JP2013063548A - Ink supply system and ink cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink cartridge and an ink supply system to reliably carry out electrical connection between an electric contact part of the ink cartridge and an electric connector at a printer side.SOLUTION: An ink cartridge includes: a first surface which has an ink supply opening for discharging ink, and a substrate having an electrical contact part; and a second surface opposite to the first surface. An ink cartridge accommodation part includes: an accommodation body for accommodating the ink cartridge; and a cover part which is rotatably supported by the accommodation body through a hinge part. An ink guiding part and an elastic electric connector are arranged at the inner bottom of the accommodation body. The cover part includes: an engaging part which can be engaged with the accommodation body at one side opposite to the hinge part; and an elastic member which pushes the ink cartridge from the second surface side towards the first surface side on the condition that the ink cartridge is installed and the engagement part is engaged with the accommodation body.

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink supply system and an ink cartridge.

An electrical contact is provided on the ink cartridge to detect whether the ink cartridge is installed by conducting electrical continuity between the ink cartridge and the ink jet printer, and to send and receive signals related to the ink cartridge. was there.
Patent Document 1 discloses that an electrical contact portion is disposed on the same surface as an ink supply port and is disposed in a common recess surrounded by a wall.

Japanese Patent No. 4088353

In the technique of Patent Document 1, since the electrical contact portions are arranged in a plane on the same surface as the base surface of the protruding ink supply port, when the cartridge is removed and tilted, the supply port Ink adhering to the ink may travel along the wall surface and adhere to the electrical contact, causing contact failure or short-circuit connection.
In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an ink cartridge and an ink supply system that can more reliably make electrical connection between an electrical contact portion of an ink cartridge and an electrical connector on a printer side to prevent malfunction. Objective.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

Application Example 1 An ink supply system including an ink cartridge and an ink cartridge housing portion provided corresponding to the ink cartridge and into which the ink cartridge can be mounted.
The ink cartridge is
A first surface including an ink supply port for discharging ink; a substrate having an electrical contact portion; and a second surface facing the first surface;
The ink cartridge housing portion is
A storage unit main body capable of storing the ink cartridge, and a cover unit rotatably supported by the storage unit main body via a hinge unit;
On the inner bottom surface of the container main body, with the ink cartridge mounted, an ink introducing portion that is connected to the ink supply port of the ink cartridge and introduces ink, and an elastic that comes into contact with the electrical contact portion An electrical connector having
The lid portion includes an engaging portion that can be engaged with the containing portion main body on the opposite side of the hinge portion, and the ink cartridge in a state where the ink cartridge is mounted and the engaging portion is engaged with the containing portion main body. An ink supply system comprising: an elastic member that presses the cartridge from the second surface side toward the first surface side.

  According to the ink supply system of Application Example 1, when the ink cartridge is accommodated in the ink cartridge accommodating portion, the electrical contact portion of the ink cartridge is accommodated by the elastic member provided on the lid of the ink cartridge accommodating portion. Pressing in the direction of the electrical connector provided on the main body ensures reliable electrical connection. It should be noted that the facing of the first surface and the second surface does not indicate a strict parallel state, and it is only necessary that they face each other in a nearly parallel state even if either surface is slightly inclined. The first surface and the second surface may not be completely opposed but may be partially opposed.

[Application Example 2] The ink supply system according to the application example,
In a state where the ink cartridge is mounted in the ink cartridge housing portion and the engaging portion of the lid portion is engaged with the housing body, the force with which the lid pushes the ink cartridge is An ink supply system, wherein the ink introduction unit and the electrical connector have a force larger than a back force.

  According to the ink supply system described in the application example 2, the force by which the lid pushes the ink cartridge is larger than the force by which the ink introduction part and the electrical connector of the containing part main body push back, so the electrical contact part and the containing part of the ink cartridge are contained. The electrical connection with the electrical connector of the main body is more reliably performed.

Application Example 3 In the ink supply system according to the application example,
The elastic member of the lid portion is configured such that the electrical contact of the ink cartridge is in a state where the ink cartridge is mounted in the ink cartridge housing portion and the engaging portion of the lid portion is engaged with the housing body. The ink supply system is characterized in that the portion is biased in a direction in which the portion comes into contact with the electrical connector of the housing portion main body.

  According to the ink supply system of Application Example 3, the electrical connection between the electrical contact portion of the ink cartridge and the electrical connector of the housing main body is more reliably performed.

