Ink container and cleaning method of ink container

Abstract

To provide an ink container that achieves both the adaptation to ink of arbitrary properties and the reduction of environmental load.SOLUTION: An ink container according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an ink containing portion configured to contain ink therein; and a first opening portion configured to allow an inside and an outside of the ink containing portion to communicate with each other, in which a corner portion inside the ink containing portion is formed to have a round shape of a ridge curve line of a predetermined radius. The ink container may contribute to realize a sustainable society such as a decarbonized / recycling society.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ink reservoir and a method for cleaning the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Inkjet printers are output devices that form characters and images by ejecting minute droplets of ink from an inkjet recording head. In recent years, they have been used in homes and offices, and are even becoming popular for industrial applications. Some inkjet printers use bags made from laminated film or other materials as containers for the ink, which is the recording material for these printers.

[0003] Patent Document 1 proposes that the ink supply member be separated from the ink container for reuse, and the opening of the ink container bag that serves as the ink container be widened to improve the washability of the ink container. Patent Document 2 also proposes an ink container that is more recyclable by cutting a part of the ink container bag, cleaning it, and then welding it again.

[0004] In recent years, there has been a demand for product development that reduces the burden on the global environment. Conventional methods for reducing the environmental burden of ink containers include recycling and reuse. Another recent method for reducing the environmental burden is the use of biodegradable plastics as materials for ink containers. By using reducible plastics, used ink containers can be disposed of in landfills without placing a burden on the environment.

[0005] While there is a demand for reducing the environmental impact as described above, there is also a demand for inkjet printers to be adaptable to inks of any properties. To achieve both a reduction in the environmental impact and adaptability to inks of any properties, it is necessary to clean the ink reservoir after use so that all ink remains, regardless of the ink properties. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-62282 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-100579 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, although Patent Document 1 improves washability by widening the opening of the ink storage bag, ink may remain in the corners of the ink storage section depending on the ink properties used. Also, Patent Document 2 allows for cleaning with running water from two openings, which reduces the concern about ink residue, but since the ink bag must be destroyed, it is difficult to achieve complete reuse, which poses a problem from the perspective of reducing the environmental impact.

[0008] In view of the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an ink container that can be used with ink of any properties and that reduces the environmental impact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention is an ink container having an ink storage section for storing ink therein and a first opening for connecting the inside of the ink storage section to the outside, wherein the corners of the inside of the ink storage section are formed to have a rounded ridge curve with a predetermined radius. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an ink container that is adaptable to ink of any properties and that also reduces the environmental impact. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram showing an ink container according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2]Schematic diagram showing an ink container according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Schematic diagram showing an ink container according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Schematic diagram showing an ink container according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] Schematic diagram showing an ink container according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] Schematic diagram showing an ink container according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] Schematic diagram showing an ink container according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] Schematic diagram showing an ink container according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] Schematic diagram showing an ink container according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] Schematic diagram showing an ink container according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the present embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of the present disclosure. Note that the same reference numerals are generally used to refer to the same components.

[0013] In recent years, concerns about resource depletion and the problem of marine plastic pollution caused by discarded plastics have led to an increased emphasis on the recycling of resources worldwide. To make effective use of limited resources and reduce waste, efforts are being made to conserve resources by making products smaller and lighter, and to reuse and recycle used products. The technology proposed in this specification has the potential to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, such as a carbon-free, recycling-oriented society.

[0014] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIGS. 1 to 3 are schematic diagrams (front views) illustrating an ink container 1 according to the first embodiment. The ink container 1 is formed by welding a flexible laminate film that includes a layer that is ink-resistant and gas-barrier. When welding the laminate film, an ink container bag opening 16 is formed by welding the outer periphery of the laminate film while sandwiching a spout member. The ink container of this embodiment is in the form of a spout pouch, and the ink container bag opening 16 connects the inside and outside of the ink container 11. The ink container bag opening 16 is used as a fill port for filling the bag-shaped ink container 11 with ink and as a connection port for connecting to an inkjet printer and supplying ink to the printer. The shape of the welded portion 12 on the outer periphery of the film is determined by a welding tool, which in turn determines the shapes of the ink container 11 and the corners 14 of the ink container. By providing the welded portion 12 on the outside of the ink containing container 1, the ink containing portion 11 is formed inside the welded portion 12. The corners 14 of the ink containing portion are formed with an appropriate radius R15 depending on the ink properties. Note that hereinafter, the (curved) radius of a rounded portion such as a corner will be expressed as "R" (short for radius). Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the horizontal axis is the X axis and the vertical axis is the Y axis, and these coordinate axes will be used in the other drawings as well.

