JP7516750B2 - LIQUID ABSORBENT SHEET, LIQUID ABSORBER, LIQUID COLLECTION CONTAINER, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid absorbent sheet, a liquid absorbent, a liquid collection container, and an image forming device.

Inkjet printers usually produce waste ink during head cleaning operations, which are performed to prevent deterioration of print quality due to ink clogging, and during ink refill operations after replacing ink cartridges. To absorb this waste ink, liquid collection containers containing liquid absorbers are used.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid absorbent that contains natural cellulose fibers and/or synthetic fibers, a heat-fusible substance, and a thickening substance, and is formed by matting and applying heat and pressure.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-158024

However, in the liquid absorbent disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the outer shape of the porous absorbent had to be processed to correspond to the different container shapes for each model in which it was installed, and furthermore, the container had to be filled, which increased the cost of the process. In addition, because a porous absorbent was used, when liquid was introduced from above, the liquid was absorbed and retained in the upper layer of the absorbent, making it difficult for the subsequent liquid to permeate into the lower layer (this is sometimes called a blocking phenomenon). Furthermore, even when a polymer absorbent was mixed with a porous absorbent with the intention of increasing the amount of liquid retention (absorption), blocking similarly occurred, impairing the wicking, permeability, and diffusibility, making it difficult for liquid to spread throughout the absorbent, and it could not necessarily be said that the absorbent's absorption capacity was fully utilized.

One aspect of the liquid absorbent sheet according to the present invention is
The fiber is bound together by a binder material, and the paper sheet has a density of 0.05 g/cm ³ or more and 0.5 g/cm ³ or less, and a polymer absorbent is supported on the paper sheet.

In the above-mentioned embodiment of the liquid absorbent sheet,
The thickness of the paper sheet may be between 0.13 mm and 5.0 mm.

In any one of the above liquid absorbent sheets,
The fibers constituting the paper sheet may have an average fiber length of 0.1 mm or more and 7 mm or less, and an average fiber thickness of 0.5 μm or more and 200.0 μm or less.

In any one of the above liquid absorbent sheets,
The liquid absorbent sheet may have a different content of the absorbent polymer in the thickness direction.

In any one of the above liquid absorbent sheets,
The ratio of the thickness of the absorbent polymer-containing layer to the thickness of the paper sheet may be 0.01 or more and less than 3.0.

In any one of the above liquid absorbent sheets,
The polymer absorbent may be contained in an amount of 1.0% by mass or more and 64.0% by mass or less with respect to the liquid absorbent sheet.

In any one of the above liquid absorbent sheets,
The binder material may be a thermoplastic resin, and may be contained in an amount of 5.0% by mass to 30.0% by mass relative to the paper sheet.

In any one of the above liquid absorbent sheets,
The liquid absorbent sheet may have a structure in which the polymer absorbent is disposed between the paper sheet and a folded version of the paper sheet, or between the paper sheet and another paper sheet whose fibers are bonded together by a bonding material.

In the above-mentioned embodiment of the liquid absorbent sheet,
The absorbent polymer may be exposed at an end surface of the liquid absorbent sheet.

One aspect of the liquid absorbent according to the present invention is
The liquid absorbent sheet is constituted by an assembly of small pieces obtained by dividing the liquid absorbent sheet according to any one of the above embodiments.

In the above-mentioned embodiment of the liquid absorbent,
When the total length of the small piece in the longitudinal direction is L1 [mm] and the distance between the end points connecting one end of the small piece to the other end is L2 [mm], the average value of L2/L1 may be greater than 0.0 and not greater than 0.95.

One aspect of the liquid collection container according to the present invention is
One or both of the liquid absorbent sheet according to any one of the above aspects and the liquid absorbent body according to any one of the above aspects,
a container for accommodating one or both of the liquid absorbent sheet and the liquid absorbent;
including.

One aspect of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is to
The liquid ejection head includes a liquid ejection head and the liquid recovery container according to the above aspect that absorbs the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid-absorbent sheet according to an embodiment. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid-absorbent sheet according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a small piece according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid absorbent body according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a liquid collection container according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a liquid collection container according to the embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment described below is an example of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and includes various modified forms that are implemented within the scope that does not change the gist of the present invention. Note that not all of the configurations described below are necessarily essential configurations of the present invention.

1. Liquid-absorbent sheet The liquid-absorbent sheet of the present embodiment is a paper sheet having fibers bound together by a binder material and having a density of 0.05 g/cm ³ or more and 0.5 g/cm ³ or less, on which an absorbent polymer is supported.

1.1 Paper Sheets Paper sheets are made by binding fibers together with a binder. The binder and fibers are described below.

1.1.1. Binding material The binding material that binds the fibers in the paper sheet contains a resin. The type of resin that is a component of the binding material may be either a natural resin or a synthetic resin, and may be either a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin. In addition, it may be a resin that exhibits tackiness by absorbing moisture, such as a water-soluble resin. It is preferable that the resin of the binding material is solid at room temperature, and considering that the fibers are bound by heat, a thermoplastic resin is more preferable.

Natural resins include rosin, dammar, mastic, copal, amber, shellac, kylin blood, sandarac, colophony, starch, etc., either alone or in suitable mixtures, and may also be modified as appropriate.

Among the synthetic resins, examples of thermoplastic resins include AS resin, ABS resin, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, acrylic resin, polyester resin, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene ether, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ether ketone, and the like. These resins may be used alone or in appropriate mixtures. They may also be copolymerized or modified, and examples of such resins include styrene-based resins, acrylic-based resins, styrene-acrylic copolymer resins, olefin-based resins, vinyl chloride-based resins, polyester-based resins, polyamide-based resins, polyurethane-based resins, polyvinyl alcohol-based resins, vinyl ether-based resins, N-vinyl-based resins, styrene-butadiene-based resins, and polyvinylpyrrolidone-based resins.

The external shape of the binding material in the paper sheet is not particularly limited and may be spherical, disk-like, irregular, etc. When the paper sheet is produced by applying pressure and heat, it may be in a crushed shape.

