JP2013163364A - Cartridge and printing material supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique that can attempt stably electric connection of a cartridge side terminal and an apparatus side terminal.SOLUTION: A cartridge 20 includes: an ink supply part 280; a terminal holding part and a first restriction part 210. The terminal holding part includes a terminal group arranged in a terminal surface not parallel nor vertical to the surface formed by a front end part 288 in the mounting direction of the ink supply part 280, and a contact part of the terminal group receives force from the mounting direction to an opposite direction. An engaging part of the first restriction part 210 is provided at a position adjacent to the terminal holding part.

Description

[Reference to related applications]
This application was filed on January 12, 2012, Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-003694 filed on January 12, 2012, Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-003698, filed on January 12, 2012, and January 12, 2012 Claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-003653 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-003652 filed on January 12, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

  The present invention relates to a cartridge, a combination of a cartridge and a printing apparatus (or a part thereof), and / or a printing material supply system including the cartridge and the printing apparatus.

  Currently, various mechanisms for attaching / detaching a cartridge to / from a printing apparatus have been proposed. Examples of such devices include US Publication No. 2005/0151811 (corresponding to JP 2007-230349 A), US Patent No. 7,008,053 (corresponding to JP 2005-022345 A), US Patent No. 6,276,780 (corresponding to JP 2002-019142 A), US Pat. No. 6,955,422, US Pat. No. 6,074,042, and US Pat. No. 7,018,030 ing.

  US Publication No. 2005/0151811 discloses a cartridge with an engagement lever 3 and an electrical contact terminal pad 102. The lever 3 includes a locking portion 6 for engaging with the printer. The locking portion 6 is provided away from the contact pad 102. Since the locking portion 6 is remote from the cartridge terminals, engagement with the printer can only provide a limited contribution to accurate and stable cartridge terminal positioning relative to each terminal of the corresponding printer.

  Furthermore, the lever 3 of US Publication No. 2005/0151811 requires a sufficient length so that the user can reach the position where the user can contact and operate the user. The lever 3 also projects away from the side wall of the cartridge. Such a large lever increases the size of the cartridge and can increase the size of the printer to which the cartridge is attached and detached. Similarly, large packages for transporting and selling cartridges can increase transportation and component costs.

  Further, the cartridge structure connected to the cartridge side terminal from the locking portion 6 includes a flexible portion of the lever 3. The locking portion 6 needs to be firmly engaged with the printer, but vibration during the operation of the printer may be transmitted to the cartridge terminal through the flexible portion of the lever 3, and the cartridge terminal with respect to the printer terminal Positioning may be affected. This is particularly a problem with on-carriage type ink cartridges. This is because the on-carriage type ink cartridge is mounted on the carriage of the printer to which the print head is attached. In an on-carriage printer, the carriage is scanned back and forth on the print medium during operation. The ink cartridge in the carriage is subjected to a large acceleration force every time the scanning direction is changed, and in addition to various other vibrations generated during the printing operation.

  The lever of US Publication No. 2005/0151811 is formed integrally with the cartridge and is elastically deformable. In this structure, the material used to manufacture the cartridge is required to have sufficient moldability to make this structure and to elastically deform when the lever is engaged or disengaged from the printer. Limited to durable materials.

  The lever may be plastically deformed while being operated by the user. Such plastic deformation of the lever may cause a displacement between the cartridge side terminal and the printer terminal, which may cause deterioration of electrical conduction. Plastic deformation also reduces the durability of the lever. Also, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,018,030, when a cartridge is packed, particularly when the cartridge is packed, in order to prevent creep deformation of the lever when the cartridge is packed in vacuum packaging. Special measures must be taken.

  U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,780 discloses a cartridge without memory or electrical terminals. Since this type of cartridge does not require electrical connection with the printer, there is no need to include a structure or configuration for maintaining stable positioning and arrangement of the cartridge terminals to the printer terminals.

  Further, the cartridge is attached to the printer by a latch mechanism 132 (FIGS. 9-16 of US Pat. No. 6,276,780) provided on the printer. The cartridge side latch lamp 220 that engages with the latch mechanism 132 is separated from the rotation shaft of the latch mechanism 132 in the direction in which the cartridge is removed from the printer. As a result, the compression force of the elastic member 156 and the seal 152 applies a force (indicated by the arrow X in FIG. 12 of US Pat. No. 6,276,780) to the cartridge in the direction in which the cartridge is removed from the printer. The force can be easily converted into a force that disengages the holding portion 134 from the latch lamp 220 of the cartridge. Then, there is a risk that the cartridge may come off the printer while the printer is in use. The engagement structure disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,780 involves the inherent risk that the cartridge will be detached from the printer, so that proper contact between the cartridge terminal and the printer terminal is provided. It is not suitable for use in the configuration disclosed in the required US Publication No. 2005/0151811. Further, the contact between the cartridge and the printer terminal in the configuration of US Publication No. 2005/0151811 applies a lateral force from the printer terminal to the cartridge, which may cause the cartridge to move laterally. The latch mechanism 132 of US Pat. No. 6,276,780 is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0151811 because, at least, the latch mechanism 132 may be disengaged from the cartridge without being able to adapt to the lateral movement of the cartridge. Not suitable for other cartridges.

  US Pat. No. 6,074,042 discloses an ink cartridge with electrical contacts 54. As shown in FIGS. 12A to 13B, the electrical contact 54 is at the tip in the direction in which the cartridge is mounted on the printer. In this configuration, when the cartridge is installed in the printer, the electrical contact 54 of the cartridge is pressed against the electrical contact 104 of the printer biased by the spring. Metal oxide, oil, or other non-conductive material on the surface of the metal electrical contact 54 may be sandwiched between the conductive metal of the cartridge and the printer electrical contact, and in some cases the cartridge and printer Interfering with electrical continuity between.

  US Pat. No. 6,995,422 discloses a cartridge 1 having a memory device 7 with an electrode 7a, for example in FIGS. The electrodes 7a are arranged substantially parallel to the direction in which the cartridge is inserted into the printer. In this configuration, the printer electrode 106 slides over the surface of the circuit board (on which the electrode 7a is formed) over a long distance. The surface of the circuit board is generally covered with an electrically insulating resin material. When the printer electrode 106 rubs against the circuit board, the printer electrode breaks the insulator, and fragments of the thin piece of the insulator can be removed from the circuit board. The insulator fragments may be sandwiched between the printer electrode 106 and the cartridge electrode 7a, leading to deterioration of electrical continuity between the printer and the cartridge, or other unreliable electrical continuity. There is.

  As shown in FIGS. 5-6B of US Pat. No. 6,995,422, the printer is given a biasing force to press the surface of the memory device 7 against the printer electrode 106 when the cartridge is mounted in the printer. A leaf spring 103 is provided for moving the cartridge 1 upward when the cartridge is pulled out of the printer.

  U.S. Pat. No. 7,008,053 discloses an elastic piece 40 provided in the printer in FIG. When the cartridge is completely installed in the printer, the lower end 40a of the elastic piece 50 comes into contact with the flat surface 12a on the upper portion of the protruding portion 12 provided with the electrode 14. The contact between the lower end 40b and the flat surface 12a restricts the upward movement of the protrusion 12. However, the configuration of US Pat. No. 7,008,053 does not include any means disposed near the protrusion 12 to limit the downward movement of the protrusion 12. As a result, the protrusion 12 is extremely free from vertical vibration during operation of the printer, and therefore the electrode may be displaced or disconnected from the printer terminal.

  In the presence of such various mechanisms, there is a demand for downsizing the printer in order to make the printer easier to use and install. In order to reduce the size of a printer, it is generally necessary to reduce the number of constituent elements and related elements that constitute the printer. The components and related elements include a cartridge to be mounted on the printer and a mounting portion for mounting a cartridge.

  In addition, in order to improve the usability of the printer, information related to the printing material stored in the cartridge (for example, information indicating the remaining amount of printing material) is often displayed on a printer monitor or the like. A cartridge mounted in such a printer will include a circuit board on which a memory for storing information about the printing material is mounted. On this circuit board, a terminal (cartridge side terminal) for transferring information to and from the printer side is provided. Through this terminal and the terminal on the printer side (device side terminal), the memory and the printer are connected. Information about the printing material is exchanged with the control unit. Therefore, it is necessary to stably maintain the electrical connection between the cartridge side terminal and the apparatus side terminal.

  However, as will be explained below, none of the currently known mechanisms responds to such a request in a fully acceptable manner.

  Note that the various problems described above are not limited to cartridges that store ink for printing, and printing apparatuses and / or cartridges that supply or eject other types of printing materials (for example, toner) other than ink. There was a similar problem.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can stably achieve electrical connection between a cartridge-side terminal and a device-side terminal. It is another object of the present invention to provide a technique capable of downsizing a cartridge, a printer, and thus a printing material supply system that is completed with the cartridge mounted on the printer.

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

Application example 1:
A cartridge that is detachably attached to a printing device, wherein the printing device is (i) an apparatus-side bottom wall portion, and (ii) the device-side bottom wall portion, possibly crossing at the front side (Iii) the apparatus side bottom wall part, and possibly the rear side, provided to face the first apparatus side wall part in an intersecting direction. And a second device-side side wall portion. The printing device has a base end portion provided on the bottom wall portion on the device side and a tip end portion connected to the cartridge, and allows the printing material accommodated in the cartridge to flow to the head. A printing material supply structure in the form of a tube can be included. The cartridge preferably includes a device-side terminal group that can be provided at a device-side corner portion where the device-side bottom wall portion and the first (front) device-side side wall portion intersect. The cartridge may include a lever that is rotatably provided on the first apparatus-side side wall portion and is used for attaching and detaching the cartridge. The lever has a Z axis as an axis parallel to the central axis C of the printing material supply unit / pipe, and a direction perpendicular to the Z axis as a direction in which the printing material supply pipe and the device-side terminal group are arranged. The axis, the Z axis, and the axis orthogonal to the X axis can be placed to be the Y axis. Of the Z-axis directions, a direction from the base end portion of the printing material supply pipe toward the tip end portion may be a + Z-axis direction, and this may be an upward direction. The direction opposite to the + Z-axis direction is taken as the −Z-axis direction. Of the X-axis directions, the direction from the printing material supply pipe toward the device-side terminal group may be the + X-axis direction, and this may be the front direction. A direction opposite to the −X axis direction is defined as a −X axis direction. A direction toward one of the Y-axis directions can be a + Y-axis direction, which can be a lateral direction. The direction toward the other is the −Y axis direction. In the cartridge, the device side terminal group is in contact with the cartridge in a mounted state in which the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, and the force in the direction having the + Z-axis direction component with respect to the cartridge Can be configured to exert a resilient or elastic force. The lever has an operation portion at an end portion (possibly an upper end portion) on the + Z axis direction side, and locks the cartridge at an end portion (possibly a lower end portion) on the −Z axis direction side. By doing so, it is possible to have a first device side restricting portion that restricts the movement of the cartridge in the + Z-axis direction. The lever can be configured to pivot about a position between the operation unit and the first device side regulating unit, and the X axis and the Y axis with respect to the cartridge in the mounted state The Z axis corresponds to the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis of the cartridge, respectively. The cartridge includes two surfaces facing each other in the Z-axis direction, a first surface located on the −Z-axis direction side and a second surface located on the + Z-axis direction side; the first surface and the first surface Two surfaces intersecting with two surfaces and facing each other in the X-axis direction, the third surface positioned on the + X-axis direction side and the fourth surface positioned on the −X-axis direction side; and the first surface; A corner portion connecting the third surface; and an inclined surface that constitutes a part of the corner portion and inclines toward a direction including components of the + X-axis direction and the −Z-axis direction. . The ink supply unit may be provided on the first surface and connected to the printing material supply pipe. The cartridge-side terminal group is provided corresponding to each device-side terminal of the device-side terminal group, is provided on the inclined surface, and receives a force in the direction having the + Z-axis direction component from the device-side terminal group. it can. Due to the inclination of the contact area, the force can also have a component in the -X direction. In addition, the cartridge may include a first cartridge side restriction portion that restricts movement of the cartridge in the + Z-axis direction by being locked to the first device side restriction portion.

  One or both of the two features in the following two application examples can be provided in the above configuration. An additional feature of one application example is that the first cartridge-side regulating portion is provided at a position of the third surface close to an intersection where the third surface and the inclined surface intersect, and It is a feature that it is provided at a position on the −Z-axis direction side of the axis of the lever. In another application example, the cartridge-side terminal group includes: a first terminal including a first outer portion disposed at an extreme end in the + Y axis direction; and an extreme end in the −Y axis direction And a second terminal including a second outer portion disposed in the first cartridge-side restricting portion, wherein the first cartridge-side restricting portion is formed between the first outer portion and the second outer portion in the Y-axis direction. It is the characteristic that it is not arrange | positioned outside the range between but inside.

  According to the cartridge described in the first application example, the first cartridge side regulating portion that engages with the lever of the printing apparatus is provided. Since the lever is not formed integrally with the cartridge, the material constituting the cartridge can be different from the material constituting the lever. In addition, the material of the cartridge can be selected by paying attention to other characteristics such as durability to the ink without paying much attention to the requirements for flexibility and durability. Thus, different plastics, thermoplastics, and resins can be utilized when making different parts.

  Further, since there is no lever on the cartridge, there is no need for special consideration to prevent creep deformation of the lever for a user who packs the cartridge for transportation or sales. Such simplification of the request for packing can improve the convenience for the user.

  Since the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be made smaller. Therefore, the size of packing materials such as paper and boxes used for packing the cartridge when the cartridge is transported or sold can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce transportation costs and parts costs.

  Since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge side regulating portion can be made with a small and simple structure, and can have higher rigidity than the structure disclosed in US Publication No. 2005/0151811. . Thereby, the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restricting portion can be significantly reduced. Therefore, in the mounted state, the cartridge can be kept at an accurate position in the cartridge mounting portion, and the contact state between the cartridge side terminal group and the device side terminal group can be maintained in a normal or good state. The possibility of conduction failure can be reduced. According to the cartridge described in the application example 1, since the first cartridge side regulation portion can be made small and simple, when the cartridge is packed when the cartridge is transported and sold, US Publication No. 2005/0151811 It is not necessary to consider the creep deformation of the lever as in the case of the cartridge. This can improve the user experience and convenience.

