Cartridge and Method for Reusing Cartridge

Abstract

To provide a cartridge that prevents liquid from entering a communication groove and adhering to an atmosphere communication port.SOLUTION: A cartridge comprises: an absorbent that holds liquid; a tank including an opening, and an absorbent accommodation chamber that accommodates the absorbent; a lid member joined to the opening of the tank, and including an atmosphere communication port that communicates with atmosphere; and a partition member that is disposed between the absorbent and the lid member located in the absorbent accommodation chamber. The lid member includes a first protrusion facing the partition member; the first protrusion is formed to surround the atmosphere communication port; the partition member includes a groove that connects with the absorbent accommodation chamber, and a second protrusion faces the first protrusion; and communication passages that communicate with the atmosphere communication port are formed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. Thus, the cartridge can contribute to realization of a sustainable society such as a carbon-free / recycling-based society.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Among recording cartridges, there is known a type in which a recording unit that discharges a liquid and an absorber storage chamber that stores the liquid by absorbing it into an absorber are integrally configured. In Patent Document 1, an example of a cartridge is described in which when the liquid is consumed by recording or the like, ink as the liquid is supplied from the absorber storage chamber in the cartridge to the recording head, and air is taken into the absorber storage chamber from the air communication port.

[0003] In order to realize a sustainable society such as a decarbonized / circular society, the recovery and reuse of used cartridges are required. If the remaining ink in the cartridge leaks to the outside during the logistics process in which the used cartridge is recovered, there is an increased risk that the ink adheres to electrical components or the like and the recording head malfunctions, resulting in a decrease in the reuse rate.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a guard member is joined to the inner surface of the lid member to form a plurality of air chambers, thereby preventing ink leakage from the air communication port.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the communication groove is provided at the tip or the root of the partition plate of the guard member or the lid member. If the leaked ink adheres to the surface of the lid member or the guard member, there is a risk that the ink will reach the partition plate along the surface due to a change in posture or the like and enter the communication groove.

[0007] In view of the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a cartridge that suppresses liquid from entering a communication groove and liquid adhesion to an air communication port.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The cartridge of the present disclosure includes a tank including an absorber that holds a liquid, an opening, and an absorber accommodation chamber that houses the absorber, a lid member that is joined to the opening of the tank and has an air communication port that communicates with the atmosphere, and a partition member that is disposed between the lid member located in the absorber accommodation chamber. The lid member has a first convex portion facing the partition member, the first convex portion is formed so as to surround the air communication port, the partition member has a groove connecting to the absorber accommodation chamber and a second convex portion facing the first convex portion, and a communication path communicating with the air communication port is formed between the first convex portion and the second convex portion.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a cartridge that suppresses liquid from entering a communication groove and liquid adhesion to an air communication port.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (First Embodiment) (Overview of Inkjet Recording Apparatus) 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 of an on-carriage type with a 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 100 ejects ink onto the recording paper 12, thereby forming an image on the recording paper 12.

[0013] (Cartridge Overview) FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a cartridge of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment, FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the cartridge of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. The cartridge 100 is of a type that stores ink for one color, and is generally a cartridge for black ink. Although 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), in this embodiment, a cartridge for black ink will be used for explanation.

[0014] The cartridge 100 includes a recording head 110 (see FIG. 4) that discharges ink, a tank 120 that stores ink, an absorber 130 that absorbs and holds ink, and a partition member 140 (see FIG. 3) that presses the absorber 130. The cartridge 100 also includes a lid member 150 that joins with the tank 120 and a filter 160 (see FIG. 4) 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, or the like, and can hold ink inside due to the manifestation of capillary force. The absorber 130 is housed in the absorber housing chamber 121 (see FIG. 3 etc.) of the tank 120 so as to be in contact with the filter 160 for removing foreign matter. The ink in the tank 120 and the absorber 130 is in fluid communication with the recording head 110 via the filter 160 (see FIG. 4) and the ink flow path 122 (see FIG. 4). With such a configuration, the ink in the absorber 130 can be supplied to the recording head 110, enabling recording. The lid member 150 is disposed so as to close the opening of the tank 120 and partitions the absorber housing chamber 121 together with the tank 120. The lid member 150 has an air communication port 151 (see FIG. 3), and when the ink in the tank 120 is consumed by recording, air can be taken in from the outside. The partition member 140 is disposed between the absorber 130 and the lid member 150 and holds the absorber 130 while fixing it so as to push it in. Details of the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 will be described later. Note that the cartridge of the present embodiment has a configuration integrated with the recording head, but is not limited thereto, and may have a configuration separate from the recording head.

