JP6269332B2 - Liquid supply unit mounting mechanism and liquid supply unit - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a mounting mechanism to which a liquid supply unit is mounted.

  As the liquid supply unit, for example, an ink cartridge for supplying ink to a so-called inkjet printer is known. An ink jet printer (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “printer”) is an aspect of a liquid ejecting apparatus, and is a printing apparatus that forms an image by ejecting ink droplets onto a printing surface. The ink cartridge is normally detachably mounted on a carriage provided in the printer via a mounting mechanism. In the technique of Patent Document 1, the ink cartridge is mounted on the carriage via a holder having a lever that rotates.

JP2013-141804A

  In printers, it is desirable to facilitate the operation of mounting ink cartridges.

  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.

[1] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid supply unit mounting mechanism capable of mounting a liquid supply unit having a liquid supply port capable of supplying a liquid. The liquid supply unit mounting mechanism includes a liquid introduction unit and a rotation mechanism. The liquid introduction unit may be configured to be able to introduce the liquid from the liquid supply port of the liquid supply unit. The rotating mechanism may have a function of engaging the liquid supply unit. The rotating mechanism includes a first leg, a second leg formed to be separated from the first leg, the first leg, and the second leg. You may have a bridge | crosslinking part which bridge | crosslinks. The rotation mechanism may lock the liquid supply unit at the bridging portion, and the bridging portion may be configured to be movable in a direction away from the liquid introduction portion. According to the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism of this aspect, the rotation mechanism can be easily rotated by the bridging portion between the first and second legs, so that the liquid supply unit can be easily fixed. Can do.

[2] The liquid supply unit mounting mechanism according to the above aspect may further include an electrode portion that can be electrically contacted with the liquid supply unit. The electrode portion may be positioned between the first leg portion and the second leg portion when viewed along the direction in which the bridging portion rotates. According to the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism of this aspect, the rotation mechanism and the electrode unit are gathered and arranged, so that the space utilization efficiency is increased and the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism is downsized.

[3] In the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism according to the above aspect, the distance from the bridging portion to the pivot shaft of the pivot mechanism may be longer than the distance from the bridging portion to the electrode portion. According to the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism of this aspect, since the force for rotating the rotation mechanism can be reduced, the mounting of the liquid supply unit is facilitated.

[4] In the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism according to the above aspect, the electrode section includes a plurality of electrodes that are in electrical contact with the liquid supply unit, and the rotation mechanism is not mounted with the liquid supply unit. In the state, at least the first leg portion may have an extending portion whose outer peripheral end portion is closer to a region where the liquid supply unit is attached than at least a part of the plurality of electrodes. According to the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism of this form, the electrode portion is protected by the extending portion.

[5] In the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism according to the above aspect, the extension portion may extend along the mounting direction of the liquid supply unit when the liquid supply unit is mounted. According to the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism of this aspect, when the liquid supply unit is mounted, the extension portion suppresses the electrode unit in the unit from colliding with a portion other than the portion to be contacted. Therefore, the protection of the electrode part is improved.

[6] In the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism of the above aspect, the bridging unit moves in a direction in which the liquid introduction unit and the liquid supply port of the liquid supply unit are separated from each other when the liquid supply unit is mounted. An abutting portion that abuts against the liquid supply unit may be provided. According to the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism of this aspect, the fixability of the liquid supply unit is improved.

[7] In the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism of the above aspect, the contact portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion that contact the liquid supply unit when the liquid supply unit is mounted. good. According to the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism of this aspect, the contact portion restricts the movement of the liquid supply unit at least at two points of the first protrusion and the second protrusion. Therefore, the mountability of the liquid supply unit is improved.

[8] In the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism according to the above aspect, the rotation mechanism may be configured such that when the liquid supply unit is mounted, the bridging unit rotates and moves in a direction approaching the liquid introduction unit. You may have the rotation control part restrict | limited by contacting a supply unit. According to the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism of this aspect, the bridging portion is prevented from excessively rotating in the direction approaching the liquid supply unit.

[9] In the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism according to the above aspect, the first leg has a first rotating shaft, the second leg has a second rotating shaft, The rotation mechanism may be configured to be rotatable about the first and second rotation shaft portions as a rotation shaft. According to the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism of this aspect, the rotation operation of the rotation mechanism can be stabilized.

[10] In the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism according to the above aspect, the rotation mechanism rotates the first urging member capable of urging the first leg portion in the rotation direction and the second leg portion. And a second urging member that can be urged in the moving direction. According to the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism of this aspect, since the urging members are provided on the first and second leg portions, the respective urging members can be reduced in size.

[11] In the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism according to the above aspect, the bridging unit includes an operation unit that can be operated by a user to rotate the rotation mechanism, the first leg unit and the second leg unit. And may be in an intermediate position. According to the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism of this aspect, the inclination of the bridging portion is suppressed, and the mounting property of the liquid supply unit is improved.

[12] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid supply unit that can be suitably attached to the liquid supply unit attachment mechanism of the above aspect. When the liquid supply unit is mounted on the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism, the liquid supply unit can rotate the bridging unit in a direction away from the liquid introduction unit by contacting the rotation mechanism. May be equipped with. According to the liquid supply unit of this aspect, since the operation of rotating the rotation mechanism can be simplified, the mounting operation for the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism of the above aspect is simplified.

[13] The liquid supply unit of the above aspect may include an exterior part having a liquid storage chamber capable of storing a liquid and the liquid supply port. If it is a liquid supply unit of this form, it can be simply mounted on the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism of the above form.

[14] The liquid supply unit of the above aspect includes a first member having a liquid supply port, a second member having a liquid storage chamber configured to be connectable to the first member and capable of storing a liquid therein, May be equipped with. If it is the liquid supply unit of this form, it can be easily mounted on the liquid supply unit mechanism of the above form.

[15] The liquid supply unit of the above aspect may include a first member having the liquid supply port, and a second member connected to the liquid supply port and capable of supplying a liquid to the liquid supply port. If it is the liquid supply unit of this form, it can be easily mounted on the liquid supply unit mechanism of the above form.

  The present invention can also be realized in various forms other than the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism and the liquid supply unit. For example, it can be realized in the form of a device including a liquid supply unit mounting mechanism, a system including the device, a method for mounting the liquid supply unit, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an external configuration of a printing apparatus. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an external configuration of a main body unit housed in a casing of the printing apparatus. The schematic perspective view which shows the 1st and 2nd cartridge of the state with which the holder part is mounted | worn. The front side upper perspective view of a holder part. The back side upper perspective view of a holder part. The lower perspective view of a holder part. The upper perspective view which shows the lever part and apparatus side terminal part of the state attached to the holder part. The side view of a lever part. The schematic perspective view which shows the surface of the back side of an apparatus side terminal part. The schematic perspective view which shows the surface of the front side of an apparatus side terminal part. The schematic sectional drawing of an apparatus side terminal part. The upper perspective view of a 1st cartridge. The lower perspective view of a 1st cartridge. The side view of the 1st cartridge. The front view of a 1st cartridge. FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of a first cartridge. Schematic which shows the arrangement structure of the some terminal in a circuit board. The upper perspective view of a 2nd cartridge. The lower perspective view of a 2nd cartridge. The side view of the 2nd cartridge. The front view of a 2nd cartridge. Schematic which shows the mounting process of the 1st cartridge with respect to a holder part in time series. Schematic which shows the mounting process of the 1st cartridge with respect to a holder part in time series. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the engaging property of a lever part, and the electrical connectivity of an apparatus side terminal part. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the improvement of the space utilization efficiency by a lever part. Schematic which shows the structure of the lever part of 2nd Embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the lever part of 2nd Embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the lever part of 2nd Embodiment. Schematic for demonstrating the function of a 1st protrusion part, a 2nd protrusion part, and a locking wall part. The schematic perspective view which shows the structure of the lever part with which the holder part of 3rd Embodiment is provided. The schematic diagram which shows the engagement state of the lever part of 3rd Embodiment. The schematic perspective view which shows the structure of the lever part with which the holder of 4th Embodiment is provided. Schematic for demonstrating protection of the apparatus side terminal part by the extension part of a lever part. Schematic which shows the structure of the holder part as 5th Embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the cartridge as 6th Embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the liquid supply unit as 7th Embodiment.

A. First embodiment:
[Configuration of printing device]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an external configuration of a printing apparatus 10 having an ink cartridge (hereinafter simply referred to as “cartridge”) mounting mechanism as a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows arrows X, Y, and Z indicating three directions orthogonal to each other. An arrow X indicates a left-right direction parallel to the horizontal direction (width direction) of the printing apparatus 10 and indicates a direction from the left side to the right side when facing the printing apparatus 10. An arrow Y indicates a direction parallel to the front-rear direction of the printing apparatus 10, and indicates a direction from the rear (back side) toward the front (front side). An arrow Z indicates the height direction of the printing apparatus 10 and indicates a vertically upward direction with respect to the placement surface on which the printing apparatus 10 is placed. In other drawings used in the description of the present specification, the arrows X, Y, and Z are also illustrated so as to correspond to FIG. 1 as appropriate. In this specification, the term “upper” or “lower” means a direction based on the direction of the arrow Z of the printing apparatus 10. Similarly, the term “front” or “rear” means a direction based on the direction of the arrow Y of the printing apparatus 10, and the term “left” or “right” refers to the direction of the arrow X. This means the direction based on.

  The printing apparatus 10 is an ink jet printer that is an aspect of a liquid ejecting apparatus. The printing apparatus 10 forms an image by ejecting ink droplets onto printing paper in accordance with print data supplied from the outside. The printing apparatus 10 includes a housing 11, a paper feed port 12, a top cover 13, a paper discharge port 14, and an operation unit 16. The housing 11 is an exterior member that houses a main body (described later) having a printing mechanism of the printing apparatus 10. The paper feed port 12 is an opening provided so as to open upward at the rear of the housing 11. Printing paper, which is a printing medium, is supplied to the main body inside the housing 11 through the paper feed port 12.

  The top cover 13 is a plate-like member that is rotatably attached to the housing 11 in the vicinity of the paper feed port 12. When the top cover 13 is in the open state (the state shown in the figure), it functions as a guide plate for feeding printing paper into the paper feed slot 12, and when it is in the closed state, it covers and protects the center of the top surface of the housing 11. Functions as a lid. The paper discharge port 14 is an opening provided on the front surface of the housing 11. The printing paper fed into the housing 11 through the paper supply port 12 is discharged to the outside through the paper discharge port 14. The operation unit 16 includes a button for receiving a user operation and a display unit for displaying information to the user. The operation unit 16 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 11, and the user can access the operation unit 16 when the upper surface cover 13 is open.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an external configuration of the main body 20 taken out from the housing 11 of the printing apparatus 10. In FIG. 2, the movement trajectory of the carriage 27 is schematically shown by broken lines. The main body unit 20 includes a control unit 21, a transport unit 22, and a printing unit 23. The control unit 21 is configured by a microcomputer including a central processing unit and a main storage device. The control unit 21 controls each component of the printing apparatus 10 in accordance with a user operation via the operation unit 16 or a command from an external computer, and executes a printing process. The transport unit 22 extends printing paper introduced from the paper feed port 12 (FIG. 1) in the direction of the arrow Y (sub-scanning direction) inside the main body unit 20 by the rotational drive of the transport roller 25. The paper is conveyed to the paper discharge port 14 through a conveyance path (not shown).