Application Example 4 The ink supply system according to the application example,
The ink cartridge is attached to the ink cartridge housing portion of the second surface, and the engagement portion of the lid portion is engaged with the housing portion main body and does not contact the elastic member. Comprising an information display section relating to the ink color of the ink cartridge;
The lid portion of the ink cartridge housing portion is configured so that the information display portion is viewed from the front side in a state where the ink cartridge is mounted on the ink cartridge housing portion and the engaging portion of the lid portion is engaged with the housing body. An ink supply system comprising a window portion that is visible.

  According to the ink supply system described in the above application example, since the information about the ink color of the ink cartridge can be confirmed through the window from the front side of the lid, it is confirmed whether the ink cartridge of the correct color corresponding to the ink cartridge housing is installed. I can confirm.

Application Example 5 The ink supply system according to the application example,
The ink supply system according to claim 1, wherein the lid portion is provided with a display portion on the front side for displaying information relating to the ink color of the ink cartridge corresponding to the ink cartridge housing portion.

  According to the ink supply system described in the application example 5, the ink color of the ink cartridge and the ink color of the ink cartridge housing portion can be compared, and it is easy to determine whether the correct color ink cartridge corresponding to the ink cartridge housing portion is mounted. Can be confirmed.

Application Example 6 The ink supply system according to the application example,
An ink supply system, comprising: a display unit configured to display information relating to an ink color of an ink cartridge corresponding to the ink cartridge storage unit on an inner bottom surface of the storage unit main body of the ink cartridge storage unit.

  According to the ink supply system described in the application example 6, when an ink cartridge is inserted into the container main body, it can be confirmed whether the ink cartridge has the correct color corresponding to the ink cartridge container, and an error in mounting an ink cartridge of a different color can be confirmed. Can be prevented.

Application Example 7 In the ink supply system according to the application example,
The ink cartridge has a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface;
A concave portion at least on the second surface side of the third surface;
The ink supply system according to claim 1, wherein the lid portion of the ink cartridge housing portion has a lid-side recess that can be fitted into the recess of the ink cartridge.

  According to the ink supply system described in Application Example 7, when the ink cartridge is inserted into the housing main body and the lid is closed, the lid-side recess fits into the recess of the ink cartridge, so the lid holds the ink cartridge. it can. Accordingly, the ink cartridge is positioned, the ink cartridge can be effectively pressed by the lid, and the electrical connection between the electrical contact portion and the electrical connector can be more reliably performed.

[Application Example 8] The ink supply system according to Application Example 1,
The ink cartridge has a peripheral wall in which the third surface surrounds the periphery of the first surface, and when the ink cartridge is accommodated in the accommodating portion main body, the third surface is the accommodating portion main body. The ink supply system is positioned by a positioning unit.

  According to the ink supply system described in the application example 8, since the ink cartridge is positioned by the positioning portion of the container main body, the electrical connection between the electrical contact portion and the electrical connector is reliably and easily performed.

Application Example 9 The ink supply system according to the application example,
The concave portion of the ink cartridge is formed from a boundary between the third surface and the second surface to a tip of the peripheral wall;
The ink cartridge storage portion has a main body side convex portion that can be fitted to the concave portion of the ink cartridge on the inner bottom surface of the storage portion main body,
A plurality of the concave portions of the ink cartridge are provided so as to face each other in the direction in which the electrical contact portions are arranged across the substrate,
The main body side convex portion is provided at a position corresponding to the concave portion,
When the ink cartridge is mounted in the ink cartridge housing portion, the electrical contact portion and the electrical connector are brought into contact with each other when the concave portion and the main body side convex portion are fitted to the concave portion and the main body side convex portion. The ink supply system is characterized in that the electrical contact portions are positioned in the arrangement direction.

  According to the ink supply system described in Application Example 9, the alignment of the contact points of the electrical contact portions is easily and reliably performed, and the electrical connection between the electrical contact portion and the electrical connector is reliably performed.

Application Example 10 An ink cartridge,
An ink supply port for discharging ink and an electrical contact portion on the first surface;
The electrical contact portion is attached to a mounting table that protrudes from the first surface so that the ink supply port is positioned above the ink supply port in a state where the ink supply port faces downward in the direction of gravity. ink cartridge.

  According to the ink cartridge described in Application Example 10, when the ink cartridge is placed so that the ink supply port faces downward in the gravity direction, the electrical contact portion is located above the ink supply port in the gravity direction. On the other hand, even when the ink cartridge is placed with the ink supply port facing upward in the direction of gravity, the electrical contact portion is on the mounting table protruding from the first surface. Even if the ink has traveled from the supply port to the first surface, the adhesion of the ink to the electrical contact is prevented, and the poor electrical connection is prevented. Further, since the electrical contact portion does not contact the surface on which the cartridge is placed, poor contact due to ink or dust is prevented.

