JP2002225308A - Liquid storage container and method for manufacturing the same - Google Patents
Liquid storage container and method for manufacturing the sameInfo
- Publication number
- JP2002225308A JP2002225308A JP2001382993A JP2001382993A JP2002225308A JP 2002225308 A JP2002225308 A JP 2002225308A JP 2001382993 A JP2001382993 A JP 2001382993A JP 2001382993 A JP2001382993 A JP 2001382993A JP 2002225308 A JP2002225308 A JP 2002225308A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- negative pressure
- pressure generating
- generating member
- container
- concave portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Landscapes
- Ink Jet (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【発明の詳細な説明】DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、液体収納容器およ
び該容器の製造方法に関し、特にインクジェット記録分
野などで好適に利用される液体収納容器に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid container and a method for manufacturing the container, and more particularly to a liquid container suitably used in the field of ink jet recording.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】一般に、インクジェット記録分野で使用
される液体収納容器としてのインクタンクは、インクを
吐出するための記録ヘッドに対してインク供給を良好に
行なうために、インクタンク内に貯溜されているインク
の保持力を調整するための構成が設けられている。この
保持力は、記録ヘッドのインク吐出部の圧力を大気に対
して負とするためのものであることから、負圧、と呼ば
れている。2. Description of the Related Art In general, an ink tank as a liquid storage container used in the field of ink jet recording is stored in an ink tank in order to supply ink to a recording head for discharging ink satisfactorily. There is provided a configuration for adjusting the holding power of the remaining ink. This holding force is used to make the pressure of the ink ejection portion of the recording head negative with respect to the atmosphere, and is therefore called negative pressure.
【０００３】このような負圧を発生させるためのもっと
も容易な方法の一つとして、インクタンク内にウレタン
フォーム等の多孔質体やフェルトなどのインク吸収体を
備え、インク吸収体の毛管力（インク吸収力）を利用す
る方法が挙げられる。例えば、特開平06-15839号公報で
は、インクタンク内に、タンク全体にわたって複数個の
密度の異なる繊維を記録ヘッドへの供給路に向かって高
密度繊維、低密度繊維の順に圧縮して詰めた構成を開示
する。高密度繊維は単位面積当たりの繊維本数が多く、
インク吸収力が強いものであり、低密度繊維は単位面積
当たりの繊維本数が少なく、インク吸収力が弱いもので
ある。繊維間の継ぎ目は互いに圧接させ、空気混入によ
るインクの途切れを防ぐようになっている。As one of the easiest methods for generating such a negative pressure, a porous body such as urethane foam or an ink absorber such as felt is provided in an ink tank, and the capillary force of the ink absorber ( (Ink absorbing power). For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 06-15839, a plurality of fibers having different densities are compressed and packed in the ink tank in the order of high-density fiber and low-density fiber toward the supply path to the recording head over the entire tank. Disclose the configuration. High density fibers have a large number of fibers per unit area,
The low-density fiber has a low number of fibers per unit area and a low ink absorbing power. The seams between the fibers are pressed against each other to prevent breakage of the ink due to air mixing.
【０００４】また、本出願人は、特開平8-20115号公報
において、上述のインクタンクの負圧発生部材として、
熱可塑性を有するオレフィン系樹脂からなる繊維を用い
たインクタンクを提案している。このインクタンクはイ
ンクの貯蔵安定性に優れるとともに、インクタンク筐体
と繊維体材料とが同種の材料からなるためリサイクル性
にも優れている。Further, the present applicant has disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-20115 that the above-mentioned negative pressure generating member of an ink tank is
An ink tank using a fiber made of an olefin resin having thermoplasticity has been proposed. This ink tank is excellent in storage stability of ink, and also excellent in recyclability because the ink tank housing and the fibrous material are made of the same material.
【０００５】[0005]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】ところで、容器内に複
数の繊維吸収体を挿入する場合には、密着状態の管理が
困難であり、製造ばらつきなどが見られることがあっ
た。When a plurality of fiber absorbers are inserted into a container, it is difficult to control the state of close contact, and there may be variations in production.
【０００６】本発明は、上述の技術課題を解決する液体
収納容器、およびその製造方法を提供することを目的と
する。An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid container that solves the above-mentioned technical problem, and a method for manufacturing the same.
【０００７】[0007]
【課題を解決するための手段】上記の目的を達成するた
めの具体的手段は、以下の構成から理解できよう。The specific means for achieving the above object can be understood from the following constitution.
【０００８】本発明の液体収納容器の製造方法は、互い
に圧接する第１の負圧発生部材及び該第１の負圧発生部
材より固い第２の負圧発生部材を収納する液体収納容器
の製造方法において、前記第１の負圧発生部材と当接す
る底面を備えた凹部を備えた本体を用意する準備工程
と、前記第１の負圧発生部材を前記本体の前記負圧発生
部材収納室用の凹部内に挿入する第１の挿入工程と、該
第１の挿入工程後、前記第１の負圧発生部材を前記凹部
内の底面に当接させるとともに、該第１の負圧発生部材
を前記負圧発生部材収納室用の凹部内側面に対して摺動
させながら前記挿入方向に圧縮する第１の圧縮工程と、
前記第１の挿入工程後に前記第２の負圧発生部材を前記
本体の前記負圧発生部材収納室用の凹部内に挿入する第
２の挿入工程と、前記圧縮工程後、前記第２の負圧発生
部材を前記第１の負圧発生部材と圧接させるとともに該
第２の負圧発生部材を前記負圧発生部材収納室用の凹部
内側面に対して摺動させながら前記挿入方向に圧縮する
第２の圧縮工程と、前記凹部を覆う蓋部材を前記本体に
固定する封止工程と、を備えることを特徴とする。The method for manufacturing a liquid storage container according to the present invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a liquid storage container for storing a first negative pressure generating member pressed against each other and a second negative pressure generating member harder than the first negative pressure generating member. A method of preparing a body having a recess having a bottom surface abutting the first negative pressure generating member; and providing the first negative pressure generating member to the negative pressure generating member storage chamber of the main body. A first inserting step of inserting the first negative pressure generating member into the concave portion, and after the first inserting step, bringing the first negative pressure generating member into contact with the bottom surface in the concave portion, A first compression step of compressing in the insertion direction while sliding against the inner surface of the concave portion for the negative pressure generating member storage chamber;
A second inserting step of inserting the second negative pressure generating member into the concave portion for the negative pressure generating member storage chamber of the main body after the first inserting step; and, after the compressing step, the second negative pressure generating member. The pressure generating member is pressed against the first negative pressure generating member and the second negative pressure generating member is compressed in the insertion direction while sliding against the inner surface of the concave portion for the negative pressure generating member storage chamber. A second compression step and a sealing step of fixing a lid member covering the concave portion to the main body are provided.
【０００９】上述の製造方法によれば、容器内に複数の
毛管力発生部材が挿入される際に、密着状態の管理を容
易に行うことが出来、複数の毛管力発生部材を備えた容
器を製造ばらつきが少なく、容易に製造することが出来
る。According to the above-described manufacturing method, when a plurality of capillary force generating members are inserted into the container, the state of close contact can be easily managed, and the container provided with the plurality of capillary force generating members can be provided. It can be easily manufactured with little manufacturing variation.
