Liquid containment tube with supplied liquid

Abstract

To provide a new liquid storage tube with supplied liquid having impact resistance, which can suppress adhesion of a following body to the liquid storage tube involved in consumption of the supplied liquid and suppress leakage of the following body when the body is arranged upside down.SOLUTION: A liquid storage tube 100 with supplied liquid comprises a liquid supply part 10 and a liquid storage part 20. In the liquid storage part 20 are stored supplied liquid 30 contacting the liquid supply part 10 and a multi-layered following body 40 constituted of a plurality of layers, in this order, from the liquid supply part 10 side. The multi-layered following body 40 includes at least a first following body 42 and a second following body 44. The first following body 42 is arranged closer to the liquid supply part 10 than the second following body 44, where a phase angle of the first following body 42 is over 45° and a phase angle of the second following body 44 is equal to 45° or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid storage tube containing a liquid to be supplied.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a storage tube for supplying and storing a liquid to be supplied such as ink for writing instruments, liquid cosmetics, liquid fuel, etc., a follower is used to suppress evaporation of the liquid to be supplied, adhesion to the inner wall of the storage tube, etc. This follower moves toward the supply portion of the liquid to be supplied following the decrease due to consumption of the liquid to be supplied.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, an ink follower that uses two types of gel-like substances with different viscous properties due to different viscosities of base oils is disclosed in a water-based ballpoint pen having an ink storage tube in a cylindrical shape with an inner diameter of 3 mm or more or a form equivalent thereto.

[0004] In Patent Document 2, an oil-based ink for a writing instrument is stored in an ink storage tube, a pen tip is attached to an ink outflow portion on one end side of the ink storage tube, and an ink follower is stored in the ink storage tube so as to contact the oil-based ink. A writing instrument is disclosed. This ink follower is at least composed of a first layer in contact with the oil-based ink and a second layer in contact with the first layer. The first layer is an aqueous gel-like substance, and the second layer is a hardly volatile or non-volatile organic liquid.

[0005] In Patent Document 3, an ink follower composition is disclosed that includes one or a mixture of two or more selected from hydrocarbon-based organic solvents having a specific gravity in the range of 0.8 to 0.9, a gelling agent, and particles that are substantially insoluble or non-swelling in the hydrocarbon-based organic solvent and have a specific gravity smaller than that of the hydrocarbon-based organic solvent.

[0006] In Patent Document 4, a follower composition for a cosmetic applicator is disclosed that includes at least a base oil and 3.5 to 8% by mass of an elastomer containing a styrene structure.

[0007] Patent Document 5 discloses a cosmetic applicator comprising a cylindrical filling chamber, an applicator attached to the tip of the cylindrical filling chamber, a liquid cosmetic directly filled into the cylindrical filling chamber and communicating directly with the applicator or via an intermediary member, and a follower of a liquid different in hue from the liquid cosmetic that is in contact with the liquid cosmetic, moves in accordance with the decrease in the liquid cosmetic due to consumption, and wherein the volume of the follower is 0.5 or more relative to the volume of the liquid cosmetic.