If the binding material in the paper sheet is assumed to be a sphere, the preferred volume average particle size is, for example, 0.1 μm or more and 1000.0 μm or less, and more preferably 1.0 μm or more and 100.0 μm or less.

The binding material may contain coloring materials, silica, titanium oxide, aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, cerium oxide, magnesium oxide, zirconium oxide, strontium titanate, barium titanate, calcium carbonate, etc. The binding material may also contain other components such as organic solvents, surfactants, fungicides/preservatives, antioxidants/ultraviolet light absorbers, oxygen absorbers, etc.

The binding material is preferably contained in the paper sheet in an amount of 5.0% by mass to 30.0% by mass, more preferably 7.0% by mass to 25.0% by mass, and even more preferably 9.0% by mass to 20.0% by mass.

If the content of the binding material in the paper sheet is less than 5% by mass, the strength of binding the fibers may be insufficient, and if it exceeds 30% by mass, the resin of the binding material may penetrate between the fibers, reducing the gaps between the fibers and reducing the ability to absorb liquids.

Furthermore, if the binding material is a hydrophobic thermoplastic resin, the water applied to the paper sheet to support the polymer absorbent is less likely to be absorbed and is more likely to be retained on the surface of the paper sheet, so that when the polymer absorbent is spread, it is more likely to absorb water and gel, which may improve the support of the polymer absorbent on the paper sheet.

1.1.2 Fibers The paper sheet contains fibers, which are bound together by the binding material described above. In the paper sheet, the binding material may bind within a single fiber or may bind between two or more fibers.

The fibers are not particularly limited, and a wide range of fiber materials can be used. Examples of fibers include natural fibers (animal fibers, plant fibers), chemical fibers (organic fibers, inorganic fibers, organic-inorganic composite fibers), and more specifically, fibers made of cellulose, silk, wool, cotton, hemp, kenaf, flax, ramie, jute, Manila hemp, sisal, coniferous trees, broadleaf trees, etc., and fibers made of rayon, lyocell, cupra, vinylon, acrylic, nylon, aramid, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyimide, carbon, glass, and metals. These may be used alone or in combination. Also, regenerated fibers that have been subjected to wet disintegration, dry disintegration, purification, etc. may be used.

The fibers contained in the paper sheet are preferably cellulose fibers. Because cellulose fibers are a hydrophilic material, when liquid is applied to the liquid absorbent sheet 100, they have an affinity for the liquid, making it easier to retain the liquid and bring the liquid into contact with the polymer absorbent 21.

Cellulose fibers have a high affinity with the absorbent polymer 21, so it is easy to support the absorbent polymer 21 on the surface of the fibers. Furthermore, cellulose fibers are a renewable natural material, and among various fibers, they are inexpensive and easy to obtain, so they are advantageous in terms of reducing production costs, stable production, and reducing environmental impact. Note that cellulose fibers are fibers that are primarily composed of cellulose as a compound and are fibrous, and may contain hemicellulose and lignin in addition to cellulose.

The average length of the fibers is preferably 0.1 mm to 7.0 mm, more preferably 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm, and even more preferably 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm. The average width of the fibers is preferably 0.5 μm to 200.0 μm, and more preferably 1.0 μm to 100.0 μm. The average aspect ratio of the fibers, that is, the ratio of the average length to the average width, is preferably 10 to 1000, and more preferably 15 to 500. Within these ranges, the support of the polymer absorbent 21, the retention of liquid by the fibers, and the contact of liquid with the polymer absorbent can be more suitably performed, and the liquid absorption characteristics of the liquid absorbent sheet 100 can be improved.

When the fiber is an independent fiber, its average diameter (if the cross section is not circular, the maximum length in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, or the diameter of a circle having an area equal to the cross section (equivalent circle diameter)) is, on average, 1 μm or more and 1000 μm or less, preferably 2 μm or more and 500 μm or less, and more preferably 3 μm or more and 200 μm or less. It is more preferable that the average fiber thickness is 0.5 μm or more and 200.0 μm or less.

The thickness and length of the fibers can be measured, for example, using a fiber tester (manufactured by Lorentzen & Wettre).

The paper sheet may contain substances other than the binding material and fibers. Examples of such substances include coloring materials, aggregation inhibitors, and flame retardants. Examples of aggregation inhibitors include so-called nanoparticles with an average particle size of about 0.001 μm to 1.0 μm, which are made of silica, titanium oxide, aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, cerium oxide, magnesium oxide, zirconium oxide, strontium titanate, barium titanate, calcium carbonate, etc.

As flame retardants, for example, bromine-based flame retardants, chlorine-based flame retardants, phosphorus-based flame retardants, boron-based flame retardants, silicon-based flame retardants, nitrogen-containing compounds, and hydrated metal compounds such as aluminum hydroxide can be used to satisfy the standard UL94 HB equivalent in the horizontal combustion test (IEC60695-11-10 A method, ASTM D635). In addition, well-known substances such as calcium carbonate, which is a non-flammable inorganic material, can also be used. When a flame retardant is included, it is preferable that the content of the flame retardant is 5.0% by mass or more and 30.0% by mass or less of the paper sheet, more preferably 7.0% by mass or more and 25.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 9.0% by mass or more and 20.0% by mass or less.

The density of the paper sheet used in the liquid absorbent sheet of this embodiment is 0.05 g/ ^cm3 or more and 0.5 g/ ^cm3 or less. The density of the paper sheet is more preferably 0.1 g/ ^cm3 or more and 0.45 g/ ^cm3 or less, and even more preferably 0.15 g/ ^cm3 or more and 0.4 g/ ^cm3 or less.

If the density of the paper sheet is less than 0.05 g/ ^cm3 , the strength of the paper may be insufficient. If the density of the paper sheet is more than 0.5 g/ ^cm3 , the distance between the fibers or between the binding materials becomes small, so that the movement of liquid in the paper sheet is easily hindered, and the speed at which the liquid diffuses through the paper sheet decreases. If the density of the paper sheet is more than 0.5 g/ ^cm3 , when the liquid contains solids such as pigments or resin particles, the capillary-like structure formed by the gaps is likely to become blocked, and so-called blocking is likely to occur. In this specification, the property of diffusing liquid through a paper sheet is sometimes referred to as "liquid conductivity".

