U.S. patent application number 15/794690 was filed with the patent office on 2018-02-15 for cartridge, printing material supply system, and printing apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Seiko Epson Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Seiko Epson Corporation. Invention is credited to Yuji AOKI, Hiroshi SATOH.
Application Number | 20180043692 15/794690 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48779671 |
Filed Date | 2018-02-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180043692 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
AOKI; Yuji ; et al. |
February 15, 2018 |
CARTRIDGE, PRINTING MATERIAL SUPPLY SYSTEM, AND PRINTING
APPARATUS
Abstract
A cartridge includes a concave portion. The concave portion has
an opening, first and second side walls, and a bottom wall, and the
bottom wall has a tilted surface tilted. The tilted surface is
provided with a cartridge side terminal group. The first side wall
is provided with a first restriction portion which restricts
movements in a +Z axis direction and a +X axis direction of an
apparatus side terminal unit, and the second side wall is provided
with a second restriction portion which restricts movements in the
+Z axis direction and a -X axis direction of an apparatus side
terminal unit.
Inventors: |
AOKI; Yuji; (Matsumoto-shi,
JP) ; SATOH; Hiroshi; (Nirasaki-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Seiko Epson Corporation |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Seiko Epson Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
48779671 |
Appl. No.: |
15/794690 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14879593 |
Oct 9, 2015 |
9821557 |
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15794690 |
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13738347 |
Jan 10, 2013 |
9266337 |
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14879593 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B41J 2/175 20130101;
B41J 2/17509 20130101; B41J 2/17526 20130101; B41J 2/1752 20130101;
B41J 2/17546 20130101; B41J 2/17553 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B41J 2/175 20060101
B41J002/175 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 13, 2012 |
JP |
2012-005347 |
Jan 25, 2012 |
JP |
2012-013238 |
Feb 6, 2012 |
JP |
2012-022819 |
Claims
1. A case mountable to a mounting unit of a printing apparatus, the
mounting unit comprising a printing material supply tube, an
apparatus side terminal, a rail arranged to guide the case to a
mounting position and a locking member configured to lock the case
at the mounting position, the case comprising: a case side terminal
configured to come in contact with the apparatus side terminal in a
mounted state that the case is mounted to the printing apparatus;
and a convex portion that is configured to have a first part and a
second part which are to be inserted in the rail, wherein the
locking member is inserted between the first part and the second
part in the mounted state.
2. The case according to claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of
the apparatus side terminals, in the mounted state, the case
comprising: a front surface provided with a supply tube insertion
hole configured and adapted to receive insertion of the printing
material supply tube; a rear surface arranged to face the front
surface; a first side surface arranged to form an upper surface; a
second side surface arranged to face the front side surface; a
third side surface arranged to intersect with the front surface,
the rear surface, the first side surface and the second side
surface; and a fourth side surface arranged to face the third side
surface, wherein assuming that a Y axis direction is along a
direction from the front surface toward the rear surface, a Z axis
direction is along a direction from the first side surface toward
the second side surface, and an X axis is along a direction from
the third side surface toward the fourth side surface, a center in
the X axis direction of the convex portion is arranged to pass
through a case side terminal that comes into contact with the
apparatus side terminal provided in a central part in the X axis
direction of the apparatus side terminals and pass through a YZ
plane that is a plane parallel to the Y axis direction and the Z
axis direction.
3. The case according to claim 2, wherein a center in the X axis
direction of a locking portion formed between the first part and
the second part is arranged to pass through the YZ plane.
4. The case according to claim 2, wherein the YZ plane is arranged
to intersect with the locking member.
5. The case according to claim 2, wherein the convex portion is
formed on the first side surface and on the second side
surface.
6. The case according to claim 2, wherein a dimension in the X axis
direction of a first convex portion that is the convex portion
formed on the first side surface is different from a dimension in
the X axis direction of a second convex portion that is the convex
portion formed on the second side surface.
7. A cartridge mountable to a mounting unit of a printing
apparatus, the mounting unit comprising a printing material supply
tube, an apparatus side terminal, a rail arranged to guide the
cartridge to a mounting position and a locking member configured to
lock the cartridge at the mounting position, the cartridge
comprising: a cartridge side terminal configured to come in contact
with the apparatus side terminal in a mounted state that the
cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus; and a convex
portion that is configured to have a first part and a second part
which are to be inserted in the rail, wherein the locking member is
inserted between the first part and the second part in the mounted
state.
8. The cartridge according to claim 7, wherein there are a
plurality of the apparatus side terminals, in the mounted state,
the cartridge comprising: a front surface provided with a supply
tube insertion hole configured and adapted to receive insertion of
the printing material supply tube; a rear surface arranged to face
the front surface; a first side surface arranged to form an upper
surface; a second side surface arranged to face the front side
surface; a third side surface arranged to intersect with the front
surface, the rear surface, the first side surface and the second
side surface; and a fourth side surface arranged to face the third
side surface, wherein assuming that a Y axis direction is along a
direction from the front surface toward the rear surface, a Z axis
direction is along a direction from the first side surface toward
the second side surface, and an X axis is along a direction from
the third side surface toward the fourth side surface, a center in
the X axis direction of the convex portion is arranged to pass
through a cartridge side terminal that comes into contact with the
apparatus side terminal provided in a central part in the X axis
direction of the apparatus side terminals and pass through a YZ
plane that is a plane parallel to the Y axis direction and the Z
axis direction.
9. The cartridge according to claim 8, wherein a center in the X
axis direction of a locking portion formed between the first part
and the second part is arranged to pass through the YZ plane.
10. The cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the YZ plane is
arranged to intersect with the locking member.
11. The cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the convex portion
is formed on the first side surface and on the second side
surface.
12. The cartridge according to claim 8, wherein a dimension in the
X axis direction of a first convex portion that is the convex
portion formed on the first side surface is different from a
dimension in the X axis direction of a second convex portion that
is the convex portion formed on the second side surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/738,347, filed on Jan. 10, 2013, which
claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 to Japanese Application
No. 2012-022819 filed on Feb. 6, 2012, No. 2012-005347 filed on
Jan. 13, 2012, and No. 2012-013238 filed on Jan. 25, 2012 which are
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates to a cartridge which
accommodates a printing material therein, a printing material
supply system which includes a cartridge and a printing apparatus,
and printing apparatus to which the cartridge is detachably
mounted.
2. Related Art
[0003] A printer which is an example of a printing apparatus has a
cartridge that accommodates ink therein and is detachably mounted
thereto, and performs printing by supplying the ink from the
cartridge to a printing head. Recently, a cartridge in which a
circuit board that stores information regarding ink (for example,
the color of ink) is mounted is used (for example,
JP-A-2003-341100, JP-A-2007-230249, Specification of U.S. Pat. No.
6,203,147, JP-T-2002-505212, and JP-T-2002-513341). The circuit
board mounted in the cartridge includes a storage device that
stores the information regarding the ink and a terminal group (also
referred to as a "cartridge side terminal group") for electrical
connection to a printer. As the cartridge is mounted to a cartridge
mounting unit of the printer, the cartridge side terminal group
comes into contact with a terminal group (also referred to as an
"apparatus side terminal group") provided in the cartridge mounting
unit. Accordingly, each terminal of the cartridge side terminal
group is electrically connected to the corresponding terminal of
the apparatus side terminal group, such that signal reception and
transmission between the printer and the cartridge is
performed.
[0004] However, in the techniques of JP-A-2003-341100 and
JP-A-2007-230249, due to manufacturing errors in the cartridge
mounting unit or the cartridge, there is a possibility that the
cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group
may not come into contact with each other so as to be electrically
connected.
[0005] In the technique of Specification of U.S. Pat. No.
6,203,147, a connector provided with the apparatus side terminal
group is movably provided in the cartridge mounting unit.
Specifically, the connector is configured so as to be movable in a
direction (the X axis direction and the Y axis direction in FIG. 7
of Specification of U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,147,) orthogonal to an
insertion direction (the Z axis direction in FIG. 7 of
Specification of U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,147,) of the cartridge. In
addition, in the technique of Specification of U.S. Pat. No.
6,203,147, a recessed portion is provided in the front surface of
the cartridge, and the cartridge side terminal group is arranged on
the side surface in the recessed portion along the insertion
direction. In this technique, since the connector is configured to
be movable, the connector is moved according to the position of the
cartridge when the cartridge is mounted to the cartridge mounting
unit. Accordingly, there is an attempt to achieve proper connection
between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side
terminal group.
[0006] In the technique described above, positioning in the X axis
direction and the Y axis direction of the connector is performed by
four side surfaces of the recessed portion in which the cartridge
side terminal group is arranged. Therefore, errors in the shape of
the recessed portion occur due to design errors in the cartridge,
and thus there is a possibility that contact between the cartridge
side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group may not
be properly achieved.
[0007] In addition, in the technique described above, there is a
possibility that the apparatus side terminal group may rub against
the side surface of the recessed portion or the cartridge side
terminal group between when the cartridge is inserted into the
cartridge mounting unit and when the cartridge is mounted to the
cartridge mounting unit. There may be cases where the apparatus
side terminal group rubs against the side surface of the recessed
portion or the like, the constituent member of the cartridge is
cut, and shavings are generated. In addition, there may be cases
where dust is pulled therein due to static electricity generated by
rubbing of the apparatus side terminal group against the side
surface of the recessed portion or the like. When shavings, dust,
and the like are present at the periphery of the apparatus side
terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group, there may be
cases where contact between the apparatus side terminal group and
the cartridge side terminal group is not properly achieved.
[0008] In addition, in the techniques of JP-T-2002-505212 and
JP-T-2002-513341, the connector is configured to be movable in the
X axis direction which is a direction perpendicular to the
insertion direction of the cartridge. In addition, in the
techniques of JP-T-2002-505212 and JP-T-2002-513341, the recessed
portion is provided in the front surface of the cartridge, and the
cartridge side terminal group is provided on the bottom surface
that is perpendicular to the insertion direction of the recessed
portion. In the techniques of JP-T-2002-505212 and
JP-T-2002-513341, as a guiding member provided in the recessed
portion is inserted into a guiding slot of the cartridge mounting
unit, positioning of the cartridge side terminal group and the
apparatus side terminal group is performed.
[0009] In the techniques described above, the cartridge side
terminal group is provided on the bottom surface of the recessed
portion which is recessed in the reverse direction to the insertion
direction and has a relationship of opposing the apparatus side
terminal group in the insertion direction. Therefore, when the
cartridge is attached to and detached from the cartridge mounting
unit, the possibility of the apparatus side terminal group rubbing
against the cartridge may be reduced. However, the cartridge side
terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group come into
point contact with each other between when the cartridge is
inserted into the cartridge mounting unit and is connected thereto.
Therefore, there is a possibility that contact between the
cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group
may not be achieved due to a slight manufacturing error in the
cartridge mounting unit or the cartridge.
[0010] The problems as described above are significant particularly
in a large printer which performs printing on a large-sized sheet
(for example, A2 to A0 sizes) because the size of the cartridge is
increased.
[0011] The problems as mentioned above are problems that are not
limited to the cartridge and the printer having the cartridge that
is detachable, but are common to a printing apparatus that supplies
(ejects) different types of printing materials (for example, toner)
from ink and a cartridge that is detachably mounted to the printing
apparatus.
SUMMARY
[0012] An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it
provides a technique of properly achieving contact between a
cartridge side terminal group and an apparatus side terminal
group.
[0013] The invention can be realized in the following forms or
application examples.
APPLICATION EXAMPLE 1
[0014] According to Application Example 1, there is provided a
cartridge detachably mounted to a printing apparatus which
includes, assuming that three orthogonal spatial axes respectively
are an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis, directions along the X axis,
the Y axis, and the Z axis respectively are an X axis direction, a
Y axis direction, and a Z axis direction, positive directions along
the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis respectively are a +X axis
direction, a +Y axis direction, and a +Z axis direction, and
negative directions along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis
respectively are a -X axis direction, a -Y axis direction, and a -Z
axis direction, a cartridge mounting unit into which the cartridge
is inserted in the -Y axis direction toward an apparatus side front
wall portion on a -Y axis direction side from an insertion hole on
a +Y axis direction side, a printing material supply tube provided
in the apparatus side front wall portion, and an apparatus side
terminal unit which is provided closer to +Z axis direction side
than the printing material supply tube of the apparatus side front
wall portion, the apparatus side terminal unit having an apparatus
side terminal group provided with a contact point on a surface
tilted in a direction including a +Y axis direction component and a
-Z axis direction component and first and second positioning
portions respectively provided on a +X axis direction side and a -X
axis direction side of the surface and being mounted in a state of
being movable in the X axis direction and the Z axis direction with
respect to the apparatus side front wall portion, the cartridge
including: assuming that the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis for
the cartridge in a mounted state in which the cartridge is mounted
to the cartridge mounting unit respectively are an X axis, a Y
axis, and a Z axis of the cartridge, two surfaces which oppose each
other in the Y axis direction, the two surfaces including a rear
surface positioned on the +Y axis direction side and an
approximately rectangular front surface that is positioned on the
-Y axis direction side and has a dimension in the Z axis direction
greater than a dimension in the X axis direction; two surfaces
which intersect the front surface and the rear surface and oppose
each other in the Z axis direction, the two surfaces including a
first side surface positioned on the +Z axis direction side and a
second side surface positioned on a -Z axis direction side; two
surfaces which intersect the front surface, the rear surface, the
first side surface, and the second side surface and oppose each
other in the X axis direction, the two surfaces including a third
side surface positioned on the +X axis direction side and a fourth
side surface positioned on the -X axis direction side; a supply
tube insertion hole which is provided in the front surface and into
which the printing material supply tube is inserted; and a concave
portion which is provided in a corner portion at which the front
surface and the first side surface intersect each other and into
which the apparatus side terminal unit is inserted in the mounted
state, wherein the concave portion includes an opening which is an
entrance when the apparatus side terminal unit is inserted into the
concave portion, and a first side wall, a second side wall, and a
bottom wall that constitute at least a part of an inner wall of the
concave portion, the first side wall and the second side wall
oppose each other in the X axis direction, and the first side wall
is positioned on the +X axis direction side and the second side
wall is positioned on the -X axis direction side, the bottom wall
is tilted in a direction including a -Y axis direction component
and a +Z axis direction component and has a tilted surface provided
with a cartridge side terminal group that comes into contact with
the apparatus side terminal group in the mounted state, the first
side wall is provided with a first restriction portion which
restricts movements in the +Z axis direction and the +X axis
direction of the apparatus side terminal unit by coming into
contact with the first positioning portion in the +Z axis direction
and the +X axis direction in the mounted state, and the second side
wall is provided with a second restriction portion which restricts
movements in the +Z axis direction and the -X axis direction of the
apparatus side terminal unit by coming into contact with the second
positioning portion in the +Z axis direction and the -X axis
direction in the mounted state.
[0015] In the printing apparatus to which the cartridge according
to Application Example 1 is mounted, the apparatus side terminal
unit is movable in the X axis direction and the Z axis direction,
and the cartridge according to Application Example 1 has the
concave portion into which the apparatus side terminal unit is
inserted. Accordingly, even in a case where the cartridge mounting
unit or the cartridge has a manufacturing error, the apparatus side
terminal unit is guided into the concave portion of the cartridge
while absorbing the error as the apparatus side front wall portion
is moved when the cartridge is mounted to the cartridge mounting
unit. In addition, finally, the positioning of the apparatus side
terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group is performed
by the first and second restriction portions provided in the
concave portion. That is, during the completion of the mounting and
in the mounted state, the first and second restriction portions
provided in the concave portion of the cartridge restrict the
movements in the +Z axis direction and the .+-.X axis direction of
the first and second positioning portions of the apparatus side
terminal unit, thereby positioning the apparatus side terminal
group and the cartridge side terminal group. Therefore, contact
between the apparatus side terminal group and the cartridge side
terminal group may be properly achieved.
[0016] In addition, in the printing apparatus to which the
cartridge according to Application Example 1 is mounted, the
apparatus side terminal group is provided on the surface tilted in
the direction including the +Y axis direction component and the -Z
axis direction component, and in the cartridge according to
Application Example 1, the cartridge side terminal group is
provided on the tilted surface tilted in the direction including
the -Y axis direction component and the +Z axis direction
component. That is, both the apparatus side terminal group and the
cartridge side terminal group are provided on the surfaces tilted
in the -Y axis direction which is the insertion direction of all
the cartridges. When the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge
mounting unit, the cartridge proceeds in the -Y axis direction.
Here, the cartridge side terminal group also proceeds in the -Y
axis direction and slowly approaches the apparatus side terminal
group. However, the two do not come into contact with each other
immediately before completing the mounting. In the final stage of
the mounting, after the apparatus side terminal unit is inserted
into the concave portion of the cartridge, the apparatus side
terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group slightly rub
against each other immediately before completing the mounting. In
addition, during the completion of the mounting and in the mounted
state, the first and second restriction portions provided in the
concave portion of the cartridge restrict the movements in the +Z
axis direction and the .+-.X axis directions of the first and
second positioning portions of the apparatus side terminal unit,
thereby positioning the apparatus side terminal group and the
cartridge side terminal group. As such, while the apparatus side
terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group rarely rub
against each other during the mounting of the cartridge, the
apparatus side terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group
rub slightly against each other immediately before completing the
mounting of the cartridge, thereby reducing the possibility of
shavings being generated as the apparatus side terminal group rubs
against the cartridge during the mounting of the cartridge. In
addition, even in a case where dust is present in the vicinity of
the apparatus side terminal group and is interposed between the
apparatus side terminal group and the cartridge side terminal
group, the apparatus side terminal group comes into contact while
linearly rubbing on the surface of the cartridge side terminal
group and thus an effect of discharging the dust from the contact
portion (a wiping effect) is exhibited, thereby reducing the
possibility of dust being interposed between the apparatus side
terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group.
