JP4706247B2 - Liquid container - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid container that stores therein a liquid supplied to a liquid consuming apparatus and is detachably mounted on a container mounting portion of the liquid consuming apparatus.

  A typical example of the liquid consuming apparatus is a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid droplets from an ejecting head, and a representative example of the liquid ejecting apparatus is an ink jet recording apparatus that includes an ink jet recording head for image recording. . As other liquid ejecting apparatuses, for example, an apparatus having a color material ejecting head used for manufacturing a color filter such as a liquid crystal display, an electrode material (conductive paste) used for forming an electrode such as an organic EL display, a surface emitting display (FED), etc. ) An apparatus equipped with an ejection head, an apparatus equipped with a bioorganic matter ejection head used for biochip production, an apparatus equipped with a sample ejection head as a precision pipette, and the like.

  An ink jet recording apparatus, which is a typical example of a liquid ejecting apparatus, is used for many printing including color printing in recent years because noise during printing is relatively low and small dots can be formed with high density. .

  As a liquid supply method for a liquid consuming device typified by an ink jet recording apparatus, there is a method of supplying a liquid from a liquid container storing the liquid to the liquid consuming device. Furthermore, the liquid supply method using the liquid container is configured to be detachable from the liquid consuming device so that the user can easily replace the liquid container when the liquid in the liquid container is consumed. Generally, a liquid container is configured as a cartridge.

  In general, an ink jet recording apparatus includes a carriage mounted with a recording head for ejecting ink droplets and reciprocating along a recording surface of a recording medium. As a method of supplying ink from an ink cartridge to the recording head, There is a system in which an ink cartridge is mounted and ink is supplied to the recording head from an ink cartridge that reciprocates with the recording head. As another method, there is a method in which an ink cartridge is mounted on the case of the apparatus main body and the ink is supplied from the ink cartridge to the recording head via an ink flow path formed by a flexible tube or the like.

  In any of the above ink supply systems, it is required that the ink cartridge can be easily and securely mounted and fixed at a predetermined position of the apparatus main body. Further, when replacing the ink cartridge, the ink cartridge can be easily and easily removed from the apparatus main body. There is a need for reliable removal.

  Therefore, in a conventional ink jet recording apparatus and ink cartridge, as a mechanism for securely fixing the ink cartridge at a predetermined position of the apparatus main body, for example, after the ink cartridge is inserted into a cartridge holder or the like of the apparatus main body, A mechanism has been employed in which a stop lever or the like is operated and the ink cartridge is pressed and fixed by a lock lever or the like.

International Publication No. 99/59823 Pamphlet

  However, in such a cartridge fixing mechanism, the step of inserting the ink cartridge into the cartridge holder or the like and the step of fixing after the insertion for operating the locking lever or the like are separate and independent steps, and the ink cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body. The operation was complicated. In addition, this conventional cartridge fixing mechanism requires a two-step operation when removing the ink cartridge.

  In addition, a mechanism in which the fixing of the ink cartridge at the time of mounting is achieved at the same time as the insertion step is conceivable. However, even in this case, a step of releasing the fixing is necessary when removing the ink cartridge. The operation is completely different from the subsequent operation of pulling out the ink cartridge. For this reason, the operation of removing the ink cartridge becomes complicated.

  In addition, among conventional ink jet recording apparatuses and ink cartridges, a storage element (IC) for storing information such as ink type and remaining amount is provided in the ink cartridge, and at the apparatus main body side (for example, a cartridge holder), Some devices have a device-side contact connected to the IC-side electrode.

  When an ink cartridge having such an IC is attached to the apparatus main body, it is necessary to securely connect the IC side electrode and the apparatus side contact when the ink cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body. It is necessary to maintain the state reliably. That is, it is necessary to suppress the deviation between the device-side contact and the IC-side electrode within a range where conduction is possible. For example, it is conceivable to increase the allowable range of misalignment with respect to the device side contact by increasing the size of the IC side electrode, but the problem is that the ink cartridge itself becomes larger as the IC side electrode becomes larger. is there.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid container that can be easily and reliably attached to a liquid consuming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, a liquid container according to the present invention includes a container body having a surface having a bottom and a recess provided with a peripheral wall, and at least part of the surface from the bottom of the recess to the surface. A guide protrusion having at least three edges as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom of the recess, and having a predetermined width between the peripheral wall and the edge of the guide protrusion. The path | route which has is formed.

  Further, the guide protrusion is substantially triangular with three apexes when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom of the recess.

  In addition, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom of the recess, at least one of the apexes includes an outwardly extending protrusion.

  In addition, a protruding portion is formed on a part of the peripheral wall so as to maintain a path having a predetermined width with the outwardly extending protruding portion.

  Further, the protrusion is formed to extend toward the guide protrusion as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom of the recess.

  The path forms a loop.

  Further embodiments of the present invention include a container body having a surface in which a recess having a bottom and a peripheral wall is formed, and is provided in the recess, at least a part of which is directed from the bottom of the recess toward the surface. A path is formed between the extending guide protrusion, the peripheral wall, and the guide protrusion, and the path includes a flat first floor, an inclined second floor, and a flat third floor. , An inclined fourth floor portion, and a flat fifth floor portion, wherein the first floor portion communicates with the second floor portion, and the second floor portion is the third floor portion. The third floor portion communicates with the fourth floor portion, and the fourth floor portion communicates with the fifth floor portion.

  Further, the flat first, third and fifth floor portions are in parallel planes.

  The flat first floor portion and the inclined second floor portion are disposed along a first line, and the flat third floor portion is a second line intersecting the first line. It is arrange | positioned along.

  The inclined fourth floor portion and the flat fifth floor portion are arranged along a third line intersecting the second line.

  The first, second, and third lines intersect each other so as to form a triangle.

  The second and third lines intersect at right angles.

  The path is characterized by forming a loop.

  Another embodiment of the present invention is a container main body having a front surface and a bottom surface having a bottom portion and a recess provided with a peripheral wall, and disposed in the recess, at least a part of which is from the bottom of the recess. A guide protrusion extending toward the bottom surface, and a first opening extending along the first line into the liquid container along the first line, and substantially parallel to the first line. And a second opening extending into the liquid container along the second line, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the front surface, the first and second lines are the bottom surface. And at least a part of the bottom of the recess is parallel to the surface.

  In addition, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the front surface, the front surface has an opening leading to the recess, the first opening is located closer to the opening than the second opening, The opening includes two vertical edges, the vertical edges are parallel to the first and second vertical surfaces, and the opening has at least a portion of the first opening as the first and second. It is formed so that it may be arrange | positioned between the vertical planes.

  The first line may be located between the first and second vertical surfaces when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the front surface.

  Another embodiment of the present invention includes a container body having a front surface and a bottom surface having a bottom portion and a peripheral wall formed with a recess, and at least a portion of the container body from the bottom portion of the recess to the bottom surface. A guide protrusion extending toward the front, and a first opening extending along the first line into the liquid container along the first line, and a first substantially parallel to the first line. A second opening extending along the line 2 into the liquid container, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the front surface, the first line and the second line are at least a part of the bottom surface. And at least a part of the bottom of the recess is parallel to the bottom surface.

  In addition, a path is formed between the guide protrusion and the peripheral wall, and the path forms a loop.