  The printing unit 23 is arranged on the printing paper conveyance path, and executes printing on the printing paper conveyed by the conveyance unit 22. The printing unit 23 includes a carriage 27 and a guide rail 28. The carriage 27 includes a print head (not shown) that ejects ink droplets. The carriage 27 is reciprocated along the guide rail 28 installed in the main scanning direction (the direction of the arrow X) and controlled to be conveyed in the sub-scanning direction by the conveying unit 22 under the control of the control unit 21. Ink droplets are ejected toward the surface of the paper. The printing apparatus 10 of this embodiment is a so-called on-carriage type, and two cartridges 100 a and 100 b are detachably mounted on the carriage 27 via a holder part 200.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b in a state where they are mounted on the holder portion 200 in the printing apparatus 10. FIG. The holder unit 200 corresponds to a liquid supply unit mounting mechanism, and is configured as a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box having an upper opening. The first and second cartridges 100a and 100b are detachably attached to the holder unit 200, respectively. When mounted on the holder unit 200, the side surfaces and the bottom surface of the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b are surrounded by the wall portion of the holder unit 200, and the entire upper surface is exposed upward.

  The first and second cartridges 100 a and 100 b correspond to a liquid supply unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and contain ink to be supplied to the printing apparatus 10. The first cartridge 100a contains one type of color ink, and the second cartridge 100b contains a plurality of different color inks. In the present embodiment, the first cartridge 100a contains black color ink, and the second cartridge 100b contains cyan, yellow, and magenta color inks.

  Each of the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The length of the first cartridge 100a (the length in the direction of arrow Y) and the height (the length in the direction of arrow Z) are substantially the same as those of the second cartridge 100b. The first and second cartridges 100a and 100b are accommodated in parallel in the holder portion 200 in a state in which the length and height are substantially aligned.

  Hereinafter, the details of the configuration of the holder unit 200 and the details of the configuration of the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b will be described in order, and the mounting and fixing of the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b to the holder unit 200 will be described. The mechanism will be described. Note that the directions of arrows X, Y, and Z shown in the drawing showing the configuration of the holder unit 200 correspond to the directions in the printing apparatus 10. In addition, the directions of arrows X, Y, and Z shown in the drawings showing the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b indicate directions in a state where they are mounted on the printing apparatus 10 described above.

[Configuration of holder part]
A schematic configuration of the holder unit 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of the holder part 200 as viewed from above the front side. FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of the holder part 200 as seen from the back side. FIG. 6 is a lower perspective view of the holder part 200. As described above, the holder part 200 is configured as a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box having an upper opening. The holder unit 200 includes a cartridge storage chamber 210 in which the first and second cartridges 100 a and 100 b are stored, and five wall portions 201 to 205 that surround the cartridge storage chamber 210.

  The bottom wall 201 constitutes the bottom surface of the cartridge housing chamber 210 on which the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b are placed. The front wall portion 202 and the back wall portion 203 extend substantially vertically upward from the front-side end portion and the back-side end portion of the bottom wall portion 201, respectively, and constitute the front and back surfaces of the cartridge storage chamber 210. . The first side wall 204 and the second side wall 205 extend substantially vertically upward from the left end and the right end of the bottom wall 201, respectively, and constitute the left side and right side of the cartridge storage chamber 210. ing.

  Ink receiving portions 211 to 214 are provided on the bottom wall portion 201 (FIGS. 4 and 5). The ink receiving portions 211 to 214 correspond to a liquid introducing portion, to which ink supply ports (described later) of the cartridges 100a and 100b are connected, and ink is introduced from each. A seal portion 215 is provided on the outer periphery of each of the ink receiving portions 211 to 214. The seal portion 215 suppresses intrusion of outside air into the ink path and suppresses leakage of the ink to the outside.

  The bottom wall 201 is provided with an urging mechanism 217 for urging the cartridges 100a and 100b placed thereon upward. In the present embodiment, the urging mechanism 217 is configured by a string spring. The biasing mechanism 217 is disposed at a position adjacent to the lever portion 230. The urging force by the urging mechanism 217 increases the engagement force between the lever portion 230 and the main engagement portion (described later) of each cartridge 100a, 100b. Further, since the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b are biased upward when the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b are removed from the holder portion 200, the operability of the removal operation is improved. .

  The bottom wall 201 is provided with a first sub-wall 221 and a second sub-wall 224 that are parallel to the first side wall 204 and the second side wall 205 and have a low height. The first sub-wall portion 221 has a position adjacent to the first side wall portion 204 and the second side wall portion 205, and a boundary position of a region where each of the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b is disposed, Is provided. The second sub-wall portion 224 is provided at the boundary position between the second and third ink chambers (described later) in the region where the second cartridge 100b is disposed.

  The first sub-wall portion 221 is formed with an inclined portion 225 whose height gradually decreases toward the rear at an end on the rear side. Further, the first sub-wall portion 221 is formed with a notch 226 in the middle of the cartridge housing chamber 210 in the direction of arrow Y. The inclined part 225 and the notch part 226 function as a guide part for guiding the movement of the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b when the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b are mounted on the holder part 200, respectively. (Details will be described later).

  In the second sub-wall portion 224, an inclined portion 225 similar to the first sub-wall portion 221 is formed at the end on the rear side. The inclined portion 225 of the second sub-wall portion 224 also functions as a guide portion that guides the movement of the second cartridge 100b when the second cartridge 100b is mounted on the holder portion 200. The second sub-wall portion 224 fixes the second cartridge 100b by engaging with a groove portion (described later) provided on the lower wall portion of the second cartridge 100b. A fixing portion for fixing the holder portion 200 to the carriage 27 is provided on the lower surface of the bottom wall portion 201 (FIG. 6), but details thereof are omitted.

  A plurality of fitting holes 227 are arranged in the arrow X direction at the lower end of the wall surface on the cartridge housing chamber 210 side of the back wall 203 (FIG. 4). When the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b are mounted, a plurality of protrusions (described later) provided at the lower ends of the rear side wall portions of the cartridges 100a and 100b are inserted into the fitting holes 227. .

  Two lever portions 230 corresponding to the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b are arranged adjacent to each other on the front wall portion 202 (FIG. 5). The two lever portions 230 have the same configuration. Each lever portion 230 is a rotation mechanism that rotates when the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b are attached and detached.

  Each lever portion 230 has a function as an engaging portion that engages with the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b to lock the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b (details will be described later). In the present specification, “engage” means engaging with a predetermined part so that the moving direction of the object is limited. Further, “locking” means stopping the object in an engaged state. A device-side terminal portion 250 having a similar configuration is disposed below each lever portion 230. Each device-side terminal portion 250 corresponds to an electrode portion capable of electrical contact with a circuit board (described later) of each cartridge 100a, 100b.

  With reference to FIGS. 7-11, the detail of a structure of the lever part 230 and the apparatus side terminal part 250 is demonstrated in order. FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view showing the vicinity of the lever portion 230 and the device-side terminal portion 250 in a state of being attached to the front wall portion 202 of the holder portion 200. FIG. 8 is a side view of the lever portion 230. FIGS. 7 and 8 each show the rotation axis RX of the lever portion 230. In FIG. 8, the arrangement area of the device-side terminal unit 250 in the holder unit 200 is illustrated by a broken line.

  The lever portion 230 includes first and second leg portions 231a and 231b extending in the direction of the arrow Z, and a bridging portion 232 that is bridged at the upper ends of the first and second leg portions 231a and 231b. Have The lever part 230 is configured symmetrically, and the first and second leg parts 231a and 231b have substantially the same shape. Each leg part 231a, 231b is comprised by flat form, and is arrange | positioned in parallel with the plane prescribed | regulated by the direction of the arrows Y and Z.

  Each leg portion 231a, 231b has an increased width in the direction of arrow Y and extends to an upper portion close to the bridging portion 232 so that the outer peripheral end approaches the cartridge housing chamber 210 (FIG. 5). An extended portion 234 is formed. In the initial state where the cartridges 100a and 100b are not mounted on the holder portion 200, the extending portion 234 has an outer peripheral end portion in the cartridge housing chamber 210 rather than the upper terminal portion 253 (described later) of the device-side terminal portion 250. Close position. The extending portion 234 extends upward (in the direction of arrow Z), which is the mounting direction of the cartridges 100a and 100b. The extension part 234 prevents the user's fingertips and parts other than the terminals of the cartridges 100a and 100b from coming into contact with the upper terminal part 253, thereby protecting the upper terminal part 253.

  A convex portion 235 that protrudes outward in the direction of the arrow X is provided at the lower end of each leg portion 231a, 231b. The convex portions 235 correspond to a first rotation shaft portion and a second rotation shaft portion, respectively. The lever portion 230 rotates in the front-rear direction with the central axis of each convex portion 235 as the rotation axis RX by fitting each convex portion 235 into a concave portion (not shown) provided in the front wall portion 202. It is mounted so that it can be moved. The pivoting operation of the lever portion 230 is stabilized by providing pivot points for the leg portions 231a and 231b.

  An urging mechanism 239 that is an urging member is provided at the lower end of each leg portion 231a, 231b. In the present embodiment, the urging mechanism 239 is configured by a torsion spring. The lever portion 230 is locked by the urging mechanism 239 so as to be stationary at a predetermined rotation angle while being urged toward the cartridge housing chamber 210. The lever portion 230 rotates when an external force is applied, and returns to the initial position by the urging force of the urging mechanism 239 when the external force is released. Since the urging mechanism 239 is provided corresponding to each of the leg portions 231a and 231b, the urging mechanism 239 can be reduced in size while securing the urging force as compared with the case where it is provided only on one leg portion.

  The bridging portion 232 of the lever portion 230 includes a flat plate portion 236 and an operation portion 238. The flat plate portion 236 is a flat plate-like portion that is located on the cartridge housing chamber 210 (FIG. 5) side and extends in the direction of the arrow Y. When the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b are mounted on the holder portion 200, the lower surface of the flat plate portion 236 comes into contact with a main engagement portion (described later) of each cartridge 100a and 100b, and each cartridge 100a and 100b. Restrict upward movement of The flat plate portion 236 corresponds to a contact portion. The rear end surface 237 of the flat plate portion 236 receives an external force that is pressed by the cartridges 100a and 100b and becomes a driving force for the rotational movement of the lever portion 230 when the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b are mounted ( Details will be described later).

