram of decomposition of the polymer 51 by concentrated acid is shown in FIG. The state of adsorption of the hydrophilizing agent thus decomposed on the base material is shown in FIG. As the solvent further evaporates, a main skeleton having a surface energy substantially equal to the surface energy of the base materials of the subdivided materials 51a to 54b from the polymer constituting the hydrophilizing agent that has reached dissolution saturation is formed by washing. It selectively adsorbs to the surface of the pure substrate 56 made. As a result, the group 1-2 having a surface energy different from the surface energy of the substrate 56 in the surface modifier is oriented outward with respect to the substrate 56.
[0165]
Therefore, the main skeleton portion having an interface energy substantially equal to the surface (interface) energy of the surface is oriented on the surface of the substrate 56, and the group 1-2 having a surface energy different from the surface energy of the substrate 56 is formed. When the group 1-2 is a hydrophilic group, the surface is modified by imparting hydrophilicity to the surface of the base material 56 because the surface is oriented to the outside opposite to the surface of the base material 56. Quality. FIG. 22 shows a schematic diagram of the adsorbed state of the hydrophilic agent and the substrate surface after applying and drying the hydrophilic treatment liquid.
[0166]
In addition, as a polymer, for example, a fragment obtained by cleavage such as polysiloxane can be bonded to at least a part of the fragment by condensation or the like, thereby binding between the fragments adsorbed on the surface of the substrate 56. Can be made into a polymer by making the film of the hydrophilizing agent stronger. FIG. 23 shows a schematic diagram of recombination by such a condensation reaction. In addition, the mechanism of the polymerization by the formation of the fragmentation by cleavage and the condensation in the case of using polysiloxane is as follows.
[0167]
That is, with the controlled drying of the surface treatment liquid on the surface to be treated, the concentration of the dilute acid contained in the surface treatment liquid is increased and concentrated oxidation is performed. ₂ SO _Four ) Cleaves the siloxane bond of the polysiloxane, resulting in the formation of polysiloxane fragments and silyl sulfate (Scheme 1). Then, as the treatment liquid present on the surface to be treated is further dried, the concentration of the subdivided products existing in the surface treatment liquid increases, and the contact probability between the subdivided products is improved. As a result, as shown in Scheme 2, the subdivided products are condensed with each other to regenerate the siloxane bond. In addition, when the surface to be treated is hydrophobic, the silyl sulfate as a by-product is oriented toward the surface to be treated, and the sulfone group is oriented in a direction different from the surface to be treated. Therefore, it is considered that it contributes to the hydrophilization of the surface to be treated.
[0168]
[Chemical 1]

[0169]
FIG. 24 schematically shows an example of the state of the surface treatment liquid when a surface treatment liquid having a composition in which water is present in the solvent is used. When water is present in the solvent of the treatment liquid, the water and the volatile organic solvent evaporate in the evaporation of the solvent from the treatment liquid for hydrophilization accompanying heating (61 gas molecules of water, organic organic Solvent gas molecules are indicated by 60). At this time, since the evaporation rate of the volatile organic solvent is faster than that of water, the concentration of water in the treatment liquid increases and the surface tension of the treatment liquid increases. As a result, a difference in surface energy occurs at the interface between the surface to be processed of the base material 56 and the processing liquid, and the surface to be processed of the base material 56 and the processing liquid (water-containing layer 62) whose water concentration is increased by evaporation. At the interface, a portion having a surface energy substantially equal to the surface to be processed of the base material 56 in the subdivided materials 51a to 54b from the polymer as the hydrophilizing agent is oriented toward the surface to be processed of the base material 56. On the other hand, the part having the hydrophilic group of the finely divided product from the polymer as the hydrophilizing agent is oriented toward the water-containing layer 62 where the concentration of water is increased by evaporation of the organic solvent. As a result, it is considered that the predetermined orientation of the polymer fragment is further improved.
[0170]
The present invention relates to a fiber absorbent body for ink jet that retains ink by a negative pressure, and the surface of the fiber constituting the fiber absorbent is subjected to a hydrophilization treatment. According to the surface modification, the target of the surface modification is not limited to the fiber, and various articles and applications can be mentioned depending on the characteristics and types of the functional group of the polymer. Some examples will be described below.
[0171]
(1) When the functional group is a hydrophilic group
As an article, an ink absorber or the like used in an ink jet system that requires absorptivity (if the olefin fiber is included, it can be dealt with by the above embodiment), an instantaneous liquid (in each of the above embodiments, etc.) Hydrophilicity capable of absorbing water-based inks described) can be imparted by the surface modification of the present invention. It is also effective when liquid retention is required.
[0172]
(2) When the functional group is a lipophilic group
According to the surface modification applied to the present invention, it is possible to effectively provide functions even for those requiring lipophilicity.
[0173]
(3) The surface modification can be applied to other things that can be achieved by using the mechanism of the above principle, and is included in the present principle.
[0174]
In particular, as a treating agent, a wettability improver (for example, isopropyl alcohol: IPA) that can improve wettability to the surface of an article and a polymer medium, and a medium that causes polymer cleavage, When using a functional group and an interface energy different from this group and having a polymer having a group (or group of groups) substantially equal to the partial surface energy of the article surface, Surface modification by condensation exhibits particularly excellent effects, and can reliably provide uniformity and characteristics not conventionally obtained.
[0175]
In the present specification, such a property excellent in wettability with respect to the contained liquid is referred to as “lyophilic”.
[0176]
Further, as a supplementary concept of the present invention, the fiber may contain a neutralizing agent (calcium steasonate, hydrotalcite, etc.) and other additives used when molding or forming the fiber. By applying the surface modification method, it is possible to reduce both the elution to the ink and the precipitation by the ink, and these problems can be solved when the molecular film of the present invention is formed. Therefore, according to the above-described surface modification method, the range of use of additives such as a neutralizing agent can be expanded, ink-free characteristic changes can be prevented, and characteristic changes of the ink jet head itself can be prevented.
[0177]
FIG. 36 shows an example of a process diagram for manufacturing these various articles. Articles and processing liquid are provided at the start of production, the process liquid application process to the surface of the article to be modified (the surface to be modified), the surplus removal process from the surface to be modified, the high on the surface to be modified An article having a modified surface can be obtained through a process liquid concentration evaporation process for molecular cleavage and fragmentation orientation, a polymer condensation process for polymerization by bonding between fragmentation, and the like. .
[0178]
The treatment liquid concentration step and the treatment liquid evaporation step can be performed by a continuous heating and drying step preferably at a temperature higher than room temperature and below the boiling point of the solvent (for example, 60 ° C.). When polysiloxane is used together with water, acid and organic solvent (for example, isopropyl alcohol) for modification, it can be, for example, about 45 minutes to 2 hours, and in the use of 40% by weight isopropyl alcohol aqueous solution. Is, for example, around 2 hours. Note that the drying treatment time can be shortened by reducing the moisture content. Note that the drying treatment time can be shortened by reducing the moisture content.
