Storage container for liquid cartridge

Abstract

To provide a storage container for an ink cartridge with a recording head that prevents a recording head of the ink cartridge with the recording head stored in the storage container from being damaged even when the storage container receives an impact.SOLUTION: Provided is a storage container for a liquid cartridge, the storage container including: a body including a storage part for storing a liquid cartridge; and at least one flexible rib having flexibility that is arranged so as to extend in a direction along an inner surface of the storage part and in a direction from the inner surface of the storage part to the inside, in a gap space formed between the storage part and the liquid cartridge when the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY The present disclosure relates to a reservoir for a liquid cartridge. [Background technology]

[0002] Inkjet recording devices that perform desired recording by ejecting ink from a recording head are equipped with an ink tank for storing ink and a recording head that ejects the ink stored in the ink tank. Some inkjet recording devices are equipped with an ink cartridge, which is an ink tank formed into a cartridge, and a recording head cartridge, which is a recording head formed into a cartridge, separately. Other inkjet recording devices are equipped with an ink cartridge with a recording head, which is an ink tank and a recording head formed into a cartridge.

[0003] During distribution, the recording head cartridge is sealed at the ink ejection port of the recording head and then stored in a storage container for the recording head cartridge. A so-called blister pack is often used as a storage container for the recording head cartridge. Similarly, the ink cartridge with a recording head is sealed at the ink ejection port of the recording head and then stored in a storage container for the ink cartridge with a recording head. A so-called blister pack is often used as a storage container for the ink cartridge with a recording head. Here, the storage container for the recording head cartridge disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a main body having an opening on a surface opposite to the bottom surface and a holding part for holding the recording head cartridge inside. The storage container for the recording head cartridge also includes a lid for closing the opening of the main body. A substantially cylindrical rib extends from the bottom surface side toward the opening on the side of the main body. In the storage container for the recording head cartridge disclosed in Patent Document 1, a configuration is disclosed that suppresses deformation even if the external environment (temperature, pressure, etc.) changes during distribution, etc., and can protect the recording head cartridge from environmental changes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-10082 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The roughly cylindrical ribs used in the storage container for the recording head cartridge disclosed in Patent Document 1 are used to prevent the entire storage container from deforming due to changes in the external environment (air pressure and temperature). However, impacts such as those caused by being dropped can be transmitted from the storage container to the recording head cartridge via the roughly cylindrical ribs, which can damage the recording head cartridge. In particular, ink cartridges that are filled with a large amount of ink to increase the guaranteed number of prints, and ink cartridges with recording heads, are relatively heavy and have the problem of being subject to greater impacts if dropped.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a storage container that can prevent damage to an ink cartridge stored in the storage container even if the storage container is subjected to impact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a storage container for a liquid cartridge, comprising: a main body having a storage section for storing the liquid cartridge; and at least one flexible rib, which is arranged in a gap space formed between the storage section and the liquid cartridge when the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage section, so as to extend in a direction along the inner surface of the storage section and inward from the inner surface of the storage section, and which is flexible. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, even if a storage container for ink cartridges receives an impact, it is possible to prevent damage to the ink cartridges stored in the storage container. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] A side cross-sectional view and a perspective view of an ink cartridge with a recording head [Diagram 2] A side cross-sectional view of a container for an ink cartridge with a recording head. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a container for an ink cartridge with a recording head and an ink cartridge with a recording head. [Figure 4] A top sectional view of a container for an ink cartridge with a recording head and an ink cartridge with a recording head housed therein. [Diagram 5] A front cross-sectional view of a container for an ink cartridge with a recording head and an ink cartridge with a recording head housed therein. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing how the flexible ribs bend and have an elastic effect when the container for the ink cartridge with a recording head is dropped. [Figure 7] A side cross-sectional view of a container for an ink cartridge with a recording head and an ink cartridge with a recording head housed therein. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing various shapes of flexible ribs; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] [First embodiment] <Ink cartridge with recording head> Fig. 1(a) shows a side cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge with a recording head. Fig. 1(b) and Fig. 1(c) show perspective views of the ink cartridge with a recording head. The ink cartridge 100 with a recording head (hereinafter referred to as "ink cartridge") has a tank case 101, a tank lid 102, and a ribbed plate 103. Here, the tank case 101 has an ink storage chamber 104, a head portion 105, and an ink ejection port 106.

[0012] An absorbent 107 that holds ink is packed inside the ink storage chamber 104. An air vent 108 is formed in the tank lid 102. The above-mentioned rib plate 103 is disposed between the absorbent 107 and the tank lid 102.

[0013] A head portion 105 is provided so as to be connected to the bottom of the ink storage chamber 104. The width of the head portion 105 is narrower than the width of the ink storage chamber 104, and therefore a shoulder portion 104a is formed near the portion where the head portion 105 is connected to the bottom of the ink storage chamber 104. An ejection port 106 is provided at the lower tip of the head portion 105.