  The operation unit 238 is located on the front side (in the direction of the arrow Y) from the flat plate portion 236 and is bent upward from the flat plate portion 236. The user can turn the lever portion 230 forward by pulling the operation portion 238 with a fingertip. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 238 is formed over the entire area between the first and second leg portions 231a and 231b, thereby facilitating user access.

  A device-side terminal portion 250 is disposed between the first and second leg portions 231a and 231b of the lever portion 230 (FIG. 7). The device-side terminal portion 250 has a plate shape and has an inclination angle corresponding to circuit boards (described later) of the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b, and is independent of the lever portion 230. The front wall 202 of the holder 200 is fixed.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing a rear surface of the device-side terminal portion 250. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing the front side surface of the device side terminal portion 250. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device-side terminal portion 250 taken along the line AA shown in FIG. The device-side terminal portion 250 has a rear surface 251 (cartridge housing chamber 210 side) surface 251 and a front surface 252. Hereinafter, the rear side surface 251 is referred to as “terminal portion front surface 251”, and the front side surface 252 is referred to as “terminal portion rear surface 252”.

  An upper stage terminal part 253 and a lower stage terminal part 254 are provided on the terminal part surface 251 (FIG. 9). The upper terminal portion 253 has a plurality of terminals 261 to 264 arranged in the direction of the arrow X. The lower terminal portion 254 is located below the upper terminal portion 253 and has a plurality of terminals 265 to 269 arranged in the direction of the arrow X. The terminals 261 to 269 on the terminal surface 251 directly contact with corresponding terminals of a circuit board (described later) included in each of the cartridges 100a and 100b when the cartridges 100a and 100b are mounted on the holder unit 200. To do.

  The first and second terminals 261 and 262 are respectively disposed at both ends in the direction of the arrow X in the upper terminal portion 253. The third and fourth terminals 263 and 264 are sequentially arranged in the direction of arrow X between the first and second terminals 261 and 262. The fifth and sixth terminals 265 and 266 are respectively disposed at both ends in the direction of the arrow X in the lower terminal portion 254. The seventh, eighth, and ninth terminals 267, 268, and 269 are sequentially arranged in the direction of the arrow X between the fifth and sixth terminals 265 and 266.

  In this embodiment, each of the terminals 261 to 269 is configured by a substantially triangular metal plate protruding from the terminal portion surface 251. The terminals 261 to 269 are arranged in parallel so that the thickness direction thereof matches the direction of the arrow X. Each terminal 261-269 contacts each terminal of each cartridge 100a, 100b at its apex. As a result, the pressing force that each of the terminals 261 to 269 applies to the circuit board (described later) of each of the cartridges 100a and 100b is increased, so that the electrical connectivity is improved.

  The first and second terminals 261 and 262 are used by the printing apparatus 10 to detect attachment of the cartridges 100a and 100b to the holder portion 200 (details will be described later). Since the first and second terminals 261 and 262 are arranged at both ends in the direction of the arrow X where the number of adjacent terminals is small, occurrence of a short circuit with other terminals is suppressed. In addition, the first and second terminals 261 and 262 are protected by the extending portions 234 of the first and second leg portions 231a and 231b of the lever portion 230, and are connected to the terminals on the cartridge 100a and 100b side. Occurrence of poor contact is suppressed. In addition, since the first and second terminals 261 and 262 are separated from each other in the direction of the arrow X, the circuit boards of the cartridges 100a and 100b are mounted so as to be inclined with respect to the direction of the arrow X. Is detected as a correct wearing state. Thus, in the holder part 200 of this embodiment, the detection accuracy of the mounting state of each cartridge 100a, 100b is improved.

  The third terminal 263 is a ground electrode and corresponds to a low potential terminal capable of supplying a low potential to a storage device (described later) of each of the cartridges 100a and 100b. The fourth terminal 264 is a power supply terminal and corresponds to a high potential terminal capable of supplying a high potential to the storage devices of the cartridges 100a and 100b. Similar to the first and second terminals 261 and 262, the fifth and sixth terminals 265 and 266 are used by the printing apparatus 10 to detect the mounting of the cartridges 100a and 100b on the holder portion 200. In the case where each cartridge 100a, 100b includes a sensor for detecting the remaining ink amount, the fifth and sixth terminals 265, 266 may function as sensor driving terminals for supplying power to the sensors. Is possible.

  The seventh terminal 267 is a reset terminal for supplying a reset signal to the storage devices of the cartridges 100a and 100b. The eighth terminal 268 is a clock terminal for supplying a clock signal from the printing apparatus 10 to the storage devices of the cartridges 100a and 100b. The ninth terminal 269 is a data terminal for exchanging data signals with the storage devices of the cartridges 100a and 100b. The printing apparatus 10 exchanges data with the storage devices of the cartridges 100 a and 100 b by serial transfer via the ninth terminal 259 based on the clock signal supplied via the eighth terminal 268.

  Similar to the terminal surface 251, an upper terminal portion 255 and a lower terminal portion 256 are provided on the terminal portion rear surface 252 (FIG. 10). The upper terminal portion 255 has a plurality of terminals 271 to 274 arranged in the direction of the arrow X. The lower terminal portion 256 is located below the upper terminal portion 255 and has a plurality of terminals 275 to 279 arranged in the direction of the arrow X. Each of the terminals 271 to 279 on the terminal portion back surface 252 is formed of a triangular metal plate similar to each of the terminals 261 to 269 on the terminal portion surface 251. The terminals 271 to 279 on the terminal back surface 252 are electrically connected to a circuit unit (including the control unit 21) included in the printing apparatus 10.

  The first and second terminals 271 and 272 are respectively disposed at both ends of the upper terminal portion 255 in the direction of arrow X, and are electrically connected to the first and second terminals 261 and 262 on the terminal portion surface 251. Has been. The third and fourth terminals 273 and 274 are sequentially arranged in the direction of the arrow X between the first and second terminals 261 and 262. The fifth and sixth terminals 275 and 276 are disposed at both ends in the direction of the arrow X in the lower terminal portion 256, respectively. The seventh, eighth, and ninth terminals 277, 278, and 279 are sequentially arranged in the direction of the arrow X between the fifth and sixth terminals 265 and 266.

  The terminals 261 to 269 (FIG. 9) on the surface 251 of the terminal portion and the terminals 271 to 279 (FIG. 10) on the back surface 252 of the terminal portion correspond to the conductive portions 258 (FIG. 11) in the corresponding arrangement positions on the surface. ) Is connected through. The conductive portion 258 is configured by a plate-shaped metal member. The conductive portion 258 has two extending portions 258a and 258b and a folded portion 258t. The two extending portions 258a and 258b are portions extending from the terminals 261 to 269 and 271 to 279 toward the lower end on the terminal portion front surface 251 and the terminal portion rear surface 252, respectively. The folded portion 258t is a portion where the extending portions 258a and 258b are folded and connected at the lower end of the device-side terminal portion 250.

  The conductive portion 258 is held by the device-side terminal portion 250 at the lower folded portion 258t, and a space SP is formed below the extending portions 258a and 258b on the terminal portion surface 251 and the terminal portion back surface 252, respectively. . With this configuration, the conductive portion 258 functions as a leaf spring having elasticity in the thickness direction of the device-side terminal portion 250, and the terminals 261 to 269 and 271 to 279 are connected to the respective protruding directions (device side) by the conductive portion 258. It is biased along the thickness direction of the terminal portion 250. By this urging, the terminals 261 to 269 and 271 to 279 of the device-side terminal portion 250 are improved in contact with the corresponding terminals, and electrical connectivity is improved.

  Here, since the conductive portion 258 is folded at the lower end of the device-side terminal portion 250, the terminals 261 to 269 and 271 to 279 are placed on the relatively upper side of the device-side terminal portion 250 while ensuring the urging force of the conductive portion 258. It is possible to arrange in the position. Since the terminals 261 to 269 and 271 to 279 are positioned above the device-side terminal portion 250, the contact position with the circuit board 130 is brought close to the engagement position between the lever portion 230 and the main engagement portion 120. Can do. Therefore, the electrical connectivity between the device side terminal portion 250 and the circuit board 130 is improved. Further, the circuit board 130 of each cartridge 100a, 100b can be arranged at a position separated from the lower end of each cartridge 100a, 100b. The circuit board 130 can also be disposed at a position close to the main engagement portion 120. Therefore, the protection of the circuit board 130 of each cartridge 100a, 100b is improved.

[Configuration of first cartridge]
Details of the configuration of the first cartridge 100a will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the first cartridge 100a. FIG. 13 is a lower perspective view of the first cartridge 100a. FIG. 14 is a side view of the first cartridge 100a. FIG. 15 is a front view of the first cartridge 100a. FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first cartridge 100a taken along the line BB shown in FIG. In FIG. 16, the detailed configuration of the ink chamber 108 is not shown.

  The first cartridge 100a has six wall portions 101 to 106 constituting an exterior portion surrounding the ink chamber 108 (FIG. 16) for containing ink. The first wall 101 (FIG. 13) constitutes the bottom surface of the first cartridge 100a. The bottom surface is a surface that faces in the direction opposite to the arrow Z when mounted on the printing apparatus 10, and is a surface that faces the bottom wall 201 of the holder unit 200 when mounted on the holder unit 200. An ink supply port 110 that communicates with the ink chamber 108 is provided at the center of the first wall portion 101. The ink supply port 110 corresponds to a liquid supply port, and is connected to the ink receiving unit 211 of the holder unit 200 when the first cartridge 100 a is mounted on the holder unit 200.

  The second wall 102 (FIG. 12) faces the first wall 101 and constitutes the upper surface of the first cartridge 100a. The top surface is a surface that faces in the direction of arrow Z when mounted on the printing apparatus 10. The second wall portion 102 is configured by a lid body 102c (FIG. 16) that can be separated from the main body of the first cartridge 100a. The second wall portion 102 includes a through hole 115 for filling the ink chamber 108 with ink, an air flow channel groove 116 for introducing outside air into the ink chamber 108, and a film-like seal that seals them from above. Member 117. The second wall portion 102 has an extending portion 113 extending in the direction of arrow Y at the center of the end portion adjacent to the fourth wall portion 104. In this specification, “extension” means continuous extension without any breaks. The extending part 113 constitutes a part of the main engaging part 120.

  The third wall 103 (FIG. 14) intersects the first wall 101 and the second wall 102. The third wall 103 constitutes the back surface of the first cartridge 100a, and is arranged to face the back of the printing apparatus 10 (opposite to the arrow Y) when the first cartridge 100a is attached to the holder 200. . At the lower end of the third wall 103, a plurality of protrusions 114 protruding in the direction along the arrow Y are provided. Each of the plurality of protrusions 114 is arranged at both ends in the direction of the arrow X. The plurality of protrusions 114 are inserted into and engaged with fitting holes 227 (FIG. 4) provided in the back wall 203 of the holder part 200 when the first cartridge 100 a is attached to the holder part 200.

