Ink cartridge

Abstract

This product provides an ink cartridge that eliminates the need for a separate bag to house the cartridge itself, and also prevents ink leakage from the ink outlet while inside the bag. [Solution] The ink cartridge 1 comprises a cartridge body 2 that can be attached to and removed from an inkjet printer 11, a bag 3 attached to the cartridge body 2 and capable of housing the cartridge body 2, and a protective tape 4. The cartridge body 2 has a housing 5 having an ink storage chamber 9 for storing ink, an ink outlet 6 that defines an ink outlet 10 from which the ink stored in the ink storage chamber 9 flows out, and a valve 7 that can open and close the ink outlet 10. The protective tape 4 can be attached to the ink outlet 6.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an ink cartridge.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an ink cartridge housed in a packaging member. The ink cartridge of Patent Document 1 is housed in the packaging member when being distributed in the market or the like. When in use, the ink cartridge of Patent Document 1 is taken out from the above-mentioned packaging member and mounted on an inkjet printer. On the other hand, the used ink cartridge is housed in the above-mentioned packaging member or a separately prepared bag and collected in a recycling collection box.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, it takes time and effort to store the above-mentioned packaging member or to separately prepare a bag for housing the ink cartridge. Also, there is a risk that ink leaks from the ink supply port of the ink cartridge inside the above-mentioned packaging member or the above-mentioned bag, contaminating the surface of the ink cartridge.

[0005] An object of this disclosure is to provide an ink cartridge that does not require preparing a bag for housing the cartridge body and in which ink hardly leaks from the ink outlet inside the bag.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) This disclosure relates to an ink cartridge. The ink cartridge comprises a cartridge body, a bag, and an ink leak prevention member. The cartridge body is detachable from an inkjet printer. The bag is attached to the cartridge body and can accommodate the cartridge body. The cartridge body has a housing, an ink outlet, and a valve. The housing has an ink storage chamber for storing ink. The ink outlet defines an ink outlet from which the ink stored in the ink storage chamber flows out. The valve can open and close the ink outlet. The ink leak prevention member can be attached to the ink outlet.

[0007] The user can seal the ink outlet with the ink leak prevention component without having to prepare a separate part to block the ink outlet. After sealing the ink outlet with the ink leak prevention component, the user can place the cartridge body into a bag without having to prepare a separate bag capable of holding the cartridge body. Therefore, the process of placing the cartridge body into the bag is easy. For example, the ink leak prevention component prevents the valve from being pressed by other components due to vibrations during transport of the ink cartridge. This prevents ink from leaking from the ink outlet inside the bag. Even if ink does leak from the ink outlet, the bag prevents the leaked ink from adhering to the surface of other components. Conversely, for example, ink leaking from another ink cartridge is prevented from adhering to the surface of the ink cartridge by the bag. Therefore, ink cartridges are easy to reuse.

[0008] (2) The ink leakage prevention member may be stored in the bag.

[0009] Since the user removes the ink leak prevention component from the bag and uses it to seal the ink outlet, it is less likely to lose the ink leak prevention component.

[0010] (3) The cartridge body is located on the outer surface of the housing and may have a recess that opens in one direction. The bag is placed in the recess in a folded state and may be attached to the inner surface of the recess.

[0011] When the cartridge is installed in the inkjet printer, the pouch does not easily protrude from the cartridge itself. This makes it easier for the user to install the cartridge into the inkjet printer.

[0012] (4) The ink outlet may be located at the lower end in the vertical direction of the housing when the cartridge body is mounted in the inkjet printer. The recess may be located at the lower end of the housing. The recess may be located in the removal direction opposite to the mounting direction in which the cartridge body is mounted in the inkjet printer, relative to the ink outlet. The recess may open downward in the one direction.

[0013] When the cartridge is installed in the inkjet printer, the recessed area is less likely to come into contact with other components. Therefore, users can easily install the cartridge into the inkjet printer.

[0014] (5) The bag may be fixed to the inner surface of the recess. The length of the bag in the mounting direction within the internal space may be longer than the length of the cartridge body in the mounting direction. The length of the bag in the vertical direction within the internal space may be longer than the length of the cartridge body in the vertical direction.

[0015] Even though the bag is fixed to the inner surface of the recess, the user can place the cartridge body into the bag by turning the bag inside out and dropping the cartridge body into the internal space of the bag. This allows for quick storage of the cartridge body. The user will not lose the bag.

[0016] (6) The above bag may have a zipper for sealing an opening through which the above cartridge body can be inserted into the internal space of the bag.

[0017] The user can easily seal the opening of the bag with the zipper.

[0018] (7) The above bag may have glue applied to the above bag and release paper peelably attached to the above glue.

[0019] The user peels the release paper from the bag and bonds the bags together. Therefore, the user can more easily seal the opening of the bag compared to, for example, the case of sealing the opening of the bag with separately prepared tape.

[0020] (8) The material of the above bag may be any of a PE laminate paper in which a film made of PET resin, PP resin, polyvinylidene chloride, aluminum, or PE resin is laminated on paper. Alternatively, the material of the above bag may be paper laminated with an aluminum vapor deposition film in which aluminum is vapor deposited on a PP film made of PP resin.