APPLICATION EXAMPLE 2
[0017] According to Application Example 1, each of the first
restriction portion and the second restriction portion may include
a +Z axis direction side contact surface which comes into contact
with a +Z axis direction end portion of the corresponding
positioning portion from the first and second positioning portions
and a -Z axis direction side contact surface which comes into
contact with a -Z axis direction end portion of the corresponding
positioning portion from the first and second positioning
portions.
[0018] In the cartridge according to Application Example 2, in the
mounted state, the first restriction portion has the +Z axis
direction side contact surface which comes into contact with the +Z
axis direction end portion of the first positioning portion and the
-Z axis direction side contact surface which comes into contact
with the -Z axis direction end portion thereof, and the second
restriction portion has the +Z axis direction side contact surface
which comes into contact with the +Z axis direction end portion of
the second positioning portion and the -Z axis direction side
contact surface which comes into contact with the -Z axis direction
end portion thereof. That is, the first and second restriction
portions restrict the movements in the .+-.Z direction of the first
and second positioning portions. Accordingly, the positioning of
the apparatus side terminal group with respect to the cartridge
side terminal group may be performed with good accuracy. Therefore,
contact between the apparatus side terminal group and the cartridge
side terminal group may be more properly achieved. Moreover, since
the apparatus side terminal unit is able to be held on both sides
in the +Z axis direction and the -Z axis direction, even when
vibration or impacts from the outside are exerted during the use of
the printing apparatus, a deviation of the contact position between
the apparatus side terminal group and the cartridge side terminal
group due to the vibration and impacts may be suppressed.
APPLICATION EXAMPLE 3
[0019] In the cartridge according to Application Example 2, each of
the first restriction portion and the second restriction portion
may include an entrance part which extends toward the +Y axis
direction side from the opening provided at an end surface on the
-Y axis direction side and of which a dimension in the Z axis
direction is monotonically decreased in the +Y axis direction, and
a contact part which extends from an end portion in the +Y axis
direction of the entrance part in the +Y axis direction, has a
constant dimension in the Z axis direction, and comes into contact
with the corresponding positioning portion from the first and
second positioning portions in the mounted state.
[0020] In the cartridge according to Application Example 3, since
the entrance part of which the dimension in the Z axis direction is
monotonically decreased in the +Y axis direction from the -Y axis
direction is included, even in a case where the cartridge or the
cartridge mounting unit has a manufacturing error in the Z axis
direction, the positioning portion of the apparatus side terminal
unit which is movable in the Z axis direction may be easily guided
to the restriction portion provided in the concave portion of the
cartridge. In addition, since the contact part which has a constant
dimension in the Z axis direction is included, the positioning of
the apparatus side terminal group with respect to the cartridge
side terminal group may be performed with good accuracy by causing
the positioning portion of the apparatus side terminal unit to
advance to the contact part after being guided to the entrance
part.
APPLICATION EXAMPLE 4
[0021] In the cartridge according to any one of Application
Examples 1 to 3, each of the first and second restriction portions
may include a +Y axis direction side contact surface that comes
into contact with a +Y axis direction side end portion of the
corresponding positioning portion from the first and second
positioning portions in the mounted state.
[0022] In the cartridge according to Application Example 4, the
first and second restriction portions respectively restrict the
positions of the +Y axis direction side end portions of the first
and second positioning portions. Accordingly, the apparatus side
terminal unit may be prevented from strongly impacting the bottom
wall in the cartridge concave portion by proceeding to far in the
+Y axis direction when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge
mounting unit. Accordingly, the apparatus side terminal unit may be
prevented from being broken.
APPLICATION EXAMPLE 5
[0023] In the cartridge according to any one of Application
Examples 1 to 4, a pair of bottom wall side concave portions may be
formed in the bottom wall between the tilted surface and the first
side wall and between the tilted surface and the second side
wall.
[0024] In the cartridge according to Application Example 5,
approximately triangular surfaces are exposed on the +X axis
direction side and the -X axis direction side of the cartridge side
terminal group. Accordingly, in a case where the cartridge side
terminal group is provided on a circuit board, it is possible to
easily perform mounting or removal of the circuit board. In
addition, when a pair of protrusions that protrude in the direction
including the +Y axis direction component and the -Z axis direction
component with respect to the surface are provided on the +X axis
direction side and the -X axis direction side of the apparatus side
terminal group so as to be received by the bottom wall side concave
portions, in addition to the positioning of or suppressing of a
positional deviation between the cartridge side terminal group and
the apparatus side terminal group by the restriction portion and
the positioning portion, it is possible to position the two or
suppress a positional deviation therebetween even at the positions
close to the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side
terminal group. Therefore, contact between the apparatus side
terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group may be more
properly achieved.
APPLICATION EXAMPLE 6
[0025] In the cartridge according to any one of Application
Examples 1 to 5, a rod insertion hole which is provided at an
intermediate position in the Z axis direction of the front surface
between the first side surface and the second side surface and into
which a rod provided in the apparatus side front wall portion is
inserted may further be included, and the supply tube insertion
hole may be provided between the rod insertion hole and the concave
portion.
[0026] In the cartridge according to Application Example 6, as the
rod is inserted into the rod insertion hole, positioning of the
entirety of the cartridge with respect to the cartridge mounting
unit is performed, and thus a positional deviation from the correct
mounting position is suppressed. Therefore, a positional deviation
in the vicinity of the rod insertion hole may be properly
suppressed. However, the cartridge side terminal group provided in
the corner portion of the front surface and the rod insertion hole
are at positions separated from each other, and thus there may be
cases where it is difficult to suppress a positional deviation of
such a member that is at a position separated from the rod
insertion hole. In particular, the large-capacity type cartridge
used in the printing apparatus for large-sized printing has a large
size, and the cartridge side terminal group and the rod insertion
hole are at positions somewhat separated from each other. However,
as described above, by employing the configurations of the
apparatus side terminal unit that is movable in the X axis
direction and the Z axis direction and the concave portion into
which the apparatus side terminal unit is inserted, positioning of
the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal
group may be performed with good accuracy. That is, even with the
large-capacity type cartridge having a large size, it is possible
to position the apparatus side terminal group and the cartridge
side terminal group with good accuracy while performing the
positioning of the entirety of the cartridge with good accuracy and
absorbing a manufacturing error in the cartridge.
[0027] In addition, according to this application example, the
supply tube insertion hole into which the printing material supply
tube is inserted is provided between the rod insertion hole and the
concave portion. That is, the printing material supply tube is
provided at a position close to the rod. In addition, the supply
tube insertion hole is provided at a position close to the rod
insertion hole. Therefore, a positional deviation between the
printing material supply tube and the supply tube insertion hole
may be properly suppressed.
APPLICATION EXAMPLE 7
[0028] In the cartridge according to any one of Application
Examples 1 to 6, the first restriction portion may be a groove
recessed in the +X axis direction from the first side wall, and the
second restriction portion may be a groove recessed in the -X axis
direction from the second side wall.
[0029] In the cartridge according to Application Example 7, since
the grooves are respectively formed in the first and second side
walls, the first and second restriction portions for restricting
the movements of the first and second positioning portions may be
easily formed.
APPLICATION EXAMPLE 8
[0030] In the cartridge according to any one of Application
Examples 1 to 6, the first restriction portion may be configured as
a convex portion that protrudes in the -X axis direction from the
first side wall, and the second restriction portion may be
configured as a convex portion that protrudes in the +X axis
direction from the second side wall.
[0031] In the cartridge according to Application Example 8, since
the convex portions that protrude in the X axis direction are
respectively provided to the first side wall and the second side
wall, the first positioning portion and the second positioning
portion may be easily formed.
APPLICATION EXAMPLE 9
[0032] According to Application Example 9, there is provided a
printing material supply system including: a printing apparatus;
and the cartridge according to any one of Application Examples 1 to
8, wherein the printing apparatus includes, assuming that three
orthogonal spatial axes respectively are an X axis, a Y axis, and a
Z axis, directions along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis
respectively are an X axis direction, a Y axis direction, and a Z
axis direction, positive directions along the X axis, the Y axis,
and the Z axis respectively are a +X axis direction, a +Y axis
direction, and a +Z axis direction, and negative directions along
the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis respectively are a -X axis
direction, a -Y axis direction, and a -Z axis direction, a
cartridge mounting unit into which the cartridge is inserted in the
-Y axis direction toward an apparatus side front wall portion on a
-Y axis direction side from an insertion hole on a +Y axis
direction side, a printing material supply tube provided in the
apparatus side front wall portion, and an apparatus side terminal
unit which is provided closer to a +Z axis direction side than the
printing material supply tube of the apparatus side front wall
portion, and the apparatus side terminal unit has an apparatus side
terminal group provided with a contact point on a surface tilted in
a direction including a +Y axis direction component and a -Z axis
direction component and first and second positioning portions
respectively provided on a +X axis direction side and a -X axis
direction side of the surface, and is mounted in a state of being
movable in the X axis direction and the Z axis direction with
respect to the apparatus side front wall portion.
[0033] In the printing material supply system according to
Application Example 9, a holder provided with the apparatus side
terminal group is configured to be movable in the X axis direction
and the Z axis direction. Accordingly, even in the case where the
cartridge mounting unit or the cartridge has a manufacturing error,
the apparatus side terminal group provided in the holder is moved
to the position that comes into contact with the cartridge side
terminal group when the cartridge is mounted to the cartridge
mounting unit. In addition, finally, the positioning of the
apparatus side terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group
is performed by the first and second restriction portions provided
in the concave portion of the cartridge. That is, during the
completion of the mounting and in the mounted state, the movements
in the +Z axis direction and the .+-.X axis direction of the first
and second positioning portions of the apparatus side terminal unit
are restricted by the first and second restriction portions
provided in the concave portion of the cartridge, thereby
positioning the apparatus side terminal group and the cartridge
side terminal group. Therefore, contact between the apparatus side
terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group may be
properly achieved. In addition, by employing the cartridge
according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 8, the same
effects as those described in Application Examples 1 to 8 are
exhibited.
APPLICATION EXAMPLE 10
[0034] According to Application Example 10, there is provided a
printing apparatus to which a cartridge having a cartridge side
terminal group is detachably mounted, including: assuming that
three orthogonal spatial axes respectively are an X axis, a Y axis,
and a Z axis, directions along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z
axis respectively are an X axis direction, a Y axis direction, and
a Z axis direction, positive directions along the X axis, the Y
axis, and the Z axis respectively are a +X axis direction, a +Y
axis direction, and a +Z axis direction, and negative directions
along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis respectively are a -X
axis direction, a -Y axis direction, and a -Z axis direction, a
cartridge mounting unit into which the cartridge is inserted in the
-Y axis direction toward an apparatus side front wall portion on a
-Y axis direction side from an insertion hole on a +Y axis
direction side; a printing material supply tube provided in the
apparatus side front wall portion; and an apparatus side terminal
unit which is provided closer to a +Z axis direction side than the
printing material supply tube of the apparatus side front wall
portion, wherein the apparatus side terminal unit has an apparatus
side terminal group provided with a contact point on a surface
tilted in a direction including a +Y axis direction component and a
-Z axis direction component and first and second positioning
portions respectively provided on a +X axis direction side and a -X
axis direction side of the surface, and is mounted in a state of
being movable in the X axis direction and the Z axis direction with
respect to the apparatus side front wall portion.
[0035] In the printing apparatus according to Application Example
10, the apparatus side terminal unit having the apparatus side
terminal group is movable in the X axis direction and the Z axis
direction. Accordingly, even in the case where the cartridge
mounting unit or the cartridge has a manufacturing error, the
apparatus side terminal group is moved to the position that comes
into contact with the cartridge side terminal group when the
cartridge is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit. Therefore,
contact between the apparatus side terminal group and the cartridge
side terminal group may be properly achieved.
APPLICATION EXAMPLE 11
[0036] In the printing apparatus according to Application Example
10, the cartridge mounting unit may include two wall portions that
intersect the apparatus side front wall portion and oppose each
other in the Z axis direction, the two wall portions including a
first apparatus side side wall portion disposed on the +Z axis
direction side and a second apparatus side side wall portion
disposed on a -Z axis direction side, a rod having a center axis
parallel to the Y axis direction may be provided at an intermediate
position in the apparatus side front wall portion between the first
apparatus side side wall portion and the second apparatus side side
wall portion, and the printing material supply tube may be provided
between the rod and the apparatus side terminal unit.
[0037] In the printing apparatus according to Application Example
11, the entirety of the cartridge with respect to the cartridge
mounting unit is positioned by the rod, and thus a positional
deviation from the correct mounting position may be suppressed. In
addition, the printing material supply tube is provided between the
rod and the apparatus side terminal unit. That is, the printing
material supply tube is provided at a position relatively close to
the rod. Therefore, a positional deviation between the printing
material supply tube and the supply tube insertion hole of the
cartridge into which the printing material supply tube is inserted
may be properly suppressed. As such, although the positional
deviation in the vicinity of the rod is able to be properly
suppressed, the apparatus side terminal group and the rod are at
positions separated from each other, and there may be cases where
it is difficult to suppress the positional deviation. In
particular, the printer for large-sized printing has a large size,
and the apparatus side terminal unit and the rod are at positions
somewhat separated from each other. However, as such, by employing
the apparatus side terminal unit that is movable in the X axis
direction and the Z axis direction, the apparatus side terminal
group is moved to the position that comes into contact with the
cartridge side terminal group when the cartridge is mounted to the
cartridge mounting unit. Therefore, positioning of the cartridge
side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group may be
performed with good accuracy.
[0038] In addition, the invention is able to be realized as various
forms, and be realized as a printing apparatus, a method of
manufacturing a printing apparatus, a method of manufacturing a
cartridge, and the like besides the configurations of the
above-described cartridge and the printing material supply
system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] The invention will be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers reference like
elements.
[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration
of a printing material supply system.
[0041] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view illustrating a
mounted cartridge mounting unit.
[0042] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
III-III of FIG. 2.
[0043] FIG. 4 is an enlarged diagram of a circulation part on a
cartridge mounting unit side.
[0044] FIG. 5 is a first external perspective view of the cartridge
mounting unit.
[0045] FIG. 6 is a second external perspective view of the
cartridge mounting unit.
[0046] FIG. 7 is a third external perspective view of the cartridge
mounting unit.
[0047] FIG. 8 is a fourth external perspective view of the
cartridge mounting unit.
[0048] FIG. 9 is a fifth external perspective view of the cartridge
mounting unit.
[0049] FIG. 10 is a first external perspective view of an apparatus
side front wall portion and the peripheral members thereof.
[0050] FIG. 11 is a second external perspective view of the
apparatus side front wall portion and the peripheral members
thereof.
[0051] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus
side front wall portion and the peripheral members thereof.
[0052] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
XIII-XIII of FIG. 10.
[0053] FIG. 14 is a first exploded perspective view of an apparatus
side terminal unit.
[0054] FIG. 15 is a second exploded perspective view of the
apparatus side terminal unit.
[0055] FIG. 16 is a first external perspective view of the
apparatus side terminal unit.
[0056] FIG. 17 is a second external perspective view of the
apparatus side terminal unit.
[0057] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
XVIII-XVIII of FIG. 17.
[0058] FIG. 19 is a first external perspective view of a
cartridge.
[0059] FIG. 20 is a second external perspective view of the
cartridge.
[0060] FIG. 21 is a front view of the cartridge.
[0061] FIG. 22 is a rear view of the cartridge.
[0062] FIG. 23 is a top view of the cartridge.
[0063] FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the cartridge.
[0064] FIG. 25 is a first side view of the cartridge.
[0065] FIG. 26 is a second side view of the cartridge.
[0066] FIG. 27 is an external perspective view of the vicinity of a
concave portion.
[0067] FIG. 28 is a front view of the vicinity of the concave
portion.
[0068] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
XXIX-XXIX of FIG. 28.
[0069] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
XXX-XXX of FIG. 28.
[0070] FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining a state of the
connection between the apparatus side terminal unit and a circuit
board.
[0071] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
XXXII-XXXII in the mounted state.
[0072] FIG. 33 is a first diagram illustrating an embodiment of the
contact.
[0073] FIG. 34 is a second diagram illustrating the embodiment of
the contact.
[0074] FIG. 35 is a third diagram illustrating the embodiment of
the contact.
[0075] FIG. 36 is a fourth diagram illustrating the embodiment of
the contact.
[0076] FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view of the
cartridge.
[0077] FIG. 38A is a front view of a first modified embodiment.
[0078] FIG. 38B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
XXXVIIIB-XXXVIIIB of FIG. 38A.
[0079] FIG. 39A is a front view of a second modified
embodiment.
[0080] FIG. 39B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
XXXIXB-XXXIXB of FIG. 39A.