  The fourth wall portion 104 intersects the first wall portion 101 and the second wall portion 102 and faces the third wall portion 103 (FIGS. 12 to 16). The fourth wall portion 104 constitutes the front surface of the first cartridge 100a. When the first cartridge 100a is mounted on the holder portion 200, the fourth wall portion 104 faces the front of the printing apparatus 10 (in the direction of arrow Y) and faces the user. . The fourth wall portion 104 is provided with a main engagement portion 120 that is engaged with the lever portion 230 of the holder portion 200. The main engagement portion 120 is provided at the substantially center in the arrow X direction of the upper end portion of the fourth wall portion 104 that is closer to the second wall portion 102 than the first wall portion 101.

  The main engagement portion 120 is formed as a tongue-like flange that extends forward while slightly descending from the second wall portion 102. A front end portion of the main engagement portion 120 is provided with a notch portion 122 which is a local recess at the center, and is separated into two parts by being separated by a recess space of the notch portion 122. That is, the front end portion of the main engagement portion 120 includes, in order in the direction of the arrow X, a first flange portion 121 that is a first portion, a notch portion 122, and a second flange portion 123 that is a second portion. It has an arranged configuration. When the first flange portion 121 and the second flange portion 123 are engaged with the lever portion 230 of the holder portion 200, the upper surfaces thereof are in surface contact with the lower surface of the flat plate portion 236 (FIG. 8) of the lever portion 230.

  A first side wall portion 125 and a second side wall portion 126 are provided on the lower surfaces of the first flange portion 121 and the second flange portion 123 so as to protrude downward in parallel. The first side wall part 125 and the second side wall part 126 respectively push and rotate the lever part 230 of the holder part 200 when the first cartridge 100a is attached to the holder part 200 (details will be described later). Further, the first side wall part 125 and the second side wall part 126 also function as a protection part of the circuit board 130 as will be described later.

  A circuit board 130 for exchanging electrical signals with the printing apparatus 10 is disposed below the main engagement portion 120 in the fourth wall portion 104 (FIG. 13). The circuit board 130 is fixed to the fourth wall portion 104 with an inclination angle of, for example, 10 ° to 45 ° with respect to the arrow Z direction so that the surface thereof faces downward.

  The circuit board 130 includes a terminal portion 131 and a storage device 132 (FIG. 16). The terminal part 131 has a plurality of terminals that are in electrical contact with the terminals 261 to 269 (FIG. 9) of the device-side terminal part 250 of the holder part 200. Details of the arrangement of a plurality of terminals included in the terminal portion 131 of the circuit board 130 will be described later. The storage device 132 is configured by a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash ROM, for example. The storage device 132 stores information related to ink, such as the color and remaining amount of ink stored in the first cartridge 100a, in a nonvolatile manner.

  In the present embodiment, the circuit board 130 is disposed at a position sandwiched between the first sidewall portion 125 and the second sidewall portion 126 of the main engagement portion 120 (FIGS. 13 and 15). The first side wall portion 125 and the second side wall portion 126 protrude forward from the surface of the circuit board 130 on both sides of the circuit board 130. Thus, the user is prevented from touching each terminal of the circuit board 130 by mistake, and each terminal of the terminal portion 131 is protected.

  The fifth wall portion 105 and the sixth wall portion 106 intersect the first wall portion 101, the second wall portion 102, the third wall portion 103, and the fourth wall portion 104 and face each other. (FIGS. 12 to 15). The fifth wall portion 105 and the sixth wall portion 106 constitute the side surface of the first cartridge 100a. Ribs 141, 142, and 143 extending in the direction of arrow Z are provided on the surfaces of the fifth wall portion 105 and the sixth wall portion 106.

  The first rib 141 is provided at the rear end, the second rib 142 is provided at a middle position in the front-rear direction, and the third rib 143 is provided at the front end. Each rib 141, 142, 143 functions as a reinforcing portion of the side wall surface of the first cartridge 100a. Further, when the first cartridge 100a is mounted on the holder portion 200, it also functions as a guide portion that defines the moving direction of the first cartridge 100a, and also as a positioning portion that fixes the position of the first cartridge 100a. Functions (details will be described later).

  FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating an arrangement configuration of a plurality of terminals 151 to 159 on the circuit board 130. In FIG. 17, the positions of the contact portions CP in the terminals 151 to 159 are illustrated by broken lines. Each of the plurality of terminals 151 to 159 has a contact portion CP. Each contact portion CP in each terminal 151 to 159 is in contact with one of the corresponding terminals 261 to 269 provided in the device side terminal portion 250 (FIG. 9) of the holder portion 200 and is electrically connected. It is. The contact portions CP of the terminals 151 to 159 are divided into two rows of an upper stage and a lower stage so that they can be connected to the terminals 261 to 269 (FIG. 9) in the device-side terminal section 250 of the holder section 200. It is arranged in the arrangement direction parallel to the direction. The contact portions CP of the first and second terminals 151 and 152 are arranged at both ends of the upper row, respectively. The contact portions CP of the third and fourth terminals 153 and 154 are sequentially arranged in the direction of the arrow X between the first and second terminals 151 and 152. The contact portions CP of the fifth and sixth terminals 155 and 156 are respectively disposed at both ends of the lower row. The contact portions CP of the seventh, eighth, and ninth terminals 157, 158, and 159 are sequentially arranged in the direction of the arrow X between the fifth and sixth terminals 155 and 156.

  The first and second terminals 151 and 152 have a predetermined voltage when the first cartridge 100a is correctly attached to the holder part 200 and comes into contact with the first and second terminals 261 and 262 of the apparatus-side terminal part 250. It is configured to produce a change. Specifically, the first and second terminals 151 and 152 are short-circuited with each other inside the circuit board 130. The printing apparatus 10 applies a predetermined voltage to the first terminal 151 of the circuit board 130 via the first terminal 261 of the device-side terminal unit 250, and passes through the second terminal 262 of the device-side terminal unit 250. Then, a change in voltage of the second terminal 152 of the circuit board 130 is detected. The functions of the other terminals 153 to 159 are the same as those of the corresponding terminals 263 to 269 of the corresponding device-side terminal unit 250 described above.

[Configuration of second cartridge]
Details of the configuration of the second cartridge 100b will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of the second cartridge 100b. In FIG. 18, for convenience, the ink chambers 108a to 108c formed inside the second cartridge 100b are shown by broken lines. FIG. 19 is a lower perspective view of the second cartridge 100b. FIG. 20 is a side view of the second cartridge 100b. FIG. 21 is a front view of the second cartridge 100b. 18 to 21, the same reference numerals are given to components common to the components of the first cartridge 100 a described in FIGS. 12 to 16.

  The second cartridge 100b has six wall portions 101 to 106 corresponding to the respective wall portions 101 to 106 of the first cartridge 100a. The inside of the second cartridge 100b is partitioned into three ink chambers 108a to 108c for storing three colors of ink for each color. The first ink chamber 108 a is formed in a front area facing the fourth wall portion 104. The second and third ink chambers 108b and 108c are each formed by dividing a region on the rear side of the first ink chamber 108a into two in the direction of the arrow X. The second ink chamber 108 b is formed on the side facing the fifth wall portion 105, and the third ink chamber 108 c is formed on the side facing the sixth wall portion 106.

  The first wall 101 (FIG. 18) is provided with three ink supply ports 110a to 110c corresponding to the ink chambers 108a to 108c. The first ink supply port 110 a is formed at a position where the center thereof substantially coincides with the center in the arrow X direction of the main engagement portion 120 provided in the fourth wall portion 104. The second and third ink supply ports 110b and 110c are provided at the centers of the second and third ink chambers 108b and 108c, respectively. A groove 118 extending linearly in the direction of the arrow Y is formed at a position corresponding to the boundary position between the second and third ink chambers 108b and 108c between the second and third ink supply ports 110b and 110c. ing. The groove portion 118 engages with the second sub-wall portion 224 (FIG. 4) of the holder portion 200 when the second cartridge 100 b is mounted on the holder portion 200.

  The second wall portion 102 (FIG. 18) has substantially the same configuration as the second wall portion 102 of the first cartridge 100a except that the width in the direction of the arrow X is different from the formation position of the extension portion 113. doing. The extending portion 113 is formed at a position closer to the opposite direction of the arrow X from the center of the end adjacent to the fourth wall portion 104. The third wall 103 (FIG. 20) has substantially the same configuration as the third wall 103 of the first cartridge 100a except that the width in the direction of the arrow X is different.

  The fourth wall portion 104 (FIGS. 18 to 21) has substantially the same configuration as the second wall portion 102 of the first cartridge 100a except that the formation position of the main engagement portion 120 is different. The main engaging portion 120 is formed at a position near the opposite direction of the arrow X from the center of the end adjacent to the second wall portion 102. As a result, when the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b are mounted on the holder part 200, the respective main engagement parts 120 are arranged adjacent to each other (FIG. 3). The fifth wall portion 105 (FIGS. 18 and 19) and the sixth wall portion 106 (FIG. 21) have substantially the same configuration as the fifth wall portion 105 and the sixth wall portion 106 of the first cartridge 100a, respectively. Yes.

[Cartridge mounting mechanism for the holder]
22 and 23 are schematic views showing the mounting process of the first cartridge 100a to the holder part 200 in time series. In FIGS. 22 and 23, (a) to (e) are shown step by step how the first cartridge 100 a is attached to the holder portion 200. 22 and 23, the first side wall 204 of the holder 200 is not shown for convenience. 22 and 23, an arrow CP indicating the position where the holder part 200 and the first cartridge 100a are in contact with each other is appropriately illustrated. The second cartridge 100b is mounted on the holder part 200 in the same manner as the first cartridge 100a, and the illustration and description thereof are omitted.

  In the first stage (column (a) in FIG. 22), the first cartridge 100a approaches the holder part 200 in an inclined state in which the third wall part 103 side is downward. Then, the upper end portion of the third wall portion 103 and the upper end portion of the rear wall portion 203 of the holder portion 200 are in contact with each other, and the first ribs 141 at the rear end portions of the fifth wall portion 105 and the sixth wall portion 106 are in contact with each other. A lower end contacts the upper end part of the 1st subwall part 221. FIG.

  In the second stage (column (b) in FIG. 22), the first contact point is the contact point between the upper end of the back wall 203 of the holder 200 and the upper end of the third wall 103 of the first cartridge 100a. The cartridge 100a is rotated downward (arrow RD). At this time, the lower end of the first rib 141 moves while rubbing the upper surface of the inclined portion 225 of the first sub-wall portion 221. Further, the lower end of the second rib 142 is in contact with the upper end of the notch 226 of the first subwall 221.