[0021] It has better gas barrier properties, waterproof properties, and moisture-proof properties compared to a paper bag.

[0022] (9) The above ink leakage prevention member may be an adhesive tape with an adhesive applied to a base material. The material of the above base material may be any of PET resin, PP resin, polyvinylidene chloride, or an aluminum vapor deposition film in which aluminum is vapor deposited on a thermoplastic resin film. Alternatively, the material of the above base material may be a PE laminate paper in which a PE film made of PE resin is laminated on paper.

[0023] The user can easily peel off the ink leakage prevention member from the ink outflow part. Thereby, the reuse of the ink cartridge is easy.

[0024] (10) The above bag may have a laminate structure in which a plurality of thermoplastic resin films are laminated.

[0025] The bag has good gas barrier properties, waterproofness, and moisture resistance.

[0026] (11) The above bag may have a light transmission part that transmits light.

[0027] The user can easily check from outside the bag the color of the ink remaining in the ink cartridge, the memory element storing the cartridge information, and the barcode encoding the cartridge information. Therefore, reuse is easy.

[0028] (12) The above bag may be inscribed with the name of the merchant who reuses the above ink cartridge.

[0029] When the user mails the used ink cartridge to the reuse merchant, there is no need to take the trouble to write the name.

[0030] (13) At least one of the posture of housing the cartridge body in the above bag and the pasting method of pasting the above ink leakage prevention member to the above ink outflow part may be illustrated on the above bag.

[0031] The user can easily house the cartridge body in the bag. The user can easily paste the ink leakage prevention member to the ink outflow part.

[0032] (14) The ink stored in the above ink storage chamber may contain a colorant composed of one or more of pigments and dyes.

[0033] The ink cartridge is not easily contaminated by the colorant.

[0034] (15) The above pigment may be a resin-dispersed pigment or a self-dispersed pigment.

[0035] The ink cartridge is not easily contaminated by the resin-dispersed pigment or the self-dispersed pigment.

[0036] (16) The amount of the above colorant may be 40% by weight or less.

[0037] Even if ink leaks out from the ink outlet, the surface of the ink cartridge is less likely to be contaminated by the ink.

[0038] (17) The viscosity of the above ink may be in the range of 1 mPa·s to 8 mPa·s.

[0039] Ink is less likely to leak out from the ink outlet.

[0040] (18) The surface tension of the above ink may be in the range of 20 mN / m or more and 45 mN / m or less.

[0041] Ink is less likely to leak out from the ink outlet.

[0042] (19) The above ink may be a dye ink. The above dye may be a direct dye, an acid dye, a basic dye, or a reactive dye.

[0043] Even if dye-based ink adheres to the surface of the cartridge, it is easy to wipe off the ink from the surface of the cartridge. This makes the surface of the cartridge less susceptible to contamination by dye-based ink. [Effects of the Invention]

[0044] According to this disclosure, there is no need to prepare a bag to house the cartridge body, and ink is less likely to leak from the ink outlet inside the bag. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0045] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the mounting position of the ink cartridge 1 when it is installed in the inkjet printer 11. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 2, obtained by cutting it with a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the bag 3 is pulled downward from the storage recess 8. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the protective tape 4. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the ink outlet 10 is blocked by the protective tape 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing how the cartridge body 2 is placed in the bag 3. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the cartridge body 2 housed in the bag 3. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the modified ink cartridge 1 with its bag 3 pulled downward from the storage recess 8. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the cartridge body 2 housed in the bag 3 of the modified ink cartridge 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0046] The following describes in detail an ink cartridge 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the following embodiment is merely one example of the present invention, and the embodiment can be modified as appropriate without altering the essence of the invention.

[0047] As shown in Figure 1, the ink cartridge 1 is detachable from the inkjet printer 11. Hereinafter, the direction in which the ink cartridge 1 is installed in the inkjet printer 11 is referred to as the front. The direction in which the ink cartridge 1 is removed from the inkjet printer 11 is referred to as the rear. The front and rear together are referred to as the front-rear direction. The vertical direction of the ink cartridge 1 is defined when the ink cartridge 1 is installed in the inkjet printer 11. The left-right direction is defined when viewing the cartridge body 2 in the installed position from the front. The front is an example of the installation direction. The rear is an example of the removal direction.

[0048] As shown in Figure 2, the ink cartridge 1 comprises a cartridge body 2, a bag 3, and a protective tape 4. The cartridge body 2 is detachable from the inkjet printer 11. The cartridge body 2 comprises a housing 5, an ink outlet 6, a valve 7, and a storage recess 8.

[0049] The housing 5 is box-shaped. The housing 5 has an ink storage chamber 9 for storing ink. The housing 5 has a front recess 5A and a rear recess 5B. The front recess 5A is located at the lower end of the housing 5. The front recess 5A is recessed rearward from the front end 2B of the housing 5. The rear recess 5B is located at the lower end of the housing 5. The rear recess 5B is located behind the front recess 5A. The rear recess 5B is recessed upward from the lower end of the housing 5.

