JP2007015369A - Contact device between contact terminal part of ink cartridge side and connector part of recording device side, recording device and liquid jet device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a contact device capable of electrically connecting a contact terminal of the ink cartridge side with a connector part of the recording device side without fail, when an ink cartridge is loaded. <P>SOLUTION: This contact device comprises a holder part 204 which holds a connector part 203 capable of being connected with an electric contact terminal part 202 and can be transferred to a recording device. In addition, the contact device comprises a relative positioning means 210 which decides a relative position between the ink cartridge 11 and the holder part 204 by transferring the holder part 204 in the ink cartridge 11 loading direction (a Y axis direction) after the ink cartridge 11 comes into contact with the holder part 204, when the ink cartridge 11 is loaded. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a contact device between an electrical connection terminal portion provided on the ink cartridge side and a connector portion provided on the recording device side and capable of contacting the connection terminal portion, a recording device including the contact device, The present invention also relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus including the contact device.

  Here, the liquid ejecting apparatus refers to an ink jet recording apparatus, a copying machine, a facsimile, or the like that performs recording on a recording material by ejecting ink from a recording head as a liquid ejecting head to a recording material such as recording paper. In addition to the recording apparatus, instead of ink, a liquid corresponding to a specific application is ejected from the liquid ejecting head corresponding to the recording head to the ejected material corresponding to the recording material, and the liquid is ejected to the ejected material. Used to include the device to be attached. In addition to the recording head described above, the liquid ejecting head includes a color material ejecting head used for manufacturing a color filter such as a liquid crystal display, an electrode material used for forming an electrode such as an organic EL display and a surface emitting display (FED) ( Examples thereof include a conductive paste) ejection head, a bio-organic matter ejection head used for biochip manufacturing, and a sample ejection head that ejects a sample as a precision pipette.

  An example of an ink jet recording apparatus or a liquid ejecting apparatus is an ink jet printer. The ink jet printer feeds a recording medium such as paper set in a paper feed tray one by one by a paper feed mechanism, and intermittently feeds a predetermined amount in the sub-scanning direction by a paper transporting unit, while moving in the main scanning direction. Ink droplets are ejected onto a recording medium by a recording head mounted on a reciprocating carriage to record characters, images, and the like.

  Here, some carriages are equipped with ink cartridges, and some are not equipped with ink cartridges. A printer equipped with an ink cartridge reciprocates in the main scanning direction with the ink cartridge mounted, and supplies ink to the ink jet recording head inside the carriage. In the case where the ink cartridge is not mounted, the ink cartridge is provided on the main body (base) side of the ink jet printer independently of the carriage, and the ink cartridge and the ink jet recording head are communicated with each other by an ink supply tube.

  In any case, the ink cartridge is provided with a memory unit that stores information such as the date of manufacture, the model number, and the ink remaining amount, and the like. A circuit board connected to the memory unit and connected to the recording head is disposed in the head mounting portion of the carriage. And it is provided so that the information regarding this ink etc. may be transmitted / received between recording apparatuses.

Here, an ink jet recording apparatus provided with a memory portion and a connector portion according to the prior art will be described below.
FIG. 13 shows a recording apparatus provided with an ink cartridge attaching / detaching device that can take in and out the ink cartridge 501 as the lever arm 507 rotates. An example of the memory for storing the information is a contact-type information storage having a first connection terminal 503 having a connection terminal exposed to the outside, and a memory portion 504 electrically connected to the first connection terminal 503. Part 502. The first connection terminal 503 is configured to be electrically connected by being in contact with the second connection terminal 506 provided in the connector unit 505 on the recording apparatus side. Here, the memory unit 504 stores information on ink and the like. As the lever arm 507 rotates, the position of the ink cartridge 501 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow to load the ink cartridge 501 into the recording apparatus main body, and the first connection terminal 503 is connected to the first connection terminal 503 on the recording apparatus side. 2 connection terminals 506.

However, since the first connection terminal 503 and the second connection terminal 506 are usually very small, if the position of the loaded ink cartridge 501 varies, the first connection terminal 503 is There is a possibility that the second connection terminal 506 is not electrically connected.
Therefore, in the conventional technique, the ink cartridge (501) is provided with a protrusion (not shown) for positioning with respect to the carriage, thereby reducing the variation in the position of the loaded ink cartridge (501) (for example, patents). Reference 1). In other words, the second connection terminal (506) is fixed with respect to the carriage, and the ink cartridge (501) with respect to the carriage provided with the fixed second connection terminal (506) or the recording apparatus main body. Was trying to position with high accuracy.

JP 2004-001430 A

However, these countermeasures are not sufficient, and it has been very difficult to eliminate variations in the position of the loaded ink cartridge 501. Therefore, there is still a possibility that the first connection terminal 503 is not electrically connected to the second connection terminal 506 of the connector portion 505.
Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and the problem is that when the ink cartridge is loaded, the first connection terminal on the ink cartridge side is connected to the connector portion (first order) on the recording apparatus side. It is an object of the present invention to provide a contact device that can be reliably electrically connected to the two connection terminals.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical connection terminal provided on the ink cartridge side, and a connector provided on the recording apparatus side and in contact with the connection terminal. A contact device that is provided with a holder portion that holds the connector portion and is movable with respect to the recording device. When the ink cartridge is loaded, the ink cartridge abuts on the holder portion, and the holder portion is An ink cartridge-side connection terminal portion and recording, comprising a relative positioning means capable of moving in the cartridge loading direction and determining the relative position between the ink cartridge and the holder portion It is a contact apparatus with the connector part by the side of an apparatus.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the contact device between the connection terminal portion on the ink cartridge side and the connector portion on the recording apparatus side includes the relative positioning means. Therefore, when the ink cartridge is loaded, the ink cartridge comes into contact with the holder portion, and the holder portion is moved in the loading direction of the ink cartridge to determine the relative positions of the ink cartridge and the holder portion. Can do. As a result, the connection terminal portion on the ink cartridge side and the connector portion on the recording apparatus side can be reliably brought into contact with each other. That is, the connection terminal portion and the connector portion can be electrically connected. For example, the recording apparatus main body can read the ink remaining amount information from the storage element that stores the ink remaining amount information on the ink cartridge side, or can write the ink remaining amount information to the storage element.

  A second aspect of the present invention is the first aspect according to the first aspect, wherein the relative positioning means corresponds to a contact portion that contacts the front end side of the ink cartridge in the loading direction and the holder portion when the ink cartridge is loaded. An urging means for urging the contact portion to oppose the movement of the ink cartridge is a contact device between the connection terminal portion on the ink cartridge side and the connector portion on the recording apparatus side.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the same function and effect as in the first aspect, the relative positioning means includes an abutting portion that abuts the holder portion on the front end side in the loading direction of the ink cartridge, and an ink. And a biasing unit that biases the corresponding contact portion against the movement of the ink cartridge when the cartridge is loaded. Accordingly, the relative positional relationship between the ink cartridge and the holder portion can be accurately determined with a simple configuration in the loading direction of the ink cartridge.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, when the holder portion moves, the movement of the holder portion in a direction orthogonal to the loading direction of the ink cartridge is restricted on the recording apparatus side. A restricting portion is provided, and the urging means is configured to urge the holder portion also to the restricting portion, and a connecting terminal portion on the ink cartridge side and a connector portion on the recording apparatus side, It is a contact device.

According to the 3rd aspect of this invention, in addition to the effect similar to a 2nd aspect, the said urging means is comprised so that the said holder part may be urged | biased also to the said control part. That is, the moving direction of the holder portion can be restricted only to the loading direction of the ink cartridge by the urging means and the restricting portion. Therefore, the holder portion can always be positioned in the direction orthogonal to the ink cartridge loading direction. As a result, the connector portion on the recording apparatus side can be brought into contact with the connection terminal portion on the ink cartridge side with high accuracy.
Further, since the urging force of the urging means is used, it is not necessary to newly provide the urging means.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect, when the holder unit moves on the recording apparatus side, the holder unit moves in a direction perpendicular to the loading direction of the ink cartridge. A restricting portion is provided, and the restricting portion is provided so as to directly contact the connector portion and restrict a position in a direction in which the connector portion and the connection terminal portion face each other. This is a contact device between the connecting terminal portion on the ink cartridge side and the connector portion on the recording apparatus side.