1.1.4 Thickness of the Paper Sheet The thickness of the paper sheet is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.13 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less. The thickness of the paper sheet is more preferably 0.2 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.3 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less. By having the thickness of the paper sheet in the above range, even better liquid permeability can be obtained.

1.2. Polymer absorbent The liquid absorbent sheet of this embodiment is a polymer absorbent supported on the paper sheet. The polymer absorbent is a SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer) having liquid absorption properties. Absorption refers to the function of taking in and retaining liquid such as water molecules from the surroundings. The polymer absorbent may gel by absorbing liquid. Specifically, the polymer absorbent absorbs water in liquid and hydrophilic organic solvents.

Examples of polymer absorbents include carboxymethyl cellulose, polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, starch-acrylic acid graft copolymers, hydrolysates of starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymers, vinyl acetate-acrylic acid ester copolymers, copolymers of isobutylene and maleic acid, hydrolysates of acrylonitrile copolymers and acrylamide copolymers, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polysulfonic acid compounds, polyglutamic acid, and salts, modified products, and crosslinked products thereof.

As the polymer absorbent, a resin having an acid group is preferable. Examples of the acid group include a carboxyl group, a sulfonic acid group, and a phosphoric acid group. Among these acid groups, those having a carboxyl group are more preferable because they are easy to manufacture and obtain.

Examples of resins having carboxyl groups include polymers having carboxyl groups in their side chains, and examples of monomer units for obtaining such polymers include those derived from monomers such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, maleic acid, crotonic acid, fumaric acid, sorbic acid, cinnamic acid, and anhydrides and salts thereof. The polymer absorbent of this embodiment is preferably made of a polymer containing these monomer units.

When the polymer absorbent contains acid groups, the type of neutralization salt may be, for example, alkali metal salts such as sodium salts, potassium salts, and lithium salts, or salts of nitrogen-containing basic substances such as ammonia, with sodium salts being preferred.

The polymer absorbent preferably contains a poly(meth)acrylate copolymer or a cross-linked poly(meth)acrylic acid polymer. In the poly(meth)acrylate copolymer and the cross-linked poly(meth)acrylic acid polymer, the proportion of monomer units having a carboxyl group in all the structural units constituting the molecular chain is preferably 50 mol% or more, more preferably 80 mol% or more, and even more preferably 90 mol% or more.

Commercially available polymer absorbents include "AQUALIC CA", "AQUALIC CS" and their series manufactured by Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd., "Sunwet", "Sunfresh ST-500MPSA" and their series manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd., "Hysorb" series manufactured by BASF Japan Ltd., "FAVOR" series manufactured by Evonik Japan Ltd., and "AQUASORB" series manufactured by SNF Corporation.

The external shape of the polymer absorbent may be any shape, such as spherical, scaly, needle-like, fibrous, or particulate, but it is preferable that the majority of the absorbent is particulate. When the absorbent is particulate, it is easy to ensure liquid permeability. Also, if it is particulate, it is easier to support the absorbent polymer on the fibers by applying water to a paper sheet and then sprinkling it on the paper sheet.

The average particle size of the particles of the polymer absorbent is preferably 15.0 μm or more and 800.0 μm or less, more preferably 15.0 μm or more and 400.0 μm or less, and even more preferably 15.0 μm or more and 50.0 μm or less. The average particle size and its distribution of the polymer absorbent may be adjusted as necessary by crushing and classification using standard methods.

The volume average particle size of the particles can be measured, for example, by a laser diffraction particle size distribution measuring device. Such a device can provide the volume average particle size MVD (Mean Volume Diameter) value.

The polymer absorbent is preferably contained (supported) in an amount of 1.0% by mass or more and 64.0% by mass or less relative to the liquid absorbent sheet. The content of the polymer absorbent is more preferably 2.5% by mass or more and 40.0% by mass or less relative to the liquid absorbent sheet, and even more preferably 5.0% by mass or more and 30.0% by mass or less. It is preferable that the amount of the polymer absorbent supported is within the above range regardless of the structure of the liquid absorbent sheet.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a liquid absorbent sheet 100 according to an embodiment. The liquid absorbent sheet 100 includes a paper sheet 10 in which fibers 11 are bonded together with a binder material 12, and an absorbent polymer 21.

In the liquid absorbent sheet 100, a plurality of polymer absorbents 21 are disposed between a pair of paper sheets 10. The plurality of polymer absorbents 21 are assembled to form a polymer absorbent-containing layer 20. In other words, in the liquid absorbent sheet 100, the polymer absorbent-containing layer 20 is formed between two paper sheets 10. In this manner, in the liquid absorbent sheet 100, the polymer absorbents 21 are supported between the two paper sheets 10.

As mentioned above, the density of the paper sheet 10 is relatively low. Therefore, the polymer absorbent 21 may be arranged in a state where it is partially embedded in the paper sheet 10. When the polymer absorbent 21 is arranged in this manner, the boundary between the paper sheet 10 and the polymer absorbent-containing layer 20 may become unclear. However, even in this case, it can be said that the content of the polymer absorbent 21 in the liquid absorbent sheet 100 varies in the thickness direction. In other words, when the liquid absorbent sheet 100 is spread out on a flat surface, the amount of the polymer absorbent 21 present varies in the height direction of the liquid absorbent sheet 100.

In the liquid absorbent sheet 100, the content of the polymer absorbent 21 is greatest near the center in the thickness direction and is smaller near the surface and the other surface of the liquid absorbent sheet 100.

In addition, in this specification, when the liquid absorbent sheet 100 is unfolded on a plane, the range (thickness direction area) where the polymer absorbent 21 contacts the plane when the liquid absorbent sheet 100 is cut in the thickness direction by a parallel imaginary plane is defined as the polymer absorbent-containing layer 20. Therefore, in this case, the interface between the polymer absorbent-containing layer 20 and the paper sheet 10 is the plane passing through the tip of the polymer absorbent 21 that has penetrated the paper sheet 10 to the deepest extent.

