[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge, a combination of a cartridge and a
printing apparatus (or portion thereof) and/or a printing material supply system including
the cartridge and a printing apparatus.
[Background Art]
[0002] Various mechanisms have been proposed for attachment and detachment of a cartridge
to a printing apparatus. Examples of such mechanisms are disclosed in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811 (which corresponds to
JP-A-2007-230249 and
EP 1 547 783 A2),
U.S. Patent No. 7,008,053 (which corresponds to
JP-A-2005-022345),
U.S. Patent No. 6,276,780 (which corresponds to
JP-A-2002-019142),
U.S. Patent 6,955,422,
US Patent 6,074,042,
U.S. Patent No. 7,018,030, and
U.S. Publication No. 2002/0135634 A1. Also,
U.S. Publication No. 2010/0321451 A1 discloses an ink cartridge, which comprises a front wall and a bottom wall connected
by a sloped wall; a locking catch provided on the front wall and configured to tightly
lock the ink cartridge in a cartridge receptacle; and a protrusion which is provided
on the front wall, between the locking catch and the sloped wall.
[Summary]
[Technical Problem]
[0003] U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811 discloses a cartridge with a latching lever 3 and electric contact terminal pads
102. Lever 3 includes an anchoring portion 6 for engaging with the printer. The anchoring
portion 6 is disposed far away from the contact pads 102. Because anchoring portion
6 is far away from the cartridge terminals, the engagement with the printer can offer
only limited contribution to the accuracy and stability of positioning of the cartridge
terminals with respect to the respective printer terminals.
[0004] In addition, lever 3 in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811 needs to be long enough to reach a location accessible by the user so the user can
operate it. It also projects far away from the side wall of the cartridge. Such a
large lever results in a larger cartridge, which can also result in a large-size printer,
in which the cartridge is attached to and detached from, as well as bulky packaging
for transportation and distribution of the cartridges, which in turn increases transportation
and parts costs.
[0005] Also, the cartridge structure that connects the anchoring portion 6 to the cartridge-side
terminals includes a flexible section of the lever 3. Even though the anchoring portion
6 might be securely engaged with the printer, vibration generated during printing
operations can be transmitted through the flexible section of the lever 3 to the cartridge
terminals, and so can influence the positioning of the cartridge terminals with respect
to the printer terminals. This is particularly a concern for on-carriage type ink
cartridges, such as those disclosed of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, because they are mounted on a printer's carriage, to which the print head is attached.
In on-carriage printers, the carriage is scanned back and forth over the print medium
during printing operations. The ink cartridges in the carriage undergo great acceleration
force with each change in scan direction, in addition to other vibration generated
during printing operations.
[0006] The lever in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811 is formed integrally with the cartridge and is elastically deformable. With this
configuration, the material used to produce the cartridge is limited to a material
with sufficient moldability for making this configuration, and also with sufficient
flexibility and durability that is needed for the lever to elastically deform during
engagement and disengagement with the printer.
[0007] The lever might plastically deform under operations by the user. Such plastic deformation
of the lever may cause positional misalignment between cartridge-side terminals and
printer terminals, which could result in poor electrical communication. Plastic deformation
also reduces the durability of the lever. Also, special measures, such as those disclosed
in
U.S. Patent No. 7,018,030, must be taken during packaging of the cartridge to prevent creep deformation of
the lever while the cartridge is packaged, especially when the cartridge is packaged
in a vacuum package.
[0008] US Publication No. 2002/013534 discloses a printer carriage with a chute for removably holding a print cartridge.
A spring-loaded clamp is movable by a handle between an open position which allows
easy insertion and withdrawal of the print cartridge from the chute, and a closed
position which applies a clamping force against a back wall of the print cartridge.
[0009] US Patent No. 6,276,780 discloses a cartridge without any memory or electrical terminals. Because this type
of cartridge requires no electrical connection with the printer, there is no need
to include structure or configuration for maintaining stable positioning and alignment
of cartridge terminals to printer terminals.
[0010] In addition, the cartridge is attached to the printer by a latch mechanism 132 (in
Figs. 9-16 of
US Patent No. 6,276,780) that is disposed on the printer. Cartridge-side latch ramps 220 that engage the
latch mechanism 132 are far away from the pivot axis of the latch mechanism 132, in
the direction in which the cartridge is removed from the printer. As a result, when
a resilient member 156 or compression force seal 152 applies to the cartridge a force
(indicated by arrow X in Fig. 12
US Patent No. 6,276,780) in the direction in which to the cartridge is removed from the printer, this force
can be easily converted into a force that releases engagement of the retainer portion
134 from the cartridge latch ramps 220, so that the cartridge might become separated
from the printer during use of the printer. Because the engagement configuration disclosed
in
US Patent No. 6,276,780 includes this inherent risk of the cartridge becoming separated from the printer,
it is not suitable for use with the configurations disclosed in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, which require proper contact between the cartridge terminals and printer terminals.
Moreover, contact between the cartridge and printer terminals in the configurations
in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811 applies force from the terminals of the printer in lateral direction to the cartridge,
so that the cartridge might move in the in lateral direction. The latch mechanism
132 of
US Patent No. 6,276,780 is not suitable for the cartridge of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811 at least for the reason that it might not be able to match the lateral direction
movement of the cartridge, so that the latch mechanism 132 becomes detached from the
cartridge.
[0011] US Patent 6,074,042 discloses an ink cartridge with electrical contacts 54. As shown in Figs. 12A to
13B thereof, the electrical contacts 54 are at the leading edge of the direction in
which the cartridge is mounted into the printer. With this configuration, when the
cartridge is mounted into the printer, the electrical contacts 54 of the cartridge
press flat against spring biased electrical contacts 104 of the printer. Metal oxidation,
oil, or other non-conductive matter at the outer surface of the metal electrical contacts
54 can become sandwiched between the conductive metal of the cartridge and printer
electrical contacts, possibly hindering electrical communication between the cartridge
and the printer.
[0012] U.S. Patent 6,955,422 discloses, for example in Figs. 2a to 2d thereof, a cartridge 1 that has a memory
device 7 with electrodes 7a. The electrodes 7a are aligned substantially parallel
to the direction of cartridge insertion into the printer. With this configuration,
the printer electrodes 106 slide across the surface of the circuit board (on which
the electrodes 7a are formed) for a long distance. The surface of the circuit board
is typically covered with an electrically insulating resin material. When the printer
electrodes 106 scrape against the circuit board, they can damage this insulation so
that fragments of the insulation flake away from the circuit board. The insulation
fragments can get caught between the printer electrodes 106 and the cartridge electrodes
7a, and become a cause of poor or otherwise unreliable electrical communication between
the printer and the cartridge.
[0013] As shown in Figs. 5 to 6B of
U.S. Patent 6,955,422, the printer is provided with a leaf spring 103 that exerts an urging force that
presses the surface of memory device 7 against the printer electrodes 106 when the
cartridge is mounted in the printer, and that moves the cartridge 1 upward when the
cartridge is pulled out of the printer.
[0014] US Patent No. 7,008,053 discloses in Fig. 5 an elastic piece 40 provided on the printer. When the cartridge
is fully mounted in the printer, the lower end 40a of the elastic piece 40 abuts against
a flat surface 12a at the upper portion of the projecting portion 12 on which the
electrodes 14 are located. The abutment between the lower end 40b and the flat surface
12a restricts upward movement of the projecting portion 12. However, the configuration
of
US Patent No. 7,008,053 includes no means located near the projecting portion 12 for restricting downward
movement of the projecting portion 12. As a result, projecting portion 12 is fairly
free to vibrate vertically during operation of the printer and therefore the electrodes
can become misaligned or disconnected from the printer terminals.
[0015] In the presence of various mechanisms for attachment and detachment, there is a need
to reduce the total size of a printer for better usability and ease of installation.
For reducing the size of the printer, it is typically necessary to reduce the sizes
of a large number of components forming the printer and relevant elements. These components
and relevant elements include a cartridge attached to the printer and a cartridge
mounting structure for attachment of the cartridge.
[0016] For improved use of the printer, information regarding the printing material contained
in the cartridge (for example, information regarding the remaining amount of the printing
material) is often displayed on the monitor of the printer. The cartridge attached
to this printer would have a circuit board with a memory for storing the information
regarding the printing material. The circuit board has terminals (cartridge-side terminals)
used to send and receive information to and from the printer. The information regarding
the printing material is transmitted between the memory and a controller of the printer
through the contact of these cartridge-side terminals and terminals on the printer
(apparatus-side terminals). It is accordingly necessary to maintain stable electrical
connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side terminals.
[0017] As will be described below, there is no known mechanism to meet these requirements
in a fully acceptable manner.
[0018] This problem is not limited to a cartridge containing ink for printing but is also
commonly found in any of printing apparatuses and/or cartridges configured to supply
or eject various other printing materials (for example, toner) as well as ink.
[0019] Consequently, there is a need to ensure stable electrical connection between cartridge-side
terminals and apparatus-side terminals. There is also a need to attain size reduction
of a cartridge, a printer and a printing material supply system including the cartridge
attached to the printer.
[Solution to Problem]
[0020] In order to more suitably achieve at least part of the foregoing, a cartridge and
a printing material supply system according to the present invention are as defined
in the appended claims, and provides various aspects and embodiments described below.
First aspect:
[0021] A cartridge adapted to be detachably attached to a printing apparatus, the printing
apparatus comprising a cartridge mounting structure configured to have: (i) a apparatus-side
bottom wall member; (ii) a first apparatus-side side wall member, which can be at
a front thereof, provided to intersect the apparatus-side bottom wall member; and
(iii) a second apparatus-side side wall member, which can be at a rear thereof, provided
to intersect the apparatus-side bottom wall member and to be opposed to the first
apparatus-side side wall member. The apparatus includes a printing material supply
tube, structured to have a base end provided on the apparatus-side bottom wall member
and a peripheral end adapted to be connected with the cartridge and configured to
supply a printing material contained in the cartridge to a head. The apparatus includes
a plurality of apparatus-side electrical contact terminals provided in an apparatus-side
corner section where the apparatus-side bottom wall member intersects the first (front)
apparatus-side side wall member. The apparatus includes a lever provided on the first
(front) apparatus-side side wall member in a rotatable manner to be used for attachment
and detachment of the cartridge to and from the printing apparatus. Here, a Z axis
represents an axis parallel to a central axis C of the printing material supply tube,
an X axis represents an axis, along which the printing material supply tube and the
apparatus-side terminals are arrayed and which is orthogonal to the Z axis, and a
Y axis represents an axis orthogonal to both the Z axis and the X axis. A +Z-axis
direction represents a direction along the Z axis going from the base end to the peripheral
end of the printing material supply tube, which can be an upwards direction. A -Z-axis
direction represents a reverse direction to the +Z-axis direction. A +X-axis direction
represents a direction along the X axis going from the printing material supply tube
to the apparatus-side terminals, which can be a frontwards direction. A -X-axis direction
represents a reverse direction to the +X-axis direction. A +Y-axis direction represents
a direction along the Y axis going to one end, which can be a sideways direction,
and -Y-axis direction represents a direction along the Y axis going to the other end.
The apparatus-side terminals are adapted to be in contact with the cartridge to apply
a force, which can be a resilient or elastic force, to the cartridge in a specified
direction including a +Z-axis direction component in an attached state of the cartridge
to the cartridge mounting structure. The lever has an operating member at the +Z-axis
direction end (which can be the top end) and a first apparatus-side restriction element
at the -Z-axis direction end (which can be the bottom end) to lock the cartridge and
thereby restrict motion of the cartridge in the +Z-axis direction. The lever rotates
about a specified position between the operating member and the first apparatus-side
restriction element as an axis of rotation. Here, the X axis, the Y axis and the Z
axis relative to the cartridge in the attached state respectively correspond to an
X axis, a Y axis and a Z axis of the cartridge. The cartridge comprises a first face
located on the -Z-axis direction side and a second face located on the +Z-axis direction
side, as two faces opposed to each other in the Z-axis direction; a third face located
on the +X-axis direction side and a fourth face located on the -X-axis direction side,
as two faces opposed to each other in the X-axis direction and intersecting the first
face and the second face; a corner section arranged to connect the first face with
the third face; a sloped surface provided to form part of the corner section and inclined
in a specific direction including the +X-axis direction component and the -Z-axis
direction component; a printing material supply structure provided on the first face
and adapted to be connected with the printing material supply tube; a plurality of
cartridge-side terminals provided corresponding to the respective apparatus-side terminals
and located on the sloped surface to receive a force in a specified direction including
the +Z-axis direction component from the apparatus-side terminals (due to the slope
at the area of contact, the force can also have a -X-axis direction component); a
first cartridge-side restriction portion having an engagement portion configured to
engage with the first apparatus-side restriction element and thereby restrict motion
of the cartridge in the +Z-axis direction, wherein the first cartridge-side restriction
portion is provided at a specific position on the third face such that the engagement
portion of the first cartridge-side restriction portion is closer to an intersecting
part, where the third face intersects the sloped surface, than to an intersection
of the second face and the third face.
[0022] The above configuration can be provided with or without the features of the following
embodiment, wherein the cartridge-side terminals comprise a first terminal including
a first outer part located at the most +Y-axis direction end; and a second terminal
including a second outer part located at the most -Y-axis direction end, wherein the
first cartridge-side restriction portion is located not outside but inside a range
between the first outer part and the second outer part in the Y-axis direction. This
enables fine adjustment of the direction of the sloped surface with the cartridge-side
terminals provided thereon. Even when the position of each of the apparatus-side terminals
or the slope of the first cartridge-side restriction portion varies due to the manufacturing
error, such fine adjustment of the direction of the sloped surface ensures the stable
electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals.
[0023] The cartridge according to a first aspect of the invention has the first cartridge-side
restriction portion that engages with the lever of the printing apparatus. Because
the lever is not made integral with the cartridge, the material for producing the
cartridge can be different from the material used for producing the lever. Also, the
material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for flexibility and durability
requirements, and greater focus on other properties such as resistance to ink. Thus,
different plastics, thermoplastics and resins can be used to make the different components.
[0024] Also, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special care is needed to prevent
creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for transportation and
distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the user's convenience.
[0025] Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be
made smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material, such as
paper or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution of
the cartridge, thus advantageously reducing the transportation cost and the parts
cost.
[0026] Because the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side restriction
portion can be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity
compared with the structures described in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811. This results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation of
the first cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached state, the cartridge
can be kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which maintains
normal or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals and reduces the possibility of poor continuity. In the cartridge of the
first aspect, since the first cartridge-side restriction portion can have a small
size and simple structure, no special care to prevent creep deformation of the lever
is required in packaging for transportation and distribution of the cartridge, unlike
the cartridges of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811. This improves the user's experience and convenience of use.
[0027] In the cartridge according to the first embodiment of the first aspect, the first
cartridge-side restriction portion can be provided on the -Z-axis direction side of
the axis of rotation of the lever. Even when the force is applied in the direction
including the +Z-axis direction component from the apparatus-side terminals to move
the cartridge in the +Z-axis direction, the lever serves to restrict the motion of
the cartridge in the +Z-axis direction. This reduces the possibility of the first
cartridge-side restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from the first
apparatus-side restriction element, thus ensuring stable electrical connection between
the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side terminals and reducing the possibility
of poor continuity. The first apparatus-side restriction element can move about the
axis of rotation of the lever with the movement of the cartridge in the -X-axis direction
when force in the -X-axis direction is applied from the apparatus-side terminals to
the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the first cartridge-side
restriction portion is uncoupled from the first apparatus-side restriction element.
[0028] In the cartridge according to the first aspect, the first cartridge-side restriction
portion is provided at the specific position on the third face such that the engagement
portion of the first cartridge-side restriction portion is closer to the intersecting
part, where the third face intersects the sloped surface, than to the intersection
of the second face and the third face. The cartridge can thus be fixed to the cartridge
mounting structure at a position near to the contact between the cartridge-side terminals
and the apparatus-side terminals. This reduces the possibility of positional misalignment
of the cartridge-side terminals relative to the apparatus-side terminals and reduces
the poor continuity between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side terminals.
In the event the cartridge falls, the first cartridge-side restriction portion prevents
the cartridge-side terminals from being directly hit against, for example, the floor
surface and thereby helps protect the cartridge-side terminals from being damaged.
Especially when the cartridge-side terminals are mounted on the circuit board with
a memory unit, this protects the vulnerable memory unit from being damaged and enhances
the effect of shock resistance. When the first cartridge-side restriction portion
formed as a projection, the effects of shock resistance are further enhanced. Providing
the first cartridge-side restriction portion at the position close to the intersecting
part enables the lever of the cartridge mounting structure to be located at the position
closer to the first face. This enables size reduction of the cartridge and the printing
device in the Z-axis direction. For instance, the cartridge may shorten the distance
between the lever and the cartridge, thus allowing size reduction in the X-axis direction
of the printing apparatus and the whole printing material supply system including
the cartridge and the printing apparatus.
Second aspect:
[0029] The cartridge according to the first aspect, further comprising a circuit board configured
to have the cartridge-side terminals provided on a surface and a memory unit provided
on a rear face, wherein the sloped surface is formed by the surface of the circuit
board, and the first cartridge-side restriction portion is located close to a board
end on the +Z-axis direction side of the circuit board.
[0030] According to the embodiment where the first cartridge-side restriction portion is
provided at a specific position close to a board end, the board end being located
on the +Z-axis direction side of the surface of the circuit board, the first cartridge-side
restriction portion is provided at the position close to the board end located on
the +Z-axis direction side. In other words, the first cartridge-side restriction portion
is arranged as close as possible to the cartridge-side terminals. Since the first
cartridge-side restriction portion is locked by the lever, the periphery of the first
cartridge-side restriction portion has substantially no position shift by application
of an external force to the cartridge. Providing the cartridge-side terminals at the
location of extremely small position shift effectively prevents the positional misalignment
of the respective cartridge-side terminals relative to the cartridge mounting structure,
thus maintaining the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals
and the apparatus-side terminals.
Third aspect:
[0031] The cartridge according to either one of the first aspect and/or second aspect, wherein
the first cartridge-side restriction portion is provided at a position intersecting
a plane (plane Yc), which passes through center of a width or the Y-axis direction
length of the cartridge and is parallel to the Z axis and the X axis.
[0032] When the cartridge is in a attached state in the printer, the cartridge receives
a force from the apparatus-side terminals in a direction that includes a +Z axis direction
component, and the first cartridge-side restriction portion is pressed against the
first apparatus-side restriction portion of the lever by this force. By providing
the first cartridge-side restriction portion at a location intersected by the plane
Yc, the portion of the first cartridge-side restriction portion in the vicinity of
the position intersected by the plane Yc would hardly move at all, even if the cartridge
were to move about the X axis or Z axis by application of an external force. It should
be noted that the first cartridge-side restriction portion is arranged at a position
that is near the intersection portion, the edge of the circuit board, or both. By
providing the first cartridge-side restriction portion, which hardly moves, at a location
extremely near to cartridge-side terminals, electrical connection between the cartridge-side
terminals and the apparatus-side terminals can be stable.
Fourth aspect:
[0033] The fourth aspect is the embodiment described above where the cartridge-side terminals
comprise a first terminal including a first outer part located at the most +Y-axis
direction end; and a second terminal including a second outer part located at the
most -Y-axis direction end, wherein at least part of the first cartridge-side restriction
portion is located between the first outer part and the second outer part in the Y-axis
direction and as mentioned above can be implemented independent from or together with
the above described embodiments of the first aspect addressed above.
[0034] In the cartridge according to the fourth aspect, at least part of the first cartridge-side
restriction portion is located between the first outer part and the second outer part.
This locates the first cartridge-side restriction portion of little motion at the
position very close to the cartridge-side terminals, thus ensuring the stable electrical
connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the contact mechanism.
Fifth aspect:
[0035] The cartridge according to the fourth aspect, wherein the first cartridge-side restriction
portion is located not outside but inside of a range between the first outer part
and the second outer part in the Y-axis direction.
[0036] Some of the apparatus-side terminals might protrude out farther than the others.
In the example shown in Fig. 31, the terminal 731 protrudes out further. When the
cartridge is mounted within the printer, the cartridge-side terminals will receive
from the apparatus-side terminals a force with a +Z axis direction component. If the
cartridge is held too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side terminals
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31's example), might not be proper. By positioning the first
cartridge-side restriction portion to completely the inside of the terminals in the
widthwise direction, the cartridge can tilt sufficiently to adjust the direction in
which the slanted surface faces, so that electrical connection between the cartridge-side
terminals and the apparatus-side terminals can be even more stable. These benefits
are also relevant to the configurations of the embodiments addressed above.
Sixth aspect:
[0037] The cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect, further
comprising a second cartridge-side restriction portion configured to be locked by
a second apparatus-side restriction element provided on the second apparatus-side
side wall member and thereby restrict motion of the cartridge in the +Z-axis direction
in the attached state, and the second cartridge-side restriction portion is provided
on the fourth face.
[0038] The cartridge according to the sixth aspect has the second cartridge-side restriction
portion on the fourth face to restrict the motion of the cartridge in the +Z-axis
direction, so as to restrict the motion of the cartridge in the +Z-axis direction
from both the +X-axis direction end and the -X-axis direction end. This further prevents
the positional misalignment of the respective cartridge-side terminals relative to
the cartridge mounting structure and further ensures the stable electrical connection
between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side terminals.
Seventh aspect:
[0039] The cartridge according to the sixth aspect, wherein the second cartridge-side restriction
portion is a projection to be inserted in the second apparatus-side restriction element
formed as a recess or a through hole.
[0040] In the cartridge according to the seventh aspect, inserting the second cartridge-side
restriction portion into the second apparatus-side restriction element provides the
pivot point of rotation to turn the cartridge about the vicinity of the second cartridge-side
restriction portion. This facilitates attachment and detachment of the cartridge to
and from the cartridge mounting structure.
Eighth aspect:
[0041] The cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect, wherein
the first cartridge-side restriction portion is located on the -X-axis direction side
of the axis of rotation of the lever in the attached state.
[0042] In the cartridge according to the eighth aspect, in the attached state, the first
cartridge-side restriction portion generates rotational moment on the lever to turn
the lever about the axis of rotation of the lever in the reverse direction to the
unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the first cartridge-side restriction
portion is unlocked from the first apparatus-side restriction element and further
ensures the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and
the apparatus-side terminals. Even when the cartridge receives the force in the -X-axis
direction from the apparatus-side terminals to move in the -X-axis direction, the
first apparatus-side restriction element moves in the -X-axis direction with the movement
of the cartridge. Such moving reduces the possibility that the first cartridge-side
restriction portion becomes unlocked from the first apparatus-side restriction element.
Ninth aspect:
[0043] The cartridge according to the eighth aspect, wherein the first cartridge-side restriction
portion has a first abutting part that abuts a first portion of the first apparatus-side
restriction element to restrict motion of the cartridge in the +Z-axis direction,
and a second abutting part that abuts a second portion of the first apparatus-side
restriction element to restrict motion of the cartridge in the +X-axis direction.
[0044] In the cartridge according to the ninth aspect, the first cartridge-side restriction
portion has the first abutting part and the second abutting part and thus ensures
generation of the rotational moment on the lever to turn the lever about the axis
of rotation of the lever in the reverse direction to the unlocking direction. This
further reduces the possibility that the first cartridge-side restriction portion
is unlocked from the first apparatus-side restriction element and more effectively
prevents the poor continuity between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals.
Tenth aspect:
[0045] The cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the ninth aspect, further
comprising a projection configured to abut the operating member of the lever in the
attached state and receive a force including the +Z-axis direction component during
detachment of the cartridge attached to the cartridge mounting structure from the
cartridge mounting structure, and the projection is provided on the +Z-axis direction
side of the first cartridge-side restriction portion on the third face.
[0046] The cartridge according to the tenth aspect further has the projection. The cartridge
can be readily removed from the cartridge mounting structure by using the operating
member of the lever and the projection.
Eleventh aspect:
[0047] The cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the tenth aspect, wherein
the corner section has a step extended from the first face in the +Z-axis direction,
the step is located on the -X-axis direction side and the -Z-axis direction side of
the sloped surface, and the step has a third cartridge-side restriction element that
is in contact with a third apparatus-side restriction element provided on the cartridge
mounting structure, so as to restrict motion of the cartridge in the Y-axis direction
in the attached state.
[0048] In the cartridge according to the eleventh aspect, the third cartridge-side restriction
element to restrict the motion of the cartridge in the Y-axis direction is provided
in the corner section with the cartridge-side terminals. This restricts the motion
of the third face-side of the cartridge in the Y-axis direction in the attached state
of the cartridge.
Twelfth aspect:
[0049] The cartridge according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the third cartridge-side
restriction element comprises a pair of projection members configured to receive the
third apparatus-side restriction element protruded from the apparatus-side bottom
wall member in the +Z-axis direction, and the pair of projection members are protruded
from the step in the +X-axis direction.
[0050] In the cartridge according to the twelfth aspect, the simple structure of providing
the pair of projection members protruded in the +X-axis direction from the step effectively
restricts the motion of the third face-side of the cartridge in the Y-axis direction
in the attached state of the cartridge.
Thirteenth aspect:
[0051] The cartridge according to either one of the eleventh aspect and the twelfth aspect,
wherein part of the third cartridge-side restriction element overlaps the sloped surface,
when the cartridge is viewed from the first face side in the +Z-axis direction.
[0052] In the cartridge according to the thirteenth aspect, the third cartridge-side restriction
element and the sloped surface are located to partly overlap with each other. This
further restricts the motion of the third face-side of the cartridge in the Y-axis
direction about the printing material supply tube.
Fourteenth aspect:
[0053] The cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the thirteenth aspect,
wherein the ink supply structure is provided at a specific position on the first face
closer to the fourth face than the third face.
[0054] The cartridge according to the fourteenth aspect has the ink supply structure located
closer to the fourth face than the third face. This structure lowers the possibility
of adhesion of the printing material on the cartridge-side terminals, compared with
the structure where the ink supply structure is located closer to the third face than
the fourth face. This reduces the poor continuity between the cartridge-side terminals
and the apparatus-side terminals.
Fifteenth aspect:
[0055] The cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the fourteenth aspect,
wherein the first cartridge-side restriction portion is a projection.
[0056] The cartridge according to the fifteenth aspect provides the first cartridge-side
restriction portion as a projection which can be of a small size and simple structure.
Sixteenth aspect:
[0057] The cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the fifteenth aspect, wherein
the cartridge-side terminals include a cartridge-side ground terminal that is in contact
with a apparatus-side ground terminal of the apparatus-side terminals, which is connected
with a ground line, and the cartridge-side ground terminal is provided on center of
the width or the Y-axis direction length of the cartridge and is configured to be
in contact with the apparatus-side ground terminal before any other cartridge-side
terminal is in contact with a corresponding apparatus-side terminal in the course
of attachment of the cartridge to the cartridge mounting structure.
[0058] In the cartridge according to the sixteenth aspect, the force first applied from
the cartridge mounting structure to the cartridge-side terminals is generated on the
substantial center of the width or the Y-axis direction length of the cartridge. This
prevents the force applied to the cartridge-side terminals from acting to tilt the
cartridge in the Y-axis direction, thus ensuring stable electrical connection between
the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side terminals. The cartridge-side
ground terminals are in contact with the corresponding apparatus-side ground terminals,
prior to the contact of the other cartridge-side terminals with the corresponding
apparatus-side terminals. The grounding function of the cartridge-side ground terminal
advantageously prevents or reduces the high voltage-induced troubles and failures,
even when an unexpected high voltage is applied to the cartridge.
Seventeenth aspect:
[0059] The cartridge according to the sixteenth aspect, wherein a Z-axis direction length
of the cartridge-side ground terminal is longer than the Z-axis direction length of
the other cartridge-side terminal.
[0060] The cartridge according to the seventeenth aspect ensures the contact between the
cartridge-side ground terminal and the apparatus-side ground terminal.
Eighteenth aspect:
[0061] A printing material supply system, comprising a printing apparatus; and the cartridge
according to any one of the first aspect to the seventeenth aspect, the printing apparatus
comprising a cartridge mounting structure configured to have: (i) a apparatus-side
bottom wall member; (ii) a first apparatus-side side wall member provided to intersect
the apparatus-side bottom wall member; and (iii) a second apparatus-side side wall
member provided to intersect the apparatus-side bottom wall member and to be opposed
to the first apparatus-side side wall member; a printing material supply tube structured
to have a base end provided on the apparatus-side bottom wall member and a peripheral
end adapted to be connected with the cartridge and configured to supply a printing
material contained in the cartridge to a head; a plurality of apparatus-side terminals
provided in a apparatus-side corner section where the apparatus-side bottom wall member
intersects the first apparatus-side side wall member; and a lever provided on the
first apparatus-side side wall member in a rotatable manner to be used for attachment
and detachment of the cartridge to and from the printing apparatus, wherein a Z axis
represents an axis parallel to a central axis C of the printing material supply tube,
an X axis represents an axis, along which the printing material supply tube and the
apparatus-side terminals are arrayed and which is orthogonal to the Z axis, and a
Y axis represents an axis orthogonal to both the Z axis and the X axis, wherein a
+Z-axis direction represents a direction along the Z axis going from the base end
to the peripheral end of the printing material supply tube, a -Z-axis direction represents
a reverse direction to the +Z-axis direction, a +X-axis direction represents a direction
along the X axis going from the printing material supply tube to the apparatus-side
terminals, a -X-axis direction represents a reverse direction to the +X-axis direction,
a +Y-axis direction represents a direction along the Y axis going to one end, and
-Y-axis direction represents a direction along the Y axis going to the other end,
wherein the apparatus-side terminals are adapted to be in contact with the cartridge
to apply a force to the cartridge in a specified direction including the +Z-axis direction
component in an attached state of the cartridge to the cartridge mounting structure,
and the lever has an operating member at the +Z-axis direction end and a first apparatus-side
restriction element at the -Z-axis direction end to lock the cartridge and thereby
restrict motion of the cartridge in the +Z-axis direction, the lever rotating about
a specified position between the operating member and the first apparatus-side restriction
element as an axis of rotation.
[0062] The printing material supply system according to the eighteenth aspect includes the
cartridge in accordance with any one of the first aspect to the seventeenth aspect,
so as to allow size reduction of the printing material supply system in both the X-axis
direction and the Z-axis direction and reduce the possibility that the first apparatus-side
restriction element is unlocked from the first cartridge-side restriction portion.
This ensures the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals
and the apparatus-side terminals and reduces the poor continuity.
[0063] As can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the embodiments of the
present invention are directed to an ink cartridge, combinations of an ink cartridge
with a printing apparatus, or a portion of a printing apparatus, where the ink cartridge
is installed on the apparatus and systems adapted to supply ink to a printing apparatus
where the system includes the printing apparatus (or portions thereof) and/or where
the system does not include the printing apparatus.
[0064] In one embodiment of the invention, the cartridge is an ink cartridge adapted to
be detachably mounted on the printing apparatus, which is an ink jet printing apparatus
The printing apparatus preferably includes a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming
members that are constructed and arranged to apply elastic force to the ink cartridge
when the ink cartridge is pressed against the apparatus-side contact forming members
after the cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus. The ink cartridge preferably
includes a cartridge body including a front or first surface, a rear or second surface,
a top or third surface and a bottom or fourth surface, the front or first surface
and rear or second surface are opposite each other and the top or third surface and
bottom or fourth surface are opposite each other. The ink cartridge includes an ink
chamber for storing ink. The ink cartridge also preferably includes an electrical
device. The printing material supply structure of the ink cartridge is an ink supply
structure positioned at the bottom or fourth surface of the cartridge body having
a mounting direction leading edge defining a plane of the ink cartridge where the
ink supply structure is adapted and configured to supply ink from the ink chamber
to the ink jet printing apparatus. The ink cartridge also includes a terminal bearing
structure located proximate to the front or first surface of the cartridge body, the
terminal bearing structure having a plurality of electrically conductive terminals
coupled to the electrical device therein. The terminals are adapted and arranged on
the terminal bearing structure to make contact with and receive elastic force from
the contact forming members when the ink cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus.
The terminals are arranged substantially in a terminal plane which is neither parallel
nor perpendicular to the plane defined by the leading edge.
[0065] In one embodiment, the terminal plane is at an angle of about 20 and 50 degrees,
preferably from about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane defined by the leading edge.
[0066] The interaction at the terminal bearing structure to the printing apparatus is important
for proper mounting of the cartridge. As described herein, by mating at an angle,
the cartridge can receive both upwards and rearward forces. These forces help hold
the cartridge in place.
[0067] In one embodiment, when the front or first surface of the cartridge body is viewed
with the ink supply structure facing down, the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is located to the left of a right edge of a rightmost terminal of the plurality
of terminals and to the right of a left edge of a leftmost terminal of the plurality
of terminals.
[0068] In one embodiment, the terminals are adapted and arranged on the terminal bearing
structure to make contact with and receive elastic force from the contact forming
members at contact portions of the terminals. The contact portions are arranged substantially
in a contact portion plane. In this embodiment when the front or first surface of
the cartridge body is viewed with the ink supply structure facing down, the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion can be located to the left of the rightmost
contact portion of the plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact
portion of the plurality of terminals. In one embodiment, the contact portion plane
is at an angle of between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane defined by the leading
edge.
[0069] In one embodiment, the ink cartridge further includes a second restriction portion
on the rear or second surface of the ink cartridge. The second restriction portion
is preferably adapted and configured to engage with a respective portion of the ink
jet printing apparatus. In this embodiment, the distance between the engagement portion
of the second restriction portion and the plane defined by the leading edge is more
than the distance between the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
and the plane defined by the leading edge, when the distances are measured in an orthogonal
direction to the plane defined by the leading edge.
[0070] In one embodiment, when viewing the ink cartridge from the side with the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the right and the ink supply structure
facing down, the distance between the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion and the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between
a pivot point of the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the cartridge
is mounted, when the distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane
defined by the leading edge. The lever may also have two ends where the pivot point
is intermediate the two ends.
[0071] In one embodiment when viewing the ink cartridge from the side with the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the right and the ink supply structure
facing down, the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is to the left
of a pivot point of the lever when the cartridge is mounted.
[0072] In one embodiment when the front or first surface of the cartridge body is viewed
with the ink supply structure facing down, at least a portion of the engagement portion
of the first restriction portion is located substantially at the widthwise center
of the ink cartridge.
[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the plane defined by the leading edge is below the bottom
or fourth surface. In other embodiments, it is substantially flush with the bottom.
In still other embodiments it can be recessed above the bottom or fourth surface.
[0074] The present invention is not limited to the cartridge, the combination of the ink
cartridge with the printing apparatus or the printing material supply system described
above but may be implemented by diversity of other aspects, for example, a liquid
cartridge, a liquid container, a printing material container, a cartridge adapter,
a circuit board, a printing apparatus, a liquid ejection apparatus, and a liquid supply
system including a liquid ejection apparatus and a liquid cartridge. The invention
is not limited to the above aspects, but a multiplicity of variations and modifications
may be made to these aspects without departing from the scope of the invention. When
addressing a combination of an ink cartridge with a printing apparatus and/or an ink
jet printing apparatus it should be understood that the ink cartridge is installed
attached or mounted on the printing apparatus.
[0075] The foregoing summary, as well as the following description of embodiments, will
be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings wherein like
reference numerals refer to like components. For the purposes of illustrating the
apparatus of the present application, there is shown in the drawings certain embodiments.
It should be understood, however, that the application is not limited to the precise
arrangement, structures, features, embodiments, aspects, and apparatuses shown, and
the arrangements, structures, features, embodiments, aspects and apparatuses shown
may be used singularly or in combination with other arrangements, structures, features,
embodiments, aspects and apparatuses.
