Tube assembly for ink supply and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

To provide a tube assembly for ink supply which is excellent in workability when mounted on an apparatus and can easily adjust the length of a tube, and to provide a method of manufacturing the same.SOLUTION: According to the present disclosure, there is provided a tube assembly for ink supply, including a plurality of tubes each having a length in a longitudinal direction and arranged in an arrangement direction intersecting the longitudinal direction, wherein two of the tubes adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction include a welded portion where the two tubes are welded to each other and a non-welded portion where the two tubes are not welded to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tube assembly for ink supply and a method for manufacturing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an ink supply tube connected to an ink tank and a print head in an inkjet image forming apparatus. This ink supply tube is manufactured by extruding a thermoplastic styrene elastomer through a die containing multiple die holes. By extruding the resin through the die, the resin in each tube thermally expands and fuses to each other, producing an ink supply tube in which multiple tubes are fused to each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-107145 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When multiple tubes are installed in a device such as an image forming apparatus, each of the multiple tubes may be connected to a respective one of multiple connection points in the device. In this case, installing a tube assembly in which the multiple tubes are welded together makes it easier to connect each of the multiple tubes to a respective one of multiple connection points compared to installing multiple tubes that are separate from each other, thereby improving workability.

[0005] Depending on the design of the image forming apparatus, a tube assembly including multiple tubes of different lengths may be required. In this case, it may be possible to cut each tube to the desired length. However, in the ink supply tube described above, the tubes are fused together along the entire longitudinal direction of the tube, which means that the tubes must be torn apart and then cut, for example, which makes the cutting process inefficient. Therefore, a tube assembly that allows the tube length to be easily adjusted is desired.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides an ink supply tube assembly that is easy to install in a device and allows the length of the tube to be easily adjusted, and a method for manufacturing the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the following inventions are provided. [1] A tube assembly for ink supply comprising a plurality of tubes having a length in a longitudinal direction and arranged in an arrangement direction intersecting the longitudinal direction, wherein two of the tubes adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction include a welded portion where the two tubes are welded together and an unwelded portion where the two tubes are not welded together. [2] The ink supply tube assembly according to [1], wherein the welded portion is spaced apart from the longitudinal end of the tube. [3] An ink supply tube assembly according to [1] or [2], wherein the welded portion includes the outer surfaces of the two tubes and a bottom surface connecting the two outer surfaces. [4] An ink supply tube assembly according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the tube includes an outer layer that forms the outer peripheral surface and a barrier layer that is located inside the outer layer, and the welded portion is formed by welding the outer layers of the two tubes together. [5] An ink supply tube assembly according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the plurality of tubes include one of the tubes and another of the tubes different from the one tube, and the longitudinal length of the one tube is different from the longitudinal length of the another of the tubes. [6] A method for manufacturing a tube assembly for ink supply, comprising: a step of arranging a plurality of tubes having a length in a longitudinal direction in an arrangement direction intersecting the longitudinal direction; and a step of welding two of the tubes adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction, wherein the welding step forms a welded portion where the two tubes are welded together and a non-welded portion where the two tubes are not welded together. [7] The method according to [6], wherein in the welding step, the welded portion is formed by ultrasonic welding. [8] A method as described in [7], wherein in the arranging step, the plurality of tubes are arranged in a jig, the jig including a plurality of arrangement sections extending in the longitudinal direction and arranged in the arrangement direction, and a plurality of core sections extending in the longitudinal direction along each of the plurality of arrangement sections, the core sections are inserted into the tubes to arrange the tubes in the arrangement sections, and in the welding step, the welded sections are formed by abutting a horn that imparts vibration to the tubes against the two tubes adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction. [9] [8] A method as described in [8], wherein the horn includes a plurality of claw portions, and in the welding step, each of the plurality of claw portions is abutted against the outer peripheral surfaces of the two tubes adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction.

[10] The method described in [9], wherein the tube includes an outer layer that forms the outer peripheral surface and a barrier layer that is located inside the outer layer, and the width of the tip of the claw portion is no more than three times the thickness of the outer layer.

[11] The method according to [9] or

[10] , wherein in the welding step, after the claw portions are brought into contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the two tubes, the claw portions are displaced by a predetermined displacement amount toward the tubes along a height direction that intersects both the longitudinal direction and the arrangement direction, the tubes include an outer layer that forms the outer peripheral surface and a barrier layer that is located inside the outer layer, the claw portions are in contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the tubes at two contact points before displacement, and the distance between the two contact points is a line segment that passes through the two contact points of the claw portions after displacement as viewed from the longitudinal direction, and is shorter than the length of a line segment connecting the barrier layers of the two tubes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The ink supply tube assembly of the present disclosure includes a welded portion where two tubes are welded to each other, which allows for easy installation into a device such as an image forming apparatus. Furthermore, in this tube assembly, two adjacent tubes in the arrangement direction include a welded portion and an unwelded portion. When cutting each tube, the length of each tube can be adjusted to a desired length by cutting the unwelded portion where the tubes are not welded. Therefore, installation into a device is easy, and the length of the tube can be easily adjusted.

[0009] The method for manufacturing an ink supply tube assembly according to the present disclosure provides the same effects as those of the ink supply tube assembly described above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a tube assembly 1. [Figure 2] Fig. 2A is a schematic top view showing the tube assembly 1 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIb-IIb in Fig. 2A. [Figure 3] Fig. 3A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of welded portion 3 shown in Fig. 2B. Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view showing the dimensional relationship in the vicinity of welded portion 3. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a manufacturing apparatus 5 used to manufacture the tube assembly 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a jig 5a and a horn 5c shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the tip of a claw portion 5c2 shown in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 7] Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view showing one step in the manufacturing method of the tube assembly 1. Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional view showing a step subsequent to the step shown in Fig. 7A. [Figure 8] Fig. 8A is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the tip of the claw portion 5c2 shown in Fig. 7B. Fig. 8B is a cross-sectional view showing a step subsequent to the step shown in Fig. 8A. [Figure 9] FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view showing a step subsequent to the step shown in FIG. 8B. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a plurality of tubes 2 after welding. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view showing the tube assembly 1 after cutting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other. Furthermore, each feature can be an invention independently. Furthermore, elements in the following embodiments that are not specified in the claims are optional elements and can be omitted. Any number of "0"s (for example, one or two) may be added to the end of numerical values ​​disclosed in the following description. For example, one or two "0"s may be added after "1.4" to make it "1.40" or "1.400."