  In the third stage (column (c) of FIG. 23), the main engagement portion 120 of the first cartridge 100a contacts the lever portion 230 of the holder portion 200. More specifically, the first side wall portion 125 of the main engagement portion 120 and the front end surface 127 of the second side wall portion 126 are in surface contact with the end surface 237 of the flat plate portion 236 in the bridging portion 232 of the lever portion 230. Further, the plurality of protrusions 114 provided at the lower end of the third wall portion 103 of the first cartridge 100 a are inserted into the corresponding fitting holes 227 of the holder portion 200. Thereafter, the first cartridge 100a rotates around the contact point between the protrusion 114 and the fitting hole 227 as a fulcrum.

  In the fourth stage (column (d) in FIG. 23), the main engagement portion 120 moves downward by continuing the rotational movement of the first cartridge 100a. The lever portion 230 is pushed by the first side wall portion 125 and the second side wall portion 126 of the main engagement portion 120 and pivots forward in a direction away from the main engagement portion 120 (arrow SD). In this specification, when saying “move away”, not only when moving away from the object, but also with the object while maintaining the distance from the object. Including moving in the opposite direction.

  In the first cartridge 100a of the present embodiment, the lever portion 230 is pivotally moved by the pressing of the main engagement portion 120, so that the pivot movement operation of the lever portion 230 by the user's fingertip can be omitted. In particular, in the present embodiment, the lever portion 230 is pressed by the first side wall portion 125 and the second side wall portion 126 of the main engagement portion 120 by two points separated in the direction of the arrow X. Therefore, the lever part 230 can be stably rotated in a state where the inclination with respect to the direction of the arrow X is suppressed.

  In the fourth stage, the contact portions CP (FIG. 17) of the terminals 151 to 159 in the terminal portion 131 of the circuit board 130 of the first cartridge 100 a are connected to the terminals 261 to 269 of the device side terminal portion 250 of the holder portion 200. (FIG. 9). As the first cartridge 100a moves downward, the contact portions CP of the terminals 151 to 159 of the circuit board 130 of the first cartridge 100a are rubbed on the surfaces of the terminals 261 to 269 of the holder portion 200. The “Rubbing” means relative movement in the direction in which friction occurs.

  This rubbing removes adherents such as dirt on the contact portions CP of the terminals 151 to 159 in the circuit board 130 and the surfaces of the terminals 261 to 269 in the device-side terminal portion 250, so that the contact between the terminals is improved. Enhanced. In particular, in the present embodiment, the terminals 261 to 269 of the device-side terminal unit 250 abut the contact portions CP of the terminals 151 to 159 of the circuit board 130 at the apexes, and thus the terminals 151 to 159 of the circuit board 130. The frictional force with respect to the contact part CP is increased.

  In the fifth stage (column (e) in FIG. 23), the first cartridge 100a is completely rotated, and the first wall portion 101 is supported by the bottom wall portion 201 of the holder portion 200. At this time, the lower end of the second rib 142 reaches the lower end of the notch 226 of the first sub-wall 221 and the position thereof is fixed. The plurality of protrusions 114 provided at the lower end of the third wall portion 103 of the first cartridge 100a are inserted into the corresponding fitting holes 227 of the holder portion 200, and the first cartridge 100a is inserted into the holder portion. It functions as an engaging portion that is locked to 200.

  In addition, in the fifth stage, when the main engagement portion 120 moves to the lowest position, the first side wall portion 125 and the second side wall portion 126 of the main engagement portion 120 and the bridging portion 232 of the lever portion 230 The lock between is released. Therefore, the lever portion 230 is returned to the initial position on the rear side by the biasing mechanism 239 (FIG. 8) at the lower end (arrow RVD), and the bridging portion 232 is located above the flanges 121 and 123 of the main engagement portion 120. Move to. Accordingly, the upper surfaces of the flange portions 121 and 123 are in surface contact with the lower surface of the flat plate portion 236 of the lever portion 230, and the main engagement portion 120 and the lever portion 230 are engaged. Through the above-described steps, the first cartridge 100a is mounted on the holder unit 200.

[Mounted state of each cartridge in the holder]
FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram for explaining the engaging property of the lever portion 230 and the electrical connectivity of the device-side terminal portion 250. 24 schematically illustrates the lever portion 230, the main engagement portion 120, and the device-side terminal portion 250 when the first cartridge 100a is mounted on the holder portion 200. In FIG. 24, for convenience, the arrangement state of the terminals 261 to 269 on the terminal portion surface 251 is illustrated by broken lines for the device-side terminal portion 250. The following description using FIG. 24 also applies to the mounting state of the second cartridge 100b with respect to the holder portion 200.

  In the lever portion 230, both ends of the bridging portion 232 are equally supported by the first and second leg portions 231a and 231b, respectively, and the bridging portion 232 is inclined with respect to the direction of the arrow X even when it rotates. This is suppressed. Therefore, the posture of the first cartridge 100a in which the main engagement portion 120 is engaged by the bridging portion 232 is stabilized. In particular, in the present embodiment, the bridging portion 232 of the lever portion 230 extends in the direction of the arrow X over the entire main engagement portion 120, so that the engagement of the main engagement portion 120 by the lever portion 230 is enhanced. Thus, the posture of the first cartridge 100a is further stabilized.

  Further, in the state where the first cartridge 100 a is mounted on the holder part 200, the center of the main engagement part 120 in the direction of arrow X is located at substantially the same position as the center of the lever part 230 in the direction of arrow X. ing. Therefore, the occurrence of a bias in the direction of the arrow X of the engagement force of the lever portion 230 with respect to the main engagement portion 120 is suppressed, and the stability of the posture of the first cartridge 100a is further enhanced.

  The rotation axis RX of the lever portion 230 is located near the lower end of the device-side terminal portion 250. The distance between the bridging portion 232 and the rotation axis RX in the direction of the arrow Z is sufficiently longer than the distance between the bridging portion 232 and the lower ends of the terminals 261 to 269 of the device-side terminal portion 250. Thus, in the lever part 230 of this embodiment, the rotation radius of the bridge | bridging part 232 is fully ensured. For this reason, the force in the direction in which the bridging portion 232 provided by the urging mechanism 239 (FIGS. 7 and 8) faces the main engagement portion 120 (the direction opposite to the arrow Y) is enhanced (the principle of leverage). The engagement of the main engagement portion 120 by the lever portion 230 is enhanced. Further, the force applied by the user for the rotational movement of the lever portion 230 when the first cartridge 100a is attached / detached is reduced. In addition, since the distance (stroke) by which the bridging portion 232 of the lever portion 230 rotates can be ensured, the operational feeling of the user is enhanced.

  In the lever portion 230 of the present embodiment, the distance WE between both ends of the bridging portion 232 in the direction of the arrow X is the direction of the arrow X of the first and second terminals 261 and 262 at both ends of the device-side terminal portion 250. It is wider than the interval WT. The interval WT in the direction of the arrow X between the first and second terminals 261 and 262 means the distance between the respective center lines. As described above, since the distance between the first and second terminals 261 and 262 is narrower than the width of the bridging portion 232, even if the bridging portion 232 is inclined, each terminal 261 of the device-side terminal portion 250. The amount of positional deviation from the prescribed position of ˜269 is reduced. Therefore, the connectivity of the terminals 261 to 269 of the device-side terminal portion 250 to the contact portions CP of the terminals 151 to 159 of the circuit board 130 is enhanced.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, when the first cartridge 100a is mounted on the holder portion 200, the center of the lever portion 230 in the direction of the arrow X is the first and second terminals of the device-side terminal portion 250. The center positions of 261 and 262 coincide with each other. Thereby, the position shift of each terminal 261-269 in the apparatus side terminal part 250 accompanying the inclination of the bridge | crosslinking part 232 is further suppressed.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, when the first cartridge 100 a is mounted, the device-side terminal portion 250 is disposed at a position below the bridging portion 232. Therefore, when the lever portion 230 and the main engagement portion 120 are engaged with each other, the circuit board 130 is pressed from above on the device-side terminal portion 250. Therefore, the connectivity between the device-side terminal portion 250 and the circuit board 130 is enhanced by enhancing the engagement of the lever portion 230 with the main engagement portion 120.

  FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram for explaining the improvement in space utilization efficiency by the lever portion 230. FIG. 25 schematically shows a state in which the lever portion 230 of the holder portion 200 and the main engagement portion 120 of the first cartridge 100a are engaged with each other as viewed from the side. Note that the following description for the first cartridge 100a using FIG. 25 also applies to the second cartridge 100b.

  In the printing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the area EA occupied by the engagement mechanism constituted by the lever portion 230 and the main engagement portion 120 and the electrical connection mechanism between the device-side terminal portion 250 and the circuit board 130 occupy. The region TA substantially overlaps in the height direction (the direction of the arrow Z). More specifically, a region TA occupied by the electrical connection mechanism is included in a region EA occupied by the engagement mechanism. As described above, in the printing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the engagement mechanism and the electrical connection mechanism between the first cartridge 100a and the holder unit 200 are arranged in an integrated manner, and the space in the printing apparatus 10 is reduced. High utilization efficiency is ensured.

  By the way, in order to obtain the effect based on the lever principle described above in the lever portion 230, the range of the area EA occupied by the engaging mechanism in the height direction is also reduced in order to secure the turning radius of the lever portion 230. It is not easy. Therefore, when the two areas EA and TA are separated from each other in the height direction, the range occupied by the engagement mechanism and the electrical connection mechanism increases, and the space efficiency decreases. there is a possibility. The “case where the two areas EA, TA are separated in the height direction” includes a case where the two areas EA, TA have a portion overlapping each other and are separated in the height direction. . As described above, in the printing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the arrangement configuration of the lever portion 230 and the device-side terminal portion 250 enhances the operability of the first cartridge 100a and the space utilization efficiency in the device. .

  As described above, according to the holder portion 200 of the present embodiment, the lever portion 230 is provided, so that the mounting properties of the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b and the operability when attaching and detaching the cartridges are improved. It has been. In addition, the space utilization efficiency of the mechanism for mounting the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b in the printing apparatus 10 is enhanced.

B. Second embodiment:
With reference to FIGS. 26-28, the structure of the lever part 230s with which the holder part 200s as 2nd Embodiment of this invention is provided is demonstrated. FIGS. 26 to 28 show the lever portion 230s attached to the front wall portion 202 of the holder portion 200s. In FIG. 26, the lever portion 230 s when viewed in the direction of the arrow Y is shown together with a part of the front wall portion 202. 27 and 28 show schematic cross sections of the lever portion 230s or the front wall portion 202 in the CC cutting and DD cutting shown in FIG. 26, respectively. In FIG. 26, the attachment structure at the end of the second leg portion 231b of the lever portion 230s is extracted and shown in the balloon. The holder portion 200s of the second embodiment is substantially the same as the configuration (FIGS. 4 to 6) of the holder portion 200 of the first embodiment except for the lever portion 230s. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those described in the first embodiment are assigned to components common to the first embodiment.