  Another embodiment of the present invention has an interior and a bottom surface, a front surface, and a side surface in which a recess having a bottom portion and a peripheral wall is formed, and the bottom surface, the front surface, and the side surface are on respective intersecting vertical surfaces. A container body, and disposed in the recess, at least a part of which extends from the bottom of the recess toward the bottom surface, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom of the recess, at least three edge portions A guide protrusion having a fluid supply port located on the front surface, communicating with the interior of the container body, fluid communicating with the interior of the container, and an air port located on the front surface, located on the front surface. The first and second positioning holes are provided, and a path having a predetermined width is formed between the peripheral wall and the edge of the guide projection.

  Further, the recess and one of the first and second positioning holes are formed in the vicinity of a corner defined by the intersecting vertical plane.

  In addition, a storage device having an electrode is disposed on the side surface.

  In addition, one of the storage device, the concave portion, and the first and second positioning holes is located near a corner defined by the intersecting vertical plane.

  In addition, a groove for specifying the properties of the liquid container is formed on the bottom surface.

  In addition, a groove for specifying the property of the liquid container is formed on the bottom surface, and the virtual extension portion of the groove and the recess is the first and second, respectively, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface. It is formed so that it may overlap with the positioning hole.

  Further, the guide projection is substantially triangular with three apexes when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom of the recess.

  Further, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom portion of the concave portion, at least one of the apexes of the guide projection portion has an outwardly extending projection portion.

  In addition, a protruding portion is formed on a part of the peripheral wall so as to maintain a path having a predetermined width with the outwardly extending protruding portion.

  In addition, the protrusion extends toward the guide protrusion as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom of the recess.

  The path forms a loop.

  Another embodiment of the present invention is a substantially rectangular shape having an interior and a bottom surface, a front surface, and a side surface in which a recess having a bottom portion and a peripheral wall is formed, wherein the bottom surface, the front surface, and the side surface are respectively A container body located on the intersecting vertical plane, at least a part of which is disposed in the recess, the guide protrusion extending from the bottom of the recess toward the surface, and the container body A liquid supply port that communicates with the interior and is located on the front surface, a fluid communication port that communicates with the interior of the container and is located on the front surface, and a first positioning hole and a second positioning hole located on the front surface And a path is formed between the peripheral wall and the guide protrusion, and the path includes a flat first floor portion, a sloping second floor portion, a flat third floor portion, and a sloping surface. A fourth floor portion and a flat fifth floor portion The first floor portion communicates with the second floor portion, the second floor portion communicates with the third floor portion, the third floor portion communicates with the fourth floor portion, and the second floor portion The fourth floor portion is formed to communicate with the fifth floor portion.

  Further, the recess and one of the first and second positioning holes are formed in the vicinity of a corner defined by the intersecting vertical plane.

  In addition, a storage device including an electrode is disposed on the side surface.

  In addition, one of the storage device, the concave portion, and the first and second positioning holes is located near a corner defined by the intersecting vertical plane.

  In addition, a groove for specifying the property of the liquid container is formed on the bottom surface.

  In addition, a groove for specifying the property of the liquid container is formed on the bottom surface, and the virtual extension portion of the groove and the recess is respectively positioned in the first and second positions when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface. It is characterized by overlapping with the hole.

  Further, the flat first, third and fifth floor portions are in parallel planes.

  The flat first floor portion and the inclined second floor portion are arranged along a first line, and the flat third floor portion is a second line intersecting the first line. It is arrange | positioned along.

  Further, the inclined fourth floor portion and the flat fifth floor portion are arranged along a third line intersecting the second line.

  The path forms a loop.

  The intersecting first, second, and third lines form a triangle.

  The first and second lines intersect at right angles.

  Another aspect of the present invention is a substantially rectangular shape having an interior and a bottom surface, a front surface, and a side surface in which a recess having a bottom portion and a peripheral wall is formed, and the bottom surface, the front surface, and the side surface intersect each other. A container body located on a vertical surface; and a guide protrusion that is disposed in the recess and at least a portion thereof extends from the bottom portion of the recess toward the bottom surface, and the front surface includes: A first opening extending into the liquid container along a first line, and a second opening extending into the liquid container along a second line substantially parallel to the first line; And when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the front surface, the first and second lines are in a plane parallel to at least a portion of the bottom surface, and at least a portion of the bottom portion of the recess is parallel to the surface. It is characterized by being.

  Further, the recess and one of the first and second positioning holes are formed in the vicinity of a corner defined by the intersecting vertical plane.

  In addition, a storage device including an electrode is disposed on the side surface.

  In addition, one of the storage device, the concave portion, and the first and second positioning holes is located near a corner defined by the intersecting vertical plane.

  In addition, a groove for specifying the property of the liquid container is formed on the bottom surface.

  In addition, a groove for specifying the property of the liquid container is formed on the bottom surface, and the virtual extension portion of the groove and the recess is respectively formed with the first and second positioning holes when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface. It is characterized by overlapping.

  Further, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the front surface, the front surface has an opening communicating with the concave portion, the first opening is located closer to the opening than the second opening, and the front surface The opening includes two vertical edges, the vertical edges are parallel to the first and second vertical surfaces, and the opening has at least a portion of the first opening as the first and second. It is formed so that it may be arrange | positioned between the vertical planes.

  In addition, the first line is located between the first and second vertical planes when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the front surface.

  Another aspect of the present invention is a substantially rectangular shape having an interior, a front surface, and a bottom surface having a recess having a bottom portion and a peripheral wall, and the bottom surface, the front surface, and the side surfaces are respectively intersecting vertical surfaces. A container main body that is positioned; and a guide protrusion that is disposed in the recess and at least a portion thereof extends from the bottom to the bottom of the recess, and the front surface includes a first line. And a second opening extending into the liquid container along a second line substantially parallel to the first line. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the front surface, the first and second openings are in a plane parallel to at least a part of the bottom surface, and at least a part of the bottom part of the recess is parallel to the surface. It is characterized by being.

  Further, the concave portion and one of the first and second openings are formed in the vicinity of a corner defined by the intersecting vertical plane.

  In addition, a storage device including an electrode is disposed on the side surface.

  The memory device, the recess, and one of the first and second openings are located near a corner defined by the intersecting vertical plane.

  In addition, a groove for specifying the properties of the liquid container is formed on the bottom surface.

  In addition, a groove for specifying the property of the liquid container is formed on the bottom surface, and the virtual extension of the groove and the recess overlaps the first and second openings, respectively, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface. It is characterized by being located.

  In addition, a path is formed between the guide protrusion and the peripheral wall, and the path forms a loop.