  According to the 4th aspect of this invention, in addition to the effect similar to the 2nd or 3rd aspect, the said control part contacts the said connector part directly, and a connector part and a connection terminal part oppose It is provided so as to regulate the position in the direction to do. That is, the restricting portion directly contacts the connector portion without using the holder portion. Therefore, since there is no influence of the tolerance of the holder portion, the positional accuracy of the connector portion can be improved in the direction orthogonal to the ink cartridge loading direction and facing the connection terminal portion.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the second to fourth aspects, the connection terminal portion is configured to contact the connector portion and a surface parallel to the loading direction of the ink cartridge. The holder portion includes a connector restricting portion for restricting movement of the connector portion relative to the holder portion on the front end side in the ink cartridge loading direction, and a claw portion having a biasing force toward the connector restricting portion on the rear end side. The connector portion is a contact device between the connection terminal portion on the ink cartridge side and the connector portion on the recording apparatus side, which is sandwiched between the connector restricting portion and the claw portion.

  When the ink cartridge is loaded, the relative position in the loading direction of the ink cartridge and the holder portion is determined with high accuracy. However, a frictional force due to contact is generated between the ink cartridge and the connector portion during loading. At this time, when the frictional force is applied while there is a backlash due to tolerance between the holder part and the connector part, the position of the connector part when loaded is loaded with respect to the holder part and the ink cartridge. There is a risk that it will shift to the tip side in the direction.

  So, according to the 5th aspect of this invention, in addition to the effect similar to any one of the 2nd-4th aspect, the said connector part is the biasing force which goes to the said connector control part and this connector control part It is clamped by the nail | claw part which has. Therefore, there is no backlash between the holder part and the connector part, and there is no possibility that the position of the connector part in the loading direction is shifted with respect to the holder part and the ink cartridge.

  According to this aspect, the holder portion includes the connector restricting portion on the front end side in the ink cartridge loading direction and the claw portion on the rear end side. That is, when the ink cartridge is loaded, the connector restricting portion is provided on the front end side where the frictional force acts on the holder portion, and the one of the frictional forces does not act on the holder portion on the rear end side. A claw portion is provided. Therefore, even when the frictional force is generated when the ink cartridge is loaded, the connector portion is restricted by the connector restricting portion. And the said nail | claw part can clamp and position the said connector part stably, cooperating with the said connector control part, maintaining the biasing force, without deform | transforming. As a result, when the ink cartridge is loaded, there is no possibility that the position of the connector portion in the loading direction is shifted with respect to the holder portion and the ink cartridge.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the second, fourth, and fifth aspects, an engagement unit is provided at a position where the contact portion and the ink cartridge are in contact with each other. One side of the ink cartridge is provided with a cone-shaped projection that is pointed toward the other side, and the other side is provided with a recess that engages with the projection. Is a contact device between the connecting terminal portion of the recording device and the connector portion on the recording device side.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the same function and effect as in any one of the second, fourth, and fifth aspects, the engagement means is provided at a position where the contact portion and the ink cartridge are in contact with each other. A conical projection that is pointed toward the other side is provided on one side of the engagement means, and a recess that engages with the projection is provided on the other side. . At this time, since the projection is formed in a cone shape, the projection has an inclined portion. Therefore, the protrusion can be engaged with the recess while being guided by the inclined portion. That is, the relative positional relationship between the ink cartridge and the holder portion can be restricted in the inclination direction of the inclined portion. For example, when the inclined portion is provided to be inclined toward the height direction of the ink cartridge, the relative positional relationship between the ink cartridge and the holder portion can be regulated in the height direction. .

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, the cone-shaped protrusion of the engaging means has a first inclined portion, and the first inclined portion is a conical inclined surface. The contact device between the substrate on the ink cartridge side and the connector portion on the recording apparatus side is provided as described above.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the same function and effect as in the sixth aspect, the cone-shaped projection of the engaging means has the first inclined portion, The inclined portion is provided like a slope of a cone. That is, the first inclined portion is provided in all directions orthogonal to the loading direction of the ink cartridge. Accordingly, the relative positional relationship between the ink cartridge and the holder portion can be determined in a direction orthogonal to the loading direction of the ink cartridge.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, the cone-shaped protrusion of the engaging means has a second inclined portion, and the second inclined portion is a polygonal pyramid. A contact device between a substrate on an ink cartridge side and a connector portion on a recording apparatus side, which is provided like a slope.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the same function and effect as the sixth aspect, the cone-shaped projection of the engaging means has the second inclined portion, The inclined portion is provided like a slope of a polygonal pyramid. That is, when the protrusion is engaged with the recess, in the direction perpendicular to the ink cartridge loading direction, the protrusion is formed by the second inclined portion provided like a slope of a polygonal cone. Guided to the apex side of the polygonal pyramid with respect to the recess. Accordingly, the relative positional relationship between the ink cartridge and the holder portion can be determined in a direction orthogonal to the loading direction of the ink cartridge.

  Further, since the second inclined portion is provided like the inclined surface of the polygonal pyramid, there is no possibility that the second inclined portion is engaged with the concave portion while being twisted around the loading direction of the ink cartridge. In other words, there is no possibility that the ink cartridge and the holder portion come into contact with each other while being twisted about the loading direction of the ink cartridge. Therefore, the substrate on the ink cartridge side and the connector portion on the recording apparatus main body side can be reliably brought into contact with each other.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, the connector portion has a pin-type terminal that can contact the connection terminal portion, and the connection terminal portion is the connector portion. The pin-type terminal is formed in a pin spring shape that biases the connection terminal portion, and a connector portion on the ink cartridge side, and a connector portion on the recording apparatus side. It is a contact device.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the same function and effect as in any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, the connector portion is formed in a pin spring shape that urges the connection terminal portion. It has a pin-type terminal. Therefore, when the connection terminal portion is in a position facing the connector portion, the pin-type terminal can reliably contact the connection terminal portion.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, a plurality of the pin-type terminals are provided, and the same number of the connection terminal portions that can come into contact with the pin-type terminals are provided on the substrate as the pin-type terminals. Is provided on the surface parallel to the loading direction of the ink cartridge so as to face the connector when the ink cartridge is loaded, and the connecting terminal portion on the ink cartridge side and the recording apparatus It is a contact apparatus with the connector part of the side.

When there are a plurality of pin-type terminals, the biasing force of the pin-type terminals is multiplied by the number. The biasing force of the pin-type terminal may oppose the movement of the ink cartridge when the ink cartridge is loaded, or may be biased in the direction of ejecting the ink cartridge after the ink cartridge is loaded, resulting in incomplete loading. In other words, there is a possibility that the ink supply needle is not completely stuck in the ink cartridge.
Therefore, according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the same function and effect as the ninth aspect, when the ink cartridge is loaded, the substrate has a surface parallel to the loading direction of the ink cartridge. It is provided so as to face the connector portion. That is, the ink cartridge loading direction and the vertical direction of the substrate, which is the biasing direction of the pin-type terminal, are orthogonal to each other. Therefore, there is no possibility that the urging force of the pin type terminal opposes the movement of the ink cartridge when the ink cartridge is loaded. Furthermore, there is no possibility that the ink cartridge is urged in the direction to be discharged after the ink cartridge is loaded, and the loading is incomplete.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the tenth aspect, the connecting portion on the ink cartridge side and the recording device side are characterized in that the protrusion is a protrusion extending in the vertical direction of the substrate. It is a contact apparatus with the connector part.
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the same function and effect as the tenth aspect, the protrusion is a protrusion extending in the vertical direction of the substrate. For example, when the protruding portion is extended in a certain direction, the holder portion and the ink cartridge are not only restricted in the positional relationship in the direction orthogonal to the direction, but can also reduce torsion due to member tolerance. . That is, the protrusion can make the substrate and the connector portion face each other in parallel. Therefore, a plurality of the pin-type terminals and the same number of the connection terminal portions as the pin-type terminals can be reliably brought into contact with each other.