[0015] (Description of the lid member and the partition member) Next, the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 of the cartridge of the recording apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the side of the lid member 150 facing the partition member 140. FIG. 6(a) is a perspective view showing the side of the partition member 140 facing the lid member 150, FIG. 6(b) is a perspective view showing the side surface on the opposite side of FIG. 6(a), and FIG. 6(c) is a plan view of the side of the partition member 140 facing the absorber 130. FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of a state in which the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are caulked and integrated.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 3, on the outer side of the lid member 150, an air communication port 151 is provided at a substantially central portion of the lid member 150, and a circular recess 152 is formed around the air communication port 151. An air communication groove 153 is formed adjacent to the circular recess 152. A pressure-sensitive adhesive label 170 (see FIG. 2) is attached to the lid member 150 so as to cover the air communication port 151, the circular recess 152, and the air communication groove 153. This makes it difficult for ink to leak or for the ink inside the cartridge to evaporate during transportation or before using the cartridge 100. Further, on the outer side of the lid member 150, a protruding main body fixing portion 154 (see FIG. 2 etc.) is provided. By fitting the fixing portion (not shown) of the carriage 11 and the main body fixing portion 154, the cartridge 100 is accurately fixed to the carriage 11. Further, on the lid member 150, a protruding gripping portion 155 (see FIG. 2 etc.) is provided at a position facing the main body fixing portion 154 on the outer side. By gripping the gripping portion 155, the user can firmly hold on to the finger and lift the cartridge without slipping.

[0017] On the surface of the lid member 150 facing the partition member 140, as shown in FIG. 5, a welding rib 156 protruding along the outer shape of the lid member 150 is formed. By melting the welding rib 156 of the lid member 150, the lid member 150 is welded and fixed to the tank 120. Specifically, the welding rib 156 of the lid member 150 and the welding surface 123 of the tank (see FIG. 3) are pressed into contact with each other, and in this state, the lid member 150 is vibrated at high frequency, thereby generating frictional heat at the contact portion and melting the welding rib 156 and the welding surface 123 together. By this welding, the absorber accommodation chamber 121 is sealed. Note that the lid member 150 and the tank 120 are made of the same type of plastic, and the material of the lid member 150 has a higher melting temperature than that of the welding rib 156. Further, when the lid member 150 is welded and fixed, the lid member 150 presses the partition member 140, and the partition member 140 presses the absorber 130. By this pressing, the absorber 130 abuts against and is held by the filter 160 in the absorber accommodation chamber 121. Thereby, even if an impact or vibration is applied to the cartridge 100, the absorber 130 does not move within the absorber accommodation chamber 121.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 5, on the surface of the lid member 150 facing the partition member 140, a first lid member wall rib 157a (first convex portion) that largely surrounds the air communication port 151 and a second lid member wall rib 157b are formed inside the first lid member wall rib 157a. As shown in FIG. 6(a), on the partition member 140, a first partition member wall rib 141a (second convex portion) and a second partition member wall rib 141b surrounded by the first partition member wall rib 141a are formed. Further, on the surface of the partition member 140 opposite to the surface on which the first partition member wall rib 141a is formed, an absorber pressing rib 145 that abuts against the absorber 130 is formed. The first lid member wall rib 157a and the first partition member wall rib 141a are provided so as to be relatively in the same position. The second lid member wall rib 157b and the second partition member wall rib 141b are provided so as to be relatively in the same position. By welding and fixing the lid member 150 and the tank 120, the first lid member wall rib 157a and the first partition member wall rib 141a come into contact with each other. Then, the second lid member wall rib 157b and the second partition member wall rib 141b come into contact with each other, and the absorber pressing rib 145 of the partition member 140 and the absorber 130 come into contact with each other, and the above-described pressing is propagated.