【００１０】本発明の液体収納容器は、互いに圧接する
第１及び第２の負圧発生部材と、該第１及び第２の負圧
発生部材を収納する凹部を備える容器本体と、前記第１
及び第２の負圧発生部材が前記該容器本体内に収納され
た状態で該容器本体の開口部を覆う蓋部材と、を備える
液体収納容器において、前記第２の負圧発生部材は前記
第１の負圧発生部材に比べて固く、前記第１の負圧発生
部材は前記容器本体の凹部底面に当接するとともに、前
記第１の負圧発生部材の該当接面と対向する面は、前記
第２の負圧発生部材と当接することを特徴とする。上述
の液体収納容器によれば、上述の製造方法により複数の
毛管力発生部材を備えた容器を製造ばらつきが少なく、
容易に製造することが出来る。The liquid container according to the present invention comprises a first and a second negative pressure generating member which are in pressure contact with each other, a container main body having a concave portion for storing the first and the second negative pressure generating member, and
And a lid member that covers an opening of the container body with the second negative pressure generating member housed in the container body, wherein the second negative pressure generating member is The first negative pressure generating member is harder than the first negative pressure generating member, and the first negative pressure generating member is in contact with the bottom surface of the concave portion of the container body, and the surface of the first negative pressure generating member facing the corresponding contact surface is It is characterized in that it comes into contact with the second negative pressure generating member. According to the liquid storage container described above, the container provided with a plurality of capillary force generating members has a small manufacturing variation by the above-described manufacturing method,
It can be easily manufactured.
【００１１】なお、本発明における負圧発生部材の「固
さ」とは、負圧発生部材が液体収納容器内に収容されて
いる状態におけるときの「固さ」であり、負圧発生部材
の変形量に対する反発力の傾き(単位kgf/mm)により規定
される。Note that the "hardness" of the negative pressure generating member in the present invention is "hardness" when the negative pressure generating member is housed in the liquid storage container. It is defined by the slope (unit kgf / mm) of the repulsive force with respect to the amount of deformation.
【００１２】２つの負圧発生部材の「固さ」の大小は、
変形量に対する反発力の傾きが大きい方の負圧発生部材
の方を「固い負圧発生部材」とする。The magnitude of the “hardness” of the two negative pressure generating members is as follows.
The negative pressure generating member having the larger inclination of the repulsive force with respect to the deformation amount is referred to as “hard negative pressure generating member”.
【００１３】[0013]
【発明の実施の形態】以下に、本発明の実施例の詳細を
図面に基づいて説明する。Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.
【００１４】なお、本発明の液体供給方法、液体供給シ
ステムに用いられる液体として、以下の実施例ではイン
クを例にとって説明を行なっているが、適用可能な液体
としてはインクに限ることなく、例えばインクジェット
記録分野にあっては記録媒体に対する処理液などを含む
ことは言うまでもない。In the following embodiments, ink is described as an example of a liquid used in the liquid supply method and the liquid supply system of the present invention. However, the applicable liquid is not limited to ink. Needless to say, in the field of ink jet recording, it includes a treatment liquid for a recording medium.
【００１５】また、各断面図において、負圧発生部材が
インクを保持している領域については斜線部で、空間内
に収納されているインクを網線部で示す。In each cross-sectional view, a region where the negative pressure generating member holds ink is indicated by hatched portions, and the ink contained in the space is indicated by hatched portions.
【００１６】（参考例）図１は本発明の参考例の液体収
納容器の概略説明図であり、（ａ）は断面図、（ｂ）
は、容器の液体収納室側を上方にした時の断面図であ
る。(Reference Example) FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic explanatory views of a liquid container according to a reference example of the present invention, wherein FIG.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view when the liquid storage chamber side of the container is turned upward.
【００１７】図１（ａ）において、液体収納容器（イン
クタンク）１００は、上部で大気連通口1１２を介して
大気に連通し下部でインク供給口に連通し内部に負圧発
生部材を収容する負圧発生部材収納室1３４と、液体の
インクを収容する実質的に密閉された液体収納室1３６
とに隔壁1３８でもって仕切られている。そして、負圧
発生部材収納室1３４と液体収納室1３６とはインクタン
ク１００の底部付近で隔壁１３８に形成された連通部1
４０及び液体供給動作時に液体収納室への大気の導入を
促進するための大気導入路１５０を介してのみ連通され
ている。負圧発生部材収納室１３４を画成するインクタ
ンク１００の上壁には、内部に突出する形態で複数個の
リブが一体に成形され、負圧発生部材収納室１３４に圧
縮状態で収容される負圧発生部材と当接している。この
リブにより、上壁と負圧発生部材の上面との間にエアバ
ッファ室が形成されている。また、供給口１１４を備え
たインク供給筒には、負圧発生部材より毛管力が高くか
つ物理的強度の強い圧接体１４６が設けられており、負
圧発生部材と圧接している。In FIG. 1A, a liquid storage container (ink tank) 100 communicates with the atmosphere through an atmosphere communication port 112 at an upper portion, communicates with an ink supply port at a lower portion, and accommodates a negative pressure generating member therein. A negative pressure generating member storage chamber 134 and a substantially sealed liquid storage chamber 136 for storing liquid ink;
And a partition 138. The negative pressure generating member storage chamber 134 and the liquid storage chamber 136 are connected to the communication section 1 formed in the partition wall 138 near the bottom of the ink tank 100.
It is communicated only with an air introduction passage 150 for promoting the introduction of the atmosphere into the liquid storage chamber during the liquid supply operation. A plurality of ribs are integrally formed on the upper wall of the ink tank 100 that defines the negative pressure generating member storage chamber 134 so as to protrude inside, and are housed in the negative pressure generation member storage chamber 134 in a compressed state. It is in contact with the negative pressure generating member. The rib forms an air buffer chamber between the upper wall and the upper surface of the negative pressure generating member. Further, the ink supply cylinder having the supply port 114 is provided with a pressure contact body 146 having a higher capillary force and a higher physical strength than the negative pressure generating member, and is in pressure contact with the negative pressure generating member.
【００１８】本実施例の負圧発生部材収納室内には、負
圧発生部材として、ポリエチレンなどオレフィン系樹脂
の繊維からなる第一の負圧発生部材１３２Ｂ及び第二の
負圧発生部材１３２Ａの２つの毛管力発生型負圧発生部
材を収納している。１３２Ｃはこの２つの負圧発生部材
の境界層であり、境界層１３２Ｃの仕切り壁１３８との
交差部分は、連通部を下方にした液体収納容器の使用時
の姿勢（図１（ａ））において大気導入路１５０の上端
部より上方に存在している。また、負圧発生部材内に収
容されているインクは、インクの液面Ｌで示されるよう
に、上記境界層１３２Ｃよりも上方まで存在している。In the negative pressure generating member storage chamber of this embodiment, two negative pressure generating members 132B and 132A made of fibers of an olefin resin such as polyethylene are used as negative pressure generating members. Two capillary force generating type negative pressure generating members are housed. 132C is a boundary layer between these two negative pressure generating members, and the intersection of the boundary layer 132C and the partition wall 138 is in a posture (FIG. 1A) when the liquid storage container is used with the communication part downward. It exists above the upper end of the air introduction path 150. The ink contained in the negative pressure generating member exists above the boundary layer 132C as indicated by the ink level L of the ink.
【００１９】ここで、第一の負圧発生部材と第二の負圧
発生部材の境界層は圧接しており、負圧発生部材の境界
層近傍は他の部位と比較して圧縮率が高く、毛管力が強
い状態となっている。すなわち、第一の負圧発生部材の
毛管力をＰ1、第二の負圧発生部材の持つ毛管力をＰ2、
負圧発生部材同士の界面の持つ毛管力をＰSとすると、
Ｐ2＜Ｐ1＜ＰSなっている。Here, the boundary layer between the first negative pressure generating member and the second negative pressure generating member is in pressure contact with each other, and the compression ratio is higher in the vicinity of the boundary layer of the negative pressure generating member than in other parts. , The capillary force is in a strong state. That is, the capillary force of the first negative pressure generating member P 1, P 2 the capillary force of a second negative pressure producing member,
The capillary force of a interface between the negative pressure producing member when the P S,
P 2 <has become P 1 <P S.
【００２０】次に、このような液体収納容器を、非使用
時に姿勢を変化させた場合の内部に収容されている液体
の状態について、図１（ｂ）を用いて説明する。Next, the state of the liquid stored inside the liquid storage container when the posture is changed when not in use will be described with reference to FIG. 1B.