Application Example 11 The ink cartridge described in the application example,
A peripheral wall is provided that surrounds the periphery of the first surface and protrudes downward from the ink supply port at substantially the same height as the tip of the ink supply port when the ink supply port faces downward in the gravity direction. Ink cartridge.

  According to the ink cartridge described in Application Example 11, even when the ink cartridge is placed with the ink supply port of the ink cartridge facing downward in the direction of gravity, the electrical contact portion is on the surface on which the cartridge is placed because there is a peripheral wall. Since they are not in contact with each other and are surrounded by the peripheral wall, it is possible to prevent foreign matters such as dust from adhering to the electrical contact portion, and to achieve good electrical connection.

Application Example 12 The ink cartridge described in the application example,
A second surface facing the first surface; and a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface;
The third surface is integrally provided with the peripheral wall, and the third surface is positioned in contact with a part of the ink cartridge housing portion when the ink cartridge is housed in the ink cartridge housing portion. An ink cartridge characterized by.
According to the ink cartridge described in application example 12, the electrical contact portion is also positioned by positioning the ink cartridge.

  Application Example 13 In the ink cartridge according to the application example described above, the ink cartridge includes a recess that is positioned in contact with a part of the ink ink cartridge housing portion at least near the second surface of the third surface. An ink cartridge characterized by that.

  According to the ink cartridge described in the application example 13, the electrical contact portion is also positioned by positioning the ink cartridge.

Application Example 14 The ink cartridge according to the application example,
An ink cartridge comprising: a protrusion that fits a protrusion fitting portion for preventing erroneous insertion provided in a corresponding ink cartridge housing portion on the printer side along the periphery of the ink supply port.

  According to the ink cartridge described in Application Example 14, the protrusion has an effect of preventing erroneous insertion, but it is also possible to prevent the ink attached to the supply port from flowing to the electrical contact portion side.

Application Example 15 The ink cartridge according to the application example,
A groove is provided between the outermost side and the innermost side of the ink supply port.

  According to the ink cartridge described in Application Example 15, since there is a groove, ink can be easily drawn into the groove by capillary action and can be prevented from flowing out of the supply port.

Application Example 16 The ink cartridge according to the application example,
The outermost tip of the ink supply port protrudes from the innermost tip.

  According to the ink cartridge described in Application Example 16, it is possible to prevent ink from flowing out from the outermost side of the supply port.

Application Example 17 An ink supply system including an ink cartridge and an ink cartridge housing portion provided corresponding to the ink cartridge and into which the ink cartridge can be mounted,
The ink cartridge includes an ink supply port for discharging ink,
The ink cartridge housing portion is
A storage unit main body capable of storing the ink cartridge, and a cover unit rotatably supported by the storage unit main body via a hinge unit;
On the inner bottom surface of the container main body, an ink introduction portion is provided that introduces ink by being connected to the ink supply port of the ink cartridge in a state where the ink cartridge is mounted,
The ink supply system, wherein the lid portion has a window portion, and a supply tube connected to an ink tank placed outside the printer is connected to the ink cartridge through the window portion.

Explanatory drawing of an ink cartridge. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where the ink cartridge 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is accommodated in an ink cartridge accommodating portion 200 provided in the printer. FIG. 6 is a plan view seen from the top when the lid 220 of the ink cartridge housing part 200 is closed and locked to the cartridge housing body 210. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the back side of a lid 220 of the ink cartridge housing part 200. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a cartridge housing portion main body 210 of the ink cartridge housing portion 200. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modified example of the ink supply system 1000.

In order to further clarify the configuration and operation of the present invention described above, an ink cartridge and an ink supply system to which the present invention is applied will be described below.
1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an ink cartridge. FIG. 1A is a top view of the ink cartridge 100, and FIG. 1B is a partial side view and a partial cross section of the ink cartridge 100 (of FIG. 1A). FIG. 1C is a bottom view of the ink cartridge 100, and FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG.

  The ink cartridge 100 includes a first surface (bottom surface) 100a including an ink supply port 101 for discharging ink, a substrate 103 having an electrical contact portion 102, and a second surface facing the first surface 100a. The surface (upper surface) 100b, the third surface (side surface) 100d connecting the first surface 100a and the second surface 100b, and the third surface 100d are formed integrally with the first surface 100a. And a peripheral wall 100c surrounding the periphery.