[0076] The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and are not in any way intended to
limit the scope of this invention, but merely to clarify a single illustrated embodiment
of the invention. In the drawings:
Brief Description of Drawings
[0077]
Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a printing material
supply system;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a holder with a cartridge attached thereto;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a holder with a cartridge attached thereto;
Fig. 4 is a top view illustrating a holder with a cartridge attached thereto;
Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken on line F4-F4 in Fig. 4;
Fig. 5A is a sectional view illustrating a holder with a cartridge attached thereto;
Fig. 6A shows how the force is applied from the cartridge to a lever;
Fig. 6B shows how the force is applied from the cartridge to a lever;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of the cartridge;
Fig. 8 is a bottom view of the cartridge;
Fig. 9 is a sectional view, taken on line F8-F8 in Fig. 8;
Fig. 9A shows a view of the cartridge and the lever when the cartridge is in its mounted
position;
Fig. 10A illustrates the detailed structure of a circuit board;
Fig. 10B illustrates the detailed structure of a circuit board;
Fig. 11 is a rear view of the cartridge;
Fig. 12 is a front view of the cartridge;
Fig. 13 is a left side view of the cartridge;
Fig. 14 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of the holder;
Fig. 15 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of the holder;
Fig. 16 is a top view illustrating the structure of the holder;
Fig. 17 is a sectional view, taken on line F16-F16 in Fig. 16;
Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a contact mechanism;
Fig. 19 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a lever;
Fig. 20 illustrates a cross section of a shaft body of the lever taken on a plane
parallel to the X axis and the Z axis;
Fig. 21 is a sectional view of the lever;
Fig. 22 is an exploded perspective view of a retainer and a perspective view of the
lever;
Fig. 23 is a sectional view showing the structure of the periphery of the lever in
an attached state of the cartridge to the holder;
Fig. 24 shows the procedure for attachment of the cartridge to the holder;
Fig. 25 shows the procedure for attachment of the cartridge to the holder;
Fig. 26 shows the procedure for attachment of the cartridge to the holder;
Fig. 27 shows the procedure for attachment of the cartridge to the holder;
Fig. 27A is a close-up view of the cartridge attached to the holder;
Fig. 27B is a close-up view of the cartridge attached to the holder;
Fig. 28 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical structure;
Fig. 29 illustrates the connection between the circuit board and an attachment detection
circuit;
Fig. 30 shows the external force applied to the cartridge in the attached state;
Fig. 31 shows fine adjustment of the direction of a sloped surface;
Fig. 32A shows one example of advantageous effect;
Fig. 32B shows one example of advantageous effect;
Fig. 32C shows one example of advantageous effect;
Fig. 32D shows one example of advantageous effect;
Fig. 32E shows one example of advantageous effect;
Fig. 32F shows one example of advantageous effect;
Fig. 33 illustrates a printer according to a second embodiment;
Fig. 34 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a cartridge according
to a third embodiment;
Fig. 35A is conceptual diagram showing cartridge outer shape according to other embodiment;
Fig. 35B is conceptual diagram showing cartridge outer shape according to other embodiment;
Fig. 35C is conceptual diagram showing cartridge outer shape according to other embodiment;
Fig. 35D is conceptual diagram showing cartridge outer shape according to other embodiment;
Fig. 35E is conceptual diagram showing cartridge outer shape according to other embodiment;
Fig. 35F is conceptual diagram showing cartridge outer shape according to other embodiment;
Fig. 35G is conceptual diagram showing cartridge outer shape according to other embodiment;
Fig. 35H is conceptual diagram showing cartridge outer shape according to other embodiment;
Fig. 35I is a conceptual diagram showing a cartridge that has elongated terminals;
Fig. 35J is a conceptual diagram showing a cartridge that has a contact mechanism
disposed to the outside of the circuit board;
Fig. 36 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a cartridge with an adapter
according to one embodiment;
Fig. 37 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a cartridge with an adapter
according to another embodiment;
Fig. 37B is a perspective view showing a cartridge composed of an adapter and a container
assembly;
Fig. 38 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a cartridge with an adapter
according to another embodiment;
Fig. 39A illustrates the structure of a lever according to one modification;
Fig. 39B illustrates the structure of a lever according to one modification;
Fig. 40 illustrates attachment of the cartridge to a holder according to one modification;
Fig. 41A shows modifications of the terminal shape;
Fig. 41B shows modifications of the terminal shape;
Fig. 41C shows modifications of the terminal shape;
Fig. 42A is a graph showing a relation of wiping amount of a board terminal to a board
inclination angle phi
Fig 42B shows the wiping amount of a board terminal;
Fig. 43A is a graph showing a relation of upward force by an apparatus-side ground
terminal to a board inclination angle phi;
Fig. 43B shows the upward force by the apparatus-side ground terminal;
Fig. 44 is a graph showing another relation of wiping amount of the board terminal
to a board inclination angle phi; and
Fig. 45 is a graph showing another relation of upward force by the apparatus-side
ground terminal to a board inclination angle phi.
Description of Embodiments
[0078] In order to further clarify the configurations and the operations of the invention,
some embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanied
drawings.
A. First Embodiment
A-1. General Configuration of Printing Material Supply System
[0079] Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a printing material
supply system 10. XYZ axes orthogonal to one another are shown in Fig. 1. The XYZ
axes in Fig. 1 correspond to the XYZ axes in the other drawings. In the subsequent
drawings, the XYZ axes are shown when needed. The printing material supply system
10 includes cartridges 20 and a printer 50 serving as a printing apparatus. In the
printing material supply system 10, the cartridges 20 are removably attached to a
holder 60 of the printer 50 by the user.
[0080] Each of the cartridges 20 in the printing material supply system 10 contains ink
as a printing material. The ink as the printing material contained in the cartridge
20 is supplied through an ink supply structure and a printing material supply tube
(described later) to a head 540. According to this embodiment, a plurality of the
cartridges 20 are removably attached to the holder 60 of the printer 50. More specifically,
six cartridges 20 respectively containing six different color inks (i.e., black, yellow,
magenta, light magenta, cyan and light cyan) are attached to the holder 60. It will
be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that, although the description
herein references ink, any substance that can be used for printing is envisaged to
be usable as described in more detail below in connection with the disclosed cartridge,
combination and/or supply system and the invention should not be limited thereby.
[0081] According to other embodiments, the number of cartridges attached to the holder 60
is not limited to six but may be greater than six or less than six. According to other
embodiments, the number of different color inks is not limited to six colors but may
be greater than six colors or less than six colors. According to other embodiments,
two or more cartridges 20 attached to the holder 60 may contain one identical color
ink. The detailed structures of the cartridge 20 and the holder 60 will be described
later.
[0082] The printer 50 of the printing material supply system 10 shown in Fig. 1 is a compact
inkjet printer for personal use. The printer 50 has a controller 510 and a carriage
520 including the holder 60, in addition to the holder 60. The carriage 520 also includes
the head 540. The printer 50 supplies ink from the cartridge 20 attached to the holder
60 through the printing material supply tube (described later) to the head 540 and
ejects ink from the head 540 onto a printing medium 90, such as printing sheet or
label, so as to print various data, such as character strings, figures and images,
on the printing medium 90. Although described in terms of an inkjet printer, one of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the applicability of the invention to other
printer types and printing material supply systems as described in more detail below
and the invention should not be limited thereby.
[0083] The controller 510 of the printer 50 serves to control the operations of the respective
parts of the printer 50. The carriage 520 of the printer 50 is configured to scan
the head 540 reciprocally across the printing medium 90. The head 540 of the printer
50 has an ink ejection mechanism configured to eject ink from the cartridge 20 attached
to the holder 60 onto the printing medium 90. The controller 510 and the carriage
520 are electrically connected via a flexible cable 517. The ink ejection mechanism
of the head 540 is operated by control signals from the controller 510.
[0084] According to this embodiment, the carriage 520 has the head 540 and the holder 60.
This type of the printer 50 having the cartridges 20 attached to the holder 60 on
the carriage 520 serving to move the head 540 is called "on-carriage type" printer.
According to another embodiment, a stationary holder 60 may be provided at a different
position from the carriage 520, and ink may be supplied from each of the cartridges
20 attached to the stationary holder 60 to the head 540 of the carriage 520 through
a flexible tube. This type of the printer is called "off-carriage type" printer.
[0085] According to this embodiment, the printer 50 has a main scan feed mechanism and a
sub-scan feed mechanism to move the carriage 520 and the printing medium 90 relative
to each other and implement printing on the printing medium 90. The main scan feed
mechanism of the printer 50 includes a carriage motor 522 and a drive belt 524 and
serves to transfer the power of the carriage motor 520 to the carriage 520 by means
of the drive belt 520, so as to move the carriage 520 back and forth in a main scanning
direction. The sub-scan feed mechanism of the printer 50 includes a feed motor 532
and a platen 534 and serves to transfer the power of the feed motor 532 to the platen
534, so as to feed the printing medium 90 in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to
the main scanning direction. The carriage motor 522 of the main scan feed mechanism
and the feed motor 532 of the sub-scan feed mechanism are operated by control signals
from the controller 510.
[0086] According to this embodiment, when the printing material supply system 10 is in the
orientation typical for use, the X axis represents the axis along the sub-scanning
direction (front-rear direction), in which the printing medium 90 is fed. The Y axis
represents the axis along the main scanning direction (left-right or side-to-side
direction when the system 10 is viewed from the front), in which the carriage 520
is moved back and forth. The Z axis represents the axis in the direction of gravity
(vertical direction). The use state of the printing material supply system 10 means
the state of the printing material supply system 10 placed on a horizontal plane.
In this embodiment, the horizontal plane is a plane parallel to the X axis and the
Y axis, i.e., XY plane.
[0087] According to this embodiment, the +X-axis direction represents the sub-scanning direction
(forward direction), the -X-axis direction represents its reverse direction (backward
direction) the +Z-axis direction represents the direction going from the bottom to
the top of the printing material supply system 10 in the direction opposite to the
direction of gravity (upward direction), and the -Z-axis direction represents the
reverse to the +Z axis direction, that is, the direction of gravity (downward direction).
In this embodiment, the +X-axis direction side (front side) is the front face of the
printing material supply system 10. According to this embodiment, the +Y-axis direction
represents the direction going from the right side face to the left side face of the
printing material supply system 10 (leftward direction), and the -Y-axis direction
represents its reverse direction (rightward direction). In this embodiment, the plurality
of cartridges 20 attached to the holder 60 are arrayed in the direction along the
Y axis (left-right or side-to-side direction) called the "Y-axis direction". Similarly
the direction along the X axis (front-rear direction) and the direction along the
Z axis (vertical direction) are called the "X-axis direction" and the "Z-axis direction".
A-2. Structure for Attachment of Cartridge 20 to Holder 60
[0088] Figs. 2 and 3 are perspective views illustrating the holder 60 with the cartridge
20 attached thereto. Fig. 4 is a top view illustrating the holder 60 holder 60 with
the cartridge 20 attached thereto. In the state illustrated in Figs. 2 to 4, one cartridge
20 is properly attached at a designed attachment position of the holder 60. The state
of "properly attached at a designed attachment position" and a "mounted" position
means that the cartridge 20 is attached, or said differently, mounted, such that cartridge-side
terminals are located at positions respectively in contact with corresponding apparatus-side
terminals included in a contact mechanism of the printer 50 (described later).
[0089] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the holder 60 of the printer 50 has five wall members
601, 603, 604, 605 and 606. A recess formed by these five wall members serves as a
cartridge chamber or cartridge mounting structure 602. The cartridge chamber 602 is
parted by partition walls 607 into a plurality of slots (mounting spaces) to receive
the respective cartridges 20. The partition walls 607 serve as guides to insert the
cartridges 20 into the respective slots, but may be omitted as appropriate. Each slot
has a printing material supply tube 640, a contact mechanism 70, a lever 80, a second
apparatus-side restriction element 620 and a projection 636 serving as a third apparatus-side
restriction element. One side face (+Z-axis direction side face, top face) of each
slot is open, and the cartridge 20 is attached to and detached from the holder 60
via this open side face (open top face).
[0090] The cartridge 20 is attached to the holder 60 in such a state that the cartridge
20 is locked by the lever 80 and the second apparatus-side restriction element 620
and that the ink supply structure (described later) is connected with the printing
material supply tube 640. This state is called "attached state of the cartridge 20
to the holder 60" simply "attached" state or alternatively "mounted" state. Connecting
the printing material supply tube 640 with the ink supply structure of the cartridge
20 enables ink as the printing material contained in the cartridge 20 to be supplied
to the head 540 (Fig. 1). The printing material supply tube 640 has a peripheral end
642 (also called "connection end") located on the +Z-axis direction side and a base
end 645 located on the -Z-axis direction side. The base end 645 is provided on the
bottom wall member 601, and the peripheral end 642 is connected with the ink supply
structure of the cartridge 20. The printing material supply tube 640 has a central
axis C parallel to the Z axis. The direction going from the base end 645 to the peripheral
end 642 along the central axis C is the +Z-axis direction.
[0091] As shown in Fig. 2, an elastic member 648 is provided around the printing material
supply tube 640 to seal the periphery of the ink supply structure of the cartridge
20 in the attached state, so as to prevent leakage of ink from the ink supply structure
to the periphery. In the attached state, the elastic member 648 applies a pressing
force including a +Z-axis direction component to the cartridge 20.
[0092] In the attached (mounted) state, electrical connection between the terminals provided
on a circuit board (described later) of the cartridge 20 and those of the contact
mechanism 70 in each slot of the holder 60 allows transmission of various information
between the cartridge 20 and the printer 50.
[0093] Fig. 5 is a sectional view, taken on F4-F4 line of Fig. 4. The projection 636 is
omitted from the illustration. The printing material supply tube 640 of the printer
50 is connected with an ink supply structure 280 of the cartridge 20, so that ink
is supplied from the cartridge 20 to the head 540 (Fig. 1) via a printing material
flow path 282.
[0094] According to this embodiment, a porous filter 644 serving to filter the ink supplied
from the cartridge 20 is provided at the peripheral end 642 of the printing material
supply tube 640. The porous filter 644 may be made of, for example, stainless steel
mesh or stainless steel woven fabric. According to another embodiment, the porous
filter may not be located at the peripheral end 642 of the printing material supply
tube 640.
[0095] The contact mechanism 70 of the printer 50 is located on the +X-axis direction side
of the printing material supply tube 640 and is configured to be electrically connectable
with the terminals provided on a circuit board 40 of the cartridge 20. In the attached
state of the cartridge 20, a pressing force Pt including a +Z-axis direction vector
component is applied from the terminals of the contact mechanism 70 to the circuit
board 40. In the attached state of the cartridge 20, a pressing force Ps in the +Z-axis
direction is applied from the elastic member 648 to the ink supply structure 280.
[0096] A lever 80 used for attachment and detachment of the cartridge 20 has an operating
member 830 at a +Z-axis direction end and an engagement portion 810 at a -Z-axis direction
end. The first apparatus-side restriction element or engagement portion 810 (more
specifically its first apparatus-side locking face described later) is configured
to engage with a first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 at a first locking position
810L in the attached state. The first locking position 810L is located on the +Z-axis
direction side and on the +X-axis direction side of the contact between the terminals
provided on the circuit board 40 and the contact mechanism 70. The engagement portion
810 engages with the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 to restrict the
motion of the cartridge 20 in the +Z-axis direction.
[0097] The lever 80 pivots around an axis 800c at the position between the operating member
830 and the engagement portion 810. The axis of rotation 800c of the lever 80 is located
on the +Z-axis direction side and on the +X-axis direction side of the first locking
position 810L.
[0098] The user uses the operating member 830 of the lever 80 to remove the cartridge 20
from the holder 60. For removal of the cartridge 20, the user presses the operating
member 830 in the -X-axis direction. This pressing applies a force Pr (called "operating
force Pr") from the +X-axis direction side toward the -X-axis direction side, to the
operating member 830. This operating force Pr turns the lever 80 around the axis 800c
and moves the engagement portion 810 in the +X-axis direction from the first locking
position 810L. This releases the engagement of the first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210 with the engagement portion 810 and enables the cartridge 20 to be removed
from the holder 60.
[0099] The second apparatus-side restriction element 620 is provided on the side wall member
604 and is configured to engage with a second cartridge-side restriction portion 220
at a second locking position 620L. According to this embodiment, the second apparatus-side
restriction element 620 is a through hole formed in the side wall member 604 of the
holder 60. The second locking position 620L is located on the +Z-axis direction side
and on the -X-axis direction side of the printing material supply tube 640. The second
apparatus-side restriction element 620 engages with the second cartridge-side restriction
portion 220 (which can also be referred to as the second restriction element 220)
to restrict the motion of the cartridge 20 in the +Z-axis direction. As described
above, the motion of the cartridge 20 in the +Z-axis direction is restricted by both
its +X-axis direction end and its -X-axis direction end in the attached state.
[0100] The second locking position 620L, at which the second cartridge-side restriction
portion 220 is in contact with the second apparatus-side restriction element 620,
serves as a pivot point, around which the cartridge 20 is turned to be attached to
and detached from the holder 60. In other words, the cartridge 20 is turned around
the second locking position 620L along a plane parallel to the Z axis and the X axis
for attachment or detachment. The second cartridge side restriction element 220 and
the second apparatus-side restriction element 620 accordingly serve as the pivot point
of rotation of the cartridge 20 for attachment or detachment of the cartridge 20.
The attachment and detachment of the cartridge 20 to and from the holder 60 will be
described in detail later.
[0101] As shown in Fig. 5, in the attached state, the first locking position 810L is located
on the -Z-axis direction side by a distance Dz from the second locking position 620L.
This reduces the possibility that the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210
is disengaged from the engagement portion 810 by the pressing forces Ps and Pt applied
from the holder 60 to the cartridge 20. The cartridges 20 can thus be stably held
at the designed attachment position.
[0102] Figs. 6A and 6B illustrate force applied from the cartridge 20 to the lever 80 at
the first locking position 810L. In the state of Fig. 6A where the first locking position
810L is located on the -Z-axis direction side of the second locking position 620L,
a force F1 is applied from the cartridge 20 to the lever 80 at the first locking position
810L. In the state of Fig. 6B where the first locking position 810L is located on
the +Z-axis direction side of the second locking position 620L, a force F2 is applied
from the cartridge 20 to the lever 80 at the first locking position 810L. The force
F1 shown in Fig. 6A has the same magnitude as that of the force F2 shown in Fig. 6B.
[0103] Figs. 6A and 6B schematically show the positional relationships of the first locking
position 810L, the second locking position 620L and the axis of rotation 800c (also
called "pivot center 800c") to one another on the X axis and on the Z axis. The difference
between the two positional relationships shown in Figs. 6A and 6B is the difference
of the second locking position 620L on the Z axis. An arc RT1 shown in Figs. 6A and
6B shows the rotation locus of the first locking position 810L around the axis of
rotation 800c. An arc RT2 shown in Figs. 6A and 6B shows the rotation locus of the
first locking position 810L around the second locking position 620L.
[0104] In the example illustrated in Fig. 6A, the first locking position 810L is located
on the -Z-axis direction side of the second locking position 620L, so the force F1,
which is applied in the tangential direction of the arc RT2 at the first locking position
810L, has a +X-axis direction vector component and a +Z-axis direction vector component.
The force F1 is accordingly resolved into a vector component Fit in the tangential
direction of the arc RT1 and a vector component F1r in the radial direction of the
arc RT1.
[0105] In the example illustrated in Fig. 6B, the first locking position 810L is located
on the +Z-axis direction side of the second locking position 620L, so the force F2,
which is applied in the tangential direction of the arc RT2 at the first locking position
810L, has a -X-axis direction vector component and a +Z-axis direction vector component.
The force F2 is accordingly resolved into a vector component F2t in the tangential
direction of the arc RT1 and a vector component F2r in the radial direction of the
arc RT1.
[0106] As clearly understood from the comparison between Figs. 6A and 6B, when the magnitude
of force F1 is equal to the magnitude of force F2 (F1= F2), the positional relationships
of the first locking position 810L, the second locking position 620L and the axis
of rotation 800c to one another result in "F1t<F2t" for the vector component in the
tangential direction of the arc RT1 and "F1r>F2r" for the vector component in the
radial direction of the arc RT1. In comparison to the state illustrated in Fig. 6B,
the state in Fig. 6A has a larger force vector component from the cartridge 20 towards
the axis of rotation 800c of the lever 80 and a smaller force vector component in
the direction that will turn the lever 80 clockwise, that is, as viewed from the +Y-axis
direction, around the axis of rotation 800c. In other words, locating the first locking
position 810L on the -Z-axis direction side of the second locking position 620L more
effectively reduces the possibility that the first cartridge-side restriction portion
210 is disengaged from the engagement portion 810, compared with locating the first
locking position 810L on the +Z-axis direction side of the second locking position
620L. In either state, no force acts in the +X-axis direction to release the engagement
at the first locking position 810L, so both states provide a benefit in reducing the
possibility that the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 will become disengaged
from the engagement portion 810.
A-3. Detailed Structure of Cartridge
[0107] Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of cartridge 20 as one example
of a cartridge in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 8 is a bottom
view of the cartridge 20. Fig. 9 is a sectional view, taken on line F8-F8 in Fig.
8. Figs. 10A and 10B illustrate the detailed structure of the circuit board 40. Fig.
10A is a view of the circuit board 40 seen from the direction indicated by arrow F9
in Fig. 9, and Fig. 10B is a view of the circuit board 40 seen from arrow F10 in Fig.
10A. According to this embodiment, the X axis, the Y axis and the Z axis represent
the axes on the cartridge 20 in the attached state. The +X-axis direction side in
the attached state is the front face of the cartridge 20. A plane Yc shown in Fig.
8 is a plane that passes through the center of the width or the Y-axis direction length
of the cartridge 20 and is parallel to the Z axis and the X axis (i.e., ZX plane).
A plane CX shown in Fig. 8 is a plane that passes through the central axis C and is
parallel to the Z axis and the X axis (i.e., ZX plane).
[0108] As shown in Fig. 7, the cartridge 20 includes an ink chamber 200 containing ink,
a housing 22, the ink supply structure 280, the circuit board 40 and the first cartridge-side
restriction portion 210. The cartridge 20 is attached to the holder 60 in a mounting
direction SD, which is the -Z-axis direction (vertically downward direction in the
embodiment). The special orientation or posture of the cartridge 20 is generally not
constant during actual insertion of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60. In the course
of attachment of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60, the cartridge 20 may be inclined
with respect to the Z axis. In the state immediately before the attachment and in
the attached state, however, the ink supply structure 280 receives the printing material
supply tube 640 having the central axis C parallel to the Z axis, so that the special
orientation of the cartridge 20 is restricted by the printing material supply tube
640, and so is substantially aligned in the Z axis direction. For this reason, and
because the general direction of movement of the cartridge 20 while being mounted
into the holder 60 is in the -Z axis direction, the -Z axis direction can be considered
as the mounting direction of the cartridge 20. For the same reasons, the +Z axis direction
can be considered as a removal direction RD (Fig. 9) in which the cartridge 20 is
removed from the holder 60. Because the -Z axis direction and the +Z axis direction
are opposite directions, the mounting direction SD and the removal direction RD can
be considered opposite directions.
[0109] The housing 22 (also called "cartridge body 22") defines an inner space including
the ink chamber 200 of the cartridge 20. The housing 22 also forms at least part of
the outer wall surfaces of the cartridge 20 and may be made of a synthetic resin,
such as polypropylene (PP). The cartridge 20 is in a rectangular prism shape having
congruent side faces or in an approximate rectangular parallelepiped shape. Part of
the housing 22 may be made of a resin film.
[0110] The cartridge 20 has a length (X-axis direction length), a width (Y-axis direction
length) and a height (Z-axis direction length), wherein the length, the height and
the width descend in this order. The magnitude relation of the length, the width and
the height of the cartridge 20 is, however, not limited to this order but may be determined
arbitrarily; for example, the height, the length and the width may descend in this
order or the height, the length and the width may be equal to one another.
[0111] The housing 22 of the cartridge 20 includes a first wall or a bottom 201, a second
wall or a top 202, a third wall or a front 203, a fourth wall or a rear 204, a fifth
wall 205, a six wall 206 and connection walls 209. The connection walls 209 include
a seventh wall 207 and an eighth wall 208 (Fig. 9). The first to the eighth walls
201 to 208 define the inner space including the ink chamber 200 of the cartridge 20.
In the description below, the symbols 201 to 208 assigned to the first to the eighth
walls are also used to represent the outer surfaces of the walls constituting the
housing 22 of the cartridge 20 (i.e., first to eighth faces 201 to 208). The outer
surfaces (first to eighth faces) 201 to 208 of the first to the eighth walls are substantial
planes. The "substantial plane" means not only a perfectly flat plane but can include
a plane having partial slight irregularity. In other words, the "substantial plane"
includes a plane that has partial slight irregularity but is still recognizable as
a face or a wall of the housing 22 of the cartridge 20. The first to the eighth faces
201 to 208 are in rectangular shapes in the planar view.
[0112] The first face (first wall) 201, the second face (second wall) 202, the third face
(third wall) 203, the fourth face (fourth wall) 204, the fifth face (fifth wall) 205
and the sixth face (sixth wall) 206 are also called bottom face (bottom wall) 201,
top face (top wall) 202, front face (front wall) 203, rear face (rear wall)204, left
side face (left wall) 205 and right side face (right wall) 206, respectively. The
outer surfaces of the walls can also be referred to the front 203, rear 204, top 202
and bottom 201, or as first to fourth surfaces where first surface refers to front
203, second surface refers to rear 204, third surface refers to top 202 and fourth
surface refers to bottom 201.
[0113] The first face 201 and the second face 202 are opposed to each other in the Z-axis
direction. The first face 201 is located on the -Z-axis direction side, while the
second face 202 is located on the +Z-axis direction side. The third face 203 and the
fourth face 204 are opposed to each other in the X-axis direction. The third face
203 is located on the +X-axis direction side, while the fourth face 204 is located
on the -X-axis direction side. The fifth face 205 and the sixth face 206 are opposed
to each other in the Y-axis direction. The fifth face 205 is located on the +Y-axis
direction side, while the sixth face 206 is located on the -Y-axis direction side.
[0114] According to this embodiment, the first face 201 located on the -Z-axis direction
side forms the bottom face in the attached state. The first face 201 is an XY plane
parallel to the X axis and the Y axis and perpendicular to the Z axis. The first face
201 is a horizontal face in the attached state.
[0115] The second face 202 located on the +Z-axis direction side forms the top face in the
attached state. The second face 202 is opposed to the first face 201 and is parallel
to the first face 201. The second face 202 is a plane (XY plane) parallel to the X
axis and the Y axis and perpendicular to the Z axis. The second face 202 is a horizontal
face in the attached state.
[0116] The third face 203 located on the +X-axis direction side forms a side face in the
attached state. The third face 203 is perpendicular to the first face 201 and the
second face 202 and is a plane (YZ plane) parallel to the Y axis and the Z axis and
perpendicular to the X axis. Among sides of the third face 203, a side 290 located
on the most -Z-axis direction side is called "first side 290", and a side 291 located
on the most +Z-axis direction side is called "second side 291". In the specification
hereof, the expression that "two faces intersect or cross each other" means not only
the state that two faces actually cross each other but the state that an extension
of one face intersects the other face and the state that extensions of two faces cross
each other.
[0117] The fourth face 204 located on the -X-axis direction side forms a side face in the
attached or mounted state. The fourth face 204 is perpendicular to the first face
201 and the second face 202. The fourth face 204 is parallel to the third face 203.
The fourth face 204 is a plane (YZ plane) parallel to the Y axis and the Z axis and
perpendicular to the X axis.
[0118] The fifth face 205 located on the +Y-axis direction side and the sixth face 206 located
on the -Y-axis direction side form side faces in the attached state. The fifth face
205 and the sixth face 206 are perpendicular to the first to the fourth faces 201
to 204. The fifth face 205 and the sixth face 206 are planes (XZ planes) parallel
to the X axis and the Z axis and perpendicular to the Y axis. The sixth face 206 is
parallel to the fifth face 205.
[0119] As shown in Fig. 9, the connection faces 209 couple the first face 201 with the third
face 203. The seventh face 207 of the connection faces 209 is perpendicular to the
first face 201 and is a plane (YZ plane) parallel to the Y axis and the Z axis. The
seventh face 207 is vertically-angled relative to the first face 201 and can also
be referred to as a "step". In other words, the seventh face 207 is extended in the
+Z-axis direction from the first face 201. The seventh face 207 is located on the
-X-axis direction side and on the -Z-axis direction side of the eighth face 208. The
eighth face 208 couples the seventh face 207 with the third face 203. The eighth face
208 is a sloped surface inclined in a direction including a +X-axis direction vector
component and a -Z-axis direction vector component. The eighth face 208 is inclined
to the first face 201 and the third face 203. The eighth face 208 is perpendicular
to the fifth face 205 and the sixth face 206. In other words, the eighth face 208
is inclined to the XY plane and the YZ plane and is perpendicular to the XZ plane.
The eighth face 208 has a board mounting member 208T protruded outward from the eighth
face 208.
[0120] The relationships of the first to the sixth faces 201 to 206 indicate that the facing
direction of the first face 201 and the second face 202 is the Z-axis direction, the
facing direction of the third face 203 and the fourth face 204 is the X-axis direction
and the facing direction of the fifth face 205 and the sixth face 206 is the Y-axis
direction.
[0121] As shown in Fig. 7, the circuit board 40 is preferably mounted on the board mounting
member 208T of the eighth face 208. The circuit board 40 has a terminal bearing structure
408 that is inclined, or, said differently, sloped, in the direction including the
+X-axis direction vector component and the -Z-axis direction vector component, like
the eighth face 208. In this embodiment, the terminal bearing structure 408 comprises
the surface of the circuit board 40. The terminal bearing structure 408 is inclined
to the first face 201 and the third face 203. The terminal bearing structure 408 is
perpendicular to the fifth face 205 and the sixth face 206. In other words, the terminal
bearing structure 408 is inclined to the XY plane and the YZ plane and is perpendicular
to the XZ plane. The terminal bearing structure 408 is also called "sloped terminal
bearing structure" or "sloped surface". As such, in the present embodiment the surface
of the circuit board 40 can be considered a "sloped surface". The terminal bearing
structure 408 has cartridge-side terminals 400, which are in contact with the apparatus-side
terminals of the contact mechanism 70 (Fig. 2). The angle of inclination is preferably
between 0 degrees and 90 degrees, more preferably between 20 degrees and 50 degrees
and most preferably from about 25 degrees to 40 degrees.
[0122] Figs. 42A and 42B shows the relation of a wiping amount of the terminal on the circuit
board 40 by an apparatus-side terminal with respect to an inclination angle phi of
the circuit board 40. The inclination angle phi of the circuit board 40 represents
an angle between the plane 110p extended from the mounting direction leading edge
of the ink supply structure 280 and a plane in which the terminals 400 of the circuit
board 40 are arranged. The plane defined by the terminals 400 is neither perpendicular
nor parallel to the plane 110p. The inclination angle phi is generally an acute angle
(less than 90 degrees). In this embodiment, the plane 110p extended from the mounting
direction leading edge is parallel to the bottom face 201 of the cartridge 20. Also,
the plane in which the terminals 400 are arranged is parallel to the board surface
of the circuit board 40. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the inclination angle phi
is equal to the angle between the bottom face 201 of the cartridge 20 and the board
surface of the circuit board 40. In the present embodiment, the circuit board 40 is
about 0.7 mm thick. The terminals 400 are about 5 microns thick, and are provided
on the circuit board 40. The thickness of the terminals 400 are small to a negligible
degree, so the surface of the circuit board 40, including surface of the terminals
400, is substantially flush. Therefore, the terminal bearing structure 408, which
comprises the surface of the circuit board 40 in this embodiment, is located substantially
within a terminal (contact portion) plane TP to be described later. Even if the circuit
board 40 were absent, there would only be unevenness equivalent to the thickness of
the terminals 400. Therefore, for simplicity sake, the terminal bearing structure
408 may be used interchangeably with "plane defined by the terminals" or "terminal
plane". When contact portions cp of the terminals 431-439 are referenced in connection
with the terminal bearing structure 408 the term "plane defined by the contact portions"
or "contact portion plane" can be used interchangeably as well. In the course of attachment
or mounting of the cartridge 20, as shown in Figs. 24-27, the front face 203 (the
first surface) of the cartridge 20 goes down with slight pivotal rotation on the rear
face 204 (the second surface) of the cartridge 20. In this process, the circuit board
40 slightly rotates and comes into contact with the apparatus-side contact forming
members (apparatus-side terminals) 731-739 on the terminal base 709, so that the respective
cartridge-side terminals 431-439 are wiped by the apparatus-side contact forming members
731-739. The wiping of the terminal on the circuit board 40 by the corresponding apparatus-side
terminal properly removes the dust or oxide coating on the surface of the terminal
on the circuit board 40 to enhance the electric conductivity (electrical connection).
[0123] The plot of Fig. 42A shows the wiping length (wiping amount) of the terminal on the
circuit board 40 by the corresponding apparatus-side contact forming members as ordinate,
and the board inclination angle phi as abscissa. The calculation is on the assumption
that distance L0 in the X direction from the second surface (rear face) 204 of the
cartridge 20 to the contact portion of the ground terminal 437 that comes into contact
with the corresponding apparatus-side ground terminal 737 is 63 mm. In general, the
greater board inclination angle phi causes the board surface to be closer to the vertical
plane and increases the wiping amount. In order to sufficiently remove the dust or
oxide coating on the surface of the terminal on the circuit board 40, the wiping amount
is preferably not less than 1 mm. According to the graph of Fig. 42A, the board inclination
angle phi is preferably not less than 25 degrees to ensure the wiping amount of not
less than 1 mm.
[0124] Fig. 43A shows the relation of upward force F by the apparatus-side ground terminal
737 to the board inclination angle phi in consideration of preventing half insertion
of the cartridge. The calculation of Fig. 43A is also on the assumption that the distance
L0 is equal to 63 mm, like the calculation of Fig. 42A. The weight of the cartridge
(including the weight of ink) is assumed to be 30 grams. This value is the standard
weight of the cartridge for inkjet printing apparatuses for household use. The "half
insertion of the cartridge" denotes the state where the engagement portion 810 of
the lever 80 is located just beside the elastic member 682 as shown in Fig. 25, i.e.,
the state immediately before the complete engagement. This state of half insertion
is also called "half engagement". In this state of half engagement, only the apparatus-side
ground terminal 737 among the plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members
731-739 applies the upward force to the circuit board 40. It should be noted that
in the printing apparatus shown in Fig. 1, the holder 60 does not have a cover. When
the user releases the hand in this state of half engagement, the cartridge 20 may
be kept in this state of half engagement. The plot of Fig. 43A shows the calculation
result of the upward force by the apparatus-side ground terminal 737 to prevent such
half insertion of the cartridge 20. Fig. 43B shows the relation of the upward force
F to the board inclination angle phi.
[0125] The upward force by the apparatus-side ground terminal 737 is a +Z-direction vector
component (vertically upward vector component in this embodiment) of the force applied
from the apparatus-side ground terminal 737 to the circuit board 40 (and the cartridge
20) in the state of half engagement of Fig. 26. When the ground terminal 437 of the
circuit board 40 is pressed against the apparatus-side ground terminal 737, a pressing
force in a direction perpendicular to the board surface of the circuit board 40 is
applied to the ground terminal 437 by the elastic force of the apparatus-side ground
terminal 737. The calculation of the upward force of Fig. 43A is on the assumption
that pressing force F0 of the apparatus-side ground terminal 737 is 0.2 N in the direction
perpendicular to the board surface. Since the upward force F (=F0SYMBOL 180 \f "Symbol"
\s 14cos phi) is the +Z-direction vector component of the pressing force F0, F =F0
=0.2 N holds at the board inclination angle phi =0 degree as shown by the broken line
in Fig. Fig. 43B. The upward force F varies according to the curve F =F0SYMBOL 180
\f "Symbol" \s 14cos phi with a variation in board inclination angle phi. The curve
of Fig. 43A is the curve F =F0SYMBOL 180 \f "Symbol" \s 14cos phi. With an increase
in board inclination angle phi (phi approaching 90 degrees), the board surface approaches
the XZ plane and reduces the upward force F. An upward force FB balancing with the
cartridge 20 having the distance L0 of 63 mm and the weight of 30 grams is approximately
0.15 N (the position of thick horizontal line in Fig. 43A). This means that the upward
force of not less than 0.15 N enables the cartridge 20 to be pressed vertically upward
by the apparatus-side ground terminal 737. In order to ensure the upward force of
not less than 0.15 N, the board inclination angle phi is preferably not greater than
40 degrees, as clearly understood from Fig. 43A.
[0126] When the user releases the hand in the state of half engagement of Fig. 26, the cartridge
20 may be kept in the state of half engagement. If the board inclination angle phi
is set to be not greater than 40 degrees as shown in Fig. 43A, however, when the user
releases the hand in the state of half engagement, the apparatus-side ground terminal
737 presses the front face 203 of the cartridge 20 in the +Z direction (upward direction).
This clearly disengages the cartridge from the engagement portion 810 of the lever
80 and facilitates the user to find the failed attachment. From this point of view,
it is preferable to set the board inclination angle phi to be not greater than 40
degrees.
[0127] Figs. 44 and 45 show the characteristics of a cartridge having a greater dimension
in the X direction than the dimension of the cartridge in Figs. 42 and 43A. Whereas
the cartridge is assumed to have the distance L0 =63 mm in Figs. 42 and 43A, it is
assumed to have the distance L0 =80 mm in Figs. 44 and 45. The calculation of the
upward force of Fig. 45 is on the assumption that F0 =0.2 N and the weight of the
cartridge (including the weight of ink) is 30 g, like the calculation of Fig. 43A.
As clearly understood from the result of Fig. 44, like the result of Fig. 42A, in
order to ensure the wiping amount of not less than 1 mm, the board inclination angle
phi is preferably not less than 25 degrees. Although the distance L0 is 80 mm in the
calculation of Fig. 45 relative to 63 mm in the calculation of Fig. 43A, the upward
force FB balancing with the cartridge 20 having the weight of 30 grams is almost equal
to that of Fig. 43 and is approximately 0.15 N (the position of thick horizontal line
in Fig. 45). As clearly understood from the result of Fig. 45, like the result of
Fig. 43A, in order to prevent half engagement of the cartridge, the board inclination
angle phi is preferably not greater than 40 degrees.
[0128] By taking into account the characteristics of Figs. 42 through 45, discussed above,
it is preferable to set the board inclination angle phi to be not less than 25 degrees
and not greater than 40 degrees.
[0129] The increased pressing force of the apparatus-side ground terminal 737 ensures the
sufficient upward force even at the greater board inclination angle phi. In this case,
it is preferable to set the pressing force of the apparatus-side ground terminal 737
and the board inclination angle phi to such values that enable the cartridge 20 to
be pressed upward and changed from the state of half engagement to the disengagement
state by the pressing force of the apparatus-side ground terminal 737, when the user
release the hand from the cartridge 20 in the state of half engagement.
[0130] The seventh face 207 and the terminal bearing structure 408 form part of the outer
surfaces of the cartridge 20. More specifically the seventh face 207 and the terminal
bearing structure 408 form a portion of a corner section 265 coupling the first face
201 and the third face 203 that form part of the outer surfaces of the cartridge 20.
For better understanding, the corner section 265 is shown by a thick line in Fig.
9. The third face 203 and the corner section 265 are opposed to the first apparatus-side
side wall member 603 of the holder 60 (Fig. 14) in the attached state of the cartridge
20 to the holder 60 as described later. The third face 203 and the corner section
265 are thus called "first opposed outer wall surface". The fourth face 204 is opposed
to the second apparatus-side side wall member 604 of the holder 60 (Fig. 15) in the
attached state as described later. The fourth face 204 is thus called "second opposed
outer wall surface".
[0131] As shown in Fig. 10A, the circuit board 40 has a boss groove 401 at a +Z-axis direction
end and a boss hole 402 at a -Z-axis direction end. The circuit board 40 is fixed
to the eighth face 208 of the cartridge 20 by means of the boss groove 401 and the
boss hole 402. According to this embodiment, the boss groove 401 and the boss hole
402 are provided at positions intersecting the plane Yc passing through the center
of the width (Y-axis direction length) of the cartridge 20. According to another embodiment,
at least one of the boss groove 401 and the boss hole 402 may be omitted from the
circuit board 40, and the circuit board 40 may be fixed to the eighth face 208 by
an adhesive or by an engagement click (not shown) provided on the eighth face 208.