[0014] Even if the ink cartridge 100 falls over, the ink is retained by the absorber 107. Even if the ink overflows from the absorber 107, the rib plate 103 prevents the ink from reaching the air vent 108. Therefore, even if the ink cartridge 100 falls over, ink leakage can be suppressed.

[0015] During printing, ink in the ink storage chamber 104 is ejected from the ink ejection port 106. As the amount of ink in the ink storage chamber 104 decreases, air is introduced into the ink storage chamber 104 from the atmosphere communication port 108.

[0016] Before the ink cartridge 100 is stored in a storage container 110 (described later), a protective seal 109 is attached so as to straddle the ink ejection port 106 and the lower end of the ink storage chamber 104, as shown in FIG. 1(c).

[0017] <Storage container for ink cartridge with recording head> Next, the storage container 110 (hereinafter referred to as the "storage container") that stores the ink cartridge 100 of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the storage container 110. FIG. 3(a) is a perspective view of the storage container 110 and the ink cartridge 100. FIG. 3(b) is a perspective view of the storage container 110 as viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow V1 in FIG. 3(a). FIG. 3(c) is a perspective view of the storage container 110 as viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow V2 in FIG. 3(a). FIG. 4(a) is a top cross-sectional view of the storage container 110 and the ink cartridge 100 stored in the storage container 110, taken along the section line IVa-IVa in FIG. 5(a). FIG. 4(b) is a top cross-sectional view taken along the section line IVb-IVb in FIG. 5(a). FIG. 5(a) is a front cross-sectional view taken along the section line Va-Va in FIG. 4(a). FIG. 5(b) is a front cross-sectional view taken along the section line Vb-Vb in FIG. 4(a). FIG. 6 is a view for explaining that the flexible rib 115 bends and has an elastic effect when the storage container 110 is dropped. Fig. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the storage container 110 and the ink cartridge 100 stored in the storage container 110. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cross section (XY cross section) perpendicular to the extension direction (Z direction) along the storage container 110 of the flexible ribs 115-A to 115-K of various shapes.

[0019] 2, the storage container 110 includes a main body 111 and a lid 114. The main body 111 includes a storage section 112 that defines a storage space 112a for storing the ink cartridge 100 therein, and a flange section 113 that extends in an outer circumferential direction from an opening of the storage section 112. The ink cartridge 100 can be stored in the storage section 112 from the upper surface direction of the storage section 112 through the opening of the storage section 112.

[0020] After the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage section 112, a sealed space is formed by joining the lid 114 to the flange section 113. The material used for the lid 114 is a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) resin film. The material used for the storage container 110 is PP (polypropylene). The joint between the storage container 110 and the lid 114 is sealed by heat sealing.

[0021] 2, 3(a) to 3(c), 4(a), 4(b), 5(a) and 5(b), a plurality of flexible ribs 115 and a plurality of normal ribs 116 are provided on the inner side surface of the storage section 112 of the main body 111. The plurality of flexible ribs 115 and the plurality of normal ribs 116 extend inward from the inner side surface of the storage section 112. In other words, the plurality of flexible ribs 115 and the plurality of normal ribs 116 protrude from the inner side surface of the storage section 112 toward the storage space 112a.

[0022] As shown in Figures 4(a), 4(b), 5(a) and 5(b), when the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage section 112, the cartridge 100 occupies most of the storage space 112a. A gap space 112s is formed between the storage section 112 and the ink cartridge 100. The gap space 112s is the space remaining in the storage space 112a excluding the portion occupied by the cartridge 100.

[0023] Here, when viewed from the top cross-sectional view of FIG. 4(a), the flexible rib 115 is inclined both with respect to the inner lateral surface of the storage section 112 and with respect to the outer lateral surface of the ink cartridge 100. In other words, the direction in which each flexible rib 115 extends inward includes a component inclined with respect to the outer surface of the ink cartridge 100 over the entire range in which the flexible rib 115 extends when the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage section 112. Note that in the example of FIG. 8 described later, the direction in which the flexible rib 115 extends inward includes a component inclined with respect to the outer surface of the ink cartridge 100 over a part of the range in which the flexible rib 115 extends when the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage section 112. Here, the example of FIG. 8 described later includes flexible ribs 115-B to 115-D and 115-G to 115-I.

[0024] 4(a), the ink cartridge 100 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, the storage section 112 also has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, and each side of the ink cartridge 100 is parallel to each side of the storage section 112. Therefore, it can be said that the direction in which the flexible rib 115 extends inward in the XY plane includes a component inclined relative to the inner surface of the storage section 112 in the entire flexible rib 115 when the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage section 112.

[0025] On the other hand, when viewed from the top in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4( a ), the normal rib 116 is perpendicular to both the inner lateral surface of the storage portion 112 and the outer lateral surface of the ink cartridge 100 .