[0050] The ink outlet section 6 is located in the front recess 5A. The lower end of the ink outlet section 6 coincides with the lower end of the housing 5 in the vertical direction. The ink outlet section 6 is cylindrical in shape and defines the ink outlet 10. The ink outlet 10 opens toward the front. The ink outlet 10 communicates with the ink storage chamber 9. The ink outlet 10 is circular. Ink flows out of the ink outlet 10 from the ink storage chamber 9. A memory element 12 is located at the upper end of the housing 5. The memory element 12 stores cartridge information.

[0051] Valve 7 is located in the internal space of the ink outlet section 6. Valve 7 can open and close the ink outlet 10. Specifically, valve 7 has a valve body 7A, a valve seat 7B, and a biasing member 7C. Valve body 7A is movable in the front-rear direction between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, valve body 7A closes the ink outlet 10. In the open position, valve body 7A opens the ink outlet 10. Valve seat 7B is fixed to the inner surface of the ink outlet section 6 behind valve body 7A.

[0052] The biasing member 7C is a coil spring that can be compressed in the front-rear direction. One end of the biasing member 7C is supported by the valve seat 7B. The other end of the biasing member 7C is supported by the valve body 7A. The biasing member 7C biases the valve body 7A to the closed position. As a result, when the valve body 7A is pressed from front to rear, it moves from the closed position to the open position against the biasing force of the biasing member 7C.

[0053] The storage recess 8 is located behind the ink outlet 6. The storage recess 8 is located in the rear recess 5B. The storage recess 8 is box-shaped and opens downwards. The lower end of the storage recess 8 coincides with the lower end of the housing 5 in the vertical direction. The rear end of the storage recess 8 coincides with the rear end of the housing 5 in the front-to-back direction. The storage recess 8 is semi-transparent. The image below is an example of one direction. The storage recess 8 is an example of a recess.

[0054] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the length L1 in the front-to-back direction between the front end 2B and the rear end 2A of the cartridge body 2 is longer than the length L2. Length L2 is the length in the vertical direction between the upper end 2C and the lower end 2D of the cartridge body 2. The vertical length L2 of the cartridge body 2 is longer than the left-to-right length L3 of the cartridge body 2.

[0055] The ink stored in the ink storage chamber 9 contains one or more of the following: a colorant, water, a water-soluble organic solvent, and a water-insoluble organic solvent. The ink may be an aqueous ink containing a colorant, water, and a water-soluble organic solvent, or an oil-based ink containing a colorant and a water-insoluble organic solvent. The ink may also be a pigment ink or a dye ink. The water-insoluble organic solvent is not particularly limited as long as it is water-insoluble.

[0056] The coloring agent includes one or more types of pigments and dyes. For example, pigments include carbon black, inorganic pigments, and organic pigments. Carbon black includes, for example, furnace black, lamp black, acetylene black, and channel black. Inorganic pigments include, for example, titanium dioxide, iron oxide-based inorganic pigments, and carbon black-based inorganic pigments. Organic pigments include, for example, azo pigments such as azo lakes, insoluble azo pigments, condensed azo pigments, and chelate azo pigments; polycyclic pigments such as phthalocyanine pigments, perylene and perinone pigments, anthraquinone pigments, quinacridone pigments, dioxazine pigments, thioindigo pigments, isoindolinone pigments, and quinophthalone pigments; dye lake pigments such as basic dye-type lake pigments and acid dye-type lake pigments; nitro pigments; nitroso pigments; aniline black daylight fluorescent pigments; and the like. As pigments, for example, resin-dispersible pigments that can be dispersed in water using a pigment dispersion resin are preferably used.

[0057] Self-dispersing pigments may be used as pigments. Self-dispersing pigments are those that can be dispersed in water without the use of a dispersant. Self-dispersing pigments are, for example, pigment particles into which at least one of a hydrophilic functional group such as a carbonyl group, a hydroxyl group, a carboxylic acid group, a sulfonic acid group, or a phosphate group, and their salts, are introduced directly or via other groups by chemical bonding.

[0058] Self-dispersing pigments can be used if the pigment has been treated by the method described in the following published patents. These published patents include, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-3498, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-513396, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-524400, and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-515007. Both inorganic and organic pigments can be used as raw materials for self-dispersing pigments.

[0059] The dyes are, for example, direct dyes, acid dyes, basic dyes, or reactive dyes. One or more of the pigments and dyes may be included in the water-soluble ink. Specific examples of the dyes include, for example, CI Direct Black, CI Direct Blue, CI Direct Red, CI Direct Yellow, CI Direct Orange, CI Direct Violet, CI Direct Brown, CI Direct Green, CI Acid Black, CI Acid Blue, CI Acid Red, CI Acid Yellow, CI Acid Orange, CI Acid Violet, CI Basic Black, CI Basic Blue, CI Basic Red, CI Basic Violet, and CI Food Black.