A twelfth aspect of the present invention is a recording apparatus comprising a contact device between an electrical connection terminal provided on the ink cartridge side and a connector provided on the recording apparatus side and capable of contacting the connection terminal. And it is a contact apparatus in any one of said 1st-11th, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, since the recording apparatus includes the contact device described in any of the first to eleventh aspects, the recording apparatus includes the first to eleventh aspects. Effects similar to the effects described in any of the embodiments can be obtained.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid ejecting apparatus including an electrical connection terminal provided on the liquid cartridge side and a contact device provided on the liquid ejecting apparatus side and capable of contacting the connection terminal. A holder unit that holds the connector unit and is movable with respect to the liquid ejecting apparatus. When the liquid cartridge is loaded, the liquid cartridge comes into contact with the holder unit, and the holder unit is The liquid ejecting apparatus includes a relative positioning unit that can be moved in a loading direction of the cartridge to determine a relative position between the liquid cartridge and the holder portion.

  Hereinafter, an ink cartridge attaching / detaching apparatus according to the present invention and a recording apparatus which is an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus including the attaching / detaching apparatus will be described. First, an ink jet printer is taken up as the best mode for carrying out the recording apparatus, and the outline of the entire configuration will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing an outline of an ink jet printer when an ink cartridge is loaded.

  The ink jet printer 100 includes a main component of a recording execution unit that is an example of a liquid ejection execution unit that performs recording on a recording material P (hereinafter also simply referred to as a sheet P) that is an example of a liquid ejection material. A carriage 10 is provided that is supported by a carriage guide shaft 12 so as to be reciprocable in a scanning direction (a direction orthogonal to the paper surface in FIG. 1). A recording head 13, which is an example of a liquid ejecting head that performs recording by ejecting (ejecting) ink, which is an example of liquid, onto the paper P or the like is mounted on the carriage 10. In addition, a single package ink cartridge 11, which is an example of a liquid cartridge, is loaded in the lower space of the recording apparatus main body 3 below the carriage 10 via an attachment / detachment device 1 described later.

  A platen 28 that defines a gap PG between the head surface of the recording head 13 and the paper P or the like is provided below the recording head 13 so as to face the recording head 13. Then, an operation for transporting the paper P or the like between the carriage 10 and the platen 28 in a sub-scanning direction (left and right direction in FIG. 1) orthogonal to the main scanning direction by a predetermined transport amount, and the recording head 13 in the main scanning direction. Recording is performed on the paper P or the like by alternately repeating the operation of ejecting ink from the recording head 13 onto the paper P or the like during one reciprocation.

  Next, the configuration of the ink jet printer 100 will be further described according to the conveyance path of the paper P. First, a feeding tray 5 which is an example of a liquid injection material stacking unit for stacking sheets P is provided on the most upstream side in the transport direction. Further, the feeding tray 5 is provided with an edge guide 15 that contacts the side end surface of the paper P and guides smooth conveyance in the sub-scanning direction. With the rotation of the rotating shaft 17 of the feeding roller 14, the hopper 16 rises at a predetermined timing and is pushed up toward the feeding roller 14 on the paper P on the feeding tray 5.

  An apparatus including the feeding tray 5, the feeding roller 14, and the hopper 16 is the automatic feeding apparatus 2. Then, with the rotation of the feeding roller 14, the pickup is picked up in units from the sheet P positioned on the uppermost surface in order by borrowing the force of a separation pad or the like, which is an example of a separating action unit provided in the vicinity of the feeding roller 14. Then, it is sent toward the downstream in the conveying direction.

  Downstream of the feeding roller 14, a recording material detection unit (not shown) (hereinafter simply referred to as a detection lever) that is an example of a liquid ejection material detection unit that detects the passage of the paper P is provided. A transport roller 19 including a transport drive roller 19a and a transport driven roller 19b is provided downstream of the detection lever. Among these, the conveyance driven roller 19b is pivotally supported on the downstream side of the roller holder 18 for the conveyance driven roller. The roller holder 18 is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft (not shown), and is rotated by a torsion coil spring (not shown) so that the conveyance driven roller 19b is always in pressure contact with the conveyance drive roller 19a. It is energized.

  The sheet P conveyed while being pinched by the conveying roller 19 is guided to a recording position 26 below the recording head 13 and is almost entirely on the recording surface of the sheet P by the operation of the carriage 10 and the sheet P described above. The desired recording is performed over the entire period. The gap PG between the recording head 13 and the platen 28 provided opposite to the recording head 13 is an extremely important element for executing high-precision recording, and corresponds to the change in the thickness of the paper P. Are adjusted accordingly.

  Disposed downstream of the recording head 13 is a discharge roller 20 that is an example of a liquid ejecting material discharge unit configured by a discharge drive roller 20a and a discharge driven roller 20b. The paper P discharged by the discharge roller 20 is discharged onto a placement surface 51 on a discharge stacker 50 which is an example of a liquid injection material receiving portion located further downstream.

  The discharge driven roller 20b is a toothed roller having a plurality of teeth on its outer periphery, and is rotatably supported by a roller holder (not shown) for the discharge driven roller. An auxiliary driven roller 22 is provided upstream of the discharge driven roller 20b, and the paper P is pressed slightly downward by the auxiliary driven roller 22. Further, the transport driven roller 19b is disposed at a position slightly downstream of the transport driving roller 19a. Further, the discharge driven roller 20b is disposed slightly upstream from the discharge drive roller 20a.

  With such a configuration, the sheet P is in a curved state called “reverse sled” that slightly protrudes downward between the transport roller 19 and the discharge roller 20. Then, the paper P located at the position facing the recording head 13 is pressed against the platen 28, thereby preventing the paper P from being lifted and recording is normally executed. The auxiliary driven roller 22 is composed of a toothed roller like the discharge driven roller 20b, and is pivotally supported by a roller holder for an auxiliary driven roller (not shown).

  The ink jet printer 100 according to this embodiment uses a single package type ink cartridge 11 in which ink cartridges of a plurality of colors are integrated, and the ink cartridge 11 is placed on the feeding tray 5 behind the recording apparatus main body 3. This is a type of printer that is slid horizontally from below and loaded.

  Reference numeral 30 shown in the drawing is a cartridge holding means. When the ink cartridge 11 is inserted into the first predetermined stroke, the cartridge holding means 30 can hold the ink cartridge 11 by engaging the slide lock piece 48 with the engagement recess 57 on the ink cartridge side. Is provided. Then, the rotation movement of the lever arm 163, which will be described later, causes the pair of left and right cartridge holding means 30, 30 holding the ink cartridge 11 via the power transmission conversion mechanism 32 (see FIG. 2) to It is provided so that the stroke S can be pushed in. In the present specification, an operation in which the ink cartridge 11 is pushed into the second predetermined stroke S is defined as “loading an ink cartridge”.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the attachment / detachment device before the ink cartridge is inserted.
As shown in FIG. 2, the lever arm 163, ie, one end of the arm main body 163b is provided with a knob portion 163a, and the other end is a fan-shaped first pinion that is an example of a transmission member in the power transmission conversion mechanism 32. 162 is provided and is attached so as to rotate about the first rotation pin 164 as a fulcrum. Note that the distance between the fulcrum and the action point in the lever arm 163 is substantially the ratio of the pitch circle radius of the first pinion 162, and the use of the lever arm 163 makes the distance between the fulcrum and the action point relatively small. A large lever ratio has been obtained as a result of taking longer.

