Cartridge, recording device and cartridge manufacturing method

Abstract

To provide a cartridge, a liquid discharge device and a cartridge manufacturing method which enhance a degree of freedom in the design of an ink cartridge, and can suppress increase in size of a device.SOLUTION: A case 200 is divided into a box part 307 and a flow channel formation part 306, wherein the box part 307 and the flow channel formation part 306 are individually molded by primary molding, and a resin is flowed between the box part 307 and the flow channel formation part 306 to joint the parts by secondary molding.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge, a recording device, and a method for manufacturing a cartridge. [Background technology]

[0002] A configuration as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known as a conventional ink cartridge. The ink cartridge of Patent Document 1 includes a case for storing ink and a recording element substrate for ejecting ink. The inside of the case is partitioned into three adjacent regions, and an absorber for holding a different ink is stored in each of the regions. The ink held in the absorber is supplied to the recording element substrate provided below the case through a filter and an ink flow path. The recording element substrate includes an ejection port array, which is formed of a plurality of ejection ports, and extends in a direction intersecting the scanning direction of the ink cartridge, and the plurality of ejection port arrays corresponding to the ink colors are arranged in the scanning direction.

[0003] In conventional ink cartridges, a flow path plate is inserted into a tank case and welded to form a flow path from the storage chamber to the recording element substrate during manufacturing. When three storage chambers are adjacent to each other, as in the conventional ink cartridge, a flow path plate can be used to form a flow path from each storage chamber to the recording element substrate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-260199 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the ink cartridge of Patent Document 1, in order to connect the storage chamber to the flow path of the flow path plate, the storage chamber needs to be positioned closer to the side where the flow path plate is inserted, which may limit the degree of freedom in designing the ink cartridge.

[0006] As a method for avoiding placing the containing chamber close to the side where the flow path plate is inserted, there is a method for extending the flow path plate to the rear of the ink cartridge (opposite the side where the flow path plate is inserted), but in that case, there is a concern that the ink cartridge will become larger and the size of the device will become larger.

[0007] Accordingly, there are provided a cartridge, a recording device, and a method for manufacturing the cartridge, which can increase the degree of freedom in the design of the ink cartridge and prevent the device from becoming large in size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Therefore, the cartridge of the present invention is a liquid cartridge comprising an element substrate having an array of ejection ports formed by arranging a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting liquid, and a case supporting the element substrate, the case having a plurality of storage chambers, and ejecting liquid from the storage chambers through the ejection ports of the element substrate, the case being formed by combining a box portion having a plurality of the storage chambers and a flow path forming portion having a flow path from the storage chambers to the element substrate, and characterized in that the box portion and the flow path forming portion are joined by pouring a molten first resin into the space created when the box portion and the flow path forming portion are combined. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cartridge, a recording device, and a method of manufacturing a cartridge that can increase the degree of freedom in the design of an ink cartridge and prevent the size of the device from increasing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an inkjet recording apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the cartridge. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the bottom surface of the cartridge. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flow path forming portion. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a flow path portion modeled by extracting a space that becomes a flow path. [Figure 11] 1A to 1C are diagrams sequentially showing the manufacturing process of the case. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing a secondary flow path. [Figure 13] 1A to 1C are diagrams sequentially showing the resin filling process in secondary molding. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a flow path forming portion. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a top view showing a conventional ink cartridge. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an inkjet recording device (hereinafter also referred to as a recording device) 102 to which this embodiment can be applied. In the figure, the X direction indicates the scanning direction of the carriage, the Y direction indicates the conveying direction of the recording medium, and the Z direction indicates the vertical upward direction. Note that the following figures for explaining the cartridge alone also show the same XYZ axes as this figure, based on the case where the cartridge is mounted on the recording device. The recording device 102 is configured so that a liquid cartridge 100 can be mounted on a carriage 101, and the liquid cartridge 100 mounted on the carriage 101 performs recording by discharging liquid (hereinafter also referred to as ink) while moving relative to the recording medium 12. In other words, the recording device 102 is a serial type recording device. In discharging, the carriage 101 discharges liquid from the liquid cartridge (hereinafter also simply referred to as a cartridge) 100 while moving back and forth in the X direction. In accordance with the discharge of liquid from the cartridge 100, the recording medium 103 is conveyed by a predetermined amount in a direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the direction in which the carriage 101 moves back and forth, thereby forming an image on the recording medium 103.