[0081] FIG. 40A is a front view of a third modified embodiment.
[0082] FIG. 40B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
XXXXB-XXXXB of FIG. 40A.
[0083] FIG. 41A is a front view of a fourth modified
embodiment.
[0084] FIG. 41B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
XXXXIB-XXXXIB of FIG. 41A.
[0085] FIG. 42A is a front view of a fifth modified embodiment.
[0086] FIG. 42B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
XXXXIIB-XXXXIIB of FIG. 42A.
[0087] FIG. 43A is a front view of a sixth modified embodiment.
[0088] FIG. 43B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
XXXXIIIB-XXXXIIIB of FIG. 43A.
[0089] FIG. 44A is a front view of a seventh modified
embodiment.
[0090] FIG. 44B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
XXXXIVB-XXXXIVB of FIG. 44A.
[0091] FIG. 45A is a front view of an eighth modified
embodiment.
[0092] FIG. 45B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
XXXXVB-XXXXVB of FIG. 45A.
[0093] FIG. 46A is a front view of a ninth modified embodiment.
[0094] FIG. 46B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
XXXXVIB-XXXXVIB of FIG. 46A.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0095] Next, embodiments of the invention will be described in the
following order: [0096] A. First Example [0097] B. Second Example
[0098] C. Modified Example
A. FIRST EXAMPLE
A-1. Entire Configuration of Printing Material Supply System
[0099] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration
of a printing material supply system 1. In FIG. 1, the X, Y, and Z
axes which are three orthogonal spatial axes are drawn. The
directions in which the arrows of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z
axis are directed respectively represent positive directions along
the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis. The positive directions
along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are respectively
denoted by a +X axis direction, a +Y axis direction, and a +Z axis
direction. The directions reverse to the directions in which the
arrows of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are directed
respectively represent negative directions along the X axis, the Y
axis, and the Z axis. The negative directions along the X axis, the
Y axis, and the Z axis are respectively denoted by a -X axis
direction, a -Y axis direction, and a -Z axis direction. Directions
along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis regardless of whether
being positive or negative are respectively called an X axis
direction, a Y axis direction, and a Z axis direction. This applies
the same to the figures and description described later. The
directions of the X, Y, and Z axes drawn in the other figures
correspond to those of the X, Y, and Z axes of FIG. 1. The printing
material supply system 1 includes a printer 10 as a printing
apparatus and a cartridge 4.
[0100] The printer 10 of this embodiment is an ink jet printer that
discharges ink from a head 22. The printer 10 is a large printer
that performs printing on a large-sized sheet (A2 to A0 and the
like) such as a poster. The printer 10 includes a cartridge
mounting unit 6, a control unit 31, a carriage 20, the head 22, and
a driving mechanism 30. In addition, the printer 10 includes an
operation button 15 for a user to operate the operations of the
printer 10.
[0101] In the cartridge mounting unit 6, each of a plurality of
cartridges 4 is detachably mounted. In this example, four types of
single cartridges 4 respectively corresponding to four colors
(black, yellow, magenta, and cyan) of ink, that is, a total of four
cartridges 4 are mounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6. In the
printer 10 of this example, an exchange cover 13 is provided as the
front surface (the surface on the +Y axis direction side). The +Z
axis direction side of the exchange cover 13 is tilted forward (the
+Y axis direction side), the opening of the cartridge mounting unit
6 appears, and thus attaching and detaching of the cartridge 4
becomes possible. When the cartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge
mounting unit 6, the ink is able to be supplied to the head 22
provided in the carriage 20 via a tube 24. In this example, the ink
in the cartridge 4 is suctioned by a pumping mechanism (not shown)
of the printer 10, thereby supplying the ink to the head 22. In
addition, the tube 24 is provided for each of the types of the ink.
In addition, a state in which the cartridge 4 is mounted to the
cartridge mounting unit 6 is also called a "mounted state".
[0102] In the head 22, a nozzle is provided for each of the types
of the ink. The head 22 prints data such as text and images by
ejecting the ink toward a printing sheet 2 from ejection nozzles.
In addition, a form in which the cartridge 4 is mounted to the
cartridge mounting unit 6 and detailed configurations of the
cartridge 4 and the cartridge mounting unit 6 will be described
later. In addition, in this example, the printer 10 is a printer
called a so-called "off-carriage type" in which the cartridge
mounting unit 6 is not linked to the movement of the carriage 20.
The invention may also be applied to a printer called a so-called
"on-carriage type" in which the cartridge mounting unit 6 is
provided in the carriage 20 and the cartridge mounting unit 6 is
moved along with the carriage 20.
[0103] The control unit 31 performs control of each unit of the
printer 10 and signal reception and transmission with the cartridge
4. The carriage 20 moves the head 22 relative to the printing sheet
2.
[0104] The driving mechanism 30 reciprocates the carriage 20 on the
basis of a control signal from the control unit 31. The driving
mechanism 30 includes a timing belt 32 and a driving motor 34. By
transmitting the power of the driving motor 34 to the carriage 20
via the timing belt 32, the carriage 20 is reciprocated in a main
scanning direction (the X axis direction). In addition, the printer
10 includes a transport mechanism for moving the printing sheet 2
in a sub-scanning direction (the +Y axis direction). When printing
is performed, the printing sheet 2 is moved in the sub-scanning
direction by the transport mechanism, and the printing sheet 2 is
output onto the front surface cover 11 after completing the
printing.
[0105] In addition, at a position outside a printing region in
which the carriage 20 is moved in the main scanning direction, a
region called a home position is provided. At the home position, a
maintenance mechanism that performs maintenance for enabling normal
printing is mounted. The maintenance mechanism is constituted by a
cap member 8 which is pressed against a surface (nozzle surface)
where the nozzles are formed on the bottom surface side (a side
toward the printing sheet 2) of the head 22 and forms a closed
space to surround the ejection nozzles, an elevating mechanism (not
shown) that elevates the cap member 8 so as to be pressed against
the nozzle surface of the head 22, a suction pump (not shown) that
introduces a negative pressure to the closed space formed by the
cap member 8 pressed against the nozzle surface of the head 22, and
the like.
[0106] In this example, in a use state of the printing material
supply system 1 (the printer 10 and the cartridge 4), the axis
along the sub-scanning direction in which the printing sheet 2 is
transported is referred to as the Y axis, the axis along the
direction of gravity (upward and rearward direction) is referred to
as the Z axis, and the axis along the movement direction (left and
right direction) of the carriage 20 is referred to as the X
direction. Here, the "use state of the printing material supply
system 1" is referred to as a state in which the printing material
supply system 1 is installed on a horizontal surface. In addition,
in this example, the sub-scanning direction (forward direction) is
referred to as the +Y axis direction, the reverse direction thereto
(rearward direction) is referred to as the -Y axis direction, a
direction (upward direction) directed upward from below in the
direction of gravity is referred to as the +Z axis direction, and
the reverse direction thereto (downward direction) is referred to
as the -Z axis direction. In addition, when the printing material
supply system 1 is viewed from the forward side (the +Y axis
direction side), a direction directed to the left from the right is
referred to as the +X axis direction, and the reverse direction
thereto is referred to as the -X axis direction. In addition, in
this example, the insertion direction in which the cartridge 4 is
mounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6 is also referred to as the
-Y axis direction, and the direction in which the cartridge 4 is
detached from the cartridge mounting unit 6 is also referred to as
the +Y axis direction. Therefore, in the cartridge mounting unit 6,
the -Y axis direction side is also called an inner side, and the +Y
axis direction side is also called a forward side. In addition, in
this example, the arrangement direction of the plurality of
cartridges 4 is also referred to as the X axis direction.
[0107] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view illustrating the
cartridge mounting unit 6 in the mounted state. In FIG. 2, a form
in which the four cartridges 4 are mounted to the respective slots
of the cartridge mounting unit 6 is illustrated. Levers 672 are
pushed down to the three slots excluding one slot in the -X axis
direction side from the four slots. As such, since the levers 672
are pushed down after the cartridges 4 are mounted to the cartridge
mounting unit 6, the movement of the cartridge 4 is restricted, and
thus the cartridge 4 is prevented from coming away from the
cartridge mounting unit 6. When the cartridge 4 is detached from
the cartridge mounting unit 6, the lever 672 is pushed up to
release the restriction, and the cartridge 4 is detached. The lever
672 is provided to be movable in the Z axis direction in a wall
portion 67 in which an insertion hole 69 through which the
cartridge 4 passes when being attached and detached is formed. The
ink of the mounted cartridge 4 is circulated to the tube 24 as the
pumping mechanism 7 is driven. In addition, the detailed
configuration of the cartridge mounting unit 6 will be described
later.
[0108] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
III-III of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 illustrates a part of the cartridge
mounting unit 6 and the cartridge 4. When the cartridge 4 is
mounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6, the ink from a printing
material accommodation portion 450 of the cartridge 4 is circulated
to the tube 24 as indicated by the arrow by driving of the pumping
mechanism 7.
[0109] FIG. 4 is an enlarged diagram of a part on the -Y axis
direction side in FIG. 3. In the mounted state, each constituent
member of the cartridge 4 and the cartridge mounting unit 6 is
arranged as follows.
[0110] That is, a printing material supply tube 642 of the
cartridge mounting unit 6 is inserted into and connected to a
printing material lead-out tube 484 of the cartridge 4. The
printing material lead-out tube 484 circulates the ink of the
printing material accommodation portion 450 to the outside (the
printing material supply tube 642). The printing material supply
tube 642 circulates the ink discharged from the printing material
lead-out tube 484 so as to be sent toward the head. In addition, in
the mounted state, a rod 662 of the cartridge mounting unit 6 abuts
onto a lever member 490 of the cartridge 4. The rod 662 and the
lever member 490 are used to detect a state in which the ink of the
printing material accommodation portion 450 is exhausted (also
called an "ink end state") by the printer 10 side. Specifically,
the ink end state is detected by detecting the displacement of the
rod 662 using a sensor 138. Here, the ink end state is referred to
as a state in which the ink inside the cartridge 4 is depleted or a
state in which little ink is left.
[0111] In addition, each terminal of a cartridge side terminal
group (not shown) provided on the surface of a circuit board 50 of
the cartridge 4 comes into contact with the corresponding terminal
of an apparatus side terminal group 721 of the cartridge mounting
unit 6. The apparatus side terminal group 721 is electrically
connected to a connector 739, and wires (not shown) connected to
the connector 739 are electrically connected to the control unit 31
of the printer 10. Accordingly, a storage device of the circuit
board 50 and the control unit 31 are electrically connected to each
other, and thus signal reception and transmission between the
control unit 31 and the circuit board 50 becomes possible. Here,
the apparatus side terminal group 721 and the connector 739 are
constituent members of an apparatus side terminal unit 70. In
addition, the detailed configuration of the apparatus side terminal
unit 70 will be described later.
A-2. Detailed Configuration of Cartridge Mounting Unit
[0112] The detailed configuration of the cartridge mounting unit 6
will be described using FIGS. 5 to 9. FIG. 5 is a first external
perspective view of the cartridge mounting unit 6. FIG. 6 is a
second external perspective view of the cartridge mounting unit 6.
FIG. 7 is a third external perspective view of the cartridge
mounting unit 6. FIG. 8 is a fourth external perspective view of
the cartridge mounting unit 6. FIG. 9 is a fifth external
perspective view of the cartridge mounting unit 6. In addition, in
FIGS. 5 and 8, the tube 24 mounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6
is illustrated. In addition, in FIGS. 6, 7, and 9, illustration of
partial configurations is omitted so that the internal
configuration of cartridge mounting unit 6 is visible. In addition,
the cartridge mounting unit 6 of this example has the four
cartridges 4 that are independently attachable and detachable and
is configured so that the number of cartridges 4 attached and
detached is increased depending on the specification of the printer
10. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 6, on the farthest +X axis
direction side, reserve mounting spaces or members are provided so
that the increased number of cartridges 4 are able to be mounted
thereto.
[0113] As illustrated in FIG. 5, in the cartridge mounting unit 6,
a cartridge accommodation chamber 61 that accommodates the
cartridges 4 is formed by six wall portions mentioned below. The
cartridge accommodation chamber 61 has an approximate rectangular
parallelepiped shape. The shape of the cartridge accommodation
chamber 61 corresponds to the external shape of the cartridges 4.
In addition, in the cartridge accommodation chamber 61, each part
that accommodates one of the four cartridges 4 is called a
slot.
[0114] The cartridge mounting unit 6 includes an apparatus side
front wall portion 62, a first apparatus side side wall portion 63,
and a second apparatus side side wall portion 64. In addition, the
cartridge mounting unit 6 includes a third apparatus side side wall
portion 65, a fourth apparatus side side wall portion 66, and an
opening wall portion 67. The cartridge accommodation chamber 61 is
partitioned and formed by the six wall portions 62, 63, 64, 65, 66,
and 67. Each of the external shapes of the six wall portions 62,
63, 64, 65, 66, and 67 is an approximately rectangular shape.
[0115] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the apparatus side front
wall portion 62 is positioned on the -Y axis direction side with
respect to the cartridge accommodation chamber 61. The apparatus
side front wall portion 62 is a vertical wall portion in the use
state of the printer 10.
[0116] As illustrated in FIG. 6, in the apparatus side front wall
portion 62, the apparatus side terminal unit 70, a printing
material supply mechanism 640, and the rod 662 are provided.
Specifically, in the order directed from the +Z axis direction to
the -Z axis direction, the apparatus side terminal unit 70, the
printing material supply mechanism 640, and the rod 662 are
arranged. The apparatus side terminal unit 70 and the printing
material supply mechanism 640 are provided in the surface on the +Y
axis direction side (the side where the cartridge accommodation
chamber 61 is positioned) of the apparatus side front wall portion
62. In addition, the rod 662 is provided to penetrate through the
apparatus side front wall portion 62 in the Y axis direction. On
the -Y axis direction side (on the opposite side to the cartridge
accommodation chamber 61) of the apparatus side front wall portion
62, the pumping mechanism 7 is provided.
[0117] The printing material supply mechanism 640 includes the
printing material supply tube 642 described above and is used to
circulate the ink in the cartridge 4 toward the printer 10. The
apparatus side terminal unit 70 includes the above-described
apparatus side terminal group 721 (FIG. 7) and the connector 739
(FIG. 6) and is used to electrically connect the cartridge 4 and
the printer 10 to each other. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the
apparatus side terminal unit 70 is provided closer to the first
apparatus side side wall portion 63 side (the +Z axis direction
side) than the printing material supply tube 642. The rod 662 is
used to detect the ink end state of the cartridge 4 by the printer
10 side. That is, the rod 662 constitutes a part of a detecting
mechanism of the printer 10 described later. In addition, the rod
662 also functions as a positioning member for suppressing a
positional deviation from the correct mounting position when the
cartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6. In
addition, the detailed configuration of each of the apparatus side
terminal unit 70, the printing material supply mechanism 640, and
the rod 662 will be described later.
[0118] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first apparatus side side wall
portion 63 is positioned on the +Z axis direction side with respect
to the cartridge accommodation chamber 61. The first apparatus side
side wall portion 63 is provided in a direction intersecting the
apparatus side front wall portion 62. In this example, the first
apparatus side side wall portion 63 is provided in a direction
orthogonal to the apparatus side front wall portion 62. The first
apparatus side side wall portion 63 is a horizontal wall portion in
the use state of the printer 10. The first apparatus side side wall
portion 63 constitutes the upper surface of the cartridge mounting
unit 6. In addition, in this specification, "intersect" means any
state of (i) a state where two elements intersect each other and
actually intersect, (ii) a state where one element intersects the
other element when extending, and (iii) a state where mutual
elements intersect each other in a case where each of the mutual
elements extends.
[0119] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first apparatus side side wall
portion 63 has first rails 682 for guiding the cartridges 4 to the
mounting positions. The first rails 682 are provided to correspond
to at least the number of cartridges 4 mounted. In this example,
four corresponding to the number of cartridges 4 actually mounted
and one reserve, that is, a total of five first rails 682 are
provided. The first rails 682 are grooves which extend in the Y
axis direction and into which parts of the cartridges 4 are
inserted. In addition, an end portion on the -Y axis direction side
of the first rail 682 is provided with a leaf spring 684 as a
locking member. In the mounted state, as the leaf spring 684 locks
the cartridge 4, the cartridge 4 is prevented from coming away from
the cartridge mounting unit 6.
[0120] As illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, and 9, the second apparatus
side side wall portion 64 is positioned on the -Z axis direction
side with respect to the cartridge accommodation chamber 61. The
second apparatus side side wall portion 64 opposes the first
apparatus side side wall portion 63 with the cartridge
accommodation chamber 61 interposed therebetween. The second
apparatus side side wall portion 64 is provided in a direction
intersecting the apparatus side front wall portion 62. In this
example, the second apparatus side side wall portion 64 is
orthogonal to the apparatus side front wall portion 62. The second
apparatus side side wall portion 64 is a horizontal wall portion in
the use state of the printer 10. The second apparatus side side
wall portion 64 constitutes the bottom surface of the cartridge
mounting unit 6.