[0132] As shown in Figs. 10A and 10B, the circuit board 40 includes the cartridge-side terminals
400 provided on the terminal bearing structure 408 and a memory unit 420 provided
on a rear face 409. The terminal bearing structure 408 and the rear face 409 are planes.
A portion or a side of the plane terminal bearing structure 408 located on the most
+Z-axis direction side in the mounting state of the circuit board 40 on the cartridge
20 is called a board end 405.
[0133] The cartridge-side terminals 400 include nine terminals 431 to 439. The memory unit
420 stores information regarding ink of the cartridge 20 (for example, remaining amount
of ink and ink color). The cartridge-side terminals 400 are electrically conductive
and can be coupled to an electrical device that is part of the cartridge 20. As used
herein, electrical device can refer to a resistor, sensor or memory device, or other
device that produces or is powered by electricity as can be appreciated by one of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0134] As shown in Fig. 10A, the nine cartridge-side terminals 431 to 439 are all in approximate
rectangular shape and are arrayed in two rows that are substantially perpendicular
to the mounting direction SD. The substantially perpendicular rows are extended in
the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cartridge 20. The row of the two row
to the rear with respect to the mounting direction SD is called first terminal row
R1 (lower line R1), and the row to the front line with respect to the mounting direction
SD is called second terminal row R2 (upper line R2). The first terminal row R1 and
the second terminal row R2 have different positions in the Z-axis direction. More
specifically, the first terminal row R1 is located on the -Z-axis direction side of
the second terminal row R2. Each of the terminals 431 to 439 has a contact portion
cp at its center, which is in contact with the contact mechanism 70. The first terminal
row R1 and the second terminal row R2 may be regarded as lines formed by a plurality
of contact portions cp.
[0135] The terminals 431 to 439 may be called by the following names corresponding to their
functions or applications. For differentiation from the terminals on the printer 50,
the word "cartridge-side" may be prefixed to each name. For example, the "ground terminal
437" may be called "cartridge-side ground terminal 437".
<First Terminal Row R1>
[0136]
- (1) attachment detection terminal (first terminal) 435;
- (2) power terminal 436;
- (3) ground terminal 437;
- (4) data terminal 438; and
- (5) attachment detection terminal (second terminal) 439.
<Second Terminal Row R2>
[0137]
(6) attachment detection terminal (third terminal) 431;
(7) reset terminal 432;
(8) clock terminal 433; and
(9) attachment detection terminal (fourth terminal) 434.
[0138] The contact portions cp of the terminals 435 to 439 on the first terminal row R1
and the contact portions cp of the terminals 431 to 434 on the second terminal row
R2 are arranged alternately or more specifically in zigzag.
[0139] The four attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 are used to check the
good/poor electrical contact with the corresponding apparatus-side terminals provided
in the contact mechanism 70, so that the printer 50 can detect whether the cartridge
20 is properly attached at the designed attachment position of the holder 60. These
four terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 are collectively called "attachment detection
terminals". According to this embodiment, the four cartridge-side terminals 431, 434,
435 and 439 are electrically connected with one another inside the circuit board 40.
When the cartridge 20 is attached to the holder 60, these terminals 431, 434, 435
and 439 are electrically connected with a ground line (not shown) on the printer 50
via the ground terminal 437. The method of detecting attachment by using the four
attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 will be described later.
[0140] The other five cartridge-side terminals 432, 433, 436, 437 and 438 are terminals
for the memory unit 420. These five terminals 432, 433, 436, 437 and 438 are thus
also called "memory terminals".
[0141] The reset terminal 432 receives a reset signal RST, which is to be supplied to the
memory unit 420. The clock terminal 433 receives a clock signal SCK, which is to be
supplied to the memory unit 420. The power terminal 436 receives a power-supply voltage
VDD (for example, rated voltage of 3.3 V), which is to be supplied to the memory unit
420. The ground terminal 437 receives a ground voltage VSS (0V), which is to be supplied
to the memory unit 420. The data terminal 438 receives a data signal SDA, which is
to be supplied to the memory unit 420.
[0142] The first terminal 435 as one of the attachment detection terminals includes a first
outer part 435P located on the most +Y-axis direction side of the cartridge-side terminals
400. The second terminal 439 as one of the attachment detection terminals includes
a second outer part 439P located on the most -Y-axis direction side of the cartridge-side
terminals 400. The third terminal 431 as one of the attachment detection terminals
includes a third outer part 431P located on the most +Y-axis direction side of the
second terminal line R. The fourth terminal 434 as one of the attachment detection
terminals includes a fourth outer part 434P located on the most -Y-axis direction
side of the second terminal line R. In this embodiment, the first to fourth outer
parts 435P, 439P, 431P, 434P are substantially straight edges of the corresponding
terminals and extend substantially in the Z axis direction, but this should not be
considered a limitation. For example, the edges could be curved and could extend in
a direction not parallel to the Z axis direction, such as shown for the terminals
431, 434 in the example of Figs. 41A and 41B, and the outer part of the terminal could
still be understood as the outermost portion of the edge in the Y axis direction.
[0143] Among the contact portions cp of the cartridge-side terminals 400, the ground terminal
437 having the contact portion cp on the center in the Y-axis direction is provided
at the position intersecting the plane Yc passing through the center of the width
(Y-axis direction length) of the cartridge 20. The contact portions cp of the other
terminals 431 to 436, 438 and 439 are arranged to be symmetrical with respect to the
line of intersection of the plane Yc and the ground terminal 437 as the axis. The
ground terminal 437 is configured to be in contact with the contact mechanism 70 prior
to the other cartridge-side terminals 431 to 436, 438 and 439 in the course of attachment
of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60. The pressing force first applied from the holder
60 to the circuit board 40 is thus generated on the substantial center of the width
or the Y-axis direction length of the cartridge 20 both before and after the cartridge
is completely mounted. This prevents the pressing force applied to the circuit board
40 from acting to tilt the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction and thereby enables
the attachment of the cartridge 20 at the designed attachment position. Such contact
of the ground terminal 437 with the contact mechanism 70 of the holder 60 prior to
the other cartridge-side terminals 431 to 436, 438 and 439 advantageously prevents
or reduces the high voltage-induced troubles and failures by the grounding function
of the ground terminal 437, even when an unexpected high voltage is applied to the
cartridge 20.
[0144] According to this embodiment, the ground terminal 437 is formed longer along the
Z-axis direction than the other cartridge-side terminals 431 to 436, 438 and 439.
This ensures the contact of the ground terminal 437 with the contact mechanism 70
of the holder 60. According to another embodiment, all the cartridge-side terminals
431 to 439 on the circuit board 40 may be formed in the same size.
[0145] As shown in Fig. 9, the ink supply structure 280 is protruded in the -Z-axis direction
from the first face 201. The ink supply structure 280 communicates with the ink chamber
200 via the printing material flow path 282. The ink supply structure 280 is connected
with the printing material supply tube 640 (Fig. 5) of the printer 50 to supply the
ink contained in the ink chamber 200 to the head 540 (Fig. 1). In other words, the
ink supply structure 280 is open to the outside, in order to supply the ink contained
in the ink chamber 200 to outside of the cartridge 20. As can be seen in Fig. 5A,
ink supply structure 280 need not protrude from the first face 201. Rather, in one
embodiment, it can be flush or substantially flush with the first face 201. In such
an embodiment, printing material supply tube 640 is raised so as to be proximate to
the first face when the cartridge 20 is mounted.
[0146] The ink supply structure 280 is provided at the position closer to the fourth face
204 than the third face 203 on the first face 201. The distance between the outer
surface of the ink supply structure 280 and the third face 203 in the X-axis direction
is accordingly greater than the distance between the outer surface of the ink supply
structure 280 and the fourth face 204.
[0147] The ink supply structure 280 has an open peripheral end. The surface at this open
peripheral end is referred to as open surface 288, or alternately a mounting direction
leading edge, and defines a horizontal plane in the attached state. That is, the open
surface 288 is the leading edge (XY plane) of the cartridge in the mounting direction
SD and defines an XY axes plane which is parallel to the X axis and the Y axis.
[0148] A resin foam 284 is provided inside the ink supply structure 280 at the position
on the +Z-axis direction side of the open surface 288 or more specifically at the
position in contact with the printing material flow path 282. According to this embodiment,
before shipment of the cartridge 20, the open surface 288 of the ink supply structure
280 is sealed with a sealing member (not shown), such as a cap or a film. For attachment
of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60, the sealing member (not shown) for sealing the
open surface 288 is removed from the cartridge 20.
[0149] According to this embodiment, the ink supply structure 280 is protruded in the -
Z-axis direction with the center on the central axis C of the printing material supply
tube 640. According to another embodiment, the center of the ink supply structure
280 may be deviated from the central axis C of the printing material supply tube 640.
According to this embodiment, the open surface 288 of the ink supply structure 280
viewed from the -Z-axis direction is formed by the line-symmetrical housing with respect
to axes parallel to the X axis and the Y axis. According to another embodiment, the
open surface 288 of the ink supply structure 280 may be formed by the asymmetric housing
and may have a mounting direction leading edge defining a plane. The open surface
288 viewed from the Z direction is in the rounded rectangular shape according to this
embodiment but may be in any other suitable shape, e.g., precise circle, ellipse,
oval, square or rectangle according to other embodiments.
[0150] As shown in Fig. 9A, plane BP is a plane formed by the mounting direction leading
edge of the open surface 288 of ink supply structure 280. Distance A is the distance
between plane BP and the engagement portion 212 of the first restriction portion 210.
Distance B is the distance between plane BP and an engagement portion of the second
restriction element 220. Distance C is the distance between plane BP and the lever
80's pivot point around axis 800c. As can be seen in Figure 9A, the distance B between
plane BP and an engagement portion of the second restriction element 220 is greater
than the distance A between plane BP and the engagement portion 212 of the first restriction
portion 210 when measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane BP. The distance
A between plane BP and the engagement portion 212 of the first restriction portion
210 is less than the distance C between plane BP and the lever 80's pivot point around
axis 800c when measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane BP. Additionally as
can be seen in Fig. 9A, plane TP is the plane formed by the sloped terminal bearing
structure 408, which in this embodiment is parallel to the sloped terminal bearing
structure 408 itself, and so for simplicity sake, the terminal bearing structure 408
may be used to refer to the plane TP. Plane TP is neither parallel nor perpendicular
to plane BP. The terminal bearing structure 408 has cartridge-side terminals 400,
which are in contact with the apparatus-side terminals of the contact mechanism 70
(Fig. 2).
[0151] As shown in Fig. 7, the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is provided
on the third face 203. The first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is located
on the +Z-axis direction side and on the +X-axis direction side of the ink supply
structure 280 and the circuit board 40. The first cartridge-side restriction portion
210 is locked by the lever 80 (Fig. 2), so as to restrict the motion of the cartridge
20 in the attached state. The first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is structured
as a projection protruded in the +X-axis direction (outward) from the third face 203.
The first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is located at the position closer
to the first side 290 than the second side 291 along the Z-axis direction. According
to this embodiment, the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is located adjacent
to the first side 290.
[0152] The first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 includes a first portion 212 extended
in the Y-axis direction (width direction), a second portion 214 extended in the +Z-axis
direction (vertically upward direction) from the first portion 212, and a third portion
215 extended in the -Z-axis direction (vertically downward direction) from the first
portion 212. As described above, the +Z-axis direction (vertically upward direction)
is generally the removal direction RD and is opposite the -Z-axis direction (vertically
downward direction), which is generally the mounting direction SD. The first or engagement
portion 212 cooperates with an engagement portion 810 of the lever 80 to restrict
the motion of the cartridge 20 in the attached state. The second portion 214 is provided
to lock the first portion 212 by the expected part of the lever 80 in attachment of
the cartridge 20 to the holder 60.
[0153] The first portion 212 includes a first cartridge-side locking surface 211 as a first
abutting part and a second cartridge-side locking surface 213 as a second abutting
part. The first cartridge-side locking surface 211 faces in the +Z-axis direction.
The second cartridge-side locking surface 213 faces in the +X-axis direction. The
third portion 215 is in contact with the first portion 212 and the first side 290.
[0154] The cartridge 20 further includes the second cartridge-side restriction portion 220
provided on the fourth face 204, a projection 260 provided on the third face 203 and
a third cartridge-side restriction element 250 provided on the seventh face 207.
[0155] The second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 is structured as a projection protruded
in the -X-axis direction from the fourth face 204. The second cartridge-side restriction
portion 220 is inserted into the second apparatus-side restriction element 620 (Fig.
3) in the form of the through hole of the holder 60. The user turns the cartridge
20 around the second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 inserted in the second
apparatus-side restriction element 620 (Fig. 3) in attachment or detachment of the
cartridge 20 to or from the holder 60. In other words, the second apparatus-side restriction
element 620 serves as the guide for attachment or detachment of the cartridge 20 to
or from the holder 60. This facilitates the attachment and detachment of the cartridge
20 to and from the holder 60. In the attached state of the cartridge 20, the second
cartridge-side restriction portion 220 is locked by the second apparatus-side restriction
element 620 to restrict the motion of the cartridge 20 in the attached state. The
second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 is located on the +Z-axis direction
side and on the -X-axis direction side of the ink supply structure 280 and the circuit
board 40.
[0156] The projection 260 on the third face 203 is located on the +Z-axis direction side
of the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210. According to this embodiment,
the projection 260 is located at the most +Z-axis direction position (most upward
position) including the second side 291 on the third face 203.
[0157] The third cartridge-side restriction element 250 is structured as a pair of projection
members (restriction walls) protruded in the +X-axis direction from both Y-axis direction
sides of the seventh face 207. The pair of projection members 250 receive the projection
636 (Fig. 2) inserted therebetween and, in cooperation with the projection 636, restrict
the motion of the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction in the attached state.
[0158] Fig. 11 is a rear view of the cartridge 20. The second cartridge-side restriction
portion 220 is described in detail with reference to Fig. 11. The second cartridge-side
restriction portion 220 includes a restriction locking surface 222 as a restriction
locking element, a sloped surface 224, a first restriction side face 226 and a second
restriction side face 228.
[0159] The restriction locking surface 222 faces in the +Z-axis direction and forms a horizontal
face in the attached state. The restriction locking surface 222 is in contact with
the second apparatus-side restriction element 620 (Fig. 3) to serve as the pivot point
of rotation when the cartridge 20 is turned to be detached from the holder 60.
[0160] The restriction locking surface 222 is locked by the second apparatus-side restriction
element 620 in the attached state, so as to restrict the motion of the cartridge 20
in the +Z-axis direction in the attached state. The restriction locking surface 222
is provided at the position intersecting the plane Yc passing through the center of
the width (Y-axis direction length) of the cartridge 20 and perpendicular to this
plane Yc. As shown in Fig. 5, in the attached state of the cartridge 20, the cartridge
20 receives the pressing forces Ps and Pt including the +Z-axis direction vector components
from the holder 60. The restriction locking surface 222 is pressed against the second
apparatus-side restriction element 620 by these pressing forces Ps and Pt. The second
apparatus-side restriction element 620 is thus in contact with the restriction locking
surface 222 in parallel with the Y-axis direction. This reduces the possibility that
the cartridge 20 is tilted about the X axis in the attached state.
[0161] The sloped surface 224 is connected with the restriction locking surface 222 and
is inclined to the direction including the +Z-axis direction vector component and
the - X-axis direction vector component. This enables the restriction locking surface
222 to be smoothly guided to the second apparatus-side restriction element 620 in
attachment of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60.
[0162] The first restriction side face 226 forms a -Y-axis direction side face of the second
cartridge-side restriction portion 220. The second restriction side face 228 forms
a +Y-axis direction side face of the second cartridge-side restriction portion 220.
The first restriction side face 226 is a plane facing in the -Y-axis direction, and
the second restriction side face 228 is a plane facing in the +Y-axis direction. The
first restriction side face 226 and the second restriction side face 228 are planes
respectively parallel to the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. The first
and the second restriction side faces 226 and 228 interfere with the second apparatus-side
restriction element 620 to restrict the motion of the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction
in the attached state of the cartridge 20.
[0163] Fig. 12 is a front view of the cartridge 20. The first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210 is described more in detail with reference to Fig. 12. The first cartridge-side
restriction portion 210 is provided at the position intersecting the plane Yc. The
first cartridge-side locking surface 211 is provided at the position intersecting
the plane Yc and perpendicular to this plane Yc.
[0164] The first cartridge-side locking surface 211 is located not outside but inside a
range 40Y between the first outer part 435P and the second outer part 439P in the
Y-axis direction (width direction), when the cartridge 20 is viewed from the third
face 203-side in the -X-axis direction. According to this embodiment, the first cartridge-side
restriction portion 210 including the first cartridge-side locking surface 211 is
located not outside but inside the range 40Y. In other words, the first cartridge-side
restriction portion 210 is located inside an area defined by a first phantom line
435PL including the first outer part 435P and a second phantom line 439PL including
the second outer part 439P. The first phantom line 435PL and the second phantom line
439PL are straight lines extended in the Z-axis direction.
[0165] Fig. 13 is a left side view of the cartridge 20. The positional relationship of the
respective members of the cartridge 20 is described with reference to Fig. 13. An
intersection where the third face 203 intersects the sloped terminal bearing structure
408 is called "intersecting part 295". As per the above description about the term
"intersection", the intersection where the third face 203 intersects the sloped terminal
bearing structure 408 includes not only the intersection of the actual face 203 and
the terminal bearing structure 408, but also the intersection of one of the face 203
and the terminal bearing structure 408 and an extension of the other of the face 203
and the terminal bearing structure 408, or the intersection of extensions of both
of the face 203 and the terminal bearing structure 408. The intersecting part 295
is a line parallel to the Y-axis direction. According to this embodiment, the intersecting
part 295 is located on a plane extended from the third face 203 in the -Z-axis direction.
The intersecting part 295 is accordingly located on the -Z-axis direction side of
the third face 203. The middle point in the Z-axis direction length on the third face
203 (or more specifically, the middle point between an intersection of the third face
203 and the contact portion plane TP and the intersection of the second face 202 and
the third face 203) is called midpoint 203P.
[0166] The first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is located close to the intersecting
part 295. The first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 can also be considered
as located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure 408 and close to the board end
405. This means that the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 can be sufficiently
closer to the cartridge-side terminals 400, or more precisely, the portion of the
restriction portion 210 that engages with the apparatus-side lever can be located
at a position closer to the contact portions cp than to an intersection of the top
face 202 and the front face 203. The first cartridge-side restriction portion 210
is provided preferably on a specific part of the third face 203 closer to the first
side 290 than to the second side 291 or more precisely, the portion of the restriction
portion 210 that engages with the apparatus-side lever is located at a position closer
to the intersecting part 295 than to an intersection of the top face 202 and the front
face 203, which is in the range from the midpoint 203P to the first side 290. It is
especially preferable to provide the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210
at the position sufficiently close or proximate to the first side 290. As used herein,
"proximate" can mean "close to," "near" or "on." As described above, the portion of
the restriction portion 210 that engages with the apparatus-side lever is located
at a position closer to the intersecting part 295 and/or to the contact portions cp
than to an intersection of the top face 202 and the front face 203. Although in this
embodiment the intersection of the top face 202 and the front face 203 is the position
indicated by 291 in Fig. 13, as mentioned above, the intersection need not be where
two surfaces actually cross each other, but could be where one face intersects an
extension of the other face, or where extensions of two faces cross each other, as
indicated by broken line in the embodiments of Figs. 35A and 35D. In this embodiment,
the distance between an intersection of the third face 203 and the contact portion
plane TP and the intersection of the second face 202 and the third face 203 is about
20 mm. The distance between an intersection of the third face 203 and the contact
portion plane TP and the first cartridge-side locking surface 211 of the first cartridge-side
restriction portion 210 is about 16 mm.
[0167] The effective part of the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 specifically
serving to restrict the position of the cartridge-side terminals 400 is the first
cartridge-side locking surface 211. It is thus preferable to locate the first cartridge-side
locking surface 211 as close as possible to the cartridge-side terminals 400. Omitting
the third portion 215 of the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 and locating
the first portion 212 in contact with the first side 290 enables the first cartridge-side
locking surface 211 to be closer to the intersecting part 295 or the board end 405.
[0168] Fig. 13 also shows an X-axis direction range 250X of the third cartridge-side restriction
element 250 and an X-axis direction range 408X of the sloped terminal bearing structure
408. As clearly understood from this drawing, part of the third cartridge-side restriction
element 250 overlaps with the sloped terminal bearing structure 408 in the X-axis
direction, when the cartridge 20 is viewed from the first face 201-side in the +Z-axis
direction.
A-4. Detailed Structure of Holder 60:
A-4-1. General Structure of Holder 60:
[0169] Figs. 14 and 15 are perspective views illustrating the structure of the holder 60.
Fig. 16 is a top view illustrating the structure of the holder 60. Fig. 17 is a sectional
view, taken on line F16-F16 in Fig. 16. The projection 636 shown in Figs. 14 to 16
is omitted from the illustration of Fig. 17.
[0170] As described above, the holder 60 of the printer 50 has the five wall members 601,
603, 604, 605 and 606 to form the concave cartridge chamber 602 to receive the cartridge
20. The five wall members 601, 603, 604, 605 and 606 are collectively called "chamber-forming
wall members 600". According to this embodiment, the five wall members 601, 603, 604,
605 and 606 are resin plate members and are made of a synthetic resin, more specifically
modified polyphenylene ether (m-PPE).
[0171] The wall member 601 forms the bottom face of the concave cartridge chamber 602. The
wall members 603, 604, 605 and 606 form the side faces of the concave cartridge chamber
602. The wall member 601, the wall member 603, the wall member 604, the wall member
605 and the wall member 606 are respectively called " apparatus-side bottom wall member
601", "first apparatus-side side wall member 603", "second apparatus-side side wall
member 604", "third apparatus-side side wall member 605" and "fourth apparatus-side
side wall member 606".
[0172] Each of the printing material supply tubes 640 and each of the contact mechanisms
70 including the apparatus-side terminals are arrayed in the X-axis direction on the
wall member 601. The printing material supply tube 640 is located on the side of the
wall member 604, and the contact mechanism 70 is located on the side of the wall member
603. In other words, the printing material supply tube 640 is provided at the position
closer to the wall member 604 than the wall member 603. The contact mechanism 70 is
provided at the position closer to the wall member 603 than the printing material
supply tube 640.
[0173] The elastic member 648 is provided around the printing material supply tube 640 on
the wall member 601. As described above with reference to Fig. 5, the elastic member
648 seals the periphery of the ink supply structure 280 the cartridge 20 and thereby
prevents leakage of ink from the ink supply structure 280 to the periphery in the
attached state of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60. The elastic member 648 generates
the pressing force Ps in the direction of pressing back the ink supply structure 280
of the cartridge 20 (in the +Z-axis direction) in the attached state of the cartridge
20 to the holder 60 (Fig. 5).
[0174] As shown in Figs. 14 to 16, holder 60 has an opening OP on the upper side opposed
to the wall member 601 across the cartridge chamber 602. The cartridge 20 passes through
the opening Op when the cartridge 20 is attached to or detached from the holder 60.
[0175] The wall member 603 is vertically-angled relative to the wall member 601 on the +X-axis
direction side of the wall member 601. According to this embodiment, the most +X-axis
direction side of the wall member 603 forms an outer wall 603W. In the use attitude
of the printer 50, the outer wall 603W forms the front face of the holder 60. The
outer wall 603W is extended in the direction of the array of the plurality of cartridges
20 (Y-axis direction). A lever 80 used for attachment and detachment of the cartridge
20 is provided on the wall member 603. A lever 80 is fixed in movable manner, or more
precisely, in a rotatable manner to the wall member 603 via a retainer 690. In other
words, lever 80 is fixed to the retainer 690 forming part of the wall member 603.
An axis of rotation of the lever 80 is parallel to the Y-axis direction.
[0176] The retainer 690 is provided at a corner section (apparatus-side corner section)
600C (Fig. 17) where the side wall member 603 intersects the bottom wall member 601.
[0177] As shown in Fig. 5, the operating member 830 is provided on the +Z-axis direction
end of the lever 80. When the user presses this operating member 830 from the +X-axis
direction side toward the -X-axis direction side (i.e., when the user applies the
operating force Pr to the operating member 830), the lever 80 is turned counterclockwise
(seen from the +Y-axis direction) about the axis of rotation. The lever 80 is accordingly
rotated on the XZ plane parallel to the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.
[0178] The lever 80 is provided as a separate member from the chamber-forming wall members
601, 603, 604, 605 and 606. The lever 80 is made of a synthetic resin, more specifically
polyacetal (POM) according to this embodiment. The lever 80 has a certain level of
rigidity sufficient to lock the cartridge 20. More specifically, the lever 80 preferably
has rigidity that causes no substantial deformation of the lever 80 by a force (for
example, force of 14.4 N) applied from the cartridge 20 in the attached state. For
example, the deformation of the lever 80 by application of an external force of 14.4N
from the cartridge 20 is preferably not greater than about 0.5 mm. The lever 80 preferably
does not have any elastically deformable portion. This reduces the possibility that
the lever 80 is significantly deformed by the force applied from the cartridge 20
in the attached state of the cartridge 20 and ensures the stable electrical connection
between the cartridge-side terminals 400 and the apparatus-side terminals of the contact
mechanism 70. Providing the separate lever 80 from the chamber-forming wall members
601, 603, 604, 605 and 606 advantageously increases the degree of freedom in selection
of the material for the lever 80.
[0179] Referring back to Figs. 14 to 17, the wall member 604 is vertically-angled relative
to the wall member 601 on the -X-axis direction side of the wall member 601. The wall
member 604 is opposed to the wall member 603 across the cartridge chamber 602. According
to this embodiment, the wall member 604 forms the rear face of the holder 60 in the
use attitude of the printer 50. The wall member 604 is extended in the direction of
the array of the plurality of cartridges 20 (Y-axis direction). The second apparatus-side
restriction element 620 is provided on the wall member 604. The second apparatus-side
restriction element 620 is a through hole passing through the X-axis direction (Fig.
17). According to another embodiment, the second apparatus-side restriction element
620 may be a recess open to the cartridge chamber 602.
[0180] As described above with reference to Fig. 5, the second apparatus-side restriction
element 620 is configured to engage with the second cartridge-side restriction portion
220. The second apparatus-side restriction element 620 serves as a guide for attachment
and detachment of the cartridge 20 to and from the holder 60. The second apparatus-side
restriction element 620 locks the second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 in
the attached state of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60. More specifically, the second
apparatus-side restriction element 620 locks the second cartridge-side restriction
portion 220 at the second locking position 620L located on the +Z-axis direction side
and on the -X-axis direction side of the printing material supply tube 640. According
to this embodiment, the second apparatus-side restriction element 620 is structured
as a through hole having the size to receive the second cartridge-side restriction
portion 220 and has an apparatus-side locking surface 622. The apparatus-side locking
surface 622 is a plane facing in the -Z-axis direction and locks the restriction locking
surface 222 of the second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 (Fig. 11). A +X-axis
direction end 624 of the apparatus-side locking surface 622 is in contact with the
second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 and accordingly serves as the pivot
point of rotation for detachment of the cartridge 20 from the holder 60.
[0181] As shown in Fig. 17, the second apparatus-side side wall member 604 of the holder
60 has a space 670 provided on the +Z-axis direction side of the second apparatus-side
restriction element 620. The space 670 provides a room to allow rotation of the cartridge
20 about the vicinity of the second apparatus-side restriction element 620 as the
pivot point of rotation when the cartridge 20 is attached to or detached from the
holder 60. According to this embodiment, the space 670 is formed by steps recessed
in the -X-axis direction stepwise in the +Z-axis direction from the second apparatus-side
side wall member 604. According to another embodiment, the space 670 may be formed
by a sloped surface of the wall member 604 lowered in the -X-axis direction gradually
in the +Z-axis direction.
[0182] As shown in Figs. 14 to 16, the wall member 605 is vertically-angled relative to
the wall member 601 on the -Y-axis direction side of the wall member 601. According
to this embodiment, the wall member 605 forms the right side face of the holder 60
in the use attitude of the printer 50. The wall member 605 is connected with the wall
members 603 and 604. The wall member 605 is extended in the X-axis direction and crosses
the direction of the array of the plurality of cartridges 20 (Y-axis direction).
[0183] The wall member 606 is vertically-angled relative to the wall member 601 on the +Y-axis
direction side of the wall member 601. The wall member 606 is opposed to the wall
member 605 across the cartridge chamber 602. According to this embodiment, the wall
member 606 forms the left side face of the holder 60 in the use attitude of the printer
50. The wall member 606 is connected with the wall members 603 and 604. The wall member
606 is extended in the X-axis direction and crosses the direction of the array of
the plurality of cartridges 20 (Y-axis direction).
[0184] According to the positional relationships of the wall members 601 and 603 to 606
described above, the wall member 601 is perpendicular to the Z-axis direction; the
wall member 603 and the wall member 604 are opposed to each other in the X-axis direction;
the wall member 605 and the wall member 606 are opposed to each other in the Y-axis
direction; and the wall member 601 and the opening OP are opposed to each other in
the Z-axis direction.
[0185] The contact mechanism 70 is provided at the corner section 600C where the wall member
601 intersects the wall member 603 of the holder 60. The contact mechanism 70 is located
at the position closer to the wall member 603 than the printing material supply tube
640. The contact mechanism 70 includes a plurality of apparatus-side terminals corresponding
to and in contact with the respective terminals 431 to 439 of the cartridge-side terminals
400 (Fig. 10), and a terminal base on which the plurality of apparatus-side terminals
are located.
A-4-2.Detailed Structure of Contact Mechanism 70:
[0186] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the contact mechanism 70, which is detached from
the holder 60.
[0187] The contact mechanism 70 includes a terminal base 709 and apparatus-side terminals
or contact forming members 731 to 739 located on the terminal base 709. Each of the
apparatus-side terminals 731 to 739 is an elastic member having electrical conductivity
and has a protruded portion from an apparatus-side sloped surface 708, which is displaced
by an external force. The apparatus-side terminals 731 to 739 generate the pressing
or elastic force (pressing force) Pt in the direction of pressing back the circuit
board 40 of the cartridge 20 (direction including the +Z-axis direction vector component
and the -X-axis direction vector component) in the attached state of the cartridge
20 to the holder 60 (Fig. 5). The elastic force (pressing force) Pt is generated as
a reaction force when the cartridge 20 presses the apparatus-side terminals 731 to
739 protruded from the apparatus-side sloped surface 708 toward the apparatus-side
sloped surface 708. The resulting vector component of the elastic force PT generated
by the apparatus-side terminals 731 to 739 urges the cartridge 20 in the removal direction
RD, which is the direction opposite the mounting direction SD as described above.
[0188] The nine apparatus-side terminals 731 to 739 are provided at the positions corresponding
to the nine cartridge-side terminals 431 to 439. The apparatus-side terminal 731 is
called "attachment detection terminal (third terminal) 731". The apparatus-side terminal
732 is called "reset terminal 732". The apparatus-side terminal 733 is called "clock
terminal 733". The apparatus-side terminal 734 is called "attachment detection terminal
(fourth terminal) 734". The apparatus-side terminal 735 is called "attachment detection
terminal (first terminal) 735". The apparatus-side terminal 736 is called "power terminal
736". The apparatus-side terminal 737 is called "ground terminal 737". The apparatus-side
terminal 738 is called "data terminal 738". The apparatus-side terminal 739 is called
"attachment detection terminal (second terminal) 739". For differentiation from the
cartridge-side terminals, the word "apparatus-side" may be prefixed to each name.
For example, the "ground terminal 737" may be called "apparatus-side ground terminal
737". The nine apparatus-side terminals 731 to 739 are collectively called apparatus-side
terminals 700.
[0189] The nine apparatus-side terminals 731 to 739 are arrayed in a first apparatus-side
terminal line and a second apparatus-side terminal line having different positions
in the Z-axis direction. The first apparatus-side terminal line includes the five
apparatus-side terminals 735 to 739, and the second apparatus-side terminal line includes
the four apparatus-side terminals 731 to 734. The first apparatus-side terminal line
is located on the -Z-axis direction side of the second apparatus-side terminal line.
The number of the apparatus-side terminals is not limited to nine but may be varied
to any desired number greater than nine or less than nine according to the structure
of the circuit board 40.
[0190] Among the nine apparatus-side terminals 731 to 739, the apparatus-side ground terminal
737 located on the substantial center in the Y-axis direction is electrically connected
with a ground line (not shown). The height of the apparatus-side ground terminal 737
protruded from the apparatus-side sloped surface 708 is greater than the height of
the other apparatus-side terminals 731 to 736, 738 and 739. The apparatus-side ground
terminal 737 is accordingly in contact with the circuit board 40 of the cartridge
20 prior to the other apparatus-side terminals 731 to 736, 738 and 739.
[0191] According to this embodiment, in order to accelerate assembling the printer, the
apparatus-side terminals 731 to 739 are located on the terminal base 709 and are unitized
to the contact mechanism 70, which is incorporated in the holder 60. The unitized
contact mechanism 70 using the terminal base 709 is, however, not essential. According
to another embodiment, a suitable structure for receiving the apparatus-side terminals
731 to 739 may be formed integrally with the bottom wall member 601 or the outer wall
603W of the holder 60, and the apparatus-side terminals 731 to 739 may be incorporated
in the structure. The terminal base 709 is accordingly not essential.
A-4-3. Detailed Structure of Lever 80:
[0192] Fig. 19 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of the lever 80. Fig. 20
illustrates a cross section of a shaft body 850 taken on the plane parallel to the
X axis and the Z axis (XZ plane, plane perpendicular to the Y axis). Fig. 21 illustrates
a cross section of the lever 80 taken on the plane that passes through the central
region in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the lever 80 and is parallel to
the X axis and the Z axis (XZ plane, plane perpendicular to the Y axis). Fig. 21 shows
the cross section of the lever 80 in the state that the cartridge 20 is properly attached
at the designed attachment position of the holder 60.
[0193] As shown in Figs. 19 and 21, the lever 80 includes the operating member 830, a pair
of shaft bodies 850, a guide member 820, and the engagement portion 810. The lever
80 has the operating member 830 on one end (+Z-axis direction end) and the engagement
portion 810 on the other side (-Z-axis direction end). The lever 80 has an axis of
rotation 800c between the operating member 830 and the engagement portion 810. In
other words, the lever 80 pivots around the axis of rotation 800c at the position
between the operating member 830 and the engagement portion 810.
[0194] The operating member 830 of the lever 80 receives the external force applied by the
user. As shown in Fig. 21, the operating member 830 is provided at the +Z-axis direction
end of the lever 80. The operating member 830 is located on the +Z-axis direction
side of the axis of rotation 800c in the attached state of the cartridge 20 to the
holder 60. The operating member 830 is located on the +Z-axis direction side of the
first apparatus-side side wall member 603 of the holder 60 (Fig. 15).
[0195] The operating member 830 has an operation surface 835 and an operating-member opposed
surface 831. The operation surface 835 receives the external force (force Pr shown
in Fig. 5) applied by the user from the +X-axis direction side to the -X-axis direction
side for detachment of the cartridge 20 from the holder 60. The operating-member opposed
surface 831 is a face opposed to the cartridge 20 in the attached state of the cartridge
20 to the holder 60.
[0196] As shown in Fig. 19, the pair of shaft bodies 850 are provided at the substantially
middle position between the ends of the lever 80. The pair of shaft bodies 850 define
the axis of rotation 800c of the lever 80. The axis of rotation 800c is parallel to
the Y-axis direction (direction of the array of the cartridges 20). One shaft body
850a of the pair of shaft bodies 850 (called "first shaft body 850a") is protruded
in the +Y-axis direction from an outer surface 893 on the +Y-axis direction side of
the lever 80. The other shaft body 850b of the pair of shaft bodies 850 (called "second
shaft body 850b") is protruded in the -Y-axis direction from an outer surface 891
on the -Y-axis direction side of the lever 80. The outer surfaces 891 and 893 are
also called side faces 891 and 893. The pair of shaft bodies 850 provided on the lever
80 readily define the axis of rotation 800c by using a retainer as described later.
[0197] According to this embodiment, each of the shaft bodies 850 has an inner arc-shaped
surface 852, an outer arc-shaped surface 854, and radial side faces 856 and 858. The
respective faces 852, 854, 856 and 858 form the circumferential surface of the shaft
body 850. The inner arc-shaped surface 852 and the outer arc-shaped surface 854 are
respectively called "first curved surface 852" and "second curved surface 854". The
centers of the inner arc-shaped surface 852 and the outer arc-shaped surface 854 correspond
to the axis of rotation 800c. The inner arc-shaped surface 852 is located at the position
closer to the second apparatus-side side wall member 604 than (i.e., on the -X-axis
direction side of) the outer arc-shaped surface 854.