  On the first surface 100a, an ink supply port 101 for discharging ink and a mounting table 104 on which a substrate 103 provided with an electrical contact portion 102 is mounted are formed. The electrical contact portion 102 is directed downward from the first surface 100a in the direction of gravity in a position where the ink supply port 101 is above the ink supply port 101 in a state where the ink supply port 101 is downward in the direction of gravity (the state shown in FIG. 1B). It is mounted on a mounting table 104 that protrudes from the top.

  Therefore, when the ink cartridge 100 is placed so that the ink supply port 101 is directed downward in the gravity direction, the electrical contact portion 102 is positioned above the ink supply port 101 in the gravity direction, so that ink is supplied to the electrical contact portion 102. Adhesion is prevented, and the ink supply port 101 protrudes and the electrical contact portion 102 does not contact the surface on which the cartridge is placed, so that contact failure due to ink or dust is prevented. On the other hand, even when the ink cartridge is placed so that the ink supply port 101 faces upward in the direction of gravity, the electrical contact portion 102 is on the mounting table 104 protruding from the first surface 100a. Even if the first surface 100a travels from the ink, the ink is prevented from adhering to the electrical contact portion 102.

  Further, the ink cartridge 100 surrounds the first surface 100a, and protrudes downward from the ink supply port 101 at substantially the same height as the tip of the ink supply port 101 when the ink supply port 101 is directed downward in the gravity direction. A peripheral wall 100c is provided. Therefore, even when the ink cartridge is placed with the ink supply port 101 facing downward in the direction of gravity, the electrical contact portion 102 does not contact the surface on which the cartridge is placed and is surrounded by the circumferential wall because of the peripheral wall 100c. Therefore, foreign matter such as dust is prevented from adhering to the electrical contact portion 102, and good electrical connection is possible.

  The mounting table 104 has one end 104a in contact with one side 103a of the substrate 103, and a boss 104b fitted into the notch 103b of the substrate, so that the substrate 103 is positioned and attached at three points.

  The first surface 100 a is formed to be inclined downward from the mounting table 104 toward the ink supply port 101 with the ink supply port 101 facing downward in the gravity direction. Therefore, it is easy to provide the mounting table 104 of the substrate 103 at a position above the ink supply port 101.

  Further, the negative pressure generating member 110 such as foam for holding ink is accommodated inside the ink cartridge. As described above, since the first surface 100a is inclined, the ink is supplied to the ink supply port 101. The structure is easy to flow toward.

  The ink supply port 101 has a groove 101c between the outermost side 101a and the innermost side 101b of the ink supply port. Inside the innermost 101b, an elastic packing 101d having a through hole 101e open at the center such as an O-ring is fitted and regulated by a protrusion 101f formed inside the ink supply port 101. . An ink introduction part 212 described later is inserted into the through hole 101e of the packing 101d.

Thus, since there is the groove 101c, the ink attached to the ink supply port 101 can be easily drawn into the groove 101c by capillary action and can be prevented from flowing out around the supply port.
Further, the tip of the outermost side 101a of the ink supply port 101 protrudes outward (downward in FIG. 1B) from the tip of the innermost side 101b. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent ink from flowing out from the outermost side 101 a of the ink supply port 101, that is, in the direction of the mounting table (substrate mounting table) 104, and the ink in the ink supply port and the groove of the ink supply port 101. Even if the ink collected in 101c is placed with the ink supply port 101 facing downward, it is difficult to adhere to the placed surface.

  Between the ink supply port 101 of the first surface 100a and the mounting table 104, one or more ribs 106 are formed in the short width direction of the cartridge, and ink leaking from the ink supply port 101 is transferred to the first surface 100a. Even when 100a is faced upward, it is difficult to go in the direction of the mounting table 104.

  Further, a groove 105 is formed on the first surface 100a along the inner side of the peripheral wall 100c. A part of the groove 105 is connected to the rib 106, and the ink that has passed through the rib 106, the first surface 100a, and the first surface 100a. The ink that flows out to the surface 100a has a function of collecting the ink when the first surface 100a is tilted.

  Further, along the periphery of the ink supply port 101, a protrusion (not shown) that is fitted with a protrusion insertion portion for preventing erroneous insertion provided in the corresponding ink cartridge housing portion 200 on the printer side is disposed. Also good. The protrusion has an effect of preventing erroneous insertion, but it is also possible to prevent ink adhering to the supply port 101 from flowing to the electrical contact portion 102 side.

  The second surface 100b opposite to the first surface 100a of the ink cartridge 100 is a surface that becomes the upper surface when the ink supply port 101 is directed downward in the gravity direction, and as shown in FIG. An information display unit 108 for color information or the like is provided by printing or sticking a sticker. Further, a vent hole 109 is provided for communicating the inside of the ink cartridge 100 with the atmosphere. The ink cartridge 100 is closed with a sealing material before use, and is removed during use. Note that the sealing material may be integrated with the information display unit 108, or only the vent 109 side may be torn at the perforation.

