JP6915705B2 - Liquid supply unit, liquid injection system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid supply unit, a liquid injection system, and the like.

Conventionally, an inkjet printer is known as an example of a liquid injection device. In an inkjet printer, printing on a printing medium can be performed by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, from a jet head onto a printing medium such as printing paper. In such an inkjet printer, conventionally, a configuration is known in which ink is supplied from an ink cartridge, which is an example of a liquid supply unit, to an injection head (for example, Patent Document 1). The configuration in which the liquid supply unit is mounted on the liquid injection device is referred to as a liquid injection system.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-248779

In the inkjet printer described in Patent Document 1, an ink cartridge is attached to a holder. The ink cartridge is provided with a lever that can be engaged with the holder. With the lever engaged with the holder, the ink cartridge is mounted on the holder. When mounting the ink cartridge in the holder, the user inserts the gripped ink cartridge into the holder and engages the lever with the holder. As a result, the ink cartridge is attached to the holder. At this time, the user has to manually install the ink cartridge. Partly because of this, it is considered that the approach posture of the ink cartridge with respect to the holder when the ink cartridge is inserted into the holder tends to vary. If the ink cartridge entry posture deviates from the proper range, the lever may not properly engage with the holder, or the ink cartridge may be caught by the holder before the lever engages with the holder. When such a situation occurs, the convenience of mounting the ink cartridge on the holder is impaired. That is, in the conventional liquid injection system, further improvement in convenience is desired.

The present invention can at least solve the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized as the following forms or application examples.

[Application Example 1] A liquid supply unit that can be mounted on a carriage having a first protrusion, a second protrusion, and a liquid introduction needle located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. The first wall portion, the second wall portion facing the first wall portion, the third wall portion intersecting the first wall portion and the second wall portion, the first wall portion and the second wall portion. A fourth wall that intersects the wall and faces the third wall, and a fifth wall that intersects the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall. A first wall portion, a second wall portion, a sixth wall portion that intersects the first wall portion, the third wall portion, and the fourth wall portion and faces the fifth wall portion, and the first wall portion. The wall portion is provided with a liquid supply portion that can be connected to the liquid introduction needle, a first recess into which the first protrusion can be inserted, and a second recess into which the second protrusion can be inserted. When one wall portion is viewed in a plan view from the first wall portion toward the second wall portion, the liquid supply portion is located closer to the fifth wall portion than the sixth wall portion, and the fifth wall portion is located. When the first wall portion is equally divided into a first region, a second region, and a third region in the direction from the wall portion toward the sixth wall portion, the first recess is located in the first region. A liquid supply unit characterized in that the second recess is located in the third region.

In this liquid supply unit, the first protrusion can be inserted into the first recess, and the second protrusion can be inserted into the second recess. Therefore, when the liquid supply unit is mounted on the carriage, the first recess and the second recess can be used as mounting guides. It is possible to reduce variations in the posture of the liquid supply unit with respect to the carriage when the liquid supply unit is mounted on the carriage. As a result, it is easy to improve the convenience when mounting the liquid supply unit on the carriage.

[Application Example 2] It can be attached to a carriage having a first protrusion, a second protrusion, and a liquid introduction needle located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, and is supplied to the liquid introduction needle. A third wall portion which is a liquid supply unit capable of accommodating a liquid, and which intersects the first wall portion, the second wall portion facing the first wall portion, and the first wall portion and the second wall portion. The wall portion, the fourth wall portion that intersects the first wall portion and the second wall portion and faces the third wall portion, the first wall portion, the second wall portion, and the third wall portion. The fifth wall portion intersecting with the fourth wall portion, the first wall portion, the second wall portion, the third wall portion, and the fourth wall portion intersecting with the fifth wall portion. A liquid supply portion that can be connected to the liquid introduction needle, a first recess into which the first protrusion can be inserted, and the second protrusion are inserted into the first wall portion. When a possible second recess and a detected portion for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid are provided, and the first wall portion is viewed in a plan view in the direction from the first wall portion to the second wall portion. The liquid supply unit is located closer to the fifth wall portion than the sixth wall portion, the first recess is located closer to the fifth wall portion than the liquid supply unit, and the second recess is located. Is located closer to the sixth wall portion than the liquid supply portion, and in the direction from the fifth wall portion to the sixth wall portion, the detected portion includes the first recess and the second recess. A liquid supply unit characterized by being located between.

In this liquid supply unit, the first protrusion can be inserted into the first recess, and the second protrusion can be inserted into the second recess. Therefore, when the liquid supply unit is mounted on the carriage, the position of the first recess can be regulated by the first protrusion, and the position of the second recess can be regulated by the second protrusion. As a result, it is possible to reduce variations in the posture of the liquid supply unit with respect to the carriage after the liquid supply unit is mounted on the carriage. As a result, it is easy to suppress a decrease in detection accuracy with respect to the detected portion.

[Application Example 3] The above liquid supply unit is further provided with a contact portion which is arranged on the fifth wall portion and comes into contact with the electrodes of the carriage in a state where the liquid supply unit is mounted on the carriage. When the first wall portion is viewed in a plan view in the direction from the first wall portion to the second wall portion, a portion of the liquid supply portion that can come into contact with the liquid introduction needle, the contact portion, and the like. A liquid supply unit characterized in that the first recess and the second recess are arranged in a straight line.

In this liquid supply unit, the portion of the liquid supply unit that can come into contact with the liquid introduction needle, the contact portion, the first recess, and the second recess are the carriages when the liquid supply unit is mounted on the carriage, respectively. It is one of the factors that regulate the position of the liquid supply unit with respect to. By arranging the factors that regulate the position of the liquid supply unit with respect to the carriage in a straight line, it is possible to improve the guide function of the liquid supply unit with respect to the carriage when the liquid supply unit is mounted on the carriage.

[Application Example 4] In the above liquid supply unit, the fifth wall portion engages with the carriage in a state where the liquid supply unit is mounted on the carriage, and the first wall portion to the first wall portion. An engagement structure that regulates the displacement of the liquid supply unit with respect to the carriage is provided in the first direction toward the two wall portions, and the first wall portion is directed from the first wall portion toward the second wall portion. When viewed in a plan view, a portion of the engaging structure that can be brought into contact with the carriage, a portion of the liquid supply portion that can be brought into contact with the liquid introduction needle, the first recess, and the second recess. A liquid supply unit characterized in that the and are arranged in a straight line.

In this liquid supply unit, the part of the engaging structure that can come into contact with the carriage, the part of the liquid supply part that can come into contact with the liquid introduction needle, the first recess, and the second recess are liquids, respectively. It is one of the factors that regulate the position of the liquid supply unit with respect to the carriage when the supply unit is mounted on the carriage. By arranging the factors that regulate the position of the liquid supply unit with respect to the carriage in a straight line, it is possible to improve the guide function of the liquid supply unit with respect to the carriage when the liquid supply unit is mounted on the carriage.

[Application Example 5] In the above liquid supply unit, the first recess is in a direction from the second wall portion toward the first wall portion and a direction from the third wall portion toward the fourth wall portion. A liquid supply unit characterized by being open.

In this liquid supply unit, since the first recess is open in two directions, the first protrusion can be easily inserted into the first recess. This makes it easier to mount the liquid supply unit on the carriage.

[Application Example 6] In the above liquid supply unit, the second recess is in a direction from the second wall portion toward the first wall portion and a direction from the third wall portion toward the fourth wall portion. A liquid supply unit characterized by being open.

In this liquid supply unit, since the second recess is open in two directions, it is possible to easily insert the second protrusion into the second recess. This makes it easier to mount the liquid supply unit on the carriage.