  As the power transmission conversion mechanism 32, for example, a rack, a pinion, and a cam mechanism can be adopted. In this embodiment, a first pinion 162 that rotates integrally with the lever arm 163, a first rack 161 that meshes with the first pinion 162, and a second rack 167 that transmits the movement of the first rack 161 to the downstream of the transmission path. A geared cam that integrally includes a slide bar 166 provided, a second pinion 168 that meshes with the second rack 167, a gear 171 that meshes with the second pinion 168, and an eccentric cam portion 172 that transmits the rotation of the gear 171 downstream of the transmission path. The unit 175 is provided on the cartridge holding means side and includes a first wall portion 173 that can contact the eccentric cam portion 172 when the ink cartridge 11 is moved in the pushing direction. Here, the cartridge holding means 30 shown on the left side in FIG. 2 is taken out from the inside of the recording apparatus in order to easily understand the state of the eccentric cam portion 172.

  Further, the slide bar 166 of the present embodiment has a first rack 161 formed on the side facing the first pinion 162, and second racks 167a and 167b formed on the side facing the second pinions 168a and 168b, respectively. Yes. Further, the second pinion 168a side is guided by the first pinion 162 and the second pinion 168a, and the second pinion 168b side is guided by the guide rib 165 and the second pinion 168b provided on the main frame 62, and the recording device The main body 3 reciprocates in the width direction.

  Similarly to the first pinion 162, the second pinions 168a and 168b are configured by fan-shaped gears. The second pinions 168a and 168b rotate in the same direction around the second rotation pins 169a and 169b, respectively. To communicate. The gear 171 (171a, 171b) rotates around the third rotation pin 170 together with the eccentric cam portion 172 provided integrally with the gear 171. The eccentric cam portion 172 is configured to contact the first wall portion 173 and the second wall portion 174 provided on the slider holder 37 of the cartridge holding means 30 and move the slider holder 37.

Next, an operation mode of the ink cartridge attaching / detaching apparatus 1 having such a configuration will be described.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the attachment / detachment device in the ink cartridge insertion completed state.
As shown in FIG. 3, when the ink cartridge 11 is inserted, the position of the ink cartridge 11 is a position indicated by a broken line. Therefore, as soon as the ink cartridge 11 is inserted, the ink in the ink cartridge does not flow into the recording apparatus main body side via the ink supply needle 4a formed in the flow path member 4 on the recording apparatus main body side.
Here, the position of the lever arm 163 in the ink cartridge insertion completed state is defined as a “reset position”.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the attachment / detachment apparatus in a state where the ink cartridge is completely loaded.
As shown in FIG. 4, when the lever arm 163 is rotated to the right from the “reset position” shown in FIG. 3, the rotational movement of the lever arm 163 is caused by the eccentric cam portion 172 via the power transmission conversion mechanism 32 described above. Rotate. Then, the cartridge holder 37 is moved into contact with the first wall portion 173 provided on the slider holder 37 of the cartridge holding means 30 to convert the cartridge holding means 30 into a movement for pushing the second predetermined stroke S. it can. At this time, when the knob portion 163a of the lever arm 163 is rotated to the rightmost side, the ink cartridge 11 further enters the back side, and the ink supply formed in the flow path member 4 at the needle insertion port of the ink cartridge 11 is performed. The needle 4a is inserted. That is, the ink cartridge 11 is completely loaded.
Here, the position of the lever arm 163 when the ink cartridge is completely loaded is defined as a “set position”.

Further, when the lever arm 163 is rotated from the “reset position” to the “set position” and the ink cartridge 11 is loaded, the ink cartridge 11 comes into contact with the contact device 200 provided on the recording apparatus main body side. Is provided.
Here, the contact device 200 is a device that brings a connection terminal portion 202 (FIG. 5) on the ink cartridge side, which will be described later, into contact with a connector portion 203 (FIG. 6) on the recording device side.

Next, the contact device 200 will be described below.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the ink cartridge according to the present application.
As shown in FIG. 5, a recess 208 is provided on the surface of the ink cartridge 11 in the loading direction front end side 11 a. In addition, a substrate 209 including a storage element 201 that stores ink remaining amount information and a plurality of connection terminal portions 202 connected to the storage element 201 is provided on the side surface of the ink cartridge 11.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view when the ink cartridge of the contact device according to the present application is loaded. FIG. 7 is a perspective view from the ink cartridge side of the contact device according to the present application.
As shown in FIG. 6, the contact device 200 includes a connector portion 203 that can contact the connection terminal portion 202, a holder portion 204 that holds and moves the connector portion 203, and one end that is locked to the holder portion 204. A holder spring 212 that biases the holder portion 204 so as to oppose the loading direction of the ink cartridge 11 by engaging the end with the recording apparatus main body 3 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 7, the holder portion 204 is provided with a contact portion 204 a that can come into contact with the surface on the leading end side in the loading direction of the ink cartridge 11 when the ink cartridge 11 is loaded. Further, the contact portion 204 a is provided with a protrusion 207 that can be engaged with a recess 208 provided in the ink cartridge 11. Here, the protrusion 207 is a protrusion 207 a that extends in the X-axis direction, which is the width direction of the ink cartridge 11.
In addition, the connector part 203 held by the holder part 204 is provided with a pin-type terminal 211 that can contact the connection terminal part 202 on the ink cartridge side. As will be described in detail later, the pin type terminal 211 is formed in a pin spring shape that can be biased toward the connection terminal portion 202.

  FIG. 8 is a side sectional view showing the movement of the contact device according to the present application when the ink cartridge is loaded. 8A shows a state before the ink cartridge comes into contact with the holder portion 204, FIG. 8B shows a state in which the ink cartridge is in contact, and FIG. 8C shows the state in FIG. It is in a state where it has been moved and stopped in contact, that is, loaded.

As shown in FIG. 8A, when the lever arm 163 is moved from the “reset position” to the “set position” side, the ink cartridge 11 moves in the loading direction.
When the lever arm 163 is further moved to the “set position” side, as shown in FIG. 8B, the surface of the ink cartridge 11 in the loading direction front end side 11 a comes into contact with the contact portion 204 a of the holder portion 204. . At this time, the protrusion 207a which is the protrusion 207 provided on the contact portion 204a engages with the recess 208 on the ink cartridge side while being guided by the inclined portion 207f provided on the protrusion 207a.

When the lever arm 163 is moved to the “set position”, as shown in FIG. 8C, the ink cartridge 11 moves from the state (B) by the distance T and stops. That is, the ink cartridge 11 is completely loaded. Here, the relationship between the length of the distance T and the length of the second predetermined stroke S (see FIG. 4) is:
Distance T <second predetermined stroke S
The relationship is established so that

  When the ink cartridge 11 moves from the state shown in FIG. 8B to the state shown in FIG. 8C by the distance T, the ink cartridge 11 moves against the spring force of the holder spring 212 whose one end is locked to the holder portion 204. At this time, the holder portion 204 is provided so as to be movable, and can follow the movement of the distance T of the ink cartridge 11 while receiving the spring force of the holder spring 212. Therefore, when the ink cartridge 11 is stopped and loaded, the contact portion 204a of the holder portion 204 can contact the ink cartridge 11 without a gap. That is, the relative positional relationship between the ink cartridge 11 and the holder unit 204 can be determined in the Y-axis direction that is the loading direction.

