ES2741317T3 - Cartridge and printing material supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

Cartridge (20) adapted to be releasably attached to a printing apparatus (50), the printing apparatus (50) comprising: a cartridge mounting structure (602) configured to have: (i) an element (601) of appliance side bottom wall; (ii) a first appliance-side side wall element (603) provided to intersect the appliance-side bottom wall element (601); and (iii) a second apparatus-side side wall element (604) provided to intersect the apparatus-side bottom wall element (601) and to be opposite the first apparatus-side side wall element (603); An impression material supply tube (640) structured to have a base end (645) provided on the apparatus-side bottom wall member (601) and a peripheral end (642) adapted to connect with the cartridge (20 ) and configured to supply a recording material contained in the cartridge (20) to a head (540); a plurality of appliance-side terminals (700) provided in an appliance-side corner section in which the appliance-side bottom wall element (601) intersects the first appliance-side side wall element (603) ; and a lever (80) provided on the first apparatus-side side wall member (603) rotatably to be used for attaching and detaching the cartridge (20) to and from the printing apparatus (50), wherein an axis Z represents an axis parallel to a central axis C of the impression material supply tube (640), an X axis represents an axis, along which the impression material supply tube (640) is arranged and terminals (700) on the device side 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, in which a sense of the + Z axis represents a direction along the Z axis running from the base end (645) to the peripheral end (642) of the printing material supply tube (640), a -Z axis direction represents a reverse direction to the + Z axis direction, a + X-axis represents a direction along the X-axis from the material supply tube (640) to printing to the terminals (700) on the device side, a -X axis direction represents a reverse direction to the + X axis direction, a + Y axis direction represents a direction along the Y axis that goes to one end, and the -Y axis direction represents a direction along the Y axis going to the other end, in which the apparatus-side terminals (700) are adapted to be in contact with the cartridge (20) to apply a force to the cartridge (20) in a specified direction including the + Z-axis sense component in a state attached of the cartridge (20) to the cartridge mounting structure (602), and the lever (80) has an element (830 ) operative at the end of the + Z axis direction and a first apparatus-side restriction element (810) at the end of the -Z axis direction to lock the cartridge (20) and thus restrict the movement of the cartridge (20) in the + Z axis direction, turning the lever (80) around a specified position between the element nto (830) operative and the first apparatus-side restriction element (810) as an axis of rotation, in which the X-axis, the Y-axis and the Z-axis with respect to the cartridge (20) in the attached state correspond respectively to an X axis, a Y axis and a Z axis of the cartridge (20), the cartridge (20) comprising: a first face (201) located on the side of the -Z axis direction and a second face (202) located on the side of the + Z axis direction, as two faces opposite each other in the Z axis direction; a third face (203) located on the side of the + X axis direction and a fourth face (204) located on the side of the -X axis direction, as two faces opposite each other in the direction of the X axis and intersecting the first face (201) and second face (202); a corner section (265) arranged to connect the first face (201) with the third face (203); an inclined surface (208) provided to form part of the corner section (265) and inclined in a specified direction including the + X axis direction component and the -Z axis direction component; a printing material supply structure (280) provided on the first face (201) and adapted to connect with the printing material supply tube (640); a plurality of cartridge-side terminals (400) provided corresponding to the respective apparatus-side terminals (700) and located on the inclined surface (208) to receive a force in a specified direction including the + axis sense component Z of the apparatus-side terminals (700); and a first cartridge-side restriction part (210) having an engagement portion configured to engage with the first apparatus-side restriction element (810) and thereby restrict movement of the cartridge (20) in the + Z axis direction, in which the first cartridge-side restriction part (210) is provided at a specific position on the third face (203) such that the engaging part of the first part (210) Cartridge side restriction is closer to an intersection portion (295), where the third face (203) intersects the inclined surface (208), than to an intersection of the second face (202) and the third face (203).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Cartridge and printing material supply system

[Technical field]

The present invention relates to a cartridge, a combination of a cartridge and a printing apparatus (or part thereof) and / or a printing material supply system that includes the cartridge and a printing apparatus.

[Prior art]

Various mechanisms have been proposed for attaching and detaching a cartridge to a printing apparatus. Examples of such mechanisms are disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811 (corresponding to documents JP-A-2007-230249 and EP 1 547 783 A2), U.S. Patent No. 7,008,053 (corresponding to the document JP-A-2005-022345), U.S. Patent No. 6,276,780 (corresponding to JP-A-2002-019142), U.S. Patent 6,955,422, U.S. Patent 6,074,042, U.S. Patent No. 7,018. 030 and U.S. Publication No. 2002/0135634 A1. In addition, U.S. Publication No. 2010/0321451 A1 discloses an ink cartridge, comprising a front wall and a bottom wall connected by an inclined wall; a locking retainer provided on the front wall and configured to firmly lock the ink cartridge in a cartridge holder; and a protuberance provided on the front wall, between the locking retainer and the inclined wall.

[Summary]

[Technical problem]

US Publication No. 2005/0151811 discloses a cartridge with a hitch lever 3 and pads 102 electrical contact terminals. The lever 3 includes an anchoring part 6 to engage with the printer. The anchoring part 6 is arranged away from the contact pads 102. Because the anchoring part 6 is far from the cartridge terminals, the engagement with the printer can only offer a limited contribution to the accuracy and stability of the positioning of the cartridge terminals with respect to the respective printer terminals.

In addition, lever 3 in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811 must be long enough to reach a location accessible to the user so that the user can operate it. It is also projected away from the side wall of the cartridge. Such a large lever results in a larger cartridge, which can also result in a large printer, in which the cartridge is attached and detached, as well as a bulky conditioning for transporting and distributing the cartridges. , which in turn increases transportation and parts costs.

In addition, the cartridge structure that connects the anchor part 6 to the cartridge side terminals includes a flexible section of the lever 3. Although the anchor part 6 can be fixedly engaged to the printer, the vibration generated during operation of Printing can be transmitted through the flexible section of the lever 3 to the cartridge terminals, and therefore can influence the positioning of the cartridge terminals relative to the printer terminals. This is especially worrying for ink cartridges of the car type, such as those disclosed in US Publication No. 2005/0151811, because they are mounted on a printer car, to which the print head is attached. In car printers, the carriage is swept forward and backward over the print media during printing operations. The ink cartridges in the carriage experience great acceleration force with each change in the scanning direction, in addition to other vibrations generated during printing operations.

The lever in US publication No. 2005/0151811 is formed in solidarity 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 to perform this configuration, and also with sufficient flexibility and durability that are required for the lever to deform elastically during engagement and disengagement with the printer.

The lever can deform plasticly in user operations. Such plastic deformation of the lever can cause positional misalignment between the cartridge side terminals and the printer terminals, which can result in poor electrical communication. Plastic deformation also reduces the durability of the lever. Likewise, special measures, such as those disclosed in US Patent No. 7,018,030, must be taken during the conditioning of the cartridge to avoid progressive deformation of the lever while the cartridge is conditioned, especially when the cartridge is conditioned in a container of emptiness.

US Publication No. 2002/013534 discloses a printer carriage with a channel for removably holding a print cartridge. A spring loaded clamp can be moved by a handle between an open position that allows easy insertion and removal of the print cartridge from the channel, and a closed position that applies a clamping force against a rear wall of the print cartridge.

U.S. Patent No. 6,276,780 discloses a cartridge without memory or electrical terminals. Because this type of cartridge does not require an electrical connection to the printer, it is not necessary to include a structure or configuration to maintain stable positioning and alignment of cartridge terminals with respect to printer terminals.

In addition, the cartridge is attached to the printer by means of a latch mechanism 132 (in Figures 9-16 of US Patent No. 6,276,780) which is arranged in the printer. The cartridge side hitch ramps 220 that engage with the hitching mechanism 132 are far away from the pivot axis of the hitching mechanism 132, in the direction in which the cartridge is removed from the printer. As a result, when an elastic element 156 or a compression force seal 152 applies a force to the cartridge (indicated by the arrow X in Figure 12 of US Patent No. 6,276,780) in the sense in which it is removed the printer cartridge, this force can easily be converted into a force that releases the hitch of the retaining part 134 of the cartridge hitch ramps 220, so that the cartridge can be separated from the printer during the use of the printer . Because the hitch configuration disclosed in US Patent No. 6,276,780 includes this inherent risk of the cartridge being separated from the printer, it is not suitable for use with the configurations disclosed in US Publication No. 2005 / 0151811, which require adequate contact between the cartridge terminals and the printer terminals. In addition, the contact between the cartridge and printer terminals in the configurations in US Publication No. 2005/0151811 applies force from the printer terminals in the lateral direction to the cartridge, so that the cartridge can move in the lateral direction . The hooking mechanism 132 of US Patent No. 6,276,780 is not suitable for the cartridge of US Publication No. 2005/0151811 at least for the reason that it may not be able to coincide with the movement in the lateral direction of the cartridge, so that the engagement mechanism 132 detaches from the cartridge.

US Patent 6,074,042 discloses an ink cartridge with electrical contacts 54. As shown in Figures 12A to 13B thereof, the electrical contacts 54 are at the leading edge of the direction in which the cartridge is mounted in the printer. With this configuration, when the cartridge is mounted in the printer, the electrical contacts 54 of the cartridge flatly press against electrical contacts 104 deflected by the printer's spring. Oxidation of metal, oil or other non-conductive material may be intercalated on the outer surface of the metal electrical contacts 54 between the conductive metal of the cartridge and the electrical contacts of the printer, possibly making electrical communication between the cartridge and the printer difficult.

US Patent 6,955,422 discloses, for example in Figures 2a to 2d thereof, a cartridge 1 having 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 along the surface of the circuit board (on which the electrodes 7a are formed) over a long distance. The surface of the circuit board is normally 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 come off 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.

As shown in Figures 5 to 6B of US Patent 6,955,422, the printer is provided with a sheet spring 103 that exerts a pushing force that presses the surface of the memory device 7 against the printer electrodes 106 when the cartridge is mounted on the printer, and it moves cartridge 1 up when the printer cartridge is pulled out by traction.

US Patent No. 7,008,053 discloses in Figure 5 an elastic part 40 provided in the printer. When the cartridge is completely mounted on the printer, the lower end 40a of the elastic piece 40 abuts against a flat surface 12a at the top of the projection part 12 in which the electrodes 14 are located. The stop between the end 40b lower and the flat surface 12a restricts the upward movement of the projection part 12. However, the configuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053 does not include any means located near the projection part 12 to restrict the downward movement of the projection part 12. As a result, the projection part 12 is quite free to vibrate vertically during the operation of the printer and, therefore, the electrodes can be misaligned or disconnected from the printer terminals.

In the presence of various attachment and detachment mechanisms, there is a need to reduce the overall size of a printer to improve ease of use and installation. To reduce the size of the printer, it is usually necessary to reduce the sizes of a large number of components that make up the printer and relevant elements. These components and relevant elements include a cartridge attached to the printer and a cartridge mounting structure for cartridge attachment.

To improve the use of the printer, information regarding the print material contained in the cartridge (for example, information regarding the remaining amount of print material) is often displayed on the printer monitor. The cartridge attached to this printer will have a circuit board with a memory to store information regarding the print material. The circuit board has terminals (cartridge side terminals) used to send and receive information to and from the printer. Information regarding the print material is transmitted between the memory and a printer driver through the contact of these cartridge side terminals and terminals in the printer (device side terminals). Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals.

As will be described below, no mechanism is known to meet these requirements in a totally acceptable manner.

This problem is not limited to a cartridge that contains ink for printing, but is also commonly found in any of the printing devices and / or cartridges configured to supply or eject other printing materials (e.g., toner), as well as ink .

Consequently, it is necessary to ensure a stable electrical connection between cartridge side terminals and device side terminals. It is also necessary to reduce the size of a cartridge, a printer and a system of supply of printing material that includes the cartridge attached to the printer.

[Solution to the problem]

To more adequately achieve at least part of the foregoing, a cartridge and a printing material delivery system according to the present invention are as defined in the appended claims, and various aspects and embodiments described below are provided.

First aspect:

A cartridge adapted to detachably attach to a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus comprising a cartridge mounting structure configured to have: (i) a bottom wall element of the apparatus side; (ii) a first apparatus side side wall element, which may be in a front part thereof, provided to intersect the lower apparatus side wall element; and (iii) a second apparatus side side wall element, which may be at a rear part thereof, provided to intersect the lower apparatus side wall element and be opposed to the first apparatus side side wall element . The apparatus includes a print material supply tube, structured to have a base end provided on the bottom side wall element of the apparatus and a peripheral end adapted to connect to the cartridge and configured to provide a print material contained in The cartridge to a head. The apparatus includes a plurality of electrical device side contact terminals provided in an apparatus side corner section in which the lower device side wall element intersects the first device side side wall element (front) . The apparatus includes a lever provided on the first side wall element of the apparatus (front) side in a rotatable manner for use for attachment and detachment of the cartridge to and from the printing apparatus. In this case, 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 terminals are arranged on the apparatus side and which is orthogonal to the Z axis, and a Y axis represents an orthogonal axis to both the Z axis and the X axis. A sense of Z axis represents a direction along the Z axis that goes from the base end. to the peripheral end of the material supply tube, which can be one way up. A sense of axis -Z represents a direction inverse to the direction of axis Z. A sense of axis X represents a direction along the axis X that goes from the tube of supply of material of impressesion to the terminals of side of apparatus, that It can be one way forward. A sense of axis -X represents a direction inverse to the sense of axis X. A sense of axis Y represents a direction along the axis Y that goes to an end, that can be a lateral sense, and the sense of axis -Y It represents a sense along the Y axis that goes to the other end. The device side terminals are adapted to be in contact with the cartridge to apply a force, which may be an elastic or flexible force, to the cartridge in a specified direction that includes a Z-axis direction component in a joined state of the cartridge to the cartridge mounting structure. The lever has an operating element at the end of the Z axis direction (which may be the upper end) and a first device side restriction element at the end of the Z-axis direction (which may be the lower end) for lock the cartridge and, therefore, restrict the movement of the cartridge in the direction of the Z axis. The lever rotates around a specified position between the operating element and the first device side restriction element as a rotation axis. In this case, the X axis, the Y axis and the Z axis with respect to the cartridge in the joined state correspond respectively to an X axis, a Y axis and a Z axis of the cartridge. The cartridge comprises a first face located on the side of the Z-axis direction and a second face located on the side of the Z-axis direction, as two faces opposite each other in the Z-axis direction; a third face located on the side of the X-axis direction and a fourth face located on the side of the x-axis direction, as two opposite faces between yes in the direction of the X axis and intersecting the first face and the second face; a corner section arranged to connect the first face with the third face; an inclined surface provided to be part of the corner section and inclined in a specific direction that includes the X-axis direction component and the -Z axis direction component; a printing material supply structure provided on the first side and adapted to connect with the printing material supply tube; a plurality of cartridge side terminals provided corresponding to the respective device side terminals and located on the inclined surface to receive a force in a specified direction that includes the Z axis direction component from the device side terminals (due to the slope in the contact area, the force can also have an axis sense component -X); a first cartridge side restriction part having a hitch part configured to engage with the first apparatus side restriction element and, therefore, to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the direction of the Z axis, in which the first cartridge side restriction part is provided in a specific position on the third face so that the engagement part of the first cartridge side restriction part is closer to an intersecting part, in which the third face intersects the inclined surface, which of an intersection of the second face and the third face.

The above configuration can be provided with or without the features of the following embodiment, in which the cartridge side terminals comprise a first terminal that includes a first outer part located at the further end in the direction of the Y axis; and a second terminal that includes a second outer part located at the most extreme in the sense of -Y axis, in which the first cartridge side restriction part is not located outside, but within a range between the first outer part and the second outer part in the Y-axis direction. This allows a fine adjustment of the direction of the inclined surface with the cartridge side terminals provided therein. Although the position of each of the device side terminals or the slope of the first cartridge side restriction part varies due to manufacturing error, such fine adjustment of the direction of the inclined surface guarantees stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and device side terminals.

The cartridge according to a first aspect of the invention has the first cartridge side restriction part that engages with the lever of the printing apparatus. Because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge, the material to produce the cartridge may be different from the material used to produce the lever. In addition, the cartridge material can be selected with less concern in terms of flexibility and durability requirements, and a greater focus on other properties such as ink resistance. Therefore, different plastics, thermoplastic materials and resins can be used to make the different components.

In addition, because the lever is not in the cartridge, no special care is needed to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the conditioning of the cartridge for transport and distribution. This simplifies the conditioning requirements and improves user comfort.

Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made smaller. This also allows the reduction of the size of the conditioning material, such as paper or box, used to condition the cartridge for transporting or distributing the cartridge, thereby advantageously reducing the cost of transport and the cost of the parts.

Because the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first part of the cartridge side restriction can be made with a small size and a simple structure, and with greater rigidity compared to the structures described in US publication n. 2005/0151811. This results in a significant reduction in the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restriction part. In the attached state, the cartridge can be kept in the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals and reduces the possibility of a poor continuity In the cartridge of the first aspect, since the first cartridge side restriction part may have a small size and a simple structure, no special care is required to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the transport and transport conditioning. cartridge distribution, unlike the cartridges of US Publication No. 2005/0151811. This improves the user experience and convenience of use.

In the cartridge according to the first embodiment of the first aspect, the first cartridge side restriction part can be provided on the axis-Z side of the axis of rotation of the lever. Although the force is applied in the direction that includes the Z axis direction component from the device side terminals to move the cartridge in the Z axis direction, the lever serves to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the Z axis direction This reduces the possibility that the first cartridge side restriction part is unlocked or disengaged from the first apparatus side restriction element, thus ensuring a stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the side terminals of the apparatus and reducing the possibility of poor continuity. The first device side restriction element can move around the axis of rotation of the lever with the movement of the cartridge in the direction of -X axis when force is applied in the direction of -X axis from the device side terminals to the cartridge mounted. This reduces the possibility that the first cartridge side restriction part is disengaged from the first apparatus side restriction element.

In the cartridge according to the first aspect, the first cartridge side restriction part is provided in the position specified on the third face, so that the engagement part of the first cartridge side restriction part is closer to the intersection part, in which the third face intersects the inclined surface, which of the intersection of the second face and the third face. In this way, the cartridge can be fixed to the cartridge mounting structure at a position close to the contact between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals. This reduces the possibility of positional misalignment of the cartridge side terminals with respect to the device side terminals and reduces poor continuity between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals. In the event that the cartridge is dropped, the first cartridge side restriction part prevents the cartridge side terminals from hitting directly, for example, against the ground surface and, therefore, helps protect the terminals of side of cartridge against damages. Especially when the cartridge side terminals are mounted on the circuit board with a memory unit, this protects the vulnerable memory unit from damage and increases the impact resistance effect. When the first cartridge side restriction part is formed as a projection, the effects of impact resistance are further enhanced. Providing the first cartridge side restriction part in the position near the intersection part allows the cartridge assembly structure lever to be located in the position closest to the first face. This allows the reduction of the size of the cartridge and the printing device in the Z-axis direction. For example, the cartridge can shorten the distance between the lever and the cartridge, thus allowing the size reduction in the X-axis direction of the apparatus of printing and the entire system of supply of printing material that includes the cartridge and the printing apparatus. Second aspect:

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, in which the inclined surface is formed by the surface of the circuit board, and the first cartridge side restriction part is located near one end of the plate on the Z axis direction side of the circuit board.

According to the embodiment in which the first cartridge side restriction part is provided in a specific position near one end of the plate, the end of the plate being located on the side of the Z axis direction of the plate surface In the circuit, the first cartridge side restriction part is provided in the position near the end of the plate located on the side of the Z axis direction. In other words, the first cartridge side restriction part is arranged as far as possible. Possible close to the cartridge side terminals. Since the first cartridge side restriction part is locked by the lever, the periphery of the first cartridge side restriction part has substantially no change of position by the application of a force external to the cartridge. Providing the cartridge side terminals at the location of an extremely small position change effectively prevents the positional misalignment of the respective cartridge side terminals with respect to the cartridge mounting structure, thus maintaining the stable electrical connection between the terminals of the cartridge side and device side terminals.

Third aspect:

The cartridge according to any one of the first aspect and / or the second aspect, in which the first cartridge side restriction part is provided in a position that intersects a plane (plane Yc), which passes through the center of a width or the length in the Y-axis direction of the cartridge and is parallel to the Z axis and the X axis.

When the cartridge is in a state attached to the printer, the cartridge receives a force from the device side terminals in a direction that includes a Z-axis direction component, and the first cartridge side restriction part is pressed against the first restriction part of the device side of the lever by this force. By providing the first cartridge side restriction part at a location intersected by the Yc plane, the part of the first cartridge side restriction part in the vicinity of the position intersected by the Yc plane will hardly move at all, although the cartridge moves around the X axis or the Z axis by applying an external force. It should be noted that the first cartridge side restriction part is disposed in a position that is close to the intersection part, the edge of the circuit board, or both. By providing the first cartridge side restriction part, which hardly moves, in a location extremely close to the cartridge side terminals, the electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals can be stable.

Fourth aspect:

The fourth aspect is the embodiment described above in which the cartridge side terminals comprise a first terminal that includes a first outer part located at the further end in the direction of the Y axis; and a second terminal that includes a second outer part located at the most extreme in the sense of -Y axis, in which at least part of the first cartridge side restriction part is located between the first outer part and the second part outside in the Y-axis direction and as mentioned above, it can be implemented independently of or together with the previously described embodiments of the first aspect addressed previously.

In the cartridge according to the fourth aspect, at least part of the first cartridge side restriction part is located between the first outer part and the second outer part. This places the first cartridge side restriction part with little movement in the position very close to the cartridge side terminals, thus ensuring stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the contact mechanism.

Fifth aspect:

The cartridge according to the fourth aspect, in which the first cartridge side restriction part is not located outside, but within a range between the first outer part and the second outer part in the Y-axis direction.

Some of the device side terminals may stand out more than the others. In the example shown in Figure 31, terminal 731 stands out more. When the cartridge is mounted inside the printer, the cartridge side terminals will receive from the device side terminals a force with a Z-axis direction component. If the cartridge is held too tightly, then contact with some of the device side terminals (terminal 734 in the example of Figure 31), may not be suitable. By positioning the first restriction part of the cartridge side completely inside the terminals in the width direction, the cartridge can be tilted enough to adjust the direction in which the inclined surface is oriented, so that the electrical connection between The cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals can be even more stable. These benefits are also relevant to the configurations of the embodiments addressed above.

Sixth aspect:

The cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect, which further comprises a second cartridge side restriction part configured to be locked by a second apparatus side restriction element provided in the second apparatus side side wall element and therefore restricting the movement of the cartridge in the direction of the Z axis in the joined state, and the second part of the cartridge side restriction is provided on the fourth side.

The cartridge according to the sixth aspect has the second cartridge side restriction part on the fourth face to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the direction of the Z axis, in order to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the direction of the Z axis both from the end of the X axis direction as from the end of the X axis direction. This further avoids positional misalignment of the respective cartridge side terminals with respect to the cartridge mounting structure and also ensures the stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals.

Seventh aspect:

The cartridge according to the sixth aspect, in which the second cartridge side restriction part is a projection that is inserted into the second apparatus side restriction element formed as a recess or a through hole.

In the cartridge according to the seventh aspect, the insertion of the second cartridge side restriction part into the second apparatus side restriction element provides the pivot point of rotation for rotating the cartridge around the proximity of the second part of cartridge side restriction. This facilitates the attachment and detachment of the cartridge to and from the cartridge mounting structure.

Eighth aspect:

The cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect, in which the first cartridge side restriction part is located on the axis-X side of the axis of rotation of the lever in the joined state. In the cartridge according to the eighth aspect, in the joined state, the first cartridge side restriction part generates a rotation moment in the lever to rotate the lever around the axis of rotation of the lever in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction. . This reduces the possibility that the first cartridge-side restriction part is unlocked from the first device-side restriction element and also ensures the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the device-side terminals. Although the cartridge receives force in the direction of -X axis from the device side terminals to move in the direction of -X axis, the first device side restriction element moves in the direction of -X axis with the cartridge movement. Said movement reduces the possibility that the first cartridge side restriction part is unlocked from the first apparatus side restriction element.

Ninth aspect:

The cartridge according to the eighth aspect, in which the first cartridge side restriction part has a first stop part that abuts against a first part of the first apparatus side restriction element to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the direction of Z axis, and a second stop part which stops against a second part of the first restriction element of the apparatus side to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the direction of X axis.

In the cartridge according to the ninth aspect, the first cartridge side restriction part has the first stop part and the second stop part and, therefore, guarantees the generation of the rotation moment in the lever to rotate the lever around of the axis of rotation of the lever in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction. This further reduces the possibility that the first cartridge side restriction part is unlocked from the first device side restriction element and more effectively prevents poor continuity between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals.

Tenth aspect:

The cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the ninth aspect, further comprising a projection configured to butt against the operating element of the lever in the joined state and receive a force that includes the Z-axis direction component during the 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 part on the third face.

The cartridge according to the tenth aspect also has the projection. The cartridge can be easily removed from the cartridge mounting structure using the operating element of the lever and projection.

Eleventh aspect:

The cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the tenth aspect, in which the corner section has a step extended from the first face in the direction of the Z axis, the step is located on the side of the X-axis direction and the side of the axis -Z direction of the inclined surface, and the step has a third cartridge side restriction element that is in contact with a third apparatus side restriction element provided in the cartridge mounting structure, in order to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the y-axis direction in the joined state.

In the cartridge according to the eleventh aspect, the third cartridge side restriction element for restricting the movement of the cartridge in the Y-axis direction is provided in the corner section with the cartridge side terminals. This restricts the movement of the third-sided side of the cartridge in the Y-axis direction in the joined state of the cartridge.

Twelfth aspect:

The cartridge according to the eleventh aspect, in which the third cartridge side restriction element comprises a pair of projection elements configured to receive the third apparatus side restriction element protruding from the lower apparatus side wall element in the direction of the Z axis, and the pair of projection elements protrude from the step in the direction of the X axis.

In the cartridge according to the twelfth aspect, the simple structure of providing the pair of projection elements protruding in the direction of the X axis from the step effectively restricts the movement of the third-sided side of the cartridge in the direction of the Y-axis in the state attached to the cartridge.

Thirteenth aspect:

The cartridge according to any one of the eleventh aspect and the twelfth aspect, in which part of the third cartridge side restriction element is superimposed on the inclined surface, when the cartridge is viewed from the first side side in the direction of the Z axis .

In the cartridge according to the thirteenth aspect, the third cartridge side restriction element and the inclined surface are located to partially overlap each other. This further restricts the movement of the third-sided side of the cartridge in the Y-axis direction around the material supply tube.

Fourteenth aspect:

The cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the thirteenth aspect, in which the ink supply structure is provided in a specific position on the first face closer to the fourth face than the third face.

The cartridge according to the fourteenth aspect has the ink supply structure located closer to the fourth side than the third side. This structure reduces the possibility of adhesion of the print material on the cartridge side terminals, compared to the structure in which the ink supply structure is located closer to the third side than to the fourth side. This reduces poor continuity between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals.

Fifteenth aspect:

The cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the first part of the cartridge side restriction is a projection.

The cartridge according to the fifteenth aspect provides the first part of the cartridge side restriction as a projection that can be of a small size and a simple structure.

Sixteenth aspect:

The cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the fifteenth aspect, in which the cartridge side terminals include a cartridge side ground terminal that is in contact with an apparatus side ground terminal of the device side terminals , which is connected to a ground line, and the cartridge side ground terminal is provided in the center of the width or length in the Y-axis direction of the cartridge and is configured to be in contact with the ground terminal of device side before any other cartridge side terminal is in contact with a corresponding device side terminal during the connection of the cartridge to the cartridge mounting structure.

In the cartridge according to the sixteenth aspect, the force applied firstly from the cartridge mounting structure to the cartridge side terminals is generated at the substantial center of the width or length in the Y-axis direction of the cartridge. This prevents the force applied to the cartridge side terminals from acting to tip the cartridge in the Y-axis direction, thus ensuring a stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals. The cartridge side ground terminals are in contact with the corresponding device side ground terminals, before contacting the other cartridge side terminals with the corresponding device side terminals. The grounding function of the cartridge side ground terminal prevents or advantageously reduces problems and failures induced by high voltage, even if unexpected high voltage is applied to the cartridge.

Seventeenth aspect:

The cartridge according to the sixteenth aspect, in which the length in the Z axis direction of the cartridge side ground terminal is longer than the length in the Z axis direction of the other cartridge side terminal.

The cartridge according to the seventeenth aspect ensures contact between the cartridge side ground terminal and the device side ground terminal.

Eighteenth aspect:

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 bottom wall element of the apparatus side; (ii) a first apparatus side side wall element provided to intersect the lower apparatus side wall element; and (iii) a second apparatus side side wall element provided to intersect the lower apparatus side wall element and be opposed to the first apparatus side side wall element; a supply tube of structured print material to have a base end provided in the bottom wall element of the apparatus side and a peripheral end adapted to connect with the cartridge and configured to supply a print material contained in the cartridge to a head; a plurality of apparatus side terminals provided in an apparatus side corner section in which the lower apparatus side wall element intersects the first apparatus side side wall element; and a lever provided on the first side wall element of the apparatus side in a rotatable manner for use for the 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 material supply tube, an X axis represents an axis, along which the material supply tube and the device side terminals are arranged and which is orthogonal to the Z axis, and a Y axis represents an orthogonal axis to both the Z axis and the X axis, in which a Z axis direction represents a direction along the Z axis that goes from the base end to the peripheral end of the printing material supply tube, a sense of axis -Z represents an inverse direction to the sense of axis Z, a sense of axis X represents a direction along the axis X that goes from the tube of supply of material of impressesion to the terminals of side of apparatus, a sense of -X axis represents an inverse direction to the X-axis direction, a Y-axis direction represents a direction along the Y-axis that goes to one end, and a -Y-axis sense represents a direction along the Y-axis that goes to the other end, where the device side terminals are adapted to be in contact with the cartridge to apply a force to the cartridge in a specified direction that includes the Z axis sense component in a state attached to the cartridge to the cartridge mounting structure, and the lever has an operating element in the end of the Z axis direction and a first device side restriction element at the end of the Z-axis direction to block the cartridge and, therefore, restrict the movement of the cartridge in the Z axis direction, by rotating the lever around a specified position between the operating element and the first device side restriction element as a rotation axis.

The printing material supply system according to the eighteenth aspect includes the cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the seventeenth aspect, in order to allow the reduction of the size of the printing material supply system both in the X-axis direction and in the Z-axis direction and reduce the possibility that the first device side restriction element is unlocked from the first cartridge side restriction part. This guarantees the stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals and reduces poor continuity.

As one of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate, the embodiments of the present invention relate to an ink cartridge, combinations of an ink cartridge with a printing apparatus, or a part of a printing apparatus, in which install the ink cartridge in the device and systems adapted to supply ink to a printing device in which the system includes the printing device (or parts thereof) and / or in which the system does not include the printing device.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cartridge is an ink cartridge adapted to be removably mounted in the printing apparatus, which is an inkjet printing apparatus. The printing apparatus preferably includes a plurality of apparatus side contact forming elements 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 elements afterwards. of mounting the cartridge in the printing device. The ink cartridge preferably includes a cartridge body that includes 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 the back or second surface are opposed between yes and the top or third surface and the 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 electric device. The printing material supply structure of the ink cartridge is an ink supply structure positioned on the bottom or fourth surface of the cartridge body having a leading edge of the mounting direction defining a plane of the ink cartridge in which The ink supply structure is adapted and configured to supply ink from the ink chamber to the inkjet printing apparatus. The ink cartridge also includes a terminal support structure located near the front or first surface of the cartridge body, the terminal support structure having a plurality of electrically conductive terminals coupled to the electrical device therein. The terminals are adapted and arranged in the terminal support structure to come into contact with and receive elastic force from the contact forming elements when the ink cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus. The terminals are arranged substantially in a terminal plane that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane defined by the leading edge.

In one embodiment, the terminal plane forms an angle of about 20 and 50 degrees, preferably from about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the plane defined by the leading edge.

The interaction in the terminal support structure with the printing apparatus is important for the proper assembly of the cartridge. As described herein, when coupled at an angle, the cartridge can receive forces both upwards and backwards. These forces help keep the cartridge in place. In one embodiment, when the front or first surface of the cartridge body is seen with the ink supply structure facing down, the engagement part of the first restriction part is located to the left of a right edge of the terminal plus a to the right of the plurality of terminals and to the right of a left edge of the terminal to the left of the plurality of terminals.

In one embodiment, the terminals are adapted and arranged on the terminal support structure to come into contact with and receive elastic force from the contact forming elements in contact parts of the terminals. The contact parts are arranged substantially in a plane of the contact part. In this embodiment, when the front or first surface of the cartridge body is seen with the ink supply structure facing down, the engagement part of the first restriction part may be located to the left of the contact part more to to the right of the plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact part of the plurality of terminals. In one embodiment, the plane of the contact part forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane defined by the leading edge.

In one embodiment, the ink cartridge further includes a second restriction part on the rear or second surface of the ink cartridge. The second restriction part is preferably adapted and configured to engage with a respective part of the inkjet printing apparatus. In this embodiment, the distance between the engagement part of the second restriction part and the plane defined by the leading edge is greater that the distance between the coupling part of the first restriction part 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.

In one embodiment, when the ink cartridge is viewed from the side with the hitch part of the first restriction part to the right and the ink supply structure facing down, the distance between the hitch part of the first part of restriction 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 distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane defined by the leading edge The lever can also have two ends in which the pivot point is intermediate between the two ends.

In one embodiment, when the ink cartridge is viewed from the side with the hitch part of the first restriction part to the right and the ink supply structure facing down, the hitch part of the first restriction part is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when the cartridge is mounted. In one embodiment, when the front or first surface of the cartridge body is seen with the ink supply structure facing down, at least a part of the engagement part of the first restriction part is located substantially in the center of the ink cartridge width

In a preferred embodiment, the plane defined by the leading edge is below the lower or fourth surface. In other embodiments, it is substantially at the level of the bottom. In still other embodiments, it may have a recess above the lower or fourth surface.

The present invention is not limited to the cartridge, to the combination of the ink cartridge with the printing apparatus or to the printing material supply system described above, but can be implemented by a variety of other aspects, for example, a cartridge liquid, a liquid container, a container of printing material, a cartridge adapter, a circuit board, a printing apparatus, a liquid ejection apparatus and a liquid supply system that includes a liquid ejection apparatus and a liquid cartridge. The invention is not limited to the above aspects, but a multitude of variations and modifications can be made to these aspects without departing from the scope of the invention. When it is a combination of an ink cartridge with a printing apparatus and / or an inkjet printing apparatus, it should be understood that the ink cartridge is installed attached or mounted in the printing apparatus.

The above summary, as well as the following description of the embodiments, will be better understood when read together with the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numbers refer to similar components. For the purposes of illustrating the apparatus of the present application, certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the request is not limited to the arrangement, structures, features, embodiments, aspects and precise devices shown, and the arrangements, structures, features, embodiments, aspects and devices shown may be used individually. or in combination with other arrangements, structures, features, embodiments, aspects and devices.

The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and are not intended in any way to limit the scope of this invention, but simply to clarify a single illustrated embodiment of the invention. In the drawings: Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a printing material supply system;

Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating a support with a cartridge attached thereto;

Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a support with a cartridge attached thereto;

Figure 4 is a top view illustrating a support with a cartridge attached thereto;

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along the line F4-F4 in Figure 4;

Figure 5A is a sectional view illustrating a support with a cartridge attached thereto;

Figure 6A shows how the force is applied from the cartridge to a lever;

Figure 6B shows how the force is applied from the cartridge to a lever;

Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of the cartridge;

Figure 8 is a bottom view of the cartridge;

Figure 9 is a sectional view, taken along the line F8-F8 in Figure 8;

Figure 9A shows a view of the cartridge and the lever when the cartridge is in its mounted position;

Figure 10A illustrates the detailed structure of a circuit board;

Figure 10B illustrates the detailed structure of a circuit board;

Figure 11 is a rear view of the cartridge;

Figure 12 is a front view of the cartridge;

Figure 13 is a left side view of the cartridge;

Figure 14 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of the support;

Figure 15 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of the support;

Figure 16 is a top view illustrating the structure of the support;

Figure 17 is a sectional view, taken along the line F16-F16 in Figure 16;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of a contact mechanism;

Figure 19 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a lever;

Figure 20 illustrates a cross section of a lever shaft body taken in a plane parallel to the X axis and the Z axis;

Figure 21 is a sectional view of the lever;

Figure 22 is an exploded perspective view of a retention element and a perspective view of the lever;

Figure 23 is a sectional view showing the structure of the periphery of the lever in a state attached from the cartridge to the support;

Figure 24 shows the procedure for attaching the cartridge to the support;

Figure 25 shows the procedure for attaching the cartridge to the support;

Figure 26 shows the procedure for attaching the cartridge to the support;

Figure 27 shows the procedure for attaching the cartridge to the support;

Figure 27A is a close-up view of the cartridge attached to the support;

Figure 27B is a close-up view of the cartridge attached to the support;

Figure 28 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical structure;

Figure 29 illustrates the connection between the circuit board and a junction detection circuit;

Figure 30 shows the external force applied to the cartridge in the joined state;

Figure 31 shows a fine adjustment of the direction of an inclined surface;

Figure 32A shows an example of advantageous effect;

Figure 32B shows an example of advantageous effect;

Figure 32C shows an example of advantageous effect;

Figure 32D shows an example of advantageous effect;

Figure 32E shows an example of advantageous effect;

Figure 32F shows an example of advantageous effect;

Figure 33 illustrates a printer according to a second embodiment;

Figure 34 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a cartridge according to a third embodiment;

Figure 35A is a conceptual diagram showing the outer shape of the cartridge according to another embodiment;

Figure 35B is a conceptual diagram showing the outer shape of the cartridge according to another embodiment;

Figure 35C is a conceptual diagram showing the outer shape of the cartridge according to another embodiment;

Figure 35D is a conceptual diagram showing the outer shape of the cartridge according to another embodiment;

Figure 35E is a conceptual diagram showing the outer shape of the cartridge according to another embodiment;

Figure 35F is a conceptual diagram showing the outer shape of the cartridge according to another embodiment;

Figure 35G is a conceptual diagram showing the outer shape of the cartridge according to another embodiment;

Figure 35H is a conceptual diagram showing the outer shape of the cartridge according to another embodiment;

Figure 35I is a conceptual diagram showing a cartridge that has elongated terminals;

Figure 35J is a conceptual diagram showing a cartridge that has a contact mechanism disposed outside 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;

Figure 37B is a perspective view showing a cartridge composed of an adapter and a container assembly;

Figure 38 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a cartridge with an adapter according to another embodiment;

Figure 39A illustrates the structure of a lever according to a modification;

Figure 39B illustrates the structure of a lever according to a modification;

Figure 40 illustrates the attachment of the cartridge to a support according to a modification;

Figure 41A shows modifications of the terminal form;

Figure 41B shows modifications of the terminal form;

Figure 41C shows modifications of the terminal form;

Figure 42A is a graph showing a ratio of the amount of cleaning of a plate terminal with respect to an inclination angle of plate phi;

Figure 42B shows the cleaning amount of a plate terminal;

Figure 43A is a graph showing a relationship of the upward force on the part of an apparatus side ground terminal with respect to an inclination angle of plate phi;

Figure 43B shows the upward force by the device side ground terminal;

Figure 44 is a graph showing another ratio of the amount of cleaning of the plate terminal with respect to an inclination angle of plate phi; Y

Figure 45 is a graph showing another relationship of the upward force by the side ground terminal of apparatus with respect to an inclination angle of phi plate.

Description of the realizations

In order to further clarify the configurations and operations of the invention, some embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A. First realization

A-1 General configuration of the printing material supply system

Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a printing material supply system 10. Figure 1 shows the XYZ axes orthogonal to each other. The XYZ axes in Figure 1 correspond to the XYZ axes in the other drawings. In subsequent drawings, the XYZ axes are shown when necessary. 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 support 60 of the printer 50 by the user.