[Application Example 7] A liquid injection system including a carriage and a liquid supply unit mounted on the carriage and capable of containing a liquid, wherein the carriage includes a first protrusion, a second protrusion, and the first. A liquid introduction needle located between the protrusion and the second protrusion is provided, and the liquid supply unit includes a first wall portion, a second wall portion facing the first wall portion, and the first wall portion. A third wall portion that intersects the portion and the second wall portion, a fourth wall portion that intersects the first wall portion and the second wall portion and faces the third wall portion, and the first wall portion. The fifth wall portion intersecting the portion, the second wall portion, the third wall portion, and the fourth wall portion, the first wall portion, the second wall portion, the third wall portion, and the fourth wall portion. A sixth wall portion that intersects the wall portion and faces the fifth wall portion is provided, and a liquid supply portion that can be connected to the liquid introduction needle and the first protrusion are inserted into the first wall portion. A possible first recess and a second recess into which the second protrusion can be inserted are provided, and the first wall portion is viewed in a plan view in a first direction from the first wall portion to the second wall portion. When, the liquid supply part is located between the fifth wall part and the sixth wall part, the first recess is located between the fifth wall part and the liquid supply part, and the second The recess is located between the sixth wall portion and the liquid supply portion, and the direction from the second wall portion to the first wall portion is the second direction, and the liquid supply portion is the first wall portion. The liquid supply portion protrudes from the first wall portion in the second direction by a first distance from the portion of the first wall portion where the first recess is provided, and the first protrusion protrudes from the surface in the second direction. A liquid injection system characterized in that it protrudes by a second distance in the first direction from the liquid introduction needle, and the second distance is larger than the first distance.

In this liquid injection system, when the liquid supply unit is mounted on the carriage, the first protrusion tends to enter the first recess before the liquid introduction needle enters the liquid supply. As a result, when the liquid supply unit is mounted on the carriage, the first recess is guided by the first protrusion, so that the liquid supply unit can be easily guided toward the liquid introduction needle. As a result, it is easy to stabilize the posture of the liquid supply unit with respect to the carriage when the liquid introduction needle enters the liquid supply unit.

[Application Example 8] In the above liquid injection system, the second protrusion protrudes by a third distance in the first direction from the liquid introduction needle, and the third distance is larger than the first distance. A liquid injection system featuring.

In this liquid injection system, when the liquid supply unit is mounted on the carriage, the first protrusion enters the first recess and the second protrusion enters the second recess before the liquid introduction needle enters the liquid supply. Easy to enter. As a result, when the liquid supply unit is mounted on the carriage, the first recess is guided by the first protrusion and the second recess is guided by the second protrusion, so that the liquid supply unit is directed toward the liquid introduction needle. Easy to guide. As a result, it is easier to stabilize the posture of the liquid supply unit with respect to the carriage when the liquid introduction needle enters the liquid supply unit.

[Application Example 9] In the above liquid injection system, the liquid supply unit is further arranged on the fifth wall portion, includes a contact portion in contact with an electrode of the carriage, and the second distance is the second distance. A liquid injection system characterized by being larger than 3 distances.

In this liquid injection system, when the liquid supply unit is mounted on the carriage, the first protrusion tends to enter the first recess before the second protrusion enters the second recess. Therefore, when the liquid supply unit is mounted on the carriage, the first recess is likely to be guided by the first protrusion before the second recess is guided by the second protrusion. That is, the first recess is likely to be guided before the second recess. The contact portion of the liquid supply unit is provided on the fifth wall portion closer to the first recess than the second recess. That is, the contact portion is closer to the first recess, which is more likely to be guided before the second recess. Therefore, when the liquid supply unit is mounted on the carriage, it is easy to guide the contact portion side near the first recess at an early stage, so that it is easy to stabilize the posture of the liquid supply unit with respect to the carriage when the contact portion contacts the electrode. .. As a result, when the liquid supply unit is mounted on the carriage, the contact portion can be easily brought into stable contact with the electrode.

[Application Example 10] The liquid injection system described above, wherein the first recess and the contact portion are provided at positions facing each other with the front fifth wall portion interposed therebetween. ..

In this liquid injection system, since the first recess and the contact portion are provided at positions facing each other with the five wall portions interposed therebetween, the contact portion is the electrode of the carriage and the contact portion when the liquid supply unit is mounted on the carriage. It has a positional relationship of being sandwiched by one protrusion. Therefore, it is easy to stably contact the contact portion with the electrode.

[Application Example 11] The above liquid injection system includes a detection unit for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the liquid supply unit, and the liquid supply unit has the detection unit on a first wall portion. A detected portion is provided to detect the remaining amount of the liquid, and when the first wall portion is viewed in a plan view in the direction from the first wall portion to the second wall portion, the liquid supply portion is , The first recess is located closer to the fifth wall than the sixth wall, the first recess is closer to the fifth wall than the liquid supply, and the second recess is the liquid supply. The detected portion is located between the first recess and the second recess in a direction closer to the sixth wall and from the fifth wall toward the sixth wall. A liquid injection system characterized by that.

In this liquid injection system, when the liquid supply unit is mounted on the carriage, the position of the first recess can be regulated by the first protrusion and the position of the second recess can be regulated by the second protrusion. As a result, it is possible to reduce variations in the posture of the liquid supply unit with respect to the carriage after the liquid supply unit is mounted on the carriage. As a result, it is easy to suppress a decrease in detection accuracy with respect to detection of the remaining amount of liquid.

The perspective view which shows typically the main structure of the liquid injection system in 1st Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the holder in 1st Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the holder in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the appearance of the cartridge in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the appearance of the cartridge in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the appearance of the cartridge in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the appearance of the cartridge in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the appearance of the cartridge in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the appearance of the cartridge in 1st Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the appearance of the cartridge in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the appearance of the circuit board in 1st Embodiment. The cross-sectional view which shows the liquid supply part in 1st Embodiment. The cross-sectional view which shows the liquid supply part in 1st Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the appearance of the cartridge in 1st Embodiment. The cross-sectional view which shows the cartridge in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a cartridge and a holder according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows the appearance of the cartridge in 1st Embodiment. The cross-sectional view which shows the holder in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a cartridge and a holder according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a cartridge and a holder according to the first embodiment. The perspective view which shows typically the main structure of the liquid injection system in 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cartridge and a holder according to the second embodiment. The cross-sectional view which shows typically the detection part and the detected part in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the appearance of the cartridge in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the appearance of the cartridge in 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows the appearance of the cartridge in 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows the appearance of the cartridge in 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows the appearance of the cartridge in 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows the appearance of the cartridge in 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows the appearance of the cartridge in 3rd Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the appearance of the cartridge in 3rd Embodiment. The figure explaining the schematic structure of the liquid supply unit in the modification 1. The figure which shows the appearance of the cartridge in the modification 2. The figure which shows the appearance of the cartridge in the modification 3.

An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a liquid injection system including an inkjet printer (hereinafter, referred to as a printer) which is an example of a liquid injection device. In each drawing, the configuration and the scale of the members may be different in order to make each configuration recognizable.

(First Embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid injection system 1 in the present embodiment includes a printer 5 which is an example of a liquid injection device, and a cartridge 7 which is an example of a liquid supply unit. The cartridge 7 can contain ink, which is an example of a liquid. The liquid injection system 1 has a plurality of (2 or more than 2) cartridges 7. In this embodiment, the printer 5 is equipped with four cartridges 7. The liquid injection system 1 can print on a recording medium P such as recording paper by using ink which is an example of a liquid. The number of cartridges 7 that can be mounted on the printer 5 is not limited to four, and any one or more cartridges 7 can be adopted.

Here, the liquid injection system is a device including a liquid injection device and a liquid supply unit. The expression liquid injection system is applied when a liquid injection device equipped with a liquid supply unit and a liquid injection device not including a liquid supply unit are clearly distinguished from each other. On the other hand, the device obtained by removing the liquid supply unit from the liquid injection system becomes the liquid injection device. However, the expression "liquid injection device" does not strictly distinguish between a liquid injection device equipped with a liquid supply unit and a liquid injection device excluding the liquid supply unit. That is, the liquid injection device is a concept including a liquid injection device equipped with a liquid supply unit and a liquid injection device excluding the liquid supply unit, and can be applied to both of them.

However, in the present specification, unless otherwise specified, the liquid injection device refers to a liquid injection device excluding the liquid supply unit. Further, in the present specification, the liquid injection system is a concept including a liquid injection device and a liquid supply unit, and does not apply to a liquid injection device other than the liquid supply unit. The above definition does not deny the mixture of the expression of a liquid injection system and the expression of a liquid injection device equipped with a liquid supply unit. Therefore, in the following, the expression of a liquid injection device equipped with a liquid supply unit and the expression of a liquid injection system may be mixed.