  Furthermore, recesses 107a and 107b are formed in the third surface 100d (side surface) that connects the first surface 100a and the second surface 100b. As shown in FIG. 1C, the recess 107a is provided on both sides of the substrate 103, and when the ink supply port 101 is directed downward in the gravitational direction, the concave portion 107a extends from the first surface 100a in the vertical direction. It extends to the surface 100b. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 1C, the recess 107b is provided on both sides of the ink supply port 101, and extends in the vertical direction when the ink supply port 101 is directed downward in the gravity direction. These concave portions 107a and 107b are configured such that upper portions thereof fit into concave portions 225a and 225b (FIG. 4) of the lid 220 described later when the ink cartridge 100 is accommodated in the ink cartridge accommodating portion 200, respectively. Yes. Further, the lower portions of the recesses 107a and 107b are formed on the peripheral wall 100c, and are fitted with positioning protrusions 214a and 214b (FIG. 5) provided on the inner bottom surface 210d of the cartridge housing main body 210, which will be described later. As a result, positioning of the electrical contact portions 102 of the ink cartridge 100 in the alignment direction and guidance of the ink supply port 101 to the ink introduction portion 212 are performed. When the ink cartridge 100 is housed in the cartridge housing body 210 and pressed downward by a lid 220, which will be described later, the upper part of the cartridge is securely clamped and the downward pressing force is effectively applied. The recesses 107a and 107b may be provided at least near the second surface 100b of the third surface 100d to the boundary with the second surface 100b.

  As described above, the concave portions 107a and 107b formed in the third surface 100d are positioned in the concave portions 225a and 225b of the lid 220 or the convex portions 214a and 214b (FIG. 5) of the cartridge housing main body 210. Further, the peripheral wall 100c of the third surface 100d is also positioned by a positioning portion 210f (FIGS. 2 and 5) formed in the cartridge housing portion main body 210.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the ink cartridge 100 shown in FIG. 1 is housed in an ink cartridge housing portion 200 provided in the printer, and FIG. 3 shows a state in which the lid 220 of the ink cartridge housing portion 200 is closed. FIG. 2 is a plan view when the cartridge housing portion 210 is locked, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the back surface of the lid 220 of the ink cartridge housing part 200. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the cartridge housing portion main body 210 of the ink cartridge housing portion 200, FIG. 5 (a) is a plan view of the cartridge housing portion main body 210 as viewed from above, and FIG. It is CC sectional drawing of).

  The ink supply system 1000 includes an ink cartridge 100 and an ink cartridge housing portion 200 provided corresponding to the ink cartridge 100 and into which the ink cartridge 100 can be mounted.

  The ink cartridge storage unit 200 includes a cartridge storage unit body 210 that can store the ink cartridge 100, and a lid unit 220 that is rotatably supported by the cartridge storage unit body 210 via a hinge 220a.

  On the inner bottom surface 210 d of the cartridge housing main body 210, an ink introduction unit 212 that introduces ink by being connected to the ink supply port 101 of the 100 ink cartridge in a state where the ink cartridge 100 is mounted, and the electrical contact unit 102 An electrical connector 211 having elasticity that comes into contact is provided.

  The lid portion 220 has an engagement portion 220b that can be engaged with a locking portion 210b formed on the wall of the slot 210a of the cartridge housing portion main body 210 on the opposite side of the hinge portion 220a, and an engagement portion to which the ink cartridge is mounted. The springs 223a and 223b that press the ink cartridge 100 from the second surface 100b side toward the first surface 100a side in a state where the 220b is engaged with the cartridge housing main body 210 are provided. The hinge part 220a is housed in a hinge insertion part 210c formed in the cartridge housing part main body 210, and is rotatably supported by a shaft 210e. In addition, the hinge part 220a and the engaging part 220b may be provided in the left-right reverse side in FIG.

  In a state where the ink cartridge 100 is mounted in the ink cartridge housing portion 200 and the engaging portion 220b of the lid portion 220 is engaged with the cartridge housing portion main body 210, the force that the lid portion 220 pushes the ink cartridge 100 (in the arrow Q direction) is The force of pushing back between the ink introduction part 212 and the electrical connector 211 of the cartridge housing part main body 210 is greater than the direction of the arrow P.

  The ink cartridge storage unit 200 is mounted on the ink introduction unit 212 of the cartridge storage unit main body 210, the ink cartridge 100 is mounted on the ink cartridge storage unit 200, and the engagement unit 220 b of the lid 220 is engaged with the cartridge storage unit main body 210. Springs 223a and 223b, which are elastic members that urge the ink cartridge 100 in the direction in which the ink cartridge 100 is pushed in the state.

