Ink replenishment container and its remanufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention provides an ink refill container and a remanufacturing method thereof, which can facilitate the reuse of a used ink bottle without limiting the use and reduce the volume of discarded parts. The ink refill container is an ink refill container for refilling ink to a printer, and comprises: a container part, which is configured to accommodate ink; a lead-out part, which is located at the top end side of the container part and leads out the ink; a cap, which protects the lead-out part and is configured to be detachable from the lead-out part; and a film, which is attached and formed on at least one of the inner side surface of the container part, the inner side surface of the lead-out part, and the inner side surface of the cap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ink replenishing container. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as an example of an ink jet device, there is known an ink jet printer that can print on a printing medium with ink by ejecting ink from a print head onto a printing medium such as printing paper. Among such ink jet printers, there is an ink refill type ink jet printer that is used by refilling ink into an ink tank. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an ink refill type ink bottle that is intended to improve the convenience of an ink bottle or a bottle set.

[0003] [Prior art literature]

[0004] [Patent Document]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-118453

[0006] When the ink bottle is reused, the ink adheres to all the parts that make up the used ink bottle, so there is a problem of difficulty in reuse. In addition, when the used ink bottle is reused, there is also a problem of limited use. On the other hand, if all the parts that make up the ink bottle are discarded, the volume of the discarded parts increases. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, an ink replenishing container is provided. The ink replenishing container is an ink replenishing container for replenishing ink to a printer, and comprises: a container portion configured to accommodate the ink; a lead-out portion located at the top end side of the container portion and leading out the ink; a cover that protects the lead-out portion and is configured to be attachable and detachable to the lead-out portion; and a film that is attached and formed on at least one of the inner side surface of the container portion, the inner side surface of the lead-out portion, and the inner side surface of the cover. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a printer that is refilled with ink using an ink refill container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a front view of the ink refill container in an upright position.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of an ink refill container after the ink is used.

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Magnified view of a portion of the area shown.

[0012] Figure 5 It is a process diagram showing the first method of a remanufactured ink refill container.

[0013] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view showing the used container after film peeling.

[0014] Figure 7 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the state of film peeling.

[0015] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view showing the removed film and the used container.

[0016] Figure 9 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the attachment of a new film.

[0017] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of the ink refill container after ink use in the second embodiment.

[0018] Figure 11 It is a process diagram showing the second method of a remanufactured ink refill container.

[0019] Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the distribution state of the remaining ink in the ink refill container after centrifugal force is applied.

[0020] Figure 13 It is a view showing the ink refill container from which the remaining ink has been separated.

[0021] Figure 14 It is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of the ink refill container after ink use in the third embodiment.

[0022] [Reference Signs Explanation]

[0023] 100: Printer; 110: Cabinet; 112: Cover; 120: Carrier; 122: Print Head; 130: Ink Tank; 132: Ink Inlet Flow Path Component; 134: Tube; 200: Ink Refill Container; 200a: Ink Refill Container; 200b: Ink Refill Container; 300: Container Body; 310: Film; 311: First Sub-Film; 312: Second Sub-Film; 315: Remaining Ink; 330: Waterproof Layer; 400: Discharge Port; 415: Ink Outlet; 600: Lid; 610: Film; 611: First Sub-Film; 612: Second Sub-Film; 630: Waterproof Layer; Ar1: Partial Area; C: Central Axis; P100: Process; P110: Process; P120: Process; P130: Process; P200: Process; P210: Process; P220: Process; P230: Process. Detailed Embodiments

[0024] A. First Embodiment:

[0025] A1. Device Structure:

[0026] Figure 1 FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a printer 100 that is replenished with ink by an ink replenishing container 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printer 100 is an inkjet printer that ejects ink onto a printing medium P for printing. In Figure 1 it, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other are depicted. The X-axis corresponds to the width direction of the printer 100, the Y-axis corresponds to the depth direction of the printer 100, and the Z-axis corresponds to the height direction of the printer 100. The printer 100 is provided on a horizontal installation surface defined by the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. In the present embodiment, the "X-axis direction" refers to the general term of the +X direction and the -X direction. Similarly, the "Y-axis direction" refers to the general term of the +Y direction and the -Y direction, and the "Z-axis direction" refers to the general term of the +Z direction and the -Z direction.