According to the above definition, the liquid injection system 1 in this embodiment is a printer 5 on which the cartridge 7 is mounted. Further, the printer 5 corresponds to a device in which the cartridge 7 is removed from the liquid injection system 1. In FIG. 1, XYZ axes, which are coordinate axes orthogonal to each other, are attached. The figures shown below are also provided with XYZ axes as needed. In this case, the XYZ axes in each figure correspond to the XYZ axes in FIG. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the liquid injection system 1 is arranged on the XY plane defined by the X-axis and the Y-axis. In the present embodiment, the state in which the liquid injection system 1 is arranged on the XY plane with the XY plane aligned with the horizontal plane is the state in which the liquid injection system 1 is used. The posture of the liquid injection system 1 when the liquid injection system 1 is arranged on the XY plane aligned with the horizontal plane is called the usage posture of the liquid injection system 1.

In the following, when the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are described in the drawings and explanations showing the components and units of the liquid injection system 1, the components and units are incorporated into the liquid injection system 1 ( It means the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis in the mounted state. Further, the posture of each component or unit in the usage posture of the liquid injection system 1 is referred to as the usage posture of those components or unit. In the following description of the liquid injection system 1, its components, units, and the like, unless otherwise specified, the description will be given in each usage posture.

The Z axis is an axis orthogonal to the XY plane. In the used state of the liquid injection system 1, the Z-axis direction is vertically upward. Then, in the state of use of the liquid injection system 1, in FIG. 1, the −Z axis direction is the vertical downward direction. In each of the XYZ axes, the direction of the arrow indicates the + (positive) direction, and the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow indicates the − (negative) direction. The four cartridges 7 described above are arranged along the X axis. Therefore, the X-axis direction can also be defined as the direction in which the four cartridges 7 are arranged.

The printer 5 has a carriage 9, a recording head 11, and a holder 12. The carriage 9 is configured to be reciprocally movable along the X axis. The recording head 11 and the holder 12 are mounted on the carriage 9. The recording head 11, which is an example of the liquid injection head, is located in the −Z axis direction of the carriage 9. The holder 12 is located in the Z-axis direction of the carriage 9. The holder 12 is configured so that a plurality of cartridges 7 can be mounted. The cartridge 7 is detachably mounted on the holder 12. The carriage 9 is connected to the timing belt 13. Power from the motor 14 is transmitted to the carriage 9 via the timing belt 13. As a result, the carriage 9 can reciprocate along the X axis.

Further, in the printer 5, the power from the transfer motor (not shown) is transmitted to the transfer roller 15. The transport roller 15 extends along the X axis. In the printer 5, the recording medium P can be conveyed in the Y-axis direction by rotating the transfer roller 15 with the power from the transfer motor.

The ink in the cartridge 7 mounted on the holder 12 is supplied to the recording head 11. The recording head 11 is formed with a nozzle opening (not shown) that opens toward the recording medium P side. The ink supplied from the cartridge 7 to the recording head 11 is ejected as ink droplets from the nozzle opening of the recording head 11 toward the recording medium P.

The printer 5 further includes a control unit 16 for controlling each of the above-mentioned mechanisms. The recording head 11 is connected to the control unit 16 via a flexible cable 17. In the liquid injection system 1 having the above configuration, the recording medium P is conveyed in the Y-axis direction, and the carriage 9 is reciprocated along the X-axis to eject ink droplets at a predetermined position on the recording head 11. Recording is performed on the recording medium P.

Here, the direction along the X-axis is not limited to the direction completely parallel to the X-axis, and includes the direction inclined due to an error, a tolerance, or the like, except for the direction orthogonal to the X-axis. Similarly, the direction along the Y-axis is not limited to a direction completely parallel to the Y-axis, and includes a direction tilted due to an error, a tolerance, or the like, except for a direction orthogonal to the Y-axis. The direction along the Z-axis is not limited to a direction completely parallel to the Z-axis, and includes a direction inclined due to an error, a tolerance, or the like, except for a direction orthogonal to the Z-axis. That is, the direction along any axis or surface is not limited to the direction completely parallel to these arbitrary axes or surfaces, and is due to errors, tolerances, etc., except for the direction orthogonal to these arbitrary axes or surfaces. Including the tilted direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, the holder 12 has a recess 21. The cartridge 7 is mounted in the recess 21 of the holder 12. In this embodiment, four cartridges 7 can be housed in the recess 21. In the present embodiment, the four cartridges 7 mounted in the recess 21 are housed in the recess 21 with a gap between them. In the recess 21, mounting positions corresponding to each of the four cartridges 7 mounted in the recess 21 are defined. The four mounting positions are aligned along the X-axis in the recess 21. That is, the four cartridges 7 are housed in the recess 21 in a state of being arranged along the X axis.

Four ink introduction needles 23 are provided on the bottom portion 22 in the recess 21. The ink introduction needle 23 is an example of a liquid introduction needle. The number of ink introduction needles 23 provided in the recess 21 is equal to the number of cartridges 7 that can be mounted in the holder 12. The four ink introduction needles 23 project from the bottom 22 in the Z-axis direction. The four ink introduction needles 23 are arranged along the X axis. The ink contained in the cartridge 7 is supplied to the printer 5 from the ink introduction needle 23. That is, the ink contained in the cartridge 7 is supplied to the recording head 11 (FIG. 1) via the ink introduction needle 23.

The holder 12 has a side wall 25, a side wall 26, a side wall 27, and a side wall 28. The side wall 25, the side wall 26, the side wall 27, and the side wall 28 each intersect the bottom portion 22 and project from the bottom portion 22 in the Z-axis direction.

The side wall 25 and the side wall 26 face each other along the Y axis with the ink introduction needle 23 interposed therebetween. The side wall 25 is located in the −Y axis direction with respect to the ink introduction needle 23. Further, the side wall 26 is located in the Y-axis direction with respect to the ink introduction needle 23. The side wall 27 and the side wall 28 face each other along the X axis with the ink introduction needle 23 interposed therebetween. The side wall 27 is located in the −X axis direction with respect to the ink introduction needle 23. Further, the side wall 28 is located in the X-axis direction with respect to the ink introduction needle 23. The bottom portion 22 is surrounded by a side wall 25, a side wall 26, a side wall 27, and a side wall 28. As a result, the recess 21 is partitioned.

The bottom portion 22 and the side walls 25 to 28 are not limited to flat walls, and may include irregularities or curved surfaces, respectively. Further, the side wall 25 to the side wall 28 do not have to be orthogonal to the bottom portion 22, and may intersect with the bottom portion 22. Further, the fact that the two surfaces intersect indicates that the two surfaces are not parallel to each other. In addition to the case where the two surfaces are in direct contact with each other, there are cases where the extension of one surface and the extension of the other surface intersect each other even if they are not in direct contact with each other and are separated from each other. Expressed as intersecting. The angle formed by the two intersecting surfaces may be a right angle, an obtuse angle, or an acute angle.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the holder 12 has a first protrusion 31, a second protrusion 32, an engaging portion 33, and a contact mechanism 34. In FIG. 3, a state in which a part of the holder 12 is cut is shown in order to show the configuration in an easy-to-understand manner. The first protrusion 31, the second protrusion 32, the engaging portion 33, and the contact mechanism 34 are provided corresponding to the cartridge 7 that can be mounted on the holder 12, respectively. That is, in the present embodiment, the holder 12 has four first protrusions 31, four second protrusions 32, four engagement portions 33, and four contact mechanisms 34. The four first protrusions 31 are arranged along the X axis. The four second protrusions 32 are aligned along the X axis. The four engaging portions 33 are arranged along the X axis. The four contact mechanisms 34 are arranged along the X axis.

The first protrusion 31 and the second protrusion 32 each project from the bottom portion 22 in the Z-axis direction. The first protrusion 31 and the second protrusion 32 each protrude in the Z-axis direction from the ink introduction needle 23. When the holder 12 is viewed in a plan view in the −Z axis direction, the first protrusion 31 is located in the −Y axis direction with respect to the ink introduction needle 23 and is located in the Y axis direction with respect to the side wall 25. When the holder 12 is viewed in a plan view in the −Z axis direction, the second protrusion 32 is located in the Y-axis direction with respect to the ink introduction needle 23 and in the −Y axis direction with respect to the side wall 26.