[0198] As shown in Fig. 20, the inner arc-shaped surface 852 forms an arc of radius R1a
about the axis of rotation 800c on the cross section parallel to the X axis and the
Z axis. The outer arc-shaped surface 854 forms an arc of radius R2a about the axis
of rotation 800c on the cross section parallel to the X axis and the Z axis. The radius
R1a is smaller than the radius R2a. As described above, each shaft body 850 has the
concentric inner arc-shaped surface 852 and outer arc-shaped surface 854, which is
located at the position closer to the second apparatus-side side wall member 604 than
the outer arc-shaped surface 854, as part of the circumferential surface. The axis
of rotation 800c can thus be located at the closer position to the cartridge 20 in
the cartridge chamber 602 without interfering with the cartridge 20. This enables
the engagement portion 212 of the first restriction portion 210 of the cartridge 20
to be locked by the engagement portion 810, while reducing a deviation from the first
locking position 810L. If the axis of rotation 800c were located at the distant position
from the cartridge 20, any shift of the lever 80 from the attachment position designed
for the correctly mounted state of the cartridge 20 causes a significant displacement
of the engagement portion 810 in the Z-axis direction. Locating the axis of rotation
800c at the closer position from the cartridge 20 advantageously reduces the displacement
of the engagement portion 810 in the Z-axis direction when the lever 80 is shifted
from the standard attitude in the state of the cartridge 20 properly attached at the
designed attachment position. Namely such positioning enables the cartridge 20 to
be locked by the engagement portion 810 with the less deviation from the first locking
position 810L. Setting the greater radius R2a of the outer arc-shaped surface 854
than the radius R1a of the inner arc-shaped surface 852 advantageously prevents the
strength degradation of the shaft body 850. The "locking position (first locking position)
810L" means the position where a first apparatus-side locking surface 811 (first part
of the engagement portion 810) abuts the first cartridge-side locking surface 211
(first abutting part of the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210) when the
cartridge 20 is attached at the attachment position set as the ideal designed position.
[0199] The engagement portion 810 serves to lock the cartridge 20 in the attached state
and restrict the motion of the cartridge 20. As shown in Fig. 21, the engagement portion
810 is provided on the -Z-axis direction end of the lever 80. The engagement portion
810 is located on the -Z-axis direction side of the axis of rotation 800c in the attached
state of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60.
[0200] As shown in Fig. 21, the engagement portion 810 locks the first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210 (Fig. 5) by two parts. The engagement portion 810 includes the first apparatus-side
locking surface 811 as the first part (the first apparatus-side restriction element),
a groove 815 and a second apparatus-side locking surface 813 as the second part (the
second apparatus-side restriction element). According to this embodiment, the two
apparatus-side locking surfaces 811 and 813 of the engagement portion 810 are located
to intersect each other.
[0201] The first apparatus-side locking surface 811 is a curved surface in an arc shape
around the axis of rotation 800c. The first apparatus-side locking surface 811 accordingly
has the arc shape around the axis of rotation 800c on the cross section parallel to
the X axis and the Z axis (i.e., cross section parallel to the XZ plane, cross section
perpendicular to the Y axis). For attachment of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60,
this structure enables the first apparatus-side locking surface 811 to be smoothly
moved to the locking position 810L and lock the cartridge 20. For detachment of the
cartridge 20 from the holder 60, this structure enables the first apparatus-side locking
surface 811 to smoothly unlock the cartridge 20. This structure accordingly ensures
smooth attachment and detachment of the cartridge 20 to and from the holder 60.
[0202] At the locking position (first locking position) 810L, the first apparatus-side locking
surface 811 is close to the axis of rotation 800c in the X-axis direction. In other
words, at the locking position (first locking position) 810L, the first apparatus-side
locking surface 811 is located approximately beneath the axis of rotation 800c according
to this embodiment. More specifically, at the locking position (first locking position)
810L, the first apparatus-side locking surface 811 is located on the slightly -X-axis
direction side of the axis of rotation 800c. At the locking position 810L, the first
apparatus-side locking surface 811 accordingly defines a plane intersecting at an
approximately right angle the +Z-axis direction force which the cartridge 20 in the
attached state receives from the apparatus-side terminals 700 and the elastic member
648. According to this embodiment, the plane in contact with the first apparatus-side
locking surface 811 as the curved surface is a substantially horizontal plane at the
locking position 810L. This reduces the possibility of releasing the engagement between
the first cartridge-side locking surface 211 and the first apparatus-side locking
surface 811 while the cartridge 20 is mounted in the printer. The first locking position
810L in the X-axis direction is thus preferably the position close to the axis of
rotation 800c and on the -X-axis direction side of the axis of rotation 800c. This
makes the plane in contact with the first apparatus-side locking surface 811 substantially
horizontal and prevents application of the +X-axis direction force from the cartridge
20 in the attached state to the first apparatus-side locking surface 811. Locating
the first locking position 810L close to the axis of rotation 800c in the X-axis direction
advantageously reduces a deviation of the locking position in the Z-axis direction
even when the actual locking position of the first cartridge-side locking surface
211 and the first apparatus-side locking surface 811 is slightly deviated from the
first locking position 810L. In other words, this reduces the deviation of the cartridge
20 in the Z-axis direction relative to the holder 60 and ensures the good electrical
connection of the cartridge-side terminals 400 with the apparatus-side terminals 700.
For example, on the cross section of the lever 80 taken on the plane parallel to the
X axis and the Z axis, the first locking position 810L should be located, such that
an angle A between the straight line passing through the axis of rotation 800c and
parallel to the Z-axis direction and the straight line connecting the axis of rotation
800c with the first locking position 810L is preferably not greater than 15 degrees,
more preferably not greater than 10 degrees, and further preferably not greater than
5 degrees. The angle A is also preferably not less than 1 degree.
[0203] As shown in Fig. 19, the guide member 820 is provided between the operating member
830 and the engagement portion 810 to be extended from the +Z-axis direction end to
the -Z-axis direction end. The guide member 820 serves to guide the first cartridge-side
restriction portion 210 (shown in Fig. 12) to the engagement portion 810, while restricting
the motion of the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction in the course of attachment
of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60. The cartridge 20 can thus be properly attached
at the designed attachment position.
[0204] The guide member 820 is a recess formed by a guide bottom wall 821 provided along
the Y-axis direction and a pair of guide walls 860 being vertically-angled toward
the - X-axis direction from the guide bottom wall 821. The guide bottom wall 821 and
the pair of guide walls 860 readily form the recess to receive the first cartridge-side
restriction portion 210 structured as the projection. The pair of guide walls 860
include a first guide wall 860a provided on the +Y-axis direction side and a second
guide wall 860b provided on the -Y-axis direction side. The shaft body 850a is located
on the outer surface 893 of the first guide wall 860a, whilst the shaft body 850b
is located on the outer surface 891 of the second guide wall 860b.
[0205] The space between the two guide walls 860a and 860b, i.e., the distance between the
inner surfaces of the two guide walls 860a and 860b, is less than the Y-axis direction
length of the cartridge 20 but is greater than the Y-axis direction length of the
first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 (as can be seen in Fig. 12). For attachment
of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60, the first cartridge-side restriction portion
210 is received by the guide member 820 and is readily and securely guided to the
engagement portion 810, while the pair of guide walls 860a and 860b restrict the motion
of the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction and the guide bottom wall 821 restricts
the motion of the cartridge 20 in the Z-axis direction.
[0206] One part of the guide bottom wall 821 on the side of the engagement portion 810 has
a groove 870 configured to receive the second portion 214 of the first cartridge-side
restriction portion 210 (Fig. 12). The groove 870 is recessed from the surface of
the guide bottom wall 821 in the +X-axis direction. The groove 870 is extended from
the middle in the +Z-axis direction of the guide bottom wall 821 to its -Z-axis direction
end.
[0207] The lever 80 set on the holder 60 is configured to move the first apparatus-side
locking surface 811 to the first locking position 810L by its dead weight. The lever
80 is tilted to locate the first apparatus-side locking surface 811 on the -X-axis
direction side of the axis of rotation 800c (Fig. 21), when the shaft bodies 850 are
retained by the retainer 690. According to one embodiment, the lever 80 may be tilted
by locating the center of gravity of the lever 80 on the -Z-axis direction side and
on the -X-axis direction side of the axis of rotation 800c. According to another embodiment,
the lever 80 may be tilted by locating the center of gravity of the lever 80 on the
+Z-axis direction side and on the +X-axis direction side of the axis of rotation 800c.
A-4-4. Detailed Structure of Retainer 690:
[0208] Fig. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the retainer 690 and a perspective view
of the lever 80. The lever 80 is retained by the retainer 690, so as to be attached
to the holder 60 in a rotatable manner. Fig. 22 shows partial structure of the retainer
690 to retain the lever 80. The retainer 690 is structured by a combination of a first
retainer member 650 and a second retainer member 680. The retainer 690 is made of
a synthetic resin, more specifically ABS resin according to this embodiment.
[0209] The first retainer member 650 has a pair of standing portions 651 and a through hole
658. According to this embodiment, the first retainer member 650 also has the projection
636 serving as the third apparatus-side restriction element.
[0210] The pair of standing portions 651 of the first retainer member 650 are arranged across
a space for receiving the lever 80. Each of the standing portions 651 has a bearing
element 654 to receive the shaft body 850 of the lever 80. According to this embodiment,
each of the standing portions 651 also has an engagement hole 656 serving to engage
the second retainer member 680.
[0211] The second retainer member 680 has a pair of standing portions 681 and a through
hole 688. According to this embodiment, the second retainer member 680 also has an
elastic member 682.
[0212] The pair of standing portions 681 of the second retainer member 680 are arranged
across the same space as that between the pair of standing portions 651 of the first
retainer member 650. Each of the standing portions 681 has a block surface 684 to
block the bearing element 654, in order to prevent the shaft body 850 of the lever
80 from being unintentionally uncoupled from the bearing element 654. According to
this embodiment, each of the standing portions 681 also has an engagement projection
686 to be fit in the engagement hole 656 of the first retainer member 650.
[0213] For attachment of the lever 80 to the holder 60, the lever 80 is located between
the pair of standing portions 651 by setting the respective shaft bodies 850 of the
lever 80 into the corresponding bearing elements 654 of the pair of standing portions
651 of the first retainer member 650. Subsequently the two retainer members 650 and
680 are assembled, so that the bearing elements 654 with the shaft bodies 850 of the
lever 80 fit therein are blocked by the corresponding block surfaces 684 of the second
retainer member 680. The first and second retainer members 650 and 680 are then fixed
to the wall of the holder 60, for example, with screws set in the through holes 658
and 688. This attaches the lever 80 to the holder 60 in a rotatable manner.
[0214] Fig. 23 is a sectional view showing the structure of the periphery of the lever 80
in the attached state of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60. The relationship between
the shaft body 852 of the lever 80 and the bearing element 654 of the first retainer
member 650 is described with reference to Fig. 23. Fig. 23 shows the cross section
of the lever 80 locking the cartridge 20 taken on the plane passing through the first
apparatus-side locking surface 811 and parallel to the X axis and the Z axis. The
broken line in Fig. 23 shows the projected shape of the shaft body 850 of the lever
80, and the two-dot chain line shows the projected shape of the bearing element 654
and the block surface 684.
[0215] As clearly understood from Fig. 23, the axis of rotation 800c of the lever 80 is
positioned through the contact of the inner arc-shaped surface 852 and the outer arc-shaped
surface 854 of the shaft body 850 with the bearing element 654. Turning the lever
80 counterclockwise (seen from the +Y-axis direction) causes the radial side face
856 of the shaft body 850 to abut the bearing element 654. This restricts further
counterclockwise rotation of the lever 80 (seen from the +Y-axis direction). Turning
the lever 80 clockwise (seen from the +Y-axis direction) causes the radial side face
858 of the shaft body 850 to abut the block surface 684. This restricts further clockwise
rotation of the lever 80 (seen from the +Y-axis direction). This ensures stable rotation
of the lever 80 and keeps the cartridge 20 at the designed attachment position in
the stable state.
[0216] During rotation of the lever 80, the elastic member 682 abuts an engagement rear
face 880 of the lever 80 located on the -Z-axis direction side of the axis of rotation
800c. The elastic member 682 accordingly limits the rotatable range of the lever 80
during attachment and detachment of the cartridge 20 to and from the holder 60. In
attachment of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60, the elastic member 682 abuts the
engagement rear face 880 of the lever 80 and is elastically deformed, so as to press
the engagement rear face 880 in the direction including the -X-axis direction vector
component. This ensures the movement of the engagement portion 810 of the lever 80
to the locking position (first locking position) 810L.
A-5. Attachment and Detachment of Cartridge 20 to and from Holder 60:
[0217] Figs. 24 to 27 show the procedure for attachment or mounting of the cartridge 20
to the holder 60 (attachment procedure). Figs. 24 to 27 are sectional views corresponding
to Figs. 5 and 17 and are arranged in time series in this order.
[0218] For attachment of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60, the procedure first inserts
the cartridge 20 through the top face of the holder 60 as shown in Fig. 24. The procedure
then moves the cartridge 20 in the -Z axis direction or mounting direction to make
the second cartridge-side restriction portion 220-side of the cartridge 20 enter first
into the holder 60 and inserts the second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 into
the second apparatus-side restriction element 620. In the state of Fig. 24, the first
cartridge-side restriction portion 210 of the cartridge 20 is located on the +Z-axis
direction side of the engagement portion 810 of the lever 80 in the holder 60.
[0219] The cartridge 20 is pivoted clockwise (seen from the +Y-axis direction) about the
second cartridge-side restriction portion 220, which is inserted in the second apparatus-side
restriction element 620, as the pivot point of rotation from the state of Fig. 24,
so that the third face 203-side of the cartridge 20 is moved toward the bottom wall
member 601 of the holder 60. As shown in Fig. 25, the first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210 then moves in the -Z-axis direction, while the motion of the cartridge
20 in the Y-axis direction and in the X-axis direction is restricted by the guide
member 820 of the lever 80, i.e., the pair of guide walls 860a and 860b, and by the
guide bottom wall 821 shown in Fig. 19.
[0220] When the cartridge 20 is further turned from the state of Fig. 25 to press in its
third face 203-side, the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is further pressed
in the - Z-axis direction. As shown in Fig. 26, the lever 80 is then pressed in the
-X-axis direction by the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 to turn counterclockwise
(seen from the +Y-axis direction). The lever 80 abuts the elastic member 682 and receives
the pressing force from the elastic member 682 in the direction to press back the
lever 80 clockwise (seen from the +Y-axis direction). This pressing force is an external
force including a -X-axis direction vector component. The rotatable range of the lever
80 is accordingly limited by the elastic member 682. This state of Fig. 26 where the
lever 80 abuts the elastic member 682 and is pressed by the elastic member 682 maintains
until the cartridge 20 is further pressed in and the first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210 rides over the guide member 820 of the lever 80.
[0221] When the cartridge 20 is further turned from the state of Fig. 26 to press in its
third face 203-side, the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 eventually rides
over the guide member 820 of the lever 80. The lever 80 is then turned to move the
first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 in the -X-axis direction as shown in
Fig. 27. The engagement portion 810 accordingly moves to the first locking position
810L and locks the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 at the first locking
position 810L. More specifically, as shown by the lower right close-up view, the first
apparatus-side locking surface 811 (first part) of the engagement portion 810 abuts
the first cartridge-side locking surface 211 (first abutting part) of the first cartridge-side
restriction portion 210, so as to restrict the motion of the cartridge 20 in the +Z-axis
direction. The second apparatus-side locking surface 813 (second part) of the engagement
portion 810 also abuts the second cartridge-side locking surface 213 (second abutting
part) of the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210, so as to restrict the motion
of the cartridge 20 in the +X-axis direction. Although the first cartridge-side locking
surface 211 and second cartridge-side locking surface 213 are shown in the close-up
view of Fig. 27 as being two separate substantially orthogonal surfaces, as can be
seen in Fig. 27A, the first portion 212 of the first restriction portion 210 can be
formed with a curved surface so that the first cartridge-side locking surface 211
and second cartridge-side locking surface 213 are configured as separate sections
of the same surface. Alternatively, as can be seen in Fig. 27B, the first portion
212 of the first restriction portion 210 can be formed with a flat slanted surface
or other shape so that the first cartridge-side locking surface 211 and second cartridge-side
locking surface 213 are configured as separate sections of the same surface. As part
of the mounting, the ink supply structure 280 of the cartridge 20 is then connected
with the printing material supply tube 640, while the second cartridge-side restriction
portion 220 engages with the second apparatus-side restriction element 620 and the
first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 engages with the engagement portion 810.
This completes the attachment of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60. The proper attachment
of the cartridge 20 at the designed attachment position makes electrical connection
between the cartridge-side terminals 400 and the apparatus-side terminals 700, so
as to allow signal transmission between the cartridge 20 and the printer 50.
[0222] According to this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 23 and 27, the elastic member 682
is configured not to abut the lever 80 and thereby not to apply an external force
to the lever 80 in the attached state of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60. This reduces
the possibility of plastic deformation of the lever 80 by external force and the possibility
of deviation of the engagement portion 810 from the first locking position 810L. This
accordingly ensures stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals
400 and the apparatus-side terminals 700.
[0223] According to another embodiment, the elastic member 682 may be designed to abut the
lever 80 and thereby apply a force to the lever 80 in the direction including the
- X-axis direction vector component in the attached state of the cartridge 20 to the
holder 60. In this application, the elastic member 682 continuously applies the force
to the lever 80 in the direction including the -X-axis direction vector component,
irrespective of the position of the lever 80. This moves the engagement portion 810
with sufficient force to the first locking position 810L for attachment of the cartridge
20 to the holder 60. This gives the hard click to inform the user of locking the cartridge
20 by the engagement portion 810.
[0224] According to another embodiment, the elastic member 682 may be omitted. This application
decreases the total number of parts.
[0225] The procedure of detachment of the cartridge 20 from the holder 60 is described.
For detachment of the cartridge 20 from the holder 60, the user presses the operating
member 830 in the -X-axis direction. In other words, the user applies the external
force Pr (Fig. 5) to the operating member 830 in the direction including the -X-axis
direction vector component. The lever 80 then moves the engagement portion 810 around
the axis of rotation 800c in the direction including the +X-axis direction vector
component. Simultaneously the first cartridge-side locking surface 211 rotates and
moves in the direction of arrow Y22 shown in Fig. 23. This disengages the first cartridge-side
restriction portion 210 from the engagement portion 810 and eliminates the restriction
on the motion of the third face 203-side of the cartridge 20 in the +Z-axis direction.
Eliminating the restriction on the motion of the cartridge 20 in the +Z-axis direction
causes the third face 203-side of the cartridge 20 to move in the +Z-axis direction
by the pressing force Pt from the contact mechanism 70. This moves the cartridge 20
from the state of Fig. 27 to the state of Fig. 26. The cartridge 20 is further turned
counterclockwise (seen from the +Y-axis direction) about the second cartridge-side
restriction portion 220 inserted in the second apparatus-side restriction element
620 as the pivot point of rotation, in order to pull away the third face 203-side
of the cartridge 20 from the bottom wall member 601 of the holder 60. This moves the
cartridge 20 from the state of Fig. 26 to the state of Fig. 25 and further to the
state of Fig. 24. The user may apply force to the projection 260 in the direction
including the - X-axis direction vector component, in order to turn the cartridge
20. This operation turns the third face 203-side of the cartridge 20 counterclockwise
(seen from the +Y-axis direction) and moves the third face 203-side of the cartridge
20 in the +Z-axis direction. The user holds the third face 203-side of the cartridge
20 and pulls away the second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 from the second
apparatus-side restriction element 620, so as to remove the cartridge 20 from the
holder 60.
[0226] As shown in the close-up view of Fig. 27, the operating member 830 of the lever 80
includes the operating-member opposed surface 831. For removal of the cartridge 20
in the attached state from the holder 60, when the user presses the operating member
830, the operating-member opposed surface 831 is in contact with the projection 260.
The operating-member opposed surface 831 is inclined in a direction including a -X-axis
direction vector component and a +Z-axis direction vector component. Turning the lever
80 about the axis of rotation 800c in the direction of arrow Y27 causes the operating-member
opposed surface 831 to be in contact with the projection 260 and presses the projection
260 in a direction Yh including the -X-axis direction vector component and the +Z-axis
direction vector component. This facilitates detachment of the cartridge 20 from the
holder 60. Even when the cartridge 20 is stuck by some part of the holder 60 and is
not moved in the +Z-axis direction through the travel of the first cartridge-side
locking surface 211 from the first locking position 810L in the +X-axis direction,
the third face 203-side of the cartridge 20 can be moved in the +Z-axis direction
by using the operating-member opposed surface 831 and the projection 260.
A-6. Attachment Detection Method Using Attachment Detection Terminals:
[0227] Fig. 28 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical structure of the circuit board
40 of the cartridge 20 and the printer 50 according to the first embodiment. The printer
50 includes a display panel 590, a power circuit 580, a main control circuit 570 and
a sub-control circuit 550. The display panel 590 serves as a display unit to notify
the user of various information, for example, the operating condition of the printer
50 and the attachment state of the cartridge 20. The display panel 590 may be provided
on an operation unit (not shown) visible from outside of the printer 50. The power
circuit 580 includes a first power supply 581 to generate a first power-supply voltage
VDD and a second power supply 582 to generate a second power-supply voltage VHV. The
first power-supply voltage VDD is the ordinary power-supply voltage (e.g., rated voltage
of 3.3 V) used for logic circuits. The second power-supply voltage VHV is the high
voltage (e.g., rated voltage of 42 V) used to drive the head 540 (Fig. 2) for ink
ejection. These voltages VDD and VHV are supplied to the sub-control circuit 550,
while being supplied to the other circuits as needed basis. The main control circuit
570 includes a CPU 571 and a memory 572. The sub-control circuit 550 includes a memory
control circuit 551 and an attachment detection circuit 552. The circuit structure
including the main control circuit 570 and the sub-control circuit 550 is called "control
circuit".
[0228] Among the nine terminals provided on the circuit board 40 of the cartridge 20 (Fig.
10), the reset terminal 432, the clock terminal 433, the power terminal 436, the ground
terminal 437 and the data terminal 438 are electrically connected with the memory
unit 420. The memory unit 420 is a nonvolatile memory without an address terminal.
In the memory unit 420, a memory cell to be accessed is determined, based on the pulse
number of clock signal SCK input from the clock terminal 433 and command data input
from the data terminal 438. The memory unit 420 receives data from the data terminal
438 or sends data to the data terminal 438, in synchronism with the clock signal SCK.
The clock terminal 433 is used to supply the clock signal SCK from the sub-control
circuit 550 (Fig. 28) to the memory unit 420. The printer 50 applies the power-supply
voltage (for example, rated voltage of 3.3 V) for driving the memory unit 420 and
the ground voltage (0 V) respectively to the power terminal 436 and to the ground
terminal 437. The power-supply voltage for driving the memory unit 420 may be the
first power-supply voltage VDD directly applied by the printer 50 or may be generated
from the first power-supply voltage VDD to be lower than the first power-supply voltage
VDD. The data terminal 438 is used for transmission of data signal SDA between the
sub-control circuit 550 and the memory unit 420. The reset terminal 432 is used to
supply reset signal RST from the sub-control circuit 550 to the memory unit 420. The
four attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 are interconnected by wiring
in the circuit board 40 of the cartridge 20 (Fig. 3) and are all grounded. For example,
the attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 are connected with the ground
terminal 437 to be grounded. According to another embodiment, the attachment detection
terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 may be grounded by any connection path without the
ground terminal 437. As clearly understood from this description, the attachment detection
terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 may be connected with part of the memory terminals
(or memory unit 420), but is preferably not connected with any memory terminals other
than the ground terminal 437 or the memory unit 420. Non-connection of the attachment
detection terminals with the memory terminal or the memory unit results in application
of no signal or voltage other than an attachment check signal to the attachment detection
terminals and thus ensures the accurate attachment detection. The four attachment
detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 are interconnected by wiring in the illustrated
example of Fig. 28, but part of the connection path may be replaced by a resistance.
[0229] In Fig. 28, path names SCK, VDD, SDA, RST, OV1, OV2, DT1 and DT2 are assigned to
the respective connection paths connecting the apparatus-side terminals 731 to 739
with the cartridge-side terminals 431 to 439 of the circuit board 40. The signal names
are used for the path names with respect to the connection paths to the memory unit
420.
[0230] Fig. 29 illustrates the connection between the circuit board 40 and the attachment
detection circuit 552. The four attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439
of the circuit board 40 are connected with the attachment detection circuit 552 via
the corresponding apparatus-side terminals 731, 734, 735 and 739. The four attachment
detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 of the circuit board 40 are grounded. The
connection paths between the apparatus-side terminals 731, 734, 735 and 739 and the
attachment detection circuit 552 are respectively connected to the power-supply voltage
VDD (rated voltage of 3.3 V) in the sub-control circuit 550 via pull-up resistance.
[0231] In the illustrated example of Fig. 29, the three terminals 431, 434 and 435 of the
four attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 on the circuit board 40
have good connection with the corresponding apparatus-side terminals 731, 734 and
735. The attachment detection terminal 439, however, has poor connection with the
corresponding apparatus-side terminal 739. The voltage level of the connection paths
for the three apparatus-side terminals 731, 734 and 735 in the good connection state
is L level (ground voltage level), whilst the voltage level of the connection path
for the apparatus-side terminal 739 in the poor connection state is H level (power-supply
voltage VDD level). The attachment detection circuit 552 may check the voltage levels
of these connection paths, so as to identify the good/poor connection state with respect
to each of the four attachment detection terminals 731, 734, 735 and 739.
[0232] The contact portions cp of the four attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435
and 439 on the circuit board 40 are located outside a first area 400P, which includes
the contact portions cp of the memory terminals 432, 433, 436, 437 and 438. The contact
portions cp of the four attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 are located
at four corners of a quadrilateral second area 400T, which includes the first area
400P. The first area 400P is preferably a smallest possible quadrilateral including
the contact portions cp of the five memory terminals 432, 433, 436, 437 and 438. The
second area 400T is preferably a smallest possible quadrilateral including all the
contact portions cp of the cartridge-side terminals 431 to 439.
[0233] In the state of good contact for all the four attachment detection terminals 431,
434, 435 and 439, the cartridge 20 has no significant tilt and ensures the good contact
for the memory terminals 432, 433, 436, 437 and 438. In the state of poor contact
for any one or more of the four attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439,
on the other hand, the cartridge 20 has a significant tilt and may cause the poor
contact for any one or more of the memory terminals 432, 433, 436, 437 and 438. According
to a preferable embodiment, in the state of poor contact for any one or more of the
four attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439, the attachment detection
circuit 552 displays information (character string or image) indicating the failed
attachment on the display panel 590 to notify the user of the failed attachment.
[0234] The contact portions cp of the attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439
are arranged at the four corners surrounding the first area 400P including the contact
portions cp of the memory terminals 432, 433, 436, 437 and 438, because of the following
reason. In the attached state of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60, there is a certain
margin for tilting the cartridge 20, so that the circuit board 40 of the cartridge
20 may be inclined relative to the contact mechanism 70 of the holder 60. For example,
tilting the cartridge 20 to make the terminals 431 to 434 (more specifically their
contact portions) in the upper line R2 (Fig. 10A) on the circuit board 40 more distant
from the contact mechanism 70 than the terminals 435 to 439 (more specifically their
contact portions) in the lower line R1 (Fig. 10A) may result in the poor contact for
any of the terminals 431 to 434 in the upper line R2. Tilting the cartridge 20 to
make the terminals 435 to 439 (more specifically their contact portions) in the lower
line R1 on the circuit board 40 more distant from the contact mechanism 70 than the
terminals 431 to 434 (more specifically their contact portions) in the upper line
R2 may result in the poor contact for any the terminals 435 to 439 in the lower line
R1. Tilting the cartridge 20 to make the left edge of the circuit board 40 (Fig. 10A)
more distant from the contact mechanism 70 than the right edge may result in the poor
contact for any of the terminals 431, 432, 435, 436 and 437 on the left side of the
circuit board 40. Tilting the cartridge 20 to make the right edge of the circuit board
40 more distant from the contact mechanism 70 than the left edge may result in the
poor contact for any of the terminals 433, 434, 437, 438 and 439 on the right side
of the circuit board 40. The poor contact may cause an error in reading data from
the memory unit 420 or in writing data into the memory unit 420. Checking the contact
portions cp of all the four attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439,
which are arranged at the four corners outside the first area 400P including the contact
portions cp of the memory terminals 432, 433, 436, 437 and 438, for the good/poor
contact advantageously prevents the poor contact and a resulting access error in the
memory unit 420 due to such tilting of the cartridge 20.
A-7. Advantageous Effects of Embodiment:
A-7-1. Certain of The Advantageous Effects of This Embodiment Compared with
[0236] In the printing material supply system 10 according to this embodiment, the lever
80 is provided on the holder 60, and the first cartridge-side restriction portion
210 is provided on the cartridge 20. The cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is
located on the -Z-axis direction side of the axis of rotation 800c of the lever 80.
The engagement member for engaging with the holder is not located at the position
between the axis of rotation and the operating member of the lever, unlike the structures
in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811 in which the lever is integral with the cartridge. There is accordingly no need to
make a relatively large distance between the lever and the cartridge side face. The
structure of the embodiment accordingly shortens the distance between the lever 80
and the third face 203 of the cartridge 20, i.e., the dimension in the X-axis direction,
while shortening the length of the lever, i.e., the dimension in the Z-axis direction.
This allows significant size reduction of the printer 50 and the whole printing material
supply system 10, as well as size reduction of packaging for transportation and distribution
of the cartridges 20, which advantageously reduces the transportation cost and the
parts cost. This advantageous effect is not achieved by simply providing the lever
on the printer holder instead of the cartridge as described in
U.S. Patent No. 6,276,780. This advantageous effect is achieved by providing the axis of rotation 800c of the
lever 80 between the operating member 830 and the engagement portion 810 and locating
the cartridge-side restriction portion 210 on the -Z-axis direction side of the axis
of rotation 800c of the lever 80.
[0237] The printing material supply system 10 according to the embodiment includes the relatively
short lever 80 and the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 of the small size
and the simple structure (e.g., projection). This increases the rigidity of the lever
80 and the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210, compared with the structures
described in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, and allows the relatively high-rigidity material to be selected for the lever 80
and the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 (cartridge 20). This results
in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation or creep deformation
of the lever 80 and the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210. In the attached
state, the cartridge 20 can be kept at the proper position in the holder 60, which
maintains the normal or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals 431 to 439
and the apparatus-side terminals 731 to 739 and reduces the poor continuity. Since
the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 of this embodiment has the small
size and the simple structure, no special care to prevent plastic deformation of the
lever is required in packaging for transportation and distribution of the cartridges
20, especially in vacuum packaging, unlike the cartridges of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811. This improves the user's convenience. Providing the projection as the first cartridge-side
restriction portion 210 as described in the embodiment is especially preferable for
this advantageous effect.
[0238] In the printing material supply system 10 according to the embodiment, the cartridge-side
restriction portion 210 is located on the -Z-axis direction side of the axis of rotation
800c of the lever 80. As described previously, the apparatus-side terminals 731 to
739 generate the pressing force Pt in the direction of pressing back the circuit board
40 (i.e., in the direction including the +Z-axis direction vector component and the
- X-axis direction vector component) in the attached state of the cartridge 20. This
pressing force Pt is expected to move the cartridge 20 in the +Z-axis direction in
the attached state. In the printing material supply system 10 of the embodiment, however,
the axis of rotation 800c of the lever 80 is located on the -Z-axis direction side
of the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210, so that the lever 80 restricts
the motion of the cartridge 20 from the +Z-axis direction side to the -Z-axis direction
side.
[0239] According to this embodiment, the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is
located on the -Z-axis direction side and on the -X-axis direction side of the axis
of rotation 800c of the lever 80. When the cartridge 20 moves in the +Z-axis direction,
rotational moment arises on the lever 80 as shown by arrow M in Fig. 5. This moment
acts to cause the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 to be strongly pressed
in the -X-axis direction by the engagement portion 810. This moment also acts to move
the engagement portion 810 of the lever 80 in accordance with moving the cartridge
20 in the -X-axis direction by the X-axis direction vector component of the pressing
force Pt. The cartridge 20 in the attached state accordingly receives the force to
be pressed against the apparatus-side bottom wall member 601 and the second apparatus-side
side wall member 604. This structure of the embodiment prevents the cartridge 20 from
being unintentionally uncoupled from the holder 60, thus maintaining the normal or
good contact between the cartridge-side terminals 431 to 439 and the apparatus-side
terminals 731 to 739 and reducing the possibility of poor continuity.
[0240] As shown in Fig. 27, the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 includes the
first cartridge-side locking surface 211 that abuts the first part 811 of the engagement
portion 810 to restrict the motion of the cartridge 20 in the +Z-axis direction, and
the second cartridge-side locking surface 213 that abuts the second part 813 of the
engagement portion 810 to restrict the motion of the cartridge 20 in the +X-axis direction.
This ensures production of the rotational moment as shown by the arrow M in Fig. 5
and more effectively reduces the possibility of poor continuity between the cartridge-side
terminals 431 to 439 and the apparatus-side terminals 731 to 739.
[0241] As shown in Fig. 12, according to this embodiment, the first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210 has the second portion 214. The first cartridge-side restriction portion
210 reduces the possibility that the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210
is locked at the position on the -Z-axis direction side of the engagement portion
810 in attachment of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60. In the course of attachment
of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60, the user may press the cartridge 20 deeper in
the -Z-axis direction into the holder 60 than the state of Fig. 27. Even in this case,
the second portion 214 of the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 abuts the
second apparatus-side locking surface 813 of the lever 80, so as to prevent the first
cartridge-side restriction portion 210 from being located on the -Z-axis direction
side of the engagement portion 810. This reduces the possibility that the first cartridge-side
restriction portion 210 is locked by the engagement portion 810 at the unintended
locking position.
A-7-2. Reduction of Effects of External Force in Attached State of Cartridge:
[0242] Fig. 30 shows the external force applied to the cartridge 20 in the attached or mounted
state. During printing operation of the printer 50, the holder 60 and the cartridge
20 move reciprocally in the main scanning direction (Y-axis direction or width direction
of the cartridge 20). The cartridge 20 accordingly receives external force (inertial
force) during acceleration and deceleration of the holder 60 in the width direction.
The cartridge 20 receiving the external force may turn about the ink supply structure
280 (Fig. 27) and the printing material supply tube 640 in the rotating direction
including the width direction vector component (Y-axis direction vector component).
More specifically, the third face 203-side of the cartridge 20 may turn in the direction
of arrow YR1, while the fourth face 204-side of the cartridge 20 may turn in the direction
of arrow YR2. The second face 202-side of the cartridge 20 may also turn in the direction
of arrow YR3. The direction of arrow YR1 and the direction of arrow YR2 are the rotating
direction about the Z axis, which includes the Y-axis direction vector component (width
direction vector component). The direction of arrow YR3 is the rotating direction
about the X axis, which includes the Y-axis direction vector component (width direction
vector component).
[0243] Moving the cartridge 20 in the direction of arrow YR3 causes either the fifth face
205 or the sixth face 206 of the cartridge 20 to be pulled up in the +Z-axis direction.
As described previously, however, such motion of the cartridge 20 in the +Z-axis direction
is restricted by the lever 80. According to this embodiment, the first cartridge-side
restriction portion 210 is close to the intersecting part 295 as shown in Fig. 13.
In other words, the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is close to the board
end 405 of the circuit board 40. The first cartridge-side restriction portion 210
is arranged as close as possible to the cartridge-side terminals 400. Since the first
cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is locked by the lever 80, the periphery of
the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 has substantially no position shift
by the external force. Providing the cartridge-side terminals 400 at the location
of extremely small position shift effectively prevents the positional misalignment
of the respective terminals 431 to 439 of the cartridge-side terminals 400 relative
to the holder 60, thus maintaining the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side
terminals 400 and the apparatus-side terminals 700. In order to ensure this advantageous
effect, it is preferable to locate at least part of the first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210 (specifically the first cartridge-side locking surface 211) between the
first outer part 435P and the second outer part 439P (Fig. 10A) in the Y-axis direction
(width direction) (when the cartridge 20 is viewed from the third face 203-side in
the -X-axis direction).
[0244] As shown in Fig. 7, according to this embodiment, the corner section 265 of the cartridge
20 has the step (seventh face) 207 extended in the +Z-axis direction from the first
face 201. The seventh face 207 is located on the -X-axis direction side and on the
- Z-axis direction side of the sloped surface (eighth face) 208. The seventh face
207 has the third cartridge-side restriction element 250. As shown in Fig. 2 and Figs.
14 to 16, the holder 60 has the third apparatus-side restriction element (projection)
636. The third cartridge-side restriction element 250 is in contact with the projection
636. This further restricts the motion of the third face 203-side of the cartridge
20 in the width direction about the printing material supply tube 640 and the ink
supply structure 280. The third cartridge-restriction element 250 is structured preferably
as the pair of projection members protruded from the seventh face 207 in the +X-axis
direction to receive the projection 636 therebetween as described in the embodiment.
This simple structure effectively restricts the motion of the third face 203-side
of the cartridge 20 in the width direction about the printing material supply tube
640 and the ink supply structure 280.
[0245] As shown in Fig. 13, according to this embodiment, the terminal bearing structure
408 of the circuit board 40 and the third cartridge-side restriction element 250 are
arranged to partly overlap each other in the X-axis direction (when the cartridge
20 is viewed from the first face 201-side in the +Z-axis direction). This further
effectively restricts the motion of the cartridge 20 in the direction of arrow YR1
and thereby prevents the motion (deviation) of the cartridge-side terminals 400 relative
to the holder 60.
[0246] In the above description, the external force in the width direction applied to the
cartridge 20 is the inertial force produced by the movement of the cartridge 20 in
the main scanning direction. The external force applied to the cartridge 20 is, however,
not restricted to such inertial force. For example, in the off-carriage type printer,
the print head moves in the main scanning direction, but the cartridge 20 is attached
to the stationary holder and so does not move in the main scanning direction. In the
off-carriage type printer, however, the cartridge 20 may receive an external force.
More specifically, an external force (inertial force) may be applied to the cartridge
20 due to, for example, vibration arising from the movement of the print head in the
main scanning direction.
A-7-3. Reduction of Tilting of Cartridge 20 in Attached State:
[0247] As shown in Fig. 12, according to this embodiment, the first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210 is provided to intersect the plane Yc passing through the center of the
width (Y-axis direction length) of the cartridge 20. As shown in Fig. 5, the cartridge
20 in the attached state receives the pressing forces Ps and Pt including the +Z-axis
direction vector component from the holder 60. These pressing forces Ps and Pt press
the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 against the engagement portion 810
of the lever 80. Even when the cartridge 20 in the attached state is shaken about
the X axis or the Z axis by the external force, the first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210 hardly moves in the vicinity of the position intersecting the plane Yc.