[0060] Examples of CI Direct Black include CI Direct Black 17, 19, 32, 51, 71, 108, 146, 154, and 168. Examples of CI Direct Blue include CI Direct Blue 6, 22, 25, 71, 86, 90, 106, and 199. Examples of CI Direct Red include CI Direct Red 1, 4, 17, 28, 83, and 227. Examples of CI Direct Yellow include CI Direct Yellow 12, 24, 26, 86, 98, 132, 142, and 173. Examples of CI Direct Orange include CI Direct Orange 34, 39, 44, 46, and 60. Examples of CI Direct Violet include CI Direct Violet 47 and 48. Examples of CI Direct Brown include CI Direct Brown 109. Examples of CI Direct Green include CI Direct Green 59. Examples of CI Acid Black include CI Acid Black 2, 7, 24, 26, 31, 52, 63, 112, and 118. Examples of CI Acid Blue include CI Acid Blue 9, 22, 40, 59, 90, 93, 102, 104, 117, 120, 167, 229, and 234. Examples of CI Acid Red include CI Acid Red 1, 6, 32, 37, 51, 52, 80, 85, 87, 92, 94, 115, 180, 256, 289, 315, and 317. Examples of CI Acid Yellow include CI Acid Yellow 11, 17, 23, 25, 29, 42, 61, and 71. Examples of the aforementioned CI Acid Orange include CI Acid Orange 7 and 19. Examples of the aforementioned CI Acid Violet include CI Acid Violet 49. Examples of the aforementioned CI Basic Black include CI Basic Black 2.Examples of the aforementioned CI Basic Blue include CI Basic Blue 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 24, 25, 26, 28, and 29. Examples of the aforementioned CI Basic Red include CI Basic Red 1, 2, 9, 12, 13, 14, and 37. Examples of the aforementioned CI Basic Violet include CI Basic Violet 7, 14, and 27. Examples of the aforementioned CI Hood Black include CI Hood Black 1 and 2.

[0061] The aforementioned water-soluble organic solvent is, for example, a wetting agent that prevents the drying of aqueous ink at the nozzle tip of an inkjet head and a penetrating agent that adjusts the drying rate on the recording medium.

[0062] The wetting agent is not particularly limited and includes, for example, lower alcohols such as methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, sec-butyl alcohol, and tert-butyl alcohol; amides such as dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide; ketones such as acetone; keto alcohols such as diacetone alcohol; ethers such as tetrahydrofuran and dioxane; polyhydric alcohols such as polyalkylene glycol, alkylene glycol, glycerin, and trimethylolpropane; 2-pyrrolidone; N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone; and 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone. The polyalkylene glycol includes, for example, polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol. The alkylene glycol includes, for example, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, thiodiglycol, and hexylene glycol. The wetting agent may be used alone or in combination of two or more types. The above-mentioned humectant is preferably a polyhydric alcohol such as alkylene glycol or glycerin.

[0063] Examples of the penetrating agent include glycol ethers. Examples of glycol ethers include ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol-n-propyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol-n-propyl ether, diethylene glycol-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol-n-hexyl ether, triethylene glycol methyl ether, triethylene glycol ethyl ether, triethylene glycol-n-propyl ether, triethylene glycol-n-butyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol-n-propyl ether, propylene glycol-n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol ethyl ether, dipropylene glycol-n-propyl ether, dipropylene glycol-n-butyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol ethyl ether, tripropylene glycol-n-propyl ether, and tripropylene glycol-n-butyl ether. One type of penetrating agent may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0064] The aqueous ink may further contain conventionally known additives as needed. Examples of such additives include surfactants, pH adjusters, viscosity modifiers, surface tension modifiers, and antifungal agents. Examples of viscosity modifiers include polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose, and water-soluble resins.

[0065] The aqueous ink can be prepared by uniformly mixing, for example, a colorant, water, and a water-soluble organic solvent, along with other additive components as needed, using a conventionally known method. The aqueous ink can then be prepared by removing insoluble matter using a filter or the like.

[0066] The amount of colorant contained in the ink is preferably 40% by weight or less. The viscosity of the ink is preferably in the range of 1 mPa·s to 8 mPa·s. The surface tension of the ink is preferably in the range of 20 mN / m to 45 mN / m.

[0067] Bag 3 is constructed by welding the outer edges of two films together. The material of bag 3 is PP resin. Bag 3 is flexible. The entire bag 3 is light-transmitting. The user can see the internal space 3A of bag 3 from the outside. The entire bag 3 is an example of a light-transmitting section.

[0068] Bag 3 is placed in the storage recess 8 in a folded state. A storage tape is attached to the outer surface of the storage recess 8. Note that the storage tape is omitted in Figure 2. The storage tape covers a portion of the opening of the storage recess 8. In this way, bag 3 is held in the storage recess 8. The storage tape is removable from the outer surface of the storage recess 8.

[0069] Figure 3 shows the bag 3 pulled downward from the storage recess 8. The following explanation assumes that the bag 3 is pulled downward from the storage recess 8.

[0070] The outer surface of bag 3 is fixed to the inner surface 8A of the storage recess 8. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the peripheral portion 27 of the bottom 21 of bag 3 is fixed to the lower end of the inner surface 8A of the storage recess 8. As a result, bag 3 cannot be removed from the storage recess 8. The method of fixing bag 3 is not limited as long as bag 3 cannot be easily removed from the storage recess 8. For example, the method of fixing bag 3 is welding.

[0071] Bag 3 has an insertion opening 22 that opens downwards. The insertion opening 22 is sized to allow the cartridge body 2 to be inserted into the internal space 3A of bag 3. Bag 3 has a zipper 23 that can seal the insertion opening 22. The insertion opening 22 is an example of an opening.