  The springs 223a and 223b of the lid portion 220 are electrically connected to the ink cartridge 100 in a state where the ink cartridge 100 is mounted in the ink cartridge housing portion 200 and the engaging portion 220b of the lid portion 220 is engaged with the cartridge housing portion main body 210. The contact portion 102 is urged in a direction (arrow Q1, Q2 direction) in which the contact portion 102 is brought into contact with the electrical connector 211 of the cartridge housing portion main body 210.

The lid portion 220 of the ink cartridge housing portion 200 displays information on the ink cartridge 100 in a state where the ink cartridge 100 is mounted on the ink cartridge housing portion 200 and the engaging portion 220b of the lid portion 220 is engaged with the cartridge housing portion main body 210. It has a window 220c that makes the portion 108 visible from the front side.
The cover unit 220 is provided with a display unit 224 that displays information on the ink color of the ink cartridge corresponding to the ink cartridge storage unit 200 on the front side.
Furthermore, a display unit 213 that displays information about the ink color of the ink cartridge 100 corresponding to the ink cartridge housing unit 200 is also provided on the inner bottom surface 210 d of the cartridge housing unit main body 210 of the ink cartridge housing unit 200.

  The ink cartridge 100 has a third surface 100d that connects the first surface 100a and the second surface 100b, and at least a portion of the third surface 100d closer to the second surface 100b side is provided with recesses 107a and 107b. Is formed.

The lid 220 of the ink cartridge housing part 200 has lid side recesses 225 a and 225 b that can be fitted into the recesses 107 a and 107 b of the ink cartridge 100.
The recesses 107a and 107b of the ink cartridge are formed from the boundary of the second surface 100b of the third surface 100d to the boundary of the first surface 100a. As described above, at least the third surface 100d of the third surface 100d is formed. It suffices if it is closer to the second surface 100b. When the lid-side recess 225a is fitted into the recess 107a and the lid-side recess 225b is fitted into the recess 107b, the lid 220 sandwiches the upper part of the ink cartridge 100. It becomes easy to make the pressure from the side to the 1st surface 100a side act effectively.

  On the inner bottom surface 210 d of the cartridge housing main body 210, main body side convex portions 214 a and 214 b that can be fitted into the concave portions 107 a and 107 b of the ink cartridge 100 are formed.

The concave portions 107a and 107b of the ink cartridge 100 are provided so as to face each other in the direction in which the electrical contacts are arranged across the substrate 103, and the convex portions 214a and 214b of the cartridge housing main body 210 are at positions corresponding to the concave portions 107a and 107b. Is provided.
The cartridge concave portions 107a and 107b and the convex portions 214a and 214b of the cartridge housing main body 210 are formed between the cartridge concave portions 107a and 107b and the convex portions 214a and 214b of the housing main body when the ink cartridge 100 is attached to the ink cartridge housing portion 200. As a result of the fitting, the electrical contacts 102 are positioned in the alignment direction so that the electrical contacts 102 and the electrical connectors 211 come into contact with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 3, one or more ink cartridges 100 and one ink cartridge housing portion 200 may be provided, and the ink cartridge housing portion 200 may be common to a plurality of ink cartridges 100. The ink cartridge stores, for example, inks of colors such as yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. A plurality of black cartridges may be provided.

Next, the operation when the ink cartridge 100 is accommodated in the ink cartridge accommodating portion 200 will be described.
First, since the display unit 224 is provided on the front side of the lid 220 of the ink cartridge housing unit 200, the color information of the ink cartridge corresponding to the ink cartridge housing unit 200 can be recognized. When the lid 220 of the ink cartridge storage unit 200 is opened, the color information of the ink cartridge to be mounted can be confirmed again by the display unit 213 on the inner bottom surface 210d which is the inner back surface of the storage unit main body.

  When the ink cartridge 100 is inserted into the cartridge housing part main body 210, the ink introduction part 212 is connected to the ink supply port 101. When the ink cartridge 100 is inserted to the vicinity of the inner bottom surface 210d of the cartridge housing main body 210, the concave portions 107a and 107b of the ink cartridge 100 are fitted and positioned with the main body side convex portions 214a and 214b of the cartridge housing main body 210. .