  Another aspect of the present invention is a substantially rectangular shape having an interior and a bottom surface, a front surface, and a side surface in which a recess having a bottom surface and a peripheral wall is formed, and the bottom surface, the front surface, and the side surface intersect each other vertically. A container body located on a surface, and disposed in the recess, at least a part of which extends from the bottom of the recess toward the surface, and is at least viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom of the recess. A guide projection having first, second, and third edges, a liquid supply port that communicates with the interior of the container body, and is located on the front surface, and the liquid supply port is located therebetween. The first and second positioning holes positioned on the front surface and the storage device having the electrodes disposed on the side surface, the recess, the storage device, and the first and second positioning positions One of the holes is defined by the intersecting vertical plane Located in the vicinity of the corner, and forms a path between the peripheral wall and the edge of the guide projection, and the path includes an inlet side guide part, an intermediate guide part, a fixing part, and an outlet side guide part. The inlet-side guide is at least partially defined by the first edge of the guide protrusion, the first edge of the guide protrusion being inclined relative to the front and side surfaces; Perpendicular to the bottom surface, the intermediate guide is at least partially defined by first and second portions of the peripheral wall, and the first portion of the week wall is perpendicular to the side surface and the bottom surface. The second portion of the peripheral wall extends from the first portion of the peripheral wall toward the second edge of the guide protrusion, and extends to the bottom surface and the front surface. It is vertical and parallel to the side surface, and the fixing portion is the guide protrusion. Defined at least in part by first and second portions of the second edge, wherein the first portion of the second edge is perpendicular to the side surface and the bottom surface and parallel to the front surface. The second portion of the second edge extends outwardly from the first portion of the second edge, is perpendicular to the bottom surface and the front surface, and is parallel to the side surface. The outlet side guide is at least partially defined by third and fourth portions of the peripheral wall, the third portion of the peripheral wall being perpendicular to the bottom surface and the side surface and parallel to the front surface. And the fourth portion of the peripheral wall extends from the third portion of the peripheral wall along the third edge of the guide protrusion, is perpendicular to the bottom surface and the front surface, and is on the side surface. Parallel to each other, the end of the inlet side guide part and the end of the outlet side guide part are stepped They are connected together by a difference.

  Another aspect of the present invention includes a locking pin, a first bias member that applies a first bias force in a first direction to the pin, and the liquid container that is inserted into the mounting portion in the insertion direction. On the other hand, the liquid that can be attached to and detached from the mounting portion of the liquid consuming apparatus that includes a second bias member that applies a second bias force in a second direction that is opposite to the insertion direction and perpendicular to the first direction. A container having a substantially rectangular shape having an interior and a bottom surface, a front surface, and a side surface in which a recess having a bottom surface and a peripheral wall is formed, wherein the bottom surface, the front surface, and the side surface are positioned at respective intersecting vertical surfaces. A container body, and disposed in the recess, at least a part of which extends from the bottom of the recess toward the surface, and is at least first when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the recess. Guide protrusions having second and third edges And a liquid supply port that communicates with the interior of the container body and is positioned on the front surface, and first and second positioning holes that are positioned on the front surface so that the liquid supply port is positioned therebetween, And a storage device provided on the side surface, wherein one of the recess, the storage device, and the first and second positioning holes is near a corner defined by the intersecting vertical plane The pin is allowed to pass through a path formed between the peripheral wall and the edge of the guide projection, the path including an inlet side guide part, an intermediate guide part, a fixing part, and an outlet. A side guide, wherein the inlet side guide is at least partially defined by the first edge of the guide projection, and the liquid container includes the first edge of the guide projection. When inserted into the mounting portion against the second bias force The pin is guided against the first biasing force, the intermediate guide is at least partially defined by first and second portions of the peripheral wall, and the first portion of the peripheral wall is When the liquid container is inserted into the mounting portion against the second bias force, the liquid container defines a first complete insertion position of the liquid container, and the second of the peripheral wall The portion stops the pin against the first bias force when the liquid container is located at the first complete insertion position, and the fixing portion is the second edge of the guide protrusion. Defined at least in part by a first and second portion of the portion, wherein the first portion of the second edge includes the first portion of the liquid container from the first fully inserted position to a predetermined fixed position. At the time of contact with the pin when moving by a bias force of 2, The cartridge holds the cartridge against the second biasing force, and the second portion of the second edge has the liquid container from the first fully inserted position to the predetermined fixed position. The pin is held against the first bias force when moved by the bias force of 2, and the outlet guide is at least partially defined by the third and fourth portions of the peripheral wall. The third portion of the peripheral wall is configured such that the second complete insertion of the liquid container when the liquid container contacts the pin when the liquid container moves from the predetermined fixed position against the second bias force. Defining a position, the fourth portion of the peripheral wall guides the pin against the first biasing force, and the liquid container is moved from the second fully inserted position by the second biasing force. Move, the end of the inlet side guide part and The ends of the outlet side guide portions are connected together by a step, and are configured to prevent the pins from directly entering the outlet side guide portions and to guide the pins into the inlet side guide portions. Features.

  Hereinafter, an ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings as an embodiment of a liquid container according to the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an ink cartridge 1 according to the present embodiment and a cartridge mounting portion 101 of an ink jet recording apparatus 100 to which the ink cartridge 1 is mounted. In this example, six cartridge mounting portions 101 are provided in the ink jet recording apparatus 100, and each cartridge mounting portion 101 is open on the front surface of the ink jet recording apparatus 100. Further, the six cartridge mounting portions 101 are juxtaposed in the same horizontal plane, and the six ink cartridges 1 are juxtaposed side by side.

  2 to 4 are views showing the external shape of the ink cartridge 1. The ink cartridge 1 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped container body 2, and the front surface of the container body 2 is supplied to the ink jet recording apparatus 100. An ink supply port 3 for sending out the ink to be used is formed.

  That is, the container body of the ink cartridge has a substantially rectangular shape, which means that a part thereof has a structure having walls in the X, Y, and Z planes. Accordingly, the present invention contemplates various structures such as a cartridge body in which one or more corners are scraped, or a portion of the flat wall is curved, or in another plane.

  Similarly, the expression “near the corner” is commonly used and includes positioning a structure relative to the corner, and some advantage is gained by the structure being near to that corner. Means that.

  Expressions indicating positions such as “top” and “bottom” are relative and depend on the orientation of the ink cartridge. Therefore, what is the top surface becomes the bottom surface when the cartridge is inverted.

  In addition, a pressurized fluid introduction port 4 is formed on the front surface of the container body 2 to introduce pressurized fluid for pressurizing the ink inside the container body 2 and sending it out from the ink supply port 3 into the container body 2. Has been.

  Further, a pair of positioning holes 5 a and 5 b into which a pair of positioning protrusions provided in the cartridge mounting portion 101 are inserted are formed on the front surface of the container body 2. Around the pair of positioning holes 5a and 5b, cartridge-side positioning surfaces 24a and 24b that are in contact with the apparatus-side positioning surface of the cartridge mounting portion 101 and perform positioning in the insertion direction of the ink cartridge 1 are formed. The pair of positioning holes 5a and 5b and the pair of cartridge side positioning surfaces 24a and 24b constitute a cartridge side positioning portion.

  In this embodiment, the ink supply port 3, the pressurized fluid introduction port 4, and the openings of the positioning holes 5a and 5b extend into the ink cartridge 1 along lines (axes) parallel to each other. Further, as shown in FIG. 2 (d), the openings of the positioning holes 5 a and 5 b and the central axis thereof are on a plane P 1 parallel to the bottom surface of the container body 2.

  Further, an erroneous mounting prevention structure 6 is provided at one corner of the container body 2 including the front surface, that is, at the corner opposite to the cartridge side fixing structure 7 with respect to the ink supply port 3. This incorrect mounting prevention structure 6 is configured so that when the ink cartridge 1 is mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus 100, the ink cartridge 1 of a predetermined ink type is correctly mounted at a predetermined position. A shape other than the ink cartridge is provided so that it cannot be mounted.

  By way of non-limiting example, the misload prevention structure 6 may include several grooves whose length, width, and / or depth correspond to the color or type of ink contained in the ink cartridge. The yellow, magenta, cyan, and black cartridges all have different groove arrangements to prevent the cartridge from being inserted into an inappropriate printer container.