[0179]
In the example of FIG. 36, the formation of a fragmented product by polymer cleavage is performed on the surface to be modified of the article. However, a treatment liquid that already contains the fragmented product is supplied onto the surface to be modified of the article. Or may be oriented.
[0180]
As described above, the composition of the treatment liquid has, for example, wettability with respect to the surface to be modified for improving the wettability of the treatment liquid with respect to the surface to be modified, and is an active component of the surface modifier. In order to obtain a wettability improver, a solvent, a polymer cleavage catalyst, a functional group for imparting a modification effect to the surface to be modified, and an adhesion function to the surface to be modified. Those comprising a polymer having a group can be used.
[0181]
"Principle Application Example 1"
Next, an example in which the above-described surface hydrophilization principle is applied to a polypropylene / polyethylene fiber body will be described. The actual polypropylene / polyethylene fiber body is, for example, made into a lump shape by combining fibers taking a shape that can be used for an ink absorber used for the purpose of retaining ink and soaking liquid such as ink. For example, as shown in FIG. 25 (a), a fiber body 83 that functions as an absorption holding body for various liquids such as ink is placed in a predetermined orientation in a container 81 having an appropriate shape having an opening 85 that is open to the atmosphere. And can be used as a liquid holding container. Furthermore, such an ink absorber can be suitably used in an ink tank used in an ink jet recording apparatus. In particular, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28, the fiber absorbent impregnated with the hydrophilic treatment liquid is crushed to squeeze the excess treatment solution from the gaps between the fibers, and then heat dried. In the case where the fiber absorbent is accommodated in the tank, it is desirable that the squeezing direction of the treatment solution coincides with the compression direction of the fiber absorbent when inserted into the tank. In other words, when the fiber absorbent that has been compressed during the process of squeezing the treatment solution as described above is restored, for example, even if the fiber branching or hydrophilizing agent is not securely attached, the failure is inserted into the fiber absorbent tank. Sometimes it can be offset.
[0182]
Moreover, the fiber is specifically comprised from the biaxial fiber body of a polypropylene and polyethylene, and each fiber is about 60 mm in length. As illustrated in FIG. 26A, the biaxial fiber body has a substantially circular outer shape (outer peripheral shape) in a direction perpendicular to the axis. A polypropylene fiber having a high melting point is used as a core material, and a sheath material is formed by surrounding the periphery with polyethylene having a relatively low melting point. A fiber lump made of short fibers having such a cross-sectional structure is heated by aligning the direction of the fibers with a carding machine and then fused between the fibers. Specifically, it is heated to a temperature higher than the melting point of polyethylene of the sheath material and lower than the melting point of polypropylene of the core material to form a structure in which the polyethylene of the sheath material at the site where the fibers are in contact with each other is fused.
[0183]
In the above fiber structure, as shown in FIG. 25 (c), the fibers are aligned in the longitudinal direction (F1) mainly because the fibers are aligned in a rowing machine. The fibers are in contact with each other. Heating causes mutual fusion at the contact point (intersection point) to form a network structure, which has mechanical elasticity in the orthogonal direction (F2). Accordingly, the tensile strength in the longitudinal direction (F1) shown in FIG. 25 (b) is increased. On the other hand, in the orthogonal direction (F2), although the tensile strength is inferior, It has an elastic structure with a restoring force.
[0184]
Looking at this fiber structure in more detail, as shown in FIG. 25 (c), the individual fibers are crimped, and with this crimp, a complex network structure is formed between adjacent fibers, Fusion has occurred. Some crimped fibers are also oriented in the orthogonal direction (F2) to complete three-dimensional fusion. The fiber structure actually used in this example is a biaxial shaft in which polyethylene having a melting point of about 132 ° C. is coated in a substantially concentric shape as shown in FIG. A sliver was formed using a fiber tow. In the fiber structure used, there is a fiber direction (F1) in which the fibers are mainly arranged. Therefore, if the liquid is immersed, the fluidity inside and the state of holding in the stationary state are the same as the fiber direction (F1). There is a clear difference in the direction (F2) perpendicular thereto.
[0185]
In this example, since the target article shape is a fiber structure and the liquid retainability is generally higher than that of an article having a flat surface, the treatment liquid solution has the following composition.
[0186]
[Table 2]

[0187]
(1) Method for hydrophilizing PP / PE fiber absorbent
A polypropylene / polyethylene fiber absorbent having the structure shown in FIG. 27A was immersed in the hydrophilic treatment liquid having the above composition (FIG. 27B). At this time, the treatment liquid is held in the gap between the fiber absorbers. Thereafter, the fiber absorbent was crushed ((c) in FIG. 27), and the excess treatment solution held in the fiber gap was removed. When taken out from a holding jig such as a wire mesh, the fiber absorber is restored to its original shape (FIG. 28 (a)), and a liquid layer is applied to the fiber surface. The fiber surface wetted with the liquid was dried in an oven at 60 ° C. for 1 hour (FIG. 28B).
[0188]
(Comparison 1 and Reference Example 1)
In addition, as contrast 1, a liquid containing only sulfuric acid and isopropyl alcohol prepared in the fiber body hydrophilic treatment liquid was subjected to the same operation as the method described with reference to FIGS. That is, a solution obtained by removing (polyoxyalkylene) · poly (dimethylsiloxane) from the treatment solution shown in Table 1 was used. As a reference example, an untreated PP / PE fiber absorbent was used.
[0189]
In addition, in the above principle application example 1, the used PP / PE fiber absorbent has a weight of 0.5 g, and the hydrophilic treatment liquid applied to the entire fiber absorbent by the above-described application method is 0.3 to 0.5 g. It is. In contrast 1, the amount of liquid applied is the same as in principle application example 1.
[0190]
The evaluation about the surface treatment state in each fiber absorber obtained by the above operation and the result are shown below.
[0191]
(1) PP / PE fiber absorbent hydrophilicity evaluation method
B) Dropper pure water dripping evaluation
For the PP / PE fiber absorbent treated in principle application example 1, the PP / PE fiber absorbent in comparative 1 and the untreated PP / PE fiber absorbent in the reference example, respectively, add pure water from above with a dropper. When dropped, the condition of soaking of pure water was observed.
[0192]
B) Pure water immersion evaluation
A container having a size enough to contain the PP / PE fiber absorbent is filled with pure water, and in this container, the PP / PE fiber absorbent treated according to the first principle application example, and the PP / PE fiber absorbent of the comparative example 1 are contained. And the untreated PP / PE fiber absorber of the reference example was slowly put, and at that time, the penetration of pure water into each PP / PE fiber absorber was observed.
[0193]
(2) PP / PE fiber absorbent hydrophilicity evaluation results
B) Dropper pure water dripping evaluation result
In the PP / PE fiber absorbent that had been treated in principle application example 1, when pure water was dropped from above with a dropper, the pure water permeated into the fiber absorbent instantly.
[0194]
On the other hand, in the PP / PE fiber absorber of the comparative example 1 and the untreated PP / PE fiber absorber of Reference Example 1, pure water was dropped from above with a dropper, but the pure water was not added to the PP / PE fiber absorber. Spherical droplets were formed so as not to permeate and repel on the PP / PE fiber absorber.