[0121] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the second apparatus side side
wall portion 64 has second rails 602 for guiding the cartridges 4
to the mounting positions. The second rails 602 are provided to
correspond to at least the number of cartridges 4 mounted. In this
example, five second rails 602 are provided like the first rails
682. The second rails 602 are grooves which extend in the Y axis
direction and into which parts of the cartridges 4 are inserted. In
addition, an end portion on the -Y axis direction side of the
second rail 602 is provided with a leaf spring 604 as a locking
member. In the mounted state, as the leaf spring 604 locks the
cartridge 4, the cartridge 4 is prevented from coming away from the
cartridge mounting unit 6. The first rail 682 and the second rail
602 having the same cartridge 4 mounted therebetween are provided
at positions facing each other with the cartridge accommodation
chamber 61 interposed therebetween.
[0122] The dimensions in the X axis direction of the first rail 682
and the second rail 602 are different from each other.
Specifically, the dimension in the X axis direction of the first
rail 682 is smaller than that of the second rail 602. Accordingly,
in a case where the cartridge 4 is to be inserted into the
cartridge mounting unit 6 while the dimension in the Z axis
direction is reversed by mistake, a configuration in which the
cartridge 4 is not able to be inserted between the first and second
rails 682 and 602 is achieved. Accordingly, the possibility of the
cartridge 4 being inserted into the cartridge mounting unit 6 in a
wrong state in which the direction in the Z axis direction is
reversed may be reduced.
[0123] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 6, in the second
apparatus side side wall portion 64, at positions close to the
apparatus side front wall portion 62, apparatus side identification
members 610 are provided. The apparatus side identification members
610 are provided to correspond to the number of cartridges 4
mounted. In this example, four apparatus side identification
members 610 are provided. The apparatus side identification members
610 are used to identify whether or not the correct type (in this
example, ink color) of cartridge 4 is mounted in each slot of the
cartridge accommodation chamber 61. The apparatus side
identification members 610 form different shapes depending on the
colors of ink in the mounted cartridges 4. Specifically, each of
the apparatus side identification members 610 is formed by one or
more ribs, and a pattern determined by the number of ribs and the
positions thereof varies depending on the type of the cartridge 4.
In the cartridge 4, an identification member (also referred to as a
"cartridge side identification member") formed by ribs is provided.
The identification members of the cartridges 4 form different
shapes depending on the colors of the ink accommodated. In
addition, in a case where the correct type of cartridge 4 is
inserted into the slot, the apparatus side identification member
610 and the cartridge side identification member are fitted to each
other. On the other hand, in a case where a wrong type of cartridge
4 is inserted into the slot, the apparatus side identification
member 610 and the cartridge side identification member are not
able to be fitted to each other. Accordingly, the possibility of a
wrong type of cartridge 4 being mounted into each of the slots of
the cartridge mounting unit 6 may be reduced.
[0124] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 6, in the second
apparatus side side wall portion 64, at positions close to the
apparatus side front wall portion 62, restriction members 612 are
provided. The restriction members 612 are provided to correspond to
the number of cartridges 4 mounted. In this example, although five
restriction members 612 are provided, the number that is actually
used is four. The restriction member 612 abuts onto the cartridge 4
when the cartridge 4 is inserted into the cartridge accommodation
chamber 61 of the cartridge mounting unit 6 toward the apparatus
side front wall portion 62 on the -Y axis direction side from the
insertion hole 69 (FIG. 5) on the +Y axis side and reaches the
correct mounting position. Accordingly, the possibility of the
cartridge 4 being further pushed from the correct mounting position
may be reduced.
[0125] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the opening wall portion 67 is
positioned on the +Y axis direction side with respect to the
cartridge accommodation chamber 61. The opening wall portion 67 has
the insertion hole 69 for passing the cartridge 4 therethrough
during attaching and detaching of the cartridge 4. The opening wall
portion 67 opposes the apparatus side front wall portion 62 with
the cartridge accommodation chamber 61 interposed therebetween. The
opening wall portion 67 is provided in the direction intersecting
the first apparatus side side wall portion 63 and the second
apparatus side side wall portion 64. In this example, the opening
wall portion 67 is orthogonal to the first apparatus side side wall
portion 63 and the second apparatus side side wall portion 64. The
opening wall portion 67 is a vertical wall portion in the use state
of the printer 10.
[0126] The opening wall portion 67 is provided with the levers 672
that are movable in the Z axis direction. The lever 672 is moved in
the -Z axis direction after the cartridge 4 is mounted to the
cartridge mounting unit 6. Accordingly, the lever 672 is caught on
the cartridge 4 and prevents the cartridge 4 from being detached by
mistake. The state in which the lever 672 is caught on the
cartridge 4 is a state shown by the three levers 672 corresponding
to the three cartridges 4 positioned on the +X axis direction of
FIG. 2.
[0127] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8, the third apparatus side
side wall portion 65 is positioned on the +X axis direction side
with respect to the cartridge accommodation chamber 61. The third
apparatus side side wall portion 65 is provided in a direction
intersecting the apparatus side front wall portion 62, the first
apparatus side side wall portion 63, the second apparatus side side
wall portion 64, and the opening wall portion 67. In this example,
the third apparatus side side wall portion 65 is orthogonal to the
apparatus side front wall portion 62, the first apparatus side side
wall portion 63, the second apparatus side side wall portion 64,
and the opening wall portion 67. The third apparatus side side wall
portion 65 is a vertical wall portion in the use state of the
printer 10. The third apparatus side side wall portion 65
constitutes the side surface of the cartridge mounting unit 6.
[0128] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the fourth apparatus side side
wall portion 66 is positioned on the -X axis direction side with
respect to the cartridge accommodation chamber 61. The fourth
apparatus side side wall portion 66 opposes the third apparatus
side side wall portion 65 with the cartridge accommodation chamber
61 interposed therebetween. The fourth apparatus side side wall
portion 66 is provided in a direction intersecting the apparatus
side front wall portion 62, the first apparatus side side wall
portion 63, the second apparatus side side wall portion 64, and the
opening wall portion 67. In this example, the fourth apparatus side
side wall portion 66 is orthogonal to the apparatus side front wall
portion 62, the first apparatus side side wall portion 63, the
second apparatus side side wall portion 64, and the opening wall
portion 67. The fourth apparatus side side wall portion 66 is a
vertical wall portion in the use state of the printer 10. The
fourth apparatus side side wall portion 66 constitutes the side
surface of the cartridge mounting unit 6.
[0129] From the arrangement of the wall portions 62, 63, 64, 65,
66, and 67, the following relationship may be defined. The
direction in which the apparatus side front wall portion 62 and the
opening wall portion 67 or the insertion hole 69 oppose each other
is the Y axis direction. The direction directed from the opening
wall portion 67 or the insertion hole 69 to the apparatus side
front wall portion 62, that is, the direction in which the
cartridge 4 is inserted (mounted) into the cartridge mounting unit
6 is the -Y axis direction, and the reverse direction, that is, the
direction in which the cartridge 4 is pulled out of (detached from)
the cartridge mounting unit 6 is the +Y axis direction. The
direction in which the first apparatus side side wall portion 63
and the second apparatus side side wall portion 64 oppose each
other is the Z axis direction. The direction directed from the
first apparatus side side wall portion 63 to the second apparatus
side side wall portion 64 is the -Z axis direction, and the reverse
direction is the +Z axis direction. The direction in which the
third apparatus side side wall portion 65 and the fourth apparatus
side side wall portion 66 oppose each other is the X axis
direction. The direction directed from the third apparatus side
side wall portion 65 to the fourth apparatus side side wall portion
66 is the -X axis direction, and the reverse direction is the +X
axis direction.
A-3. Detailed Configuration of Each Constituent Member of Cartridge
Mounting Unit
[0130] Next, the detailed configurations of the members 70, 640,
and 662 provided in the apparatus side front wall portion 62 will
be described using FIGS. 10 to 13. FIG. 10 is a first external
perspective view of the apparatus side front wall portion 62 and
the peripheral members thereof. FIG. 11 is a second external
perspective view of the apparatus side front wall portion 62 and
the peripheral members thereof. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective
view of the apparatus side front wall portion 62 and the peripheral
members thereof. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the
line XIII-XIII of FIG. 10.
[0131] As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, for each of the slots of
the cartridge mounting unit 6, the apparatus side terminal unit 70,
the printing material supply mechanism 640, and the rod 662 are
provided in the apparatus side front wall portion 62 in this order
from the +Z axis direction in the -Z axis direction. As illustrated
in FIG. 12, the apparatus side front wall portion 62 includes a
first front wall portion 690 and a second front wall portion 692.
The first front wall portion 690 is mounted to the second front
wall portion 692 by bolts BT.
A-3-1. Detailed Configuration of Printing Material Supply Mechanism
640
[0132] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the printing material supply
mechanism 640 includes a cover member 650, the printing material
supply tube 642, a seal member 646, and a mounting member 649.
[0133] The printing material supply tube 642 is connected to a
circulation tube 659 provided in the second front wall portion 692.
Specifically, the printing material supply tube 642 is inserted
into the cylindrical mounting member 649 and is connected to the
circulation tube 659 inserted in the mounting member 649 in the
same manner. The circulation tube 659 communicates with the tube
24.
[0134] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the printing material supply tube
642 has a supply passage 647 having a circular passage
cross-section therein. The +Y axis direction side of the
circumference of the printing material supply tube 642 is provided
with a communication hole 648 that causes the outside and the
supply passage 647 to communicate with each other. The ink of the
cartridge 4 circulates through the communication hole 648, the
supply passage 647, and the internal passage of the circulation
tube 659 and flows to the tube 24.
[0135] The seal member 646 is disposed between the outer periphery
of the circulation tube 659 and the inner periphery of the printing
material supply tube 642. The seal member 646 is an elastic member
(for example, rubber) and prevents the ink from leaking out. In
addition, in this example, the mounting member 649 is a part of the
first front wall portion 690.
[0136] The printing material supply tube 642 has a center axis C.
As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the printing material supply
tube 642 has a base end portion 644 fixed to the apparatus side
front wall portion 62 and a tip end portion 643 connected to the
cartridge 4. Here, the axis parallel to the center axis C is the Y
axis. In addition, regarding the direction along the Y axis (Y axis
direction), the direction directed from the base end portion 644 to
the tip end portion 643 is the +Y axis direction, and the reverse
direction to the +Y axis direction is the -Y axis direction.
[0137] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the cover member 650 is a member
for reducing the possibility of the ink scattering out of the
printing material supply tube 642 (specifically, the communication
hole 648) during attaching and detaching of the cartridge 4. The
cover member 650 includes an impelling member 652, an abutting
member 658, a scattering prevention portion 653, and a
communication portion 655. The abutting member 658 has an
approximately circular external form. The abutting member 658 abuts
onto the cartridge 4. The abutting member 658 is configured to be
movable in the Y axis direction. The center of the abutting member
658 is provided with a through-hole 656 through which the printing
material supply tube 642 is inserted. The scattering prevention
portion 653 receives, in a case where ink leaks from the printing
material supply tube 642, the leaking ink. Accordingly, the
possibility of the ink scattering at the periphery of the printing
material supply tube 642 may be reduced. The scattering prevention
portion 653 has a concave shape. The impelling member 652 is a coil
spring. One end of the impelling member 652 abuts onto the abutting
member 658, and the other end thereof abuts onto the first front
wall portion 690. In the mounted state, the impelling member 652
impels the abutting member 658 to be pressed against the cartridge
4. When the cartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit
6, as the cartridge 4 causes the abutting member 658 to advance in
the -Y axis direction, the scattering prevention portion 653 also
moves in the -Y axis direction. The scattering prevention portion
653 is disposed on the -Z axis direction side of (immediately
below) the printing material supply tube 642 regardless of the
displacement between a state before the cartridge 4 is mounted and
the mounted state. Specifically, the scattering prevention portion
653 is disposed on the -Z axis direction side of (immediately
below) the communication hole 648 of the abutting member 658
regardless of the displacement between the state before the
cartridge 4 is mounted and the mounted state. The ink received by
the scattering prevention portion 653 circulates inside the
communication portion 655 and reaches an absorbing material (not
shown) provided in the cartridge mounting unit 6.
A-3-2. Detailed Configuration of Rod 662
[0138] As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the rod 662 includes a
center axis Cb parallel to the Y axis direction. The outer
periphery of the rod 662 is provided with an impelling member 665
and a rod cover 670. The rod cover 670 is cylindrical, and the rod
662 and the impelling member 665 are inserted therein. The rod
cover 670 is a part of the first front wall portion 690. The rod
662 is configured to be movable in the Y axis direction. The rod
662 includes one end portion 663 positioned on the +Y axis
direction side and the other end portion 664 positioned on the -Y
axis direction side. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the one end
portion 663 protrudes from the rod cover 670 toward the +Y axis
direction side. In the mounted state, the one end portion 663 abuts
onto the lever member 490 (FIG. 4) of the cartridge 4. The other
end portion 664 is positioned closer to the -Y axis direction side
than the apparatus side front wall portion 62. The other end
portion 664 has a light-shielding portion 666. In addition, a
sensor 138 is provided closer to the -Y axis direction side than
the apparatus side front wall portion 62, and by detecting the
displacement of the light-shielding portion 666 using the sensor
138, the ink end state is detected by the control unit 31 of the
printer 10. The impelling member 665 is a coil spring. The
impelling member 665 impels the rod 662 against the +Y axis
direction side. In addition, a method of detecting the ink end
using the rod 662 will be described later.
[0139] The rod 662 is positioned an intermediate position between
the first apparatus side side wall portion 63 and the second
apparatus side side wall portion 64 in the apparatus side front
wall portion 62. Specifically, in the Z axis direction, the rod 662
is provided at an intermediate position of a line segment that
connects the inner surface of the first apparatus side side wall
portion 63 and the second apparatus side side wall portion 64. That
is, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the center axis Cb of the rod 662 is
disposed at the intermediate position in the Z axis direction
between the first apparatus side side wall portion 63 and the
second apparatus side side wall portion 64. Here, the "intermediate
position" may not necessarily be completely intermediate and may
not be disposed to be inclined toward any one of the first and
second apparatus side side wall portions 63 and 64. For example,
the "intermediate position" includes a position in a range of 10%
from the center position of the distance between the inner wall
surfaces in the Z axis direction of the first apparatus side side
wall portion 63 and the second apparatus side side wall portion
64.
A-3-3. Detailed Configuration of Apparatus Side Terminal Unit
70
[0140] As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the apparatus side
terminal unit 70 is provided in a terminal mounting portion 694.
Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the apparatus side
terminal unit 70 is mounted to the terminal mounting portion 694 as
a pair of terminal side fitting portions 762 are fitted in the
terminal mounting portion 694. In addition, the apparatus side
terminal unit 70 is mounted in a state of being movable in the X
axis direction and the Z axis direction with respect to the
apparatus side front wall portion 62 (specifically, the terminal
mounting portion 694). Specifically, the apparatus side terminal
unit 70 is mounted to be slightly movable in the X axis direction
and the Z axis direction with respect to the apparatus side front
wall portion 62.
[0141] Moreover, the apparatus side terminal unit 70 will be
described using FIGS. 14 to 18. FIG. 14 is a first exploded
perspective view of the apparatus side terminal unit 70. FIG. 15 is
a second exploded perspective view of the apparatus side terminal
unit 70. FIG. 16 is a first external perspective view of the
apparatus side terminal unit 70. FIG. 17 is a second external
perspective view of the apparatus side terminal unit 70. FIG. 18 is
a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVIII-XVIII of FIG. 17.
In addition, in FIG. 18, a part of the first front wall portion 690
is illustrated by solid lines and a positioning portion 756 is
illustrated by a dotted line for ease of understanding.
[0142] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the apparatus side
terminal unit 70 includes the apparatus side terminal group 721, a
terminal block 724, and a holder 750. In addition, the apparatus
side terminal unit 70 includes a connector substrate 730. The
connector substrate 730 includes a terminal group 732 (FIG. 15)
provided on the surface and the connector 739 provided on the rear
surface. The terminal group 732 is constituted by a plurality of
(in this example, nine) terminals and is electrically connected to
the connector 739.
[0143] The apparatus side terminal group 721 includes a plurality
of (in this example, nine) terminals. Each of the terminals of the
apparatus side terminal group 721 is configured so as to be
elastically deformable. Each of the terminals of the apparatus side
terminal group 721 is configured of a U-shaped leaf spring. One of
the tip ends of each of the terminals is exposed from a surface
724fa of the terminal block 724. The tip end portion exposed from
the surface 724fa of the terminal block 724 becomes a terminal
contact point 722 that comes into contact with a corresponding
cartridge side terminal of the circuit board 50 of the cartridge 4
in the mounted state. That is, the terminal contact point 722 is
provided on the surface 724fa of the terminal block 724. The other
of the tip ends of each of the terminals is exposed from a rear
surface 724fb of the terminal block 724. The tip end portion
exposed from the rear surface 724fb of the terminal block 724
becomes a terminal contact point 723 that comes into contact with a
corresponding terminal of the terminal group 732. That is, the
terminal contact point 723 is provided on the rear surface 724fb of
the terminal block 724.