[0012] [1. Tube Assembly 1 Configuration] 1 to 3, a tube assembly 1 (a tube assembly for supplying ink) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The tube assembly 1 is mounted on a device such as an inkjet printer. When the device is an inkjet printer, the tube assembly 1 is used to fluidly connect an ink tank and a print head. As shown in FIG. 1, the tube assembly 1 includes a plurality of (e.g., four) tubes 2. The tube assembly 1 is mounted on the device, for example, by hand. When mounting the tube assembly 1 on the device, for example, an operator manually connects one end of each tube 2 to an ink tank and the other end of each tube 2 to the print head.

[0013] The tubes 2 allow ink to flow. The ink is, for example, volatile. The multiple tubes 2 have a length in the longitudinal direction D1. The multiple tubes 2 are arranged in an arrangement direction D2 that intersects (e.g., is perpendicular to) the longitudinal direction D1. In this embodiment, the multiple tubes 2 have the same length (length in the longitudinal direction D1). However, the multiple tubes 2 may include one tube 2 and another tube 2 that is different from the one tube 2, and the length of the one tube 2 may be different from the length of the other tube 2. Each of the multiple tubes 2 includes ends 2a and 2b in the longitudinal direction D1. In the following description, the direction that intersects (e.g., is perpendicular to) both the longitudinal direction D1 and the arrangement direction D2 may be referred to as the height direction D3.

[0014] The length of the tube 2 is, for example, 20 mm to 1700 mm, preferably, for example, 200 mm to 600 mm, specifically, 20, 100, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here.

[0015] The tube 2 is cylindrical. The inner diameter of the tube 2 is, for example, 1.0 mm to 5.0 mm (e.g., 3.0 mm), preferably, for example, 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm, specifically, for example, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, 4.0, 4.5, or 5.0 mm, and may be within the range of any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here.

[0016] The outer diameter of the tube 2 is, for example, 2.0 mm to 10.0 mm (e.g., 4.0 mm), preferably, for example, 3.0 mm to 5.0 mm, and specifically, for example, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, 4.0, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 4.8, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, or 10.0 mm, and may be within a range of any two of the values ​​exemplified here. As shown in FIG. 2A , two tubes 2 adjacent in the arrangement direction D2 include a welded portion 3 and a non-welded portion 4. The inner and outer diameters of the tube 2 refer to the dimensions of the tube 2 at the non-welded portion 4.

[0017] The welded portion 3 is a portion where two tubes 2 are welded together. The two tubes 2 are connected to each other at the welded portion 3. The welded portion 3 is provided closer to the end portion 2a than the center of the tube 2 in the longitudinal direction D1. The welded portion 3 may also be provided closer to the end portion 2b than the center of the tube 2 in the longitudinal direction D1.

[0018] The length of the welded portion 3 in the longitudinal direction D1 is, for example, 3 mm to 40 mm (e.g., 10.0 mm), preferably, for example, 5 mm to 15 mm, and specifically, for example, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40 mm, or may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here. The length of the welded portion 3 in the longitudinal direction D1 is, for example, at least 1 time and at most 3 times the outer diameter of the tube 2.

[0019] The welded portion 3 is spaced from the end portion 2a. More specifically, the welded portion 3 is provided at a position spaced from the end portion 2a in the longitudinal direction D1. The separation width A1 from the welded portion 3 to the end portion 2a is, for example, 3 mm to 30 mm (e.g., 6 mm), preferably, for example, 3 mm to 10 mm, and specifically, for example, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 25, or 30 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here. The separation width A1 is, for example, at least 1 / 2 and at most 3 / 2 times the outer diameter of the tube 2.

[0020] 2B, the welded portions 3 are provided in all pairs of two tubes 2 adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction D2 among the plurality of tubes 2. However, it is sufficient that the welded portions 3 are provided in at least one pair of two tubes 2 adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction D2 among the plurality of tubes 2.

[0021] The non-welded portions 4 are portions where the two tubes 2 are not welded to each other. In other words, the non-welded portions 4 are portions of the two tubes 2 in the longitudinal direction D1 other than the welded portions 3. The two tubes 2 are separated from each other in the non-welded portions 4. In other words, the welded portions 3 are provided only in portions of the longitudinal direction D1 of the two tubes 2 adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction D2.

[0022] In Figure 2B, for ease of explanation, each tube 2 is hatched individually. However, in reality, as shown in Figure 3A, the tube 2 has a multi-layer structure. The tube 2 includes an outermost layer 2c (outer layer), adhesive layers 2d and 2f, a barrier layer 2e, and an innermost layer 2g. Hereinafter, the terms "inside" and "outside" may be used with reference to the center of the tube 2 as viewed in the longitudinal direction D1.

[0023] The outermost layer 2c forms the outer peripheral surface 3a (described later). The outermost layer 2c is the layer located at the outermost side of the tube 2. The material of the outermost layer 2c is, for example, LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) or a polyolefin elastomer. The thickness of the outermost layer 2c is, for example, 100 μm to 500 μm, preferably, for example, 200 μm to 300 μm, and specifically, for example, 100, 150, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 350, 400, 450, or 500 μm, and may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here.