In the liquid absorbent sheet 100, the ratio of the thickness of the polymer absorbent-containing layer 20 to the thickness of the paper sheet 10 is preferably 0.01 or more and less than 3.0. Moreover, this ratio is more preferably 0.05 or more and less than 2.5, and even more preferably 0.1 or more and less than 2.0. By setting it in such a range, the liquid conductivity and the amount of liquid absorption can be further improved.

A sandwich structure such as the liquid absorbent sheet 100 may be formed by sandwiching the polymer absorbent-containing layer 20 between two paper sheets 10, or by folding one paper sheet 10 and sandwiching the polymer absorbent-containing layer 20. In other words, the liquid absorbent sheet 100 may have a structure in which the polymer absorbent 21 is disposed between the paper sheet 10 and the folded paper sheet 10, or between the paper sheet 10 and another paper sheet 10 whose fibers are bonded together by a bonding material.

In the liquid absorbent sheet 100, it is more preferable that the polymer absorbent 21 is exposed on the end surface of the liquid absorbent sheet 100. In other words, the end of the liquid absorbent sheet 100 is not closed by two paper sheets 10 being in close contact with each other, and there is a gap between the two paper sheets 10. It is more preferable that such a gap is formed so that the polymer absorbent 21 can be seen when viewed from a direction parallel to the liquid absorbent sheet 100. In this specification, a state in which the polymer absorbent 21 can be seen when viewing the end surface of the liquid absorbent sheet 100 is expressed as "the polymer absorbent is exposed on the end surface of the liquid absorbent sheet."

The end surface of the liquid absorbent sheet 100 where the polymer absorbent 21 is exposed may be at least a part of the periphery when the liquid absorbent sheet 100 is viewed in a plan view, and may be the entire periphery or a part of the periphery.

By exposing the polymer absorbent 21 to the end surface of the liquid absorbent sheet 100, when the liquid to be absorbed is applied to the liquid absorbent sheet 100, the liquid can come into direct contact with the polymer absorbent 21. This can further enhance the liquid absorbency of the liquid absorbent sheet 100.

The thickness of the liquid absorbent sheet 100 is preferably 0.3 mm or more and 12.0 mm or less, and more preferably 1.0 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a liquid absorbent sheet 110 according to an embodiment. Like the liquid absorbent sheet 100, the liquid absorbent sheet 110 also includes a paper sheet 10 in which fibers 11 are bonded together with a binding material 12, and an absorbent polymer 21.

In the liquid absorbent sheet 110, a plurality of absorbent polymers 21 are supported on a single paper sheet 10. The absorbent polymers 21 are aggregated to form a layer 20 containing absorbent polymers. In other words, the liquid absorbent sheet 110 has a layer 20 containing absorbent polymers laminated on one side of a single paper sheet 10.

In the liquid absorbent sheet 110, the density of the paper sheet 10 is relatively low, so the polymer absorbent 21 may be disposed in a state where it is partially embedded within the paper sheet 10. In the liquid absorbent sheet 110, the content of the polymer absorbent 21 varies in the thickness direction. In other words, when the liquid absorbent sheet 110 is laid out on a flat surface, the amount of the polymer absorbent 21 varies in the height direction of the liquid absorbent sheet 110.

In the liquid absorbent sheet 110, the content of the polymer absorbent 21 is maximum near one surface in the thickness direction and is minimum near the other surface of the liquid absorbent sheet 110.

In an embodiment having a polymer absorbent-containing layer 20 on one side, such as the liquid absorbent sheet 110, the ratio of the thickness of the polymer absorbent-containing layer 20 to the thickness of the paper sheet 10 is preferably 0.01 or more and less than 2.0. Moreover, such a ratio is more preferably 0.03 or more and less than 2.0, and even more preferably 0.05 or more and less than 1.5. In this way, the polymer absorbent 21 can be supported more stably.

The thickness of the liquid absorbent sheet 110 is preferably 0.15 mm or more and 6.0 mm or less, and more preferably 0.5 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less.

1.4. Small Pieces The planar size of the liquid absorbent sheet 100 is not particularly limited. The planar size of the liquid absorbent sheet 100 may be, for example, A4 size. The planar size of the liquid absorbent sheet 100 may be the size after the liquid absorbent sheet 100 is finely cut, roughly crushed, or pulverized with scissors, a shredder, or the like, or after it is finely torn by hand. In this specification, the liquid absorbent sheet 100 that is cut, torn, or the like and divided into small pieces may be referred to as "small pieces". Small pieces are one aspect of the liquid absorbent sheet 100.

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a small piece 130, which is one embodiment of a liquid absorbent sheet. In Figure 3, the paper sheet 10 of the small piece 130 is shown only in macroscopic outline, with the fibers 11 and bonding material 12 omitted, except for some sides, to avoid cluttering the drawing.

The small pieces can be formed by cutting, crushing, or pulverizing the liquid absorbent sheet 100 into small pieces using scissors, a cutter, a mill, a shredder, etc., or by shredding it into small pieces by hand. The arrangement and structure of the small pieces of paper sheet 10 and polymer absorbent-containing layer 20 (polymer absorbent 21) are the same as those of the liquid absorbent sheet 100.

In the small pieces 130, the polymer absorbent 21 is exposed on the end surface of the liquid absorbent sheet 100, so that when the liquid to be absorbed is applied to the small pieces 130, the liquid can come into direct contact with the polymer absorbent 21. This can further increase the liquid absorption ability of the small pieces 130.

When the total length of the small piece 130 in the longitudinal direction is L1 [mm] and the distance between the end points of the small piece 130 is L2 [mm], it is preferable that the average value of L2/L1 is greater than 0.0 and equal to or less than 0.95. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the average value of L2/L1 is greater than or equal to 0.01 and equal to or less than 0.90, and even ...5 and equal to or less than 0.85.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the small pieces 130 are in the form of flexible strips. This allows the small pieces 130 to be easily deformed, making them easy to handle when storing them in a container, etc.