[0013] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the cartridge 100, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge 100. The cartridge 100 includes a recording element substrate 303 for ejecting liquid, a case 200 including a storage chamber 302 for storing a filter 301 and an absorber 300, and a lid 201. The storage chamber 302 is capable of storing liquid and includes an absorber 300 for retaining the stored liquid, and the liquid retained in the absorber 300 is supplied to the ejection port of the recording element substrate 303 through a flow path portion communicating with the storage chamber 302. In this embodiment, the absorber 300 is inserted into the storage chamber 302 as a negative pressure generating means for retaining the liquid, but the liquid can be retained in the same manner in a configuration employing a negative pressure generating unit such as a pressure control unit or a circulation unit.

[0014] The liquid contained in the storage chambers 302 is generally color ink, with cyan, magenta, and yellow inks contained in each storage chamber. Note that, in this embodiment, the cartridge 100 is described as having three storage chambers 302, but this is not limited thereto, and this embodiment can also be applied to a cartridge having three or more colors. For example, the concept is the same for a four-color cartridge including black.

[0015] In the cartridge 100 of this embodiment, the storage chamber 302 is formed so that the absorber 300 is linearly arranged in the Y direction. By linearly arranging the absorber 300 in the Y direction in this manner, the width of the cartridge 100 in the X direction can be narrowed.

[0016] In addition, since the absorbers 300 are arranged linearly in the Y direction, they can be easily inserted in the manufacturing process. Furthermore, since the width of each absorber in the X direction can be made substantially equal to the width of the cartridge, the amount of ink that can be stored can be ensured even if the width of the entire cartridge in the X direction is narrowed. In this embodiment, the absorbers 300 are arranged in the following order from the upstream side in the Y direction: absorber 300A, absorber 300B, and absorber 300C.

[0017] The absorber 300 is preferably shaped like a cube in terms of liquid supply. However, when changing the size of the absorber 300 in consideration of the amount of liquid to be stored, it is preferable to stretch it in the direction of gravity. If the size of the absorber 300 is changed to stretch it in the scanning direction, the scanning direction becomes the width direction of the cartridge 100, and the width of the cartridge 100 becomes wider. Also, if the size of the absorber 300 is changed to stretch it in the direction of the arrangement of the ejection ports in the ejection port array, the length of the flow path portion up to the recording element substrate 303 becomes longer in relation to the width, which is undesirable as it increases the flow resistance when liquid is supplied.

[0018] The recording element substrate 303 is an ejection unit capable of ejecting ink, is supported by the case 200, and is disposed on the bottom surface of the case 200 below the direction of gravity. The recording element substrate 303 is disposed near the lower portions of the absorber 300A and the absorber 300B, and is not disposed below the absorber 300C. The case 200 includes a box portion 307 and a flow path forming portion 306 protruding from the box portion 307 in the -Z direction, and the recording element substrate 303 is disposed in the flow path forming portion 306. That is, the recording element substrate 303 is disposed on the bottom surface of the flow path forming portion 306 of the case 200, and during liquid ejection, the recording element substrate 303 ejects liquid in a state close to the recording medium 103 by the protruding flow path forming portion 306.

[0019] The absorber 300 is made of a fibrous or porous material, and is capable of retaining ink inside by exerting capillary force. The absorber 300 is housed in the housing chamber 302 of the case 200 in contact with a filter 301 for trapping dust, and the liquid in the absorber 300 is supplied to the recording element substrate 303 via the filter 301 and the flow path.