[0008] Patent Document 6 discloses a fuel container characterized by comprising a container body having an outlet, fuel provided inside the container body, and a highly viscous liquid provided inside the container body so as to be in contact with the fuel on the side opposite to the outlet. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-328890 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-158869 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-239918 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-165670 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-198395 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-281340 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] The present invention provides a novel liquid-containing tube that is impact-resistant and can suppress the adhesion of the follower to the liquid-containing tube as the supplied liquid is consumed, as well as the leakage of the follower when the tube is placed upside down. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The inventors, after diligent research, discovered that the above problems could be solved by the following means, and thus completed the present invention. That is, the present invention is as follows: <Aspect 1> Having a liquid supply section and a liquid storage section, The liquid storage section contains, from the liquid supply section side, the liquid to be supplied in contact with the liquid supply section, and a multi-layered follower body composed of multiple layers, in this order. The multilayered follower comprises at least a first follower and a second follower, wherein the first follower is located closer to the liquid supply unit than the second follower. The phase angle of the first tracking body, as measured in accordance with JIS K 7244, is greater than 45°, and The phase angle of the second tracking body, as measured in accordance with JIS K 7244, is 45° or less. Liquid containment tube with the supplied liquid. <Aspect 2> The liquid-containing tube with the liquid to be supplied according to aspect 1, wherein the first follower is in contact with the liquid to be supplied. <Aspect 3> The liquid-containing tube containing the supplied liquid according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the second follower is in contact with the first follower. <Aspect 4> A liquid-containing tube containing a supplied liquid according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the multilayered follower is composed of the first follower and the second follower. <Aspect 5> A liquid-containing tube containing a supplied liquid according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the interfaces between each follower constituting the multilayer follower are visible. <Aspect 6> A liquid container tube containing a supplied liquid according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the difference between the phase angle of the first follower and the phase angle of the second follower is 10° or more. <Aspect 7> A liquid container tube containing a supplied liquid according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the first follower contains a first base oil and a first thickener. <Aspect 8> The liquid container tube containing the supplied liquid according to aspect 7, wherein the first base oil is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, liquid paraffins, and mineral oils. <Aspect 9> The liquid storage tube containing the supplied liquid according to Aspect 7 or 8, wherein the first thickening agent is at least one selected from the group consisting of silica and inorganic salt particles. <Aspect 10> The liquid storage tube containing the supplied liquid according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9, wherein the second follower contains a second base oil and a second thickening agent. <Aspect 11> The liquid storage tube containing the supplied liquid according to Aspect 10, wherein the second base oil is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyolefin, liquid paraffin, and mineral oil. <Aspect 12> The liquid storage tube containing the supplied liquid according to Aspect 10 or 11, wherein the second thickening agent is an elastomer.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, a novel liquid storage tube containing a supplied liquid can be provided, which has impact resistance and can suppress the adhesion of the follower to the liquid storage tube as the supplied liquid is consumed and the leakage of the follower when it is placed upside down.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of the liquid storage tube containing the supplied liquid of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] 《Liquid Storage Tube Containing Supplied Liquid》 As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid storage tube 100 containing the supplied liquid of the present invention has a liquid supply part 10 and a liquid storage part 20, in the liquid storage part 20, from the side of the liquid supply part 10, a supplied liquid 30 in contact with the liquid supply part 10 and a multi-layer follower 40 composed of a plurality of layers are stored in this order, the multi-layer follower 4 has at least a first follower 42 and a second follower 44, and the first follower 42 is present closer to the liquid supply part 10 than the second follower 44, The phase angle of the first tracking body 42, measured in accordance with JIS K 7244-10, is greater than 45°, and The phase angle of the second tracking body 44, as measured in accordance with JIS K 7244-10, is 45° or less.

[0015] In this invention, the "phase angle" is measured in accordance with JIS K 7244-10. Specifically, it can be measured using a strain control method under the conditions of a temperature of 25°C, a shear strain of 1%, and a frequency of 1Hz.

[0016] Followers with a phase angle greater than 45° generally exhibit properties closer to those of a viscous material, while followers with a phase angle of 45° or less generally exhibit properties closer to those of an elastic material.

[0017] A follower material that is more viscous has the advantage of excellent impact resistance. More specifically, when an impact is applied to a liquid container tube containing the supplied liquid that has this follower material, the follower material absorbs the impact, and as a result, it can prevent the supplied liquid from leaking through the follower material to the outside. On the other hand, when this follower material moves as the supplied liquid is consumed, it can adhere to the wall of the liquid container tube, and as a result, the follower material may no longer be able to protect the supplied liquid. Also, when this follower material is placed upside down, specifically when it is left in a position where the follower material is below the supplied liquid, the shape of the follower material may change due to the effect of gravity, and leakage may occur through the wall of the liquid container tube.

[0018] Furthermore, while the elastic follower body suppresses the problem of adhesion to the wall of the liquid container tube, its impact resistance is insufficient. When an impact is applied to the liquid container tube containing the supplied liquid and this follower body is present, the impact force can cause the supplied liquid to penetrate the follower body and leak.

[0019] In response to this, the inventors have found that a combination of followers having such properties can provide impact resistance and suppress adhesion of the followers to the liquid storage tube as the supplied liquid is consumed, as well as leakage of the followers when the system is placed upside down.

[0020] From the viewpoint of obtaining the above effect well, it is preferable that the difference between the phase angle of the first follower and the phase angle of the second follower be 10° or more. This difference may be 15° or more, 20° or more, 25° or more, or 30° or more.

[0021] The following describes each component of the present invention.