  Further, in the cartridge described in the application example 1, the first cartridge side regulating portion is provided on the −Z axis direction side with respect to the axis of the lever. Thereby, even when a force acts in the direction having the + Z-axis direction component from the device-side terminal group and the cartridge tries to move in the + Z-axis direction, the movement of the cartridge in the + Z-axis direction can be restricted by the lever. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the first cartridge side regulating portion is disengaged or engaged by the first device side regulating portion. Therefore, the electrical connection between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group can be stably achieved, and the possibility of poor conduction can be reduced. The first device-side restricting portion is configured to center on the rotation axis of the lever as the cartridge moves in the -X-axis direction when a force in the -X-axis direction is applied to the cartridge mounted from the device-side terminal group. Can move. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the first cartridge side restricting portion is detached from the first device side restricting portion.

  Further, according to the cartridge described in the application example 1, the first cartridge side regulating portion is provided at a position near the intersecting portion on the third surface. Thereby, the cartridge can be fixed to the cartridge mounting portion at a position close to the contact point where the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group contact. Thereby, the possibility of positional deviation of the cartridge side terminal group with respect to the apparatus side terminal group can be reduced. Therefore, conduction failure between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group can be reduced. Even when the cartridge falls, the first cartridge side restricting portion can reduce the possibility that the cartridge side terminal group directly collides with the floor surface, for example. This helps to protect the cartridge side terminals from damage. In particular, when the cartridge-side terminal group is mounted on a circuit board on which a storage device is mounted, damage to the storage device that is vulnerable to impact can be prevented, and the impact resistance effect is further enhanced. Further, since the first cartridge side restricting portion is provided at a position close to the intersecting portion, the lever of the cartridge mounting portion can be disposed at a position closer to the first surface. Thereby, there is a possibility that the size of the cartridge or the printing apparatus in the Z-axis direction can be reduced.

Application example 2:
The cartridge according to application example 1,
The first cartridge side restricting portion is provided at a specific position close to an intersection where the third surface intersects the inclined surface.

  According to the cartridge described in the application example 2, the first cartridge side regulating portion is provided at a specific position close to an intersecting portion where the third surface intersects the inclined surface. That is, the cartridge is fixed to the cartridge mounting portion at a position close to the contact point between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group. The first cartridge side restricting portion prevents a displacement of the cartridge side terminal group with respect to the apparatus side terminal group. The first cartridge side restricting portion reduces the possibility of a decrease in continuity between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group. When the cartridge falls, the first cartridge-side restricting portion reduces the possibility that the cartridge-side terminal group directly collides with the floor surface, for example. This helps to protect the cartridge side terminals from damage. In particular, when the cartridge-side terminal group is mounted on a circuit board on which a storage device is mounted, damage to the storage device that is vulnerable to impact can be prevented, and the impact resistance effect is further enhanced. When the first cartridge side regulating portion is formed as a protrusion, the impact resistance effect is further enhanced. By providing the first cartridge side restricting portion at a position close to the intersecting portion, the lever of the cartridge mounting portion can be provided closer to the first surface. Therefore, the cartridge and the printing apparatus can be downsized in the Z-axis direction.

Application example 3:
The cartridge according to Application Example 1 and / or Application Example 2,
The cartridge, wherein the first cartridge side regulating portion is provided at a position passing through the center of the width in the Y-axis direction of the cartridge and crossing a plane (surface Yc) parallel to the Z-axis and the X-axis.

  When the cartridge is mounted on the printer, the cartridge receives a force in a direction having a + Z-axis direction component from a group of printer-side terminals. By this force, the first cartridge side restriction portion is pressed against the first printer side restriction portion of the lever. By providing the first cartridge side restriction portion at a position where the surface Yc crosses, even when the cartridge moves around the X axis or the Z axis by an external force, in the vicinity of the position where the surface Yc crosses the first cartridge side restriction portion The part of hardly moves. Here, the first cartridge side regulating portion is arranged at a position close to the intersecting portion, the substrate end portion, or both. By providing the first cartridge side restricting portion at a position that is very close to the cartridge side terminal group and difficult to move, the electrical connection between the cartridge side terminal group and the printer side terminal group can be further stabilized.

Application example 4:
Application Example 4 is the cartridge according to the above-described embodiment, in which the cartridge-side terminal group includes a first terminal including the first outer portion located closest to the + Y-axis direction side and the -Y-axis most A second terminal including a second outer portion located on the direction side, and the first outer portion and the second outer portion between the first outer portion and the second outer portion in the Y-axis direction. At least a part of the cartridge side regulating portion is located. As described above, the application example 4 can be performed independently of or together with the example of the application example 1 described above.

  According to the cartridge described in the application example 4, at least a part of the first cartridge side regulating portion is located between the first outer portion and the second outer portion. Therefore, the first cartridge side restricting portion with little movement can be provided at a position very close to the cartridge side terminal group, and the electrical connection between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group can be further stabilized. it can.

Application example 5:
In the cartridge according to Application Example 4, in the Y-axis direction, the first cartridge side restriction portion is located outside a range between the first outer portion and the second outer portion. Without being located inside the range.

  Some of the printer-side terminal groups may protrude from others. In the example shown in FIG. 31, the terminal 731 protrudes more. When the cartridge is attached to the printer, the group of cartridge side terminals will receive a force of + Z-axis direction component from the group of printer side terminals. If the cartridge is held too tight, contact with some of the printer side terminals (terminal 734 in the example of FIG. 31) may not be accurate. By positioning the first cartridge side regulating portion completely inside the terminal group in the width direction, the cartridge can be sufficiently inclined and the direction in which the inclined surface faces can be adjusted. Thereby, the electrical connection between the group of cartridge side terminals and the group of printer side terminals can be further stabilized. These advantages are also related to the configuration of the embodiment described above.

Application example 6:
6. The cartridge according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 5, wherein the cartridge is further locked by a second device-side regulating portion provided on the second device-side side wall. A cartridge having a second cartridge side restricting portion that restricts the movement of the cartridge in the + Z-axis direction, and the second cartridge side restricting portion is provided on the fourth surface.

  According to the cartridge described in the application example 6, the cartridge further includes the second cartridge side restriction portion that restricts the movement of the cartridge in the + Z-axis direction on the fourth surface, so that the + X-axis end portion of the cartridge and the − Movement in the + Z-axis direction from both sides of the end in the X-axis direction can be restricted. Thereby, the position shift with respect to the cartridge mounting part of each terminal of a cartridge side terminal group can further be suppressed. Therefore, the electrical connection between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group can be further stabilized.

Application example 7:
The cartridge according to Application Example 6, wherein the second cartridge side restriction portion is a protrusion that is inserted into the second device side restriction portion that is a recess or a through hole.

  According to the cartridge described in the application example 7, by inserting the second cartridge side restriction portion into the second apparatus side restriction portion, the cartridge can be rotated around the vicinity of the second cartridge side restriction portion. A rotation fulcrum can be formed. Thereby, the cartridge can be easily attached to and detached from the cartridge mounting portion.

Application Example 8:
The cartridge according to any one of Application Example 1 to Application Example 7, wherein the first cartridge side regulating portion is located on the −X axis direction side of the shaft of the lever.

  According to the cartridge described in the application example 8, in the mounted state, the first cartridge side regulating portion rotates with respect to the lever in the direction opposite to the direction in which the lock is released with the lever shaft as the center. Generate a rotational moment. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the locking between the first cartridge side regulating portion and the first device side regulating portion is released. Therefore, the electrical connection between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group can be achieved more stably. For example, even when a force in the −X axis direction is applied from the device side terminal group to the cartridge and the cartridge moves to the −X axis direction side, the first device side regulating portion adjusts the movement of the cartridge to the −X axis direction. Can move to the side. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the locking between the first cartridge side regulating portion and the first device side regulating portion is released.

Application example 9:
The cartridge according to Application Example 8, wherein the first cartridge side restricting portion is in contact with a first portion of the first device side restricting portion, thereby causing the cartridge to move in the + Z-axis direction. A first abutting portion for regulating, and a second abutting portion for regulating movement of the cartridge in the + X-axis direction by abutting against a second portion of the first device-side regulating portion, cartridge.

  According to the cartridge described in the application example 9, the first cartridge side regulating portion includes the first contact portion and the second contact portion, and is opposite to the direction in which the locking is released with the lever shaft as the center. A rotational moment that rotates in the direction toward the side can be generated more reliably with respect to the lever. Thereby, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that the locking between the first cartridge side regulating portion and the first apparatus side regulating portion is released. Therefore, the conduction failure between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group can be more reliably reduced.

Application Example 10:
The cartridge according to any one of Application Example 1 to Application Example 9, and further, when the cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting unit is removed from the cartridge mounting unit, the operation unit of the lever A projecting portion to which a force including the + Z-axis direction component is applied by contact;

The cartridge, wherein the protrusion is provided on the + Z-axis direction side of the third surface with respect to the first cartridge side regulating portion.
According to the cartridge described in Application Example 10, the cartridge can be easily detached from the cartridge mounting portion using the operation portion and the protruding portion.

Application Example 11:
The cartridge according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 10, wherein the corner portion has a step surface extending in the + Z-axis direction from the first surface, and the step surface is the inclined surface. The Y-axis of the cartridge is positioned on the −X-axis direction side and the −Z-axis direction side of the cartridge by contacting the step surface with a third device-side regulating portion provided in the cartridge mounting portion. A cartridge provided with a third cartridge side regulating portion for regulating movement in the direction.

  According to the cartridge described in the application example 11, the third surface of the cartridge in the mounted state is provided by providing the third cartridge side regulating portion that regulates the movement in the Y-axis direction at the corner portion where the cartridge side terminal group is provided. Side movement in the Y-axis direction can be restricted.

Application Example 12:
The cartridge according to Application Example 11, wherein the third cartridge side restriction portion receives a pair of protrusions that receive the third device side restriction portion protruding in the + Z-axis direction from the device side bottom wall portion. The cartridge, wherein the protruding member protrudes in the + X-axis direction from the step surface.

  According to the cartridge described in the application example 12, the movement in the Y-axis direction on the third surface side of the cartridge in the mounted state can be restricted with a simple structure in which a member protruding in the + X-axis direction from the step surface is provided.

Application Example 13:
The cartridge according to Application Example 11 or Application Example 12, wherein when the cartridge is viewed from the first surface side in the + Z-axis direction, a part of the third cartridge side regulating portion is Overlapping cartridges.

  According to the cartridge described in the application example 13, since the third cartridge side regulating portion and the inclined surface are in the overlapping position, the movement in the Y-axis direction on the third surface side of the cartridge with the printing material supply pipe as the center is performed. Further suppression is possible.

Application Example 14:
The cartridge according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 13, wherein the printing material supply unit is provided in a portion of the first surface that is closer to the fourth surface than the third surface. The cartridge.

  According to the cartridge described in the application example 14, the possibility that the printing material adheres to the cartridge side terminal group is reduced as compared with the case where the printing material supply structure is provided closer to the third surface than the fourth surface. it can. Therefore, conduction failure between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group can be reduced.

Application Example 15:
The cartridge according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 14, wherein the first cartridge side regulating portion is a protrusion.

  According to the cartridge described in the application example 15, the first cartridge side regulating portion as the protrusion can be made small and simple.

Application Example 16:
The cartridge according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 15, wherein the cartridge side terminal group is in contact with a device side ground terminal connected to a ground line of the device side terminal group. The cartridge-side ground terminal is provided at the center of the width in the Y-axis direction of the cartridge, and when the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, The cartridge is configured to contact the device-side ground terminal before the cartridge-side terminal contacts the device-side terminal group.

  According to the cartridge described in the application example 16, since the first force applied to the cartridge side terminal group from the cartridge mounting portion is generated at the center of the width in the Y-axis direction of the cartridge, the force applied to the cartridge side terminal group An action that acts as a force for tilting in the Y axis direction can be suppressed. Thereby, the electrical connection between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group can be stably achieved. In addition, since the cartridge-side ground terminal comes into contact with the device-side ground terminal before other cartridge-side terminals, even if an unintended high voltage is applied to the cartridge side, , Can reduce the problems caused by high voltage.

Application Example 17:
17. The cartridge according to application example 16, wherein a length of the cartridge-side ground terminal in the Z-axis direction is longer than a length of the other cartridge-side terminal in the Z-axis direction.

  According to the cartridge described in Application Example 17, contact between the cartridge-side ground terminal and the apparatus-side ground terminal can be more reliably performed.

Application Example 18:
A cartridge mounting portion to which a cartridge is attached and detached; a base end portion provided at a bottom portion of the cartridge mounting portion; and a distal end portion connected to the cartridge; and the printing material accommodated in the cartridge is distributed to the head A printing material supply pipe to be contacted; a device-side terminal group in contact with the cartridge; and a lever used for attaching and detaching the cartridge; a Z-axis being an axis parallel to a central axis C of the printing material supply pipe, The direction in which the printing material supply pipe and the device side terminal group are arranged and the direction orthogonal to the Z axis is the X axis, the Z axis and the axis orthogonal to the X axis are the Y axis, and the direction of the Z axis Of these, the direction from the base end portion to the tip end portion of the printing material supply pipe is the + Z-axis direction, the opposite direction to the + Z-axis direction is the −Z-axis direction, and the printing material supply is out of the X-axis directions. Device side terminal from tube The direction toward the + X axis direction, the direction opposite to the −X axis direction as the −X axis direction, the direction toward one of the Y axis directions as the + Y axis direction, and the direction toward the other as the −Y axis direction The device-side terminal group is in contact with the cartridge in a mounted state in which the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, and exerts a force in a direction having the + Z-axis direction component on the cartridge, The lever has an operation portion at an end on the + Z-axis direction side, and locks the cartridge at an end on the −Z-axis direction side to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the + Z-axis direction. A cartridge that is detachably mounted on a printing apparatus that has a single apparatus-side restricting portion and rotates about a position between the operation unit and the first apparatus-side restricting portion. , The wearing state The X-axis for a said cartridge, said Y-axis and the Z-axis, X-axis of each of the cartridge, the Y axis, and Z-axis. The cartridge is located on the −Z-axis direction side, and is connected to the printing material supply pipe to which the printing material supply pipe is connected; provided on the + X-axis direction side with respect to the printing material supply unit, A circuit board having a surface inclined toward the direction including the component in the −Z-axis direction; and a plurality of circuits provided on the surface of the circuit board and corresponding to each device-side terminal of the device-side terminal group A cartridge-side terminal group configured to include a cartridge-side terminal group that receives a force in a direction having a component in the + Z-axis direction from the apparatus-side terminal group; A first cartridge side restricting portion that restricts movement of the cartridge in the + Z-axis direction by being locked, and is located on the + X-axis direction side of the printing material supply port. Rule Comprises a part, the,

  One or both of the two features in the following two application examples can be provided in the above configuration. An additional feature of one application example is that the first cartridge side restriction portion is provided at a position close to a substrate end located on the + Z-axis direction side of the surface of the circuit board, and It is the feature that it is provided on the −Z axis direction side from the axis of the lever. In another application example, the cartridge-side terminal group includes: a first terminal including a first outer portion disposed at an extreme end in the + Y axis direction; and an extreme end in the −Y axis direction And a second terminal including a second outer portion disposed in the first cartridge-side restricting portion, wherein the first cartridge-side restricting portion is formed between the first outer portion and the second outer portion in the Y-axis direction. It is the characteristic that it is not arrange | positioned outside the range between but inside.