[0027] The printer 100 has a housing 110. Inside the housing 110, a carriage 120 that can move in the main scanning direction (X-axis direction) is provided. Below the carriage 120, a print head 122 that ejects ink onto the printing medium P is provided. At one end of the front surface of the housing 110, an openable and closable lid portion 112 is provided. Inside the lid portion 112, a plurality of ink tanks 130 are provided.

[0028] The plurality of ink tanks 130 are connected to the print head 122 of the carriage 120 by tubes 134. The ink in each ink tank 130 is supplied to the print head 122 via the tubes 134. These ink tanks 130 are ink replenishment type ink tanks. On the top surface of each ink tank 130, a cylindrical ink inlet flow path member 132 for replenishing ink to the ink tank 130 is provided. These ink tanks 130 are fixed ink tanks that are not placed on the carriage 120. In addition, the front surface of each ink tank 130 is formed of a light-transmissive member, and the ink remaining amount in each ink tank 130 can be visually observed from the outside. When the ink remaining amount becomes less, the lid portion 112 is opened, so that ink can be replenished from the ink inlet flow path member 132 of the ink tank 130.

[0029] In this specification, the term "ink replenishment" refers to an operation of supplying ink to the ink tank 130 to increase the ink remaining amount. However, it is not necessary to fill the ink tank 130 with ink by "ink replenishment". In addition, "ink replenishment" also includes an operation of filling an empty ink tank 130 with ink when the printer 100 is used for the first time.

[0030] Figure 2This is the front view of the ink replenishment container 200 in its upright state. The "upright state of the ink replenishment container 200" refers to the state in which the bottom of the container body 300 is placed downward on a horizontal surface such as a table. The upper end side of the ink replenishment container 200 in this upright state is referred to as the "top side", and the lower end side is referred to as the "rear side". Figure 2 In the following figures, the +Z direction represents the vertically upward direction in the upright state of the ink replenishment container 200. Additionally, in Figure 2 , the central axis C of the ink replenishment container 200 is represented by a dashed line. Furthermore, in this specification, the direction parallel to the central axis C of the ink replenishment container 200 is referred to as the "axial direction", and the direction from the central axis C toward the perpendicular direction is referred to as the "radial direction".

[0031] The ink replenishment container 200 includes a container body 300 capable of containing ink; a guiding portion 400 forming an ink outlet 415 to be described later; and a lid 600 detachably mounted on the top side of the guiding portion 400.

[0032] Before ink replenishment, the ink is contained in the ink replenishment container 200. The user opens the Figure 1 shown lid portion 112, thereby exposing the ink tank 130. The user removes the lid 600 of the ink replenishment container 200. The user turns the ink replenishment container 200 with the lid 600 removed upside down to replenish ink to the ink tank 130. In this embodiment, more ink than the amount to fill the ink tank 130 is contained in the ink replenishment container 200. Therefore, if ink is replenished from the ink replenishment container 200 to the ink tank 130 several times, almost all the ink contained in the ink replenishment container 200 will be exhausted.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of the ink replenishment container 200 after ink use. "After ink use" refers to the state in which the replenishment operation is completed through several ink replenishments to the above-mentioned ink tank 130, and almost all the ink contained in the container body 300 has been exhausted. Hereinafter, the ink replenishment container 200 after ink use will be referred to as the "used container 200". In Figure 3 , a cross-section including the central axis C is shown. The container body 300 is a container having a shape with a guiding portion 400 having an opening on the top side. A film 310 is formed and adhered to the inner side surface of the container body 300. The container body 300 is configured to be able to contain ink via the involved film 310. Additionally, a film 610 is formed and adhered to the inner side surface of the lid 600 to be described later.