[0024] The adhesive layer 2d is a layer for bonding the outermost layer 2c and the barrier layer 2e to each other. The adhesive layer 2d is located more inward than the outermost layer 2c. The adhesive layer 2d is made of, for example, an acid-modified polyolefin. The thickness of the adhesive layer 2d is, for example, 2 μm to 40 μm, preferably, for example, 5 μm to 20 μm, specifically, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40 μm, and may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here.

[0025] The barrier layer 2e is a layer having gas barrier properties. The barrier layer 2e has the function of preventing volatilized ink from leaking out of the tube 2. The barrier layer 2e is located inside the outermost layer 2c. The barrier layer 2e is located inside the adhesive layer 2d. The material of the barrier layer 2e is, for example, EVOH (Ethylene Vinylalcohol copolymer), nylon, etc. The thickness of the barrier layer 2e is, for example, 10 μm to 80 μm, preferably, for example, 30 μm to 50 μm, specifically, for example, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 μm, and may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here.

[0026] The adhesive layer 2f is a layer for bonding the barrier layer 2e and the innermost layer 2g to each other. The adhesive layer 2f is located inside the barrier layer 2e. The material of the adhesive layer 2f is the same as the material of the adhesive layer 2d. However, the material of the adhesive layer 2f may be different from the material of the adhesive layer 2d. The thickness of the adhesive layer 2f is equal to the thickness of the adhesive layer 2d. However, the thickness of the adhesive layer 2f may be different from the thickness of the adhesive layer 2d.

[0027] The innermost layer 2g is the layer located at the innermost side of the tube 2. The material of the innermost layer 2g is the same as the material of the outermost layer 2c. However, the material of the innermost layer 2g may be different from the material of the outermost layer 2c. The thickness of the innermost layer 2g is equal to the thickness of the outermost layer 2c. However, the thickness of the innermost layer 2g may be different from the thickness of the outermost layer 2c.

[0028] The welded portion 3 is formed by welding the outermost layers 2c of the two tubes 2 together. The welded portion 3 includes outer peripheral surfaces 3a of the two tubes 2 and a bottom surface 3b connecting the two outer peripheral surfaces 3a. The outer peripheral surface 3a is formed by the outermost layers 2c. The bottom surface 3b is, for example, a flat surface. The shape of the bottom surface 3b is not particularly limited. The bottom surface 3b and the outer peripheral surfaces 3a form a corner portion 3c. No surface connecting the two outer peripheral surfaces 3a is formed on the back side of the bottom surface 3b. A contact point 3d where the two outer peripheral surfaces 3a contact each other is located on the back side of the bottom surface 3b. The outer peripheral surfaces 3a of the two tubes 2 contact each other at the contact point 3d.

[0029] Because a bottom surface 3b is formed connecting the outer peripheral surfaces 3a of the two tubes 2, the welded portion 3 is less likely to tear from the bottom surface 3b toward the contact point 3d. This reduces the possibility of the two tubes 2 unintentionally separating. On the other hand, no surface connecting the two outer peripheral surfaces 3a is formed on the back side of the bottom surface 3b; only the contact point 3d where the two outer peripheral surfaces 3a meet is located. This makes it easier to tear the welded portion 3 from the contact point 3d toward the bottom surface 3b. This makes it easier to tear the welded portion 3 from the contact point 3d toward the bottom surface 3b when it is necessary to separate the two tubes 2, for example, depending on the design of the device. This reduces the possibility of the two tubes 2 unintentionally separating, while also allowing the two tubes 2 to be easily separated when desired.

[0030] The outer peripheral surface 3a includes arcuate surfaces 3a1 and linear surfaces 3a2. The arcuate surfaces 3a1 are arc-shaped portions when viewed from the longitudinal direction D1. The linear surfaces 3a2 are portions that extend linearly from the end portions 3a11 of the arcuate surfaces 3a1 in the arrangement direction D2 to the corner portions 3c. The thickness of the outermost layer 2c on the linear surfaces 3a2 is smaller than the thickness of the outermost layer 2c on the arcuate surfaces 3a1. The thickness of the outermost layer 2c decreases from the end portions 3a11 toward the corner portions 3c.

[0031] 3B, the thickness A2 of the tube 2 at the corner 3c is, for example, 200 μm to 600 μm, and preferably, for example, 320 μm to 430 μm. The thickness A2 is the distance from the corner 3c to the inner circumferential surface of the tube 2. Specifically, the thickness A2 is, for example, 200, 250, 300, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390, 400, 410, 420, 430, 450, 500, 550, or 600 μm, and may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here.

[0032] The length A3 of the bottom surface 3b in the arrangement direction D2 is, for example, 300 μm to 700 μm, preferably, for example, 430 μm to 500 μm, specifically, for example, 300, 350, 400, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480, 490, 500, 550, 600, 650, or 700 μm, and may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here.

[0033] The distance A4 from the bottom surface 3b to the contact point 3d is, for example, 100 μm to 1000 μm, preferably, for example, 190 μm to 860 μm, specifically, for example, 100, 150, 190, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, 1000 μm, and may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here.

[0034] [2. Configuration of manufacturing device 5] Next, a manufacturing apparatus 5 used in manufacturing the tube assembly 1 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. The manufacturing apparatus 5 is an apparatus that arranges a plurality of tubes 2 in an arrangement direction D2 and welds two tubes 2 adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction D2. The manufacturing apparatus 5 welds the two tubes 2 by ultrasonic welding. As shown in Figure 4, the manufacturing apparatus 5 includes a jig 5a, a fixture 5b, and a horn 5c.

[0035] The jig 5a fixes the multiple tubes 2 in an arrayed state in the array direction D2. The jig 5a is made of, for example, metal. When welding the tubes 2 by ultrasonic welding, it is necessary to efficiently transmit vibrations to the tubes 2 in order to improve welding efficiency. If the multiple tubes 2 are not sufficiently fixed in an arrayed state in the array direction D2, the vibrations applied to the tubes 2 will escape, which may reduce welding efficiency. The jig 5a has the following configuration in order to improve welding efficiency. The jig 5a includes a base portion 5a1, an array portion 5a2, and multiple core portions 5a3.