  According to the cartridge described in the application example 18, the first cartridge side restriction portion that is locked to the lever of the printing apparatus is provided. Further, the first cartridge side restricting portion is provided at a position on the −Z axis direction side of the lever shaft. With this configuration, as in Application Example 1, there is no need to provide an engaging portion between the lever shaft and the operating portion. Therefore, the same effect as in Application Example 1 is achieved. For example, since the distance between the lever and the cartridge can be reduced in the cartridge described in Application Example 18, the size in the X-axis direction of the printing apparatus and the printing material supply system including the cartridge and the printing apparatus can be reduced.

  Further, according to the cartridge described in application example 18, the first cartridge side regulating portion is provided on the −Z axis direction side with respect to the axis of the lever. Thereby, similarly to Application Example 1, the movement of the cartridge in the + Z-axis direction can be restricted by the lever. Therefore, the same effect as in Application Example 1 is achieved. For example, the electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminal group and the apparatus-side terminal group can be stably achieved, and conduction failure can be reduced.

  According to the application example, the cartridge-side terminal group includes the first terminal including the first outer portion arranged at the outermost end portion in the + Y axis direction and the first terminal arranged at the outermost end portion in the −Y axis direction. A second terminal including two outer portions, wherein the first cartridge side restricting portion is outside the range between the first outer portion and the second outer portion in the Y-axis direction. It is not arranged in, but it is arranged inside. Thereby, similarly to the cartridge of Application Example 1, the direction of the inclined surface on which the cartridge side terminal group is provided can be satisfactorily adjusted. Even when the position of the apparatus-side terminal group and the inclination of the first cartridge-side restricting portion change due to manufacturing errors, the cartridge-side terminal group and the apparatus-side terminal group Ensure stable electrical connection.

  Further, according to the application example, the cartridge side regulating element is provided at a specific position close to the board, and is disposed in the −Z axis direction of the rotation axis of the lever, and the board end is + Z on the surface of the circuit board. The first cartridge side restricting portion is disposed in the axial direction and is provided at a position close to the substrate end located on the + Z axial direction side. That is, the first cartridge-side restricting portion is disposed so as to be as close as possible to the cartridge-side terminal group. Since the first cartridge side regulating portion is locked to the lever, the position of the vicinity of the first cartridge side regulating portion is unlikely to fluctuate even if the cartridge receives an external force. Thus, by providing the cartridge side terminal group in a place where the position variation is very small, it is possible to further suppress the positional deviation of each terminal of the cartridge side terminal group with respect to the cartridge mounting portion. Therefore, the stable electrical connection between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group can be maintained.

Application Example 19:
A printing material supply system comprising: a printing device; and the cartridge according to any one of application examples 1 to 18, wherein the printing device includes: (i) a device-side bottom wall; and (ii) ) A first apparatus side wall provided in a direction intersecting with the apparatus side bottom wall; and (iii) opposing the first apparatus side wall in a direction intersecting with the apparatus side bottom wall. A cartridge mounting portion provided with a second device side wall portion provided on the device; a base end portion provided on the device side bottom wall portion; and a distal end portion connected to the cartridge; A printing material supply pipe for circulating the printing material accommodated in the head; a device-side terminal group provided at a device-side corner portion where the device-side bottom wall portion and the first device-side side wall portion intersect; Attached to the side wall of the first apparatus so as to be rotatable, the cartridge can be attached and detached. A lever to be used, an axis parallel to the central axis C of the printing material supply pipe being a Z axis, a direction in which the printing material supply pipe and the device-side terminal group are arranged, and orthogonal to the Z axis The direction is the X-axis, the Z-axis and the axis orthogonal to the X-axis are the Y-axis, and the direction from the base end portion of the printing material supply pipe to the tip end portion is the + Z-axis direction among the Z-axis directions. The direction opposite to the + Z-axis direction is the -Z-axis direction, and the direction from the printing material supply pipe to the device-side terminal group is the + X-axis direction among the X-axis directions, and the -X-axis direction is When the reverse direction is the -X-axis direction, the direction toward one of the Y-axis directions is the + Y-axis direction, and the direction toward the other is the -Y-axis direction, the device-side terminal group includes the cartridge mounted on the cartridge In contact with the cartridge in the mounted state, A force is applied to the cartridge in a specific direction having the + Z-axis direction component, and the lever has an operation portion at an end portion on the + Z-axis direction side, and an end portion on the −Z-axis direction side. A first device-side restricting portion that restricts the movement of the cartridge in the + Z-axis direction by locking the cartridge; and a position between the operation portion and the first device-side restricting portion. Printing material supply system that rotates as an axis.

  According to the printing material supply system described in Application Example 19, since the cartridge described in any one of Application Examples 1 to 18 is provided, the sizes of the printing material supply system in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction are set. Can be small. Further, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the locking between the first apparatus side regulating portion and the first cartridge side regulating portion is released. Therefore, the electrical connection between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group can be stably achieved, and the conduction failure can be reduced.

  As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, applications of the present invention are directed to an ink cartridge, a combination of an ink cartridge and a printing device, or a portion of a printing device. The ink cartridge is inserted into a device and system configured to supply ink to the printing device. The system includes a printing device (or part thereof) and / or does not include a printing device.

  In one application of the present invention, a cartridge is disclosed that is configured to be detachably attached to an inkjet printing apparatus. The ink jet printing apparatus to which the ink cartridge is mounted includes a lever having an engaging portion. Preferably, the printing device is configured and arranged to apply an elastic force to the ink cartridge when the ink cartridge is pressed against the device-side contact forming member after the cartridge is mounted on the printing device. A device side contact forming member is included. The ink cartridge preferably includes a cartridge body including a front or first surface, a rear or second surface, a top or third surface, and a bottom or fourth surface. The front portion or the first surface and the rear portion or the second surface face each other. The top or third surface and the bottom or fourth surface face each other. The ink cartridge includes an ink storage unit that stores ink. The ink cartridge preferably includes an electronic device. Further, the ink cartridge includes an ink supply unit provided on the rear portion or the fourth surface of the cartridge body. The ink supply portion has a mounting direction front end portion that forms the surface of the ink cartridge. The ink supply unit is configured and set to supply ink from the ink storage unit to the ink jet printing apparatus. Further, the ink cartridge includes a terminal holding portion disposed in proximity to the front portion or the first surface of the cartridge body, and the terminal holding portion has a plurality of conductive terminals connected to the electronic device in the terminal holding portion. . The terminal group is configured and arranged on the terminal holding portion so as to come into contact with the contact forming member and receive an elastic force from the contact forming member when the cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus. A terminal group is arrange | positioned in the terminal surface which is neither parallel nor perpendicular | vertical to the surface formed by the front-end | tip part. The ink cartridge preferably includes a first restricting portion having an engaging portion configured to engage with the engaging portion of the lever and restrict the movement of the ink cartridge in the direction opposite to the mounting direction. . The engaging portion of the first restricting portion is preferably disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion.

  In one application, the terminal surface is at an angle of about 20-50 degrees, preferably about 25-40 degrees, with respect to the surface formed by the tip.

  The relationship between the terminal holding portion and the printing apparatus is important for accurate mounting of the cartridge. As described herein, the cartridge can receive a force in the front-rear direction by facing each other at a predetermined angle. These forces help hold the cartridge in place.

  In one application example, when the front portion or the first surface of the cartridge body is viewed with the ink supply portion facing downward, the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is the rightmost of the plurality of terminals. It is located on the left side of the right end of the terminal and on the right side of the left end of the leftmost terminal among the plurality of terminals.

  In one application example, when the cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, the terminal group contacts the contact forming member at the contact portion of the terminal and receives an elastic force from the contact forming member. Configured and arranged. The contact portion is substantially disposed in the contact portion plane. In this application example, when the front portion or the first surface of the cartridge body is viewed with the ink supply portion facing downward, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the most among the contact portions of the plurality of terminals. It is located on the left side of the right contact portion and is located on the right side of the leftmost contact portion among the contact portions of the plurality of terminals. In one application, the terminal surface is at an angle of about 20-50 degrees, preferably about 25-40 degrees, with respect to the surface formed by the tip.

  In one application, the ink cartridge further includes a second restricting portion provided on the rear portion or the second surface of the ink cartridge. The second restricting portion has an engaging portion configured and arranged to engage with a corresponding portion of the inkjet printing apparatus. In this application example, when each distance is measured in a direction orthogonal to the surface formed by the tip portion, the distance between the engaging portion of the second restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is It is larger than the distance between the engaging part of 1 control part and the surface formed by the front-end | tip part.

  In one application example, when the ink cartridge is viewed from the side where the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the right side and the ink supply portion is directed downward, each distance is orthogonal to the surface formed by the tip portion. When the measurement is performed in a direction, the distance between the engaging portion of the first restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is formed by the rotation shaft of the lever and the tip portion with the cartridge mounted. Less than the distance between the faces. The lever may have two ends, and may have a rotating shaft between the two ends.

  In one application example, when the ink cartridge is viewed from the side where the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the right side and the ink supply portion is directed downward, the first restricting portion is mounted. Is located on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever.

  In one application example, when the front portion or the first surface of the cartridge main body is viewed with the ink supply portion facing downward, at least one of the engaging portions of the first restricting portion with the cartridge mounted. The portion is positioned substantially at the center in the width direction of the ink cartridge.

  In a preferred application, the surface formed by the tip is below the bottom or the fourth surface. In other applications, this surface is flush with the bottom. In yet other applications, this surface may be recessed from the bottom surface.

  In one application, an ink supply system configured to supply ink to an inkjet printing apparatus is disclosed. The ink jet printing apparatus includes a plurality of apparatus side contact forming members. The ink supply system preferably includes an ink storage unit that stores ink, and an ink supply unit that is configured and arranged to supply ink from the ink storage unit to the inkjet printing apparatus. The ink supply unit includes a mounting direction front end portion that forms a surface. The ink supply system preferably includes an electronic device. The ink supply system includes a terminal holding unit having a plurality of conductive terminals. The terminal group is configured and arranged on the terminal holding portion so that when the cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, the contact portion contacts the contact forming member at the terminal contact portion and receives an elastic force from the contact forming member. Further, the ink supply system is configured to be engaged with the engaging portion of the lever of the printing apparatus to restrict the movement of the terminal holding portion and the terminal group on the terminal holding portion in the direction opposite to the mounting direction. The 1st control part containing an engaging part can be included. The engaging portion of the first restricting portion is preferably disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion. When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, the terminal group is arranged in a terminal surface that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface formed by the tip. Instead, the terminal holding part determines the surface. And / or this surface is formed by a group of terminals in contact with the respective structure of the printing device.

  In one application of the system, when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing device, the terminal surface is 20-50 degrees, preferably about 25-40 degrees, with respect to the surface formed by the tip. Is an angle.

  In one application example of the system, when the ink supply system is in a position to supply ink to the printing apparatus, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the left side of the right end of the rightmost terminal among the plurality of terminals. And located on the right side of the left end of the leftmost terminal among the plurality of terminals.

  In one application example of the system, the terminal group includes a terminal holding portion so that, when the cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, the contact portion of the terminal contacts the contact forming member and receives an elastic force from the contact forming member. Configured and arranged on top. The contact portion is substantially disposed in the contact portion plane. When the ink supply system is in a position to supply ink to the printing apparatus, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is located on the left side of the rightmost contact portion among the contact portions of the plurality of terminals, and It is located on the right side of the leftmost contact portion among the contact portions of the terminals. The contact portion can form a surface having an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, and thus a surface formed by the tip portion. The surface formed by this contact is preferably relative to the surface formed by the tip when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing device.

  Also, in one application, the ink supply system includes a body that includes a front or first surface and a rear or second surface. The front portion or the first surface and the rear portion or the second surface face each other. In addition, the ink supply system includes a restricting portion as a second restricting portion adjacent to the rear portion or the second surface of the main body, and a terminal holding portion close to the front portion or the first surface of the main body. The second restricting portion can include an engaging portion configured and arranged to engage with a respective portion of the inkjet printing apparatus. When each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface formed by the tip portion, the distance between the engaging portion of the second restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is the same as that of the first restricting portion. It is larger than the distance between the engaging portion and the surface formed by the tip portion.

  In one application, the second engagement portion can be in proximity to the rear portion or the second surface of the main body, and the terminal holding portion can be in proximity to the first surface or front portion of the main body. The second restricting portion including the engaging portion is configured and arranged to engage with each portion of the ink jet printing apparatus. When each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface formed by the tip portion, the distance between the engaging portion of the second restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is the same as that of the first restricting portion. It is larger than the distance between the engaging portion and the surface formed by the tip portion.

  In one application example, when each distance is measured in a direction orthogonal to the surface formed by the tip, the first regulating portion and the tip when the ink supply system is supplying ink to the printing device. The distance between the formed surface is smaller than the distance between the rotation axis of the lever and the surface formed by the tip portion.

  In one application example, when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the right side, the ink supplying portion is facing downward, and the first restricting portion The engaging portion is located on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever.

  In one application example, the ink supply system includes a main body adjacent to the terminal holding portion, and when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, at least a part of the engaging portion of the first restriction portion is , Located approximately in the center of the width direction of the main body.