[0026] 4(a) and 5(a), when the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage section 112, the head section 105 is stored in a head storage area R that is to the left of line L1 when viewed from above and below line L2 when viewed from the front. Six flexible ribs 115 are provided in the head storage area R. When viewed in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4(a), three flexible ribs 115, two flexible ribs 115, and one flexible rib 115 are disposed above, to the left, and below the ink cartridge 100, respectively.

[0027] When viewed in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4(a), two normal ribs 116 are disposed near the three flexible ribs 115 located above the ink cartridge 100. When viewed in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4(a), one normal rib 116 is disposed near one flexible rib 115 located below the ink cartridge 100. Therefore, it can be said that three normal ribs 116 are provided in the head storage area R. In addition, when viewed in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4(a), two normal ribs 116 are disposed above and below the right half. Therefore, it can be said that normal ribs 116 are also provided in areas other than the head storage area R. Furthermore, the three normal ribs 116 provided in the head storage area R extend to the area above the head storage area R (the area above the line L2), so from this point of view, it can also be said that normal ribs 116 are also provided in areas other than the head storage area R.

[0028] 6, the flexible rib 115 preferably has a thickness T of 0.5 to 1.0 mm in the width direction (direction perpendicular to the inward extension direction in the XY plane), and more preferably has a thickness T of 0.6 mm. The flexible rib 115 preferably has a length L of 2.0 mm or more along the inward extension direction (inward extension direction in the XY plane), and more preferably has a length L of 2.8 mm. As shown in FIG. 5(a) and FIG. 5(b), the length of the flexible rib 115 along the vertical extension direction (Z direction) is longer than the height of the head part 105. This allows a gap g4 to be provided between the storage part 112 and the discharge port 106 at the lower end of the head part 105, as described later.

[0029] 6, the extension direction of the flexible rib 115 (the direction of extension toward the inside in the XY plane) is preferably a direction that intersects with the lateral inner surface of the storage section 112 at an angle θ1 of 30 to 45 degrees. And, the extension direction of the flexible rib 115 is more preferably a direction that intersects with the lateral inner surface of the storage section 112 at an angle θ1 of 45 degrees. Furthermore, if the lateral outer surface of the ink cartridge 100 is parallel to the lateral inner surface of the storage section 112, the extension direction of the flexible rib 115 is preferably a direction that intersects with the lateral outer surface of the ink cartridge 100 at an angle θ2 of 30 to 45 degrees. And, the extension direction of the flexible rib 115 is more preferably a direction that intersects with the lateral outer surface of the ink cartridge 100 at an angle θ2 of 45 degrees.

[0030] The flexible rib 115 has flexibility. Therefore, when the storage container 110 storing the ink cartridge 100 is dropped to the ground or the like, the flexible rib 115 is deformed by the impact as shown in FIG. 6(a) to FIG. 6(d). That is, in a normal state without impact, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the head portion 105 is separated from the flexible rib 115 by a distance G1 and separated from the normal rib 116 by a distance G3. Here, the distance G3 is longer than the distance G1. When an impact is received, the head portion 105 first comes into contact with the flexible rib 115 as shown in FIG. 6(b). At this time, the head portion 105 is maintained at a distance from the normal rib 116. When the head portion 105 is further displaced relative to the storage portion 112 due to the impact, the flexible rib 115 is bent while retaining elasticity as shown in FIG. 6(c). At this time, the head portion 105 is maintained at a distance from the normal rib 116. Then, as shown in FIG. 6(d), the head portion 105 is displaced relative to the storage portion 112 with further bending of the flexible rib 115 until the head portion 105 abuts against the normal rib 116. The elastic force of the flexible rib 115 increases as the flexible rib 115 bends more. Therefore, even if an impact occurs from the outside, the impact is absorbed by the flexible rib 115, so that the impact given to the head portion 105 can be softened. The head portion 105 is displaced from the position shown in FIG. 6(a) to the position shown in FIG. 6(d) at the maximum. If the impact force is not so large, the displacement of the head portion 105 is limited to the displacement shown in FIG. 6(c), but if the impact force is large, the displacement of the head portion 105 reaches the displacement shown in FIG. 6(d). Since the head portion 105 abuts against the normal rib 116 at the position shown in FIG. 6(d), it is not displaced any further. Therefore, the normal rib 116 can limit the amount of displacement of the head portion 105 in the storage portion 112 .

[0031] The flexible rib 115 and the normal rib 116 are integrally molded with the main body 111 and are formed from the same material, but due to the difference in their shapes, the normal rib 116 is less likely to bend than the flexible rib 115. That is, as shown in Figs. 6(a) to 6(d), the head portion 105 presses the top of the flexible rib 115, but the vector direction of the pressing force has a component for bending the flexible rib 115. Therefore, the flexible rib 115 bends so that the angle θ1 (see Fig. 6(a)) becomes smaller. In contrast, when the head portion 105 of the ink cartridge 100 is displaced in the same manner, the head portion 105 presses the top of the normal rib 116, but the vector direction of the pressing force has almost no component for bending the normal rib 116. Therefore, the normal rib 116 hardly bends. Also, the vector direction of the pressing force has a component for compressing the normal rib 116, but by giving the normal rib 116 a Young's modulus that hardly compresses it, the normal rib 116 is hardly compressed at all. At this time, a resistance is generated between the head portion 105 and the normal rib 116, pushing them against each other.