[0248] The first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is located close to the intersecting
part 295, i.e., close to the board end 405. Providing the first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210, which moves very little at the position very close to the cartridge-side
terminals 400 ensures a stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals
400 and the contact mechanism 70.
[0249] The effective part of the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 specifically
serving to restrict the position of the cartridge-side terminals 400 is the first
cartridge-side locking surface 211. It is thus preferable to locate the first cartridge-side
locking surface 211 as close as possible to the cartridge-side terminals 400. Omitting
the third portion 215 of the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 and locating
the first portion 212 in contact with the first side 290 enable the first cartridge-side
locking surface 211 to be closer to the intersecting part 295 or the board end 405.
This further ensures the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals
400 and the contact mechanism 70.
[0250] According to this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, among the contact portions cp
of the respective cartridge-side terminals 400, the ground terminal 437 having the
contact portion cp on the center in the Y-axis direction is provided at the position
intersecting the plane Yc. The contact portions cp of the other terminals 431 to 436,
438 and 439 are arranged to be symmetrical with respect to the line of intersection
of the plane Yc and the ground terminal 437 as the axis. The plane Yc has especially
little motion, since the position of the first cartridge-side restriction portion
210 is fixed. The cartridge-side terminals 400 are provided on the plane Yc of little
motion or its neighborhood. In addition to providing the first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210 at the position very close to the cartridge-side terminals 400, locating
the cartridge-side terminals 400 on the plane Yc or its neighborhood further ensures
the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals 400 and the
contact mechanism 70.
A-7-4. Fine Adjustment of Tilted Cartridge 20 in Attached State:
[0251] According to this embodiment, the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 (more
specifically, the first cartridge-side locking surface 211) is located not outside
but inside the range 40Y in the Y-axis direction between the first outer part 435P
located on the most +Y-axis direction side of the cartridge-side terminals 400 and
the second outer part 439P located on the most -Y-axis direction side of the cartridge-side
terminals 400. After the cartridge 20 is attached to the holder 60, the cartridge-side
terminals 400 receive the force of +Z-axis direction vector component from the apparatus-side
terminals 700, so as to finely adjust the tilt of the cartridge 20 or more specifically
the direction of the sloped terminal bearing structure 408, on which the cartridge-side
terminals 400 are provided. The manufacturing error may vary the positions of the
respective apparatus-side terminals 731 to 739 from the apparatus-side sloped surface
708 or the horizontality of the first cartridge-side locking surface 211 of the first
cartridge-side restriction portion 210. Even in such cases, the fine adjustment of
the direction of the sloped terminal bearing structure 408 ensures the stable electrical
connection between the cartridge-side terminals 400 and the apparatus-side terminals
700.
[0252] Fig. 31 shows fine adjustment of the direction of the sloped terminal bearing structure
408. The position of the cartridge 20 after fine adjustment of the attitude of the
cartridge 20 is shown by the broken line. In this example, the attachment detection
terminal 731 of the apparatus-side terminals 700 protrudes from the apparatus-side
sloped surface 708 (Fig. 18) in the +Z-axis direction more than the designed amount.
In this case, the sloped terminal bearing structure 408 receives force Ph in a direction
including the +Z-axis direction vector component from the attachment detection terminal
731. Locating the first cartridge-side locking surface 211 within the range 40Y allows
more rotation of the cartridge 20 about the X axis. In other words, application of
the force Ph to the sloped terminal bearing structure 408 enables fine adjustment
of the attitude of the cartridge 20. In the illustrated example of Fig. 31, the attitude
of the cartridge 20 is finely adjusted to be tilted toward the sixth face 206-side.
A-7-5. Advantageous Effects of Second cartridge-side restriction portion 220:
[0253] The cartridge 20 has the second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 on the fourth
face 204 (Fig. 27), which serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge 20 from its
+X-axis direction sides in the +Z-axis direction. This further ensures the stable
electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals 400 and the apparatus-side
terminals 700.
[0254] According to this embodiment, the second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 is
the projection protruded from the fourth face 204 in the -X-axis direction. The second
cartridge-side restriction portion 220 is inserted into the second apparatus-side
restriction element 620 (Fig. 3) in the form of the through hole of the holder 60.
The user turns the cartridge 20 about the vicinity of the second cartridge-side restriction
portion 220 inserted in the second apparatus-side restriction element 620 (Fig. 3)
for attachment and detachment of the cartridge 20 to and from the holder 60. The second
apparatus-side restriction element 620 accordingly serves as the guide for attachment
and detachment of the cartridge 20 to and from the holder 60. This structure facilitates
attachment and detachment of the cartridge 20 to and from the holder 60. The second
cartridge-side restriction portion 220 in the form of the projection can be readily
provided on the fourth face 204 of the cartridge 20.
A-7-6. Advantageous Effects of Projection 260:
[0255] As shown in Fig. 27, according to this embodiment, the cartridge 20 has the projection
260 on the +Z-axis direction side of the first cartridge-side restriction portion
210 on the third face 203. For detachment of the cartridge 20 from the holder 60,
applying the force to the operating member 830 of the lever 80 from the +X-axis direction
side to the -X-axis direction side causes the operating member 830 to be in contact
with the projection 260 and press the projection 260 in the direction Yh including
the +Z-axis direction vector component. The projection 260 accordingly receives the
force of +Z-axis direction vector component. This facilitates detachment of the cartridge
20 from the holder 60 by using the operating member 830. Even when the cartridge 20
is stuck by some part of the holder 60 and is not moved in the +Z-axis direction through
the travel of the first cartridge-side locking surface 211 from the first locking
position 810L in the +X-axis direction, the third face 203-side of the cartridge 20
can be moved in the +Z-axis direction by using the projection 260.
[0256] Although the external force is directly applied from the operating member 830 to
the projection 260 according to the embodiment, the external force may not be applied
from the operating member 830 to the projection 260. Turning the operating member
830 disengages the engagement portion 810 from the first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210 and eliminates the restriction on the motion of the third face 203-side
of the cartridge 20 in the +Z-axis direction. Eliminating the restriction on the motion
of the cartridge 20 in the +Z-axis direction causes the third face 203-side of the
cartridge 20 to move in the +Z-axis direction by the pressing force Pt from the contact
mechanism 70. The projection 260 of the cartridge 20 simultaneously moves in the direction
Yh. The user holds the periphery of the projection 260 moving in the direction Yh
and readily detaches the cartridge 20 from the holder 60. Providing the projection
260 improves the operability for detachment of the cartridge 20 from the holder 60
even without direct application of the external force from the operating member 830
to the projection 260.
A-7-7. Advantageous Effects of Position of Ink supply structure 280:
[0257] As shown in Fig. 27, according to this embodiment, the ink supply structure 280 is
provided at the position closer to the fourth face 204 than the third face 203 on
the first face 201. The distance between the outer surface of the ink supply structure
280 and the third face 203 in the X-axis direction is accordingly greater than the
distance between the outer surface of the ink supply structure 280 and the fourth
face 204. The cartridge-side terminals 400 are provided on the sloped terminal bearing
structure 408 adjacent to the third face 203. In other words, the ink supply structure
280 is provided at the position away from the cartridge-side terminals 400. This reduces
the possibility that ink adheres to the cartridge-side terminals 400 and prevents
the poor contact between the cartridge-side terminals 400 and the apparatus-side terminals
700.
A-7-8. Advantageous Effects of Ground Terminal 437:
[0258] According to this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10A, among the contact portions cp
of the cartridge-side terminals 400, the ground terminal 437 having the contact portion
cp on the center in the Y-axis direction is provided at the position intersecting
the plane Yc passing through the center of the width (Y-axis direction length) of
the cartridge 20. The ground terminal 437 is configured to be in contact with the
contact mechanism 70 prior to the other cartridge-side terminals 431 to 436, 438 and
439 in the course of attachment of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60. The pressing
force first applied from the holder 60 to the circuit board 40 is thus generated on
the substantial center of the width or the Y-axis direction length of the cartridge
20. This prevents the pressing force applied to the circuit board 40 from acting to
tilt the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction and thereby enables the attachment of
the cartridge 20 at the designed attachment position. Such contact of the ground terminal
437 with the contact mechanism 70 of the holder 60 prior to the other cartridge-side
terminals 431 to 436, 438 and 439 advantageously prevents or reduces the high voltage-induced
troubles and failures by the grounding function of the ground terminal 437, even when
an unexpected high voltage is applied to the cartridge 20.
A-7-9. Advantageous Effects of Shape of First Apparatus-side Locking Surface 811:
[0259] As shown in Fig. 21, the first apparatus-side locking surface 811 is the curved surface
in the arc shape about the axis of rotation 800c on the cross section parallel to
the X axis and the Z axis. This ensures the smooth operations for attachment and detachment
of the cartridge 20 to and from the holder 60. Forming the first apparatus-side locking
surface 811 as the curved surface decreases the press-back amount in the +Z-axis direction
by the elastic member 648 (Fig. 27) in the course of attachment of the cartridge 20
to the holder 60. This ensures the good electrical contact between the cartridge-side
terminals 400 and the apparatus-side terminals 700.
[0260] One example of such advantageous effect is described with reference to Figs. 32A
to 32F. The vertical direction of Figs. 32A to 32F corresponds to the Z-axis direction;
the upward direction of the drawings corresponds to the +Z-axis direction and the
downward direction corresponds to the -Z-axis direction which directions are opposite
each other. Figs. 32A to 32C show attachment of a cartridge using the first apparatus-side
locking surface 811 formed as the curved surface and are arranged in time series in
this order. Figs. 32D to 32F show attachment of a cartridge using a first apparatus-side
locking surface 811t formed as a plane and are arranged in times series in this order.
[0261] As shown in Fig. 32A, for attachment of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60, the first
cartridge-side restriction portion 210 moves in the -Z-axis direction while abutting
the guide bottom wall 821. As shown in Fig. 32B, when the first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210 moves through the guide bottom wall 821 further in the -Z axis direction,
the first apparatus-side locking surface 811 moves in the direction of arrow Y32.
When the user strongly presses the cartridge 20 in the -Z-axis direction, the first
cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is located on the -Z-axis direction side of
the first apparatus-side locking surface 811. When the user loses hold of the cartridge
20, the cartridge 20 is pressed upward in the +Z-axis direction by the pressing forces
Ps and Pt of the elastic member 648 and the apparatus-side terminals 700. As shown
in Fig. 32C, the pressed-up amount of the first cartridge-side restriction portion
210 of the cartridge 20 is D1 when the first apparatus-side locking surface 811 is
formed as the curved surface.
[0262] As shown in Figs. 32D to 32F, when the first apparatus-side locking surface 811t
is formed as the plane, the pressed-up amount of the first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210 is D2, which is greater than D1.
[0263] In the attached state of the cartridge 20, the first apparatus-side locking surface
811 formed as the curved surface can be located on the more -Z-axis direction side
than the first apparatus-side locking surface 811t formed as the plane. This reduces
the pressed-up amount of the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210.
[0264] According to this embodiment, the first apparatus-side locking surface 811 located
at the preset or first locking position 810L is close to the axis of rotation 800c
in the X-axis direction (Fig. 21). This reduces the moving distance of the first apparatus-side
locking surface 811 in the Z-axis direction even when the actual locking position
is deviated in the X-axis direction from the first locking position 810L. This accordingly
prevents deviation of the cartridge 20 in the Z-axis direction relative to the holder
60.
B. Additional Embodiment:
[0265] Fig. 33 illustrates a printer 50a according to a second embodiment. Fig. 33 shows
the cross section corresponding to the cross section of Fig. 17 according to the first
embodiment. The difference from the printer 50 of the first embodiment is that a retainer
690a does not have the elastic member 682. Otherwise the printer 50a of the second
embodiment has the same structure as that of the printer 50 of the first embodiment.
The like elements are expressed by the like symbols and are not specifically explained
here. The cartridge 20 attached to the printer 50a has the same structure as the cartridge
20 attached to the printer 50 of the first embodiment.
[0266] As shown in Fig. 33, the retainer 690a does not have an elastic member to press the
lever 80 in the direction including the -X-axis direction vector component. The lever
80 is, however, designed to locate its first apparatus-side locking surface 811 at
the first locking position 810L by its dead weight, so that the first cartridge-side
locking surface 211 of the cartridge 20 is locked by the first apparatus-side locking
surface 811 of the lever 80.
[0267] The printer 50a of the second embodiment has the similar advantageous effects to
those of the printer 60 of the first embodiment. Additionally, the structure of the
retainer 690 without an elastic member reduces the possible damage or breakage of
the retainer 690 and decreases the total number of parts to reduce the manufacturing
cost of the printer 50a.
C. Third Embodiment:
[0268] Fig. 34 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a cartridge 20b according
to a third embodiment. The difference from the cartridge 20 of the first embodiment
(Fig. 7) is the size of the cartridge 20b. Otherwise the cartridge 20b of the third
embodiment has the same structure as that of the cartridge 20 of the first embodiment.
The like elements are expressed by the like symbols and are not specifically explained
here. A printer of the third embodiment is adopted for the cartridge 20b but has the
same structure as that of the holder 60 and the respective members (for example, lever
80) provided on the holder 60 of the first embodiment.
[0269] The cartridge 20b has the greater dimensions than those of the cartridge 20 of the
first embodiment and is capable of containing a greater amount of ink. The cartridge
20b is attachable to a cartridge mounting structure of a large inkjet printer that
is capable of printing large paper (e.g., sizes A2 to A0). The cartridge 20b is attached
to the cartridge mounting structure of the large inkjet printer in the -Z-axis direction
as the mounting direction SD. According to this embodiment, the -Z-axis direction
is the horizontal direction. In the attached state of the cartridge 20b to the cartridge
mounting structure, the X-axis direction is the vertical direction. More specifically,
the +X-axis direction is the vertically upward direction, and the -X-axis direction
is the vertically downward direction.
D. Modifications of Cartridge Structure:
[0270] Figs. 35 to 37 show modifications of cartridge structure. These cartridges are designed
for the printer having the same structure as that of the printer 50 according to the
first embodiment. The like elements of these cartridges to those of the cartridge
20 of the first embodiment are expressed by the like symbols.
D-1. Modifications of Cartridge Outer Shape:
[0271] Figs. 35A to 35H are conceptual diagrams showing cartridge outer shapes according
to other embodiments. A cartridge 20c shown in Fig. 35A has a housing of an elliptical
or oval side face. The cartridge 20c has the first cartridge-side restriction portion
210 and the circuit board 40 provided on the front face. The ink supply structure
280 is formed on the bottom face of the cartridge 20c, and the second cartridge-side
restriction portion 220 is provided on the rear face of the cartridge 20c. This cartridge
20c has a fixed width, when the cartridge 20c is seen from its front face side. This
cartridge 20c is compatible with the cartridge 20 shown in Fig. 7, as long as the
first and second cartridge-side restriction portions 210 and 220, the circuit board
40 and the ink supply structure 280 are structured to be connectable with the corresponding
parts in the printer 50.
[0272] A cartridge 20d shown in Fig. 35B has an approximate rectangular parallelepiped shape
like the cartridge 20 shown in Fig. 7. The large difference from the cartridge 20
of Fig. 7 is that the eighth face 208 is not continuous from the lower end of the
third face 203. Cartridge 201 shown in Fig. 35G is similar in shape and design to
cartridge 20d with the placement of the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210
provided closer to the terminal bearing structure 408. Cartridges 20e and 20f shown
in Figs. 35C and 35D have no seventh face, which is included in the cartridge 20 of
Fig. 7. A cartridge 20g shown in Fig. 35E has the circuit board 40 mounted on the
eighth face 208 by means of a spring. A cartridge 20h shown in Fig. 35F has a hinged
or otherwise movable face 208h, in place of the eighth face 208, and the circuit board
40 is mounted on the movable face 208h. While the cartridge 20h is being mounted into
the printer, the movable face 208h moves from the position indicated by broken line
to that indicated by solid line. Once the cartridge 20h is properly mounted in the
printer and the movable face 208h is in the position indicated by solid line, the
contact portions of terminals on the circuit board 40 are aligned on the contact portion
plane TP. These cartridges 20c to 20g are also compatible with the cartridge 20 shown
in Fig. 7, as long as the first and second cartridge-side restriction portions 210
and 220, the circuit board 40 and the ink supply structure 280 are structured to be
connectable with the corresponding parts in the printer 50. A cartridge 20m shown
in Fig. 35H has an elongated member 211a which is connected at one end to the first
cartridge-side restriction portion 210 and at the other end to the top 202 of the
cartridge 20m via a hinge or other pivotable mechanism. Although the terminals were
flat shaped in the above embodiments, the terminals could be elongated, wire shaped,
or other shapes. For example, Fig. 35I shows an embodiment with elongated terminals
400n, wherein the contact portions cp are aligned on the terminal plane TP when the
cartridge 20j is mounted into the printer. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 35J, a
cartridge 20j that includes a contact mechanism 70j that has substantially the same
configuration (including the configuration of the terminals) as the apparatus-side
contact mechanism 70 shown in Fig. 18. The contact mechanism 70j has resilient terminals
with contact portions that, when the cartridge 20j is mounted into the printer, contact
with the terminals 700 of the contact mechanism 70 and are substantially aligned on
the terminal plane TP. In embodiments such as those of Figs. 35I and 35J, where the
terminals are not flat shaped, the "terminal bearing structure" and the "sloped surface"
can be considered the portion of the cartridge terminals that supports the contact
portions, and so is substantially the same as the portions of the terminals indicated
by the contact portion plane TP. Also, the portion of the restriction portion 210
that engages with the apparatus-side lever is located at a position closer to where
the contact portion plane TP intersects the front face 203 and to the contact portions
cp themselves than to the intersection of 1) the top face 202 and the front face 203,
2) one of the top face 202 and the front face 203 and an extension of the other of
the top face 202 and the front face 203, or 3) extensions of both the top face 202
and the front face 203 (such as when the cartridge body has top and front faces shaped
as in the embodiments of Figs. 35A and 35D). In the embodiment of Fig. 35J, the circuit
board 40j of the cartridge 20j is positioned to the inside of the contact mechanism
70j and contacts the apparatus-side contact mechanism 70 via indirect contact through
the contact mechanism 70j.
[0273] As clearly understood from the examples shown in Figs. 35A to 35H, there are various
other modifications of cartridge outer shape. In the case of the cartridge having
the outer shape other than the approximate rectangular parallelepiped, as shown by
the broken lines in Figs. 35A and 35D, the six faces of the rectangular parallelepiped,
i.e., the bottom face 201 (first face), the top face 202 (second face), the front
face 203 (third face), the rear face 204 (fourth face), the left side face 205 (fifth
face) and the right side face 206 (sixth face) can be virtually assumed. In the specification
hereof, the terms "face" and "plane" mean a virtual plane or the non-existent (imaginary)
plane as shown in Figs. 35A or 35D and the actual plane as shown in Figs. 7 and 8.
The terms "face" and "plane" include both planar surfaces and curved surfaces.
D-2. Cartridge with Adapter:
[0274] Fig. 36 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a cartridge 20i with
an adapter according to one embodiment. This cartridge 20i is separable into a container
assembly 200i including the ink chamber 200 and an adapter 299 which can then be mated
together for mounting into the holder of the printing apparatus. After the printing
material in the ink chamber 200 is used up, the user replaces the container assembly
200i with a new one or refills the printing material into the container assembly 200i.
The adapter 299 is reusable. This cartridge 20i is compatible with the cartridge 20
of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 7.
[0275] A housing 22i for the cartridge 20i is structured as a combination of a housing for
the container assembly 200i and a housing for the adapter 299i. The container assembly
200i includes the ink chamber 200 configured to contain ink, the printing material
flow path 282 configured to supply ink or printing material to the ink supply structure
and the resin foam 284. The container assembly 200i has a second face 202i corresponding
to the second face 202 of the cartridge 20i. The container assembly 200i also has
a first face 201i, a third face 203i, a fourth face 204i, a fifth face (not shown),
a sixth face 206i, a seventh face 207i and an eighth face 208i respectively corresponding
to the first face 201 and the third to the eighth faces 203 to 208 of the cartridge
20i. The first face 201i and the second face 202i are opposed to each other in the
Z-axis direction; the first face 201i is located on the -Z-axis direction side and
the second face 202i is located on the +Z-axis direction side. The third face 203i
and the fourth face 204i are opposed to each other in the X-axis direction; the third
face 203i is located on the +X-axis direction side and the fourth face 204i is located
on the -X-axis direction side. The fifth face (not shown) and the sixth face 206i
are opposed to each other in the Y-axis direction; the fifth face (not shown) is located
on the -Y-axis direction side and the sixth face 206i is located on the +Y-axis direction
side. The seventh face 207i and the eighth face 208i form the connection faces of
connecting the first face 201i with the third face 203i. The seventh face 207i is
perpendicular to the first face 201i and forms a plane parallel to the Y axis and
the Z axis (YZ plane). The seventh face 207i as the step is vertically-angled relative
to the first face 201i. The seventh face 207i is accordingly extended from the first
face 201i in the +Z-axis direction. The seventh face 207i is located on the -X-axis
direction side and on the -Z-axis direction side of the eighth face 208i. The eighth
face 208i connects the seventh face 207i with the third face 203i and is a sloped
surface inclined in the direction including a +X-axis direction vector component and
a -Z-axis direction vector component. The eighth face 208i is inclined to the first
face 201i and the third face 203i and is perpendicular to the fifth face (not shown)
and the sixth face 206i. In other words, the eighth face 208i is inclined to the XY
plane and the YZ plane and is perpendicular to the XZ plane.
[0276] The adapter 299 has the faces corresponding to the first face 201, the third face
203, the fourth face 204, the fifth face 205, the sixth face 206, the seventh face
207 and the eighth face 208 of the cartridge 20i. The face of the adapter 299 corresponding
to the second face 202 of the cartridge 20i is an opening. The adapter 299 has an
inner space to receive the container assembly 200i. The first face 201 of the adapter
200 has the ink supply structure 280. Otherwise the cartridge 20i has the similar
structure to that of the cartridge 20 of the first embodiment sown in Fig. 7 with
our without some variations. The first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 can
be on the adapter 299 as shown in Fig. 36 or on the container assembly 200i (not shown).
Similarly, circuit board 40 can be on the adapter 299 as shown in Fig. 36 or on the
container assembly 200i (not shown). The positioning of restriction portion 210 and
circuit board 40 need not both be on the container assembly 200i or adapter 299, rather
one can be on container assembly 200i and the other can be on adapter 299. The cartridge
20i may thus be structured as the combination of the container assembly 200i and the
adapter 299 as described above.
[0277] Fig. 37 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a cartridge 20j with
an adapter according to another embodiment. This cartridge 20j is separable to a container
assembly 200j including the ink chamber 200 and an adapter 299j which can then be
mated together for mounting into the holder of the printing apparatus. After the printing
material in the ink chamber 200 is used up, the user may replace the container assembly
200j with a new one or refill the printing material into the container assembly 200j.
The adapter 299 is reusable. This cartridge 20j is compatible with the cartridge 20
of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 7.
[0278] A housing 22j for the cartridge 20j is structured as a combination of a housing for
the container assembly 200j and a housing for the adapter 299j. The container assembly
200j includes the ink chamber 200 configured to contain ink and the ink supply structure
280. The container assembly 200j has a second face 202j and a sixth face 206j respectively
corresponding to the second face 202 and the sixth face 206 of the cartridge 20j.
The container assembly 200j also has a first face 201j, a third face 203j, a fourth
face 204j, a fifth face (not shown), a seventh face 207j and an eighth face 208j respectively
corresponding to the first face 201, the third face 203, the fourth face 204, the
fifth face 205, the seventh face 207 and the eighth face 208 of the cartridge 20j.
The first face 201j and the second face 202j are opposed to each other in the Z-axis
direction; the first face 201j is located on the -Z-axis direction side and the second
face 202j is located on the +Z-axis direction side. The third face 203j and the fourth
face 204j are opposed to each other in the X-axis direction; the third face 203j is
located on the +X-axis direction side and the fourth face 204j is located on the -X-axis
direction side. The fifth face (not shown) and the sixth face 206j are opposed to
each other in the Y-axis direction; the fifth face (not shown) is located on the -Y-axis
direction side and the sixth face 206j is located on the +Y-axis direction side. The
seventh face 207j and the eighth face 208j form the connection faces of connecting
the first face 201j with the third face 203j. The seventh face 207j is perpendicular
to the first face 201j and forms a plane parallel to the Y axis and the Z axis (YZ
plane). The seventh face 207j as the step is vertically-angled relative to the first
face 201j. The seventh face 207j is accordingly extended from the first face 201j
in the +Z-axis direction. The seventh face 207j is located on the -X-axis direction
side and on the -Z-axis direction side of the eighth face 208j. The eighth face 208j
connects the seventh face 207j with the third face 203j and is a sloped surface inclined
in the direction including a +X-axis direction vector component and a -Z-axis direction
vector component. The eighth face 208j is inclined to the first face 201j and the
third face 203j and is perpendicular to the fifth face (not shown) and the sixth face
206j. In other words, the eighth face 208j is inclined to the XY plane and the YZ
plane and is perpendicular to the XZ plane.
[0279] The adapter 299j has the faces corresponding to the first face 201, the third face
203, the fourth face 204 and the fifth face 205 of the cartridge 20j. The faces of
the adapter 299j forming the second face 202 and the sixth face 206 of the cartridge
20j are openings. The adapter 299j has an inner space to receive the container assembly
200j. The adapter 299j also has an opening in part of the first face 201. The ink
supply structure 280 provided in the container assembly 200j is exposed on the opening
provided on the first face 201 of the adapter 299j and is connected with the printing
material supply tube 640 (Fig. 2). The cartridge 20j has a first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210 of the simpler structure than that of the first embodiment (Fig. 7) but
may have the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 of the same structure as
that of the first embodiment (Fig. 7). Alternatively, the first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210 can be a part of the adapter 299j as shown in Fig. 37 or a part of the
container assembly 200j (not shown). Similarly, circuit board 40 can be on the adapter
299j as shown in Fig. 37 or on the container assembly 200j (not shown). The positioning
of restriction portion 210 and circuit board 40 need not both be on the container
assembly 200j or adapter 299j, rather one can be on container assembly 200j and the
other can be on adapter 299j. The cartridge 20j has the third face 203 and the fourth
face 204 of the lower heights (shorter Z-axis direction lengths) than those of the
third face 203 and the fourth face 204 of the first embodiment but may have the third
face 203 and the fourth face 204 of the same heights (same Z-axis direction lengths)
as those of the first embodiment. The cartridge 20j does not have the projection 260
but may have the projection 260 like the first embodiment. Otherwise the cartridge
20j has the similar structure to that of the cartridge 20 of the first embodiment
sown in Fig. 7 with or without some variations. The cartridge 20j may thus be structured
by the combination of the container assembly 200j and the adapter 299j as described
above.
[0280] Fig. 37B shows a cartridge 20p configured similar to that shown in the embodiment
of Fig. 7. However, this embodiment differs in that the cartridge 20p is divided into
an adapter 299p and a container assembly 200p. The adapter 299p fits over an end 201p
(indicated in dotted line) of the container assembly 200p before the cartridge 20p
is mounted into the printer. Also, the terminals 400p are formed directly on the surface
of the adapter 299p. When the terminals are formed on a planer surface, whether the
surface of the cartridge as in this embodiment or on the surface of a circuit board
as in previous embodiments, the planar surface on which the terminals are formed can
be considered a "sloped surface" or "terminal bearing structure".
[0281] Fig. 38 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a cartridge 20k with
an adapter according to another embodiment. The cartridge 20k includes an adapter
299k, an external tank 200T, a tube 200L and an auxiliary adapter 200S which can all
be mated together for mounting into the holder of the printing apparatus. The adapter
299k has the same structure as that of the adapter 299j described above with reference
to Fig. 37. The external tank 200T contains printing material and is located outside
the printer 50 shown in Fig. 1. The auxiliary adapter 200S has an ink supply structure
280k. The tube 200L is used to supply the printing material from the external tank
200T to the auxiliary adapter 200S. The external tank 200T, the auxiliary adapter
200S and the tube 200L serves as a container assembly 200k configured to contain ink
or printing material. As shown by the broken line in Fig. 38, the cartridge 20k of
this embodiment is thus assumed to have the container assembly 200k. The cartridge
20k of this embodiment is thus separable to the container assembly 200k and the adapter
299k, like the cartridge 20i shown in Fig. 36 and the cartridge 20j shown in Fig.
37. After the printing material in the external tank 200T is used up, the user may
replace the external tank 200T with a new one or refill the printing material into
the external tank 200T. The adapter 299k is reusable. This cartridge 20k is compatible
with the cartridge 20 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 7.
[0282] A housing 22k of the cartridge 20k is structured as a combination of a housing for
the virtual container assembly 200k and a housing for the adapter 299k. The structure
of the virtual container assembly 200k and the structure of the adapter 299k are similar
to the structure of the cartridge 20j described above with reference to Fig. 37 with
our without some variations. Otherwise the cartridge 20k has the similar structure
to that of the cartridge 20 of the first embodiment sown in Fig. 7 with or without
some variations. The cartridge 20k may thus be structured by the combination of the
container assembly 200k and the adapter 299k as described above.
E. Modification of Lever:
[0283] According to the above embodiment, the elastic member 682 is provided separately
from the lever 80 (Fig. 22). The lever 80 may be made of an elastically deformable
material. A modification of the lever is described with reference to Figs. 39 and
40.
[0284] Figs. 39A and 39B illustrate the structure of a lever 80a according to one modification.
Fig. 39A is a perspective view showing the appearance of the lever 80a, and Fig. 39B
is a side view showing the appearance of the lever 80a. The differences from the lever
80 of the first embodiment are that the lever 80a additionally has an arm member 890
to be elastically deformable, has an operating member 830a of a different shape and
does not include the groove 870. Otherwise the lever 80a has the similar structure
to that of the lever 80 according to the first embodiment (Fig. 19). The lever 80a
is made of a synthetic resin, such as polypropylene.
[0285] Fig. 40 illustrates attachment of the cartridge 20 to a holder 60a. According to
this embodiment, the cartridge 20 has a first cartridge-side restriction portion 210a
without the second portion 214 (Fig. 12). The shaft body 850 of the lever 80a is attached
to the first apparatus-side side wall member 603. When the lever 80a is turned about
the shaft body 850, the arm member 890a abuts a projection 603t formed as part of
the first apparatus-side side wall member 603 to be elastically deformed.
F. Modifications of Cartridge-Side Terminals:
[0286] Figs. 41A to 41C show modifications of the terminal shape on the circuit board. The
difference from the circuit board 40 shown in Fig. 10A is that circuit boards 40c
to 40e have different shapes of the terminals 431 to 439. The respective terminals
on the circuit board 40c shown in Fig. 41A and on the circuit board 40d shown in Fig.
41B have irregular shapes, instead of the approximate rectangular shape according
to the first embodiment (Fig. 10A). In the circuit board 40e shown in Fig. 41C, the
nine terminals 431 to 439 are arrayed in one line, wherein the attachment detection
terminals 435 and 439 are located on both ends, and the attachment detection terminals
431 and 434 are respectively located between the attachment detection terminal 435
and the power terminal 436 and between the attachment detection terminal 439 and the
data terminal 438. In these circuit boards 40c to 40e, the contact portions cp of
these terminals 431 to 439, which are in contact with the apparatus-side terminals
corresponding to these terminals 431 to 439, have the same arrangement as that of
the circuit board 400 shown in Fig. 10A. The individual terminals may have the shapes
of various variations as long as the contact portions cp have the same arrangement.
G. Other Modifications:
[0287] The foregoing has described the invention in detail with reference to the illustrative
embodiments. The invention is, however, not limited to the above embodiments, but
a multiplicity of variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments without
departing from the scope of the invention. Some examples of possible modifications
are described below.
G-1. First Modification:
[0288] The second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 is provided on the fourth face
204 according to the above embodiment, but may be omitted as appropriate. For example,
when there is a relatively small clearance between the cartridge 20 and each slot
of the holder 60, the motion of the fourth face 204-side of the cartridge 20 in the
+Z-axis direction can be restricted without the second cartridge-side restriction
portion 220 through abutment of the whole or part of the outer surface of the fourth
face 204 with the second apparatus-side side wall member 604. This keeps the cartridge
20 in the holder 60. According to another embodiment, an elastic member made of, for
example, rubber may be provided between the fourth face 204 of the cartridge 20 and
the second apparatus-side side wall member 604 of the holder 60. The motion of the
fourth face 204-side of the cartridge 20 in the +Z-axis direction may be restricted
through the friction of the elastic member against the fourth face 204 of the cartridge
20 and the second apparatus-side side wall member 604 of the holder 60. This elastic
member may be a separate member from the cartridge 20 or the holder 60 or may be joined
with the fourth face 204 of the cartridge 20 or with the second apparatus-side side
wall member 604 of the holder 60. In the application without the second cartridge-side
restriction portion 220, the second apparatus-side restriction element 620 provided
on the second apparatus-side side wall member 604 (Fig. 15) may also be omitted.
[0289] The second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 is the projection according to
the above embodiment, but may be another form, for example, a recess. In this latter
application, the second apparatus-side restriction element 620 provided on the second
apparatus-side side wall member 604 may be a projection. According to another embodiment,
the holder 60 may have an additional member configured to press the fourth face 204-side
of the second face 202 of the cartridge 20 in the -Z-axis direction. For example,
the holder 60 may have a slidable rod member. After the cartridge 20 is placed in
the cartridge chamber 602, the fourth face 204-side of the second face 202 of the
cartridge 20 may be pressed by the rod member.
G-2. Second Modification:
[0290] The first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is provided at the position close
to the intersecting part 295 according to the above embodiment, but may be provided
at any arbitrary position on the third face 203 within the range 40Y or may be extended
outside of the range 40Y. (Fig. 12). Locating the first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210 within the range 40 enables fine adjustment of the direction of the sloped
surface with the cartridge-side terminals mounted thereon. This ensures the stable
electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals.
G-3. Third Modification:
[0291] According to the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 22, the lever 80 has the pair
of shaft bodies 850, and the retainer 690 has the bearing elements 654. According
to another embodiment, the lever 80 may have bearing elements, and the retainer 690
may have shaft bodies. According to the above embodiment, the lever 80 and the retainer
690 including the second retainer member 680 are unitized and attached to the holder
60 for easy assembly of the printer. The retainer 690 is, however, not essential.
According to another embodiment, bearing members may be formed integrally with the
outer wall 603W of the holder 60 to receive and fix the lever 80.
G-4. Fourth Modification:
[0292] As mentioned above, the present invention is not restricted to the inkjet printer
and its ink cartridge but is applicable to any of various liquid ejection apparatuses
configured to eject a liquid other than ink and its liquid container, for example,
without limitation, the liquid ejection apparatuses and their liquid containers given
below:
- 1.image recording apparatus, such as a facsimile machine;
- 2.color material ejection apparatus used to manufacture color filters for image display
devices, e.g., liquid crystal displays;
- 3.electrode material ejection apparatus used to form electrodes of, for example, organic
EL (electroluminescence) displays and field emission displays (FED);
- 4.liquid ejection apparatus configured to eject a bioorganic material-containing liquid
used for manufacturing biochips;
- 5.sample ejection apparatus used as a precision pipette;
- 6.lubricating oil spray apparatus;
- 7.resin solution spray apparatus;
- 8.liquid spray apparatus for pinpoint spray of lubricating oil at precision machinery
including watches and cameras;
- 9.liquid ejection apparatus configured to eject transparent resin solution, such as
ultraviolet curable resin solution, onto the substrate, so as to manufacture a hemispherical
microlens (optical lens) used for, for example, optical communication elements;
- 10.liquid spray apparatus configured to spray an acidic or alkaline etching solution,
in order to etch the substrate; and
- 11. (11) liquid ejection apparatus equipped with liquid ejection head for ejecting
a very small volume of droplets of another arbitrary liquid.
[0293] The "liquid droplet" means a state of liquid ejected from the liquid ejection apparatus
and may be in a granular shape, a teardrop shape or a tapered threadlike shape. The
"liquid" herein may be any material ejectable by the liquid ejection apparatus. The
"liquid" may be any material in the liquid phase. For example, liquid-state materials
of high viscosity or low viscosity, sols, gel water, various inorganic solvents and
organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins and liquid metals (metal melts) are included
in the "liquid". The "liquid" is not restricted to the liquid state as one of the
three states of matter but includes solutions, dispersions and mixtures of the functional
solid material particles, such as pigment particles or metal particles, solved in,
dispersed in or mixed with a solvent. Typical examples of the liquid include ink described
in the above embodiment and liquid crystal. The "ink" includes general water-based
inks and oil-based inks, as well as various liquid compositions, such as gel inks
and hot-melt inks, but is not limited as such.
G-5. Fifth Modification:
[0294] The invention may be accomplished by the following variations. The symbols in parentheses
after the elements in each of the variations correspond to the symbols of the respective
elements described in the first embodiment.
G-5-1. First Variation:
[0295] A cartridge (20) detachably attached to a printing apparatus (50) comprises a first
face (201) arranged to form an outer surface of the cartridge, the first face (201)
having an ink supply structure (280) to be connected with the printing apparatus;
a second face (202) opposed to the first face (201); a third face (203) arranged to
have one side (291) that is connected with the second face (202) and the other side
(290) that is opposite to the one side (291), the third face (203) being located between
the first face (201) and the second face (202) with respect to an opposed direction
(Z-axis direction), along which the first face (201) and the second face (202) are
opposed to each other; a fourth face (204) opposed to the third face (203), the fourth
face (204) being arranged to connect with the first face (201) and the second face
(202); a corner section (265) arranged to form an outer surface (265) of connecting
the first face (201) with the third face (203); cartridge-side terminals (400) provided
on the corner section (265), the cartridge-side terminals (400) being arranged to
receive an external force of pressing up the cartridge (20) from apparatus-side terminals
(700) of the printing apparatus (50) in an attached state of the cartridge (20) to
the printing apparatus (50); and a first cartridge-side restriction portion (210)
provided on the third face (203) and arranged to be locked by a lever (80) of the
printing apparatus (50) in the attached state and thereby restrict motion of the cartridge
(20) in a press-up direction, wherein the first cartridge-side restriction portion
(210) is provided at a position close to the cartridge-side terminals (400).