  In one application, the ink supply system can include an adapter. An ink supply unit, a terminal holding unit, and a first regulating unit are provided in the adapter, and the ink storage unit is configured and arranged to be combined with the adapter. In other applications, the system can include an adapter. The terminal holding portion and the first restricting portion are provided in the adapter, the ink resting portion is provided in the ink containing portion, and the ink containing portion is configured and arranged to be combined with the adapter. Alternatively, the system can include an adapter, an ink tank external to the inkjet printing device, a tube, and an auxiliary adapter. The ink supply part is provided in the auxiliary adapter, the terminal holding part and the first restriction part are provided in the adapter, and when the ink is supplied and discarded Uga ink is supplied to the printing apparatus, the tube is supplied with the ink from the external tank to the auxiliary adapter. To supply.

  In one application, the ink supply system can include a body that includes a top and a bottom. The upper part and the bottom part face each other, and the surface formed by the tip part is substantially flush with the bottom part.

  The form of the present invention is not limited to the above-described cartridge, combination of ink cartridge and printing apparatus, or printing material supply system. For example, a liquid cartridge, a liquid container, a printing material container, a cartridge adapter, and a circuit The present invention can also be applied to other forms such as a substrate, a printing apparatus, a liquid ejecting apparatus, and a liquid supply system including a liquid ejecting apparatus and a liquid cartridge. Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. With respect to the combination of ink cartridge and printing device and / or inkjet printing device, it should be understood that the ink cartridge is inserted, mounted or mounted on the printing device.

  The above summary will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to elements, as in the description of the following embodiments. In order to illustrate the apparatus of the present application, an embodiment is shown in the drawings. However, it should be understood that this application is not limited to the arrangements, structures, features, embodiments, appearances, and devices shown herein. It should also be understood that this arrangement, structure, feature, embodiment, appearance, and device can be used alone or in combination with other arrangements, structures, features, embodiments, appearance, and devices. .

  The drawings need not be taken to scale and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. It is merely intended to clarify one embodiment of the illustrated invention. About drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the printing material supply system 10. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the holder 60 to which the cartridge 20 is mounted. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the holder 60 to which the cartridge 20 is mounted. FIG. 4 is a top view showing the holder 60 to which the cartridge 20 is mounted. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F4-F4 of FIG. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view showing a holder and a cartridge mounted on the holder. FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram showing the force that the lever receives from the cartridge. FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram showing the force that the lever receives from the cartridge. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the cartridge. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the cartridge. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F8-F8 in FIG. FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating the cartridge and the lever when the cartridge is in the mounting position. FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the circuit board. FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the circuit board. FIG. 11 is a rear view of the cartridge. FIG. 12 is a front view of the cartridge. FIG. 13 is a left side view of the cartridge. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the structure of the holder. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the structure of the holder. FIG. 16 is a top view showing the structure of the holder. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F16-F16 in FIG. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the contact mechanism. FIG. 19 is an external perspective view of the lever. FIG. 20 is a cross section cut along a plane parallel to the X-axis and the Z-axis of the shaft portion. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the lever. FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the holding member and a perspective view of the lever. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure in the vicinity of the lever when the cartridge is mounted in the holder. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing the cartridge mounting operation. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing the cartridge mounting operation. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing the cartridge mounting operation. FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing the cartridge mounting operation. FIG. 27A is an enlarged view of the cartridge attached to the holder. FIG. 27B is an enlarged view of the cartridge attached to the holder. FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration. FIG. 29 shows a connection state between the circuit board and the mounting detection circuit. FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the external force received by the cartridge 20 in the cartridge mounted state. FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining fine adjustment in the direction in which the inclined surface faces. FIG. 32A is a diagram for explaining one of the effects. FIG. 32B is a diagram for explaining one of the effects. FIG. 32C is a diagram for explaining one of the effects. FIG. 32D is a diagram for explaining one of the effects. FIG. 32E is a diagram for explaining one of the effects. FIG. 32F is a diagram for explaining one of the effects. FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining the printer of the second embodiment. FIG. 34 is an external perspective view of the cartridge 20b of the third embodiment. FIG. 35A is a conceptual diagram showing the outer shape of a cartridge according to another embodiment. FIG. 35B is a conceptual diagram showing the outer shape of a cartridge according to another embodiment. FIG. 35C is a conceptual diagram showing the outer shape of a cartridge according to another embodiment. FIG. 35D is a conceptual diagram showing the outer shape of a cartridge according to another embodiment. FIG. 35E is a conceptual diagram showing the outer shape of a cartridge according to another embodiment. FIG. 35F is a conceptual diagram illustrating an outer shape of a cartridge according to another embodiment. FIG. 35G is a conceptual diagram showing the outer shape of a cartridge according to another embodiment. FIG. 35H is a conceptual diagram showing the outer shape of a cartridge according to another embodiment. FIG. 35I is a conceptual diagram showing the outer shape of a cartridge according to another embodiment. FIG. 35J is a conceptual diagram showing the outer shape of a cartridge according to another embodiment. FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a cartridge using an adapter according to another embodiment. FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the cartridge 20 using the adapter according to another embodiment. FIG. 37B is a perspective view showing a configuration of a cartridge using an adapter and a housing member. FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a cartridge using an adapter according to another embodiment. FIG. 39A is a diagram for describing a configuration of a lever according to one modification. FIG. 39B is a diagram for describing a configuration of a lever according to one modification. FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a cartridge according to one modification is mounted on a holder. FIG. 41A is a diagram illustrating a modification of the terminal shape. FIG. 41B is a diagram illustrating a modification of the terminal shape. FIG. 41C is a diagram illustrating a modification of the terminal shape. FIG. 42A is a graph showing the relationship between the wiping amount of the substrate terminal and the inclination angle φ of the substrate. FIG. 42B is a diagram illustrating the wiping amount of the board terminal. FIG. 43A is a graph showing the relationship between the upward force due to the device-side ground terminal and the substrate tilt angle φ. FIG. 43B is a diagram illustrating an upward force generated by the device-side ground terminal. FIG. 44 is a graph showing another relationship between the wiping amount of the substrate terminal and the inclination angle φ of the substrate. FIG. 45 is a graph showing another relationship between the upward force due to the device-side ground terminal and the inclination angle φ of the substrate.

  In order to further clarify the configuration and operation of the present invention described above, a printing material supply system to which the present invention is applied will be described below.

A. First embodiment:
A-1. Overall configuration of printing material supply system:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the printing material supply system 10. In FIG. 1, XYZ axes orthogonal to each other are drawn. The XYZ axes in FIG. 1 correspond to the XYZ axes in the other drawings. The XYZ axes are attached to the drawings shown thereafter as necessary. The printing material supply system 10 includes a cartridge 20 and a printer 50 as a printing apparatus. In the printing material supply system 10, the cartridge 20 is detachably mounted on the holder 60 of the printer 50 by the user.

  The cartridge 20 of the printing material supply system 10 stores ink as a printing material therein. The ink as the printing material accommodated in the cartridge 20 is supplied to the head 540 via an ink supply unit and a printing material supply pipe which will be described later. In the present embodiment, a plurality of cartridges 20 are detachably mounted on the holder 60 of the printer 50. In this embodiment, six types of cartridges 20 are attached to the holder 60 corresponding to six colors (black, yellow, magenta, light magenta, cyan, and light cyan), that is, a total of six cartridges 20 are mounted on the holder 60. . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the description herein relates to ink, but as will be described in more detail below, any material that can be utilized for printing can be cartridges, combinations, and It is believed that it can be used in connection with a delivery system and the present invention should not be limited to this.

  In other embodiments, the number of cartridges attached to the holder 60 may be six or less, or may be six or more. In other embodiments, the type of ink in the cartridge 20 may be 6 colors or less, or 6 colors or more. In another embodiment, two or more cartridges 20 may be mounted on the holder 60 corresponding to one color ink. Detailed configurations of the cartridge 20 and the holder 60 will be described later.

  The printer 50 of the printing material supply system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a small inkjet printer for individuals. In addition to the holder 60, the printer 50 includes a control unit 510 and a carriage 520 having the holder 60. The carriage 520 includes a head 540. The printer 50 circulates ink from the cartridge 20 mounted in the holder 60 to the head 540 via a printing material supply pipe described later, and discharges (supplies) ink from the head 540 to a printing medium 90 such as paper or a label. To do. As a result, data such as characters, graphics, and images is printed on the print medium 90 using the head 540. Although described with respect to inkjet printers, as described in more detail below, applicability to other types of printers and printing material supply systems is well understood by those skilled in the art and the present invention is not limited thereto. It shouldn't be.

  The control unit 510 of the printer 50 controls each unit of the printer 50. The carriage 520 of the printer 50 is configured to be capable of reciprocating scanning with the head 540 across the print medium 90. The head 540 of the printer 50 includes an ink ejection mechanism that ejects ink from the cartridge 20 mounted on the holder 60 onto the print medium 90. The controller 510 and the carriage 520 are electrically connected via a flexible cable 517, and the ink ejection mechanism of the head 540 operates based on a control signal from the controller 510.

  In the present embodiment, the carriage 520 includes a holder 60 together with the head 540. As described above, the type of the printer 50 in which the cartridge 20 is mounted in the holder 60 on the carriage 520 that moves the head 540 is also referred to as an “on-carriage type”. In another embodiment, the immovable holder 60 is configured in a different part from the carriage 520, and the ink from the cartridge 20 mounted on the holder 60 is supplied to the head 540 of the carriage 520 via the flexible tube. good. Such a printer type is also called an “off-carriage type”.

  In the present embodiment, the printer 50 includes a main scan feed mechanism and a sub scan feed mechanism for realizing printing on the print medium 90 by relatively moving the carriage 520 and the print medium 90. The main scanning feed mechanism of the printer 50 includes a carriage motor 522 and a driving belt 524, and transmits the power of the carriage motor 522 to the carriage 520 via the driving belt 524, thereby reciprocating the carriage 520 in the main scanning direction. The sub-scan feed mechanism of the printer 50 includes a transport motor 532 and a platen 534, and transmits the power of the transport motor 532 to the platen 534, thereby transporting the print medium 90 in the sub-scan direction orthogonal to the main scan direction. The carriage motor 522 of the main scan feed mechanism and the transport motor 532 of the sub scan feed mechanism operate based on a control signal from the control unit 510.

  In the present embodiment, in the posture in which the printing material supply system 10 is normally used, the axis along the sub-scanning direction (front-rear direction) for transporting the printing medium 90 is the X axis, and the main scanning direction (reciprocating the carriage 520) The axis along the left-right or left-right direction) is the Y-axis, and the axis along the gravity direction (vertical direction) is the Z-axis. The usage state of the printing material supply system 10 is the state of the printing material supply system 10 installed on a horizontal surface. In this embodiment, the horizontal surface is a surface parallel to the X axis and the Y axis (XY). Plane).

  In the present embodiment, the sub-scanning direction (front direction) is the + X axis direction, the opposite direction (rear direction) is the −X axis direction, the direction opposite to the gravity direction (upward direction) is the + Z axis direction, and the + Z axis direction. The reverse direction, that is, the gravity direction (downward direction) is defined as the −Z axis direction. In the present embodiment, the + X axis direction side (front side) is the front surface of the printing material supply system 10. In the present embodiment, the direction from the right side surface to the left side surface of the printing material supply system 10 is defined as + Y axis direction (left direction), and the opposite direction is defined as −Y axis direction (right direction). In the present embodiment, the arrangement direction of the plurality of cartridges 20 attached to the holder 60 is a direction along the Y axis (left-right or left-right direction, also simply referred to as “Y-axis direction”). The direction along the X axis (front-rear direction) is also referred to as the “X-axis direction”, and the direction along the Z axis (up-down direction) is also referred to as the “Z-axis direction”.

A-2. Configuration in which the cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60:
2 and 3 are perspective views showing the holder 60 to which the cartridge 20 is mounted. FIG. 4 is a top view showing the holder 60 to which the cartridge 20 is mounted. 2 to 4 show a state in which one cartridge 20 is correctly mounted in the designed mounting position in the holder 60. In addition, “the state of being correctly mounted at the designed mounting position” and the “mounted” position means that each terminal of the cartridge-side terminal group described later corresponds to each corresponding terminal of the terminal group of the contact mechanism of the printer 50. A state in which the cartridge 20 is mounted or mounted in a position where it contacts each other.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the holder 60 of the printer 50 has five walls 601, 603, 604, 605, and 606. A concave portion formed by these five wall portions becomes a cartridge housing chamber 602 (also referred to as “cartridge mounting portion 602”). The cartridge housing chamber 602 is divided by a partition wall 607 into a plurality of slots (mounting spaces) that can receive the cartridges 20. Such a partition wall 607 functions as a guide when the cartridge 20 is inserted into the slot, but may be omitted. Each slot is provided with a printing material supply pipe 640, a contact mechanism 70, a lever 80, a second device-side restricting portion 620, and a protrusion 636 serving as a third device-side restricting portion. One side surface (+ Z-axis side surface; upper surface) of each slot is opened, and the cartridge 20 is attached to and detached from the holder 60 through the opened one side surface (upper surface).

  The cartridge 20 is locked by the lever 80 and the second apparatus-side regulating unit 620, and an ink supply unit, which will be described later, is connected to the printing material supply tube 640, so that the cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60. This state is also referred to as a “state in which the cartridge 20 is attached to the holder 60”, a “mounting” state, or a “mounting” state. The printing material supply pipe 640 is connected to the ink supply unit of the cartridge 20, and thereby distributes the ink as the printing material stored in the cartridge 20 to the head 540. The printing material supply pipe 640 has a distal end portion (also referred to as “connection end portion”) 642 positioned on the + Z axis side and a proximal end portion 645 positioned on the −Z axis side. The base end portion 645 is provided on the bottom wall portion 601. The leading end 642 is connected to the ink supply unit of the cartridge 20. The central axis C of the printing material supply pipe 640 is parallel to the Z axis. The direction from the base end 645 toward the tip end 642 along the central axis C is the + Z axis direction.

  As shown in FIG. 2, an elastic member 648 is provided around the printing material supply pipe 640. The elastic member 648 seals the periphery of the ink supply unit of the cartridge 20 in the mounted state. Accordingly, the elastic member 648 prevents ink from leaking out from the ink supply unit. In the mounted state, the elastic member 648 applies a biasing force including a component in the + Z-axis direction to the cartridge 20.