Each of the cartridges 20 in the printing material supply system 10 contains ink as the printing material. The ink as print material contained in the cartridge 20 is supplied through an ink supply structure and a printing material supply tube (described below) to a head 540. According to this embodiment, a plurality of cartridges 20 it is removably attached to the support 60 of the printer 50. More specifically, six cartridges 20 containing respectively six inks of different colors (ie, black, yellow, magenta, light magenta, cyan and light cyan) are attached to the support 60 A person skilled in the art will appreciate that, although the description herein refers to ink, it is envisioned that any substance that can be used for printing can be used as described in more detail below in relation to the cartridge, combination and / or disclosed delivery system, and the invention should not be limited in that way.

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 an ink of identical color. The detailed structures of the cartridge 20 and the support 60 will be described later.

The printer 50 of the print supply system 10 shown in Figure 1 is a compact inkjet printer for personal use. The printer 50 has a controller 510 and a car 520 that includes the support 60, in addition to the support 60. The car 520 also includes the head 540. The printer 50 supplies ink from the cartridge 20 attached to the support 60 through the supply tube of print material (described below) to the head 540 and ejects ink from the head 540 onto a printing medium 90, such as a print sheet or label, to print various data, such as character strings, figures and images, in 90 printing medium. Although described in terms of an inkjet printer, a person skilled in the art will appreciate the applicability of the invention to other types of printers and printing material delivery systems as described in more detail below and the invention. It should not be limited in that way.

The printer driver 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 sweep the head 540 alternatively by the printing means 90. The head 540 of the printer 50 has an ink ejection mechanism configured to eject ink from the cartridge 20 attached to the support 60 over the printing medium 90. Controller 510 and carriage 520 are electrically connected via a flexible cable 517. The ink ejection mechanism of head 540 is operated by control signals from controller 510.

According to this embodiment, the car 520 has the head 540 and the support 60. This type of printer 50 that has the cartridges 20 attached to the support 60 in the car 520 that serves to move the head 540 is called the "car type" printer. . According to another embodiment, a stationary support 60 can be provided in a different position with respect to the car 520, and ink can be supplied from each of the cartridges 20 attached to the stationary support 60 to the head 540 of the car 520 through a tube flexible. This type of printer is called an “out-of-car type” printer.

According to this embodiment, the printer 50 has a main scan feed mechanism and a secondary scan feed mechanism to move the carriage 520 and the print medium 90 relative to each other and implement the printing in the print media 90. The main scanning feed mechanism of the printer 50 includes a carriage motor 522 and a transmission belt 524 and serves to transfer the power of the carriage motor 520 to the carriage 520 by means of the transmission belt 520, to move the carriage 520 back and forth in a main sweep direction. The secondary sweep 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, to feed the print medium 90 in an orthogonal secondary scan direction to the main scan direction. The carriage motor 522 of the main sweep feed mechanism and the feed motor 532 of the secondary sweep feed mechanism are operated by control signals from the controller 510.

According to this embodiment, when the printing material supply system 10 is in the typical orientation of use, the X axis represents the axis along the secondary scanning direction (front-rear direction), into which the feed is fed. 90 printing medium. The Y axis represents the axis along the main sweeping direction (left-right or side-by-side direction when the system 10 is viewed from the front), in which carriage 520 moves back and forth . The Z axis represents the axis in the direction of gravity (vertical direction). The state of use of the printing material supply system 10 means the state of the printing material supply system 10 placed in a horizontal plane. In this embodiment, the horizontal plane is a plane parallel to the X axis and the Y axis, that is, the XY plane.

According to this embodiment, the X-axis direction represents the secondary scanning direction (forward direction), the X-axis direction represents its reverse direction (backward direction), the Z-axis direction represents the direction from the part lower to the top of the printing material supply system 10 in the opposite direction to the direction of gravity (upward direction), and the Z-axis direction represents the reverse direction to the Z-axis direction, that is, the sense of gravity (sense down). In this embodiment, the side of the X-axis direction (front side) is the front side of the printing material supply system 10. According to this embodiment, the Y axis direction represents the direction from the right side face to the left side face of the printing material supply system 10 (left direction), and the Y-axis direction represents its direction. inverse (clockwise direction). In this embodiment, the plurality of cartridges 20 attached to the support 60 are arranged in the direction along the Y axis (left-right or side-to-side direction) called "Y-axis direction". Similarly, the direction along the X axis (front-rear direction) and the direction along the Z axis (vertical direction) are called "X axis direction" and "Z axis direction".

A-2 Structure for joining cartridge 20 to support 60

Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views illustrating the support 60 with the cartridge 20 attached thereto. Figure 4 is a top view illustrating the support 60 with the cartridge 20 attached thereto. In the state illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, a cartridge 20 is properly attached in a designed joint position of the support 60. The state of "properly attached in a designed joint position" and a "mounted" position means that the cartridge 20 is attached, or in other words, mounted, so that the cartridge side terminals are located in positions respectively in contact with corresponding device side terminals included in a contact mechanism of the printer 50 ( described below).

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the support 60 of the printer 50 has five wall elements 601, 603, 604, 605 and 606. A recess formed by these five wall elements serves as a cartridge chamber or cartridge mounting structure 602. The cartridge chamber 602 is divided by partition walls 607 into a plurality of holes (mounting spaces) to receive the respective cartridges 20. The partition walls 607 serve as guides for inserting the cartridges 20 into the respective recesses, but may be omitted as appropriate. Each recess has a tube 640 for supplying print material, a contact mechanism 70, a lever 80, a second device side restriction element 620 and a projection 636 serving as a third device side restriction element. A side face (side face of the Z axis direction, upper face) of each recess is open, and the cartridge 20 is attached to and detaches from the support 60 through this open side face (open top face).

The cartridge 20 is attached to the support 60 in a state such that the cartridge 20 is locked by the lever 80 and the second device side restriction element 620 and that the ink supply structure (described below) is connected with the supply tube 640 for printing material. This state is referred to as "the state attached to the cartridge 20 to the holder 60" simply a state "attached" or alternatively a "mounted" state. The connection of the print material supply tube 640 with the ink supply structure of the cartridge 20 allows the ink as the print material contained in the cartridge 20 to be supplied to the head 540 (Figure 1). The material supply tube 640 has a peripheral end 642 (also called "connection end") located on the side of the Z-axis direction and a base end 645 located on the side of the Z-axis direction. The base end 645 is provided in the bottom wall element 601, and the peripheral end 642 is connected to the ink supply structure of the cartridge 20. The print material supply tube 640 has a central axis C parallel to the axis Z. The direction from the base end 645 to the peripheral end 642 along the central axis C is the direction of the Z axis.

As shown in Figure 2, an elastic element 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 joined state, in order to prevent leakage of ink from the ink supply structure to the periphery. In the joined state, the elastic element 648 applies a pressure force that includes a Z axis direction component to the cartridge 20.

In the joined (mounted) state, the electrical connection between the terminals provided on a circuit board (described below) of the cartridge 20 and those of the contact mechanism 70 in each hole of the support 60 allows the transmission of various information between the cartridge 20 and the printer 50.

Figure 5 is a sectional view, taken along the line F4-F4 of Figure 4. Projection 636 is omitted in the illustration. The printing material supply tube 640 of the printer 50 is connected to an ink supply structure 280 of the cartridge 20, so that ink is supplied from the cartridge 20 to the head 540 (Figure 1) through a path 282 Flow of print material.

According to this embodiment, a porous filter 644 that serves to filter the ink supplied from the cartridge 20 is provided at the peripheral end 642 of the print material supply tube 640. The porous filter 644 can be made, for example, of stainless steel mesh or woven textile material of stainless steel. According to another embodiment, the porous filter may not be located at the peripheral end 642 of the print material supply tube 640.

The contact mechanism 70 of the printer 50 is located on the X-axis side of the print material supply tube 640 and is configured to be able to connect electrically with the terminals provided on a circuit board 40 of the cartridge 20. In the joined state of the cartridge 20, a pressure force Pt is applied which includes a vector component of the Z axis direction from the terminals of the contact mechanism 70 to the circuit board 40. In the joined state of the cartridge 20, a pressure force Ps is applied in the direction of the Z axis from the elastic element 648 to the ink supply structure 280.

A lever 80 used for the attachment and detachment of the cartridge 20 has an operative element 830 at one end of the Z axis direction and an engagement part 810 at one end of the Z-axis direction. The first device side restriction element or engagement part 810 (more specifically its first apparatus side locking face described below) is configured to engage with a first cartridge side restriction part 210 in a first position 810L of blocking in the united state. The first locking position 810L is located on the side of the Z axis direction and on the side of the X axis direction of the contact between the terminals provided on the circuit board 40 and the contact mechanism 70. The hitch part 810 engages with the first cartridge side restriction part 210 to restrict the movement of the cartridge 20 in the direction of the Z axis.

The lever 80 pivots about an axis 800c in the position between the operating element 830 and the engagement part 810. The rotation axis 800c of the lever 80 is located on the side of the Z axis direction and on the side of the X axis direction of the first locking position 810L.

The user uses the operating element 830 of the lever 80 to remove the cartridge 20 from the holder 60. To remove the cartridge 20, the user presses the operative element 830 in the sense of -X axis. This pressure applies a force Pr (called "operating force Pr") from the side of the X-axis direction to the side of the x-axis direction, to the operative element 830. This operating force Pr rotates the lever 80 around the axis 800c and moves the engagement part 810 in the direction of the X axis from the first locking position 810L. This releases the hitch of the first cartridge side restriction part 210 with the hitch part 810 and allows the cartridge 20 to be removed from the holder 60.

The second apparatus side restriction element 620 is provided in the side wall element 604 and is configured to engage with a second cartridge side restriction part 220 in a second locking position 620L. According to this embodiment, the second device side restriction element 620 is a through hole formed in the side wall element 604 of the support 60. The second locking position 620L is located on the side of the Z axis direction and on the side of the axis -X direction of the material supply tube 640. The second device side restriction element 620 engages with the second cartridge side restriction part 220 (which can also be referred to as the second restriction element 220) to restrict the movement of the cartridge 20 in the direction of the Z axis. described above, the movement of the cartridge 20 in the direction of the Z axis is restricted both by its end of the direction of the X axis and its end of the direction of the axis -X in the joined state.

The second locking position 620L, in which the second cartridge side restriction part 220 is in contact with the second apparatus side restriction element 620, serves as a pivot point, around which the cartridge is rotated 20 to join and detach from support 60. In other words, the cartridge 20 is rotated 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 therefore serve as a pivot point of rotation of the cartridge 20 for the attachment or detachment of the cartridge 20. The attachment and detachment of the cartridge 20 a and from the holder 60 will be described in detail below.

As shown in Figure 5, in the joined state, the first locking position 810L is located on the side of the -Z axis direction at a distance Dz of the second position 620L lock. This reduces the possibility that the first cartridge side restriction part 210 is disengaged from the engagement part 810 by the pressure forces Ps and Pt applied from the support 60 to the cartridge 20. The cartridges 20 can therefore be held in stable way in the designed joint position.

Figures 6A and 6B illustrate the force applied from the cartridge 20 to the lever 80 in the first locking position 810L. In the state of Figure 6A, in which the first locking position 810l is located on the axis-Z side of the second locking position 620L, a force F1 is applied from the cartridge 20 to the lever 80 in The first position 810L lock. In the state of Figure 6B, in which the first locking position 810L is located on the side of the Z axis direction of the second locking position 620L, a force F2 is applied from the cartridge 20 to the lever 80 in the 810L first position lock. The force F1 shown in Figure 6A has the same magnitude as the force F2 shown in Figure 6B.

Figures 6A and 6B schematically show the positional relationships of the first locking position 810L, the second locking position 620L and the rotation axis 800c (also called "pivot center 800c") with each other on the X axis and on the axis Z. The difference between the two positional relationships shown in Figures 6A and 6B is the difference of the second lock position 620L on the Z axis. An arc RT1 shown in Figures 6A and 6B shows the place of rotation of the first position 810L lock around axis 800c rotation. An arc RT2 shown in Figures 6A and 6B shows the place of rotation of the first blocking position 810L around the second blocking position 620L.

In the example illustrated in Figure 6A, the first locking position 810L is located on the axis-Z side of the second locking position 620L, whereby the force F1, which is applied in the tangential direction of the arc RT2 in the first position 810L lock, has a vector component of X axis direction and a vector component of Z axis direction. Consequently, the force F1 is resolved to give a vector component F1t in the tangential sense of the arc RT1 and a vector component F1r in the radial direction of the RT1 arc. In the example illustrated in Figure 6B, the first blocking position 810L is located on the side of the Z axis direction of the second blocking position 620L, whereby the force F2, which is applied in the tangential direction of the arc RT2 in the first position the blocking position 810L has a vector component of the direction of the axis -X and a vector component of the direction of the Z axis. Consequently, the force F2 is resolved to give a vector component F2t in the tangential direction of the arc RT1 and a vector component F2r in the radial direction of the RT1 arc. As it is clearly understood from the comparison between Figures 6A and 6B, when the magnitude of the force F1 is equal to the magnitude of the force F2 (F1 = F2), the positional relationships of the first blocking position 810L, the Second locking position 620L and the axis 800c of rotation with each other 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 with the state illustrated in Figure 6B, the state in Figure 6A has a vector force component from the cartridge 20 towards the axis 800c of rotation of the lever 80 and a vector component of smaller force in the direction that it will make turn the lever 80 clockwise, that is, viewed from the direction of the Y axis, around the axis 800c of rotation. In other words, the location of the first locking position 810L on the axis-Z side of the second locking position 620L more effectively reduces the possibility that the first cartridge-side restriction part 210 disengages from the hitch part 810, compared to the location of the first lock position 810L on the side of the Z axis direction of the second lock position 620L. In neither of the two states does any force act in the direction of the X-axis to release the hitch in the first locking position 810L, so that both states provide a benefit by reducing the possibility of the first side-restricting part 210 cartridge disengage from hitch part 810.

A-3 Detailed cartridge structure

Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of the cartridge 20 as an example of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 8 is a bottom view of the cartridge 20. Figure 9 is a sectional view, taken along the line F8-F8 in Figure 8. Figures 10A and 10B illustrate the detailed structure of the plate 40 of circuit. Figure 10A is a view of the circuit board 40 viewed from the direction indicated by arrow F9 in Figure 9, and Figure 10B is a view of the circuit board 40 seen from arrow F10 in Figure 10A. According to this embodiment, the X axis, the Y axis and the Z axis represent the axes in the cartridge 20 in the joined state. The side of the X-axis direction in the joined state is the front face of the cartridge 20. A plane Yc shown in Figure 8 is a plane that passes through the center of the width or length in the direction of the Y axis. of the cartridge 20 and is parallel to the Z axis and the X axis (ie, the ZX plane). A plane CX shown in Figure 8 is a plane that passes through the central axis C and is parallel to the Z axis and the X axis (i.e., the ZX plane).

As shown in Figure 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 part 210. The cartridge 20 is attached to the support 60 in a direction of mounting SD, which is the direction of axis -Z (direction vertically downwards in the embodiment). The special orientation or posture of the cartridge 20 is generally not constant during the actual insertion of the cartridge 20 into the holder 60. In the course of the union of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60, the cartridge 20 can be inclined with respect to the Z axis. However, in the state immediately before the union and in In the attached state, the ink supply structure 280 receives the print 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 supply tube 640 printing material, and therefore is substantially aligned in the Z-axis direction. For this reason, and because the general direction of movement of the cartridge 20 while mounting on the support 60 is in the direction of the -Z axis, the direction of axis -Z can be considered as the direction of assembly of the cartridge 20. For the same reasons, the direction of axis Z can be considered as a direction of removal RD (figure 9) in which the cartridge 20 is removed from the holder 60. D Because the Z-axis direction and the Z-axis direction are opposite directions, the SD mounting direction and RD extraction direction can be considered opposite directions.

The housing 22 (also called "cartridge body 22") defines an interior space that includes 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 can be made of a synthetic resin, such as polypropylene (PP). The cartridge 20 is in the form of a rectangular prism having congruent lateral faces or in the form of an approximately rectangular parallelepiped. Part of the housing 22 can be made of a resin film.

The cartridge 20 has a length (length in the direction of the X axis), a width (length in the direction of the Y axis) and a height (length in the direction of the Z axis), in which the length, the height and the width descend in this order. However, the ratio of magnitude of the length, width and height of the cartridge 20 is not limited to this order but can be determined arbitrarily; for example, the height, length and width may descend in this order or the height, length and width may be equal to each other.

The housing 22 of the cartridge 20 includes a first wall or a lower part 201, a second wall or an upper part 202, a third wall or a front part 203, a fourth wall or a back part 204, a fifth wall 205, a sixth wall 206 and connection walls 209. The connection walls 209 include a seventh wall 207 and an eighth wall 208 (Figure 9). The first to eighth walls 201 to 208 define the interior space that includes the ink chamber 200 of the cartridge 20. In the following description, symbols 201 to 208 assigned to the first to eighth walls are also used to represent the outer surfaces of the walls that constitute the housing 22 of the cartridge 20 (ie faces 201 to 208 first to octave). The outer surfaces 201 to 208 (first to eighth faces) of the first to eighth walls are substantial planes. The "substantial plane" means not only a perfectly flat plane but can include a plane that has a slight partial irregularity. In other words, the "substantial plane" includes a plane that has a slight partial irregularity but is still recognizable as a face or a wall of the casing 22 of the cartridge 20. The first to eighth faces 201 to 208 have rectangular shapes in the Flat View.

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 lower face 201 (lower wall), upper face 202 (upper wall), front face 203 (front wall), rear face 204 (rear wall), left side 205 (left wall) and side 206 right (right wall), respectively. The outer surfaces of the walls may also refer to the front part 203, the rear part 204, the upper part 202 and the lower part 201, or as the first to fourth surface where the first surface refers to the front part 203, the second surface refers to the rear part 204, the third surface refers to the upper part 202 and the fourth surface refers to the lower part 201.

The first face 201 and the second face 202 are opposite each other in the Z-axis direction. The first face 201 is located on the side of the Z-axis direction, while the second face 202 is located on the side of the direction of Z axis. The third face 203 and the fourth face 204 are opposite each other in the direction of the X axis. The third face 203 is located on the side of the X axis direction, while the fourth face 204 is located on the side of the X axis sense -X. The fifth face 205 and the sixth face 206 are opposite each other in the Y-axis direction. The fifth face 205 is located on the side of the Y axis direction, while the sixth face 206 is located on the side of the axis direction. -Y.

According to this embodiment, the first face 201 located on the side of the axis direction -Z forms the lower face in the joined 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 joined state.

The second face 202 located on the side of the Z axis direction forms the upper face in the joined state. The second face 202 is opposite 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 united state.

The third face 203 located on the side of the X-axis direction forms a side face in the joined 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. Between the sides of the third face 203, a side 290 located on the most side in the Z-axis direction is called "first side 290", and one side 291 located on the side more in the Z-axis direction is called "second side 291". In the specification of this document, the expression that "two faces intersect or intersect with each other" means not only the state in which two faces actually intersect with each other, but also the state in which an extension of a face intersects the other face and the state in which the extensions of two faces intersect each other.

The fourth face 204 located on the side of the x-axis direction forms a side face in the joined 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 (plane YZ) parallel to the Y axis and the Z axis and perpendicular to the X axis.

The fifth face 205 located on the side of the Y axis direction and the sixth face 206 located on the side of the axis direction -Y form side faces in the joined state. The fifth face 205 and the sixth face 206 are perpendicular to the faces 201 to 204 first to the fourth. The fifth face 205 and the sixth face 206 are flat (x-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.

As shown in Figure 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 parallel plane (plane YZ) to the Y axis and to the Z axis. The seventh face forms a vertical angle with respect to the first face 201 and can also be referred to as "step". In other words, the seventh face 207 extends in the direction of the Z axis from the first face 201. The seventh face 207 is located on the side of the axis direction -X and on the side of the sense of axis -Z of the octave face 208. The eighth face 208 couples the seventh face 207 with the third face 203. The eighth face 208 is a sloping surface inclined in one direction that includes a vector component of X-axis direction and a vector component of axis direction - Z. The eighth face 208 is inclined with respect 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 with respect to the plane XY and the plane YZ plane and is perpendicular to the plane XZ. The eighth face 208 has a plate mounting element 208T projecting outward from the eighth face 208.

The relationships of faces 201 to 206 first to sixth indicate that the orientation direction of the first face 201 and the second face 202 is the Z-axis direction, the orientation direction of the third face 203 and the fourth face 204 is the X axis direction and the orientation direction of the fifth face 205 and the sixth face 206 is the Y axis direction.

As shown in Figure 7, the circuit board 40 is preferably mounted on the plate mounting element 208T of the eighth face 208. The circuit board 40 has a terminal support structure 408 that is inclined, or, said otherwise, on a slope, in the direction that includes the X-axis vector component and the Z-axis vector component, such as the eighth face 208. In this embodiment, the terminal support structure 408 comprises the surface of circuit board 40. The terminal support structure 408 is inclined with respect to the first face 201 and the third face 203. The terminal support structure 408 is perpendicular to the fifth face 205 and the sixth face 206. In other words, the structure 408 of terminal support is inclined with respect to the Xy plane and the YZ plane and is perpendicular to the XZ plane. The terminal support structure 408 is also referred to as "sloping terminal support structure" or "sloping surface". As such, in the present embodiment, the surface of the circuit board 40 can be considered a "sloping surface". The terminal support structure 408 has cartridge-side terminals 400, which are in contact with the device-side terminals of the contact mechanism 70 (Figure 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.

Figures 42A and 42B show the relationship of a cleaning 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 leading edge of the direction of assembly of the ink supply structure 280 and a plane in which the terminals 400 of the board 40 are arranged circuit The plane defined by terminals 400 is neither perpendicular nor parallel to plane 110p. The angle of inclination phi is generally an acute angle (less than 90 degrees). In this embodiment, the plane 110p extended from the leading edge of the mounting direction is parallel to the lower face 201 of the cartridge 20. In addition, the plane in which the terminals 400 are arranged is parallel to the plate surface of the plate 40 circuit Accordingly, in this embodiment, the angle of inclination phi is equal to the angle between the bottom face 201 of the cartridge 20 and the plate surface of the circuit board 40. In the present embodiment, the circuit board 40 has a thickness of approximately 0.7 mm. The terminals 400 have a thickness of approximately 5 micrometers, and are provided on the circuit board 40. The thickness of the terminals 400 is small to an insignificant degree, whereby the surface of the circuit board 40, including the surface of the terminals 400, is substantially level. Therefore, the terminal support structure 408, which comprises the surface of the circuit board 40 in this embodiment, is located substantially within a terminal plane (contact part) TP which will be described later. Although the circuit board 40 was absent, there would only be irregularities equivalent to the thickness of the terminals 400. Therefore, for reasons of simplicity, the terminal support structure 408 can be used interchangeably with the "defined plane by the terminals ”or the“ terminal plane ”. When referring to the contact parts cp of the terminals 431-439 in relation to the terminal support structure 408, the term "plane defined by the contact parts" or "plane of the contact part" can also be used interchangeably. In the course of joining or assembling the cartridge 20, as shown in Figures 24-27, the front face 203 (the first surface) of the cartridge 20 lowers with a slight pivoting rotation on the rear face 204 (the second surface) of the cartridge 20. In this process, the circuit board 40 rotates slightly and comes into contact with the device side contact forming elements 731-739 (device side terminals) in the terminal base 709, of so that the respective cartridge side terminals 431-439 are cleaned by the device side contact forming elements 731-739. Cleaning the terminal on the circuit board 40 by the corresponding device side terminal suitably removes the coating of dust or rust on the surface of the terminal on the circuit board 40 to improve electrical conductivity (electrical connection).

The graph of Figure 42A shows the cleaning length (amount of cleaning) of the terminal on the circuit board 40 by the corresponding device side contact forming elements as ordered, and the inclination angle of the plate phi as abscissa. The calculation is made with the assumption that the distance L0 in the X direction from the second surface (rear face) 204 of the cartridge 20 to the contact part of the ground terminal 437 that comes into contact with the ground terminal 737 The corresponding device is 63 mm. In general, the greater inclination angle of the phi plate makes the surface of the plate closer to the vertical plane and increases the amount of cleaning. In order to sufficiently remove the powder or oxide coating on the surface of the terminal on the circuit board 40, the cleaning amount is preferably not less than 1 mm. According to the graph in Figure 42A, the angle of inclination of the phi plate is preferably not less than 25 degrees to guarantee the cleaning amount of not less than 1 mm.

Figure 43A shows the relationship of the upward force F by the device side ground terminal 737 with respect to the inclination angle of the phi plate, considering the prevention of the half insertion of the cartridge. The calculation of Figure 43A is also performed with the assumption that the distance L0 is equal to 63 mm, as the calculation of Figure 42A. It is assumed that the weight of the cartridge (including the weight of the ink) is 30 grams. This value is the standard weight of the cartridge for inkjet printing apparatus for domestic use. The "half cartridge insertion" indicates the state in which the hitching part 810 of the lever 80 is located just next to the elastic element 682 as shown in Figure 25, that is, the state immediately prior to the complete engagement. This half-insert state is also called "half hitch." In this half-hitch state, only the device side ground terminal 737 between the plurality of device side contact forming elements 731-739 applies the upward force to the circuit board 40. It should be noted that in the printing apparatus shown in Figure 1, the support 60 has no cover. When the user releases his hand in this half-engaged state, the cartridge 20 can be maintained in this half-engaged state. The graph of Figure 43A shows the result of the calculation of the upward force by the device-side ground terminal 737 to avoid said half insertion of the cartridge 20. Figure 43B shows the relationship of the upward force F with respect to the angle of tilt phi plate.

The upward force by the device side ground terminal 737 is a vector component of direction Z (vertically upward vector component in this embodiment) of the force applied from the device side ground terminal 737 to the plate 40 circuit (and to cartridge 20) in the half-hitch state of Figure 26. When the ground terminal 437 of the circuit board 40 is pressed against the ground terminal 737 of the apparatus side, a pressure force in one direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the circuit board 40 is applied to the ground terminal 437 by the elastic force of the device side ground terminal 737. The calculation of the upward force of Figure 43A is performed with the assumption that the pressure force F0 of the device-side ground terminal 737 is 0.2 N in the direction perpendicular to the plate surface. Since the ascending force F (= F0SYMBOL 180 \ f "Symbol" \ s 14cos phi) is the vector component of the Z direction of the pressure force F0, F = F0 = 0.2 N is true at the plate tilt angle phi = 0 degrees as shown by the dashed line in Figure 43B. The ascending force F varies according to the curve F = F0SYMBOL 180 \ f "Symbol" \ s 14cos phi with a variation of the inclination angle of phi plate. The curve in Figure 43A is the curve F = F0SYMBOL 180 \ f "Symbol" \ s 14cos phi. With an increase in the inclination angle of the phi plate (approaching phi at 90 degrees), the plate surface approaches the XZ plane and reduces the upward force F. An upward force FB that is balanced with the cartridge 20 having the distance L0 63 mm and the weight of 30 grams is approximately 0.15 N (the position of the thick horizontal line in Figure 43A). This means that the rising force of not less than 0.15 N allows the cartridge 20 to be pressed vertically upwards by the device side 737 ground terminal. To ensure an upward force of not less than 0.15 N, the angle of inclination of the phi plate is preferably not more than 40 degrees, as is clearly understood from Figure 43A.

When the user releases his hand in the half-hitch state of Figure 26, the cartridge 20 can be kept in the half-hitch state. However, if the inclination angle of the phi plate is set to be no more than 40 degrees as shown in Figure 43A, when the user releases his hand in the half-hitch state, the ground side terminal 737 The device presses the front face 203 of the cartridge 20 in the Z direction (upward direction). This clearly disengages the cartridge from the hitch part 810 of the lever 80 and facilitates the user to find the failed joint. From this point of view, it is preferable to set the angle of Tilt phi plate to be no more than 40 degrees.

Figures 44 and 45 show the characteristics of a cartridge having a larger dimension in the X direction than the size of the cartridge in Figures 42 and 43A. While it is assumed that the cartridge has the distance l0 = 63 mm in Figures 42 and 43A, it is assumed that it has the distance L0 = 80 mm in Figures 44 and 45. The calculation of the ascending force of Figure 45 is performed with the assumption that F0 = 0.2 N and the weight of the cartridge (including the weight of the ink) is 30 g, as the calculation in Figure 43A. As is clearly understood from the result of Figure 44, as well as the result of Figure 42A, to ensure a cleaning amount of not less than 1 mm, the angle of inclination of the plate phi is preferably not less than 25 degrees. Although the distance L0 is 80 mm in the calculation of Figure 45 with respect to 63 mm in the calculation of Figure 43A, the upward force FB that balances with the cartridge 20 having the weight of 30 grams is almost equal to the of Figure 43 and is approximately 0.15 N (the position of the thick horizontal line in Figure 45). As it is clearly understood from the result of Figure 45, as well as the result of Figure 43A, in order to avoid the cartridge engaging means, the angle of inclination of the phi plate is preferably not more than 40 degrees.

Taking into account the characteristics of Figures 42 to 45, discussed above, it is preferable to set the angle of inclination of the phi plate so that it is not less than 25 degrees and not more than 40 degrees.

The increase in the pressure force of the device-side ground terminal 737 guarantees sufficient upward force even at the largest plate tilt angle phi. In this case, it is preferable to set the pressure force of the device side ground terminal 737 and the inclination angle of the plate phi to such values that allow to press the cartridge 20 upwards and change from the half-hitch state to the disengagement state by the pressure force of the device-side ground terminal 737, when the user releases the hand of the cartridge 20 in the half-engaged state.

The seventh face 207 and the terminal support structure 408 form part of the outer surfaces of the cartridge 20. More specifically, the seventh face 207 and the terminal support structure 408 form a part of a corner section 265 joining the first face 201 and the third face 203 that are part of the outer surfaces of the cartridge 20. For a better understanding, the corner section 265 is shown with a thick line in Figure 9. The third face 203 and the corner section 265 are opposite the first side wall element 603 of the apparatus side of the holder 60 (Figure 14) in the state attached to the cartridge 20 to the holder 60 as described below. The third face 203 and the corner section 265 are therefore referred to as "first opposite outer wall surface". The fourth face 204 is opposite the second side wall element 604 of the apparatus side of the support 60 (FIG. 15) in the joined state as described below. The fourth face 204 is therefore called "second opposite outer wall surface".

As shown in Figure 10A, the circuit board 40 has a main groove 401 at one end of the Z axis direction and a main hole 402 at one end of the Z-axis direction. The circuit board 40 is fixed to the eighth face 208 of the cartridge 20 by means of the main groove 401 and the main hole 402. According to this embodiment, the main groove 401 and the main hole 402 are provided at positions that intersect the plane Yc passing through the center of the width (length in the Y-axis direction) of the cartridge 20. According to another embodiment, at least one of the main groove 401 and the main hole 402 can be omitted from the circuit board 40, and the circuit board 40 can be fixed to the eighth face 208 by means of an adhesive or by a snap click (not shown) provided on the eighth face 208.

As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the circuit board 40 includes the cartridge side terminals 400 provided in the terminal support structure 408 and a memory unit 420 provided on a rear face 409. The terminal support structure 408 and the rear face 409 are flat. A part or side of the flat terminal support structure 408 located on the side more in the direction of the Z axis in the state of assembly of the circuit board 40 in the cartridge 20 is called plate end 405.

The cartridge side terminals 400 include nine terminals 431 to 439. The memory unit 420 stores information concerning the ink in the cartridge 20 (eg, 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, the electrical device may refer to a resistor, sensor or memory device, or other device that produces or is powered by electricity as one of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate.

As shown in Figure 10A, the nine cartridge-side terminals 431 to 439 all have an approximately rectangular shape and are arranged in two rows that are substantially perpendicular to the SD mounting direction. The substantially perpendicular rows extend in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cartridge 20. The row of the two rows backward with respect to the SD mounting direction is called the first row R1 of terminals (bottom line R1), and the row of the front line with respect to the direction of mounting SD is called the second row R2 of terminals (upper line R2). The first row R1 of terminals and the second row R2 of terminals have different positions in the Z-axis direction. More specifically, the first row R1 of terminals is located on the axis-Z side of the second row R2 of terminals. . Each of the terminals 431 to 439 have a contact part cp at its center, which is in contact with the contact mechanism 70. The first row R1 of terminals and the second row R2 of terminals can be considered as lines formed by a plurality of contact parts cp.

Terminals 431 to 439 may be named by the following names corresponding to their functions or applications. To differentiate from the terminals in the printer 50, the expression "cartridge side" can be added as suffix to each name. For example, "ground terminal 437" may be referred to as "cartridge side ground terminal 437".

<First row R1 of terminals>

(1) 435 junction detection terminal (first terminal);

(2) power terminal 436;

(3) 437 ground terminal;

(4) data terminal 438; Y

(5) 439 junction detection terminal (second terminal).

<Second row R2 of terminals>

(6) junction detection terminal 431 (third terminal);

(7) reset terminal 432;

(8) clock terminal 433; Y

(9) 434 junction detection terminal (fourth terminal).

The contact parts cp of terminals 435 to 439 in the first row R1 of terminals and the contact parts cp of terminals 431 to 434 in the second row R2 of terminals are alternately or more specifically arranged in zigzag.

The four junction detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 are used to verify good / poor electrical contact with the corresponding device side terminals provided in the contact mechanism 70, so that the printer 50 can detect if the Cartridge 20 is properly attached in the designed junction position of support 60. These four terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 are collectively referred to as "junction detection terminals". According to this embodiment, the four terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 of cartridge side are electrically connected to each other within the circuit board 40. When the cartridge 20 is attached to the support 60, these terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 are electrically connected to a ground line (not shown) in the printer 50 through the ground terminal 437. The method of junction detection using the four terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 of junction detection will be described below.

The other five terminals 432, 433, 436, 437 and 438 of cartridge side are terminals for the memory unit 420. These five terminals 432, 433, 436, 437 and 438 are also called "memory terminals."

The reset terminal 432 receives an RST reset signal, which must be supplied to the memory unit 420. The clock terminal 433 receives a clock signal SCK, which must be supplied to the memory unit 420. The power terminal 436 receives a power supply voltage VDD (for example, nominal voltage of 3.3 V), which must be supplied to the memory unit 420. The ground terminal 437 receives a ground voltage VSS (0 V), which must be supplied to the memory unit 420. The data terminal 438 receives an SDA data signal, which must be supplied to the memory unit 420.

The first terminal 435 as one of the junction detection terminals includes an outer first part 435P located on the plus side in the Y-axis direction of the cartridge-side terminals 400. The second terminal 439 as one of the junction detection terminals includes an outer second part 439P located on the plus side in the y-axis direction of the cartridge-side terminals 400. The third terminal 431 as one of the junction detection terminals includes an outer third part 431P located on the plus side in the Y-axis direction of the second terminal line R. The fourth terminal 434 as one of the junction detection terminals includes an outer fourth part 434P located on the plus side in the y-axis direction of the second terminal line R. In this embodiment, the first to fourth outer portions 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 may be curved and may extend in a direction not parallel to the Z axis direction, as shown for terminals 431, 434 in the example of Figures 41A and 41B, and the outer part of the terminal can still be understood as the outermost part of the edge in the Y-axis direction.

Between the contact parts cp of the cartridge side terminals 400, the ground terminal 437 having the contact part cp in the center in the Y-axis direction is provided in the position that intersects the plane Yc passing through of the center of the width (length in the Y-axis direction) of the cartridge 20. The contact parts 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 before the other terminals 431 to 436, 438 and 439 of cartridge side during the connection of the cartridge 20 to the support 60. The pressure force First applied from the support 60 to the circuit board 40, it is therefore generated in the substantial center of the width or length in the Y-axis direction of the cartridge 20 both before and after the cartridge is fully assembled. This prevents the pressure force applied to the circuit board 40 from acting to tip the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction and, therefore, allows the cartridge 20 to be joined in the designed joint position. Said contact of the ground terminal 437 with the contact mechanism 70 of the support 60 before the other terminals 431 to 436, 438 and 439 of cartridge side prevents or advantageously reduces the problems and failures induced by high voltage by the function of ground connection of ground terminal 437, even if unexpected high voltage is applied to cartridge 20.

According to this embodiment, the ground terminal 437 is formed longer along the Z axis direction than the other terminals 431 to 436, 438 and 439 cartridge side. This guarantees the contact of the ground terminal 437 with the contact mechanism 70 of the support 60. According to another embodiment, all of the cartridge-side terminals 431 to 439 on the circuit board 40 can be formed of the same size.

As shown in Fig. 9, the ink supply structure 280 protrudes in the direction of the -Z axis from the first face 201. The ink supply structure 280 communicates with the ink chamber 200 through the path 282 Flow of print material. The ink supply structure 280 is connected to the printing material supply tube 640 (Figure 5) of the printer 50 to supply the ink contained in the ink chamber 200 to the head 540 (Figure 1). In other words, the ink supply structure 280 is open to the outside, to supply the ink contained in the ink chamber 200 to the outside of the cartridge 20. As can be seen in Figure 5A, it is not necessary that the structure 280 of ink supply protrudes from the first face 201. Instead, in one embodiment, it may be level or substantially at the level of the first face 201. In such an embodiment, the print material supply tube 640 is raised so which is close to the first face when the cartridge 20 is mounted.

The ink supply structure 280 is provided in the position closer to the fourth face 204 than to 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 it is therefore greater than the distance between the outer surface of the ink supply structure 280 and the fourth face 204.

The ink supply structure 280 has an open peripheral end. The surface at this open peripheral end is known as open surface 288, or alternatively a leading edge of the mounting direction, and defines a horizontal plane in the joined state. That is, the open surface 288 is the leading edge (XY plane) of the cartridge in the direction of mounting SD and defines an XY axis plane that is parallel to the X axis and the Y axis.

A resin foam 284 is provided within the ink supply structure 280 in the position on the side of the Z axis direction of the open surface 288 or more specifically in the position in contact with the flow path 282 of printing material . According to this embodiment, before shipping of the cartridge 20, the open surface 288 of the ink supply structure 280 is sealed with a sealing element (not shown), such as a cover or a film. To attach the cartridge 20 to the support 60, the sealing element (not shown) to seal the open surface 288 is removed from the cartridge 20.

According to this embodiment, the ink supply structure 280 protrudes in the z-axis direction with the center on the central axis C of the print material supply tube 640. According to another embodiment, the center of the ink supply structure 280 may be offset from the central axis C of the print material supply tube 640. According to this embodiment, the open surface 288 of the ink supply structure 280 seen from the direction of the -Z axis is formed by the linear symmetry housing with respect to axes parallel to the X axis and the Y axis. According to another embodiment, the The open surface 288 of the ink supply structure 280 may be formed by the asymmetric housing and may have a leading edge of the mounting direction defining a plane. The open surface 288 seen from the Z direction is in a rounded rectangular shape according to this embodiment, but it can have any other suitable shape, for example, precise circle, ellipse, oval, square or rectangle, according to other embodiments.

As shown in Figure 9A, the plane BP is a plane formed by the leading edge of the direction of assembly of the open surface 288 of the ink supply structure 280. The distance A is the distance between the plane BP and the engagement part 212 of the first restriction part 210. The distance B is the distance between the plane BP and a coupling part of the second restriction element 220. The distance C is the distance between the plane BP and the pivot point of lever 80 around axis 800c. As can be seen in Figure 9A, the distance B between the plane BP and a coupling part of the second restriction element 220 is greater than the distance A between the plane BP and the engagement part 212 of the first restriction part 210 when It is measured in an orthogonal direction to the BP plane. The distance A between the plane BP and the engagement part 212 of the first restriction part 210 is less than the distance C between the plane BP and the pivot point of the lever 80 around the axis 800c when measured in an orthogonal direction to the BP plane. Additionally, as can be seen in Figure 9A, the plane TP is the plane formed by the inclined terminal support structure 408, which in this embodiment is parallel to the inclined terminal support structure 408 itself, and therefore, by For simplicity, the terminal support structure 408 can be used to refer to the plane TP. The TP plane is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the BP plane. The terminal support structure 408 has cartridge-side terminals 400, which are in contact with the device-side terminals of the contact mechanism 70 (Figure 2).