【００２１】図１（ｂ）は例えば物流時などに起りう
る、液体収納室が鉛直上方になった姿勢である。このよ
うな姿勢で放置されると、負圧発生部材内のインクは毛
管力の低い方から高い方へと移動し、インクと大気の界
面Ｌの水頭と、負圧発生部材境界層１３２Ｃに含まれる
インクの水頭との間に、水頭差が生じる。ここで、この
水頭差がＰ2とＰSの毛管力差より大きい場合、界面１３
２Ｃに含まれるインクはこの水頭差がＰ2とＰSの毛管力
差と等しくなるまで第二の負圧発生部材１３２Ａに流入
しようとする。FIG. 1B shows a posture in which the liquid storage chamber is vertically upward, which may occur, for example, during distribution. When the ink is left in such a posture, the ink in the negative pressure generating member moves from a lower capillary force to a higher capillary force, and is included in the head of the interface L between the ink and the atmosphere and the negative pressure generating member boundary layer 132C. There is a head difference between the ink head and the ink head. Here, when the head difference is larger than the capillary force difference between P 2 and P S , the interface 13
Ink contained in 2C this water head difference is about to flow into the second negative pressure generating member 132A until it equals the capillary force difference of P 2 and P S.
【００２２】しかし、本参考例のインクタンクでは、水
頭差がｈがＰ2とＰSの毛管力差より小さく(あるいは等
しく)なっているので、界面１３２Ｃに含まれるインク
は保持され、第二の負圧発生部材に含まれるインクの量
は増加することはない。[0022] However, in the ink tank of the present embodiment, since the water head difference h is smaller than the capillary force difference of P 2 and P S (or equal), the ink contained in the interface 132C is held, the second The amount of ink contained in the negative pressure generating member does not increase.
【００２３】他の姿勢の時にはインク−大気界面Ｌの水
頭と、負圧発生部材界面１３２Ｃに含まれるインクの水
頭との差は、Ｐ2とＰSの毛管力差よりさらに小さくなる
ので、界面１３２Ｃは、その姿勢に関わらず、その全域
にインクを有した状態を保つことができるようになって
いる。そのため、いかなる姿勢においても、界面１３２
Ｃが、仕切り壁と負圧発生部材収納室に収納されるイン
クと協同して、連通部１４０及び大気導入路１５０から
の液体収納室への気体の導入を阻止する気体導入阻止手
段として機能し、負圧発生部材からインクが溢れ出るこ
とはない。[0023] The ink when the other orientation - and the water head of the air interface L, the difference between the water head of the ink contained in the negative pressure producing member interface 132C, since even smaller than the capillary force difference of P 2 and P S, the interface 132C is capable of maintaining a state in which ink is present in the entire area regardless of its posture. Therefore, in any posture, the interface 132
C functions as gas introduction blocking means for blocking the introduction of gas from the communication section 140 and the air introduction path 150 into the liquid storage chamber in cooperation with the ink stored in the partition wall and the negative pressure generating member storage chamber. Ink does not overflow from the negative pressure generating member.
【００２４】本参考例の場合、第一の負圧発生部材はオ
レフィン系樹脂繊維材料（２デニール）を用いた毛管力
発生型負圧発生部材(Ｐ1＝−110mmAq.)であり、その固
さは、0.69kgf/mmである。（毛管力発生部材の固さは、
負圧発生部材収納室に収納された状態においてφ15mmの
押し棒で押し込んだ時の反発力を測定し、押し込み量に
対する反発力の傾きにより求めた。）一方、第二の負圧
発生部材は、第一の負圧発生部材と同材料のオレフィン
系樹脂繊維材料を使用した毛管力発生型負圧発生部材で
あるが、第一の負圧発生部材に比べ、毛管力が弱く(Ｐ2
＝−80mmAq.)、繊維材料の繊維径が太く(６デニール)、
吸収体の剛性は高い(1.88kgf/mm)ものである。In this embodiment, the first negative pressure generating member is a capillary force generating type negative pressure generating member (P 1 = −110 mmAq.) Using an olefin-based resin fiber material (2 denier). Its height is 0.69kgf / mm. (The hardness of the capillary force generating member is
The repulsion force when pushed in with a φ15 mm push rod in the state of being housed in the negative pressure generating member housing chamber was measured, and determined by the slope of the repulsion force with respect to the pushed amount. On the other hand, the second negative pressure generating member is a capillary force generating type negative pressure generating member using the same olefin resin fiber material as the first negative pressure generating member. Capillary force is weaker than (P 2
= -80mmAq.), The fiber diameter of the fiber material is large (6 denier),
The rigidity of the absorber is high (1.88kgf / mm).
【００２５】このように、毛管力の弱い負圧発生部材の
方が毛管力の高い負圧発生部材に対して固くなるように
毛管力発生部材を組み合わせ、それらを圧接させること
で、本実施例の負圧発生部材同士の界面は、第一の負圧
発生部材の方がつぶれる事により、毛管力の強さをＰ2
＜Ｐ1＜ＰSとすることができる。さらに、Ｐ2とＰSの差
を必ずＰ2とＰ1の差以上とすることが出来るので、単に
２つの負圧発生部材を当接させたものに比べて、確実に
毛管力発生部材の境界層でインクを保持することが出来
る。本参考例では、上述のように毛管力の強い境界層を
設けることで、疎密のばらつきを考慮したＰ1とＰ2の毛
管力範囲が負圧発生部材内の疎密のばらつきによりオー
バーラップしたとしても、界面に上記条件を満たす毛管
力があるので、上述したような負圧発生部材収納室への
非使用時の不用意なインク流入を防止することが出来
る。As described above, by combining the capillary force generating members so that the negative pressure generating member having a weaker capillary force is harder than the negative pressure generating member having a higher capillary force, and pressing them together, the present embodiment is realized. The interface between the negative pressure generating members of the first and second negative pressure generating members reduces the capillary force to P 2 by the first negative pressure generating member being crushed.
<It can be a P 1 <P S. Furthermore, it is possible to P 2 and P S difference always P 2 and P 1 of the difference or more, simply compared with those obtained by contact of two negative pressure generating members, the reliable capillary force generating member The ink can be held in the boundary layer. In the present embodiment, by providing a strong boundary layer of capillary force as described above, as overlapped by variations in the density of the capillary force ranges of P 1 and P 2 in consideration of variations in density is in the negative pressure producing member Also, since the interface has a capillary force that satisfies the above conditions, it is possible to prevent the inadvertent inflow of ink into the negative pressure generating member storage chamber as described above when not in use.
【００２６】ここで、２つの負圧発生部材自体の毛管力
は、Ｐ1＜ＰSかつＰ2＜ＰSという条件を満たす状態で、
使用時のインク供給特性を優れたものとするように適宜
所望の値とすることができる。本参考例では、Ｐ2＜Ｐ1
とすることで、液体収納容器の使用時に、毛管力発生部
材自体の毛管力のばらつきの影響を押え、確実に上方の
負圧発生部材のインクを消費することで、インク供給特
性を優れたものとしている。Here, the capillary forces of the two negative pressure generating members themselves satisfy the conditions of P 1 <P S and P 2 <P S ,
It can be appropriately set to a desired value so that the ink supply characteristics during use are excellent. In this reference example, P 2 <P 1
By using the liquid storage container, the effect of the variation in the capillary force of the capillary force generating member itself is suppressed, and the ink in the upper negative pressure generating member is reliably consumed, so that the ink supply characteristics are excellent. And
【００２７】なお、本参考例では、負圧発生部材はいず
れも融点の異なる複数の熱可塑性繊維材料（本実施例で
はポリプロピレンとポリエチレンの複合繊維）を熱成形
したものを使用している。ここで、熱成形する時の温度
を、融点の低い材料の融点と融点の高い材料の融点との
間に設定する（例えばポリエチレンの融点より高く、ポ
リプロピレンの融点より低く設定する）ことで、融点の
低い繊維材料を接着剤として利用することができる。In this embodiment, the negative pressure generating member is formed by thermoforming a plurality of thermoplastic fiber materials having different melting points (composite fibers of polypropylene and polyethylene in this embodiment). Here, the temperature at the time of thermoforming is set between the melting point of a material having a low melting point and the melting point of a material having a high melting point (for example, set higher than the melting point of polyethylene and lower than the melting point of polypropylene) to obtain a melting point. Low fiber material can be used as the adhesive.
