Ink container, ink cartridge, and recording device

Abstract

The present invention provides an ink container with improved ink utilization, an ink cartridge using the said ink container, and a recording device. [Solution] An ink storage bag comprising: a flexible ink storage section configured to contain ink internally and having a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface and having a first and second side shared with the first surface; and an ink supply section provided on the first side of the ink storage section and configured to supply the ink contained in the ink storage section to the outside, wherein the length of one side of the first surface of the ink storage section is longer than the length of the corresponding side of the second surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ink storage container, an ink cartridge, and a recording device.

Background Art

[0002] In a liquid ejection device such as an inkjet printer (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a "device" or a "recording device"), there is a liquid storage container (for example, an ink cartridge or an ink pack) that supplies a liquid such as ink. As one form of an ink storage container for storing the ink of an inkjet printer, there is a form of an ink bag. As a configuration of the ink storage container, for example, there is a configuration of an ink bag type described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, an ink pack for storing ink has a bag body for storing ink, a leaf spring member, and an ink outflow portion. The bag body is composed of two top and bottom films and two side films. The top and bottom films are substantially rectangular, and the ink pack has a long side and a short side. A plurality of leaf spring members are respectively arranged at both ends sandwiching the ink outflow portion of the ink pack, that is, at both end portions of the short side of the bag body. With the above configuration, in the state where the ink is filled, the leaf spring is maintained in an extended state by the pressure of the ink, and as the ink flows out, the ink pressure inside the bag body decreases, so that the leaf spring member becomes a shape that is wound in a spiral shape. Further, if the bag body itself is composed of a member that elastically deforms so as to be rounded as the ink flows out, it is not necessary to arrange a biasing member such as a leaf spring member. Therefore, a configuration has been proposed in which the ink flows in the direction of the ink outlet due to the rounded shape of the bag body, and the ink exhaustion property is improved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] On the other hand, if the curling direction is limited to the shorter side, it becomes difficult to use up all the ink remaining in the longer side. Also, if it is necessary to construct it with a leaf spring member 22 or a bag body 21 that has elastic deformation, there is a possibility of cost and material limitations. Furthermore, conventionally, in order to improve the ease of use of ink containers such as ink pack 7, a structure that tilts the ink container is sometimes provided inside the mounting area of ​​the ink container. Providing a structure that tilts the ink container requires space for the structure, so there are concerns that the device for mounting the ink container will become larger.

[0006] [the purpose] The object of the present invention is to provide an ink container with improved ink utilization, an ink cartridge using the ink container, and a recording device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, a typical configuration of the present invention is an ink storage bag comprising: a flexible ink storage section configured to contain ink internally and having (1) a first surface and (2) a second surface facing the first surface and having a first side and a second side shared with the first surface; and an ink supply section provided on the first side of the ink storage section and configured to supply the ink stored in the ink storage section to the outside, characterized in that the length of one side of the first surface of the ink storage section is longer than the length of the corresponding side of the second surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ink storage container with improved ink utilization, an ink cartridge using the ink storage container, and a recording device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1]This is a perspective view of the ink container in the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an exploded view illustrating the configuration of the ink container in the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view illustrating the ink container in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the ink container in Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the problems of the ink container in Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the ink container in Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the ink container in Embodiment 3. [Figure 8] This is an exploded view illustrating the configuration of the ink container in Embodiment 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes embodiments of the ink container and recording device according to the present invention with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are preferred examples for carrying out the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these configurations. Furthermore, some of the contents described in each embodiment can be combined. In the following description, components having the same function are assigned the same number in the figures, and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0011] The ink storage container 10 described below is used as an ink tank mounted in an inkjet recording device, such as an inkjet printer. For the purpose of explaining the present invention, directions are defined. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the ink storage container 10. First, the direction of gravity when the ink storage container 10 is placed at rest is defined as the +W direction. The side of the ink storage container 10 that is placed at rest should be aligned with the side that is placed at the bottom when the ink storage container 10 is mounted in an inkjet recording device. Also, the horizontal direction when the ink storage container 10 is placed at rest is defined as the +T direction. The opposite direction to the +W direction is defined as the -W direction, and the opposite direction to the +T direction is defined as the -T direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the +W direction and the +T direction, and moving from one end where the ink outlet 12 of the ink storage container 10 is located to the other end, is defined as the +D direction. Therefore, when mounting the ink storage container 10 in an inkjet recording device, the direction in which it is connected to the inkjet recording device is the -D direction. Alternatively, the direction in which the storage section for housing the ink storage container 10, as described later, is pushed into the inkjet recording device is the -D direction, and the direction in which the storage section is pulled out from the inkjet recording device to a position where the ink storage container 10 can be attached and detached is the +D direction.

