Cartridge, method for manufacturing the cartridge, and method for reusing the cartridge

Abstract

To provide a technology that allows for disassembly of an ink tank and a lid after use of a cartridge, and allows a part of the lid to be reused.SOLUTION: A cartridge comprises: a tank including an absorbent and an absorbent accommodation chamber that accommodates the absorbent; a lid member joined to the tank; and a partition member disposed between the absorbent located in the absorbent accommodation chamber and the lid member. The lid member includes first engagement portions; the partition member includes second engagement portions; the first engagement portions and the second engagement portions are engaged with each other; and parts of outer peripheries of opposing surfaces of the lid member and the partition member have a gap in an overlapping direction thereof. Thus, the cartridge can contribute to realization of a sustainable society such as a carbon-free / recycling-based society.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cartridge, a method for manufacturing the cartridge, and a method for reusing the cartridge.

Background Art

[0002] In order to realize a sustainable society such as a decarbonized / circular society, it is required that printing devices be reusable. It is required to correspond to products. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration including a lid and an ink tank constituting an inkjet cartridge, and performing welding by melting a welding rib between the lid and the ink tank by vibration welding.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the ink tank and the lid are welded and fixed as in Patent Document 1, the welding surfaces of the ink tank and the lid are each melted and deformed, so it is difficult to disassemble and reuse the ink tank and the lid after use of the cartridge.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique capable of disassembling an ink tank and a lid after use of a cartridge and reusing a part of the lid.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The cartridge of the present disclosure includes a tank having an absorber for holding a liquid, an opening, and an absorber accommodation chamber for accommodating the absorber, a lid member joined to the opening of the tank, and a partition member disposed between the absorber located in the absorber accommodation chamber and the lid member, wherein the lid member has a first engagement portion, the partition member has a second engagement portion, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are engaged with each other, and a part of the outer periphery of the opposing surfaces of the lid member and the partition member has a gap in the overlapping direction in which the lid member and the partition member overlap.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, after the use of the cartridge, the ink tank and the lid can be disassembled, and a part of the lid can be reused.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

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Figure 18

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Figure 23

Figure 24

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <First Embodiment> (Overview of Inkjet Recording Device) FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an inkjet recording apparatus according to a first embodiment. The inkjet recording apparatus 10 (hereinafter also referred to as a recording apparatus) is an on-carriage type of serial recording method, and includes a cartridge 100 and a carriage 11. The cartridge 100 is mounted on the carriage 11. In the recording apparatus 10, the carriage 11 reciprocates, the recording paper 12 is conveyed by a predetermined amount in a direction orthogonal to the reciprocating movement of the carriage, and the cartridge discharges ink onto the recording paper 12, thereby forming an image on the recording paper 12.

[0011] (Cartridge Overview) FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the cartridge according to the first embodiment. The cartridge 100 is a type that stores ink for one color, and is generally a cartridge for black ink. The present disclosure is also applicable to a type that stores a plurality of colors of ink, generally a cartridge for color ink (cyan, magenta, yellow), but in this embodiment, a cartridge for black ink is used.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge 100 includes a recording head 110 that discharges ink, a tank 120 that stores ink, an absorber 130 that absorbs and holds liquid, a partition member 140 that presses the absorber 130, and a lid member 150 that joins with the tank 120. The cartridge 100 includes a filter 160 that removes foreign matter in the tank 120. The recording head 110 is configured to discharge ink based on discharge data, and is disposed on the bottom surface vertically below the tank 120. The absorber 130 is composed of a fibrous body, a porous body, etc., and can hold ink inside by the manifestation of capillary force. The absorber 130 is housed in the absorber housing chamber 121 of the tank 120 so as to be in contact with a filter 160 for removing foreign matter.

[0013] The lid member 150 is arranged to close the opening of the tank 120 and, together with the tank 120, defines the absorber storage chamber 121. The partition member 140 is arranged between the absorber 130 and the lid member 150 and holds the absorber 130 while fixing it. Details of the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 will be described later.

[0014] (Assembly process) FIG. 4 shows the assembly process of the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 of the cartridge according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4(a) is a perspective view showing the appearance of the lid member 150 and the partition member 140. FIGS. 4(b)-(d) show cross-sections taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 4(a), and the assembly is performed in the order of FIGS. 4(b), 4(c), and 4(d).

[0015] As shown in FIG. 4(b), the lid member 150 defines a plane in the XY plane and defines a first surface 152 and a second surface 154. The lid member 150 has welding ribs 195 and struts 1911, 1912 (first engaging portions) that protrude in the minus Z-axis direction from the second surface 154. The struts 1911, 1912 extend from the proximal portion (first position) to the distal portion (second position) of the second surface 154 and have a tapered conical shape. In the first embodiment, the central axes of the struts 1911, 1912 are perpendicular to the lid member 150, but may be inclined. The welding rib 195 can be an independent component and is arranged between the lid member 150 and the tank 120 when performing vibration welding. Note that the minus Z-axis direction corresponds to the direction of gravity.