[0072] The zipper 23 is located on the outer surface of the bag 3. The zipper 23 is located near the insertion opening 22. The zipper 23 extends in the front-to-back direction from the front end to the rear end of the bag 3. Specifically, the zipper 23 has a fitting recess 23A and a fitting projection 23B.

[0073] The fitting recess 23A is fixed to the outer surface of one film. The fitting projection 23B is fixed to the outer surface of the other film. The fitting projection 23B can be fitted into the fitting recess 23A when the inside and outside of the bag 3 are turned inside out. The fitting projection 23B is removable from the fitting recess 23A. The zipper 23 seals the opening 22 of the bag 3 when the fitting projection 23B is fitted into the fitting recess 23A. In this way, the zipper 23 can seal the opening 22.

[0074] The length L4 in the front-to-back direction within the internal space 3A of bag 3 is slightly longer than the length L1 in the front-to-back direction between the front end 2B and the rear end 2A of the cartridge body 2. The length L5 in the vertical direction within the internal space 3A of bag 3 is longer than the length L2 in the vertical direction between the upper end 2C and the lower end 2D of the cartridge body 2. As a result, bag 3 is able to accommodate the cartridge body 2.

[0075] Furthermore, the length L4 in the front-to-back direction of the internal space 3A of bag 3 is equal to the length in the front-to-back direction of the internal space 3A of bag 3 when it is turned inside out. Also, the length L5 in the vertical direction of the internal space 3A of bag 3 is equal to the length in the vertical direction of the internal space 3A of bag 3 when it is turned inside out.

[0076] The inside of bag 3 has the recipient's address 24 printed on it. In other words, the recipient's address 24 is located on the outside of bag 3, which is reversed inside and out. This makes it easy for the user to mail the ink cartridge 1 contained in bag 3 to the reuse company. The reuse company is a company that reuses ink cartridges 2.

[0077] The outer surface of bag 3 is printed with a diagram 25 illustrating the orientation in which the ink cartridge 1 is placed inside bag 3. The outer surface of bag 3 is also printed with a diagram 26 illustrating how to attach the protective tape 4 to the ink outlet 6.

[0078] The protective tape 4 is stored in a bag 3 which is placed in a storage recess 8. The protective tape 4 may be folded while stored in the bag 3. The protective tape 4 is a strip-shaped adhesive tape with an adhesive coating on a base material 4A. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the protective tape 4 has a base material 4A, an adhesive layer 4B, and a release liner 4C.

[0079] The base material 4A is made of PP resin. The base material 4A is a strip extending in one direction. The adhesive layer 4B is laminated on one side of the base material 4A. The adhesive layer 4B extends over the entire surface of one side of the base material 4A. The adhesive layer 4B is composed of an adhesive.

[0080] The release paper 4C is attached to the adhesive layer 4B. The release paper 4C covers the entire surface of the adhesive layer 4B. The release paper 4C can be peeled off from the adhesive layer 4B. This allows the protective tape 4 to be attached to the ink outlet 6. When the protective tape 4 is attached to the ink outlet 6, it is large enough to completely cover the ink outlet 10. The protective tape 4 is an example of an ink leakage prevention member.

[0081] Next, we will explain how to use ink cartridge 1. In the initial state of ink cartridge 1, the cartridge body 2 is used. In the initial state of ink cartridge 1, the folded bag 3 is placed in the storage recess 8. In other words, bag 3 is unused. Storage tape is attached to the outer surface of the storage recess 8. This holds bag 3 in place in the storage recess 8.

[0082] First, the user peels the storage tape from the outer surface of the storage recess 8. Next, the user pulls the bag 3 downwards from the storage recess 8. Then, the user takes out the protective tape 4 from the bag 3. The user looks at the figure 26 located on the outer surface of the bag 3. This allows the user to understand how to attach the protective tape 4 to the ink outlet 6.

[0083] Next, the user peels off the release paper 4C from the protective tape 4. Then, as shown in Figure 5, the user attaches the protective tape 4 to the tip of the ink outlet 6. This completely seals the ink outlet 10 with the protective tape 4. Next, the user looks at the figure 25 located on the outer surface of the bag 3. This allows the user to understand the correct orientation for inserting the cartridge body 2 into the internal space 3A of the bag 3.

[0084] Next, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, the user turns the bag 3 inside out and drops the cartridge body 2 through the insertion opening 22 into the internal space 3A of the bag 3. As a result, the cartridge body 2 is housed in the bag 3. The zipper's fitting projection 23B and fitting recess 23A are now facing each other. Then, as shown in Figure 7, the user seals the insertion opening 22 by fitting the zipper 23B's fitting projection 23B into the fitting recess 23A.

[0085] Finally, the user affixes a postage stamp to the outside of bag 3 and mails the used ink cartridge 1 contained in bag 3. The reuse company removes the received used ink cartridge 1 from bag 3 and peels off the protective tape 4 from the ink leakage area 6. The reuse company then reuses the used ink cartridge 2. Bag 3 may be reused or replaced with a new bag 3.