[0020] The lid 201 is disposed so as to close the opening of the case 200, and defines a storage chamber 302 in which the absorbent 300 is stored. The lid 201 is provided with an air vent, which allows air to be taken in from the outside to compensate for the amount of liquid consumed in the absorbent 300 by discharging.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the bottom surface of the cartridge 100 in this embodiment. A recording element substrate 303 is provided on the bottom surface of the protruding flow path forming portion 306 of the cartridge 100. The recording element substrate 303 is provided with ejection port arrays 400A, 400B, and 400C in which a plurality of ejection ports are arranged, and the recording element substrate 303 ejects ink from the ejection port arrays 400A, 400B, and 400C. A gate mark of a secondary gate (gate portion) into which resin is poured during the manufacture of the case is formed on the bottom end of the case 200. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the secondary gate mark 401 formed on the case 200 is also simply referred to as a secondary gate 401. The secondary gate 401 will be described later.

[0022] FIG. 5(a) is a top view of the case 200 in the present embodiment, FIG. 5(b) is a side view of the case 200, and FIG. 5(c) is a bottom view of the case 200. The case 200 in this embodiment is formed by joining a box portion 307 in which the storage chamber 302 is formed and a flow path forming portion 306 in which a flow path portion in which a plurality of ink flow paths are combined is formed. As shown in FIG. 5(a), a filter surface 500 to which the filter 210 is attached is formed at the bottom of the storage chamber 302, and a first opening 501 is provided on the filter surface 500. A second opening 502 is formed on the further -Z direction side of the first opening 501. As shown in FIG. 5(b), the case 200 is formed by molding the box portion 307 and the flow path forming portion 306 separately (primary molding) and then joining them (secondary molding). 5(c), a mounting surface 510 for mounting the recording element substrate 303 is formed on the bottom surface of the flow path forming portion 306. In addition, a secondary gate 401 is disposed at a position away from the mounting surface 510.

[0023] 11(a) to 11(d) are diagrams sequentially illustrating the manufacturing process of the case 200 in this embodiment. The case 200 is manufactured using an in-mold molding technique in which resin is poured into a mold. The in-mold molding technique will be described below in order. The case 200 is manufactured by primary molding and secondary molding. The mold used in molding the case 200 is divided into a fixed mold 1100 and a movable mold 1110. In the primary molding, the box portion 307 and the flow path forming portion 306 are molded separately, and then, in the secondary molding, the box portion 307 and the flow path forming portion 306 molded in the primary molding are overlapped and joined together. In this way, the case 200 is manufactured by using the same mold for the primary molding and the secondary molding.

[0024] First, as shown in FIG. 11(a), the box portion 307 and the flow path forming portion 306 are molded separately (primary molding). Specifically, the flow path forming portion 306 is formed in the fixed mold 1100 and the box portion 307 is formed in the movable mold 1110 by pouring resin from a primary gate (not shown) into the fixed mold 1100 and the movable mold 1110 clamped at a first relative position. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the movable mold 1110 is separated from the fixed mold 1100. Next, as shown in FIG. 11(c), the movable mold 1110 is moved in a direction intersecting the above-mentioned separation direction relative to the fixed mold 1100. In the movement of the movable mold 1110, the movable mold 1110 is moved to a position where the box portion 307 and the flow path forming portion 306 overlap when the fixed mold 1100 and the movable mold 1110 are closed. FIG. 11(c) shows a state where the movement of the movable mold 1110 is completed. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 11(d), the fixed mold 1100 and the movable mold 1110 are closed again. When the mold is closed, the box portion 307 and the flow path forming portion 306 overlap each other in the mold, and a secondary flow path for secondary molding is formed between the box portion 307 and the flow path forming portion 306. Thereafter, molten resin is poured from the secondary gate 401 arranged in the flow path forming portion 306 into the fixed mold 1100 and the movable mold 1110 clamped in such a second relative position, thereby bonding the box portion 307 and the flow path forming portion 306 (secondary molding). In the secondary molding, bonding is performed in the mold, so that bonding can be performed inexpensively and with high accuracy. Details of the secondary flow path will be described later.

[0025] As another joining method, for example, adhesives can be used. However, when adhesives are used, a process for hardening the adhesive is required. In addition, ultrasonic welding, laser welding, and other welding methods are not suitable for welding complex shapes because they require overlapping and pressing.