[0036] The base portion 5a1 is a portion that forms the base of the jig 5a. The base portion 5a1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The base portion 5a1 is aligned with the array portion 5a2 in the longitudinal direction D1. The base portion 5a1 includes a base surface 5a11 that contacts the array portion 5a2.

[0037] The arrangement portion 5a2 is a portion that arranges the multiple tubes 2 in the arrangement direction D2. The arrangement portion 5a2 extends in the longitudinal direction D1 from the base surface 5a11 of the base portion 5a1. The length of the arrangement portion 5a2 in the height direction D3 is shorter than the length of the base portion 5a1 in the height direction D3.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 5, the arrangement portion 5a2 includes a plurality of arrangement portions 5a21 and a ridge portion 5a22. The arrangement portion 5a2 includes the same number of arrangement portions 5a21 as the number of tubes 2. However, the number of arrangement portions 5a21 may be any number as long as it is equal to or greater than the number of tubes 2 included in the tube assembly 1. Note that the base portion 5a1 is not shown in Fig. 5.

[0039] The multiple arrangement portions 5a21 extend in the longitudinal direction D1 and are arranged in the arrangement direction D2 (see FIG. 4). The length of each arrangement portion 5a21 (length in the longitudinal direction D1) is shorter than the length of the tube 2. The shape of each arrangement portion 5a21 is a part of a circle when viewed in the longitudinal direction D1. The radius of curvature of each arrangement portion 5a21 is equal to half the outer diameter of the tube 2. The peak portion 5a22 is located between two arrangement portions 5a21 adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction D2. In other words, the arrangement portions 5a21 and the peak portions 5a22 are alternately arranged along the arrangement direction D2. The depth A5 of each arrangement portion 5a21 is, for example, ¼ to 1 time the radius of curvature of the arrangement portion 5a21. The depth A5 of each arrangement portion 5a21 is the distance from the bottom of each arrangement portion 5a21 to the top of each peak portion 5a22.

[0040] As described above, the depth A5 of the arrangement portion 5a21 is greater than or equal to ¼ and less than or equal to the radius of curvature of the arrangement portion 5a21. If the depth A5 is less than ¼ of the radius of curvature of the arrangement portion 5a21, the depth A5 is too shallow, making it easier for the tube 2 to vibrate in the arrangement direction D2 when vibration is applied to the tube 2. As a result, the vibration applied to the tube 2 escapes, which can reduce welding efficiency. On the other hand, if the depth A5 is greater than 1 time the radius of curvature of the arrangement portion 5a21, the depth A5 is too deep, making it difficult to arrange the tube 2 in the arrangement portion 5a21. As a result, work efficiency can be reduced. Therefore, in this embodiment, the welding efficiency and work efficiency can be improved.

[0041] The core portion 5a3 is a portion that is inserted into the tube 2. As shown in FIG. 4, each core portion 5a3 extends in the longitudinal direction D1 along each of the multiple arrangement portions 5a21. The core portion 5a3 extends in the longitudinal direction D1 from the base surface 5a11. The length of the core portion 5a3 (length in the longitudinal direction D1) is shorter than the length of the arrangement portion 5a2 in the longitudinal direction D1. The length of the core portion 5a3 is, for example, not less than 1 / 4 and not more than 1 / 2 of the length of the arrangement portion 5a2 in the longitudinal direction D1. The core portion 5a3 is cylindrical. The outer diameter of the core portion 5a3 is equal to the inner diameter of the tube 2. The outer diameter of the core portion 5a3 may be larger than the inner diameter of the tube 2.

[0042] As described above, the length of the core portion 5a3 is greater than or equal to ¼ and less than or equal to ½ of the length of the arrangement portion 5a2 in the longitudinal direction D1. If the length of the core portion 5a3 is less than ¼ of the length of the arrangement portion 5a2 in the longitudinal direction D1, the tube 2 may not be sufficiently fixed by the core portion 5a3. This may result in reduced welding efficiency, as vibrations applied to the tube 2 may escape when vibrations are applied to the tube 2. On the other hand, if the length of the core portion 5a3 is greater than ½ of the length of the arrangement portion 5a2 in the longitudinal direction D1, it may be difficult to insert the core portion 5a3 into the tube 2, making it difficult to position the tube 2 in the positioning portion 5a21. This may result in reduced work efficiency. Therefore, in this embodiment, welding efficiency and work efficiency may be improved.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, the core portion 5a3 is spaced apart from the arrangement portion 5a21 in the height direction D3. A separation width A6 from the core portion 5a3 to the arrangement portion 5a21 is equal to the thickness of the tube 2. The separation width A6 may be greater than the thickness of the tube 2. The multiple core portions 5a3 are spaced apart from one another in the arrangement direction D2. A separation width A7 from one core portion 5a3 to another core portion 5a3 adjacent to the one core portion 5a3 is equal to twice the thickness of the tube 2. The separation width A7 may be greater than twice the thickness of the tube 2.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 4, the fixture 5b holds down multiple tubes 2 when welding the tubes 2. The fixture 5b is made of, for example, metal. As shown in Fig. 4, the fixture 5b includes a base portion 5b1, a rotating portion 5b2, and an abutting portion 5b3. The base portion 5b1 is a portion that forms the base of the fixture 5b.

[0045] The rotating portion 5b2 is configured to be rotatable relative to the base portion 5b1. The rotating portion 5b2 extends in the extension direction. An end of the rotating portion 5b2 in the extension direction is connected to the base portion 5b1. The rotating portion 5b2 is rotatable around the longitudinal direction D1, with the connection portion with the base portion 5b1 as the center of rotation.