  Next, when the lid 220 is rotated in the closing direction, the lid-side concave portions 225a and 225b are fitted into the concave portions 107a and 107b of the ink cartridge 100, and the portion of the third surface 100d of the ink cartridge 100 that is closer to the second surface 100b. Is sandwiched between the lids 220. When the lid 220 is closed and the engaging portion 220b is engaged with the locking portion 210b of the housing portion main body, the ink cartridge 100 is moved from the second surface 100b side by the springs 223a and 223b attached to the back side of the lid 220. 1 surface 100a or the inner bottom surface 210d of the housing main body. At this time, the electrical connector 211 having an elasticity and a force that presses the elastic packing 101d restricted by the protruding portion of the ink supply port 101 so that the ink introduction unit 212 pushes up the ink cartridge 100 in the arrow P2 direction. The force by which the springs 223a and 223b are pressed in the directions of the arrows Q1 and Q2 by being restricted by the engagement of the engaging portion 210b and the engaging portion 220b is larger than the sum of the forces that push up the portion 102 in the direction of the arrow P1. Accordingly, the electrical contact portion 102 of the ink cartridge is surely brought into contact with the electrical connector 211 of the housing portion main body, and connection failure is prevented.

  If the electrical connector 211 is formed so as to bend in the longitudinal direction of the electrical contact portion 102, the contact becomes more reliable. Although the first surface 100a is slightly inclined, when the ink cartridge 100 is accommodated in the ink cartridge accommodating portion 200, the plane of the substrate is the front end surface of the peripheral wall 100c of the cartridge or the inner bottom surface of the cartridge accommodating portion main body 210. It is formed so as to be substantially parallel to 210 d, so that the electrical contact portion 102 can easily come into contact with the electrical connector 211.

  However, if the substrate 103 is attached so as to be substantially parallel to the inclined surface or the mounting table 104 is formed in such a shape and the mountain shape of the electrical connector 211 is sharpened, dust on the electrical contact portion 102 is brought into contact. Wiping can be performed and the connection can be improved.

When the lid 220 is closed, the information display unit 108 of the ink cartridge 100 can be visually recognized through the window 220c. Therefore, whether the cartridge of the color corresponding to the ink cartridge housing unit 200 is installed in comparison with the display unit 224 on the lid. Can be confirmed again.
The ink introduction part 212 may be one shown in FIG. 10A of Japanese Patent No. 4088353 instead of the needle-like one shown in FIG. In this case, the needle-like tube is inserted into the spring, and since there is a ball valve that is pressed toward the supply port by the spring inside the supply port, the force to push the cartridge at the ink introduction portion increases. However, as described above, since the pushing force using the spring is increased from the lid side, poor contact between the electrical contact portion and the electrical connector is prevented.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram when the continuous supply system is configured by connecting the ink cartridge 100 to a large-capacity ink tank placed outside the printer. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the ink cartridge housing portion 200. A tube 310 connected to a large-capacity ink tank is connected to the air hole 109 of the ink cartridge 100 through the window 220c of the lid 220 and sealed. As described above, since the window 220c of the lid 220 can be used, the labor of perforating the ink cartridge housing portion 200 can be omitted.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Ink cartridge, 101 ... Ink supply port, 102 ... Electrical contact part, 200 ... Ink cartridge accommodating part, 210 ... Cartridge accommodating part main body, 211 ... Electric connector, 220 ... Cover, 223a, 223b ... Spring.

Claims (17)