The engaging portion 33 is provided on the side wall 25. The engaging portion 33 is provided at the end portion of the side wall 25 in the Z-axis direction. The engaging portion 33 projects from the side wall 25 in the Y-axis direction. The engaging portion 33 is configured so that the engaged portion (described later) of the cartridge 7 can be engaged. By engaging the engaged portion of the cartridge 7 with the engaging portion 33 of the holder 12, mounting of the cartridge 7 on the holder 12 is achieved.

The contact mechanism 34 is provided on the side wall 25. On the side wall 25, the contact mechanism 34 is located between the bottom portion 22 and the engaging portion 33. The contact mechanism 34 has a plurality of electrode pins 35. The electrode pin 35 is an example of an electrode. The contact mechanism 34 constitutes a connection portion that can be electrically connected to the circuit board (described later) of the cartridge 7. The circuit board of the cartridge 7 may be electrically connected to the control unit 16 of the printer 5 via the contact mechanism 34.

The cartridge 7 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the cartridge 7 has a first wall portion 41. FIG. 4 shows a state when the cartridge 7 is viewed in a plan view in the Z-axis direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the cartridge 7 has a second wall portion 42. FIG. 5 shows a state when the cartridge 7 is viewed in a plan view in the −Z axis direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the cartridge 7 has a third wall portion 43. FIG. 6 shows a state when the cartridge 7 is viewed in a plan view in the X-axis direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the cartridge 7 has a fourth wall portion 44. FIG. 7 shows a state when the cartridge 7 is viewed in a plan view in the −X axis direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the cartridge 7 has a fifth wall portion 45. FIG. 8 shows a state when the cartridge 7 is viewed in a plan view in the Y-axis direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the cartridge 7 has a sixth wall portion 46. FIG. 9 shows a state when the cartridge 7 is viewed in a plan view in the −Y axis direction. The first wall portions 41 to 6th wall portions 46 are not limited to flat walls, and may include irregularities or curved surfaces.

The first wall portion 41 and the second wall portion 42 intersect with each other on the Z axis. The first wall portion 41 and the second wall portion 42 face each other. The second wall portion 42 is located in the Z-axis direction with respect to the first wall portion 41. The third wall portion 43 and the fourth wall portion 44 each intersect the X-axis. The third wall portion 43 and the fourth wall portion 44 face each other. The fourth wall portion 44 is located in the X-axis direction with respect to the third wall portion 43.

The fifth wall portion 45 and the sixth wall portion 46 each intersect the Y-axis. The fifth wall portion 45 and the sixth wall portion 46 face each other. The sixth wall portion 46 is located in the Y-axis direction with respect to the fifth wall portion 45. The first wall portion 41 and the second wall portion 42 intersect with each of the third wall portion 43 to the sixth wall portion 46, respectively. The third wall portion 43 and the fourth wall portion 44 intersect with the fifth wall portion 45 and the sixth wall portion 46, respectively.

The liquid storage portion 47 shown in FIG. 6 is formed inside the region surrounded by the first wall portions 41 to 6 wall portions 46 of the cartridge 7. In the cartridge 7, ink is stored in the liquid storage unit 47. That is, in the cartridge 7, ink is housed inside the region surrounded by the first wall portions 41 to the sixth wall portions 46.

As shown in FIG. 10, the first wall portion 41 is provided with a liquid supply portion 51. The ink in the liquid storage section 47 of the cartridge 7 is supplied to the ink introduction needle 23 (FIG. 3) of the holder 12 via the liquid supply section 51. Further, the fifth wall portion 45 is provided with a lever 52 and a circuit board 53. The lever 52 protrudes from the fifth wall portion 45 in the −Y axis direction and extends in the Z axis direction.

The lever 52 is provided with the above-mentioned engaged portion 54. The engaged portion 54 is formed in a portion of the lever 52 facing the side opposite to the fifth wall portion 45 side, and projects toward the side opposite to the fifth wall portion 45 side. The cartridge 7 can be mounted on the holder 12 by engaging the end of the engaged portion 54 in the Z-axis direction with the end of the engaging portion 33 (FIG. 3) of the holder 12 in the -Z-axis direction. Will be done. That is, the displacement of the cartridge 7 with respect to the carriage 9 can be regulated by engaging the end portion of the engaged portion 54 in the Z-axis direction with the end portion of the engaging portion 33 in the −Z axis direction. The lever 52 is an example of an engaging structure, and the engaged portion 54 is an example of a portion capable of contacting the carriage 9.

As shown in FIG. 11, the circuit board 53 has a terminal portion 56. The circuit board 53 has a plurality of terminals 57. Each of the plurality of terminals 57 has a contact portion 58 that can be electrically contacted with the electrode pin 35 of the contact mechanism 34. A function having a plurality of contact portions 58 capable of electrically contacting the electrode pins 35 of the contact mechanism 34 is referred to as a terminal portion 56. The terminal portion 56 may be provided on the substrate. In this embodiment, at least a part of the plurality of terminals 57 is connected to a storage device (not shown) provided on the circuit board 53. Further, as an example of the plurality of terminals 57, in the present embodiment, a configuration in which a plurality of metal pads are arranged as terminals 57 on the circuit board 53 is adopted. Then, in a state where the cartridge 7 is mounted on the holder 12, the storage device provided on the circuit board 53 of the cartridge 7 and the control unit 16 (FIG. 1) of the printer 5 are electrically connected to each other via the contact mechanism 34. Connected to. As a result, various information is exchanged between the storage device provided on the circuit board 53 of the cartridge 7 and the control unit 16 of the printer 5.

As shown in FIG. 12, the liquid supply unit 51 includes a seal member 61, a valve body 62, and a spring 63. A supply port 65 is formed in the case 64 that constitutes the outer shell of the cartridge 7. The supply port 65 is formed in the first wall portion 41. The supply port 65 penetrates the first wall portion 41 and leads to the liquid storage portion 47. The seal member 61, the valve body 62, and the spring 63 are housed inside the supply port 65. In addition, in FIG. 12, the cross section when the liquid supply part 51 is cut in the YZ plane is shown.

From the supply port 65 toward the inside of the liquid storage portion 47, the spring 63, the valve body 62, and the seal member 61 are housed in the supply port 65 in this order. The spring 63 is located closer to the liquid storage portion 47 than the valve body 62. The valve body 62 is located closer to the liquid storage portion 47 than the seal member 61. The spring 63 is sandwiched between the spring fixing portion 66 and the valve body 62. The valve body 62 is sandwiched between the spring 63 and the seal member 61. Therefore, the valve body 62 is urged toward the seal member 61 side by the spring 63.

The seal member 61 is made of, for example, an elastic body such as rubber or an elastomer. The seal member 61 is press-fitted into the supply port 65. The seal member 61 is provided with a through hole 67. The inner diameter of the through hole 67 is smaller than the outer diameter of the ink introduction needle 23.

The valve body 62 is urged toward the seal member 61 side in a state of overlapping the through hole 67 of the seal member 61. Therefore, the through hole 67 of the seal member 61 is closed by the valve body 62. A gap is maintained between the valve body 62 and the supply port 65. A gap is also maintained between the spring 63 and the supply port 65. Therefore, the valve body 62 and the spring 63 can each displace the inside of the supply port 65 along the extending direction of the supply port 65. Then, with the valve body 62 housed in the supply port 65, the gap between the valve body 62 and the inside of the supply port 65 functions as an ink flow path.

When the cartridge 7 is attached to the holder 12 (FIG. 3), the ink introduction needle 23 is inserted into the through hole 67 of the seal member 61 as shown in FIG. At this time, the valve body 62 is pushed by the ink introduction needle 23 and is displaced toward the spring fixing portion 66 side. The ink introduction needle 23 is formed to be hollow. As a result, as shown by the arrow in the drawing, ink can be supplied to the recording head 11 (FIG. 1) from the flow path between the inside of the supply port 65 and the valve body 62 via the ink introduction needle 23.