[0016] The partition member 140 defines a plane in the XY plane and defines a first surface 143 and a second surface 144. The partition member 140 has two holes 1811, 1812 (second engaging portions) that penetrate in the Z-axis direction. The inner diameters of the holes 1811, 1812 are larger than the outer diameters of the distal portions of the struts 1911, 1912 and smaller than the outer diameters of the proximal portions. The partition member 140 has dimensions smaller than the region defined by the welding rib 195 in the XY plane. The second surface 144 of the partition member 140 has a rib portion 142 that protrudes in the minus Z-axis direction.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 4(c), the columns 1911 and 1912 of the lid member 150 are respectively inserted into the holes 1811 and 1812 of the partition member 140. As described above, the inner diameters of the holes 1811 and 1812 are larger than the outer diameters of the columns 1911 and 1912 at the second position and smaller than the outer diameters at the first position. Thereby, further insertion of the columns 1911 and 1912 into the holes 1811 and 1812 is suppressed at the position where the inner diameters of the holes 1811 and 1812 match the outer diameters of the columns 1911 and 1912. At this time, the distance between the second surface 154 of the lid member 150 and the first surface 143 of the partition member 143 has a distance L1. The distance L1 is in the range of 1.0 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less. The distance L1 facilitates the separation of the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 in the separation process described later.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 4(d), with the distance L1 maintained between the second surface 154 of the lid member 150 and the first surface 143 of the partition member 140, the tips of the distal portions of the columns 1911 and 1912 are heated and melted. By melting, fixing portions 1921 and 1922 having outer diameters larger than the inner diameters of the holes 1811 and 1812 are respectively formed. The columns 1911 and 1912 fix the positions of the columns 1911 and 1912 and the holes 1811 and 1812 by the proximal portions having outer diameters larger than the inner diameters of the holes 1811 and 1812 and the fixing portions 1921 and 1922, and the lid member 150 is fixed to the partition member 140. The columns 1911 and 1912 are not limited to a conical shape, and the holes 1811 and 1812 are not limited to a circular shape.

[0019] (Vibration welding process) FIG. 5 shows the vibration welding process of the lid member 150 fixed to the tank 120 and the partition member 140. The lid member 150 is arranged with respect to the opening of the tank 120, the welding rib 195 of the lid member 150 is brought into contact with the opening of the tank 120, and the lid member 150 is vibrated while being pressed against the tank 120 with a predetermined pressure. The vibration direction of the lid member 150 is the X-axis direction of the lid member 150. The amplitude of the vibration is in the range of 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, and the frequency of the vibration is in the range of 200 Hz or more and 400 Hz or less. The lid member 150 is vibrated with respect to the tank 120, frictional heat is generated at the contact portion between the tank 120 and the welding rib 195, and the opening of the tank 120 and the welding rib 195 are melted, whereby the tank 120 and the lid member 150 are joined.

[0020] (Separation process) The used cartridge 100 is collected by a collector or the like. The cartridge 100 is cleaned to remove dirt such as ink, and a plurality of inspections are performed on the quality. The tank 120 and the lid member 150 of the cartridge 100 determined to be reusable are separated, and the partition member 140 is reused.

[0021] FIG. 6 shows the process of separating the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6(a) shows a cross section of the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 separated from the tank 120. FIGS. 6(b)-(e) schematically show the cross section taken along line B-B in FIG. 6(a), and the separation is performed in the order of FIGS. 6(b), 6(c), 6(d), and 6(e). As shown in FIG. 6(b), the tool 400 is inserted into the gap L1 between the lid member 150 and the partition member 140. The tool 400 has a tapered shape having a first portion with a width larger than the gap L1 and a second portion with a width thinner than the gap L1. As shown in FIG. 6(c), the tool 400 is inserted between the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 until the tool 400 comes into contact with the lid member 150 and the partition member 140, that is, until the width of the inserted tool 400 matches the gap L1.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 6(d), when the tool 400 is further inserted between the lid member 150 and the partition member 140, stress is applied to the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 respectively due to the tapered shape of the tool 400, and stress concentration occurs at the joint of the support column 1911 and the fixing portion 1921. Due to the stress concentration, the joint of the support column 1911 and the fixing portion 1921 is broken, and the support column 1911 and the fixing portion 1921 are separated. The fixing portion 1922 of the support column 1912 is similarly separated, and in this way, the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are separated.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 6(e), the partition member 140 is separated and reused for the next product. The method of reusing the partition member 140 includes the steps of peeling the lid member 150 from the tank 120, separating the lid member 150 and the partition member 140, replacing the absorber 130, and cleaning the inside of the tank 120. The method of reusing the partition member 140 includes the steps of inserting a new absorber 130 into the tank 120, injecting liquid, fitting a new lid member 150 and the partition member 140, and welding the newly prepared lid member 150 and the tank 120. By such a method, the cartridge is manufactured and reused. The support columns 1911, 1912, and the holes 1811, 1812 are not limited to two, and may be one or three or more. The separation step may be performed with the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 fixed to the table.

[0024] <Second Embodiment> FIG. 7 is a view when the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are fixed at only one location. FIG. 7(a) is a view in which the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 having one support column 1914 are fixed. When the partition member 140 is fixed by only one support column 1914, as shown in FIG. 7(b), displacement such as tilting of the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 occurs.

[0025] FIG. 8(a) shows the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8(b) is a detailed view of FIG. 8(a). In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the lid member 150 has a support column 1914, the partition member 140 has a hole 1814, and a spacer 26 is disposed between the second surface 154 of the lid member 150 and the first surface 143 of the partition member 140. The support column 1914 can be cylindrical, and the hole 1814 is a hole penetrating the partition member 140. The spacer 26 is disposed at a position deviated from the center of gravity direction of the lid member 150 with respect to the support column 1914, abuts against the lid member 150 and the partition member 140, and defines a space L1 between the lid member 150 and the partition member 140.