[0019] By the contact of the first lid member wall rib 157a (see FIG. 5) and the first partition member wall rib 141a (see FIG. 6), a first protective wall for suppressing ink leakage is formed. Further, by the contact of the second lid member wall rib 157b and the second partition member wall rib 141b, a second protective wall for suppressing ink leakage is formed. In the first partition member wall rib 141a, a first communication path 142a (communication path) is formed as a part of the first protective wall. In the second partition member wall rib 141b, a second communication path 142b (different communication path) is formed as a part of the second protective wall. Thereby, it communicates from the air communication port 151 to the inside of the absorber housing chamber 121 through the first communication path 142a and the second communication path 142b of this double protective wall.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 4, the absorber pressing rib 145 has a shape that partially contacts the absorber 130. Thus, when the absorber 130 is pressed, the ink leaking from the absorber 130 can flow into the non-contacting part of the absorber pressing rib 145, preventing the leakage of the ink.

[0021] The shape of the partition member 140 is an elongated shape. For example, the dimensions of the partition member are 15.2 mm in the short-side length and 64 mm in the long-side length. The aspect ratio (here, the ratio of the length to the width) of the partition member 140 at this time is 1:4. As shown in Fig. 6(c), the partition member 140 has an elongated shape. However, due to the grid-like shape of the absorber pressing rib 145, it has a configuration that is difficult to deform and has high strength. Since the partition member 140 has a shape with high strength, it is possible to miniaturize the overall members of the cartridge 100.

[0022] When an impact such as vibration is applied to the cartridge 100 and environmental changes such as temperature changes and air pressure changes occur, the ink in the cartridge 100 may leak out from the air communication port 151. In particular, when collecting the used cartridge 100, impacts and environmental changes may be applied more excessively than in normal logistics, so there is a risk that the remaining ink inside may leak out from the air communication port 151. To suppress the leakage of this ink, a first protective wall formed by the contact of the first lid member wall rib 157a (see Fig. 5) and the first partition member wall rib 141a (see Fig. 6) is provided. Also, a second protective wall formed by the contact of the second lid member wall rib 157b and the second partition member wall rib 141b is provided.

[0023] Also, in this embodiment, a pair of positioning pins 158 (see Fig. 5) are formed on the lid member 150, and a positioning hole 143 (see Fig. 6) into which the positioning pins 158 are inserted is formed on the partition member 140. Thereby, the first lid member wall rib 157a and the first partition member wall rib 141a can be easily brought into contact. Also, the second lid member wall rib 157b and the second partition member wall rib 141b can be easily brought into contact.

[0024] Furthermore, considering production handling, it is preferable that the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are integrally formed. However, when the cartridge is reused as described later, in order to separate the lid member 150 and the partition member 140, it is desirable that they are integrally formed to an appropriate extent so as to be separable. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the lid member 150 includes caulking pins 159 (see FIG. 5), and the partition member 140 includes caulking openings 144 and engaging portions 144A (see FIG. 6(c)). Thereby, the caulking pins 159 of the lid member 150 are inserted into the caulking openings 144 of the partition member 140, and by thermally caulking, a caulked portion 180 (see FIG. 7) is formed and can be fixed by fitting with the engaging portion 144A. Further, since the diameter of the caulked portion 180 after caulking the caulking pins 159 is made slightly larger than the caulking openings 144 during thermally caulking, it lightly catches on the engaging portion 144A of the partition member 140. Furthermore, the caulking position is provided at only one location at the end in the longitudinal direction of the partition member 140. When the lid member 150 is removed from the tank 120, since the ends of the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are fixed at the caulking position, the other ends of the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 are relatively separated. In this state, when the partition member 140 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 7, a force (moment) is applied to the caulked portion 180 like pulling out a stopper, and the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 can be separated with a very light force. So far, the integral configuration of the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 has been described, but this is for improving production handling performance. Of course, the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved even if they are not integrally formed.

[0025] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view around the first communication passage 142a of the partition member 140 shown in FIG. 6(a). FIG. 9(a) is a top view of the cartridge of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 9(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line IXb-IXb of FIG. 9(a). FIG. 10 is an enlarged view around the first communication passage 142a of FIG. 9(b).

[0026] A first communication passage 142a is provided at an end of the upper surface of the first partition member wall rib 141a, and the first communication passage 142a is formed at a position vertically upwardly spaced from the base end of the first partition member wall rib 141a. One of discharge grooves 146 provided on the side surface of the partition member 140 is connected to the first communication passage 142a. The other of the discharge grooves 146 is connected to the absorber pressing rib 145. Therefore, the ink adhering to the first communication passage 142a can be returned to the absorber 130 through the discharge groove 146. The absorber 130 in contact with the absorber pressing rib 145 can be efficiently returned because the absorber density is high and it is easy to absorb the leaked ink.