[0195]
B) Pure water immersion evaluation results
When the PP / PE fiber absorber treated in the principle application example 1 was slowly put in a container filled with pure water, the PP / PE fiber absorber slowly submerged in water. At least, this indicates that the surface of the PP / PE fiber absorbent treated by the example described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28 has hydrophilicity.
[0196]
On the other hand, when the PP / PE fiber absorbent of proportional 1 and the untreated PP / PE fiber absorbent of Reference Example 1 were slowly placed in a container filled with pure water, the PP / PE of proportional 1 Both the fiber absorbent and the untreated PP / PE fiber absorbent were completely floated on pure water. Even after that, there was no apparent water absorption, and the water repellency was clearly shown.
[0197]
From the above results, a treatment liquid composed of a polyalkylsiloxane having a polyalkylene oxide chain, an acid, and an alcohol is applied to the PP / PE fiber absorber and dried, as shown in FIG. 28 (c). It is judged that a coating of a polyalkylsiloxane is formed and the surface hydrophilization treatment is effectively performed. As a result, it has been found that the PP / PE fiber absorber subjected to the above-described treatment can sufficiently function as an ink absorber even with respect to water-based ink.
[0198]
In order to obtain the above result, that is, in the surface modification applied to the present invention, a polyalkylsiloxane having a polyalkylene oxide chain adheres to the surface of the PP / PE fiber to form a polymer coating. The fiber surface was observed with an SEM photograph.
[0199]
29, 30 and 31 show enlarged SEM photographs of the surface of untreated PP / PE fibers in Reference Example 1 (untreated PP / PE fiber absorber). FIG. 32 shows an enlarged SEM photograph of the acid-treated PP / PE fiber surface of Comparative Example 4 (PP / PE fiber absorber treated only with acid and alcohol).
[0200]
33, 34, and 35 show enlarged SEM photographs of the treated PP / PE fiber surface of the example (hydrophilized PP / PE fiber absorbent) described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28. FIG.
[0201]
First, in all of these PP / PE fiber surface enlarged SEM photographs, it is not possible to confirm a clear structural change that is judged to be caused by adhesion of organic matter on the fiber surface. In fact, the untreated PP / PE fiber and the hydrophilized PP / PE were compared in detail with the 2000 times magnified photograph of the untreated PP / PE fiber of FIG. 31 and the hydrophilized PP / PE fiber of FIG. No difference is observed in the SEM observation of the fiber surface. Therefore, in the hydrophilized PP / PE fiber, (polyoxyalkylene) / poly (dimethylsiloxane) is uniformly attached to the fiber surface in a thin film shape (which seems to be a monomolecular film). Therefore, it can be distinguished from the original fiber surface, and it is judged that no difference is observed in SEM observation.
[0202]
On the other hand, when the SEM photograph of the PP / PE fiber treated with only the acid and alcohol in FIG. 32 is seen, many of the intersections (welded portions) of the fibers are cut, and many like nodes are seen in the fibers. . This change shows the result of inducing and promoting the deterioration of PE / PP molecules on the fiber surface, especially surface layer PE, due to the high-concentration acid due to evaporation of the solvent and the heat of the drying process itself during the heat-drying process. Yes.
[0203]
On the other hand, the hydrophilization treatment solution also contains the same concentration of acid, and although it is also heated and dried, the fiber-bonded portion of the fiber-bonded portion as observed in the acid-treated PP / PE fiber treated with only acid and alcohol. No cuts or knots in the fiber are allowed. This fact shows that the degradation of PE molecules on the fiber surface is suppressed in the hydrophilization treatment of Principle Application Example 1. This is because when an acid acts to cut PE molecules on the fiber surface and radicals are generated in the molecules, some substance / structure captures the radicals, and the radicals chain-break PE. It is thought that it is suppressing. The radical scavenging also involves (polyoxyalkylene) and poly (dimethylsiloxane) adhering to the surface, and forms a chemical bond with the PE surface in a form that captures the generated radicals. There is no denial of secondary phenomena and effects that suppress the destruction of PE / PP.
[0204]
In summary, in the principle application example 1, the modification of the fiber surface is achieved by the fact that (polyoxyalkylene) poly (dimethylsiloxane) is uniformly attached to the fiber surface in the form of a thin film. It is judged. In the process, the effect of cleaning the fiber surface by the acid and solvent contained in the solution used for the hydrophilization treatment can be expected, and the action of promoting physical adsorption of the polyalkylene oxide chain is also expected. In addition to this, there is a considerable possibility of chemical bonding between the cleaved portion of the PE molecule and the polyalkylene oxide chain accompanying the cleavage of the PE molecule with a high concentration of acid and heat.
[0205]
Furthermore, the principle application example 1 shows that, for example, as shown schematically in FIG. 28C, a polymer coating can be easily achieved even on a fiber surface formed from a curved surface. In this way, by covering the peripheral portion of the surface (the portion where the outer peripheral shape of the cross section is a closed ring) with the polymer coating in a ring shape, the portion whose surface is modified by the polymer coating can be easily removed from the article. It can be prevented from peeling.
[0206]
In addition, in the biaxial fiber, the biaxial fiber is eccentric as shown in FIG. 26 (b), and the core (core material) 1b is partially exposed to the outer wall surface, and the surface layer (sheath) In some cases, the exposed portion of the core portion and the surface layer can be obtained by performing the above-described surface modification treatment according to the present invention. It is possible to impart hydrophilicity to both surfaces. In addition, if an interfacial slip agent having a hydrophilic function is applied and dried, the initial hydrophilicity can be obtained although it is partially obtained. The agent dissolves and dissolves in water, and the hydrophilicity is lost.
[0207]
"Principle Application Examples 2 and 3"
Next, an example in which the above-described surface hydrophilization principle is applied to a PP fiber body will be described. Specifically, a fiber mass having a fiber diameter of 2 denier formed into a rectangular parallelepiped shape of 2 cm × 2 cm × 3 cm was used as the PP fiber body.
[0208]
First, hydrophilic treatment solutions having the following two compositions were prepared.
[0209]
[Table 3]

[0210]
[Table 4]

[0211]
The second composition (Principle Application Example 3) is a composition obtained by adding a predetermined amount of isopropyl alcohol and pure water in this order. Here too, the sulfuric acid and (polyoxyalkylene) -poly (dimethylsiloxane) contained are diluted four times.
[0212]
PP fiber body treated with a solution of the first composition (Table 2) containing isopropyl alcohol as a main solvent according to the procedure of the hydrophilic treatment method for PP / PE fiber absorbent described with reference to FIG. 27 and FIG. (Principle Application Example 2) and a PP fiber body (Principle Application Example 3) treated with a solution of the second composition as a mixed solvent of water and isopropyl alcohol were obtained.
[0213]
(Reference Example 2)
The untreated PP fiber body was used as Reference Example 2.