As shown in Figure 7, the first cartridge side restriction part 210 is provided on the third side 203. The first cartridge side restriction part 210 is located on the side of the Z axis direction and on the side of the X-axis direction of the ink supply structure 280 and the circuit board 40. The first cartridge side restriction part 210 is locked by the lever 80 (Figure 2), in order to restrict the movement of the cartridge 20 in the joined state. The first cartridge side restriction part 210 is structured as a projection protruding in the direction of the X axis (outwards) from the third face 203. The first cartridge side restriction part 210 is located in the closest position of the first side 290 than of the second side 291 along the Z axis direction. According to this embodiment, the first cartridge side restriction part 210 is located adjacent to the first side 290.

The first cartridge side restriction part 210 includes a first part 212 extended in the Y-axis direction (width direction), a second part 214 extended in the Z-axis direction (vertically upward direction) from the first part 212, and a third part 215 extended in the sense of -Z axis (vertically downward direction) from the first part 212. As described above, the direction of Z axis (vertically upward direction) is generally the direction of extraction RD and it is opposite the direction of axis -Z (direction vertically downwards), which is generally the direction of mounting SD. The first or hitch part 212 acts in conjunction with a hitch part 810 of the lever 80 to restrict the movement of the cartridge 20 in the joined state. The second part 214 is provided to block the first part 212 by the expected part of the lever 80 at the junction of the cartridge 20 to the support 60.

The first part 212 includes a first cartridge side locking surface 211 as a first stop part and a second cartridge side locking surface 213 as a second stop part. The first cartridge side locking surface 211 is oriented in the Z axis direction. The second cartridge side locking surface 213 is oriented in the X axis direction. The third part 215 is in contact with the first part 212 and the first side 290.

The cartridge 20 further includes the second cartridge side restriction part 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.

The second cartridge side restriction part 220 is structured as a projection protruding in the x-axis direction from the fourth face 204. The second cartridge side restriction part 220 is inserted into the second restriction element 620 of device side (figure 3) in the shape of the through hole of the holder 60. The user rotates the cartridge 20 around the second cartridge side restriction part 220 inserted in the second device side restriction element 620 (figure 3 ) at the junction or detachment of the cartridge 20 to or from the holder 60. In other words, the second device side restriction element 620 serves as a guide for the attachment or detachment of the cartridge 20 to or from the holder 60. This facilitates the connection and detachment of the cartridge 20 to and from the holder 60. In the joined state of the cartridge 20, the second cartridge side restriction part 220 is blocked by the second element 620 restriction of the side of the apparatus to restrict the movement of the cartridge e 20 in the joined state. The second cartridge side restriction part 220 is located on the side of the Z-axis direction and on the side of the -X axis direction of the ink supply structure 280 and the circuit board 40.

The projection 260 on the third face 203 is located on the Z axis direction side of the first cartridge side restriction part 210. According to this embodiment, the projection 260 is located in the most position in the direction of the Z axis (the most upward position) including the second side 291 on the third face 203.

The third cartridge side restriction element 250 is structured as a pair of projection elements (restriction walls) projecting in the direction of the X axis from both sides of the Y axis direction of the seventh face 207. The pair of projection elements 250 receive the projection 636 (figure 2) inserted between them and, acting in conjunction with the projection 636, restrict the movement of the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction in the joined state.

Figure 11 is a rear view of the cartridge 20. The second cartridge side restriction part 220 is describes in detail with reference to Figure 11. The second cartridge side restriction part 220 includes a restriction blocking surface 222 as a restriction blocking element, an inclined surface 224, a first restriction lateral face 226 and a second side 228 restriction side.

The restriction lock surface 222 is oriented in the direction of the Z axis and forms a horizontal face in the joined state. The restriction lock surface 222 is in contact with the second device side restriction element 620 (Figure 3) to serve as a pivot point of rotation when the cartridge 20 is rotated to detach from the holder 60.

The restriction blocking surface 222 is blocked by the second device side restriction element 620 in the joined state, in order to restrict the movement of the cartridge 20 in the direction of the Z axis in the joined state. The restriction lock surface 222 is provided in the position that intersects the plane Yc that passes through the center of the width (length in the Y-axis direction) of the cartridge 20 and perpendicular to this plane Yc. As shown in Figure 5, in the joined state of the cartridge 20, the cartridge 20 receives the pressure forces Ps and Pt that include the vector components of the Z-axis direction from the support 60. The restriction lock surface 222 is presses against the second device side restriction element 620 by these pressure forces Ps and Pt. The second device side restriction element 620 is therefore in contact with the restriction lock surface 222 in parallel with the direction of the Y axis. This reduces the possibility of the cartridge 20 tilting with respect to the X axis in the joined state.

The inclined surface 224 is connected to the restriction blocking surface 222 and is inclined in the direction that includes the vector component of the Z-axis direction and the vector component of the X-axis direction. This allows the restriction blocking surface 222 to be gently guided to the second apparatus side restriction element 620 at the junction of the cartridge 20 to the support 60.

The first restriction side face 226 forms an axis-side side face -Y of the second cartridge side restriction part 220. The second restriction side face 228 forms a side face of the Y axis direction of the second cartridge side restriction part 220. The first side restriction side 226 is a plane oriented in the direction of the -Y axis, and the second side restriction side 226 is a plane oriented in the direction of the Y axis. The first side restriction side 226 and the second face 228 Restriction sides are planes respectively parallel to the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. The first and the second side faces 226 and 228 interfere with the second device side restriction element 620 to restrict the movement of the cartridge 20 in the y-axis direction in the joined state of the cartridge 20.

Figure 12 is a front view of the cartridge 20. The first cartridge side restriction part 210 is described in more detail with reference to Figure 12. The first cartridge side restriction part 210 is provided in the position intersecting the Yc plane. The first cartridge side locking surface 211 is provided in the position that intersects the plane Yc and perpendicular to this plane Yc.

The first cartridge side locking surface 211 is not located outside, but within a range of 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 seen from the side of the third face 203 in the sense of -X axis. According to this embodiment, the first cartridge side restriction part 210 that includes the first cartridge side locking surface 211 is not located outside, but within the range 40Y. In other words, the first cartridge side restriction part 210 is located within an area defined by a first broken line 435PL that includes the first outer part 435P and a second broken line 439PL that includes the second outer part 439P. The first dashed line 435PL and the second dashed line 439PL are straight lines that extend in the Z-axis direction.

Figure 13 is a left side view of the cartridge 20. The positional relationship of the respective elements of the cartridge 20 is described with reference to Figure 13. An intersection in which the third face 203 intersects the inclined terminal support structure 408 is called "intersection part 295". According to the above description of the term "intersection", the intersection at which the third face 203 intersects the inclined terminal support structure 408 includes not only the intersection of the actual face 203 and the terminal support structure 408, but also the intersection of one of the face 203 and the terminal support structure 408 and an extension of the other of the face 203 and the terminal support structure 408, or the intersection of extensions of both the face 203 and the support structure 408 of terminal. The intersection part 295 is a line parallel to the Y-axis direction. According to this embodiment, the intersection part 295 is located in a plane that extends from the third face 203 in the direction of the -Z axis. The intersection part 295 is accordingly located on the side of the Z-axis direction of the third side 203. The midpoint in the length in the direction of the Z axis on the third side 203 (or more specifically, the midpoint between an intersection of the third face 203 and the plane of contact part TP and the intersection of the second face 202 and the third face 203) is called midpoint 203P.

The first cartridge side restriction part 210 is located near the intersection part 295. The first cartridge side restriction part 210 can also be considered as located adjacent to the terminal support structure 408 and near the plate end 405. This means that the first part 210 of cartridge side restriction may be close enough to the cartridge side terminals 400, or more precisely, the part of the restriction part 210 that engages with the device side lever may be located in a position closer to the cp contact parts that intersect the upper face 202 and the front face 203. The first cartridge side restriction part 210 is preferably provided on a specific part of the third face 203 closer to the first side 290 than of the second side 291 or more precisely, the part of the restriction part 210 that engages with the device side lever is located in a position closer to the intersection part 295 than to an intersection of the upper face 202 and the front face 203, which is in the range from the middle point 203P to the first side 290. It is especially preferable to provide the first cartridge side restriction part 210 in the position sufficiently close to or near the first side 290. As used herein, "near" may mean "near", "next to" or "in". As described above, the part of the restriction part 210 that engages the device side lever is located in a position closer to the intersecting part 295 and / or the contact parts cp than to an intersection of the upper face 202 and the front face 203. Although in this embodiment the intersection of the upper face 202 and the front face 203 is the position indicated by 291 in Figure 13, as mentioned above, it is not necessary that the intersection be at the place where two surfaces actually intersect each other, but it can be in the place where one face intersects an extension of the other face, or in the place where extensions of two faces intersect each other, as indicated by dashed line in the embodiments of the Figures 35A and 35D. In this embodiment, the distance between an intersection of the third face 203 and the plane of the contact part TP and the intersection of the second face 202 and the third face 203 is approximately 20 mm. The distance between an intersection of the third face 203 and the plane of the contact part TP and the first cartridge side locking surface 211 of the first cartridge side restriction part 210 is approximately 16 mm.

The effective part of the first cartridge side restriction part 210 that specifically serves to restrict the position of the cartridge side terminals 400 is the first cartridge side locking surface 211. Therefore, it is preferable to locate the first cartridge side locking surface 211 as close as possible to the cartridge side terminals 400. The omission of the third part 215 of the first cartridge side restriction part 210 and the location of the first part 212 in contact with the first side 290 allows the first cartridge side locking surface 211 to be closer to the intersection part 295 or end plate 405.

Figure 13 also shows an X-axis address range of the third cartridge-side restriction element 250 and an X-axis address range 408X of the inclined terminal support structure 408. As is clearly understood from this drawing, part of the third cartridge side restriction element 250 overlaps with the terminal support structure 408 inclined in the direction of the X axis, when the cartridge 20 is viewed from the side of the first face 201 in the direction of the Z axis.

A-4 Detailed structure of support 60:

A-4-1. General structure of support 60:

Figures 14 and 15 are perspective views illustrating the structure of the support 60. Figure 16 is a top view illustrating the structure of the support 60. Figure 17 is a sectional view, taken along the line F16 -F16 in Figure 16. The projection 636 shown in Figures 14 to 16 is omitted in the illustration of Figure 17.

As described above, the support 60 of the printer 50 has the five wall elements 601, 603, 604, 605 and 606 to form the concave cartridge chamber 602 to receive the cartridge 20. The five elements 601, 603, 604, 605 and 606 wall are collectively referred to as "chamber forming wall elements 600". According to this embodiment, the five wall elements 601, 603, 604, 605 and 606 are resin plate elements and are made from a synthetic resin, more specifically modified poly (phenylene ether) (m-PPE).

The wall element 601 forms the underside of the concave cartridge chamber 602. The wall elements 603, 604, 605 and 606 form the side faces of the concave cartridge chamber 602. The wall element 601, the wall element 603, the wall element 604, the wall element 605 and the wall element 606 are respectively referred to as "bottom side wall element 601 of the apparatus", "first wall element 603 side of device side "," second side wall element 604 of side of device "," third element 605 of side wall of side of device "and" fourth element 606 of side wall of side of device ".

Each of the printing material supply tubes 640 and each of the contact mechanisms 70 that include the device side terminals, are arranged in the X-axis direction in the wall element 601. The printing material supply tube 640 is located on the side of the wall element 604, and the contact mechanism 70 is located on the side of the wall element 603. In other words, the printing material supply tube 640 is provided in the position closer to the wall element 604 than to the wall element 603. The contact mechanism 70 is provided in the position closest to the wall element 603 than the print material supply tube 640.

The elastic element 648 is provided around the print material supply tube 640 in the wall element 601. As described above with reference to Figure 5, the elastic element 648 seals the periphery of the ink supply structure 280 of the cartridge 20 and therefore prevents ink leakage of the ink supply structure 280 to the periphery in the state attached of the cartridge 20 to the support 60. The elastic element 648 generates the pressure force Ps in the direction of pressing back the ink supply structure 280 of the cartridge 20 (in the direction of the Z axis) in the joined state of the cartridge 20 to support 60 (figure 5).

As shown in Figures 14 to 16, the support 60 has an OP opening on the upper side opposite the wall element 601 through the cartridge chamber 602. The cartridge 20 passes through the opening Op when the cartridge 20 is attached or detached from the holder 60.

The wall element 603 forms a vertical angle with respect to the wall element 601 on the side of the X axis direction of the wall element 601. According to this embodiment, the side more in the X-axis direction of the wall element 603 forms an outer wall 603W. In the use position of the printer 50, the outer wall 603W forms the front face of the support 60. The outer wall 603W extends in the direction of the arrangement of the plurality of cartridges 20 (Y-axis direction). A lever 80 used to attach and detach the cartridge is provided in the wall element 603. A lever 80 is fixed movably, or more precisely, rotatably to the wall element 603 through a retaining element 690. In other words, the lever 80 is fixed to the retaining element 690 that is part of the wall element 603. The axis of rotation of the lever 80 is parallel to the direction of the Y axis.

The retaining element 690 is provided in a corner section 600C (apparatus side corner section) (Figure 17) in which the side wall element 603 intersects the bottom wall element 601.

As shown in Figure 5, the operative element 830 is provided at the end of the Z axis direction of the lever 80. When the user presses this operative element 830 from the side of the X axis direction to the side of the axis direction -X (that is, when the user applies the operating force Pr to the operating element 830), the lever 80 is rotated counterclockwise (viewed from the direction of the Y axis) around the axis of rotation. The lever 80 is rotated accordingly in the XZ plane parallel to the X axis direction and the Z axis direction.

The lever 80 is provided as a separate element from the chamber forming wall elements 601, 603, 604, 605 and 606. The lever 80 is made from a synthetic resin, more specifically polyacetal (POM) according to this embodiment. The lever 80 has a certain level of rigidity sufficient to block the cartridge 20. More specifically, the lever 80 preferably has a rigidity that does not cause any substantial deformation of the lever 80 by a force (for example, a force of 14.4 N ) applied from the cartridge 20 in the joined state. For example, the deformation of the lever 80 by applying an external force of 14.4 N from the cartridge 20 is preferably not more than about 0.5 mm. Preferably the lever 80 has no elastically deformable part. This reduces the possibility that the lever 80 is significantly deformed by the force applied from the cartridge 20 in the joined state of the cartridge 20 and guarantees the stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals 400 and the device side terminals of the mechanism 70 contact The provision of the lever 80 separated from the chamber-forming wall elements 601, 603, 604, 605 and 606 advantageously increases the degree of freedom in the selection of the material for the lever 80.

Referring again to Figures 14 to 17, the wall element 604 forms a vertical angle with respect to the wall element 601 on the side of the -X axis direction of the wall element 601. The wall element 604 is opposite to the wall element 603 through the cartridge chamber 602. According to this embodiment, the wall element 604 forms the rear face of the support 60 in the position of use of the printer 50. The wall element 604 extends in the direction of the arrangement of the plurality of cartridges 20 (Y-axis direction ). The second apparatus side restriction element 620 is provided in the wall element 604. The second device side restriction element 620 is a through hole that passes through the X-axis direction (Figure 17). According to another embodiment, the second device side restriction element 620 may be an open recess to the cartridge chamber 602.

As described above with reference to Figure 5, the second device side restriction element 620 is configured to engage with the second cartridge side restriction part 220. The second apparatus side restriction element 620 serves as a guide for the attachment and detachment of the cartridge 20 to and from the holder 60. The second apparatus side restriction element 620 blocks the second cartridge side restriction part 220 in the state attached from the cartridge 20 to the support 60. More specifically, the second device side restriction element 620 blocks the second cartridge side restriction part 220 in the second locking position 620L located on the side of the Z axis direction and on the side of the axis -X direction of the printing material supply tube 640. According to this embodiment, the second device side restriction element 620 is structured as a through hole that is sized to receive the second cartridge side restriction part 220 and has an apparatus side locking surface 622. The surface 622 of Appliance side lock is a plane oriented in the Z-axis direction and blocks the restriction lock surface 222 of the second cartridge side restriction part 220 (Figure 11). An X24 direction end 624 of the device side locking surface 622 is in contact with the second cartridge side restriction part 220 and therefore serves as a pivot pivot point for detachment of the cartridge 20 from support 60.

As shown in FIG. 17, the second device side side wall element 604 of the support 60 has a space 670 provided on the Z axis direction side of the second device side restriction element 620. The space 670 provides a recess to allow the rotation of the cartridge 20 around the proximity of the second device 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 In this embodiment, the space 670 is formed by steps lowered in the direction of the axis -X gradually in the direction of the Z axis from the second side wall element 604 of the apparatus side. According to another embodiment, the space 670 may be formed by an inclined surface of the recessed wall element 604 in the sense of axis -X gradually in the direction of axis Z.

As shown in Figures 14 to 16, the wall element 605 forms a vertical angle with respect to the wall element 601 on the side of the axis -Y direction of the wall element 601. According to this embodiment, the wall element 605 forms the right side face of the support 60 in the use position of the printer 50. The wall element 605 is connected to the wall elements 603 and 604. The wall element 605 extends in the X-axis direction and crosses the direction of the arrangement of the plurality of cartridges 20 (Y-axis direction).

The wall element 606 forms a vertical angle with respect to the wall element 601 on the side of the Y axis direction of the wall element 601. The wall element 606 is opposite the wall element 605 through the cartridge chamber 602. According to this embodiment, the wall element 606 forms the left side face of the support 60 in the use position of the printer 50. The wall element 606 is connected with the wall elements 603 and 604. The wall element 606 extends in the X-axis direction and crosses the direction of the arrangement of the plurality of cartridges 20 (Y-axis direction).

According to the positional relationships of the wall elements 601 and 603 to 606 described above, the wall element 601 is perpendicular to the Z axis direction; the wall element 603 and the wall element 604 are opposite each other in the X-axis direction; the wall element 605 and the wall element 606 are opposite each other in the direction of the Y axis; and the wall element 601 and the opening OP are opposite each other in the direction of the Z axis.

The contact mechanism 70 is provided in the corner section 600C in which the wall element 601 intersects the wall element 603 of the support 60. The contact mechanism 70 is located in the position closer to the wall element 603 than the 640 supply tube for printing material. The contact mechanism 70 includes a plurality of device side terminals corresponding to and in contact with the respective terminals 431 to 439 of the cartridge side terminals 400 (Figure 10), and a terminal base on which the plurality is located of device side terminals.

A-4-2. Detailed structure of the contact mechanism 70:

Figure 18 is a perspective view of the contact mechanism 70, which is detached from the support 60.

The contact mechanism 70 includes a terminal base 709 and device side terminals or contact forming elements 731 to 739 located in the terminal base 709. Each of the device side terminals 731 to 739 is an elastic element that has electrical conductivity and has an overhanging portion from an inclined surface 708 of the device side, which is displaced by an external force. The device side terminals 731 to 739 generate the pressure or elastic force (pressure force) Pt in the direction of pressing back the circuit board 40 of the cartridge 20 (direction which includes the vector component of the Z axis direction and the vector component of axis direction -X) in the state attached to the cartridge 20 to the support 60 (figure 5). The elastic force (pressure force) Pt is generated as a reaction force when the cartridge 20 presses the terminals 731 to 739 of the device side protruding from the inclined surface 708 of the apparatus side towards the inclined surface 708 of the apparatus side . The resulting vector component of the elastic force PT generated by the terminals 731 to 739 of the apparatus side drives the cartridge 20 in the direction of removal RD, which is the opposite direction to the direction of mounting SD as described above.

The nine terminals 731 to 739 of the apparatus side are provided in the positions corresponding to the nine terminals 431 to 439 of the cartridge side. The device side terminal 731 is called "junction detection terminal 731 (third terminal)". The device side terminal 732 is called "reset terminal 732". The device side terminal 733 is called "clock terminal 733". The device side terminal 734 is called "junction detection terminal 734 (fourth terminal)". The device side terminal 735 is called "junction detection terminal 735 (first terminal)". The device side terminal 736 is called the "power supply terminal 736". The device side terminal 737 is called "ground terminal 737". The terminal Device side 738 is called "data terminal 738". The device side terminal 739 is called "junction detection terminal 739 (second terminal)". For the differentiation of the cartridge side terminals, the expression "device side" can be added as suffix to each name. For example, "ground terminal 737" may be referred to as "device side ground terminal 737". The nine terminals 731 to 739 of device side are collectively referred to as device side terminals 700.

The nine terminals 731 to 739 of device side are arranged in a first line of device side terminals and a second line of device side terminals having different positions in the Z-axis direction. The first line of side terminals The device terminal includes the five terminals 735 to 739 of the device side, and the second line of device side terminals includes the four terminals 731 to 734 of the device side. The first line of device-side terminals is located on the sense side of the -Z axis of the second line of device-side terminals. The number of device side terminals is not limited to nine, but can be varied to any desired number greater than nine or less than nine depending on the structure of the circuit board 40.

Between the nine terminals 731 to 739 of the device side, the device side ground terminal 737, located at the substantial center in the Y-axis direction, is electrically connected to a ground line (not shown). The height of the device-side ground terminal 737 that protrudes from the sloping surface 708 of the device-side is greater than the height of the other terminals 731 to 736, 738 and 739 of the device-side. Accordingly, the device side ground terminal 737 is in contact with the circuit board 40 of the cartridge 20 before the other device side terminals 731 to 736, 738 and 739.

According to this embodiment, to accelerate the assembly of the printer, the device side terminals 731 to 739 are located in the terminal base 709 and are unified with the contact mechanism 70, which is incorporated in the holder 60. However, The unified contact mechanism 70 using the terminal base 709 is not essential. According to another embodiment, a structure suitable for receiving the terminals 731 to 739 of the apparatus side can be formed in solidarity with the lower wall element 601 or the outer wall 603W of the support 60, and the terminals 731 to 739 of the apparatus side can Incorporate into the structure. Therefore, terminal base 709 is not essential.

A-4-3. Detailed structure of lever 80:

Figure 19 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of the lever 80. Figure 20 illustrates a cross section of a tree body 850 taken in the plane parallel to the X axis and the Z axis (XZ plane, plane perpendicular to the axis Y). Figure 21 illustrates a cross section of the lever 80 taken in the plane passing 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). Figure 21 shows the cross section of the lever 80 in the state in which the cartridge 20 is correctly attached in the designed joint position of the support 60.

As shown in Figures 19 and 21, the lever 80 includes the operative element 830, a pair of shaft bodies 850, a guide element 820 and the hitch part 810. The lever 80 has the operative element 830 at one end (end of the Z axis direction) and the hitch part 810 on the other side (end of the axis direction -Z). The lever 80 has an axis 800c of rotation between the operative element 830 and the engagement part 810. In other words, the lever 80 pivots around the axis 800c of rotation in the position between the operative element 830 and the engagement part 810.

The operating element 830 of the lever 80 receives the external force applied by the user. As shown in Figure 21, the operative element 830 is provided at the end of the Z axis direction of the lever 80. The operative element 830 is located on the Z axis direction side of the rotation axis 800c in the joined state. from the cartridge 20 to the support 60. The operative element 830 is located on the side of the Z axis direction of the first side wall element 603 of the apparatus side of the support 60 (Figure 15).

The operative element 830 has an operative surface 835 and an opposite surface 831 of operative element. The operating surface 835 receives the external force (force Pr shown in Figure 5) applied by the user from the side of the X-axis direction to the side of the -X axis direction to detach the cartridge 20 from the support 60. The opposite surface 831 The operating element is an opposite side to the cartridge 20 in the state attached to the cartridge 20 to the support 60.

As shown in Figure 19, the pair of shaft bodies 850 is provided in a substantially intermediate position between the ends of the lever 80. The pair of shaft bodies 850 define the axis 800c of rotation of the lever 80. The axis 800c of rotation is parallel to the Y-axis direction (direction of the arrangement of the cartridges 20). A tree body 850a of the pair of tree bodies 850 (called "first tree body 850a") protrudes in the direction of the Y axis from an outer surface 893 on the side of the Y axis direction of the lever 80. The other body Tree 850b of the pair of tree bodies 850 (called "second tree body 850b") protrudes in the axis direction -Y from an outer surface 891 on the side of the axis direction -Y of the lever 80. The surfaces 891 and 893 exteriors are also called 891 and 893 lateral faces. The pair of 850 bodies of shaft provided on lever 80 easily defines the axis 800c of rotation using a retaining element as described below.

According to this embodiment, each of the tree bodies 850 has an internal arc-shaped surface 852, an external arc-shaped surface 854, and radial lateral faces 856 and 858. The respective faces 852, 854, 856 and 858 form the circumferential surface of the tree body 850. The internal arc-shaped surface 852 and the external arc-shaped surface 854 are called respectively "first curved surface 852" and "second curved surface 854". The centers of the internal arc-shaped surface 852 and the external arc-shaped surface 854 correspond to the axis 800c of rotation. The internal arc-shaped surface 852 is located in the position closest to the second side wall element 604 of the apparatus side which (i.e., on the axis-side of -X of) the external arc-shaped surface 854 .

As shown in Figure 20, the internal arc-shaped surface 852 forms an arc of radius R1a about the axis 800c of rotation in the cross-section parallel to the X-axis and the Z-axis. The external arc-shaped surface 854 forms an arc of radius R2a around the axis 800c of rotation in 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 tree body 850 has the concentric arc-shaped internal surface 52 and the arc-shaped external surface 854, which is located in the position closest to the second side wall element 604 of apparatus side which the external arc-shaped surface 854, as part of the circumferential surface. Therefore, the rotation axis 800c can be located in the position closest to the cartridge 20 in the cartridge chamber 602 without interfering with the cartridge 20. This allows the engagement part 212 of the first restriction part 210 of the cartridge 20 it is blocked by the hitching part 810, while reducing a deviation from the first locking position 810l. If the axis 800c of rotation is located in the distant position of the cartridge 20, any deviation of the lever 80 with respect to the joint position designed for the correctly mounted state of the cartridge 20 will cause a significant displacement of the engagement part 810 in the Z-axis direction. Locating the rotation axis 800c in the position closest to the cartridge 20 advantageously reduces the displacement of the engagement part 810 in the Z-axis direction when the lever 80 deviates from the standard position in the state of cartridge 20 properly attached in the designed joint position. In particular, such positioning allows the cartridge 20 to be blocked by the engagement part 810 with the least deviation from the first blocking position 810L. Establishing the radius R2a of the external arc-shaped surface 854 greater than the radius R1a of the internal arc-shaped surface 852 advantageously prevents the degradation of the resistance of the tree body 850. "Lock position 810L (first lock position)" means the position where a first device side lock surface 811 (first part of the hitch part 810) abuts against the first side lock surface 211 of cartridge (first stop part of the first cartridge side restriction part 210) when the cartridge 20 is attached in the joint position established as an ideal designed position.

The hitch part 810 serves to lock the cartridge 20 in the attached state and restrict the movement of the cartridge 20. As shown in Figure 21, the hitch part 810 is provided at the end of the axis -Z direction of the lever 80. The hitch part 810 is located on the side of the -Z axis direction of the rotation shaft 800c in the state attached to the cartridge 20 to the support 60.

As shown in Figure 21, the hitch part 810 blocks the first cartridge side restriction part 210 (Figure 5) by two parts. The engagement part 810 includes the first device side locking surface 811 as the first part (the first device side restriction element), a groove 815 and a second device side locking surface 813 as the second part (the second device side restriction element). According to this embodiment, the two device side locking surfaces 811 and 813 of the hitch part 810 are located to intersect each other.

The first device side locking surface 811 is a curved arc-shaped surface around the axis 800c of rotation. The first device side locking surface 811 is therefore arc-shaped around the axis 800c of rotation in the cross section parallel to the X axis and the Z axis (i.e., cross section parallel to the XZ plane, perpendicular cross section to the Y axis). For the attachment of the cartridge 20 to the support 60, this structure allows the first device side locking surface 811 to move smoothly to the locking position 810L and lock the cartridge 20. For the detachment of the cartridge 20 from the support 60, This structure allows the first device side locking surface 811 to gently unlock the cartridge 20. This structure consequently ensures a smooth joint and detachment of the cartridge 20 to and from the holder 60.

In the lock position 810L (first lock position), the first device side lock surface 811 is close to the axis 800c of rotation in the X-axis direction. In other words, in the lock position 810L (first position of locking), the first device side locking surface 811 is located approximately below the axis 800c of rotation according to this embodiment. More specifically, in the lock position 810L (first lock position), the first device side lock surface 811 is located on the slightly side of the -X axis direction of the rotation axis 800c. In the blocking position 810L, the first device side locking surface 811 defines, consequently, an intersecting plane, forming an angle approximately straight, the force of Z axis direction that the cartridge 20 receives in the joined state of the device side terminals 700 and the elastic element 648. According to this embodiment, the plane in contact with the first device side locking surface 811 as the curved surface is a substantially horizontal plane in the locking position 810L. This reduces the possibility of releasing the hitch between the first cartridge side locking surface 211 and the first device side locking surface 811 while the cartridge 20 is mounted on the printer. The first locking position 810L in the X-axis direction is, therefore, preferably the position near the axis 800c of rotation and on the side of the -X axis direction of the axis 800c of rotation. This makes the plane in contact with the first device side locking surface 811 substantially horizontal and prevents the application of the force of X-axis direction from the cartridge 20 in the state attached to the first side locking surface 811 of apparatus. Locating the first locking position 810L near the rotation axis 800c in the X-axis direction advantageously reduces a deviation from the locking position in the Z-axis direction, although the actual blocking position of the first locking surface 211 cartridge side and the first device side lock surface 811 deviate slightly from the first lock position 810L. In other words, this reduces the deflection of the cartridge 20 in the Z-axis direction with respect to the support 60 and guarantees the good electrical connection of the cartridge-side terminals 400 with the device-side terminals 700. For example, in the cross-section of the lever 80 taken in the plane parallel to the X axis and the Z axis, the first locking position 810L must be located such that an angle A between the straight line passing through the axis 800c of rotation and parallel to the direction of the Z axis and the straight line connecting the axis 800c of rotation with the first locking position 810L is preferably not greater than 15 degrees, more preferably not greater than 10 degrees, and additionally preferably not greater of 5 degrees. The angle A is also preferably not less than 1 degree.

As shown in Figure 19, the guide element 820 is provided between the operative element 830 and the hooking part 810 to extend from the end of the Z axis direction to the end of the Z-axis direction. The guide element 820 serves to guide the first cartridge side restriction part 210 (shown in Figure 12) to the engagement part 810, while restricting the movement of the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction in the course of joining the cartridge 20 to the support 60. Therefore, the cartridge 20 can be properly attached in the designed joint position.

The guide element 820 is a recess formed by a lower guide wall 821 provided along the Y-axis direction and a pair of guide walls 860 that form a vertical angle towards the axis -X direction from the wall 821 lower guide. The lower guide wall 821 and the pair of guide walls 860 easily form the recess to receive the first restricted portion 210 of the structured cartridge side as the projection. The pair of guide walls 860 includes a first guide wall 860a provided on the side of the Y axis direction and a second guide wall 860b provided on the side of the axis direction -Y. The tree body 850a is located on the outer surface 893 of the first guide wall 860a, while the tree body 850b is located on the outer surface 891 of the second guide wall 860b.

The space between the two guide walls 860a and 860b, that is, the distance between the inner surfaces of the two guide walls 860a and 860b, is less than the length in the Y-axis direction of the cartridge 20, but is greater than the length in the Y-axis direction of the first cartridge side restriction part 210 (as can be seen in Figure 12). For the attachment of the cartridge 20 to the support 60, the first cartridge side restriction part 210 is received by the guide element 820 and is easily and safely guided to the engagement part 810, while the pair of walls 860a and guide 860b restrict the movement of the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction and the lower guide wall 821 restricts the movement of the cartridge 20 in the Z-axis direction.

A part of the lower guide wall 821 on the side of the hitch part 810 has a groove 870 configured to receive the second part 214 of the first cartridge side restriction part 210 (Figure 12). The groove 870 is recessed from the surface of the lower guide wall 821 in the direction of the X axis. The groove 870 extends from the center in the Z axis direction of the lower guide wall 821 to its end of the axis direction. -Z. The lever 80 placed on the support 60 is configured to move the first locking surface 811 from the device side to the first locking position 810L by its dead weight. The lever 80 is inclined to locate the first device side locking surface 811 on the axis-X side of the rotation axis 800c (Figure 21), when the tree bodies 850 are retained by the retaining element 690 . According to one embodiment, the lever 80 can be tilted by locating the center of gravity of the lever 80 on the side of the axis direction -Z and on the side of the axis direction -X of the axis 800c of rotation. According to another embodiment, the lever 80 can be tilted by locating the center of gravity of the lever 80 on the side of the Z axis direction and on the side of the X axis direction of the rotation axis 800c.

A-4-4. Detailed structure of retention element 690:

Fig. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the retaining element 690 and a perspective view of the lever 80. The retaining element 690 retains the lever 80, so as to join the support 60 rotatably. Figure 22 shows the partial structure of the retention element 690 for retaining the lever 80. The retention element 690 is structured by a combination of a first retention element 650 and a second retention element 680. The retaining element 690 is made of a synthetic resin, more specifically ABS resin according to this embodiment.

The first retaining element 650 has a pair of erect parts 651 and a through hole 658. According to this embodiment, the first retention element 650 also has the projection 636 which serves as the third device side restriction element.

The pair of erect parts 651 of the first retention element 650 are arranged through a space to receive the lever 80. Each of the erect parts 651 has a support element 654 for receiving the shaft body 850 of the lever 80. According to this embodiment, each of the erect parts 651 also has a hook hole 656 that serves to engage with the second retaining element 680.

The second retaining element 680 has a pair of erect parts 681 and a through hole 688. According to this embodiment, the second retention element 680 also has an elastic element 682.

The pair of erect parts 681 of the second retention element 680 are disposed through the same space as that between the pair of erect parts 651 of the first retention element 650. Each of the erect parts 681 has a locking surface 684 to block the support member 654, in order to prevent the shaft body 850 of the lever 80 from unintentionally disengaging from the support member 654. According to this embodiment, each of the erect parts 681 also has a hitching projection 686 to fit in the hitching hole 656 of the first retaining element 650.

To attach the lever 80 to the support 60, the lever 80 is located between the pair of erect parts 651 by placing the respective shaft bodies 850 of the lever 80 on the corresponding support elements 654 of the pair of erect parts 651 of the first element 650 of retention. Subsequently, the two retention elements 650 and 680 are assembled, so that the support elements 654 with the shaft bodies 850 of the lever 80 that fit therein are locked by the corresponding locking surfaces 684 of the second element 680 of retention. The first and second retention elements 650 and 680 are then fixed to the wall of the support 60, for example, with screws fitted in the holes 658 and 688 through. This joins the lever 80 to the support 60 rotatably.

Figure 23 is a sectional view showing the structure of the periphery of the lever 80 in the state attached to the cartridge 20 to the support 60. The relationship between the shaft body 852 of the lever 80 and the support element 654 of the first retaining element 650 is described with reference to figure 23. Figure 23 shows the cross-section of the lever 80 blocking the cartridge 20 taken in the plane passing through the first device-parallel and parallel side locking surface 811 to the X axis and to the Z axis. The broken line in Figure 23 shows the projected shape of the shaft body 850 of the lever 80, and the two-point chain line shows the projected shape of the support element 654 and the surface 684 lock

As is clearly understood in Figure 23, the axis 800c of rotation of the lever 80 is positioned through the contact of the internal arc-shaped surface 852 and the external arc-shaped surface 854 of the tree body 850 with the element 654 support. Turning the lever 80 counterclockwise (viewed from the Y-axis direction) causes the radial side face 856 of the shaft body 850 to abut against the support member 654. This further restricts the rotation of the lever 80 counterclockwise (viewed from the Y-axis direction). Turning the lever 80 clockwise (viewed from the Y-axis direction) causes the radial side face 858 of the shaft body 850 to stop against the locking surface 684. This further restricts the rotation of the lever 80 clockwise (viewed from the Y-axis direction). This guarantees a stable rotation of the lever 80 and keeps the cartridge 20 in the designed union position in the stable state.

During rotation of the lever 80, the elastic element 682 abuts against a rear hitch face 880 of the lever 80 located on the axis-Z side of the axis 800c of rotation. Accordingly, the elastic element 682 limits the rotational range of the lever 80 during the attachment and detachment of the cartridge 20 to and from the support 60. In the attachment of the cartridge 20 to the support 60, the elastic element 682 abuts against the face 880 rear hitch of the lever 80 and deforms elastically, in order to press the rear hitch face 880 in the direction that includes the vector component of the sense of axis -X. This guarantees the movement of the hitch part 810 of the lever 80 to the locked position 810L (first locked position).

TO 5. Union and detachment of cartridge 20 to and from holder 60:

Figures 24 to 27 show the procedure for joining or assembling the cartridge 20 in the holder 60 (joining procedure). Figures 24 to 27 are sectional views corresponding to Figures 5 and 17 and are arranged in time series in this order.

To attach the cartridge 20 to the support 60, the procedure first inserts the cartridge 20 through the upper face of the support 60 as shown in Figure 24. Then the procedure moves the cartridge 20 into the axis direction -Z or assembly direction to make the second side part 220 of the cartridge side restriction of the cartridge 20 first enters the holder 60 and inserts the second part 220 of the cartridge side restriction into the second element 620 Restriction of device side. In the state of Fig. 24, the first cartridge side restriction part 210 of the cartridge 20 is located on the side of the Z axis direction of the latch part 810 of the lever 80 in the holder 60.

The cartridge 20 is pivoted clockwise (viewed from the Y-axis direction) around the second cartridge-side restriction part 220, which is inserted into the second device-side restriction element 620, as a pivot point from the state of Figure 24, so that the third-sided side 203 of the cartridge 20 moves towards the bottom wall element 601 of the support 60. As shown in Figure 25, the first part 210 The cartridge side restriction then moves in the direction of the -Z axis, while the movement of the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction and in the X-axis direction is restricted by the guide element 820 of the lever 80, that is, the pair of guide walls 860a and 860b, and by the lower guide wall 821 shown in Figure 19.

When the cartridge 20 is further rotated from the state of Fig. 25 to press its third-sided side 203, the first cartridge side restriction part 210 is further pressed in the direction of the -Z axis. As shown in Figure 26, the lever 80 is then pressed in the x-axis direction by the first cartridge side restriction part 210 to rotate counterclockwise (viewed from the Y-axis direction ). The lever 80 stops against the elastic element 682 and receives the pressure force of the elastic element 682 in the direction to press the lever 80 back in a clockwise direction (viewed from the Y-axis direction). This pressure force is an external force that includes a vector component of the x-axis direction. The rotating range of the lever 80 is therefore limited by the elastic element 682. This state of Fig. 26 in which the lever 80 abuts against the elastic element 682 and is pressed by the elastic element 682 is maintained until the cartridge 20 is pressed further and the first part 210 of the cartridge side restriction moves on the guide element 820 of the lever 80.

When the cartridge 20 is further rotated from the state of Fig. 26 to press its third-sided side 203, the first cartridge-side restriction part 210 eventually moves over the lever guide element 820 80. The lever 80 is then rotated to move the first cartridge side restriction part 210 in the sense of -X axis as shown in Figure 27. The hitch part 810 moves accordingly to the first locking position 810L and locks the first part 210 of cartridge side restriction in the first locking position 810L. More specifically, as shown in the lower right foreground view, the first device side lock surface 811 (first part) of the hitch part 810 abuts against the first cartridge side lock surface 211 (first stop part) of the first cartridge side restriction part 210, to restrict the movement of the cartridge 20 in the direction of the Z axis. The second device side locking surface 813 (second part) of the engagement part 810 it also abuts against the second cartridge side locking surface 213 (second stop portion) of the first cartridge side restriction part 210, to restrict the movement of the cartridge 20 in the direction of the X axis. Although the first surface 211 of cartridge side lock and the second surface 213 of cartridge side lock are shown in close-up view of FIG. 27 as two substantially orthogonal separate surfaces, as can be seen r in Fig. 27A, the first part 212 of the first restriction part 210 can be formed with a curved surface so that the first cartridge side locking surface 211 and the second cartridge side locking surface 213 are configured as separate sections of the same surface. Alternatively, as can be seen in Figure 27B, the first part 212 of the first restriction part 210 can be formed with a flat inclined surface or other shape so that the first cartridge side locking surface 211 and the second surface 213 cartridge side locking are configured as separate sections of the same surface. As part of the assembly, the ink supply structure 280 of the cartridge 20 is then connected to the print material supply tube 640, while the second cartridge side restriction part 220 engages with the second restriction element 620 on the apparatus side and the first cartridge side restriction part 210 engages with the coupling part 810. This completes the connection of the cartridge 20 to the support 60. The proper connection of the cartridge 20 in the designed joint position produces the electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals 400 and the device-side terminals 700, in order to allow transmission of signals between cartridge 20 and printer 50.