[0034] Figure 4 is Figure 3An enlarged view of a partial area Ar1 shown. On the inner side surface of the container body 300, a waterproof treatment is applied. Therefore, the waterproof layer 330 is located between the container body 300 and the film 310.

[0035] In the present embodiment, the film 310 functions to hold ink. The film 310 is sized to be accommodated in the container body 300. As described above, the film 310 is formed by attachment on the inner side surface of the container body 300. By the formation of the film 310 by attachment, the attachment of ink to the inner side surface of the container body 300 is suppressed. In addition, Figure 3 it shows a state in which the remaining ink 315 after use adheres to the inner side of the film 310.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the film 310 is formed of an acrylic-based synthetic resin. The film 310 is not limited to an acrylic-based synthetic resin, and may be formed of a synthetic resin such as nitrocellulose, polyamide, cyclized rubber, chlorinated rubber, urethane-based, or polyvinyl alcohol, or may be formed of a synthetic resin obtained by mixing two or more of these synthetic resins.

[0037] As Figure 3 shown, the lead-out portion 400 is located on the top side of the container body 300. A valve element unit (not shown) is installed inside the lead-out portion 400. The top end in the +Z direction of the lead-out portion 400 is formed as an ink outlet 415. In the present embodiment, the direction of the central axis of the ink outlet 415 is the same as the direction of the central axis C of the ink refill container 200. The "direction of the central axis of the ink outlet 415" means the direction of the perpendicular line passing through the center point of the ink outlet 415 and along the imaginary plane parallel to the ink outlet 415. In addition, the direction of the central axis of the ink outlet 415 and the direction of the central axis C may be deviated from each other. Furthermore, there may be no valve element unit. For example, in the case of a container in which the ink is used up by one refill, the ink outlet 415 may be sealed with a sealing member such as a film, and the ink outlet 415 may be opened by peeling or forming a cut.

[0038] The outlet part 400 has a valve core (not shown) to open and close the ink outlet 415 concerned. When the ink outlet 415 is opened, the outlet part 400 discharges ink. In addition, when the ink outlet 415 is closed, the outlet part 400 does not discharge ink. Further, as described later, when remanufacturing the ink replenishing container 200, the outlet part 400 opens the ink outlet 415 to introduce ink into the container body 300. As described above, since the film 310 is formed by adhering on the inner side surface of the container body 300, the film 310 is also formed by adhering on the inner side surface of the outlet part 400 which is a part of the container body 300. In addition, as described above, since waterproof treatment is applied to the inner side surface of the container body 300, waterproof treatment is also applied to the inner side surface of the outlet part 400 which is a part of the container body 300. Additionally, the outlet part 400 may be formed separately from the container body 300 and be configured to be connected to the container body 300. In this case, the film 310 is also formed by adhering on the inner side surface of the outlet part 400 that contacts ink.

[0039] When observing around the outlet part 400 from the side of the ink outlet 415, convex fitting parts (not shown) are provided. The fitting parts concerned have a shape that can be fitted with the concave parts provided around the ink inlet flow path member 132 of the ink tank 130. In the present embodiment, the fitting parts concerned are provided at two positions across the ink outlet 415. These two fitting parts have a shape that is point-symmetric by 180 degrees with the central axis C of the ink replenishing container 200 as the center. The concave parts provided around the ink inlet flow path member 132 of the ink tank 130 also have a shape that is point-symmetric by 180 degrees with the ink inlet flow path member 132 as the center. When replenishing ink, by fitting the fitting parts of the ink replenishing container 200 with the concave parts provided around the ink inlet flow path member 132 of the ink tank 130, the orientation of the ink replenishing container 200 is limited to two orientations that are point-symmetric by 180 degrees. As a result, when replenishing ink, the ink replenishing container 200 can be maintained in a stable posture. However, the fitting parts may be omitted.