Before the cartridge 7 is mounted on the holder 12, the supply port 65 is sealed with the film 68 as shown in FIG. When the cartridge 7 is mounted on the holder 12 with the supply port 65 sealed with the film 68, the ink introduction needle 23 is inserted into the liquid supply unit 51 after the film 68 is broken by the ink introduction needle 23. Further, as described above, the inner diameter of the through hole 67 of the seal member 61 is smaller than the outer diameter of the ink introduction needle 23. Therefore, when the ink introduction needle 23 is inserted into the liquid supply unit 51, the ink introduction needle 23 is in a state of being press-fitted into the seal member 61. At this time, as shown in FIG. 13, the portion of the seal member 61 in contact with the ink introduction needle 23 is called the contact portion 69. The contact portion 69 corresponds to a portion of the liquid supply portion that can come into contact with the liquid introduction needle.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the cartridge 7 is formed with a first recess 71 and a second recess 72 in the first wall portion 41. As shown in FIG. 15, the first recess 71 and the second recess 72 each have a concave direction from the first wall portion 41 toward the second wall portion 42, that is, a concave direction toward the Z-axis direction. It is provided in. The first recess 71 and the second recess 72 are open in the −Z axis direction, respectively. Note that FIG. 15 shows a cross section of the cartridge 7 when the cartridge 7 is cut in a YZ plane passing through the first recess 71, the second recess 72, and the liquid supply section 51.

Before the cartridge 7 is mounted on the holder 12, the second recess 72 is closed by the film 73, as shown in FIG. When mounting the cartridge 7 on the holder 12, the user removes the film 73 from the cartridge 7 and then mounts the cartridge 7 on the holder 12. At this time, as shown in FIG. 16, the first protrusion 31 of the holder 12 faces the first recess 71, and the second protrusion 32 faces the second recess 72. That is, the first protrusion 31 of the holder 12 is provided at a position facing the first recess 71 of the cartridge 7. Further, the second protrusion 32 of the holder 12 is provided at a position facing the second recess 72 of the cartridge 7.

Here, in the cartridge 7, when the first wall portion 41 is viewed in a plane in the first direction from the first wall portion 41 toward the second wall portion 42, that is, when the first wall portion 41 is viewed in a plane in the Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 17, the liquid supply unit 51 is located closer to the fifth wall portion 45 than the sixth wall portion 46. The first recess 71 is located closer to the fifth wall 45 than the liquid supply 51, and the second recess 72 is located closer to the sixth wall 46 than the liquid supply 51. Then, when the first wall portion 41 is equally divided into the first region 81, the second region 82, and the third region 83 in the direction from the fifth wall portion 45 to the sixth wall portion 46, that is, in the Y-axis direction. The first recess 71 is located in the first region 81, and the second recess 72 is located in the third region 83.

With the above configuration, in the cartridge 7, the first protrusion 31 can be inserted into the first recess 71, and the second protrusion 32 can be inserted into the second recess 72. Therefore, when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the holder 12 of the carriage 9, the first recess 71 and the second recess 72 can be used as mounting guides. It is possible to reduce variations in the posture of the cartridge 7 with respect to the carriage 9 when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the carriage 9. As a result, it is easy to improve the convenience when mounting the cartridge 7 on the carriage 9.

Further, in the cartridge 7, the contact portion 69 of the seal member 61 that comes into contact with the ink introduction needle 23, the contact portion 58 of the circuit board 53 (FIG. 11), the first recess 71, and the second recess 72 are formed. As shown in FIG. 17, they are arranged in a straight line. In the cartridge 7, the contact portion 69 of the seal member 61 that comes into contact with the ink introduction needle 23, the contact portion 58 of the circuit board 53 (FIG. 11), the first recess 71, and the second recess 72 are respectively. This is one of the factors that regulate the position of the cartridge 7 with respect to the carriage 9 when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the carriage 9. By arranging the factors that regulate the position of the cartridge 7 with respect to the carriage 9 in a straight line, it is possible to improve the guide function of the cartridge 7 with respect to the carriage 9 when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the carriage 9.

Further, in the cartridge 7, the engaged portion 54 of the lever 52, the abutting portion 69 of the sealing member 61 that comes into contact with the ink introduction needle 23, the first recess 71, and the second recess 72 are shown in FIG. As shown, they are arranged in a straight line. In the cartridge 7, the engaged portion 54 of the lever 52, the abutting portion 69 of the sealing member 61 that comes into contact with the ink introduction needle 23, the first recess 71, and the second recess 72 each form the cartridge 7. This is one of the factors that regulate the position of the cartridge 7 with respect to the carriage 9 when mounted on the carriage 9. By arranging the factors that regulate the position of the cartridge 7 with respect to the carriage 9 in a straight line, it is possible to improve the guide function of the cartridge 7 with respect to the carriage 9 when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the carriage 9.

Further, in the cartridge 7, as shown in FIG. 15, the liquid supply unit 51 is the first recess 71 of the first wall portion 41, with the direction from the second wall portion 42 to the first wall portion 41 as the second direction. Protrudes by a first distance L1 in the second direction from the portion provided with. That is, in the cartridge 7, the liquid supply portion 51 protrudes from the first wall portion 41 by a first distance L1 in the −Z axis direction.

Further, in the holder 12, as shown in FIG. 18, the first protrusion 31 protrudes from the ink introduction needle 23 by a second distance L2 in the Z-axis direction. As described above, the Z-axis direction corresponds to the first direction in the cartridge 7 from the first wall portion 41 to the second wall portion 42. Then, in the present embodiment, the second distance L2 is larger than the first distance L1.

With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 19, when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the holder 12 of the carriage 9, the first protrusion 31 is placed in the first recess 71 before the ink introduction needle 23 reaches the liquid supply portion 51. Can enter. As a result, the first protrusion 31 easily enters the first recess 71 before the ink introduction needle 23 enters the liquid supply section 51. Therefore, when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the holder 12 of the carriage 9, the first recess 71 is guided by the first protrusion 31, so that the liquid supply portion 51 can be easily guided toward the ink introduction needle 23. As a result, it is easy to stabilize the posture of the cartridge 7 with respect to the carriage 9 when the ink introduction needle 23 enters the liquid supply unit 51.

Further, in the holder 12, as shown in FIG. 18, the second protrusion 32 protrudes from the ink introduction needle 23 by a third distance L3 in the Z-axis direction. Then, in the present embodiment, the third distance L3 is larger than the first distance L1. With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 19, when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the holder 12 of the carriage 9, the second protrusion 32 is placed in the second recess 72 before the ink introduction needle 23 reaches the liquid supply portion 51. Can enter. That is, in the present embodiment, when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the holder 12 of the carriage 9, the first protrusion 31 enters the first recess 71 and the first protrusion 31 enters the first recess 71 before the ink introduction needle 23 reaches the liquid supply portion 51. The second protrusion 32 easily enters the second recess 72. As a result, when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the holder 12 of the carriage 9, the first recess 71 is guided by the first protrusion 31 and the second recess 72 is guided by the second protrusion 32, whereby the liquid supply unit It is easy to guide the 51 toward the ink introduction needle 23. As a result, it is easier to stabilize the posture of the cartridge 7 with respect to the carriage 9 when the ink introduction needle 23 enters the liquid supply unit 51.

Further, when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the holder 12 of the carriage 9, as shown in FIG. 19, the electrode pin 35 of the contact mechanism 34 comes into contact with the fifth wall portion 45 of the cartridge 7, and the electrode pin 35 becomes −Y. Deflection in the axial direction. In the cartridge 7, the first recess 71 and the contact portion 58 (FIG. 11) of the circuit board 53 are provided at positions facing each other with the fifth wall portion 45 interposed therebetween.

Further, in the holder 12, as shown in FIG. 18, the second distance L2 is larger than the third distance L3. With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 19, when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the holder 12 of the carriage 9, the first protrusion 31 fits into the first recess 71 before the second protrusion 32 enters the second recess 72. Easy to enter. Therefore, when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the holder 12 of the carriage 9, the first recess 71 is likely to be guided by the first protrusion 31 before the second recess 72 is guided by the second protrusion 32. That is, the first recess 71 is likely to be guided before the second recess 72.