[0086] [Effects of this embodiment] In the above embodiment, the ink cartridge 1 includes a protective tape 4 and a bag 3. Therefore, the user can seal the ink outlet 10 with the protective tape 4 without having to prepare a separate part to seal the ink outlet 10. After sealing the ink outlet 10 with the protective tape 4, the user can place the cartridge body 2 into the bag 3 without having to prepare a separate bag capable of housing the cartridge body 2. Therefore, the process of placing the cartridge body 2 into the bag 3 is easy. Furthermore, for example, vibrations during transport of the ink cartridge 1 prevent the valve 7 from being pressed by other components, which is suppressed by the protective tape 4. This prevents ink from leaking from the ink outlet 10 inside the bag 3. Even if ink does leak from the ink outlet 10, the bag 3 prevents the leaked ink from adhering to the surface of other components. Conversely, for example, ink leaking from another ink cartridge prevents it from adhering to the surface of the ink cartridge 1, which is suppressed by the bag 3. Therefore, the ink cartridge 1 is easily reused.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the protective tape 4 is stored in the bag 3. Therefore, the user can take the protective tape 4 out of the bag 3 and use it to seal the ink outlet 10. Consequently, the user is less likely to lose the protective tape 4.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the bag 3 is stored in the storage recess 8 in a folded state. Therefore, when the cartridge body 2 is installed in the inkjet printer 11, the bag 3 is less likely to protrude from the cartridge body 2. This makes it easier for the user to install the cartridge body 2 into the inkjet printer 11.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the storage recess 8 is located at the lower end of the housing 5 and behind the ink outlet 6. The storage recess 8 opens downwards. Therefore, when the cartridge body 2 is installed in the inkjet printer 11, the storage recess 8 is less likely to come into contact with other components. Consequently, the user can easily install the cartridge body 2 into the inkjet printer 11.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the bottom 21 of the bag 3 is fixed to the inner surface 8A of the storage recess 8. The length L4 in the front-to-back direction of the internal space 3A of the bag 3 is slightly longer than the length L1 in the front-to-back direction between the front end 2B and the rear end 2A of the cartridge body 2. The length L5 in the vertical direction of the internal space 3A of the bag 3 is longer than the length L2 in the vertical direction between the upper end 2C and the lower end 2D of the cartridge body 2. Therefore, even though the bag 3 is fixed to the storage recess 8, the user can store the cartridge body 2 in the bag 3. In other words, the user can store the cartridge body 2 in the bag 3 by turning the bag 3 inside out and dropping the cartridge body 2 into the internal space 3A of the bag 3. Therefore, the process of storing the cartridge body 2 can be done quickly. In addition, the user will not lose the bag 3.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the user can easily seal the opening 22 of the bag 3 with the zipper 23.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the material of bag 3 is made of PP resin. Therefore, it has better gas barrier properties, waterproofing properties, and moisture resistance compared to a paper bag 3.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the protective tape 4 is an adhesive tape in which an adhesive is applied to a base material 4A made of PP resin. Therefore, the user can easily peel off the protective tape 4 from the ink outlet 6. Consequently, the ink cartridge 1 can be easily reused.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the entire bag 3 is light-transmitting. Therefore, the user can easily check the color of the ink remaining in the ink cartridge 1 and the memory element 12 that stores the cartridge information from outside the bag 3. Thus, reuse is easy.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the bag 3 has the recipient's address 24 written on it. Therefore, when the user mails the used ink cartridge 1 to the reuse company, they do not need to go through the trouble of writing the recipient's address 24.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the bag 3 has a diagram 25 illustrating the orientation in which the ink cartridge 1 is placed in the bag 3. Therefore, it is easy for the user to place the cartridge body 2 into the bag 3.

[0097] In the above embodiment, bag 3 has a diagram 26 illustrating how to attach the protective tape 4 to the ink outlet 6. Therefore, it is easy to attach the protective tape 4 to the ink outlet 6.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the ink stored in the ink cartridge 1 contains a coloring agent consisting of one or more types of pigments and dyes. Therefore, contamination of the ink cartridge 1 by the coloring agent is effectively suppressed.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the ink pigment is a resin-dispersed pigment or a self-dispersing pigment. Therefore, contamination of the ink cartridge 1 with the resin-dispersed pigment or self-dispersing pigment is effectively suppressed.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the amount of colorant in the ink is 40% by weight or less. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the ink cartridge 1, the surface of the ink cartridge 1 is less likely to be contaminated with ink.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the viscosity of the ink is within the range of 1 mPa·s to 8 mPa·s. Therefore, ink is less likely to leak from the ink outlet 10.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the surface tension of the ink is in the range of 20 mN / m to 45 mN / m. Ink is less likely to leak from the ink outlet 10.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the ink dye is a direct dye, acid dye, basic dye, or reactive dye. Therefore, even if dye ink adheres to the surface of the ink cartridge 1, the user can easily wipe off the dye ink from the surface of the ink cartridge 1. Consequently, the surface of the ink cartridge 1 is less likely to be contaminated by dye ink.