[0214]
Similar to Principle Application Example 1, the untreated PP fiber body of Reference Example 2 has a water-repellent surface, but both the PP fiber body of Principle Application Example 2 and the PP fiber body of Principle Application Example 3 are hydrophilic. The surface was modified to show. For the purpose of evaluating the degree of hydrophilicity, 7 g of water-based ink (γ = 46 dyn / cm) is put in a petri dish, and the PP fiber body of Principle Application Example 2 and the PP fiber body of Principle Application Example 3 are formed on the surface of the ink liquid. In addition, the untreated PP fiber body of Reference Example 2 was gently put thereon.
[0215]
The untreated PP fiber body of Reference Example 2 was in a state of floating on the water-based ink. However, in the PP fiber body of Principle Application Example 2 and the PP fiber body of Principle Application Example 3, ink was applied from the bottom surface of the fiber body. I was sucking up. However, when the PP fiber body of the principle application example 2 and the PP fiber body of the principle application example 3 are compared, there is a clear difference in the amount of the water-based ink sucked up. In the PP fiber body of Principle Application Example 3, approximately half of the ink remained in the petri dish.
[0216]
In the PP fiber body of the principle application example 2 and the PP fiber body of the principle application example 3, the total amount of (polyoxyalkylene) -poly (dimethylsiloxane) which is a polymer coated on the surface is substantially remarkable. Although there is no difference, it is considered that there is a difference in the degree of orientation of the polymer itself in the coating.
[0217]
For example, in the PP fiber body of the principle application example 2, although the polymer coated on the surface thereof is generally oriented, adhesion is partially completed in a state including disorder in the orientation. On the other hand, in the PP fiber body of the principle application example 3, the above-described disorder of orientation is remarkably reduced.
[0218]
In this hydrophilic treatment with (polyoxyalkylene) / poly (dimethylsiloxane), in addition to isopropyl alcohol, addition of water to the solvent is considered to achieve a dense and more uniform coating. . Since the treatment liquid itself needs to wet the surface uniformly, it is desirable to contain at least about 20% of isopropyl alcohol. However, the content of isopropyl alcohol is less than 40% of the isopropyl alcohol in the above-mentioned Principle Application Example 3. Even if it exists, it is thought that covering is possible. That is, in the process of evaporating and drying the solvent, isopropyl alcohol is volatilized and lost earlier, and during that time, the content of isopropyl alcohol is further reduced. Therefore, considering that, the content of isopropyl alcohol is more than 40%. Even if the content of isopropyl alcohol is small, the coating is considered possible. In terms of industrial safety, the amount of isopropyl alcohol is preferably 40% or less.
[0219]
Further, it goes without saying that the above-described modification method, the modified surface, and the technical idea of the article of the present invention are all applicable to a porous body other than a fiber as a negative pressure generating member.
[0220]
It should be noted that the negative pressure generating member uniformly made lyophilic by the method disclosed in the above (Other Embodiments) section is the same as that described in the column of problems to be solved by the invention. As for the re-absorption of the ink after the ink (liquid) impregnated in the ink is extracted, the amount of ink retained by the negative pressure generating member after the re-absorption is almost the same regardless of the amount of ink extracted or the number of repetitions. In other words, there is an effect that the initial negative pressure can be restored.
[0221]
On the other hand, in the embodiment in which the liquid storage chamber is provided detachably with respect to the negative pressure generating member storage chamber, the amount of liquid retained in the negative pressure generating member storage chamber when the liquid storage chamber is replaced is determined by the connection with the ink outlet. There are various cases such as when the liquid is held near the joint pipe, which is a part, when the liquid near the ink supply port is consumed, or when there is no ink that can be consumed (supplied). According to the application of the present invention, the liquid storage chamber is obtained by lyophilicizing the negative pressure generating member in the negative pressure generating member storage chamber by any of the methods disclosed in the above (other embodiments) column. After the replacement, the negative pressure at the ink supply port of the negative pressure generating member storage chamber is the initial level (negative pressure, amount) regardless of the number of replacements and the remaining amount of liquid in the negative pressure generating member storage chamber before replacement. Can always be restored. Here, when considering the partial hydrophilization of the present invention, in the processing section, if the remaining amount of liquid in the negative pressure generating member before replacement is in the vicinity of the processing section (for example, only the liquid in the vicinity of the joint pipe is consumed). In other words, the lyophilic treatment described above may be performed from the portion where the liquid is replenished to the portion where the liquid is consumed, instead of hydrophilizing the entire negative pressure generating member by the method described above. .
[0222]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in the fibrous body as the negative pressure generating member stored in the liquid storage container for holding the recording liquid for the liquid discharge head, the fiber surface has a polyolefin resin, Since the polyolefin resin has hydrophilic groups oriented on the surface of the resin, the wettability of the fiber surface is increased. Therefore, even if the liquid to be used is a high surface tension ink, specially required for the injection thereof The process and equipment can be simplified. Further, since the flow resistance during the movement of the recording liquid is lowered, it is possible to cope with the supply of a high flow rate to the liquid discharge head accompanying high-speed printing.
[0223]
In addition, by applying a hydrophilic treatment to the fiber pressure contact body arranged at the supply port of the liquid storage container, the ink flow resistance can be reduced and the ink fluidity can be increased, so that a high flow rate of ink can be supplied. become. Furthermore, since it is possible to prevent bubbles from staying when the fibrous body is a pressure contact body, an increase in flow resistance can also be suppressed in this aspect.
[0224]
Further, since the portion corresponding to the supply port and the peripheral area of the fibrous body as the negative pressure generating member stored in the liquid storage container have been subjected to a hydrophilic treatment, the recording liquid will always be present in the supply port and the periphery thereof. Therefore, the liquid supply to the head is difficult to be interrupted.
[0225]
Further, in the liquid storage chamber in which the negative pressure generating member storage chamber and the liquid storage chamber are configured to be integrated or detachable through each other communication part, With the posture in which the supply port is directed downward in the direction of gravity, From the communicating part of the negative pressure generating member storage part and the liquid storage part of the fibrous body as the negative pressure generating member Regarding the direction of gravity Due to the hydrophilic treatment of the plane layer that is above and intersects the direction of gravity, R Even if the liquid and gas in the liquid storage part expand, the liquid flowing between the fibers can be diffused by the hydrophilic treatment part. Therefore, it is possible to sufficiently mitigate a rapid pressure increase without increasing the volume of the negative pressure generating member storage chamber.
[0226]
Further, in the liquid storage chamber in which the negative pressure generating member storage chamber and the liquid storage chamber are configured to be integrated or detachable through each other's communication portion, the negative pressure generation of the fibrous body as the stored negative pressure generating member is performed. By hydrophilizing the liquid supply area from the communication part between the member storage part and the liquid storage part to the liquid supply port to the liquid discharge head, the microscopic density difference of the fibrous body causes a change in gas-liquid exchange. Even if the liquid level is disturbed and lowered, the protruding lowered liquid level is stopped in the hydrophilic treatment region. Thereby, since the movement of the liquid from the liquid storage part to the negative pressure generating member storage part is not interrupted by air, a stable gas-liquid exchange operation is performed. Further, since the vicinity of the supply port is hydrophilically treated, the recording liquid is unlikely to be interrupted at the supply port because it always exists around the supply port. Furthermore, when the fiber body is replaced with a new liquid storage section, the hydrophilic treatment area of the fiber body actively calls in the liquid, so that the liquid discharge head can be quickly recovered. Further, the amount of liquid necessary for recovery of the liquid discharge head can be controlled by the size of the hydrophilic treatment area.