Here, the position of the holder portion 204 shown in FIG. 8C is a reference position when the ink cartridge is loaded, and is provided so as to be movable from the reference position by ± distance T in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, even if the position of the ink cartridge 11 varies within the range of ± distance T from the reference position in the Y-axis direction, the holder unit 204 can follow the position and determine the relative positional relationship. it can. In the present embodiment, the size of the substrate 209 is as small as about 5 mm × 5 mm, and the distance T to which the holder unit 204 moves is 1 mm.
Further, the contact portion 204a is provided with a protrusion 207a as the protrusion 207, and the protrusion 207a can be engaged with the recess 208 on the ink cartridge side without a gap. That is, the relative positional relationship between the ink cartridge 11 and the holder unit 204 can be determined in the Z-axis direction. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of the contact device and the ink cartridge according to the present application when the ink cartridge 11 is loaded.
As shown in FIG. 9, the relative positional relationship between the ink cartridge 11 and the holder unit 204 is determined in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions. Accordingly, the connection terminal portion 202 provided on the substrate 209 on the ink cartridge side and the tip end portion 211a of the pin-type terminal 211 provided on the connector portion 203 on the holder portion side are in a positional relationship. Here, FIG. 10 shows a cross section of the broken line QQ ′ and FIG. 11 shows a cross section of the broken line PP ′.

FIG. 10 is a plan sectional view of the contact device and the ink cartridge in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10, when the connection terminal portion 202 provided on the substrate 209 on the ink cartridge side and the tip portion 211a of the pin-type terminal 211 provided on the connector portion 203 on the holder side are in a positional relationship. The tip end portion 211 a of the pin-type terminal 211 is electrically connected to the connection terminal portion 202. At this time, the pin-type terminal 211 is formed in a pin spring shape, and is provided so as to be urged in the direction toward the connecting terminal portion 202 facing, that is, in the X-axis direction. Therefore, even when a gap is generated between the ink cartridge 11 and the holder portion 204 in the X-axis direction, the pin-type terminal 211 can be reliably electrically connected to the connection terminal portion 202.

FIG. 11 is a front sectional view of the contact device and the ink cartridge in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 11, the recess 208 on the ink cartridge side and the protrusion 207 a as the protrusion 207 on the holder side extend in the vertical direction of the substrate 209. Therefore, when the tip end portion 211a of the pin-type terminal 211 provided on the connector portion 203 on the holder portion side is in a positional relationship facing the connection terminal portion 202 provided on the substrate 209 on the ink cartridge side, The surface and the surface of the connector portion 203 facing the substrate 209 can be made parallel. That is, there is no possibility that one of them will be inclined. Here, when a plurality of connection terminal portions 202 and a plurality of pin-type terminals 211 are provided, the surface of the substrate 209 and the surface of the connector portion 203 facing the substrate 209 face each other in parallel. The pin type terminals 211 can be electrically connected to all the corresponding connection terminal portions 202.

  The contact device 200 between the connection terminal portion 202 on the ink cartridge side and the connector portion 203 on the recording device side in the embodiment of the present application is provided on the ink cartridge side, and is electrically connected to a storage element 201 that stores ink remaining amount information. A contact device 200 for connecting the connecting terminal portion 202 and the connector portion 203 that is provided on the recording device side and can contact the connecting terminal portion 202, and holds the connector portion 203 and is movable with respect to the recording device When the ink cartridge 11 is loaded, the ink cartridge 11 comes into contact with the holder unit 204 and moves the holder unit 204 in the loading direction (Y-axis direction) of the ink cartridge 11. And a relative positioning means 210 capable of determining a relative position with respect to the holder portion 204. The features.

  As a result, when the ink cartridge 11 is loaded, the ink cartridge 11 comes into contact with the holder portion 204, and the holder portion 204 is moved in the loading direction of the ink cartridge 11 (Y-axis direction). The relative position with respect to 204 can be determined. Accordingly, the connection terminal portion 202 on the ink cartridge side and the connector portion 203 on the recording apparatus main body side can be reliably brought into contact with each other. That is, the connection terminal portion 202 and the connector portion 203 can be electrically connected. Then, the recording apparatus main body 3 can read the ink remaining amount information from the storage element 201 on the ink cartridge side or write the ink remaining amount information to the storage element 201.

For example, when the force for pushing the ink supply needle 4a is applied to the ink insertion side on the ink cartridge side through which the ink supply needle 4a is inserted, the ink cartridge 11 tries to move in the direction opposite to the insertion / loading direction. . In such a case, if the holder portion 204 is fixed as in the conventional case, the electrical connection between the connection terminal portion 202 and the connector portion 203 may be disconnected.
However, even in such a case, the contact device 200 according to the embodiment of the present application includes the relative positioning means 210, so that the electrical connection between the connection terminal portion 202 and the connector portion 203 may be disconnected. Absent.

The relative positioning means 210 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a contact portion 204a that contacts the holder portion 204 with the front end side 11a of the ink cartridge 11 in the loading direction, and the contact portion 204a when the ink cartridge 11 is loaded. And a holder spring 212 which is an urging means 205 for urging to oppose the movement.
As a result, the relative positional relationship between the ink cartridge 11 and the holder unit 204 can be accurately determined with a simple configuration in the loading direction (Y-axis direction) of the ink cartridge 11.

  In the embodiment of the present application, the engagement means 206 is provided at a position where the contact portion 204a and the ink cartridge 11 contact each other, and a cone that is pointed toward the other side is provided on either side of the engagement means 206. A protruding portion 207 is provided, and a concave portion 208 that engages with the protruding portion 207 is provided on the other side. At this time, the protrusion 207 is formed in a cone shape, and thus has an inclined portion 207f. Here, the “cone-shaped projection that is pointed toward the other side” refers to the tip side (the other side) of the cone that the cone has, regardless of whether the tip side of the projection is pointed or not. It is defined as a protrusion having a slope that is inclined so as to be sharp.

  As a result, the protrusion 207 can engage with the recess 208 while being guided by the inclined portion 207f. That is, the relative positional relationship between the ink cartridge 11 and the holder portion 204 can be restricted in the inclination direction of the inclined portion 207f. In the present embodiment, the inclined portion 207f is provided so as to be inclined in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the ink cartridge 11, and in the height direction (Z-axis direction), the ink cartridge 11 and the holder portion. The relative positional relationship with 204 can be regulated.

Moreover, the connector part 203 of this embodiment has the pin type terminal 211 which can contact the connection terminal part 202, and when the connection terminal part 202 exists in the position facing the connector part 203, the pin type terminal 211 is connected. It is formed in the shape of a pin spring that biases the terminal portion 202.
As a result, when the connection terminal portion 202 is at a position facing the connector portion 203, the pin-type terminal 211 can reliably contact the connection terminal portion 202. That is, even if the relative positional relationship between the connection terminal portion 202 and the connector portion 203 is deviated in the X direction, the pin-type terminal 211 can be biased toward the connection terminal portion 202, so that a certain amount of misalignment occurs. Can be tolerated.

  When there are a plurality of pin-type terminals 211, the urging force of the pin-type terminals 211 is multiplied by the number. The urging force of the pin-type terminal 211 urges the ink cartridge 11 to move against the movement of the ink cartridge 11 or to eject the ink cartridge 11 after loading the ink cartridge (Y-axis direction). There is a risk of incomplete loading, in other words, a risk that the ink supply needle 4a is not completely stuck in the ink cartridge 11.

Therefore, a plurality of pin-type terminals 211 according to the present embodiment are provided. On the other hand, the same number of connection terminal portions 202 that can come into contact with the pin type terminals 211 are provided on the substrate 209 as the pin type terminals 211. The substrate 209 is provided on the surface parallel to the loading direction (Y-axis direction) of the ink cartridge 11 so as to face the connector portion 203 when the ink cartridge 11 is loaded. That is, the loading direction (Y-axis direction) of the ink cartridge 11 and the vertical direction (X-axis direction) of the substrate 209, which is the biasing direction of the pin-type terminal 211, are orthogonal to each other.
As a result, there is no possibility that the urging force of the pin type terminal 211 opposes the movement of the ink cartridge 11 when the ink cartridge is loaded. Furthermore, there is no possibility that the ink cartridge 11 is urged in the direction of discharging the ink cartridge 11 (Y-axis direction) after the ink cartridge is loaded and the loading is not incomplete.