According to this embodiment, as shown in Figures 23 and 27, the elastic element 682 is configured not to abut against the lever 80 and, therefore, not to apply an external force to the lever 80 in the joined state of the cartridge 20 to support 60. This reduces the possibility of plastic deformation of the lever 80 by external force and the possibility of deflection of the engagement part 810 from the first locking position 810L. This consequently guarantees a stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals 400 and the device-side terminals 700.

According to another embodiment, the elastic element 682 can be designed to abut against the lever 80 and, thus, apply a force to the lever 80 in the direction that includes the vector component of the sense of axis -X in the joined state of the cartridge 20 to the support 60. In this application, the elastic element 682 continuously applies the force to the lever 80 in the direction that includes the vector component of the sense of axis -X, independently of the position of the lever 80. This moves the engagement part 810 with sufficient force to the first locking position 810L for the attachment of the cartridge 20 to the support 60. This produces a hard click to inform the user of the lock of the cartridge 20 by the hitch part 810.

According to another embodiment, the elastic element 682 may be omitted. This application decreases the total number of pieces.

The procedure for detaching the cartridge 20 from the holder 60 is described. To detach the cartridge 20 from the holder 60, the user presses the operative element 830 in the direction of the -X axis. In other words, the user applies the external force Pr (Figure 5) to the operative element 830 in the direction that includes the vector component of the axis-X direction. The lever 80 then moves the engagement part 810 around the axis 800c of rotation in the direction that includes the vector component of the X-axis direction. Simultaneously, the first cartridge side locking surface 211 rotates and moves in the direction of arrow Y22 shown in Figure 23. This disengages the first cartridge side restriction part 210 from the engagement part 810 and removes the restriction on the movement of the third-sided side 203 of the cartridge 20 in the axis direction Z. The removal of the restriction on the movement of the cartridge 20 in the direction of the Z axis causes the third-sided side 203 of the cartridge 20 to move in the direction of the -Z axis by the pressure force Pt of the contact mechanism 70 . This moves the cartridge 20 from the state of Figure 27 to the state of Figure 26. The cartridge 20 is further rotated counterclockwise (viewed from the Y-axis direction) around the second restriction part 220 of cartridge side inserted in the second device side restriction element 620 as a pivot pivot point, to remove the third-sided side 203 of the cartridge 20 of the bottom wall element 601 of the holder 60. This moves the cartridge 20 of the state of figure 26 to the state of figure 25 and additionally to the state of figure 24. The user can apply force to the projection 260 in the direction that includes the vector component of the sense of axis -X, to rotate the cartridge 20. This operation rotates the third-sided side 203 of the cartridge 20 counterclockwise (viewed from the Y-axis direction) and moves the third-sided side 203 of the cartridge 20 in the Z-axis direction. The userholds the third-sided side 203 of the cartridge 20 and removes the second cartridge-side restriction part 220 of the second device-side restriction element 620, to remove the cartridge 20 from the holder 60.

As shown in the close-up view of Figure 27, the operating element 830 of the lever 80 includes the opposite surface 831 of the operating element. To remove the cartridge 20 in the attached state of the support 60, when the user presses the operating element 830, the opposite surface 831 of the operating element is in contact with the projection 260. The opposite surface 831 of the operating element is inclined in a direction that It includes an X-axis vector component and a Z-axis vector component. Turning the lever 80 around the axis 800c of rotation in the direction of the arrow Y27 causes the opposite surface 831 of the operating element to be in contact with the projection 260 and press the projection 260 in a Yh direction that includes the vector component of the axis-X direction and the vector component of the Z-axis direction. This facilitates the detachment of the cartridge 20 from the holder 60. Although the cartridge 20 gets stuck through some part of the support 60 and does not move in the direction of the Z axis through the path of the first cartridge side locking surface 211 from the first In the locked position 810L in the direction of the X axis, the third-sided side 203 of the cartridge 20 can be moved in the direction of the Z-axis using the opposite surface 831 of the operating element and the projection 260.

A-6 Binding detection method using binding detection terminals:

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 secondary 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 junction state of the cartridge 20. The display panel 590 can be provided in an operating unit (not shown) visible from the 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 power. The first power supply voltage VDD is the usual power supply voltage (for example, the nominal voltage of 3.3 V) used for the logic circuits. The second voltage of the VHV power supply is the high voltage (for example, the nominal voltage of 42 V) used to drive the head 540 (Figure 2) for ink ejection. These VDD and VHV voltages are supplied to the secondary control circuit 550, while they are supplied to the other circuits as necessary. The main control circuit 570 includes a CPU 571 and a memory 572. The secondary control circuit 550 includes a memory control circuit 551 and a junction detection circuit 552. The circuit structure that includes the main control circuit 570 and the secondary control circuit 550 is called the "control circuit."

Among the nine terminals provided on the circuit board 40 of the cartridge 20 (Figure 10), the reset terminal 432, the clock terminal 433, the power terminal 436, the ground terminal 437 and the data terminal 438 are connected electrically with memory unit 420. The memory unit 420 is a non-volatile memory without an address terminal. In the memory unit 420, a memory cell to be accessed is determined, based on the number of pulses of the SCK clock signal input from the terminal 433 clock and control data entered from data terminal 438. Memory unit 420 receives data from data terminal 438 or sends data to data terminal 438, in synchronism with the clock signal SCK. The clock terminal 433 is used to supply the SCK clock signal from the secondary control circuit 550 (Figure 28) to the memory unit 420. The printer 50 applies the power supply voltage (eg, nominal voltage of 3.3 V) to drive the memory unit 420 and the ground voltage (0 V) respectively to the power terminal 436 and the ground terminal 437 . The power supply voltage to drive the memory unit 420 may be the first power supply voltage VDD applied directly by the printer 50 or it may be generated from the first power supply voltage VDD to be lower than The first voltage of VDD power supply. The data terminal 438 is used for the transmission of the SDA data signal between the secondary control circuit 550 and the memory unit 420. The reset terminal 432 is used to supply the RST reset signal from the secondary control circuit 550 to the memory unit 420. The four junction detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 are interconnected by wiring in the circuit board 40 of the cartridge 20 (Figure 3) and are all grounded. For example, junction detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 are connected to ground terminal 437 to be grounded. According to another embodiment, the junction detection terminals 431,434, 435 and 439 can be grounded by any connection path without the ground terminal 437. As is clearly understood from this description, the junction detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 can be connected to part of the memory terminals (or memory unit 420), but preferably they are not connected to any memory terminal other than ground terminal 437 or memory unit 420. The absence of connection of the junction detection terminals with the memory terminal or the memory unit results in the absence of a signal or voltage application other than a union verification signal to the union detection terminals and, therefore, Therefore, it guarantees precise binding detection. The four junction detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 are interconnected by wiring in the illustrated example of Figure 28, but part of the connection path can be replaced by a resistor.

In Fig. 28, the path names SCK, VDD, SDA, RST, OV1, OV2, DT1 and DT2 are assigned to the respective connection paths connecting terminals 731 to 739 of the device side with terminals 431 to 439 of cartridge side of circuit board 40. Signal names are used for path names with respect to connection paths to memory unit 420.

Figure 29 illustrates the connection between circuit board 40 and junction detection circuit 552. The four junction detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 of the circuit board 40 are connected to the junction detection circuit 552 through the corresponding terminals 731, 734, 735 and 739 on the device side. The four junction terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 of junction detection of the circuit board 40 are grounded. The connection paths between terminals 731, 734, 735 and 739 on the device side and the junction detection circuit 552 are respectively connected to the power supply voltage VDD (nominal voltage 3.3 V) in circuit 550 of secondary control through a connection resistor.

In the illustrated example of Fig. 29, the three terminals 431, 434 and 435 of the four junction detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 have a good connection with the corresponding terminals 731, 734 and 735 device side. However, the connection detection terminal 439 has a bad connection with the corresponding device side terminal 739. The voltage level of the connection paths for the three terminals 731, 734 and 735 of the device side in the state of good connection is level L (ground voltage level), while the voltage level of the path of Connection for device side terminal 739 in the poor connection state is level H (power supply voltage level VDD). The junction detection circuit 552 can verify the voltage levels of these connection paths, in order to identify the good / poor connection status with respect to each of the four junction detection terminals 731, 734, 735 and 739 .

The cp contact parts of the four junction detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 on the circuit board 40 are located outside a first area 400P, which includes the cp contact parts of the terminals 432, 433, 436 , 437 and 438 of memory. The cp contact parts of the four junction detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 are located in four corners of a second quadrilateral 400T area, which includes the first 400P area. The first area 400P is preferably the smallest possible quadrilateral that includes the contact parts cp of the five terminals 432, 433, 436, 437 and 438 of memory. The second area 400T is preferably the smallest possible quadrilateral that includes all the contact parts cp of the cartridge side terminals 431 to 439.

In the state of good contact for the four terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 of junction detection, the cartridge 20 does not have a significant inclination and guarantees good contact of the terminals 432, 433, 436, 437 and 438 of memory. In the state of poor contact for any one or more of the four terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 of joint detection, on the other hand, the cartridge 20 has a significant inclination and can cause poor contact for any one or more of terminals 432, 433, 436, 437 and 438 of memory. According to a preferred embodiment, in the state of poor contact for any one or more of the four junction detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439, the union detection circuit 552 displays information (character string or image) indicating the failed connection on the display panel 590 to notify the user of the connection failed

The cp contact parts of the junction detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 are arranged in the four corners surrounding the first area 400P which includes the cp contact parts of the terminals 432, 433, 436, 437 and 438 of memory, due to the following reason. In the state attached from the cartridge 20 to the support 60, there is a certain margin for tilting the cartridge 20, so that the circuit board 40 of the cartridge 20 can be inclined with respect to the contact mechanism 70 of the support 60. For example, tilting the cartridge 20 to make terminals 431 to 434 (more specifically their contact parts) in the upper line R2 (Figure 10A) on the circuit board 40 are further away from the contact mechanism 70 than terminals 435 to 439 (more specifically their contact parts) on the lower line R1 (Figure 10A) may result in poor contact for any of the terminals 431 to 434 on the upper line R2. Tilt the cartridge 20 to make terminals 435 to 439 (more specifically their contact parts) on the bottom line R1 on the circuit board 40 further away from the contact mechanism 70 than terminals 431 to 434 (more specifically their parts contact) on the upper R2 line may result in poor contact for any of terminals 435 to 439 on the lower R1 line. Tipping the cartridge 20 to make the left edge of the circuit board 40 (Figure 10A) further away from the contact mechanism 70 than the right edge may result in poor contact of 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 further away from the contact mechanism 70 than the left edge may result in poor contact for any of the terminals 433, 434, 437, 438 and 439 in the right side of the circuit board 40. Poor contact may cause an error when reading data from memory unit 420 or writing data to memory unit 420. Check the contact cp parts of the four junction detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439, which are arranged in the four corners outside the first area 400P which includes the contact cp parts of the terminals 432, 433, 436 , 437 and 438 of memory, to determine the good / poor contact advantageously prevents poor contact and a resulting access error in the memory unit 420 due to such inclination of the cartridge 20.

A-7 Advantageous effects of the embodiment:

A-7-1. Some of the advantageous effects of this embodiment in comparison with the structures disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811 and U.S. Patent No. 6,276,780 mentioned above.

In the printing material supply system 10 according to this embodiment, the lever 80 is provided in the holder 60, and the first cartridge side restriction part 210 is provided in the cartridge 20. The side side restriction part 210 cartridge is located on the side of the -Z axis of the axis 800c of rotation of the lever 80. The coupling element for engaging with the support is not located in the position between the axis of rotation and the operating element of the lever, unlike the structures in US Publication No. 2005/0151811 in which the lever is integral with the cartridge. Therefore, there is no need to make a relatively large distance between the lever and the lateral side of the cartridge. Consequently, the structure of the embodiment shortens the distance between the lever 80 and the third face 203 of the cartridge 20, that is, the dimension in the X-axis direction, while shortening the length of the lever, that is, the dimension in the Z-axis direction. This allows a significant reduction in the size of the printer 50 and the entire printing material supply system 10, as well as the reduction in the size of the packaging for transporting and distributing the cartridges 20, which advantageously reduces the cost of transport and the cost of the parts. This advantageous effect is not achieved simply by providing the lever in the printer holder instead of the cartridge as described in US Patent No. 6,276,780. This advantageous effect is achieved by providing the axis 800c of rotation of the lever 80 between the operating element 830 and the hitching part 810 and locating the cartridge side restriction part 210 on the axis-Z side of the 800c axis of rotation of the lever 80.

The printing material delivery system 10 according to the embodiment includes the relatively short lever 80 and the first portion 210 of small-sided cartridge side restriction and simple structure (eg, projection). This increases the rigidity of the lever 80 and the first cartridge side restriction part 210, as compared to the structures described in US publication No. 2005/0151811 and allows the selection of the relatively high stiffness material for the lever 80 and the first part 210 of cartridge side restriction (cartridge 20). This results in a significant reduction in the possibility of plastic deformation or progressive deformation of the lever 80 and the first part 210 of cartridge side restriction. In the attached state, the cartridge 20 can be maintained in the correct position in the holder 60, which maintains normal or good contact between the terminals 431 to 439 of the cartridge side and the terminals 731 to 739 of the apparatus side reduces continuity deficient. Since the first cartridge-side restriction part 210 of this embodiment has small size and simple structure, no special care is required to avoid plastic deformation of the lever in the conditioning for transport and distribution of the cartridges 20, especially in vacuum conditioning, unlike the cartridges of US Publication No. 2005/0151811. This improves user comfort. Providing the projection as the first cartridge side restriction part 210 as described in the embodiment is especially preferable for this advantageous effect.

In the printing material supply system 10 according to the embodiment, the cartridge side restriction part 210 is located on the axis-Z side of the rotation axis 800c of the lever 80. As described above, the terminals 731 to 739 of the apparatus side generate the pressure force Pt in the direction of backward pressure on the circuit board 40 (i.e., in the direction that includes the vector component of Z axis direction and the vector direction component -X axis) in the joined state of the cartridge 20. It is expected that this pressure force Pt will move the cartridge 20 in the direction of the Z axis in the joined state. However, in the printing material delivery system 10 of the embodiment, the rotation axis 800c of the lever 80 is located on the axis-Z side of the first cartridge side restriction part 210 of so that the lever 80 restricts the movement of the cartridge 20 from the side of the Z axis direction to the side of the axis direction -Z.

According to this embodiment, the first cartridge side restriction part 210 is located on the axis-Z side and on the axis-X side of the axis 800c of rotation of the lever 80. When the cartridge 20 is moves in the direction of the Z axis, a moment of rotation arises in the lever 80 as shown by the arrow M in Figure 5. This moment acts to cause the first part 210 of cartridge side restriction to be strongly pressed in the sense of axis -X by means of the hooking part 810. This moment also acts to move the hitching part 810 of the lever 80 according to the movement of the cartridge 20 in the x-axis direction by the X-axis direction vector component of the pressure force Pt. Consequently, the cartridge 20 in the joined state it receives the force that is pressed against the bottom side wall element 601 of the apparatus side and the second side wall element 604 of the apparatus side. This structure of the embodiment prevents the cartridge 20 from unintentionally decoupling from the support 60, thus maintaining normal or good contact between the terminals 431 to 439 of the cartridge side and the terminals 731 to 739 of the apparatus side and reducing the possibility of a poor continuity

As shown in Figure 27, the first cartridge side restriction part 210 includes the first cartridge side locking surface 211 that abuts against the first part 811 of the engagement part 810 to restrict the movement of the cartridge 20 in the direction of the Z axis and the second surface 213 of the cartridge side locking that abuts against the second part 813 of the engagement part 810 to restrict the movement of the cartridge 20 in the direction of the X axis. This guarantees the production of the rotation time as shown by arrow M in Figure 5 and more effectively reduces the possibility of poor continuity between the terminals 431 to 439 of the cartridge side and the terminals 731 to 739 of the apparatus side.

As shown in Figure 12, according to this embodiment, the first cartridge side restriction part 210 has the second part 214. The first cartridge side restriction part 210 reduces the possibility that the first restriction part 210 of cartridge side is locked in the position on the side of the -Z axis direction of the hitch part 810 at the junction of the cartridge 20 to the support 60. In the course of joining the cartridge 20 to the support 60, the user can press the cartridge 20 deeper in the z-axis direction inside the holder 60 than in the state of Fig. 27. Even in this case, the second part 214 of the first cartridge side restriction part 210 abuts against the second device-side locking surface 813 of the lever 80, in order to prevent the first cartridge-side restriction part 210 from being located on the axis-Z side of the hitching part 810. This reduces the possibility that the first cartridge side restriction part 210 is locked by the hitch part 810 in the involuntary locking position.

A-7-2. Reduction of the effects of external force on the united state of the cartridge:

Figure 30 shows the external force applied to the cartridge 20 in the attached or mounted state. During the printing operation of the printer 50, the support 60 and the cartridge 20 move reciprocally in the main scan direction (Y-axis direction or width address of the cartridge 20). Consequently, the cartridge 20 receives external force (inertia force) during the acceleration and deceleration of the support 60 in the width direction. The cartridge 20 that receives the external force can rotate around the ink supply structure 280 (Figure 27) and the print material supply tube 640 in the direction of rotation that includes the width direction vector component (component Y-axis direction vector). More specifically, the third-sided side 203 of the cartridge 20 may rotate in the direction of the arrow YR1, while the fourth-sided side 204 of the cartridge 20 may rotate in the direction of the arrow YR2. The second-sided side 202 of the cartridge 20 can also rotate in the direction of the arrow YR3. The direction of the arrow YR1 and the direction of the arrow YR2 are the direction of rotation around the Z axis, which includes the vector component of Y-axis direction (vector component of width direction). The direction of the arrow YR3 is the direction of rotation around the X axis, which includes the vector component of Y-axis direction (vector component of width direction).

Moving the cartridge 20 in the direction of the arrow YR3 causes the fifth face 205 or the sixth face 206 of the cartridge 20 to rise in the direction of the Z axis. However, as described above, said movement of the cartridge 20 in the direction Z-axis is restricted by lever 80. According to this embodiment, the first cartridge side restriction part 210 is near the intersection part 295 as shown in Figure 13. In other words, the first restriction part 210 Cartridge side is near the plate end 405 of the circuit board 40. The first cartridge side restriction part 210 is disposed as close as possible to the cartridge side terminals 400. Since the first cartridge side restriction part 210 is locked by the lever 80, the periphery of the first cartridge side restriction part 210 does not have substantially no change of position by external force. The provision of the cartridge side terminals 400 at the location of an extremely small position change effectively prevents the positional misalignment of the respective terminals 431 to 439 of the cartridge side terminals 400 with respect to the support 60, thus maintaining the connection stable electrical between the cartridge side terminals 400 and the device side terminals 700. To guarantee this advantageous effect, it is preferable to place at least part of the first cartridge side restriction part 210 (specifically the first cartridge side locking surface 211) between the first outer part 435P and the second outer part 439P ( Figure 10A) in the Y-axis direction (width direction) (when the cartridge 20 is viewed from the third-sided side 203 in the direction of the -X axis). As shown in Figure 7, according to this embodiment, the corner section 265 of the cartridge 20 has the step 207 (seventh face) extended in the direction of the Z axis from the first face 201. The seventh face 207 is located on the side of the axis direction -X and on the axis direction side -Z of the inclined surface 208 (eighth face). The seventh face 207 has the third cartridge side restriction element 250. As shown in Figure 2 and Figures 14 to 16, the support 60 has the third device side restriction element 636 (projection). The third cartridge side restriction element 250 is in contact with the projection 636. This further restricts the movement of the third-sided side 203 of the cartridge 20 in the direction of the width around the print material supply tube 640 and the ink supply structure 280. The third cartridge restriction element 250 is preferably structured as the pair of projection elements protruding from the seventh face 207 in the direction of the X axis to receive the projection 636 therebetween as described in the embodiment. This simple structure effectively restricts the movement of the third-sided side 203 of the cartridge 20 in the width direction around the print material supply tube 640 and the ink supply structure 280.

As shown in Figure 13, according to this embodiment, the terminal support structure 408 of the circuit board 40 and the third cartridge side restriction element 250 are arranged to partially overlap each other in the X-axis direction ( when the cartridge 20 is viewed from the front side 201 in the direction of the Z axis). This restricts even more effectively the movement of the cartridge 20 in the direction of the arrow YR1 and, therefore, prevents the movement (deflection) of the cartridge side terminals 400 with respect to the support 60.

In the above description, the external force in the direction of the width applied to the cartridge 20 is the inertia force produced by the movement of the cartridge 20 in the main scanning direction. However, the external force applied to the cartridge 20 is not restricted to said inertia force. For example, in the out-of-car type printer, the print head moves in the main scan direction, but the cartridge 20 is attached to the stationary support and, therefore, does not move in the main scan direction. However, in the out-of-car type printer, the cartridge 20 can receive an external force. More specifically, an external force (inertia force) can be applied to the cartridge 20 due, for example, to the vibration that arises from the movement of the print head in the main scanning direction.

A-7-3. Reduction of the inclination of the cartridge 20 in the joined state:

As shown in Figure 12, according to this embodiment, the first cartridge side restriction part 210 is provided to intersect the plane Yc passing through the center of the width (length in the Y-axis direction) of the cartridge 20 As shown in Figure 5, the cartridge 20 in the joined state receives the pressure forces Ps and Pt that include the vector component of the Z axis direction from the support 60. These pressure forces Ps and Pt press the first part 210 of cartridge side restriction against the engagement part 810 of the lever 80. Although the cartridge 20 in the joined state is shaken about the X axis or the Z axis by the external force, the first part 210 of the side restriction cartridge almost does not move near the position that intersects the Yc plane.

The first cartridge side restriction part 210 is located near the intersection part 295, that is, near the plate end 405. Providing the first cartridge-side restriction part 210, which moves very little in 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 .

The effective part of the first cartridge side restriction part 210 that specifically serves to restrict the position of the cartridge side terminals 400 is the first cartridge side locking surface 211. Therefore, it is preferable to locate the first cartridge side locking surface 211 as close as possible to the cartridge side terminals 400. The omission of the third part 215 of the first cartridge side restriction part 210 and the location of the first part 212 in contact with the first side 290 allow the first cartridge side locking surface 211 to be closer to the intersection part 295 or end plate 405. This further guarantees the stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals 400 and the contact mechanism 70.

According to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, between the contact parts cp of the respective cartridge-side terminals 400, the ground terminal 437 having the contact part cp in the center in the Y-axis direction is provides in the position that intersects the plane Yc. The contact parts cp of the other terminals 431 to 436, 438 and 439 are arranged to be symmetrical with respect to the intersection line of the Yc plane and the 437 ground terminal as the axis. The plane Yc has an especially small movement, since the position of the first cartridge side restriction part 210 is fixed. The cartridge side terminals 400 are provided in the Yc plane of little movement or in the vicinity. In addition to providing the first cartridge-side restriction part 210 in the position very close to the cartridge-side terminals 400, the location of the cartridge-side terminals 400 in the Yc plane or in the vicinity further guarantees the electrical connection stable between the cartridge side terminals 400 and the contact mechanism 70.

A-7-4. Fine adjustment of the inclined cartridge 20 in the joined state:

According to this embodiment, the first cartridge side restriction part 210 (more specifically, the first cartridge side locking surface 211) is not located outside, but within the range 40Y in the Y-axis direction between the first part 435P outer located on the plus side in the Y-axis direction of the cartridge-side terminals 400 and the second outer part 439P located on the more side in the--axis direction of the cartridge-side terminals 400. After attaching the cartridge 20 to the support 60, the cartridge side terminals 400 receive the force of the Z axis direction vector component of the device side terminals 700, so as to fine-tune the inclination of the cartridge 20 or more specifically the direction of the inclined terminal support structure 408, in which the cartridge side terminals 400 are provided. The manufacturing error may vary the positions of the respective terminals 731 to 739 of the device side with respect to the inclined surface 708 of the device side or the horizontality of the first cartridge side locking surface 211 of the first part 210 of cartridge side restriction. Even in such cases, fine adjustment of the direction of the inclined terminal support structure 408 ensures stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals 400 and the device side terminals 700.

Figure 31 shows a fine adjustment of the direction of the inclined terminal support structure 408. The position of the cartridge 20 after fine adjustment of the position of the cartridge 20 is shown by the broken line. In this example, the junction detection terminal 731 of the device side terminals 700 protrudes from the inclined surface side 708 of the device side (Figure 18) in the direction of the Z axis more than the designed amount. In this case, the inclined terminal support structure 408 receives the force Ph in a direction that includes the vector component of the Z axis direction from the junction detection terminal 731. The location of the first cartridge side locking surface 211 within the range 40Y allows greater rotation of the cartridge 20 around the X axis. In other words, the application of the force Ph to the inclined terminal support structure 408 allows a fine adjustment of the position of the cartridge 20. In the illustrated example of Figure 31, the position of the cartridge 20 is fine-tuned to lean towards the side of the sixth face 206.

A-7-5. Advantageous effects of the second part 220 of cartridge side restriction:

The cartridge 20 has the second cartridge side restriction part 220 on the fourth face 204 (Figure 27), which serves to restrict the movement of the cartridge 20 from its sides of the X-axis direction in the Z-axis direction. This guarantees additionally the stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals 400 and the device side terminals 700.

According to this embodiment, the second part 220 of cartridge side restriction is the projection protruding from the fourth face 204 in the sense of -X axis. The second cartridge side restriction part 220 is inserted into the second apparatus side restriction element 620 (Figure 3) in the shape of the through hole of the holder 60. The user rotates the cartridge 20 around the proximity of the second cartridge side restriction part 220 inserted in the second device side restriction element 620 (Figure 3) for attachment and detachment of the cartridge 20 to and from the holder 60. The second apparatus side restriction element 620, therefore, it serves as a guide for the attachment and detachment of the cartridge 20 to and from the holder 60. This structure facilitates the attachment and detachment of the cartridge 20 to and from the holder 60. The second part 220 of the cartridge-side restriction in the form Projection can easily be provided on the fourth face 204 of the cartridge 20.

A-7-6. Advantageous effects of projection 260:

As shown in Fig. 27, according to this embodiment, the cartridge 20 has the projection 260 on the side of the Z axis direction of the first cartridge side restriction part 210 on the third side 203. For the detachment of the cartridge 20 From the support 60, applying the force to the operating element 830 of the lever 80 from the side of the X-axis direction to the side of the X-axis direction, causes the operating element 830 to be in contact with the projection 260 and press the projection 260 in the Yh direction that includes the vector component of the Z axis direction. Consequently, the projection 260 receives the force of the vector component of the Z axis direction. This facilitates the detachment of the cartridge 20 from the holder 60 using the element 830 operational Although the cartridge 20 gets stuck by some part of the support 60 and does not move in the direction of the Z axis through the path of the first cartridge side locking surface 211 from the first locking position 810L in the direction of the X axis , the third-sided side 203 of the cartridge 20 can be moved in the direction of the Z axis using projection 260.

Although the external force is applied directly from the operative element 830 to the projection 260 according to the embodiment, the external force may not be applied from the operative element 830 to the projection 260. Turning the operative element 830 disengages the hitching part 810 from the first part 210 of the cartridge side restriction and the restriction on the movement of the third-sided side 203 of the cartridge 20 in the direction of the Z axis is eliminated. The removal of the restriction on the movement of the cartridge 20 in the axis direction Z causes the third-sided side 203 of the cartridge 20 to move in the direction of the Z axis by the pressure force Pt of the contact mechanism 70. The projection 260 of the cartridge 20 moves simultaneously in the direction Yh. The user holds the periphery of the projection 260 that moves in the Yh direction and easily detaches the cartridge 20 from the support 60. By providing the projection 260 the operability for the detachment of the cartridge 20 from the support 60 is improved even without direct application of the external force from operative element 830 to projection 260.

A-7-7. Advantageous effects of the positioning of the ink supply structure 280:

As shown in Fig. 27, according to this embodiment, the ink supply structure 280 is provided in the position closer to the fourth face 204 than to the third face 203 on the first face 201. The distance between the outer surface of the the ink supply structure 280 and the third face 203 in the X-axis direction is therefore greater than the distance between the outer surface of the ink supply structure 280 and the fourth face 204. The terminals 400 of Cartridge side are provided in the inclined terminal support structure 408 adjacent to the third face 203. In other words, the ink supply structure 280 is provided in a position away from the cartridge side terminals 400. This reduces the possibility of ink adhering to the cartridge side terminals 400 and prevents poor contact between the cartridge side terminals 400 and the device side terminals 700.

A-7-8. Advantageous effects of the 437 ground terminal:

According to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10A, between the contact parts cp of the cartridge side terminals 400, the ground terminal 437 having the contact part cp in the center in the Y-axis direction is provided in the position that intersects the plane Yc passing through the center of the width (length in the Y-axis direction) of the cartridge 20. The ground terminal 437 is configured to be in contact with the contact mechanism 70 before the other terminals 431 to 436, 438 and 439 of cartridge side during the connection of the cartridge 20 to the support 60. The pressure force first applied from the support 60 to the circuit board 40 is therefore generated in the substantial center of the width or length in the Y-axis direction of the cartridge 20. This prevents the pressure force applied to the circuit board 40 from acting to tip the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction and, therefore, allows the union of l cartridge 20 in the designed joint position. Said contact of the ground terminal 437 with the contact mechanism 70 of the support 60 before the other terminals 431 to 436, 438 and 439 of cartridge side prevents or advantageously reduces the problems and failures induced by high voltage by the function of ground connection of ground terminal 437, even if unexpected high voltage is applied to cartridge 20.

A-7-9. Advantageous effects of the shape of the first device side locking surface 811:

As shown in Figure 21, the first device side locking surface 811 is the arc-shaped curved surface around the axis 800c of rotation in the cross-section parallel to the X axis and the Z axis. This guarantees smooth operations. for the connection and detachment of the cartridge 20 to and from the support 60. Forming the first surface 811 of the device side locking as a curved surface decreases the amount of pressure backwards in the direction of the Z axis by the elastic element 648 (Figure 27 ) during the connection of the cartridge 20 to the support 60. This guarantees good electrical contact between the cartridge side terminals 400 and the device side terminals 700.

An example of such an advantageous effect is described with reference to Figures 32A to 32F. The vertical direction of Figures 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 are opposite directions to each other. Figures 32A to 32C show the union of a cartridge using the first device side locking surface 811 formed as the curved surface and are arranged in time series in this order. Figures 32D to 32F show the union of a cartridge using a first device side locking surface 811t formed as a plane and are arranged in time series in this order.

As shown in Figure 32A, to attach the cartridge 20 to the support 60, the first cartridge side restriction part 210 moves in the direction of the -Z axis while abutting against the lower guide wall 821. As shown in Fig. 32B, when the first cartridge side restriction part 210 moves through the lower guide wall 821 further in the sense of -Z axis, the first apparatus side locking surface 811 is move in the direction of arrow Y32. When the user strongly presses the cartridge 20 in the axis -Z direction, the first cartridge side restriction part 210 is located on the axis-Z side of the first device side lock surface 811. When the user loses the grip of the cartridge 20, the cartridge 20 is pressed up in the direction of the Z axis by the pressure forces Ps and Pt of the elastic element 648 and the device side 700 terminals. As shown in Figure 32C, the amount pressed upward of the first cartridge side restriction part 210 of the cartridge 20 is D1 when the first device side locking surface 811 is formed as a curved surface.

As shown in FIGS. 32D to 32F, when the first device side locking surface 811t is formed as a plane, the amount pressed up of the first cartridge side restriction part 210 is D2, which is greater than D1 .

In the joined state of the cartridge 20, the first device side locking surface 811 formed as a curved surface may be located on the side more in the direction of the -Z axis than the first device side locking surface 811t formed as a plane . This reduces the amount pressed up of the first part 210 of cartridge side restriction.

According to this embodiment, the first device side locking surface 811 located in the predetermined or first locking position 810L is near the axis 800c of rotation in the direction of the X axis (Figure 21). This reduces the movement distance of the first device side locking surface 811 in the Z-axis direction, although the actual blocking position deviates in the X-axis direction with respect to the first blocking position 810L. This avoids, therefore, the deflection of the cartridge 20 in the direction of the Z axis with respect to the support 60.

B. Additional realization:

Figure 33 illustrates a printer 50a according to a second embodiment. Figure 33 shows the cross section corresponding to the cross section of Figure 17 according to the first embodiment. The difference with the printer 50 of the first embodiment is that a retention element 690a does not have the elastic element 682. Otherwise, the printer 50a of the second embodiment has the same structure as that of the printer 50 of the first embodiment. Similar elements are expressed with similar symbols and are not specifically explained in this case. The cartridge 20 attached to the printer 50a has the same structure as that of the cartridge 20 attached to the printer 50 of the first embodiment.

As shown in Figure 33, the retaining element 690a does not have an elastic element for pressing the lever 80 in the direction that includes the vector component of the sense of axis -X. However, the lever 80 is designed to place its first device side lock surface 811 in the first lock position 810L by its dead weight, so that the first cartridge side lock surface 211 of the cartridge 20 is locked. by the first locking surface 811 of the device side of the lever 80.

The printer 50a of the second embodiment has advantageous effects similar to those of the printer 60 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the structure of the retention element 690 without an elastic element reduces the possible damage or breakage of the retention element 690 and decreases the total number of parts to reduce the manufacturing cost of the printer 50a.

C. Third embodiment:

Figure 34 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a cartridge 20b according to a third embodiment. The difference with the cartridge 20 of the first embodiment (Figure 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. Similar elements are expressed with similar symbols and are not specifically explained in this case. 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 elements (for example, the lever 80) provided in the holder 60 of the first embodiment. The cartridge 20b has the dimensions larger than those of the cartridge 20 of the first embodiment and is capable of containing a greater amount of ink. The cartridge 20b can be attached to a cartridge mounting structure of a large inkjet printer that is capable of printing large paper (for example, sizes from A2 to A0). The cartridge 20b is attached to the printer's cartridge mounting structure by large inkjet in the sense of -Z axis as the direction of mounting SD. According to this embodiment, the axis direction -Z 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 direction of the X axis is the direction vertically upwards, and the direction of the axis -X is the direction vertically downwards.

D. Modifications of the cartridge structure:

Figures 35 to 37 show modifications of the cartridge structure. These cartridges are designed for the printer that has the same structure as that of the printer 50 according to the first embodiment. Similar elements of these cartridges with respect to those of the cartridge 20 of the first embodiment are expressed by similar symbols.

D-1 External cartridge shape modifications:

Figures 35A to 35H are conceptual diagrams showing external cartridge shapes according to other embodiments. A cartridge 20c shown in Figure 35A has a housing of an elliptical or oval side face. The cartridge 20c has the first cartridge side restriction part 210 and the circuit board 40 provided on the front face. The ink supply structure 280 is formed on the lower face of the cartridge 20c, and the second cartridge side restriction part 220 is provided on the rear face of the cartridge 20c. This cartridge 20c has a fixed width, when the cartridge 20c is viewed from its front face side. This cartridge 20c is compatible with the cartridge 20 shown in Figure 7, as long as the first and second cartridge side restriction parts 210 and 220, the circuit board 40 and the ink supply structure 280 are structured to be able to connect with the corresponding parts in the printer 50.

A cartridge 20d shown in Figure 35B has an approximately rectangular parallelepipedic shape similar to the cartridge 20 shown in Figure 7. The big difference with respect to the cartridge 20 of Figure 7 is that the eighth face 208 is not continuous from the lower end of the third face 203. The cartridge 20l shown in Figure 35G is similar in shape and design to the cartridge 20d, with the placement of the first cartridge side restriction part 210 provided closer to the structure 408 of terminal support The cartridges 20e and 20f shown in Figures 35C and 35D have no seventh face, which is included in the cartridge 20 of Figure 7. A cartridge 20g shown in Figure 35E has the circuit board 40 mounted on the octave face 208 by means of a spring. A cartridge 20h shown in Figure 35F has an articulated or otherwise mobile face 208h, instead of the eighth face 208, and the circuit board 40 is mounted on the mobile face 208h. While the cartridge 20h is being mounted in the printer, the mobile face 208h moves from the position indicated by the dashed line to that indicated by the continuous line. Once the cartridge 20h is correctly mounted on the printer and the mobile face 208h is in the position indicated by the continuous line, the contact parts of the terminals on the circuit board 40 are aligned in the plane of the contact part TP . These cartridges 20c to 20g are also compatible with the cartridge 20 shown in Figure 7, provided that the first and second cartridge side restriction parts 210 and 220, the circuit board 40 and the ink supply structure 280 are structured to be able to connect with the corresponding parts in the printer 50. A cartridge 20m shown in Figure 35H has an elongate element 211a which is connected at one end to the first part 210 of cartridge side restriction and at the other end to the upper part 202 of the cartridge 20m through a hinge or other pivoting mechanism. Although the terminals were flat in the previous embodiments, the terminals may be elongated, shaped like wire or other shapes. For example, Figure 35I shows an embodiment with elongated terminals 400n, in which the contact parts cp are aligned in the terminal plane TP when the cartridge 20j is mounted in the printer. In the embodiment shown in Figure 35J, a cartridge 20j including a contact mechanism 70j having substantially the same configuration (including terminal configuration) as the device side contact mechanism 70 shown in Figure 18. The Contact mechanism 70j has elastic terminals with contact parts which, when the cartridge 20j is mounted in the printer, come into contact with the terminals 700 of the contact mechanism 70 and are substantially aligned with the terminal plane TP. In embodiments such as those in Figures 35I and 35J, in which the terminals have no flat shape, the "terminal support structure" and the "inclined surface" can be considered the part of the cartridge terminals that support the parts of contact, and therefore is substantially the same as the parts of the terminals indicated by the plane of the contact part TP. In addition, the part of the restriction part 210 that engages with the device side lever is located in a position closer to the place where the plane of contact part TP intersects the front face 203 and the parts cp themselves of contact which of the intersection of 1) the upper face 202 and the front face 203, 2) one of the upper face 202 and the front face 203 and an extension of the other upper face 202 and the front face 203, or 3) extensions of both the upper face 202 and the front face 203 (such as when the cartridge body has shaped upper and front faces as in the embodiments of Figures 35A and 35D). In the embodiment of Fig. 35J, the circuit board 40j of the cartridge 20j is placed inside the contact mechanism 70j and comes into contact with the device side contact mechanism 70 by indirect contact through the mechanism 70j of Contact.

As is clearly understood from the examples shown in Figures 35A to 35H, there are several other modifications of the outer shape of the cartridge. In the event that the cartridge has an outer shape different from the approximately rectangular parallelepiped, as shown by the dashed lines in Figures 35A and 35D, the six faces of the rectangular parallelepiped, that is, the lower face 201 (first face), upper face 202 (second face), front face 203 (third face), rear face 204 (fourth face), left side face 205 (fifth face) and right side face 206 (sixth face) can be assumed virtually . In the specification of the present document, the terms "face" and "plane" mean a virtual plane or the non-existent (imaginary) plane as shown in Figures 35A or 35D and the actual plane as shown in Figures 7 and 8. The terms "face" and "flat" include both flat surfaces and curved surfaces.

D-2 Cartridge with adapter:

Fig. 36 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a cartridge 20i with an adapter according to one embodiment. This cartridge 20i can be separated to give a container assembly 200i that includes the chamber 200 of ink and an adapter 299 that can then be attached to each other to mount them on the print media holder. Once the printing material in the ink chamber 200 is depleted, the user replaces the container assembly 200i with a new one or refills the impression material in the container assembly 200i. The 299 adapter is reusable. This cartridge 20i is compatible with the cartridge 20 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 7.