[0227]
Further, in the liquid storage chamber in which the negative pressure generating member storage chamber and the liquid storage chamber are configured to be integrated or detachable through each other's communication portion, the negative pressure generation of the fibrous body as the stored negative pressure generating member is performed. Since the hydrophilic portion of the communication portion between the member storage portion and the liquid storage portion or the air introduction groove in the vicinity thereof and the region corresponding to the periphery thereof is hydrophilized, the hydrophilic portion stably holds the liquid. Before reaching the liquid exchange state, it is possible to prevent the gas / liquid exchange operation from being performed by an inadvertent air path. Further, when the consumption of the recording liquid is stopped in the gas-liquid exchange state, the air introduction groove and the portion corresponding to the periphery of the fiber body can be filled with the liquid, and the air communication groove or the communication portion can be quickly closed. With the above functions, a stable gas-liquid exchange operation is possible. Further, when the liquid storage container is removed for replacement, the liquid is less likely to drip than the communication portion on the negative pressure generating member storage portion side.
[0228]
In addition, according to the surface modification method applied to the present invention, a desired lyophilic treatment can be performed on the entire internal surface of the negative pressure generating member having a complicated shape such as a porous body or a microfabricated article. Yes. And it can maintain lyophilicity for a long time compared with the past with respect to the olefin resin which surface modification is difficult. Furthermore, there is almost no negative pressure generating member structure or weight increase, and the modified surface itself can be formed as a thin layer at the molecular level, preferably at the monomolecular level. Furthermore, the desired modification can be performed freely, and a simple and excellent production method can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid storage container according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid storage container according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hydrophilic treatment area in an absorbent body of a liquid storage container according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a hydrophilization treatment area in an absorbent body of a liquid storage container according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a hydrophilization treatment area in a negative pressure generating member (absorber) in an ink jet head cartridge which is a liquid storage container according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a hydrophilization treatment area in a negative pressure generating member (absorber) in an ink jet head cartridge which is a liquid storage container according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a hydrophilization treatment area in a negative pressure generating member (absorber) in an ink jet head cartridge which is a liquid container according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a hydrophilization treatment area in a negative pressure generating member (absorber) in an ink jet head cartridge which is a liquid storage container according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ink movement state in an inkjet head cartridge which is a liquid storage container according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a view for explaining the effect of a hydrophilization treatment area at the time of gas-liquid exchange in an ink jet head cartridge which is a liquid storage container according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a hydrophilic treatment area in a negative pressure generating member (absorber) in an ink jet head cartridge which is a liquid storage container according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a liquid container having a pressure contact body according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional view showing a liquid storage container according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a difference in effect between the case where there is a hydrophilic treatment area as shown in FIG. 13 and the case where there is no hydrophilic treatment area.
FIG. 15 is a view for explaining a hydrophilic treatment method for an absorbent body in a liquid container according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing a liquid discharge recording apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 schematically shows a form of adhesion between a surface modifying agent polymer formed on a surface to be modified of an article (base material) and the article surface in a surface modification method applicable to the present invention. (A) is a figure explaining the case where both the 2nd group as a functional group and the 1st group for adhesion to the article surface are in a polymer side chain, (b) ) Is a diagram illustrating a case where the first group is contained in the main chain.
FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a treatment solution containing a polymer of a surface modifier is applied to form a coating layer on a substrate in a surface modification method applicable to the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram showing a step of partially removing a solvent in a coating layer containing a polymer of a surface modifier formed on a substrate in a surface modification method applicable to the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a partial view of a surface modifier polymer induced by an acid added to a treatment solution in association with a step of partially removing the solvent in the coating layer containing the surface modifier polymer. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an easy dissociation process.
FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram showing a process in which a polymer of a surface modifier or a dissociated fragment thereof is oriented and formed in association with a step of further removing the solvent in the coating layer containing the polymer of the surface modifier. .
FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a process in which a solvent in a coating layer is removed by drying, and a polymer of a surface modifier or a dissociated fragment thereof is oriented and fixed on the surface.
FIG. 23 is a conceptual diagram showing a process in which dissociated fragments derived from a polymer of a surface modifier adhered and fixed on a surface are recombined by a condensation reaction.
FIG. 24 is a conceptual diagram showing an example in which the surface modification method applicable to the present invention is applied to a hydrophilic treatment of a water-repellent surface, and showing the effect of adding water to the treatment solution.
FIG. 25 shows a PE / PP fiber body that can be used as an ink absorber in an ink tank, where (a) shows a use form as an ink absorber in an ink tank, and (b) shows a PE / PP fiber body. The overall shape, the fiber arrangement direction F1 and the direction F2 perpendicular thereto are shown, (c) is the state before the PE / PP fiber body is formed by heat fusion, and (d) is the PE / PP. It is a figure which shows typically the state formed by heat-seal | fusing a fiber body, respectively.
FIG. 26 is an example of a cross-sectional structure of the PE / PP fiber body shown in FIG. 25, where (a) is an example in which a PE sheath material is almost concentrically coated on a PP core material, and (b) is an example on a PP core material. It is a figure which shows typically the example which PE sheath material covers eccentrically.
27 shows an example in which the surface modification method of the present invention is applied to the hydrophilization treatment of the water-repellent surface of the PE / PP fibrous body shown in FIG. 25, (a) shows an untreated fibrous body, (b) FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a step of immersing the fiber body in a hydrophilization treatment liquid, and (c) schematically showing a step of compressing the fiber body and removing excess treatment liquid after the immersion.
28 shows a step subsequent to the step shown in FIG. 27, in which (a) shows a coating layer formed on the surface of a fibrous body, (b) shows a step of drying and removing a solvent contained in the coating layer (c). (A) is a figure which shows typically the coating of the hydrophilizing agent which covers the fiber surface.
FIG. 29 shows an SEM photograph as a substitute for a drawing of 150 times magnification showing the untreated PP / PE fiber shape of Reference Example 1 (untreated PP / PE fiber absorber) and the surface state thereof.
FIG. 30 shows an SEM photograph substituting for a drawing of 500 times magnification showing an untreated PP / PE fiber shape of Reference Example 1 (untreated PP / PE fiber absorber) and its surface state.
FIG. 31 shows an SEM photograph substituting a drawing of 2000 times showing the untreated PP / PE fiber shape of Reference Example 1 (untreated PP / PE fiber absorber) and its surface state.