[0022] <Liquid supply section and liquid storage section> The liquid supply unit is a component for supplying the liquid to be supplied to the outside of the liquid storage tube. The liquid storage unit is a component for storing the liquid to be supplied. The liquid supply unit and the liquid storage unit may be connected.

[0023] The materials used to constitute the liquid storage section are not particularly limited and can include resins such as polypropylene, paper, metal, etc. Furthermore, biomass plastics made from biologically derived resources such as corn and sugarcane, or biodegradable plastics made from soil biodegradable resins or marine biodegradable resins, may also be used.

[0024] For example, if the liquid-containing tube of the present invention is a refill for a writing instrument, the liquid supply unit and liquid storage unit of the present invention may be a writing unit and an ink storage unit.

[0025] <Supplied liquid> The supplied liquid may be any liquid of your choice, such as ink, liquid fuel, or liquid cosmetics.

[0026] Furthermore, the ink may be water-based ink, oil-based ink, or gel ink.

[0027] Here, water-based ink generally refers to ink containing at least water and a colorant, oil-based ink refers to ink containing at least an organic solvent and a colorant, and gel ink refers to water-based ink further containing a viscosity modifier.

[0028] <Multilayered tracking body> A multi-layered tracking body is a tracking body composed of multiple layers. A multi-layered tracking body includes at least a first tracking body and a second tracking body.

[0029] In the present invention, it is preferable that the first follower body is in contact with the supplied liquid, from the viewpoint of obtaining good impact resistance.

[0030] In the present invention, it is preferable that the second follower body is in contact with the first follower body, from the viewpoint of suppressing the adhesion of the follower body to the liquid storage tube as the supplied liquid is consumed, and the leakage of the follower body when it is placed upside down.

[0031] In particular, the multi-layered tracking body may be composed of a first tracking body and a second tracking body.

[0032] The interfaces between each follower constituting the multilayer follower do not necessarily have to be clearly visible like a gradient, but they may be clearly visible. Also, at least one follower may be colored with a colorant that does not dissolve or leach in the supplied liquid. When multiple followers are colored, it is preferable from the viewpoint of design and visibility to use different colors for each. Clearly visible interfaces can be obtained, for example, by increasing the difference between the phase angle of the first follower and the phase angle of the second follower, for example, to 10° or more.

[0033] (First follower) The first follower is the follower located closer to the liquid supply section than the second follower.

[0034] The phase angle of the first tracking body, measured in accordance with JIS K 7244, is greater than 45°. This phase angle may be 47° or greater, 50° or greater, 52° or greater, 55° or greater, or 60° or greater.

[0035] The first follower may contain a first base oil and a first thickener.

[0036] As the first base oil, mineral oil, synthetic hydrocarbon oil, ester oil, and polyglycol oil can be used. These may be used individually or in combination.

[0037] As for mineral oils, spindle oil, petrolatum, etc., can be used.

[0038] As synthetic hydrocarbon oils, polyolefins such as polybutene, olefin oligomers, aromatic hydrocarbons, and liquid paraffins can be used.

[0039] As for ester oils and polyglycol oils, those commonly used as followers can be used.

[0040] From the viewpoint of obtaining the above-mentioned phase angle, it is preferable that the first thickening agent is at least one thickening agent selected from the group consisting of silica and inorganic salt particles. These may be used individually or in combination.

[0041] As inorganic salt particles, for example, clay minerals such as kaolinite, smectite, sericite, illite, gluconite, chlorite, talc, and zeolite, and water-insoluble metal soaps such as lithium stearate, aluminum stearate, and sodium stearate can be used.

[0042] The content of the first thickener may be 1% by mass or more, 2% by mass or more, 3% by mass or more, or 4% by mass or more, relative to the mass of the first follower, and may also be 10% by mass or less, 9% by mass or less, 8% by mass or less, 7% by mass or less, or 6% by mass or less.

[0043] The first follower body can be obtained by kneading each of its constituent materials using a kneading means such as a planetary mixer or a roll mill while heating them, and then cooling them.

[0044] In this process, the phase angle can be increased by changing the composition ratio and manufacturing conditions of the follower body. Specifically, the phase angle can be increased by increasing the cooling rate or the stirring intensity.

[0045] <The second follower> The second follower is a layer located on the opposite side of the liquid supply section from the first follower.