[0012] The liquid (ink) used for image recording includes any liquid that, when applied to a recording medium, can be used to form an image or to process the recording medium. In this specification, "ink" is a concept that encompasses all liquids that can be used for recording. Specifically, this may include colored inks containing colorants such as pigments and dyes, or colorless, transparent inks such as reaction solutions and optimizers.

[0013] The recording medium to which the ink is applied is not particularly limited, but transparent or colored recording media can be used. Furthermore, the recording medium may be a poorly absorbent medium (non-absorbent medium) with low absorption of liquid media, such as a resin film. For example, known materials and forms such as paper, cloth, optical disc labels, plastic sheets, OHP sheets, and envelopes can be used as recording media. The recording medium may be sheet paper (cut paper) made by cutting roll paper to a predetermined size such as A3 or A4, or it may be used in a so-called roll-to-roll format.

[0014] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the ink container. The ink container 10 has an ink container bag 11 in which the ink is contained. The bag is made of a deformable flexible film, for example, by heat welding, and has a first surface and a second surface. The two surfaces are shared by a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side. The first surface (A) has a first-a side (1-a), a second-a side (2-a), a third-a side (3-a), and a fourth-a side (4-a), and the second surface (B) has a first-b side (1-b), a second-b side (2-b), a third-b side (3-b), and a fourth-b side (4-b). The layer structure of the ink container bag 11 is preferably a layer structure that includes a highly flexible material that is easily deformable in order to improve the ease of using up the ink. For example, a layered structure could consist of nylon to enhance impact resistance, an aluminum layer to prevent ink evaporation, and a polyethylene film, which is a highly flexible material. The first and second surfaces do not need to have the same layered structure or thickness; in the case of ink storage bags with different layer thicknesses, it is preferable that the second surface is thinner than the first surface. Furthermore, the film layer thickness is preferably between 100 μm and 220 μm. In addition, the SS tensile modulus of the film should be 30 N / mm². 2 More than 140N / mm 2The following is preferable. Further, the ink storage bag 11 has an ink outlet 12 welded, for example, by heat welding to the first side of the first surface. In the case of heat welding, it is desirable that the material be the same as the layer forming the inside of the ink storage bag 11. From the viewpoint of the ink storage volume, it is preferable that the welded portion of the ink storage bag 11 be welded with a narrow width of about 4 mm. Note that the ink storage container 10 in the present embodiment is a four-sided sealed bag, but it is also effective in shapes such as a gusset bag or a clasp bag.

[0015] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Based on the above-described embodiments, embodiments of the present invention are shown below.

[0016] (Embodiment 1) The ink storage container 10 in Embodiment 1 is installed and used in the ink storage container installation portion 13 in the inkjet recording apparatus as shown in FIG. 3. Further, a cross-section taken along the line P-P' of the ink storage container 10 in FIG. 4(1) is shown in FIG. 4(2).

[0017] As for the configuration of the ink storage bag 11, the lengths of the first-a side, the first-b side, the second-a side, and the second-b side are 140 mm, the lengths of the third-a side and the fourth-a side on the first surface are 140 mm, and the lengths of the third-b side and the fourth-b side on the second surface are 135 mm. Since the lengths of the third-a side and the fourth-a side on the first surface are longer than those of the third-b side and the fourth-b side on the second surface, the second side warps upward. The difference in the side lengths causes sag 14 to occur in a part of the ink storage bag 11 as shown in the Q-Q' cross-section of FIG. 5(2). The occurrence of sag 14 may cause ink to accumulate in the sag part, deteriorating the ink exhaustion property. Therefore, it is preferable to manufacture the part where sag 14 occurs in the -D direction, which is the direction of the ink outlet 12, rather than half the length of the third side and the fourth side. Also, when warping upward, it is preferable for the ink exhaustion improvement that the warping occurs in the -W direction and the angle x is 5° or more. Therefore, it is desirable that the ratio of the length x of the third-a side and the fourth-a side to the length y of the third-b side and the fourth-b side is x / y = 1.004 or more. On the other hand, considering the sag generated by the different side lengths and the ease of manufacturing, it is desirable that x / y = 1.038 or less. Based on the above, when the length of one side on the first surface is y mm and the length of the corresponding one side on the second surface is x mm, it is preferable that the relationship is 1.004 ≤ x / y ≤ 1.038.

[0018] In this embodiment, by making the third-a side, the third-b side, the fourth-a side, and the fourth-b side the same length and making the first-a side and the second-a side on the first surface longer than the first-b side and the second-b side on the second surface, the configuration in which the third side and the fourth side warp upward from both sides of the ink outlet 12 is also effective for the ink exhaustion property. Also, the occurrence of sag due to different side lengths is preferably closer to the ink outlet 12 existing on the first side.