[0032] In this embodiment, the flexible ribs 115 and the normal ribs 116 are arranged on the inner side surface of the storage section 112 around the head section 105, which is the most fragile part of the ink cartridge 100. Also, only the normal ribs 116 are arranged on the inner side surface of the storage section 112 in the area other than the periphery of the head section 105. A configuration in which the flexible ribs 115 are arranged on the inner side surface of the storage section 112 around the head section 105, and the normal ribs 116 are not arranged, may be adopted. However, by also arranging the normal ribs 116 as described above, it is possible to more reliably maintain the posture of the ink cartridge 100. Also, by providing two or more flexible ribs 115 on the contact surface of the ink cartridge 100, the head section 105 can receive the elastic effect of the flexible ribs 115 over the entire surface.

[0033] As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the height of the flexible rib 115 is adjusted so that the top 115a of the flexible rib 115 supports the bottom 104a of the ink storage chamber 104 from below when the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage section 112. As a result, when the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage section 112, a gap g4 (see Figures 5(a), 5(b), and 7) is provided between the ejection port 106 and the bottom of the storage section 112. This makes it possible to prevent the ejection port 106 from contacting the bottom of the storage section 112.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5(a) and FIG. 5(b), when the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage section 112, a small gap g1 (gap g1 of distance G1) is formed between the flexible rib 115 and the head section 105. This is as shown in FIG. 6(a) as a schematic diagram. Also, as shown in FIG. 5(a) and FIG. 5(b), when the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage section 112, a small gap g2 is formed between the normal rib 116 and the ink storage chamber 104 of the cartridge 100. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5(b), when the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage section 112, a gap g3 (gap g3 of distance G3) larger than the gaps g1 and g2 is formed between the normal rib 116 and the head section 105. This is also as shown in FIG. 6(a) as a schematic diagram.

[0035] The protruding height of the flexible rib 115 may be adjusted so that gap g1 does not occur when the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage section 112. The protruding height of the normal rib 116 may be adjusted so that gap g2 does not occur when the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage section 112.

[0036] Here, the width G3 of gap g3 is larger than the width G1 of gap g1. Therefore, when an impact is applied from the outside, head portion 105 first comes into contact with flexible rib 115. Then, if the impact is large, head portion 105 then comes into contact with normal rib 116. These are as described with reference to Figures 6(a) to 6(d).

[0037] In addition, when the protruding heights of the flexible rib 115 and the normal rib 116 are adjusted so that the gap g1 and the gap g2 are the same, which of the gap g1 and the gap g2 will become zero first at the location where an external impact is applied depends on the situation. When the protruding heights of the flexible rib 115 and the normal rib 116 are adjusted so that the gap g2 is wider than the gap g1, the gap 1 is more likely to become zero earlier than the gap 2. However, this varies depending on the location where the external impact is applied and the situation when the external impact is applied. Conversely, when the protruding heights of the flexible rib 115 and the normal rib 116 are adjusted so that the gap g1 is wider than the gap g2, the gap 2 is more likely to become zero earlier than the gap 1. However, this varies depending on the location where the external impact is applied and the situation when the external impact is applied.

[0038] In any case, when an external impact of a certain magnitude or greater is applied, the flexible rib 115 elastically deforms while supporting the head portion 105 of the ink cartridge 100, and the ink storage chamber 104 of the ink cartridge 100 abuts against the normal rib 116 with resistance. If the external impact is even stronger, the amount of deformation of the flexible rib 115 increases, and the head portion 105 of the ink cartridge 100 also abuts against the normal rib 116 with resistance.

[0039] 8(a) to 8(k) are cross-sectional views of flexible ribs 115-A to 115-K of various shapes. These cross-sectional views are cross-sectional views (XY cross-sections) perpendicular to the vertical extension direction (Z direction) of the flexible rib 115 along the lateral inner surface of the storage section 112 of the storage container 110. The above-mentioned flexible rib 115 corresponds to the flexible rib 115-A. In the present disclosure, the flexible rib 115 may have various shapes, for example, shapes shown in the flexible ribs 115-A to 115-K. Note that although the head portion 105 is not shown in a position facing the storage section 112 with the flexible rib 115 therebetween in FIG. 8(a) to FIG. 8(k), the head portion 105 is actually located in such a position. The inner surface of the storage section 112 and the outer surface of the head portion 105 are parallel to each other.

[0040] Flexible rib 115-A has a flat portion that faces at an angle to the outer surface of ink cartridge 100 when ink cartridge 100 is stored in storage section 112. Flexible ribs 115-B, 115-C, 115-D, 115-F, 115-G, 115-H, and 115-I are similar.