The protrusion 207 of the embodiment of the present application is a protrusion 207 a extending in the vertical direction (X-axis direction) of the substrate 209.
As a result, when the protruding portion 207 extends in the vertical direction (X-axis direction) of the substrate 209, the holder portion 204 and the ink cartridge 11 are orthogonal to the vertical direction (X-axis direction) of the substrate 209 ( Not only the positional relationship in the Z-axis direction) is restricted, but also torsion due to member tolerances can be reduced. In other words, the protruding portion 207 can cause the substrate 209 and the connector portion 203 to face each other in parallel. Therefore, a plurality of pin-type terminals 211 and the same number of connection terminal portions 202 as the pin-type terminals 211 can be reliably brought into contact with each other.

  The operation when the lever arm 163 is moved from the “reset position” to the “set position” and the ink cartridge 11 is loaded has been described above. However, when the ink cartridge 11 is taken out, the lever arm 163 is moved to “ It is only necessary to move from the “set position” to the “reset position”. In the meantime, the ink cartridge 11 is provided so as to move in the direction of being ejected from the recording apparatus main body 3 by the spring force of the spring provided in the cartridge holding means. Therefore, when the lever arm 163 is moved from the “set position” to the “reset position”, the eccentric cam portion 172 comes into contact with the second wall portion 174 provided on the slider holder 37 of the cartridge holding means 30 and moves to the slider holder. 37 is moved from the position shown in FIG. 4 to the position shown in FIG. Accordingly, the ink cartridge 11 and the holder portion 204 of the contact device 200 change from the state shown in FIG. 8C to the state shown in FIG. 8B, and the ink cartridge shown in FIG. It will be in the state before starting.

  More specifically, when the lever arm 163 is gradually moved from the “set position” to the “reset position”, the ink cartridge 11 is moved from the loading completion state shown in FIG. 8C to the position shown in FIG. 8B. It moves together with the holding means 30,30. At this time, since the holder portion 204 is biased toward the ink cartridge 11 by the holder spring 212, the holder portion 204 moves together with the ink cartridge 11 by a distance T. As described above, the holder portion 204 is provided so as to be movable only within the range of the ± distance T in the Y-axis direction from the reference position shown in FIG. When the cartridge 11 is moved in the discharging direction, the holder portion 204 stops and is separated from the ink cartridge 11 as shown in FIG. Then, the ink cartridge 11 is released from the state held by the cartridge holding means 30 and discharged by the biasing force of the spring provided in the cartridge holding means 30.

[Other embodiment 1]
FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a contact device according to another embodiment 1. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 12A, the contact portion 204a of the holder portion 204 is provided with a first protrusion 207d, and the first inclined portion 207b, which is the slope of the first protrusion 207d, is formed of a conical body. It is provided like a slope. That is, the shape of the first protrusion 207d is a truncated cone. Here, “as the slope of the cone” means that the first projection 207d is pointed toward the tip side (recess side) of the first projection 207d like the curved slope of the cone. Any slope may be used. In addition, it does not depend on whether the front end side of the 1st projection part 207d is sharp. Therefore, since the first protrusion 207d has a slope on the circumference, the relative positional relationship between the ink cartridge 11 and the holder 204 can be determined in the X-axis and Z-axis directions. At this time, even when the first protrusion 207d is engaged with the recess 208, the first protrusion 207d is twisted about the axis, and the surface of the substrate 209 on the ink cartridge side and the connector portion facing the substrate 209 There is a possibility that the surface of 203 does not face in parallel. In such a case, by providing a plurality of first protrusions 207d and also providing a plurality of recesses 208 that engage with the first protrusions 207d, there is no risk of the twist occurring, and the surface of the board 209 and the connector part 203 facing the board 209 The plane can be opposed in parallel. Of course, the first protrusion 207d may be long in the X-axis or Z-axis direction, in other words, the bottom surface may be provided in an elliptical shape.
The other members and the operational effects thereof are the same as those described with reference to FIGS.

In another embodiment 1, the first protrusion 207d, which is a cone-shaped protrusion 207 of the engaging means 206, has a first inclined part 207b, and the first inclined part 207b is a cone-shaped protrusion 207b. It is provided like a slope. That is, the first inclined portion 207b is provided in all directions orthogonal to the loading direction (Y-axis direction) of the ink cartridge 11.
As a result, the relative positional relationship between the ink cartridge 11 and the holder unit 204 is determined in a direction orthogonal to the loading direction (Y-axis direction) of the ink cartridge 11 (the direction formed by the X-axis and the Z-axis). be able to.

[Other embodiment 2]
FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a contact device according to another embodiment 2.
As shown in FIG. 12B, the contact portion 204a of the holder portion 204 is provided with a second protrusion portion 207e, and the second inclined portion 207c, which is the inclined surface of the second protrusion portion 207e, is a quadrangular pyramid. It is provided like a slope. Here, “like a slope of a quadrangular pyramid” means that the second protrusion 207c is inclined so as to be pointed toward the tip side (recess side) of the second protrusion 207c like the slope of the quadrangular pyramid. Any slope is acceptable. Note that it does not depend on whether the tip side of the second protrusion 207c is pointed. Accordingly, the relative positional relationship between the ink cartridge 11 and the holder portion 204 in the X-axis and Z-axis directions is the same as the first protrusion 207d of [Other Embodiment 1] shown in FIG. Can be determined. At this time, unlike the first protrusion 207d, even if the second protrusion 207e is engaged with the recess 208, there is no possibility that the second protrusion 207e is twisted about the shaft. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a plurality of first protrusions 207d as in [Other Embodiment 1]. Here, the second inclined portion 207c, which is the slope of the second protrusion 207e, seems to be a slope of a quadrangular pyramid, but is not limited to a quadrangular pyramid. An effect can be obtained.
The other members and the operation and effects thereof are the same as those described with reference to FIGS.

In another embodiment 2, the second protrusion 207e, which is the cone-shaped protrusion 207 of the engaging means 206, has a second inclined part 207c, and the second inclined part 207c is a polygonal cone. It is provided like the slope of this. That is, when the second protrusion 207e is engaged with the recess 208, the second protrusion 207e is perpendicular to the loading direction (Y-axis direction) of the ink cartridge 11 (X-axis and Z-axis directions). Is guided to the apex side of the polygonal pyramid with respect to the recess 208 by a second inclined portion 207c provided like a slope of a polygonal pyramid.
As a result, the relative positional relationship between the ink cartridge 11 and the holder portion 204 can be determined in a direction (X-axis and Z-axis direction) orthogonal to the loading direction (Y-axis direction) of the ink cartridge 11. it can.

  Furthermore, since the second inclined portion 207c is provided like an inclined surface of a polygonal pyramid, the second inclined portion 207c may be engaged with the recess 208 in a twisted manner with the loading direction (Y axis) of the ink cartridge 11 as an axis. There is no. That is, there is no possibility that the ink cartridge 11 and the holder unit 204 are in contact with each other while being twisted about the loading direction (Y axis) of the ink cartridge 11. Therefore, the second inclined portion 207c can reliably contact the substrate 209 on the ink cartridge side and the connector portion 203 on the recording apparatus main body side in parallel with each other.