  Further, if the user can reliably specify the properties of the ink cartridge and the appropriate mounting position of the ink cartridge, the erroneous mounting preventing structure 6 may be omitted. In this case, as shown by the dotted line LR in FIGS. 2 (d) and 3 (a), a large recess having a simple rectangular parallelepiped shape can be provided instead of the erroneous mounting prevention structure 6, and the large recess is The shape and size are such that all the identification protrusions provided on the cartridge mounting portion 1001 can be received.

  Further, on the back surface (bottom surface) of the container main body 2, a cartridge side fixing structure 7 is provided at a corner adjacent to the front surface of the container main body 2 and opposite to the corner where the erroneous mounting prevention structure 6 is provided. It has been. The cartridge-side fixing structure 7 regulates movement of the ink cartridge 1 in the pulling direction in order to control insertion / removal with the ink jet recording apparatus in a state where the ink cartridge 1 is mounted on the container mounting portion 101. .

  In the present embodiment, the cartridge side fixing structure 7 is provided on the back surface of the container body 2. However, the formation position of the cartridge side fixing structure 7 is not limited to the back surface of the container body 2. You can also

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, an IC (semiconductor storage element) for storing information such as ink type and remaining amount is provided on one side surface of the container body 2 on the side close to the cartridge side fixing structure 7. A mounted circuit board 8b is provided, and on the surface of the circuit board 8b, an electrode (cartridge side electrode) 8a that is electrically connected to the IC and is in contact with the apparatus side contact of the recording apparatus main body is provided. A storage device 8 is configured. The storage device 8, together with the cartridge side fixing structure 7, is disposed at a position near the ink supply port 3 in the entire container body 2. In the present embodiment, the memory element and the electrode 8 shown in FIG. 4B are formed on the circuit board 8b. However, this structure is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. A structure can also be used. For example, the memory element and the electrode 8a can be formed on the FPC, and both can be arranged at different positions on the container body 2.

  More preferably, the storage element can be located near the same corner where the cartridge side fixing structure 7 and the positioning hole 5a are formed. Such an arrangement allows very accurate positioning of all cartridge structures.

  FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the ink cartridge 1, and the container main body 2 includes a case main body 2A having an upper surface opened and a lid member 2B for sealing the upper surface opening of the case main body 2A. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the lid member 2 </ b> B is removed from the ink cartridge 1.

  As can be seen from FIGS. 5 and 6, an ink bag 9 having a flexible ink storage portion (shown by a broken line for explanation) filled with ink is stored in the container body 2. The ink bag 9 is provided with a port portion 10 for sending the ink inside the bag 9 to the outside. A lid 12 is attached to the inner end portion of the port portion 10 with a check valve 11 disposed therein. On the other hand, a seal supply lid 15 is attached to an outer end portion of the port portion 10 with a spring seat 14 biased by a spring 13 disposed therein.

  A film 25 is fixed by thermal welding to a welding portion 26 formed so as to surround the outer periphery of the region of the case main body 2 </ b> A containing the ink bag 9. The sealed space is sealed without the pressurized fluid introduced from the pressurized fluid introduction port 4 (pressurized air in the present embodiment) leaking to the outside, and presses the ink containing portion of the ink bag 9 with the pressurized fluid. The ink can be supplied to the outside. Further, the lid member 2B is fixed to the case main body 2A by an engagement protrusion 27 formed on the lid member 2B so as to cover the film 25, and protects the film 25 and prevents unnecessary expansion of the film 25 during pressurization. I am doing.

  7 and 8 show a state in which the ink cartridge 1 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 101 of the ink jet recording apparatus 100. The slider mounting member 102 to which the front surface portion of the ink cartridge 1 is connected is connected to the cartridge mounting portion 101. FIG. Is provided. The slider member 102 is provided so as to be slidable in the insertion / removal (removal) direction of the ink cartridge 1 and is urged by the resilient means toward the direction (extraction direction Y) opposite to the insertion direction X of the ink cartridge 1. ing.

  9 and 10 show the cartridge mounting portion 101 in a state where the ink cartridge 1 is not mounted. A pair of positioning projections 103a and 103b are provided on the surface of the slider member 102 that faces the front surface of the ink cartridge, and each base portion of each positioning projection 103a and 103b is provided with a shoulder on the apparatus side positioning surface 104a. , 104b are provided. The pair of positioning protrusions 103a and 103b and the pair of device side positioning surfaces 104a and 104b constitute a device side positioning portion.

  When the ink cartridge 1 is connected to the slider member 102, the pair of positioning protrusions 103a and 103b are inserted into the pair of positioning holes 5a and 5b on the front surface of the ink cartridge 1, and the pair shown in FIG. The cartridge-side positioning surfaces 24a and 24b and the pair of apparatus-side positioning surfaces 104a and 104b come into contact with each other.

  Of the pair of positioning holes 5a and 5b, the pair of positioning projections 103a and 103b, the pair of cartridge side positioning surfaces 24a and 24b, and the pair of apparatus side positioning surfaces 104a and 104b, one positioning hole 5a and one positioning projection The portion 103a, the one cartridge side positioning surface 24a, and the one apparatus side positioning surface 104a preferably have a function of positioning the ink cartridge 1 more accurately with respect to the slider member 102. In particular, the positioning of the ink cartridge 1 in the insertion direction is accurately performed by the cartridge side positioning surface 24a and the apparatus side positioning surface 104a.

  2 (d), 4 (b), and 4 (d), the positioning holes 5a and 5b are such that the line passing through these holes themselves is the bottom of the in-cartridge and the in-cartridge side fixing structure. It is preferable that they are arranged so as to lie on a plane P1 parallel to the bottom groove (specifically, the flat floor portions 19b, 19c, 21c of the present embodiment).

  2 (d), 4 (b) to (d), and 15 (a) and (b), the positioning hole is a virtual extension of the adjacent cartridge side fixing structure 7 and the erroneous mounting preventing structure 6. It will be understood that it overlaps with the part (or protrusion). That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15B, the positioning hole 5b is disposed in the region R1 defined by the erroneous mounting preventing structure 6, and the positioning hole 5a is the region defined by the cartridge side fixing structure 7. Located in R2. Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15B, the positioning hole 5a is disposed in a region R3 defined by the parallel edges 22a and 22b of the openings 22a, 22b and 22c on the front surface of the ink cartridge. .

  As can be seen from FIG. 4B, the positioning hole 5a and the cartridge side positioning surface 24a used for accurate positioning are arranged in the vicinity of the storage device 8 including the electrode 8a. Thus, in the vicinity of the storage device 8, the positioning hole 5a, the cartridge side positioning surface 24a, and the cartridge side fixing structure 7 are arranged.

  Further, the positioning hole 5a and the cartridge side fixing structure 7 are arranged so that the positioning projection 103a inserted into the positioning hole 5a and the cartridge side fixing structure 7 overlap in the thickness direction of the container body 2. As a result, the storage device can be accurately positioned with respect to the corresponding contact structure of the printer.

  11A and 11B show a state in which the ink cartridge 1 is accurately positioned with respect to the slider member 102 by the positioning hole 5a, the positioning projection 103a, the cartridge side positioning surface 24a, and the apparatus side positioning surface 103a. Is shown. The locking pin 112 of the device-side fixing structure 107 is inserted and held in the locking portion 18 of the guide groove 16 of the container body 2.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a pressurized fluid port 105 connected to the pressurized fluid inlet 4 of the ink cartridge 1 is provided on the surface of the slider member 102 facing the front surface of the ink cartridge. Yes.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a contact protrusion 114 having a device-side contact 113 connected to the electrode 8 a of the storage device 8 is provided at one end of the front surface of the slider member 102. .