[0027] Here, as shown in FIGS. 6(a) and (b), a second communication passage 142b is provided at an end of the upper surface of the second partition member wall rib 141b, and the second communication passage 142b is formed at a position vertically upwardly spaced from the base end of the second partition member wall rib 141b. One of the second communication passages 142b is connected to a first buffer chamber 147a (see FIG. 4) defined by the first partition member wall rib 141a and the second partition member wall rib 141b. The other of the second communication passages 142b is connected to a second buffer chamber surrounded by the second partition member wall rib 141b.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4, the first lid member wall rib 157a and the first partition member wall rib 141a are in contact with each other to form the first buffer chamber 147a. Further, the second lid member wall rib 157b and the second partition member wall rib 141b are in contact with each other to form the second buffer chamber 147b. The air introduced from the air communication port 151 passes through the path in the order of the second buffer chamber 147b, the second communication passage 142b, the first buffer chamber 147a, and the first communication passage 142a, and is supplied to the absorber housing chamber 121.

[0029] A part of the absorber pressing rib 145 of the partition member 140 is disposed above the filter 160 (see FIG. 4) and can contact the absorber 130. Thereby, the ink of the absorber 130 can be stably supplied to the recording head 110 through the filter 160.

[0030] When the cartridge 100 is rarely subjected to impacts such as vibrations and environmental changes such as temperature changes and air pressure changes occur, the ink inside the cartridge 100 may leak out from the air communication port 151. In particular, when collecting the used cartridge 100, since impacts and environmental changes may be applied more excessively than in normal logistics, there is a risk that the remaining ink inside may leak out from the air communication port 151.

[0031] According to the configuration of the present disclosure, even if ink leaks from the absorber 130 (see FIG. 4) and adheres to the lid member 150 or the partition member 140, the air communication port 151 is surrounded by the second protective walls (141b, 157b). And since the first communication path 142a and the second communication path 142b are at the upper ends of the first partition member wall surface rib 141a and the second partition member wall surface rib 141b, ink intrusion can be suppressed. The first communication path 142a may be formed at the tip of the first lid member wall surface rib, and the second communication path 142b may be formed at the tip of the second lid member wall surface rib.

[0032] Even when ink enters the first protective walls (141a, 157a), the presence of the first buffer chamber 147a can suppress ink leakage from the air communication port 151. Further, by providing the second buffer chamber 147b formed by the second protective walls (141b, 157b), ink leakage from the air communication port 151 can be further reduced. In the present embodiment, the first protective wall and the second protective wall are provided, but the number of protective walls may be one, or two or more. Also, there may be a plurality of communication paths according to the number of protective walls.

[0033] Also, when ink adheres to the first communication path 142a, depending on the posture of the lid member 150 when mounted on the recording apparatus main body or the like, the ink in the first communication path 142a can be returned to the absorber by the discharge groove 146.

[0034] If ink adheres to the communication path, there is a risk of a meniscus forming in the communication path. When ink is consumed from the recording head while a meniscus is present in the communication path, outside air is taken in through the air communication port, resulting in a pressure loss and an increase in back pressure, which may cause recording defects. However, with a configuration such as that of the present disclosure, by suppressing the formation of a meniscus in the first communication path 142a, it is possible to prevent recording defects due to pressure loss when air is introduced from the air communication port 151. Since the discharge groove 146 opens to the protective wall surface, even if ink enters between the lid member and the partition member, the ink can be returned to the absorber 130.

[0035] (Comparative Example of Absorber Cleaning Method) The present disclosure aims to keep the absorber of a used cartridge clean and unclogged. In the comparative example, an absorber cleaning method has been proposed to clean the absorber without removing the cap, but the reason for not adopting it will be explained.