【００２８】本参考例ではこのことを利用して、毛管力
の弱い方の負圧発生部材の融点の低い材料の繊維材料に
しめる割合を、毛管力の高い負圧発生部材のそれと比べ
て多く設定することで、毛管力の弱い方の負圧発生部材
を毛管力の高い負圧発生部材に比べて固くし、確実に境
界層の毛管力を毛管力の高い負圧発生部材より高くなる
ようにしている。繊維材料の割合を変えるかわりに、固
くしたい方の負圧発生部材の加熱成形時間を長くしても
よい。In this embodiment, utilizing this fact, the ratio of the material having the lower melting point of the negative pressure generating member having the weaker capillary force to the fiber material is set to be larger than that of the negative pressure generating member having the higher capillary force. By doing so, the negative pressure generating member having a weaker capillary force is made harder than the negative pressure generating member having a higher capillary force, so that the capillary force of the boundary layer is higher than that of the negative pressure generating member having a higher capillary force. ing. Instead of changing the proportion of the fiber material, the heat forming time of the negative pressure generating member to be hardened may be increased.
【００２９】次に、上記参考例の液体収納容器の製造方
法について説明する。Next, a method of manufacturing the liquid container of the above-described reference example will be described.
【００３０】通常、負圧発生部材を容器本体内に挿入す
る際には、枠体内に保持された吸収体をシリンダ等の剛
体で容器本体内部に押出すことで行われる。Usually, when the negative pressure generating member is inserted into the container main body, the absorber held in the frame is pushed out into the container main body by a rigid body such as a cylinder.
【００３１】特に図１に示すような液体収納室を備える
形態では、液体収納室の連通部１４０と大気とが直接連
通しないように、負圧発生部材を容器本体の内壁に密着
させる必要がある。In particular, in the embodiment having the liquid storage chamber as shown in FIG. 1, the negative pressure generating member needs to be in close contact with the inner wall of the container body so that the communication portion 140 of the liquid storage chamber does not directly communicate with the atmosphere. .
【００３２】ここで、図１に示す本発明の液体収納容器
に負圧発生部材を挿入する場合、まず、液体収納室の連
通部１４０と大気とが直接連通しないように、第１の負
圧発生部材１３２Ｂを容器本体の内壁に密着させる必要
がある。さらに加えて、複数の負圧発生部材を容器本体
内に挿入する場合、負圧発生部材同士が接する面の密着
性と、その面（界面）の位置は大気導入路１５０の端部
より底面から離れた側に位置していることが求められ
る。しかしながら、単に複数の負圧発生部材を当接させ
たままその積層方向に押圧を行なうと、いずれも変形可
能であるため、どちらが潰れるか製品によりばらつきが
発生する恐れがある。Here, when inserting the negative pressure generating member into the liquid container of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, first, the first negative pressure is applied so that the communicating portion 140 of the liquid storing chamber does not directly communicate with the atmosphere. It is necessary to bring the generating member 132B into close contact with the inner wall of the container body. In addition, when a plurality of negative pressure generating members are inserted into the container main body, the close contact between the surfaces where the negative pressure generating members contact each other and the position of the surface (interface) from the bottom of the atmosphere introduction path 150 to the bottom. It is required to be located on the distant side. However, simply pressing the plurality of negative pressure generating members in the stacking direction with the plurality of negative pressure generating members abutting on each other can deform any of them, and there is a possibility that a variation occurs depending on which product is crushed.
【００３３】そこで、本発明者らは上述の課題を解決す
る容器の製造方法について鋭意検討した結果、複数の負
圧発生部材のうち、相対的に柔らかい方の負圧発生部材
を先に容器本体内に挿入し、圧縮させることを想起する
に至った。The inventors of the present invention have conducted intensive studies on a method of manufacturing a container which solves the above-mentioned problems, and as a result, among the plurality of negative pressure generating members, a relatively soft negative pressure generating member is first placed on the container body. I came up with the idea of inserting it in and compressing it.
【００３４】図２は上述の本発明者らの新規な知見をも
とにした、本発明の液体収納容器の製造方法を実現可能
な、製造装置の一例を示す模式図である。図２におい
て、液体収納容器の容器本体１は、液体供給部を備えた
負圧発生部材収納室用の凹部と、液体収納室用の凹部と
が連通部を備えた仕切り壁とともに一体に形成されてお
り、不図示の固定部材により、開口部を上面にして固定
されている。５０１，５０２はシリンダであり、それぞ
れの柱状部材の延在方向に摺動可能である。５０３は枠
体（挿入爪）であり、本実施例の場合、シリンダ５０２
により４つの枠体が接することで中空の挿入管を形成す
る。この挿入管内には第１の負圧発生部材１３２Ａ及び
第２の負圧発生部材１３２Ｂを収納可能であり、これら
は挿入管内径とほぼ等しい外径を備え該挿入管内を摺動
する押し棒としてのシリンダ５０１により挿入管内部か
ら外部へ押出されるようになっている。FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an example of a manufacturing apparatus capable of realizing the method for manufacturing a liquid container according to the present invention based on the above-mentioned novel findings of the present inventors. In FIG. 2, the container body 1 of the liquid storage container has a concave portion for a negative pressure generating member storage chamber provided with a liquid supply portion and a concave portion for a liquid storage room integrally formed with a partition wall provided with a communication portion. It is fixed by a fixing member (not shown) with the opening portion facing upward. Reference numerals 501 and 502 denote cylinders, which are slidable in the extending directions of the respective columnar members. Reference numeral 503 denotes a frame (insertion claw).
As a result, a hollow insertion tube is formed by contacting the four frames. A first negative pressure generating member 132A and a second negative pressure generating member 132B can be accommodated in the insertion tube, and these have an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the insertion tube and serve as push rods that slide in the insertion tube. The cylinder 501 is pushed out from the inside of the insertion tube to the outside.
【００３５】次に、図３を用いて、図２に示す製造装置
による液体収納容器の製造方法について説明する。図３
は本発明の参考例の液体収納容器の製造方法の一例を
（ａ）〜（ｆ）の順に示す説明図である。Next, a method for manufacturing a liquid container by the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIGS. 4A to 4F are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a method for manufacturing a liquid storage container according to a reference example of the present invention in the order of FIGS.
【００３６】まず、図３（ａ）に示すように、インク供
給口１１４を備えた負圧発生部材収納室用の凹部と、液
体収納室用の凹部とが連通部１４０及び大気導入溝１５
０を備えた仕切り壁とともに一体に形成された容器本体
１を用意する。そして、負圧発生部材収納室要の凹部内
寸より大きな第一の負圧発生部材を挿入爪５０３で４面
を囲い、囲まれていない面の一方にシリンダ５０１を当
て、この面と対向する面を容器本体の負圧発生部材収納
室用凹部の開口部に向ける。そして、挿入爪５０３で第
１の負圧発生部材１３２Ｂを負圧発生部材収納室開口部
より小さく潰し、挿入爪５０３により形成される挿入管
を負圧発生部材収納室の開口部に挿入する（第１の挿入
工程）。ここで、図１に示すようにインク供給口１１４
に圧接体が設けられている場合は、予め圧接体を挿入し
ておくことが望ましい。First, as shown in FIG. 3A, the concave portion for the negative pressure generating member storage chamber having the ink supply port 114 and the concave portion for the liquid storage chamber are connected to the communication portion 140 and the air introduction groove 15.
A container body 1 integrally formed with a partition wall provided with a zero is prepared. Then, four surfaces of the first negative pressure generating member larger than the inner size of the concave portion required for the negative pressure generating member storage chamber are surrounded by the insertion claws 503, and the cylinder 501 is brought into contact with one of the unenclosed surfaces to face this surface. The surface faces the opening of the concave portion for the negative pressure generating member storage chamber of the container body. Then, the first negative pressure generating member 132B is crushed by the insertion claw 503 smaller than the opening of the negative pressure generating member storage chamber, and the insertion tube formed by the insertion claw 503 is inserted into the opening of the negative pressure generation member storage chamber ( First insertion step). Here, as shown in FIG.