[0046] The abutment portion 5b3 is a portion that abuts against multiple tubes 2 when welding the tubes 2. The abutment portion 5b3 is provided on the rotating portion 5b2. The abutment portion 5b3 extends along the extension direction of the rotating portion 5b2. The length of the abutment portion 5b3 in the extension direction is shorter than the length of the rotating portion 5b2 in the extension direction. The length of the abutment portion 5b3 in the extension direction is shorter than the length of the arrangement portion 5a2 in the arrangement direction D2.

[0047] Although one example of the configuration of the fixture 5b has been described above, the configuration of the fixture 5b is not limited to the above-described configuration. The fixture 5b may include, for example, a handle for rotating the rotating portion 5b2.

[0048] The horn 5c applies vibration to the tube 2. The horn 5c transmits vibrations supplied from a vibration source (not shown) to the tube 2. The horn 5c is capable of vibrating in the height direction D3. The vibration amplitude of the horn 5c is, for example, 20 μm to 100 μm, preferably 40 μm to 50 μm, and specifically, for example, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 μm, and may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here. The vibration amplitude of the horn 5c is the difference between the maximum height of the horn 5c and the minimum height of the horn 5c. The horn 5c is capable of moving in the height direction D3. The configuration that allows horn 5c to move in height direction D3 is not particularly limited. Horn 5c includes main body portion 5c1 and claw portion 5c2. Main body portion 5c1 is the portion that forms the main body of horn 5c. Main body portion 5c1 extends in height direction D3.

[0049] 5, the horn 5c includes, for example, a plurality of (e.g., three) claw portions 5c2. The horn 5c includes, for example, the same number of claw portions 5c2 as the peak portions 5a22. The claw portions 5c2 are portions that come into contact with two tubes 2 adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction D2 when welding the tubes 2. Each of the plurality of claw portions 5c2 extends from an end of the main body portion 5c1 in the height direction D3 toward the jig 5a.

[0050] The length of the claw portion 5c2 in the longitudinal direction D1 is approximately equal to the length of the weld portion 3 in the longitudinal direction D1. The length of the claw portion 5c2 in the longitudinal direction D1 is desirably selected and designed to match the length of the weld portion 3 to be formed in the longitudinal direction D1. The length of the claw portion 5c2 in the longitudinal direction D1 is, for example, 3 mm to 40 mm (e.g., 10.0 mm), preferably, for example, 5 mm to 15 mm, and specifically, for example, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here. The length of the claw portion 5c2 in the longitudinal direction D1 is, for example, 1 time or more and 3 times or less the outer diameter of the tube 2.

[0051] Each of the claws 5c2 includes a linear portion 5c21 and a reduced portion 5c22. The linear portion 5c21 extends linearly from the main body 5c1. As shown in Fig. 6, the linear portion 5c21 includes two linear surfaces 5c21a. The linear surface 5c21a of one of the claws 5c2 faces the linear surface 5c21a of another claw 5c2 adjacent to the first claw 5c2 in the arrangement direction D2.

[0052] The reduced portion 5c22 is a portion extending from the end of the straight portion 5c21 in the height direction D3. The length of the reduced portion 5c22 in the arrangement direction D2 decreases from the base of the reduced portion 5c22 toward the tip. The reduced portion 5c22 includes two reduced surfaces 5c22a and a tip surface 5c22b. The reduced surface 5c22a extends from the straight surface 5c21a toward the tip of the reduced portion 5c22. The tip surface 5c22b forms the tip of the reduced portion 5c22. The tip surface 5c22b connects the two reduced surfaces 5c22a.

[0053] The length of the claw portion 5c2 (length in the height direction D3) is, for example, 2.0 mm to 10.0 mm (for example, 5.1 mm), preferably, for example, 4.0 mm to 6.0 mm, specifically, for example, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 4.8, 5.0, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6, 5.8, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, 10.0 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here.

[0054] The distance A8 between adjacent claw portions 5c2 in the arrangement direction D2 is, for example, 1.0 mm to 10.0 mm (e.g., 4.0 mm) (see FIG. 5), preferably, for example, 3.0 mm to 5.0 mm, specifically, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, 4.0, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 4.8, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, 10.0 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 6, the length A9 of the claw portion 5c2 in the arrangement direction D2 is, for example, 0.2 mm to 2.0 mm, preferably, for example, 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm, specifically, for example, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, or 2.0 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here.

[0056] The width A10 of the tip of the claw portion 5c2 is, for example, 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm (e.g., 0.5 mm), and preferably, for example, 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm. The width A10 here refers to the length of the tip surface 5c22b in the arrangement direction D2. Specifically, the width A10 is, for example, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1.0 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here. The width A10 is no more than three times the thickness of the outermost layer 2c of the tube 2 (see FIG. 3A).

[0057] [3. Manufacturing method of tube assembly 1] 7 to 11, a method for manufacturing the tube assembly 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. This method includes a preparation step, an arrangement step, a pressing step, and a welding step. Each step will be described in detail below.

[0058] [3-1. Preparation process] In the preparation step, a plurality of tubes 2 are prepared. In the preparation step, a plurality of tubes 2 are manufactured. The method for manufacturing the tubes 2 is, for example, extrusion molding. The method for manufacturing the tubes 2 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, injection molding.

[0059] [3-2. Arrangement process] In the arranging step, as shown in FIG. 7A, a plurality of tubes 2 are arranged in the arrangement direction D2 (arranging step). In the arranging step, a plurality of tubes 2 are arranged in the jig 5a. Specifically, in the arranging step, each of the plurality of tubes 2 is arranged in the arrangement portion 5a21. At this time, the core portion 5a3 is inserted into the tube 2 to arrange the tube 2 in the arrangement portion 5a21. When the plurality of tubes 2 are arranged in the jig 5a, the plurality of tubes 2 are in contact with each other at the contact points 3d. This restricts the movement of the plurality of tubes 2 by the arrangement portion 5a21 and the core portion 5a3. As a result, the plurality of tubes 2 are fixed to the jig 5a in a state arranged in the arrangement direction D2. Because each of the plurality of tubes 2 is sufficiently fixed to the jig 5a by the arrangement portion 5a21 and the core portion 5a3, the possibility of a decrease in welding efficiency can be reduced.