G-5-2. Second Variation:
[0296] A cartridge (20) detachably attached to a printing apparatus (50) comprises a first
face (201) arranged to form an outer surface of the cartridge, the first face (201)
having an ink supply structure (280) to be connected with the printing apparatus;
a second face (202) opposed to the first face (201); a third face (203) arranged to
have one side (291) that is connected with the second face (202) and the other side
(290) that is opposite to the one side (291) and is located between the first face
(201) and the second face (202) with respect to an opposed direction (Z-axis direction),
along which the first face (201) and the second face (202) are opposed to each other;
a fourth face (204) opposed to the third face (203), the fourth face (204) being arranged
to connect with the first face (201) and the second face (202); a corner section (265)
arranged to form an outer surface (265) of connecting the first face (201) with the
third face (203); cartridge-side terminals (400) provided on the corner section (265),
the cartridge-side terminals (400) being arranged to receive an external force of
pressing up the cartridge (20) from apparatus-side terminals (700) of the printing
apparatus (50) in an attached state of the cartridge (20) to the printing apparatus
(50); and a first cartridge-side restriction portion (210) provided on the third face
(203) and arranged to be locked by a lever (80) of the printing apparatus (50) in
the attached state and thereby restrict motion of the cartridge (20) in a press-up
direction, wherein the first cartridge-side restriction portion (210) is located closer
to the other side (290) than the one side (291).
G-5-3. Third Variation:
[0297] A cartridge (20) detachably attached to a printing apparatus (50) comprises a first
face (201) arranged to form an outer surface of the cartridge, the first face (201)
having an ink supply structure (280) to be connected with the printing apparatus;
a second face (202) opposed to the first face (201); a third face (203) arranged to
have one side (291) that is connected with the second face (202) and the other side
(290) that is opposite to the one side (291) and is located between the first face
(201) and the second face (202) with respect to an opposed direction (Z-axis direction),
along which the first face (201) and the second face (202) are opposed to each other;
a fourth face (204) opposed to the third face (203), the fourth face (204) being arranged
to connect with the first face (201) and the second face (202); a corner section (265)
arranged to form an outer surface (265) of connecting the first face (201) with the
third face (203); cartridge-side terminals (400) provided on the corner section (265),
the cartridge-side terminals (400) being arranged to receive an external force of
pressing up the cartridge (20) from apparatus-side terminals (700) of the printing
apparatus (50) in an attached state of the cartridge (20) to the printing apparatus
(50); and a first cartridge-side restriction portion (210) provided on the third face
(203) and arranged to be locked by a lever (80) of the printing apparatus (50) in
the attached state and thereby restrict motion of the cartridge (20) in a press-up
direction, wherein the first cartridge-side restriction portion (210) is provided
at a position close to the other side (290) than the one side (291).
[0298] Like the first embodiment described above, any of the first to the third variations
advantageously prevents positional misalignment of the cartridge-side terminals relative
to the printing apparatus and thereby ensures stable electrical connection between
the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side terminals. In any of the first
to the third variations, when the direction from the first face side to the second
face side in the opposed direction (Z-axis direction) in the attached state is the
+Z-axis direction and the direction from the second face side to the first face side
is the -Z-axis direction, the first cartridge-side restriction portion is preferably
located on the -Z-axis direction side of the axis of rotation of the lever.
G-5-4. Fourth Variation:
[0299] A cartridge (20) detachably attached to a printing apparatus (50) comprises an ink
supply structure (280) that is connected with the printing apparatus; cartridge-side
terminals (400) arranged to receive an external force of pressing up the cartridge
(20) from apparatus-side terminals (700) of the printing apparatus (50) in an attached
state of the cartridge (20) to the printing apparatus (50); and a first cartridge-side
restriction portion (210) located on an identical side with the cartridge-side terminals
(400) and arranged to be locked by a lever (80) of the printing apparatus (50) in
the attached state and thereby restrict motion of the cartridge (20) in a press-up
direction, wherein the first cartridge-side restriction portion (210) is located close
to the cartridge-side terminals (700).
[0300] When the press-up direction is the +Z-axis direction and the opposite direction to
the press-up direction is the -Z-axis direction, the first cartridge-side restriction
portion is preferably located on the -Z-axis direction side of the axis of rotation
of the lever.
[0301] Like the first embodiment described above, the fourth variation advantageously prevents
positional misalignment of the cartridge-side terminals relative to the printing apparatus
and thereby ensures stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals
and the apparatus-side terminals.
G-6. Sixth Modification:
[0302] The invention may be accomplished by the following variations. The symbols in parentheses
after the elements in each of the variations correspond to the symbols of the respective
elements described in the first embodiment.
G-6-1. First Variation
[0303] A cartridge (20) detachably attached to a printing apparatus (50) comprises: a first
face (201) arranged to form an outer surface of the cartridge, the first face (210)
having a printing material supply structure (280) that is connected with the printing
apparatus; a second face (202) opposed to the first face (201); a third face (203)
arranged to have one side (291) that is connected with the second face (202) and the
other side (290) that is opposite to the one side (291), the third face (203) being
located between the first face (201) and the second face (202) with respect to an
opposed direction (Z-axis direction), the opposed direction being a direction along
which the first face (201) and the second face (202) are opposed to each other; a
fourth face (204) opposed to the third face (203), the fourth face (204) being arranged
to intersect the first face (201) and the second face (202); a fifth face (205) arranged
to intersect the first face (201), the second face (202), the third face (203) and
the fourth face (204); a sixth face (206) opposed to the fifth face (205); a corner
section (265) arranged to form an outer surface (265) of connecting the first face
(201) with the third face (203); cartridge-side terminals (400) provided on the corner
section (265), the cartridge-side terminals (400) being arranged to receive an external
force of pressing up the cartridge (20) from apparatus-side terminals (700) of the
printing apparatus (50) in an attached state of the cartridge (20) to the printing
apparatus (50); and a first cartridge-side restriction portion (210) provided on the
third face (203) and arranged to be locked by a lever (80) of the printing apparatus
(50) in the attached state and thereby restrict motion of the cartridge (20) in a
press-up direction, wherein with respect to the opposed direction of the fifth face
(205) and the sixth face (206) (Y-axis direction), the first cartridge-side restriction
portion (210) is located not outside but inside a range (40Y) where the cartridge-side
terminals (400) are provided.
G-6-2. Second Variation
[0304] A cartridge (20) detachably attached to a printing apparatus (50) comprises: a printing
material supply structure (280) that is connected with the printing apparatus; cartridge-side
terminals (400) provided on an outer surface of the cartridge (20), the cartridge-side
terminals (400) being arranged to receive an external force of pressing up the cartridge
(20) from apparatus-side terminals (700) of the printing apparatus (50) in an attached
state of the cartridge (20) to the printing apparatus (50); and a first cartridge-side
restriction portion (211) provided on the same side of the outer surface as that with
the cartridge-side terminals (400), the first cartridge-side restriction portion (211)
being arranged to be locked by a lever (80) of the printing apparatus (50) in the
attached state to restrict motion of the cartridge (20) in a press-up direction (+Z-axis
direction), wherein with respect to a width direction of the cartridge, the first
cartridge-restriction element (211) is located not outside but inside a range (40Y)
where the cartridge-side terminals (400) are provided. According to the first or the
second variation, the cartridge-side terminals receive the force in the press-up direction
from the apparatus-side terminals. This enables fine adjustment of the direction of
the part where the cartridge-side terminals are provided and ensures stable electrical
connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side terminals.
According to the first or the second variation, it is preferable that the first cartridge-side
restriction portion is located below the axis of rotation of the lever. The term "below"
herein corresponds to, for example, -Z-axis direction or a reverse direction to the
press-up direction.
G-7. Seventh Modification:
[0305] The invention may be accomplished by the following descriptions and variations. The
symbols in parentheses after the elements in each of the descriptions correspond to
the symbols of the respective elements described in the first embodiment.
G-7-1. First Variation
[0306] An ink cartridge (20) adapted to be detachably mounted on an ink jet printing apparatus
(50), the ink jet printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of apparatus-side
contact forming members (731-739) constructed and arranged to apply elastic force
(Pt) to the ink cartridge (20) when the ink cartridge (20) is pressed against the
apparatus-side contact forming members (731-739), the ink jet printing apparatus (50)
also comprising a lever (80) having an engagement portion (810), the ink cartridge
(20), comprising a cartridge body (22) including a front (203), a rear (204), a top
(202) and a bottom (201), the front (203) and rear (204) opposite each other and the
top (202) and bottom (201) opposite each other; an electrical device, an ink chamber
(200) for storing ink; an ink supply structure (280) positioned at the bottom (201)
of the cartridge body (22), adapted and configured to supply ink from the ink chamber
(200) to the ink jet printing apparatus (50), the ink supply structure (280) having
a mounting direction (SD) leading edge (288) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge
(20); a terminal bearing structure (408) located proximate to the front (203) of the
cartridge body (22), the terminal bearing structure (408) having a plurality of electrically
conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) adapted
and arranged on the terminal bearing structure (408) to make contact with and receive
elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731-739) at contact portions
(cp) of the terminals (400) when the ink cartridge (20) is mounted on the printing
apparatus (50), the contact portions (cp) arranged substantially in a contact portion
plane (TP) which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane (BP) defined by
the leading edge (288); and a first restriction portion (210) adapted to engage with
the engagement portion (810) of the lever (80) so as to restrict movement of the ink
cartridge (20) in a direction opposite (RD) the mounting direction (SD), the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) located adjacent the terminal
bearing structure (408).
[0307] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh modification will now
be described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while the
ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure, positioning
action of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force
from the apparatus-side terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional
shift of the terminals, which can occur due to vibration during printing operations,
can be suppressed. Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining
the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals.
[0308] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge, the material
for producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever. Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties
such as resistance to ink.
[0309] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special care is needed
to prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the user's convenience.
Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made
smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material, such as paper
or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution of the cartridge,
thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also because the lever
is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity, compared
with the structures described in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation
of the first cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state,
the cartridge can be kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure,
which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the
apparatus-side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication.
Since the first cartridge-side restriction portion can have a small size and simple
structure, no special care to prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in
packaging for transportation and distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges
of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's convenience.
[0310] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the case
with the flexible levers of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the engagement portion to the
cartridge terminals, so electrical communication is more stable.
[0311] Because the contact portion plane (TP) of the terminals is neither parallel nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of the cartridge
terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge into the printer.
In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation fragments (dust)
that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances against the
circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
[0312] Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic
force which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the printer side terminals serves to both
press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the
cartridge in the direction for removal from the printer when engagement between the
first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So there is no need to
provide an additional spring as in the case of the
U.S. Patent 6,955,422, which enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0313] Because the first restriction portion is adapted to engage with the engagement portion
of the lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite
to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force
of the apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction opposite
to the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way,
they are firmly fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction
opposite from the mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment
or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members, compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related
configuration of
US Patent No. 7,008,053.
Adaptation 1
[0314] The ink cartridge as described above where the contact portion plane (TP) is at an
angle of between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288).
[0315] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the contact portion plane is at
an angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the leading
edge, excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-insertion
can be applied.
Adaptation 2
[0316] The ink cartridge as described above where when the front (203) of the cartridge
body (20) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to the left of the
rightmost contact portion of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of
the leftmost contact portion of the plurality of terminals (400).
[0317] When the ink cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is
held too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact portion
of the plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of
the plurality of terminals the ink cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the electrical
connection between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members can be even more stable.
Adaptation 3
[0318] The ink cartridge (20) as described above further comprising a second restriction
portion (220) on the rear (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the second restriction
portion (220) adapted and configured to engage with a respective portion (620) of
the ink jet printing apparatus (50), wherein the distance (B) between the engagement
portion of the second restriction portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the
leading edge (288) is more than the distance (A) between the engagement portion (212)
of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288), when the distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP)
defined by the leading edge (288).
[0319] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is located farther
from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion, the possibility that the first restriction portion will become
disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively reduced, compared
with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located
farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion
of the second restriction portion.
Adaptation 4
[0320] The ink cartridge (20) as described above where when viewing the ink cartridge (20)
from the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the distance (A)
between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the
plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between
a pivot point (800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288) when the cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in an orthogonal
direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0321] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
and the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a pivot
point of the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the cartridge is
mounted, the lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge. This reduces the
possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from
the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the
possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis
of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming members to
the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the
lever.
Adaptation 5
[0322] The ink cartridge as described above where when viewing the ink cartridge (20) from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of a pivot point
(800c) of the lever when the cartridge is mounted.
[0323] When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the cartridge from
the side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the ink supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the
lever in the reverse direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility
that the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the
engagement portion of the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members.
Even when the cartridge receives force, the first restriction portion would move with
the cartridge. Such moving reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
Adaptation 6
[0324] The ink cartridge as described above where when the front (203) of the cartridge
body (22) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, at least a portion
of the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located
substantially at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge (20).
[0325] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so that at least a
portion of the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located substantially
at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge, the first restriction portion is located
extremely near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between
the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
Adaptation 7
[0326] The ink cartridge as described above where the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288) is substantially flush with the bottom (201).
G-7-2. Second Variation
[0327] An ink cartridge (20) adapted to be detachably mounted on an ink jet printing apparatus
(50), the ink jet printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of apparatus-side
contact forming members (731-739) constructed and arranged to apply elastic force
(Pt) to the ink cartridge (20) when the ink cartridge (20) is pressed against the
apparatus-side contact forming members (731-739), the ink jet printing apparatus (50)
also comprising a lever (80) having an engagement portion (810), the ink cartridge
(20), comprising a cartridge body (22) including a front (203), a rear (204), a top
(202) and a bottom (201), the front (203) and rear (204) opposite each other and the
top (202) and bottom (201) opposite each other; an electrical device, an ink chamber
(200) for storing ink; an ink supply structure (280) positioned at the bottom (201)
of the cartridge body (22), adapted and configured to supply ink from the ink chamber
(200) to the ink jet printing apparatus (50), the ink supply structure (280) having
a mounting direction (SD) leading edge (288) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge
(20); a terminal bearing structure (408) located proximate to the front (203) of the
cartridge body (203), the terminal bearing structure (408) having a plurality of electrically
conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) adapted
and arranged on the terminal bearing structure (408) to make contact with and receive
elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731-739) of the ink jet printing
apparatus (50) when the ink cartridge (20) is mounted on the printing apparatus (50),
the terminals (400) arranged substantially in a terminal plane (TP) which is neither
parallel nor perpendicular to the plane of the leading edge (288); and a first restriction
portion (210) adapted to engage with the engagement portion (810) of the lever (80)
so as to restrict movement of the ink cartridge (20) in a direction opposite (RD)
the mounting direction (SD), the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) located adjacent the terminal bearing structure (408).
[0328] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh modification will now
be described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while the
ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure, positioning
action of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force
from the apparatus-side terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional
shift of the terminals, which can occur due to vibration during printing operations,
can be suppressed. Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining
the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals.
[0329] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge, the material
for producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever. Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties
such as resistance to ink.
[0330] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special care is needed
to prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the user's convenience.
Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made
smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material, such as paper
or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution of the cartridge,
thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also because the lever
is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity, compared
with the structures described in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation
of the first cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state,
the cartridge can be kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure,
which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the
apparatus-side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication.
Since the first cartridge-side restriction portion can have a small size and simple
structure, no special care to prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in
packaging for transportation and distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges
of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's convenience.
[0331] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the case
with the flexible levers of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the engagement portion to the
cartridge terminals, so electrical communication is more stable.
[0332] Because the terminal plane (TP) of the terminals is neither parallel nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of the cartridge
terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge into the printer.
In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation fragments (dust)
that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances against the
circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
[0333] Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic
force which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the printer side terminals serves to both
press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the
cartridge in the direction for removal from the printer when engagement between the
first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So there is no need to
provide an additional spring as in the case of the
U.S. Patent 6,955,422, which enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0334] Because the first restriction portion is adapted to engage with the engagement portion
of the lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite
to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force
of the apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction opposite
to the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way,
they are firmly fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction
opposite from the mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment
or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members, compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related
configuration of
US Patent No. 7,008,053.
Adaptation 1
[0335] The ink cartridge as described above where the terminal plane (TP) is at an angle
of between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0336] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the terminal plane is at an angle
between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the leading edge,
excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-insertion can be
applied.
Adaptation 2
[0337] The ink cartridge as described above where when the front (203) of the cartridge
body (20) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to the left of a right
edge of a rightmost terminal of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right
of a left edge of the leftmost terminal of the plurality of terminals (400).
[0338] When the ink cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is
held too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of a right edge of a rightmost
terminal of the plurality of terminals and to the right of a left edge of the leftmost
terminal of the plurality of terminals the ink cartridge can tilt sufficiently so
that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side
contact forming members can be even more stable.
Adaptation 3
[0339] The ink cartridge (20) as described above further comprising a second restriction
portion (220) on the rear (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the second restriction
portion (220) adapted and configured to engage with a respective portion (620) of
the ink jet printing apparatus (50), wherein the distance (B) between the engagement
portion of the second restriction portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the
leading edge (288) is more than the distance (A) between the engagement portion (212)
of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288), when the distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP)
defined by the leading edge (288).
[0340] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is located farther
from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion will
become disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
is farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion of
the second restriction portion.
Adaptation 4
[0341] The ink cartridge (20) as described above where when viewing the ink cartridge (20)
from the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the distance (A)
between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the
plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between
a pivot point (800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288) when the cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in an orthogonal
direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0342] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
and the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a pivot
point of the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the cartridge is
mounted, the lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge. This reduces the
possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from
the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the
possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis
of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming members to
the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the
lever.
Adaptation 5
[0343] The ink cartridge as described above where when viewing the ink cartridge (20) from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of a pivot point
(800c) of the lever when the cartridge is mounted.
[0344] When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the cartridge from
the side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the ink supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the
lever in the reverse direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility
that the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the
engagement portion of the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members.
Even when the cartridge receives force, the first restriction portion would move with
the cartridge. Such moving reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
Adaptation 6
[0345] The ink cartridge as described above where when the front (203) of the cartridge
body (22) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, at least a portion
of the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located
substantially at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge (20).
[0346] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so that at least a
portion of the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located substantially
at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge, the first restriction portion is located
extremely near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between
the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
Adaptation 7
[0347] The ink cartridge as described above where the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288) is substantially flush with the bottom (201).
G-7-3. Third Variation
[0348] An ink cartridge (20) adapted to be detachably mounted on an ink jet printing apparatus
(50), the ink jet printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of apparatus-side
contact forming members (731-739) constructed and arranged to apply elastic force
(Pt) to the ink cartridge (20) when the ink cartridge (20) is pressed against the
apparatus-side contact forming members (731-739), the ink jet printing apparatus (50)
also comprising a lever (80) having an engagement portion (810), the ink cartridge
(20) comprising, a cartridge body (22) including a first surface (203), second surface
(204), third surface (202) and fourth surface (201), wherein the first surface (203)
and second surface (204) are opposite each other and the third surface (202) and fourth
surface (201) are opposite each other; an electrical device; an ink chamber (200)
for storing ink; an ink supply structure (280) positioned at the fourth surface (201)
of the cartridge body (22), adapted and configured to supply ink from the ink chamber
(200) to the ink jet printing apparatus (50), the ink supply structure (280) having
a mounting direction (SD) leading edge (288) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge
(20); a terminal bearing structure (408) located proximate to the first surface (203)
of the cartridge body (22), the terminal bearing structure (408) having a plurality
of electrically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the contact
portions (cp) adapted and arranged on the contact portion structure (408) to make
contact with and receive elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731-739)
at contact portions (cp) of the terminals (400) when the ink cartridge (20) is mounted
on the printing apparatus (50), the contact portions (400) arranged substantially
in a contact portion plane (TP) which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the
plane of the leading edge (288); and a first restriction portion (210) adapted to
engage with the engagement portion (810) of the lever (80) so as to restrict movement
of the ink cartridge (20) in a direction opposite (RD) the mounting direction (SD),
the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) located adjacent
the terminal bearing structure (408).
[0349] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh modification will now
be described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while the
ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure, positioning
action of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force
from the apparatus-side terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional
shift of the terminals, which can occur due to vibration during printing operations,
can be suppressed. Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining
the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals.
[0350] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge, the material
for producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever. Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties
such as resistance to ink.
[0351] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special care is needed
to prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the user's convenience.
Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made
smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material, such as paper
or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution of the cartridge,
thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also because the lever
is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity, compared
with the structures described in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation
of the first cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state,
the cartridge can be kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure,
which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the
apparatus-side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication.
Since the first cartridge-side restriction portion can have a small size and simple
structure, no special care to prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in
packaging for transportation and distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges
of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's convenience.
[0352] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the case
with the flexible levers of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the engagement portion to the
cartridge terminals, so electrical communication is more stable.
[0353] Because the contact portion plane (TP) of the terminals is neither parallel nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of the cartridge
terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge into the printer.
In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation fragments (dust)
that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances against the
circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
[0354] Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic
force which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the printer side terminals serves to both
press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the
cartridge in the direction for removal from the printer when engagement between the
first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So there is no need to
provide an additional spring as in the case of the
U.S. Patent 6,955,422, which enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0355] Because the first restriction portion is adapted to engage with the engagement portion
of the lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite
to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force
of the apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction opposite
to the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way,
they are firmly fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction
opposite from the mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment
or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members, compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related
configuration of
US Patent No. 7,008,053.
Adaptation 1
[0356] The ink cartridge as described above where the contact portion plane (TP) is at an
angle of between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288).
[0357] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the contact portion plane is at
an angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the leading
edge, excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-insertion
can be applied.
Adaptation 2
[0358] The ink cartridge as described above where when the first surface (203) of the cartridge
body (20) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to the left of the
rightmost contact portion of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of
the leftmost contact portion of the plurality of terminals (400).
[0359] When the ink cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is
held too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact portion
of the plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of
the plurality of terminals the ink cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the electrical
connection between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members can be even more stable.
Adaptation 3
[0360] The ink cartridge (20) as described above further comprising a second restriction
portion (220) on the second surface (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the second restriction
portion (220) adapted and configured to engage with a respective portion (620) of
the ink jet printing apparatus (50), wherein the distance (B) between the engagement
portion of the second restriction portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the
leading edge (288) is more than the distance (A) between the engagement portion (212)
of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288), when the distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP)
defined by the leading edge (288).
[0361] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is located farther
from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion will
become disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
is farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion of
the second restriction portion.
Adaptation 4
[0362] The ink cartridge (20) as described above where when viewing the ink cartridge (20)
from the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the distance (A)
between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the
plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between
a pivot point (800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288) when the cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in an orthogonal
direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0363] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
and the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a pivot
point of the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the cartridge is
mounted, the lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge. This reduces the
possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from
the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the
possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis
of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming members to
the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the
lever.
Adaptation 5
[0364] The ink cartridge as described above where when viewing the ink cartridge (20) from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of a pivot point
(800c) of the lever when the cartridge is mounted.
[0365] When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the cartridge from
the side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the ink supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the
lever in the reverse direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility
that the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the
engagement portion of the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members.
Even when the cartridge receives force, the first restriction portion would move with
the cartridge. Such moving reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
Adaptation 6
[0366] The ink cartridge as described above where when the first surface (203) of the cartridge
body (22) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, at least a portion
of the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located
substantially at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge (20).
[0367] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so that at least a
portion of the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located substantially
at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge, the first restriction portion is located
extremely near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between
the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
Adaptation 7
[0368] The ink cartridge as described above where the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288) is substantially flush with the fourth surface (201).
G-7-4. Fourth Variation
[0369] An ink cartridge (20) adapted to be detachably mounted on an ink jet printing apparatus
(50), the ink jet printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of apparatus-side
contact forming members (731-739) constructed and arranged to apply elastic force
(Pt) to the ink cartridge (20) when the ink cartridge (20) is pressed against the
apparatus-side contact forming members (731-739), the ink jet printing apparatus (50)
also comprising a lever (80) having an engagement portion (810), the ink cartridge
(20), comprising a cartridge body (22) including a first surface (203), second surface
(204), third surface (202) and fourth surface (201), wherein the first surface (203)
and second surface (204) are opposite each other and the third surface (202) and fourth
surface (201) are opposite each other; an electrical device, an ink chamber (200)
for storing ink; an ink supply structure (280) positioned at the fourth surface (201)
of the cartridge body (22), adapted and configured to supply ink from the ink chamber
(200) to the ink jet printing apparatus (50), the ink supply structure (280) having
a mounting direction (SD) leading edge (288) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge
(20); a terminal bearing structure (408) located proximate to the first surface (203)
of the cartridge body (22), the terminal bearing structure (408) having a plurality
of electrically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals
(400) adapted and arranged on the terminal bearing structure (408) to make contact
with and receive elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731-739), when
the ink cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus (50), the terminals (400) arranged
substantially in a terminal plane (TP) which is neither parallel nor perpendicular
to the plane of the leading edge (208) so that a vector component of the elastic force
(Pt) from the apparatus-side contact forming members (731-739) urges the ink cartridge
in a direction opposite (RD) to the mounting direction (SD); and a first restriction
portion (210) adapted to engage with the engagement portion (810) of the lever (80)
so as to restrict movement of the ink cartridge (20) in a direction opposite (RD)
the mounting direction (SD), the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) located adjacent the terminal bearing structure (408).
[0370] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh modification will now
be described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while the
ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure, positioning
action of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force
from the apparatus-side terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional
shift of the terminals, which can occur due to vibration during printing operations,
can be suppressed. Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining
the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals.
[0371] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge, the material
for producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever. Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties
such as resistance to ink.
[0372] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special care is needed
to prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the user's convenience.
Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made
smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material, such as paper
or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution of the cartridge,
thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also because the lever
is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity, compared
with the structures described in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation
of the first cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state,
the cartridge can be kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure,
which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the
apparatus-side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication.
Since the first cartridge-side restriction portion can have a small size and simple
structure, no special care to prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in
packaging for transportation and distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges
of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's convenience.
[0373] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the case
with the flexible levers of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the engagement portion to the
cartridge terminals, so electrical communication is more stable.
[0374] Because the terminal plane (TP) of the terminals is neither parallel nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of the cartridge
terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge into the printer.
In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation fragments (dust)
that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances against the
circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
[0375] Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic
force which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the printer side terminals serves to both
press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the
cartridge in the direction for removal from the printer when engagement between the
first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So there is no need to
provide an additional spring as in the case of the
U.S. Patent 6,955,422, which enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0376] Because the first restriction portion is adapted to engage with the engagement portion
of the lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite
to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force
of the apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction opposite
to the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way,
they are firmly fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction
opposite from the mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment
or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members, compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related
configuration of
US Patent No. 7,008,053.
Adaptation 1
[0377] The ink cartridge as described above where the terminal plane (TP) is at an angle
of between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0378] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the terminal plane is at an angle
between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the leading edge,
excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-insertion can be
applied.
Adaptation 2
[0379] The ink cartridge as described above where when the first surface (203) of the cartridge
body (20) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to the left of the
rightmost contact portion of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of
the leftmost contact portion of the plurality of terminals (400).
[0380] When the ink cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is
held too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact portion
of the plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of
the plurality of terminals the ink cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the electrical
connection between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members can be even more stable.
[0381] The ink cartridge (20) as described above further comprising a second restriction
portion (220) on the second surface (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the second restriction
portion (220) adapted and configured to engage with a respective portion (620) of
the ink jet printing apparatus (50), wherein the distance (B) between the engagement
portion of the second restriction portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the
leading edge (288) is more than the distance (A) between the engagement portion (212)
of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288), when the distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP)
defined by the leading edge (288).
[0382] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is located farther
from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion will
become disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
is farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion of
the second restriction portion.
Adaptation 4
[0383] The ink cartridge (20) as described above where when viewing the ink cartridge (20)
from the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the distance (A)
between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the
plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between
a pivot point (800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288) when the cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in an orthogonal
direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0384] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
and the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a pivot
point of the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the cartridge is
mounted, the lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge. This reduces the
possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from
the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the
possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis
of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming members to
the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the
lever.
Adaptation 5
[0385] The ink cartridge as described above where when viewing the ink cartridge (20) from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of a pivot point
(800c) of the lever when the cartridge is mounted.
[0386] When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the cartridge from
the side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the ink supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the
lever in the reverse direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility
that the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the
engagement portion of the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members.
Even when the cartridge receives force, the first restriction portion would move with
the cartridge. Such moving reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
Adaptation 6
[0387] The ink cartridge as described above where when the first surface (203) of the cartridge
body (22) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, at least a portion
of the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located
substantially at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge (20).
[0388] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so that at least a
portion of the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located substantially
at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge, the first restriction portion is located
extremely near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between
the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
Adaptation 7
[0389] The ink cartridge as described above where the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288) is substantially flush with the fourth surface (201).
G-7-5. Fifth Variation
[0390] A combination of an ink cartridge (20) and a portion of an ink jet printing apparatus
(50), the combination comprising: a portion of an ink jet printing apparatus (50),
the portion comprising: a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members (731-739)
applying an elastic force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20); and a lever (80) having
an engagement portion (810); an ink cartridge (20), the ink cartridge (20), comprising
a cartridge body (22) including a front (203), a rear (204), a top (202) and a bottom
(201), the front (203) and rear (204) opposite each other and the top (202) and bottom
(201) opposite each other; an ink chamber (200) for storing ink; an electrical device,
an ink supply structure (280) positioned at the bottom (201) of the cartridge body
(22), adapted and configured to supply ink from the ink chamber (200) to the ink jet
printing apparatus (50), the ink supply structure (280) having a mounting direction
(SD) leading edge (288) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge (20); a terminal
bearing structure (408) located proximate to the front (203) of the cartridge body
(22), the terminal bearing structure (408) having a plurality of electrically conductive
terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) on the terminal
bearing structure (408) contacting with and receiving elastic force (Pt) from the
contact forming members (731-739) at contact portions (cp) of the terminals (400),
the contact portions (cp) arranged substantially in a contact portion plane (TP) which
is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane of the leading edge (288); and
a first restriction portion (210) engaged with the engagement portion (810) of the
lever (80)so as to restrict movement of the ink cartridge (20) in a direction opposite
(RD) the mounting direction (SD), the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) located adjacent the terminal bearing structure (408).
[0391] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh modification will now
be described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while the
ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure, positioning
action of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force
from the apparatus-side terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional
shift of the terminals, which can occur due to vibration during printing operations,
can be suppressed. Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining
the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals.
[0392] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge, the material
for producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever. Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties
such as resistance to ink.
[0393] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special care is needed
to prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the user's convenience.
Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made
smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material, such as paper
or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution of the cartridge,
thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also because the lever
is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity, compared
with the structures described in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation
of the first cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state,
the cartridge can be kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure,
which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the
apparatus-side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication.
Since the first cartridge-side restriction portion can have a small size and simple
structure, no special care to prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in
packaging for transportation and distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges
of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's convenience.
[0394] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the case
with the flexible levers of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the engagement portion to the
cartridge terminals, so electrical communication is more stable.
[0395] Because the contact portion plane (TP) of the terminals is neither parallel nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of the cartridge
terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge into the printer.
In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation fragments (dust)
that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances against the
circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
[0396] Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic
force which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the printer side terminals serves to both
press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the
cartridge in the direction for removal from the printer when engagement between the
first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So there is no need to
provide an additional spring as in the case of the
U.S. Patent 6,955,422, which enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0397] Because the first restriction portion is engaged with the engagement portion of the
lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to the
mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will be maintained
in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the apparatus-side
contact forming members, and with respect to the direction opposite to the mounting
direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is mounted in the printer.
Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way, they are firmly fixed
from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite from the mounting
direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment or disconnection between
the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming members, compared with
the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related configuration of
US Patent No. 7,008,053.
Adaptation 1
[0398] The combination as described above where the contact portion plane (TP) is at an
angle of between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288).
[0399] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the contact portion plane is at
an angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the leading
edge, excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-insertion
can be applied.
Adaptation 2
[0400] The combination as described above where when the front (203) of the cartridge body
(20) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement portion
(212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to the left of the rightmost
contact portion of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of the leftmost
contact portion of the plurality of terminals (400).
[0401] When the ink cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is
held too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact portion
of the plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of
the plurality of terminals the ink cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the electrical
connection between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members can be even more stable.
Adaptation 3
[0402] The combination as described above further comprising a second restriction portion
(220) on the rear (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the second restriction portion
(220) engaged with a respective portion (620) of the ink jet printing apparatus (50),
wherein the distance (B) between the engagement portion of the second restriction
portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is more than the
distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the distances are
measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288).
[0403] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is located farther
from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion will
become disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
is farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion of
the second restriction portion.
Adaptation 4
[0404] The combination as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and a pivot
point (800c) intermediate the two ends and when viewing the ink cartridge (20) from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the distance (A)
between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the
plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between
the pivot point (800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288) when the cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in
an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0405] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
and the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a pivot
point of the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the cartridge is
mounted, the lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge. This reduces the
possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from
the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the
possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis
of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming members to
the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the
lever.
Adaptation 5
[0406] The combination as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and a pivot
point (800c) intermediate the two ends and when viewing the ink cartridge (20) from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of the pivot point
(800c) of the lever.
[0407] When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the cartridge from
the side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the ink supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the
lever in the reverse direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility
that the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the
engagement portion of the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members.
Even when the cartridge receives force, the first restriction portion would move with
the cartridge. Such moving reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
Adaptation 6
[0408] The combination as described above where when the front (203) of the cartridge body
(22) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, at least a portion
of the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located
substantially at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge (20).
[0409] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so that at least a
portion of the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located substantially
at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge, the first restriction portion is located
extremely near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between
the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
Adaptation 7
[0410] The combination as described above where the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288) is substantially flush with the bottom (201).
G-7-6. Sixth Variation
[0411] A combination of an ink cartridge (20) and a portion of an ink jet printing apparatus
(50), the combination comprising a portion of an ink jet printing apparatus (50),
the portion comprising: a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members (731-739)
applying an elastic force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20); and a lever (80) having
an engagement portion (810); an ink cartridge (20), the ink cartridge (20) comprising:
a cartridge body (22) including a front (203), a rear (204), a top (202) and a bottom
(201), the front (203) and rear (204) opposite each other and the top (202) and bottom
(201) opposite each other; an electrical device, an ink chamber (200) for storing
ink; an ink supply structure (280) positioned at the bottom (201) of the cartridge
body (22), adapted and configured to supply ink from the ink chamber (200) to the
ink jet printing apparatus (50), the ink supply structure (280) having a mounting
direction (SD) leading edge (288) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge (20);
a terminal bearing structure (408) located proximate to the front (203) of the cartridge
body (22), the terminal bearing structure (408) having a plurality of electrically
conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) on
the terminal bearing structure (408) contacting with and receiving elastic force (Pt)
from the contact forming members (731-739), the terminals (400) arranged substantially
in a terminal plane (TP) which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane
of the leading edge (288); and a first restriction portion (210) engaged with the
engagement portion (810) of the lever (80) so as to restrict movement of the ink cartridge
(20) in a direction opposite (RD) the mounting direction (SD:, the engagement portion
(212) of the first restriction portion (210) located adjacent the terminal bearing
structure (408).
[0412] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh modification will now
be described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while the
ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure, positioning
action of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force
from the apparatus-side terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional
shift of the terminals, which can occur due to vibration during printing operations,
can be suppressed. Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining
the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals.
[0413] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge, the material
for producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever. Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties
such as resistance to ink.
[0414] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special care is needed
to prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the user's convenience.
Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made
smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material, such as paper
or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution of the cartridge,
thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also because the lever
is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity, compared
with the structures described in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation
of the first cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state,
the cartridge can be kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure,
which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the
apparatus-side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication.
Since the first cartridge-side restriction portion can have a small size and simple
structure, no special care to prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in
packaging for transportation and distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges
of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's convenience.
[0415] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the case
with the flexible levers of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the engagement portion to the
cartridge terminals, so electrical communication is more stable.
[0416] Because the terminal plane (TP) of the terminals is neither parallel nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of the cartridge
terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge into the printer.
In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation fragments (dust)
that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances against the
circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
[0417] Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic
force which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the printer side terminals serves to both
press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the
cartridge in the direction for removal from the printer when engagement between the
first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So there is no need to
provide an additional spring as in the case of the
U.S. Patent 6,955,422, which enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0418] Because the first restriction portion is engaged with the engagement portion of the
lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to the
mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will be maintained
in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the apparatus-side
contact forming members, and with respect to the direction opposite to the mounting
direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is mounted in the printer.
Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way, they are firmly fixed
from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite from the mounting
direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment or disconnection between
the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming members, compared with
the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related configuration of
US Patent No. 7,008,053.
Adaptation 1
[0419] The combination as described above where the terminal plane (TP) is at an angle of
between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0420] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the terminal plane is at an angle
between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the leading edge,
excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-insertion can be
applied.
Adaptation 2
[0421] The combination as described above where when the front (203) of the cartridge body
(20) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement portion
(212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to the left of a right edge
of a rightmost terminal of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of a
left edge of the leftmost terminal of the plurality of terminals (400).