FIG. 32 shows an SEM photograph as a substitute for a drawing of 150 times magnification showing the shape of the acid-treated PP / PE fiber and the surface state of the proportional 1 (PP / PE fiber absorber treated only with acid and alcohol).
FIG. 33 shows an SEM photograph as a substitute for a drawing, enlarged 150 times, showing the treated PP / PE fiber shape of the principle application example 1 (hydrophilized PP / PE fiber absorber) and the surface state thereof.
FIG. 34 shows an SEM photograph as a substitute for a drawing, enlarged 500 times, showing the processed PP / PE fiber shape and surface state of Principle Application Example 1 (hydrophilized PP / PE fiber absorber).
FIG. 35 shows an SEM photograph as a substitute for a drawing of 2000 times magnification showing the treated PP / PE fiber shape and surface state of Principle Application Example 1 (hydrophilized PP / PE fiber absorbent).
FIG. 36 is a process diagram showing an example of a modified surface treatment manufacturing process applicable to the present invention.
FIG. 37 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the estimated distribution of hydrophilic groups and hydrophobic groups on the surface by the surface modification treatment applicable to the present invention.
FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of hydrophilic treatment in a negative pressure generating member (absorber) in an ink jet head cartridge applicable to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1,11 Ink tank
2, 15 PP fiber body
3, 16 Air communication port
4, 14 Ink supply port
5 Hydrophilization treatment liquid
12 Negative pressure generating member storage chamber
13 Ink storage chamber
17 Ink outlet
18 partition wall
19 Air introduction groove
20 seals
100 Negative pressure control unit
102 Seal surface
110 Negative pressure control chamber container
113c interface
115 Air communication port
116 Buffer space
120 Lid member
130, 140 Absorber
150 holder
160 Inkjet head unit
161 filters
165 Ink supply pipe
170, 250 ID member
180 Joint pipe
180a Protrusion for seal
180b Valve opening / closing protrusion
200 Ink tank unit
201 Ink storage container
210 Case
210a Engagement part
220 inner bag
221 Pinch-off part
222 Open air communication port
230 Joint port
250a Click part
252 ID recess
260a First valve frame
260b Second valve frame
261 Disc
262 Valve lid
263 Biasing member
300
H Liquid level (gas-liquid interface)
1000 Liquid storage container
5020 cap
5030 Guide shaft
5040 Lead screw
5050 Spiral groove
5080 gear
5090, 5100, 5110, 5200 Drive transmission gear
5130 Drive motor
HC carriage
IJRA ink ejection recording device

Claims (53)

A fiber body for generating negative pressure used in a container capable of supplying liquid to be supplied to a liquid discharge head that discharges liquid to perform recording, the olefin resin having at least the olefin resin on the fiber surface Has a wetted surface structure having a relatively long-chain lyophilic group and a relatively short-chain lyophobic group oriented on the surface thereof . It is used in a container that can supply water-based liquid that is supplied to a liquid discharge head that discharges water-based liquid for recording, and is a fibrous body made of fibers to which a polymer compound is applied at least on a partial surface,
The polymer compound, relative to have a first portion, a surface energy substantially equal to surface energy of the base of the hydrophilic group interfacial energy lower than and the partial surface of which has a hydrophilic group of a relatively long-chain A short second portion,
The fibrous body, wherein the second portion is oriented toward the partial surface, and the first portion is oriented in a direction different from the partial surface. The fiber body according to claim 2, wherein a surface of the fiber is an olefin resin, and the polymer compound is a polyalkylsiloxane having a hydrophilic group .   The fibrous body according to claim 3, wherein the hydrophilic group has a polyalkylene oxide chain.   The fibrous body according to claim 3, wherein the olefin-based resin is polypropylene or polyethylene, and the polyalkylsiloxane is polyoxyalkylene-dimethylpolysiloxane.   The liquid storage container which accommodates the fiber body of any one of Claim 2 to 5 as a negative pressure generation member.   A negative pressure generating member storage portion storing the fiber body according to any one of claims 2 to 5 as a negative pressure generating member, and a liquid storage portion for supplying a liquid to the negative pressure generating member storage portion. A liquid storage container configured such that the liquid storage part is integrally or detachable with respect to the negative pressure generating member storage part.   The liquid storage portion stores liquid, deforms as the liquid is led out and generates a negative pressure, a housing that covers the inner bag, and introduces air between the housing and the inner bag. The liquid container according to claim 7, further comprising a possible outside air communication port.   The liquid storage container having a supply port for supplying a liquid to the liquid discharge head and an atmosphere communication port for communicating the inside with the atmosphere, and containing a negative pressure generating member, the inner portion of the supply port according to claim 2. A liquid storage container in which a fibrous body is arranged.   In a liquid storage container having a supply port for supplying a liquid to a liquid discharge head and an air communication port for communicating the inside with the atmosphere, and storing the fiber body as a negative pressure generating member, the supply port for the fiber body A liquid storage container characterized in that only a part corresponding to and a part around the part thereof are partially lyophilic. A negative pressure generating member storing portion storing the fibrous body as a negative pressure generating member, an atmosphere communication port for communicating the inside of the negative pressure generating member storing portion with the atmosphere, and supplying the liquid held by the fibrous body to the liquid discharge head And a liquid storage container configured to be detachable from the negative pressure generation member storage unit integrally or detachably with the liquid storage unit for leading the liquid to the negative pressure generation member storage unit. In
Only the part corresponding to the supply port of the fibrous body and the peripheral part of the part are partially lyophilically treated. A negative pressure generating member storing portion storing the fibrous body as a negative pressure generating member, an atmosphere communication port for communicating the inside of the negative pressure generating member storing portion with the atmosphere, and supplying the liquid held by the fibrous body to the liquid discharge head And a liquid storage container configured to be detachable from the negative pressure generation member storage unit integrally or detachably with the liquid storage unit for leading the liquid to the negative pressure generation member storage unit. In
In a posture in which the supply port is directed downward in the gravitational direction, a plane of the fibrous body that is above the communication portion between the negative pressure generating member storage portion and the liquid storage portion with respect to the gravity direction and intersects the gravity direction A liquid container, wherein the layer is partially lyophilic with respect to its surroundings. A negative pressure generating member storing portion storing the fibrous body as a negative pressure generating member, an atmosphere communication port for communicating the inside of the negative pressure generating member storing portion with the atmosphere, and supplying the liquid held by the fibrous body to the liquid discharge head And a liquid storage container configured to be detachable from the negative pressure generation member storage unit integrally or detachably with the liquid storage unit for leading the liquid to the negative pressure generation member storage unit. In
The liquid supply area of at least the negative pressure generating member storage part and the liquid storage part of the fiber body from the supply port to the supply port is partially lyophilicized with respect to the entire fiber body. Liquid storage container. A negative pressure generating member storing portion storing the fibrous body as a negative pressure generating member, an atmosphere communication port for communicating the inside of the negative pressure generating member storing portion with the atmosphere, and supplying the liquid held by the fibrous body to the liquid discharge head And a liquid storage container configured to be detachable from the negative pressure generation member storage unit integrally or detachably with the liquid storage unit for leading the liquid to the negative pressure generation member storage unit. In