The total length of the small piece 130, i.e., the length in the long side direction, is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 200.0 mm or less, more preferably 1.0 mm or more and 100.0 mm or less, and even more preferably 2.0 mm or more and 30.0 mm or less.

The width of the small piece 130, i.e., the length in the short side direction, is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 100.0 mm or less, more preferably 0.3 mm or more and 50.0 mm or less, and even more preferably 1.0 mm or more and 10.0 mm or less.

The aspect ratio of the total length to the width of the small pieces 130 is preferably 1 to 200, more preferably 1 to 30. The thickness of the small pieces 130, like the liquid absorbent sheet 100, is preferably 0.3 mm to 12.0 mm, more preferably 1.0 mm to 10 mm.

Within the above range, the polymer absorbent 21 can be supported, the fibers 11 can retain liquid, and the liquid can be delivered to the polymer absorbent 21 in an optimal manner, thereby exhibiting excellent liquid absorption characteristics.

1.5. Manufacturing of Liquid Absorbent Sheet As described above, the liquid absorbent sheet is manufactured by supporting the polymer absorbent on a paper sheet. As an example of a manufacturing method, the liquid absorbent sheet can be manufactured by simply applying water to a paper sheet, sprinkling the polymer absorbent on the paper sheet wet with water, and drying it. This is because the polymer absorbent swells at least when the water applied to the paper sheet comes into contact with the polymer absorbent, and develops adhesiveness. This adhesiveness causes the polymer absorbent to adhere to the fiber, or the polymer absorbents to adhere to each other. Thereafter, by removing the moisture by drying or the like, the formed adhesive structure is maintained and remains, so that the polymer absorbent can be supported on the paper sheet. The polymer absorbent may be supported on the paper sheet by using a substance having adhesive properties such as a water-soluble resin. When small pieces are formed, the liquid absorbent sheet can be formed by cutting, crushing, or pulverizing the liquid absorbent sheet into small pieces using scissors, a cutter, a mill, a shredder, or the like, or by shredding it into small pieces by hand.

2. Liquid absorber Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a liquid absorber 200 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the liquid absorber 200 has a plurality of the above-mentioned small pieces 130. In other words, the liquid absorber 200 is an assembly of the small pieces 130. The number of small pieces 130 included in the liquid absorber 200 is not particularly limited as long as there are a plurality of small pieces 130, but is, for example, 100 or more, preferably 200 or more, and more preferably 500 or more.

The liquid absorber 200 may include small pieces 130 that are the same in at least one of the overall length, width, aspect ratio, and thickness, or may include small pieces 130 that are different from each other in all of these.

The plurality of small pieces 130 constituting the liquid absorber 200 preferably have a regular shape. This makes it difficult for unevenness to occur in the bulk density of the liquid absorber 200, and makes it possible to suppress unevenness in the liquid absorption characteristics. In the liquid absorber 200, the content of the small pieces 130 having a regular shape is 30% by mass or more of the entire liquid absorber 200, preferably 50% by mass or more, and more preferably 70% by mass or more.

The multiple small pieces 130 constituting the liquid absorber 200 are preferably arranged randomly in space, without any regularity, for example, so that their longitudinal directions are not aligned but intersect with each other. In this way, gaps are easily formed between the small pieces 130. This allows the liquid to pass through the gaps between the small pieces 130, and if the gaps are very small, the liquid can wet and spread due to capillary action, ensuring liquid permeability. For example, when the liquid absorber 200 is placed in a container, it is possible to prevent the liquid flowing downward in the container from being blocked midway, and the liquid can smoothly permeate toward the bottom of the container.

In addition, by storing multiple small pieces 130 in a container in a spatially random manner, the liquid absorber 200 as a whole has more opportunities to come into contact with liquid, so that the liquid absorber 200 can have excellent absorption properties for liquid. Furthermore, when storing the liquid absorber 200 in a container, the small pieces 130 can be randomly placed into the container, so that the operation can be performed easily and quickly. Furthermore, since the small pieces 130 are easily deformed, when the liquid absorber 200 consisting of multiple small pieces 130 is stored in a container, the liquid absorber 200 deforms and is stored effortlessly regardless of the shape of the container, and has good shape conformability to the container.

The bulk density of the liquid absorber 200 is preferably 0.01 g/cm ³ or more and 0.5 g/cm ³ or less, more preferably 0.03 g/cm ³ or more and 0.3 g/cm ³ or less, and even more preferably 0.05 g/cm ³ or more and 0.2 g/cm ³ or less. This makes it possible to achieve both liquid retention and permeability.

The liquid absorber 200 may contain materials other than those mentioned above. Examples of such materials include surfactants, lubricants, defoamers, fillers, anti-blocking agents, UV absorbers, colorants such as pigments and dyes, activated carbon, flame retardants, and flow improvers.

3. Liquid Recovery Container A liquid recovery container according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view that shows a liquid recovery container 300 according to this embodiment. Fig. 6 is a plan view that shows a liquid recovery container 300 according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in Fig. 6.

As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the liquid collection container 300 includes a liquid absorber 200, a case 40 as a container, and a lid 30. For convenience, the liquid absorber 200 is shown in a simplified form in Figs. 5 and 6. Also, the tube 506 is not shown in Fig. 6. Each component will be described below.

3.1. Case The case 40 is a container that houses the above-mentioned liquid absorber 200. As shown in Fig. 5, the liquid absorber 200 is housed in the case 40. The case 40 has, for example, a bottom 42 having a rectangular planar shape and four side wall portions 44 provided along each side of the bottom 42. The case 40 has a shape with an open top. Note that the planar shape of the bottom 42 is not limited to a rectangular shape and may be, for example, a circle.

When the volume of the case 40 is V1 and the total volume of the liquid absorber 200 before absorbing ink is V2, the ratio of V1 to V2, V2/V1, is, for example, 0.1 or more and 0.7 or less, and preferably 0.2 or more and 0.7 or less.