When a press-contact body is provided in the apparatus, it is desirable to insert the press-contact body in advance.
【００３７】次に、図３（ｂ）に示すように、第１の負
圧発生部材１３２Ｂをシリンダ５０１で容器内に押し込
む。このとき挿入管５０３の先端の位置は第１の負圧発
生部材が挿入される位置の上面よりも入口側（開口部
側）にあることで、挿入管を抜く時に第１の負圧発生部
材１３２Ｂに引抜きによる力を発生させない利点があ
る。その後、シリンダ５０１により第１の負圧発生部材
１３２Ｂを容器底面（本実施例の場合、液体供給口を備
える面）に向かって押圧することで、底面まで到達させ
る。その後、第１の負圧発生部材を負圧発生部材収納室
用の凹部内側面に対して摺動させながら、第２の負圧発
生部材が接する面が若干潰れるまでさらに圧縮させる
（第１の圧縮工程）。この時の第１の負圧発生部材の潰
し量は、挿入前の負圧発生部材の高さが１５ｍｍの時、
０．２〜１．５ｍｍ程度である。このように予め第１の
負圧発生部材を容器内で挿入方向に圧縮させることで、
第二の負圧発生部材が挿入された時に、第一の負圧発生
部材がより潰れ易くなるという利点がある。Next, as shown in FIG. 3B, the first negative pressure generating member 132B is pushed into the container by the cylinder 501. At this time, the position of the distal end of the insertion tube 503 is closer to the inlet side (opening side) than the upper surface of the position where the first negative pressure generating member is inserted. 132B has the advantage of not generating any force due to pulling. Thereafter, the first negative pressure generating member 132B is pressed toward the bottom surface of the container (the surface provided with the liquid supply port in the present embodiment) by the cylinder 501 to reach the bottom surface. Then, while sliding the first negative pressure generating member against the inner surface of the concave portion for the negative pressure generating member storage chamber, the first negative pressure generating member is further compressed until the surface in contact with the second negative pressure generating member is slightly collapsed (first). Compression step). The crushing amount of the first negative pressure generating member at this time is as follows when the height of the negative pressure generating member before insertion is 15 mm.
It is about 0.2 to 1.5 mm. By previously compressing the first negative pressure generating member in the insertion direction in the container in this manner,
There is an advantage that when the second negative pressure generating member is inserted, the first negative pressure generating member is more easily crushed.
【００３８】ここで、本実施例の液体収納容器では、容
器の成形の都合上、負圧発生部材収納室となる凹部を形
成する側面は、凹部の開口部から底面に向かって底面と
平行な断面積が減少するような勾配が設けられているの
で、上述の圧縮工程により、第１の負圧発生部材の上面
（図３（ｂ）のα）が優先的に変形する。Here, in the liquid storage container of the present embodiment, for convenience of molding the container, the side surface forming the concave portion serving as the negative pressure generating member storage chamber is parallel to the bottom surface from the opening of the concave portion toward the bottom surface. Since a gradient is provided such that the cross-sectional area decreases, the upper surface (α in FIG. 3B) of the first negative pressure generating member is preferentially deformed by the above-described compression step.
【００３９】次に、図３（ｃ）に示すように、第２の負
圧発生部材を前述の第１の負圧発生部材と同様に、挿入
管５０３内からシリンダ５０１で容器内に押込む。挿入
を行なうと、図３（ｄ）に示すように、第２の負圧発生
部材は第１の負圧発生部材に当接する。その後もさらに
シリンダで押圧することで、第２の負圧発生部材を負圧
発生部材収納室用の凹部内側面に対して摺動させながら
挿入方向に圧縮させる（第２の圧縮工程）。ここで、負
圧発生部材どうしの密着を確実に行うために、図３に示
す製造方法では、第１の負圧発生部材がシリンダで潰さ
れた量よりも、２つの負圧発生部材全体がシリンダによ
りつぶされる量をやや多く設定することは望ましい。Next, as shown in FIG. 3C, the second negative pressure generating member is pushed into the container from inside the insertion tube 503 by the cylinder 501 similarly to the first negative pressure generating member. . When the insertion is performed, the second negative pressure generating member contacts the first negative pressure generating member as shown in FIG. Thereafter, the second negative pressure generating member is further compressed in the insertion direction by sliding the second negative pressure generating member against the inner surface of the concave portion for the negative pressure generating member accommodating chamber (second compression step). Here, in order to surely adhere the negative pressure generating members to each other, in the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 3, two negative pressure generating members as a whole are less than the amount of the first negative pressure generating member crushed by the cylinder. It is desirable to set the amount to be crushed by the cylinder slightly larger.
【００４０】その後、図３（ｅ）に示すように、大気連
通の開口１１２を備え前述した２つの凹部の両方を覆う
蓋部材２を用意し、図３（ｆ）に示すように容器本体１
に固定することで、負圧発生部材収納室及び液体収納室
を形成し、容器が完成する。製造された容器では、界面
１３２Ｃの位置は大気導入路１５０の端部より底面から
離れた側に位置しており、後述する液体注入方法により
液体を注入することで、図１に示す液体収納容器とする
ことができる。Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 3 (e), a lid member 2 having an opening 112 for communicating with the atmosphere and covering both of the two recesses described above is prepared, and as shown in FIG.
, A negative pressure generating member storage chamber and a liquid storage chamber are formed, and the container is completed. In the manufactured container, the position of the interface 132C is located on the side farther from the bottom than the end of the air introduction path 150, and liquid is injected by a liquid injection method described later, so that the liquid storage container shown in FIG. It can be.
【００４１】このように、上述の製造方法では、第２の
負圧発生部材に比べて固くない第１の負圧発生部材を容
器内で予め圧縮することで、２つの毛管力発生部材が圧
接された時により優先的に第１の負圧発生部材が変形さ
せ、２つの負圧発生部材同士が当接する面の密着性と、
その面の容器本体に対する位置の製造ばらつきを抑える
ことが出来る。その結果、本発明の液体収納容器を安価
にかつ容易に製造することが出来る。As described above, in the above-described manufacturing method, the two capillary force generating members are pressed against each other by compressing the first negative pressure generating member, which is harder than the second negative pressure generating member, in the container in advance. When the first negative pressure generating member is deformed preferentially, the adhesiveness of the surface where the two negative pressure generating members are in contact with each other,
Manufacturing variations in the position of the surface with respect to the container body can be suppressed. As a result, the liquid container of the present invention can be easily manufactured at low cost.
【００４２】なお、上述の例では負圧発生部材を２回に
分けて容器本体内に挿入していたが、本発明の液体収納
容器の製造方法は、上述の形態に限定されるものではな
く、１回で同時に２つの負圧発生部材を挿入してもよ
い。そこで、図４を用いて、１回で挿入する場合の製造
方法の一例を説明する。図４は、本発明の参考例の液体
収納容器の製造方法の他の一例を（ａ）〜（ｆ）の順に
示す説明図である。In the above-described example, the negative pressure generating member is inserted into the container body in two steps. However, the method for manufacturing the liquid container of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Alternatively, two negative pressure generating members may be inserted simultaneously at one time. Therefore, an example of a manufacturing method in the case of inserting once is described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing another example of the method of manufacturing the liquid container according to the reference example of the present invention in the order of (a) to (f).
【００４３】まず、図４（ａ）に示すように、挿入管５
０３内に第１の負圧発生部材１３２Ｂ及び第２の負圧発
生部材１３２Ａを挿入し、挿入管の一端を容器本体１の
底面と対向する開口部内に挿入する。この時の挿入管５
０３の先端位置は、図３で説明したように、第１の負圧
発生部材１３２Ｂが挿入される位置の上面よりも開口部
側にあることが望ましい。First, as shown in FIG.