  The lever portion 230s of the second embodiment includes a first protruding portion 281a, a second protruding portion 281b, and a locking wall portion 285 between the first and second leg portions 231a and 231b. Except for the point which has, it has the structure substantially the same as the lever part 230 of 1st Embodiment. The two projecting portions 281a and 281b are portions projecting downward on the lower surface of the flat plate portion 236 of the bridging portion 232 (FIGS. 27 and 28). In the second embodiment, the two protruding portions 281a and 281b are configured as wall portions extending at a uniform height in the direction of the arrow X.

  The first projecting portion 281a and the second projecting portion 281b are provided apart from each other at both ends in the direction of the arrow X of the bridging portion 232, and are arranged on the same axis in the direction of the arrow X. The first protrusion 281a is adjacent to the first leg 231a, and the second protrusion 282b is adjacent to the second leg 231b. The first protrusion 281a and the second protrusion 281b are configured symmetrically with respect to the center line in the direction of the arrow X of the lever portion 230s.

  When the cartridges 100a and 100b are mounted on the holder portion 200s, the first protrusions 281a and the second protrusions 281b are in contact with the upper surfaces of the main engagement portions 120 of the cartridges 100a and 100b, respectively. Details of the functions of the first protrusion 281a and the second protrusion 281b will be described later.

  The locking wall portion 285 is a wall portion protruding below the first protrusion portion 281a and the second protrusion portion 281b at a position deeper in the direction of the arrow Y than the first protrusion portion 281a and the second protrusion portion 281b. It is configured. The locking wall portion 285 is formed between the first and second leg portions 231a and 231b. The locking wall portion 285 is a rotation restricting portion that restricts the lever portion 230s from rotating in a direction approaching the cartridges 100a and 100b when the cartridges 100a and 100b are mounted on the holder portion 200s. Functions (details will be described later).

  The locking wall portion 285 has first and second end portions 286a and a central portion 287. The first and second end portions 286a and 286b are substantially rectangular portions formed at positions adjacent to the first and second leg portions 231a and 231b, respectively. The central portion 287 is a portion formed between the first and second end portions 286a and 286b and has a uniform height in the direction of the arrow X (width in the direction of the arrow Z). . The first and second end portions 286a and 286b protrude downward from the central portion 287, respectively. The lever portion 230 s interferes with the device-side terminal portion 250 disposed under the bridging portion 232 when the lever portion 230 s is rotated by the small height of the central portion 287 of the locking wall portion 285. Is suppressed.

  Here, the rotational movement of the lever portion 230s of the second embodiment is realized by the same mechanism as the lever portion 230 of the first embodiment (FIG. 28). The front wall 202 of the holder 200s has a fitting groove 290 that is open in the direction of the arrow X. The lever portion 230s can be rotated to the holder portion 200s by fitting the convex portion 235 provided at the lower end of each of the first and second leg portions 231a and 231b into the fitting groove 290 which is a corresponding concave portion. Attached to.

  Inner convex portions 235s are formed at the lower ends of the first and second leg portions 231a and 231b of the lever portion 230s so as to protrude in a direction opposite to the convex portion 235 functioning as a rotation shaft (see FIG. 28 balloons). The torsion spring constituting the biasing mechanism 239 that biases the lever portion 230s in the rotation direction is attached in a state of being locked to the inner convex portion 235s.

  A regulation wall 291 for regulating the rotation of the second leg portion 231b toward the cartridge housing chamber 210 is formed on the front wall portion 202 of the holder portion 200s (FIG. 26). The lever 230s is fixed at the initial position by the restriction wall 291 in a state where it is urged toward the cartridge housing chamber 210 by the urging mechanism 239.

  FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram for explaining functions of the first projecting portion 281a, the second projecting portion 281b, and the locking wall portion 285 in the lever portion 230s. FIG. 29 shows a state where the first cartridge 100a is mounted on the holder portion 200s and the main engagement portion 120 is locked by the lever portion 230s. The following description also applies to the case where the second cartridge 100b is attached to the holder portion 200s.

  As described above, when the first cartridge 100a is mounted on the holder part 200s, the first protrusion part 281a and the second protrusion part 281b of the lever part 230s abut on the upper surface of the main engagement part 120, respectively. Thus, in the holder part 200s of the second embodiment, the main engagement part 120 is pressed from above at two points separated in the direction of the arrow X. Therefore, the main engaging portion 120 is restrained from receiving a locking force that is biased in the direction of the arrow X. Therefore, the first ink cartridge 100a is prevented from being inclined in the direction of the arrow X, and the first ink cartridge 100a can be fixed in a predetermined mounting state.

  When the first ink cartridge 100a is mounted on the holder portion 200s, the locking wall portion 285 contacts or approaches the front end surfaces of the first flange portion 121 and the second flange portion 123 of the main engagement portion 120. Face each other. The end portions 286a and 286b of the locking wall portion 285 are in contact with or in close proximity to the front end surfaces of the first side wall portion 125 and the second side wall portion 126, respectively. Accordingly, for example, even when an external force is applied to the lever portion 230s in the direction opposite to the arrow Y, the lever portion 230s is locked by the main engagement portion 120 and approaches the first ink cartridge 100a. Excessive rotational movement in the direction is suppressed. Therefore, the occurrence of problems such as damage to the lever portion 230s and the front wall portion 202 of the holder portion 200s due to excessive rotational movement of the lever portion 230s is suppressed.

  As described above, according to the holder part 200s of the second embodiment, the lever part 230s has the first projecting part 281a and the second projecting part 281b, whereby the mounting and fixing properties of the cartridges 100a and 100b are improved. Has been enhanced. Further, since the lever portion 230s has the locking wall portion 285, the protection of the holder portion 200s when the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b are mounted is enhanced.

C. Third embodiment:
FIG. 30 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a lever portion 230A provided in the holder portion 200A as the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 30, for convenience, the arrangement region of the device-side terminal unit 250 is schematically illustrated with a broken line. Further, the rotation axis RX of the lever portion 230A is shown by a one-dot chain line. The holder portion 200A of the third embodiment has the same configuration as the holder portion 200 (FIGS. 4 to 6) described in the first embodiment, except that a lever portion 230A having a different configuration is provided. . Below, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated to the structure part which is common in 1st Embodiment.

  The bridging portion 232A of the lever portion 230A of the third embodiment has a flat plate portion 236A that extends in the direction toward the cartridge housing chamber 210 (the direction opposite to the arrow Y). In the lever portion 230 of the third embodiment, the first and second leg portions 231a and 231b are each provided with an extending portion 234 (FIG. 8) for protecting the device-side terminal portion 250. Also good. Further, an urging mechanism 239 may be provided on each of the first and second leg portions 231a and 231b.

  FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram illustrating an engaged state of the lever portion 230A of the third embodiment. FIG. 31 schematically shows a state in which the main engagement portion 120 of the first cartridge 100a is engaged with the lever portion 230A in the holder portion 200A. Further, in FIG. 31, for the sake of convenience, the locus of the rotational movement of the lever portion 230A is shown by a broken line and an arrow. The mounting of the first cartridge 100a described below also applies to the second cartridge 100b.

  Also in the holder part 200 </ b> A of the third embodiment, the first cartridge 100 a is arranged in the cartridge storage chamber 210 after the lever part 230 </ b> A is pivoted in a direction away from the main engagement part 120. When the lever portion 230A returns to the initial position, the flat plate portion 236A of the bridging portion 232A of the lever portion 230A is disposed above the main engagement portion 120 of the first cartridge 100a, and the lever portion 230A is the main engagement portion. Engage with 120.

  As described above, also in the holder portion 200A of the third embodiment, the main engaging portion of each cartridge 100a, 100b by the rotational movement of the bridging portion 232A bridged between the first and second leg portions 231a, 231b. 120 is engaged. Therefore, the mountability of each cartridge 100a, 100b is improved. In addition, if it is the holder part 200A of 3rd Embodiment, there exists an effect similar to the holder part 200 of 1st Embodiment.

D. Fourth embodiment:
FIG. 32 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a lever portion 230B provided in the holder portion 200B as the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 32, the rotation axis RX of the lever portion 230B is shown by a one-dot chain line. The holder part 200B of the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the holder part 200 (FIGS. 4 to 6) described in the first embodiment, except that a lever part 230B having a different configuration is provided. . Below, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated to the structure part which is common in 1st Embodiment.

  The configuration of the lever portion 230B of the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as the lever portion 230 of the first embodiment except for the points described below. In the lever portion 230B of the fourth embodiment, the extending portion 234B is directed from the end surfaces of the first and second leg portions 231a and 231b toward the cartridge housing chamber 210 (the reverse direction of the arrow Y) and the cartridges 100a and 100b. It extends along the mounting direction (the direction of arrow Z). As will be described later, all the terminals 261 to 269 on the terminal portion surface 251 side of the device-side terminal portion 250 are protected by the extending portion 234B.

  In the lever portion 230B of the fourth embodiment, the operation portion 238B of the bridging portion 232 is provided so as to extend forward (in the direction of arrow Y) at a local position substantially at the center in the direction of arrow X of the flat plate portion 236. It has been. Therefore, in the lever portion 230 </ b> B of the fourth embodiment, a force is applied to the position of the approximate center of the bridging portion 232 by the user when the lever portion 230 is rotated. Therefore, the rotational movement of the lever portion 230B is stabilized, and the inclination of the bridging portion 232 is suppressed.

  FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram for explaining protection of the device-side terminal portion 250 by the extending portion 234B of the lever portion 230B. In FIG. 33, the lever portion 230B when viewed along the side surface direction (the direction of the arrow X) is illustrated, and the arrangement position of the device-side terminal portion 250 is illustrated by a broken line. In the holder part 200 </ b> B of the fourth embodiment, when the lever part 230 </ b> B is in the initial position where it does not rotate, when viewed along the direction of the arrow X, the extension part 234 </ b> B and the device-side terminal part 250. All the terminals 261 to 269 on the terminal portion surface 251 overlap each other. Since the terminals 261 to 269 of the device-side terminal portion 250 are sandwiched by the extending portions 234B, the protection of the terminals 261 to 269 is enhanced.

  As described above, in the holder part 200B of the fourth embodiment, the rotational movement of the lever part 230B is stabilized, and the mountability of the cartridges 100a and 100b is improved. Further, the protection of the device side terminal portion 250 is enhanced. In addition, even the holder part 200B of the fourth embodiment has the same operational effects as the holder part 200 of the first embodiment.