A liquid storage container, wherein at least a communicating portion between the negative pressure generating member storage portion and the liquid storage portion of the fiber body is partially lyophilicized with respect to the entire fiber body. A negative pressure generating member storing portion storing the fibrous body as a negative pressure generating member, an atmosphere communication port for communicating the inside of the negative pressure generating member storing portion with the atmosphere, and supplying the liquid held by the fibrous body to the liquid discharge head A supply port that supplies liquid to the negative pressure generation member storage portion, and a communication portion between the negative pressure generation member storage portion and the liquid storage portion, and provides gas into the liquid storage portion. And an air introduction groove for causing gas-liquid exchange to lead the liquid to the negative pressure generating member accommodating portion as it is introduced, and the liquid accommodating portion is integrated with or detached from the negative pressure generating member accommodating portion. In a liquid storage container configured as possible,
A liquid storage container, wherein a region of the fibrous body corresponding to at least the air introduction groove is partially lyophilic with respect to the entire fibrous body.   The liquid storage portion stores liquid, deforms as the liquid is led out and generates a negative pressure, a housing that covers the inner bag, and introduces air between the housing and the inner bag. The liquid storage container according to claim 11, further comprising a possible outside air communication port.   The negative pressure generating member storage unit includes a first fiber body on the atmosphere communication port side and a second fiber body on the supply port side, and the fiber body subjected to the partial lyophilic treatment includes the first fiber body. The liquid container according to claim 12, which is a single fiber body.   The negative pressure generating member storage unit includes a first fiber body on the atmosphere communication port side and a second fiber body on the supply port side, and the fiber body subjected to the partial lyophilic treatment includes the first fiber body. The liquid container according to any one of claims 13 to 15, which is a two-fiber body.   The second fiber body is partially lyophilicized with respect to the entire fiber body including the first fiber body and the second fiber body, and the entire second fiber body is lyophilicized. The liquid container according to claim 18.   The lyophilic portion of the fiber body has a wetted surface structure and includes a polymer having relatively long-chain lyophilic groups and relatively short-chain lyophobic groups that are substantially alternately disposed. The liquid container according to any one of claims 10 to 19, wherein the container is a liquid container.   When the liquid is an aqueous liquid, the lyophilic group is a side chain group having a polymer structure having a hydrophilic group, and the lyophobic group is a side chain group having a methyl group. Item 21. The liquid container according to Item 20.   The lyophilic treatment is performed after the cleavage of a polymer having a first group having a lyophilic group that can be cleaved / condensed and a second group having an interface energy substantially equal to the surface energy of the partial surface of the fiber. The liquid container according to any one of claims 10 to 19, further comprising a condensation step of condensing the finely divided material on the fiber surface to make a polymer.   The liquid container according to claim 22, wherein the condensation step includes a step of annealing water molecules generated at the time of condensation after completion of evaporation of the solution dissolving the polymer.   24. The liquid container according to claim 23, wherein a heating temperature in the annealing step is higher than a maximum temperature when the fibrous body is used and lower than a melting point of the fibrous body and a melting point of the polymer. A fiber body having an olefin-based resin at least on the surface, the surface having a modified surface that has been hydrophilized, and applied to a negative pressure generating portion for inkjet,
After the treatment liquid containing a polymer having a hydrophilic group and a group having a surface energy substantially equal to the surface energy of the olefin fiber surface, a dilute acid as a cleavage catalyst of the polymer, and an alcohol is attached, By evaporating the attached treatment liquid and concentrating the dilute acid to cleave the polymer, and further condensing them, relative to the fiber surface is relatively long chain hydrophilic groups. A fibrous body characterized by having a wetted surface structure having substantially alternating short-chain lyophobic groups. In the lyophilic method for an inkjet fiber body, the liquid is held to generate a negative pressure with respect to the inkjet head, and at least a partial surface of the fibrous body as a negative pressure generating member that supplies the liquid to the head is lyophilic.
A lyophilic solution comprising a first part having the lyophilic group and a second part having a surface energy group different from the surface energy of the lyophilic group and having substantially the same surface energy as the surface energy of the surface part. A first step of applying a liquid containing a fragmented product having the first part and the second part, obtained by cleaving the polymer for imparting a functional group, to the surface of the part;
A second step of orienting a second portion of the subdivided product on the partial surface toward the partial surface, and orienting the first portion on a side different from the partial surface;
And a third step of condensing at least partly the finely divided products oriented on the partial surface to form a polymer, and a method for lyophilizing an inkjet fiber body. In a liquid storage container having a supply port for supplying a liquid to a liquid discharge head, an air communication port for communicating the inside with air, and a fiber body in which a fiber body is stored as a negative pressure generating member, the supply of the fiber body A method of lyophilicizing the part corresponding to the mouth and the surrounding area,
Using a syringe containing a lyophilic treatment liquid, inserting the needle of the syringe into the fiber body from the atmosphere communication port, and injecting the lyophilic treatment liquid near the center of the fiber body; from the supply port And a step of sucking the lyophilic treatment solution and discharging the lyophilic treatment solution before the lyophilic treatment solution reaches the inner surface of the liquid storage container. A method for producing a fibrous body having an olefin-based resin at least on the surface, the surface having a modified surface that has been hydrophilized, and applied to a negative pressure generating portion for inkjet,
Forming a fiber surface to which a treatment liquid containing a polyalkylsiloxane having a hydrophilic group, an acid, and an alcohol is attached;
Heating the treatment liquid adhering to the fiber surface at a temperature higher than room temperature and a temperature lower than the melting point of the olefin-based resin, and drying the fibrous body having a modified surface, Method. A method for producing a fibrous body having an olefin-based resin at least on the surface, the surface having a modified surface that has been hydrophilized, and applied to a negative pressure generating portion for inkjet,
Forming a fiber surface to which a liquid containing a polyalkylsiloxane having a hydrophilic group, acid, alcohol and water is attached;
Drying the treatment liquid adhering to the fiber surface, and orienting the hydrophilic group in the direction opposite to the surface in the process to hydrophilize the surface. A method for producing a fibrous body having a modified surface. A method for modifying the surface of a fiber constituting an ink absorber applied to a negative pressure generating portion for inkjet,
A dilute acid, a volatile affinity improver for the fiber surface, a first part having a surface energy group substantially equal to the surface energy of the fiber surface, and a surface energy group different from the surface energy A first step of applying to the fiber surface a liquid in which a treatment agent comprising a polymer comprising a second part is dissolved;
A second step of removing the affinity improver by applying heat to the fiber surface;
A third step of concentrating the dilute acid to cleave the polymer in the treating agent;
The cleaved polymer is condensed on the surface, the first portion of the polymer is oriented toward the fiber surface, and the second portion is oriented on a side different from the fiber surface. 4 steps,
A surface modification method characterized by comprising: A method of introducing a functional group into the surface of a fiber constituting an ink absorber applied to a negative pressure generating portion for inkjet, and modifying the surface,