[0144] The terminal block 724 holds the apparatus side terminal
group 721. In addition, the terminal block 724 holds the apparatus
side terminal group 721 so that the one tip end portion that
constitutes the terminal contact point 722 is exposed from the
surface 724fa thereof. In addition, the terminal block 724 holds
the apparatus side terminal group 721 so that the other tip end
portion that constitutes the terminal contact point 723 is exposed
from the rear surface 724fb thereof. In addition, as illustrated in
FIG. 18, the terminal block 724 holds the apparatus side terminal
group 721 so that each of the terminals of the apparatus side
terminal group 721 moves about an axis 721r parallel to the X axis
direction through elastic deformation. In other words, the terminal
block 724 holds the apparatus side terminal group 721 so that the
terminal contact point 722 moves as each of the terminals of the
apparatus side terminal group 721 elastically deforms along a
predetermined plane.
[0145] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 18, the holder 750 holds the
terminal block 724 and the connector substrate 730. Specifically,
the holder 750 has an accommodation space 751, and the terminal
block 724 and the connector substrate 730 are accommodated in the
accommodation space 751 so as to be held by the holder 750. In
addition, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the holder 750 holds the
terminal block 724 in a state (called a "first state") where the
surface 724fa of the terminal block 724 is in a direction parallel
to the X axis while being tilted in a direction including a +Y axis
direction component and a -Z axis direction component. In other
words, the holder 750 holds the terminal block 724 so that the
surface 724fa of the terminal block 724 is tilted with respect to
the Y axis and the Z axis. As the terminal block 724 is held by the
holder 750 in this state, the contact point 722 of the apparatus
side terminal group 721 is provided on the surface 724fa tilted in
the direction including the +Y axis direction component and the -Z
axis direction component. In addition, the holder 750 holds the
terminal block 724 in a state (called a "second state") where the
axis 721r is positioned closer to the +Y axis direction side and
the +Z axis direction side than the terminal contact point 722. As
the holder 750 holds the terminal block 724 while satisfying the
first state and the second state, the terminal contact point 722 is
in a state of being elastically deformable in the direction of an
arrow YR1 as illustrated in FIG. 18. From a different viewpoint,
the elastic deformation of the apparatus side terminal group 721
will be described below. The holder 750 holds the terminal block
724 in a state where a predetermined plane on which each of the
terminals of the apparatus side terminal group 721 elastically
deforms is a plane (also called a "YZ plane") parallel to the Y
axis and the Z axis. As the holder 750 holds the terminal block 724
as such, each of the contact points 722 is in a state of being
movable on the YZ plane.
[0146] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the holder 750 has a pair
of wall portions 752 positioned on both sides in the X axis
direction of the accommodation space 751 and a pair of the
positioning portions 756 provided in the wall portions 752. Here,
one of the pair of wall portions 752 positioned on the +X axis
direction side with respect to the accommodation space 751 is also
called a first wall portion 752t, and the other thereof positioned
on the -X axis direction side is also called a second wall portion
752w. In addition, one of the pair of positioning portions 756
provided in the first wall portion 752t is also called a first
positioning portion 756t, and the other thereof provided in the
second wall portion 752w is also called a second positioning
portion 756w. In addition, in a case of using the first wall
portion 752t and the second wall portion 752w without
distinguishment therebetween, the wall portion 752 is used for the
description. In addition, in a case of using the first positioning
portion 756t and the second positioning portion 756w without
distinguishment therebetween, the positioning portion 756 is used
for the description.
[0147] The first wall portion 752t and the second wall portion 752w
are walls that partition and form the accommodation space 751. The
first positioning portion 756t and the second positioning portion
756w are respectively positioned on the +X axis direction side and
the -X axis direction side of the surface 724fa of the terminal
block 724. The first and second positioning portions 756t and 756w
guide the cartridge 4 and the apparatus side terminal unit 70 to
the contact position where the terminals of the apparatus side
terminal group 721 respectively come into contact with the
corresponding terminals of the cartridge side terminal group when
the cartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6.
Specifically, the first positioning portion 756t and the second
positioning portion 756w are configured to start being inserted
into grooves formed in the cartridge 4 before contact between the
apparatus side terminal group 721 and the cartridge side terminal
group is started when the cartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge
mounting unit 6. Accordingly, the cartridge 4 and the apparatus
side terminal unit 70 may be moved to the contact position with
good accuracy. The first positioning portion 756t extends along the
Y axis direction (the insertion direction of the cartridge 4). In
addition, the first positioning portion 756t protrudes from the
first wall portion 752t in the +X axis direction. The second
positioning portion 756w extends along the Y axis direction (the
insertion direction of the cartridge 4). In addition, the second
positioning portion 756w protrudes from the second wall portion
752w in the -X axis direction. In this example, in order to realize
the first configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the positioning
portion 756 is provided so that an end portion 757 on the +Y axis
direction side of the positioning portion 756 is positioned closer
to the +Y axis direction side than the closer contact point 722. In
addition, the end portion 757 has a tapered shape in which the
dimension in the Z axis direction increases in the -Y axis
direction from the +Y axis direction. Accordingly, the positioning
portion 756 may be easily inserted into a restriction portion of
the cartridge 4 described later. Each of the positioning portions
756t and 756w has four contact surfaces that come into contact with
the groove formed in the cartridge 4 in the mounted state in which
the cartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6. In
FIGS. 16 and 17, from the four contact surfaces, the contact
surfaces 756wa, 756wb, 756wc, and 756wd of the positioning portion
756w and only the contact surfaces 756tb and 756td of the
positioning portion 756t are illustrated. From the four contact
surfaces, of the two surfaces that oppose each other in the Z axis
direction, the surface positioned on the +Z axis direction side is
called an A surface 756ta (FIGS. 33 to 36) and 756wa, and the
surface positioned on the -Z axis direction side is called a B
surface 756tb and 756wb. In addition, the surface intersecting the
X axis direction is called a C surface 756tc (FIGS. 33 to 36) and
756wc. In addition, the front end surface in the +Y axis direction
is called a D surface 756td and 756wd.
[0148] As illustrated in FIG. 16, the holder 750 has a pair of
protrusions 759 that protrude in a direction in which the terminal
contact points 722 of the apparatus side terminal group 721 are
exposed (the direction including the +Y axis direction component
and the -Z axis direction component) from the pair of wall portions
752. From the protrusions 759, one provided in the first wall
portion 752t is called a first protrusion 759t, and the other
provided in the second wall portion 752w is called a second
protrusion 759w. The first protrusion 759t is provided to protrude
in a direction that includes a +Y axis direction component and a -Z
axis direction component with respect to the surface 724fa of the
terminal block 724 from the +X axis direction side of the apparatus
side terminal group 721. The second protrusion 759w is provided to
protrude in the direction that includes the +Y axis direction
component and the -Z axis direction component with respect to the
surface 724fa of the terminal block 724 from the -X axis direction
side of the apparatus side terminal group 721. The first protrusion
759t and the second protrusion 759w are received by a part (a
bottom wall side concave portion 910 described later, see FIG. 27)
of the cartridge 4 in the mounted state. In addition, in a case of
using the first protrusion 759t and the second protrusion 759w
without distinguishment therebetween, the protrusion 759 is
used.
[0149] As illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12, the holder 750 is mounted
to the apparatus side front wall portion 62 in the state of holding
the terminal block 724. Specifically, the holder 750 is mounted to
the terminal mounting portion 694 of the first front wall portion
690. The terminal mounting portion 694 has a pair of support walls
696 that oppose each other in the X axis direction and a pair of
fitting holes 698 provided in the walls. On the other hand, the
apparatus side terminal unit 70 is provided with the pair of
terminal side fitting portions 762 that oppose each other in the X
axis direction. As the terminal side fitting portions 762 are
fitted into the pair of fitting holes 698 of the holder 750, the
apparatus side terminal unit 70 is mounted to the apparatus side
front wall portion 62. Here, clearances in the X axis direction are
provided between the pair of terminal side fitting portions 762 and
the pair of support walls 696. Therefore, the apparatus side
terminal unit 70 is in a state of being slightly movable in the X
axis direction with respect to the apparatus side front wall
portion 62. In addition, clearances in the Y axis direction are
provided between the pair of terminal side fitting portions 762 and
the pair of fitting holes 698. Therefore, the apparatus side
terminal unit 70 is in a state of being slightly movable in the Z
axis direction with respect to the apparatus side front wall
portion 62.
[0150] In addition, the pair of support walls 696 of the terminal
mounting portion 694 are respectively provided with a pair of
engagement portions 696a and 696b that oppose each other in the Y
axis direction. In addition, the pair of terminal side fitting
portions 762 of the holder 750 are respectively provided with a
pair of engagement portions 762a and 762b that oppose each other in
the Y axis direction. When the terminal side fitting portions 762
are fitted into the pair of fitting holes 698 of the terminal
mounting portion 649, the engagement portion 696a and the
engagement portion 762a are engaged with each other in the -Y axis
direction, and the engagement portion 696b and the engagement
portion 762b are engaged with each other in the +Y axis direction.
A clearance is rarely present between the engagement portion 696a
and the engagement portion 762a. In addition, substantially no
clearance is present even between the engagement portion 696b and
the engagement portion 762b. Therefore, the apparatus side terminal
unit 70 is not able to substantially move in the Y axis direction
with respect to the apparatus side front wall portion 62.
A-4. External Configuration of Cartridge 4
[0151] Next, the schematic configuration of the cartridge 4 will be
described using FIGS. 19 to 26. In addition, the X, Y, and Z axes
indicated in the figures illustrating the cartridge 4 correspond to
the X, Y, and Z axes for the cartridge 4 in the mounted state. FIG.
19 is a first external perspective view of the cartridge 4. FIG. 20
is a second external perspective view of the cartridge 4. FIG. 21
is a front view of the cartridge 4. FIG. 22 is a rear view of the
cartridge 4. FIG. 23 is a top view of the cartridge 4. FIG. 24 is a
bottom view of the cartridge 4. FIG. 25 is a first side view of the
cartridge 4. FIG. 26 is a second side view of the cartridge 4.
[0152] As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, the external shape of the
cartridge 4 is an approximate rectangular parallelepiped shape. In
this example, the cartridge 4 has dimensions that are reduced in
the order of the Y axis direction, the Z axis direction, and the X
axis direction. The cartridge 4 includes a case 9 that accommodates
ink therein. The case 9 is a housing formed by molding a synthetic
resin. The cartridge 4 includes a front surface 42, a rear surface
47, a first side surface 43, a second side surface 44, a third side
surface 45, and a fourth side surface 46. In addition, the first
side surface 43 is also called an upper surface 43, the second side
surface 44 is also called a bottom surface 44, the third side
surface 45 is also called a right side surface 45, and the fourth
side surface 46 is also called a left side surface 46. The front
surface 42 and the rear surface 47 oppose each other in the Y axis
direction, and the front surface 42 is positioned on the -Y axis
direction and the rear surface 47 is positioned on the +Y axis
direction. The first side surface 43 and the second side surface 44
intersect the front surface 42 and the rear surface 47 and oppose
each other in the Z axis direction. The first side surface 43 is
positioned on the +Z axis direction side and the second side
surface 44 is positioned on the -Z axis direction. The third side
surface 45 and the fourth side surface 46 intersect the front
surface 42, the rear surface 47, the first side surface 43, and the
second side surface 44 and oppose each other in the X axis
direction. The third side surface 45 is positioned on the +X axis
direction side and the fourth side surface 46 is positioned on the
-X axis direction side.
[0153] The shape of the front surface 42 is an approximate
rectangle in which the dimension in the Z axis direction is greater
than the dimension in the X axis direction. The front surface 42
faces the apparatus side front wall portion 62 (FIG. 6) in the
mounted state. The front surface 42 is provided with a rod
insertion hole 420 and a supply tube insertion hole 424. The rod
insertion hole 420 is provided at an intermediate position between
the first side surface 43 and the second side surface 44 in the
front surface 42. In other words, in the Z axis direction, the rod
insertion hole 420 is provided at the intermediate position that
connects the first side surface 43 and the second side surface 44.
That is, a center axis Ce of the rod insertion hole 420 is disposed
at the intermediate position in the Z axis direction between the
first side surface 43 and the second side surface 44. Here, the
"intermediate position" may not necessarily be completely
intermediate and may not be disposed to be inclined toward any one
of the first and second side surfaces 43 and 44. For example, the
"intermediate position" includes a position in a range of 10% from
the center position of the distance between the first side surface
43 and the second side surface 44 in the Z axis direction.
[0154] In the mounted state, the printing material supply tube 642
(FIG. 12) is inserted into the supply tube insertion hole 424. In
addition, in the supply tube insertion hole 424, the printing
material lead-out tube 484 (FIG. 4) for circulating the ink in the
cartridge 4 to the outside is disposed. As the printing material
supply tube 642 is connected to the printing material lead-out tube
484, the ink in the cartridge 4 is able to be circulated to the
printing material supply tube 642.
[0155] In the mounted state, the rod 662 (FIG. 12) of which a part
of the outer periphery is covered with the rod cover 670 is
inserted into the rod insertion hole 420. As the rod 662 is
inserted into the rod insertion hole 420, positioning of the
entirety of the cartridge 4 with respect to the cartridge mounting
unit 6 is performed, and thus a position from the correct mounting
position is suppressed. In addition, in the mounted state, the rod
662 abuts onto the lever member 490 (FIG. 4).
[0156] As illustrated in FIGS. 19, 23, 25, and 26, the first side
surface 43 has a first convex portion 432. The first convex portion
432 protrudes toward the +Z axis direction side from the first side
surface 43. The first convex portion 432 extends along the Y axis
direction. Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26, the
first convex portion 432 extends from a position close to the front
surface 42 to a position close to the rear surface 47 in the first
side surface 43. More specifically, the first convex portion 432 is
divided into a first part 432a on the -Y axis direction side and a
second part 432b on the +Y axis direction side, and a first locking
portion 436 having a concave shape is formed therebetween. As
illustrated in FIGS. 24 to 26, the second side surface 44 has a
second convex portion 442. The second convex portion 442 protrudes
toward the -Z axis direction side from the second side surface 44.
The second convex portion 442 extends along the Y axis direction.
Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26, the second convex
portion 442 extends from a position close to the front surface 42
to a position close to the rear surface 47 in the second side
surface 44. More specifically, the second convex portion 442 is
divided into a first part 442a on the -Y axis direction side and a
second part 442b on the +Y axis direction side, and a second
locking portion 446 having a concave shape is formed therebetween.
When the cartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6,
the first convex portion 432 is inserted into the first rail 682
(FIG. 7) and the second convex portion 442 is inserted into the
second rail 602 (FIG. 6). Accordingly, the cartridge 4 may be
caused to smoothly advance in the corresponding slot of the
cartridge mounting unit 6.
[0157] As illustrated in FIG. 21, a dimension (width) Xa in the X
axis direction of the first convex portion 432 and a dimension
(width) Xb in the X axis direction of the second convex portion 442
are different from each other. In this example, a relationship of
dimension Xa<dimension Xb is satisfied. In addition, the second
convex portion 442 has a greater dimension in the X axis direction
than the first rail 682 (FIG. 7), and thus the second convex
portion 442 is not able to be inserted into the first rail 682.
Accordingly, the possibility of the cartridge 4 being mounted to
the cartridge mounting unit 6 in a state where the directions of
the first side surface 43 and the second side surface 44 are
reversed may be reduced. In addition, in the mounted state, the
leaf spring 684 (FIG. 7) is inserted into the first locking portion
436, and the leaf spring 604 (FIG. 6) is inserted into the second
locking portion 446. Accordingly, the cartridge 4 is prevented from
carelessly deviating from the cartridge mounting unit 6.
[0158] As illustrated in FIG. 19, a label S1 is adhered to the
third side surface 45. In the label S1, information (notice in use
and the like) regarding handling of the cartridge 4 is
described.
[0159] As illustrated in FIG. 21, in a corner portion 88 at which
the front surface 42 and the second side surface 44 intersect each
other, a concave portion 49 and a pair of restriction surfaces 421
are provided. In the concave portion 49, a cartridge side
identification member 491 is provided. The cartridge side
identification member 491 is formed by one or more ribs and forms a
different shape depending on the color of ink accommodated. In
addition, the cartridge side identification member 491 is fitted to
the apparatus side identification member 610 (FIG. 6) by being
mounted to the right slot of the cartridge mounting unit 6. The
pair of restriction surfaces 421 are disposed on both sides in the
X axis direction of the concave portion 49. The pair of restriction
surfaces 421 abut onto the restriction members 612 (FIG. 6) when
the cartridge 4 reaches the correct mounting position.
[0160] As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 21, the cartridge 4 further
includes a concave portion 90 provided in a corner portion 89 at
which the front surface 42 and the first side surface 43 intersect
each other. In other words, the concave portion 90 is provided over
the front surface 42 and the first side surface 43. In the concave
portion 90, the circuit board 50 is disposed. A cartridge side
terminal group 521 is formed on a surface 50fa (FIG. 21) of the
circuit board 50. The cartridge side terminal group 521 includes a
plurality of (in this example, nine) terminals. In the mounted
state, each of the terminals of the cartridge side terminal group
521 is electrically connected to the corresponding terminal of the
apparatus side terminal group 721 (FIG. 15).
[0161] Moreover, the detailed configuration of the concave portion
90 will be described using FIGS. 27 to 32. FIG. 27 is an external
perspective view of the vicinity of the concave portion 90. FIG. 28
is a front view of the vicinity of the concave portion 90. FIG. 29
is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXIX-XXIX of FIG.
28. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXX-XXX
of FIG. 28. FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining a state of the
connection between the apparatus side terminal unit 70 and the
circuit board 50. FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along the
line XXXII-XXXII in the mounted state.