  Further, in the mounted (mounted) state, a terminal group provided on a circuit board (to be described later) of the cartridge 20 and the contact mechanism 70 are electrically connected, so that various information can be transmitted between the cartridge 20 and the printer 50. Done.

  5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F4-F4 of FIG. In addition, illustration of the protrusion part 636 is abbreviate | omitted. By connecting the printing material supply pipe 640 of the printer 50 to the ink supply unit 280 of the cartridge 20, ink is supplied from the cartridge 20 to the head 540 via the printing material flow path 282.

  In the present embodiment, a porous body filter 644 that filters ink from the cartridge 20 is provided at the distal end 642 of the printing material supply pipe 640. As the porous filter 644, for example, a stainless mesh, a stainless nonwoven fabric, or the like can be used. In other embodiments, the porous filter may be omitted from the tip 642 of the printing material supply pipe 640.

  The contact mechanism 70 of the printer 50 is provided on the + X axis direction side of the printing material supply pipe 640 and is configured to be electrically connectable to a terminal group provided on the circuit board 40 of the cartridge 20. The mounted cartridge 20 receives a biasing force Pt including a vector component in the + Z-axis direction from the terminal of the contact mechanism 70 to the circuit board 40. Further, the mounted cartridge 20 receives a biasing force Ps in the + Z-axis direction from the elastic member 648 to the ink supply unit 280.

  The lever 80 used for attaching and detaching the cartridge 20 has an operation portion 830 at an end portion on the + Z-axis direction side, and an engagement portion 810 at an end portion on the −Z-axis direction side. In the mounted state, the first device-side regulating portion or engaging portion 810 (a first device-side locking surface described in detail later) is engaged with the first cartridge-side regulating portion 210 at the first locking position 810L. It is configured to be able to stop. The first locking position 810L is located on the + Z axis direction side and the + X axis direction side from the position where the terminal group provided on the circuit board 40 and the contact mechanism 70 are in contact with each other. The engaging portion 810 restricts the movement of the cartridge 20 in the + Z-axis direction by being locked to the first cartridge side restricting portion 210.

  The lever 80 rotates about a position between the operation unit 830 and the engaging unit 810 as an axis 800c. The rotation shaft 800c of the lever 80 is located on the + Z axis direction side and the + X axis direction side from the first locking position 810L.

  The operation unit 830 of the lever 80 is used when the user removes the cartridge 20 from the holder 60. When removing the cartridge 20, the user pushes the operation unit 830 in the −X axis direction. At this time, a force Pr (also referred to as “operation force Pr”) from the + X axis direction side to the −X axis direction side is applied to the operation unit 830. Then, the lever 80 rotates about the shaft 800c, and the engaging portion 810 moves in the + X axis direction from the first locking position 810L. As a result, the engagement of the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 by the engaging portion 810 is released, and the cartridge 20 can be removed from the holder 60.

  A second device side regulating portion 620 is provided on the side wall portion 604. The second apparatus-side restricting portion 620 is configured to be able to lock the second cartridge-side restricting portion 220 at the second locking position 620L. In the present embodiment, the second device-side restricting portion 620 is a through hole formed in the side wall portion 604 of the holder 60. The second locking position 620L is located on the + Z-axis direction side and the −X-axis direction side of the printing material supply pipe 640. The second device-side regulating unit 620 regulates the movement of the cartridge 20 in the + Z-axis direction by locking the second cartridge-side regulating unit 220 (also referred to as the second regulating unit 220). . Thus, in the mounted state, the cartridge 20 is restricted from moving in the + Z-axis direction on both sides of the end in the + X-axis direction and the end in the −X-axis direction.

  The second locking position 620 </ b> L where the second cartridge side regulating unit 220 and the second apparatus side regulating unit 620 come into contact serves as a rotation fulcrum when the cartridge 20 is attached to and detached from the holder 60. That is, the cartridge 20 is attached and detached while rotating the cartridge 20 along the plane parallel to the Z axis and the X axis around the second locking position 620L. That is, the second cartridge side restriction unit 220 and the second device side restriction unit 620 function as a rotation fulcrum of the cartridge 20 when the cartridge 20 is attached or detached. Details of the attaching / detaching operation of the cartridge 20 with respect to the holder 60 will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the mounted state, the first locking position 810L is positioned on the −Z axis direction side by a distance Dz from the second locking position 620L. Therefore, the possibility that the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 and the engaging portion 810 are unlocked by the urging forces Ps and Pt from the holder 60 to the cartridge 20 can be reduced. Thereby, the cartridge 20 can be stably held at the designed mounting position.

  6A and 6B are explanatory views showing the force that the lever 80 receives from the cartridge 20 at the first locking position 810L. FIG. 6A illustrates the force F1 that the lever 80 receives from the cartridge 20 at the first locking position 810L when the first locking position 810L is located on the −Z-axis direction side with respect to the second locking position 620L. . FIG. 6B illustrates the force F2 that the lever 80 receives from the cartridge 20 at the first locking position 810L when the first locking position 810L is positioned on the + Z axis direction side with respect to the second locking position 620L. The force F1 in FIG. 6A and the force F2 in FIG. 6B are the same magnitude.

  6A and 6B show the positional relationship between the first locking position 810L, the second locking position 620L, and the rotation shaft 800c (also referred to as “rotation center 800c”) on the X axis and the Z axis. This is schematically illustrated. The positional relationship between FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B is the same except that the position of the second locking position 620L on the Z-axis is different. An arc RT1 in FIGS. 6A and 6B is a rotation locus obtained by rotating the first locking position 810L about the rotation shaft 800c. An arc RT2 in FIGS. 6A and 6B is a rotation locus obtained by rotating the first locking position 810L around the second locking position 620L.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the first locking position 810L is located on the −Z-axis direction side of the second locking position 620L. Therefore, the force acting in the tangential direction of the arc RT2 at the first locking position 810L. F1 acts in a direction including the + X-axis direction vector component and the + Z-axis direction vector component. A vector component obtained by resolving the force F1 in the tangential direction of the arc RT1 is F1t, and a vector component obtained by resolving the force F1 in the radial direction of the arc RT1 is F1r.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6B, since the first locking position 810L is located on the + Z-axis direction side of the second locking position 620L, the force F2 acting in the tangential direction of the arc RT2 at the first locking position 810L. Acts in a direction including a −X-axis direction vector component and a + Z-axis direction vector component. A vector component obtained by resolving the force F2 in the tangential direction of the arc RT1 is defined as F2t, and a vector component obtained by decomposing the force F2 in the radial direction of the arc RT1 is defined as F2r.

  As is clear from the comparison between FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, the relationship between the force F1 and the force F2 is “F1” based on the mutual positional relationship between the first locking position 810L, the second locking position 620L, and the rotating shaft 800c. = F2 ", the relationship between the tangential vector components of the arc RT1 is" F1t <F2t ", and the relationship between the radial vector components of the arc RT1 is" F1r> F2r ". That is, as compared with the state shown in FIG. 6B, in the state shown in FIG. 6A, the vector component of the force from the cartridge 20 toward the rotation shaft 800c of the lever 80 becomes larger, and the clockwise direction, that is, the + Y-axis direction , The vector component of the force that attempts to rotate the lever 80 about the rotation shaft 800c becomes smaller. In other words, when the first locking position 810L is positioned on the −Z-axis direction side with respect to the second locking position 620L, the first cartridge-side regulating portion 210 is positioned on the + Z-axis direction side. The possibility that the engagement with the engaging portion 810 is released can be reduced. In any case, since the force in the + X-axis direction, which is the direction in which the first locking position 810L is released, does not act, the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 can be detached from the engaging portion 810 in any case. The advantage is that the property can be reduced.

A-3. Detailed configuration of the cartridge 20:
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the cartridge 20 as an example of the cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the cartridge 20. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F8-F8 in FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration of the circuit board 40. 10A is a diagram of the circuit board 40 as viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow F9 in FIG. FIG. 10B is a diagram of the circuit board 40 viewed from the arrow F10 in FIG. 10A. In the present embodiment, the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis for the cartridge 20 in the mounted state are axes on the cartridge. In the present embodiment, the + X axis direction side is the front surface of the cartridge 20 in the mounted state. The plane Yc shown in FIG. 8 is a plane (ZX plane) that passes through the center of the width of the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction and is parallel to the Z-axis and the X-axis. A plane CX shown in FIG. 8 is a plane (ZX plane) that passes through the central axis C and is parallel to the Z axis and the X axis.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the cartridge 20 includes an ink storage unit 200 that stores ink, an outer shell 22, an ink supply unit 280, a circuit board 40, and a first cartridge-side regulating portion 210. The mounting direction SD when mounting the cartridge 20 on the holder 60 is the −Z-axis direction (in the present embodiment, the vertically downward direction). Here, when the cartridge 20 is inserted into the holder 60, the orientation and posture of the cartridge 20 are not always constant. In the middle of trying to attach the cartridge 20 to the holder 60, the state of the cartridge 20 may be tilted with respect to the Z axis. However, immediately before mounting and in the mounted state, the ink supply unit 280 receives the printing material supply pipe 640 having the central axis C parallel to the Z axis, and the orientation of the cartridge 20 is regulated by the printing material supply pipe 640. Therefore, it is substantially adjusted to the −Z axis direction. Therefore, since the rough movement direction when the cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60 is the −Z axis direction, the −Z axis direction can be regarded as the mounting direction of the cartridge 20. For the same reason, the + Z-axis direction can be regarded as the removal direction RD (FIG. 9) when the cartridge 20 is removed from the holder.

  The outer shell 22 (also referred to as “cartridge main body 22”) defines an internal space including the ink storage portion 200 of the cartridge 20. The outer shell 22 constitutes at least a part of the outer wall surface of the cartridge 20. The outer shell 22 is made of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene (PP). The cartridge 20 has a prismatic shape with side surfaces having a congruent shape. Further, it can be said that the cartridge 20 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. A part of the outer shell 22 may be formed of a resin film.

  The cartridge 20 has a length (length in the X-axis direction), width (length in the Y-axis direction), and height (length in the Z-axis direction) in the order of length, height, and width. The magnitude relationship between the length, width, and height of the cartridge 20 can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the cartridge 20 may be increased in the order of height, length, and width, or may have the same height, length, and width. good.

  The outer shell 22 of the cartridge 20 includes a first wall or bottom 201, a second wall or top 202, a third wall or front 203, a fourth wall or rear 204, a fifth wall 205, and a sixth wall. 206 and a connecting wall 209. The connection wall 209 has a seventh wall 207 and an eighth wall 208 (FIG. 9). The first to eighth walls 201 to 208 form an internal space including the ink storage portion 200 of the cartridge 20. In the following description, reference numerals 201 to 208 are also used to mean the outer surfaces (first to eighth surfaces 201 to 208) of the wall constituting the outer shell 22 of the cartridge. Outer surfaces (first to eighth surfaces) 201 to 208 of the first to eighth walls are generally flat. A substantially flat surface can include a case where the entire surface is completely flat and a case where a part of the surface is uneven. That is, it includes a case where the surface or wall constituting the outer shell of the cartridge 20 can be grasped even if there is some unevenness on a part of the surface. The outer shapes of the first to eighth surfaces 201 to 208 in plan view are all rectangular.

  Here, the first surface (first wall) 201, the second surface (second wall) 202, the third surface (third wall) 203, the fourth surface (fourth wall) 204, the fifth surface (fifth wall). ) 205, the sixth surface (sixth wall) 206, the bottom surface (bottom wall) 201, the top surface (top wall) 202, the front surface (front wall) 203, the back surface (rear wall) 204, respectively, the left side surface (left wall). ) 205 and right side (right wall) 206. The outer surface of the wall may be referred to as the front portion 203, the rear portion 204, the upper portion 202, the bottom portion 201, or the first to fourth surfaces. The first surface is the front portion 203, the second surface is the rear portion 204, and the third surface. Indicates the upper part 202 and the fourth surface indicates the bottom part 201.

  The first surface 201 and the second surface 202 face each other in the Z-axis direction. The first surface 201 is located on the −Z axis direction side. The second surface 202 is located on the + Z axis direction side. The third surface 203 and the fourth surface 204 oppose each other in the X-axis direction. The third surface 203 is located on the + X axis direction side. The fourth surface 204 is located on the −X axis direction side. The fifth surface 205 and the sixth surface 206 face each other in the Y-axis direction. The fifth surface 205 is located on the + Y axis direction side. The sixth surface 206 is located on the −Y axis direction side.

  In the present embodiment, the first surface 201 located on the −Z-axis direction side is a surface that becomes the bottom surface in the mounted state. The first surface 201 is a horizontal surface in the mounted state. That is, the first surface 201 is a surface (XY plane) parallel to the X axis and the Y axis and perpendicular to the Z axis.

  The second surface 202 located on the + Z-axis direction side is a surface that is an upper surface in the mounted state. The second surface faces the first surface 201. The second surface 202 is a surface parallel to the first surface 201. That is, the second surface 202 is a surface parallel to the X axis and the Y axis and perpendicular to the Z axis. The second surface 202 is a horizontal surface (XY plane) in the mounted state.

  The third surface 203 located on the + X axis direction side is a surface that becomes a side surface in the mounted state. The third surface 203 is a surface that intersects the first surface 201 and the second surface 202 at a right angle. The third surface 203 is a surface (YZ plane) parallel to the Y axis and the Z axis and perpendicular to the X axis. Of the sides of the third surface 203, the side 290 located closest to the −Z-axis direction is also referred to as “first side 290” and the side 291 located closest to the + Z-axis direction is referred to as “second side 291”. Also called. In this specification, the two surfaces “intersect” means that the two surfaces intersect each other and actually intersect each other, the state where the extended surface of one surface intersects the other surface, and the mutually extended surfaces Means a state where the

  The fourth surface 204 located on the −X-axis direction side is a surface that becomes a side surface in the mounted or mounted state. The fourth surface 204 is a surface that intersects the first surface 201 and the second surface 202 at a right angle. The fourth surface 204 is a surface parallel to the third surface 203. The fourth surface 204 is a surface (YZ plane) parallel to the Y axis and the Z axis and perpendicular to the X axis.