An ink supply system comprising: an ink cartridge; and an ink cartridge housing portion provided corresponding to the ink cartridge and into which the ink cartridge can be mounted,
The ink cartridge is
A first surface including an ink supply port for discharging ink; a substrate having an electrical contact portion; and a second surface facing the first surface;
The ink cartridge housing portion is
A storage unit main body capable of storing the ink cartridge, and a cover unit rotatably supported by the storage unit main body via a hinge unit;
On the inner bottom surface of the container main body, with the ink cartridge mounted, an ink introducing portion that is connected to the ink supply port of the ink cartridge and introduces ink, and an elastic that comes into contact with the electrical contact portion An electrical connector having
The lid portion includes an engaging portion that can be engaged with the containing portion main body on the opposite side of the hinge portion, and the ink cartridge in a state where the ink cartridge is mounted and the engaging portion is engaged with the containing portion main body. An ink supply system comprising: an elastic member that presses the cartridge from the second surface side toward the first surface side. The ink supply system according to claim 1,
In a state where the ink cartridge is mounted in the ink cartridge housing portion and the engaging portion of the lid portion is engaged with the housing body, the force with which the lid pushes the ink cartridge is An ink supply system, wherein the ink introduction unit and the electrical connector have a force larger than a back force. The ink supply system according to claim 1 or 2,
The elastic member of the lid portion is configured such that the electrical contact of the ink cartridge is in a state where the ink cartridge is mounted in the ink cartridge housing portion and the engaging portion of the lid portion is engaged with the housing body. The ink supply system is characterized in that the portion is biased in a direction in which the portion comes into contact with the electrical connector of the housing portion main body. The ink supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The ink cartridge is attached to the ink cartridge housing portion of the second surface, and the engagement portion of the lid portion is engaged with the housing portion main body and does not contact the elastic member. Comprising an information display section relating to the ink color of the ink cartridge;
The lid portion of the ink cartridge housing portion is configured so that the information display portion is viewed from the front side in a state where the ink cartridge is mounted on the ink cartridge housing portion and the engaging portion of the lid portion is engaged with the housing body. An ink supply system comprising a window portion that is visible. The ink supply system according to claim 4,
The ink supply system according to claim 1, wherein the lid portion is provided with a display portion on the front side for displaying information relating to the ink color of the ink cartridge corresponding to the ink cartridge housing portion. An ink supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An ink supply system, comprising: a display unit configured to display information relating to an ink color of an ink cartridge corresponding to the ink cartridge storage unit on an inner bottom surface of the storage unit main body of the ink cartridge storage unit. The ink supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The ink cartridge has a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface;
A concave portion at least on the second surface side of the third surface;
The ink supply system according to claim 1, wherein the lid portion of the ink cartridge housing portion has a lid-side recess that can be fitted into the recess of the ink cartridge. The ink supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The ink cartridge has a peripheral wall in which the third surface surrounds the periphery of the first surface, and when the ink cartridge is accommodated in the accommodating portion main body, the third surface is the accommodating portion main body. The ink supply system is positioned by a positioning unit. The ink supply system according to claim 8, comprising:
The concave portion of the ink cartridge is formed from a boundary between the third surface and the second surface to a tip of the peripheral wall;
The ink cartridge storage portion has a main body side convex portion that can be fitted to the concave portion of the ink cartridge on the inner bottom surface of the storage portion main body,
A plurality of the concave portions of the ink cartridge are provided so as to face each other in the direction in which the electrical contact portions are arranged across the substrate,
The main body side convex portion is provided at a position corresponding to the concave portion,
When the ink cartridge is mounted in the ink cartridge housing portion, the electrical contact portion and the electrical connector are brought into contact with each other when the concave portion and the main body side convex portion are fitted to the concave portion and the main body side convex portion. The ink supply system is characterized in that the electrical contact portions are positioned in the arrangement direction. An ink cartridge,
An ink supply port for discharging ink and an electrical contact portion on the first surface;
The electrical contact portion is attached to a mounting table that protrudes from the first surface so that the ink supply port is positioned above the ink supply port in a state where the ink supply port faces downward in the direction of gravity. ink cartridge. The ink cartridge according to claim 10,
A peripheral wall is provided that surrounds the periphery of the first surface and protrudes downward from the ink supply port at substantially the same height as the tip of the ink supply port when the ink supply port faces downward in the gravity direction. Ink cartridge. The ink cartridge according to claim 11,
A second surface facing the first surface; and a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface;
The third surface is integrally provided with the peripheral wall, and the third surface is positioned in contact with a part of the ink cartridge housing portion when the ink cartridge is housed in the ink cartridge housing portion. An ink cartridge characterized by.   13. The ink cartridge according to claim 12, further comprising a concave portion positioned in contact with a part of the ink ink cartridge housing portion at least near the second surface of the third surface. ink cartridge. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 10 to 13,
An ink cartridge comprising: a protrusion that fits a protrusion fitting portion for preventing erroneous insertion provided in a corresponding ink cartridge housing portion on the printer side along the periphery of the ink supply port. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 10 to 14,
An ink cartridge, wherein a groove is provided between the outermost side and the innermost side of the ink supply port. The ink cartridge according to claim 15, wherein
The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the outermost tip of the ink supply port protrudes from the innermost tip. An ink supply system comprising: an ink cartridge; and an ink cartridge housing portion provided corresponding to the ink cartridge and into which the ink cartridge can be mounted,
The ink cartridge includes an ink supply port for discharging ink,
The ink cartridge housing portion is
A storage unit main body capable of storing the ink cartridge, and a cover unit rotatably supported by the storage unit main body via a hinge unit;
On the inner bottom surface of the container main body, an ink introduction portion is provided that introduces ink by being connected to the ink supply port of the ink cartridge in a state where the ink cartridge is mounted,
The ink supply system, wherein the lid portion has a window portion, and a supply tube connected to an ink tank placed outside the printer is connected to the ink cartridge through the window portion.

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