  12 and 13 show a state where the slider member 102 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 101. FIG. An ink supply needle 106 is fixed inside the cartridge mounting portion 101, and the ink supply needle 106 is inserted into the ink supply port 3 of the ink cartridge 1 when the ink cartridge 1 is pushed together with the slider member 102.

  It will be understood that the ink supply port 3 communicates with the inside of the ink cartridge 1. This means that the ink supply port 3 and the internal region of the ink cartridge 1 such as the inside of the ink bag 9 are in fluid communication. Such communication will also correspond to a structure in which the ink bag is omitted and the ink supply port is directly connected to the inside of the ink cartridge.

  In addition, an apparatus side fixing structure 107 that restricts movement of the ink cartridge 1 in the drawing direction in cooperation with the cartridge side fixing structure 7 is provided inside the cartridge mounting portion 101.

  The apparatus-side fixing structure 107 includes a rotating lever member 108. The rotating lever member 108 is supported so as to be rotatable about the base end portion thereof, and is rotated in one direction of rotation (see FIG. 12). (Counterclockwise in the middle)

  As shown in FIG. 14, the rotating lever member 108 includes an elongated lever main body 110, a substantially cylindrical pin mounting portion 111 provided at the tip of the lever main body 110, and the top surface of the pin mounting portion 111. And a substantially cylindrical locking pin 112 having a smaller diameter than that of the pin mounting portion 111.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the cartridge side fixing structure 7 is composed of a guide groove 16 having a rectangular cross section into which the locking pin 112 is inserted. That is, in order to define a guide path having a width through which the locking pin 112 can penetrate (that is, the guide groove 16 of the present embodiment), a recess 116 having a peripheral wall 116a and a bottom part 116b along the path is a bottom surface of the ink cartridge. As shown in FIG. 17, the guide protrusion 216 is disposed in the recess 116 so as to protrude from the bottom 116b of the recess 116 toward the bottom surface of the ink cartridge. The guide protrusion 216 has three edges 216a, 216b, and 216c. Therefore, the guide path (that is, the guide groove 16 of the present embodiment) is defined by the peripheral wall 116a and the bottom 116b of the recess 116 and the edges 216a, 216b, and 216c of the guide protrusion 216. As shown in FIG. 17, the guide protrusion 216 is a substantially triangular shape having three vertices 216d, 216e, and 216f. Each of the vertices 216f, preferably vertices 216e and 216f, is formed as a first protrusion extending outward as shown in FIG. A part of the peripheral wall 116 a of the recess 116 has a second protrusion 116 a 1 extending toward the guide protrusion 216.

  A recess 17 is formed in the corner of the back surface of the cartridge in the vicinity of the positioning hole 5a and the cartridge-side positioning surface 24a used for high-accuracy positioning, and a guide groove 16 is formed in the bottom surface of the recess 17. The bottom surface of the guide groove 16 is perpendicular to the side surface of the container body 2 on which the storage device 8 is disposed.

  When the ink cartridge 1 is attached to or detached from the cartridge mounting portion 101, the locking pin 112 of the rotating lever member 108 of the apparatus side fixing structure 107 is guided by the guide groove 16 of the cartridge side fixing structure 7.

  The guide groove 16 includes a locking portion 18 that restricts the movement of the ink cartridge 1 in the pulling direction when the locking pin 112 is engaged when the ink cartridge 1 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 101. As shown in FIG. 17, the locking portion 18 is mainly defined by an edge portion 216b including a left half of the protruding portion 216F extending outward.

  The guide groove 16 includes an inlet side guide portion 19 that guides the locking pin 112 when the ink cartridge 1 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 101, and the ink cartridge 1 inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 101 in the pulling direction. When the ink cartridge 1 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 101, the intermediate guide portion 20 that guides the locking pin 112 to the locking portion 18 when being pushed back, and the ink cartridge 1 is pushed in the insertion direction from the locking portion 18. An exit side guide portion 21 for guiding the detached locking pin 112 to the exit of the guide groove 16 is provided.

  The entrance side guide part 19 is mainly defined by the edge part 216a. As shown in FIG. 17, the intermediate guide portion 20 is mainly defined by the portions 116a2 and 116a3 of the peripheral wall 116a, and the portion 116a3 is the left half of the protruding portion 116a1. The outlet side guide portion 21 is mainly defined by the portion 116a of the peripheral wall 116a, and the portion 116a4 faces the edge portion 216c of the guide projection portion 216.

  A main portion (straight portion) of the inlet side guide portion 19 of the guide groove 16 extends from about 30 ° to about 50 ° with respect to the insertion / extraction direction of the ink cartridge 1. Further, the end portion of the inlet side guide portion 19 is given a curved shape by a protruding wall portion 19d (216e).

  In addition, an inlet inclined surface 22 is formed at the inlet 16 a of the guide groove 16. The inlet portion inclined surface 22 is inclined so that the groove depth gradually decreases along the moving direction of the locking pin 112 that moves relatively with the insertion operation of the ink cartridge 1 into the cartridge mounting portion 101.

  The width of the inlet inclined surface 22 (R3 in FIG. 15B) is set to be larger than the groove width in the main portion of the guide groove 16 formed with substantially the same width including the locking portion 18. The width of the inlet inclined surface 22 is set to be larger than the diameter of the pin attachment portion 111 to which the locking pin 112 is attached. On the other hand, the groove width in the main portion of the guide groove 16 is set to be smaller than the diameter of the pin mounting portion 111.

  Further, the inlet-side guide portion 19 between the inlet inclined surface 22 and the locking portion 18 is moved in the moving direction of the locking pin 112 that moves relatively with the insertion operation of the ink cartridge 1 into the cartridge mounting portion 101. A deep groove forming inclined surface 19a that is inclined so that the guide groove 16 becomes deep along is formed. A flat portion 19 b is formed between the deep groove forming inclined surface 19 a and the inlet inclined surface 22. Further, a flat portion 19c is formed following the deep groove forming inclined surface 19a.

  The depth of the shallowest guide groove 16 formed by the inlet inclined surface 22, that is, the groove depth of the flat portion 19 b is smaller than the length of the locking pin 112. Further, the depth of the deepest guide groove 16 formed by the deep groove forming inclined surface 19 a, that is, the groove depth of the flat portion 19 c is larger than the length of the locking pin 112.

  Further, the intermediate guide portion 20 of the guide groove 16 has a locking pin 112 that moves in the direction of the locking portion 18 when the ink cartridge 1 is inserted sufficiently deep into the cartridge mounting portion 101. Including a temporary stop side wall portion 20a that temporarily stops in front of. The side wall portion 20a corresponds to the portion 116a3 of the peripheral wall 116a.

  In addition, the locking portion 18 of the guide groove 16 is released from the temporary stop side wall 20a when the ink cartridge 1 inserted sufficiently deep into the cartridge mounting portion 101 is pushed back in the pulling direction, and becomes the locking portion 18. It includes a final stop side wall portion 18a that receives and stops the moving locking pin 112 at a predetermined locking position. The side wall portion 18a corresponds to the left half of the protruding portion 216f.