[0040] As Figure 3 shown, the lid 600 is mounted on the top end side of the outlet part 400. The lid 600 has a cylindrical outer shape with a bottom surface. The lid 600 is covered on the outlet part 400 with the bottom surface in the +Z direction. The lid 600 has a function of protecting the outlet part 400 and is configured to be detachable from the outlet part 400. Waterproof treatment is applied to the inner side surface of the lid 600 to form a waterproof layer (not shown). In addition, the film 610 is formed by adhering on the inner side surface of the lid 600. Since the material of the film 610 is the same as that of the film 310, its detailed description is omitted. A2. Remanufacturing method:

[0041] Figure 5It is a process diagram showing a first method for remanufacturing the ink refill container 200. In the present embodiment, "remanufacturing of the ink refill container 200" means removing the residual ink 315 from the used container 200 and then refilling the container body 300 with new ink to manufacture an ink refill container 200 that can refill ink into the printer 100.

[0042] Prepare the used container 200 (process P100). The used container 200 has its ink used by refilling ink into the printer 100. In the related process P100, Figure 3 the ink refill container 200 shown is prepared as the used container 200.

[0043] In the used container 200, the film 310 is peeled off and removed by blowing air between the inner side surface of the container body 300, the inner side surface of the outlet portion 400, and the film 310 (process P110). Regarding the related removal process, use Figures 6 - 8 is described. In addition, regarding the lid 600, the film 610 is also peeled off and removed by blowing air between the inner side surface of the lid 600 and the film 610.

[0044] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of the used container 200 after the film is peeled off. As Figure 6 shown, after completing process P110, the film 310 is peeled off from the inner side surface of the container body 300 and the inner side surface of the outlet portion 400. In addition, regarding the film 610, it is also peeled off from the inner side surface of the lid 600. Figure 6 The related used container 200 shown is achieved by blowing the above-mentioned air.

[0045] Figure 7 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the state of the peeling of the film 310. As Figure 7 shown, air is blown from the ink outlet 415 in the -Z direction into the gap between the inner side surface of the outlet portion 400, the inner side surface of the container body 300, and the film 310. Due to the air pressure, the film 310 attached to the inner side surfaces of the outlet portion 400 and the container body 300 is peeled off. In Figure 7 the lid 600 is omitted, and air is also blown into the gap between the inner side surface of the lid 600 and the film 610 to peel off the film 610. Here, a waterproof layer is formed by applying a waterproof treatment between the inner side surface of the container body 300, the inner side surface of the outlet portion 400, and the film 310. In addition, a waterproof layer is also formed by applying a waterproof treatment between the inner side surface of the lid 600 (not shown) and the film 610. Therefore, the film 310 and the film 610 are easily peeled off by blowing air. As Figure 7 shown, the peeled film 310 gradually flexes and its volume becomes smaller.

[0046] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view of the used container 200 after the films 310 and 610 are removed. Before the implementation of process P110, residual ink 315 remains attached to the inner surfaces of film 310 and film 610 within the used container. In process P110, the flexed film 310 is pulled out from the opening of the outlet portion 400 to the outside of the container body 300 and separated. Similarly, the film 610 on the inner surface of the lid 600 is also pulled out from the lid 600 and separated. Here, at the time point before process P110, the portions in the used container 200 where the residual ink 315 is attached are only the inner surface of film 310 and the inner surface of film 610. Therefore, by separating the films 310 and 610 from the used container 200, all of the residual ink 315 is removed from the used container 200. Thus, the used container 200 can be reused because no residual ink 315 is attached. In addition, compared with the case of discarding all without separation, the volume of the separated waste components is reduced.

[0047] As Figure 5 shown, a process of attaching and forming a new film (process P120) is performed. Figure 9 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the attachment of the new film. In process P120, the new film 310 is inserted from the opening of the outlet portion 400 into the inside of the container body 300, and then air is blown into the inside of the film 310. As a result, due to the pressure of the air, the film 310 expands, and a new film 310 is attached and formed on the inner surface of the container body 300 and the inner surface of the outlet portion 400. Similarly, for the lid 600, a new film 610 is also attached and formed on the inner surface of the lid 600.