  The fifth surface 205 located on the + Y-axis direction side and the sixth surface 206 located on the −Y-axis direction side are surfaces that become side surfaces in the mounted state. The fifth surface 205 and the sixth surface 206 are surfaces that intersect the first to fourth surfaces 201 to 204 at right angles, respectively. The fifth surface 205 and the sixth surface 206 are surfaces (XZ plane) parallel to the X axis and the Z axis and perpendicular to the Y axis. The sixth surface 206 is a surface parallel to the fifth surface 205.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the connection surface 209 is a surface that connects the first surface 201 and the third surface 203. The seventh surface 207 of the connection surface 209 is a surface that intersects the first surface 201 at a right angle. The seventh surface 207 is a surface (YZ plane) parallel to the Y axis and the Z axis. The seventh surface 207 as a step surface is a surface erected with respect to the first surface 201. That is, the seventh surface 207 is a surface extending in the + Z-axis direction from the first surface 201 and may be referred to as a “step”. The seventh surface 207 is located on the −X axis direction side and the −Z axis direction side with respect to the eighth surface 208. The eighth surface 208 is a surface connecting the seventh surface 207 and the third surface 203. The eighth surface 208 is a slope inclined toward the direction including the components in the + X axis direction and the −Z axis direction. The eighth surface 208 is a surface inclined with respect to the first surface 201 and the third surface 203. The eighth surface 208 is a surface that intersects the fifth surface 205 and the sixth surface 206 at a right angle. The eighth surface 208 is inclined with respect to the XY plane and the YZ plane, and intersects the XZ plane at a right angle. The eighth surface 208 is provided with a substrate installation portion 208T that protrudes outward from the eighth surface 208.

  From the relationship between the first to sixth surfaces 201 to 206, the following can be said. That is, the direction in which the first and second surfaces 201 and 202 face each other is the Z-axis direction, the direction in which the third and fourth surfaces 203 and 204 face each other is the X-axis direction, and the fifth and sixth surfaces 205, The direction in which 206 faces is the Y-axis direction.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the circuit board 40 is preferably provided on the board installation portion 208 </ b> T on the eighth surface 208. Similarly to the eighth surface 208, the terminal holding portion 408 of the circuit board 40 is inclined toward the direction including the vector component in the + X-axis direction and the vector component in the −Z-axis direction, and is inclined in another expression. Yes. In this embodiment, the terminal holding part 408 is the surface of the circuit board 40. The surface 408 is inclined with respect to the first surface 201 and the third surface 203. The terminal holding part 408 is perpendicular to the fifth surface 205 and the sixth surface 206. The terminal holding portion 408 is inclined with respect to the XY plane and the YZ plane, and is perpendicular to the XZ plane. That is, the terminal holding part 408 can also be referred to as “inclined terminal holding part 408” or “inclined surface”. Thus, in the present embodiment, the surface of the circuit board 40 can be considered as an “inclined surface”. The terminal holding portion 408 is provided with a cartridge side terminal group 400 that comes into contact with the apparatus side terminal group provided in the contact mechanism 70 (FIG. 2). The tilt angle is preferably between 0 and 90 degrees. More preferably, it is between 20 degrees and 50 degrees. Most preferably, it is between 25 and 40 degrees.

  42A and 42B show the relationship between the amount of wiping of the terminal on the circuit board 40 by the device side terminal and the inclination angle φ of the board 40. FIG. The inclination angle φ of the circuit board 40 indicates an angle formed between the surface 110p extending from the mounting direction front end portion of the ink supply unit 280 and the surface on which the terminal 400 of the circuit board 40 is disposed. The surface formed by the terminal 400 is neither perpendicular nor parallel to the surface 110p. The tilt angle φ is generally an acute angle (less than 90 degrees). In the present embodiment, the surface 110 p extending from the tip in the mounting direction is parallel to the bottom surface 201 of the cartridge 20. The surface on which the terminal 400 is disposed is parallel to the substrate surface of the circuit board 40. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the inclination angle φ is equal to the angle formed between the bottom surface 201 of the cartridge 20 and the substrate surface of the circuit board 40. In the present embodiment, the thickness of the circuit board 40 is about 0.7 mm. The thickness of the terminal 400 is about 5 μm, and the terminal is provided on the circuit board 40. Since the thickness of the terminal 400 is negligibly small, the surface of the circuit board 40 including the surface of the terminal 400 is substantially flat. Therefore, in this embodiment, the terminal holding part 408 which comprises the surface of the circuit board 40 is provided substantially in the terminal (contact part) surface TP explained in full detail later. Even in the absence of the circuit board 40, there are only irregularities corresponding to the thickness of the terminal 400. Therefore, for convenience, the terminal holding portion 408 is used in the same meaning as “surface formed by terminals” or “terminal surface”. Similarly, when the contact portions 431 to 439 are referred to in connection with the terminal holding portion 408, the terms “surface formed by the contact portion” or “contact portion surface” may be used interchangeably. As shown in FIGS. 24 to 27, when the cartridge 20 is mounted or mounted, the rear surface 204 (second surface) of the cartridge 20 is slightly rotated around the rotation axis while the front surface 203 (first surface) of the cartridge 20 is first rotated. Lower the surface. In this process, the circuit board 40 slightly rotates and contacts the device-side contact forming members 731 to 739 on the terminal block 709. At this time, the contact portions 431 to 439 are rubbed by the device side contact forming members 731 to 739. By rubbing the terminals on the circuit board 40 with the corresponding device side terminals, dust and the oxide film on the surface of the terminal of the circuit board 40 are appropriately removed to improve conductivity (electrical conduction). Let

  In the plot of FIG. 42A, the vertical axis represents the wiping length (wiping amount) of the terminal on the circuit board 40 by the device-side contact forming member, and the horizontal axis represents the board inclination angle φ. The calculation is based on the assumption that the distance L0 in the X-axis direction from the second surface (rear surface) 204 of the cartridge 20 to the contact portion where the ground terminal 437 contacts the corresponding device-side ground terminal 737 is 63 mm. . In general, the larger the substrate tilt angle φ, the closer the substrate surface is to the vertical, and the amount of wiping increases. In order to sufficiently remove the oxide film on the surface of the terminal on the garbage or the circuit prayer 40, the amount of wiping is preferably 1 mm or more. According to the graph of FIG. 42A, the tilt angle φ of the substrate is preferably 25 degrees or more in order to ensure a wiping amount of 1 mm or more.

  FIG. 43A shows the relationship between the upward force F by the apparatus-side ground terminal 737 and the substrate tilt angle φ in consideration of preventing half-end insertion of the cartridge. The calculation in FIG. 43A is based on the assumption that the distance L0 is 63 mm, similar to the calculation in FIG. 42A. It is assumed that the weight of the cartridge (including the weight of the ink) is 30 grams. This value is the standard weight of a home inkjet printer cartridge. “Half end insertion of the cartridge” means a state where the engaging portion 810 of the lever 80 is located directly beside the elastic member 682, that is, a state immediately before the complete engagement, as shown in FIG. This half-end insertion state is sometimes referred to as “half-end engagement”. In this half-end insertion state, only the device-side ground terminal 37 among the plurality of device-side contact forming members 731 to 739 applies an upward force to the circuit board 40. Here, it should be noted that in the printing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the holder 60 does not have a cover. If the user releases the hand in the half-end engaged state, the cartridge 20 may be held in the half-end engaged state. The plot of FIG. 43A shows the calculation result of the upward force by the device-side ground terminal 737 to prevent such a half-end insertion of the cartridge 20. FIG. 43B shows the relationship between the upward force F and the substrate tilt angle φ.

  The upward force by the device-side ground terminal 737 is a vector component in the + Z direction of the force applied from the device-side ground terminal 737 to the circuit board 40 (and the cartridge 20) in the half-end engagement state of FIG. In the vertical vector component). When the ground terminal 437 of the circuit board 40 is pressed by the device-side ground terminal 737, the biasing force in the direction perpendicular to the substrate surface of the circuit board 40 is caused by the elastic force of the device-side ground terminal 737. To be granted. The calculation of the upward force in FIG. 43A assumes that the biasing force F0 of the device-side ground terminal 737 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate surface is 0.2N. Since the upward force F (= F0 × cos φ) is a vector component in the + Z direction of the biasing force F0, as indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 3B, when the substrate tilt angle φ = 0 degrees, F = F0 = 0. 2N is established. The upward force F changes according to the curve F = F0 × cos φ as the substrate tilt angle φ changes. The curve in FIG. 43A is a curve of F = F0 × cosφ. As the substrate tilt angle φ increases (φ approaches 90 degrees), the substrate surface approaches the XZ plane and the upward force F decreases. The upward force FB that balances the cartridge L having a distance L0 of 63 mm and a weight of 30 grams is about 0.15 N (the position of the thick horizontal line in FIG. 43A). This means that if the upward force is 0.15 or more, the cartridge 20 can be pressed vertically upward by the apparatus-side ground terminal 737. As can be clearly understood from FIG. 3A, in order to ensure an upward force of 0.15 N or more, the substrate tilt angle φ is preferably 40 degrees or less.

  When the user releases the hand in the half-end engaged state of FIG. 226, the cartridge 20 may be held in the half-end engaged state. However, as shown in FIG. 43A, if the inclination angle φ of the substrate is 40 degrees or less, the apparatus-side ground terminal 737 is not attached to the front surface 203 of the cartridge 20 even if the user releases his / her hand in the half-end engaged state. Press in the + Z direction (upward). As a result, the cartridge is clearly removed from the apparatus side, and the user recognizes that the mounting has failed. From this point of view, the substrate tilt angle φ is preferably set to 40 degrees or less.

  44 and 45 show the characteristics of a cartridge whose size in the X direction is larger than that of FIGS. 42 and 43A. 42 and 43A, the distance L0 = 63 mm, whereas in FIGS. 44 and 45, it is assumed that the distance L0 = 80 mm. The calculation of the upward force in FIG. 45 is based on the premise that F0 = 0.2N and the weight of the cartridge (including the weight of the ink) is 30 g, similarly to the calculation in FIG. 43A. As can be clearly understood from the result of FIG. 44, it is preferable that the tilt angle φ of the substrate is 25 degrees or more in order to secure a wiping amount of 1 mm or more as in the result of FIG. In the calculation of FIG. 43A, L0 is 63 mm, while in the calculation of FIG. 45, the distance L0 is 80 mm, but the upward force FB that balances the cartridge 20 having a weight of 30 g is almost the same as that of FIG. Yes, approximately 0.15 N (the position of the thick horizontal line in FIG. 45). Similar to the result of FIG. 43A, as can be clearly understood from the result of FIG. 45, the tilt angle of the substrate is preferably 40 degrees or less in order to prevent the half-end engagement state of the cartridge.

  Considering the characteristics shown in FIGS. 42 to 45 described above, it is preferable to set the substrate tilt angle φ to 25 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less.

  If the biasing force of the device-side ground terminal 747 is increased, a sufficient upward force can be secured even when the substrate tilt angle φ is large. In this case, the urging force of the apparatus-side ground terminal 737 and the inclination angle φ of the board are set by the urging force of the apparatus-side ground terminal 737 when the user releases the cartridge 20 in the half-end engaged state. It is preferable to set it to a value sufficient to push up and shift from the half-end engaged state to the disengaged state.

  Here, the seventh surface 207 and the terminal holding portion 408 constitute a part of the outer surface of the cartridge 20. Further, the seventh surface 207 and the terminal holding portion 408 are cartridge side corner portions 265 (also simply referred to as “corner portions 265”) that connect the first surface 201 and the third surface 203 constituting a part of the outer surface of the cartridge 20. .) Part of. For easy understanding, the corner portion 265 is indicated by a bold line in FIG. Further, the third surface 203 and the corner portion 265 face a first device side wall portion 603 (FIG. 14) of the holder 60 described later in a state where the cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60. Therefore, the third surface 203 and the corner portion 265 are also referred to as “first opposed outer wall surfaces”. In addition, the fourth surface 204 faces a second device-side side wall portion 604 (FIG. 15) of the holder 60 described later in the mounted state. Therefore, the fourth surface 204 is also referred to as “second opposed outer wall surface”.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, a boss groove 401 is formed at the end of the circuit board 40 on the + Z axis direction side, and a boss hole 402 is formed at the end of the circuit board 40 on the −Z axis direction side. The circuit board 40 installed in the cartridge 20 is fixed to the eighth surface 208 of the cartridge 20 using the boss groove 401 and the boss hole 402. In the present embodiment, the boss groove 401 and the boss hole 402 are provided at a position where the boss groove 401 and the boss hole 402 intersect with the plane Yc passing through the center of the width (length in the Y-axis direction) of the cartridge 20. In other embodiments, at least one of the boss groove 401 and the boss hole 402 may be omitted from the circuit board 40 and the circuit board 40 may be fixed to the eighth surface 208 using an adhesive, or the eighth surface 208 may be fixed. The circuit board 40 may be fixed using an engaging claw (not shown) provided on the side.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the circuit board 40 includes a cartridge-side terminal group 400 provided in the terminal holding unit 408 and a storage device 420 provided on the back surface 409. The terminal holding portion 408 and the back surface 409 are flat. Of the terminal holding portion 408 that is a flat surface, the portion (one side) that is positioned closest to the + Z-axis direction side when attached to the cartridge 20 is also referred to as a substrate end portion 405.

  The cartridge side terminal group 400 includes nine terminals 431 to 439. The storage device 420 stores information related to ink in the cartridge 20 (for example, remaining ink amount and ink color) and the like. The cartridge side terminal group 400 is conductive and can be connected to an electronic device that is a part of the cartridge 20. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, electronic devices herein include resistors, sensors, or storage devices, or other devices that generate or are powered by power.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the nine cartridge-side terminals 431 to 439 are each formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and are arranged so as to form two rows substantially perpendicular to the mounting direction SD. The substantially vertical row is a row extending in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cartridge 20. Of the two rows, the rear row in the mounting direction SD is called a first terminal row R1 (lower row R1), and the front row in the mounting direction SD is the second terminal row R2 (upper row R2). Also called. That is, the position in the Z-axis direction is different between the first terminal row R1 and the second terminal row R2. Specifically, the first terminal row R1 is located on the −Z axis direction side with respect to the second terminal row R2. A contact portion cp that contacts the contact mechanism 70 is present at the center of each of the terminals 431 to 439. The first and second terminal rows R1 and R2 can be considered to be rows formed by a plurality of contact portions cp.