[0162] As illustrated in FIG. 27, the concave portion 90 has an
opening 982 provided along a surface orthogonal to the Y axis and
an opening 984 provided along a surface orthogonal to the Z axis.
In addition, the inner walls of the concave portion 90 are mainly
constituted by a pair of side walls 902 (902t and 902w), a bottom
wall 988, and a rear wall 986. A terminal accommodation chamber 900
into which the apparatus side terminal unit 70 is inserted is
partitioned and formed inside the concave portion 90 by the inner
walls 902, 986, and 988. The concave portion 90 is an approximate
hexahedron constituted by the opening 982, the opening 984, the
pair of side walls 902t and 902w, the bottom wall 988, and the rear
wall 986 as main surfaces. The opening 982 and the rear wall 986
oppose each other in the Y axis direction, and the opening 982 is
positioned in the -Y axis direction and the rear wall 986 is
positioned in the +Y axis direction. In addition, the pair of side
walls 902t and 902w oppose each other in the X axis direction, and
the first side wall 902t is positioned on the +X axis direction
side and the second side wall 902w is positioned on the -X axis
direction side. The opening 984 and the bottom wall 988 oppose each
other in a nonparallel state in the Z axis direction, and the
opening 984 is positioned on the +Z axis direction side and the
bottom wall 988 is positioned on the -Z axis direction side. The
opening 982 is an entrance when the apparatus side terminal unit 70
is inserted into the concave portion 90 in the case where the
cartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6. The bottom
wall 988 intersects the first side wall 902t and the second side
wall 902w. The bottom wall 988 intersects the opening 982 at a side
on the -Z direction side. In addition, the bottom wall 988 extends
in the +Y axis direction while being tilted in the +Z direction
from the position of the side on the -Z direction side of the
opening 982, and intersects the rear wall 986. The rear wall 986
intersects the bottom wall 988, the first side wall 902t, and the
second side wall 902w. The opening 984 intersects the rear wall
986, the first side wall 902t, the second side wall 902w, and the
opening 982. In addition, in a case of using the first side wall
902t and the second side wall 902w without distinguishment
therebetween, the side wall 902 is used.
[0163] The circuit board 50 is mounted in the bottom wall 988.
Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 29, the surface 50fa of the
circuit board 50 is disposed to be tilted in a direction including
a -Y axis direction component and a +Z axis direction component.
That is, the surface 50fa of the circuit board 50 is tilted with
respect to the Y axis and the Z axis. Here, the surface 50fa
corresponds to the "tilted surface" described in Summary. As
described above, the surface 50fa includes the cartridge side
terminal group 521. That is, the cartridge side terminal group 521
is provided on the surface tilted with respect to the -Y axis
direction which is the insertion direction of the cartridge 4 into
the cartridge mounting unit 6. In addition, a rear surface 50fb of
the circuit board 50 includes a storage device 525. The storage
device 525 stores information (for example, ink colors, date of
manufacture, and the like) regarding the cartridge 4. The cartridge
side terminal group 521 and the storage device 525 are electrically
connected to each other.
[0164] As illustrated in FIGS. 27 to 30, the pair of side walls
902t and 902w that oppose each other in the X axis direction of the
concave portion 90 are respectively provided with a pair of grooves
906t and 906w. The grooves 906t and 906w are provided to face each
other in the X axis direction. In addition, as illustrated in FIG.
28, the grooves 906t and 906w are provided to be symmetrical with
respect to a YZ plane 28c. The YZ plane 28c is a surface that
constitutes the center of the dimension (width) in the X axis
direction of the cartridge. Elements that constitute each of the
circuit board 50 and the concave portion 90 arranged in the concave
portion 90 are provided to be symmetrical with respect to the YZ
plane 28c. That is, the YZ plane 28c passes through the center of
the dimension (width) in the X axis direction of the cartridge side
terminal group 521. In addition, in the cartridge side terminal
group 521, a terminal 521c provided at the center in the width
direction of the cartridge side terminal group 521 intersects the
YZ plane 28c. In addition, the YZ plane 28c passes through the
center of the dimension (width) in the X axis direction of the
circuit board 50. In addition, the YZ plane 28c passes through the
mounting portions 50a and 50b provided on the bottom wall 988 in
order to mount the circuit board 50 to the bottom wall 988. In
addition, the YZ plane 28c passes through the terminal 521c
provided at the center portion in the X axis direction in the
cartridge side terminal group 521. The terminal 521c is a terminal
that comes into contact with a terminal 721c (see FIG. 16) provided
at the center portion in the X axis direction in the apparatus side
terminal group 721. In addition, the grooves 906t and 906w of the
concave portion 90 and the pair of side walls 902t and 902w are
provided to be symmetrical with respect to the YZ plane 28c.
Moreover, the YZ plane 28c passes through the centers of the
dimensions (widths) in the X axis direction of the first convex
portion 432 (432a and 432b) and the second convex portion 442 (442a
and 442b, see FIGS. 21 and 25) described previously. In addition,
although not illustrated in FIG. 28, the YZ plane 28c passes
through the centers of the dimensions (widths) in the X axis
direction of the first locking portion 436 (FIG. 25) provided in
the first side surface 43 and the second locking portion 446 (FIG.
25) provided in the second side surface 44. In addition, the leaf
springs 684 and 604 (FIGS. 6 and 7) that lock the first locking
portion 436 and the second locking portion 446 intersect the YZ
plane 28c.
[0165] As illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 30, the first side wall 902t
is provided with the first groove 906t as a first restriction
portion. The first groove 906t is formed in a shape in which a part
of the first side wall 902t is dug in the +X axis direction. That
is, the first groove 906t is recessed in the +X axis direction from
the first side wall 902t. The first groove 906t extends along the Y
axis direction. Specifically, the first groove 906t extends along
the +Y axis direction from a position of the opening 982 toward the
rear wall 986. The first positioning portion 756t (FIG. 16) is
inserted into the first groove 906t in the mounted state. The end
surface on the -Y axis direction side and the surface on the -X
axis direction side of the first groove 906t are open. As
illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 29, the second side wall 902w is
provided with the second groove 906w as a second restriction
portion. The second groove 906w is formed in a shape in which a
part of the second side wall 902w is dug in the -X axis direction.
That is, the second groove 906w is recessed in the -X axis
direction from the second side wall 902w. The second groove 906w
extends along the Y axis direction. Specifically, the second groove
906w extends along the +Y axis direction from a position of the
opening 982 toward the rear wall 906 side. The end surface on the
-Y axis direction side and the surface on the +X axis direction
side of the second groove 906w are open.
[0166] As illustrated in FIGS. 29 and 30, the grooves 906t and 906w
respectively have openings 941 and 961 at the end surfaces on the
-Y axis direction side. The grooves 906t and 906w include entrance
parts 916t and 916w that extend toward the +Y axis direction side
from the openings 941 and 961 and contact parts 926t and 926w that
extend toward the +Y axis direction side from the end portions in
the +Y axis direction of the entrance parts 916t and 916w. The
openings 941 and 961 of the end surfaces on the -Y axis direction
side respectively are entrances into which the positioning portions
756t and 756w are inserted when the cartridge 4 is mounted to the
cartridge mounting unit 6. Since the openings 941 and 961 are
formed closer to the -Y axis direction side than the cartridge side
terminal group 521, before starting contact between the apparatus
side terminal group 721 and the cartridge side terminal group 521,
the insertion of the positioning portions 756t and 756w into the
grooves 906t and 906w is started.
[0167] The entrance parts 916t and 916w are parts in the grooves
906t and 906w into which the positioning portions 756t and 756w are
initially inserted. As illustrated in FIGS. 28 to 30, the
dimensions in the Z axis direction of the entrance parts 916t and
916w are monotonically decreased in the +Y axis direction. In
addition, as illustrated in FIG. 28, the dimensions in the X axis
direction of the entrance parts 916t and 916w are decreased in the
+Y axis direction from the -Y axis direction. That is, the entrance
parts 916t and 916w are provided to be tapered by being gradually
decreased in the dimensions in the Z axis direction and the X axis
direction. Furthermore, in other words, the entrance parts 916t and
916w have tapered shapes in which the areas of the openings 941 and
961 are greatest.
[0168] In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 28 to 30, entrance
parts 902wa and 902ta of the side walls 902w and 902t of the
concave portion 90 have tapered shapes to correspond to the
entrance parts 916t and 916w. That is, the distance (the interval
in the X axis direction) between the side walls 902w and 902t at
the parts of the entrance parts 902wa and 902ta are decreased in
the +Y axis direction from the -Y axis direction.
[0169] The contact parts 926t and 926w respectively come into
contact with the positioning portions 756t and 756w in the mounted
state. As illustrated in FIGS. 29 and 30, the contact parts 926t
and 926w respectively have contact surfaces 940 and 960 that come
into contact with the positioning portions 756t and 756w in the
mounted state. As illustrated in FIG. 30, the contact surface 940
that comes into contact with the first positioning portion 756t,
that is, the contact surface 940 of the groove 906t has four
surfaces 942, 946, 948, and 944. Similarly, as illustrated in FIG.
29, the contact surface 960 that comes into contact with the second
positioning portion 756w, that is, the contact surface 960 of the
groove 906w also has four surfaces 962, 966, 968, and 964. The four
contact surfaces are respectively called an A surface 942 and 962,
a B surface 946 and 966, a C surface 944 and 964, and a D surface
948 and 968.
[0170] As illustrated in FIG. 30, the A surface 942 and the B
surface 946 of the groove 906t oppose each other in the Z axis
direction, and the A surface 942 is positioned on the +Z axis
direction side and the B surface 946 is positioned on the -Z axis
direction side. The D surface 948 of the groove 906t opposes the
opening 941 in the Y axis direction, and the opening 941 is
positioned on the -Y axis direction side and the D surface 948 is
positioned on the +Y axis direction side. In addition, the D
surface 948 intersects the A surface 942 and the B surface 946. As
illustrated in FIG. 28, the C surface 944 of the groove 906t
opposes an extension surface 902te of the first side wall 902t and
is positioned on the +X axis direction side with respect to the
extension surface 902te of the first side wall 902t. In addition,
the C surface 944 intersects the A surface 942, the B surface 946,
and the D surface 948. The A surface 942 of the groove 906t comes
into contact with the end portion on the +Z axis direction side of
the first positioning portion 756t (FIG. 16). The B surface 946
comes into contact with the end portion on the -Z axis direction
side of the first positioning portion 756t. The first D surface 948
comes into contact with the end portion on the +Y axis direction
side of the first positioning portion 756t. The first C surface 944
comes into contact with the end portion on the +X axis direction
side of the first positioning portion 756t.
[0171] As illustrated in FIG. 29, the A surface 962 and the B
surface 966 of the groove 906w oppose each other in the Z axis
direction, and the A surface 962 is positioned on the +Z axis
direction side and the B surface 966 is positioned on the -Z axis
direction side. The D surface 968 of the groove 906w opposes the
opening 961 in the Y axis direction, and the opening 961 is
positioned on the -Y axis direction side and the D surface 968 is
positioned on the +Y axis direction side. In addition, the D
surface 968 intersects the A surface 962 and the B surface 966. As
illustrated in FIG. 28, the C surface 964 of the groove 906w
opposes an extension surface 902we of the second side wall 902w and
is positioned on the -X axis direction side with respect to the
extension surface 902te of the second side wall 902w. In addition,
the C surface 964 intersects the A surface 962, the B surface 966,
and the D surface 968. The A surface 962 of the groove 906w comes
into contact with the end portion on the +Z axis direction side of
the second positioning portion 756w (FIG. 16). The B surface 966
comes into contact with the end portion on the -Z axis direction
side of the second positioning portion 756w. The D surface 968
comes into contact with the end portion on the +Y axis direction
side of the second positioning portion 756w. The C surface 964
comes into contact with the end portion on the -X axis direction
side of the second positioning portion 756w.
[0172] Here, in a case of using the first groove 906t and the
second groove 906w without distinguishment therebetween, they are
simply called the "groove 906". In addition, in a case of using the
first contact part 926t and the second contact part 926w without
distinguishment therebetween, they are simply called the "contact
part 926". In addition, in a case of using the first entrance part
916t and the second entrance part 916w without distinguishment
therebetween, they are simply called the "entrance part 916".
[0173] As illustrated in FIG. 27, in the bottom wall 988, a pair of
bottom wall side concave portions 910t and 910w are respectively
formed between the tilted surface 50fa and the first side wall 902t
and between the tilted surface 50fa and the second side wall 902w.
As illustrated in FIG. 31, the pair of bottom wall side concave
portions 910t and 910w are configured to respectively receive the
pair of protrusions 759t and 759w (FIG. 16) of the apparatus side
terminal unit 70 in the mounted state. In addition, the pair of
bottom wall side concave portions 910t and 910w are collectively
called a first bottom wall side concave portion 910.
A-5. Embodiment of Contact Between Cartridge Side Terminal Group
521 and Apparatus Side Terminal Group 721
[0174] Next, an embodiment of contact between the cartridge side
terminal group 521 and the apparatus side terminal group 721 when
the cartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6 will be
described using FIGS. 33 to 36. FIG. 33 is a first diagram
illustrating the embodiment of the contact. FIG. 34 is a second
diagram illustrating the embodiment of the contact. FIG. 35 is a
third diagram illustrating the embodiment of the contact. FIG. 36
is a fourth diagram illustrating the embodiment of the contact. A
form of the cartridge 4 during mounting is illustrated in time
series in the order of figures from FIGS. 33 to 36. In addition,
FIGS. 33 to 36 are illustrated focusing on a single cartridge side
terminal 521a of the cartridge side terminal group 521 and a single
apparatus side terminal 721a of the apparatus side terminal group
721. In addition, the other terminals have the same mounting form.
Since the shapes of the first and second positioning portions 756t
and 756w are the same and the first and second grooves 906t and
906w are the same, for ease of understanding, reference numerals
756t and 756w are described together and reference numerals 906t
and 906w are described together in FIGS. 33 to 36.
[0175] As illustrated in FIG. 33, when the cartridge 4 (FIG. 19) is
mounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6 (FIG. 5), the cartridge 4
is caused to advance into the slot of the cartridge mounting unit 6
in the -Y axis direction. Here, as illustrated in FIG. 34, before
the cartridge side terminal 521a comes into contact with the
terminal contact point 722a of the apparatus side terminal 721a,
the insertion of the positioning portion 756 into the groove 906 is
started. Here, even in a case where the cartridge mounting unit 6
has a slight manufacturing error, the apparatus side terminal unit
70 is guided into the concave portion 90 of the cartridge 4 while
absorbing the error by moving in the X axis direction and the Z
axis direction. As the cartridge 4 is caused to advance in the -Y
axis direction while the positioning portion 756 comes into contact
with the surface of the entrance part 916 of the groove 906, the
apparatus side terminal unit 70 is guided to the position at which
the cartridge side terminal 521a and the apparatus side terminal
721a come into contact with each other. In FIG. 34, a form in which
the apparatus side terminal unit 70 is guided into the concave
portion 90 (FIG. 27) while moving slightly in a direction (-Z axis
direction) indicated by the arrow V1 is illustrated.
[0176] As illustrated in FIG. 35, the cartridge 4 is caused to
further advance in the -Y axis direction, and when the positioning
portions 756t and 756w are inserted into the contact parts 926t and
926w of the groove 906, the C surfaces 756tc and 756wc of the
positioning portions 756t and 756w respectively come into contact
with the C surfaces 944 and 964 of the grooves 906t and 906w and
thus the movement in the X axis direction of the apparatus side
terminal unit 70 (FIG. 10) is restricted. In addition, here, the A
surfaces 756ta and 756wa of the positioning portions 756t and 756w
respectively come into contact with the A surfaces 942 and 962 of
the grooves 906t and 906w, and the B surfaces 756tb and 756wb
respectively come into contact with the B surfaces 946 and 966,
thereby restricting the movement in the Z axis direction of the
apparatus side terminal unit 70. Accordingly, the positions in the
X axis direction and the Z axis direction of the cartridge side
terminal 521a and the terminal contact point 722a are determined.
In addition, after the insertion of the positioning portion 756
into the contact part 926 is started, immediately before completing
the full insertion, the terminal contact point 722a initially comes
into contact with the cartridge side terminal 521a. At this time
point, it is possible to cause the cartridge 4 to advance while the
tip end surfaces 756td and 756wd of the positioning portions 756t
and 756w do not come into contact with the D surfaces 948 and 968
of the grooves 906t and 906w. When the cartridge 4 is caused to
further advance in the -Y axis direction from the state illustrated
in FIG. 35, the apparatus side terminal 721a elastically deforms,
and the contact point 722a of the apparatus side terminal 721a
moves in the direction of the arrow YR1a while coming into contact
with the cartridge side terminal 521a. Here, the apparatus side
terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group slightly rub
against each other. In addition, finally, as illustrated in FIG.