[0015] In the ink storage container disclosed herein, the ink storage section 11 is cleaned after ink is used to eliminate residual ink, allowing it to be recycled, reused, or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. In this case, the cleanability of the ink storage section 11 becomes an issue. In other words, if the corners of the ink storage section are not rounded, even if an attempt is made to clean the ink storage section by adding water to the ink storage section 11 and stirring it, these areas can become stagnant points (places where the cleaning liquid does not move), and ink may remain because the ink is not completely cleaned. To address this issue, this embodiment focuses on these corners of the ink storage section and achieves a cleaning effect by reducing stagnation in the flow of cleaning liquid.

[0016] The degree of ink adhesion to the inner wall of the ink containing section 11 that requires cleaning is generally determined by the relationship between the surface tension of the ink and the surface tension (surface free energy) of the ink containing section inner wall. The greater the surface tension of the ink containing section inner wall relative to the surface tension of the ink, the more easily the liquid tends to wet the ink containing section inner wall. On the other hand, as the viscosity of the ink increases, the effect of surface tension decreases, and the ink tends to adhere to the ink containing section inner wall regardless of the surface tension of the ink and the ink containing section inner wall. Furthermore, as the temperature increases, both surface tension and viscosity tend to decrease, and the decreased surface tension makes it easier for the ink to adhere to the ink containing section inner wall. For these reasons, it is necessary to derive a predetermined radius for the ridge curve of the corner of the ink containing section depending on the surface tension of the ink.

[0017] As a result of extensive investigation, in this embodiment, an ink storage section made of a laminate film using polyethylene as an ink-resistant layer that comes into contact with ink is formed so that at least a portion of the inner wall is curved. Specifically, in response to ink with a surface tension of 20 mN / m or more and 45 mN / m or less, the corners of the ink storage section are curved, including a ridgeline curve with a radius R of 5 mm or more and 10 mm or less. This shape improves the cleanability of the corners of the ink storage section compared to cases where the corners of the ink storage section are not rounded or where a radius of 1 to 2 mm is unintentionally created during the manufacturing process.

[0018] The material of the ink-resistant layer that comes into contact with the ink in the ink storage unit is not limited and can be changed as appropriate depending on the ink storage container and the type of ink. For example, by using a biodegradable plastic for the ink storage unit that functions as an ink storage bag, it is possible to dispose of the ink storage container after cleaning in a manner that reduces the environmental impact. Furthermore, the values ​​of the ink surface tension and the corner radius of the ink storage unit are not limited to those in the above embodiment and can be changed as appropriate, provided that cleanability is ensured.

[0019] Furthermore, the outer corners of the welded portion may be rounded to protect against cuts from the ink container. As shown in Figure 2, if the radius R17 of the outer corners of the welded portion of the ink container 1 is made larger than the radius R15 of the corners of the ink container, rounding the outer corners of the welded portion makes it easier to prevent the outer corners of the welded portion from coming into contact with other components. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, if the radius R17 of the outer corners of the welded portion of the ink container 1 is made smaller than the radius R15 of the corners of the ink container, in addition to the same effect as in Figure 2, the welding allowance on the outer edge of the ink container increases, making it possible to improve the welding margin.

[0020] As described above, according to this embodiment, by realizing high cleanability for the ink containing container, it is possible to provide an ink containing container and a cleaning method thereof that are compatible with ink of any properties and reduce the environmental impact.

[0021] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4(a), 4(b), 5(a), and 5(b). FIGS. 4(a) and 5(a) are schematic diagrams showing an ink container according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the ridges of the ink container 11 are configured with curved lines with larger diameters than in the first embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, the proportion of curved ridges forming the ink container is larger than in the first embodiment.

[0022] In this embodiment, the above-described shape reduces the surface area of ​​the ink containing section 11, thereby reducing the area of ​​the ink containing section's inner wall that comes into contact with the ink. The radius R20 of the ink containing section's ridge curve varies in proportion to the dimensions of the ink container. After careful consideration, it was determined that the maximum value of the radius R20 of the ink containing section's ridge curve is defined by the following equation (1):

[0023] R20 max =(A-2B) / 0.347...Equation (1) R20 max : Maximum value of radius R20 of the ink storage section ridge curve A: Length of the outer edge of the ink container (the length of the outer edge of the ink container that does not intersect with the imaginary extension of the ink container ridge curve) B: Length of the welded portion on the imaginary extension of the ridge curve of the ink storage section (the minimum length of the welded portion in the same direction as A) Here, A is the length of the outer edge of the ink containing container that does not intersect with the imaginary extension of the curved ridge of the ink containing section, and B is the length of the outer welded portion of the ink containing bag that is on the imaginary extension of the curved ridge of the ink containing section (the distance between the outer edge of the ink containing container and the outer edge of the ink containing bag). FIG. 4 shows the case where A is the shorter edge of the ink containing container, and FIG. 5 shows the case where A is the longer edge of the ink containing container. As in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the outer edge of the ink containing container may be formed by a curve with a radius R17 that is smaller than the radius R20 of the curved ridge of the ink containing section. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the outer edge of the ink containing container may be formed by a curve with a radius R17 that is larger than the radius R20 of the curved ridge of the ink containing section.