E. Fifth embodiment:
FIG. 34 is a schematic view showing a configuration of a holder part 200C as the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 34, the same reference numerals are given to components common to the components described in the first embodiment. The holder part 200 </ b> C of the fifth embodiment is provided on the carriage 27 (FIGS. 1 and 2) of the printing apparatus 10. Two types of ink cartridges similar to the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b described in the first embodiment are detachably mounted on the holder portion 200C of the fifth embodiment. Since the mounting mechanism is the same for any type, only the cartridge 100C of the same type as the first cartridge 100a will be described below for convenience.

  The holder part 200C and the cartridge 100C of the fifth embodiment have substantially the same configuration as the holder part 200 and the first cartridge 100a of the first embodiment, except for the points described below. The ink supply port 110 of the cartridge 100 </ b> C of the fifth embodiment is provided in the third wall portion 103 instead of the first wall portion 101. Therefore, in the holder part 200 </ b> C of the fifth embodiment, the ink receiving part 211 is provided on the back wall part 203.

  Thus, even if the ink supply port 110 and the ink receiving portion 211 are formed at different positions, the holder portion 200C locks the cartridge 100C by the same lever portion 230 as described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same operational effects as the holder part 200 of the first embodiment can be obtained.

F. Sixth embodiment:
FIG. 35 is a schematic view showing the configuration of a cartridge 100D which is a liquid supply unit as a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 35, the same reference numerals are given to components common to the components described in the first embodiment. The cartridge 100D of the sixth embodiment is detachably mounted on the carriage 27 (FIGS. 1 and 2) of the printing apparatus 10 via the holder part 200 (FIGS. 4 to 6) described in the first embodiment. Also in the sixth embodiment, two types of ink cartridges similar to the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b described in the first embodiment are mounted on the holder portion 200, respectively. Since the mounting mechanism is the same for both types, only the cartridge 100D of the same type as the first cartridge 100a will be described below for convenience.

  A cartridge 100 </ b> D of the sixth embodiment includes an ink storage unit 300 and an adapter unit 310. The ink storage unit 300 corresponds to a second member, and is a liquid container having an ink chamber that is a liquid storage chamber for storing ink therein. An ink discharge port 301 connected to the ink supply port 110 of the adapter unit 310 is provided on the lower surface of the ink storage unit 300.

  The adapter unit 310 corresponds to a first member, and is an exterior container configured to be able to store the ink storage unit 300 from the upper opening 312. The adapter part 310 is the same as each of the first wall part 101, the third wall part 103, the fourth wall part 104, the fifth wall part 105, and the sixth wall part 106 of the first cartridge 100a of the first embodiment. It has the wall part which has a structure. An ink supply port 110 similar to that of the first cartridge 100a of the first embodiment is provided in the first wall portion 101 on the bottom surface of the adapter unit 310. The main engaging portion 120 and the circuit board 130 similar to those described in the first embodiment are disposed on the front wall portion 104.

  The cartridge 100 </ b> D of the sixth embodiment can supply ink to the printing apparatus 10 by attaching the ink storage unit 300 to the holder unit 200 via the adapter unit 310. Even in the cartridge 100 </ b> D of the sixth embodiment, since the main engagement portion 120 corresponding to the lever portion 230 of the holder portion 200 is provided in the adapter portion 310, high mountability to the holder portion 200 is realized. . Thus, with the cartridge 100D of the sixth embodiment, high mountability with respect to the holder portion 200 can be realized as in the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b of the first embodiment.

G. Seventh embodiment:
FIG. 36 is a schematic view showing a configuration of a liquid supply unit 330 as a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 36, the same reference numerals are given to the components common to the components described in the first embodiment and the sixth embodiment. The liquid supply unit 330 of the seventh embodiment is detachably attached to the carriage 27 (FIGS. 1 and 2) of the printing apparatus 10 via the holder part 200 (FIGS. 4 to 6) described in the first embodiment. The In the seventh embodiment, as in the sixth embodiment, only the liquid supply unit 330 of the same type as that of the first cartridge 100a will be described for convenience.

  The liquid supply unit 330 according to the seventh embodiment includes an adapter unit 310, an ink supply pipe 331, and an ink storage unit 332. The adapter part 310 is the same as the adapter part 310 described in the sixth embodiment, and the main engagement part 120 and the circuit board 130 are provided on the front fourth wall part 104, and the first wall part 101 on the bottom surface is provided. An ink supply port 110 is provided.

  The ink storage portion 332 is a liquid container having an ink chamber for storing ink therein. The ink chamber of the ink storage unit 332 is connected to the ink supply port 110 of the adapter unit 310 via the ink supply pipe 331. The ink supply pipe 331 and the ink storage portion 332 correspond to a second member.

  Even in the liquid supply unit 330 according to the seventh embodiment, since the main engagement portion 120 corresponding to the lever portion 230 is provided in the adapter portion 310, high mountability to the holder portion 200 is realized. As described above, even in the liquid supply unit 330 according to the seventh embodiment, high mountability with respect to the holder unit 200 can be realized in the same manner as the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b according to the first embodiment.

H. Variations:
H1. Modification 1:
In the first embodiment, the holder unit 200 includes the device-side terminal unit 250. On the other hand, the holder unit 200 may not include the device-side terminal unit 250. In this case, a cartridge that does not have the circuit board 130 may be mounted on the holder unit 200. Alternatively, an electrode portion that can be in electrical contact with the circuit board 130 may be provided separately from the holder portion 200.

H2. Modification 2:
In the first embodiment, the lever portion 230 has the flat plate portion 236 in the bridging portion 232 that contacts and engages with the main engagement portion 120 of each cartridge 100a, 100b. On the other hand, the bridging portion 232 of the lever portion 230 may not have the flat plate portion 236. For example, the bridging portion 232 may have a rod-shaped extending portion that comes into contact with the main engagement portion 120, or a plurality of spaced contact portions that make point contact with the main engagement portion 120. You may have. In this specification, “contact” means that objects come into contact with each other such that pressure is generated between them. This “contact” includes contact between planes, contact between a plane and a curved surface, and point contact. Further, in addition to direct contact between objects, indirect contact in which some medium is interposed between the objects is also included.

H3. Modification 3:
In the first embodiment, the lever portion 230 is engaged with the main engagement portion 120 of the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b. On the other hand, the lever portion 230 may engage with a portion other than the main engagement portion 120 of the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b. For example, the lever portion 230 may be engaged with a step portion provided on the wall surface of the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b.

H4. Modification 4:
In the first embodiment, the lever portion 230 is attached to the holder portion 200 so that the bridging portion 232 is disposed above and the rotation axis RX is disposed below. On the other hand, the lever portion 230 may be attached to the holder portion 200 so that the bridging portion 232 is disposed below and the rotation axis RX is disposed above. In this case, the bridging portion 232 locks the engaging surfaces provided at the lower ends of the first and second ink cartridges 100a, 100b from above, so that the first and second ink cartridges 100a, 100b The upward movement may be restricted.

H5. Modification 5:
In the first embodiment, the lever portion 230 is provided on the front wall portion 202 of the holder portion 200. On the other hand, the lever part 230 may be provided in parts other than the front wall part 202 of the holder part 200. For example, the lever part 230 may be provided on the back wall part 203 of the holder part 200.

H6. Modification 6:
In the first embodiment, the holder portion 200 is configured so that the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b can be mounted. On the other hand, the holder unit 200 may be configured to be able to mount only a single cartridge, or may be configured to be able to mount three or more cartridges.

H7. Modification 7:
In the first embodiment, the device-side terminal portion 250 is arranged at a position overlapping the first and second leg portions 231a and 231b in the lever portion 230 when viewed along the direction of the arrow X ( FIG. 8). On the other hand, the apparatus side terminal part 250 may be arrange | positioned in another different position. For example, the device-side terminal portion 250 is located between the first leg portion 231a and the second leg portion 231b in the lever portion 230 when viewed along the direction of the arrow Y, and extends in the direction of the arrow X. You may arrange | position so that it may be located ahead rather than the 1st and 2nd leg part 231a, 231b when it sees. Note that the direction along the direction of the arrow Y can be interpreted as the direction along the direction of rotational movement of the lever portion 230 in the configuration of the first embodiment. In addition to this, the device-side terminal portion 250 may be disposed at a position adjacent to the lever portion 230 in the direction of the arrow X, for example.

H8. Modification 8:
In the first embodiment, the holder unit 200 is configured such that the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b are mounted so as to draw a locus of rotational movement with the upper end of the back wall 203 as a fulcrum. (FIGS. 22 and 23). On the other hand, the holder 200 is not configured so that the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b are mounted so as to draw a locus of rotational movement with the upper end of the back wall 203 as a fulcrum. Also good. The holder unit 200 may be configured such that the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b are mounted by a linear track from above.

H9. Modification 9:
In the above embodiment, the urging mechanism 239 is provided at the lower ends of both the first and second leg portions 231a and 231b of the lever portion 230. On the other hand, the urging mechanism 239 of one of the first and second leg portions 231a and 231b may be omitted, or the urging mechanism of both the first and second leg portions 231a and 231b. 239 may be omitted.

H10. Modification 10:
In the first embodiment, the lever portion 230 has the extending portion 234 on both the first and second leg portions 231a and 231b. On the other hand, one of the extending portions 234 of the first and second leg portions 231a and 231b may be omitted, or both the extending portions 234 may be omitted.

H11. Modification 11:
In the first embodiment, the lever portion 230 rotates with the convex portion 235 provided at the lower end of each of the first and second leg portions 231a and 231b as a rotation axis. On the other hand, the lever portion 230 may be rotated by a method other than the rotation shaft. In the lever part 230, the bridge | bridging part 232 should just be comprised so that rotation movement is possible. For example, the bridging portion 232 may be configured to be rotatable by defining the movement of the first and second leg portions 231a and 231b with a curved guide rail. That is, the pivoting movement of the bridging portion 232 includes the swinging of the bridging portion 232.

H12. Modification 12:
In the first embodiment, the terminal portion surface 251 and the terminal portion back surface 252 of the device-side terminal portion 250 are configured with two rows of terminal rows positioned vertically. On the other hand, in the device-side terminal unit 250, only one terminal row may be formed, or three or more terminal rows may be formed above and below. Further, the terminals 261 to 269 and 271 to 279 of the device-side terminal unit 250 may not be arranged in a line.

H13. Modification 13:
In the first embodiment, the conductive portion 258 of the device-side terminal portion 250 has a folded portion 258 t at the lower end of the device-side terminal portion 250. On the other hand, the conductive portion 258 may have a folded portion 258 t at the upper end of the device-side terminal portion 250, and may have a folded portion 258 t on the side surface side of the device-side terminal portion 250. In addition, the conductive portion 258 of the device-side terminal portion 250 may not be configured as a leaf spring, and may be configured to have a biasing force by, for example, a string spring or a torsion spring, or may have a biasing force. It may be configured as a simple wiring that is not.