[0041] The flexible ribs 115-B and 115-G have the following characteristics. That is, the flexible ribs 115-B and 115-G extend from the inner surface of the storage section 112 and have a first flat portion that faces the outer surface of the ink cartridge 100 at an incline when the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage section 112. The flexible ribs 115-B and 115-G have a second flat portion connected to the first flat portion. When the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage section 112, the second flat portion faces the outer surface of the ink cartridge 100 at an incline angle different from the incline angle of the first flat portion. The flexible ribs 115-B and 115-G have a third flat portion connected to the second flat portion. The third flat portion faces the outer surface of the ink cartridge 100 at an inclination angle different from the inclination angle of the second flat portion when the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage section 112. Here, the connecting edge between the first flat portion and the second flat portion is referred to as the first connecting edge. Also, the connecting edge between the second flat portion and the third flat portion is referred to as the second connecting edge. Furthermore, the edge of the third flat portion facing the second connecting edge is referred to as the open edge. The second connecting edge is closer to the inner surface of the storage section 112 than the first connecting edge. The first connecting edge and the open edge are equally close to or in contact with the ink cartridge 100 when the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage section 112.

[0042] The flexible ribs 115-C, 115-H have the following characteristics. That is, the flexible ribs 115-C, 115-H have a first flat plate-like portion that extends from the inner surface of the storage section 112 and faces the outer surface of the ink cartridge 100 at an angle when the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage section 112. The flexible ribs 115-C, 115-H have a second flat plate-like portion that is connected to the first flat plate-like portion. The second flat plate-like portion faces the outer surface of the ink cartridge 100 in parallel when the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage section 112. The surface of the second flat plate-like portion on the ink cartridge 100 side is in close proximity to or in contact with the ink cartridge 100 when the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage section 112.

[0043] The flexible ribs 115-D and 115-I have the following characteristics. That is, the flexible ribs 115-D and 115-I have a first flat portion extending vertically from the inner surface of the storage section 112. The flexible ribs 115-D and 115-I have a second flat portion connected to the first flat portion. The second flat portion faces the outer surface of the ink cartridge 100 at an angle when the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage section 112. The flexible ribs 115-D and 115-I have a third flat portion connected to the second flat portion. The third flat portion faces the outer surface of the ink cartridge 100 in parallel when the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage section 112. The surface of the third flat portion facing the ink cartridge 100 is in close proximity to or in contact with the ink cartridge 100 when the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage portion 112 .

[0044] Flexible ribs 115-E, 115-J have the following characteristics: That is, flexible ribs 115-E, 115-J have a bellows plate shape that extends from the inner surface of storage section 112 toward ink cartridge 100 when ink cartridge 100 is stored in storage section 112.

[0045] The flexible rib 115-K has the following characteristics: That is, the flexible rib 115-K has a hollow cylindrical shape with an opening provided in a position adjacent to the ink cartridge 100 when the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage section 112.

[0046] The direction in which flexible rib 115-A extends includes a component inclined relative to the outer surface of ink cartridge 100 over the entire range of flexible rib 115 when ink cartridge 100 is housed in storage section 112. The same is true for flexible rib 115-F. On the other hand, the direction in which flexible rib 115-B extends includes a component inclined relative to the outer surface of ink cartridge 100 over a portion of the flexible rib when ink cartridge 100 is housed in storage section 112. The same is true for flexible ribs 115-C, 115-D, 115-G, 115-H, and 115-I.

[0047] If the flexible ribs 115-B and 115-G are disposed in a position close to or in contact with the head portion 105 of the ink cartridge 100, the connecting side portion of the first flat plate portion and the second flat plate portion can receive the head portion 105 when an impact is applied from the outside. Also, the side portion of the third flat plate portion facing the connecting side portion of the second flat plate portion and the third flat plate portion can receive the head portion 105. In other words, the two sides can receive the head portion 105. Then, after these two sides of the flexible ribs 115-B and 115-G receive the head portion 105, the first flat plate portion to the third flat plate portion bend until the connecting side portion of the second flat plate portion and the third flat plate portion abuts against the inner surface of the storage portion 112. At this time, since the first flat plate portion is longer than the second flat plate portion and the third flat plate portion, the first flat plate portion mainly bends. Then, the first flat plate portion bends further to the third flat plate portion, but these become difficult to bend, and especially the first flat plate portion hardly bends any further, so the force required for bending increases. In other words, the elastic force that receives the head portion 105 becomes stronger after the connecting edge portion of the second flat plate portion and the third flat plate portion abuts against the inner surface of the storage portion 112 than before. Therefore, the flexible ribs 115-B and 115-G can receive the head portion 105 with an elastic force that increases stepwise when an impact is applied.