[0026] In the second embodiment, the spacer 26 is formed on the second surface 154 of the lid member 150. With the spacer 26 in contact with the partition member 140, a fixing portion 1924 is formed at the tip of the support column 1914 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are fixed. The spacer 26 assists in supporting the partition member 140 with respect to the lid member 150 and suppresses the partition member 140 from rotating about the position of the hole 1814. Alternatively, the spacer 26 is formed on the partition member 140.

[0027] With such a configuration, when there is one support column, displacement between the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 can be suppressed. Further, such a configuration can easily define the clearance between the lid member 150 and the partition member 140, and facilitates the disassembly of the two components.

[0028] <Modification Example 1 of the Second Embodiment> FIG. 9 shows the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 according to Modification 1 of the second embodiment. In Modification 1 of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9(a), a spacer 26 is formed on the second surface 154 of the lid member 150, and a recess 27 for fitting with the spacer 26 is formed on the first surface 143 of the opposing partition member 140. By fitting the spacer 26 and the recess 27 when fixing the lid member 150 and the partition member 140, displacement in the XY direction between the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 is suppressed. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the spacer 26 is formed on the partition member 140, and the recess 27 is formed on the lid member 150.

[0029] FIG. 10(a) shows an alternative shape of the spacer 26. The shape of the spacer 26 can be a cylinder, a square prism, or the like. FIG. 10(b) shows a diversified alternative shape of the spacer 26. Such a configuration increases the contact area between the spacer 26 and the recess 27, so that the spacer 26 and the recess 27 are more firmly fixed.

[0030] <Modification 2 of the Second Embodiment> FIG. 11 shows the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 according to Modification 2 of the second embodiment. In Modification 2 of the second embodiment, the spacer 26 of the lid member 150 has a hooked return portion 30 (first engagement structure). The return portion 30 is a vertical portion extending in the +Z-axis direction from the spacer 26. The recess 27 of the partition member 140 has a return portion 32 (second engagement structure). The return portion 32 is a vertical portion extending in the -Z-axis direction from the first surface 143 of the partition member 140.

[0031] The return portion 30 and the return portion 32 are engageable. When fixing the lid member 150 and the partition member 140, after the return portion 30 and the return portion 32 are engaged, the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are fixed in the same manner as the method shown in the first embodiment.

[0032] Such a configuration suppresses the displacement of the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 in the Z-axis direction. Alternatively, spacers 26 and return portions 30 are formed on the partition member 140, and recesses 27 and return portions 32 are formed on the lid member 150. The return portion 32 is a communicating hole into which the return portion 30 is fitted and assembled.

[0033] <Third Embodiment> FIG. 12 shows the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the second surface 154 of the lid member 150 has a support column 1914, the partition member 140 has a hole 1814, and an inclined spacer 28 is disposed between the second surface 154 of the lid member 150 and the first surface 143 of the partition member 140. The support column 1914 has a cylindrical shape, and the hole 1814 is a hole penetrating the partition member 140. The spacer 28 is disposed at a position deviated from the center of gravity direction of the lid member 150 with respect to the support column 1914 and abuts against the lid member 150 and the partition member 140, defining a gap L1 between the first surface 154 of the lid member 150 and the second surface 143 of the partition member 140.

[0034] In the third embodiment, the spacer 28 is formed on the first surface 154 of the lid member 150. With the spacer 28 in contact with the first surface 143 of the partition member 140, a fixing portion 1924 is formed at the tip of the support column 1914 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are fixed. The spacer 28 assists in supporting the partition member 140 with respect to the lid member 150 and suppresses the rotation of the partition member 140 starting from the position of the hole 1814. Alternatively, the spacer 28 is formed on the first surface 143 of the partition member 140. With such a configuration, when there is one support column, displacement between the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 can be suppressed. Further, such a configuration can easily define the clearance between the lid member 150 and the partition member 140, facilitating the disassembly of the two components.

[0035] FIG. 13 shows the process of joining the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 having the spacer 28 according to the third embodiment to the tank 120. The spacer 28 that abuts against the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 at an inclination is crushed and destroyed by the absorber 130 and the partition member 140 when the tank 120 and the lid member 150 are joined by vibration welding of the welding rib 195. Since the partition member 140 is held in the tank 120 by the lid member 150 and the absorber 130, even if the spacer 28 is destroyed, there is no hindrance to the pressing down of the absorber 130.

[0036] FIGS. 14(a)-(b) are diagrams showing the separation of the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 after being removed from the tank 120. When the spacer 28 is destroyed, it facilitates the disassembly of the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 when the lid member 150 and the tank 120 are removed. By forming the spacer 28 on the lid member 150, the partition member 140 can be reused. The spacer 28 can be formed on both sides of the lid member 150 respectively, which facilitates the regulation of the clearance between the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 and facilitates the disassembly of the two parts. Alternatively, the spacer 28 is formed on the partition member 140.

[0037] <Modification of the Third Embodiment> FIG. 15(a) shows the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 according to the modification of the third embodiment. In the modification of the third embodiment, the spacer 28 of the lid member 150 has a bent portion 31. FIG. 15(b) is a diagram showing vibration welding of the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 provided with the spacer 28 having the bent portion 31 to the tank 120. Since the bent portion 31 serves as a starting point for destruction when the tank 120 and the lid member 150 are joined by vibration welding, the spacer 28 can be more easily destroyed. Concave portions, notches, etc. are formed in the bent portion 31.