[0104] [Differentiation] In the above embodiment, the protective tape 4 was strip-shaped. However, the shape of the protective tape 4 is not limited as long as it can block the ink outlet 10. For example, the protective tape 4 may be circular or rectangular.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the protective tape 4 was stored in the bag 3, but it is sufficient if the ink cartridge 1 has the protective tape 4. For example, the protective tape 4 may be peelably attached to the lower end 2D of the cartridge body 2. In this case, the release paper 4C is omitted.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the peripheral portion 27 of the bottom 21 of the bag 3 is fixed to the lower end of the inner surface 8A of the storage recess 8. However, the position in which the bag 3 is fixed to the inner surface 8A of the storage recess 8 is not limited. For example, the bottom 21 of the bag 3 may be fixed to the bottom opposite the opening of the storage recess 8.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the bag 3 could not be removed from the inner surface 8A of the storage recess 8. However, the bag 3 may be removable from the inner surface 8A of the storage recess 8. In this case, for example, the area over which the outer surface of the bag 3 is welded to the inner surface 8A of the storage recess 8 may be reduced. This allows the user to easily remove the bag 3 from the inner surface 8A of the storage recess 8.

[0108] Alternatively, bag 3 may simply be placed in the storage recess 8. In this case, bag 3 may be attached to the storage recess 8 by, for example, being held in the storage recess 8 by the storage tape described above.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the storage recess 8 is located in the rear recess 5B of the housing 5, but the location of the storage recess 8 is not limited. For example, it may be located at the rear end 2A of the housing 5. In this case, the storage recess 8 opens to the rear. Also, the storage recess 8 may be omitted. In this case, the bag 3 may be fixed to the rear recess 5B, for example, or it may be detachably attached to the rear recess 5B.

[0110] Furthermore, the mounting position of the bag 3 is not limited, as long as the bag 3 does not come into contact with the inkjet printer 11 when the cartridge body 2 is installed in the inkjet printer 11. For example, the bag 3 may be attached to the rear surface of the rear wall of the housing 5, or to the upper surface of the upper wall of the housing 5. In this case, the bag 3 is held in a folded state by, for example, the storage tape described above.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the length L4 in the front-to-back direction of the internal space 3A of the bag 3 is slightly longer than the length L1 in the front-to-back direction between the front end 2B and the rear end 2A of the cartridge body 2. The length L5 in the vertical direction of the internal space 3A of the bag 3 is longer than the vertical direction of the cartridge body 2 L2. However, the size of the bag 3 is not limited as long as it can accommodate the cartridge body 2.

[0112] For example, the length L4 in the front-to-back direction of the internal space 3A of bag 3 is shorter than the length L1 in the front-to-back direction between the front end 2B and the rear end 2A of the cartridge body 2. The length L4 in the front-to-back direction of the internal space 3A of bag 3 is longer than the length L2 in the vertical direction of the cartridge body 2. The length L5 in the vertical direction of the internal space 3A of bag 3 is longer than the length L1 in the front-to-back direction between the front end 2B and the rear end 2A of the cartridge body 2. Bag 3 is removable from the storage recess 8.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the insertion opening 22 was sealed by a zipper 23, but the method is not limited to a zipper 23, as long as the insertion opening 22 can be sealed. For example, instead of a zipper 23, the insertion opening 22 may be sealed with glue.

[0114] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the bag 3 has an adhesive 31 and a release liner 32. The adhesive 31 is applied to the outer surface of the bag 3 near the insertion opening 22. The release liner 32 is detachably attached to the adhesive 31.

[0115] The user turns the bag 3 inside out and drops the cartridge body 2 through the insertion opening 22 into the internal space 3A of the bag 3. As a result, the cartridge body 2 is housed in the bag 3, as shown in Figure 9. The adhesive 31 and release paper 32 are positioned on the inner surface of the bag 3. The user peels off the release paper 32 from the inner surface of the bag 3 and sticks the inner surfaces of the bag 3 together.

[0116] This makes it easier for the user to seal the insertion slot 22 compared to, for example, sealing the insertion slot 22 with tape prepared separately.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the bag 3 was constructed by welding the outer edges of two films together, but the method of constructing the bag 3 is not limited. For example, the bag 3 may be constructed by welding the bottom of a tubularly formed film together.

[0118] Furthermore, the bag 3 may be configured to have a gusset. In this case, the internal space 3A of the bag 3 becomes wider in the thickness direction perpendicular to the front-to-back and up-to-down directions. This makes it easier for the user to insert the cartridge body 2 into the internal space 3A of the bag 3 through the insertion opening 22.

[0119] In the above embodiment, the material of bag 3 is PP resin. However, the material of bag 3 is not limited to PP resin. For example, the material of bag 3 may be PE laminate paper, in which a film made of PET resin, polyvinylidene chloride, aluminum, or PE resin is laminated onto paper. Alternatively, the material of bag 3 may be paper in which an aluminum-deposited film, in which aluminum is vapor-deposited onto a PP film made of PP resin, is laminated onto paper.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the material of bag 3 is PP resin. However, bag 3 may have a laminate structure in which multiple thermoplastic resin films are laminated. For example, bag 3 may have a laminate structure in which a PP film made of PP resin and a PET film made of PET resin are laminated. In this case, bag 3 has good gas barrier properties, waterproof properties, and moisture resistance.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the material of base material 4A is PP resin. However, the material of base material 4A is not limited to PP resin. For example, the material of base material 4A may be PE laminate paper in which a PE film made of PET resin, polyvinylidene chloride, aluminum, and PE resin is laminated onto paper. Alternatively, the material of base material 4A may be paper in which an aluminum-deposited film is laminated onto a PP film made of PP resin.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the entire bag 3 transmits light, but a light-transmitting portion may be located in a part of the bag 3. Furthermore, the bag 3 does not necessarily have to transmit light.