[0048] As Figure 5 shown, ink is introduced into the container body 300 via the outlet portion 400 (process P130). The lid 600 is attached to the container body 300, thus completing the remanufacture of the ink refill container 200.

[0049] The container body 300 of the present embodiment corresponds to the container portion in the claims.

[0050] According to the ink refill container 200 of the first embodiment described above, films 310 are entirely attached and formed on the inner surface of the container body 300 and the inner surface of the outlet portion 400. In addition, a film 610 is attached and formed on the inner surface of the lid 600. After using the ink, by peeling off and removing the films 310 and 610 to which the residual ink 315 is attached from these inner surfaces, it becomes possible to reuse the container body 300, the outlet portion 400, and the lid 600 that have no residual ink 315 attached. Therefore, for the ink refill container 200, it becomes possible to facilitate reuse and reduce the volume of waste components.

[0051] In addition, in the ink replenishing container 200 according to the first embodiment, a waterproof layer is formed by applying a waterproof treatment between the inner side surface of the container body 300, the inner side surface of the outlet portion 400, and the film 310. In addition, a waterproof layer is formed by applying a waterproof treatment between the inner side surface of the lid 600 and the film 610. Therefore, when air is blown in the process P110, the films 310 and 610 attached to these inner side surfaces are easily peeled off.

[0052] B. Second embodiment:

[0053] Figure 10 FIG. is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of the ink replenishing container 200a after use of the ink according to the second embodiment. The structure of the ink replenishing container 200a of the second embodiment is different from that of the ink replenishing container 200 of the first embodiment in that films are not formed on the inner side surfaces of the container body 300, the outlet portion 400, and the lid 600. In addition, the processing steps of the method for remanufacturing the ink replenishing container 200a of the second embodiment are different from those of the method for remanufacturing the ink replenishing container 200 of the first embodiment. Since other structures of the ink replenishing container 200a of the second embodiment are the same as those of the ink replenishing container 200 of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same structural elements, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0054] As Figure 10 shown, a waterproof layer 330 is formed by applying a waterproof treatment to the inner side surfaces of the container body 300 and the outlet portion 400. In addition, a waterproof layer 630 is also formed by applying a waterproof treatment to the inner side surface of the lid 600. The films 310 and 610 formed on the ink replenishing container 200 of the first embodiment are not formed on the ink replenishing container 200a of the second embodiment.

[0055] Figure 11 FIG. is a process chart showing a second method for remanufacturing the ink replenishing container 200a. A used container 200a is prepared (process P200), and the ink in the used container 200a is used by replenishing ink to the printer 100. In the process P200 involved, as Figure 10 shown, the ink replenishing container 200a as shown is prepared as the used container 200a.

[0056] As Figure 10 shown, the residual ink 315 forms a mass due to the waterproof layer 330 and adheres to the waterproof layer 330 on the inner side surface of the container body 300.

[0057] With the lid 600 installed on the discharge section 400, a centrifugal force is applied to the ink replenishing container 200a (step P210). Specifically, the ink replenishing container 200a is placed on a centrifuge (not shown). At this time, the ink replenishing container 200a is arranged such that the discharge section 400 faces the outer side in the radial direction of the rotating body of the centrifuge. Thus, when the centrifuge operates, the residual ink 315 moves toward the discharge section 400. Figure 12 FIG. is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the distribution state of the residual ink 315 in the ink replenishing container 200a after the application of the centrifugal force. The lumps of the dispersed residual ink 315 are concentrated in the discharge section 400 and in the vicinity of the discharge section 400 through step P210. Thereby, it becomes easier to discharge the residual ink 315 from the container body 300.