It is preferable that the case 40 has a shape retention property such that the volume V1 does not change by 10% or more when internal pressure or an external force acts on the case 40. This allows the case 40 to maintain its shape even when subjected to force from the liquid absorber 200, which expands as the liquid absorber 200 absorbs liquid such as ink. This makes it possible for the case 40 to be installed in a stable state, and for the liquid absorber 200 to stably absorb liquid such as ink.

The material of the case 40 is, for example, a resin material such as cyclic polyolefin or polycarbonate, or a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel.

3.2. Lid The lid 30 closes the opening 26 of the case 40. The lid 30 covers the liquid absorber 200. The liquid absorber 200 is sandwiched between the lid 30 and the bottom 42 of the case 40. The thickness of the lid 30 is preferably 50 μm or more and 5 mm or less, and more preferably 100 μm or more and 3 mm or less. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the planar shape of the lid 30 is rectangular, but is not particularly limited.

The lid body 30 has a recess 32 recessed toward the liquid absorber 200 and a peripheral portion 34 provided around the recess 32 in a plan view. The recess 32 is provided at a position where ink is discharged. The recess 32 is provided at a position including the center of the lid body 30 in a plan view, for example.

The recess 32 has a bottom 32a and a side wall 32b. In the illustrated example, the bottom 32a has a rectangular planar shape. The side wall 32b is provided along each side of the bottom 32a. At the position of the lid 30 where the ink is discharged, the side wall 32b is provided so as to surround at least a part of the position. The side wall 32b is connected to the bottom 32a. When discharging liquid such as ink from the tube 506, as shown in FIG. 5, the tube 506 is inserted into the space defined by the recess 32 to discharge the liquid. The recess 32 can prevent bubbles from being generated and spilling out when the liquid is discharged. The recess 32 has a shape that is particularly effective for liquids that contain a large amount of surfactant and are prone to generating bubbles.

The peripheral portion 34 is the portion of the lid 30 excluding the recess 32. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the peripheral portion 34 is provided to surround the recess 32 in a plan view. The thickness of the liquid absorber 200 located between the peripheral portion 34 and the bottom portion 42 is greater than the thickness of the liquid absorber 200 located between the recess 32 and the bottom portion 42.

The lid 30 has a through hole 36 through which liquid passes. The through hole 36 penetrates the lid 30 in the thickness direction. The lid 30 has a surface 30a that contacts the liquid absorber 200 and a surface 30b opposite to the surface 30a. The through hole 36 penetrates from an opening 36a provided in the surface 30a to an opening 36b provided in the surface 30b. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the openings 36a and 36b have the same shape and size. The through hole 36 is provided at a position in the lid 30 through which liquid is discharged.

The through holes 36 are provided in the recess 32. In the illustrated example, the through holes 36 are provided in the bottom 32a, the side wall 32b, and the peripheral portion 34. The shape of the through holes 36 is, for example, a rectangle, and in the illustrated example, a square. Note that the through holes 36 are not limited to a square, and may be polygonal, such as a rectangle, a triangle, a pentagon, or a hexagon, or a circle, an ellipse, or a star shape such as a six-pointed star.

A plurality of through holes 36 are provided. The number of through holes 36 is not particularly limited. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the through holes 36 are arranged in a matrix in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

The material of the lid body 30 is, for example, a resin material such as polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylonitrile styrene (AS), modified polyphenylene ether (PPE), polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polysulfone (PSU), polyacetal (POM), nylon, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), etc.

The lid 30 may be a mesh or punched member made of metal such as stainless steel wire, iron wire, or copper wire. The surfaces 30a and 30b of the lid 30 and the inner surface of the through hole 36 may be hydrophobized. This can prevent ink from accumulating on the lid 30.

The liquid collection container 300 described above has excellent liquid absorption performance because the liquid absorber 200 described above is housed in the case 40 (container).

4. Image Forming Apparatus Next, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus 500 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus 500 includes, for example, a liquid ejection head 502 that ejects ink Q as a liquid, a capping unit 504 that prevents clogging of the nozzles 502a of the liquid ejection head 502, a tube 506 that connects the capping unit 504 to the liquid recovery container 300, a roller pump 508 that pumps the ink Q from the capping unit 504, and the liquid recovery container 300 that recovers waste ink Q.

The liquid ejection head 502 has multiple nozzles 502a that eject ink Q downward. The liquid ejection head 502 ejects ink Q while moving toward a recording medium (not shown), such as a PPC (Plain Paper Copier) sheet, and can perform printing.

When the liquid ejection head 502 is in the standby position, the capping unit 504 operates the roller pump 508 to suck the nozzles 502a together, preventing the nozzles 502a from clogging.

The tube 506 passes the ink Q sucked through the capping unit 504 toward the liquid collection container 300. The tube 506 is, for example, flexible.

The roller pump 508 is disposed midway through the tube 506. The roller pump 508 has a roller portion 508a and a clamping portion 508b that clamps the tube 506 midway between the roller portion 508a and the clamping portion 508b. As the roller portion 508a rotates, a suction force is generated in the capping unit 504 via the tube 506. As the roller portion 508a continues to rotate, the ink Q adhering to the nozzle 502a can be sent to the liquid recovery container 300. The ink Q is sent to the liquid recovery container 300 and absorbed as waste liquid.

The liquid recovery container 300 is removably attached to the image forming device 500. When attached to the image forming device 500, the liquid recovery container 300 absorbs the ink Q ejected from the liquid ejection head 502. The liquid recovery container 300 is a so-called waste liquid tank. When the amount of ink Q that the liquid recovery container 300 can absorb reaches its limit, the liquid recovery container 300 can be replaced with a new, unused liquid recovery container 300.

Whether or not the amount of ink Q absorbed by the liquid recovery container 300 has reached its limit may be detected by a detection unit (not shown) of the image forming device 500. When the amount of ink Q absorbed by the liquid recovery container 300 has reached its limit, this fact may be notified by a notification unit such as a monitor built into the image forming device 500.