[0048] If the flexible ribs 115-E, 115-J are positioned in close proximity to or in contact with the head portion 105 of the ink cartridge 100, then when an external impact is applied, the head portion 105 can be supported by the spring force until it is completely compressed.

[0049] If the flexible rib 115-C is disposed in a position close to or in contact with the head portion 105 of the ink cartridge 100, the flat surface of the second flat portion can receive the head portion 105 when an external impact is applied. In other words, the surface can receive the head portion 105. The same applies to the flexible ribs 115-D, 115-H, and 115-I.

[0050] The storage section 112 may be provided with a mixture of flexible ribs of various shapes as shown in FIG.

[0051] According to the above configuration, even if the weight of the ink cartridge 100 increases, by providing the flexible ribs 115 around the fragile parts (for example, the head part 105 having the ink ejection ports 106), the flexible ribs 115 will bend and absorb the impact when dropped. Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to the ink cartridge 100 at low cost without adding a new impact absorbing member.

[0052] [Other embodiments] The side surface of the storage section 112 at the bottom in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4(a) is provided with only one flexible rib 115 and one normal rib 116. This is to prevent the flexible rib 115 and the normal rib 116 from interfering with the protective seal 109. If the protective seal 109 is not attached to the ink cartridge 100, the flexible rib 115 and the normal rib 116 may be disposed on the lower side surface in the same manner as on the side surface at the top in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4(a).

[0053] In the above embodiment, the ink cartridge and the storage container are described as examples. However, the configuration of the above embodiment can be applied to a liquid cartridge that uses a liquid other than ink instead of ink and a storage container corresponding to the liquid cartridge. In this case, the ink storage chamber becomes a liquid storage chamber, and the ink ejection port becomes a liquid ejection port.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the normal rib 116 has a portion adjacent to the head portion 105 and a portion adjacent to or in contact with the ink storage chamber 104 when the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the storage portion 112, and these portions are integrated. However, these two portions may be separated. For example, a portion where the normal rib 116 is missing or a slit may be provided between these two portions.

[0055] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the head portion 105 is protected by the flexible ribs 115 and the normal ribs 116 has been described, but portions of the ink cartridge other than the head portion 105 may also be protected by the flexible ribs 115 and the normal ribs 116. Furthermore, the present invention can also be suitably used in a storage container for storing an ink cartridge that does not have a head portion 105.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the storage section 112 is provided with a plurality of flexible ribs 115. The storage section 112 is also provided with a plurality of normal ribs 116. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the number of flexible ribs 115 provided in the storage section 112 may be one. The number of normal ribs 116 provided in the storage section 112 may be one. For example, when it is sufficient to protect the ink cartridge 100 from an impact from one specific direction, the number of flexible ribs 115 provided in the storage section 112 may be one, and the number of normal ribs 116 provided in the storage section 112 may be one.

[0057] In the explanation with reference to Fig. 8, it has been explained that the inner surface of the storage section 112 and the outer surface of the head section 105 (not shown) are parallel to each other. However, the inner surface of the storage section 112 may be inclined to a certain extent. Also, the outer surface of the head section 105 may be inclined to a certain extent.

[0058] <Technical Features of the Present Disclosure> The present disclosure includes the following configurations.

[0059] [Configuration 1] 1. A container for a liquid cartridge, comprising: a main body having a storage section for storing the liquid cartridge; at least one flexible rib, which is disposed in a gap space formed between the storage section and the liquid cartridge when the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage section, so as to extend in a direction along an inner surface of the storage section and inward from the inner surface of the storage section, and which has flexibility; Equipped with Storage container.

[0060] [Configuration 2] a direction in which at least one of the flexible ribs extends inward from an inner surface of the storage section includes a component inclined with respect to an outer surface of the liquid cartridge when the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage section, in at least a part of the flexible rib; 2. The storage container according to claim 1.

[0061] [Configuration 3] The liquid cartridge has a head portion having a discharge port for discharging liquid, At least one of the flexible ribs is disposed at a position where the head portion comes close to or comes into contact with the liquid cartridge when the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage portion. 3. A storage container according to claim 1 or 2.

[0062] [Configuration 4] the liquid cartridge further includes a liquid storage chamber for storing liquid; the liquid storage chamber and the head portion are connected to each other such that the head portion extends downward from the liquid storage chamber at a part of a bottom portion of the liquid storage chamber, at least one of the flexible ribs is disposed so as to support from below an area of ​​the bottom of the liquid storage chamber excluding the part when the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage section; 4. A storage container according to configuration 3.

[0063] [Configuration 5] The height of the flexible rib is greater than the height of the head portion, when the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage section, at least one of the flexible ribs supports an area of ​​the bottom of the liquid storage chamber excluding the part, thereby forming a gap space between the bottom of the storage section and the lower tip of the head section. 5. A storage container according to claim 4.

[0064] [Configuration 6] When the liquid cartridge is displaced inside the storage portion, at least one of the flexible ribs elastically deforms while supporting the liquid cartridge. A storage container according to any one of configurations 1 to 5.