[0058] The lid 600 is removed and the residual ink 315 is discharged from the container body 300 (step P220). Figure 13 FIG. is a view showing the ink replenishing container 200a from which the residual ink 315 has been separated. In the ink replenishing container 200a from which the residual ink 315 concentrated in the discharge section 400 and in the vicinity of the discharge section 400 has been discharged, almost no residual ink 315 adheres. Therefore, the used container 200a that has no residual ink 315 attached can be reused. In addition, only the residual ink 315 is discarded, so there is no need to discard components such as the container body and the lid, and thus the volume of the discarded components is reduced.

[0059] As Figure 11 shown, the ink is introduced into the container body 300 via the discharge section 400 (step P230). The lid 600 is installed on the container body 300, thereby completing the remanufacture of the ink replenishing container 200a.

[0060] In the ink replenishing container 200a according to the second embodiment described above, waterproof layers 330 are formed on the inner side surface of the container body 300 and on the inner side surface of the discharge section 400. In addition, a waterproof layer 630 is formed on the inner side surface of the lid 600. By applying a centrifugal force to the residual ink 315 dispersed due to the influence of the waterproof layer, the residual ink 315 is concentrated near the ink outlet 415. Therefore, it becomes easier to discharge the residual ink 315 from the container body 300.

[0061] In addition, the films 310 and 610 formed on the ink replenishing container 200 of the first embodiment are not formed on the ink replenishing container 200a. Therefore, the volume of the discarded components is suppressed. C. Third Embodiment:

[0062] Figure 14It is a sectional view showing a schematic structure of the ink replenishing container 200b after use in the third embodiment. The structure of the ink replenishing container 200b in the third embodiment is different from that of the ink replenishing container 200 in the first embodiment in that the films on the inner side surface of the container body 300, the inner side surface of the lead-out portion 400, and the inner side surface of the lid 600 include aspects in which a plurality of sub-films are overlapped and arranged in a nested manner. Since the other structures and processes of the ink replenishing container 200b in the third embodiment are the same as those of the ink replenishing container 200 in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same structural elements and processes, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0063] As Figure 14 shown, in the used container 200b in the third embodiment, the film 310 is composed of a first sub-film 311 and a second sub-film 312 and has the function of containing ink. In addition, the film 610 is composed of a first sub-film 611 and a second sub-film 612. The first sub-film 311 and the second sub-film 312 are overlapped and arranged in a nested manner with each other. Similarly, the first sub-film 611 and the second sub-film 612 are overlapped and arranged in a nested manner with each other. The first sub-film 311 is arranged inside the second sub-film 312. The first sub-film 611 is arranged inside the second sub-film 612. Each time the contained ink is exhausted, the innermost sub-film is removed. For example, in Figure 14 the state of, the innermost first sub-film 311 is drawn out from the container body 300. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the number of times the container body 300 can be reused without disposing a new film 310 inside the container body 300 can be limited by the number of films.

[0064] According to the ink replenishing container 200b in the third embodiment described above, the films 310 and 610 on the inner side surface of the container body 300, the inner side surface of the lead-out portion 400, and the inner side surface of the lid 600 respectively contain a plurality of sub-films 311, 312 and 611, 612 that are overlapped and arranged in a nested manner. The ink contained in the radially inner first sub-film 311 is used, and the innermost sub-films 311, 611 are drawn out from the container body 300 and the lid 600 respectively after use. Therefore, the number of times the container body 300, the lead-out portion 400, and the lid 600 can be reused without disposing new films inside the container body 300, the lead-out portion 400, and the lid 600 can be limited by the number of films. In addition, since new second sub-films 312, 612 can be provided only by drawing out the used first sub-films 311, 611, the convenience is improved.

[0065] D. Other embodiments:

[0066] (D1)In each of the above-described embodiments, in the process of representing the method of the remanufactured ink refill container 200, 200a, the process of forming a waterproof layer is omitted. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. It may also be that after the removal process (P110) shown in the first embodiment is completed Figure 5 and after the ink discharge process (P220) shown in the second embodiment is completed Figure 11 , a process of forming a waterproof layer on the inner side surface of the container body 300, the inner side surface of the lead-out portion 400, and the inner side surface of the lid 600 is included.