  Further, a curved side wall portion 21a is formed at the start end of the outlet side guide portion 21, and a linear inclined surface 21b is formed following the curved side wall portion 21a, and subsequently, a straight flat portion 21c. Is formed.

Accordingly, the guide groove 16 includes a flat first floor portion corresponding to the flat portion 19b, an inclined second floor portion corresponding to the inclined surface 19a, an end portion of the outlet side guide portion 19, and an intermediate guide portion 20. The flat third floor portion corresponding to the leading portion of the locking portion 18 and the outlet side guide portion 21, the inclined fourth floor portion corresponding to the inclined surface 21b, and the flat corresponding to the flat portion 21c A first floor portion that communicates with the second floor portion, a second floor portion that communicates with the third floor portion, and a third floor portion that communicates with the fourth floor portion. The fourth floor portion leads to the fifth floor portion. As shown in FIG. 15A, the first and second floor portions are arranged along the first line L1, and a part of the third floor portion corresponding to the portions 20 and 18 and the portion 21 The leading portion is substantially disposed along the second line L2 intersecting the first line L1, and the fourth and fifth floor portions are the third intersecting the first and second lines L1, L2 . Arranged along line L3. The second and third lines L2 and L3 intersect at a right angle. Further, the bottom portion of the guide groove 16 corresponding to the first, third, and fifth floor portions is parallel to the bottom surface of the ink cartridge.

  Further, the outlet portion 16b of the guide groove 16 is connected to the inlet portion 16a, so that the guide groove 16 forms a loop as a whole. In the connection portion between the inlet portion 16a and the outlet portion 16b, the depth of the groove of the outlet portion 16b is shallower than the depth of the groove of the inlet portion 16a, thereby forming a step 23 (FIG. 16B) in the connection portion. Has been. The step 23 prevents the locking pin 112 from entering the flat portion 21 </ b> C when the ink cartridge 1 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 101.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 17, the operation of the locking pin 112 in the guide groove 16 when the ink cartridge 1 is attached / detached will be described. It will be understood that the arrow Z in FIG. 17 indicates the biasing direction of the rotating lever member 108 due to the biasing action of the spring member 109.

  When the ink cartridge 1 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 101 and the ink cartridge 1 is connected to the slider member 102, the ink cartridge 1 is further pushed in the insertion direction X against the biasing force of the slider member 102. The locking pin 112 of the lever member 108 is inserted into the inlet portion 16a of the guide groove 16 from the openings 22a, 22b, 22c on the front surface of the ink cartridge (position A in FIG. 17).

  Since the inlet portion inclined surface 22 is formed in the inlet portion 16a of the guide groove 16, the locking pin 112 is displaced in a direction opposite to the groove depth direction while sliding on the inlet portion inclined surface 22. . As a result, the turning lever member 108 or the member that supports the turning lever member 108 is elastically deformed, and a force that biases the locking pin 112 toward the bottom surface of the guide groove 16 is generated.

  It should be noted that when the tip of the locking pin 112 first contacts the inlet inclined surface 22, the top surface of the pin mounting portion 111 is in a position that is lower than the level of the edge of the guide groove 16. In the process of moving on the inclined surface 22 of the inlet portion, the groove depth changes so that the top surface of the pin mounting portion 111 exceeds the level of the edge of the guide groove 16.

  When the locking pin 112 passes through the inclined surface 22 of the entrance portion and rides on the flat portion 19b (position B in FIG. 17), only the locking pin 112 is inserted into the guide groove 16. The pin mounting portion 111 is located outside the guide groove 16. This is because the depth of the guide groove 16 in the flat portion 19 b is set to be smaller than the length of the locking pin 112.

  By providing the inlet inclined surface 22 at the inlet portion 16a of the guide groove 16 in this way, when the locking pin 112 is inserted into the inlet portion 16a of the guide groove 16, the locking pin 112 is moved to the front surface of the ink cartridge 1. The locking pin 112 can be smoothly and reliably inserted into the inlet portion 16a of the guide groove 16.

  Further, since the inclined portion 22 of the inlet portion is formed and the groove depth of the flat portion 19b following the inlet inclined surface 22 is set smaller than the length of the locking pin 112, the inlet portion 16a of the guide groove 16 as in the present embodiment. Even when the width of the groove is set to be large and the width of the groove that follows is narrowed, the pin mounting portion 111 is not caught between the narrow width portions of the guide groove 16. Then, by setting the width of the inlet portion 16 a of the guide groove 16 to be large, the locking pin 112 can be reliably inserted into the guide groove 16.

  When the ink cartridge 1 is further pushed in the insertion direction X, the locking pin 112 passes through the flat portion 19b and is displaced in the groove depth direction while sliding on the deep groove forming inclined surface 19a (in FIG. 17). Position C).

  When the locking pin 112 reaches the position of the flat portion 19c after passing through the deep groove forming inclined surface 19a (position D in FIG. 17), the peripheral edge portion of the top surface of the pin mounting portion 111 is the guide groove 16. Is engaged with and pressed against the edge. This is because the elastic deformation generated in the rotating lever member 108 and the like when the locking pin 112 passes through the inlet inclined surface 22 still remains at this point. Thus, by engaging the peripheral edge portion of the top surface of the pin mounting portion 111 with the edge portion of the guide groove 16, the rotating lever member 108 comes into contact with the surface including the edge portion of the guide groove 16 (the bottom surface of the concave portion 17). Thus, the locking pin 112 can be prevented from being detached from the guide groove 16.

  When the locking pin 112 reaches the position of the flat portion 19c (position D in FIG. 17), the tip of the locking pin 112 is in a state of floating from the bottom surface of the guide groove 16. This is because the groove depth in the flat portion 19 c is set to be larger than the length of the locking pin 112.

  When the ink cartridge 1 is further pushed in the insertion direction X and the locking pin 112 passes the position near the tip (position E in FIG. 17) of the protruding wall portion 19d located at the terminal end portion of the inlet side guide portion 19, the spring The locking pin 112 moves in the direction of arrow Z by the biasing force of the member 109. Then, the locking pin 112 collides with the temporary stopping side wall portion 20a and stops (position F in FIG. 17), and at this time, a clicking sound is generated. This click sound allows the user to confirm that the ink cartridge 1 has been inserted sufficiently deep.

  Next, when the pressing of the ink cartridge 1 in the insertion direction X by the user is released, the ink cartridge 1 is slightly pushed back in the drawing direction Y (that is, the user side) by the urging force of the slider member 102. As a result, the engagement of the locking pin 112 in the temporary stop side wall portion 20 a is released, and the locking pin 112 moves in the direction of arrow Z by the biasing force of the spring member 109. Then, the locking pin 112 collides with the final stop side wall portion 18a and stops at the locking position (position G in FIG. 17). At this time, a click sound is generated. With this click sound, the user can confirm that the ink cartridge 1 is correctly fixed to the cartridge mounting portion 101.

  Here, the depth of the groove in the locking portion 18 of the guide groove 16 is set to be larger than the length of the locking pin 112 in the same manner as the flat portion 19 c of the inlet side guide portion 19. Further, the locking pin 112 is urged toward the bottom surface of the guide groove 16 by elastic deformation of the rotating lever member 108 and the like generated when the locking pin 112 passes through the inlet inclined surface 22. .