[0024] As described above, according to this embodiment, in addition to obtaining the same effects as the first embodiment, it is possible to improve cleaning efficiency by reducing the ink adhesion area in the ink containing section, and it is also possible to improve the fluidity of the cleaning liquid in the ink containing section.

[0025] [Third embodiment] A third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figures 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams showing an ink containing container in the third embodiment. Unlike the first and second embodiments, in this embodiment, the second ink containing bag opening 18 is formed on the opposite side of the ink containing section 11 from the ink containing bag opening 16. In the following embodiments, the ink containing bag opening 16 will also be referred to as the first ink containing bag opening 16.

[0026] By simultaneously injecting and discharging cleaning liquid (e.g., water) using two openings, i.e., the first ink containing bag opening 16 and the second ink containing bag opening 18, cleaning liquid can be constantly flowing through the ink containing section. That is, cleaning liquid is injected through the first ink containing bag opening 16 and then discharged through the second ink containing bag opening 18, or cleaning liquid is injected through the second ink containing bag opening 18 and then discharged through the first ink containing bag opening 16. The second ink containing bag opening 18 can be used not only for cleaning the ink containing section, but also as a filling port for filling the ink or as an air vent. Although not shown above, this embodiment may be applied to the ink containing container 1 shown in FIGS. 4(b), 5(a), and 5(b), i.e., the second ink containing bag opening 18 may be formed on the opposite side of the ink containing section 11 from the first ink containing bag opening 16.

[0027] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as the first and second embodiments, and also to further improve the efficiency of cleaning the ink containing section.

[0028] [Fourth embodiment] A fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 8, 9, and 10. Figures 8, 9, and 10 are schematic diagrams showing an ink containing container in the fourth embodiment. Unlike the third embodiment, in this embodiment, the first ink containing bag opening 16 and the second ink containing bag opening 18 are formed at different corners of the ink containing section 11. By providing the ink containing bag openings at the corners of the ink containing section in this way, it is possible to reduce the number of places where the corners of the containing section are rounded, and increase the volume of the ink containing section.

[0029] In the third embodiment, the opening 18 of the second ink containing bag is formed at a position on the ink containing section 11 opposite the opening 16 of the first ink containing bag. That is, the opening 16 of the first ink containing bag is formed on a first side, which is a straight line forming the rectangular outer edge of the ink containing container, and the opening 18 of the second ink containing bag is formed on a second side (straight line) opposite the first side, and the two openings are located at the same position in the X direction. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the openings are formed on diagonal corners of the ink containing section 11 in FIG. 8 , on diagonal corners of the ink containing section 11 and on intersecting sides of the outer edge of the ink containing section 11 in FIG. 9 , and on the same side (straight line) of the outer edge of the ink containing section 11 in FIG. 10 . Forming the openings in various directions improves the design flexibility of the inkjet printer to which the ink containing container is attached.

[0030] As described above, this embodiment not only provides the same effects as the first to third embodiments, but also improves ink storage efficiency and design flexibility in the relative positions of the opening of the first ink storage bag, which functions as an ink supply section that supplies ink to the recording device, and the opening of the second ink storage bag, which functions as an ink inlet and an air vent.

[0031] [Other embodiments] The techniques of the first to fourth embodiments described above may be used in appropriate combination.

[0032] [Technical Features of the Present Disclosure] The present disclosure includes the following configurations.