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 flow path 282 of print material configured to supply ink or print 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 corresponding respectively to the first side 201 and faces 203 to 208 third to eighth of cartridge 20i. The first face 201i and the second face 202i are opposite each other in the direction of the Z axis; the first face 201i is located on the side of the Z-axis direction and the second face 202i is located on the side of the Z-axis direction. The third face 203i and the fourth face 204i are opposite each other in the X-axis direction ; the third face 203i is located on the side of the X-axis direction and the fourth face 204i is located on the side of the x-axis direction. The fifth face (not shown) and the sixth face 206i are opposite each other in the Y-axis direction; the fifth face (not shown) is located on the side of the y-axis direction and the sixth face 206i is located on the side of the y-axis direction. The seventh face 207i and the eighth face 208i form the connecting faces of the connection of 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 forms a vertical angle with respect to the first face 201i. The seventh face 207i extends accordingly from the first face 201i in the direction of the Z axis. The seventh face 207i is located on the side of the axis direction -X and on the side of the axis direction -Z of the eighth face 208i . The eighth face 208i connects the seventh face 207i with the third face 203i and is a sloping surface inclined in the direction that includes a vector component of the X-axis direction and a vector component of the Z-axis direction. The eighth face 208i is inclined with respect 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 with respect to the XY plane and the YZ plane and is perpendicular to the XZ plane.

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 interior 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 a structure similar to that of the cartridge 20 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 7 with or without some variations. The first cartridge side restriction part 210 may be in the adapter 299 as shown in Figure 36 or in the container assembly 200i (not shown). Similarly, the circuit board 40 may be in the adapter 299 as shown in Figure 36 or in the container assembly 200i (not shown). The positioning of the restriction part 210 and the circuit board 40 need not be both in the container assembly 200i or the adapter 299, but one may be in the container assembly 200i and the other in the adapter 299. Therefore , the cartridge 20i can be structured as the combination of the container assembly 200i and the adapter 299 as described above.

Fig. 37 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a cartridge 20j with an adapter according to another embodiment. This cartridge 20j can be separated to give a container assembly 200j that includes the ink chamber 200 and an adapter 299j which can then be coupled to each other to mount them in the holder of the printing apparatus. After the printing material in the ink chamber 200 has run out, the user can replace the container assembly 200j with a new one or fill the impression material in the container assembly 200j. The 299 adapter is reusable. This cartridge 20j is compatible with the cartridge 20 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 7.

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 corresponding respectively 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 corresponding respectively 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 opposite each other in the direction of the Z axis; the first face 201j is located on the side of the Z-axis direction and the second face 202j is located on the side of the Z-axis direction. The third face 203j and the fourth face 204j are opposite each other in the X-axis direction ; the third face 203j is located on the side of the X-axis direction and the fourth face 204j is located on the side of the x-axis direction. The fifth face (not shown) and the sixth face 206j are opposite each other in the Y-axis direction; the fifth face (not shown) is located on the side of the y-axis direction, and the sixth face 206j is located on the side of the y-axis direction The seventh face 207j and the eighth face 208j form the faces of connection of the connection of 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 forms a vertical angle with respect to the first face 201j. The seventh face 207j extends accordingly from the first face 201j in the direction of the Z axis. The seventh face 207j is located on the side of the axis direction -X and on the side of the axis direction -Z of the eighth face 208j . The eighth face 208j connects the seventh face 207j with the third face 203j and is a sloping surface inclined in the direction that includes a vector component of the X-axis direction and a vector component of the Z-axis direction. The eighth face 208j is inclined with respect 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 with respect to the XY plane and the YZ plane and is perpendicular to the XZ plane.

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 299j adapter has an interior space to receive the container set 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 in the opening provided in the first face 201 of the adapter 299j and is connected to the tube 640 of supply of printing material (figure 2). The cartridge 20j has a first cartridge-side restriction part 210 of the simplest structure than that of the first embodiment (Figure 7) but may have the first cartridge-side restriction part 210 of the same structure as that of the First embodiment (Figure 7) Alternatively, the first cartridge side restriction part 210 may be a part of the adapter 299j as shown in Figure 37 or a part of the container assembly 200j (not shown). Similarly, the circuit board 40 may be in the adapter 299j as shown in Figure 37 or in the container assembly 200j (not shown). The positioning of the restriction part 210 and the circuit board 40 need not be both in the container assembly 200j or the adapter 299j, but one may be in the container assembly 200j and the other may be in the adapter 299j. The cartridge 20j has the third face 203 and the fourth face 204 of the lower heights (shorter lengths in the Z-axis direction) 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 (the same lengths in the Z-axis direction) as those of the first embodiment. The cartridge 20j does not have the projection 260 but may have the projection 260 as in the first embodiment. Otherwise, the cartridge 20j has the structure similar to that of the cartridge 20 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 7 with or without some variations. The cartridge 20j can therefore be structured by combining the container assembly 200j and the adapter 299j as described above.

Figure 37B shows a configured 20p cartridge similar to that shown in the embodiment of Figure 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 one end 201p (indicated in a dotted line) of the container assembly 200p before the cartridge 20p is mounted in the printer. In addition, the 400p terminals are formed directly on the surface of the 299p adapter. When the terminals are formed on a flat surface, either the surface of the cartridge as in this embodiment or on the surface of a circuit board as in previous embodiments, the flat surface on which the terminals are formed can be considered an "inclined surface "Or" terminal support structure ".

Figure 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 that can be coupled all together to mount them in the holder of the printing apparatus. The adapter 299k has the same structure as that of the adapter 299j described above with reference to Figure 37. The external tank 200T contains printing material and is located outside the printer 50 shown in Figure 1. The auxiliary adapter 200S has a 280k ink supply structure. The 200L tube is used to supply the print material from the external 200T tank to the auxiliary 200S adapter. The external 200T tank, the 200S auxiliary adapter and the 200L tube serve as a 200k container set configured to hold ink or print material. As shown by the dashed line in Figure 38, it is therefore assumed that the cartridge 20k of this embodiment has the container assembly 200k. The cartridge 20k of this embodiment is therefore separable from the container assembly 200k and the adapter 299k, such as the cartridge 20i shown in Figure 36 and the cartridge 20j shown in Figure 37. After it is use up the print material in the external 200T tank, the user can replace the external 200T tank with a new one or fill the print material in the external 200T tank. The 299k adapter is reusable. This cartridge 20k is compatible with the cartridge 20 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 7.

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 299k adapter. 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 Figure 37 with or without some variations. Otherwise, the cartridge 20k has a structure similar to that of the cartridge 20 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 7 with or without some variations. The cartridge 20k can thus be structured by combining the container assembly 200k and the adapter 299k as described above.

E. Lever modification:

According to the previous embodiment, the elastic element 682 is provided separately from the lever 80 (Figure 22). The lever 80 can be made of an elastically deformable material. A modification of the lever is described with reference to Figures 39 and 40.

Figures 39A and 39B illustrate the structure of a lever 80a according to a modification. Figure 39A is a perspective view showing the appearance of the lever 80a, and Figure 39B is a side view showing the appearance of the lever 80a. The differences with respect to the lever 80 of the first embodiment are that the lever 80a also has an arm element 890 to be elastically deformable, has an operating element 830a differently and does not include the groove 870. Otherwise, the lever 80a has the structure similar to that of lever 80 according to the first embodiment (Figure 19). The lever 80a is made of a synthetic resin, such as polypropylene. Figure 40 illustrates the attachment of the cartridge 20 to a support 60a. According to this embodiment, the cartridge 20 has a first cartridge side restriction part 210a without the second part 214 (Figure 12). The shaft body 850 of the lever 80a is connected to the first side wall element 603 of the apparatus side. When the lever 80a is rotated around the tree body 850, the arm element 890a abuts against a projection 603t formed as part of the first side wall element 603 of the apparatus side to deform elastically. F. Modifications of the cartridge side terminals:

Figures 41A to 41C show modifications of the shape of the terminal on the circuit board. The difference with the circuit board 40 shown in Figure 10A is that the circuit boards 40c to 40e have different shapes from terminals 431 to 439. The respective terminals in the circuit board 40c shown in Figure 41A and in the circuit board 40d shown in Figure 41B it has irregular shapes, instead of the approximately rectangular shape according to the first embodiment (Figure 10A). In the circuit board 40e shown in Figure 41C, the nine terminals 431 to 439 are arranged in a line, in which the junction detection terminals 435 and 439 are located at both ends, and the terminals 431 and 434 Binding detection terminals are located respectively between the connection detection terminal 435 and the power supply terminal 436 and between the connection detection terminal 439 and the data terminal 438. In these circuit boards 40c to 40e, the contact parts cp of these terminals 431 to 439, which are in contact with the device side terminals corresponding to these terminals 431 to 439 have the same arrangement as the circuit board 400 that is shown in figure 10A. The individual terminals may have different variations forms as long as the contact parts cp have the same arrangement.

G. Other modifications:

The foregoing has described the invention in detail with reference to the illustrative embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but multiple variations and modifications can 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:

The second cartridge side restriction part 220 is provided on the fourth face 204 according to the previous embodiment, but may be omitted as appropriate. For example, when there is a relatively small space between the cartridge 20 and each hole of the support 60, the movement of the fourth-sided side 204 of the cartridge 20 in the direction of the Z axis can be restricted without the second restriction part 220 of the side cartridge through the stop of all or part of the outer surface of the fourth face 204 with the second side wall element 604 of the apparatus side. This keeps the cartridge 20 in the holder 60. According to another embodiment, an elastic element made, for example, of rubber can be provided between the fourth face 204 of the cartridge 20 and the second side wall element 604 of the apparatus side of the holder 60. The movement of the fourth-sided side 204 of the cartridge 20 in the Z-axis direction can be restricted by friction of the elastic element against the fourth face 204 of the cartridge 20 and the second side wall element 604 of the apparatus side of the holder 60. This elastic element can be a separate element of the cartridge 20 or the support 60 or can be joined with the fourth face 204 of the cartridge 20 or with the second side wall element 604 of the apparatus side of the support 60. In the application without the second cartridge side restriction part 220, the second apparatus side restriction element 620 provided in the second apparatus side side wall element 604 (FIG. 15) also It can be omitted. The second cartridge side restriction part 220 is the projection according to the previous embodiment, but it can be another form, for example, a recess. In this latter application, the second apparatus side restriction element 620 provided in the second apparatus side side wall element 604 may be a projection. According to another embodiment, the support 60 may have an additional element configured to press the fourth-sided side 204 of the second side 202 of the cartridge 20 in the sense of -Z axis. For example, the support 60 may have a sliding rod element. After placing the cartridge 20 in the cartridge chamber 602, the rod element can press the fourth-sided side 204 of the second side 202 of the cartridge 20.

G-2 Second modification:

The first cartridge side restriction part 210 is provided in the position near the intersection part 295 according to the previous embodiment, but can be provided in any arbitrary position on the third face 203 within the range 40Y or may extend outside the range 40Y (figure 12). The location of the first cartridge side restriction part 210 within the range 40 allows fine adjustment of the direction of the inclined surface with the cartridge side terminals mounted therein. This guarantees the stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals.

G-3 Third modification:

According to the previous embodiment, as shown in Figure 22, the lever 80 has the pair of tree bodies 850, and the retaining element 690 has the support elements 654. According to another embodiment, the lever 80 may have supporting elements, and the retaining element 690 may have shaft bodies. According to the previous embodiment, the lever 80 and the retention element 690 which includes the second retention element 680 are unified and connected to the support 60 for easy assembly of the printer. However, retention element 690 is not essential. According to another embodiment, support elements can be formed in solidarity with the outer wall 603W of the support 60 to receive and fix the lever 80.

G-4 Fourth modification:

As mentioned above, the present invention is not limited to the inkjet printer and its ink cartridge, but is applicable to any of the various liquid ejection devices configured to expel a liquid other than the ink and its container of liquid, for example, without limitation, the liquid ejection apparatus and their liquid containers provided below:

1. image recording apparatus, such as a fax machine;

2. Color material ejection apparatus used to manufacture color filters for image display devices, for example, liquid crystal displays;

3. electrode material ejection apparatus used to form electrodes, for example, from organic EL screens (electroluminescence) and field emission screens (EDF);

4. liquid ejection apparatus configured to expel a liquid containing bioorganic material used for the manufacture of biochips;

5. Sample ejection apparatus used as a precision pipette;

6. lubricating oil spray apparatus;

7. resin dissolution spray apparatus;

8. liquid spray apparatus for the precise spraying of lubricating oil into precision machinery, including clocks and cameras;

9. liquid ejection apparatus configured to expel a transparent resin solution, such as an ultraviolet curable resin solution, on the substrate, to manufacture a semi-spherical microlens (optical lens) used, for example, for optical communication elements;

10. liquid spray apparatus configured to spray an acid or alkaline etching solution, to etch the substrate; Y

11. (11) liquid ejection apparatus equipped with a liquid ejection head to expel a very small volume of droplets from another arbitrary liquid.

The "liquid droplet" means a state of liquid expelled from the liquid ejection apparatus and may be in granular form, in the form of a tear or in the form of thread of decreasing section. The "liquid" herein may be any material ejected by the liquid ejection apparatus. The "liquid" can be any material in the liquid phase. For example, "liquid" includes high viscosity or low viscosity liquid state materials, soles, gel water, various inorganic solvents and organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins and liquid metals (molten metals). The "liquid" is not limited to the liquid state as one of the three states of matter, but includes solutions, dispersions and mixtures of functional solid material particles, such as pigment particles or metal particles, dissolved in, dispersed in or mixed. with a solvent Typical examples of the liquid include ink described in the previous embodiment and liquid crystal. The "ink" includes inks of General aqueous base and oil base inks, as well as various liquid compositions, such as gel inks and hot melt inks, but not limited thereto.

G-5 Fifth modification:

The invention can be carried out by the following variations. The symbols in brackets 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:

A cartridge (20) removably 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) for connect with the printing apparatus; a second face (202) opposite the first face (201); a third face (203) arranged to have one side (291) that is connected to the second face (202) and the other side (290) that is opposite the side (291), the third face (203) being located between the first face (201) and the second face (202) with respect to an opposite direction (Z axis direction), along which the first face (201) and the second face (202) are opposite each other; a fourth face (204) opposite 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) to connect the first face (201) with the third face (203); cartridge side terminals (400) provided in the corner section (265), the cartridge side terminals (400) being arranged to receive an external force of pressure upward of the cartridge (20) from the terminals (700) of apparatus side of the printing apparatus (50) in a state attached to the cartridge (20) to the printing apparatus (50); and a first cartridge side restriction part (210) provided on the third face (203) and arranged to be locked by a lever (80) of the printing apparatus (50) in the joined state and, therefore, to restrict the movement of the cartridge (20) in a direction of upward pressure, in which the first part (210) of cartridge side restriction is provided in a position near the cartridge side terminals (400).

G-5-2. Second variation:

A cartridge (20) removably 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) for connect with the printing apparatus; a second face (202) opposite the first face (201); a third face (203) arranged to have one side (291) that is connected to the second face (202) and the other side (290) that is opposite the side (291) and is located between the first face (201) and the second face (202) with respect to an opposite direction (Z axis direction), along which the first face (201) and the second face (202) are opposite each other; a fourth face (204) opposite 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) to connect the first face (201) with the third face (203); cartridge side terminals (400) provided in the corner section (265), the cartridge side terminals (400) being arranged to receive an external force of pressure upward of the cartridge (20) from the terminals (700) of apparatus side of the printing apparatus (50) in a state attached to the cartridge (20) to the printing apparatus (50); and a first cartridge side restriction part (210) provided on the third face (203) and arranged to be locked by a lever (80) of the printing apparatus (50) in the joined state and, therefore, to restrict the movement of the cartridge (20) in a direction of upward pressure, in which the first part (210) of cartridge side restriction is located closer to the other side (290) than to the side (291).

G-5-3. Third variation:

A cartridge (20) removably 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) for connect with the printing apparatus; a second face (202) opposite the first face (201); a third face (203) arranged to have one side (291) that is connected to the second face (202) and the other side (290) that is opposite the side (291) and is located between the first face (201) and the second face (202) with respect to an opposite direction (Z axis direction), along which the first face (201) and the second face (202) are opposite each other; a fourth face (204) opposite 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) to connect the first face (201) with the third face (203); cartridge side terminals (400) provided in the corner section (265), the cartridge side terminals (400) being arranged to receive an external force of pressure upward of the cartridge (20) from the terminals (700) of apparatus side of the printing apparatus (50) in a state attached to the cartridge (20) to the printing apparatus (50); and a first cartridge side restriction part (210) provided on the third face (203) and arranged to be locked by a lever (80) of the printing apparatus (50) in the joined state and, therefore, to restrict the movement of the cartridge (20) in a direction of upward pressure, in which the first part (210) of cartridge side restriction is provided in a position closer to the other side (290) than to the side (291).

Like the first embodiment described above, any of the first to third variations advantageously prevents positional misalignment of the cartridge side terminals with respect to the printing apparatus and, therefore, guarantees a stable electrical connection between the side terminals. of cartridge and device side terminals. In any of the first to third variations, when the direction of the first-sided side to the second-sided side in the opposite direction (Z-axis direction) in the joined state is the Z-axis direction and the second-sided side direction Next to the first side is the direction of the -Z axis, the first restriction part of the cartridge side is preferably located on the side of the axis-Z direction of the axis of rotation of the lever.

G-5-4. Fourth variation:

A cartridge (20) removably attached to a printing apparatus (50) comprises an ink supply structure (280) that is connected to the printing apparatus; cartridge-side terminals (400) arranged to receive an external force of upward pressure of the cartridge (20) from the device-side terminals (700) of the printing apparatus (50) in a state attached to the cartridge (20) to the printing apparatus (50); and a first cartridge side restriction part (210) located on one side identical to the cartridge side terminals (400) and arranged to be locked by a lever (80) of the printing apparatus (50) in the joined state and , therefore, restricting movement of the cartridge (20) in a direction of upward pressure, in which the first part (210) of the cartridge side restriction is located near the cartridge side terminals (700).

When the direction of upward pressure is the direction of the Z axis and the opposite direction to the direction of upward pressure is the direction of the axis -Z, the first restriction part of the cartridge side is preferably located on the side of the axis direction. -Z of the axis of rotation of the lever.

Like the first embodiment described above, the fourth variation advantageously prevents the positional misalignment of the cartridge side terminals with respect to the printing apparatus and, therefore, guarantees a stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals.

G-6 Sixth modification:

The invention can be carried out by the following variations. The symbols in brackets 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

A cartridge (20) removably 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 material supply structure (280) of print that is connected to the printing apparatus; a second face (202) opposite the first face (201); a third face (203) arranged to have one side (291) that is connected to the second face (202) and the other side (290) that is opposite the side (291), the third face (203) being located between the first face (201) and the second face (202) with respect to an opposite direction (Z axis direction), the opposite direction being an direction along which the first face (201) and the second face (202) they are opposite each other; a fourth face (204) opposite 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) opposite the fifth face (205); a corner section (265) arranged to form an outer surface (265) to connect the first face (201) with the third face (203); cartridge side terminals (400) provided in the corner section (265), the cartridge side terminals (400) being arranged to receive an external force of pressure upward of the cartridge (20) from the terminals (700) of apparatus side of the printing apparatus (50) in a state attached to the cartridge (20) to the printing apparatus (50); and a first cartridge side restriction part (210) provided on the third face (203) and arranged to be locked by a lever (80) of the printing apparatus (50) in the joined state and, therefore, to restrict the movement of the cartridge (20) in a direction of upward pressure, in which, with respect to the opposite direction of the fifth face (205) and the sixth face (206) (Y-axis direction), the first part (210 ) The cartridge side restriction is not located outside, but within a range (40Y) in which the cartridge side terminals (400) are provided.

G-6-2. Second variation

A cartridge (20) removably attached to a printing apparatus (50) comprises: a structure (280) for supplying printing material that is connected to 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 upward pressure of the cartridge (20) from the terminals (700) on the device side of the printing apparatus (50) in a state attached to the cartridge (20) to the printing apparatus (50); and a first cartridge side restriction part (211) provided on the same side of the outer surface as that with the cartridge side terminals (400), the first cartridge side restriction part (211) being arranged for locked by a lever (80) of the printing apparatus (50) in the joined state to restrict the movement of the cartridge (20) in a direction of upward pressure (Z axis direction), in which, with respect to the direction of the width of the cartridge, the first cartridge restriction element (211) is not outside, but within a range (40Y) in which the cartridge side terminals (400) are provided. Depending on the first or second variations, the cartridge side terminals receive the force in the direction of upward pressure from the device side terminals. This allows a fine adjustment of the direction of the part where the cartridge side terminals are provided and ensures a stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals. Depending on the first or second variations, it is preferable that the first cartridge side restriction portion is located below the axis of rotation of the lever. The term "below" in this document corresponds, for example, to the sense of the -Z axis or a direction inverse to the direction of upward pressure.

G-7 Seventh modification:

The invention can be carried out 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

An ink cartridge (20) adapted to be removably mounted in an inkjet printing apparatus (50), the inkjet printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of contact forming elements (731 739) on the side of the device constructed and arranged to apply elastic force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20) when the ink cartridge (20) is pressed against the contact side forming elements (731-739), also comprising the ink jet printing apparatus (50) a lever (80) having an engagement part (810), the ink cartridge (20) comprising a cartridge body (22) including a front part (203), a rear part (204), an upper part (202) and a lower part (201), the front part (203) and the rear part (204) opposite each other and the upper part (202) and the part (201) lower opposite each other; an electrical device, an ink chamber (200) for storing ink; an ink supply structure (280) positioned in the lower part (201) of the cartridge body (22), adapted and configured to deliver ink from the ink chamber (200) to the inkjet printing apparatus (50) , the ink supply structure (280) having a leading edge (288) of mounting direction (SD) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge (20); a terminal support structure (408) located near the front part (203) of the cartridge body (22), the terminal support structure (408) having a plurality of electrically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) adapted and arranged in the terminal support structure (408) to contact and receive the elastic force (Pt) of the contact forming elements (731-739) in the parts (cp) of contact of the terminals (400) when the ink cartridge (20) is mounted in the printing apparatus (50), the contact parts (cp) disposed substantially in a contact part plane (TP) which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288); and a first restriction part (210) adapted to engage with the lever engagement part (810) (80) to restrict the movement of the ink cartridge (20) in an opposite direction (RD) to the direction of assembly (SD ), the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) located adjacent to the terminal support structure (408).

Now some of the benefits of the previous variation of the seventh modification will be described. The terminals must be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, to ensure reliable electrical communication between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement part of the first restriction part is located adjacent to the terminal support structure, the positioning action of the first restriction part occurs near the part where positioning is most necessary (it is that is, the terminals of the terminal support structure). The elastic force of the device side terminals can be adequately counteracted. In addition, the positional change of the terminals, which may occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be suppressed. Therefore, the positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals.

In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the material to produce the cartridge may be different from the material used to produce the lever. In addition, the cartridge material can be selected with less concern for flexibility and durability requirements, and with a greater focus on other properties such as ink resistance.

In addition, because the lever is not in the cartridge, no special care is needed to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the conditioning of the cartridge for transport and distribution. This simplifies the conditioning requirements and improves user comfort. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made smaller. This also allows for size reduction of the conditioning material, such as paper or box, used to condition the cartridge for transporting or distributing the cartridge, which thus advantageously reduces transport and parts costs. In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first part of the cartridge side restriction can be carried out with a small size and a simple structure, and with greater rigidity, compared to the structures described in US publication n. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in a significant reduction in the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restriction part. In the attached or mounted state, the cartridge can be kept in the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first cartridge side restriction part may have a small size and a simple structure, no special care is required to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the condition for transporting and distributing the cartridge, as opposed to US publication cartridges No. 2005/0151811. This reduces conditioning requirements and also improves user comfort.

It is possible that the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the hitch part of the cartridge to each other is only a rigid structure (which is not the case with the flexible levers of US publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the hitch part to the cartridge terminals, so the electrical communication is more stable.

Because the contact part 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 cleaned properly during cartridge insertion on the printer In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates the insulation fragments (dust) that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape long distances against the circuit board during cartridge installation.

Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic force that includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is detached from the printer, it is not necessary to provide a spring such as the spring 103 described in the U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force of the printer side terminals serves to press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the cartridge in the direction of removal of the printer when the hitch is released. between the first restriction part and the printer lever. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in the case of US Patent 6,955,422, which allows for a simpler structure and reduced costs.

Because the first restriction part is adapted to engage with the lever engagement part to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the opposite direction to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will be held in place. with respect to the direction of assembly by the elastic force of the contact forming elements of the device side, and with respect to the direction opposite to the direction of assembly by the first restriction part, when the cartridge is mounted in the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "interleaved" in this way, they are firmly fixed so that they do not move both in the direction of assembly and in the direction opposite to the direction of assembly. Therefore, there is less likelihood of misalignment or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the device-side contact forming elements, compared to the unilateral restriction by the elastic part 40 and the related configuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.

Adaptation 1

The ink cartridge as described above, in which the contact part plane (TP) forms an angle between about 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

As mentioned with reference to Figures 42A-45, when the plane of the contact part forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane defined by the leading edge, excessive cleaning is avoided and a force can be applied Enough to avoid half insertion.

Adaptation 2

The ink cartridge as described above, wherein when the front part (203) of the cartridge body (20) is seen with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement part (212) of the The first restriction part (210) is located to the left of the rightmost contact part of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of the leftmost contact part of the plurality of terminals (400). When the ink cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is held too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus side contact forming elements (terminal 734 in Figure 31, for example), It may not be safe. By locating the engagement part of the first restriction part to the left of the rightmost contact part of the plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact part of the plurality of terminals, the cartridge ink can be tilted enough such that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the apparatus can be even more stable.

Adaptation 3

The ink cartridge (20) as described above further comprising a second restriction part (220) in the rear part (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the second restriction part (220) adapted and configured to engage with a respective part (620) of the ink jet printing apparatus (50), in which the distance (B) between the engagement part of the second restriction part (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is greater than the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

When the coupling part of the second restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the coupling part of the first restriction part, the possibility that the first restriction part is disengaged from the engagement part of the printer can be reduced more effectively, compared to the case in which the engagement part of the first restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the engagement part of the second restriction part.

4 adaptation

The ink cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the ink cartridge (20) from the side (203) with the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) down, the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (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).

When the distance between the engagement part of the first restriction part 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 movement of the cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the first restriction part is unlocked or disengaged from the lever engagement part, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements and reducing the possibility of continuity. deficient. The first restriction part can move around the axis of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming elements to the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the hitch part of the first restriction part will be disengaged from the hitch part of the lever.

Adaptation 5

The ink cartridge as described above, wherein when the ink cartridge (20) is viewed from the side (203) with the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) down, the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is to the left of a pivot point (800c) of the lever when the cartridge is mounted.

When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement part of the first restriction part is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when the cartridge is viewed from the side with the engagement part of the first restriction part a to the right and the ink supply structure down, the first restriction part generates a rotation moment in the lever to rotate the lever around the axis of rotation of the lever in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the coupling part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the lever engagement part and also ensures the stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements of the device side. Although the cartridge receives strength, the first restriction part will move with the cartridge. Said movement reduces the possibility that the engagement part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the engagement part of the lever.

Adaptation 6

The ink cartridge as described above, wherein when the front part (203) of the cartridge body (22) is seen with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, at least a part of the part (212 ) of engagement of the first restriction part (210) is located substantially in the center of the width of the ink cartridge (20).

By providing the first restriction part in such a position so that at least a part of the engagement part of the first restriction part is located substantially in the center of the width of the ink cartridge, the first restriction part is located extremely close to the plurality of terminals so that The electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the apparatus can be stable.

Adaptation 7

The ink cartridge as described above in which the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially at the level of the lower part (201).

G-7-2. Second variation

An ink cartridge (20) adapted to be removably mounted in an inkjet printing apparatus (50), the inkjet printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of contact forming elements (731 739) on the side of the device constructed and arranged to apply elastic force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20) when the ink cartridge (20) is pressed against the contact side forming elements (731-739), also comprising the ink jet printing apparatus (50) a lever (80) having an engagement part (810), the ink cartridge (20) comprising a cartridge body (22) including a front part (203), a rear part (204), an upper part (202) and a lower part (201), the front part (203) and the rear part (204) opposite each other and the upper part (202) and the part (201) lower opposite each other; an electrical device, an ink chamber (200) for storing ink; an ink supply structure (280) placed in the lower part (201) of the cartridge body (22), adapted and configured to deliver ink from the ink chamber (200) to the inkjet printing apparatus (50) , the ink supply structure (280) having a leading edge (288) of mounting direction (SD) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge (20); a terminal support structure (408) located near the front part (203) of the cartridge body (203), the terminal support structure (408) having a plurality of electrically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) adapted and arranged in the terminal support structure (408) for contacting and receiving the elastic force (Pt) of the contact forming elements (731-739) of the printing apparatus (50) by ink jet when the ink cartridge (20) is mounted on the printing apparatus (50), the terminals (400) arranged substantially in a terminal plane (TP) that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the edge plane ( 288) forward; and a first restriction part (210) adapted to engage with the lever engagement part (810) (80) to restrict the movement of the ink cartridge (20) in an opposite direction (RD) to the direction of assembly (SD ), the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) located adjacent to the terminal support structure (408).

Now some of the benefits of the previous variation of the seventh modification will be described. The terminals must be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, to ensure reliable electrical communication between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement part of the first restriction part is located adjacent to the terminal support structure, the positioning action of the first restriction part occurs near the part where positioning is most necessary (it is that is, the terminals of the terminal support structure). The elastic force of the device side terminals can be adequately counteracted. In addition, the positional change of the terminals, which may occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be suppressed. Therefore, the positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals.

In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the material to produce the cartridge may be different from the material used to produce the lever. In addition, the cartridge material can be selected with less concern for flexibility and durability requirements, and with a greater focus on other properties such as ink resistance.

In addition, because the lever is not in the cartridge, no special care is needed to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the conditioning of the cartridge for transport and distribution. This simplifies the conditioning requirements and improves user comfort. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made smaller. This also allows the reduction of the size of the conditioning material, such as paper or box, used to condition the cartridge for transporting or distributing the cartridge, which advantageously reduces transport and parts costs. In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first part of the cartridge side restriction can be carried out with a small size and a simple structure, and with greater rigidity, compared to the structures described in US publication n. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in a significant reduction in the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restriction part. In the attached or mounted state, the cartridge can be kept in the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first cartridge side restriction part may have a small size and a simple structure, no special care is required to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the condition for transporting and distributing the cartridge, as opposed to US publication cartridges No. 2005/0151811. This reduces conditioning requirements and also improves user comfort.

It is possible that the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the hitch part of the cartridge to each other is only a rigid structure (which is not the case with the flexible levers of US publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the hitch part to the cartridge terminals, so the electrical communication is more stable.

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 cleaned during insertion of the cartridge into the printer. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates the insulation fragments (dust) that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape long distances against the circuit board during cartridge installation.

Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic force that includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is detached from the printer, it is not necessary to provide a spring such as the spring 103 described in the U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force of the printer side terminals serves to press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the cartridge in the direction of removal of the printer when the hitch is released. between the first restriction part and the printer lever. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in the case of US Patent 6,955,422, which allows for a simpler structure and reduced costs.

Because the first restriction part is adapted to engage with the lever engagement part to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the opposite direction to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will be held in place. with respect to the direction of assembly by the elastic force of the contact forming elements of the device side, and with respect to the direction opposite to the direction of assembly by the first restriction part, when the cartridge is mounted in the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "interleaved" in this way, they are firmly fixed so that they do not move both in the direction of assembly and in the direction opposite to the direction of assembly. Therefore, there is less likelihood of misalignment or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the device-side contact forming elements, compared to the unilateral restriction by the elastic part 40 and the related configuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.

Adaptation 1

The ink cartridge as described above in which the terminal plane (TP) forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

As mentioned with reference to Figures 42A-45, when the terminal plane forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane defined by the leading edge, excessive cleaning is avoided and sufficient force can be applied to Avoid half insertion.

Adaptation 2

The ink cartridge as described above, wherein when the front part (203) of the cartridge body (20) is seen with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is located to the left of a right edge of the terminal to the right of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of a left edge of the terminal to the left of the plurality of terminals (400 ).

When the ink cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is held too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus side contact forming elements (terminal 734 in Figure 31, for example), It may not be safe. By locating the hitching part of the first restriction part to the left of a right edge of the terminal to the right of the plurality of terminals and to the right of a left edge of the terminal to the left of the plurality of terminals, the Ink cartridge can be tilted sufficiently so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device side contact forming elements can be even more stable.

Adaptation 3

The ink cartridge (20) as described above further comprising a second restriction part (220) in the rear part (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the second restriction part (220) adapted and configured to engage with a respective part (620) of the ink jet printing apparatus (50), in which the distance (B) between the engagement part of the second restriction part (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is greater than the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

When the coupling part of the second restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the coupling part of the first restriction part, the possibility of the first lateral restriction part being disengaged from the part of printer engagement can be reduced more effectively, compared to the case in which the engagement part of the first restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the engagement part of the second restriction part.

4 adaptation

The ink cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the ink cartridge (20) from the side (203) with the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) down, the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (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).

When the distance between the engagement part of the first restriction part 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 movement of the cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the first restriction part is unlocked or disengaged from the lever engagement part, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements and reducing the possibility of continuity. deficient. The first restriction part can move around the axis of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming elements to the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the hitch part of the first restriction part will be disengaged from the hitch part of the lever.

Adaptation 5

The ink cartridge as described above, wherein when the ink cartridge (20) is viewed from the side (203) with the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) down, the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is to the left of a pivot point (800c) of the lever when the cartridge is mounted.

When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement part of the first restriction part is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when the cartridge is viewed from the side with the engagement part of the first restriction part a to the right and the ink supply structure down, the first restriction part generates a rotation moment in the lever to rotate the lever around the axis of rotation of the lever in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the coupling part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the lever engagement part and also ensures the stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements of the device side. Although the cartridge receives strength, the first restriction part will move with the cartridge. Said movement reduces the possibility that the engagement part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the engagement part of the lever.

Adaptation 6

The ink cartridge as described above, wherein when the front part (203) of the cartridge body (22) is seen with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, at least a part of the part (212 ) of engagement of the first restriction part (210) is located substantially in the center of the width of the ink cartridge (20).

By providing the first restriction part in such a position so that at least a part of the engagement part of the first restriction part is located substantially in the center of the width of the ink cartridge, the first restriction part is located extremely close to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device side contact forming elements can be stable.

Adaptation 7

The ink cartridge as described above in which the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially at the level of the lower part (201).

G-7-3. Third variation

An ink cartridge (20) adapted to be removably mounted in an inkjet printing apparatus (50), the inkjet printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of elements (731 739) apparatus side contact formation constructed and arranged to apply elastic force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20) when the ink cartridge (20) is pressed against the formation elements (731-739) apparatus side contact, the ink jet printing apparatus (50) also comprising a lever (80) having an engagement part (810), the ink cartridge (20) comprising, a cartridge body (22) which includes a first surface (203), a second surface (204), a third surface (202) and a fourth surface (201), in which the first surface (203) and the second surface (204) are opposed between yes and the third surface (202) and the fourth surface (201) are opposite each other; an electrical device; an ink chamber (200) for storing ink; an ink supply structure (280) placed on the fourth surface (201) of the cartridge body (22), adapted and configured to deliver ink from the ink chamber (200) to the inkjet printing apparatus (50) , the ink supply structure (280) having a leading edge (288) of mounting direction (SD) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge (20); a terminal support structure (408) located near the first surface (203) of the cartridge body (22), the terminal support structure (408) having a plurality of electrically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the contact parts (cp) adapted and arranged in the contact part structure (408) to come into contact with and receive the elastic force (Pt) of the contact forming elements (731-739) in the parts (cp ) of contact of the terminals (400) when the ink cartridge (20) is mounted in the printing apparatus (50), the contact parts (400) disposed substantially in a plane of contact part (TP) which is not neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane of the leading edge (288); and a first restriction part (210) adapted to engage with the lever engagement part (810) (80) to restrict the movement of the ink cartridge (20) in an opposite direction (RD) to the direction of assembly (SD ), the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) located adjacent to the terminal support structure (408).

Now some of the benefits of the previous variation of the seventh modification will be described. The terminals must be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, to ensure reliable electrical communication between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement part of the first restriction part is located adjacent to the terminal support structure, the positioning action of the first restriction part occurs near the part where positioning is most necessary (it is that is, the terminals of the terminal support structure). The elastic force of the device side terminals can be adequately counteracted. In addition, the positional change of the terminals, which may occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be suppressed. Therefore, the positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals.

In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the material to produce the cartridge may be different from the material used to produce the lever. In addition, the cartridge material can be selected with less concern for flexibility and durability requirements, and with a greater focus on other properties such as ink resistance.

In addition, because the lever is not in the cartridge, no special care is needed to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the conditioning of the cartridge for transport and distribution. This simplifies the conditioning requirements and improves user comfort. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made smaller. This also allows the reduction of the size of the conditioning material, such as paper or box, used to condition the cartridge for transporting or distributing the cartridge, which advantageously reduces transport and parts costs. In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first part of the cartridge side restriction can be carried out with a small size and a simple structure, and with greater rigidity, compared to the structures described in US publication n. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in a significant reduction in the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restriction part. In the attached or mounted state, the cartridge can be kept in the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first cartridge side restriction part may have a small size and a simple structure, no special care is required to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the condition for transporting and distributing the cartridge, as opposed to US publication cartridges No. 2005/0151811. This reduces conditioning requirements and also improves user comfort.

It is possible that the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the hitch part of the cartridge to each other is only a rigid structure (which is not the case with the flexible levers of US publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the hitch part to the cartridge terminals, so the electrical communication is more stable.

Because the contact part 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 cleaned properly during cartridge insertion on the printer In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates the insulation fragments (dust) that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape long distances against the circuit board during cartridge installation.

Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic force that includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is detached from the printer, it is not necessary to provide a spring such as the spring 103 described in the U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force of the printer side terminals serves to press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the cartridge in the direction of removal of the printer when the hitch is released. between the first restriction part and the printer lever. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in the case of US Patent 6,955,422, which allows for a simpler structure and reduced costs.

Because the first restriction part is adapted to engage with the lever engagement part to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the opposite direction to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will be held in place. with respect to the direction of assembly by the elastic force of the contact forming elements of the device side, and with respect to the direction opposite to the direction of assembly by the first restriction part, when the cartridge is mounted in the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "interleaved" in this way, they are firmly fixed so that they do not move both in the direction of assembly and in the direction opposite to the direction of assembly. Therefore, there is less likelihood of misalignment or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the device-side contact forming elements, compared to the unilateral restriction by the elastic part 40 and the related configuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.

Adaptation 1

The ink cartridge as described above, in which the contact part plane (TP) forms an angle between about 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

As mentioned with reference to Figures 42A-45, when the plane of the contact part forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane defined by the leading edge, excessive cleaning is avoided and a force can be applied Enough to avoid half insertion.

Adaptation 2

The ink cartridge as described above, wherein when the first surface (203) of the cartridge body (20) is seen with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement part (212) of the First restriction part (210) is located to the left of the rightmost contact part of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of the leftmost contact part of the plurality of terminals (400).

When the ink cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is held too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus side contact forming elements (terminal 734 in Figure 31, for example), It may not be safe. By locating the engagement part of the first restriction part to the left of the rightmost contact part of the plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact part of the plurality of terminals, the cartridge Ink can be tilted enough so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the apparatus can be even more stable.

Adaptation 3

The ink cartridge (20) as described above further comprising a second restriction part (220) on the second surface (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the second restriction part (220) adapted and configured to engage with a respective part (620) of the ink jet printing apparatus (50), in which the distance (B) between the engagement part of the second restriction part (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is greater than the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

When the coupling part of the second restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the coupling part of the first restriction part, the possibility of the first lateral restriction part being disengaged from the part of printer engagement can be reduced more effectively, compared to the case in which the engagement part of the first restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the engagement part of the second restriction part.

4 adaptation

The ink cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the ink cartridge (20) from the side (203) with the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) down, the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first part (210) of constraint 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 edge (288) front when the cartridge (20) is mounted, when distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

When the distance between the engagement part of the first restriction part 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 movement of the cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the first restriction part is unlocked or disengaged from the lever engagement part, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements and reducing the possibility of continuity. deficient. The first restriction part can move around the axis of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming elements to the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the hitch part of the first restriction part will be disengaged from the hitch part of the lever.