[0019] (Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2 is shown below. In cases where the formation process and structure are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, the description using figures is omitted. Also, regarding specific dimensions, positional relationships, etc., the description is omitted when they are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0020] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the ink storage container 10 in Embodiment 2. The ink storage bag 11 is constructed such that the lengths of the first a-side and first b-side are 140 mm, the lengths of the second a-side and second b-side are 135 mm, the lengths of the third a-side and fourth a-side of the first face are 140 mm, and the lengths of the third b-side and fourth b-side of the second face are 135 mm. Because the lengths of the first a-side and second a-side and the third a-side and fourth a-side of the first face are longer than the lengths of the first b-side and second b-side and the third b-side and fourth b-side of the second face, the second, third, and fourth sides curl upwards.

[0021] (Embodiment 3) Embodiment 3 is shown below. Note that if the formation process and structure are the same as those described in the embodiments above, the explanation using diagrams will be omitted. Similarly, if the specific dimensions, positional relationships, etc., are the same as in Embodiments 1 and 2, the description will be omitted.

[0022] Figures 7 and 8 show a perspective view and an exploded view of the ink storage container (ink cartridge) 10 in Embodiment 3. Embodiment 3 is, so to speak, an ink cartridge having a housing capable of housing an ink storage container inside.

[0023] The ink storage container (ink cartridge) 10 has a housing 14 that houses an ink storage bag 11 for storing ink. One side of the housing 14 facing the first surface of the ink storage bag 11 is made of a flexible film 15 (sealing sheet member). The housing 14 is made of, for example, a resin material and has a box-shaped case 16 with one end open and a cover 17 which is its lid. The ink outlet 12 is fixed to the case 16, for example, by a snap fit or press-fit.

[0024] The embodiments 1 to 3 described above are expected to improve ink utilization by causing the edges of the ink storage bag to curl up as the ink is discharged from the bag when the ink is used up, guiding any remaining ink towards the ink outlet. Furthermore, since there is no need for a structure that tilts the ink storage section, it is expected that the space required for such a structure will be eliminated.

[0025] <<Other Embodiments>> The disclosures described in each of the above embodiments include configurations represented by the following example of a liquid dispensing head.

[0026] <Configuration 1> It is configured to be able to contain ink internally, and (1) The first page, and (2) A second surface facing the first surface and having a first edge and a second edge shared with the first surface, A flexible ink storage section having, An ink supply unit is provided on the first side of the ink storage unit and is configured to supply the ink stored in the ink storage unit to the outside, An ink storage bag having, An ink storage container characterized in that the length of one side on the first surface of the ink storage portion is longer than the length of the corresponding side on the second surface.

[0027] <Configuration 2> The ink container according to Configuration 1, wherein the relationship 1.004 ≤ x / y ≤ 1.038 is satisfied when the length of one side on the first surface is y mm and the length of the corresponding side on the second surface is x mm.

[0028] <Structure 3> The ink container according to configuration 1 or configuration 2, wherein the tensile modulus of the layers constituting the ink container is 30 N / mm² or more and 140 N / mm² or less.

[0029] <Structure 4> An ink cartridge having a housing capable of housing an ink storage container according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein one surface of the housing facing the first surface is a flexible film.

[0030] <Composition 5> A recording device comprising a main body and an ink storage container detachably configured to be attached to the main body, wherein the ink storage container is an ink storage container according to any one of configurations 1 to 3.

[0031] <Composition 6> A recording device comprising a main body and an ink cartridge configured to be detachably attached to the main body, wherein the ink cartridge is the ink cartridge described in configuration 4. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0032] 10 Ink containers 11 Ink storage pouches 12 Ink outlet 13. Ink container installation section 14 cabinets 15. Sealing sheet material (flexible film) 16 cases 17 Cover

Claims

1. It is configured to be able to contain ink internally, and (1) The first side, and (2) A second surface facing the first surface and having a first edge and a second edge shared with the first surface, A flexible ink storage section having, An ink supply unit is provided on the first side of the ink storage unit and is configured to supply the ink stored in the ink storage unit to the outside, An ink storage bag having, An ink storage container characterized in that the length of one side on the first surface of the ink storage portion is longer than the length of the corresponding side on the second surface.

2. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the relationship is 1.004 ≤ x / y ≤ 1.038, where y mm is the length of one side on the first surface and x mm is the length of the corresponding side on the second surface.

3. The tensile modulus of the layer constituting the ink container is 30 N / mm². ２ More than 140N / mm ２ The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the following applies:

4. An ink cartridge having a housing capable of housing an ink container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one surface of the housing facing the first surface is a flexible film.

5. A recording device comprising a main body and an ink storage container detachably configured to be attached to the main body, wherein the ink storage container is the ink storage container described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

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