[0026] By joining the box portion 307 and the flow path forming portion 306 by secondary molding, an ink flow path portion is formed that communicates from the storage chamber 302 to the ejection port array 400 of the recording element substrate 303. The flow path portion will be described in detail later.

[0027] In forming the case 200, a hot runner (a system for supplying resin while melting it) is placed in the mold near the primary gate (not shown) and the secondary gate 401. The presence of the hot runner makes it possible to shorten the molding cycle. Since the hot runner is hot, it is preferable to place the secondary gate 401 away from a portion that requires high precision, such as the mounting surface 510 for mounting the recording element substrate 303, as shown in FIG. 5(c). By placing it far away, it is possible to prevent sink marks and deformation from occurring on the mounting surface 510.

[0028] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the case 200. The flow path forming portion 306 of the case 200 is provided with a first surface 600 provided with a mounting surface 510 for mounting the recording element substrate 303, and a second surface 602 connected to the first surface 600 via a step portion 601 and located one step lower toward the storage chamber 302. The second surface 602 is disposed behind the bottom of the storage chamber 302.

[0029] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the case 200, FIG. 8(a) is a top view showing the flow path forming portion 306 before secondary molding, and FIG. 8(b) is a side view showing the flow path forming portion 306. FIG. 9(a) is a side view showing the box portion 307 before secondary molding, and FIG. 9(b) is a bottom view showing the box portion 307. The case 200 is divided into the box portion 307 in which the storage chambers 302 (302A, 302B, 302C) are provided, and the flow path forming portion 306 to which the recording element substrate 303 is attached and in which the ink flow path is formed inside. In the box portion 307, the storage chambers 302 are arranged side by side in the Y direction, which is the ejection port array direction.

[0030] In the flow path forming portion 306, ink flow paths 800 (800A, 800B, 800C) (see FIG. 8) for supplying ink to each of the ejection port arrays 400A, 400B, 400C of the recording element substrate 303 are formed.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 7, a first cavity 700 is provided on both side surfaces in the X direction of the flow path forming portion 306, and a second cavity 701 is provided on the end portion in the -Y direction of the flow path forming portion 306. The box portion 307 and the flow path forming portion 306 are joined by pouring resin into a secondary flow path between the box portion 307 and the flow path forming portion 306 in secondary molding. The bonding resin (joint portion) 702 is formed by the resin flowing into the secondary flow path from the secondary gate 401 during secondary molding, and is a portion that plays a role in joining the box portion 307 and the flow path forming portion 306. The resin poured from the secondary gate 401 finally reaches the bonding resin 702, and a buffer 703 (final filling portion) that functions as a buffer for the resin is formed. In other words, a space is formed in the secondary flow path formed by overlapping the box portion 307 and the flow path forming portion 306 so that the resin flowing from the secondary gate 401 can be stored in the final filling portion. Hereinafter, such a space is referred to as a buffer portion 801. The resin stored in the buffer portion 801 becomes a buffer 703 for the binding resin 702. By storing the resin in the buffer portion 801, the amount of resin flowing in the secondary flow path can be adjusted to an optimal amount.

[0032] Furthermore, by forming the first cavity 700 on both sides of the flow path forming portion 306 in the X direction in the primary molding, the lower part of the secondary flow path can be supported by the mold piece inserted into the first cavity 700 in the secondary molding. This makes it possible to prevent a part of the flow path forming portion 306 from melting and breaking due to the heat of the resin flowing in. The flow path forming portion 306 is provided with a buffer portion 801 that can be filled with resin, and the resin finally reaches the buffer portion 801 when it is filled. In the final filling portion of the molten resin, the excess filled resin is accommodated in the buffer portion 801.