The image forming device 500 described above includes a liquid collection container 300, and therefore has high liquid absorption performance and excellent liquid absorption performance.

5. Examples and Comparative Examples The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the following, "parts" and "%" are by mass unless otherwise specified.

5.1. Substrate and liquid absorbent sheet (Examples 1 to 15, Comparative Examples 1 to 3)
PPC paper G80 (manufactured by Toppan Forms) was dry defibrated using a Turbo Mill T-250 (manufactured by Freund Turbo), and then mixed in air at a ratio of 10% by weight of polyester powder binding material (average particle size 10 μm) and 20% by weight of powder flame retardant consisting of phosphorus and nitrogen compounds (Non-Nen R197-4, manufactured by Marubishi Yuka Kogyo Co., Ltd.), and the mixture was sieved through a sieve with a mesh size of 2 mm while being sucked through a mesh belt, and deposited to produce a web. This web was adjusted to a predetermined density using a hot press, and heated at 100 ° C for 60 s to soften the powder binder resin and create a base sheet (paper sheet) in which the fibers were fixed together.

2 g of water was applied to an A4-sized substrate sheet, and a polymer absorbent (SAP) (Sanyo Kasei ST-500MPSA) was evenly spread over it using a sieve with 0.1 mm openings. The sheet was then folded so that the SAP-coated surface was on the inside, and a liquid-absorbent sheet carrying SAP was obtained by pressing in the same manner as when preparing the substrate. The configurations of the substrate and SAP layer for each example and comparative example are as shown in Table 1.

5.2. Evaluation of wicking height For the wicking height evaluation, each test piece, 25 mm wide x 100 mm long, was fixed vertically and the tip was immersed in Seiko Epson pigment ink (a mixed ink of BK (ICXBK10), C (ICXC10), M (ICXM10) and Y (ICXY10) manufactured by Seiko Epson Corporation in a mass ratio of 3:1:1:1). The wicking height was measured after 30 minutes. The wicking height is considered to be an index of the liquid-conductivity of the liquid absorbent sheet.

Comparative Examples 1, 2, and 3 are comparative examples used to confirm the density range of the base sheet. Comparative Example 1 had a low density of 0.03, which resulted in weak bonding between the fibers, and the paper broke during the wicking evaluation, failing to retain its shape. Comparative Example 2 was PPC paper G80 itself, and had a high density of 0.7, resulting in a very small wicking height of 3 mm. In addition, when the SAP layer was thick and the base sheet was thin (thickness ratio of base to SAP layer greater than 3), as in Comparative Example 3, the SAP impregnated in the base inhibited ink penetration, resulting in a very small wicking height.

Furthermore, when the ratio is less than 0.01, the amount of SAP required to ensure sufficient liquid absorption within the container is insufficient, making the absorbent insufficient.

Therefore, it was found that a density of about 0.05 to 0.5 g/ ^cm3 is preferable because it has a higher wicking height than PPC paper and can maintain its shape due to the bonding between fibers. The thickness of the substrate was 0.13 mm to 5 mm. The content of SAP was 5 to 64% by weight of the liquid absorbent sheet.

In each example, SAP is not exposed on the surface of the base sheet opposite the surface carrying SAP (see Figure 3, etc.). If SAP is impregnated into the base sheet and exposed on the opposite surface, the gaps between the fibers that make up the base sheet will be blocked by SAP, reducing wicking properties. Therefore, it is preferable that SAP is supported on only one surface of the base sheet, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, and not exposed on the opposite surface.

5.3. Evaluation method and evaluation criteria (In-container ink retention evaluation method and judgment criteria)
(1) Prepare a printer waste liquid absorption container (hereinafter referred to as the container).
(2) When the volume of the container is A mL,
The absorbent material cut into small pieces is placed in a container (Bmm ² min.) (the following formula min.) and the total weight (M) is measured.
B={(A×0.8)/100}×(180×180)
*Calculate the number of absorbent sheets required for 180 mm x 180 mm. (3) Quickly pour ink up to 80% of the container volume and measure the weight (T) after the ink has been poured in.
(4) Leave it for 30 minutes. (5) Hang the container upside down so that the unabsorbed ink can leak out from the opening of the container.
Leave it for 1 hour.
(6) The weight (H) of the container while it contains the ink is measured.
(7) Calculate the following values using the above values.
Amount of ink added: T-B
Amount of ink retained: H-B
Amount of ink leaked: (T-B) - (H-B)

The evaluation criteria were as follows. The evaluation results are shown in Table 1.
A: No ink leaked. B: The amount of ink leaked was 0 to 15 wt % of the amount of ink added.
C: The amount of ink that leaked was 15 to 30 wt % of the amount of ink that was put in.
D: The amount of ink that leaked was 30 wt % or more of the amount of ink that was put in.

5.4. Other Evaluations If the proportion of the binding material in the base sheet is less than 5%, the binding strength of the fibers is insufficient, and if it is more than 30%, the gaps between the fibers are eliminated due to resin impregnation, reducing the wicking ability. Therefore, a ratio of 5% to 30% is preferable, more preferably 7 to 25%, and even more preferably 9 to 20%.

In addition, in each example in Table 1, G80 PPC paper was used as the raw material after being defibrated, and it is believed that the calcium carbonate contained in G80 as a filler contributes to improving flame retardancy. Therefore, it is believed that the amount of flame retardant added can be reduced by using recycled PPC paper as the raw material rather than using virgin pulp that does not contain calcium carbonate.

The average fiber length of the fibers obtained by disintegrating G80, the raw PPC paper for each example in Table 1, with pure water, and the fibers obtained by disintegrating the base sheet with pure water after preparing the base sheet, was measured using a fiber length distribution measuring device, Fiber Tester (manufactured by L&W). The average fiber length after preparing the base sheet had decreased to 94% of the average fiber length of the G80 fibers. If the fiber length of the base sheet decreases significantly, the suction power by the capillaries decreases, so the fiber length of the base material is preferably 50% to 99% of the average fiber length of the paper before disintegration, more preferably 65% to 99%, and even more preferably 75% to 99%.