[0036] As a comparative example of the cleaning method for a used absorber, there is the method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-238283. This cleaning method involves injecting a cleaning liquid from a hollow needle, allowing it to penetrate into a porous body (hereinafter referred to as an absorber), and discharging it from an ink supply port (head) to clean the absorber. This cleaning method is very simple and has the merit of being reusable at low cost. However, in some cases, it has been difficult to clean the remaining ink in the absorber neatly. As described above, when the remaining ink in the absorber is fixed, the cleaning liquid needs to redissolve and discharge the fixed ink. To redissolve the fixed ink, it is necessary to inject the cleaning liquid into the absorber, let it soak in for a long time, and gradually dissolve it. If it is not sufficiently redissolved, even if the cleaning liquid is injected and discharged multiple times, the absorber cannot be cleaned neatly. If the option of letting the cleaning liquid soak in for a long time is selected, another problem will occur, that is, it takes a considerable amount of time for cleaning and mass production becomes impossible. Furthermore, with this cleaning method, there is also a possibility that the cleaning liquid or remaining ink that has penetrated into the absorber cannot be completely discharged and remains inside the absorber. The cleaning liquid that has penetrated into the absorber is to be sucked and discharged from the ink supply port. However, if an air path is formed during this suction, only the air inside the cartridge will be sucked even during suction, so that the cleaning liquid and remaining ink to be discharged will remain. If new ink is injected with this cleaning liquid and remaining ink remaining, the color of the ink may change and there is a risk that a desired image cannot be formed.

[0037] From the above, in order to surely clean the absorber neatly, it is necessary to remove the lid member, take out the absorber for cleaning, or use a new one. Therefore, the reuse method of the present disclosure is adopted.

[0038] (Reuse method of this embodiment) A method for reusing a cartridge according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 11. Since the process of reusing the cartridge of the present embodiment is a lid member welding process in which the lid member 150 is welded from a lid member peeling process S1102 of peeling the lid member 150 from the cartridge 100, the process will be described in detail. FIG. 11 extracts the processes from the lid member peeling process to the lid member welding process in the cartridge reuse process flow.

[0039] The cartridge reuse process starts from step S1101 of preparing a used cartridge 100. Next, after checking the appearance of the cartridge and cleaning the appearance, etc., it proceeds to the lid member peeling step S1102 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 S1103 of separating the lid member 150 and the partition member 140. In the separation step S1103, 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, the partition member 140 can be relatively separated 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 S1104, and the absorber 130 depleted of ink is taken out from the tank 120. After that, it becomes the tank cleaning step S1105. In the tank cleaning step S1105, the inside of the tank 120 is cleaned. Then, it proceeds to the absorber insertion step S1106. In the absorber insertion step S1106, the absorber (S1106A) obtained by cleaning the absorber 130 taken out in the absorber removal step S1104 may be inserted into the tank 120. Also, in the absorber insertion step S1106, a new absorber may be inserted into the tank. In the absorber cleaning step S1106A, not only is the cleaning liquid infiltrated from one direction and suction-discharged, but the absorber 130 is completely immersed in the cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid is allowed to permeate 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 S1106, it becomes the ink injection step S1107, 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 S1108, but before that, a step S1108A of thermally caulking the lid member 150 and the partition member 140 is performed. In the caulking step S1108A, a new lid member 150 is used, and the partition member 140 separated in the separation step S1103 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 S1108 is performed. Since the lid member 150 is new, welding that ensures airtightness is possible. The subsequent steps involve recording inspection, packaging, etc., and result in the completion S1109 of the reusable cartridge.

[0040] In the case of the cartridge for black ink of 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 a 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.

[0041] (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 - 14. The description of the basic configuration and the same functions and configurations as those of the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be omitted, and the differences will be described.

[0042] FIG. 12 is an external perspective view of a cartridge of a recording apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge of a recording apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge of a recording apparatus according to the second embodiment. The cartridge of the second embodiment is of a type that accommodates three colors of ink, and is generally a cartridge 200 for color ink (cyan, magenta, yellow).