36, the tip end surfaces 756td and 756tw of the positioning
portions 756t and 756w come into contact with the D surfaces 948
and 968 of the grooves 906t and 906w and thus the positions in the
Y axis direction between the cartridge side terminal 521a and the
terminal contact point 722a are determined. In this state, the
mounting of the cartridge 4 to the cartridge mounting unit 6 is
completed. In addition, during the completion of the mounting and
in the mounted state, as in the final stage of the mounting
illustrated in FIG. 36, the A surfaces 756ta and 756wa of the
positioning portions 756t and 756w come into contact with the A
surfaces 942 and 944 of the grooves 906t and 906w in the +Z axis
direction. In addition, the B surfaces 756tb and 756wb come into
contact with the B surfaces 946 and 966 of the grooves 906t and
906w in the -Z axis direction. In addition, the C surface 756tc of
the first positioning portion comes into contact with the C surface
944 of the first groove 906t in the +X axis direction, and the C
surface 756wc of the second positioning portion comes into contact
with the C surface 964 of the second groove 906w in the -X axis
direction. Therefore, the movements in the Z axis direction and the
X axis direction of the positioning portions 756t and 756w are
restricted by the grooves 906t and 906w. Accordingly, at the
position where contact between the apparatus side terminal 721a and
the cartridge side terminal 521a is properly achieved, both 721a
and 521a may be held.
A-6. Other Configurations of Cartridge 4
[0177] FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge 4.
As illustrated in FIG. 37, the case 9 accommodates the printing
material accommodation portion 450 and the cartridge side passage
member 480. The printing material accommodation portion 450
accommodates ink therein. In addition, the printing material
accommodation portion 450 is a bag body having flexibility. In this
example, the printing material accommodation portion 450 is formed
of an aluminum-laminated multilayer film in which an aluminum layer
is laminated and formed on a resin film layer. The cartridge side
passage member 480 forms a passage (also called a "printing
material lead-out passage") that causes the printing material
accommodation portion 450 to communicate with the outside. That is,
the one end portion of the cartridge side passage member 480 is
connected to the printing material accommodation portion 450, and
the printing material lead-out tube 484 provided in the other end
portion thereof is connected to the printing material supply tube
642 (FIG. 4). A detection chamber 482 is proved part way through
the printing material lead-out passage. In the detection chamber
482, a coil spring 496 as an impelling member, a check valve 495,
and a pressure-receiving plate 493 are accommodated. In addition,
an opening which is in one side surface of the detection chamber
482 is covered with a film 492 having flexibility. The
pressure-receiving plate 493 is disposed between the coil spring
496 and the film 492. The coil spring 496 impels the
pressure-receiving plate 493 so as to increase the volume of the
detection chamber 482. The case 9 further accommodates a lever
member 490. The lever member 490 comes into contact with the film
492 from the outside of the detection chamber 482. The volume of
the detection chamber 482 changes according to a change in the
internal pressure. The lever member 490 is displaced by the change
in the volume of the detection chamber 482. As described above, the
rod 662 (FIG. 4) abuts onto the lever member 490. In a case where
the inside of the printing material accommodation portion 450 is
suctioned by the pumping mechanism 7 in a state where ink is
accommodated in the printing material accommodation portion 450,
the ink is also supplied into the detection chamber 482 along with
the suctioning. Accordingly, the pressure in the detection chamber
482 is maintained at a predetermined pressure. Here, since the
volume of the detection chamber 482 is maintained to be large, the
rod 662 (FIG. 4) is in a state of being pressured in the -Y axis
direction by the lever member 490 against the impelling force
applied by the impelling member 665 (FIG. 4). On the other hand, in
a case where the inside of the printing material accommodation
portion 450 is suctioned by the pumping mechanism 7 in a state
where the ink of the printing material accommodation portion 450 is
exhausted, the inside of the detection chamber 482 has a negative
pressure. Through the inside of the detection chamber 482 having a
negative pressure, the volume of the inside of the detection
chamber 482 is reduced more than when at a predetermined pressure,
and thus the lever member 490 is displaced. Accordingly, the rod
662 (FIG. 4) is displaced in the +Y axis direction by the impelling
force exerted by the impelling member 665 (FIG. 4). As the
displacement of the rod 662 (FIG. 4) accompanied by the
displacement of the lever member 490 is detected by the sensor 138
(FIG. 4), the ink end state may be detected by the control unit 31.
In addition, the detection chamber 482, the coil spring 496, the
pressure-receiving plate 493, the film 492, and the lever member
490 constitute a detection mechanism used for detecting the ink end
state on the printer 10 side. In addition, the cartridge side
passage member 480 further has an injection passage 483 for
injecting the ink into the printing material accommodation portion
450 from the outside. After the ink is injected into the printing
material accommodation portion 450, the injection passage 483 is
blocked.
A-7. Effects
[0178] First, as described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12, in
this example, the apparatus side terminal unit 70 is movable in the
X axis direction and the Z axis direction. In addition, as
illustrated in FIGS. 27 to 30, the cartridge 4 has the concave
portion 90 into which the apparatus side terminal unit 70 is
inserted. Accordingly, even in the case where the cartridge
mounting unit 6 or the cartridge 4 has a manufacturing error, the
apparatus side terminal unit 70 is guided into the concave portion
90 of the cartridge 4 while absorbing the error by moving when the
cartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6 (FIG. 34).
In addition, finally, the positioning of the apparatus side
terminal group 721 and the cartridge side terminal group 521 is
performed by the first and second restriction portions 906t and
906w provided in the concave portion 90. That is, during the
completion of the mounting and in the mounted state, the first and
second restriction portions 906t and 906w provided in the concave
portion 90 of the cartridge 4 restrict the movements in the Z axis
direction and the X axis direction of the first and second
positioning portions 756t and 756w of the apparatus side terminal
unit 70, thereby positioning the apparatus side terminal group 721
and the cartridge side terminal group 521. Therefore, contact
between the apparatus side terminal group 721 and the cartridge
side terminal group 521 may be properly achieved.
[0179] In addition, in the example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the
rod 662 having the center axis Cb parallel to the Y axis direction
is provided at the intermediate position between the first
apparatus side side wall portion 63 and the second apparatus side
side wall portion 64 in the apparatus side front wall portion 62.
In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the rod insertion hole 420
into which the rod 662 is inserted is provided at the intermediate
position in the Z axis direction between the first and second side
surfaces 43 and 44 in the front surface 42 of the cartridge 4. In
this embodiment, as the rod 662 is inserted into the rod insertion
hole 420, positioning of the entirety of the cartridge 4 with
respect to the cartridge mounting unit 6 is performed, and thus a
positional deviation from the correct mounting position is
suppressed. Therefore, a positional deviation in the vicinity of
the rod insertion hole 420 may be properly suppressed. However, the
cartridge side terminal group 521 (FIG. 21) provided in the corner
portion 89 of the front surface 42 and the rod insertion hole 420
are at positions separated from each other, and thus there may be
cases where it is difficult to suppress a positional deviation of
such a member that is at a position separated from the rod
insertion hole 420. In particular, since the cartridge 4 of this
example is the large-capacity type cartridge 4 used in the printer
10 for large-sized printing, the size thereof is large, and the
cartridge side terminal group 521 and the rod insertion hole 420
are at the positions somewhat separated from each other. However,
as described above, by employing the configurations of the
apparatus side terminal unit 70 that is movable in the X axis
direction and the Z axis direction and the concave portion 90 into
which the apparatus side terminal unit 70 is inserted, positioning
of the cartridge side terminal group 521 and the apparatus side
terminal group 721 may be performed with good accuracy. That is,
according to this example, even with the large capacity type
cartridge 4 having a large size, it is possible to position the
apparatus side terminal group 721 and the cartridge side terminal
group 521 while performing the positioning of the entirety of the
cartridge 4 and absorbing a manufacturing error in the cartridge
4.
[0180] In addition, in this embodiment, the printing material
supply tube 642 is provided between the rod 662 and the apparatus
side terminal unit 70 (FIG. 13). In addition, the supply tube
insertion hole 424 into which the printing material supply tube 642
is inserted is provided between the rod insertion hole 420 and the
concave portion 90 (FIG. 21). That is, the printing material supply
tube 642 is provided at a position close to the rod 662. In
addition, the supply tube insertion hole 424 is provided at a
position close to the rod insertion hole 420. Therefore, a
positional deviation between the printing material supply tube 642
and the supply tube insertion hole 424 may be properly
suppressed.
[0181] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the apparatus side
terminal group 721 is provided on the surface 724fa tilted in a
direction including the +Y axis direction component and the -Z axis
direction component. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 29, the
cartridge side terminal group 521 is provided on the tilted surface
50fa tilted in the direction including the -Y axis direction
component and the +Z axis direction component. That is, both the
apparatus side terminal group 721 and the cartridge side terminal
group 521 are provided on the surfaces tilted with the same tilt in
the -Y axis direction which is the insertion direction of the
cartridge 4 into the cartridge mounting unit 6. As previously
described with reference to FIGS. 33 to 36, when the cartridge 4 is
inserted into the cartridge mounting unit 6, the cartridge 4
proceeds in the -Y axis direction. Here, the cartridge side
terminal group 521 also proceeds in the -Y axis direction and
slowly approaches the apparatus side terminal group 721. However,
the two do not come into contact with each other immediately before
completing the mounting. In the final stage of the mounting, after
the apparatus side terminal unit 70 is inserted into the concave
portion 90 of the cartridge 4, the apparatus side terminal group
721 and the cartridge side terminal group 521 slightly rub against
each other immediately before completing the mounting (FIGS. 35 and
36). In addition, during the completion of the mounting and in the
mounted state, the first and second restriction portions 906t and
906w provided in the concave portion 90 of the cartridge 4 restrict
the movements in the Z axis direction and the X axis direction of
the first and second positioning portions 756t and 756w of the
apparatus side terminal unit 70, thereby positioning the apparatus
side terminal group 721 and the cartridge side terminal group 521.
As such, while the apparatus side terminal group 721 and the
cartridge side terminal group 521 rarely rub against each other
during the mounting of the cartridge 4, the apparatus side terminal
group 721 and the cartridge side terminal group 521 rub slightly
against each other immediately before completing the mounting of
the cartridge 4, thereby reducing the possibility of shavings being
generated as the apparatus side terminal group 721 rubs against the
case 9 and the like of the cartridge 4 during the mounting of the
cartridge 4. In addition, even in a case where dust is present in
the vicinity of the apparatus side terminal group 721 and is
interposed between the apparatus side terminal group 721 and the
cartridge side terminal group 521, the apparatus side terminal
group 721 comes into contact while linearly rubbing on the surface
of the cartridge side terminal group 521 and thus an effect of
discharging the dust from the contact portion (a wiping effect) is
exhibited, thereby reducing the possibility of dust being
interposed between the apparatus side terminal group 721 and the
cartridge side terminal group 521.
[0182] In addition, according to the above-described example, as
illustrated in FIGS. 16, 17, and 36, the end portions on the +Z
axis direction side of the first and second positioning portions
756t and 756w of the apparatus side terminal unit 70 are provided
with the A surfaces 756ta and 756wa, and the end portions on the -Z
axis direction side thereof are provided with the B surfaces 756tb
and 756wa. In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 28 to 30 and 36,
the grooves 906t and 906w as the first and second restriction
portions provided in the concave portion 90 are respectively
provided with the A surfaces 942 and 962 and the B surfaces 946 and
966. As illustrated in FIG. 36, the A surfaces 942 and 962 of the
grooves 906t and 906w come into contact with the A surfaces 756ta
and 756wa provided at the end portions on the +Z axis direction
side of the first and second positioning portions 756t and 756w in
the mounted state. The B surfaces 946 and 966 of the grooves 906t
and 906w come into contact with the B surfaces 756tb and 756wb
provided at the end portions on the -Z axis direction side of the
first and second positioning portions 756t and 756w in the mounted
state. That is, the first and second restriction portions 906t and
906w restrict the movements in the .+-.Z direction of the first and
second positioning portions 756t and 756w. Accordingly, positioning
in the Z axis direction of the cartridge side terminal group 521
with respect to the apparatus side terminal group 721 may be
performed with good accuracy. Therefore, contact between the
apparatus side terminal group 721 and the cartridge side terminal
group 521 may be more properly achieved. Moreover, since the
apparatus side terminal unit 70 is able to be held on both sides in
the +Z axis direction and the -Z axis direction, even when
vibration or impacts from the outside are exerted during the use of
the printer 10, a deviation of the contact position between the
apparatus side terminal group 721 and the cartridge side terminal
group 521 due to the vibration and impacts may be suppressed.
[0183] Moreover, according to the above-described example, as
illustrated in FIGS. 16, 17, 27, and 28, the movement in the +X
axis direction of the first positioning portion 756t is restricted
by the contact with the first groove 906t as the first restriction
portion, and the movement in the -X axis direction of the second
positioning portion 756w is restricted by the contact with the
second groove 906w as the second restriction portion. That is, the
movements in the .+-.X axis direction of the apparatus side
terminal unit 70 are restricted by the first groove 906t and the
second groove 906w. Accordingly, positioning in the X axis
direction of the cartridge side terminal group 521 with respect to
the apparatus side terminal group 721 may be performed with good
accuracy. Therefore, contact between the apparatus side terminal
group 721 and the cartridge side terminal group 521 may be more
properly achieved. Moreover, since the apparatus side terminal unit
70 is able to be held on both sides in the +X axis direction and
the -X axis direction, even when vibration or impacts from the
outside are exerted during the use of the printer 10, a deviation
of the contact position between the apparatus side terminal group
721 and the cartridge side terminal group 521 due to the vibration
and impacts may be further suppressed.
[0184] Moreover, in the above-described example, as illustrated in
FIGS. 28 to 30 and 36, the grooves 906t and 906w as the first and
second restriction portions respectively have the D surfaces 948
and 968 that come into contact with the D surfaces 756td and 756wd
of the end portions on the +Y axis direction side of the first and
second positioning portions. Accordingly, the apparatus side
terminal unit 70 may be prevented from strongly impacting the
bottom wall 988 in the cartridge concave portion 90 due to
proceeding to far in the +Y axis direction when the cartridge 4 is
inserted into the cartridge mounting unit 6. Accordingly, the
apparatus side terminal unit 70 may be prevented from being
broken.
[0185] In addition, in the above-described example, as illustrated
in FIGS. 27 to 30, since the grooves 906t and 906w are respectively
formed in the first and second side walls 902t and 902w, the first
and second restriction portions for restricting the movements of
the first and second positioning portions 756t and 756w may be
easily formed. In addition, in this embodiment, as illustrated in
FIGS. 27 to 30, the constituent elements of the cartridge 4
attached and detached by the user are the grooves 906, and as
illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 17, the constituent elements of the
cartridge mounting unit 6 which is stationary are the protruding
members 756. Therefore, the possibility of the printer 10 or the
cartridge 4 being damaged as the first and second restriction
portions 906t and 906w of the cartridge 4 impact on the constituent
members of the printer 10 during attaching and detaching may be
reduced.
[0186] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, as
illustrated in FIGS. 29, 30, and 33 to 36, the first and second
restriction portions 906t and 906w respectively include the
entrance parts 916t and 916w which extend in the +Y axis direction
from the openings 941 and 961 provided at the end surfaces on the
-Y axis direction side and of which the dimensions in the Z axis
direction are decreased in the +Y axis direction. That is, the
entrance parts 916t and 916w are provided to be tapered by being
gradually decreased in the dimensions in the Z axis direction.
Accordingly, even in a case where the cartridge 4 or the cartridge
mounting unit 6 has a manufacturing error in the Z axis direction,
the restriction portion 906 provided in the concave portion 90 of
the cartridge 4 easily guides the positioning portion 756 of the
apparatus side terminal unit 70 that is movable in the Z axis
direction (FIG. 34). In addition, the first and second restriction
portions 906t and 906w have the contact parts 926t and 926w that
extend from the end portions in the +Y axis direction of the
entrance parts 916t and 916w, have constant dimensions in the Z
axis direction, and respectively come into contact with the first
and second positioning portions 745t and 745w in the mounted state.
Accordingly, as the positioning portions 745t and 745w of the
apparatus side terminal unit 70 are guided to the entrance parts
916t and 916w and thereafter advance to the contact parts 926t and
926w, positioning of the apparatus side terminal group 721 with
respect to the cartridge side terminal group 521 may be performed
with good accuracy.
[0187] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 28, in the
above-described example, the dimensions in the X axis direction of
the entrance part 916 are decreased in the +Y axis direction from
the -Y axis direction. Accordingly, even in the case where the
cartridge 4 or the cartridge mounting unit 6 has a manufacturing
error in the X axis direction, the restriction portion 906 may
easily guide the positioning portion 756. However, since the
dimension (width) in the X axis direction of each of the slots of
the cartridge 4 or the cartridge mounting unit 6 is significantly
smaller than the dimension in the Z axis direction thereof, it is
thought that the manufacturing error in the X axis direction is
relatively smaller than the manufacturing error in the Z axis
direction. Therefore, it is possible to sufficiently achieve an
effect of facilitating the guiding of the positioning portions 756t
and 756w only by providing the tapered portions in the Z axis
direction of the entrance parts 916, without providing the tapered
portions in the X axis direction.
[0188] Moreover, as illustrated in FIGS. 28 to 30, in this
embodiment, the entrance parts 902wa and 902ta of the side walls
902w and 902t of the concave portion 90 also have the tapered
shapes to correspond to the entrance parts 916t and 916w. That is,
the distance (the interval in the X axis direction) between the
side walls 902w and 902t at the parts of the entrance parts 902wa
and 902ta is reduced in the +Y axis direction from the -Y axis
direction. As such, by widening the openings that receive the
apparatus side terminal unit 70 in the entrance parts 902wa and
902ta of the concave portion 90, it is possible to easily guide the
apparatus side terminal unit 70 to the concave portion 90 of the
cartridge 4.