[Other embodiment 3]
Next, another embodiment 3 will be described.
FIG. 14 is an overall perspective view of the ink cartridge. Since the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
As shown in FIG. 14, the side surface of the ink cartridge 311 is provided with a storage element 401 that stores ink remaining amount information and a plurality of connection terminal portions 402 connected to the storage element 401, as in FIG. 5. 409 is provided. Reference numeral 311a indicates a surface 311a on the leading end side in the loading direction of the ink cartridge 311.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the contact device in a state where the ink cartridge is completely loaded, and FIG. 16 is a perspective view in which the regulating portion 450 is removed from FIG. These states are the same as in FIG. 6 of the above-described embodiment. FIG. 17 is a perspective view from the ink cartridge side of the contact device.
As shown in FIG. 15, a holder unit 404 is provided on the main body side of the recording apparatus 303 of the contact device 400, and a rear end side of the holder unit 404 in the loading direction of the ink cartridge 311 is a holder spring 412 that is a biasing means 405. It is locked to. The other end of the holder spring 412 is locked to the base 304 on the main body side of the recording apparatus 303. Here, when the ink cartridge is loaded, the holder unit 404 abuts on the ink cartridge 311 in the loading direction and moves integrally with the ink cartridge 311 because it is the same as in the above-described embodiment, and the description will be omitted. Is described below.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the holder spring 412 is provided to be inclined with respect to the Y-axis direction. Specifically, the holder spring 412 extends not only in the Y axis but also in the X axis and Z axis directions. That is, the holder spring 412 biases the holder portion 404 so as to move the holder portion 404 in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions. And the restriction | limiting part 450 which regulates the moving direction of the holder part 404 is provided with the 1st restriction part 451, the 2nd restriction part 452, the 3rd restriction part 453, and the 4th restriction part 454 which are mentioned later.
Among these, the first restricting portion 451 and the second restricting portion 452 are provided so as to restrict the movement of the holder portion 404 in the X-axis direction and restrict the holder portion 404 from rotating about the Z axis. It has been.
On the other hand, the third restricting portion 453 and the fourth restricting portion 454 are provided so as to restrict the movement of the holder portion 404 in the Z-axis direction and restrict the holder portion 404 from rotating about the X axis. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the holder portion 404 is provided with a contact portion 404 a that can contact the surface 311 a in the loading direction of the ink cartridge 311 as the relative positioning means 410 when the ink cartridge 311 is loaded. ing. Further, the holder portion 404 is provided with a claw portion 462 and a connector restricting portion 461 which will be described later, and the connector portion 403 is sandwiched and held by the claw portion 462 and the connector restricting portion 461. Further, the connector portion 403 held by the holder portion 404 is provided with a pin-type terminal 411 that can contact the connection terminal portion 402 on the ink cartridge side.

FIG. 18 is a plan sectional view of the contact device, and FIG. 19 is a side sectional view of the contact device.
As shown in FIG. 18, the holder spring 412 is inclined with respect to the Y axis as described above, and is provided to urge the holder portion 404 not only in the Y axis direction but also in the X axis direction. Yes. Due to the biasing force of the holder spring 412, a clockwise rotational force about the Z-axis direction is generated in the holder portion 404. At this time, the holder portion 404 is pressed against the second restricting portion 452 by the urging force and rotational force of the holder spring 412 and is also pressed against the first restricting portion 451 by the rotational force. That is, the first restricting portion 451 and the second restricting portion 452 can determine the position of the holder portion 404 in the X-axis direction and can restrict the orientation with the Z-axis direction as a fulcrum.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 19, the holder spring 412 is inclined with respect to the Y axis, and is provided to urge the holder portion 404 not only in the Y axis direction but also in the Z axis direction. Due to the biasing force of the holder spring 412, a counterclockwise rotational force about the X-axis direction is generated in the holder portion 404. At this time, the holder portion 404 is pressed against the fourth restricting portion 454 by the urging force and rotational force of the holder spring 412 and is also pressed against the third restricting portion 453 by the rotational force. That is, the third restricting portion 453 and the fourth restricting portion 454 can determine the position of the holder portion 404 in the Z-axis direction, and can restrict the orientation with the X-axis direction as a fulcrum.
Note that the orientation of the holder portion 404 with respect to the Y-axis direction as a fulcrum, as shown in FIG. 18, the second restricting portion 452 is in surface contact with the holder portion 404, so that the Y-axis direction of the holder portion 404 is the fulcrum. The direction that you did is regulated.

  As described above, the movement in the movement direction of the holder unit 404 other than the loading direction of the ink cartridge 311, that is, the movement in the X-axis and Z-axis directions is regulated by the regulation unit 450. As a result, the holder 404 can be accurately positioned in the X-axis and Z-axis directions. In addition, the orientation of the holder portion 404 can be determined with high accuracy.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view from the ink cartridge side of the contact device. FIG. 21 is a bottom sectional view of the contact device.
As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, a connector restricting portion 461 that is a surface for restricting movement of the connector portion 403 relative to the holder portion 404 is provided on the distal end side in the loading direction of the holder portion 404. On the other hand, a claw portion 462 having a biasing force toward the connector restricting portion 461 by elastic deformation is provided on the rear end side of the holder portion 404. As described above, the connector portion 403 is sandwiched between the connector restricting portion 461 and the claw portion 462.

  When the ink cartridge 311 is loaded, the connector part 403 is pressed against the connector restricting part 461 on the front end side of the holder part 404 by friction generated between the pin type terminal 411 of the connector part 403 and the ink cartridge 311. . At this time, since the surface of the connector portion 403 and the surface of the connector restricting portion 461 are pressed and no member is deformed, there is no possibility that the connector portion 403 is displaced relative to the holder portion 404. On the other hand, the elastically deformable claw portion 462 is provided on the rear end side in the loading direction in which the force due to the friction does not act on the holder portion 404 even when the ink cartridge 311 is loaded. The connector portion 403 can be clamped and positioned in cooperation with the connector restricting portion 461 while maintaining the urging force without being deformed. As a result, when the ink cartridge 311 is loaded, the pin-type terminal 411 of the connector portion 403 can be more reliably brought into contact with the connection terminal portion 402 on the ink cartridge side.

  On the other hand, when the ink cartridge 311 is ejected, the connector 403 is brought into contact with the claw 462 on the rear end side of the holder by the friction generated between the pin-type terminal 411 of the connector 403 and the ink cartridge 311. Pressed. At this time, the claw portion 462 is slightly deformed. However, when the ink cartridge 311 is discharged, since the contact between the connection terminal portion 402 and the pin-type terminal 411 is not required, the connector portion 403 is not attached to the holder portion 404. Even if the position is slightly shifted, there is no problem. Then, after the friction is eliminated, the claw portion 462 urges the connector portion 403 again to the connector restricting portion 461 on the distal end side of the holder portion, and clamps the connector portion 403 in cooperation with the connector restricting portion 461.

Further, the claw portion 462 is provided toward the ink cartridge side after extending from the base portion 463 of the holder portion 404 to the distal end side. Therefore, when the connector part 403 is incorporated into the holder part 404, it can be easily incorporated by inserting from the side of the holder part 404 not facing the ink cartridge 311, that is, from the first regulating part side.
Further, when the connector part 403 is brought into direct contact with the first restricting part 451, the tolerance of the dimension of the holder part 404 is not affected, so that the positioning accuracy of the connector part 403 in the X-axis direction can be improved.

The contact device according to the present invention is effective regardless of whether or not the ink cartridge attaching / detaching device is provided. However, when the ink cartridge is loaded, the variation in the position of the ink cartridge is relatively likely to occur. This is effective for a recording apparatus having an ink cartridge attaching / detaching device. In other words, in the above embodiment, the ink cartridge is not mounted on the carriage, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and it is needless to say that the ink cartridge may be mounted on the carriage.
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

Side sectional view showing the outline of an inkjet printer Top view showing the attachment / detachment device before inserting the ink cartridge Top view showing the attachment / detachment device in the ink cartridge insertion completed state Top view showing the attachment / detachment device with the ink cartridge completely loaded The principal part expansion perspective view of the ink cartridge which concerns on this application The perspective view of the contact apparatus which concerns on this application The perspective view from the ink cartridge side of the contact apparatus which concerns on this application (A) (B) (C) is a sectional side view showing the movement of the contact device according to the present application when the ink cartridge is loaded. Side sectional view of contact device and ink cartridge according to the present application Plan sectional view of contact device and ink cartridge according to the present application Front sectional view of contact device and ink cartridge according to the present application (A) and (B) are perspective views of a contact device according to another embodiment. Conventional contact device for connection terminal on ink cartridge side and connection terminal on main body side FIG. 6 is an overall perspective view of an ink cartridge according to another embodiment 3. The perspective view of the contact apparatus which concerns on other Embodiment 3. The perspective view which removed the control part from FIG. The perspective view from the ink cartridge side of the contact apparatus which concerns on other Embodiment 3. FIG. Plan sectional drawing of the contact apparatus which concerns on other Embodiment 3. Side sectional view of a contact device according to another embodiment 3 The perspective view from the ink cartridge side of the contact apparatus which concerns on other Embodiment 3. FIG. Sectional drawing of the lower surface of the contact apparatus which concerns on other Embodiment 3.