Each of the terminals 431 to 439 can be called as follows from the function (use). In addition, in order to make the distinction from the terminal on the printer 50 side, which will be described later, the “cartridge side” can be called before each name. For example, the “ground terminal 437” can also be referred to as the “cartridge side ground terminal 437”.
<First terminal row R1>
(1) Mounting detection terminal (first terminal) 435
(2) Power supply terminal 436
(3) Ground terminal 437
(4) Data terminal 438
(5) Mounting detection terminal (second terminal) 439
<Second terminal row R2>
(6) Mounting detection terminal (third terminal) 431
(7) Reset terminal 432
(8) Clock terminal 433
(9) Mounting detection terminal (fourth terminal) 434

  The contact portions cp of the terminals 435 to 439 forming the first terminal row R1 and the contact portions cp of the terminals 431 to 434 forming the second terminal row R2 are arranged alternately. Specifically, the contact portions cp are arranged in a so-called staggered pattern.

  The four mounting detection terminals 431, 434, 435, and 439 detect the quality of electrical contact with the corresponding device side terminals provided in the contact mechanism 70, so that the cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60 at the designed mounting position. It is used for detecting by the printer 50 whether or not it is properly attached to the printer. Therefore, the four attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435, and 439 can also be referred to as “attachment detection terminal group”. In the present embodiment, the four cartridge-side terminals 431, 434, 435, 439 are electrically connected to each other inside the circuit board 40, and when the cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60, the ground terminal 437 is connected. To the ground line (not shown) on the printer 50 side. A detection method using the four attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435, and 439 will be described later.

  The other five cartridge side terminals 432, 433, 436, 437, and 438 are terminals for the storage device 420. Therefore, the five terminals 432, 433, 436, 437, 438 can also be referred to as “memory terminal group”.

  The reset terminal 432 receives supply of a reset signal RST to the storage device 420. The clock terminal 433 receives supply of the clock signal SCK to the storage device 420. The power supply terminal 436 receives supply of the power supply voltage VDD (for example, rated 3.3 V) to the storage device 420. The ground terminal 437 receives supply of the ground voltage VSS (0 V) to the storage device 420. The data terminal 438 receives supply of the data signal SDA to the storage device 420.

  The first terminal 435 that is one of the mounting detection terminal groups includes a first outer portion 435P that is located closest to the + Y-axis direction side in the cartridge-side terminal group 400. The second terminal 439 that is one of the mounting detection terminal groups includes a second outer portion 439 </ b> P that is located closest to the −Y-axis direction in the cartridge-side terminal group 400. The third terminal 431 that is one of the mounting detection terminal groups includes a third outer portion 431P that is located closest to the + Y-axis direction in the second terminal row R2. The fourth terminal 434 that is the mounting detection terminal group includes a fourth outer portion 434P that is located closest to the −Y-axis direction in the second terminal row R2. In the present embodiment, the first to fourth outer portions 435P, 439P, 431P, and 434P are substantially linear edges corresponding to the terminal groups, and extend substantially in the Z-axis direction, but are not limited thereto. Should not. For example, like the terminal groups 431 and 434 illustrated in FIG. 41A and FIG. 41B, the edges may be curved or extend in a direction not parallel to the Z-axis direction.

  Of the contact portions cp of the terminals constituting the cartridge side terminal group 400, the ground terminal 437 having the contact portion cp provided at the center in the Y-axis direction passes through the center of the width of the cartridge 20 (the length in the Y-axis direction). It is provided at a position that intersects the plane Yc. The contact portions cp of the remaining terminals 431 to 436, 438, and 439 are provided at positions that are line symmetric with respect to an intersection line between the plane Yc and the ground terminal 437. The ground terminal 437 is configured to come into contact with the contact mechanism 70 prior to contact with the contact mechanism 70 by the other cartridge side terminals 431 to 436, 438, and 439 when the cartridge 20 is mounted in the holder 60. Yes. As a result, an urging force first applied from the holder 60 to the circuit board 40 is generated at the center of the width of the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction before and after the cartridge is completely mounted. Therefore, the biasing force applied to the circuit board 40 is prevented from acting as a force for tilting the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction, and the cartridge 20 can be mounted at the designed mounting position. Further, since the ground terminal 437 contacts the contact mechanism 70 of the holder 60 before the other cartridge side terminals 431 to 436, 438, and 439, even when an unintended high voltage is applied to the cartridge 20 side. The grounding function of the ground terminal 437 can reduce problems caused by a high voltage.

  In the present embodiment, the ground terminal 437 is formed longer in the direction along the Z axis than the other cartridge side terminals 431 to 436, 438, and 439. Thereby, the contact between the ground terminal 437 and the contact mechanism 70 of the holder 60 can be performed more reliably. In another embodiment, all the cartridge side terminals 431 to 439 in the circuit board 40 may be formed to have the same size.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the ink supply unit 280 is provided so as to protrude from the first surface 201 to the −Z axis direction side. The ink supply unit 280 communicates with the ink storage unit 200 via the printing material channel 282. The ink supply unit 280 is connected to the printing material supply pipe 640 of the printer 50, and distributes the ink in the ink storage unit 200 to the head 540. That is, the ink supply unit 280 opens toward the outside, and distributes the ink in the ink storage unit 200 to the outside. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the ink supply unit 280 may not protrude from the first surface 201. In one embodiment, the ink supply unit 280 may be flush with or substantially flush with the first surface 201. In such an embodiment, the material supply tube 640 stands up close to the first surface when the cartridge 20 is mounted.

  The ink supply unit 280 is provided in a portion of the first surface 201 that is closer to the fourth surface 204 than the third surface 203. That is, in the X-axis direction, the distance between the outer surface of the ink supply unit 280 and the third surface 203 is larger than the distance between the outer surface of the ink supply unit 280 and the fourth surface 204.

  The ink supply unit 280 has an open end. The surface of the opening end is referred to as an opening surface 288 or a mounting direction tip. The surface of the open end forms a horizontal surface in the mounted state. That is, the opening surface 288 is the tip (XY plane) of the cartridge in the mounting direction SD, and forms an XY axis plane parallel to the X axis and the Y axis.

  Inside the ink supply unit 280, a foam resin 284 is disposed on the inner side of the + Z axis direction side from the opening surface 288. Specifically, the foam resin 284 is disposed in contact with the printing material flow path 282. In this embodiment, when the cartridge 20 is shipped from the factory, the opening surface 288 of the ink supply unit 280 is sealed with a sealing member (not shown) such as a cap or a film. When the cartridge 20 is attached to the holder 60, a sealing member (not shown) that seals the opening surface 288 is removed from the cartridge 20.

  In this embodiment, the ink supply unit 280 protrudes in the −Z-axis direction around the central axis C of the printing material supply tube 640. However, in other embodiments, the center of the ink supply unit 280 is the printing material supply tube. The center axis C of 640 may be off. In the present embodiment, the opening surface 288 of the ink supply unit 280 viewed from the −Z-axis direction has an outline that is line-symmetric with respect to axes parallel to the X-axis and the Y-axis. It may be an asymmetric outline provided with a front end portion in the mounting direction. In the present embodiment, the shape of the opening surface 288 viewed from the Z-axis direction is a shape obtained by rounding the corners of a rectangle. There may be.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9A, the surface BP is a surface formed by the mounting direction front end portion of the opening surface 288 of the ink supply unit 280. The distance A is a distance between the surface BP and the engaging portion 212 of the first restricting portion 210. The distance B is a distance between the surface BP and the engaging portion of the second restricting portion 220. The distance C is a distance between the surface BP and the rotation fulcrum of the shaft 800 </ b> C of the lever 80. As shown in FIG. 9, when measured in a direction orthogonal to the surface BP, the distance between the surface BP and the engaging portion of the second restricting portion 220 is the engagement of the surface BP and the first restricting portion 210. It is larger than the distance to the portion 212. When measured in a direction orthogonal to the surface BP, the distance between the surface BP and the engaging portion 212 of the first restricting portion 210 is smaller than the distance between the surface BP and the rotation fulcrum of the lever shaft 800C. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, the surface TP is a surface formed by the inclined terminal holding portion 408. In the present embodiment, the surface TP is parallel to the inclined terminal holding portion 408 itself. For convenience, the terminal holding portion 408 may be used to represent the surface TP. The plane TP is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane BP. The terminal holding unit 408 includes a cartridge side terminal group 400. The terminal group 400 contacts the device side terminal group of the contact mechanism 70 (FIG. 2).

  As shown in FIG. 7, the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is provided on the third surface 203. The first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is provided on the + Z axis direction side and the + X axis direction side with respect to the ink supply unit 280 and the circuit board 40. The first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is locked to the lever 80 (FIG. 2) to regulate the movement of the cartridge 20 in the mounted state. The first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is a protrusion that protrudes from the third surface 203 in the + X-axis direction (outward). Regarding the position in the Z-axis direction, the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is provided on the side closer to the first side 290 than the second side 291. In the present embodiment, the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is adjacent to the first side 290.

  The first cartridge side regulating portion 210 includes a first portion 212 extending in the Y-axis direction (width direction), a second portion 214 extending from the first portion 212 in the + Z-axis direction (vertically upward), A third portion 215 extending in the −Z-axis direction (vertically downward) from the first portion 212. As described above, the + Z-axis direction (vertically upward) is the removal direction RD, and is the direction opposite to the −Z-axis direction (vertically downward), which is the rough mounting direction SD. The first portion or the engaging portion 212 regulates the movement of the cartridge 20 in the mounted state in cooperation with the engaging portion 810 of the lever 80. The second portion 214 is provided to lock the first portion 212 at the correct portion of the lever 80 when the cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60.

  The first portion 212 includes a first cartridge side locking surface 211 as a first contact portion and a second cartridge side locking surface 213 as a second contact portion. The first cartridge side locking surface 211 is a surface facing the + Z-axis direction. The second cartridge side locking surface 213 is a surface facing the + X axis direction. The third portion 215 is in contact with the first portion 212 and the first side 290.

  The cartridge 20 further includes a second cartridge side regulating portion 220 provided on the fourth surface 204, a protruding portion 260 provided on the third surface 203, and a third cartridge side provided on the seventh surface 207. And a restriction unit 250.

  The second cartridge side restricting portion 220 is a protrusion provided so as to protrude from the fourth surface 204 to the −X axis direction side. The second cartridge side regulating portion 220 is inserted into the second device side regulating portion 620 (FIG. 3) which is a through hole of the holder 60. When the user attaches / detaches the cartridge 20 to / from the holder 60, the cartridge 20 is rotated about the vicinity of the second cartridge side regulating portion 220 inserted into the second device side regulating portion 620 (FIG. 3). Let That is, the second device-side regulating unit 620 functions as a guide when the cartridge 20 is attached to and detached from the holder 60. Thereby, the cartridge 20 can be easily attached to and detached from the holder 60. Further, in the mounted state of the cartridge 20, the second cartridge side regulating unit 220 is locked to the second device side regulating unit 620 and regulates the movement of the cartridge 20 in the mounted state. The second cartridge side regulating unit 220 is provided on the + Z axis direction side and the −X axis direction side from the ink supply unit 280 and the circuit board 40.

  The protrusion 260 is provided on the third surface 203 at a position on the + Z-axis direction side of the first cartridge side regulating portion 210. In the present embodiment, the protruding portion 260 is provided in a portion of the third surface 203 that is located on the most + Z-axis direction side (uppermost side) including the second side 291.

  The third cartridge side regulating portion 250 is a pair of projecting members (regulating walls) projecting in the + X axis direction from both sides of the seventh surface 207 in the Y axis direction. The pair of projecting members 250 receives the projecting portion 636 (FIG. 2) therebetween, thereby restricting the movement of the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction in the mounted state in cooperation with the projecting portion 636.

  FIG. 11 is a rear view of the cartridge 20. The details of the second cartridge side regulating portion 220 will be described with reference to FIG. The second cartridge side restricting portion 220 includes a restricting and engaging surface 222 as a first restricting and engaging portion, an inclined surface 224, a first restricting side surface 226, and a second restricting side surface 228.

  The restriction locking surface 222 is a surface facing the + Z-axis direction and is a horizontal surface in the mounted state. When the cartridge 20 is rotated and removed from the holder 60, the restriction locking surface 222 contacts the second device side restriction portion 620 (FIG. 3) to form a rotation fulcrum.

  Further, the restriction locking surface 222 is locked to the second device side restriction portion 620 in the mounted state, thereby restricting the movement of the cartridge 20 in the + Z-axis direction in the mounted state. The restriction locking surface 222 is provided at a position crossing the plane Yc passing through the center of the width (length in the Y-axis direction) of the cartridge 20 and perpendicular to the plane Yc. As shown in FIG. 5, in the mounted state of the cartridge 20, the cartridge 20 receives urging forces Ps and Pt including components in the + Z axis direction from the holder 60. Then, the regulation locking surface 222 is pressed against the second device side regulation part 620 by such urging forces Ps and Pt. At this time, the second device-side regulating portion 620 contacts the regulation locking surface 222 in parallel with the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the possibility that the cartridge 20 tilts around the X axis in the mounted state can be reduced.

  The inclined surface 224 is connected to the restriction locking surface 222 and is inclined toward a direction including components in the + Z-axis direction and the −X-axis direction. As a result, when the cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60, the restriction locking surface 222 can be smoothly guided to the second device side restriction portion 620.

  The first restriction side surface 226 forms the side surface of the second cartridge side restriction portion 220 on the −Y axis direction side. The second restriction side surface 228 forms the side surface of the second cartridge side restriction portion 220 on the + Y axis direction side. The first regulating side surface 226 is a plane facing the −Y axis direction. The second restriction side surface 228 is a plane facing the + Y axis direction. The first and second regulating side surfaces 226 and 228 are planes parallel to the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, respectively. The first and second restricting side surfaces 226 and 228 restrict the movement of the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction by interfering with the second device side restricting portion 620 in the mounted state of the cartridge 20.

  FIG. 12 is a front view of the cartridge 20. The first cartridge side regulating portion 210 will be further described with reference to FIG. The first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is provided at a position crossing the plane Yc. Further, the first cartridge side locking surface 211 is provided at a position crossing the plane Yc and perpendicular to the plane Yc.