[0043] The cartridge 200 includes a recording head 110 that discharges ink, tanks 220 that store respective inks, three absorbers 230A, 230B, 230C that absorb and hold respective inks, and partition members 240A, 240B, 240C that press respective absorbers 230. Note that the three absorbers 230A, 230B, 230C are also collectively referred to as the absorber 230. Also, the partition members 240A, 240B, 240C are also collectively referred to as the partition member 240. The cartridge 200 includes a lid member 250 that joins with the tank 220 and a filter 260 that removes foreign matter in the tank 220. The absorbers 230A, 230B, 230C are housed in respective absorber housing chambers 221A, 221B, 221C of the tank 220 so as to contact a filter 160 for removing foreign matter. Then, each ink in the tank 220 and the absorbers 230A, 230B, 230C is in fluid communication with the filter 160 and the recording head 110 via an ink flow path 122. With such a configuration, the ink in the absorbers 230A, 230B, 230C can be supplied to the recording head 110. The lid member 250 is arranged to close the opening of the tank 220 and partitions the respective absorber housing chambers 221A, 221B, 221C together with the tank 220. The lid member 250 has air communication ports 251A, 251B, 251C (hereinafter also collectively referred to as the air communication port 251) that communicate with the atmosphere of respective absorber housing chambers, and when the ink in the tank 220 is consumed by recording, air can be taken in from the outside to the inside. Each partition member 240A, 240B, 240C is arranged between each absorber 230A, 230B, 230C and the lid member 250 and holds the absorbers 230A, 230B, 230C while fixing them. Even in this embodiment, by using the same configuration as in the first embodiment, the same effects can be achieved. In particular, when the lid member 250 is reused, since it is necessary to seal all three chambers, it is assumed that the welding yield is lower than that of a single-color cartridge. From such a viewpoint, this embodiment can be a more effective reuse method than the first embodiment.Although the partition member of this embodiment is configured by three partition members so as to correspond to each ink, it is not limited thereto, and it may be configured by one partition member, or may be configured by a plurality of partition members other than three. Further, in the tank of this embodiment, three absorber accommodation chambers are formed, and three absorbers are respectively accommodated in the three absorber chambers. However, it is not limited thereto, and a plurality of absorber accommodation chambers may be formed, and a plurality of absorbers may be respectively accommodated therein.

[0044] (Explanation of the lid member and the partition member) Next, the lid member and the partition member of the cartridge of the recording apparatus according to this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0045] FIG. 15(a) is a perspective view showing the partition member 240 of the cartridge of the recording apparatus according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 15(b) is a perspective view seen from the side opposite to FIG. 15(a). Further, FIG. 15(c) is a perspective view seen from below FIG. 15(a), and FIG. 15(d) is a bottom view showing the partition member 240 of the cartridge of the recording apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 14, on the surface of the lid member 250 facing the partition member 240, a lid member wall rib 257 is formed so as to surround the air communication port 251. As shown in FIG. 15, the partition member 240 has a partition member wall rib 241 formed thereon. Further, on the surface of the partition member 240 facing the absorber 230, an absorber pressing rib 245 is formed. The lid member wall rib 257 and the partition member wall rib 241 are provided so as to be relatively in the same position. By welding and fixing the lid member 250, the lid member wall rib 257 and the partition member wall rib 241 come into contact with each other, and the absorber pressing rib 245 of the partition member 240 and the absorber 230 come into contact with each other, and the pressing described above is propagated.

[0047] When the rib 257 on the wall surface of the lid member (see FIG. 14) abuts against the rib 241 on the wall surface of the partition member, a protective wall is formed to suppress ink leakage. A communication passage 242 (see FIG. 15(a) etc.) is provided at the end of the upper surface of the rib 241 on the wall surface of the partition member, and the communication passage 242 is formed at a position vertically upwardly spaced from the base end of the rib 241 on the wall surface of the partition member. One of the discharge grooves 246 provided on the wall surface of the partition member is connected to the communication passage 242. The other of the discharge grooves 246 is connected to the absorber pressing rib 245. Therefore, the ink adhering to the communication passage 242 can be returned to the absorber 230 through the discharge groove 246.

[0048] In this embodiment, the lid member 250 is formed with a positioning pin (not shown) and a caulking pin (not shown). The partition member 240 is formed with a positioning hole 243 into which the positioning pin is inserted, a caulking opening 244 into which the caulking pin can be inserted, and a hook portion 244A. Thus, the positioning pin is inserted into the positioning hole 243, and the caulking pin is inserted into the caulking opening 244. Then, the tip of the caulking pin is thermally caulked to form a caulked portion 280 (see FIG. 14). Thereby, the caulked portion 280 is fixed by being hooked on the hook portion 244A of the partition member.