[0033] Ink flow paths 900 (900A, 900B, 900C) (see FIG. 9) for supplying ink to each of the ejection port arrays 400A, 400B, 400C of the recording element substrate 303 are formed on the bottom surface of the box portion 307. By joining the box portion 307 and the flow path forming portion 306, the ink flow path 800A and the ink flow path 900A are connected to each other, and a flow path connecting the storage chamber 302A and the ejection port array 400A is formed. By joining the box portion 307 and the flow path forming portion 306, the ink flow path 800B and the ink flow path 900B are connected to each other, and a flow path connecting the storage chamber 302B and the ejection port array 400B is formed. By joining the box portion 307 and the flow path forming portion 306, the ink flow path 800C and the ink flow path 900C are connected to each other, and a flow path connecting the storage chamber 302C and the ejection port array 400C is formed.

[0034] 8 and 9, grooves 802 and 902 are formed in the portion through which the resin flows so that a secondary flow path for the resin is formed by combining the respective components of box portion 307 and flow path forming portion 306. Groove 802 is formed so as to avoid ink flow path 800, and groove 902 is formed so as to avoid ink flow path 900. Details of grooves 802 and 902 will be described later.

[0035] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a model of the space that becomes the ink flow path as a flow path section 1000. The flow path section 1000 is a model of the ink flow path extracted, and includes ink flow paths for three colors (1000A, 1000B, 1000C). Each flow path is independent, and is arranged in the Y direction in the order of flow path 1000A, flow path 1000B, and flow path 1000C. Such a flow path section 1000 is configured to be able to supply liquid in the storage chamber 302 to the recording element substrate 303. The flow path section 1000 is formed by joining a box section 307 and a flow path forming section 306.

[0036] In the secondary molding, it is preferable to use a thermoplastic resin with a higher melting point than the resin used for the box portion 307 and the flow path forming portion 306, and it is even more preferable to use a resin with good fluidity, since it can flow even in complex shapes. In addition, if the same type of resin is used in the primary molding and the secondary molding, the two materials melt more easily, allowing for a stronger bond. However, the resin material used is not limited to this.

[0037] FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing the secondary flow path 1203 through which the resin flows in the secondary molding shown in FIG. 11(d). In the secondary molding, the clamping margin 1200 in the mold clamping is set to about 0.1 mm between the box part 307 and the flow path forming part 306 to prevent the resin from leaking out of the secondary flow path 1203. By forming the groove 902 on the joint surface of the box part 307 and the groove 802 on the joint surface of the flow path forming part 306 to create the secondary flow path 1203 through which the resin flows as in this embodiment, the surface area at the joint is increased compared to the case where the joint is performed without forming the groove, and the joint strength can be strengthened. However, it is not necessary to provide both the groove 902 and the groove 802. The groove may be provided on either the joint surface of the box part 307 or the joint surface of the flow path forming part 306. The cross section of the secondary flow path 1203 is preferably 1 mm or more in width in the X direction and 1 mm or more in height in the Y direction in order to reduce the flow resistance of the resin. However, if it is made too large, the size of the cartridge will increase, which is not preferable.

[0038] In addition, ribs 1201 are provided on both sides of the groove 802 in the flow path forming portion 306, and ribs 1202 are provided on both sides of the groove 902 in the box portion 307 at positions sandwiching the ribs 1201. When the resin flows into the secondary flow path 1203, the ribs 1201 on both sides of the groove 802 fall outward so as to widen the groove 802. The ribs 1202 in the box portion 307 support the fallen ribs 1201, thereby preventing the resin from leaking out of the secondary flow path 1203. It is desirable that the width of the ribs 1202 in the X direction is 1 mm or more. By making the width of the ribs 1202 1 mm or more, it is possible to prevent the secondary flow path 1203 from breaking due to heat when the resin flows into the secondary flow path 1203.

[0039] 13(a) to (d) are diagrams sequentially showing the resin filling process in secondary molding. That is, the process is shown in which the resin flowing into the secondary flow path 1203 forms the bonded resin 702. The resin in secondary molding is filled from the secondary gate 401 and enters the secondary flow path 1203. In the vicinity of the secondary gate 401 in the secondary flow path 1203, a wide space portion 1300 is provided to widen the space because the filling pressure is high. The presence of the wide space portion 1300 reduces the pressure of the filled resin. The resin whose pressure has been reduced in the wide space portion 1300 then fills the secondary flow path 1203 while branching off from the secondary flow path 1203. In the filling process, the branched resin joins at the first junction 320 shown in FIG. 13(a), joins at the second junction 1330 shown in FIG. 13(b), and further joins at the third junction 340 shown in FIG. 13(c). As shown in each figure, the secondary flow path 1203 is formed so that no dead ends are formed at each joining point, thereby suppressing the occurrence of voids.