Adaptation 5

The ink cartridge as described above, wherein when the ink cartridge (20) is viewed from the side (203) with the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) down, the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is to the left of a pivot point (800c) of the lever when the cartridge is mounted.

When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement part of the first restriction part is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when the cartridge is viewed from the side with the engagement part of the first restriction part a to the right and the ink supply structure down, the first restriction part generates a rotation moment in the lever to rotate the lever around the axis of rotation of the lever in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the coupling part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the lever engagement part and also ensures the stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements of the device side. Although the cartridge receives strength, the first restriction part will move with the cartridge. Said movement reduces the possibility that the engagement part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the engagement part of the lever.

Adaptation 6

The ink cartridge as described above, wherein when the first surface (203) of the cartridge body (22) is seen with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, at least a part of the part (212 ) of engagement of the first restriction part (210) is located substantially in the center of the width of the ink cartridge (20).

By providing the first restriction part in such a position so that at least a part of the engagement part of the first restriction part is located substantially in the center of the width of the ink cartridge, the first restriction part is located extremely close to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device side contact forming elements can be stable.

Adaptation 7

The ink cartridge as described above in which the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially at the level of the fourth surface (201).

G-7-4. Fourth Variation

An ink cartridge (20) adapted to be removably mounted in an inkjet printing apparatus (50), the inkjet printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of contact forming elements (731 739) on the side of the device constructed and arranged to apply elastic force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20) when the ink cartridge (20) is pressed against the contact side forming elements (731-739), also comprising the ink jet printing apparatus (50) a lever (80) having an engagement part (810), the ink cartridge (20) comprising a cartridge body (22) including a first surface (203), a second surface (204), a third surface (202) and a fourth surface (201), in which the first surface (203) and the second surface (204) are opposite each other and the third surface (202) and the fourth surface (201) are opposite each other; an electrical device, an ink chamber (200) for storing ink; an ink supply structure (280) placed on the fourth surface (201) of the cartridge body (22), adapted and configured to deliver ink from the ink chamber (200) to the inkjet printing apparatus (50) , the ink supply structure (280) having a leading edge (288) of mounting direction (SD) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge (20); a terminal support structure (408) located near the first surface (203) of the cartridge body (22), the structure (408) having terminal support a plurality of electrically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) adapted and arranged in the terminal support structure (408) to contact and receive the elastic force (Pt) of the contact forming elements (731-739), when the ink cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus (50), the terminals (400) arranged substantially in a terminal plane (TP) that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane of the leading edge (208), so that a vector component of the elastic force (Pt) of the device-side contact forming elements (731-739) drives the ink cartridge in an opposite direction (RD) to the direction of assembly (SD); and a first restriction part (210) adapted to engage with the lever engagement part (810) (80) to restrict the movement of the ink cartridge (20) in an opposite direction (RD) to the direction of assembly (SD ), the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) located adjacent to the terminal support structure (408).

Now some of the benefits of the previous variation of the seventh modification will be described. The terminals must be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, to ensure reliable electrical communication between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement part of the first restriction part is located adjacent to the terminal support structure, the positioning action of the first restriction part occurs near the part where positioning is most necessary (it is that is, the terminals of the terminal support structure). The elastic force of the device side terminals can be adequately counteracted. In addition, the positional change of the terminals, which may occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be suppressed. Therefore, the positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals.

In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the material to produce the cartridge may be different from the material used to produce the lever. In addition, the cartridge material can be selected with less concern for flexibility and durability requirements, and with a greater focus on other properties such as ink resistance.

In addition, because the lever is not in the cartridge, no special care is needed to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the conditioning of the cartridge for transport and distribution. This simplifies the conditioning requirements and improves user comfort. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made smaller. This also allows the reduction of the size of the conditioning material, such as paper or box, used to condition the cartridge for transporting or distributing the cartridge, which advantageously reduces transport and parts costs. In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first part of the cartridge side restriction can be carried out with a small size and a simple structure, and with greater rigidity, compared to the structures described in US publication n. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in a significant reduction in the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restriction part. In the attached or mounted state, the cartridge can be kept in the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first cartridge side restriction part may have a small size and a simple structure, no special care is required to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the condition for transporting and distributing the cartridge, as opposed to US publication cartridges No. 2005/0151811. This reduces conditioning requirements and also improves user comfort.

It is possible that the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the hitch part of the cartridge to each other is only a rigid structure (which is not the case with the flexible levers of US publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the hitch part to the cartridge terminals, so the electrical communication is more stable.

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 cleaned during insertion of the cartridge into the printer. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates the insulation fragments (dust) that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape long distances against the circuit board during cartridge installation.

Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic force that includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is detached from the printer, it is not necessary to provide a spring such as the spring 103 described in the U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force of the printer side terminals serves to press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the cartridge in the direction of removal of the printer when the hitch is released. between the first restriction part and the printer lever. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in the case of US Patent 6,955,422, which allows for a simpler structure and reduced costs.

Because the first restriction part is adapted to engage with the engagement part of the lever to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the opposite direction to the direction of assembly, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will be held in place with respect to the direction of assembly by the elastic force of the side contact forming elements of apparatus, and with respect to the opposite direction to the direction of assembly by the first restriction part, when the cartridge is mounted in the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "interleaved" in this way, they are firmly fixed so that they do not move both in the direction of assembly and in the direction opposite to the direction of assembly. Therefore, there is less likelihood of misalignment or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the device-side contact forming elements, compared to the unilateral restriction by the elastic part 40 and the related configuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.

Adaptation 1

The ink cartridge as described above in which the terminal plane (TP) forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

As mentioned with reference to Figures 42A-45, when the terminal plane forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane defined by the leading edge, excessive cleaning is avoided and sufficient force can be applied to Avoid half insertion.

Adaptation 2

The ink cartridge as described above, wherein when the first surface (203) of the cartridge body (20) is seen with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement part (212) of the First restriction part (210) is located to the left of the rightmost contact part of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of the leftmost contact part of the plurality of terminals (400).

When the ink cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is held too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus side contact forming elements (terminal 734 in Figure 31, for example), It may not be safe. By locating the engagement part of the first restriction part to the left of the rightmost contact part of the plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact part of the plurality of terminals, the cartridge Ink can be tilted enough so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the apparatus can be even more stable.

The ink cartridge (20) as described above further comprising a second restriction part (220) on the second surface (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the second restriction part (220) adapted and configured to engage with a respective part (620) of the ink jet printing apparatus (50), in which the distance (B) between the engagement part of the second restriction part (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is greater than the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

When the coupling part of the second restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the coupling part of the first restriction part, the possibility of the first lateral restriction part being disengaged from the part of printer engagement can be reduced more effectively, compared to the case in which the engagement part of the first restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the engagement part of the second restriction part.

4 adaptation

The ink cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the ink cartridge (20) from the side (203) with the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) down, the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (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).

When the distance between the engagement part of the first restriction part 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 movement of the cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the first restriction part is unlocked or disengaged from the lever engagement part, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements and reducing the possibility of continuity. deficient. The first restriction part can move around the axis of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming elements to the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the hitch part of the first restriction part will be disengaged from the hitch part of the lever.

Adaptation 5

The ink cartridge as described above, wherein when the ink cartridge (20) is viewed from the side (203) with the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) down, the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is to the left of a pivot point (800c) of the lever when the cartridge is mounted.

When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement part of the first restriction part is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when the cartridge is viewed from the side with the engagement part of the first restriction part a to the right and the ink supply structure down, the first restriction part generates a rotation moment in the lever to rotate the lever around the axis of rotation of the lever in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the coupling part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the lever engagement part and also ensures the stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements of the device side. Although the cartridge receives strength, the first restriction part will move with the cartridge. Said movement reduces the possibility that the engagement part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the engagement part of the lever.

Adaptation 6

The ink cartridge as described above, wherein when the first surface (203) of the cartridge body (22) is seen with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, at least a part of the part (212 ) of engagement of the first restriction part (210) is located substantially in the center of the width of the ink cartridge (20).

By providing the first restriction part in such a position so that at least a part of the engagement part of the first restriction part is located substantially in the center of the width of the ink cartridge, the first restriction part is located extremely close to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device side contact forming elements can be stable.

Adaptation 7

The ink cartridge as described above in which the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially at the level of the fourth surface (201).

G-7-5. Fifth variation

A combination of an ink cartridge (20) and a part of an ink jet printing apparatus (50), the combination comprising: a part of an inkjet printing apparatus (50), the part comprising: a plurality of apparatus side contact forming elements (731-739) that apply an elastic force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20); and a lever (80) having a hitch part (810); an ink cartridge (20), the ink cartridge (20) comprising a cartridge body (22) including a front part (203), a rear part (204), an upper part (202) and a part (201) ) lower, the front part (203) and the rear part (204) opposite each other and the upper part (202) and the lower part (201) opposite each other; an ink chamber (200) for storing ink; an electrical device, an ink supply structure (280) placed in the lower part (201) of the cartridge body (22), adapted and configured to deliver ink from the ink chamber (200) to the printing apparatus (50) by ink jet, the ink supply structure (280) having a leading edge (288) of direction of assembly (SD) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge (20); a terminal support structure (408) located near the front part (203) of the cartridge body (22), the terminal support structure (408) having a plurality of electrically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) in the terminal support structure (408) in contact with and receiving the elastic force (Pt) of the contact forming elements (731-739) in the contact parts (cp) of the terminals ( 400), the contact parts (cp) disposed substantially in a plane of contact part (TP) that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane of the leading edge (288); and a first restriction part (210) engaged with the lever engagement part (810) (80) to restrict the movement of the ink cartridge (20) in an opposite direction (RD) to the direction of assembly (SD), the coupling part (212) of the first restriction part (210) located adjacent to the terminal support structure (408).

Now some of the benefits of the previous variation of the seventh modification will be described. The terminals must be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, to ensure reliable electrical communication between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement part of the first restriction part is located adjacent to the terminal support structure, the positioning action of the first restriction part occurs near the part where positioning is most necessary (it is that is, the terminals of the terminal support structure). The force Elastic device side terminals can be properly counteracted. In addition, the positional change of the terminals, which may occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be suppressed. Therefore, the positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals.

In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the material to produce the cartridge may be different from the material used to produce the lever. In addition, the cartridge material can be selected with less concern for flexibility and durability requirements, and with a greater focus on other properties such as ink resistance.

In addition, because the lever is not in the cartridge, no special care is needed to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the conditioning of the cartridge for transport and distribution. This simplifies the conditioning requirements and improves user comfort. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made smaller. This also allows the reduction of the size of the conditioning material, such as paper or box, used to condition the cartridge for transporting or distributing the cartridge, which advantageously reduces transport and parts costs. In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first part of the cartridge side restriction can be carried out with a small size and a simple structure, and with greater rigidity, compared to the structures described in US publication n. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in a significant reduction in the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restriction part. In the attached or mounted state, the cartridge can be kept in the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first cartridge side restriction part may have a small size and a simple structure, no special care is required to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the condition for transporting and distributing the cartridge, as opposed to US publication cartridges No. 2005/0151811. This reduces conditioning requirements and also improves user comfort.

It is possible that the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the hitch part of the cartridge to each other is only a rigid structure (which is not the case with the flexible levers of US publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the hitch part to the cartridge terminals, so the electrical communication is more stable.

Because the contact part 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 cleaned properly during cartridge insertion on the printer In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates the insulation fragments (dust) that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape long distances against the circuit board during cartridge installation.

Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic force that includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is detached from the printer, it is not necessary to provide a spring such as the spring 103 described in the U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force of the printer side terminals serves to press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the cartridge in the direction of removal of the printer when the hitch is released. between the first restriction part and the printer lever. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in the case of US Patent 6,955,422, which allows for a simpler structure and reduced costs.

Because the first restriction part engages with the lever engagement part to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the opposite direction to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will remain in place with respect to to the direction of assembly by the elastic force of the contact forming elements of the device side, and with respect to the direction opposite to the direction of assembly by the first restriction part, when the cartridge is mounted in the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "interleaved" in this way, they are firmly fixed so that they do not move both in the direction of assembly and in the direction opposite to the direction of assembly. Therefore, there is less likelihood of misalignment or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the device-side contact forming elements, compared to the unilateral restriction by the elastic part 40 and the related configuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.

Adaptation 1

The combination described above, in which the plane of the contact part (TP) forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

As discussed with reference to Figures 42A-45, when the contact part plane forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane defined by the leading edge, cleaning is avoided. excessive and sufficient force can be applied to avoid half insertion.

Adaptation 2

The combination described above, in which when the front part (203) of the cartridge body (20) is seen with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement part (212) of the first part (210) ) of restriction is located to the left of the rightmost contact part of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of the leftmost contact part of the plurality of terminals (400).

When the ink cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is held too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus side contact forming elements (terminal 734 in Figure 31, for example), It may not be safe. By locating the engagement part of the first restriction part to the left of the rightmost contact part of the plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact part of the plurality of terminals, the cartridge Ink can be tilted enough so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the apparatus can be even more stable.

Adaptation 3

The combination described above further comprising a second restriction part (220) in the rear part (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the second restriction part (220) engaged with a respective part (620) of the apparatus (50) ) inkjet printing, in which the distance (B) between the engagement part of the second restriction part (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is greater than the distance ( A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (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).

When the coupling part of the second restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the coupling part of the first restriction part, the possibility of the first lateral restriction part being disengaged from the part of printer engagement can be reduced more effectively, compared to the case in which the engagement part of the first restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the engagement part of the second restriction part.

4 adaptation

The combination described above, in which the lever (80) has two ends and an intermediate pivot point (800c) between the two ends and when the ink cartridge (20) is seen from the side (203) with the part ( 212) engaging the first restriction part (210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) down, the distance (A) between the engaging part (212) of the first part (210) of constraint 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 edge (288) front when the cartridge (20) is mounted, when distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

When the distance between the engagement part of the first restriction part 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 movement of the cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the first restriction part is unlocked or disengaged from the lever engagement part, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements and reducing the possibility of continuity. deficient. The first restriction part can move around the axis of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming elements to the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the hitch part of the first restriction part will be disengaged from the hitch part of the lever.

Adaptation 5

The combination described above, in which the lever (80) has two ends and an intermediate pivot point (800c) between the two ends and when the ink cartridge (20) is seen from the side (203) with the part ( 212) engaging the first restriction part (210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) down, the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is to the left of the pivot point (800c) of the lever.

When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement part of the first restriction part is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when the cartridge is viewed from the side with the engagement part of the first restriction part a to the right and the ink supply structure down, the first restriction part generates a rotation moment in the lever to rotate the lever around the axis of rotation of the lever in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the hitch part of the The first restriction part is unlocked from the lever engagement part and also ensures the stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the device. Although the cartridge receives strength, the first restriction part will move with the cartridge. Said movement reduces the possibility that the engagement part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the engagement part of the lever.

Adaptation 6

The combination described above, in which when the front part (203) of the cartridge body (22) is seen with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, at least a part of the engagement part (212) of The first restriction part (210) is substantially in the center of the width of the ink cartridge (20). By providing the first restriction part in such a position so that at least a part of the engagement part of the first restriction part is located substantially in the center of the width of the ink cartridge, the first restriction part is located extremely close to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device side contact forming elements can be stable.

Adaptation 7

The combination described above in which the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially at the level of the lower part (201).

G-7-6. Sixth variation

A combination of an ink cartridge (20) and a part of an inkjet printing apparatus (50), the combination comprising a portion of an inkjet printing apparatus (50), the portion comprising: a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming elements (731-739) that apply an elastic force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20); and a lever (80) having a hitch part (810); an ink cartridge (20), comprising the ink cartridge (20): a cartridge body (22) that includes a front part (203), a rear part (204), an upper part (202) and a part ( 201) lower, the front part (203) and the rear part (204) opposite each other and the upper part (202) and the lower part (201) opposite each other; an electrical device, an ink chamber (200) for storing ink; an ink supply structure (280) placed in the lower part (201) of the cartridge body (22), adapted and configured to deliver ink from the ink chamber (200) to the inkjet printing apparatus (50) , the ink supply structure (280) having a leading edge (288) of mounting direction (SD) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge (20); a terminal support structure (408) located near the front part (203) of the cartridge body (22), the terminal support structure (408) having a plurality of electrically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) entering the terminal support structure (408) in contact with and receiving the elastic force (Pt) of the contact forming elements (731-739), the terminals (400) arranged substantially in a plane terminal (TP) which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane of the leading edge (288); and a first restriction part (210) engaged with the lever engagement part (810) (80) to restrict the movement of the ink cartridge (20) in an opposite direction (RD) to the direction of assembly (SD), the coupling part (212) of the first restriction part (210) located adjacent to the terminal support structure (408).

Now some of the benefits of the previous variation of the seventh modification will be described. The terminals must be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, to ensure reliable electrical communication between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement part of the first restriction part is located adjacent to the terminal support structure, the positioning action of the first restriction part occurs near the part where positioning is most necessary (it is that is, the terminals of the terminal support structure). The elastic force of the device side terminals can be adequately counteracted. In addition, the positional change of the terminals, which may occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be suppressed. Therefore, the positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals.

In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the material to produce the cartridge may be different from the material used to produce the lever. In addition, the cartridge material can be selected with less concern for flexibility and durability requirements, and with a greater focus on other properties such as ink resistance.

In addition, because the lever is not in the cartridge, no special care is needed to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the conditioning of the cartridge for transport and distribution. This simplifies the conditioning requirements and improves user comfort. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made smaller. This also allows for size reduction of the conditioning material, such as paper or box, used to condition the cartridge for transporting or distributing the cartridge, which advantageously reduces transport and parts costs. In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first part of the cartridge side restriction can be carried out with a small size and a simple structure, and with greater rigidity, compared to the structures described in US publication n. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in a significant reduction in the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restriction part. In the attached or mounted state, the cartridge can be kept in the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first cartridge side restriction part may have a small size and a simple structure, no special care is required to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the condition for transporting and distributing the cartridge, as opposed to US publication cartridges No. 2005/0151811. This reduces conditioning requirements and also improves user comfort.

It is possible that the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the hitch part of the cartridge to each other is only a rigid structure (which is not the case with the flexible levers of US publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the hitch part to the cartridge terminals, so the electrical communication is more stable.

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 cleaned during insertion of the cartridge into the printer. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates the insulation fragments (dust) that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape long distances against the circuit board during cartridge installation.

Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic force that includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is detached from the printer, it is not necessary to provide a spring such as the spring 103 described in the U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force of the printer side terminals serves to press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the cartridge in the direction of removal of the printer when the hitch is released. between the first restriction part and the printer lever. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in the case of US Patent 6,955,422, which allows for a simpler structure and reduced costs.

Because the first restriction part engages with the lever engagement part to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the opposite direction to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will remain in place with respect to to the direction of assembly by the elastic force of the contact forming elements of the device side, and with respect to the direction opposite to the direction of assembly by the first restriction part, when the cartridge is mounted in the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "interleaved" in this way, they are firmly fixed so that they do not move both in the direction of assembly and in the direction opposite to the direction of assembly. Therefore, there is less likelihood of misalignment or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the device-side contact forming elements, compared to the unilateral restriction by the elastic part 40 and the related configuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.

Adaptation 1

The combination described above, in which the terminal plane (TP) forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

As mentioned with reference to Figures 42A-45, when the terminal plane forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane defined by the leading edge, excessive cleaning is avoided and sufficient force can be applied to Avoid half insertion.

Adaptation 2

The combination described above, in which when the front part (203) of the cartridge body (20) is seen with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement part (212) of the first part (210) ) restriction is located to the left of the right edge of the terminal to the right of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of the left edge of the terminal to the left of the plurality of terminals (400).

When the ink cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is held too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus side contact forming elements (terminal 734 in Figure 31, for example), It may not be safe. By locating the hitch part of the first restriction part to the left of a right edge of the terminal further to the right of the plurality of terminals and to the right of a left edge of the terminal more to the left of the plurality of terminals, the ink cartridge it can be tilted sufficiently so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the apparatus can be even more stable.

Adaptation 3

The combination described above further comprising a second restriction part (220) in the rear part (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the second restriction part (220) engaged with a respective part (620) of the apparatus (50) ) inkjet printing, in which the distance (B) between the engagement part of the second restriction part (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is greater than the distance ( A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (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).

When the coupling part of the second restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the coupling part of the first restriction part, the possibility of the first lateral restriction part being disengaged from the part of printer engagement can be reduced more effectively, compared to the case in which the engagement part of the first restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the engagement part of the second restriction part.

4 adaptation

The combination described above, in which the lever (80) has two ends and an intermediate pivot point (800c) between the two ends and when the ink cartridge (20) is seen from the side (203) with the part ( 212) engaging the first restriction part (210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) down, the distance (A) between the engaging part (212) of the first part (210) of constraint 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 edge (288) forward when the cartridge (20) is mounted, when distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

When the distance between the engagement part of the first restriction part 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 movement of the cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the first restriction part is unlocked or disengaged from the lever engagement part, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements and reducing the possibility of continuity. deficient. The first restriction part can move around the axis of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming elements to the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the hitch part of the first restriction part will be disengaged from the hitch part of the lever.

Adaptation 5

The combination described above, in which the lever (80) has two ends and an intermediate pivot point (800c) between the two ends and when the ink cartridge (20) is seen from the side (203) with the part ( 212) engaging the first restriction part (210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) down, the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is to the left of the pivot point (800c) of the lever.

When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement part of the first restriction part is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when the cartridge is viewed from the side with the engagement part of the first restriction part a to the right and the ink supply structure down, the first restriction part generates a rotation moment in the lever to rotate the lever around the axis of rotation of the lever in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the coupling part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the lever engagement part and also ensures the stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements of the device side. Although the cartridge receives strength, the first restriction part will move with the cartridge. Said movement reduces the possibility that the engagement part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the engagement part of the lever.

Adaptation 6

The combination described above, in which when the front part (203) of the cartridge body (22) is seen with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, at least a part of the engagement part (212) of The first restriction part (210) is substantially in the center of the width of the ink cartridge (20). By providing the first restriction part in such a position so that at least a part of the engagement part of the first restriction part is located substantially in the center of the width of the cartridge of In ink, the first restriction part is located extremely close to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device-side contact forming elements can be stable.

Adaptation 7

The combination described above in which the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially at the level of the lower part (201).

G-7-7. Seventh variation

A combination of an ink cartridge (20) and a part of an ink jet printing apparatus (50), the combination comprising: a part of an inkjet printing apparatus (50), the part comprising: a plurality of apparatus side contact forming elements (731-739) that apply an elastic force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20); and a lever (80) having a hitch part (810); an ink cartridge (20), the ink cartridge (20) comprising a cartridge body (22) that includes a first surface (201), a second surface (204), a third surface (202) and a fourth surface ( 201), wherein the first surface (203) and the second surface (204) are opposite each other and the third surface (202) and the fourth surface (201) are opposite each other; an electrical device, an ink chamber (200) for storing ink; an ink supply structure (280) placed on the fourth surface (201) of the cartridge body (22), adapted and configured to deliver ink from the ink chamber (200) to the inkjet printing apparatus (50) , the ink supply structure (280) having a leading edge (288) of mounting direction (SD) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge (20); a terminal support structure (408) located near the first surface (203) of the cartridge body (22), the terminal support structure (408) having a plurality of electrically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) in the terminal support structure (408) in contact with and receiving the elastic force (Pt) of the contact forming elements (731-739) in the contact parts (cp) of the terminals ( 400), the contact parts (cp) disposed substantially in a plane of contact part (TP) that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane of the leading edge (288); and a first restriction part (210) coupled with the lever engagement part (810) (80) to restrict the movement of the ink cartridge (20) in an opposite direction (RD) to the mounting direction (SD), the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) located adjacent to the terminal support structure (408).

Now some of the benefits of the previous variation of the seventh modification will be described. The terminals must be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, to ensure reliable electrical communication between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement part of the first restriction part is located adjacent to the terminal support structure, the positioning action of the first restriction part occurs near the part where positioning is most necessary (it is that is, the terminals of the terminal support structure). The elastic force of the device side terminals can be adequately counteracted. In addition, the positional change of the terminals, which may occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be suppressed. Therefore, the positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals.

In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the material to produce the cartridge may be different from the material used to produce the lever. In addition, the cartridge material can be selected with less concern for flexibility and durability requirements, and with a greater focus on other properties such as ink resistance.

In addition, because the lever is not in the cartridge, no special care is needed to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the conditioning of the cartridge for transport and distribution. This simplifies the conditioning requirements and improves user comfort. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made smaller. This also allows the reduction of the size of the conditioning material, such as paper or box, used to condition the cartridge for transporting or distributing the cartridge, which advantageously reduces transport and parts costs. In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first part of the cartridge side restriction can be carried out with a small size and a simple structure, and with greater rigidity, compared to the structures described in US publication n. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in a significant reduction in the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restriction part. In the attached or mounted state, the cartridge can be kept in the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first cartridge side restriction part may have a small size and a simple structure, no special care is required to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the condition for transporting and distributing the cartridge, as opposed to US publication cartridges No. 2005/0151811. This reduces conditioning requirements and also improves user comfort.

It is possible that the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the hitch part of the cartridge to each other is only a rigid structure (which is not the case with the flexible levers of US publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the hitch part to the cartridge terminals, so the electrical communication is more stable.

Because the contact part 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 cleaned properly during cartridge insertion on the printer In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates the insulation fragments (dust) that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape long distances against the circuit board during cartridge installation.

Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic force that includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is detached from the printer, it is not necessary to provide a spring such as the spring 103 described in the U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force of the printer side terminals serves to press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the cartridge in the direction of removal of the printer when the hitch is released. between the first restriction part and the printer lever. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in the case of US Patent 6,955,422, which allows for a simpler structure and reduced costs.

Because the first restriction part engages with the lever engagement part to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the opposite direction to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will remain in place with respect to to the direction of assembly by the elastic force of the contact forming elements of the device side, and with respect to the direction opposite to the direction of assembly by the first restriction part, when the cartridge is mounted in the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "interleaved" in this way, they are firmly fixed so that they do not move both in the direction of assembly and in the direction opposite to the direction of assembly. Therefore, there is less likelihood of misalignment or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the device-side contact forming elements, compared to the unilateral restriction by the elastic part 40 and the related configuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.

Adaptation 1

The combination described above, in which the contact part plane (TP) forms an angle between about 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

As mentioned with reference to Figures 42A-45, when the plane of the contact part forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane defined by the leading edge, excessive cleaning is avoided and a force can be applied Enough to avoid half insertion.

Adaptation 2

The combination as described above, wherein when the first surface (203) of the cartridge body (20) is seen with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement part (212) of the first part (210) restriction is located to the left of the rightmost contact part of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of the leftmost contact part of the plurality of terminals (400).

When the ink cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is held too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus side contact forming elements (terminal 734 in Figure 31, for example), It may not be safe. By locating the engagement part of the first restriction part to the left of the rightmost contact part of the plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact part of the plurality of terminals, the cartridge Ink can be tilted enough so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the apparatus can be even more stable.

Adaptation 3

The combination described above further comprising a second restriction part (220) on the second surface (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the second restriction part (220) engaged with a respective part (620) of the apparatus (50) ) inkjet printing, in which the distance (B) between the engagement part of the second restriction part (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is greater than the distance ( A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (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).

When the coupling part of the second restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the coupling part of the first restriction part, the possibility of the first lateral restriction part being disengaged from the part of printer engagement can be reduced more effectively, compared to the case in which the engagement part of the first restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the engagement part of the second restriction part.

4 adaptation

The combination described above, in which the lever (80) has two ends and an intermediate pivot point (800c) between the two ends and when the ink cartridge (20) is seen from the side (203) with the part ( 212) engaging the first restriction part (210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) down, the distance (A) between the engaging part (212) of the first part (210) of constraint 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 edge (288) forward when the cartridge (20) is mounted, when distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

When the distance between the engagement part of the first restriction part 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 movement of the cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the first restriction part is unlocked or disengaged from the lever engagement part, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements and reducing the possibility of continuity. deficient. The first restriction part can move around the axis of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming elements to the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the hitch part of the first restriction part will be disengaged from the hitch part of the lever.

Adaptation 5

The combination described above, in which the lever (80) has two ends and an intermediate pivot point (800c) between the two ends and when the ink cartridge (20) is seen from the side (203) with the part ( 212) engaging the first restriction part (210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) down, the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is to the left of the pivot point (800c) of the lever.

When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement part of the first restriction part is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when the cartridge is viewed from the side with the engagement part of the first restriction part a to the right and the ink supply structure down, the first restriction part generates a rotation moment in the lever to rotate the lever around the axis of rotation of the lever in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the coupling part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the lever engagement part and also ensures the stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements of the device side. Although the cartridge receives strength, the first restriction part will move with the cartridge. Said movement reduces the possibility that the engagement part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the engagement part of the lever.

Adaptation 6

The combination as described above, wherein when the first surface (203) of the cartridge body (22) is seen with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, at least a part of the part (212) of Hook of the first restriction part (210) is located substantially in the center of the width of the ink cartridge (20).

By providing the first restriction part in such a position so that at least a part of the engagement part of the first restriction part is located substantially in the center of the width of the ink cartridge, the first restriction part is located extremely close to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device side contact forming elements can be stable.

Adaptation 7

The combination described above in which the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially at the level of the fourth surface (201).

G-7-8. Eighth variation

A combination of an ink cartridge (20) and a part of an ink jet printing apparatus (50), the combination comprising: a part of an ink jet printing apparatus (50), the part comprising: a plurality of apparatus side contact forming elements (731-739) that apply an elastic force (Pt) to the cartridge (20) ink; and a lever (80) having a hitch part (810); an ink cartridge (20), the ink cartridge (20) comprising a cartridge body (22) that includes a first surface (203), a second surface (204), a third surface (202) and a fourth surface ( 201), wherein the first surface (203) and the second surface (204) are opposite each other and the third surface (202) and the fourth surface (201) are opposite each other; an electrical device, an ink chamber (200) for storing ink; an ink supply structure (280) placed on the fourth surface (201) of the cartridge body (22), adapted and configured to deliver ink from the ink chamber (200) to the inkjet printing apparatus (50) , the ink supply structure (280) having a leading edge (288) of mounting direction (SD) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge (20); a terminal support structure (408) located near the first surface (203) of the cartridge body (22), the terminal support structure (408) having a plurality of electrically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) entering the terminal support structure (408) in contact with and receiving the elastic force (Pt) of the contact forming elements (731 739), the terminals (400) arranged substantially in a plane of terminal (TP) that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane of the leading edge (288); and a first restriction part (210) including a hooking part (212) engaged with the lever engaging part (810) (80) to restrict the movement of the ink cartridge (20) in an opposite direction (RD ) in the direction of assembly (SD), the coupling part (212) of the first restriction part (210) located adjacent to the terminal support structure (408).

Now some of the benefits of the previous variation of the seventh modification will be described. The terminals must be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, to ensure reliable electrical communication between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement part of the first restriction part is located adjacent to the terminal support structure, the positioning action of the first restriction part occurs near the part where positioning is most necessary (it is that is, the terminals of the terminal support structure). The elastic force of the device side terminals can be adequately counteracted. In addition, the positional change of the terminals, which may occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be suppressed. Therefore, the positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals.

In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the material to produce the cartridge may be different from the material used to produce the lever. In addition, the cartridge material can be selected with less concern for flexibility and durability requirements, and with a greater focus on other properties such as ink resistance.

In addition, because the lever is not in the cartridge, no special care is needed to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the conditioning of the cartridge for transport and distribution. This simplifies the conditioning requirements and improves user comfort. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made smaller. This also allows the reduction of the size of the conditioning material, such as paper or box, used to condition the cartridge for transporting or distributing the cartridge, which advantageously reduces transport and parts costs. In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first part of the cartridge side restriction can be carried out with a small size and a simple structure, and with greater rigidity, compared to the structures described in US publication n. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in a significant reduction in the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restriction part. In the attached or mounted state, the cartridge can be kept in the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first cartridge side restriction part may have a small size and a simple structure, no special care is required to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the condition for transporting and distributing the cartridge, as opposed to US publication cartridges No. 2005/0151811. This reduces conditioning requirements and also improves user comfort.

It is possible that the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the hitch part of the cartridge to each other is only a rigid structure (which is not the case with the flexible levers of US publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the hitch part to the cartridge terminals, so the electrical communication is more stable.

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 cleaned during insertion of the cartridge into the printer. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates the insulation fragments (dust) that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape long distances against the circuit board during cartridge installation.

Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic force that includes a vector component in the sense in which the cartridge is detached from the printer, it is not necessary to provide a spring such as spring 103 described in US Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force of the printer side terminals serves to press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the cartridge in the direction of removal of the printer when the hitch is released. between the first restriction part and the printer lever. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in the case of US Patent 6,955,422, which allows for a simpler structure and reduced costs.

Because the first restriction part engages with the lever engagement part to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the opposite direction to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will remain in place with respect to to the direction of assembly by the elastic force of the contact forming elements of the device side, and with respect to the direction opposite to the direction of assembly by the first restriction part, when the cartridge is mounted in the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "interleaved" in this way, they are firmly fixed so that they do not move both in the direction of assembly and in the direction opposite to the direction of assembly. Therefore, there is less likelihood of misalignment or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the device-side contact forming elements, compared to the unilateral restriction by the elastic part 40 and the related configuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.

Adaptation 1

The combination described above, in which the terminal plane (TP) forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

As mentioned with reference to Figures 42A-45, when the terminal plane forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane defined by the leading edge, excessive cleaning is avoided and sufficient force can be applied to Avoid half insertion.

Adaptation 2

The combination described above, in which when the front part (203) of the cartridge body (20) is seen with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement part (212) of the first part (210) ) restriction is located to the left of the right edge of the terminal to the right of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of the left edge of the terminal to the left of the plurality of terminals (400).

When the ink cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is held too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus side contact forming elements (terminal 734 in Figure 31, for example), It may not be safe. By locating the hitching part of the first restriction part to the left of a right edge of the terminal to the right of the plurality of terminals and to the right of a left edge of the terminal to the left of the plurality of terminals, the Ink cartridge can be tilted sufficiently so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device side contact forming elements can be even more stable.

Adaptation 3

The combination described above further comprising a second restriction part (220) on the second surface (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the second restriction part (220) engaged with a respective part (620) of the apparatus (50) ) inkjet printing, in which the distance (B) between the engagement part of the second restriction part (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is greater than the distance ( A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (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).

When the coupling part of the second restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the coupling part of the first restriction part, the possibility of the first lateral restriction part being disengaged from the part of printer engagement can be reduced more effectively, compared to the case in which the engagement part of the first restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the engagement part of the second restriction part.

4 adaptation

The combination described above, in which the lever (80) has two ends and an intermediate pivot point (800c) between the two ends and when the ink cartridge (20) is seen from the side (203) with the part ( 212) engaging the first restriction part (210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) down, the distance (A) between the engaging part (212) of the first part (210) of constraint 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).

When the distance between the engagement part of the first restriction part 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 movement of the cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the first restriction part is unlocked or disengaged from the lever engagement part, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements and reducing the possibility of continuity. deficient. The first restriction part can move around the axis of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming elements to the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the hitch part of the first restriction part will be disengaged from the hitch part of the lever.

Adaptation 5

The combination described above, in which the lever (80) has two ends and an intermediate pivot point (800c) between the two ends and when the ink cartridge (20) is seen from the side (203) with the part ( 212) engaging the first restriction part (210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) down, the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is to the left of the pivot point (800c) of the lever.

When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement part of the first restriction part is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when the cartridge is viewed from the side with the engagement part of the first restriction part a to the right and the ink supply structure down, the first restriction part generates a rotation moment in the lever to rotate the lever around the axis of rotation of the lever in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the coupling part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the lever engagement part and also ensures the stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements of the device side. Although the cartridge receives strength, the first restriction part will move with the cartridge. Said movement reduces the possibility that the engagement part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the engagement part of the lever.

Adaptation 6

The combination as described above, wherein when the first surface (203) of the cartridge body (22) is seen with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, at least a part of the part (212) of Hook of the first restriction part (210) is located substantially in the center of the width of the ink cartridge (20).

By providing the first restriction part in such a position so that at least a part of the engagement part of the first restriction part is located substantially in the center of the width of the ink cartridge, the first restriction part is located extremely close to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device side contact forming elements can be stable.

Adaptation 7

The combination described above in which the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially at the level of the fourth surface (201).

G-7-9. Ninth variation

An ink supply system adapted to supply ink to an inkjet printing apparatus (50), the inkjet printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of side contact forming elements (731-739) apparatus, 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 inkjet printing apparatus (50), the ink supply structure (280) having an edge (288 ) front of the direction of assembly (SE) that defines a plane (BP); a terminal support structure (408) having a plurality of electrically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) adapted and arranged in the terminal support structure (408) to contact and receive elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming elements (731-739) in the contact parts (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) of the device-side contact forming elements (731-739) drives the ink chamber (200) in an opposite direction (RD) to the mounting direction (SD); and a first restriction part (210) adapted to engage with the lever engagement part (810) (80) to restrict the movement of the support structure (408) of terminal in the opposite direction (RD) to the mounting direction (SD); wherein the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is positioned adjacent to the terminal support structure (408) and the contact parts (cp) are disposed substantially in a contact part 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).

Now some of the benefits of the previous variation of the seventh modification will be described. The terminals must be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, to ensure reliable electrical communication between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement part of the first restriction part is located adjacent to the terminal support structure, the positioning action of the first restriction part occurs near the part where positioning is most necessary (it is that is, the terminals of the terminal support structure). The elastic force of the device side terminals can be adequately counteracted. In addition, the positional change of the terminals, which may occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be suppressed. Therefore, the positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals.

In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the material to produce the cartridge may be different from the material used to produce the lever. In addition, the cartridge material can be selected with less concern for flexibility and durability requirements, and with a greater focus on other properties such as ink resistance.

In addition, because the lever is not in the cartridge, no special care is needed to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the conditioning of the cartridge for transport and distribution. This simplifies the conditioning requirements and improves user comfort. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made smaller. This also allows the reduction of the size of the conditioning material, such as paper or box, used to condition the cartridge for transporting or distributing the cartridge, which advantageously reduces transport and parts costs. In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first part of the cartridge side restriction can be carried out with a small size and a simple structure, and with greater rigidity, compared to the structures described in US publication n. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in a significant reduction in the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restriction part. In the attached or mounted state, the cartridge can be kept in the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first cartridge side restriction part may have a small size and a simple structure, no special care is required to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the condition for transporting and distributing the cartridge, as opposed to US publication cartridges No. 2005/0151811. This reduces conditioning requirements and also improves user comfort.

It is possible that the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the hitch part of the cartridge to each other is only a rigid structure (which is not the case with the flexible levers of US publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the hitch part to the cartridge terminals, so the electrical communication is more stable.

Because the contact part 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 cleaned properly during cartridge insertion on the printer In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates the insulation fragments (dust) that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape long distances against the circuit board during cartridge installation.

Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic force that includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is detached from the printer, it is not necessary to provide a spring such as the spring 103 described in the U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force of the printer side terminals serves to press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the cartridge in the direction of removal of the printer when the hitch is released. between the first restriction part and the printer lever. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in the case of US Patent 6,955,422, which allows for a simpler structure and reduced costs.

Because the first restriction part is adapted to engage with the lever engagement part to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the opposite direction to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will be held in place. with respect to the direction of assembly by the elastic force of the contact forming elements of the device side, and with respect to the direction opposite to the direction of assembly by the first restriction part, when the cartridge is mounted in the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "interleaved" in this way, they are firmly fixed so that they do not move so much in the direction of assembly as in the opposite direction to the direction of assembly. Therefore, there is less likelihood of misalignment or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the device-side contact forming elements, compared to the unilateral restriction by the elastic part 40 and the related configuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.

Adaptation 1

The ink supply system as described above, in which the contact part plane (TP) forms an angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) when the Ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).

