JPH10157158A - Ink cartridge package and packaging member - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance productivity by employing a bag-like member comprising a nonventilative member for containing an ink cartridge under a state where the pressure is reduced below the atmospheric pressure having a plurality of bag-like rooms for containing the ink cartridges thereby containing a plurality of ink cartridges. SOLUTION: The ink cartridge package 1 contains ink cartridges 3y, 3m, 3c and 3k containing inks of yellow, magenta, cyan and black, respectively, in a plurality of rooms 4y, 4m, 4c and 4k made of an ink cartridge package member 2 and seals them under a state where the pressure is reduced below the atmospheric pressure (e.g. vacuum state). A nonventilating sheet-like member, e.g. two sheets of aluminum laminate film, is employed as the package member 2 and the boundary part 6 between the outer circumferential part of two sheets of aluminum film and each room is heat sealed tightly to form four bag-like rooms 4y having one open side. The boundary part 6 of each room is previously perforated 7 for the purpose of separation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink cartridge packaging member and an ink cartridge packaging body, and more particularly to a packaging member for accommodating an ink cartridge used in an ink jet recording apparatus and a packaging body containing the ink cartridge.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An ink jet recording apparatus has little vibration and noise at the time of recording and is easy to colorize. Therefore, it is used not only for a printer for outputting data of a digital processing device such as a computer but also for facsimile and copying. It is supposed to be. In this type of ink jet recording apparatus, an ink cartridge containing ink is used to supply ink to a recording head.

[0003] In order to ensure the stability of such an ink cartridge during long-term storage and distribution, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-61592, an ink container containing degassed ink is used. The ink container for ink-jet recording is sealed in a closed container made of a flexible tube made of a resin single-layer material or a material obtained by vapor-depositing an aluminum foil, depressurized, and sealed by heat-sealing the sealed container under reduced pressure. Manufacturing methods have been proposed.

In addition, as described in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 56-9668, a transparent or translucent liquid-tight first material is used.
An ink cartridge sealed with a wrapping material and packaged with an opaque second wrapping material, as described in JP-A-7-76367, having a seal member having one end fixed inside the bag. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-810, entitled "Packing member for replaceable ink cartridge, in which the bag is easy to open by arc-shaped perforations and tape processing and prevents contamination due to ink leakage."
As described in JP-A-78-78, there has been proposed an ink cartridge exterior member in which a flange portion of a storage member that stores a cartridge and a surface of a lid member are formed of the same resin.

[0005]

However, the flexible tube made of a single-layer resin material used in the ink container for ink-jet recording cannot maintain the degree of vacuum. However, sufficient sealing cannot be ensured. Also, the ink container is usually made of a resin molded product, but if it is vacuum-sealed with a flexible tube, the ink is likely to leak due to the application of pressure, or if it is dropped or hit, the ink leak will occur. The measures cannot be taken.

[0006] Further, although not related to the above-mentioned or vacuum packs of ink cartridges, two types of packaging materials are required, so that costs are increased and productivity is deteriorated. Since the shape and processing of the bag are complicated and costly, there is no member for protecting the cartridge. For example, if the cartridge is strongly gripped, ink leakage occurs. The entire container of the cartridge is a molded product, and its outer dimensions are large in consideration of a welded portion with the lid member and a projection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides an ink cartridge packaging member capable of accommodating a plurality of ink cartridges and improving productivity, and an ink cartridge packaging body using the ink cartridge packaging member. The purpose is to provide.

[0008]

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink cartridge packaging member comprising a bag made of a non-breathable member for accommodating an ink cartridge under reduced pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. And a packaging member having a plurality of bag-shaped chambers for accommodating the ink cartridge.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink cartridge packaging member according to the first aspect, wherein the plurality of rooms are arranged vertically or horizontally in a line, and a boundary between each room is separated from other rooms. Configuration.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ink cartridge packaging member according to the first aspect, wherein the plurality of chambers are arranged in a plurality of rows vertically and horizontally, and a boundary between each of the chambers is connected to another room. The configuration is such that processing for separation has been performed.

[0011] The ink cartridge package according to claim 4 is:
4. An ink cartridge package formed by packaging an ink cartridge with an ink cartridge packaging member, wherein the ink cartridge is housed in each of a plurality of chambers of the ink cartridge packaging member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and the pressure of the ink cartridge is increased by atmospheric pressure. , And sealed under a low pressure.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink cartridge package comprising:
In the ink cartridge package according to the fourth aspect, the ink cartridge is housed while being held by a holding member.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an embodiment of an ink cartridge package and an ink cartridge packaging member according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the package seen from above, and FIG. 3 is an ink cartridge packaging member according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of FIG.

The ink cartridge package 1 includes yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black in a plurality of chambers 4y, 4m, 4c, and 4k of the ink cartridge packaging member 2 according to the present invention. (Bk) ink cartridges 3y, 3m, 3c, 3k containing the respective inks
And sealed in a reduced pressure state (here, a vacuum state) lower than the atmospheric pressure.