The first negative pressure generating member 132B and the second negative pressure generating member 132A are inserted into the inner tube 03, and one end of the insertion tube is inserted into an opening facing the bottom surface of the container body 1. Insertion tube 5 at this time
As described with reference to FIG. 3, it is desirable that the tip of 03 is located closer to the opening than the top surface where the first negative pressure generating member 132B is inserted.
【００４４】次に、図４（ｂ）に示すように、第２の負
圧発生部材をシリンダ５０１で容器底面方向に向かって
押圧することで、容器内に第一の負圧発生部材を押込む
（第１の挿入工程）。ここで、第１の負圧発生部材は、
底面に到達するまではその挿入方向前方には障害がな
い。加えて、その側面方向についても、断面積の狭い挿
入管内からより断面積の広い容器内へと移動しているの
で、挿入方向と交差する方向の圧縮が開放されるため、
第１の負圧発生部材より固い第２の負圧発生部材を介し
てシリンダで押圧しても、その力は確実に第１の負圧発
生部材に伝わることが出来る。なお、挿入管の内面を例
えばテフロン（登録商標）加工することで、挿入管内面
と負圧発生部材との間の摩擦係数を低下させることは、
上述の挿入をスムーズに行なうためにはより望ましい。Next, as shown in FIG. 4B, the first negative pressure generating member is pushed into the container by pressing the second negative pressure generating member toward the bottom of the container with the cylinder 501. (First insertion step). Here, the first negative pressure generating member is
Until the bottom is reached, there is no obstacle in front of the insertion direction. In addition, as for the lateral direction, since it is moving from the inside of the insertion tube having a small cross-sectional area into the container having a larger cross-sectional area, the compression in the direction intersecting with the insertion direction is released,
Even if the cylinder is pressed via the second negative pressure generating member which is harder than the first negative pressure generating member, the force can be reliably transmitted to the first negative pressure generating member. In addition, it is possible to reduce the friction coefficient between the inner surface of the insertion tube and the negative pressure generating member by, for example, processing the inner surface of the insertion tube with Teflon (registered trademark).
It is more desirable to smoothly perform the above-described insertion.
【００４５】図４（ｂ）に示すように挿入管から第１の
負圧発生部材が容器内に押出されたら、次に、図４
（ｃ）に示すように、挿入管とシリンダとを一体的に移
動させ、底面方向へ第１の負圧発生部材をさらに押圧す
る。この結果、第１の負圧発生部材はその一面が挿入管
及び第２の負圧発生部材と接触した状態で、対向する面
を容器本体の底面に当接し、さらに、第１の負圧発生部
材は負圧発生部材収納室用の凹部内側面に対して摺動し
ながら、第２の負圧発生部材が接する面が若干潰れるま
でさらに圧縮される（第１の圧縮工程）。When the first negative pressure generating member is pushed out of the insertion tube into the container as shown in FIG.
As shown in (c), the insertion tube and the cylinder are integrally moved to further press the first negative pressure generating member toward the bottom surface. As a result, with the first negative pressure generating member having one surface in contact with the insertion tube and the second negative pressure generating member, the opposing surface abuts against the bottom surface of the container body, and further, the first negative pressure generating member The member is further compressed while sliding against the inner surface of the concave portion for the negative pressure generating member storage chamber until the surface in contact with the second negative pressure generating member is slightly crushed (first compression step).
【００４６】ここで、もともとの毛管力発生部材の固さ
の差に加え、この時の第２の負圧発生部材は挿入方向の
側面をいずれも挿入管で覆われ、挿入方向に交差する方
向に圧縮されているのに対し、第１の負圧発生部材は徐
々にその側面がより断面積の広い容器内部へと移動して
いる。従って、挿入方向の押圧力に対し、第２の負圧発
生部材より第１の負圧発生部材の方がより優先的に変形
しやすくなっている。なお、本実施例の場合も、容器の
内壁面に勾配を設けることで、第１の圧縮工程において
第１の負圧発生部材の第２の負圧発生部材との当接面側
を優先的に変形させることが出来る。Here, in addition to the original difference in hardness of the capillary force generating member, the second negative pressure generating member at this time is covered with the insertion tube on both sides in the insertion direction, and is directed in the direction intersecting the insertion direction. While the first negative pressure generating member gradually moves to the inside of the container having a wider side surface. Therefore, the first negative pressure generating member is more likely to deform than the second negative pressure generating member with respect to the pressing force in the insertion direction. Also in the case of this embodiment, by providing a gradient on the inner wall surface of the container, the contact surface side of the first negative pressure generating member with the second negative pressure generating member is preferentially provided in the first compression step. Can be transformed into
【００４７】その後、図４（ｄ）に示すように、シリン
ダの位置を保持するか底面方向に力を加えながら挿入管
を抜き取り、さらにシリンダにより第２の負圧発生部材
を負圧発生部材収納室用の凹部内側面に対して摺動させ
ながら挿入方向に圧縮させる（第２の圧縮工程）。ここ
で、第２の負圧発生部材が硬く、シリンダで押えられて
いることで、挿入管を抜く時に第２の負圧発生部材１３
２Ａに引抜きによる力が発生しても、第１の負圧発生部
材との界面１３２Ｃが移動することはほとんど無い。Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4D, the insertion tube is withdrawn while holding the position of the cylinder or applying a force in the bottom direction, and the second negative pressure generating member is housed by the cylinder. It is compressed in the insertion direction while sliding against the inner surface of the recess for the chamber (second compression step). Here, since the second negative pressure generating member is hard and pressed by the cylinder, the second negative pressure generating member 13 is pulled out when the insertion tube is pulled out.
Even if a force is generated in 2A by pulling, the interface 132C with the first negative pressure generating member hardly moves.
【００４８】その後は、図３（ｅ），（ｆ）と同様、蓋
部材２を用意し（図４（ｅ））、蓋部材２を容器本体１
に取り付けることで容器は完成する。Thereafter, as in FIGS. 3 (e) and 3 (f), the lid member 2 is prepared (FIG. 4 (e)), and the lid member 2 is attached to the container body 1.
To complete the container.
【００４９】図５（ａ）〜（ｆ）は、図４に示す製造方
法の変形例を説明するための説明図であり、図４（ａ）
〜（ｆ）にそれぞれ対応している。以下、図４に示す例
との相違点を中心に説明する。FIGS. 5A to 5F are explanatory views for explaining a modification of the manufacturing method shown in FIG.
To (f). Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the example shown in FIG.
【００５０】図５に示す例では、挿入管の端部の容器内
への挿入位置が、図４に示す形態に比べ、より底面側に
近い領域になっている。そのため、図４（ｂ）に示すよ
うに第１の負圧発生部材が挿入管から容器内に完全に押
出される前に、第１の負圧発生部材が容器の底面と接触
している。In the example shown in FIG. 5, the insertion position of the end of the insertion tube into the container is a region closer to the bottom side than in the embodiment shown in FIG. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B, before the first negative pressure generating member is completely pushed out of the insertion tube into the container, the first negative pressure generating member is in contact with the bottom surface of the container.
【００５１】そのため、この例では、上述の第１の圧縮
工程は、図５（ｃ）に示すように、第１の負圧発生部材
が挿入管から容器内に完全に押出される前に行われるこ
とになり、図４（ｃ）に示すように、シリンダと挿入管
とが一体的に押圧することはない。すなわち、本変形例
の場合の第１の圧縮工程は、第２の負圧発生部材を介し
てシリンダのみで行われるものである。ここで、もとも
との毛管力発生部材の固さの差に加え、この時の第２の
負圧発生部材は挿入方向の側面（の殆ど）がいずれも挿
入管で覆われ、挿入方向に交差する方向に圧縮されてい
るのに対し、第１の負圧発生部材は徐々にその側面がよ
り断面積の広い容器内部へと移動している。従って、本
変形例では、第１の圧縮工程におけるシリンダの挿入方
向の押圧力に対し、第２の負圧発生部材より第１の負圧
発生部材の方がより優先的に変形しやすくなっている。Therefore, in this example, as shown in FIG. 5C, the first compression step is performed before the first negative pressure generating member is completely extruded from the insertion tube into the container. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4C, the cylinder and the insertion tube are not pressed integrally. That is, the first compression step in the case of this modification is performed only by the cylinder via the second negative pressure generating member. Here, in addition to the original difference in the hardness of the capillary force generating member, the second negative pressure generating member at this time is almost entirely covered with the insertion tube on the side in the insertion direction, and intersects with the insertion direction. While the first negative pressure generating member is compressed in the direction, the side surface of the first negative pressure generating member gradually moves into the container having a larger cross-sectional area. Therefore, in the present modification, the first negative pressure generating member is more likely to deform than the second negative pressure generating member in preference to the pressing force in the cylinder insertion direction in the first compression step. I have.