[0067] (D2)In the third embodiment, the number of sub-films constituting the films 310, 610 is two. However, it is not limited to two, and may also be any arbitrary number.

[0068] (D3)In the first embodiment, the films 310, 610 are all adhered and formed on the inner side surfaces of the container body 300, the lead-out portion 400, and the lid 600. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. It may also be that the film is adhered and formed on one inner side surface or two inner side surfaces among the inner side surfaces of the container body 300, the lead-out portion 400, and the lid 600.

[0069] (D4)In the first embodiment, a waterproof layer is formed between the inner side surfaces of the container body 300, the lead-out portion 400, the lid 600 and the films 310, 610. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. It may also be that a waterproof layer is not formed between the inner side surfaces of the container body 300, the lead-out portion 400, the lid 600 and the films 310, 610.

[0070] (D5)In the first embodiment, the films 310, 610 are all adhered and formed on the inner side surfaces of the container body 300, the lead-out portion 400, and the lid 600, and a waterproof layer is formed between all these inner side surfaces and the films 310, 610. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. It may also be that the film is adhered and formed on one inner side surface or two inner side surfaces among the inner side surfaces of the container body 300, the lead-out portion 400, and the lid 600, and a waterproof layer is formed between the inner side surface on which the relevant film is adhered and formed and the relevant film.

[0071] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its gist. For example, the present invention can also be implemented in the following manner. To solve part or all of the problems of the present invention, or to achieve part or all of the effects of the present invention, the technical features in the above-described embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each of the following-described manners can be appropriately replaced or combined. In addition, as long as the technical features are not described as essential technical features in this specification, they can be appropriately deleted.

[0072] (1) According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink replenishment container. The ink replenishment container is an ink replenishment container for replenishing ink to a printer, and includes: a container portion configured to be able to accommodate the ink; a lead-out portion located on the top side of the container portion and leading out the ink; a lid that protects the lead-out portion and is configured to be detachable from the lead-out portion; and a film attached and formed on at least one of the inner surface of the container portion, the inner surface of the lead-out portion, and the inner surface of the lid. In the ink replenishment container according to this aspect, after using the ink, by removing the film with residual ink attached from the inner surface of the container portion, the inner surface of the lead-out portion, and the inner surface of the lid, the components of the container portion, the lead-out portion, and the lid that are not attached with residual ink can be reused. Therefore, it becomes possible to facilitate reuse and reduce the volume of discarded components for the ink replenishment container.

[0073] (2) In the ink replenishment container according to the above aspect, it may be that a waterproof layer is formed between at least one of the inner surface of the container portion, the inner surface of the lead-out portion, and the inner surface of the lid and the film. In the ink replenishment container according to this aspect, it is easy to peel off the film attached to the inner surface where the waterproof layer is formed.

[0074] (3) In the ink replenishment container according to the above aspect, it may be that the film is attached and formed on all of the inner surface of the container portion, the inner surface of the lead-out portion, and the inner surface of the lid. In the ink replenishment container according to this aspect, after using the ink, by removing the film with residual ink attached from the inner surface of the container portion, the inner surface of the lead-out portion, and the inner surface of the lid, the container portion, the lead-out portion, and the lid that are not attached with residual ink can be reused. Therefore, for the ink replenishment container, it further promotes the facilitation of reuse and the reduction of the volume of discarded components.

[0075] (4) In the ink supply container of the above-described manner, it may also be that the film includes a plurality of sub-films that are overlapped with each other and arranged in a nested manner. According to the ink supply container of this manner, the number of times the container portion, the lead-out portion, and the lid can be reused without arranging a new film in the container portion, the lead-out portion, and the lid can be limited by the number of films. In addition, since a new sub-film can be set only by pulling out the used sub-film, the convenience is improved.