  For this reason, the entire length of the locking pin 112 fixed at a predetermined locking position by the locking portion 18 enters the inside of the guide groove 16, and the peripheral edge portion of the top surface of the pin mounting portion 111 is the guide groove. It is in the state engaged with 16 edges. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the locking pin 112 (particularly its base) from being creeped by a force applied to the locking pin 112 due to the engagement with the side wall of the guide groove 16. That is, when the locking pin 112 is shallowly hooked with respect to the guide groove 16, the force applied to the base of the locking pin 112 is increased by the so-called lever principle. As described above, since the locking pin 112 is hooked in the guide groove 16 over its entire length, creep of the locking pin 112 can be prevented.

  Further, since the locking pin 112 is hooked sufficiently deeply with respect to the guide groove 16, the locking pin 112 is not detached from the guide groove 16. This effect is not limited to the locking portion 18, and even when the locking pin 112 is relatively moving in the guide groove 16, the peripheral edge of the top surface of the pin mounting portion 111 is the edge of the guide groove 16. Demonstrated when sliding part.

  The locking pin 112 is urged toward the one side surface of the ink cartridge 1 by the spring member 109, and the electrode 8 a of the storage device 8 is provided on the one side surface. Therefore, the urging force of the spring member 109 presses the electrode 8a of the storage device 8 in the direction of the device-side contact 113 (FIGS. 9 and 10) via the locking pin 112 and the final stop side wall portion 18a. Thus, the connection state between the electrode 8a of the storage device 8 and the device-side contact 113 can be ensured.

  Next, when the ink cartridge 1 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 101, the ink cartridge 1 is slightly pushed in the insertion direction X by the user. Then, the engagement of the locking pin 112 in the final stop side wall 18 a is released, and the locking pin 112 moves in the direction of arrow Z by the biasing force of the spring member 109. Then, the locking pin 112 collides with the curved side wall portion 21a of the outlet side guide portion 21 of the guide groove 16 and temporarily stops (position H in FIG. 17). At this time, a click sound is generated. By this click sound, the user can confirm that the ink cartridge 1 is released from the cartridge mounting portion 101.

  Subsequently, when the user presses the ink cartridge 1 in the insertion direction X and the ink cartridge 1 moves in the drawing direction Y by the urging force of the slider member 102, the locking pin 112 is in a linear shape of the outlet side guide portion 21. It moves along the inclined surface 21b (position I in FIG. 17). At this time, the tip of the locking pin 112 comes into contact with the inclined surface 21b from the middle of the inclined surface 21b, and the locking pin 112 is displaced upward in the direction opposite to the groove depth direction. The locking pin 112 that has passed through the inclined surface 21 b passes through the flat portion 21 c (position J in FIG. 17) and exits from the outlet portion 16 b of the guide groove 16.

  Next, a process of connecting the ink cartridge 1 to the ink supply needle 106 and the like when the ink cartridge 1 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 101 will be described.

  When the ink cartridge 1 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 101, first, the positioning protrusions 103 a and 103 b of the slider member 102 are inserted into the positioning holes 5 a and 5 b of the ink cartridge 1. Further, the pressurized fluid port 105 of the slider member 102 is connected to the pressurized fluid introduction port 4 of the ink cartridge 1. Further, the electrode 8a of the storage device 8 and the device-side contact 113 are connected and both are conducted.

  At the time when the electrode 8 a of the storage device 8 and the device-side contact 113 are connected, the ink supply needle 106 has not yet been inserted into the ink supply port 3 of the ink cartridge 1. Accordingly, when the wrong ink cartridge 1 is inserted by reading the data from the storage device 8 at this time and determining whether or not the correct ink cartridge 1 has been inserted, the ink supply needle 106 is in error. The ink cartridge 1 can be replaced with the correct ink cartridge 1 before being inserted into the ink supply port 3. This can reliably prevent wrong ink from flowing into the ink flow path of the apparatus main body. Further, in this state, when the ink supply port 3 of the ink cartridge 1 inserted by mistake is sealed with a seal or the like, it is possible to avoid unnecessarily breaking the seal or the like.

  After the ink cartridge 1 is connected to the slider member 102, the ink supply needle 106 is further pushed in the insertion direction X against the urging force of the slider member 102, so that the ink supply needle 106 is in the ink supply port of the ink cartridge 1. 3 is inserted.

  Next, a process of separating the ink cartridge 1 from the ink supply needle 106 and the like when the ink cartridge 1 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 101 will be described.

  By pushing the ink cartridge 1 in the insertion direction X as described above, the fixing of the ink cartridge 1 by the cartridge side fixing structure 7 and the apparatus side fixing structure 107 is released, and the ink cartridge 1 can be moved in the drawing direction Y. Become. The unlocked ink cartridge 1 first moves in the drawing direction Y together with the slider member 102, and the ink supply needle 106 is removed from the ink supply port 3 of the ink cartridge 1 by this movement.

  When the ink supply needle 106 is removed from the ink supply port 3 in this way, the connection between the electrode 8a of the storage device 8 and the device-side contact 113 is maintained, so that the connection between the device main body and the storage device 8 is maintained. Data can be exchanged. Thus, even after the ink cartridge 1 is released from the fixed state, data can be exchanged between the storage device 8 of the ink cartridge 1 and the apparatus main body, and data transmission errors can be prevented.

  When the ink cartridge 1 is further moved in the drawing direction Y, the slider member 102 cannot be moved at a predetermined stop position. By further moving the ink cartridge 1 in the pulling direction Y from here, the pressurized fluid port 105 is separated from the pressurized fluid introduction port 4 of the ink cartridge 1 and the positioning protrusions 5a and 5b of the ink cartridge 1 are positioned. The parts 103a and 103b are removed. Further, the electrode 8a of the storage device 8 and the device side contact 113 are disconnected.

  As described above, the ink cartridge 1 according to the present embodiment can be easily and reliably mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 101 of the ink jet recording apparatus 100.

  In particular, in the ink cartridge 1 according to the present embodiment, the width of the inclined surface 22 of the inlet portion formed in the inlet portion 16a of the guide groove 16 can be increased, so that the locking pin 112 can be reliably inserted into the guide groove 16. It can be carried out. The rotating lever member 108 including the locking pin 112 is designed to swing in a direction Z perpendicular to the insertion / extraction directions X and Y of the ink cartridge 1 in terms of its function. There is a possibility that variations will occur in the position when the ink cartridge is not mounted, but such variations can be allowed by making the width of the inclined surface 22 of the inlet portion large.

  Further, in the ink cartridge 1 according to the present embodiment, the mounting operation can be completed by only one operation (one push operation) of inserting the ink cartridge 1 into the cartridge mounting portion 101, while the cartridge mounting portion When removing the ink cartridge 1 from 101, the fixed state of the ink cartridge 1 can be released by only a simple operation of pushing the ink cartridge 1 slightly. As described above, in this embodiment, the ink cartridge 1 can be attached and detached very easily.

  In the ink cartridge 1 according to the present embodiment, since the guide groove 16 is formed on the bottom surface of the recess 17 formed on the cartridge surface, the cartridge surface in the state where the locking pin 112 is inserted into the guide groove 16. It is possible to reduce or make the protrusion amount of the rotation lever member 108 from zero. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the cartridge mounting portion 101, and as a result, it is possible to make the entire inkjet recording apparatus 100 thinner. In particular, in the case of an apparatus of a type in which a plurality of ink cartridges 1 are arranged in parallel such as the ink jet recording apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, it is important to reduce the thickness of the entire apparatus. The ink cartridge 1 according to the present embodiment that can reduce the size is extremely effective.