[0065] [Configuration 7] and at least one normal rib is disposed in the gap space so as to extend inward from an inner surface of the storage section when the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage section, and is less flexible than the flexible rib. A storage container according to any one of configurations 1 to 6.

[0066] [Configuration 8] the liquid cartridge has a head portion for ejecting liquid, At least one of the flexible ribs is disposed at a position where the head portion comes close to or into contact with the liquid cartridge when the liquid cartridge is housed in the housing portion, At least one of the normal ribs is disposed at a position adjacent to the head portion when the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage portion. 8. The storage container according to claim 7.

[0067] [Configuration 9] when the liquid cartridge is displaced inside the storage section, at least one of the flexible ribs elastically deforms while supporting the head portion while maintaining a distance of the head portion from the at least one normal rib, and when the liquid cartridge is further displaced inside the storage section, the head portion comes into contact with the at least one normal rib. 9. The storage container according to configuration 8.

[0068] [Configuration 10] the liquid cartridge further includes a liquid storage chamber for storing liquid; at least one normal rib or at least one normal rib different from the at least one normal rib is disposed at a position adjacent to or in contact with the liquid storage chamber when the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage section; A storage container according to configuration 8 or 9.

[0069] [Configuration 11] When the liquid cartridge is displaced inside the storage portion, at least one of the flexible ribs elastically deforms while supporting the head portion. 11. The storage container according to claim 10.

[0070] [Configuration 12] When the liquid cartridge is displaced inside the storage portion, the liquid storage chamber comes into contact with at least one of the normal ribs disposed at a position adjacent to or in contact with the liquid storage chamber, with a resistance force. 12. A storage container according to claim 10 or 11.

[0071] [Configuration 13] at least one of the flexible ribs has a flat portion that faces an outer surface of the liquid cartridge at an angle when the liquid cartridge is accommodated in the accommodation portion; 2. The storage container according to claim 1.

[0072] [Configuration 14] At least one of the flexible ribs comprises: a first flat plate portion extending from an inner surface of the container and facing an outer surface of the liquid cartridge at an angle when the liquid cartridge is contained in the container; a second flat portion connected to the first flat portion and facing the outer surface of the liquid cartridge at an inclination angle different from the inclination angle of the first flat portion when the liquid cartridge is accommodated in the accommodation portion; a third flat portion connected to the second flat portion and facing the outer surface of the liquid cartridge at an inclination angle different from the inclination angle of the second flat portion when the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage section, a connecting edge portion between the second flat portion and the third flat portion is closer to an inner surface of the storage portion than a connecting edge portion between the first flat portion and the second flat portion, and a side portion of the third flat portion facing the connecting edge portion between the first flat portion and the second flat portion and the connecting edge portion between the second flat portion and the third flat portion is equally close to or in contact with the liquid cartridge when the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage portion. A storage container according to any one of configurations 1 to 13.

[0073] [Configuration 15] At least one of the flexible ribs comprises: a first flat plate portion extending from an inner surface of the container and facing an outer surface of the liquid cartridge at an angle when the liquid cartridge is contained in the container; a second flat portion connected to the first flat portion and facing in parallel to an outer surface of the liquid cartridge when the liquid cartridge is accommodated in the accommodation portion, the second flat portion is in proximity to or in contact with the liquid cartridge when the liquid cartridge is accommodated in the accommodation portion; A storage container according to any one of configurations 1 to 13.

[0074] [Configuration 16] At least one of the flexible ribs comprises: A first flat portion extending perpendicularly from an inner surface of the storage portion; a second flat portion connected to the first flat portion and facing an outer surface of the liquid cartridge at an angle when the liquid cartridge is accommodated in the accommodation portion; a third flat portion connected to the second flat portion and facing in parallel to an outer surface of the liquid cartridge when the liquid cartridge is accommodated in the accommodation portion, the third flat portion is in proximity to or in contact with the liquid cartridge when the liquid cartridge is accommodated in the accommodation portion; A storage container according to any one of configurations 1 to 13.

[0075] [Configuration 17] at least one of the flexible ribs has a shape of a bellows plate extending in a direction from an inner surface of the storage portion toward the liquid cartridge when the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage portion; A storage container according to any one of configurations 1 to 13.

[0076] [Configuration 18] At least one of the flexible ribs has a hollow cylindrical shape having an opening provided at a position adjacent to the liquid cartridge when the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage portion. A storage container according to any one of configurations 1 to 13.

[0077] [Configuration 19] the storage section has an opening for inserting and removing the liquid cartridge, The container further includes a lid for closing the opening. A storage container according to any one of configurations 1 to 18.