[0060] [3-3. Pressing process] In the pressing process, the plurality of tubes 2 are pressed. In the pressing process, the plurality of tubes 2 arranged in the jig 5a are pressed using the fixture 5b. The rotating portion 5b2 is rotated relative to the base portion 5b1, causing the contact portion 5b3 to contact the plurality of tubes 2. A predetermined force is applied to the rotating portion 5b2 in the height direction D3, thereby applying pressure in the height direction D3 to the plurality of tubes 2 via the contact portion 5b3. As a result, each of the plurality of tubes 2 is pressed against the arrangement portion 5a21.

[0061] [3-4. Welding process] In the welding process, two tubes 2 adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction D2 are welded together (a welding process). In the welding process, a welded portion 3 and a non-welded portion 4 are formed. In the welding process, the welded portion 3 is formed closer to the end portion 2a than the center of the tube 2 in the longitudinal direction D1. In the welding process, the welded portion 3 is formed at a position spaced apart from the end portion 2a of the tube 2 in the longitudinal direction D1 (see FIG. 2A).

[0062] In the welding process, the welded portion 3 is formed by ultrasonic welding. In the welding process, as shown in FIG. 7B, the horn 5c is brought into contact with two tubes 2 adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction D2 to form the welded portion 3. In the welding process, the horn 5c is moved in the height direction D3, and each of the multiple claws 5c2 is brought into contact with the outer circumferential surfaces 3a of the two tubes 2 adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction D2. At this time, the multiple claws 5c2 are brought into contact with desired positions where the welded portion 3 is to be formed. In this embodiment, the multiple claws 5c2 are brought into contact with the tubes 2 closer to the end 2a than the center (see FIG. 2A). The multiple claws 5c2 are brought into contact with positions of the tubes 2 spaced apart from the end 2a.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 8A, when the claws 5c2 are in contact with the outer peripheral surfaces 3a, the reduced surfaces 5c22a are in contact with the outer peripheral surfaces 3a. Before displacement (described later), the claws 5c2 are in contact with the outer peripheral surfaces 3a of the tubes 2 at two contact points Q. In this embodiment, the contact points Q are the corners formed by the distal end surfaces 5c22b and the reduced surfaces 5c22a. However, the position of the contact points Q may vary depending on the outer diameter of the tubes 2, the dimensions of the claws 5c2, the shape of the claws 5c2, and other factors. At this time, a gap G is formed between the outer peripheral surfaces 3a and the distal end surfaces 5c22b of the two tubes 2. In the welding process, after the claws 5c2 are brought into contact with the outer peripheral surfaces 3a of the two tubes 2, the claws 5c2 are displaced toward the tubes 2 by a predetermined displacement amount A11 along the height direction D3, as shown in FIG. 8B. In FIG. 8B, the claws 5c2 before displacement are depicted by dashed lines. The displacement amount A11 is, for example, 0.10 mm to 1.00 mm, preferably, for example, 0.20 mm to 0.25 mm, and specifically, for example, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90, 0.95, 1.00 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here.

[0064] When the claws 5c2 are displaced in the height direction D3 while vibrating the tubes 2 with the horn 5c, only the outermost layers 2c of the layers constituting the tubes 2 melt. Then, the outermost layers 2c of two tubes 2 adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction D2 melt, and the gap G is filled with the melted outermost layers 2c. As a result, a bottom surface 3b is formed along the tip surface 5c22b, and a linear surface 3a2 is formed along the reduced surface 5c22a.

[0065] After displacement, claw portion 5c2 is separated from contact point 3d. In other words, claw portion 5c2 is displaced so as not to reach contact point 3d. The distance from tip surface 5c22b of claw portion 5c2 after displacement to contact point 3d is, for example, 100 μm to 1000 μm, preferably, for example, 400 μm to 850 μm, and specifically, for example, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, or 1000 μm, and may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here.

[0066] As described above, the welded portion 3 is formed by welding the outermost layers 2c of the two tubes 2 together. In other words, when forming the welded portion 3, the layers other than the outermost layers 2c (the adhesive layers 2d and 2f, the barrier layer 2e, and the innermost layer 2g) do not melt. For example, if the barrier layer 2e melts, problems such as a decrease in the gas barrier properties of the tube 2 may occur. Therefore, in this embodiment, high gas barrier properties of the tube 2 can be ensured. This effect is particularly pronounced when the width of the tip of the claw portion 5c2 is three times or less the thickness of the outermost layers 2c.

[0067] Furthermore, as described above, the horn 5c includes multiple claws 5c2, and in the welding process, each of the multiple claws 5c2 is brought into contact with the outer circumferential surfaces 3a of two tubes 2 adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction D2, thereby simultaneously forming multiple welds 3. This allows the tube assembly 1 to be manufactured efficiently.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 9, the distance between the two contact points Q (see FIG. 8A) on the claw portion 5c2 is shorter than the length A12 of the line segment L (shown by the two-dot chain line). In this embodiment, the contact point Q is the angle formed by the tip surface 5c22b and the reduced surface 5c22a, so the distance between the two contact points Q is equal to the width A10. The line segment L is a line segment that passes through the two contact points Q on the claw portion 5c2 after displacement as viewed from the longitudinal direction D1. The line segment L is a line segment that connects the barrier layers 2e of the two tubes 2. Next, when the horn 5c is pulled away from the tube 2 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the claw portion 5c2 was displaced, the tube assembly 1 is formed in the jig 5a as shown in FIG. 10. Each of the multiple tubes 2 is pulled out from the core portion 5a3, and each of the multiple tubes 2 is removed from the arrangement portion 5a21. Through the above steps, the manufacture of the tube assembly 1 is completed.