[0040] In addition, a buffer inlet 1360 and a buffer section 801 are provided at the final destination of the resin, and the air in the secondary flow path 1203 during filling is configured to eventually enter the buffer section 801. The buffer 703 itself does not contribute much to the joining of the box section 307 and the flow path forming section 306, and has a large volume, so that even if air enters the buffer section 801 and voids are generated, there is no significant impact. In addition, in order to merge so that voids are not generated in the secondary flow path 1203 during the filling process, the secondary gate 401 is disposed in a diagonal position from the buffer inlet 1360. In other words, the buffer section 801 is formed at one end of the flow path forming section 306, and the secondary gate 401 is formed at the other end of the flow path forming section 306.

[0041] The resin enters the buffer section 801 through the buffer inlet 1360, and the filling is completed, and the resin hardens over time. The amount of resin filled is set so that the buffer section 801 is filled about halfway, thereby preventing the resin from running short or overflowing. By providing the buffer section 801, even if there is some variation in the filling amount during the secondary filling, the influence of the variation on the quality of the molded case 200 is unlikely to appear. After the resin is filled, the resin hardens, and the box section 307 and the flow path forming section 306 are joined.

[0042] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the flow path forming section 306. In the flow path forming section 306, the second cavity 701 and the wall 1400 described in FIG. 7 are provided below the buffer section 801. The wall 1400 prevents the mount surface 1401 from being deformed by the heat of the molten resin that has flowed into the buffer section 801. In addition, by forming the second cavity 701 in the primary molding, even if the resin is stored in the buffer section 801 by inserting the mold piece into the second cavity 701 in the secondary molding, the wall 1400 can be supported. Therefore, the wall 1400 is prevented from being broken by the heat of the resin. In addition, since the mold piece is made of metal, the heat dissipation effect of the piece prevents the mount surface 1401 from being deformed by the heat.

[0043] Fig. 15 is a top view showing an ink cartridge 1500 disclosed in Patent Document 1. As shown in Fig. 15, the conventional ink cartridge 1500 has a storage chamber 1501, 1502, and 1503 partitioned into three mutually adjacent regions, and an absorber is disposed in each region. The X direction is the scanning direction, and in the conventional configuration, multiple absorbers are arranged in the scanning direction, so the width of the case in the scanning direction becomes wide, and there is a concern that the size of the device will become large.

[0044] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG.

[0045] In a conventional ink cartridge 1500, a flow path plate 1601 is inserted into a tank case 1600 in the direction of the arrow and welded to form flow paths from containing chambers 1501, 1502, and 1503 to a first surface 1602 to which a recording element substrate is attached.

[0046] When the containing chambers 1501, 1502, and 1503 all have areas close to the recording element substrate, as in the ink cartridge 1500, a flow path plate 1601 can be used to form flow paths from the containing chambers 1501, 1502, and 1503 to the first surface 1602.

[0047] However, in the cartridge 100 of this embodiment, in a configuration in which the storage chambers 302 are provided so that the absorber 300 is linearly arranged, the storage chambers are located far from the recording element substrate. Therefore, it is difficult to form all the flow paths by the conventional method using the flow path plate 1601.

[0048] Therefore, as in this embodiment, the case 200 is configured to be divided into a box portion 307 and a flow path forming portion 306, and the box portion 307 and the flow path forming portion 306 are molded separately in a primary molding, and then resin is poured between the box portion 307 and the flow path forming portion 306 in a secondary molding to join them. This makes it possible to provide a cartridge, a recording device, and a method for manufacturing a cartridge that can increase the degree of freedom in cartridge design and prevent the device from becoming larger.

[0049] Second embodiment Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that since the basic configuration of this embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, the following will describe its characteristic configuration.