[0422] When the ink cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is
held too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of a right edge of a rightmost
terminal of the plurality of terminals and to the right of a left edge of the leftmost
terminal of the plurality of terminals the ink cartridge can tilt sufficiently so
that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side
contact forming members can be even more stable.
Adaptation 3
[0423] The combination as described above further comprising a second restriction portion
(220) on the rear (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the second restriction portion
(220) engaged with a respective portion (620) of the ink jet printing apparatus (50),
wherein the distance (B) between the engagement portion of the second restriction
portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is more than the
distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the distances are
measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288).
[0424] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is located farther
from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion will
become disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
is farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion of
the second restriction portion.
Adaptation 4
[0425] The combination as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and a pivot
point (800c) intermediate the two ends and when viewing the ink cartridge (20) from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the distance (A)
between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the
plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between
the pivot point (800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288) when the cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in
an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0426] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
and the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a pivot
point of the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the cartridge is
mounted, the lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge. This reduces the
possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from
the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the
possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis
of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming members to
the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the
lever.
Adaptation 5
[0427] The combination as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and a pivot
point (800c) intermediate the two ends and when viewing the ink cartridge (20) from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of the pivot point
(800c) of the lever.
[0428] When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the cartridge from
the side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the ink supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the
lever in the reverse direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility
that the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the
engagement portion of the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members.
Even when the cartridge receives force, the first restriction portion would move with
the cartridge. Such moving reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
Adaptation 6
[0429] The combination as described above where when the front (203) of the cartridge body
(22) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, at least a portion
of the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located
substantially at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge (20).
[0430] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so that at least a
portion of the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located substantially
at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge, the first restriction portion is located
extremely near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between
the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
Adaptation 7
[0431] The combination as described above where the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288) is substantially flush with the bottom (201).
G-7-7. Seventh Variation
[0432] A combination of an ink cartridge (20) and a portion of an ink jet printing apparatus
(50), the combination comprising: a portion of an ink jet printing apparatus (50),
the portion comprising: a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members (731-739)
applying an elastic force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20); and a lever (80) having
an engagement portion (810); an ink cartridge (20), the ink cartridge (20) comprising
a cartridge body (22) including a first surface (201), second surface (204), third
surface (202) and fourth surface (201), wherein the first surface (203) and second
surface (204) are opposite each other and the third surface (202) and fourth surface
(201) are opposite each other; an electrical device, an ink chamber (200) for storing
ink; an ink supply structure (280) positioned at the fourth surface (201) of the cartridge
body (22), adapted and configured to supply ink from the ink chamber (200) to the
ink jet printing apparatus (50), the ink supply structure (280) having a mounting
direction (SD) leading edge (288) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge (20);
a terminal bearing structure (408) located proximate to the first surface (203) of
the cartridge body (22), the terminal bearing structure (408) having a plurality of
electrically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals
(400) on the terminal bearing structure (408) contacting with and receiving elastic
force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731-739) at contact portions (cp) of
the terminals (400), the contact portions (cp) arranged substantially in a contact
portion plane (TP) which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane of the
leading edge (288); and a first restriction portion (210) engaged with the engagement
portion (810) of the lever (80) so as to restrict movement of the ink cartridge (20)
in a direction opposite (RD) the mounting direction (SD), the engagement portion (212)
of the first restriction portion (210) located adjacent the terminal bearing structure
(408).
[0433] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh modification will now
be described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while the
ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure, positioning
action of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force
from the apparatus-side terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional
shift of the terminals, which can occur due to vibration during printing operations,
can be suppressed. Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining
the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals.
[0434] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge, the material
for producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever. Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties
such as resistance to ink.
[0435] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special care is needed
to prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the user's convenience.
Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made
smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material, such as paper
or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution of the cartridge,
thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also because the lever
is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity, compared
with the structures described in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation
of the first cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state,
the cartridge can be kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure,
which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the
apparatus-side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication.
Since the first cartridge-side restriction portion can have a small size and simple
structure, no special care to prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in
packaging for transportation and distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges
of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's convenience.
[0436] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the case
with the flexible levers of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the engagement portion to the
cartridge terminals, so electrical communication is more stable.
[0437] Because the contact portion plane (TP) of the terminals is neither parallel nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of the cartridge
terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge into the printer.
In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation fragments (dust)
that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances against the
circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
[0438] Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic
force which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the printer side terminals serves to both
press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the
cartridge in the direction for removal from the printer when engagement between the
first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So there is no need to
provide an additional spring as in the case of the
U.S. Patent 6,955,422, which enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0439] Because the first restriction portion is engaged with the engagement portion of the
lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to the
mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will be maintained
in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the apparatus-side
contact forming members, and with respect to the direction opposite to the mounting
direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is mounted in the printer.
Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way, they are firmly fixed
from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite from the mounting
direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment or disconnection between
the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming members, compared with
the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related configuration of
US Patent No. 7,008,053.
Adaptation 1
[0440] The combination as described above where the contact portion plane (TP) is at an
angle of between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288).
[0441] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the contact portion plane is at
an angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the leading
edge, excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-insertion
can be applied.
Adaptation 2
[0442] The combination as described above where when the first surface (203) of the cartridge
body (20) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to the left of the
rightmost contact portion of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of
the leftmost contact portion of the plurality of terminals (400).
[0443] When the ink cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is
held too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact portion
of the plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of
the plurality of terminals the ink cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the electrical
connection between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members can be even more stable.
Adaptation 3
[0444] The combination as described above further comprising a second restriction portion
(220) on the second surface (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the second restriction
portion (220) engaged with a respective portion (620) of the ink jet printing apparatus
(50), wherein the distance (B) between the engagement portion of the second restriction
portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is more than the
distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the distances are
measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288).
[0445] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is located farther
from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion will
become disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
is farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion of
the second restriction portion.
Adaptation 4
[0446] The combination as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and a pivot
point (800c) intermediate the two ends and when viewing the ink cartridge (20) from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the distance (A)
between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the
plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between
the pivot point (800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288) when the cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in
an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0447] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
and the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a pivot
point of the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the cartridge is
mounted, the lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge. This reduces the
possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from
the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the
possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis
of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming members to
the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the
lever.
Adaptation 5
[0448] The combination as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and a pivot
point (800c) intermediate the two ends and when viewing the ink cartridge (20) from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of the pivot point
(800c) of the lever.
[0449] When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the cartridge from
the side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the ink supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the
lever in the reverse direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility
that the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the
engagement portion of the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members.
Even when the cartridge receives force, the first restriction portion would move with
the cartridge. Such moving reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
Adaptation 6
[0450] The combination as described above where when the first surface (203) of the cartridge
body (22) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, at least a portion
of the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located
substantially at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge (20).
[0451] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so that at least a
portion of the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located substantially
at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge, the first restriction portion is located
extremely near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between
the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
Adaptation 7
[0452] The combination as described above where the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288) is substantially flush with the fourth surface (201).
G-7-8. Eighth Variation
[0453] A combination of an ink cartridge (20) and a portion of an ink jet printing apparatus
(50), the combination comprising: a portion of an ink jet printing apparatus (50),
the portion comprising: a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members (731-739)
applying an elastic force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20); and a lever (80) having
an engagement portion (810); an ink cartridge (20), the ink cartridge (20) comprising
a cartridge body (22) including a first surface (203), second surface (204), third
surface (202) and fourth surface (201), wherein the first surface (203) and second
surface (204) are opposite each other and the third surface (202) and fourth surface
(201) are opposite each other; an electrical device, an ink chamber (200) for storing
ink; an ink supply structure (280) positioned at the fourth surface (201) of the cartridge
body (22), adapted and configured to supply ink from the ink chamber (200) to the
ink jet printing apparatus (50), the ink supply structure (280) having a mounting
direction (SD) leading edge (288) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge (20);
a terminal bearing structure (408) located proximate to the first surface (203) of
the cartridge body (22), the terminal bearing structure (408) having a plurality of
electrically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals
(400) on the terminal bearing structure (408) contacting with and receiving elastic
force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731-739), the terminals (400) arranged
substantially in a terminal plane (TP) which is neither parallel nor perpendicular
to the plane of the leading edge (288); and a first restriction portion (210) including
an engagement (212) portion engaged with the engagement portion (810) of the lever
(80) so as to restrict movement of the ink cartridge (20) in a direction opposite
(RD) the mounting direction (SD), the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) located adjacent the terminal bearing structure (408).
[0454] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh modification will now
be described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while the
ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure, positioning
action of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force
from the apparatus-side terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional
shift of the terminals, which can occur due to vibration during printing operations,
can be suppressed. Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining
the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals.
[0455] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge, the material
for producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever. Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties
such as resistance to ink.
[0456] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special care is needed
to prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the user's convenience.
Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made
smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material, such as paper
or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution of the cartridge,
thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also because the lever
is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity, compared
with the structures described in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation
of the first cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state,
the cartridge can be kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure,
which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the
apparatus-side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication.
Since the first cartridge-side restriction portion can have a small size and simple
structure, no special care to prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in
packaging for transportation and distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges
of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's convenience.
[0457] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the case
with the flexible levers of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the engagement portion to the
cartridge terminals, so electrical communication is more stable.
[0458] Because the terminal plane (TP) of the terminals is neither parallel nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of the cartridge
terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge into the printer.
In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation fragments (dust)
that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances against the
circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
[0459] Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic
force which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the printer side terminals serves to both
press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the
cartridge in the direction for removal from the printer when engagement between the
first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So there is no need to
provide an additional spring as in the case of the
U.S. Patent 6,955,422, which enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0460] Because the first restriction portion is engaged with the engagement portion of the
lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to the
mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will be maintained
in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the apparatus-side
contact forming members, and with respect to the direction opposite to the mounting
direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is mounted in the printer.
Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way, they are firmly fixed
from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite from the mounting
direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment or disconnection between
the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming members, compared with
the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related configuration of
US Patent No. 7,008,053.
Adaptation 1
[0461] The combination as described above where the terminal plane (TP) is at an angle of
between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0462] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the terminal plane is at an angle
between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the leading edge,
excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-insertion can be
applied.
Adaptation 2
[0463] The combination as described above where when the front (203) of the cartridge body
(20) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement portion
(212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to the left of a right edge
of a rightmost terminal of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of a
left edge of the leftmost terminal of the plurality of terminals (400).
[0464] When the ink cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is
held too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of a right edge of a rightmost
terminal of the plurality of terminals and to the right of a left edge of the leftmost
terminal of the plurality of terminals the ink cartridge can tilt sufficiently so
that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side
contact forming members can be even more stable.
Adaptation 3
[0465] The combination as described above further comprising a second restriction portion
(220) on the second surface (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the second restriction
portion (220) engaged with a respective portion (620) of the ink jet printing apparatus
(50), wherein the distance (B) between the engagement portion of the second restriction
portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is more than the
distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the distances are
measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288).
[0466] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is located farther
from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion will
become disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
is farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion of
the second restriction portion.
Adaptation 4
[0467] The combination as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and a pivot
point (800c) intermediate the two ends and when viewing the ink cartridge (20) from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the distance (A)
between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the
plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between
the pivot point (800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288) when the cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in
an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0468] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
and the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a pivot
point of the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the cartridge is
mounted, the lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge. This reduces the
possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from
the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the
possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis
of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming members to
the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the
lever.
Adaptation 5
[0469] The combination as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and a pivot
point (800c) intermediate the two ends and when viewing the ink cartridge (20) from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of the pivot point
(800c) of the lever.
[0470] When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the cartridge from
the side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the ink supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the
lever in the reverse direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility
that the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the
engagement portion of the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members.
Even when the cartridge receives force, the first restriction portion would move with
the cartridge. Such moving reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
Adaptation 6
[0471] The combination as described above where when the first surface (203) of the cartridge
body (22) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, at least a portion
of the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located
substantially at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge (20).
[0472] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so that at least a
portion of the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located substantially
at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge, the first restriction portion is located
extremely near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between
the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
Adaptation 7
[0473] The combination as described above where the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288) is substantially flush with the fourth surface (201).
G-7-9. Ninth Variation
[0474] An ink supply system adapted to supply ink to an ink jet printing apparatus (50),
the ink jet printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of apparatus-side contact
forming members (731-739), the ink supply system comprising an electrical device,
an ink chamber (200) for storing ink; an ink supply structure (280), adapted and configured
to supply ink from the ink chamber (200) to the ink jet printing apparatus (50), the
ink supply structure (280) having a mounting direction (SE) leading edge (288) defining
a plane (BP); a terminal bearing structure (408) having a plurality of electrically
conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) adapted
and arranged on the terminal bearing structure (408) to make contact with and receive
elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members 731-739) at contact portions (cp)
of the terminals (400) when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus
(50) so that a vector component of the elastic force (Pt) from the apparatus-side
contact forming members (731-739) urges the ink chamber (200) in a direction opposite
(RD) to the mounting direction (SD); and a first restriction portion (210) adapted
to engage with the engagement portion (810) of the lever (80) so as to restrict movement
of the terminal bearing structure (408) in a direction opposite (RD) the mounting
direction (SD); wherein the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) is positioned adjacent the terminal bearing structure (408) and the contact
portions (cp) are arranged substantially in a contact portion plane (TP) which is
neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane of the leading edge (288) when the
ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).
[0475] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh modification will now
be described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while the
ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure, positioning
action of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force
from the apparatus-side terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional
shift of the terminals, which can occur due to vibration during printing operations,
can be suppressed. Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining
the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals.
[0476] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge, the material
for producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever. Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties
such as resistance to ink.
[0477] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special care is needed
to prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the user's convenience.
Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made
smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material, such as paper
or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution of the cartridge,
thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also because the lever
is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity, compared
with the structures described in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation
of the first cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state,
the cartridge can be kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure,
which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the
apparatus-side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication.
Since the first cartridge-side restriction portion can have a small size and simple
structure, no special care to prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in
packaging for transportation and distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges
of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's convenience.
[0478] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the case
with the flexible levers of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the engagement portion to the
cartridge terminals, so electrical communication is more stable.
[0479] Because the contact portion plane (TP) of the terminals is neither parallel nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of the cartridge
terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge into the printer.
In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation fragments (dust)
that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances against the
circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
[0480] Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic
force which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the printer side terminals serves to both
press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the
cartridge in the direction for removal from the printer when engagement between the
first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So there is no need to
provide an additional spring as in the case of the
U.S. Patent 6,955,422, which enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0481] Because the first restriction portion is adapted to engage with the engagement portion
of the lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite
to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force
of the apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction opposite
to the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way,
they are firmly fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction
opposite from the mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment
or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members, compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related
configuration of
US Patent No. 7,008,053.
Adaptation 1
[0482] The ink supply system as described above where the contact portion plane (TP) is
at an angle of between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288) when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).
[0483] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the contact portion plane is at
an angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the leading
edge, excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-insertion
can be applied.
Adaptation 2
[0484] The ink supply system as described above where when the ink supply system supplies
ink to the printing apparatus (50) the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) is located to the left of the rightmost contact portion of the plurality
of terminals (400) and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of the plurality
of terminals (400).
[0485] When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, if held too securely,
then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members (terminal 734
in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact portion of the
plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of the plurality
of terminals there can be sufficient tilting so that the electrical connection between
the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming members can be even
more stable.
Adaptation 3
[0486] The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22) including
a front (203) and a rear (204), the front (203) and rear (204) opposite each other,
a second restriction portion (220) proximate to the rear (204) of the body (22), the
terminal bearing structure (408) proximate to the front (203) of the body (22), the
second restriction portion (220) adapted and configured to engage with a respective
portion (620) of the ink jet printing apparatus (50), wherein the distance (B) between
the engagement portion of the second restriction portion (220) and the plane (BP)
defined by the leading edge (288) is more than the distance (A) between the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane (BP) defined by
the leading edge (288), when the distances are measured in an orthogonal direction
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0487] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is located farther
from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion will
become disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
is farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion of
the second restriction portion.
Adaptation 4
[0488] The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22) including
a first surface (203) and a second surface (204), the first surface (203) and second
surface (204) opposite each other, a second restriction portion (220) proximate to
the second surface (204) of the body (22), the terminal bearing structure (408) proximate
to the first surface (203) of the body (22), the second restriction portion (220)
adapted and configured to engage with a respective portion (620) of the ink jet printing
apparatus (50), wherein the distance (B) between the engagement portion of the second
restriction portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is
more than the distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the distances
are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288).
[0489] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is located farther
from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion will
become disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
is farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion of
the second restriction portion.
Adaptation 5
[0490] The ink supply system as described above where the distance (A) between the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane (BP) defined by
the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between a pivot point (800c)
of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) when the ink
supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), when the distances are
measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288).
[0491] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
and the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a pivot
point of the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the ink supply system
supplies ink to the printing apparatus, the lever serves to restrict motion. This
reduces the possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged
from the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the
possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis
of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming members. This
reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the lever.
Adaptation 6
[0492] The ink supply system as described above where when the ink supply system supplies
ink to the printing apparatus (50), the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) is on the right and the ink supply structure is (280) facing down, the
engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of
a pivot point (800c) of the lever.
[0493] When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus and the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever
and the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right and the ink
supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates rotational moment
on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the lever in the reverse
direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of
the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection between the plurality
of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members. Further, the possibility
that the engagement portion of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked from
the engagement portion of the lever is reduced.
Adaptation 7
[0494] The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22) proximate
the terminal bearing structure (408), wherein when the ink supply system supplies
ink to the printing apparatus (50), at least a portion of the engagement portion (212)
of the first restriction portion (210) is located substantially at the widthwise center
of the body (22).
[0495] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so that at least a
portion of the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located substantially
at the widthwise center of the body, the first restriction portion is located extremely
near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between the plurality
of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
Adaptation 8
[0496] The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299) wherein
the ink supply structure (280), the terminal bearing structure (408) and the first
restriction portion (210) are positioned on the adapter (299) and the ink chamber
(200) is adapted and configured to be mated with the adapter (299).
Adaptation 9
[0497] The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299j) wherein
the terminal bearing structure (408) and the first restriction portion (210) are positioned
on the adapter (299j), the ink supply structure (280) is positioned on the ink chamber
(200) and the ink chamber (200) is adapted and configured to be mated with the adapter
(299).
Adaptation 10
[0498] The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299k), an
ink tank (200T) external from the ink jet printing apparatus (50), a tube (200L) and
an auxiliary adapter (200S) wherein the ink supply structure (280) is positioned on
the auxiliary adapter (200S), the terminal bearing structure (408) and the first restriction
portion (210) are positioned on the adapter (299k) and the tube (200L) supplies ink
from the external tank (200T) to the auxiliary adapter (200S) when the ink supply
system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).
Adaptation 11
[0499] The ink supply system as described above where the further comprising a body (22)
including a top (202) and a bottom (201), the top and bottom opposite each other,
where the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially flush with
the bottom (201).
G-7-10. Tenth Variation
[0500] An ink supply system adapted to supply ink to an ink jet printing apparatus (50),
the ink jet printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of apparatus-side contact
forming members (731-739), the ink jet printing apparatus (50) also comprising a lever
(80) having an engagement portion (810), the ink supply system comprising an electrical
device, an ink chamber (200) for storing ink; an ink supply structure (280), adapted
and configured to supply ink from the ink chamber (200) to the ink jet printing apparatus
(50), the ink supply structure (280) having a mounting direction (SD) leading edge
(288) defining a plane (BP); a terminal bearing structure (408) having a plurality
of electrically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals
(400) adapted and arranged on the terminal bearing structure (408) to make contact
with and receive elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731-739) when
the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50) so that a vector
component of the elastic force (Pt) from the apparatus-side contact forming members
(731-739) urges the ink chamber (200) in a direction opposite (RD) to the mounting
direction (SD); and a first restriction portion (210) including an engagement portion(212)
adapted to engage with the engagement portion (810) of the lever (80) so as to restrict
movement of the terminal bearing structure (408) in a direction opposite (RD) the
mounting direction (SD); wherein the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) is positioned adjacent the terminal bearing structure (408) and the
terminals (400) are arranged substantially in a terminal plane (TP) which is neither
parallel nor perpendicular to the plane of the leading edge (288) when the ink supply
system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).
[0501] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh modification will now
be described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while the
ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure, positioning
action of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force
from the apparatus-side terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional
shift of the terminals, which can occur due to vibration during printing operations,
can be suppressed. Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining
the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals.
[0502] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge, the material
for producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever. Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties
such as resistance to ink.
[0503] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special care is needed
to prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the user's convenience.
Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made
smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material, such as paper
or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution of the cartridge,
thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also because the lever
is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity, compared
with the structures described in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation
of the first cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state,
the cartridge can be kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure,
which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the
apparatus-side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication.
Since the first cartridge-side restriction portion can have a small size and simple
structure, no special care to prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in
packaging for transportation and distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges
of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's convenience.
[0504] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the case
with the flexible levers of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the engagement portion to the
cartridge terminals, so electrical communication is more stable.
[0505] Because the terminal plane (TP) of the terminals is neither parallel nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of the cartridge
terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge into the printer.
In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation fragments (dust)
that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances against the
circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
[0506] Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic
force which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the printer side terminals serves to both
press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the
cartridge in the direction for removal from the printer when engagement between the
first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So there is no need to
provide an additional spring as in the case of the
U.S. Patent 6,955,422, which enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0507] Because the first restriction portion is adapted to engage with the engagement portion
of the lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite
to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force
of the apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction opposite
to the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way,
they are firmly fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction
opposite from the mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment
or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members, compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related
configuration of
US Patent No. 7,008,053.
Adaptation 1
[0508] The ink supply system as described above where the terminal plane (TP) is at an angle
of between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288)
when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).
[0509] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the terminal plane is at an angle
between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the leading edge,
excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-insertion can be
applied.
Adaptation 2
[0510] The ink supply system as described above where when the ink supply system supplies
ink to the printing apparatus (50), the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) is located to the left of a right edge of a rightmost terminal of the
plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of a left edge of the leftmost terminal
of the plurality of terminals (400).
[0511] When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, if held too securely,
then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members (terminal 734
in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion to the left of a right edge of a rightmost terminal
of the plurality of terminals and to the right of a left edge of the leftmost terminal
of the plurality of terminals the ink cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the
electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact
forming members can be even more stable.
Adaptation 3
[0512] The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22) including
a front (203) and a rear (204), the front (203) and rear (204) opposite each other,
a second restriction portion (220) proximate to the rear (204) of the body (22), the
terminal bearing structure (408) proximate to the front (203) of the body (22), the
second restriction portion (220) adapted and configured to engage with a respective
portion (620) of the ink jet printing apparatus (50), wherein the distance (B) between
the engagement portion of the second restriction portion (220) and the plane (BP)
defined by the leading edge (288) is more than the distance (A) between the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane (BP) defined by
the leading edge (288), when the distances are measured in an orthogonal direction
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0513] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is located farther
from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion will
become disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
is farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion of
the second restriction portion.
Adaptation 4
[0514] The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22) including
a first surface (203) and a second surface (204), the first surface (203) and second
surface (204) opposite each other, a second restriction portion (220) proximate to
the second surface (204) of the body (22), the terminal bearing structure (408) proximate
to the first surface (203) of the body (22), the second restriction portion (220)
adapted and configured to engage with a respective portion (620) of the ink jet printing
apparatus (50), wherein the distance (B) between the engagement portion of the second
restriction portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is
more than the distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the distances
are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288).
[0515] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is located farther
from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion will
become disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
is farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion of
the second restriction portion.
Adaptation 5
[0516] The ink supply system as described above where the distance (A) between the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane (BP) defined by
the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between a pivot point (800c)
of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) when the ink
supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), when the distances are
measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288).
[0517] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
and the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a pivot
point of the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the ink supply system
supplies ink to the printing apparatus, the lever serves to restrict motion. This
reduces the possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged
from the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the
possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis
of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming members. This
reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the lever.
Adaptation 6
[0518] The ink supply system as described above where when the ink supply system supplies
ink to the printing apparatus (50), the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) is on the right and the ink supply structure is (280) facing down, the
engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of
a pivot point (800c) of the lever.
[0519] When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus and the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever
and the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right and the ink
supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates rotational moment
on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the lever in the reverse
direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of
the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection between the plurality
of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members. Further, the possibility
that the engagement portion of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked from
the engagement portion of the lever is reduced.
Adaptation 7
[0520] The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22) proximate
the terminal bearing structure (408), wherein when the ink supply system supplies
ink to the printing apparatus (50), at least a portion of the engagement portion (212)
of the first restriction portion (210) is located substantially at the widthwise center
of the body (22).
[0521] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so that at least a
portion of the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located substantially
at the widthwise center of the body, the first restriction portion is located extremely
near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between the plurality
of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
Adaptation 8
[0522] The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299) wherein
the ink supply structure (280), the terminal bearing structure (408) and the first
restriction portion (210) are positioned on the adapter (299) and the ink chamber
(200) is adapted and configured to be mated with the adapter (299).
Adaptation 9
[0523] The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299j) wherein
the terminal bearing structure (408) and the first restriction portion (210) are positioned
on the adapter (299j), the ink supply structure (280) is positioned on the ink chamber
(200) and the ink chamber (200) is adapted and configured to be mated with the adapter
(299).
Adaptation 10
[0524] The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299k), an
ink tank (200T) external from the ink jet printing apparatus (50), a tube (200L) and
an auxiliary adapter (200S) wherein the ink supply structure (280) is positioned on
the auxiliary adapter (200S), the terminal bearing structure (408) and the first restriction
portion (210) are positioned on the adapter (299k) and the tube (200L) supplies ink
from the external tank (200T) to the auxiliary adapter (200S) when the ink supply
system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).
Adaptation 11
[0525] The ink supply system as described above where the further comprising a body (22)
including a top (202) and a bottom (201), the top and bottom opposite each other,
where the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially flush with
the bottom (201).
G-7-11. Eleventh Variation
[0526] An ink supply system adapted to supply ink to a portion of an ink jet printing apparatus
(50), the system comprising: a portion of an ink jet printing apparatus (50), the
portion comprising: a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members (731-739);
and a lever (80) having an engagement portion (810), an electrical device, an ink
chamber (200) for storing ink; an ink supply structure (280), adapted and configured
to supply ink from the ink chamber (200) to the ink jet printing apparatus (50), the
ink supply structure (280) having a mounting direction (SD) leading edge (288) defining
a plane (BP); a terminal bearing structure (408) having a plurality of electrically
conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) contacting
and receiving elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731-739) at contact
portions (cp) of the terminals (400) when the ink supply system supplies ink to the
printing apparatus (50) so that a vector component of the elastic force (Pt) from
the apparatus-side contact forming members (731-739) urges the ink chamber (200) in
a direction opposite (RD) to the mounting direction (SD); and a first restriction
portion (210) engaged with the engagement portion (810) of the lever (80) so as to
restrict movement of the terminal bearing structure (408) in a direction opposite
(RD) the mounting direction (SD); wherein the engagement portion (212) of the first
restriction portion (210) is positioned adjacent the terminal bearing structure (408)
and the contact portions (cp) are arranged substantially in a contact portion plane
(TP) which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane of the leading edge
(288) when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).
[0527] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh modification will now
be described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while the
ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure, positioning
action of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force
from the apparatus-side terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional
shift of the terminals, which can occur due to vibration during printing operations,
can be suppressed. Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining
the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals.
[0528] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge, the material
for producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever. Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties
such as resistance to ink.
[0529] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special care is needed
to prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the user's convenience.
Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made
smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material, such as paper
or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution of the cartridge,
thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also because the lever
is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity, compared
with the structures described in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation
of the first cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state,
the cartridge can be kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure,
which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the
apparatus-side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication.
Since the first cartridge-side restriction portion can have a small size and simple
structure, no special care to prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in
packaging for transportation and distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges
of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's convenience.
[0530] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the case
with the flexible levers of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the engagement portion to the
cartridge terminals, so electrical communication is more stable.
[0531] Because the contact portion plane (TP) of the terminals is neither parallel nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of the cartridge
terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge into the printer.
In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation fragments (dust)
that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances against the
circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
[0532] Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic
force which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the printer side terminals serves to both
press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the
cartridge in the direction for removal from the printer when engagement between the
first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So there is no need to
provide an additional spring as in the case of the
U.S. Patent 6,955,422, which enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0533] Because the first restriction portion is engaged with the engagement portion of the
lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to the
mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will be maintained
in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the apparatus-side
contact forming members, and with respect to the direction opposite to the mounting
direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is mounted in the printer.
Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way, they are firmly fixed
from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite from the mounting
direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment or disconnection between
the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming members, compared with
the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related configuration of
US Patent No. 7,008,053.
Adaptation 1
[0534] The ink supply system as described above where the contact portion plane (TP) is
at an angle of between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288) when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).
[0535] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the contact portion plane is at
an angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the leading
edge, excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-insertion
can be applied.
Adaptation 2
[0536] The ink supply system as described above where when the ink supply system supplies
ink to the printing apparatus (50) the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) is located to the left of the rightmost contact portion of the plurality
of terminals (400) and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of the plurality
of terminals (400).
[0537] When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, if held too securely,
then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members (terminal 734
in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact portion of the
plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of the plurality
of terminals there can be sufficient tilting so that the electrical connection between
the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming members can be even
more stable.
Adaptation 3
[0538] The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22) including
a front (203) and a rear (204), the front (203) and rear (204) opposite each other,
a second restriction portion (220) proximate to the rear (204) of the body (22), the
terminal bearing structure (408) proximate to the front (203) of the body (22), the
second restriction portion (220) engaged with a respective portion (620) of the ink
jet printing apparatus (50), wherein the distance (B) between the engagement portion
of the second restriction portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288) is more than the distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of the
first restriction portion (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288),
when the distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined
by the leading edge (288).
[0539] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is located farther
from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion will
become disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
is farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion of
the second restriction portion.
Adaptation 4
[0540] The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22) including
a first surface (203) and a second surface (204), the first surface (203) and second
surface (204) opposite each other, a second restriction portion (220) proximate to
the second surface (204) of the body (22), the terminal bearing structure (408) proximate
to the first surface (203) of the body (22), the second restriction portion (220)
engaged with a respective portion (620) of the ink jet printing apparatus (50), wherein
the distance (B) between the engagement portion of the second restriction portion
(220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is more than the distance
(A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and
the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the distances are measured
in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0541] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is located farther
from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion will
become disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
is farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion of
the second restriction portion.
Adaptation 5
[0542] The ink supply system as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and a
pivot point (800c) intermediate the two ends and where the distance (A) between the
engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane (BP)
defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between the pivot
point (800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288)
when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), when the distances
are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288).
[0543] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
and the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a pivot
point of the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the ink supply system
supplies ink to the printing apparatus, the lever serves to restrict motion. This
reduces the possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged
from the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the
possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis
of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming members. This
reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the lever.
Adaptation 6
[0544] The ink supply system as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and a
pivot point (800c) intermediate the two ends and where when the ink supply system
supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), the engagement portion (212) of the first
restriction portion (210) is on the right and the ink supply structure is (280) facing
down, the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is to the
left of the pivot point (800c) of the lever.
[0545] When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus and the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever
and the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right and the ink
supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates rotational moment
on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the lever in the reverse
direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of
the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection between the plurality
of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members. Further, the possibility
that the engagement portion of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked from
the engagement portion of the lever is reduced.
Adaptation 7
[0546] The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22) proximate
the terminal bearing structure (408), wherein when the ink supply system supplies
ink to the printing apparatus (50), at least a portion of the engagement portion (212)
of the first restriction portion (210) is located substantially at the widthwise center
of the body (22).
[0547] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so that at least a
portion of the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located substantially
at the widthwise center of the body, the first restriction portion is located extremely
near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between the plurality
of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
Adaptation 8
[0548] The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299) wherein
the ink supply structure (280), the terminal bearing structure (408) and the first
restriction portion (210) are positioned on the adapter (299) and the ink chamber
(200) is adapted and configured to be mated with the adapter (299).
Adaptation 9
[0549] The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299j) wherein
the terminal bearing structure (408) and the first restriction portion (210) are positioned
on the adapter (299j), the ink supply structure (280) is positioned on the ink chamber
(200) and the ink chamber (200) is adapted and configured to be mated with the adapter
(299).
Adaptation 10
[0550] The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299k), an
ink tank (200T) external from the ink jet printing apparatus (50), a tube (200L) and
an auxiliary adapter (200S) wherein the ink supply structure (280) is positioned on
the auxiliary adapter (200S), the terminal bearing structure (408) and the first restriction
portion (210) are positioned on the adapter (299k) and the tube (200L) supplies ink
from the external tank (200T) to the auxiliary adapter (200S) when the ink supply
system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).
Adaptation 11
[0551] The ink supply system as described above where the further comprising a body (22)
including a top (202) and a bottom (201), the top and bottom opposite each other,
where the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially flush with
the bottom (201).
G-7-12. Twelfth Variation
[0552] An ink supply system adapted to supply ink to a portion of an ink jet printing apparatus
(50), the system comprising: a portion of an ink jet printing apparatus (50), the
portion comprising: a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members (731-739);
and a lever (80) having an engagement portion (810); an electrical device, an ink
chamber (200) for storing ink; an ink supply structure (280), adapted and configured
to supply ink from the ink chamber (200) to the ink jet printing apparatus (50), the
ink supply structure (280) having a mounting direction (SD) leading edge (288) defining
a plane (BP); a terminal bearing structure (408) having a plurality of electrically
conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) contacting
and receiving elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731-739) when the
ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50); and a first restriction
portion (210) engaged with the engagement portion (810) of the lever (80) so as to
restrict movement of the terminal bearing structure (408) in a direction opposite
(RD) the mounting direction (SD); wherein the engagement portion (212) of the first
restriction portion (210) is positioned adjacent the terminal bearing structure (408)
and the terminals (400) are arranged substantially in a terminal plane (TP) which
is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane of the leading edge (288) when
the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).
[0553] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh modification will now
be described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while the
ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure, positioning
action of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force
from the apparatus-side terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional
shift of the terminals, which can occur due to vibration during printing operations,
can be suppressed. Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining
the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals.
[0554] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge, the material
for producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever. Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties
such as resistance to ink.
[0555] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special care is needed
to prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the user's convenience.
Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made
smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material, such as paper
or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution of the cartridge,
thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also because the lever
is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity, compared
with the structures described in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation
of the first cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state,
the cartridge can be kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure,
which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the
apparatus-side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication.
Since the first cartridge-side restriction portion can have a small size and simple
structure, no special care to prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in
packaging for transportation and distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges
of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's convenience.
[0556] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the case
with the flexible levers of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the engagement portion to the
cartridge terminals, so electrical communication is more stable.
[0557] Because the terminal plane (TP) of the terminals is neither parallel nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of the cartridge
terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge into the printer.
In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation fragments (dust)
that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances against the
circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
[0558] Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic
force which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the printer side terminals serves to both
press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the
cartridge in the direction for removal from the printer when engagement between the
first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So there is no need to
provide an additional spring as in the case of the
U.S. Patent 6,955,422, which enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0559] Because the first restriction portion is engaged with the engagement portion of the
lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to the
mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will be maintained
in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the apparatus-side
contact forming members, and with respect to the direction opposite to the mounting
direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is mounted in the printer.
Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way, they are firmly fixed
from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite from the mounting
direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment or disconnection between
the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming members, compared with
the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related configuration of
US Patent No. 7,008,053.
Adaptation 1
[0560] The ink supply system as described above where the terminal plane (TP) is at an angle
of between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288)
when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).
[0561] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the terminal plane is at an angle
between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the leading edge,
excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-insertion can be
applied.
Adaptation 2
[0562] The ink supply system as described above where when the ink supply system supplies
ink to the printing apparatus (50), the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) is located to the left of a right edge of a rightmost terminal of the
plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of a left edge of the leftmost terminal
of the plurality of terminals (400).
[0563] When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, if held too securely,
then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members (terminal 734
in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion to the left of a right edge of a rightmost terminal
of the plurality of terminals and to the right of a left edge of the leftmost terminal
of the plurality of terminals the ink cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the
electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact
forming members can be even more stable.
Adaptation 3
[0564] The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22) including
a front (203) and a rear (204), the front (203) and rear (204) opposite each other,
a second restriction portion (220) proximate to the rear (204) of the body (22), the
terminal bearing structure (408) proximate to the front (203) of the body (22), the
second restriction portion (220) engaged with a respective portion (620) of the ink
jet printing apparatus (50), wherein the distance (B) between the engagement portion
of the second restriction portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288) is more than the distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of the
first restriction portion (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288),
when the distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined
by the leading edge (288).
[0565] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is located farther
from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion will
become disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
is farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion of
the second restriction portion.
Adaptation 4
[0566] The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22) including
a first surface (203) and a second surface (204), the first surface (203) and second
surface (204) opposite each other, a second restriction portion (220) proximate to
the second surface (204) of the body (22), the terminal bearing structure (408) proximate
to the first surface (203) of the body (22), the second restriction portion (220)
engaged with a respective portion (620) of the ink jet printing apparatus (50), wherein
the distance (B) between the engagement portion of the second restriction portion
(220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is more than the distance
(A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and
the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the distances are measured
in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0567] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is located farther
from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion will
become disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
is farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion of
the second restriction portion.
Adaptation 5
[0568] The ink supply system as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and a
pivot point (800c) intermediate the two ends and where the distance (A) between the
engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane (BP)
defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between the pivot
point (800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288)
when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), when the distances
are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288).