[0069] Depending on the design of the device, a tube assembly including multiple tubes 2 of different lengths may be required. In this case, the length of each tube 2 can be adjusted by cutting the unwelded portion 4 where each tube 2 is not welded, as shown in Figure 11.

[0070] An example of a method for manufacturing the tube assembly 1 has been described above, but the order and content of each step can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0071] [4. Action and Effects] When multiple tubes 2 are installed in a device, each of the multiple tubes 2 may be connected to a respective one of multiple connection points in the device. In this case, installing a tube assembly 1 in which the multiple tubes 2 are welded together makes it easier to connect each of the multiple tubes 2 to a respective one of the multiple connection points compared to installing multiple tubes 2 that are separate from each other, thereby improving workability. Furthermore, as described above, the length of each tube 2 can be easily adjusted by cutting the non-welded portions 4 where the tubes 2 are not welded.

[0072] The end 2a forms the opening of the tube 2, which is connected to a connection point in a device. If the opening of the tube 2 were to be deformed, it could cause ink to leak from the connection point. In this embodiment, the welded portion 3 is spaced from the end 2a, which reduces the possibility of the opening of the tube 2 being deformed when the welded portion 3 is formed.

[0073] As described above, the separation width A1 from the welded portion 3 to the end 2a is, for example, 3 mm to 30 mm. If the separation width A1 is less than 3 mm, the welded portion 3 and the end 2a are too close to each other, and the opening of the tube 2 may be deformed when the welded portion 3 is formed. On the other hand, if the separation width A1 is greater than 30 mm, the welded portion 3 and the end 2a are too far apart, and the length of the non-welded portion 4 between the end 2a and the welded portion 3 becomes excessive. If the length of the non-welded portion 4 becomes excessive, the tubes 2 may come apart when attaching the end 2a of the tube 2 to a connection point of a device, which may reduce workability. Therefore, in this embodiment, the possibility of deformation of the opening of the tube 2 can be reduced, and workability can be improved.

[0074] As described above, the welded portion 3 is formed by ultrasonic welding. For example, when welding multiple tubes by applying hot air, it is difficult to limit the welded area to a narrow range. If the welded area is too wide, the area where the tubes are not welded to each other will be too narrow. In this case, the area where the multiple tubes are separated from each other will be narrow, which may reduce the workability when installing the tube assembly into a device. In contrast, in this embodiment, it is possible to limit the area where the welded portion 3 is formed to a narrow range.

[0075] When the tube 2 has a single-layer structure, it is possible to manufacture the tube assembly 1 by, for example, profile extrusion. However, when the tube 2 has a multilayer structure, as in this embodiment, manufacturing the tube assembly 1 by profile extrusion can make it difficult to uniformly form the barrier layer 2e. If the barrier layer 2e is not uniformly formed, this can reduce the gas barrier properties of the tube 2 and cause volatilized ink to leak from the tube 2. In contrast, in this embodiment, the tube 2 having a pre-formed multilayer structure is welded by ultrasonic welding, allowing the barrier layer 2e to be uniformly formed. Furthermore, the width A10 of the tip of the horn 5c used for welding is less than three times the thickness of the outermost layer 2c, ensuring the thickness of the barrier layer 2e. As a result, the possibility of welding affecting the gas barrier properties of the tube 2 is reduced.

[0076] Furthermore, the distance (width A10) between the two contact points Q of the claw portion 5c2 is shorter than the length A12 of the line segment L. In this case, the possibility that the barrier layer 2e will melt can be reduced, further reducing the possibility that welding will affect the gas barrier properties of the tube 2.

[0077] [5. Modifications] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the welded portion 3 is spaced apart from the end portion 2a of the tube 2 (see FIG. 2A), but the welded portion 3 may be in contact with the end portion 2a.

[0078] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the plurality of tubes 2 are in contact with each other when arranged on the jig 5a (see FIG. 7A). However, when the plurality of tubes 2 are arranged on the jig 5a, the plurality of tubes 2 may be spaced apart from each other in the arrangement direction D2.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the outer peripheral surface 3a includes the arcuate surfaces 3a1 and the linear surfaces 3a2, and the thickness of the outermost layer 2c decreases from the end 3a11 toward the corner 3c (see FIG. 3A). However, the outer peripheral surface 3a may include only the arcuate surfaces 3a1 and not the linear surfaces 3a2.

[0080] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the horn 5c includes a plurality of claw portions 5c2 (see FIG. 5), but the horn 5c may include only one claw portion 5c2.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the tube 2 has a multi-layer structure (see FIG. 3A), but the tube 2 may have a single-layer structure. The shape of the tube 2 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be a polygonal cylindrical shape.

[0082] [6. Evaluation Test] 1. Example 1 The tube assembly 1 was manufactured by the manufacturing method described above. The layer structure of the tube 2 was as shown in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0083] The inner diameter of the tube 2, the outer diameter of the tube 2, the displacement A11 of the horn 5c, and the vibration amplitude of the horn 5c were as shown in Table 2. [Table 2]

[0084] 2. Example 2 A tube assembly 1 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except for the conditions shown in Table 3. [Table 3]