The liquid supply portion 51 of the cartridge 7 is provided at a position closer to the first recess 71 than the second recess 72. That is, the liquid supply unit 51 is closer to the first recess 71, which is more likely to be guided before the second recess 72. Therefore, when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the holder 12 of the carriage 9, it is easy to guide the liquid supply portion 51 side close to the first recess 71 at an early stage, so that when the ink introduction needle 23 enters the liquid supply portion 51. It is easy to stabilize the posture of the cartridge 7 with respect to the carriage 9. As a result, when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the holder 12 of the carriage 9, the ink introduction needle 23 can be stably inserted into the liquid supply unit 51.

Further, the contact portion 58 (FIG. 11) of the circuit board 53 of the cartridge 7 is provided in the fifth wall portion 45 closer to the first recess 71 than the second recess 72. That is, the contact portion 58 is closer to the first recess 71, which is more likely to be guided before the second recess 72. Therefore, when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the holder 12 of the carriage 9, it is easy to guide the contact portion 58 side close to the first recess 71 at an early stage, so that when the contact portion 58 comes into contact with the electrode pin 35 of the contact mechanism 34. It is easy to stabilize the posture of the cartridge 7 with respect to the carriage 9. As a result, when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the holder 12 of the carriage 9, the contact portion 58 can be easily brought into stable contact with the electrode pin 35.

Then, when the cartridge 7 is further inserted into the holder 12, the engaged portion 54 of the lever 52 engages with the engaging portion 33 of the holder 12, as shown in FIG. As a result, the cartridge 7 is mounted on the carriage 9. At this time, with the cartridge 7 mounted on the carriage 9, a gap is provided between the first protrusion 31 and the first recess 71 in the Z-axis direction. Further, a gap is also provided between the second protrusion 32 and the second recess 72 in the Z-axis direction. With this setting, even if the heights of the first protrusion 31 and the second protrusion 32 in the Z-axis direction fluctuate due to dimensional tolerances and errors, it is easy to avoid the position of the cartridge 7 in the Z-axis direction with respect to the holder 12.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 20, the electrode pin 35 of the contact mechanism 34 comes into contact with the circuit board 53 of the cartridge 7, and the electrode pin 35 further bends in the −Y axis direction. As described above, in the cartridge 7, the first recess 71 and the contact portion 58 (FIG. 11) of the circuit board 53 are provided at positions facing each other with the fifth wall portion 45 interposed therebetween. Therefore, when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the holder 12 of the carriage 9, the contact portion 58 (FIG. 11) of the circuit board 53 of the cartridge 7 and the fifth wall portion 45 become the electrode pin 35 of the contact mechanism 34 and the first. It is sandwiched by the protrusion 31.

This makes it easier to stabilize the posture of the cartridge 7 with respect to the carriage 9 when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the holder 12 of the carriage 9. Therefore, it is easy to stabilize the posture of the cartridge 7 with respect to the carriage 9 when the contact portion 58 contacts the electrode pin 35 of the contact mechanism 34. As a result, when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the holder 12 of the carriage 9, the contact portion 58 can be easily brought into stable contact with the electrode pin 35.

Further, according to this configuration, when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the carriage 9 and the carriage 9 is moved, the electrode pin 35 of the carriage 9 and the contact portion 58 of the circuit board 53 are separated from each other, or their positions are displaced. It becomes easier to prevent it from getting stuck. For example, when the printer 5 is made to perform a printing operation, vibration or the like may be applied to the cartridge 7 due to the reciprocating movement of the carriage 9, and even in such a case, the electrode pin 35 of the carriage 9 and the cartridge 7 may be applied. It is possible to properly maintain the contact relationship with the contact portion 58.

A configuration in which the first protrusion 31 and the first recess 71 are brought into contact with each other in the Z-axis direction, or a configuration in which the second protrusion 32 and the second recess 72 are brought into contact with each other in the Z-axis direction can also be adopted. The Z-axis of the cartridge 7 with respect to the holder 12 is provided by a configuration in which the first protrusion 31 and the first recess 71 are brought into contact with each other in the Z-axis direction, or a configuration in which the second protrusion 32 and the second recess 72 are brought into contact with each other in the Z-axis direction. The positional accuracy of the direction can be improved.

In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which the first protrusion 31 and the first recess 71 are brought into contact with each other in the Z-axis direction, and a gap in the Z-axis direction is provided between the second protrusion 32 and the second recess 72. In this configuration, the position of the cartridge 7 in the Z-axis direction with respect to the holder 12 can be regulated by the first recess 71 of the first recess 71 and the second recess 72, which is closer to the liquid supply section 51. As a result, the position accuracy of the liquid supply unit 51 with respect to the holder 12 in the Z-axis direction can be improved.

Further, a configuration may be adopted in which the second protrusion 32 and the second recess 72 are brought into contact with each other in the Z-axis direction, and a gap in the Z-axis direction is provided between the first protrusion 31 and the first recess 71. In this configuration, the position of the cartridge 7 in the Z-axis direction with respect to the holder 12 can be regulated by the second recess 72 of the first recess 71 and the second recess 72, which is far from the liquid supply section 51. As a result, even if the contact positions of the second recess 72 and the second protrusion 32 in the Z-axis direction vary due to dimensional tolerances and errors, the variation in the position of the liquid supply unit 51 with respect to the holder 12 in the Z-axis direction can be reduced. Can be done.

With the cartridge 7 mounted on the carriage 9, the cartridge 7 can be disengaged from the holder 12 by disengaging the engaged portion 54 of the lever 52 and the engaging portion 33 of the holder 12. .. In this way, attachment / detachment of the cartridge 7 to / from the carriage 9 is achieved.

(Second Embodiment)
The liquid injection system 100 in the second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 21, the liquid injection system 100 includes a printer 101 and a cartridge 102. The printer 101 has a detection unit 91. The printer 101 has a configuration in which a detection unit 91 is added to the printer 5 according to the first embodiment. Except for this, the printer 101 has the same configuration as the printer 5. Therefore, in the following, among the configurations of the printer 101, the same configurations as those of the printer 5 are designated by the same reference numerals as the configurations of the printer 5, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, the detection unit 91 can detect the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge 102. In this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge 102 is optically detected. In this configuration, the detection unit 91 has an optical element. In the present embodiment, as an example of the optical element, an optical sensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element is adopted. In this optical sensor, a Hi level detection signal is output (ON state) when the light receiving element detects the light from the light emitting element, and a Lo level detection signal is output when the light receiving element does not detect the light from the light emitting element. It is output (OFF state). The ON state and the OFF state may be reversed.

As shown in FIG. 22, the cartridge 102 has a detected portion 92. The cartridge 102 has a configuration in which a detected portion 92 is added to the cartridge 7 according to the first embodiment. Except for this, the cartridge 102 has the same configuration as the cartridge 7. Therefore, in the following, among the configurations of the cartridge 102, the same configurations as those of the cartridge 7 are designated by the same reference numerals as the configurations of the cartridge 7, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The detected unit 92 has an optical component. In this embodiment, the prism 93 is adopted as an example of the optical component. The detected portion 92 is provided on the first wall portion 41 of the cartridge 102. The detected portion 92 penetrates the first wall portion 41 and is immersed in the liquid storage portion 47. Further, in the present embodiment, the window portion 95 is formed on the holder 12. The window portion 95 penetrates the bottom portion 22 of the holder 12. With the cartridge 102 mounted on the holder 12, the window portion 95 is formed at a position overlapping the detected portion 92 of the cartridge 102 along the Z axis.

The detection unit 91 shown in FIG. 21 is provided at a position overlapping the locus of the detected unit 92 when the carriage 9 is moved along the X axis. Then, the detection process is performed at a position where the detected unit 92 and the detected unit 91 overlap each other along the Z axis. When the detection process is performed, as shown in FIG. 23, the light 96 from the light emitting element of the detection unit 91 enters the prism 93 of the detection unit 92 through the window unit 95. At this time, if the liquid level of the ink in the liquid accommodating portion 47 is higher than that of the reflecting surface 97, the light 96 incident on the prism 93 goes out of the prism 93 from the reflecting surface 97. Therefore, when the liquid level of the ink in the liquid storage unit 47 is higher than that of the reflective surface 97, the optical sensor of the detection unit 91 is turned off.