[0569] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
and the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a pivot
point of the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the ink supply system
supplies ink to the printing apparatus, the lever serves to restrict motion. This
reduces the possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged
from the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the
possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis
of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming members. This
reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the lever.
Adaptation 6
[0570] The ink supply system as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and a
pivot point (800c) intermediate the two ends and where when the ink supply system
supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), the engagement portion (212) of the first
restriction portion (210) is on the right and the ink supply structure is (280) facing
down, the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is to the
left of the pivot point (800c) of the lever.
[0571] When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus and the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever
and the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right and the ink
supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates rotational moment
on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the lever in the reverse
direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of
the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection between the plurality
of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members. Further, the possibility
that the engagement portion of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked from
the engagement portion of the lever is reduced.
Adaptation 7
[0572] The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22) proximate
the terminal bearing structure (408), wherein when the ink supply system supplies
ink to the printing apparatus (50), at least a portion of the engagement portion (212)
of the first restriction portion (210) is located substantially at the widthwise center
of the body (22).
[0573] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so that at least a
portion of the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located substantially
at the widthwise center of the body, the first restriction portion is located extremely
near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between the plurality
of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
Adaptation 8
[0574] The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299) wherein
the ink supply structure (280), the terminal bearing structure (408) and the first
restriction portion (210) are positioned on the adapter (299) and the ink chamber
(200) is adapted and configured to be mated with the adapter (299).
Adaptation 9
[0575] The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299j) wherein
the terminal bearing structure (408) and the first restriction portion (210) are positioned
on the adapter (299j), the ink supply structure (280) is positioned on the ink chamber
(200) and the ink chamber (200) is adapted and configured to be mated with the adapter
(299).
Adaptation 10
[0576] The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299k), an
ink tank (200T) external from the ink jet printing apparatus (50), a tube (200L) and
an auxiliary adapter (200S) wherein the ink supply structure (280) is positioned on
the auxiliary adapter (200S), the terminal bearing structure (408) and the first restriction
portion (210) are positioned on the adapter (299k) and the tube (200L) supplies ink
from the external tank (200T) to the auxiliary adapter (200S) when the ink supply
system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).
Adaptation 11
[0577] The ink supply system as described above where the further comprising a body (22)
including a top (202) and a bottom (201), the top and bottom opposite each other,
where the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially flush with
the bottom (201).
G-8. Eighth Modification
[0578] The invention may be accomplished by the following descriptions and variations. The
symbols in parentheses after the elements in each of the descriptions correspond to
the symbols of the respective elements described in the first embodiment or in the
modification of the cartridge with the adapter.
G-8-1. First Variation
[0579] A cartridge (20) adapted to be mounted on an printing apparatus having the following
structures: the printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of apparatus-side contact
forming members (731-739) arranged to apply elastic force (Pt) to the cartridge (20),
the printing apparatus (50) also comprising a lever (80) having an engagement portion
(810), the cartridge (20) comprising: a first face (203), second face (204), third
face (202), and fourth face (201), wherein the first face (203) and second face (204)
are opposite each other and the third face (202) and fourth face (201) are opposite
each other; an electrical device: an liquid chamber (200) for storing liquid; an liquid
supply structure (280) positioned at the fourth face (201), configured to supply liquid
from the liquid chamber (200) to the printing apparatus (50), the liquid supply structure
(280) having a mounting direction (SD) leading edge (288) defining a plane (BP) of
the cartridge (20); electrically conductive terminals (400) located closer to the
first face (203) than to the second face (204) and coupled to the electrical device,
the terminals (400) arranged to make contact with and to receive elastic force (Pt)
from the contact forming members (731-739) at contact portions (cp) of the terminals
(400) when the cartridge (20) is mounted on the printing apparatus (50), the contact
portions (cp) of the terminals (400) arranged substantially in a contact portions
plane (TP) which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane (BP) defined by
the leading edge (288); and a first restriction portion (210) adapted to engage with
the engagement portion (810) of the lever (80) so as to restrict movement of the cartridge
(20) in a direction opposite (RD) the mounting direction (SD), the engagement portion
(212) of the first restriction portion (210) located at a position closer to the contact
portions (cp) than to an intersection (291) of the third face (202) and the first
face (203).
[0580] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the eighth modification will now be
described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while the cartridge
is mounted in the printing apparatus, in order to ensure reliable electrical communication
between the cartridge and the printing apparatus. Because the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion is located at a position closer to the contact portions
than to an intersection of the third face and the first face, positioning action of
the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most needed (i.e.,
the terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force from the apparatus-side
terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional shift of the terminals,
which can occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be suppressed. Therefore,
positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the stable electrical
connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side terminals.
[0581] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge, the material
for producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever. Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties
such as resistance to liquid.
[0582] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special care is needed
to prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the user's convenience.
Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made
smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material, such as paper
or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution of the cartridge,
thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also because the lever
is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity, compared
with the structures described in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation
of the first cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state,
the cartridge can be kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure,
which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the
apparatus-side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication.
Since the first cartridge-side restriction portion can have a small size and simple
structure, no special care to prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in
packaging for transportation and distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges
of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's convenience.
[0583] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the case
with the flexible levers of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the engagement portion to the
cartridge terminals, so electrical communication is more stable.
[0584] Because the contact portion plane (TP) of the terminals is neither parallel nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of the cartridge
terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge into the printing
apparatus. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation fragments
(dust) that can be generated if the apparatus-side terminals scrape for long distances
against the circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
[0585] Because the apparatus-side terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic
force which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached from the printing apparatus, there is no need to provide a spring like the
spring 103 described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the apparatus-side terminals serves to both
press the apparatus side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the
cartridge in the direction for removal from the printing apparatus when engagement
between the first restriction portion and the lever is released. So there is no need
to provide an additional spring as in the case of the
U.S. Patent 6,955,422, which enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0586] Because the first restriction portion is adapted to engage with the engagement portion
of the lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite
to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force
of the apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction opposite
to the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in the printing apparatus. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched"
in this way, they are firmly fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and
the direction opposite from the mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood
of misalignment or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side
contact forming members, compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece
40 and related configuration of
US Patent No. 7,008,053.
Adaption 1:
[0587] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the engagement portion (212) of the
first restriction portion (210) is located at a position closer to the contact portions
(cp) than to the midpoint (203P) between an intersection (295) of the first face (203)
and the contact portions plane (TP) and an intersection (291) of the third face (202)
and the first face (203).
[0588] By locating the engagement portion of the first restriction portion at a position
closer to the contact portions than to the midpoint, the benefits described above
can be brought well.
Adaption 2:
[0589] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the contact portions plane (TP) is
at an angle of between 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288).
[0590] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the contact portion plane is at
an angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the leading
edge, excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-insertion
can be applied.
Adaption 3:
[0591] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the first face (203) of the cartridge
(20) is viewed with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to the left of an
extended line (439PL) of a right edge (439P) of a rightmost terminal (439) of the
plurality of terminals (431-439) and to the right of an extended line (435PL) of a
left edge (435P) of a leftmost terminal (435) of the plurality of terminals (431-439).
[0592] When the cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is held
too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact portion
of the plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of
the plurality of terminals the cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the electrical
connection between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members can be even more stable.
Adaption 4:
[0593] The cartridge (20) as described above, further comprising a second restriction portion
(220) on the second face (204) of the cartridge (20), the second restriction portion
(220) adapted to engage with a respective portion of the printing apparatus (50),
wherein the distance (B) between the engagement portion (222) of second restriction
portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is more than the
distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the distances are
measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288).
[0594] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is located farther
from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion, the possibility that the first restriction portion will become
disengaged from the apparatus-side engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
is located farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement
portion of the second restriction portion.
Adaption 5:
[0595] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the cartridge (20) from
the angle with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210)
to the right and the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the distance (A) between
the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane
(BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between a pivot
point (800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288)
when the cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in an orthogonal
direction to the direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0596] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
and the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a pivot
point of the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the cartridge is
mounted, the lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge. This reduces the
possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from
the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the
possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis
of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming members to
the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the
lever.
Adaption 6:
[0597] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the cartridge (20) from
the angle with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210)
to the right and the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement portion
(212) of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of the pivot point (800c)
of the lever (80) when the cartridge (20) is mounted.
[0598] When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the cartridge from
the side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the liquid supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the
lever in the reverse direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility
that the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the
engagement portion of the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members.
Even when the cartridge receives force, the first restriction portion would move with
the cartridge. Such moving reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
Adaption 7:
[0599] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the first face (203) is viewed
with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, at least a portion of the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located substantially at the
widthwise center of the cartridge (20) when the cartridge (20) is mounted.
[0600] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so that at least a
portion of the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located substantially
at the widthwise center of the cartridge, the first restriction portion is located
extremely near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between
the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
Adaption 8:
[0601] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288) is substantially flush with the fourth face (201).
Adaption 9:
[0602] The cartridge (20) as described above, comprising an adapter (299, 299j, 299k) wherein
the contact portions (cp) of the terminals (400) and the first restriction portion
(210) are positioned on the adapter and the liquid chamber (200) is adapted and configured
to be mated with the adapter.
G-8-2. Second Variation
[0603] A cartridge (20) adapted to be mounted on an printing apparatus (50), the printing
apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members (731-739)
arranged to apply elastic force (Pt) to the cartridge (20), the printing apparatus
(50) also comprising a lever (80) having an engagement portion (810), the cartridge
(20) comprising: a first face (203), second face (204), third face, and fourth face
(201), wherein the first face (203) and second face (204) are opposite each other
and the third face (202) and fourth face (201) are opposite each other; an electrical
device; an liquid chamber (200) for storing liquid; an liquid supply structure (280)
positioned at the fourth face (201), configured to supply liquid from the liquid chamber
(200) to the printing apparatus (50), the liquid supply structure (280) having a mounting
direction (SD) leading edge (288) defining a plane (BP) of the cartridge (20); electrically
conductive terminals (400) located closer to the first face (203) than to the second
face (204) and coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) arranged to make
contact with and receive elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731-739)
at contact portions (cp) of the terminals (400) when the cartridge (20) is mounted
on the printing apparatus (50), the contact portions (cp) of the terminals (400) arranged
substantially in a contact portions plane (TP) which is neither parallel nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288); and a first restriction portion
(210) adapted to engage with the engagement portion (810) of the lever (80) so as
to restrict movement of the cartridge (20) in a direction opposite (RD) the mounting
direction (SD), the first restriction portion (210) provided at a position closer
to a first intersection (295) where the first face (203) intersects the contact portions
plane (TP) than to a second intersection where the first face (203) intersects the
third face (202).
[0604] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the eighth modification will now be
described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while the cartridge
is mounted in the printing apparatus, in order to ensure reliable electrical communication
between the cartridge and the printing apparatus. Because the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion is located at a position closer to a first intersection
where the first face intersects the contact portion plane than to a second intersection
where the first face intersects the third face, positioning action of the first restriction
portion occurs close to where positioning is most needed (i.e., the terminals of the
terminal bearing structure). The elastic force from the apparatus-side terminals can
be properly counteracted against. Also, positional shift of the terminals, which can
occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be suppressed. Therefore, positioning
of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the stable electrical connection
between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side terminals.
[0605] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge, the material
for producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever. Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties
such as resistance to liquid.
[0606] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special care is needed
to prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the user's convenience.
Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made
smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material, such as paper
or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution of the cartridge,
thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also because the lever
is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity, compared
with the structures described in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation
of the first cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state,
the cartridge can be kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure,
which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the
apparatus-side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication.
Since the first cartridge-side restriction portion can have a small size and simple
structure, no special care to prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in
packaging for transportation and distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges
of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's convenience.
[0607] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the case
with the flexible levers of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the engagement portion to the
cartridge terminals, so electrical communication is more stable.
[0608] Because the contact portion plane (TP) of the terminals is neither parallel nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of the cartridge
terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge into the printing
apparatus. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation fragments
(dust) that can be generated if the apparatus-side terminals scrape for long distances
against the circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
[0609] Because the apparatus-side terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic
force which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached from the printing apparatus, there is no need to provide a spring like the
spring 103 described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the apparatus-side terminals serves to both
press the apparatus side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the
cartridge in the direction for removal from the printing apparatus when engagement
between the first restriction portion and the lever is released. So there is no need
to provide an additional spring as in the case of the
U.S. Patent 6,955,422, which enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0610] Because the first restriction portion is adapted to engage with the engagement portion
of the lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite
to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force
of the apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction opposite
to the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in the printing apparatus. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched"
in this way, they are firmly fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and
the direction opposite from the mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood
of misalignment or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side
contact forming members, compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece
40 and related configuration of
US Patent No. 7,008,053.
Adaption 1
[0611] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion is located at a position closer to the first intersection (295)
than to the midpoint (203P) between the first intersection (295) and the second intersection.
[0612] By locating the engagement portion of the first restriction portion at a position
closer to the contact portions than to the midpoint, the benefits described above
can be brought well.
Adaption 2
[0613] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the contact portions (cp) plane (TP)
is at an angle of between 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288).
[0614] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the contact portion plane is at
an angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the leading
edge, excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-insertion
can be applied.
Adaption 3
[0615] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the first face (203) of the cartridge
(20) is viewed with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to the left of an
extended line (439PL) of a right edge (439P) of a rightmost terminal (439) of the
plurality of terminals (431-439) and to the right of an extended line (435PL) of a
left edge (435P) of a leftmost terminal (435) of the plurality of terminals (431-439).
[0616] When the cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is held
too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact portion
of the plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of
the plurality of terminals the cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the electrical
connection between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members can be even more stable.
Adaption 4
[0617] The cartridge (20) as described above, further comprising a second restriction portion
(220) on the second face (204) of the cartridge (20), the second restriction portion
(220) adapted to engage with a respective portion of the printing apparatus (50),
wherein the distance (B) between the engagement portion (222) of second restriction
portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is more than the
distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the distances are
measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288).
[0618] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is located farther
from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion, the possibility that the first restriction portion will become
disengaged from the apparatus-side engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
is located farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement
portion of the second restriction portion.
Adaption 5
[0619] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the cartridge (20) from
the angle with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210)
to the right and the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the distance (A) between
the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane
(BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between a pivot
point (800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288)
when the cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in an orthogonal
direction to the direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0620] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
and the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a pivot
point of the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the cartridge is
mounted, the lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge. This reduces the
possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from
the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the
possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis
of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming members to
the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the
lever.
Adaption 6
[0621] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the cartridge (20) from
the angle with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210)
to the right and the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement portion
(212) of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of the pivot point (800c)
of the lever (80) when the cartridge (20) is mounted.
[0622] When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the cartridge from
the side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the liquid supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the
lever in the reverse direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility
that the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the
engagement portion of the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members.
Even when the cartridge receives force, the first restriction portion would move with
the cartridge. Such moving reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
Adaption 7
[0623] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the first face (203) is viewed
with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, at least a portion of the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located substantially at the
widthwise center of the cartridge (20) when the cartridge (20) is mounted.
[0624] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so that at least a
portion of the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located substantially
at the widthwise center of the cartridge, the first restriction portion is located
extremely near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between
the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
Adaption 8
[0625] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288) is substantially flush with the fourth face (201).
Adaption 9
[0626] The cartridge (20)as described above, comprising an adapter (299, 299j, 299k) wherein
the contact portions (cp) of the terminals (400) and the first restriction portion
(210) are positioned on the adapter and the liquid chamber (200) is adapted and configured
to be mated with the adapter.
G-8-3. Third Variation
[0627] An cartridge (20) adapted to be mounted on an printing apparatus (50) having the
following structures: the printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of apparatus-side
contact forming members (731-739) arranged to apply elastic force (Pt) to the cartridge
(20), the printing apparatus (50) also comprising a lever (80) having an engagement
portion (810) and a pivot point, the cartridge (20) comprising: a first face (203),
second face (204), third face (202), and fourth face (201), wherein the first face
(203) and second face (204) are opposite each other and the third face (202) and fourth
face (201) are opposite each other; an electrical device: an liquid chamber (200)
for storing liquid; an liquid supply structure (280) positioned at the fourth face
(201), configured to supply liquid from the liquid chamber (200) to the printing apparatus
(50), the liquid supply structure (280) having a mounting direction (SD) leading edge
(288) defining a plane (BP) of the cartridge (20); electrically conductive terminals
(400) located closer to the first face (203) than to the second face (204) and coupled
to the electrical device, the terminals (400) arranged to make contact with and to
receive elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731-739) at contact portions
(cp) of the terminals (400) when the cartridge (20) is mounted on the printing apparatus
(50), the contact portions (cp) of the terminals (400) arranged substantially in a
contact portions plane (TP) which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane
(BP) defined by the leading edge (288); and a first restriction portion (210) adapted
to engage with the engagement portion (810) of the lever (80) so as to restrict movement
of the cartridge (20) in a direction opposite (RD) the mounting direction (SD), the
engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is disposed such that
when the cartridge (20) is mounted onto the printing apparatus (50), the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is engaged with the lever (80)
at a position beneath the pivot point (800c) of the lever (80).
[0628] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the eighth modification will now be
described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while the cartridge
is mounted in the printing apparatus, in order to ensure reliable electrical communication
between the cartridge and the printing apparatus. Because the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion is located at a position beneath the pivot point of
the lever, the lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge. This reduces
the possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from
the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the
possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis
of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming members to
the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the
lever. Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the
stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals.
[0629] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge, the material
for producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever. Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties
such as resistance to liquid.
[0630] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special care is needed
to prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the user's convenience.
Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made
smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material, such as paper
or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution of the cartridge,
thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also because the lever
is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity, compared
with the structures described in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation
of the first cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state,
the cartridge can be kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure,
which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the
apparatus-side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication.
Since the first cartridge-side restriction portion can have a small size and simple
structure, no special care to prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in
packaging for transportation and distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges
of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's convenience.
[0631] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the case
with the flexible levers of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the engagement portion to the
cartridge terminals, so electrical communication is more stable.
[0632] Because the contact portion plane (TP) of the terminals is neither parallel nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of the cartridge
terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge into the printing
apparatus. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation fragments
(dust) that can be generated if the apparatus-side terminals scrape for long distances
against the circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
[0633] Because the apparatus-side terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic
force which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached from the printing apparatus, there is no need to provide a spring like the
spring 103 described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the apparatus-side terminals serves to both
press the apparatus side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the
cartridge in the direction for removal from the printing apparatus when engagement
between the first restriction portion and the lever is released. So there is no need
to provide an additional spring as in the case of the
U.S. Patent 6,955,422, which enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0634] Because the first restriction portion is adapted to engage with the engagement portion
of the lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite
to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force
of the apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction opposite
to the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in the printing apparatus. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched"
in this way, they are firmly fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and
the direction opposite from the mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood
of misalignment or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side
contact forming members, compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece
40 and related configuration of
US Patent No. 7,008,053.
Adaption 1
[0635] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the contact portions plane (TP) is
at an angle of between 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288).
[0636] By locating the engagement portion of the first restriction portion at a position
closer to the contact portions than to the midpoint, the benefits described above
can be brought well.
[0637] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the contact portion plane is at
an angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the leading
edge, excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-insertion
can be applied.
Adaption 2
[0638] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the first face (203) of the cartridge
(20) is viewed with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to the left of an
extended line (439PL) of a right edge (439P) of a rightmost terminal (439) of the
plurality of terminals (431-439) and to the right of an extended line (435PL) of a
left edge (435P) of a leftmost terminal (435) of the plurality of terminals (431-439).
[0639] When the cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is held
too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact portion
of the plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of
the plurality of terminals the cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the electrical
connection between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members can be even more stable.
Adaption 3
[0640] The cartridge (20) as described above, further comprising a second restriction portion
(220) on the second face (204) of the cartridge (20), the second restriction portion
(220) adapted to engage with a respective portion of the printing apparatus (50),
wherein the distance (B) between the engagement portion (222) of second restriction
portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is more than the
distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the distances are
measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288).
[0641] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is located farther
from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion, the possibility that the first restriction portion will become
disengaged from the apparatus-side engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
is located farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement
portion of the second restriction portion.
Adaption 4
[0642] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the cartridge (20) from
the angle with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210)
to the right and the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement portion
(212) of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of the pivot point (800c)
of the lever (80) when the cartridge (20) is mounted.
[0643] When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the cartridge from
the side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the liquid supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the
lever in the reverse direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility
that the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the
engagement portion of the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members.
Even when the cartridge receives force, the first restriction portion would move with
the cartridge. Such moving reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
Adaption 5
[0644] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the first face (203) is viewed
with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, at least a portion of the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located substantially at the
widthwise center of the cartridge (20) when the cartridge (20) is mounted.
[0645] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so that at least a
portion of the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located substantially
at the widthwise center of the cartridge, the first restriction portion is located
extremely near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between
the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
Adaption 6
[0646] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288) is substantially flush with the fourth face (201).
Adaption 7
[0647] The cartridge (20) as described above, comprising an adapter (299, 299j, 299k) wherein
the contact portions (cp) of the terminals (400) and the first restriction portion
(210) are positioned on the adapter and the liquid chamber (200) is adapted and configured
to be mated with the adapter.
G-8-4. Fourth Variation
[0648] An cartridge (20) adapted to be mounted on an printing apparatus (50), the printing
apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members (731-739)
arranged to apply elastic force (Pt) to the cartridge (20), the printing apparatus
(50) also comprising a lever (80) having an engagement portion (810), the cartridge
(20) comprising: a front (203), a rear (204), a top (202), and a bottom (201), wherein
the front (203) and rear (204) opposite each other and the top (202) and bottom (201)
opposite each other; an electrical device; an liquid chamber (200) for storing liquid;
an liquid supply structure (280) positioned at the bottom (201), configured to supply
liquid from the liquid chamber (200) to the printing apparatus (50), the liquid supply
structure (280) having a mounting direction (SD) leading edge (288) defining a plane
(BP) of the cartridge (20); electrically conductive terminals (400) located closer
to the front (203) than to the rear (204) and coupled to the electrical device, the
terminals (400) arranged to make contact with and receive elastic force (Pt) from
the contact forming members (731-739) at contact portions (cp) of the terminals (400)
when the cartridge (20) is mounted on the printing apparatus (50), the contact portions
(cp) of the terminals (400) arranged substantially in a contact portions plane (TP)
which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288); and a first restriction portion (210) adapted to engage with the engagement
portion (810) of the lever (80) so as to restrict movement of the cartridge (20) in
a direction opposite (RD) the mounting direction (SD), the first restriction portion
(210) provided at a position located closer to the contact portions plane (TP) than
to the top (202).
[0649] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the eighth modification will now be
described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while the cartridge
is mounted in the printing apparatus, in order to ensure reliable electrical communication
between the cartridge and the printing apparatus. Because the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion is located at a position closer to the contact portion
plane than to the top, positioning action of the first restriction portion occurs
close to where positioning is most needed (i.e., the terminals of the terminal bearing
structure). The elastic force from the apparatus-side terminals can be properly counteracted
against. Also, positional shift of the terminals, which can occur due to vibration
during printing operations, can be suppressed. Therefore, positioning of the terminals
is more stable, thus maintaining the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side
terminals and the apparatus-side terminals.
[0650] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge, the material
for producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever. Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties
such as resistance to liquid.
[0651] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special care is needed
to prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the user's convenience.
Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made
smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material, such as paper
or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution of the cartridge,
thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also because the lever
is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity, compared
with the structures described in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation
of the first cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state,
the cartridge can be kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure,
which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the
apparatus-side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication.
Since the first cartridge-side restriction portion can have a small size and simple
structure, no special care to prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in
packaging for transportation and distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges
of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's convenience.
[0652] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the case
with the flexible levers of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the engagement portion to the
cartridge terminals, so electrical communication is more stable.
[0653] Because the contact portion plane (TP) of the terminals is neither parallel nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of the cartridge
terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge into the printing
apparatus. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation fragments
(dust) that can be generated if the apparatus-side terminals scrape for long distances
against the circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
[0654] Because the apparatus-side terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic
force which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached from the printing apparatus, there is no need to provide a spring like the
spring 103 described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the apparatus-side terminals serves to both
press the apparatus side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the
cartridge in the direction for removal from the printing apparatus when engagement
between the first restriction portion and the lever is released. So there is no need
to provide an additional spring as in the case of the
U.S. Patent 6,955,422, which enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0655] Because the first restriction portion is adapted to engage with the engagement portion
of the lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite
to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force
of the apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction opposite
to the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in the printing apparatus. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched"
in this way, they are firmly fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and
the direction opposite from the mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood
of misalignment or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side
contact forming members, compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece
40 and related configuration of
US Patent No. 7,008,053.
Adaption 1
[0656] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the engagement portion (212) of the
first restriction portion (210) is located at a position closer to the contact portions
(cp) than to the midpoint (203P) between an intersection of the front (203) and the
contact portions plane (TP) and the intersection of the top (202) and the front (203).
[0657] By locating the engagement portion of the first restriction portion at a position
closer to the contact portions than to the midpoint, the benefits described above
can be brought well.
Adaption 2
[0658] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the contact portions plane (TP) is
at an angle of between 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288).
[0659] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the contact portion plane is at
an angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the leading
edge, excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-insertion
can be applied.
Adaption 3
[0660] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the front (203) of the cartridge
(20) is viewed with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to the left of an
extended line (439PL) of a right edge (439P) of a rightmost terminal (439) of the
plurality of terminals (431-439) and to the right of an extended line (435PL) of a
left edge (435P) of a leftmost terminal (435) of the plurality of terminals (431-439).
[0661] When the cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is held
too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact portion
of the plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of
the plurality of terminals the cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the electrical
connection between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members can be even more stable.
Adaption 4
[0662] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the engagement portion is adapted
to engage with a rotatable lever having a pivot point above the engagement portion
(212) of the first restriction portion (210).
[0663] When the rotatable lever has the pivot point above the engagement portion of the
first restriction portion, the lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge.
This reduces the possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or
disengaged from the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical
connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and
reducing the possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move
about the axis of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming
members to the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion
of the lever.
Adaption 5
[0664] The cartridge (20) as described above, further comprising a second restriction portion
(220) on the rear (204) of the cartridge (20), the second restriction portion (220)
adapted to engage with a respective portion of the printing apparatus (50), wherein
the distance (B) between the engagement portion (222) of second restriction portion
(220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is more than the distance
(A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and
the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the distances are measured
in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0665] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is located farther
from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion, the possibility that the first restriction portion will become
disengaged from the apparatus-side engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
is located farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement
portion of the second restriction portion.
Adaption 6
[0666] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the second restriction portion (220)
is adapted to serve as a pivot point of rotation when the cartridge (20) is turned
to be detached from a holder of the printing apparatus (50).
Adaption 7
[0667] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the cartridge (20) from
the angle with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210)
to the right and the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the distance (A) between
the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane
(BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between a pivot
point (800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288)
when the cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in an orthogonal
direction to the direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0668] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
and the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a pivot
point of the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the cartridge is
mounted, the lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge. This reduces the
possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from
the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the
possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis
of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming members to
the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the
lever.
Adaption 8
[0669] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the cartridge (20) from
the angle with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210)
to the right and the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement portion
(212) of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of the pivot point (800c)
of the lever (80) when the cartridge (20) is mounted.
[0670] When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the cartridge from
the side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the liquid supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the
lever in the reverse direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility
that the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the
engagement portion of the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members.
Even when the cartridge receives force, the first restriction portion would move with
the cartridge. Such moving reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
Adaption 9
[0671] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the front (203) is viewed with
the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, at least a portion of the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located substantially at the
widthwise center of the cartridge (20) when the cartridge (20) is mounted.
[0672] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so that at least a
portion of the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located substantially
at the widthwise center of the cartridge, the first restriction portion is located
extremely near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between
the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
Adaption 10
[0673] The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288) is substantially flush with the bottom (201).
Adaption 11
[0674] The cartridge (20) as described above, comprising an adapter (299, 299j, 299k) wherein
the contact portions (cp) of the terminals (400) and the first restriction portion
(210) are positioned on the adapter and the liquid chamber (200) is adapted and configured
to be mated with the adapter.
Adaption 12
[0675] Use of the cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the engagement portion of the
cartridge (20) is engaged with a movable lever (80) of a printing apparatus (50) in
such a way that the lever (80) has a pivot point above the engagement portion.
Adaption 13
[0676] The combination of a cartridge (20) and a printing apparatus (50), the combination
comprising: a cartridge (20) as described above; and a printing apparatus (50) including
a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members (731-739) applying an elastic
force (Pt) to the cartridge (20), and a lever (80) having an engagement portion (810)
adapted to engage with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) of the cartridge (20) so as to restrict movement of the cartridge (20) in a
direction opposite (RD) the mounting direction (SD).
Adaption 14
[0677] The combination as described above, wherein the lever (80) has two ends and a pivot
point intermediate the two ends, the pivot point (800c) of the lever (80) is provided
above the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) of the cartridge
(20).
[0678] When the rotatable lever has the pivot point above the engagement portion of the
first restriction portion, the lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge.
This reduces the possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or
disengaged from the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical
connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and
reducing the possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move
about the axis of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming
members to the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the engagement
portion of the first restriction portion becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion
of the lever.
Adaption 15
[0679] The combination as described above, wherein the pivot point (800c) of the lever (80)
is provided to the right of the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) of the cartridge (20).
[0680] When the pivot point of the lever is provided to the right of the engagement portion
of the first restriction portion of the cartridge, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the
lever in the reverse direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility
that the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the
engagement portion of the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members.
Even when the cartridge receives force, the first restriction portion would move with
the cartridge. Such moving reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
G-8-5. Fifth Variation
[0681] A liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) adapted to supply liquid to a printing apparatus
(50), the printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of apparatus-side contact
forming members (731-739), the liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) comprising: an
electrical device; an liquid source (200i, 200j, 200T); an liquid supply structure
(280) adapted and configured to supply liquid from the liquid source (200i, 200j,
200T) to the printing apparatus (50), the liquid supply structure (280) having a mounting
direction (SD) leading edge (288) defining a plane (BP); an adapter (299, 299j, 299k)
having: electrically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device,
the terminals (400) arranged to make contact with and receive elastic force (Pt) from
the contact forming members (731-739) at contact portions (cp) of the terminals (400)
when the supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) supplies liquid to the printing apparatus (50),
the contact portions (cp) of the terminals (400) arranged substantially in a contact
portions plane (TP) which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane (BP)
defined by the leading edge (288); and a first restriction portion (210) provided
on a front (203) of the adapter and adapted to engage with the engagement portion
(810) of the lever (80) so as to restrict movement of the adapter in a direction opposite
(RD) the mounting direction (SD), the first restriction portion (210) positioned adjacent
the contact portions plane (TP).
[0682] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the ninth modification will now be
described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while the adapter
is mounted in the printing apparatus, in order to ensure reliable electrical communication
between the adapter and the printing apparatus. Because the engagement portion of
the first restriction portion is positioned adjacent the contact portion plane, positioning
action of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force
from the apparatus-side terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional
shift of the terminals, which can occur due to vibration during printing operations,
can be suppressed. Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining
the stable electrical connection between the adapter-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals.
[0683] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the adapter, the material for
producing the adapter can be different from the material used for producing the lever.
Also, the material of the adapter can be selected with less concern for flexibility
and durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties such as resistance
to liquid.
[0684] Additionally, because the lever is not on the adapter, no special care is needed
to prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the adapter for transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the user's convenience.
Because the lever is not an integral part of the adapter, the adapter can be made
smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material, such as paper
or box, used to package the adapter for transportation or distribution of the adapter,
thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also because the lever
is not integral with the adapter, the first adapter-side restriction element can be
made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity, compared with
the structures described in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation
of the first adapter-side restriction element. In the attached or mounted state, the
adapter can be kept at the proper position in the adapter mounting structure, which
maintains normal or good contact between the adapter-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the
first adapter-side restriction element can have a small size and simple structure,
no special care to prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in packaging
for transportation and distribution of the adapter, unlike the cartridges of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's convenience.
[0685] It is possible for the structure that connects the adapter terminals and the adapter's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the case
with the flexible levers of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the engagement portion to the
adapter terminals, so electrical communication is more stable.
[0686] Because the contact portion plane (TP) of the terminals is neither parallel nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of the adapter terminals
can be properly wiped during insertion of the adapter into the printing apparatus.
In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation fragments (dust)
that can be generated if the apparatus-side terminals scrape for long distances against
the circuit board during installation of the adapter.
[0687] Because the apparatus-side terminals apply, against the adapter terminals, an elastic
force which includes a vector component in the direction in which the adapter is detached
from the printing apparatus, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring
103 described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the apparatus-side terminals serves to both
press the apparatus side and adapter side terminals together, and also to move the
adapter in the direction for removal from the printing apparatus when engagement between
the first restriction portion and the lever is released. So there is no need to provide
an additional spring as in the case of the
U.S. Patent 6,955,422, which enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0688] Because the first restriction portion is adapted to engage with the engagement portion
of the lever so as to restrict movement of the adapter in the direction opposite to
the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the adapter terminals will be
maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of
the apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction opposite
to the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the adapter is mounted
in the printing apparatus. Since the adapter terminals are "sandwiched" in this way,
they are firmly fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction
opposite from the mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment
or disconnection between the adapter terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members, compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related
configuration of
US Patent No. 7,008,053.
Adaption 1
[0689] The liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) as described above, wherein the contact
portions plane (TP) is at an angle of between 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP)
defined by the leading edge (288).
[0690] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the contact portion plane is at
an angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the leading
edge, excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-insertion
can be applied.
Adaption 2
[0691] The liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) as described above, wherein when the front
of the adapter is viewed with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to the left of an
extended line (439PL) of a right edge (439P) of a rightmost terminal (439) of the
plurality of terminals (431-439) and to the right of an extended line (435PL) of a
left edge (435P) of a leftmost terminal (435) of the plurality of terminals (431-439).
[0692] When the adapter is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the adapter is held too
securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members (terminal
734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the engagement portion
of the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact portion of the
plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of the plurality
of terminals the adapter can tilt sufficiently so that the electrical connection between
the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming members can be even
more stable.
Adaption 3
[0693] The liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) as described above, further comprising a
second restriction portion (220) on an rear (204) of the adapter, the second restriction
portion (220) adapted to engage with a respective portion of the printing apparatus
(50), wherein the distance (B) between the engagement portion (222) of second restriction
portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is more than the
distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the distances are
measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288).
[0694] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is located farther
from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion, the possibility that the first restriction portion will become
disengaged from the apparatus-side engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
is located farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement
portion of the second restriction portion.
Adaption 4
[0695] The liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) as described above, wherein when viewing
the adapter from the angle with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) to the right and the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the
distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance
(C) between a pivot point (800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the
leading edge (288) when the adapter is mounted, when the distances are measured in
an orthogonal direction to the direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288).
[0696] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
and the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a pivot
point of the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the adapter is mounted,
the lever serves to restrict the motion of the adapter. This reduces the possibility
of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from the engagement
portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the plurality
of terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the possibility of poor
continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis of rotation of the
lever when force is applied from the contact forming members to the mounted adapter.
This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the lever.
Adaption 5
[0697] The liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) as described above, wherein when viewing
the adapter from the angle with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) to the right and the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the
engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of
the pivot point (800c) of the lever (80) when the adapter is mounted.
[0698] When the adapter is mounted so that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the adapter from
the side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the liquid supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the
lever in the reverse direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility
that the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the
engagement portion of the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection
between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members.
Even when the adapter receives force, the first restriction portion would move with
the adapter. Such moving reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the
first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
Adaption 6
[0699] The liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) as described above, wherein when the front
of the adapter is viewed with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, at least
a portion of the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is
located substantially at the widthwise center of the adapter when the adapter is mounted.
[0700] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so that at least a
portion of the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located substantially
at the widthwise center of the adapter, the first restriction portion is located extremely
near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between the plurality
of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
Adaption 7
[0701] The liquid supply system (20i, 20j) as described above, further comprising a container
assembly (200i, 200j) having the liquid source therein and adapted to be mated with
the adapter.
Adaption 8
[0702] The liquid supply system (20j) as described above, wherein the liquid supply structure
(280) is provided on the container assembly (200j).
Adaption 9
[0703] The liquid supply system (20k) as described above, further comprising: a tank (200T)
having the liquid source therein; an auxiliary adapter (200S) having the liquid supply
structure (280); and a tube (200L) connecting the tank and the auxiliary adapter (200S).
[0704] It should also be appreciated that the features described herein can be part of a
cartridge itself, as part of a combination of a cartridge and a printing apparatus
or in other words when the cartridge is installed and/or as part of a system adapted
to supply ink or other printing material to a printing apparatus without departing
from the spirit of the invention.
[0705] The matters described in the respective aspects according to any parts of the invention
may be added to any of the various variations described above.
[0706] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention has many applications,
may be implemented in many manners and, as such is not to be limited by the foregoing
embodiments and examples. Any number of the features of the different embodiments
described herein may be combined into one single embodiment and alternate embodiments
having fewer than or more than all of the features herein described are possible.
Functionality may also be, in whole or in part, distributed among multiple components,
in manners now known or to become known.
[0707] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to
the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention
as defined by the appended claims. It is understood, therefore, that this invention
is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended
claims. While there had been shown and described fundamental features of the invention
as applied to being exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood that omissions
and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the disclosed invention may
be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present
invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present invention
covers conventionally known, future developed variations and modifications to the
components described herein as would be understood by those skilled in the art. It
is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims
appended hereto. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended
to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein disclosed
and all statements of the scope of the invention that, is a matter of language, might
be said to fall therebetween.