[0038] <Fourth Embodiment> FIG. 16(a) shows the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the second surface 154 of the lid member 150 has a support column 1916, and the first surface 143 of the partition member 140 has a hole 1816. The support column 1916 can be cylindrical, and the hole 1816 is a hole penetrating the partition member 140. The support column 1916 forms a fixing portion 1921 in the same manner as in the first embodiment and is fixed to the hole 1816, and the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are fixed.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 16(a), in the fourth embodiment, the lid member 150 has a groove structure 25 surrounding the support column 1916 on the second surface 154. The groove structure 25 has an inner diameter equal to or less than the inner diameter of the hole 1816. The groove structure 25 is in a V shape with a width of 0.2 mm and a depth of 0.5 mm, surrounds the support column 1916, and is separated from the center of the diameter of the support column 1916 by 2.2 mm. The center of the diameter of the support column 1916 is separated from the side surface extending in the Y-axis direction of the adjacent lid member 150 by 63 mm.

[0040] FIGS. 16(b)-(d) show the separation process of the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 according to the fourth embodiment, and the separation is performed in the order of FIGS. 16(b), 16(c), and 16(d). When the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are separated from each other in the Z-axis direction, the hole 1816 of the partition member 140 and the fixing portion 1921 of the support column 1916 interfere with each other. When the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are further separated from each other in the Z-axis direction, the support column 1916 receives a force in the Z-axis direction, the groove structure 25 adjacent to the lid member 150 and the support column 1916 becomes the action point, and the lid member 150 is broken starting from the groove structure 25. Therefore, a part of the lid member 150 and the support column 1916 are separated from the lid member 150. Alternatively, the groove structure 25 is arranged partially or intermittently around the support column 1916 in the lid member 150.

[0041] <Modification Example of the Fourth Embodiment> FIG. 17(a) shows a lid member 150 and a partition member 140 according to a modification of the fourth embodiment. In the modification of the fourth embodiment, a relay member 27 surrounding the support column 1916 is disposed between the lid member 150 and the partition member 140. The relay member 27 can be cylindrical, can have a length of 1 mm and an inner diameter of 2.5 mm, and is formed as a single part or integrally with the partition member 140.

[0042] FIGS. 17(b)-(d) show the separation process of the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 when the lid member 150 and the tank 120 are attached according to the modification of the fourth embodiment, and the separation is performed in the order of FIGS. 17(b), 17(c), and 17(d). When welding the lid member 150 to the tank 120, vibration welding is performed while pressing the lid member 150 against the tank 120 as described above. At this time, as shown in FIG. 17(b), the rib portion 142 of the partition member 140 abuts on the ink absorber 15, and a force P in the positive Z-axis direction in which the partition member 140 pushes up the lid member 150 acts as a reaction force. As shown in FIG. 17(c), when the force P received by the partition member 140 from the ink absorber 15 is applied to the relay member 27, the relay member 27 pushes up the lid member 150. As a result, the groove structure 25 is pushed up and is broken starting from the groove structure 25. In this way, when the lid member 150 and the tank 120 are attached as shown in FIG. 17(d), the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are separated.

[0043] <Fifth Embodiment> FIG. 18(a) shows a lid member 150 and a partition member 140 according to the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the second surface 154 of the lid member 150 has a support column 1918, and the partition member 140 has a hole 1816. The support column 1918 can be cylindrical, the first position (proximal portion) of the support column 1918 has a first portion 42 having a width a, and the second position (distal portion) of the support column 1918 has a second portion 44 having a width b narrower than the width a. The width b can be half of the width a. The horizontal position of the second portion 44 is preferably a position eccentric from the center of the first portion 42. Also, the direction of eccentricity is preferably arranged far from the position where peeling occurs when peeling the tank 120 and the lid member 150.

[0044] The hole 1816 is a hole that penetrates the partition member 140. The inner diameter of the hole 1816 is larger than the width b and smaller than the width a. The support column 1918 is fixed to the hole 1816 by forming a fixing portion 1921 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are fixed. When the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are fixed, the first portion 42 of the support column 1918 is not inserted into the lid member 150, and the second portion 44 is inserted into the lid member 150 and protrudes about 1.5 mm (dimension c) from the partition member 140 toward the absorber accommodation chamber side. The tip of the protruding second portion 44 of the support column 1918 forms the fixing portion 1921.

[0045] Figures 18(b)-(c) show the separation process of the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 according to the fifth embodiment, and the separation is performed in the order of Figure 18(b) and Figure 18(c). As shown in Figure 18(b), when the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are separated from each other in the Z-axis direction, the hole 1816 of the partition member 140 and the second portion 44 of the support column 1918 come into contact. As shown in Figure 18(c), when further separated, concentrated stress is applied to the joint portion of the first portion 42 and the second portion 44, and the support column 1918 breaks starting from the joint portion.

[0046] <Modification of the Fifth Embodiment> Figure 19(a) shows the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 according to a modification of the fifth embodiment. In the modification of the fifth embodiment, the support column 1918 has a cylindrical shape and has a groove 155 surrounding the support column 1918 at the first position of the support column 1918. The hole 1816 of the partition member 140 penetrates the partition member 140. Alternatively, the hole 1816 may have a bottom, that is, it does not penetrate the partition member 140.