[0050] Fig. 17(a) is a top view of a case 1700 in this embodiment, and Fig. 17(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIIb-XVIIb in Fig. 17(a). The case 1700 in this embodiment has a total of four chambers 1701, two in each of the X and Y directions. An absorber 1702A is accommodated in the chamber 1701A, and the chamber 1701A is connected to the recording element substrate 1706 via an ink flow path 1703A. An absorber 1702C is accommodated in the chamber 1701C, and the chamber 1701C is connected to the recording element substrate 1706 via an ink flow path 1703C.

[0051] Even with such an arrangement of the storage chambers, the case 1700 is configured to be formed separately into the box portion 1705 and the flow path forming portion 1704, the box portion 1705 and the flow path forming portion 1704 are molded separately in a primary molding, and the box portion 1705 and the flow path forming portion 1704 are joined in a secondary molding. This makes it possible to provide a cartridge, a recording device, and a method for manufacturing a cartridge that can increase the degree of freedom in cartridge design and prevent the device from becoming larger.

[0052] (Third embodiment) Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that since the basic configuration of this embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, the following will describe its characteristic configuration.

[0053] Fig. 18(a) is a top view of a case 1800 in this embodiment, and Fig. 18(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIIIb-XVIIIb in Fig. 18(a). The case 1800 in this embodiment has a configuration in which the storage chambers 1801A, 1801B, and 1801C are provided adjacent to each other, similar to the conventional configuration, with respect to the arrangement of the storage chambers. The storage chamber 1801A contains an absorber 1805A, and the storage chamber 1801A is connected to a recording element substrate 1806 via an ink flow path 1804A.

[0054] Even with such an arrangement of the storage chambers, the case 1800 is configured to be formed separately into the box portion 1802 and the flow path forming portion 1803, the box portion 1802 and the flow path forming portion 1803 are molded separately in a primary molding, and the box portion 1802 and the flow path forming portion 1803 are joined in a secondary molding. This makes it possible to provide a cartridge and a manufacturing method for a recording device cartridge that can increase the degree of freedom in cartridge design and prevent the device from becoming larger.

[0055] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods.

[0056] (Configuration 1) A box for containing a liquid; a recording element substrate capable of ejecting liquid from an arranged ejection port; a flow path forming portion in which a flow path for supplying liquid from the box portion to the recording element substrate is formed; a joint portion formed by a first resin filled in a space formed between the box portion and the flow path forming portion, the joint portion joining the box portion and the flow path forming portion; A cartridge comprising:

[0057] (Configuration 2) The cartridge described in configuration 1, characterized in that the box portion has a plurality of storage chambers capable of storing different liquids, and the flow path forming portion is formed with a plurality of flow paths for supplying each of the liquids stored in the plurality of storage chambers.

[0058] (Configuration 3) 3. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first resin is poured into the flow passage through a gate provided in the flow passage forming portion.

[0059] (Configuration 4) A cartridge described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the box portion and the flow path forming portion are formed from a second resin, and the first resin is a thermoplastic resin having a higher melting point than the second resin.

[0060] (Configuration 5) 3. The cartridge according to configuration 2, wherein the plurality of storage chambers are provided in the box portion along the arrangement direction of the ejection ports.

[0061] (Configuration 6) The cartridge described in configuration 3, characterized in that a buffer portion is arranged in the space formed between the box portion and the flow path forming portion to accommodate excess of the first resin in the final filling portion of the molten first resin, the buffer portion being formed at one end of the flow path forming portion, and the gate portion being formed at the other end of the flow path forming portion.

[0062] (Configuration 7) 7. The cartridge according to configuration 6, wherein an inlet of the buffer section is disposed diagonally to the gate section when viewed from the joining direction.

[0063] (Configuration 8) 7. The cartridge according to configuration 6, wherein the flow path forming portion has a first surface that supports the recording element substrate, and a second surface that is closer to the box portion than the first surface.

[0064] (Configuration 9) 9. A cartridge according to configuration 8, wherein a first cavity is provided between the first surface and the buffer portion in the flow path forming portion.