As mentioned with reference to Figures 42A-45, when the plane of the contact part forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane defined by the leading edge, excessive cleaning is avoided and a force can be applied Enough to avoid half insertion.

Adaptation 2

The ink supply system described above, wherein when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is located on the left from the rightmost contact part of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of the leftmost contact part of the plurality of terminals (400).

When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, if it is kept too safe, then contact with some of the apparatus side contact forming elements (terminal 734 in Figure 31, for example), may not be safe By locating the engagement part of the first restriction part to the left of the rightmost contact part of the plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact part of the plurality of terminals, there may be sufficient inclination so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the apparatus can be even more stable.

Adaptation 3

The ink supply system described above further comprising a body (22) that includes a front part (203) and a rear part (204), the front part (203) and the rear part (204) opposite each other, a second restriction part (220) close to the rear part (204) of the body (22), the terminal support structure (408) close to the front part (203) of the body (22), the second part (220) of restriction adapted and configured to engage with a respective part (620) of the inkjet printing apparatus (50), in which the distance (B) between the coupling part of the second restriction part (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is greater than the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the edge (288) forward, when distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

When the coupling part of the second restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the coupling part of the first restriction part, the possibility of the first lateral restriction part being disengaged from the part of printer engagement can be reduced more effectively, compared to the case in which the engagement part of the first restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the engagement part of the second restriction part.

4 adaptation

The ink supply system described above further comprising a body (22) that includes a first surface (203) and a second surface (204), the first surface (203) and the second surface (204) opposite each other, a second restriction part (220) near the second surface (204) of the body (22), the terminal support structure (408) close to the first surface (203) of the body (22), the second part (220) of restriction adapted and configured to engage with a respective part (620) of the inkjet printing apparatus (50), in which the distance (B) between the coupling part of the second restriction part (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is greater than the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the edge (288) forward, when distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the b order (288) front.

When the coupling part of the second restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the coupling part of the first restriction part, the possibility of the first lateral restriction part being disengaged from the part of printer engagement can be reduced more effectively, compared to the case in which the engagement part of the first restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the engagement part of the second restriction part.

Adaptation 5

The ink supply system as described above in which the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (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 apparatus (50) of impression, when distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

When the distance between the engagement part of the first restriction part 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 is used to restrict movement. This reduces the possibility that the first restriction part is unlocked or disengaged from the lever engagement part, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements and reducing the possibility of continuity. deficient. The first restriction part can move around the axis of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming elements. This reduces the possibility that the hitch part of the first restriction part will be disengaged from the hitch part of the lever.

Adaptation 6

The ink supply system as described above, wherein when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is at the right and the ink supply structure (280) is down, the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is to the left of a pivot point (800c) of the lever.

When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus and the engagement part of the first restriction part is to the left of a pivot point of the lever and the engagement part of the first restriction part to the right and the ink supply structure down, the first restriction part generates a rotation moment in the lever to rotate the lever around the axis of rotation of the lever in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the coupling part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the lever engagement part and also ensures the stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements of the device side. Furthermore, the possibility of the engagement part of the first restriction part being unlocked from the lever engagement part is reduced.

Adaptation 7

The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22) close to the terminal support structure (408), in which when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), at least a part of the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is located substantially in the center of the width of the body (22).

By providing the first restriction part in such a position so that at least a part of the engagement part of the first restriction part is located substantially in the center of the body width, the first restriction part is located extremely close to the plurality of terminals, so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the apparatus can be stable.

8 adaptation

The ink supply system described above further comprising an adapter (299) in which the ink supply structure (280), the terminal support structure (408) and the first restriction part (210) are placed in The adapter (299) and the ink chamber (200) are adapted and configured to mate with the adapter (299).

Adaptation 9

The ink supply system described above further comprising an adapter (299j) in which the terminal support structure (408) and the first restriction part (210) are placed in the adapter (299j), the structure (280 ) of the ink supply is placed in the ink chamber (200) and the ink chamber (200) is adapted and configured to engage with the adapter (299).

10 adaptation

The ink supply system described above further comprising an adapter (299k), an ink tank (200T) external to the inkjet printing apparatus (50), a tube (200L) and an adapter (200S) auxiliary in which the ink supply structure (280) is placed in the auxiliary adapter (200S), the terminal support structure (408) and the first restriction part (210) are placed in 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

The ink supply system as described above, in which it further comprises a body (22) that includes an upper part (202) and a lower part (201), the upper part and the lower part opposite each other, in that the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially at the level of the lower part (201).

G-7-10. Tenth variation

An ink supply system adapted to supply ink to an inkjet printing apparatus (50), the inkjet printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of side contact forming elements (731-739) of apparatus, the inkjet printing apparatus (50) also comprising a lever (80) having a hitch part (810), the ink supply system comprising an electrical device, an ink chamber (200) for store ink; an ink supply structure (280), adapted and configured to supply ink from the ink chamber (200) to the inkjet printing apparatus (50), the ink supply structure (280) having an edge (288 ) front of the mounting direction (SD) that defines a plane (BP); a terminal support structure (408) having a plurality of electrically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) adapted and arranged in the terminal support structure (408) to contact and receive elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming elements (731-739) when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50) so that a vector component of the elastic force (Pt) of the elements ( 731-739) apparatus side contact formation drives the ink chamber (200) in an opposite direction (RD) to the direction of assembly (SD); and a first restriction part (210) that includes an engagement part (212) adapted to engage with the lever engagement part (810) (80) to restrict the movement of the terminal support structure (408) in an opposite direction (RD) the direction of assembly (SD); wherein the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is placed adjacent to the terminal support structure (408) and the terminals (400) are arranged substantially in a terminal plane (TP) that it 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).

Now some of the benefits of the previous variation of the seventh modification will be described. The terminals must be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, to ensure reliable electrical communication between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement part of the first restriction part is located adjacent to the terminal support structure, the positioning action of the first restriction part occurs near the part where positioning is most necessary (it is that is, the terminals of the terminal support structure). The elastic force of the device side terminals can be adequately counteracted. In addition, the positional change of the terminals, which may occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be suppressed. Therefore, the positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals.

In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the material to produce the cartridge may be different from the material used to produce the lever. In addition, the cartridge material can be selected with less concern for flexibility and durability requirements, and with a greater focus on other properties such as ink resistance.

In addition, because the lever is not in the cartridge, no special care is needed to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the conditioning of the cartridge for transport and distribution. This simplifies the conditioning requirements and improves user comfort. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made smaller. This also allows the reduction of the size of the conditioning material, such as paper or box, used to condition the cartridge for transporting or distributing the cartridge, which advantageously reduces transport and parts costs. In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first part of the cartridge side restriction can be carried out with a small size and a simple structure, and with greater rigidity, compared to the structures described in US publication n. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in a significant reduction in the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restriction part. In the attached or mounted state, the cartridge can be kept in the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first cartridge side restriction part may have a small size and a simple structure, no special care is required to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the condition for transporting and distributing the cartridge, as opposed to US publication cartridges No. 2005/0151811. This reduces the requirements of conditioning and also improves user comfort.

It is possible that the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the hitch part of the cartridge to each other is only a rigid structure (which is not the case with the flexible levers of US publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the hitch part to the cartridge terminals, so the electrical communication is more stable.

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 cleaned during insertion of the cartridge into the printer. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates the insulation fragments (dust) that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape long distances against the circuit board during cartridge installation.

Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic force that includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is detached from the printer, it is not necessary to provide a spring such as the spring 103 described in the U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force of the printer side terminals serves to press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the cartridge in the direction of removal of the printer when the hitch is released. between the first restriction part and the printer lever. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in the case of US Patent 6,955,422, which allows for a simpler structure and reduced costs.

Because the first restriction part is adapted to engage with the lever engagement part to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the opposite direction to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will be held in place. with respect to the direction of assembly by the elastic force of the contact forming elements of the device side, and with respect to the direction opposite to the direction of assembly by the first restriction part, when the cartridge is mounted in the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "interleaved" in this way, they are firmly fixed so that they do not move both in the direction of assembly and in the direction opposite to the direction of assembly. Therefore, there is less likelihood of misalignment or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the device-side contact forming elements, compared to the unilateral restriction by the elastic part 40 and the related configuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.

Adaptation 1

The ink supply system described above, in which the terminal plane (TP) forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) when the delivery system ink supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).

As mentioned with reference to Figures 42A-45, when the terminal plane forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane defined by the leading edge, excessive cleaning is avoided and sufficient force can be applied to Avoid half insertion.

Adaptation 2

The ink supply system as described above, wherein when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is located at the left of the right edge of the terminal to the right of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of a left edge of the terminal to the left of the plurality of terminals (400).

When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, if it is kept too safe, then contact with some of the apparatus side contact forming elements (terminal 734 in Figure 31, for example), may not be safe By locating the hitching part of the first restriction part to the left of a right edge of the terminal to the right of the plurality of terminals and to the right of a left edge of the terminal to the left of the plurality of terminals, the Ink cartridge can be tilted sufficiently so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device side contact forming elements can be even more stable.

Adaptation 3

The ink supply system described above further comprising a body (22) that includes a front part (203) and a rear part (204), the front part (203) and the rear part (204) opposite each other, a second restriction part (220) close to the rear part (204) of the body (22), the terminal support structure (408) close to the front part (203) of the body (22), the second part (220) of restriction adapted and configured to engage with a respective part (620) of the inkjet printing apparatus (50), in which the distance (B) between the coupling part of the second restriction part (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is greater than the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the distances are they measure in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

When the coupling part of the second restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the coupling part of the first restriction part, the possibility of the first lateral restriction part being disengaged from the part of printer engagement can be reduced more effectively, compared to the case in which the engagement part of the first restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the engagement part of the second restriction part.

4 adaptation

The ink supply system described above further comprising a body (22) that includes a first surface (203) and a second surface (204), the first surface (203) and the second surface (204) opposite each other, a second restriction part (220) near the second surface (204) of the body (22), the terminal support structure (408) close to the first surface (203) of the body (22), the second part (220) of restriction adapted and configured to engage with a respective part (620) of the inkjet printing apparatus (50), in which the distance (B) between the coupling part of the second restriction part (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is greater than the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the edge (288) forward, when distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the b order (288) front.

When the coupling part of the second restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the coupling part of the first restriction part, the possibility of the first lateral restriction part being disengaged from the part of printer engagement can be reduced more effectively, compared to the case in which the engagement part of the first restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the engagement part of the second restriction part.

Adaptation 5

The ink supply system as described above in which the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (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 apparatus (50) of impression, when distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

When the distance between the engagement part of the first restriction part 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 is used to restrict movement. This reduces the possibility that the first restriction part is unlocked or disengaged from the lever engagement part, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements and reducing the possibility of continuity. deficient. The first restriction part can move around the axis of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming elements. This reduces the possibility that the hitch part of the first restriction part will be disengaged from the hitch part of the lever.

Adaptation 6

The ink supply system as described above, wherein when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is at the right and the ink supply structure (280) is down, the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is to the left of a pivot point (800c) of the lever.

When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus and the engagement part of the first restriction part is to the left of a pivot point of the lever and the engagement part of the first restriction part to the right and the ink supply structure down, the first restriction part generates a rotation moment in the lever to rotate the lever around the axis of rotation of the lever in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the coupling part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the lever engagement part and also ensures the stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements of the device side. Furthermore, the possibility of the engagement part of the first restriction part being unlocked from the lever engagement part is reduced.

Adaptation 7

The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22) close to the terminal support structure (408), wherein when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), at least a part of the engagement part (212) of the first part (210) of restriction is located substantially in the center of the width of the body (22).

By providing the first restriction part in such a position so that at least a part of the engagement part of the first restriction part is located substantially in the center of the body width, the first restriction part is located extremely close to the plurality of terminals, so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the apparatus can be stable.

8 adaptation

The ink supply system described above further comprising an adapter (299) in which the ink supply structure (280), the terminal support structure (408) and the first restriction part (210) are placed in The adapter (299) and the ink chamber (200) are adapted and configured to mate with the adapter (299).

Adaptation 9

The ink supply system described above further comprising an adapter (299j) in which the terminal support structure (408) and the first restriction part (210) are placed in the adapter (299j), the structure (280 ) of the ink supply is placed in the ink chamber (200) and the ink chamber (200) is adapted and configured to engage with the adapter (299).

10 adaptation

The ink supply system described above further comprising an adapter (299k), an ink tank (200T) external to the inkjet printing apparatus (50), a tube (200L) and an auxiliary adapter (200S) in where the ink supply structure (280) is placed in the auxiliary adapter (200S), the terminal support structure (408) and the first restriction part (210) are placed in 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

The ink supply system as described above, in which it further comprises a body (22) that includes an upper part (202) and a lower part (201), the upper part and the lower part opposite each other, in that the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially at the level of the lower part (201). G-7-11. Eleventh Variation

An ink supply system adapted to supply ink to a part of an ink jet printing apparatus (50), the system comprising: a part of an inkjet printing apparatus (50), the part comprising: a plurality of contact side forming elements (731-739); and a lever (80) having an engagement part (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 inkjet printing apparatus (50), the ink supply structure (280) having an edge (288 ) front of the direction of assembly (SD) that defines a plane (BP); a terminal support structure (408) having a plurality of electrically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) in contact and receiving elastic force (Pt) from the forming elements (731-739) of contact at the contact parts (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) of the elements (731- 739) apparatus-side contact formation drives the ink chamber (200) in a direction opposite (RD) to the direction of assembly (SD); and a first restriction part (210) engaged with the lever engagement part (810) (80) to restrict the movement of the terminal support structure (408) in an opposite direction (RD) to the direction of assembly ( SD); wherein the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is positioned adjacent to the terminal support structure (408) and the contact parts (cp) are disposed substantially in a contact part 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).

Now some of the benefits of the previous variation of the seventh modification will be described. The terminals must be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, to ensure reliable electrical communication between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement part of the first restriction part is located adjacent to the terminal support structure, the positioning action of the first restriction part occurs near the part in which the positioning is more necessary (i.e. the terminals of the terminal support structure). The elastic force of the device side terminals can be adequately counteracted. In addition, the positional change of the terminals, which may occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be suppressed. Therefore, the positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals.

In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the material to produce the cartridge may be different from the material used to produce the lever. In addition, the cartridge material can be selected with less concern for flexibility and durability requirements, and with a greater focus on other properties such as ink resistance.

In addition, because the lever is not in the cartridge, no special care is needed to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the conditioning of the cartridge for transport and distribution. This simplifies the conditioning requirements and improves user comfort. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made smaller. This also allows the reduction of the size of the conditioning material, such as paper or box, used to condition the cartridge for transporting or distributing the cartridge, which advantageously reduces transport and parts costs. In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first part of the cartridge side restriction can be carried out with a small size and a simple structure, and with greater rigidity, compared to the structures described in US publication n. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in a significant reduction in the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restriction part. In the attached or mounted state, the cartridge can be kept in the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first cartridge side restriction part may have a small size and a simple structure, no special care is required to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the condition for transporting and distributing the cartridge, as opposed to US publication cartridges No. 2005/0151811. This reduces conditioning requirements and also improves user comfort.

It is possible that the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the hitch part of the cartridge to each other is only a rigid structure (which is not the case with the flexible levers of US publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the hitch part to the cartridge terminals, so the electrical communication is more stable.

Because the contact part 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 cleaned properly during cartridge insertion on the printer In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates the insulation fragments (dust) that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape long distances against the circuit board during cartridge installation.

Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic force that includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is detached from the printer, it is not necessary to provide a spring such as the spring 103 described in the U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force of the printer side terminals serves to press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the cartridge in the direction of removal of the printer when the hitch is released. between the first restriction part and the printer lever. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in the case of US Patent 6,955,422, which allows for a simpler structure and reduced costs.

Because the first restriction part engages with the lever engagement part to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the opposite direction to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will remain in place with respect to to the direction of assembly by the elastic force of the contact forming elements of the device side, and with respect to the direction opposite to the direction of assembly by the first restriction part, when the cartridge is mounted in the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "interleaved" in this way, they are firmly fixed so that they do not move both in the direction of assembly and in the direction opposite to the direction of assembly. Therefore, there is less likelihood of misalignment or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the device-side contact forming elements, compared to the unilateral restriction by the elastic part 40 and the related configuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.

Adaptation 1

The ink supply system as described above, in which the contact part plane (TP) forms an angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) when the Ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).

As mentioned with reference to Figures 42A-45, when the plane of the contact part forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane defined by the leading edge, excessive cleaning is avoided and a force can be applied Enough to avoid half insertion.

Adaptation 2

The ink supply system described above, wherein when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is located on the left from the rightmost contact part of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of the leftmost contact part of the plurality of terminals (400).

When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, if it is kept too safe, then contact with some of the apparatus side contact forming elements (terminal 734 in Figure 31, for example), may not be safe By locating the engagement part of the first restriction part to the left of the rightmost contact part of the plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact part of the plurality of terminals, there may be sufficient inclination so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the apparatus can be even more stable.

Adaptation 3

The ink supply system described above further comprising a body (22) that includes a front part (203) and a rear part (204), the front part (203) and the rear part (204) opposite each other, a second restriction part (220) close to the rear part (204) of the body (22), the terminal support structure (408) close to the front part (203) of the body (22), the second part (220) of restriction engaged with a respective part (620) of the inkjet printing apparatus (50), in which the distance (B) between the coupling part of the second restriction part (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is greater than the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (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).

When the coupling part of the second restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the coupling part of the first restriction part, the possibility of the first lateral restriction part being disengaged from the part of printer engagement can be reduced more effectively, compared to the case in which the engagement part of the first restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the engagement part of the second restriction part.

4 adaptation

The ink supply system described above further comprising a body (22) that includes a first surface (203) and a second surface (204), the first surface (203) and the second surface (204) opposite each other, a second restriction part (220) near the second surface (204) of the body (22), the terminal support structure (408) close to the first surface (203) of the body (22), the second part (220) of restriction engaged with a respective part (620) of the inkjet printing apparatus (50), in which the distance (B) between the coupling part of the second restriction part (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is greater than the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (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).

When the coupling part of the second restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the coupling part of the first restriction part, the possibility of the first lateral restriction part being disengaged from the part of printer engagement can be reduced more effectively, compared to the case in which the engagement part of the first restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the engagement part of the second restriction part.

Adaptation 5

The ink supply system described above, in which the lever (80) has two ends and an intermediate pivot point (800c) between the two ends and in which the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (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).

When the distance between the engagement part of the first restriction part 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 movement. This reduces the possibility that the first restriction part is unlocked or disengaged from the lever engagement part, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements and reducing the possibility of continuity. deficient. The first restriction part can move around the axis of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming elements. This reduces the possibility that the hitch part of the first restriction part will be disengaged from the hitch part of the lever.

Adaptation 6

The ink supply system described above, in which the lever (80) has two ends and an intermediate pivot point (800c) between the two ends and when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50) , the coupling part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is to the right and the ink supply structure (280) down, the coupling part (212) of the restriction first part (210) It is to the left of the pivot point (800c) of the lever.

When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus and the engagement part of the first restriction part is to the left of a pivot point of the lever and the engagement part of the first restriction part to the right and the ink supply structure down, the first restriction part generates a rotation moment in the lever to rotate the lever around the axis of rotation of the lever in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the coupling part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the lever engagement part and also ensures the stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements of the device side. Furthermore, the possibility of the engagement part of the first restriction part being unlocked from the lever engagement part is reduced.

Adaptation 7

The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22) close to the terminal support structure (408), in which when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), at least a part of the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is located substantially in the center of the width of the body (22).

By providing the first restriction part in such a position so that at least a part of the engagement part of the first restriction part is located substantially in the center of the body width, the first restriction part is located extremely close to the plurality of terminals, so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the apparatus can be stable.

8 adaptation

The ink supply system described above further comprising an adapter (299) in which the ink supply structure (280), the terminal support structure (408) and the first restriction part (210) are placed in The adapter (299) and the ink chamber (200) are adapted and configured to mate with the adapter (299).

Adaptation 9

The ink supply system described above further comprising an adapter (299j) in which the terminal support structure (408) and the first restriction part (210) are placed in the adapter (299j), the structure (280 ) of the ink supply is placed in the ink chamber (200) and the ink chamber (200) is adapted and configured to engage with the adapter (299).

10 adaptation

The ink supply system described above further comprising an adapter (299k), an ink tank (200T) external to the inkjet printing apparatus (50), a tube (200L) and an auxiliary adapter (200S) in where the ink supply structure (280) is placed in the auxiliary adapter (200S), the terminal support structure (408) and the first restriction part (210) are placed in 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

The ink supply system as described above, in which it further comprises a body (22) that includes an upper part (202) and a lower part (201), the upper part and the lower part opposite each other, wherein the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially at the level of the lower part (201).

G-7-12. Twelfth Variation

An ink supply system adapted to supply ink to a part of an ink jet printing apparatus (50), the system comprising: a part of an inkjet printing apparatus (50), the part comprising: a plurality of contact side forming elements (731-739); and a lever (80) having a hitch part (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 inkjet printing apparatus (50), the ink supply structure (280) having an edge (288 ) front of the mounting direction (SD) that defines a plane (BP); a terminal support structure (408) having a plurality of electrically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) in contact and receiving elastic force (Pt) of the forming elements (731-739) of contact when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50); and a first restriction part (210) engaged with the lever engagement part (810) (80) to restrict the movement of the terminal support structure (408) in an opposite direction (RD) to the direction of assembly ( SD); wherein the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is placed adjacent to the terminal support structure (408) and the terminals (400) are arranged substantially in a terminal plane (TP) that it 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).

Now some of the benefits of the previous variation of the seventh modification will be described. The terminals must be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted in the printer, to ensure reliable electrical communication between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement part of the first restriction part is located adjacent to the terminal support structure, the positioning action of the first restriction part occurs near the part where positioning is most necessary (it is that is, the terminals of the terminal support structure). The elastic force of the device side terminals can be adequately counteracted. In addition, the positional change of the terminals, which may occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be suppressed. Therefore, the positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals.

In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the material to produce the cartridge may be different from the material used to produce the lever. In addition, the cartridge material can be selected with less concern for flexibility and durability requirements, and with a greater focus on other properties such as ink resistance.

In addition, because the lever is not in the cartridge, no special care is needed to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the conditioning of the cartridge for transport and distribution. This simplifies the conditioning requirements and improves user comfort. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made smaller. This also allows the reduction of the size of the conditioning material, such as paper or box, used to condition the cartridge for transporting or distributing the cartridge, which advantageously reduces transport and parts costs. In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first part of the cartridge side restriction can be carried out with a small size and a simple structure, and with greater rigidity, compared to the structures described in US publication n. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in a significant reduction in the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restriction part. In the attached or mounted state, the cartridge can be kept in the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first cartridge side restriction part may have a small size and a simple structure, no special care is required to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the condition for transporting and distributing the cartridge, as opposed to US publication cartridges No. 2005/0151811. This reduces conditioning requirements and also improves user comfort.

It is possible that the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the hitch part of the cartridge to each other is only a rigid structure (which is not the case with the flexible levers of US publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the hitch part to the cartridge terminals, so the electrical communication is more stable.

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 cleaned during insertion of the cartridge into the printer. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates the insulation fragments (dust) that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape long distances against the circuit board during cartridge installation.

Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic force that includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is detached from the printer, it is not necessary to provide a spring such as the spring 103 described in the U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force of the printer side terminals serves to press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together, and also to move the cartridge in the direction of removal of the printer when the hitch is released. between the first restriction part and the printer lever. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in the case of US Patent 6,955,422, which allows for a simpler structure and reduced costs.

Because the first restriction part engages with the lever engagement part to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the opposite direction to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will remain in place with respect to to the direction of assembly by the elastic force of the contact forming elements of the device side, and with respect to the direction opposite to the direction of assembly by the first restriction part, when the cartridge is mounted in the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "interleaved" in this way, they are firmly fixed so that they do not move both in the direction of assembly and in the direction opposite to the direction of assembly. Therefore, there is less likelihood of misalignment or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the device-side contact forming elements, compared to the unilateral restriction by the elastic part 40 and the related configuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.

Adaptation 1

The ink supply system described above, in which the terminal plane (TP) forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) when the delivery system ink supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).

As mentioned with reference to Figures 42A-45, when the terminal plane forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane defined by the leading edge, excessive cleaning is avoided and sufficient force can be applied to Avoid half insertion.

Adaptation 2

The ink supply system as described above, wherein when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is located at the left of the right edge of the terminal to the right of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of a left edge of the terminal to the left of the plurality of terminals (400).

When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, if it is kept too safe, then contact with some of the apparatus side contact forming elements (terminal 734 in Figure 31, for example), may not be safe By locating the hitching part of the first restriction part to the left of a right edge of the terminal to the right of the plurality of terminals and to the right of a left edge of the terminal to the left of the plurality of terminals, the Ink cartridge can be tilted sufficiently so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device side contact forming elements can be even more stable.

Adaptation 3

The ink supply system described above further comprising a body (22) that includes a front part (203) and a rear part (204), the front part (203) and the rear part (204) opposite each other, a second restriction part (220) close to the rear part (204) of the body (22), the terminal support structure (408) close to the front part (203) of the body (22), the second part (220) of restriction engaged with a respective part (620) of the inkjet printing apparatus (50), in which the distance (B) between the coupling part of the second restriction part (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is greater than the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (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).

When the coupling part of the second restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the coupling part of the first restriction part, the possibility of the first lateral restriction part being disengaged from the part of printer engagement can be reduced more effectively, compared to the case in which the engagement part of the first restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the engagement part of the second restriction part.

4 adaptation

The ink supply system described above further comprising a body (22) that includes a first surface (203) and a second surface (204), the first surface (203) and the second surface (204) opposite each other, a second restriction part (220) near the second surface (204) of the body (22 ), the terminal support structure (408) close to the first surface (203) of the body (22), the second restriction part (220) engaged with a respective part (620) of the jet printing apparatus (50) ink, in which the distance (B) between the engagement part of the second restriction part (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is greater than the distance (A) between the part (212) of engagement of the first restriction part (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 edge (288) Forward.

When the coupling part of the second restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the coupling part of the first restriction part, the possibility of the first lateral restriction part being disengaged from the part of printer engagement can be reduced more effectively, compared to the case in which the engagement part of the first restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the engagement part of the second restriction part.

Adaptation 5

The ink supply system described above, in which the lever (80) has two ends and an intermediate pivot point (800c) between the two ends and in which the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (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).

When the distance between the engagement part of the first restriction part 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 is used to restrict movement. This reduces the possibility that the first restriction part is unlocked or disengaged from the lever engagement part, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements and reducing the possibility of continuity. deficient. The first restriction part can move around the axis of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming elements. This reduces the possibility that the hitch part of the first restriction part will be disengaged from the hitch part of the lever.

Adaptation 6

The ink supply system described above, in which the lever (80) has two ends and an intermediate pivot point (800c) between the two ends and when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50) , the coupling part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is to the right and the ink supply structure (280) down, the coupling part (212) of the restriction first part (210) It is to the left of the pivot point (800c) of the lever.

When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus and the engagement part of the first restriction part is to the left of a pivot point of the lever and the engagement part of the first restriction part to the right and the ink supply structure down, the first restriction part generates a rotation moment in the lever to rotate the lever around the axis of rotation of the lever in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the coupling part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the lever engagement part and also ensures the stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements of the device side. Furthermore, the possibility of the engagement part of the first restriction part being unlocked from the lever engagement part is reduced.

Adaptation 7

The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22) close to the terminal support structure (408), in which when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), at least a part of the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is located substantially in the center of the width of the body (22).

By providing the first restriction part in such a position so that at least a part of the engagement part of the first restriction part is located substantially in the center of the body width, the first restriction part is located extremely close to the plurality of terminals, so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the apparatus can be stable.

8 adaptation

The ink supply system described above further comprising an adapter (299) in which the ink supply structure (280), the terminal support structure (408) and the first restriction part (210) are placed in The adapter (299) and the ink chamber (200) are adapted and configured to mate with the adapter (299).

Adaptation 9

The ink supply system described above further comprising an adapter (299j) in which the terminal support structure (408) and the first restriction part (210) are placed in the adapter (299j), the structure (280 ) of the ink supply is placed in the ink chamber (200) and the ink chamber (200) is adapted and configured to engage with the adapter (299).

10 adaptation

The ink supply system described above further comprising an adapter (299k), an ink tank (200T) external to the inkjet printing apparatus (50), a tube (200L) and an auxiliary adapter (200S) in where the ink supply structure (280) is placed in the auxiliary adapter (200S), the terminal support structure (408) and the first restriction part (210) are placed in 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

The ink supply system as described above, in which it further comprises a body (22) that includes an upper part (202) and a lower part (201), the upper part and the lower part opposite each other, in that the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially at the level of the lower part (201). G-8 8th modification

The invention can be carried out by the following descriptions and variations. The symbols in brackets 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

A cartridge (20) adapted to be mounted in a printing apparatus having the following structures: the printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of contact side forming elements (731-739) arranged to apply elastic force (Pt) to the cartridge (20), the printing apparatus (50) also comprises a lever (80) having a hooking part (810), the cartridge (20) comprising: a first side (203), second side ( 204), third face (202) and the fourth face (201), in which the first face (203) and the second face (204) are opposite each other and the third face (202) and the fourth face (201) they are opposite each other; an electrical device; a liquid chamber (200) for storing liquid; a liquid supply structure (280) placed on the fourth face (201), configured to deliver liquid from the liquid chamber (200) to the printing apparatus (50), the liquid supply structure (280) having an edge (288) front direction of mounting (SD) 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 contact and receive elastic force (Pt) of the contact forming elements (731-739) in the contact parts (cp) of the terminals (400) when the cartridge (20) is mounted in the printing apparatus (50), the contact parts (cp) of the terminals (400) disposed substantially in a plane of contact parts (TP) that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288); and a first restriction part (210) adapted to engage with the lever engagement part (810) (80) to restrict the movement of the cartridge (20) in an opposite direction (RD) to the direction of assembly (SD), the coupling part (212) of the first restriction part (210) located in a position closer to the contact parts (cp) than of an intersection (291) of the third face (202) and the first face (203 ).

Now some of the benefits of the previous variation of the eighth modification will be described. The terminals must be accurately 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 part of the first restriction part is located in a position closer to the contact parts than to an intersection of the third face and the first face, the positioning action of the first restriction part occurs near the part where positioning is most necessary (i.e. the terminals of the terminal support structure). The elastic force of the device side terminals can be adequately counteracted. In addition, the positional change of the terminals, which may occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be suppressed. Therefore, the positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals.

In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the material to produce the cartridge may be different from the material used to produce the lever. In addition, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for flexibility and durability requirements, and with a greater focus on other properties such as resistance to liquids.

In addition, because the lever is not in the cartridge, no special care is needed to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the conditioning of the cartridge for transport and distribution. This simplifies the conditioning requirements and improves user comfort. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made smaller. This also allows the reduction of the size of the conditioning material, such as paper or box, used to condition the cartridge for transporting or distributing the cartridge, which advantageously reduces transport and parts costs. In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first part of the cartridge side restriction can be carried out with a small size and a simple structure, and with greater rigidity, compared to the structures described in US publication n. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in a significant reduction in the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restriction part. In the attached or mounted state, the cartridge can be kept in the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first cartridge side restriction part may have a small size and a simple structure, no special care is required to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the condition for transporting and distributing the cartridge, as opposed to US publication cartridges No. 2005/0151811. This reduces conditioning requirements and also improves user comfort.

It is possible that the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the hitch part of the cartridge to each other is only a rigid structure (which is not the case with the flexible levers of US publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the hitch part to the cartridge terminals, so the electrical communication is more stable.

Because the contact part 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 cleaned properly during cartridge insertion in the printing apparatus. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates the insulation fragments (dust) that can be generated if the device side terminals scrape long distances against the circuit board during cartridge installation.

Because the device-side terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic force that includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is separated from the printing apparatus, there is no need to provide a spring such as the spring 103 described in US Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force of the device side terminals serves to press together the device side and cartridge side terminals, and also to move the cartridge in the direction of removal of the printing apparatus when it is engaged between the First part of restriction and the lever is released. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in the case of US Patent 6,955,422, which allows for a simpler structure and reduced costs.

Because the first restriction part is adapted to engage with the lever engagement part to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the opposite direction to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will be held in place. with respect to the direction of assembly by the elastic force of the contact forming elements of the apparatus side, and with respect to the direction opposite to the direction of assembly by the first restriction part, when the cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus. Since the cartridge terminals are "interleaved" in this way, they are firmly fixed so that they do not move both in the direction of assembly and in the direction opposite to the direction of assembly. Therefore, there is less likelihood of misalignment or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the device-side contact forming elements, compared to the unilateral restriction by the elastic part 40 and the related configuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.

Adaptation 1:

The cartridge (20) as described above, in which the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is located in a position closer to the contact parts (cp) than the midpoint (203P ) between an intersection (295) of the first face (203) and the plane of the contact parts (TP) and an intersection (291) of the third face (202) and the first face (203).

By locating the engagement part of the first restriction part in a position closer to the contact parts than the midpoint, the benefits described above can be achieved.

Adaptation 2:

The cartridge (20) as described above, in which the plane of the contact parts (TP) forms an angle between 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

As mentioned with reference to Figures 42A-45, when the plane of the contact part forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane defined by the leading edge, excessive cleaning is avoided and a force can be applied Enough to avoid half insertion.

Adaptation 3:

The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the first face (203) of the cartridge (20) is seen with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is located to the left of an extended line (439PL) of a right edge (439P) of the rightmost terminal (439) of the plurality of terminals (431-439) and to the right of a line extended (435PL) of a left edge (435P) of the leftmost terminal (435) of the plurality of terminals (431-439).

When the cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is securely attached, then contact with some of the apparatus side contact forming elements (terminal 734 in Figure 31, for example), may not be safe. . By locating the engagement part of the first restriction part to the left of the rightmost contact part of the plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact part of the plurality of terminals, the cartridge can bend sufficiently so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the apparatus can be even more stable.

Adaptation 4:

The cartridge (20) as described above, further comprising a second restriction part (220) on the second face (204) of the cartridge (20), the second restriction part (220) adapted to engage with a respective part of the printing apparatus (50), in which the distance (B) between the engagement part (222) of the second restriction part (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is greater than the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (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).

When the hitch part of the second restriction part is located farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than the hitch part of the first restriction part, the possibility that the first restriction part may be disengaged from the hitch part The device side can be reduced more effectively, compared to the case in which the coupling part of the first restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the coupling part of the second restriction part.

Adaptation 5:

The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the cartridge (20) from the angle with the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) to the right and the structure (280) of liquid supply down, the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (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 pivot (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) when the cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

When the distance between the engagement part of the first restriction part 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 movement of the cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the first restriction part is unlocked or disengaged from the lever engagement part, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements and reducing the possibility of continuity. deficient. The first restriction part can move around the axis of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming elements to the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the hitch part of the first restriction part will be disengaged from the hitch part of the lever.

Adaptation 6:

The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the cartridge (20) from the angle with the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) to the right and the structure (280) of supplying liquid down, the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is to the left of the pivot point (800c) of the lever (80) when the cartridge (20) is mounted.

When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement part of the first restriction part is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when the cartridge is viewed from the side with the engagement part of the first restriction part a to the right and the liquid supply structure downwards, the first restriction part generates a rotation moment in the lever to rotate the lever around the axis of rotation of the lever in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the coupling part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the lever engagement part and also ensures the stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements of the device side. Although the cartridge receives strength, the first restriction part will move with the cartridge. Said movement reduces the possibility that the engagement part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the engagement part of the lever.

Adaptation 7:

The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the first face (203) is seen with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, at least a part of the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is located substantially in the center of the width of the cartridge (20) when the cartridge (20) is mounted.

By providing the first restriction part in such a position so that at least a part of the engagement part of the first restriction part is located substantially in the center of the width of the cartridge, the first restriction part is located extremely close to the plurality of terminals, so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the apparatus can be stable.

Adaptation 8:

The cartridge (20) as described above, in which the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially at the level of the fourth face (201).

Adaptation 9:

The cartridge (20) as described above, comprising an adapter (299, 299j, 299k) in which the contact parts (cp) of the terminals (400) and the first restriction part (210) are placed on the adapter and the liquid chamber (200) is adapted and configured to mate with the adapter.

G-8-2. Second variation

A cartridge (20) adapted to be mounted on a printing apparatus (50), the printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of contact side forming elements (731-739) arranged to apply elastic force (Pt) to the cartridge (20), the printing apparatus (50) also comprising a lever (80) having a hooking part (810), the cartridge comprising (20): a first face (203), a second face (204) , a third face and a fourth face (201), in which the first face (203) and the second face (204) are opposite each other and the third face (202) and the fourth face (201) are opposite each other ; an electrical device; a liquid chamber (200) for storing liquid; a liquid supply structure (280) placed on the fourth face (201), configured to deliver liquid from the liquid chamber (200) to the printing apparatus (50), the liquid supply structure (280) having an edge (288) front direction of mounting (SD) 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 come into contact and receive elastic force (Pt) of the contact forming elements (731-739) in the contact parts (cp) of the terminals (400) when the cartridge (20) is mounted in the printing apparatus (50), the contact parts (cp) of the terminals (400) disposed substantially in a plane of contact parts (TP) that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288); and a first restriction part (210) adapted to engage with the lever engagement part (810) (80) to restrict the movement of the cartridge (20) in an opposite direction (RD) to the direction of assembly (SD), the first restriction part (210) provided in a position closer to a first intersection (295) in which the first face (203) intersects the plane of the contact parts (TP) than of a second intersection in which the first face (203) intersects the third face (202).

Now some of the benefits of the previous variation of the eighth modification will be described. The terminals must be accurately 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 part of the first restriction part is located at a position closer to a first intersection where the first face intersects the plane of the contact part than a second intersection where the first face intersects the third face, the positioning action of the first restriction part occurs near the part where the positioning is most necessary (i.e. the structure terminals terminal support). The elastic force of the device side terminals can be adequately counteracted. In addition, the positional change of the terminals, which may occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be suppressed. Therefore, the positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals.

In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the material to produce the cartridge may be different from the material used to produce the lever. In addition, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for flexibility and durability requirements, and with a greater focus on other properties such as resistance to liquids.

In addition, because the lever is not in the cartridge, no special care is needed to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the conditioning of the cartridge for transport and distribution. This simplifies the conditioning requirements and improves user comfort. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made smaller. This also allows the reduction of the size of the conditioning material, such as paper or box, used to condition the cartridge for transporting or distributing the cartridge, which advantageously reduces transport and parts costs. In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first part of the cartridge side restriction can be carried out with a small size and a simple structure, and with greater rigidity, compared to the structures described in US publication n. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in a significant reduction in the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restriction part. In the attached or mounted state, the cartridge can be kept in the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first cartridge side restriction part may have a small size and a simple structure, no special care is required to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the condition for transporting and distributing the cartridge, as opposed to US publication cartridges No. 2005/0151811. This reduces conditioning requirements and also improves user comfort.

It is possible that the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the hitch part of the cartridge to each other is only a rigid structure (which is not the case with the flexible levers of US publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the hitch part to the cartridge terminals, so the electrical communication is more stable.

Because the contact part 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 cleaned properly during cartridge insertion in the printing apparatus. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates the insulation fragments (dust) that can be generated if the device side terminals scrape long distances against the circuit board during cartridge installation.

Because the device-side terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic force that includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is separated from the printing apparatus, there is no need to provide a spring such as the spring 103 described in US Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force of the device side terminals serves to press together the device side and cartridge side terminals, and also to move the cartridge in the direction of removal of the printing apparatus when it is engaged between the First part of restriction and the lever is released. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in the case of US Patent 6,955,422, which allows for a simpler structure and reduced costs.

Because the first restriction part is adapted to engage with the lever engagement part to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the opposite direction to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will be held in place. with respect to the direction of assembly by the elastic force of the contact forming elements of the apparatus side, and with respect to the direction opposite to the direction of assembly by the first restriction part, when the cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus. Since the cartridge terminals are "interleaved" in this way, they are firmly fixed so that they do not move both in the direction of assembly and in the direction opposite to the direction of assembly. Therefore, there is less likelihood of misalignment or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the device-side contact forming elements, compared to the unilateral restriction by the elastic part 40 and the related configuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.