[0047] In the modification of the fifth embodiment, the inner wall of the hole 1816 of the partition member 140 is provided with a narrow portion having a dimension that frictionally engages with the support column 1918. The narrow portion engages with the support column 1918 by frictional force. The dimension of the support column 1918 in the Z-axis direction is such that it does not protrude from the partition member 140 when the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are fixed.

[0048] Figs. 19(b)-(c) show the separation process of the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 according to a modification of the fifth embodiment, and the separation is performed in the order of Fig. 19(b) and Fig. 19(c). As shown in Fig. 19(b), when the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are separated from each other in the Z-axis direction, concentrated stress is applied to the groove 155 of the support column 1918, and as shown in Fig. 19(c), the support column 1918 breaks starting from the groove 155.

[0049] Alternatively, in the first to fifth embodiments, there may be one support column and one hole each, and the hole is disposed at the center of gravity of the partition member 140. The outer periphery of the surface of the partition member 140 facing the lid member 150 may be spaced apart from the lid member 150, and is, for example, tapered outward.

[0050] <Sixth Embodiment> Fig. 20(a) shows the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 according to the sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the lid member 150 has a key portion 1920 extending in a first predetermined direction in the XY plane of the lid member 150. The partition member 140 has a hole 1820 extending in a second predetermined direction in the XY plane of the partition member 140. In Fig. 20(a), the partition member 140 is shown rotated by 90°. The first predetermined direction and the second predetermined direction are orthogonal, but may be at various relative angles. The hole 1820 is disposed at a position about 5 mm from the end of the partition member 140 parallel to the longitudinal direction of the hole 1820.

[0051] Figs. 20(b)-(c) show the assembly process of the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 according to the sixth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 20(b), the key portion 1920 and the hole 1820 intersect or are orthogonal, the key portion 1920 is inserted into the hole 1820, and preferably rotated 90 degrees about the Z-axis direction. As shown in Fig. 20(c), in this way, the key portion 1920 and the hole 1820 are engaged with each other, and the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are fixed.

[0052] After the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are assembled, the lid member 150 is fixed to the tank 120 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. With such a configuration, when separating the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 after the use of the cartridge, the engagement can be released by rotating the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 in the direction opposite to the assembly with each other.

[0053] <Modification Example 1 of the Sixth Embodiment> FIG. 21 shows the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 according to Modification Example 1 of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 21(a) shows the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 before engagement, and FIG. 21(b) shows the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 after engagement. In FIG. 21(a), the partition member 140 is shown rotated by 90°. In Modification Example 1 of the sixth embodiment before engagement, the lid member 150 has the auxiliary protrusion 110 in the same plane as the key portion 1920. The holes 1820 can be two or more and are arranged in a point-like manner on the plane of the partition member 140. When the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are engaged by rotation in the same manner as in the sixth embodiment, the auxiliary protrusion 110 engages with the partition member 140.

[0054] In Modification Example 1 of the sixth embodiment, when separating the lid member 150 and the partition member 140, a part of the key portion 1920 can be left in the hole 1820. With this configuration, when the partition member 140 is reused, the use of the hole 1820 used last time is suppressed. In this way, a structure is adopted in which a part of the key portion 1920 is left in the hole 1820 so that the number of uses can be determined at the time of regeneration.

[0055] <Modification Example 2 of the Sixth Embodiment> FIG. 22 shows the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 according to Modification 2 of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 22(a) shows the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 before engagement, and FIG. 22(b) shows the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 after engagement. In Modification 2 of the sixth embodiment, the lid member 150 has a key portion 1920 extending in a first predetermined direction in the XY plane of the lid member 150, and the partition member 140 has a hole 1820 extending in the first predetermined direction in the XY plane of the partition member 140. When the key portion 1920 and the hole 1820 are engaged, it is preferable that the length and arrangement of the key portion 1920 and the hole 1820 are such that the partition member 140 is the center of symmetry with respect to the lid member 150. The size of the partition member 140 is determined in consideration of the required size of the rib portion 142 and the influence of misalignment with respect to the lid portion.

[0056] The key portion 1920 and the hole 1820 are parallel. By inserting the key portion 1920 into the hole 1820 and sliding the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 relative to each other, the key portion 1920 and the hole 1820 are engaged with each other, and the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are fixed.

[0057] Although described in the first embodiment, the reuse method will be described again. The partition member 140 is separated and reused for incorporation into the next product. The method of reusing the partition member 140 includes the steps of removing the lid member 150 from the tank 120, separating the lid member 150 and the partition member 140, replacing the absorber 130, and cleaning the inside of the tank 120. The method of reusing the partition member 140 includes the steps of inserting a new absorber 130 into the tank 120, injecting liquid, fitting a new lid member 150 and the partition member 140, and welding the new lid member 150 and the tank 120. By such a method, the cartridge is manufactured and reused.