On the other hand, when the liquid level of the ink in the liquid accommodating portion 47 is lower than that of the reflecting surface 97, the light 96 incident on the prism 93 is reflected by the reflecting surface 97 and then goes out of the prism 93 toward the detecting portion 91. go out. Therefore, when the liquid level of the ink in the liquid storage unit 47 is lower than that of the reflective surface 97, the optical sensor of the detection unit 91 is turned on. In this way, the remaining amount of ink in the liquid storage unit 47 can be detected by the change between the ON state and the OFF state of the detection unit 91.

In the second embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, in the second embodiment, the remaining amount of ink contained in the cartridge 102 can be detected, so that the convenience of the liquid injection system 100 is improved.

In the second embodiment, the detected portion 92 of the cartridge 102 is located between the first recess 71 and the second recess 72. That is, when the first wall portion 41 is viewed in a plan view in the direction from the first wall portion 41 toward the second wall portion 42 (Z-axis direction), as shown in FIG. 24, the detected portion 92 is the first recess 71. It is located between the second recess 72 and the second recess 72.

With this configuration, in the liquid injection system 100, the first protrusion 31 can be inserted into the first recess 71 of the cartridge 102, and the second protrusion 32 can be inserted into the second recess 72. Therefore, when the cartridge 102 is mounted on the holder 12 of the carriage 9, the position of the first recess 71 may be regulated by the first protrusion 31, and the position of the second recess 72 may be regulated by the second protrusion 32. As a result, it is possible to reduce variations in the posture of the cartridge 102 with respect to the carriage 9 after the cartridge 102 is mounted on the holder 12 of the carriage 9. As a result, it is easy to suppress a decrease in detection accuracy with respect to the detected portion 92.

(Third Embodiment)
The cartridge 200 according to the third embodiment will be described. In the cartridge 200, the external dimensions are different from the external dimensions of the cartridge 7 and the cartridge 102. Except for this, the cartridge 200 has the same configuration as the cartridge 7 and the cartridge 102. Therefore, in the cartridge 200, the same components as those of the cartridge 7 and the cartridge 102 are designated by the same reference numerals as those of the cartridge 7 and the cartridge 102, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 25, the cartridge 200 has a first wall portion 41. FIG. 25 shows a state when the cartridge 200 is viewed in a plan view in the Z-axis direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 26, the cartridge 200 has a second wall portion 42. FIG. 26 shows a state when the cartridge 200 is viewed in a plan view in the −Z axis direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 27, the cartridge 200 has a third wall portion 43. FIG. 27 shows a state when the cartridge 200 is viewed in a plan view in the X-axis direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 28, the cartridge 200 has a fourth wall portion 44. FIG. 28 shows a state when the cartridge 200 is viewed in a plan view in the −X axis direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 29, the cartridge 200 has a fifth wall portion 45. FIG. 29 shows a state when the cartridge 200 is viewed in a plan view in the Y-axis direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 30, the cartridge 200 has a sixth wall portion 46. FIG. 30 shows a state when the cartridge 200 is viewed in a plan view in the −Y axis direction. The first wall portion 41 to the sixth wall portion 46 are not limited to flat walls, as in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, respectively, and may include irregularities or curved surfaces. May be good.

As shown in FIG. 25, the cartridge 200 differs from the cartridge 7 and the cartridge 102 in the distance between the third wall portion 43 and the fourth wall portion 44, that is, the width dimension of the cartridge 200 along the X axis. .. Except for this, the cartridge 200 has the same configuration as the cartridge 7 and the cartridge 102. The width dimension of the cartridge 200 along the X axis of the cartridge 200 is larger than that of the cartridge 7 and the cartridge 102. As a result, as shown in FIG. 31, the volume of the liquid storage portion 47 is larger than the volume of the liquid storage portion 47 of the cartridge 7 and the cartridge 102. With this configuration, the cartridge 200 has a larger capacity of ink than the cartridge 7 and the cartridge 102. As a result, in the liquid injection system 1 and the liquid injection system 100, the frequency of replacement of the cartridge 200 can be reduced.

Also in the cartridge 200, as in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, when the first wall portion 41 is viewed in a plan view in the first direction from the first wall portion 41 to the second wall portion 42, that is, the first wall portion When the portion 41 is viewed in a plan view in the Z-axis direction, as shown in FIG. 25, the liquid supply portion 51 is located closer to the fifth wall portion 45 than the sixth wall portion 46. The first recess 71 is located closer to the fifth wall 45 than the liquid supply 51, and the second recess 72 is located closer to the sixth wall 46 than the liquid supply 51. Then, when the first wall portion 41 is equally divided into the first region 81, the second region 82, and the third region 83 in the direction from the fifth wall portion 45 to the sixth wall portion 46, that is, in the Y-axis direction. The first recess 71 is located in the first region 81, and the second recess 72 is located in the third region 83. In the cartridge 200, the lever 52, the circuit board 53, the first recess 71, the liquid supply section 51, and the second recess 72 are closer to the fourth wall portion 44 than the third wall portion 43 in the X-axis direction. positioned. Further, in the configuration in which the detected portion 92 is provided, the detected portion 92 is also located closer to the fourth wall portion 44 than the third wall portion 43 in the X-axis direction.

Also in the third embodiment, the same effects as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be obtained.

(Modification example 1)
The liquid supply unit for supplying the liquid to the liquid injection device is not limited to the cartridge 7, the cartridge 102, and the cartridge 200, which are examples of the liquid supply unit. Another example of the liquid supply unit will be described as a modification 1. As shown in FIG. 32, the liquid supply unit 401 of the first modification has the cartridge 7, the cartridge 102, the cartridge 200, the tank 402, and the ink supply pipe 403. The tank 402 contains ink for supplying the cartridge 7 and the cartridge 102. The ink supply pipe 403 guides the liquid from the tank 402 to the cartridge 7, the cartridge 102, and the cartridge 200. The ink supply tube 403 has flexibility.

Further, in the liquid supply unit 401 of the first modification, the cartridge 7, the cartridge 102, and the cartridge 200 are mounted on the carriage 9 (FIGS. 1 and 21), whereas the tank 402 is provided independently of the carriage 9. Be done. That is, in the first modification, the tank 402 is not mounted on the carriage 9. Therefore, the amount of ink that can be supplied to the liquid injection device can be increased while reducing the load applied to the carriage 9. Further, if the tank 402 is configured to be replenished with new ink, the stop time of the liquid injection device due to running out of ink can be shortened or eliminated.

(Modification 2)
In the cartridge 7, the cartridge 102, and the cartridge 200 described above, the first recess 71 is open to the first wall portion 41. That is, in the cartridge 7, the cartridge 102, and the cartridge 200 described above, the first recess 71 opens in the −Z axis direction. However, the orientation of the opening of the first recess 71 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 33, a configuration in which the first recess 71 is also open to the fourth wall portion 44 can be adopted. In this case, the first recess 71 is in the direction from the second wall portion 42 toward the first wall portion 41 (−Z axis direction) and the direction from the third wall portion 43 toward the fourth wall portion 44 (X-axis direction). And it's open. That is, in this configuration, the first recess 71 is open to the first wall portion 41 and the fourth wall portion 44. According to this configuration, since the first recess 71 is open in two directions, the first protrusion 31 can be easily inserted into the first recess 71. As a result, the cartridge 7, the cartridge 102, and the cartridge 200 can be easily mounted on the carriage 9. The configuration of the first recess 71 is not limited to the configuration in which the first wall portion 41 and the fourth wall portion 44 are open. As the configuration of the first recess 71, a configuration in which the first wall portion 41 and the third wall portion 43 are open may also be adopted. The same effect can be obtained with this configuration.