Adaptation 1

The cartridge (20) as described above, in which the engagement part of the first restriction part is located in a position closer to the first intersection (295) than the midpoint (203P) between the first intersection (295 ) and the second intersection.

By locating the engagement part of the first restriction part in a position closer to the contact parts than the midpoint, the benefits described above can be achieved.

Adaptation 2

The cartridge (20) as described above, in which the plane of the contact parts (cp) (TP) forms an angle between 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) .

As mentioned with reference to Figures 42A-45, when the plane of the contact part forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane defined by the leading edge, excessive cleaning is avoided and a force can be applied Enough to avoid half insertion.

Adaptation 3

The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the first face (203) of the cartridge (20) is seen with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is located to the left of an extended line (439PL) of a right edge (439P) of the rightmost terminal (439) of the plurality of terminals (431-439) and to the right of a line extended (435PL) of a left edge (435P) of the leftmost terminal (435) of the plurality of terminals (431-439).

When the cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is securely attached, then contact with some of the apparatus side contact forming elements (terminal 734 in Figure 31, for example), may not be safe. . By locating the engagement part of the first restriction part to the left of the rightmost contact part of the plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact part of the plurality of terminals, the cartridge can bend sufficiently so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the apparatus can be even more stable.

4 adaptation

The cartridge (20) as described above, further comprising a second restriction part (220) on the second face (204) of the cartridge (20), the second restriction part (220) adapted to engage with a respective part of the printing apparatus (50), in which the distance (B) between the engagement part (222) of the second restriction part (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is greater than the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (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).

When the hitch part of the second restriction part is located farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than the hitch part of the first restriction part, the possibility that the first restriction part may be disengaged from the hitch part The device side can be reduced more effectively, compared to the case in which the coupling part of the first restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the coupling part of the second restriction part.

Adaptation 5

The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the cartridge (20) from the angle with the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) to the right and the structure (280) of liquid supply down, the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (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 pivot (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) when the cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

When the distance between the engagement part of the first restriction part 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 movement of the cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the first restriction part is unlocked or disengaged from the lever engagement part, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements and reducing the possibility of continuity. deficient. The first restriction part can move around the axis of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming elements to the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the hitch part of the first restriction part will be disengaged from the hitch part of the lever.

Adaptation 6

The cartridge (20) as described above, in which when viewing the cartridge (20) from the angle with the part (212) of engagement of the first restriction part (210) to the right and the liquid supply structure (280) down, the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is to the left of the point ( 800c) lever pivot (80) when the cartridge (20) is mounted.

When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement part of the first restriction part is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when the cartridge is viewed from the side with the engagement part of the first restriction part a to the right and the liquid supply structure downwards, the first restriction part generates a rotation moment in the lever to rotate the lever around the axis of rotation of the lever in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the coupling part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the lever engagement part and also ensures the stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements of the device side. Although the cartridge receives strength, the first restriction part will move with the cartridge. Said movement reduces the possibility that the engagement part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the engagement part of the lever.

Adaptation 7

The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the first face (203) is seen with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, at least a part of the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is located substantially in the center of the width of the cartridge (20) when the cartridge (20) is mounted.

By providing the first restriction part in such a position so that at least a part of the engagement part of the first restriction part is located substantially in the center of the width of the cartridge, the first restriction part is located extremely close to the plurality of terminals, so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the apparatus can be stable.

8 adaptation

The cartridge (20) as described above, in which the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially at the level of the fourth face (201).

Adaptation 9

The cartridge (20) as described above, comprising an adapter (299, 299j, 299k) in which the contact parts (cp) of the terminals (400) and the first restriction part (210) are placed on the adapter and the liquid chamber (200) is adapted and configured to mate with the adapter.

G-8-3. Third variation

A cartridge (20) adapted to be mounted on a printing apparatus (50) having the following structures: the printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of contact side forming elements (731-739) arranged to apply elastic force (Pt) to the cartridge (20), the printing apparatus (50) also comprising a lever (80) having a hitch part (810) and a pivot point, the cartridge (20) comprising: a first face (203), second face (204), third face (202) and fourth face (201), in which the first face (203) and the second face (204) are opposite each other and the third face (202) and the fourth face (201) are opposite each other; an electrical device; a liquid chamber (200) for storing liquid; a liquid supply structure (280) placed on the fourth face (201), configured to deliver liquid from the liquid chamber (200) to the printing apparatus (50), the liquid supply structure (280) having an edge (288) front direction of mounting (SD) 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 contact and receive elastic force (Pt) of the contact forming elements (731-739) in the contact parts (cp) of the terminals (400) when the cartridge (20) is mounted in the printing apparatus (50), the contact parts (cp) of the terminals (400) disposed substantially in a plane of contact parts (TP) that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288); and a first restriction part (210) adapted to engage with the lever engagement part (810) (80) to restrict the movement of the cartridge (20) in an opposite direction (RD) to the direction of assembly (SD), the hooking part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is arranged such that when the cartridge (20) is mounted in the printing apparatus (50), the hooking part (212) of the first part (210) restriction is coupled with the lever (80) in a position below the pivot point (800c) of the lever (80).

Now some of the benefits of the previous variation of the eighth modification will be described. The terminals must be accurately 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 that the engagement part of the first restriction part is in a position below the pivot point of the lever, the lever serves to restrict the movement of the cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the first restriction part is unlocked or disengaged from the lever engagement part, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements and reducing the possibility of continuity. deficient. The first restriction part can move around the axis of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming elements to the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the hitch part of the first restriction part will be disengaged from the hitch part of the lever. Therefore, the positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals.

In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the material to produce the cartridge may be different from the material used to produce the lever. In addition, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for flexibility and durability requirements, and with a greater focus on other properties such as resistance to liquids.

In addition, because the lever is not in the cartridge, no special care is needed to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the conditioning of the cartridge for transport and distribution. This simplifies the conditioning requirements and improves user comfort. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made smaller. This also allows the reduction of the size of the conditioning material, such as paper or box, used to condition the cartridge for transporting or distributing the cartridge, which advantageously reduces transport and parts costs. In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first part of the cartridge side restriction can be carried out with a small size and a simple structure, and with greater rigidity, compared to the structures described in US publication n. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in a significant reduction in the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restriction part. In the attached or mounted state, the cartridge can be kept in the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first cartridge side restriction part may have a small size and a simple structure, no special care is required to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the condition for transporting and distributing the cartridge, as opposed to US publication cartridges No. 2005/0151811. This reduces conditioning requirements and also improves user comfort.

It is possible that the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the hitch part of the cartridge to each other is only a rigid structure (which is not the case with the flexible levers of US publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the hitch part to the cartridge terminals, so the electrical communication is more stable.

Because the contact part 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 cleaned properly during cartridge insertion in the printing apparatus. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates the insulation fragments (dust) that can be generated if the device side terminals scrape long distances against the circuit board during cartridge installation.

Because the device-side terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic force that includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is separated from the printing apparatus, there is no need to provide a spring such as the spring 103 described in US Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force of the device side terminals serves to press together the device side and cartridge side terminals, and also to move the cartridge in the direction of removal of the printing apparatus when it is engaged between the First part of restriction and the lever is released. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in the case of US Patent 6,955,422, which allows for a simpler structure and reduced costs.

Because the first restriction part is adapted to engage with the lever engagement part to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the opposite direction to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will be held in place. with respect to the direction of assembly by the elastic force of the contact forming elements of the apparatus side, and with respect to the direction opposite to the direction of assembly by the first restriction part, when the cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus. Since the cartridge terminals are "interleaved" in this way, they are firmly fixed so that they do not move both in the direction of assembly and in the direction opposite to the direction of assembly. Therefore, there is less likelihood of misalignment or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the device-side contact forming elements, compared to the unilateral restriction by the elastic part 40 and the related configuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.

A dap ta c io n 1

The cartridge (20) as described above, in which the plane of the contact parts (TP) forms an angle between 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

By locating the engagement part of the first restriction part in a position closer to the contact parts than the midpoint, the benefits described above can be achieved.

As mentioned with reference to Figures 42A-45, when the plane of the contact part forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane defined by the leading edge, excessive cleaning is avoided and a force can be applied Enough to avoid half insertion.

Adaptation 2

The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the first face (203) of the cartridge (20) is seen with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is located to the left of an extended line (439PL) of a right edge (439P) of the rightmost terminal (439) of the plurality of terminals (431-439) and to the right of a line extended (435PL) of a left edge (435P) of the leftmost terminal (435) of the plurality of terminals (431-439).

When the cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is securely attached, then contact with some of the apparatus side contact forming elements (terminal 734 in Figure 31, for example), may not be safe. . By locating the engagement part of the first restriction part to the left of the rightmost contact part of the plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact part of the plurality of terminals, the cartridge can bend sufficiently so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the apparatus can be even more stable.

Adaptation 3

The cartridge (20) as described above, further comprising a second restriction part (220) on the second face (204) of the cartridge (20), the second restriction part (220) adapted to engage with a respective part of the printing apparatus (50), in which the distance (B) between the engagement part (222) of the second restriction part (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is greater than the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (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).

When the hitch part of the second restriction part is located farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than the hitch part of the first restriction part, the possibility that the first restriction part may be disengaged from the hitch part on the device side it can be reduced more effectively, compared to the case where the coupling part of the first restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the coupling part of the second restriction part.

4 adaptation

The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the cartridge (20) from the angle with the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) to the right and the structure (280) of supplying liquid down, the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is to the left of the pivot point (800c) of the lever (80) when the cartridge (20) is mounted.

When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement part of the first restriction part is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when the cartridge is viewed from the side with the engagement part of the first restriction part a to the right and the liquid supply structure downwards, the first restriction part generates a rotation moment in the lever to rotate the lever around the axis of rotation of the lever in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the coupling part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the lever engagement part and also ensures the stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements of the device side. Although the cartridge receives strength, the first restriction part will move with the cartridge. Said movement reduces the possibility that the engagement part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the engagement part of the lever.

Adaptation 5

The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the first face (203) is seen with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, at least a part of the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is located substantially in the center of the width of the cartridge (20) when the cartridge (20) It is mounted.

By providing the first restriction part in such a position so that at least a part of the engagement part of the first restriction part is located substantially in the center of the width of the cartridge, the first restriction part is located extremely close to the plurality of terminals, so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the apparatus can be stable.

Adaptation 6

The cartridge (20) as described above, in which the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially at the level of the fourth face (201).

Adaptation 7

The cartridge (20) as described above, comprising an adapter (299, 299j, 299k) in which the contact parts (cp) of the terminals (400) and the first restriction part (210) are placed on the adapter and the liquid chamber (200) is adapted and configured to mate with the adapter.

G-8-4. Fourth Variation

A cartridge (20) adapted to be mounted on a printing apparatus (50), the printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of contact side forming elements (731-739) arranged to apply elastic force (Pt) to the cartridge (20), the printing apparatus (50) also comprising a lever (80) having a hitch part (810), the cartridge (20) comprising: a front part (203), a rear part (204) , an upper part (202), and a lower part (201), in which the front part (203) and the rear part (204) opposite each other and the upper part (202) and the opposite lower part (201) each; an electrical device; a liquid chamber (200) for storing liquid; a liquid supply structure (280) placed in the lower part (201), configured to supply liquid from the liquid chamber (200) to the printing apparatus (50), the liquid supply structure (280) having an edge (288) front of the mounting direction (SD) defining a plane (BP) of the cartridge (20); electrically conductive terminals (400) located closer to the front part (203) than to the rear part (204) and coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) arranged to come into contact and receive elastic force (Pt) of the elements (731-739) of contact formation in the contact parts (cp) of the terminals (400) when the cartridge (20) is mounted in the printing apparatus (50), the contact parts (cp) of the terminals (400) disposed substantially in a plane of contact part (TP) that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288); and a first restriction part (210) adapted to engage with the lever engagement part (810) (80) to restrict the movement of the cartridge (20) in an opposite direction (RD) to the direction of assembly (SD), the first restriction part (210) provided in a position located closer to the plane of the contact parts (TP) than of the upper part (202).

Now some of the benefits of the previous variation of the eighth modification will be described. The terminals must be accurately 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 part of the first restriction part is located in a position closer to the plane of the contact part than to the upper part, the positioning action of the first restriction part occurs near the part in the that the position is more necessary (that is, the terminals of the terminal support structure). The elastic force of the device side terminals can be adequately counteracted. In addition, the positional change of the terminals, which may occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be suppressed. Therefore, the positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals.

In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the material to produce the cartridge may be different from the material used to produce the lever. In addition, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for flexibility and durability requirements, and with a greater focus on other properties such as resistance to liquids.

In addition, because the lever is not in the cartridge, no special care is needed to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the conditioning of the cartridge for transport and distribution. This simplifies the conditioning requirements and improves user comfort. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made smaller. This also allows the reduction of the size of the conditioning material, such as paper or box, used to condition the cartridge for transporting or distributing the cartridge, which advantageously reduces transport and parts costs. In addition, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first part of the cartridge side restriction can be carried out with a small size and a simple structure, and with greater rigidity, compared to the structures described in US publication n. 2005/0151811, for example. This results in a significant reduction of the possibility of plastic deformation of the first restriction part of the cartridge side. In the attached or mounted state, the cartridge can be kept in the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which maintains normal or good contact between the cartridge side terminals and the device side terminals and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first cartridge side restriction part may have a small size and a simple structure, no special care is required to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the condition for transporting and distributing the cartridge, as opposed to US publication cartridges No. 2005/0151811. This reduces conditioning requirements and also improves user comfort.

It is possible that the structure that connects the cartridge terminals and the hitch part of the cartridge to each other is only a rigid structure (which is not the case with the flexible levers of US publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the hitch part to the cartridge terminals, so the electrical communication is more stable.

Because the contact part 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 cleaned properly during cartridge insertion in the printing apparatus. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates the insulation fragments (dust) that can be generated if the device side terminals scrape long distances against the circuit board during cartridge installation.

Because the device-side terminals apply, against the cartridge terminals, an elastic force that includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is separated from the printing apparatus, there is no need to provide a spring such as the spring 103 described in US Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force of the device side terminals serves to press together the device side and cartridge side terminals, and also to move the cartridge in the direction of removal of the printing apparatus when it is engaged between the First part of restriction and the lever is released. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in the case of US Patent 6,955,422, which allows for a simpler structure and reduced costs.

Because the first restriction part is adapted to engage with the lever engagement part to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the opposite direction to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will be held in place. with respect to the direction of assembly by the elastic force of the contact forming elements of the apparatus side, and with respect to the direction opposite to the direction of assembly by the first restriction part, when the cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus. Since the cartridge terminals are "interleaved" in this way, they are firmly fixed so that they do not move both in the direction of assembly and in the direction opposite to the direction of assembly. Therefore, there is less likelihood of misalignment or disconnection between the cartridge terminals and the device-side contact forming elements, compared to the unilateral restriction by the elastic part 40 and the related configuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.

Adaptation 1

The cartridge (20) as described above, in which the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is located in a position closer to the contact parts (cp) than the midpoint (203P ) between an intersection of the front part (203) and the plane of the contact parts (TP) and the intersection of the upper part (202) and the front part (203).

By locating the engagement part of the first restriction part in a position closer to the contact parts than the midpoint, the benefits described above can be achieved.

Adaptation 2

The cartridge (20) as described above, in which the plane of the contact parts (TP) forms an angle between 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

As mentioned with reference to Figures 42A-45, when the plane of the contact part forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane defined by the leading edge, excessive cleaning is avoided and a force can be applied Enough to avoid half insertion.

Adaptation 3

The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the front part (203) of the cartridge (20) is seen with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is located to the left of an extended line (439PL) of a right edge (439P) of the rightmost terminal (439) of the plurality of terminals (431-439) and to the right of a line extended (435PL) of the left edge (435P) of the leftmost terminal (435) of the plurality of terminals (431-439).

When the cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is securely attached, then contact with some of the apparatus side contact forming elements (terminal 734 in Figure 31, for example), may not be safe. . By locating the engagement part of the first restriction part to the left of the rightmost contact part of the plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact part of the plurality of terminals, the cartridge can bend sufficiently so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the apparatus can be even more stable.

4 adaptation

The cartridge (20) as described above, in which the hitch part is adapted to engage with a rotating lever having a pivot point above the hitch part (212) of the first restriction part (210) .

When the rotating lever has the pivot point on the engagement part of the first restriction part, the lever serves to restrict the movement of the cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the first restriction part is unlocked or disengaged from the lever engagement part, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements and reducing the possibility of continuity. deficient. The first restriction part can move around the axis of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming elements to the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the hitch part of the first restriction part will be disengaged from the hitch part of the lever.

Adaptation 5

The cartridge (20) as described above, further comprising a second restriction part (220) in the rear part (204) of the cartridge (20), the second restriction part (220) adapted to engage with a respective part of the printing apparatus (50), in which the distance (B) between the engagement part (222) of the second restriction part (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is greater than the distance (A) between the coupling part (212) of the first restriction part (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).

When the hitch part of the second restriction part is located farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than the hitch part of the first restriction part, the possibility that the first restriction part may be disengaged from the hitch part The device side can be reduced more effectively, compared to the case in which the coupling part of the first restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the coupling part of the second restriction part.

Adaptation 6

The cartridge (20) as described above, in which the second restriction part (220) is adapted to serve as a pivot pivot point when the cartridge (20) is rotated to separate it from a support of the apparatus (50) of Print.

Adaptation 7

The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the cartridge (20) from the angle with the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) to the right and the structure (280) of liquid supply down, the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (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 pivot (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) when the cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

When the distance between the engagement part of the first restriction part 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 movement of the cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the first restriction part is unlocked or disengaged from the lever engagement part, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements and reducing the possibility of continuity. deficient. The first restriction part can move around the axis of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming elements to the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the hitch part of the first restriction part will be disengaged from the hitch part of the lever.

A dap ta c io n 8

The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the cartridge (20) from the angle with the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) to the right and the structure (280) of supplying liquid down, the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is to the left of the pivot point (800c) of the lever (80) when the cartridge (20) is mounted.

When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement part of the first restriction part is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when the cartridge is viewed from the side with the engagement part of the first restriction part a to the right and the liquid supply structure downwards, the first restriction part generates a rotation moment in the lever to rotate the lever around the axis of rotation of the lever in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the coupling part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the lever engagement part and also ensures the stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements of the device side. Although the cartridge receives strength, the first restriction part will move with the cartridge. Said movement reduces the possibility that the engagement part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the engagement part of the lever.

Adaptation 9

The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the front part (203) with the liquid supply structure (280) is looked down, at least a part of the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is located substantially in the center of the width of the cartridge (20) when the cartridge (20) is mounted.

By providing the first restriction part in such a position so that at least a part of the engagement part of the first restriction part is located substantially in the center of the width of the cartridge, the first restriction part is located extremely close to the plurality of terminals, so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the apparatus can be stable.

10 adaptation

The cartridge (20) as described above, in which the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially at the level of the lower part (201).

Adaptation 11

The cartridge (20) as described above, comprising an adapter (299, 299j, 299k) in which the contact parts (cp) of the terminals (400) and the first restriction part (210) are placed on the adapter and the liquid chamber (200) is adapted and configured to mate with the adapter.

12 adaptation

Use of the cartridge (20) as described above, in which the hooking part of the cartridge (20) is coupled with a movable lever (80) of a printing apparatus (50) such that the lever (80) has a pivot point above the hitch part.

Adaptation 13

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) that includes a plurality of contact side forming elements (731 739) that apply an elastic force (Pt) to the cartridge (20), and a lever (80) having a part (810) of hitch adapted to engage with the hitching part (212) of the first restriction part (210) of the cartridge (20) to restrict the movement of the cartridge (20) in an opposite direction (RD) to the direction of assembly (SD)

Adaptation 14

The combination as described above, in which the lever (80) has two ends and an intermediate pivot point at the two ends, the pivot point (800c) of the lever (80) is provided above the part (212 ) of hitching the first part (210) of restriction of the cartridge (20).

When the rotating lever has the pivot point on the engagement part of the first restriction part, the lever serves to restrict the movement of the cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the first restriction part is unlocked or disengaged from the lever engagement part, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements and reducing the possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction part can move around the axis of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming elements to the mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the hitch part of the first restriction part will be disengaged from the hitch part of the lever.

Adaptation 15

The combination as described above, in which the pivot point (800c) of the lever (80) is provided to the right of the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) of the cartridge (20) . When the pivot point of the lever is provided to the right of the hitch part of the first restriction part of the cartridge, the first restriction part generates a rotation moment in the lever to rotate the lever around the axis of rotation of the lever in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the coupling part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the lever engagement part and also ensures the stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements of the device side. Although the cartridge receives strength, the first restriction part will move with the cartridge. Said movement reduces the possibility that the engagement part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the engagement part of the lever.

G-8-5. Fifth variation

A liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) adapted to supply liquid to a printing apparatus (50), the printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of contact side forming elements (731-739) apparatus, comprising the liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k): an electrical device; a source of liquid (200i, 200j, 200T); a liquid supply structure (280) adapted and configured to deliver liquid from the liquid source (200i, 200j, 200T) to the printing apparatus (50), the liquid supply structure (280) having an edge (288) front of the direction of assembly (SD) that defines a plane (BP); an adapter (299, 299j, 299k) which has: electrically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) arranged to come into contact and receive elastic force (Pt) of the forming elements (731 739) contact at the contact parts (cp) of the terminals (400) when the supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) supplies liquid to the printing apparatus (50), the contact parts (cp) of the terminals (400) disposed substantially in a plane of contact part (TP) that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288); and a first restriction part (210) provided on a front part (203) of the adapter and adapted to engage with the lever engagement part (810) (80) to restrict the movement of the adapter in an opposite direction (RD) the mounting direction (SD), the first restriction part (210) positioned adjacent to the plane of the contact parts (TP).

Now some of the benefits of the previous variation of the ninth modification will be described. The terminals must be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the adapter is mounted on the printing device, to ensure reliable electrical communication between the adapter and the printing device. Because the engagement part of the first restriction part is placed adjacent to the plane of the contact part, the positioning action of the first restriction part occurs near the part where the positioning is most necessary (i.e. , the terminals of the terminal support structure). The elastic force of the device side terminals can be adequately counteracted. In addition, the positional change of the terminals, which may occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be suppressed. Therefore, the positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the stable electrical connection between the adapter side terminals and the device side terminals.

In addition, because the lever is not made integral with the adapter, the material to produce the adapter may be different from the material used to produce the lever. In addition, the adapter material can be selected with less concern for flexibility and durability requirements, and with a greater focus on other properties such as resistance to liquids.

In addition, because the lever is not in the adapter, no special care is needed to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the conditioning of the adapter for transport and distribution. This simplifies the conditioning requirements and improves user comfort. Because the lever is not an integral part of the adapter, the adapter can be made smaller. This also allows the reduction of the size of the conditioning material, such as paper or box, which is used to condition the adapter for the transport or distribution of the adapter, which advantageously reduces the costs of transport and parts. In addition, since the lever is not integral with the adapter, the first restriction element on the side of the adapter can be made with a small size and a simple structure, and with greater rigidity, compared to the structures described in the US publication n . 2005/0151811, for example. This results in a significant reduction in the possibility of plastic deformation of the first restriction element on the side of the adapter. In the attached or mounted state, the adapter can be kept in the proper position in the adapter mounting structure, which maintains normal or good contact between the adapter side terminals and the device side terminals and reduces the possibility of a communication poor electrical Since the first restriction element on the side of the adapter can have a small size and a simple structure, no special care is required to avoid progressive deformation of the lever in the conditioning for transport and distribution of the adapter, unlike the cartridges of the US publication No. 2005/0151811. This reduces conditioning requirements and also improves user comfort.

It is possible that the structure that connects the terminals of the adapter and the coupling part of the adapter to each other is only a rigid structure (which is not the case with the flexible levers of US publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less vibration is transmitted from the hitch part to the terminals of the adapter, so the electrical communication is more stable.

Because the contact part 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 cleaned during insertion of the adapter in the printing apparatus. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates the insulation fragments (dust) that can be generated if the device side terminals scrape long distances against the circuit board during the installation of the adapter.

Because the device side terminals apply, against the terminals of the adapter, an elastic force that includes a vector component in the direction in which the adapter is separated from the printing apparatus, it is not necessary to provide a spring such as spring 103 described in U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force of the device side terminals serves to press the adapter side and device side terminals, and also to move the adapter in the direction of removal of the printing apparatus when it engages between the first restriction part and the lever is released. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in the case of US Patent 6,955,422, which allows for a simpler structure and reduced costs.

Because the first restriction part is adapted to engage with the lever engagement part to restrict the movement of the adapter in the opposite direction to the mounting direction, as a result, the position of the adapter terminals will remain in place. with respect to the direction of assembly by the elastic force of the contact forming elements of the apparatus side, and with respect to the direction opposite to the direction of assembly by the first restriction part, when the adapter is mounted on the printing apparatus. As the adapter terminals are "interleaved" in this manner, they are firmly secured so that they do not move both in the direction of assembly and in the direction opposite to the direction of assembly. Therefore, there is less likelihood of misalignment or disconnection between the terminals of the adapter and the device-side contact forming elements, compared to the one-sided restriction by the elastic part 40 and the related configuration of the US patent. No. 7,008,053.

Adaptation 1

The liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) as described above, in which the plane of the contact parts (TP) forms an angle between 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

As mentioned with reference to Figures 42A-45, when the plane of the contact part forms an angle between approximately 25 and 40 degrees with respect to the plane defined by the leading edge, excessive cleaning is avoided and a force can be applied Enough to avoid half insertion.

Adaptation 2

The liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) as described above, in which when the front of the adapter is viewed with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the coupling part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is located to the left of an extended line (439PL) of a right edge (439P) of the rightmost terminal (439) of the plurality of terminals (431-439) and to the right of a extended line (435PL) of a left edge (435P) of the leftmost terminal (435) of the plurality of terminals (431-439).

When the adapter is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the adapter is held too securely, then contact with some of the device side contact forming elements (terminal 734 in Figure 31, for example), may not be safe By locating the hitch part of the first restriction part to the left of the rightmost contact part of the plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact part of the plurality of terminals, the adapter can bend sufficiently so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the apparatus can be even more stable.

A dap ta c io n 3

The liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) as described above, further comprising a second restriction part (220) on a rear part (204) of the adapter, the second restriction part (220) adapted to engage with a respective part of the adapter. printing apparatus (50), in which the distance (B) between the engagement part (222) of the second restriction part (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is greater than the distance (A) between the coupling part (212) of the first restriction part (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).

When the hitch part of the second restriction part is located farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than the hitch part of the first restriction part, the possibility that the first restriction part may be disengaged from the hitch part The device side can be reduced more effectively, compared to the case in which the coupling part of the first restriction part is further away from the plane defined by the leading edge than the coupling part of the second restriction part.

4 adaptation

The liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) as described above, in which when the adapter is viewed from the angle with the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) to the right and the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (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 distances are measured in an orthogonal direction in the direction of the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).

When the distance between the engagement part of the first restriction part 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 movement of the adapter. This reduces the possibility that the first restriction part is unlocked or disengaged from the lever engagement part, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements and reducing the possibility of continuity. deficient. The first restriction part can move around the axis of rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming elements to the mounted adapter. This reduces the possibility that the hitch part of the first restriction part will be disengaged from the hitch part of the lever.

Adaptation 5

The liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) as described above, in which when the adapter is viewed from the angle with the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) to the right and the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210) is to the left of the pivot point (800c) of the lever (80) when the adapter. When the adapter is mounted so that the hitch part of the first restriction part is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when the adapter is seen from the side with the hitch part of the first restriction part a to the right and the liquid supply structure downwards, the first restriction part generates a rotation moment in the lever to rotate the lever around the axis of rotation of the lever in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the coupling part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the lever engagement part and also ensures the stable electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming elements of the device side. Although the adapter receives strength, the first restriction part will move with the adapter. Said movement reduces the possibility that the engagement part of the first restriction part will be unlocked from the engagement part of the lever.

Adaptation 6

The liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) as described above, in which when the front of the adapter is viewed with the liquid supply structure (280) down, at least a part of the part (212 ) of engagement of the first restriction part (210) is located substantially in the center of the width of the adapter when the adapter is mounted.

By providing the first restriction part in such a position such that at least a part of the engagement part of the first restriction part is located substantially in the center of the width of the adapter, the first restriction part is located extremely close to the plurality of terminals, so that the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the contact side forming elements of the apparatus can be stable.

A dap ta c io n 7

The liquid supply system (20i, 20j) as described above, further comprising a container assembly (200i, 200j) that has the source of liquid therein and is adapted to be coupled with the adapter.

8 adaptation

The liquid supply system (20j) as described above, wherein the liquid supply structure (280) is provided in the container assembly (200j).

Adaptation 9

The liquid supply system (20k) as described above, further comprising: a tank (200T) having the source of liquid therein; an auxiliary adapter (200S) having the liquid supply structure (280); and a tube (200L) that connects the tank and the auxiliary adapter (200S).

It should also be appreciated that the features described herein may be part of a cartridge, 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 for a printing apparatus without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The matters described in the respective aspects according to any of the parts of the invention can be added to any of the various variations described above.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention has many applications, can be implemented in many ways and, as such, is not limited by the above embodiments and examples. Any number of the characteristics of the different embodiments described herein may be combined in a single embodiment and alternative embodiments are possible that have less than or more than all the features described herein. The functionality can also be, in whole or in part, distributed among multiple components, in ways now known or to be known.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described, but is intended to cover modifications within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. While fundamental features of the invention applied to its exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art can make omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the described invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention encompasses conventionally known and future developed variations and modifications of the components described herein, as those skilled in the art will understand. Therefore, the intention is to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the attached claims. It should also be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all the generic and specific features of the invention described herein and all statements of the scope of the invention which, in terms of language, can be said to be among them.

Claims (16)

Cartridge (20) adapted to detachably attach to a printing apparatus (50), the printing apparatus (50) comprising: a cartridge mounting structure (602) configured to have: (i) a bottom wall element (601) of apparatus side; (ii) a first apparatus side side wall element (603) provided to intersect the apparatus side bottom wall element (601); and (iii) a second apparatus side side wall element (604) provided to intersect the apparatus side bottom wall element (601) and be opposed to the first apparatus side side wall element (603); a supply tube (640) of structured print material to have a base end (645) provided in the bottom side wall element (601) and a peripheral end (642) adapted to connect with the cartridge (20 ) and configured to deliver a print material contained in the cartridge (20) to a head (540); a plurality of apparatus side terminals (700) provided in an apparatus side corner section in which the lower apparatus side wall element (601) intersects the first apparatus side side wall element (603) ; Y a lever (80) provided on the first side wall element (603) of the device side rotatably to be used for the attachment and detachment of the cartridge (20) to and from the printing apparatus (50), in which a Z axis represents an axis parallel to a central axis C of the printing material supply tube (640), an X axis represents an axis, along which the material supply tube (640) are arranged and the device side terminals (700) and which is orthogonal to the Z axis, and a Y axis represents an orthogonal axis to both the Z axis and the X axis, in which a Z axis direction represents a direction along the axis Z that goes from the base end (645) to the peripheral end (642) of the material supply tube (640), a sense of axis -Z represents an inverse direction to the direction of axis Z, a sense of axis X represents a direction along the X axis that goes from the tube (640) of supply of printing material to the terminals (700) of the side of the apparatus, a sense of axis -X represents a direction inverse to the direction of axis X , a sense of Y axis represents a direction along the Y axis that goes to one end, and the sense C axis -Y represents a direction along the Y axis that goes to the other end, in which the device side terminals (700) are adapted to be in contact with the cartridge (20) to apply a force to the cartridge (20) in a specified direction that includes the Z axis direction component in a joined state of the cartridge ( 20) to the cartridge mounting structure (602), and The lever (80) has an operative element (830) at the end of the Z axis direction and a first device side restriction element (810) at the end of the Z-axis direction to lock the cartridge (20) and , therefore, restrict the movement of the cartridge (20) in the direction of the Z axis, by rotating the lever (80) around a specified position between the operating element (830) and the first restriction element (810) on the side of apparatus as an axis of rotation, in which the X axis, the Y axis and the Z axis with respect to the cartridge (20) in the joined state correspond respectively to an X axis, a Y axis and a Z axis of the cartridge (20), comprising the cartridge (20): a first face (201) located on the side of the Z-axis direction and a second face (202) located on the side of the Z-axis direction, as two faces opposite each other in the Z-axis direction; a third face (203) located on the side of the X-axis direction and a fourth face (204) located on the side of the X-axis direction, as two faces opposite each other in the X-axis direction and intersecting the first face (201) and the second face (202); a corner section (265) arranged to connect the first face (201) with the third face (203); an inclined surface (208) provided to form part of the corner section (265) and inclined in a specified direction that includes the X-axis direction component and the -Z axis direction component; a printing material supply structure (280) provided on the first side (201) and adapted to connect with the printing material supply tube (640); a plurality of cartridge side terminals (400) provided corresponding to the respective device side terminals (700) and located on the inclined surface (208) to receive a force in a specified direction that includes the Z axis direction component of the device side terminals (700); Y a first cartridge side restriction part (210) having a hitch part configured to engage with the first apparatus side restriction element (810) and, therefore, to restrict the movement of the cartridge (20) in the sense of Z axis, in which the first cartridge side restriction part (210) is provided in a specific position on the third face (203) such that the engagement part of the first cartridge side restriction part (210) is closer to an intersection part (295), in which the third face (203) intersects the inclined surface (208), which of an intersection of the second face (202) and the third face (203). 2. Cartridge (20) according to claim 1, further comprising: a circuit board (40) configured to have the cartridge side terminals (400) provided on a surface and a memory unit (420) provided on a rear face, in which the inclined surface (208) is formed by the surface of the circuit board (40), and The first part (210) of cartridge side restriction is located near one end of the plate on the side of the Z axis direction of the circuit board (40). 3. Cartridge (20) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the first cartridge side restriction part (210) is provided in a position that intersects a plane, which passes through the center of a width or length in the Y-axis direction of the cartridge (20) and is parallel to the axis Z and the X axis. 4. Cartridge (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge side terminals (400) comprise: a first terminal (435) that includes an outer first part (435P) located at the most end in the direction of the Y axis; Y a second terminal (439) that includes an outer second part (439P) located at the far end in the Y-axis direction, in which at least part of the first part (210) of cartridge side restriction is located between the first outer part (435P) and the second outer part (439P) in the y-axis direction. 5. Cartridge (20) according to claim 4, wherein the first part (210) of cartridge side restriction is not located outside, but within a range between the first outer part (435P) and the outer second part (439P) in the Y-axis direction. 6. Cartridge (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a second cartridge side restriction part (220) configured to be locked by a second apparatus side restriction element (620) provided in the second apparatus side side wall element (604) and, therefore, to restrict the movement of the cartridge (20) in the direction of the Z axis in the joined state, and the second part (220) of cartridge side restriction is provided on the fourth face (204). 7. Cartridge (20) according to claim 6, wherein The second cartridge-side restriction part (220) is a projection to be inserted into the second apparatus-side restriction element (620) formed as a recess or a through hole. 8. Cartridge (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (210) of cartridge side restriction is located on the side of the -X axis direction of the axis of rotation of the lever (80) in the joined state. 9. Cartridge (20) according to claim 8, wherein the first cartridge side restriction part (210) has a first stop part (211) that is adapted to stop against a first part (811) of the first apparatus side restriction element (810) to restrict movement of the cartridge (20) in the direction of the Z axis, and a second stop part (213) which is adapted to stop against a second part (813) of the first device side restriction element (810) to restrict movement of the cartridge (20) in the direction of the X axis. 10. Cartridge (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a projection (260) configured to butt against the operating element (830) of the lever (80) in the joined state and receive a force that includes the Z-axis direction component during the detachment of the cartridge (20) attached to the cartridge assembly structure (602) from the cartridge assembly structure (602), and the projection (620) is provided on the Z axis direction side of the first cartridge side restriction part (210) on the third face (203). 11. Cartridge (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the corner section (265) has a step (207) extended from the first face (201) in the direction of the Z axis, the step (207) is located on the axis direction side -X and the axis direction side -Z of the inclined surface (208), and the step (207) has a third cartridge side restriction element (250) that is adapted to be in contact with a third apparatus side restriction element (636) provided in the cartridge mounting structure (602), to restrict the movement of the cartridge (20) in the y-axis direction in the joined state. 12. Cartridge (20) according to claim 11, wherein The third cartridge side restriction element (250) comprises a pair of projection elements configured to receive the third device side restriction element (636) protruding from the lower side wall element (601) of the apparatus on the Z axis sense, and the pair of projection elements protrude from the step (207) in the direction of the X axis. 13. Cartridge (20) according to any one of claims 11 and 12, wherein part of the third cartridge side restriction element (250) is superimposed on the inclined surface (208), when the cartridge (20) is viewed from the first side side in the direction of the Z axis. 14. Cartridge (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The printing material supply structure (280) is provided at a specified position on the first side (201) closer to the fourth side (204) than the third side (203). 15. Cartridge (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (210) of cartridge side restriction is a projection. 16. Cartridge (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge-side terminals (400) include a cartridge-side ground terminal (437) that is adapted to be in contact with a device-side ground terminal (737) of the device-side terminals (700) , which is connected to a land line, and The cartridge side ground terminal (437) is provided at the center of the width or length in the Y axis direction of the cartridge (20) and is configured to be in contact with the side ground terminal (737) of apparatus before any other terminal (431-436, 438, 439) of cartridge side is in contact with a corresponding apparatus side terminal in the course of joining the cartridge (20) to the structure (602) of cartridge assembly. Cartridge (20) according to claim 16, wherein the length in the Z-axis direction of the cartridge side ground terminal (437) is longer than the length in the Z-axis direction of the other terminal (431-436, 438, 439) of the cartridge side. Printing material supply system, comprising: a printing apparatus (50); Y the cartridge (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the printing apparatus (50): a cartridge mounting structure (602) configured to have: (i) a bottom wall element (601) of apparatus side; (ii) a first apparatus side side wall element (603) provided to intersect the apparatus side bottom wall element (601); and (iii) a second apparatus side side wall element (604) provided to intersect the apparatus side bottom wall element (601) and be opposed to the first apparatus side side wall element (603); a supply tube (640) of structured print material to have a base end (645) provided in the bottom side wall element (601) and a peripheral end (642) adapted to connect with the cartridge (20 ) and configured to deliver a print material contained in the cartridge (20) to a head (540); a plurality of apparatus side terminals (700) provided in an apparatus side corner section in which the lower apparatus side wall element (601) intersects the first apparatus side side wall element (603) ; Y a lever (80) provided on the first side wall element (603) of the device side rotatably to be used for the attachment and detachment of the cartridge (20) to and from the printing apparatus (50), in which a Z axis represents an axis parallel to a central axis C of the printing material supply tube (640), an X axis represents an axis, along which the material supply tube (640) are arranged and the device side terminals (700) and which is orthogonal to the Z axis, and a Y axis represents an orthogonal axis to both the Z axis and the X axis, in which a Z axis direction represents a direction along the axis Z that goes from the base end (645) to the peripheral end (642) of the material supply tube (640), a sense of axis -Z represents an inverse direction to the direction of axis Z, a sense of axis X represents a direction along the X axis that goes from the tube (640) of supply of printing material to the terminals (700) of the side of the apparatus, a sense of axis -X represents a direction inverse to the direction of axis X , a sense of Y axis represents a direction along the Y axis that goes to one end, and the sense C axis -Y represents a direction along the Y axis that goes to the other end, in which the device side terminals (700) are adapted to be in contact with the cartridge (20) to apply a force to the cartridge (20) in a specified direction that includes the Z axis direction component in a joined state of the cartridge ( 20) to the cartridge mounting structure (602), and The lever (80) has an operative element (830) at the end of the Z axis direction and a first device side restriction element (810) at the end of the Z-axis direction to lock the cartridge (20) and , therefore, restricting the movement of the cartridge (20) in the direction of the Z axis, by rotating the lever (80) around a specified position between the operating element (830) and the first restriction element (210) on the side of apparatus as an axis of rotation.