[0033] (Configuration 1) An ink container having an ink storage section for storing ink therein and a first opening for connecting the inside of the ink storage section with the outside, wherein the corners of the inside of the ink storage section are formed to have a rounded ridge curve with a predetermined radius. (Configuration 2) The ink container according to Configuration 1, further comprising a welded portion formed by welding the outer periphery of the laminate film, wherein the ink storage portion is bag-shaped and is formed inside the welded portion. (Configuration 3) The ink container according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined radius is derived in accordance with the surface tension of the ink. (Configuration 4) An ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the first radius of the ridge curve is a value in the range of 5 mm or more and 10 mm or less, and the surface tension of the ink is a value in the range of 20 mN / m or more and 45 mN / m or less. (Configuration 5) An ink container according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, wherein the maximum value of the first radius is expressed as Maximum value = (A-2B) / 0.347, where A represents the length of the outer edge of the ink container, and B represents the minimum length of the welded portion in the same direction as that length. (Configuration 6) The ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, further comprising a second opening for connecting the inside and outside of the ink containing section. (Configuration 7) The ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the second opening is formed on the opposite side of the ink containing section from the first opening. (Configuration 8) The ink container according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7, wherein the first opening is formed in a first corner of the ink container, and the second opening is formed in a second corner diagonally opposite the first corner. (Configuration 9) An ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the first opening is formed on a first side that is a straight line forming the ink containing section, and the second opening is formed on a second side that is a straight line forming the ink containing section. (Configuration 10) The ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the second side is the side opposite to the first side. (Configuration 11) The ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the first side and the second side intersect. (Configuration 12) The ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the first opening and the second opening are formed on a first side that is a straight line forming the ink containing section. (Configuration 13) The ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the first radius is smaller than the second radius of the corner of the outer edge of the ink container. (Configuration 14) The ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, wherein the first radius is larger than the second radius of a corner of the outer edge of the ink container. (Configuration 15) The ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, wherein the ink containing section is flexible. (Configuration 16) The ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 15, wherein the ink container is made of plastic. (Configuration 17) The ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 16, wherein the first opening is used as a connection port for supplying ink from the ink container to a recording device. (Cleaning method) A cleaning method for an ink containing container according to any one of configurations 1 to 17, characterized in that a cleaning liquid is injected from one of the first opening and the second opening, and the cleaning liquid is discharged from the other opening. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 1 Ink container 11 Ink storage section 16 Ink storage bag opening

Claims

1. an ink storage section for storing ink therein; a first opening for communicating the inside and outside of the ink containing section; An ink container having: The corners inside the ink storage section are formed to have a rounded ridgeline curve with a predetermined radius. An ink storage container characterized by:

2. The laminate film further includes a welding portion formed by welding the outer periphery of the laminate film, the ink storage section is bag-shaped and formed inside the welded section; 2. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the ink container is a container for storing ink.

3. the predetermined radius is derived according to the surface tension of the ink; 3. The ink container according to claim 2, wherein:

4. the first radius of the ridge curve is a value in the range of 5 mm or more and 10 mm or less, the surface tension of the ink is a value in the range of 20 mN / m or more and 45 mN / m or less; 4. The ink container according to claim 3.

5. The maximum value of the first radius is expressed as Maximum value = (A - 2B) / 0.347, where A represents the length of the outer edge of the ink containing container, and B represents the minimum length of the welded portion in the same direction as the A-length.

5. The ink container according to claim 4.

6. a second opening for communicating the inside and outside of the ink storage section; 6. The ink container according to claim 5, wherein the ink container is a container for storing ink.

7. the second opening is formed on the opposite side of the ink containing section from the first opening; 7. The ink container according to claim 6, wherein the ink container is a container for storing ink.

8. The first opening is formed in a first corner of the ink containing section, and the second opening is formed in a second corner diagonally opposite the first corner.

8. The ink container according to claim 7, wherein the ink container is a container for storing ink.

9. The first opening is formed on a first side that is a straight line forming the ink containing section, the second opening is formed on a second side that is a straight line forming the ink containing section; 9. The ink container according to claim 8, wherein the ink container is a container for storing ink.

10. The second side is an opposite side to the first side.

10. The ink container according to claim 9, wherein the ink container is a container for storing ink.

11. The first side and the second side intersect.

10. The ink container according to claim 9, wherein the ink container is a container for storing ink.

12. the first opening and the second opening are formed on a first side that is a straight line forming the ink containing section; 9. The ink container according to claim 8, wherein the ink container is a container for storing ink.

13. the first radius is smaller than a second radius of a corner of the outer edge of the ink containing container; 13. The ink container according to claim 4, wherein the ink container is a container for storing ink.

14. the first radius is greater than a second radius of a corner of the outer edge of the ink containing container; 13. The ink container according to claim 4, wherein the ink container is a container for storing ink.

15. The ink storage section is flexible.

13. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the ink container is a container for storing ink.

16. The ink storage section is made of plastic.

13. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the ink container is a container for storing ink.

17. the first opening is used as a connection port when supplying ink from the ink storage unit to a recording device; 13. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the ink container is a container for storing ink.

18. 13. The method for cleaning an ink container according to claim 6, further comprising: A cleaning liquid is injected through one of the first opening and the second opening, and the cleaning liquid is discharged through the other opening. The cleaning method according to claim 1,

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