[0058] In any embodiment, as exemplary dimensions, the lid member 150 may have a dimension of 75 mm in the X direction, 21 mm in the Y direction, and 3 mm in the Z-axis direction. The support pillar may be a cylinder with a diameter of 2 mm and a height of 8 mm. The dimension of the partition member 140 in the X direction may be 63 mm, in the Y direction may be 9 mm, and in the Z-axis direction including the rib portion 142 may be 2 - 7 mm. The shape of the partition member 140 is an elongated shape, and the aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the length to the width (here the ratio of the length to the width) in the partition member 140, may be 1:4, preferably with a short-side dimension of 15.2 mm and a long-side dimension of 64 mm. The inner diameter of the hole through which the support pillar 1916 passes may be 2.5 mm. In any embodiment, after the lid member 150 is fixed to the tank 120, the support pillar may be able to press down the absorber in the tank 120 together with the rib portion 142. The cartridge 100 of the present disclosure does not have to be head-integrated.

[0059] (Reuse method of the first embodiment) The reuse method of the cartridge of the present embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 23. Since the steps of reusing the cartridge of the present embodiment are from the lid member peeling step S802 of peeling the lid member 150 from the cartridge 100 to the lid member welding step of welding the lid member 150, the steps will be described in detail. FIG. 10 extracts the steps from the lid member peeling step to the lid member welding step in the cartridge reuse process flow.

[0060] The cartridge reuse process starts from step S801 of preparing a used cartridge 100. Next, after checking the appearance of the cartridge and cleaning the appearance, it enters the lid member peeling step S802 of peeling the lid member 150. In this step, the lid member 150 is relatively moved with respect to the tank 120 to peel the lid member 150. Then, it proceeds to the separation step S803 of separating the lid member 150 and the partition member 140. In the separation step S803, since the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are integrated by caulking, the lid member 150 and the partition member are separated. As described above, this caulking fixation is fixed to such an extent that it can be easily separated. Therefore, it can be separated by relatively peeling the partition member 140 from the lid member 150. The separated lid member 150 is discarded, and the partition member 140 is reused. Then, it becomes the absorber removal step S804, and the absorber 130 with depleted ink is taken out from the tank 120. After that, it becomes the tank cleaning step S805. In the tank cleaning step S805, the inside of the tank 120 is cleaned. Then, it proceeds to the absorber insertion step S806. In the absorber insertion step S806, the absorber (S806A) obtained by cleaning the absorber 130 taken out in the absorber removal step S804 may be inserted into the tank 120. Also, in the absorber insertion step S806, a new absorber may be inserted into the tank. In the absorber cleaning step S806A, not only is the cleaning liquid permeated from one direction and suction-discharged, but the absorber 130 is completely immersed in the cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid is allowed to penetrate to every corner for cleaning. Also, since the absorber 130 can be pressed and deformed in the cleaning liquid for cleaning, the remaining ink can be removed neatly. After the absorber insertion step S806, it becomes the ink injection step S807, and the ink is injected into the tank 120 while impregnating the absorber 130 with an injection needle or the like. Then, it becomes the lid member welding step S808. Before that, as described above, for improving the handleability, a step S808A of thermally caulking the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 is performed. In the caulking step S808A, a new lid member 150 is used, and the partition member 140 separated in the separation step S803 is used for thermal caulking. The thermal caulking in this step is also caulked to such an extent that it can be easily peeled off by hand in consideration of future reuse.An integrated unit of the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 is installed on the absorber, and the lid member welding step S808 is performed. Since the lid member 150 is new, welding that ensures sealing is possible. Subsequent steps include recording inspection, packaging, etc., and result in the completion S809 of the reusable cartridge.

[0061] In the case of the cartridge for black ink according to the present embodiment described above, the weight of the lid member 150 in the total weight of the cartridge without ink is about 13%, and the weight of the partition member 140 is about 11%. If the lid member 150 is discarded and the partition member 140 is reused, the recycling rate is about 87%. In the case of the lid of the comparative example in which the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are integrated, the weight of the lid is about 19%. Therefore, if the lid is discarded, the recycling rate is 81%. Since the lid member 150 is a substantially flat plate-like component, the weight of the component that has to be discarded can be minimized as much as possible, and the recycling rate can be improved compared to the lid of the comparative example.

[0062] The structures, fixing methods, separation methods, and reuse methods of the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to tanks 120 of any shape. As an example, the structures, fixing methods, separation methods, and reuse methods of the present disclosure can be applied to a cartridge in which the tank 120 has a plurality of absorber accommodation chambers as shown in FIG. 24(a). Further, the structures, fixing methods, separation methods, and reuse methods of the present disclosure can also be applied to a configuration in which the tank 120 is divided into three by a T-shaped wall along the Z-axis direction and the absorber is arranged in a part of the absorber accommodation chamber as shown in FIG. 24(b). The technology described in this specification can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society such as a decarbonized / circular society.

[0063] <<Other Embodiments>> The present disclosure includes configurations typified by the following recording apparatus examples and recording apparatus control method examples.