【００５２】本変形例では上述の第１の変形例までが図
４に示す製造方法と異なっているが、その後は、図５
（ｄ）〜（ｆ）に示すように、図４（ｄ）〜（ｆ）と同
じ工程で容器の製造が行なわれる。本実施例では、図４
に示す製造方法に比べ、挿入管を動かす必要が無いた
め、図３に示すような製造装置をより簡単なものとする
ことができる。In the present modified example, the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 4 is different from the manufacturing method shown in FIG.
As shown in (d) to (f), the production of the container is performed in the same steps as in FIGS. 4 (d) to (f). In this embodiment, FIG.
Since there is no need to move the insertion tube as compared with the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 3, the manufacturing apparatus as shown in FIG. 3 can be made simpler.
【００５３】上述した液体収納容器の製造方法は、本発
明の参考例である、液体収納室を備えた液体収納容器に
好適なものであるが、これに限られることは言うまでも
ない。The above-described method for manufacturing a liquid storage container is suitable for a liquid storage container having a liquid storage chamber, which is a reference example of the present invention, but it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to this.
【００５４】すなわち、図６（ａ）に示すような複数の
負圧発生部材６３２Ａ、６３２Ｂを備える液体収納容器
６００の製造方法についても、適用することが出来るも
のである。That is, the present invention can be applied to a method of manufacturing a liquid container 600 including a plurality of negative pressure generating members 632A and 632B as shown in FIG.
【００５５】ここで、図６（ａ）は、本発明の液体収納
容器の製造方法を適用可能な容器の一例を示す断面図で
あり、負圧発生部材６３２Ａは負圧発生部材６３２Ｂよ
りも相対的に固く、容器本体６０１の底面は２つの負圧
発生部材の界面を挟んで負圧発生部材６３２Ｂ側に、蓋
部材は負圧発生部材６３２Ａ側に設けられている。な
お、図６（ａ）において、前述の製造方法にて説明した
容器側面の勾配を模式的に示している。Here, FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a container to which the method for manufacturing a liquid container according to the present invention can be applied, in which the negative pressure generating member 632A is positioned relatively to the negative pressure generating member 632B. The bottom surface of the container body 601 is provided on the negative pressure generating member 632B side with the interface between the two negative pressure generating members interposed therebetween, and the lid member is provided on the negative pressure generating member 632A side. In FIG. 6A, the slope of the container side surface described in the above-described manufacturing method is schematically shown.
【００５６】なお、図６（ａ）に示す例では、容器本体
６０１の底面にインク供給口６１４を、蓋部材に大気連
通口６１２を設けた例を開示しているが、これらの位置
は図に示す形態に限られることなく、毛管力発生部材の
発生する毛管力の大小によっては逆転してもよい。しか
しながら、図1等で示した液体収納室を備えた液体収納
容器の例のように、相対的に固い負圧発生部材の方が毛
管力が弱いと、容器の製造工程時にそれぞれの負圧発生
部材を所望の毛管力にすることができるので、製品によ
る毛管力の大きさのばらつきをより少なく出来るので望
ましい。In the example shown in FIG. 6A, an example in which an ink supply port 614 is provided on the bottom surface of the container main body 601 and an atmosphere communication port 612 is provided on the lid member is disclosed. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration, and may be reversed depending on the magnitude of the capillary force generated by the capillary force generating member. However, if the relatively hard negative pressure generating member has a weaker capillary force as in the example of the liquid storage container having the liquid storage chamber shown in FIG. Since the member can be made to have a desired capillary force, it is desirable because variation in the magnitude of the capillary force due to the product can be reduced.
【００５７】また、上述の負圧発生部材６３２Ａ、６３
２Ｂを熱可塑性樹脂繊維等の繊維材料で構成する場合、
例えば特開平9-183236号公報などに開示されるように、
一般的には繊維はある程度の方向性を有することにな
る。そこで、図６（ｂ）に示すように負圧発生部材６３
２Ａの繊維６５０の揃う方向Ｆが容器本体６０１の底面
に向かう方向（挿入時の圧縮方向）に、図６（ｃ）に示
すように負圧発生部材６３２Ｂの繊維６５１の揃う方向
Ｆが容器本体６０１の底面に平行な方向（挿入時の圧縮
方向と交差する方向）にすることで、２つの負圧発生部
材の容器への挿入方向に対しての固さの差をより一層大
きくさせることができる。Further, the above-described negative pressure generating members 632A, 63
When 2B is composed of a fiber material such as a thermoplastic resin fiber,
For example, as disclosed in JP-A-9-183236,
Generally, the fibers will have some orientation. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
The direction F in which the fibers 650 of the 2A are aligned toward the bottom surface of the container body 601 (compression direction at the time of insertion), and the direction F in which the fibers 651 of the negative pressure generating member 632B are aligned as shown in FIG. By making the direction parallel to the bottom surface of 601 (the direction intersecting the compression direction at the time of insertion), the difference in hardness between the two negative pressure generating members in the direction of insertion into the container can be further increased. it can.
【００５８】[0058]
【発明の効果】以上説明したように、本発明の製造方法
によれば、容器内に複数の毛管力発生部材が挿入される
際に、密着状態の管理を容易に行うことが出来、複数の
毛管力発生部材を備えた容器を製造ばらつきが少なく、
容易に製造することが出来る。また、本発明の液体収納
容器によれば、上述の製造方法により複数の毛管力発生
部材を備えた容器を製造ばらつきが少なく、容易に製造
することが出来る。As described above, according to the manufacturing method of the present invention, when a plurality of capillary force generating members are inserted into the container, it is possible to easily manage the state of close contact, and the plurality of capillary force generating members can be easily controlled. A container with a capillary force generating member has a small manufacturing variation,
It can be easily manufactured. Further, according to the liquid container of the present invention, it is possible to easily manufacture a container provided with a plurality of capillary force generating members by the above-described manufacturing method with little manufacturing variation.
【図１】本発明の参考例を説明するための概略説明図で
あり、（ａ）は断面図、（ｂ）は、容器の液体収納室側
を上方にした時の断面図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view for explaining a reference example of the present invention, in which (a) is a cross-sectional view and (b) is a cross-sectional view when a liquid storage chamber side of a container is directed upward.
【図２】本発明の液体収納容器の製造装置の一例を示す
模式図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing one example of a liquid storage container manufacturing apparatus of the present invention.
【図３】本発明の参考例の液体収納容器の製造方法の一
例を（ａ）〜（ｆ）の順に示す説明図である。FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an example of a method for manufacturing a liquid container according to a reference example of the present invention in the order of (a) to (f).
【図４】本発明の参考例の液体収納容器の製造方法の他
の一例を（ａ）〜（ｆ）の順に示す説明図である。FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing another example of the method for manufacturing the liquid container according to the reference example of the present invention in the order of (a) to (f).
【図５】本発明の参考例の液体収納容器の製造方法のさ
らに他の一例を（ａ）〜（ｆ）の順に示す説明図であ
る。FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing still another example of the method for manufacturing a liquid container according to the reference example of the present invention in the order of (a) to (f).