Here, the ink cartridge packaging member 2
In the state before accommodating the ink cartridges, four chambers 4 for accommodating four ink cartridges each having an open side.
y, 4m, 4c, and 4k are arranged side by side (or vertically). These rooms 4y, 4
Although the sizes of m, 4c, and 4k may be the same, here, the ink cartridges 3y, 3m, and 3c of other color inks are used as the black ink cartridge 3k.
Since a larger capacity is used, the ink cartridge 3k can be adjusted according to the size of the ink cartridge.
Room 4k for other ink cartridges 3y, 3m, 3
c is larger than the rooms 4y, 4m, and 4c.

The ink cartridge packaging member 2 is made of a non-breathable sheet-like member, for example, two aluminum laminated films, and is used as a portion that becomes the outer peripheral portion 5 of the two films and the boundary portion 6 of each room (in each case). (Shaded portions in the figure) are preliminarily adhered to each other by heat sealing to form four bag-shaped rooms 4y, 4m, 4c, and 4k each having an open side. A perforation 7 is previously inserted into the section 6 as a separating process.

As shown in FIG. 3, the aluminum laminated film forming the ink cartridge packaging member 2 is formed by coating an aluminum sheet 11 as a base material with polyethylene layers 12 and 13 on both sides of the aluminum sheet 11. The polyethylene film 14 is coated on the inner surface to be welded during heat sealing, and the nylon 15 is coated on the outer surface. This aluminum laminated film is sealed by welding the polyethylene films 14 to each other. In order to maintain the degree of vacuum for a long time, an aluminum sheet is important, and the resin material cannot maintain the degree of vacuum. Further, the thickness of the aluminum sheet is preferably at least 9 μm, and if it is less than 9 μm, pinholes may be generated and the sealing property may be significantly reduced.

After the ink cartridges 3y, 3m, 3c, and 3k are accommodated in the respective rooms 4y, 4m, 4c, and 4k of the ink cartridge packaging member 2, the respective rooms 4y, 4m, and 4k of the ink cartridge packaging member 2 are stored. 4c, 4k
Is vacuumed, and the portion including the opening 8 (the portion with the grid lines in FIG. 1) is simultaneously sealed by heat sealing,
The ink cartridges 3y, 3m, 3c, and 3k are used as a vacuum-packed ink cartridge package 1.

As described above, the ink cartridge packaging member is made of a non-permeable member, and has a plurality of bag-shaped chambers for accommodating the ink cartridge in a reduced pressure state lower than the atmospheric pressure. Thus, a plurality of ink cartridges can be packaged at the same time, and the productivity is improved. In addition, since the heat-sealed portion can be shared between adjacent rooms, the heat-sealed surface is reduced and leakage at the heat-sealed portion is reduced, and the heat-sealed portion (boundary portion) between the adjacent rooms is interposed. In the case of a leak, the effect of maintaining the reduced pressure is high because the leak does not occur directly to the outside.

Further, by arranging a plurality of chambers of the ink cartridge packaging member in a horizontal line (or a vertical line), it is easy to manage and the cost can be reduced.

Next, another embodiment of the ink cartridge package and the ink cartridge packaging member according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The ink cartridge package 21 of this embodiment includes the ink cartridge package 2
The ink cartridges 3 and 3 are accommodated in the respective chambers 4 and 4, and are sealed under reduced pressure.

The ink cartridge wrapping member 22 is formed by folding a single sheet member having no air permeability and by bending both end portions 2 of the sheet member.
5 and 25 and the boundary 26 (the hatched portion in the figure) were sealed by heat sealing to form each of the rooms 4 and 4, and the boundary 26 was provided with a perforation 27 as a separating process. Things. After the ink cartridge 3 is stored in each room of the ink cartridge packaging member 22, a vacuum state is set and a portion including the opening 28 (a portion with a grid line in the drawing)
Is sealed with a heat seal, and the ink cartridge package 2 is sealed.
It is set to 1.

As described above, by folding one sheet-like member to form the respective rooms for accommodating the ink cartridges, the number of heat-sealed portions can be reduced, thereby improving the productivity and improving the airtightness. It is also effective in maintaining a reduced pressure state.

Next, still another embodiment of the ink cartridge package and the ink cartridge package member according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the ink cartridge package 31 of this embodiment, the ink cartridges 3 are accommodated in four chambers 4 arranged vertically and horizontally on the ink cartridge packaging member 32, respectively, and are sealed under reduced pressure.