[0046] The phase angle of the first tracking body, as measured in accordance with JIS K 7244, is 45° or less. This phase angle may be 42° or less, 40° or less, 37° or less, 35° or less, 33° or less, or 30° or less.

[0047] The second follower may contain a second base oil and a second thickener.

[0048] As the second base oil, you can use any of the oils listed for the first base oil.

[0049] As a second thickening agent, using an elastomer is preferable from the viewpoint of obtaining the above-mentioned phase angle.

[0050] Examples of elastomers that can be used include olefin-based thermoplastic elastomers such as ethylene-ethylenebutylene-ethylene block copolymer, styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene-ethylenebutylene-styrene block copolymer, vinyl chloride-based thermoplastic elastomers, polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomers, polyester-based thermoplastic elastomers, and polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomers. These may be used individually or in combination.

[0051] The content of the second thickener may be 1% by mass or more, 2% by mass or more, 3% by mass or more, or 4% by mass or more, relative to the mass of the second follower, and may also be 10% by mass or less, 9% by mass or less, 8% by mass or less, 7% by mass or less, or 6% by mass or less. In particular, when the second thickener is an elastomer, it is preferable from the viewpoint of obtaining the above-mentioned phase angle that the elastomer content be 2% by mass or more.

[0052] The second follower can be manufactured by the method described for the first follower.

[0053] In this case, the phase angle can be increased by changing the composition ratio and manufacturing conditions of the follower body, and the phase angle can be decreased by the opposite method to the change that increased the phase angle, specifically by slowing down the cooling rate or reducing the stirring intensity.

[0054] <Other configurations> The liquid-containing tube of the present invention may have other optional configurations. Other configurations include, for example, the use of a solid embedded in the follower body, such as a follower rod. The follower rod may be embedded in the multilayer follower body. More specifically, multiple follower rods may be embedded in each follower body constituting the multilayer follower body, or a single follower rod may be embedded so as to penetrate the multilayer follower body. [Examples]

[0055] The present invention will be specifically described by examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0056] Fabrication of liquid containment tubes with the supplied liquid. The first base oil and the first thickener of the types and quantities shown in Table 1 were mixed using a planetary mixer, and then further mixed using a roll mill to produce the first follower.

[0057] Furthermore, the second base oil and second thickener of the types and quantities shown in Table 1 were mixed using a planetary mixer, and then further mixed using a roll mill to produce a second follower.

[0058] The details of the base oils shown in Table 2 are as follows: Polybutene A: Polybutene 015N, NOF Corporation Polybutene B: Polybutene 30N, NOF Corporation Mineral oil A: Diana Process Oil PW-90, Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. Mineral oil B: Diana Process Oil PW-90, Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. Aromatic: Barrel Process Oil B-05, Matsumura Oil Co., Ltd. Paraffin: Barrel Process Oil P-2200, Matsumura Oil Co., Ltd.

[0059] The details of the thickeners shown in Table 1 are as follows: Elastomer A: DYNARON 6200P, JSR Corporation Elastomer B: DYNARON 8300P, JSR Corporation Inorganic salt: Lithium stearate Silica A: AEROSIL R202, Evonik Silica B: AEROSIL NY50L, Evonik

[0060] An ink-filled refill was prepared by sealing the liquid-containing tube shown in Table 1 with the ink indicated in the "Liquid to be supplied (ink)" column of Table 1, and then sealing in the first follower and the second follower in that order.

[0061] Furthermore, for each of the obtained tracking bodies, the phase angle was measured using a strain control method under the conditions of 25°C, 1% shear strain, and 1 Hz frequency, in accordance with JIS K 7244-10.

[0062] Water-based inks refer to inks that use water as the main solvent and contain at least a colorant, and are referred to as "water-based" in the "Supplied Liquid (Ink)" column of Table 1.

[0063] In the "Supplied Liquid (Ink)" column of Table 1, "Gel" refers to inks that use water as the main solvent and contain at least a colorant and viscosity modifier.

[0064] In Table 1, under the column for "supplied liquid (ink)," entries labeled "oil-based" indicate inks that use an organic solvent as the primary solvent and contain at least a colorant.

[0065] In the "Storage Tube" column of Table 1, "PP" refers to a refill (5mm inner diameter) with an ink storage section made of polypropylene.