[0085] [6-1. Cross-sectional observation test] The tube assemblies 1 of Examples 1 and 2 were cut along cross sections perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1. At this time, the tube assemblies 1 were cut along the arrangement direction D2 at two cross sections including both ends of the welded portions 3 in the longitudinal direction D1. Each of the three welded portions 3 was then observed, and the dimensions of each portion were measured. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0086] Note that welded portion 31 refers to the welded portion 3 of the three welded portions 3 that is located furthest to one side in arrangement direction D2 (the leftmost welded portion 3 in FIG. 2B). Welded portion 32 refers to the welded portion 3 of the three welded portions 3 that is adjacent to welded portion 31 (the central welded portion 3 in FIG. 2B). Welded portion 33 refers to the welded portion 3 of the three welded portions 3 that is adjacent to welded portion 32 (the rightmost welded portion 3 in FIG. 2B). Furthermore, thickness A21 refers to the thickness A2 of the tube 2 at one corner 3c of one welded portion 3 (the right corner 3c in FIG. 3B). Thickness A22 refers to the thickness A2 of the tube 2 at the other corner 3c of one welded portion 3 (the left corner 3c in FIG. 3B). [Table 4]

[0087] In the above cross-sectional observation test, it was confirmed that sufficient lengths could be secured for the thickness A2 of the tube 2 at the corner 3c, the length A3 of the bottom surface 3b in the arrangement direction D2, and the distance A4 from the bottom surface 3b to the contact point 3d.

[0088] [6-2. Welding strength test] A weld strength test was conducted using the cut tube assembly 1 used in the cross-section observation test described above. First, a wire was inserted through one of the tubes 2 welded by the welded portion 3, and a cap bolt was inserted through the other tube 2. The outer diameter of the bolt portion of the cap bolt was 3 mm. Next, an M4 nut was attached to the cap bolt to prevent the bolt portion from coming off the tube 2. Next, the cap bolt was fixed in a vice. Next, a push-pull gauge was attached to the wire, and the push-pull gauge was pulled in the direction away from the vice. The peak value of the tension measured by the push-pull gauge was measured. The peak value was measured for each of the welded portions 31, 32, and 33. The results are shown in Table 5. [Table 5]

[0089] In the above welding strength test, the peak value of the tension was 4.77 N or more in all of the welded parts 3, and it was confirmed that the welded parts 3 had sufficient welding strength. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1: Tube assembly 2: Tube 2a: End 2b: End 2c: Outermost layer (outer layer) 2d: Adhesive layer 2e: Barrier layer 2f: Adhesive layer 2g: innermost layer 3: Welded part 31: Welded part 32: Welded part 33: Welded part 3a: Outer surface 3a1: Arc surface 3a11: End 3a2: Straight line surface 3b: Bottom 3c: Corner 3d: Contact 4: Non-welded area 5: Manufacturing equipment 5a: Jig 5a1: Base part 5a11: Base surface 5a2: Array section 5a21: Placement section 5a22:Yamabe 5a3: core 5b: Fixture 5b1:Base part 5b2: Rotating part 5b3: Contact part 5c: Horn 5c1: Main body 5c2: Claw part 5c21: Straight section 5c21a: Straight line surface 5c22 :Reduction part 5c22a: Reduced surface 5c22b: Tip surface A1: Separation width A2: Thickness A3: Length A4: Distance A5: Depth A6: Separation width A7: Separation width A8 :Distance A9: Length A10: Width A11: Displacement A12: Length A21: Thickness A22: Thickness D1: Longitudinal direction D2: Array direction D3: Height direction G: Gap L: Line segment Q: Contact point

Claims

1. a plurality of tubes having a length in a longitudinal direction and arranged in an arrangement direction intersecting the longitudinal direction; In the ink supply tube assembly, two of the tubes adjacent in the arrangement direction include a welded portion where the two tubes are welded together and a non-welded portion where the two tubes are not welded together.

2. 2. The ink supply tube assembly according to claim 1, The welded portion is spaced from the longitudinal end of the tube.

3. 3. The ink supply tube assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The welded portion includes outer peripheral surfaces of the two tubes and a bottom surface connecting the two outer peripheral surfaces.

4. 3. The ink supply tube assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The tube includes an outer layer that forms an outer peripheral surface of the tube, and a barrier layer that is located inside the outer layer, The welded portion is formed by welding the outer layers of the two tubes together.

5. 3. The ink supply tube assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the plurality of tubes includes one of the tubes and another of the tubes different from the one of the tubes, An ink supply tube assembly, wherein the longitudinal length of one of the tubes is different from the longitudinal length of the other of the tubes.

6. a step of arranging a plurality of tubes having a length in a longitudinal direction in an arrangement direction intersecting the longitudinal direction; and welding two of the tubes adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction, In the welding step, a welded portion where the two tubes are welded together and an unwelded portion where the two tubes are not welded together are formed.

7. 7. The method of claim 6, The method, wherein the welding step forms the welded portion by ultrasonic welding.

8. 8. The method of claim 7, In the arranging step, the plurality of tubes are placed in a jig; the jig includes a plurality of arrangement portions extending in the longitudinal direction and arranged in the arrangement direction, and a plurality of core portions extending in the longitudinal direction along each of the arrangement portions, In the arranging step, the core portion is inserted into the tube to arrange the tube in the arrangement portion; In the welding step, a horn that applies vibration to the tubes is brought into contact with the two tubes that are adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction, thereby forming the welded portion.

9. 9. The method of claim 8, the horn includes a plurality of prongs; In the welding step, each of the plurality of claw portions is brought into contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the two tubes adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, the tube includes an outer layer that forms the outer peripheral surface, and a barrier layer that is located inside the outer layer, The method, wherein the width of the tip of the claw is no more than three times the thickness of the outer layer.

11. 11. The method of claim 9 or claim 10, In the welding step, after the claw portions are brought into contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the two tubes, the claw portions are displaced toward the tubes by a predetermined displacement amount along a height direction intersecting both the longitudinal direction and the arrangement direction, the tube includes an outer layer that forms the outer peripheral surface, and a barrier layer that is located inside the outer layer, the claw portion contacts the outer circumferential surface of the tube at two contact points before displacement, A method in which the distance between the two contact points is shorter than the length of a line segment passing through the two contact points on the claw portion after displacement when viewed from the longitudinal direction and connecting the barrier layers of the two tubes.

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