[0064] <Configuration 1> An absorber that holds a liquid, An opening, and a tank including an absorber accommodation chamber that houses the absorber. A lid member joined to the opening of the tank, A cartridge having a partition member disposed between the absorber located in the absorber housing chamber and the lid member, The lid member has a first engaging portion, The partition member has a second engaging portion, The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are engaged with each other, A part of the outer periphery of the opposing surfaces of the lid member and the partition member has a gap in the overlapping direction in which the lid member and the partition member overlap, A cartridge characterized by this. <Configuration 2> The first engaging portion is a column protruding from the lid member toward the partition member, The second engaging portion is a hole that penetrates the partition member and receives the column, the cartridge according to Configuration 1. <Configuration 3> The column protrudes toward the absorber housing chamber side rather than the partition member, the cartridge according to Configuration 2. <Configuration 4> The column has a tapered shape in the direction away from the lid member, The diameter of the hole is smaller than the outer diameter at the first position of the column and larger than the outer diameter at the second position in the direction away from the lid member compared to the first position of the column, the cartridge according to Configuration 3. <Configuration 5> Having one or more spacers between the lid member and the partition member, the cartridge according to any one of Configurations 1-3. <Configuration 6> The spacer is disposed on the lid member or the partition member and is disposed more distally than the column in the direction of the center of gravity of the lid member, the cartridge according to any one of Configurations 2-5. <Configuration 7> Either the lid member or the partition member facing the lid member or the partition member on which the spacer is disposed has a recess for receiving the spacer, the cartridge according to any one of Configurations 5-6. <Configuration 8> The spacer has a first engagement structure, the recess has a second engagement structure, and the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure engage with each other. The cartridge according to any one of Configurations 5-7. <Configuration 9> The first engagement structure is a return portion, and the second engagement structure is a return portion. The cartridge according to any one of Configurations 5-8. <Configuration 10> The spacer is inclined with respect to the lid member and the partition member. The cartridge according to any one of Configurations 5-9. <Configuration 11> The lid member has a groove at a position corresponding to the support column. The cartridge according to any one of Configurations 2-10. <Configuration 12> A relay member is disposed between the lid member and the partition member and surrounds the support column. The cartridge according to any one of Configurations 2-11. <Configuration 13> The support column has a first position adjacent to the lid member and a second position extending from the lid member. The outer diameter of the first position corresponds to the hole of the partition member, and the outer diameter of the second position is larger than the inner diameter of the hole of the partition member. The cartridge according to any one of Configurations 2-12. <Configuration 14> The hole has a bottom and a narrow portion. The inner diameter of the narrow portion is smaller than the diameter of the support column, and the support column engages with the hole by frictional force. The cartridge according to any one of Configurations 2-13. <Configuration 15> There is one support column. The cartridge according to any one of Configurations 2-14. <Configuration 16> The outer periphery of the surface of the lid member facing the partition member is separated from the partition member. The cartridge according to any one of Configurations 1-15. <Configuration 17> An absorber for holding a liquid, An opening, and a tank including an absorber housing chamber for housing the absorber, A lid member joined to the opening of the tank, A cartridge having a partition member disposed between the absorber located in the absorber accommodation chamber and the lid member. The lid member has a key portion extending in a plane forming the lid member. The partition member has a hole extending in the plane. The key portion and the hole are engaged with each other. A cartridge characterized by this. <Configuration 18> The key portion extends in a predetermined direction of the plane. The hole extends in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction. The width of the hole in the predetermined direction is shorter than the length of the key portion in the predetermined direction. The cartridge according to Configuration 17, characterized by this. <Configuration 19> The lid member has an auxiliary protrusion in the same plane as the key portion, and the auxiliary protrusion is adjacent to the side surface of the partition member. The cartridge according to Configurations 17-18. <Configuration 20> The key portion extends in a predetermined direction of the plane. The hole extends in the predetermined direction. The width of the hole intersecting the predetermined direction is larger than the width of the key portion intersecting the predetermined direction. The cartridge according to any one of Configurations 17-19. <Configuration 21> The cartridge according to any one of Configurations 2-20, wherein the support presses the absorber. <Configuration 22> The cartridge according to any one of Configurations 2-21, wherein the hole is disposed at the center of gravity of the partition member. <Configuration 23> An absorber for holding liquid, A tank including an opening and an absorber accommodation chamber for accommodating the absorber, A lid member joined to the opening of the tank, A cartridge having a partition member disposed between the absorber located in the absorber accommodation chamber and the lid member. The lid member has a support having a first position adjacent to the lid member and a second position away from the lid member. The partition member has a hole, A part of the outer periphery of the opposing surfaces of the lid member and the partition member has a gap in the overlapping direction in which the lid member and the partition member overlap, In a method for manufacturing a cartridge, characterized in that, A step of passing the support through the hole, With the lid member and the partition member separated, a fixing portion larger than the size of the hole is formed at the second position of the support, and a step of engaging the lid member and the partition member, A method for manufacturing a cartridge, characterized by comprising. <Configuration 24> An absorber for holding a liquid, A tank including an opening and an absorber housing chamber for housing the absorber, A lid member joined to the opening of the tank, A cartridge having a partition member disposed between the absorber located in the absorber housing chamber and the lid member, The lid member has a first engaging portion, The partition member has a second engaging portion, The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are engaged with each other, A step of preparing a cartridge, wherein a part of the outer periphery of the opposing surfaces of the lid member and the partition member has a gap in the overlapping direction in which the lid member and the partition member overlap, A step of peeling the lid member from the tank, A step of separating the lid member and the partition member, A step of replacing the absorber, A step of cleaning the inside of the tank, A step of inserting a new absorber into the tank and injecting the liquid, A step of fitting a new lid member and the partition member, A step of welding the new lid member and the tank, A method for recycling a cartridge, characterized by comprising. <Configuration 25> Inserting a tool between the joined lid member and the partition member, The reuse method according to Configuration 24, including separating the lid member and the partition member.