[0123] In the above embodiment, the recipient's address 24 for the reuse business was printed on the outside of the bag 3, but the recipient's address 24 may be omitted. In this case, the used cartridge body 2 contained in the bag 3 may be collected, for example, in a collection box placed in a store.

[0124] In the above embodiment, a figure 25 illustrating the orientation in which the ink cartridge 1 is placed in the bag 3 is printed on the outer surface of the bag 3. However, the figure 25 does not necessarily have to be printed on the outer surface of the bag 3.

[0125] In the above embodiment, the outer surface of the bag 3 is marked with a diagram 26 illustrating how to attach the protective tape 4 to the ink leakage section 6. However, the outer surface of the bag 3 does not necessarily have to be marked with diagram 26.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the bag 3 has a zipper 23 that can seal the opening 22. However, the zipper 23 may be omitted. In this case, the user may seal the opening 22 with, for example, tape provided separately. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0127] 1. Ink cartridge 2. Cartridge body 3 bags 3A...Internal space 4. Protective tape 5. Cabinet 6. Ink outlet 7.. Valve 8. Storage recess (an example of a recess) 8A...Inner surface 9. Ink storage room 10. Ink outlet 11. Inkjet printer 21...bottom 23... Zipper 24.. Recipient 25...Geometry 31... Nori 32...Release paper

Claims

1. A cartridge body that can be attached to and removed from an inkjet printer, The above cartridge body is attached to a bag capable of housing the above cartridge body, It is equipped with an ink leak prevention component, The above cartridge body is, A housing having an ink storage chamber for storing ink, An ink outlet section defines an ink outlet from which the ink stored in the above-mentioned ink storage chamber flows out, It has a valve that can open and close the above ink outlet, The above-mentioned ink leakage prevention member is an ink cartridge that can be attached to the ink outlet.

2. The above-mentioned ink leakage prevention member is the ink cartridge according to claim 1, which is housed in the above-mentioned bag.

3. The cartridge body described above is located on the outer surface of the housing and has a recess that opens in one direction. The above-mentioned bag is placed in the above-mentioned recess in a folded state and is attached to the inner surface of the above-mentioned recess, as described in claim 2.

4. The ink outlet described above is located at the lower end in the vertical direction of the housing when the cartridge body is installed in the inkjet printer. The ink cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the recess is located at the lower end of the housing and in a detachment direction opposite to the mounting direction in which the cartridge body is mounted to the inkjet printer, with respect to the ink outlet, and opens downward in that one direction.

5. The above bag is fixed to the inner surface of the above recess. The length in the mounting direction within the internal space of the bag is longer than the length of the cartridge body in the mounting direction. The ink cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the vertical length in the internal space of the bag is longer than the vertical length of the cartridge body.

6. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the bag has a zipper that seals an opening into which the cartridge body can be inserted into the internal space of the bag.

7. The above bag is The glue applied to the above bag, An ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: a release paper detachably attached to the above-mentioned adhesive.

8. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the material of the bag is either PE laminated paper, in which a film made of PET resin, PP resin, polyvinylidene chloride, aluminum, or PE resin is laminated onto paper, or paper, in which an aluminum vapor-deposited film, in which aluminum is vapor-deposited onto a PP film made of PP resin, is laminated onto paper.

9. The above ink leakage prevention member is an adhesive tape in which an adhesive is applied to a base material. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the base material is one of the following: PET resin, PP resin, polyvinylidene chloride, an aluminum-deposited film in which aluminum is vapor-deposited onto a thermoplastic resin film, or PE laminate paper in which a PE film made of PE resin is laminated onto paper.

10. The above-mentioned bag is an ink cartridge according to claim 1, having a laminated structure in which multiple thermoplastic resin films are stacked.

11. The above bag is an ink cartridge according to claim 1, having a light-transmitting portion that allows light to pass through.

12. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the bag contains the address of a company that reuses the ink cartridge.

13. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the bag shows at least one of the following: an orientation in which the cartridge body is housed in the bag, and an orientation in which the ink leakage prevention member is attached to the ink outlet.

14. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the ink stored in the above-mentioned ink storage chamber comprises a coloring agent consisting of one or more types selected from pigments and dyes.

15. The ink cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the above-mentioned pigment is a resin-dispersible pigment or a self-dispersible pigment.

16. The ink cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the amount of the above-mentioned coloring agent is 40% by weight or less.

17. The ink cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the viscosity of the ink is in the range of 1 mPa·s to 8 mPa·s.

18. The ink cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the surface tension of the ink is in the range of 20 mN / m or more and 45 mN / m or less.

19. The above ink is a dye-based ink. The ink cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the dye is a direct dye, an acid dye, a basic dye, or a reactive dye.

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