【図６】本発明の液体収納容器の製造方法を用いて製造
した容器の説明図であり、（ａ）は断面図を、（ｂ）、
（ｃ）はそれぞれ（ａ）に示す容器に用いられる負圧発
生部材としての繊維の一例を示す説明図である。FIGS. 6A and 6B are explanatory views of a container manufactured by using the method for manufacturing a liquid storage container according to the present invention, wherein FIG.
(C) is an explanatory view showing an example of a fiber as a negative pressure generating member used in the container shown in (a).
６０１ 容器本体 ６０２ 蓋部材 ６１２ 大気連通口 ６１４ 液体供給口 ５０１ シリンダ ５０２ 第２シリンダ ５０３ 枠体（挿入管） ６５０、６５１ 繊維 601 Container main body 602 Lid member 612 Atmosphere communication port 614 Liquid supply port 501 Cylinder 502 Second cylinder 503 Frame (insertion pipe) 650, 651 Fiber
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 清水 英一郎 東京都大田区下丸子３丁目30番２号キヤノ ン株式会社内 (72)発明者 服部 省三 東京都大田区下丸子３丁目30番２号キヤノ ン株式会社内 (72)発明者 日南 淳 東京都大田区下丸子３丁目30番２号キヤノ ン株式会社内 (72)発明者 山本 肇 東京都大田区下丸子３丁目30番２号キヤノ ン株式会社内 (72)発明者 井上 千吉 東京都大田区下丸子３丁目30番２号キヤノ ン株式会社内 Ｆターム(参考） 2C056 EA26 KC11 KC13 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Eiichiro Shimizu 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Shozo Hattori 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside (72) Inventor Jun Nichinan 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hajime Yamamoto 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Chikichi Inoue 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. F-term (reference) 2C056 EA26 KC11 KC13
Claims (4)
該第１の負圧発生部材より固い第２の負圧発生部材を収
納する液体収納容器の製造方法において、前記第１の負
圧発生部材と当接する底面を備えた凹部を備えた本体を
用意する準備工程と、 前記第１の負圧発生部材を前記本体の前記負圧発生部材
収納室用の凹部内に挿入する第１の挿入工程と、 該第１の挿入工程後、前記第１の負圧発生部材を前記凹
部内の底面に当接させるとともに、該第１の負圧発生部
材を前記負圧発生部材収納室用の凹部内側面に対して摺
動させながら前記挿入方向に圧縮する第１の圧縮工程
と、 前記第１の挿入工程後に前記第２の負圧発生部材を前記
本体の前記負圧発生部材収納室用の凹部内に挿入する第
２の挿入工程と、 前記圧縮工程後、前記第２の負圧発生部材を前記第１の
負圧発生部材と圧接させるとともに、該第２の負圧発生
部材を前記負圧発生部材収納室用の凹部内側面に対して
摺動させながら前記挿入方向に圧縮する第２の圧縮工程
と、 前記凹部を覆う蓋部材を前記本体に固定する封止工程
と、を備えることを特徴とする液体収納容器の製造方
法。1. A method for manufacturing a liquid container for accommodating a first negative pressure generating member and a second negative pressure generating member which are harder than the first negative pressure generating member, the first negative pressure generating member being in contact with the first negative pressure generating member. A preparing step of preparing a main body having a concave portion having a bottom surface in contact with the generating member; and a first step of inserting the first negative pressure generating member into the concave portion for the negative pressure generating member storage chamber of the main body. An inserting step, after the first inserting step, the first negative pressure generating member is brought into contact with a bottom surface in the concave portion, and the first negative pressure generating member is used for the negative pressure generating member storage chamber. A first compression step of compressing in the insertion direction while sliding with respect to the inner surface of the recess; and, after the first insertion step, the second negative pressure generating member is used for the negative pressure generating member storage chamber of the main body. A second insertion step of inserting the second negative pressure into the concave portion after the compression step. A member for pressing the member against the first negative pressure generating member and compressing the second negative pressure generating member in the insertion direction while sliding the second negative pressure generating member against the inner surface of the concave portion for the negative pressure generating member storage chamber. 2. A method for manufacturing a liquid container, comprising: a compression step of (2); and a sealing step of fixing a lid member covering the recess to the main body.
の側面は前記凹部の開口部から底面に向かって前記底面
と平行な断面積が減少するような勾配が設けられている
ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の液体収納容器の製造
方法。2. The method according to claim 1, wherein in the preparing step, a side surface of the concave portion of the main body is provided with a gradient such that a sectional area parallel to the bottom surface decreases from an opening of the concave portion toward the bottom surface. A method for manufacturing the liquid storage container according to claim 1.
ぞれ繊維材料より構成されるとともに、前記第１の負圧
発生部材の繊維の揃う方向が前記第１の圧縮工程におけ
る圧縮方向に交差する方向であり、前記第２の負圧発生
部材の繊維の揃う方向が前記第２の圧縮工程における圧
縮方向であることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の液体収
納容器の製造方法。3. The first and second negative pressure generating members are each formed of a fiber material, and a direction in which fibers of the first negative pressure generating member are aligned in a compression direction in the first compression step. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein a direction in which the fibers of the second negative pressure generating member are aligned with each other is a compression direction in the second compression step. 3.
部材と、 該第１及び第２の負圧発生部材を収納する凹部を備える
容器本体と、 前記第１及び第２の負圧発生部材が前記該容器本体内に
収納された状態で該容器本体の開口部を覆う蓋部材と、 を備える液体収納容器において、 前記第２の負圧発生部材は前記第１の負圧発生部材に比
べて固く、 前記第１の負圧発生部材は前記容器本体の凹部底面に当
接するとともに、前記第１の負圧発生部材の該当接面と
対向する面は、前記第２の負圧発生部材と当接すること
を特徴とする液体収納容器。4. A first and a second negative pressure generating member which are in pressure contact with each other, a container body having a concave portion for accommodating the first and the second negative pressure generating member, and a first and a second negative pressure. A lid member that covers an opening of the container main body in a state in which the generating member is stored in the container main body, wherein the second negative pressure generating member is the first negative pressure generating member. The first negative pressure generating member is in contact with the bottom surface of the concave portion of the container body, and the surface of the first negative pressure generating member facing the corresponding contact surface is the second negative pressure generating member. A liquid storage container, which is in contact with a member.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001382993A JP3467034B2 (en) | 1998-05-11 | 2001-12-17 | Liquid storage container and method for manufacturing the container |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP12737698 | 1998-05-11 | ||
| JP10-127376 | 1998-05-11 | ||
| JP2001382993A JP3467034B2 (en) | 1998-05-11 | 2001-12-17 | Liquid storage container and method for manufacturing the container |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP11963499A Division JP3278410B2 (en) | 1998-05-11 | 1999-04-27 | Liquid container, method of manufacturing the container, package of the container, ink jet head cartridge integrating the container with a recording head, and liquid discharge recording apparatus |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JP2002225308A true JP2002225308A (en) | 2002-08-14 |
| JP3467034B2 JP3467034B2 (en) | 2003-11-17 |
Family
ID=26463347
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001382993A Expired - Fee Related JP3467034B2 (en) | 1998-05-11 | 2001-12-17 | Liquid storage container and method for manufacturing the container |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3467034B2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2012176501A (en) * | 2011-02-25 | 2012-09-13 | Canon Inc | Method and apparatus for manufacturing liquid container |
| US8960875B2 (en) | 2011-03-11 | 2015-02-24 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Insert method of negative-pressure generating member and insert device of negative-pressure generating member |
-
2001
- 2001-12-17 JP JP2001382993A patent/JP3467034B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2012176501A (en) * | 2011-02-25 | 2012-09-13 | Canon Inc | Method and apparatus for manufacturing liquid container |
| US9242471B2 (en) | 2011-02-25 | 2016-01-26 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Method and apparatus for manufacturing liquid container |
| US8960875B2 (en) | 2011-03-11 | 2015-02-24 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Insert method of negative-pressure generating member and insert device of negative-pressure generating member |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP3467034B2 (en) | 2003-11-17 |
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