A polymer compound comprising a relatively long-chain first part having a surface energy group substantially equal to the surface energy of the surface and a second part having a relatively short-chain functional group. The fragment obtained by cleaving and having the first part and the second part is oriented based on the affinity to the surface of the group having an interface energy substantially equal to the surface energy, A surface modification method comprising a step of condensing a subdivided product. A fiber having a modified surface in which a functional group is introduced on the surface of a fiber constituting an ink absorber applied to a negative pressure generating portion for inkjet,
Polymer and a second portion of the relatively short-chain having a first portion and the functional group having a relatively long chain groups of approximately equal surface energy and surface energy surface of the fibers have The fragment obtained by cleaving the compound and having the first part and the second part was condensed under an oriented state based on the affinity of the group having an interface energy substantially equal to the surface energy to the surface. The fiber, wherein the condensate of the finely divided product is attached to the surface. The outer periphery of the cross-section has a circumferential portion made of a curved surface having a closed ring shape, and at least a portion covered with a film containing a polymer that makes a circle around the outer periphery of the circumferential portion on the circumferential portion. In the surface portion covered with the polymer-containing film, the surface portion is modified, the fibers constituting the ink absorber applied to the negative pressure generating portion for inkjet,
The polymer compound is a material that is soluble in a solvent or has a main skeleton different from the fiber surface, and has a first part having a relatively long-chain functional group for modifying the surface. A relatively short second portion having a group with an interface energy different from the interface energy of the functional group and substantially equivalent to the surface energy of the surface,
A fiber having a modified surface, wherein the second portion is oriented toward the surface, and the first portion is oriented in a direction different from the surface. A surface modification method for modifying a hydrophobic surface of a fiber constituting an ink absorber applied to a negative pressure generating portion for inkjet to hydrophilicity,
A subdivided product having the hydrophilic group and the hydrophobic group generated by cleavage of a polymer compound having a relatively long-chain hydrophilic group and a relatively short-chain hydrophobic group is converted into the hydrophobic group. The surface modification is characterized in that it has a step of adhering to the hydrophobic surface by orienting the hydrophilic group so as to face the surface of the hydrophobic group and in a direction different from the hydrophobic group. Quality method.   The surface modification method according to claim 34, wherein the subdivided products on the hydrophobic surface are condensed with each other.   In the step, a liquid containing the polymer compound and a dilute acid is applied to the hydrophobic surface, the dilute acid is concentrated on the hydrophobic surface, and the polymer compound is cleaved with the concentrated acid to be subdivided. 36. The surface modification method according to claim 34 or 35, comprising the step of:   The step uses water and a liquid containing a non-aqueous solvent having a vapor pressure lower than that of water as the liquid, and in the drying process of the liquid on the hydrophobic surface, the non-aqueous solvent evaporates prior to water, 37. The surface modification method according to claim 34, wherein the surface is subjected to a state in which a thin film of water exists on the hydrophobic surface.   The surface modification method according to any one of claims 34 to 37, wherein the liquid has a composition that wets a desired surface of the hydrophobic surface.   The surface modification method according to any one of claims 34 to 38, wherein the hydrophobic surface of the fiber is composed of an olefin resin.   The surface modification method according to any one of claims 34 to 39, wherein the polymer compound is a polyalkylsiloxane having a hydrophilic group.   The surface modification method according to claim 40, wherein the hydrophilic group has a polyalkylene oxide chain.   The surface modification method according to claim 40, wherein the polyalkylsiloxane having a hydrophilic group is (polyoxyalkylene) -poly (dimethylsiloxane). In the surface modification method for modifying the surface of the partial surface of the porous body constituting the ink absorber applied to the negative pressure generating portion for inkjet,
A cleaved polymer obtained by cleaving a polymer compound having a relatively long-chain hydrophilic group and a relatively short-chain hydrophobic group is used as an interfacial energy similar to the surface energy of the partial surface of the porous body. A surface modification method characterized by orienting based on the affinity of said group to said partial surface and condensing said cleavage polymer on said partial surface to modify the surface. A method of modifying at least a partial surface of a fiber constituting an ink absorber applied to a negative pressure generating portion for inkjet using a liquid polymer,
A first group having a relatively long-chain functional group that can be cleaved and condensed, and a relatively short-chain second group having an interfacial energy substantially equal to the surface energy of the partial surface of the fiber A surface modification method comprising a condensation step of condensing a fragmented product after molecular cleavage on a fiber surface to form a polymer. Fibers constituting an ink absorber applied to a negative pressure generating portion for inkjet, having a hydrophobic surface, and the hydrophobic surface being modified to a hydrophilic surface,
The fragmented product having the hydrophilic group and the hydrophobic group produced by cleavage of a polymer compound having a relatively long-chain hydrophilic group and a relatively short-chain hydrophobic group is the hydrophobic group. The surface is modified, wherein the surface is modified so that the group is oriented toward the hydrophobic surface and the hydrophilic group is oriented in a direction different from the hydrophobic group, and is attached to the hydrophobic surface. Fiber that has been.   The core part and a surface layer covering the core part, the core part and the surface layer are each composed of an olefin resin, and the melting temperature of the resin constituting the core part is the melting temperature of the resin constituting the surface layer 46. The fiber of claim 45, wherein the fiber is higher.   The fiber according to claim 46, wherein the resin constituting the core is polypropylene, and the resin constituting the surface layer is polyethylene.   The fiber according to claim 47, wherein the core part is partially exposed on an outer wall surface, and the subdivided material is attached to both the surface of the exposed part of the core part and the surface of the surface layer.   The fiber according to any one of claims 45 to 48, wherein the polymer compound is a polyalkylsiloxane having a hydrophilic group.   50. The fiber according to claim 49, having a polyalkylene oxide group as the hydrophilic group.   The fiber according to any one of claims 45 to 48, wherein the polyalkylsiloxane having a hydrophilic group is (polyoxyalkylene) -poly (dimethylsiloxane). An ink absorber that is applied to the negative pressure generating portion for inkjet is configured, and a liquid is supplied to the liquid-contacting surface structure of the fiber that holds the liquid,
A wetted surface structure of a fiber, comprising a polymer having a relatively long-chain lyophilic group and a relatively short-chain lyophobic liquid substantially alternately. A fiber constituting an ink absorber applied to a negative pressure generating part for inkjet, having an olefin-based resin at least on the surface and having a modified surface where the surface is hydrophilized,
A treatment liquid containing a polymer having a hydrophilic group and a group having a surface energy substantially equal to the surface energy of the fiber surface containing at least the olefin resin as a constituent component, a dilute acid as a cleavage catalyst for the polymer, and an alcohol After forming the fiber surface to which is adhered, the treatment liquid adhering to the fiber surface is evaporated, and the polymer is cleaved by concentrating the dilute acid on the fiber surface, followed by cleavage generation. It is characterized by having a wetted surface structure having a relatively long chain hydrophilic group and a relatively short chain hydrophobic group substantially alternately on the fiber surface by condensing the product. fiber.

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