The ink cartridge packaging member 32 is formed by stacking two sheet-like members having no air permeability on both sides 35,
35, a vertical boundary portion 36a and a horizontal boundary portion 36b (hatched portions in the figure) are sealed by heat sealing to form two baggage chambers 4 vertically and horizontally, and a total of four bag-shaped rooms 4 are formed. Part 36
A and 36b are provided with perforations 37 as a separating process. This ink cartridge packaging member 3
After the ink cartridge 3 is accommodated in each of the chambers 4, the portions including the upper and lower openings 38 a and 38 b (the portions indicated by grid lines in the drawing) are sealed by heat sealing under reduced pressure, and the ink cartridge package 31 is formed. And

By arranging the rooms for accommodating the ink cartridges vertically and horizontally as described above, the number of accommodated ink cartridges can be increased, and the mass productivity is improved and the management becomes easier.

Next, still another embodiment of the ink cartridge package according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a state where the ink cartridge is held by the holding member, and FIG. 7 is a side view thereof.
The holding member 41 is formed of a molded product such as a resin having a U-shaped cross section, and can hold the ink cartridge 3 so as to wrap it. An ink absorber 42 is provided on the bottom surface of the holding member 41 so that even if ink leaks from the ink supply port 3a of the ink cartridge 3, it can be absorbed.

For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, when the ink cartridge 3 is housed in the ink cartridge packaging member 2, the ink cartridge 3 is housed in a state held by the holding member 41, and the ink cartridge package 1 is housed. And

By accommodating the ink cartridge holding member in this manner, when the ink cartridge is packed by increasing the degree of vacuum with the ink cartridge packaging member, the bag shrinks and the outer casing of the resin molded ink cartridge is deformed. However, it is possible to prevent the ink inside from being pushed out and leaking. By providing the holding member with the ink absorber, even if the ink leaks, it can be prevented from leaking from the holding member.

[0030]

As described above, according to the ink cartridge packaging member of the first aspect, a bag-shaped ink cartridge made of a non-breathable member for housing the ink cartridge at a reduced pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure. Since the packaging member has a plurality of bag-shaped chambers for accommodating ink cartridges, a plurality of ink cartridges can be accommodated, thereby improving productivity.

According to the ink cartridge packaging member of the second aspect, in the ink cartridge packaging member of the first aspect, a plurality of rooms are arranged in a vertical or horizontal line, and a boundary between each room is connected to another room. Since the configuration for the separation is applied, the airtightness is high, the separation is easy, and the management is easy.

[0032] According to the ink cartridge packaging member of the third aspect, in the ink cartridge packaging member of the first aspect, the plurality of rooms are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns, and the boundary of each room is connected to another room. Since the configuration for performing the separation process is applied, the number of ink cartridges that can be accommodated can be increased, and the separation is easy and the management is easy.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink cartridge package comprising an ink cartridge packaged with an ink cartridge packaging member.
Since the ink cartridge is accommodated in each of the plurality of chambers of the ink cartridge packaging member according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and sealed at a reduced pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure, productivity is improved. The cost can be reduced and the airtightness can be improved.

According to the ink cartridge package of the fifth aspect, in the ink cartridge package of the fourth aspect, the ink cartridge is housed in a state of being held by the holding member. And breakage can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an embodiment of an ink cartridge package and an ink cartridge packaging member according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of FIG. 1 as viewed from above.

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of an ink cartridge packaging member according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing another embodiment of the ink cartridge package and the ink cartridge packaging member to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing still another embodiment of the ink cartridge packaging body and the ink cartridge packaging member to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing a state in which an ink cartridge used for describing still another embodiment of the ink cartridge package and the ink cartridge package member to which the present invention is applied is held on a holding member.

FIG. 7 is a side view of FIG. 6;

[Explanation of Signs] 1, 21, 31 ... Ink cartridge package, 2, 2
2, 32: Ink cartridge packaging member, 3, 3y, 3
m, 3c, 3k: ink cartridge, 4, 4y, 4
m, 4c, 4k room, 41 holding member, 42 ink absorber, 6, 26, 36 boundary.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An ink cartridge packaging member comprising an air-impermeable member for accommodating an ink cartridge at a reduced pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure, wherein the packaging member comprises a plurality of bag-like members accommodating the ink cartridge. An ink cartridge packaging member having a room. 2. The ink cartridge packaging member according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of rooms are arranged in a vertical or horizontal line, and a boundary between each room is subjected to a process for separating the room from other rooms. An ink cartridge packaging member, characterized in that: 3. The ink cartridge packaging member according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of rooms are arranged vertically and horizontally in a plurality, and a boundary between each room is subjected to a process for separating the room from other rooms. An ink cartridge packaging member characterized by the above-mentioned. 4. An ink cartridge package formed by packaging an ink cartridge with an ink cartridge packaging member, wherein the package comprises a plurality of ink cartridge packaging members according to any one of claims 1 to 3. An ink cartridge package, wherein each of the ink cartridges is housed in a room and sealed under reduced pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. 5. The ink cartridge package according to claim 4, wherein the ink cartridge is accommodated in a state held by a holding member.