[0065] (Configuration 10) The cartridge according to configuration 9, characterized in that in the flow path forming portion, a second cavity is provided on both side surfaces connected to the first surface and the surface on which the opening of the first cavity is provided.

[0066] (Configuration 11) The cartridge according to configuration 5, wherein the box portion is provided with three of the storage chambers.

[0067] (Configuration 12) 12. The cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the storage chamber is provided with an absorbent body for holding liquid.

[0068] (Configuration 13) A recording device including the cartridge according to configuration 1, capable of recording an image on a recording medium by discharging liquid from the recording element substrate.

[0069] (Method 1) A method for manufacturing a cartridge including a box portion for storing a liquid, a recording element substrate capable of ejecting the liquid, and a flow path forming portion in which a flow path for supplying the liquid from the box portion to the recording element substrate is formed, comprising the steps of: a first forming step of filling a first mold and a second mold clamped at a first relative position with resin to form the box portion inside the first mold and to form the flow path forming portion inside the second mold; a second forming step of joining the box portion and the flow path forming portion by filling a resin into the first mold and the second mold clamped at a second relative position different from the first relative position; A method for manufacturing a cartridge, comprising the steps of: [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 100 cartridges 103 Recording media 200 cases 300 Absorber Containment Room 302 306 Flow path forming section 307 Hakobe 401 Secondary Gate 1203 Secondary flow path 1300 Wide space

Claims

1. A box for containing a liquid; a recording element substrate capable of ejecting liquid from an arranged ejection port; a flow path forming portion in which a flow path for supplying liquid from the box portion to the recording element substrate is formed; a joint portion formed by a first resin filled in a space formed between the box portion and the flow path forming portion, the joint portion joining the box portion and the flow path forming portion; A cartridge comprising:

2. 2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the box portion has a plurality of storage chambers capable of storing different liquids, and the flow path forming portion is formed with a plurality of flow paths for supplying each of the liquids stored in the plurality of storage chambers.

3. 2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first resin is poured from a gate portion provided in the flow passage forming portion.

4. 2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the box portion and the flow passage forming portion are formed of a second resin, and the first resin is a thermoplastic resin having a melting point higher than that of the second resin.

5. 3. A cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of storage chambers are provided in the box portion along a direction in which the ejection ports are arranged.

6. The cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that a buffer portion is arranged in the space formed between the box portion and the flow path forming portion to accommodate excess of the first resin in a final filling portion of the molten first resin, the buffer portion being formed at one end of the flow path forming portion, and the gate portion being formed at the other end of the flow path forming portion.

7. 7. The cartridge according to claim 6, wherein an inlet of the buffer portion is disposed diagonally to the gate portion when viewed from the joining direction.

8. 7. A cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the flow passage forming portion has a first surface that supports the recording element substrate, and a second surface that is closer to the box portion than the first surface.

9. The cartridge according to claim 8 , wherein a first cavity is provided between the first surface and the buffer portion in the flow passage forming portion.

10. The cartridge according to claim 9 , wherein a second cavity is provided on both side surfaces of the flow passage forming portion that are connected to the first surface and the surface on which the opening of the first cavity is provided.

11. 6. The cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the box portion is provided with three of the storage chambers.

12. 12. A cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the storage chamber is provided with an absorbent body for holding liquid.

13. 10. A recording apparatus comprising the cartridge according to claim 1, and capable of recording an image on a recording medium by discharging liquid from the recording element substrate.

14. A method for manufacturing a cartridge including a box portion for storing a liquid, a recording element substrate capable of ejecting the liquid, and a flow path forming portion in which a flow path for supplying the liquid from the box portion to the recording element substrate is formed, comprising the steps of: a first forming step of filling a first mold and a second mold clamped at a first relative position with resin to form the box portion inside the first mold and to form the flow path forming portion inside the second mold; a second forming step of joining the box portion and the flow path forming portion by filling the first mold and the second mold, which are clamped at a second relative position different from the first relative position, with resin; A method for manufacturing a cartridge, comprising the steps of:

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