[0076] (5) In the above-described manner, it may also be a method for remanufacturing an ink supply container, which includes: a step of preparing the ink supply container that has used the ink by replenishment; a step of peeling and removing the film by blowing air between at least one of the inner surface of the container portion, the inner surface of the lead-out portion, and the inner surface of the lid and the film; a step of attaching and forming a new film on at least one of the inner surface of the container portion, the inner surface of the lead-out portion, and the inner surface of the lid; and a step of introducing new ink into the container portion via the lead-out portion. According to this manner, remanufacturing the ink supply container becomes possible.

[0077] (6) As another manner of the above-described manner, it may also be an ink supply container for supplying ink to a printer, the ink supply container including: a container portion configured to be able to accommodate the ink; a lead-out portion located on the top side of the container portion and leading out the ink; and a lid that protects the lead-out portion and is configured to be detachable from the lead-out portion, and a waterproof layer is formed on the inner surface of the container portion, the inner surface of the lead-out portion, and the inner surface of the lid. According to the ink supply container of this manner, only the residual ink is discarded, so there is no need to discard components such as the container portion, the lid, and the film, and thus the volume of the discarded components is further suppressed.

[0078] (7) In the above-described manner, it may also be a method for remanufacturing an ink supply container, which includes: a step of preparing a used container, the used container being the ink supply container that has used the ink by replenishment; a step of setting the used container in a centrifuge with the lead-out portion facing the outer side in the radial direction of rotation of the rotating body and applying a centrifugal force in a state where the lid is attached to the lead-out portion; a step of removing the lid to discharge the residual ink from the container portion; and a step of introducing new ink into the container portion via the lead-out portion. According to this manner, remanufacturing the ink supply container becomes possible.

Claims

1. An ink replenishing container for replenishing ink to a printer, the ink replenishing container comprising: A container portion configured to be able to contain the ink; A discharging portion located on the top side of the container portion and discharging the ink; A lid that protects the discharging portion and is configured to be detachable from the discharging portion; and A film formed by adhering to at least one of the inner surface of the container portion, the inner surface of the discharging portion, and the inner surface of the lid, A waterproof layer is formed between at least one of the inner surface of the container portion, the inner surface of the discharging portion, and the inner surface of the lid and the film.

2. The ink replenishing container according to claim 1, wherein The film is formed by adhering to all of the inner surface of the container portion, the inner surface of the discharging portion, and the inner surface of the lid.

3. The ink replenishing container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The film includes a plurality of sub-films arranged in a nested manner overlapping each other.

4. A method for remanufacturing an ink replenishing container, comprising: A step of preparing the ink replenishing container that has been used by replenishing, the ink replenishing container comprising: a container portion configured to be able to contain the ink for replenishing a printer; a discharging portion located on the top side of the container portion and discharging the ink; A lid that protects the discharging portion and is configured to be detachable from the discharging portion; and a film formed by adhering to at least one of the inner surface of the container portion, the inner surface of the discharging portion, and the inner surface of the lid; A step of peeling and removing the film by blowing air between at least one of the inner surface of the container portion, the inner surface of the discharging portion, the inner surface of the lid and the film; A step of forming a new film by adhering to at least one of the inner surface of the container portion, the inner surface of the discharging portion, and the inner surface of the lid; and A step of introducing new ink into the container portion via the discharging portion.

5. A method for remanufacturing an ink replenishing container, comprising: A step of preparing a used container, the used container being the ink replenishing container that has been used by replenishing, the ink replenishing container comprising: a container portion configured to be able to contain ink for replenishing a printer; a discharging portion located on the top side of the container portion and discharging the ink; and a lid that protects the discharging portion and is configured to be detachable from the discharging portion, a waterproof layer is formed on the inner surface of the container portion, the inner surface of the discharging portion, and the inner surface of the lid; A step of setting the used container on a centrifuge with the discharging portion facing the outer side in the radial direction of rotation of the rotating body and applying a centrifugal force in a state where the lid is installed on the discharging portion; A step of removing the lid to discharge the remaining ink from the container portion; and A step of introducing new ink into the container portion via the discharging portion.

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