H14. Modification 14:
In the first embodiment, the holder portion 200 is configured as an ink container having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b having six wall portions 101 to 106 are mounted. Yes. On the other hand, the holder unit 200 may be mounted with an ink cartridge that does not have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and does not have all the six wall portions 101 to 106. For example, the first and second cartridges 100a and 100b attached to the holder unit 200 may be configured as a hexahedron having a substantially trapezoidal shape when viewed in the direction of the arrow X (when viewed from the side). Alternatively, it may be configured as a substantially disc body having a substantially elliptical shape when viewed from the side. Each wall part 101-106 which comprises the external shape of the 1st and 2nd cartridge 100a, 100b does not need to have a flat surface and a smooth surface, and may have an unevenness | corrugation. Moreover, it does not need to extend in a substantially planar shape, and there may be a cut or a tear. Each wall part 101-106 may be bent in the shape of a substantially curved surface. In addition, each wall part 101-106 may have flexibility, and the structure by which the bag-shaped member in which the ink was accommodated in the frame comprised with the flame | frame may be hold | maintained may be sufficient.

H15. Modification 15:
In the first embodiment, each of the cartridges 100 a and 100 b includes the first side wall portion 125 and the second side wall portion 126 that come into contact with and press the lever portion 230 when being attached to the holder portion 200. On the other hand, one of the first side wall part 125 and the second side wall part 126 may be omitted, or both may be omitted. Each cartridge 100a, 100b may not have a portion that contacts the lever portion 230 when the cartridge 100a is attached to the holder portion 200. In this case, the cartridges 100a and 100b may be mounted in a state in which the lever portion 230 is rotated and moved away from the cartridge storage chamber 210 by the user's operation.

H16. Modification 16:
In the said 2nd Embodiment, the 1st protrusion part 281a and the 2nd protrusion part 281b are comprised as a wall part extended | stretched in the direction of the arrow X. FIG. On the other hand, the 1st protrusion part 281a and the 2nd protrusion part 281b do not need to be comprised as a wall part. For example, the first projecting portion 281a and the second projecting portion 281b may be formed as hemispherical or cylindrical convex portions projecting in the direction of the arrow Z, respectively. In the second embodiment, the first protrusion 281a and the second protrusion 281b have the same shape, but the first protrusion 281a and the second protrusion 281b do not have the same shape. Also good. For example, only the first protrusion 281a may have a hemispherical shape. Moreover, the 1st protrusion part 281a and the 2nd protrusion part 281b may be comprised as a wall part from which the length to the arrow X direction differs. When the upper surface of the main engagement portion 120 is uneven, the first protrusion 281a and the second protrusion 281b have different heights and shapes depending on the shape of the contact portion in the main engagement portion 120. It may be adjusted.

H17. Modification 17:
In the second embodiment, the first projecting portion 281a and the second projecting portion 281b are formed at positions adjacent to the first and second leg portions 231a and 231b, respectively. On the other hand, the 1st protrusion part 281a and the 2nd protrusion part 281b may be formed in the position spaced apart from the 1st and 2nd leg parts 231a and 231b, respectively. In the second embodiment, the first projecting portion 281a and the second projecting portion 281b are arranged on the same axis in the direction of the arrow X. On the other hand, the 1st protrusion part 281a and the 2nd protrusion part 281b do not need to be arranged on the same axis | shaft of the arrow X direction. The arrangement direction of the first protrusions 281a and the second protrusions 281b may be oblique to the direction of the arrow X. The arrangement positions of the first protrusions 281a and the second protrusions 281b may be offset from each other in the direction of the arrow Y.

H18. Modification 18:
In the lever portion 230s of the second embodiment, a locking wall portion 285 is provided as a rotation restricting portion. On the other hand, the rotation restricting portion may not be formed as a wall portion such as the locking wall portion 285. The rotation restricting portion of the lever portion 230s may be formed as a protruding portion such as a columnar shape protruding from the bridging portion 232, the first leg portion 231a, or the second leg portion 231b, for example. The rotation restricting portion only needs to be configured so that the bridging portion 232 of the lever portion 230s can be pivotally moved in a direction approaching the cartridges 100a and 100b by contact with the cartridges 100a and 100b.

H19. Modification 19
In the second embodiment, the locking wall portion 285 that is a rotation restricting portion extends downward from the lower surface of the bridging portion 232. On the other hand, the rotation restricting portion does not have to extend downward from the lower surface of the bridging portion 232. The rotation restricting portion may be provided separately from the bridging portion 232. The rotation restricting portion may be formed, for example, as a wall portion that protrudes from at least one of the first leg portion 231a or the second leg portion 231b toward the center in the arrow X direction of the lever portion 230s. .

H20. Modification 20:
Modifications 1 to 15 of the first embodiment may be applied to the second embodiment, the modifications 16 to 20 of the second embodiment, and other embodiments. The first projecting portion 281a and the second projecting portion 281b and the rotation restricting portion described in the second embodiment and the modifications 16 to 20 are the same as the lever portion 230A and the third restricting portion in the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment. You may apply to the lever part 230B of 5 embodiment. Moreover, you may apply to the lever part 230 which the holder parts 200C and 200 of said 6th Embodiment, 7th Embodiment, and 8th Embodiment have.

H21. Modification 21:
In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, as the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism of the present invention, a holder unit that mounts the ink supply unit on the printing apparatus 10 including a liquid ejecting mechanism that ejects ink is described. In contrast, the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism of the present invention may be configured as a mounting mechanism for mounting a liquid supply unit other than the ink supply unit. The liquid supply unit mounting mechanism of the present invention may be configured, for example, as a mounting mechanism for a cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid to a high-pressure cleaning machine that injects a liquid such as a cleaning liquid onto a target to be cleaned.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, examples, and modifications, and can be realized with various configurations without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the technical features in the embodiments, examples, and modifications corresponding to the technical features in each embodiment described in the summary section of the invention are to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or In order to achieve part or all of the above effects, replacement or combination can be performed as appropriate. Further, if the technical feature is not described as essential in the present specification, it can be deleted as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printing apparatus 11 ... Housing | casing 12 ... Paper feed port 13 ... Top cover 14 ... Paper discharge port 16 ... Operation part 20 ... Main-body part 21 ... Control part 22 ... Conveyance part 23 ... Printing part 25 ... Conveyance roller 27 ... Carriage 28 ... guide rails 100a, 100b, 100C, 100D ... ink cartridges 101-106 ... wall 102c ... lid 108, 108a-108c ... ink chamber 110, 110a-110c ... ink supply port 113 ... extension 114 ... projection 115 ... through-hole 116 ... air channel groove 117 ... seal member 118 ... groove 120 ... main engagement part 121 ... first flange 122 ... notch 123 ... second flange 125 ... first sidewall 126 ... second sidewall 127 ... End face 130 ... Circuit board 131 ... Terminal part 132 ... Storage devices 151-159 ... Terminal 200 ... Holder parts 201-205 ... Wall part 210 ... Cartridge Accommodating chambers 211-214 ... Ink receiving portion 215 ... Sealing portion 217 ... Biasing mechanism 221 ... First subwall portion 224 ... Second subwall portion 225 ... Inclined portion 226 ... Notch portion 227 ... Fitting hole 230 ... Lever portion 231a , 231b ... leg portions 232, 232A ... bridging portions 234, 234B ... extension portions 235, 235s ... convex portions 236, 236A ... flat plate portion 237 ... end faces 238, 238B ... operation portion 239 ... biasing mechanism 250 ... device side terminal portion 251: Terminal part surface 252 ... Terminal part back surface 253 ... Upper stage terminal part 254 ... Lower stage terminal part 255 ... Upper stage terminal part 256 ... Lower stage terminal part 258 ... Conductive part 258a, 258b ... Extension part 258t ... Folding part 261-269, 271 279 ... Terminals 281a and 281b ... Protruding part 285 ... Locking wall parts 286a and 286b ... End part 287 ... Central part 290 ... Fitting groove 291 ... Wall 300 ... ink storage portion 301 ... ink discharge port 310 ... adapter part 312 ... opening 330 ... ink supply unit 331 ... ink supply tube 332 ... ink storage portion CP ... contact portion

Claims (8)

A liquid supply unit mounting mechanism capable of mounting a liquid supply unit having a liquid supply port capable of supplying liquid,
A liquid introduction part capable of introducing the liquid from the liquid supply port of the liquid supply unit;
A rotation mechanism engaged with the liquid supply unit;
An electrode part capable of electrical contact with the liquid supply unit;
With
The rotation mechanism includes a first leg, a second leg formed to be separated from the first leg, and a bridge that bridges the first leg and the second leg. And
The rotating mechanism locks the liquid supply unit at the bridging portion,
The bridging part is pivotable in a direction away from the liquid introduction part,
The electrode part is located between the first leg part and the second leg part when viewed along the direction in which the bridging part rotates.
The liquid supply unit mounting mechanism , wherein a distance from the bridging portion to the pivot shaft of the pivot mechanism is longer than a distance from the bridging portion to the electrode portion . The liquid supply unit mounting mechanism according to claim 1 ,
The electrode unit has a plurality of electrodes that are in electrical contact with the liquid supply unit;
The rotating mechanism is an extension in which the position of the outer peripheral end portion is closer to the region where the liquid supply unit is mounted than at least some of the plurality of electrodes in a state where the liquid supply unit is not mounted. A liquid supply unit mounting mechanism having a protruding portion at least on the first leg. The liquid supply unit mounting mechanism according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The bridging portion contacts the liquid supply unit so as to limit movement in a direction in which the liquid introduction portion and the liquid supply port of the liquid supply unit are separated when the liquid supply unit is mounted. A liquid supply unit mounting mechanism having a contact portion. The liquid supply unit mounting mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The rotation mechanism restricts rotation of the bridging portion in a direction approaching the liquid introduction portion by contacting the liquid supply unit when the liquid supply unit is mounted. A liquid supply unit mounting mechanism having a portion. The liquid supply unit mounting mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The first leg has a first pivot shaft;
The second leg has a second pivot shaft;
The liquid supply unit mounting mechanism, wherein the rotation mechanism is rotatable with the first and second rotation shaft portions as rotation axes. The liquid supply unit mounting mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The rotation mechanism includes a first urging member capable of urging the first leg portion in the rotation direction, and a second urging member capable of urging the second leg portion in the rotation direction. And a liquid supply unit mounting mechanism. The liquid supply unit mounting mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The bridging unit has an operation unit that can be operated by a user to rotate the rotation mechanism at an intermediate position between the first leg and the second leg. Mounting mechanism. A liquid supply unit that can be mounted on the liquid supply unit mounting mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
A liquid supply unit comprising a contact portion that can turn the bridging portion in a direction away from the liquid introduction portion by contacting the turning mechanism when attached to the liquid supply unit attachment mechanism. .

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