[0078] [Configuration 20] 20. The storage container of any one of the preceding claims configured to house an ink cartridge. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 100 ink cartridges 101 Tank Case 102 Tank Lid 104 Ink storage chamber 105 Head 106 Ink outlet 110 Storage container 111 Main unit 112 Storage section 115 Flexible Rib 115a Top 116 Regular Rib

Claims

1. A storage container for liquid cartridges, A main body comprising a storage section for storing the liquid cartridge, and an opening for inserting the liquid cartridge into the storage section and removing it from the storage section, A flexible rib having flexibility, Equipped with, The main body has a bottom facing the opening and a plurality of side portions extending from the bottom toward the opening, The at least one flexible rib protrudes from the inner surface of one of the plurality of sides toward the inside of the storage portion and is positioned to be close to or in contact with the liquid cartridge when the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage portion. When viewed from the opening toward the bottom, at least a portion of the at least one flexible rib is inclined with respect to the inner surface of the one side, A storage container characterized in that the at least one flexible rib extends in a direction toward the bottom from the opening.

2. The liquid cartridge has a head portion equipped with a discharge port for dispensing liquid, The at least one flexible rib is positioned so that the head portion is close to or in contact with the storage portion when the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage portion. The storage container according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned liquid cartridge further has a liquid storage chamber for storing liquid, The head portion is connected to a part of the bottom of the liquid storage chamber, and the head portion extends downward from the liquid storage chamber. When the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage compartment, the at least one flexible rib is positioned to support from below the portion of the bottom of the liquid storage chamber that is not connected to the head portion. The storage container according to claim 2.

4. The length of the at least one flexible rib in the direction from the opening toward the bottom is longer than the length of the head portion in the same direction. When the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage compartment, the at least one flexible rib supports the area, thereby forming a gap between the bottom of the main body and the lower tip of the head portion. The storage container according to claim 3.

5. When the liquid cartridge is displaced inside the storage compartment, the at least one flexible rib elastically deforms while supporting the liquid cartridge. The storage container according to claim 1.

6. Further comprising at least one conventional rib that is less flexible than the at least one flexible rib, projecting inward from the inner surface of at least one of the plurality of sides toward the inside of the storage portion The storage container according to claim 1.

7. The liquid cartridge has a head portion equipped with a discharge port for dispensing liquid, The at least one flexible rib is positioned so that the head portion is close to or in contact with the storage portion when the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage portion. The at least one conventional rib is positioned in the storage compartment so that it is close to the head when the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage compartment. The storage container according to claim 6.

8. When the liquid cartridge is displaced inside the storage section, the at least one flexible rib elastically deforms while supporting the head section, while maintaining the distance of the head section from the at least one normal rib, and when the liquid cartridge is further displaced inside the storage section, the head section comes into contact with the at least one normal rib. The storage container according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned liquid cartridge further has a liquid storage chamber for storing liquid, The storage compartment is provided with at least one normal rib positioned in close proximity to or in contact with the liquid storage chamber when the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage compartment. The storage container according to claim 7.

10. When the liquid cartridge is displaced inside the storage section, the at least one flexible rib elastically deforms while supporting the head section. The storage container according to claim 9.

11. The at least one flexible rib has a flat plate-like portion that extends inclined with respect to the inner surface of one side, The storage container according to claim 1.

12. The at least one flexible rib is A first flat plate-shaped portion extends from the inner surface of the first side portion, inclined with respect to the inner surface of the first side portion, A second flat portion is connected to the first flat portion and is inclined with respect to the inner surface of the first side portion at a different angle from the first flat portion, It has a third flat portion connected to the second flat portion and inclined with respect to the inner surface of the first side portion at a different angle from the second flat portion, The connecting edge of the second flat plate portion and the third flat plate portion is closer to the inner surface of the first side portion than the connecting edge of the first flat plate portion and the second flat plate portion. The connecting edge of the first flat plate portion and the second flat plate portion, and the edge of the third flat plate portion opposite to the second flat plate portion, contact the liquid cartridge when the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage portion. The storage container according to claim 1.

13. The at least one flexible rib is A first flat plate-shaped portion extends from the inner surface of the first side portion, inclined with respect to the inner surface of the first side portion, It has a second flat portion connected to the first flat portion and extending parallel to the inner surface of the first side portion, The second flat portion is positioned close to or in contact with the liquid cartridge when the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage compartment. The storage container according to claim 1.

14. The at least one flexible rib is A first flat plate-shaped portion extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the first side portion, A second flat portion is connected to the first flat portion and is inclined with respect to the inner surface of the first side portion, It has a third flat portion connected to the second flat portion and extending parallel to the inner surface of the first side portion, The third flat portion is positioned close to or in contact with the liquid cartridge when the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage compartment. The storage container according to claim 1.

15. The at least one flexible rib has the shape of a bellows plate, The storage container according to claim 1.

16. The at least one flexible rib has a hollow cylindrical shape with an opening provided in the storage section at a position close to the liquid cartridge when the liquid cartridge is stored in the storage section. The storage container according to claim 1.

17. The storage container further comprises a lid for closing the opening, A storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. The liquid cartridge is an ink cartridge. The storage container according to claim 1.

Images