Explanation of Signs

[0065] 100 Cartridge 120 Ink Tank (Tank) 130 Absorber 140 Partition Member 150 Lid Member 1811, 1812 Holes 1911, 1912 Struts

Claims

1. An absorbent body for holding liquid; A tank including an opening portion that forms an opening and an absorbent body storage chamber that stores the absorbent body; A cover member joined to the opening; a partition member disposed between the absorbent located in the absorbent-accommodating chamber and the cover member, The cover member has a first engagement portion, the partition member has a second engagement portion, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are engaged with each other, a part of an outer periphery of the opposing surfaces of the cover member and the partition member has a gap in an overlapping direction in which the cover member and the partition member overlap; A cartridge characterized by:

2. the first engagement portion is a support pillar protruding from the cover member toward the partition member, The cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the second engagement portion is a hole that penetrates the partition member and receives the post.

3. The cartridge according to claim 2 , wherein the support pillar protrudes toward the absorbent chamber beyond the partition member.

4. The support pillar is tapered in a direction away from the lid member, The cartridge according to claim 3 , wherein a diameter of the hole is smaller than an outer diameter of the support at a first position and is larger than an outer diameter of the support at a second position in a direction away from the lid member than the first position.

5. The cartridge of claim 3 , further comprising one or more spacers between the lid member and the partition member.

6. The cartridge according to claim 5 , wherein the spacer is disposed on the cover member or the partition member and is disposed distal to the support column in a direction toward a center of gravity of the cover member.

7. The cartridge according to claim 6 , wherein either the cover member or the partition member facing the cover member or the partition member in which the spacer is arranged has a recess for receiving the spacer.

8. The cartridge of claim 7 , wherein the spacer has a first engagement structure and the recess has a second engagement structure, the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure engaging with each other.

9. The cartridge of claim 8 , wherein the first engagement structure is a barb and the second engagement structure is a barb.

10. The cartridge according to claim 5 , wherein the spacer is inclined relative to the cover member and the partition member.

11. The cartridge according to claim 5 , wherein the cover member has a groove at a position corresponding to the support post.

12. The cartridge according to claim 11 , further comprising an intermediate member disposed between the cover member and the partition member and surrounding the support pillar.

13. 11. The cartridge of claim 10, wherein the post has a first portion adjacent the lid member and a second portion extending from the lid member, an outer diameter of the first portion corresponding to an aperture in the septum member and an outer diameter of the second portion being larger than an inner diameter of the aperture in the septum member.

14. 11. The cartridge of claim 10, wherein the aperture has a bottom and a narrowed portion, the inner diameter of the narrowed portion being smaller than a diameter of the post for frictionally engaging the post.

15. A cartridge according to any one of claims 6 to 14, wherein the support pillar is single.

16. The cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein an outer periphery of a surface of the cover member facing the partition member is spaced apart from the partition member.

17. The first engagement portion includes a support portion protruding from the cover member toward the partition member and a planar portion extending to a plane forming the cover member, The cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the second engagement portion is a hole extending into the plane.

18. In a state in which the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are engaged, The planar portion extends in a predetermined direction of the plane, The hole extends in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction, The width of the hole in the predetermined direction is shorter than the length of the planar portion in the predetermined direction.

18. A cartridge according to claim 17.

19. The cartridge according to claim 17 , wherein the cover member has an auxiliary protrusion on the same plane as the flat portion, the auxiliary protrusion being adjacent to a side surface of the partition member.

20. When the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are engaged with each other, The planar portion extends in a predetermined direction of the plane, The hole extends in the predetermined direction, The cartridge according to claim 17 , wherein a width of the hole intersecting the predetermined direction is greater than a width of the flat portion intersecting the predetermined direction.

21. The cartridge of claim 2 , wherein the support posts press down on the absorbent.

22. The cartridge of claim 2 , wherein the aperture is located at a center of gravity of the septum member.

23. An absorbent body for holding liquid; A tank including an opening portion that forms an opening and an absorbent body storage chamber that stores the absorbent body; A cover member joined to the opening; A partition member disposed between the absorbent body located in the absorbent body-accommodating chamber and the cover member. and a cartridge having The lid member has a first position adjacent to the lid member and a second position remote from the lid member. having, having a support; The partition member has a hole, a part of an outer periphery of the opposing surfaces of the cover member and the partition member has a gap in an overlapping direction in which the cover member and the partition member overlap; A method for producing a cartridge, comprising: passing the post through the hole; forming a fixing portion larger than the size of the hole at a second position of the support while the cover member and the partition member are spaced apart, and engaging the cover member and the partition member; A method for manufacturing a cartridge, comprising the steps of:

24. An absorbent body for holding liquid; A tank including an opening portion that forms an opening and an absorbent body storage chamber that stores the absorbent body; A cover member joined to the opening; A partition member disposed between the absorbent body located in the absorbent body-accommodating chamber and the cover member. and a cartridge having The cover member has a first engagement portion, the partition member has a second engagement portion, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are engaged with each other, preparing a cartridge, wherein a part of an outer periphery of the opposing surfaces of the cover member and the partition member has a gap in an overlapping direction in which the cover member and the partition member overlap; Peeling the lid member off the tank; separating the cover member and the partition member; replacing the absorbent body; cleaning the inside of the tank; inserting a new absorbent into the tank and pouring the liquid into it; a step of fitting a new lid member and the partition member; a step of welding the new lid member and the tank; A method for reusing a cartridge, comprising:

25. Inserting a tool between the joined cover member and the partition member, 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising separating the lid member and the bulkhead member.

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