[0049] From the viewpoint of ease of reuse, the hooking shape for fixing the lid member 250 and the partition member 240 such as the caulked portion 280 is preferably such that it is easy to break. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15(d), the hook portion 244A has a semi-circular shape and is configured to hook only a part of the caulked portion 280. Thereby, when separating the lid member 250 and the partition member 240 during reuse, it is only necessary to break only a part of the caulked portion 280, so that the separation becomes easy.

[0050] (Other embodiments) In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the structures of the lid member and the partition member can be adapted to tanks of any shape. As an example, in the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 12, the tank 220 can be adapted to a cartridge configured to have a plurality of absorber accommodation chambers. Further, FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tank in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. In the present disclosure, the tank can also be adapted to a configuration in which the tank is divided into three by a T-shaped wall and the absorber is disposed in part of the absorber accommodation chambers 221D, 221E, and 221F.

[0051] The technology described in this specification can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society such as a decarbonized / circular society.

[0052] Furthermore, the present disclosure includes configurations represented by the following cartridge examples.

[0053] <Configuration 1> An absorber for holding a 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 and having an air communication port communicating with the atmosphere, A partition member disposed between the lid member located in the absorber accommodation chamber, Comprising, The lid member has a first convex portion facing the partition member, and the first convex portion is formed so as to surround the air communication port. The partition member has a groove connecting to the absorber accommodation chamber and a second convex portion facing the first convex portion. A cartridge, characterized in that a communication passage communicating with the air communication port is formed between the first convex portion and the second convex portion.

[0054] <Configuration 2> The cartridge according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the communication passage is formed at the tip of the second convex portion of the partition member.

[0055] <Configuration 3> The cartridge according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein the partition member is formed with an absorber pressing rib that abuts against the absorber.

[0056] <Configuration 4> The cartridge according to Configuration 3, wherein one of the grooves is connected to the second convex portion and the other of the grooves is connected to the absorber pressing rib.

[0057] <Configuration 5> The cartridge according to Configuration 1, wherein the communication passage is formed at the tip of the first convex portion of the lid member.

[0058] <Configuration 6> The cartridge according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, wherein the lid member has a third convex portion inside the first convex portion.

[0059] <Configuration 7> The cartridge according to Configuration 6, wherein the partition member has a fourth convex portion facing the third convex portion, and a communication passage different from the communication passage is formed between the third convex portion and the fourth convex portion.

[0060] <Configuration 8> The cartridge according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7, wherein the air communication port communicates with a recording head that discharges the liquid.

[0061] <Configuration 9> The cartridge according to any one of Configurations 1 to 8, wherein the tank has one absorber accommodation chamber, and one absorber is accommodated in the absorber accommodation chamber.

[0062] <Configuration 10> The cartridge according to any one of Configurations 1 to 9, wherein the tank has a plurality of absorber accommodation chambers, and a plurality of absorbers are respectively accommodated in the plurality of absorber accommodation chambers.

[0063] <Constitution 11> An absorber for holding a 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 and having an air communication port communicating with the atmosphere, A partition member disposed between the lid member located in the absorber accommodation chamber, Comprising, The lid member has a first convex portion facing the partition member, and the first convex portion is formed so as to surround the air communication port, The partition member has a groove connecting to the absorber accommodation chamber and a second convex portion facing the first convex portion, A reusable reuse method after consuming the liquid of the cartridge in which a communication path communicating with the air communication port is formed between the first convex portion and the second convex portion, Preparing the cartridge after consuming the liquid; Peeling the lid member from the tank; Separating the lid member and the partition member; Replacing the absorber; Washing the inside of the tank; Inserting the absorber replaced in the step of replacing the absorber into the tank and injecting the liquid; Fitting a lid member different from the lid member and the partition member; Welding the different lid member and the tank; A method for reusing a cartridge, characterized by comprising.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0064] 100 Cartridge 120 Tank 121 Absorber accommodation chamber 130 Absorber 140 Partition member 141a First partition member wall surface rib (second convex portion) 142a First communication path 150 Lid member 151 Atmosphere communication port 157a First lid member wall surface rib (first convex portion)

Claims

1. An absorbent body for holding liquid; A tank having an opening portion that forms an opening and an absorbent body storage chamber for storing the absorbent body; A cover member that is joined to the opening of the tank and has an atmosphere vent that communicates with the atmosphere; a partition member disposed between the cover member and the absorbent body located inside the absorbent body storage chamber and in contact with the absorbent body; Equipped with the cover member has a first protrusion extending toward the partition member and formed so as to surround the atmosphere communication port, The partition member has a groove connected to the absorbent-accommodating chamber and a second convex portion opposed to the first convex portion, a communication passage communicating with the groove is formed between the tip of the first protrusion and the second protrusion, The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the atmosphere communication port and the absorbent-containing chamber communicate with each other via the groove and the communication passage.