5.5 Example 16
When a liquid absorbent sheet was made by sandwiching SAP between recycled paper and a recycled paper with a monochrome pattern of JIS X 6931 printed with Seiko Epson dye ink HSM-BK at a printing duty of 5% as the raw material for the base sheet, the wicking height was improved by 5%. This shows that the penetrant component (glycols) of the printed ink makes it easier for the ink to penetrate.

Example 17
The performance of the liquid absorbent sheet in the form of a sheet was evaluated. The liquid absorbent sheet prepared in Example 16 was cut into a rectangular shape and placed on a pad having a horizontal bottom surface. A liquid sensor was placed near one short side of the liquid absorbent sheet. Assuming that ink leakage occurred inside the printer, water-based ink was dropped near the other end of the liquid absorbent sheet. When the ink was dropped, it permeated the base sheet and diffused (liquid-conducting) to the position of the liquid sensor, and the arrival of the ink could be detected. In addition, since the SAP layer absorbed the excess ink, the ink did not leak from the liquid absorbent sheet to the pad.

Similar results were obtained with liquid absorbent sheets having a ratio of the thickness of the SAP layer to the base sheet of 0.01 to 3. In a comparative example, when the thickness ratio was less than 0.02, the base sheet was too thick, and the base sheet was crushed to reduce the thickness of the liquid absorbent sheet, resulting in a density of the base sheet exceeding 0.5 g/ ^m2 and insufficient liquid permeability.

5.7 Example 18
The performance evaluation as a sheet-like liquid absorbent sheet was carried out in the same manner as in Example 17. The liquid absorbent sheet used had SAP supported on one side of a base sheet. The liquid absorbent sheet was cut into a rectangular shape and placed on a pad with a horizontal bottom surface, with the base sheet side on the top (ink drop surface) and the SAP side on the bottom. At this time, water was applied to the SAP surface to gel it, so that the SAP could be bonded to the bottom surface of the pad. A liquid sensor was then placed near one short side of the liquid absorbent sheet, and the liquid conductivity was examined in the same manner as in Example 17.

As a result, the same liquid permeability as in Example 17 was confirmed, and no ink leaked from the liquid absorbent sheet onto the pad.

5.8 Example 19
The absorbent sheet of Example 15 was shredded into small pieces using a commercially available shredder, and the collection of small pieces was filled into a waste liquid box of a printer as a liquid absorbent. At this time, the SAP was exposed on the cut surface of each small piece, and the two substrate sheets sandwiching the SAP were not directly bonded to each other. When pigment ink waste liquid was dropped from above, the ink came into contact with the SAP from the cross section, and ink absorption was good. In addition, ink permeated in the thickness direction and the planar direction of the substrate, resulting in good ink absorption.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. For example, the present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as those described in the embodiments, such as configurations with the same functions, methods, and results, or configurations with the same purpose and effect. The present invention also includes configurations in which non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. The present invention also includes configurations that achieve the same effects as the configurations described in the embodiments, or configurations that can achieve the same purpose. The present invention also includes configurations in which publicly known technology is added to the configurations described in the embodiments.

10...paper sheet, 11...fiber, 12...binding material, 20...polymer absorbent-containing layer, 21...polymer absorbent, 30...lid, 30a, 30b...surface, 32...recess, 32a...bottom, 32b...side wall, 34...periphery, 36...through hole, 36a, 36b...opening, 40...case, 42...bottom, 44...side wall, 46...opening, 100, 110...liquid absorbent sheet, 130...small piece, 200...liquid absorbent, 300...liquid collection container, 500...image forming apparatus, 502...liquid ejection head, 502a...nozzle, 504...capping unit, 506...tube, 508...roller pump, 508a...roller portion, 508b...clamping portion

Claims (13)

The liquid absorbent sheet is a paper sheet having fibers bonded together by a polyester powder binder and having a density of 0.05 g/ ^cm3 or more and 0.5 g/ ^cm3 or less, and carrying a polymer absorbent. In claim 1,
The liquid absorbent sheet, wherein the thickness of the paper sheet is 0.13 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less. In claim 1 or 2,
A liquid absorbent sheet, wherein the fibers constituting the paper sheet have an average fiber length of 0.1 mm or more and 7 mm or less, and an average fiber thickness of 0.5 μm or more and 200.0 μm or less. In any one of claims 1 to 3,
The liquid absorbent sheet has a different content of the polymer absorbent in the thickness direction. In any one of claims 1 to 4,
A liquid absorbent sheet, wherein the ratio of the thickness of said polymer absorbent-containing layer to the thickness of said paper sheet is 0.01 or more and less than 3.0. In any one of claims 1 to 5,
The liquid absorbent sheet contains the polymer absorbent in an amount of 1.0% by mass or more and 64.0% by mass or less based on the liquid absorbent sheet. In any one of claims 1 to 6,
The polyester powder binder material is a thermoplastic resin, and is contained in the liquid absorbent sheet in an amount of 5.0% by weight or more and 30.0% by weight or less relative to the paper sheet. In any one of claims 1 to 7,
The liquid absorbent sheet has a structure in which the polymer absorbent is disposed between the paper sheet and the folded paper sheet, or between the paper sheet and another paper sheet whose fibers are bonded together by the polyester powder binding material. In claim 8,
The liquid absorbent sheet, wherein the polymer absorbent body is exposed at an end surface of the liquid absorbent sheet. A liquid absorbent body composed of an assembly of small pieces obtained by dividing the liquid absorbent sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 9. In claim 10,
A liquid absorbent body, wherein when the total length of the small pieces in the longitudinal direction is L1 [mm] and the distance between the end points connecting one end of the small pieces is L2 [mm], the average value of L2/L1 is greater than 0.0 and less than 0.95. A liquid absorbent sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and/or a liquid absorbent body according to claim 10 or claim 11;
a container for accommodating one or both of the liquid absorbent sheet and the liquid absorbent;
A liquid collection container comprising: An image forming apparatus comprising a liquid ejection head and the liquid recovery container according to claim 12, which absorbs liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head.

Images