[0066] In the "Storage Tube" column of Table 1, "Paper" refers to a refill (with an inner diameter of 5 mm) that has an ink storage section with a paper layer as its base layer.

[0067] In the "Storage Tube" column of Table 1, items referred to as "metal" indicate refills (with an inner diameter of 5 mm) that have a metal ink storage section.

[0068] "evaluation" <Impact Resistance> A 10g weight was attached to the rear end of the obtained ink-filled refill, and it was dropped from a height of 1m with the pen tip pointing upwards. The condition of the ink and the tracking mechanism was checked visually by observing the refill from the outside or by disassembling the refill lengthwise with a cutter. The evaluation criteria are as follows. A: No ink contamination of the tracking body was confirmed. B: The shape of the interface between the ink and the follower was distorted. C: The ink had penetrated the inside of the tracking body.

[0069] <Adhesion of the follower to the wall> Using the prepared ink-filled refills, writing was performed until the ink level fell to between 5% and 10% of the initial amount. The refills were then observed from the outside, or disassembled lengthwise with a cutter, to visually check the condition of the ink and the follower body, confirming whether or not they were adhering to the walls of the follower body. The evaluation criteria are as follows: A: No adhesion of the tracking body to the wall surface was observed. B: Adhesion of the follower material to the wall surface was observed, but the fill length of the follower material after writing was more than 70% of the initial fill length. C: Adhesion of the follower body to the wall surface was observed, and the filling length of the follower body in the writing instrument was less than 70% of the initial filling length.

[0070] <Leakage resistance> The prepared ink-filled refills were placed so that the follower body was positioned beneath the ink, and left for 90 days. The condition of the ink and follower body was visually inspected by observing the refill from the outside or by disassembling the refill lengthwise with a cutter, and any sagging of the follower body onto the wall surface was confirmed. The evaluation criteria are as follows. A: No change in the state was observed compared to when it was left untouched. B: The sagging of the tracking body was clearly recognizable. C: The sagging of the tracking body had reached near the entrance of the refill.

[0071] Table 1 shows the configurations and evaluation results of the examples and comparative examples.

[0072] [Table 1]

[0073] Table 1 shows that the ink-filled refill of the embodiment, in which the phase angle of the first follower is greater than 45° and the phase angle of the second follower is 45° or less, has impact resistance and can suppress adhesion of the follower to the wall surface due to the consumption of the supplied liquid, as well as leakage of the follower when placed upside down. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 100 Liquid container tube containing the supplied liquid 10 Liquid supply section 20 Liquid storage section 30 Supply liquid 40 Multilayered Tracking Body 42 First Follower 44 Second Follower

Claims

1. It has a liquid supply section and a liquid storage section. The liquid storage section contains, from the liquid supply section side, the liquid to be supplied in contact with the liquid supply section, and a multi-layered follower body composed of multiple layers, in this order. The multilayered follower comprises at least a first follower and a second follower, wherein the first follower is located closer to the liquid supply unit than the second follower. The second follower contains a second base oil and a second thickener. The phase angle of the first tracking body, measured in accordance with JIS K 7244, is greater than 45°, and The phase angle of the second tracking body, as measured in accordance with JIS K 7244, is 45° or less. Liquid containment tube with the supplied liquid.

2. The liquid-containing tube containing the supplied liquid according to claim 1, wherein the first follower is in contact with the supplied liquid.

3. The liquid-containing tube containing the supplied liquid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second follower is in contact with the first follower.

4. The liquid-containing tube containing the supplied liquid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the multilayered follower is composed of the first follower and the second follower.

5. The liquid-containing tube for the supplied liquid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the interfaces between each follower constituting the multilayer follower are visible.

6. The liquid-containing container tube for the supplied liquid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the difference between the phase angle of the first follower and the phase angle of the second follower is 10° or more.

7. The liquid-containing tube for the supplied liquid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first follower contains a first base oil and a first thickener.

8. The liquid container tube containing the supplied liquid according to claim 7, wherein the first base oil is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, liquid paraffins, and mineral oils.

9. The liquid container tube containing the supplied liquid according to claim 7, wherein the first thickening agent is at least one selected from the group consisting of silica and inorganic salt particles.

10. The liquid container tube containing the supplied liquid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second base oil is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, liquid paraffin, and mineral oil.

11. The liquid container tube containing the supplied liquid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second thickening agent is an elastomer.

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