  Further, according to the ink cartridge 1 according to the present embodiment, since the storage device 8 including the electrode 8a is disposed in the vicinity of the cartridge side fixing structure 7, the electrode 8a of the storage device 8 is connected to the device side contact 113 of the cartridge mounting portion 101. It can be securely connected.

  In particular, the biasing force of the spring member 109 acts to press the electrode 8a of the storage device 8 toward the device-side contact 113 of the cartridge mounting portion 101 via the locking pin 112 and the final stop side wall portion 18a. The connection of the electrode 8a of the storage device 8 to the device side contact 113 can be ensured.

  Further, by arranging the storage device 8 including the cartridge side fixing structure 7 and the electrode 8a in a position near the ink supply port 3 in the entire container body 2, the connection of the electrode 8a of the storage device 8 to the device side contact 113 is performed. Can be made even more reliable.

  Further, by arranging the storage device 8 including the electrode 8a in the vicinity of the cartridge side fixing structure 7 and the positioning hole 5a used for accurate positioning and the cartridge side positioning surface 24a, the storage device 8 is connected to the device side contact 113. The connection of the electrode 8a can be further ensured.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention and a cartridge mounting portion of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the ink cartridge is mounted. It is the figure which showed the ink cartridge by one Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view, (c) is a rear view, (d) is a front view. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating an ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A and 1B are perspective views illustrating an ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a diagram viewed from a direction in which a rear upper surface is obliquely viewed, and FIG. (c) is a view seen from the direction in which the rear surface obliquely below can be seen, and (d) is a view seen from the direction in which the front surface obliquely above can be seen. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed the state which removed the cover member from the ink cartridge by one Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a top view in the state which accommodated the ink bag, (b) is a front view of (a), (c) is a plan view of a state where an ink bag is not stored, and (d) is a front view of (c). FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the state where the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion of the ink jet recording apparatus so that the inside of the apparatus can be seen. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the state where the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of the invention is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion of the ink jet recording apparatus so that the inside of the apparatus can be seen. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the cartridge mounting portion of the ink jet recording apparatus shown in FIG. 7 so that the inside of the apparatus can be seen when the ink cartridge is not mounted. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the cartridge mounting portion of the ink jet recording apparatus shown in FIG. 8 so that the inside of the apparatus can be seen when no ink cartridge is mounted. (A) is a plan view showing the state in which the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion of the ink jet recording apparatus so that the inside of the apparatus can be seen, and (b) is a line bb in (a). FIG. The top view which showed the cartridge mounting part of the inkjet recording device shown in FIG. 7 so that the inside of an apparatus could be seen in the state which removed the slider. The perspective view which showed the cartridge mounting part of the inkjet recording device shown in FIG. 8 so that the inside of an apparatus could be seen in the state which removed the slider. FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of a rotating lever member of the cartridge mounting portion shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, where (a) is a view seen from obliquely above, and (b) is a view seen from obliquely below. 2A and 2B are enlarged views illustrating an ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a bottom view illustrating a rear surface of a front end portion, and FIG. 2B is a front view illustrating a front surface; It is a figure for demonstrating the depth shape of the guide groove of the ink cartridge by one Embodiment of this invention, and each sectional drawing along the bb line and cc line shown to (a) is (b). And (c), respectively. FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the operation of the locking pin in the guide groove when the ink cartridge is attached and detached according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ink cartridge 2 Container main body 2A Case main body 2B Cover member 3 Ink supply port 4 Pressurized fluid introduction port 5a, 5b Positioning hole 6 Incorrect mounting prevention structure 7 Cartridge side fixing structure 8 Storage device 8a Electrode (cartridge side electrode) 8b 9 Ink bag 16 Guide groove 16a Guide groove inlet 16b Guide groove outlet 17 Guide groove forming recess 18 Guide groove locking portion 18a Final stop side wall 19 Guide groove inlet side guide 20 Guide groove Intermediate guide portion 20a Temporary stop side wall portion 21 Exit side guide portion 21a of guide groove Curved side wall portion 21b of outlet side guide portion Linear inclined surface 21c of outlet side guide portion Linear flat portion 22 of outlet side guide portion Inlet portion inclination Surfaces 22a, 22b, 22c Openings 22a, 22b Parallel edge 23 Steps 24a, 24b at the connection between the inlet and outlet of the guide groove Positioning surface 100 Inkjet recording device 101 Cartridge mounting portion 102 Slider members 103a and 103b Positioning protrusions 104a and 104b Device-side positioning surface 105 Pressurized fluid port 106 Ink supply needle 107 Device-side fixing structure 108 Rotating lever member 109 Spring member 110 Lever body 111 Pin mounting portion 112 Locking pin 113 Device-side contact 114 Slider member contact protrusion 116 Recess 116a Peripheral wall 116a1 Projection 116a2, 116a3, 116a4 Part 116b Bottom 216 Guide projection 216a, 216b, 216c Edge 216d, 216e, 216f vertex

Claims (12)

The engaging pin of the rotating lever member that is inserted into and removed from the mounting portion of the liquid consuming device, is rotatably supported by the mounting portion, and is biased in one direction of rotation by a spring member, is guided during insertion and removal. In a liquid container
A container body having a surface formed with a recess having a bottom and a peripheral wall;
In the recess, at least a part thereof extends from the bottom of the recess toward the surface, and includes a guide protrusion having at least three edges facing the peripheral wall of the recess,
A path having a predetermined width for guiding the engagement pin is formed between the peripheral wall and the edge of the guide protrusion,
The three edges are along a first line, a second line, and a third line, respectively, the first line and the second line intersect, and the third line is the A liquid container intersecting the first and second lines.   The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the guide protrusion has a substantially triangular shape having three vertices in a plan view as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom of the recess.   3. The liquid container according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the apexes includes a first protrusion that extends outward toward the peripheral wall in a plan view as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom of the recess. . The first protrusion is formed at two of the three vertices,
A second part that is a part of the peripheral wall and is disposed so as to maintain a path having a predetermined width at a position in the middle of the path between the two first protrusions formed at the two apexes. The liquid container according to claim 3, wherein a protrusion is formed.   The liquid container according to claim 4, wherein the second protrusion extends toward the guide protrusion in a plan view as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom of the recess.   The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the path forms a loop. The surface on which the recess having the bottom and the peripheral wall is formed is a bottom surface of the container body,
The container body further has an interior, a front surface and a side surface,
The bottom surface, the front surface and the side surface are located on respective intersecting vertical surfaces;
further,
A liquid supply port that communicates with the interior of the container body and is located on the front surface;
An air port in fluid communication with the interior of the container and located in the front;
The liquid container according to claim 1, further comprising first and second positioning holes positioned on the front surface.   The liquid container according to claim 7, wherein the recess and one of the first and second positioning holes are formed in the vicinity of a corner defined by the intersecting vertical plane.   The liquid container according to claim 7, wherein a storage device having an electrode is disposed on the side surface.   The liquid container according to claim 9, wherein one of the storage device, the recess, and the first and second positioning holes is located near a corner defined by the intersecting vertical plane.   The liquid container according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein a groove for specifying properties of the liquid container is formed on the bottom surface.   A groove for specifying the property of the liquid container is formed on the bottom surface, and the virtual extension portion of the groove and the recess is respectively positioned in the first and second positions when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface. The liquid container according to claim 8, wherein the liquid container is formed so as to overlap with the hole.

Images