Explanation of symbols

1 (Ink cartridge) attachment / detachment device, 2 automatic feeding device, 3 recording device body,
4 channel member, 4a ink supply needle, 5 feeding tray, 10 carriage,
11 Ink cartridge, 11a Loading direction front end side, 12 Carriage guide shaft,
13 recording head, 14 feeding roller, 15 edge guide, 16 hopper,
17 Rotating shaft, 18 Roller holder (conveying driven roller), 19 Conveying roller,
19a Carrying drive roller, 19b Carrying driven roller, 20 Ejecting roller,
20a discharge drive roller, 20b discharge driven roller, 22 auxiliary driven roller,
26 recording position, 28 platen, 29 lid member, 30 cartridge holding means,
32 power transmission conversion mechanism, 37 slider holder, 48 slide lock piece,
50 stacker for discharging, 51 mounting surface, 57 engaging recess, 62 main frame,
100 Inkjet printer, 161 first rack, 162 first pinion,
163 Lever arm, 163a Knob, 163b Arm body,
164 First rotation pin, 165 guide rib, 166 slide bar,
167a second rack, 167b second rack, 168a second pinion,
168b second pinion, 169a second rotation pin, 169b second rotation pin,
170 third rotation pin, 171a gear, 171b gear, 172 eccentric cam part,
173 1st wall, 174 2nd wall, 175 cam unit with gear,
200 contact device, 201 storage element, 202 connection terminal part, 203 connector part,
204 holder part, 204a contact part, 205 biasing means, 206 engaging means,
207 protrusion, 207a protrusion, 207b first inclined portion, 207c second inclined portion,
207d first protrusion, 207e second protrusion, 207f inclined portion, 208 recess,
209 substrate, 210 relative positioning means, 211 pin type terminal, 211a tip,
212 holder spring, 303 recording device, 304 base, 311 ink cartridge,
311a Loading direction front end side, 400 contact device, 401 storage element, 402 connection terminal portion,
403 connector part, 404 holder part, 404a contact part, 405 biasing means,
409 substrate, 410 relative positioning means, 411 pin type terminal, 412 holder spring,
450 restriction part, 451 first restriction part, 452 second restriction part, 453 third restriction part,
454 Fourth restriction part, 461 Connector restriction part, 462 Claw part, 463 Base part,
501 ink cartridge, 502 information storage unit, 503 first connection terminal,
504 memory portion, 505 connector portion, 506 second connection terminal,
507 Lever arm, P paper (recording material),
PG (between recording head and recording material), S second predetermined stroke,
T (Motor holder movement) distance

Claims (13)

A contact device between an electrical connection terminal provided on the ink cartridge side and a connector provided on the recording device side and capable of contacting the connection terminal.
A holder part that holds the connector part and is movable with respect to the recording apparatus is provided,
When the ink cartridge is loaded, the ink cartridge comes into contact with the holder portion, and the holder portion is moved in the loading direction of the ink cartridge to determine the relative position between the ink cartridge and the holder portion. A contact device between the connection terminal portion on the ink cartridge side and the connector portion on the recording device side, characterized in that it comprises means. The relative positioning means according to claim 1,
An abutting portion that abuts the front end side of the ink cartridge in the loading direction on the holder portion;
An ink cartridge-side connection terminal portion and a recording-device-side connector, comprising: an urging means for urging the corresponding contact portion against the movement of the ink cartridge when the ink cartridge is loaded Contact device with the part. In Claim 2, the recording apparatus side is provided with a restricting portion that restricts movement of the holder portion in a direction orthogonal to the loading direction of the ink cartridge when the holder portion moves.
The urging means is configured to urge the holder portion to the restricting portion as well. The contact device between the connection terminal portion on the ink cartridge side and the connector portion on the recording device side. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a restricting portion that restricts movement of the holder portion in a direction orthogonal to a loading direction of the ink cartridge when the holder portion moves.
The restricting portion is provided so as to directly contact the connector portion so as to restrict a position in a direction in which the connector portion and the connecting terminal portion face each other. Contact device with the connector on the recording device side. 5. The connection terminal portion according to claim 2, wherein the connection terminal portion is configured to contact with the connector portion on a surface parallel to a loading direction of the ink cartridge,
The holder part is
A connector restricting portion for restricting movement of the connector portion with respect to the holder portion on the front end side in the ink cartridge loading direction;
A claw portion having a biasing force toward the connector restricting portion on the rear end side,
The contact portion between the connection terminal portion on the ink cartridge side and the connector portion on the recording apparatus side, wherein the connector portion is sandwiched between the connector restricting portion and the claw portion. The engagement means is provided at a place where the contact portion and the ink cartridge are in contact with each other.
On either side of the engaging means, a cone-shaped protrusion that is pointed toward the other side is provided,
A contact device between the connection terminal portion on the ink cartridge side and the connector portion on the recording apparatus side, wherein a concave portion that engages with the protrusion is provided on the other side. In Claim 6, the said cone-shaped projection part of the above-mentioned engaging means has the 1st inclined part,
The contact device between the connection terminal portion on the ink cartridge side and the connector portion on the recording apparatus side, wherein the first inclined portion is provided like a slope of a conical body. In Claim 6, the cone-shaped projection of the engaging means has a second inclined portion,
The contact device between the connection terminal portion on the ink cartridge side and the connector portion on the recording apparatus side, wherein the second inclined portion is provided like a slope of a polygonal pyramid. In any 1 paragraph of Claims 6 thru / or 8, The connector part has a pin type terminal which can contact the connection terminal part,
When the connection terminal portion is in a position facing the connector portion, the pin-type terminal is formed in a pin spring shape that urges the connection terminal portion. And a contact device between the connector on the recording device side. In Claim 9, the said pin type terminal is provided with two or more, and the said connection terminal part which can contact with this pin type terminal is provided in the board | substrate as many as the said pin type terminal,
The substrate is provided on a surface parallel to the loading direction of the ink cartridge when the ink cartridge is loaded so as to face the connector portion, and a connection terminal portion on the ink cartridge side, Contact device with the connector on the recording device side.   11. The contact device between a connection terminal portion on the ink cartridge side and a connector portion on the recording apparatus side, wherein the protrusion portion is a protrusion extending in the vertical direction of the substrate.   12. A recording apparatus comprising a contact device between an electrical connection terminal portion provided on the ink cartridge side and a connector portion provided on the recording device side and capable of contacting the connection terminal portion. A recording apparatus comprising a contact device between a connection terminal section on an ink cartridge side and a connector section on a recording apparatus side, which is the contact apparatus described in any one of the items. A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising a contact device between an electrical connection terminal provided on the liquid cartridge side and a connector provided on the liquid ejecting apparatus side and capable of contacting the connection terminal.
A holder part that holds the connector part and is movable with respect to the liquid ejecting apparatus is provided,
When the liquid cartridge is loaded, the liquid cartridge comes into contact with the holder part, and the holder part can be moved in the loading direction of the liquid cartridge to determine the relative position between the liquid cartridge and the holder part. A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising a relative positioning means.

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