[0189] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 27, in the
above-described embodiment, at both side parts in the X axis
direction of the surface 50fa in the bottom wall 988 of the concave
portion 90, that is, between the tilted surface 50fa provided with
the cartridge side terminal group 521 and the first and second side
walls 902t and 902w of the concave portion 90, the pair of bottom
wall side concave portions 910t and 910w into which parts of the
holder are inserted are provided. Due to the pair of bottom wall
side concave portions 910t and 910w, approximately triangular
surfaces are exposed on the +X axis direction side and the -X axis
direction side of the cartridge side terminal group 521.
Accordingly, in the case where the cartridge side terminal group
521 is provided on the circuit board 50, it is possible to easily
perform mounting or removal of the circuit board 50. In addition,
as illustrated in FIG. 16, the pair of protrusions 759t and 759w
are provided on the +X axis direction side and the -X axis
direction side of the apparatus side terminal group 721 so as to
protrude in the direction including the +Y axis direction component
and the -Z axis direction component with respect to the surface
724fa. The bottom wall side concave portions 910t and 910w provided
in the concave portion 90 are spaces that respectively receive the
protrusions 759t and 759w. In addition, as the protrusions 759t and
759w are received by the bottom wall side concave portions 910t and
910w, in addition to positioning of or suppressing of a positional
deviation between the cartridge side terminal group 521 and the
apparatus side terminal group 721 by the restriction portion 906
and the positioning portion 756, it is possible to position the two
or suppress a positional deviation therebetween even at the
positions close to the cartridge side terminal group 521 and the
apparatus side terminal group 721. Accordingly, contact between the
apparatus side terminal group 721 and the cartridge side terminal
group 521 may be more properly achieved.
[0190] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, as
illustrated in FIG. 28, elements that constitute each of the
circuit board 50 and the concave portion 90 are provided to be
symmetrical with respect to the YZ plane 28c that constitutes the
center of the dimension in the X axis direction of the cartridge 4.
In addition, although not shown in FIG. 28, the YZ plane 28c passes
through the centers of the dimensions (widths) in the Z axis
direction of the first locking portion 436 (FIG. 25) provided in
the first side surface 43 and the second locking portion 446 (FIG.
25) provided in the second side surface 44. In addition, the leaf
springs 684 and 604 (FIGS. 6 and 7) that lock the first locking
portion 436 and the second locking portion 446 intersect the YZ
plane 28c. Therefore, a force is exerted by the apparatus side
terminal unit 70, the leaf springs 604 and 684 (FIGS. 6 and 7), and
the like on the cartridge 4 with a good balance in the state where
the cartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit 6, and
thus the cartridge 4 is not easily tilted. Even according to this,
it is possible to more properly achieve contact between the
apparatus side terminal group 721 and the cartridge side terminal
group 521.
[0191] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the
cartridge mounting unit 6 has the holder 750 that holds the
terminal block 724 (FIGS. 14 to 16). That is, in the
above-described embodiment, the terminal block 724 is not directly
mounted to the apparatus side front wall portion 62 but is mounted
to the apparatus side front wall portion 62 via the holder 750.
Therefore, the terminal block 724 and the apparatus side terminal
group 721 are components having excellent versatility. That is,
there may be cases where the positioning portion 756 for
positioning the apparatus side terminal group 721 and the cartridge
side terminal group 521 varies depending on the specification of
the cartridge 4 or the printer 10. The positioning portion 756 that
needs a design change is not provided in the terminal block 724 but
is provided in the holder 750, and thus the shapes of the terminal
block 724 and the apparatus side terminal group 721 held in the
terminal block 724 may be made constant. Accordingly, the terminal
block 724 and the apparatus side terminal group 721 are components
having excellent versatility.
B. MODIFIED EMBODIMENT OF RESTRICTION PORTION
[0192] FIGS. 38A to 46B are schematic diagrams illustrating various
modified embodiments of the restriction portion provided in the
concave portion 90. FIG. 38A is a front view of a first modified
embodiment. FIG. 38B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
XXXVIIIB-XXXVIIIB of FIG. 38A. FIG. 39A is a front view of a second
modified embodiment. FIG. 39B is a cross-sectional view taken along
the line XXXIXB-XXXIXB of FIG. 39A. FIG. 40A is a front view of a
third modified embodiment, and FIG. 40B is a cross-sectional view
taken along the line XXXXB-XXXXB of FIG. 40A. FIG. 41A is a front
view of a fourth modified embodiment. FIG. 41B is a cross-sectional
view taken along the line XXXXIB-XXXXIB of FIG. 41A. FIG. 42A is a
front view of a fifth modified embodiment. FIG. 42B is a
cross-sectional view taken along the line XXXXIIB-XXXXIIB of FIG.
42A. FIG. 43A is a front view of a sixth modified embodiment. FIG.
43B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
XXXXIIIB-XXXXIIIB. FIG. 44A is a front view of a seventh modified
embodiment. FIG. 44B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
XXXXIVB-XXXXIVB of FIG. 44A. FIG. 45A is a front view of an eighth
modified embodiment. FIG. 45B is a cross-sectional view taken along
the line XXXXVB-XXXXVB of FIG. 45A. FIG. 46A is a front view of a
ninth modified embodiment. FIG. 46B is a cross-sectional view taken
along the line XXXXVIB-XXXXVIB of FIG. 46A. In FIGS. 38A to 46B,
the front views schematically illustrate the concave portion 90 and
the vicinity thereof, and the cross-sectional views schematically
illustrate the concave portion 90 and the vicinity thereof.
Regarding all the modified embodiments of FIGS. 38A to 46B, the
configurations other than the configuration of the restriction
portion into which the positioning portion 756 of the holder 750 is
inserted are the same as those of the first example. In addition,
in FIGS. 38A to 46B, like elements in the same configurations as
those of the first example are denoted by like reference numerals,
and description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the
configuration of the printer 10 is the same as the configuration of
the first example. In addition, since the first and second
restriction portions have the same shape, in the cross-sectional
views in FIGS. 38A to 46B, for ease of understanding, the reference
numerals illustrating the first restriction portion in addition to
the reference numerals illustrating the second restriction portion
are described together.
[0193] In all the modified embodiments of FIGS. 38A to 46B, convex
portions that protrude in the -X axis direction from the first side
wall of the concave portion 90 and convex portions that protrude in
the +X axis direction from the second side wall are provided, and
the first and second restriction portions are configured by the
convex portions. The convex portions may be provided separately
from the first and second side walls of the concave portion 90 and
may also be provided integrally.
[0194] In the first modified embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 38A
and 38B, grooves 906ta1 and 906wa1 having shapes similar to those
of the first example are formed by convex portions 906ta and 906wa
and side walls 902ta and 902wa, and the positioning portions 756t
and 756w of the apparatus side terminal unit 70 are inserted into
the grooves 906ta1 and 906wa1. Entrance parts 916a of the grooves
906ta1 and 906wa1 are provided with tapered shapes only in the Z
axis direction. Restriction of the movements in the .+-.Z direction
of the positioning portions 756t and 756w of the apparatus side
terminal unit 70 is performed by A surfaces (surfaces on the +Z
axis direction side) and B surfaces (surfaces on the -X axis
direction side) of the grooves 906ta1 and 906wa1, and restriction
of the movements in the +Y axis direction is performed by D
surfaces (surfaces on the +Y axis direction side) of the grooves
906ta1 and 906wa1. Restriction of the movements in the .+-.X axis
direction is performed by C surfaces formed by the side walls 902ta
and 902wa. That is, the C surfaces are formed by parts of the side
walls 902ta and 902wa.
[0195] In the second modified embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 39A
and 39B, a pair of convex portions 906tb1 and 906tb2 that protrude
in the -X axis direction from a first side wall 902tb of the
concave portion 90 and a pair of convex portions 906wb1 and 906wb2
that protrude in the +X axis direction from a second side wall
902wb are provided. The convex portions 906tb1, 906tb2, 906wb1, and
906wb2 correspond to omission of the D surfaces (the surfaces on
the +Y axis direction side) from the grooves 906ta1 and 906wa1 of
the first modified embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 38A and 38B.
Restriction of the movements in the +Z direction of the positioning
portions 756t and 756w of the apparatus side terminal unit 70 is
performed by the convex portions 906tb1 and 906wb1. Restriction of
the movements in the -Z direction of the positioning portions 756t
and 756w of the apparatus side terminal unit 70 is performed by the
convex portions 906tb2 and 906wb2. Restriction of the movements in
the .+-.X axis direction is performed by the side walls 902tb and
902wb.
[0196] In the third modified embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 40A
and 40B, a pair of convex portions 906tc1 and 906tc2 that protrude
in the -X axis direction from a first side wall 902tc of the
concave portion 90 and a pair of convex portions 906wc1 and 906wc2
that protrude in the +X axis direction from a second side wall
902wc are provided. The third modified embodiment is different from
the second modified embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 39A and 39B in
that the opening ends in the -Y axis direction of the convex
portions 906tc1, 906tc2, 906wc1, and 906wc2 are provided at the
position of the opening 982 of the concave portion 90 and the end
portions in the +Y axis direction extend to the position of the
rear wall 986 of the concave portion 90, but other points are
common to the second modified embodiment.
[0197] In the fourth modified embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 41A
and 41B, a convex portion 906td that protrudes in the -X axis
direction from a first side wall 902td of the concave portion 90
and a convex portion 906wd that protrudes in the +X axis direction
from a second side wall 902wd are provided. In the fourth modified
embodiment, the convex portions 906tc2 and 906wc2 that restrict the
movements in the -Z axis direction of the positioning portions 756t
and 756w of the apparatus side terminal unit 70 are removed from
the third modified embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 40A and 40B. It
is possible to restrict the movements in the +Z direction of the
positioning portions 756t and 756w of the apparatus side terminal
unit 70 by the convex portions 906td and 906wd. Since the movement
in the -Z axis direction is restricted as the apparatus side
terminal group 721 and the cartridge side terminal group 521 come
into contact with each other, it is possible to omit the function
of restricting the movement in the -Z axis direction. In addition,
restriction in the .+-.X axis direction is performed by the side
walls 902td and 902wd.
[0198] In the fifth modified embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 42A
and 42B, a convex portion 906te that protrudes in the -X axis
direction from a first side wall 902te of the concave portion 90
and a convex portion 906we that protrudes in the +X axis direction
from a second side wall 902we are provided. In the fifth modified
embodiment, D surfaces that restrict the movements in the +Y axis
direction of the positioning portions 756t and 756w of the
apparatus side terminal unit 70 are added to the convex portions
906td and 906wd of the fourth modified embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 41A and 41B. Other points are common to the fourth modified
embodiment.
[0199] In the sixth to ninth embodiments of FIGS. 43A to 46B, the
entrance parts 916b to 916e formed in the tapered shapes are
respectively omitted from the second to fifth modified embodiments
illustrated in FIGS. 38A to 42B. Other points are common to the
second to fifth modified embodiments.
[0200] The same effects as those of the first example may also be
obtained by the modified embodiments as described above. However,
it is natural that the effect of the restriction of the movements
in the -Z direction is not obtained by the restriction portions of
the fourth, fifth, eighth, and ninth modified embodiments in which
the function of restricting the movements in the -Z axis direction
of the positioning portions 756t and 756w of the apparatus side
terminal unit 70 is not provided, and the effect of the restriction
of the movements in the +Y direction is not obtained by the
restriction portions of the second to fourth and sixth to eighth
modified embodiments in which the function of restricting the
movements in the +Y direction is not provided. In addition,
according to the above-described modified examples, since the
convex portions that protrude in the X axis direction are
respectively provided to the first side wall and the second side
wall, the first positioning portion and the second positioning
portion may be easily formed.
C. MODIFIED EXAMPLE
[0201] While the single example of the invention has been described
above, the invention is not limited to the example and may employ
various configurations without departing from the spirit thereof.
For example, the following modifications can be made.
C-1. First Modified Example
[0202] In the above-described example, the cartridges 4 and 4a have
the printing material accommodation portion 450. However, the case
9 may directly accommodate ink.
C-2. Second Modified Example
[0203] In the above-described example, the positioning portion 756
is provided in the holder 750. However, the positioning portion 756
may be provided in the terminal block 724 by simplifying the
configuration of the holder 750. In addition, in the
above-described example, the apparatus side terminal group 721 that
elastically deforms is employed. However, the apparatus side
terminal group 721 that does not elastically deform may be
employed. Even though the apparatus side terminal group 721 does
not elastically deform, the apparatus side terminal group 721 moves
slightly in the +Z axis direction after coming into contact with
the cartridge side terminal group 521 when being inserted into the
concave portion 90, and thus there is a possibility of the
above-mentioned wiping effect being obtained.
C-3. Third Modified Example
[0204] In addition, the cartridge may be configured by the
following embodiment.
First Embodiment
[0205] A cartridge detachably mounted to a printing apparatus which
includes a cartridge mounting unit for mounting a cartridge, an
apparatus side terminal unit that has a surface tilted with respect
to an insertion direction when the cartridge is mounted and an
apparatus side terminal having a contact point exposed from the
surface, is disposed inside the cartridge mounting unit, is the
apparatus side being mounted to be movable in a direction
orthogonal to the insertion direction with respect to the cartridge
mounting unit, the cartridge including:
[0206] a case which has an approximately rectangular parallelepiped
shape that accommodates a printing material therein and has a
concave portion at a part where two surfaces from among a plurality
of surfaces constituting the case intersect each other; and
[0207] a cartridge side terminal which comes into contact with the
contact point of the apparatus side terminal in a mounted state in
which the cartridge is mounted to the cartridge mounting unit and
is provided on a tilted surface that is tilted with respect to the
insertion direction from among surfaces that partition and form the
concave portion, wherein the concave portion is a restriction
portion into which a part of the apparatus side terminal unit is
inserted to restrict a movement of the apparatus side terminal
unit, and into which the part of the apparatus side terminal unit
is inserted before starting a contact between the cartridge side
terminal and the apparatus side terminal.
[0208] Even in the cartridge of the first embodiment, the same
effect as that of Application Example 1 is exhibited.
[0209] In addition, the first embodiment may employ the
configurations described in any one of Application Examples 1 to 8.
For example, as in Application Example 2, the restriction portion
(first and second restriction portions) may include contact
surfaces with which parts (first and second positioning portions)
of the apparatus side terminal unit come into contact, and the
contact surfaces may include a +Z axis direction side contact
surface that comes into contact with a +Z axis direction side end
portion of the parts of the apparatus side terminal unit, and a -Z
axis direction side contact surface that comes into contact with a
-Z axis direction side end portion of the parts of the apparatus
side terminal unit.
[0210] In addition, for example, as in Application Example 3, the
restriction portion (first and second restriction portions) may
include an entrance part and a contact part.
C-4. Fourth Modified Example
[0211] The invention is not limited to the ink jet printer and the
ink cartridges thereof, and can also be applied to arbitrary
printing apparatuses that eject liquids other than ink and
cartridges thereof. For example, the invention is able to be
applied to various printing apparatuses and cartridges thereof as
follows:
[0212] (1) Image recording apparatuses such as fax devices
[0213] (2) Printing apparatuses that eject color materials to be
used for manufacturing color filters for image display devices such
as liquid crystal displays
[0214] (3) Printing apparatuses that eject electrode materials to
be used for forming electrodes of organic EL (electroluminescence)
displays, field emission displays (FED), and the like
[0215] (4) Printing apparatuses that eject liquid containing
biological organic materials used for manufacturing biochips
[0216] (5) Specimen printing apparatuses as precision pipettes
[0217] (6) Printing apparatuses of lubricating oil
[0218] (7) Printing apparatuses of resin liquids
[0219] (8) Printing apparatuses that eject lubricating oil to
precision machinery such as watches or cameras with pinpoint
precision
[0220] (9) Printing apparatuses that eject transparent resin
liquids such as ultraviolet curable resin liquids onto substrates
to form micro-hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) or the like
used for optical communication elements or the like
[0221] (10) Printing apparatuses that eject acidic or alkaline
etchants for etching substrates or the like
[0222] (11) Printing apparatuses including liquid ejecting heads
that discharge a minute amount of other arbitrary liquid
droplets
[0223] In addition, the "liquid droplets" represent liquid states
discharged from the printing apparatus, the liquid states including
granular, tear-like, and thread-like shapes with trails. The
"liquid" mentioned herein may be any material that can be ejected
by the printing apparatus. For example, the "liquid" may be a
material in a state where the material has a liquid phase, and
liquid-state materials with high or low viscosities, sol, gel
water, liquid-state materials such as inorganic solvents, organic
solvents, solutions, liquid resin, and liquid metal (metallic
melt), and the like belong to the "liquid". In addition to liquids
as a state of a material, a material in which particles of
functional materials made of solids such as pigments or metallic
particles are dissolved, dispersed, or mixed with the solvent also
belongs to the "liquid". As a representative example of the liquid,
there is the ink described above in the embodiment or liquid
crystals. Here, the ink may include various kinds of liquid-like
compositions such as general water-based ink, oil-based ink, gel
ink, and hot-melt ink.
* * * * *