2. An absorbent for holding liquid; A tank having an opening portion that forms an opening and an absorbent body storage chamber for storing the absorbent body; A cover member that is joined to the opening of the tank and has an atmosphere vent that communicates with the atmosphere; a partition member disposed between the cover member and the absorbent body located inside the absorbent body storage chamber and in contact with the absorbent body; Equipped with the cover member has a first protrusion extending toward the partition member and formed so as to surround the atmosphere communication port, The partition member has a groove connected to the absorbent-accommodating chamber and a second convex portion opposed to the first convex portion, a communication passage communicating with the groove is formed between the tip of the first protrusion and the tip of the second protrusion, The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the atmosphere communication port and the absorbent-containing chamber communicate with each other via the groove and the communication passage.

3. 3. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the partition member is formed with an absorber pressing rib that comes into contact with the absorber.

4. 3. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein one of the grooves is connected to the second protrusion, and the other of the grooves is connected to the absorber pressing rib.

5. The first protrusion is formed continuously in a circumferential direction of the cover member, 3. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein a third protrusion is provided on the inside of the first protrusion of the cover member so as to surround the air vent port.

6. The second protrusion is formed continuously in the circumferential direction of the partition member, a fourth protrusion is provided on the partition member on an inner side of the second protrusion so as to face the third protrusion, 6. A cartridge according to claim 5, wherein a communication passage different from the communication passage is formed between the third convex portion and the fourth convex portion.

7. 3. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the air vent is in communication with a recording head that ejects the liquid.

8. 3. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the tank has one absorbent chamber, and the absorbent chamber accommodates one of the absorbents.

9. 3. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the tank has a plurality of the absorbent-accommodating chambers, and each of the plurality of absorbent-accommodating chambers accommodates a plurality of the absorbents.

10. An absorbent body for holding liquid; A tank having an opening portion that forms an opening and an absorbent body storage chamber for storing the absorbent body; A cover member that is joined to the opening of the tank and has an atmosphere vent that communicates with the atmosphere; a partition member disposed between the cover member and the absorbent body located inside the absorbent body storage chamber and in contact with the absorbent body; Equipped with the cover member has a first protrusion extending toward the partition member and formed so as to surround the atmosphere communication port, The partition member has a groove connected to the absorbent-accommodating chamber and a second convex portion opposed to the first convex portion, a communication passage communicating with the groove is formed between the tip of the first protrusion and the second protrusion, a method for reusing a cartridge in which the atmosphere communication port and the absorbent-accommodating chamber communicate with each other via the groove and the communication passage after liquid in the cartridge has been consumed, the method comprising: providing a cartridge depleted of said liquid; 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 the absorbent body replaced in the step of replacing the absorbent body into the tank and injecting the liquid; a step of fitting a cover member different from the cover member to the partition member; welding the different lid member and the tank; A method for reusing a cartridge, comprising:

11. An absorbent for holding liquid; A tank having an opening portion that forms an opening and an absorbent body storage chamber for storing the absorbent body; A cover member that is joined to the opening of the tank and has an atmosphere vent that communicates with the atmosphere; a partition member disposed between the cover member and the absorbent body located inside the absorbent body storage chamber and in contact with the absorbent body; Equipped with the cover member has a first protrusion extending toward the partition member and formed so as to surround the atmosphere communication port, The partition member has a groove connected to the absorbent-accommodating chamber and a second convex portion opposed to the first convex portion, a communication passage communicating with the groove is formed between the tip of the first protrusion and the tip of the second protrusion, a method for reusing a cartridge in which the atmosphere communication port and the absorbent-accommodating chamber communicate with each other via the groove and the communication passage after liquid in the cartridge has been consumed, the method comprising: providing a cartridge depleted of said liquid; 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 the absorbent body replaced in the step of replacing the absorbent body into the tank and injecting the liquid; a step of fitting a cover member different from the cover member to the partition member; welding the different lid member and the tank; A method for reusing a cartridge, comprising:

Images