(Modification example 3)
Further, in the cartridge 7, the cartridge 102, and the cartridge 200 described above, the second recess 72 is opened in the first wall portion 41. That is, in the cartridge 7, the cartridge 102, and the cartridge 200 described above, the second recess 72 opens in the −Z axis direction. However, the orientation of the opening of the second recess 72 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 34, a configuration in which the second recess 72 is also open to the fourth wall 44 can be adopted. In this case, the second recess 72 is in the direction from the second wall portion 42 toward the first wall portion 41 (−Z axis direction) and the direction from the third wall portion 43 toward the fourth wall portion 44 (X-axis direction). And it's open. That is, in this configuration, the second recess 72 is open to the first wall portion 41 and the fourth wall portion 44. According to this configuration, since the second recess 72 is open in two directions, the second protrusion 32 can be easily inserted into the second recess 72. As a result, the cartridge 7, the cartridge 102, and the cartridge 200 can be easily mounted on the carriage 9. The configuration of the second recess 72 is not limited to the configuration in which the first wall portion 41 and the fourth wall portion 44 are open. As the configuration of the second recess 72, a configuration in which the first wall portion 41 and the third wall portion 43 are open may also be adopted. The same effect can be obtained with this configuration.

The present invention is not limited to inkjet printers and their ink cartridges, but can also be applied to any printing device and its cartridges that inject liquids other than ink. For example, it can be applied to the following various printing devices and their cartridges.
(1) An image recording device such as a facsimile machine. (2) A printing device that injects a color material used for manufacturing a color filter for an image display device such as a liquid crystal display. (3) A printing device that injects an electrode material used for forming electrodes such as an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display and a field emission display (FED). (4) A printing device that injects a liquid containing a bioorganic substance used for producing a biochip. (5) A sample printing device as a precision pipette. (6) Lubricating oil printing device. (7) Resin liquid printing device. (8) A printing device that injects lubricating oil pinpointly onto precision machines such as watches and cameras. (9) A printing apparatus that injects a transparent resin liquid such as an ultraviolet curable resin liquid onto a substrate to form a micro hemispherical lens (optical lens) used for an optical communication element or the like. (10) A printing apparatus that injects an acidic or alkaline etching solution to etch a substrate or the like. (11) A printing apparatus including a liquid injection head that ejects other arbitrary minute amounts of droplets.

The term "droplet" refers to the state of the liquid discharged from the printing apparatus, and includes those having a granular, tear-like, or thread-like tail. Further, the "liquid" may be any material that can be sprayed by the printing apparatus. For example, the "liquid" may be a material in a liquid state when the substance is in a liquid phase, a material in a liquid state having high or low viscosity, and a sol, gel water, other inorganic solvent, organic solvent, solution, etc. Liquid materials such as liquid resins and liquid metals (metal melts) are also included in "liquid". Further, not only a liquid as a state of a substance, but also a liquid in which particles of a functional material made of a solid substance such as a pigment or a metal particle are dissolved, dispersed or mixed in a solvent is included in the "liquid". The above "liquid" can also be expressed as a "liquid". Typical examples of liquids and liquids include inks and liquid crystals as described in the above embodiments. Here, the ink includes general water-based inks, oil-based inks, and various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot melt inks.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples, and can be realized with various configurations within a range not deviating from the gist thereof. For example, the embodiment corresponding to the technical feature in each embodiment described in the column of the outline of the invention, the technical feature in the embodiment may be used to solve a part or all of the above-mentioned problems, or the above-mentioned above. It is possible to replace or combine them as appropriate to achieve some or all of the effects. Further, if the technical feature is not described as essential in the present specification, it can be deleted as appropriate.

1,100 ... Liquid injection system, 5,101 ... Printer, 7,102,200 ... Cartridge, 9 ... Carriage, 11 ... Recording head, 12 ... Holder, 13 ... Timing belt, 14 ... Motor, 15 ... Conveying roller, 16 ... Control unit, 17 ... Flexible cable, 21 ... Recess, 22 ... Bottom, 23 ... Ink introduction needle, 25 ... Side wall, 26 ... Side wall, 27 ... Side wall, 28 ... Side wall, 31 ... First protrusion, 32 ... Second protrusion , 33 ... engaging part, 34 ... contact mechanism, 35 ... electrode pin, 41 ... first wall part, 42 ... second wall part, 43 ... third wall part, 44 ... fourth wall part, 45 ... fifth wall Part, 46 ... 6th wall part, 47 ... Liquid storage part, 51 ... Liquid supply part, 52 ... Lever, 53 ... Circuit board, 54 ... Engagement part, 56 ... Terminal part, 57 ... Terminal, 58 ... Contact part , 61 ... Seal member, 62 ... Valve body, 63 ... Spring, 64 ... Case, 65 ... Supply port, 66 ... Spring fixing part, 68 ... Film, 69 ... Contact part, 71 ... First recess, 72 ... Second Recessed portion, 73 ... film, 81 ... first region, 82 ... second region, 83 ... third region, 91 ... detection unit, 92 ... detected portion, 93 ... prism, 95 ... window portion, 96 ... light, 97 ... Reflective surface, 401 ... Liquid supply unit, 402 ... Tank, 403 ... Ink supply tube, L1 ... 1st distance, L2 ... 2nd distance, L3 ... 3rd distance, P ... Recording medium.

Claims (5)

A liquid supply unit that can be mounted on a carriage having a first protrusion, a second protrusion, and a liquid introduction needle located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.
The first wall and
The second wall portion facing the first wall portion and
A third wall portion that intersects the first wall portion and the second wall portion,
A fourth wall portion that intersects the first wall portion and the second wall portion and faces the third wall portion, and a fourth wall portion.
A fifth wall portion that intersects the first wall portion, the second wall portion, the third wall portion, and the fourth wall portion, and
A sixth wall portion that intersects the first wall portion, the second wall portion, the third wall portion, and the fourth wall portion and faces the fifth wall portion is provided.
The first wall portion is provided with a liquid supply portion that can be connected to the liquid introduction needle, a first recess into which the first protrusion can be inserted, and a second recess into which the second protrusion can be inserted. ,
When the first wall portion is viewed in a plan view in the direction from the first wall portion to the second wall portion,
The liquid supply unit is located closer to the fifth wall portion than the sixth wall portion.
The first wall portion is equally divided into three regions in the direction from the fifth wall portion toward the sixth wall portion, and the three regions are divided into the first region and the third region in order from the fifth wall portion side. When the two regions and the third region are used, the first recess is located in the first region, the second recess is located in the third region, and the second recess is located in the third region.
Further, it is provided with a contact portion which is arranged on the fifth wall portion and comes into contact with the electrodes of the carriage when the liquid supply unit is mounted on the carriage.
When the first wall portion is viewed in a plan view in the direction from the first wall portion to the second wall portion,
A portion of the liquid supply portion that can come into contact with the liquid introduction needle, the contact portion, the first recess, and the second recess are arranged in a straight line.
A liquid supply unit characterized by that. The liquid supply unit according to claim 1.
The first wall portion is provided with a detected portion for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid.
When the first wall portion is viewed in a plan view in the direction from the first wall portion to the second wall portion,
The liquid supply unit is located closer to the fifth wall portion than the sixth wall portion.
The first recess is located closer to the fifth wall than the liquid supply.
The second recess is located closer to the sixth wall than the liquid supply.
In the direction from the fifth wall portion to the sixth wall portion, the detected portion is located between the first recess and the second recess.
A liquid supply unit characterized by that. In the liquid supply unit according to claim 1 or 2.
The first recess and the contact portion are provided at positions facing each other with the fifth wall portion interposed therebetween.
A liquid supply unit characterized by that. In the liquid supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
On the fifth wall portion, the liquid supply unit is mounted on the carriage.
An engagement structure is provided that engages with the carriage and regulates the displacement of the liquid supply unit with respect to the carriage in the first direction from the first wall to the second wall.
When the first wall portion is viewed in a plan view in the direction from the first wall portion to the second wall portion,
The portion of the engaging structure that can come into contact with the carriage, the portion of the liquid supply portion that can come into contact with the liquid introduction needle, the first recess, and the second recess are linear. Be placed,
A liquid supply unit characterized by that. In the liquid supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The first recess is open in a direction from the second wall to the first wall and from the third wall to the fourth wall.
A liquid supply unit characterized by that.

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