  The first cartridge-side locking surface 211 has the first outer portion 435P and the second portion in the Y-axis direction (width direction) (when the cartridge 20 is viewed from the third surface 203 side in the −X-axis direction). It is located inside the range 40Y without being located outside the range 40Y between the outer portions 439P. In the present embodiment, the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 including the first cartridge side locking surface 211 is positioned inside the range 40Y without being positioned outside the range 40Y. That is, the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is located inside a region sandwiched between the first virtual line 435PL including the first outer portion 435P and the second virtual line 439PL including the second outer portion 439P. The first virtual line 435PL and the second virtual line 439PL are straight lines extending along the Z-axis direction, respectively.

  FIG. 13 is a left side view of the cartridge 20. The positional relationship of each member of the cartridge 20 will be described with reference to FIG. A crossing portion where the third surface 201 intersects the inclined terminal holding portion 408 is referred to as a “crossing portion 295”. Regarding the description related to the term “intersection”, the intersection where the third surface 203 intersects with the terminal holding portion 408 is not only the intersection between the actual surface 203 and the terminal holding portion 408, but also the surface 203 and the terminal holding portion 408. The intersection with one of the extension surfaces, or the intersection with the extension surfaces of both the surface 203 and the terminal holding portion 408. The intersecting portion 295 is a line parallel to the Y-axis direction. In the present embodiment, the intersecting portion 295 is located on a surface obtained by extending the third surface 203 to the −Z axis direction side. That is, the intersecting portion 295 is located on the −Z axis direction side with respect to the third surface 203. Of the third surface 203, the midpoint of the length in the Z-axis direction (more precisely, the intersection of the third surface 203 and the contact surface TP, the second surface 202 and the third surface 203, The middle point of the intersection of the two points is a middle point 203P.

  The first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is close to the intersecting portion 295. It can be said that the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is provided adjacent to the terminal holding portion 408 and is provided close to the substrate end portion 405. Accordingly, the first cartridge side restriction portion 210 can be brought closer to the cartridge side terminal group 400. More specifically, the restriction portion 210 that engages with the apparatus side lever is formed at the intersection of the upper surface 202 and the front surface 203. It can provide in the position nearer than the contact part cp. That is, the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is a portion of the third surface 203 that engages with the device side lever of the regulating portion 201, more specifically, on the first side 290 side than the second side 291. It is provided at a position closer to the intersecting portion 295 than the intersecting portion between the upper surface 202 and the front surface 203, that is, in a range from the middle point 203P to the first side 290. In particular, the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is preferably provided at a position biased toward or close to the first side 290 side. Here, “proximate” is used as a word meaning “close to”, “near”, or “on”. As described above, the portion of the restricting portion 210 that engages with the printer-side lever is provided at a position closer to the intersecting portion 295 and / or the contact portion cp than the intersecting portion between the upper surface 202 and the front surface 203. In this embodiment, the intersection of the upper surface 202 and the front surface 203 is the position indicated by reference numeral 291 in FIG. 13, but the intersection does not have to be a portion where the two surfaces actually intersect, and FIGS. 35A and 35B As indicated by the dotted line, the portion where one surface intersects the extension of the other surface, or the portion where the extensions of the two surfaces intersect each other may be used. In this embodiment, the distance between the intersection of the third surface 203 and the contact surface TP and the intersection of the second surface 202 and the third surface 203 is about 20 mm. The distance between the intersection of the third surface 203 and the contact portion surface TP and the first cartridge side locking surface 211 of the first cartridge restricting portion 210 is about 16 mm.

  Of the first cartridge side regulating portion 210, a portion that is particularly effective for regulating the position of the cartridge side terminal group 400 is the first cartridge side locking surface 211. Therefore, it is preferable that the first cartridge side locking surface 211 be as close as possible to the cartridge side terminal group 400. If the third portion 215 of the first cartridge-side regulating portion 210 is omitted and the first portion 212 is disposed in contact with the first side 290, the first cartridge-side locking surface 211 is made to intersect with the intersecting portion 295 or It can be brought closer to the substrate end 405.

  FIG. 13 shows a range 250X in the X-axis direction of the third cartridge side regulating portion 250 and a range 408X in the X-axis direction of the inclined terminal holding portion 408. As can be understood from this figure, in the X-axis direction (when the cartridge is viewed from the first surface 201 side toward the + Z-axis direction), a part of the third cartridge side regulating portion 250 is inclined terminal holding portion 408. And overlap.

A-4. Detailed configuration of holder 60:
A-4-1. Overall configuration of holder 60:
14 and 15 are perspective views showing the configuration of the holder 60. FIG. FIG. 16 is a top view showing the configuration of the holder 60. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F16-F16 in FIG. In FIG. 17, the protrusion 636 shown in FIGS. 14 to 16 is not shown.

  As described above, the holder 60 of the printer 50 has the five wall portions 601, 603, 604, 605, and 606 as the wall surface that forms the concave cartridge housing chamber 602 that receives the cartridge 20. The five wall portions 601, 603, 604, 605, and 606 are collectively referred to as “accommodating chamber forming wall portion 600”. In the present embodiment, the five wall portions 601, 603, 604, 605, and 606 are formed of resin plate-like members. In the present embodiment, the five wall portions 601, 603, 604, 605, and 606 are formed of a synthetic resin. In the present embodiment, the five wall portions 601, 603, 604, 605, and 606 are formed using modified polyphenylene ether (m-PPE).

  The wall portion 601 forms the bottom surface of the concave cartridge housing chamber 602. Each of the wall portions 603, 604, 605, and 606 forms a side surface of the concave cartridge housing chamber 602. The wall portion 601 is also referred to as “device-side bottom wall portion 601”. The wall portion 603 is also referred to as “first device side wall portion 603”. The wall portion 604 is also referred to as “second device side wall portion 604”. The wall portion 605 is also referred to as “third device side wall portion 605”. The wall portion 606 is also referred to as a “fourth device side wall portion 606”.

  A contact mechanism 70 including a printing material supply pipe 640 and a device-type terminal group is arranged on the wall portion 601 along the X-axis direction. The printing material supply pipe 640 is provided on the wall 604 side, and the contact mechanism 70 is provided on the wall 603 side. The printing material supply pipe 640 is provided closer to the wall 604 than the wall 603. The contact mechanism 70 is installed closer to the wall 603 than the printing material supply pipe 640.

  An elastic member 648 is provided in the wall portion 601 around the printing material supply pipe 640. As shown in FIG. 5, the elastic member 648 seals the periphery of the ink supply unit 280 of the cartridge 20 with the cartridge 20 mounted on the holder 60, thereby leaking ink from the ink supply unit 280 to the surroundings. To prevent. The elastic member 648 generates an urging force Ps in a direction in which the ink supply unit 280 of the cartridge 20 is pushed back (+ Z axis direction) in a state where the cartridge 20 is mounted in the holder 60.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the holder 60 has an opening OP on the side (upper surface side) facing the wall portion 601 with the cartridge housing chamber 602 interposed therebetween. When the cartridge 20 is attached to and detached from the holder 60, the cartridge 20 passes through the opening OP.

  The wall portion 603 is erected on the + X axis direction side of the wall portion 601. In the present embodiment, the outer wall 603W is provided on the most + X axis direction side of the wall portion 603. The outer wall 603W constitutes the front surface of the holder 60 when the printer 50 is in use. The outer wall 603W extends along the arrangement direction (Y-axis direction) of the cartridges 20 when the plurality of cartridges 20 are mounted. The wall portion 603 is provided with a lever 80 that is used for attaching and detaching the cartridge 20. In more detail, the lever 80 is rotatably fixed so that it can move to the wall part 603 via the holding member 690. In other words, the lever 80 is fixed to the holding member 690 constituting a part of the wall portion 603. The rotation axis of the lever 80 is parallel to the Y-axis direction.

  The holding member 690 is provided at a corner portion (apparatus side corner portion) 600C (FIG. 17) that intersects the side wall portion 603 and the bottom wall portion 601.

  As shown in FIG. 5, an operation unit 830 is provided at the end of the lever 80 on the + Z-axis direction side. When the user presses the operation unit 830 from the + X-axis direction side toward the −X-axis direction side (that is, the operation force Pr by the user is applied to the operation unit 830), the lever 80 moves the rotation axis. It rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the + Y-axis direction as the center. As a result, the lever 80 rotates on a plane (XZ plane) parallel to the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

  The lever 80 is separate from the storage chamber forming wall portions 601, 603, 604, 605, and 606. The lever 80 is made of synthetic resin. In this embodiment, it is formed using polyacetal (POM). The lever 80 has sufficient rigidity to lock the cartridge 20. For example, it is preferable that the lever 80 has a rigidity that hardly deforms depending on the force (for example, 14.4 N) that the lever 80 receives from the cartridge 20 in the mounted state. For example, when an external force of 14.4 N is applied from the cartridge 20, the deformation is preferably about 0.5 mm or less. Moreover, it is preferable that the lever 80 does not have a part which has elastic deformation. Accordingly, the possibility that the lever 80 is greatly deformed by the force received from the cartridge 20 in the mounted state of the cartridge 20 can be reduced, and the electrical connection between the cartridge side terminal group 400 and the device side terminal group of the contact mechanism 70 can be established. It can be achieved stably. Thus, by making the lever 80 a separate body from the housing chamber forming wall portions 601, 603, 604, 605, and 606, the degree of freedom in selecting the material forming the lever 80 can be improved.

  Returning to FIGS. The wall portion 604 is erected on the −X axis direction side of the wall portion 601. The wall portion 604 faces the wall portion 603 with the cartridge housing chamber 602 interposed therebetween. In the present embodiment, the wall portion 604 constitutes the back surface of the holder 60 when the printer 50 is in use. The wall portion 604 extends along the arrangement direction (Y-axis direction) of the cartridges 20 when the plurality of cartridges 20 are mounted. The wall 604 is provided with a second device-side regulating unit 620. The second device side restricting portion 620 is a through hole penetrating in the X-axis direction (FIG. 17). Note that the second device-side regulating portion 620 may be a concave portion that opens toward the cartridge housing chamber 602.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the second device-side restricting portion 620 is provided so as to be engageable with the second cartridge-side restricting portion 220. The second device-side regulating unit 620 functions as a guide when the cartridge 20 is attached to and detached from the holder 60. In addition, the second device-side restricting portion 620 locks the second cartridge-side restricting portion 220 in a state where the cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60. Specifically, the second apparatus-side restricting portion 620 is a second cartridge-side restricting portion at a second locking position 620L located on the + Z-axis direction side and the −X-axis direction side with respect to the printing material supply pipe 640. 220 is locked. In the present embodiment, the second device-side restricting portion 620 is a through hole having a size capable of receiving the second cartridge-side restricting portion 220 and has a device-side locking surface 622. The device-side locking surface 622 is a flat surface facing the −Z-axis direction, and locks the restriction locking surface 222 (FIG. 11) of the second cartridge-side restriction portion 220. An end 624 on the + X-axis direction side of the apparatus-side locking surface 622 is a rotation fulcrum when removing the cartridge 20 by contacting the second cartridge-side regulating portion 220 when removing the cartridge 20 from the holder 60. Become.

  As shown in FIG. 17, a space 670 is provided on the second device side side wall portion 604 of the holder 60 on the + Z axis direction side of the second device side regulating portion 620. The space portion 670 forms a space for rotating the cartridge 20 around the second device side regulating portion 620 when the cartridge 20 is attached to or detached from the holder 60. In the present embodiment, the space portion 670 is a stepped portion in which the second device-side side wall portion 604 is lowered stepwise in the −X axis direction toward the + Z axis direction. In another embodiment, the space portion 670 may be an inclined surface in which the wall portion 604 is continuously lowered in the −X axis direction toward the + Z axis direction.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 16, the wall portion 605 is erected on the −Y axis direction side of the wall portion 601. In the present embodiment, the wall portion 605 forms the right side surface of the holder 60 when the printer 50 is in use. The wall portion 605 is connected to the wall portions 603 and 604. The wall portion 605 extends along the X-axis direction and intersects the arrangement direction (Y-axis direction) of the cartridges 20.

  The wall portion 606 is erected on the + Y axis direction side of the wall portion 601. The wall portion 606 is opposed to the wall portion 605 with the cartridge storage chamber 602 interposed therebetween. In the present embodiment, the wall portion 606 forms the left side surface of the holder 60 when the printer 50 is in use. The wall portion 606 is connected to the wall portions 603 and 604. The wall portion 606 extends along the X-axis direction and intersects the arrangement direction (Y-axis direction) of the cartridges 20.

  The following can be said from the relationship between the wall portions 601, 603 to 606. That is, the direction perpendicular to the wall portion 601 is the Z-axis direction, the direction in which the wall portion 603 and the wall portion 604 face each other is the X-axis direction, and the direction in which the wall portion 605 and the wall portion 606 face each other is the Y-axis direction. Direction. It can also be said that the direction in which the wall portion 601 and the opening OP face each other is the Z-axis direction.

  Further, a contact mechanism 70 is provided at a corner portion 600 </ b> C where the wall portion 601 and the wall portion 603 of the holder 60 intersect. The contact mechanism 70 is installed closer to the wall 603 than the printing material supply pipe 640. The contact mechanism 70 includes a plurality of device-side terminals that are in contact with the terminals 431 to 439 (FIG. 10) of the cartridge-side terminal group 400, and a terminal block that holds the plurality of device-side terminals.

A-4-2. Detailed configuration of the contact mechanism 70:
FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the contact mechanism 70. FIG. 18 illustrates the contact mechanism 70 in a state of being removed from the holder 60.

  The contact mechanism 70 includes a terminal block 709 and device-side terminals or contact forming members 731 to 739 held by the terminal block 709. The device side terminals 731 to 739 are elastic members having electrical conductivity, and the protruding portion from the device side inclined surface 708 is displaced by receiving an external force. The device side terminals 731 to 739 are elastic members having electrical conductivity. The device-side terminals 731 to 739 are elastic in the direction in which the circuit board 40 of the cartridge 20 is pushed back (the direction including the vector component in the + Z-axis direction and the vector component in the −X-axis direction) with the cartridge 20 mounted in the holder 60. A force Pt is generated. That is, the device-side terminals 731 to 739 protruding from the device-side inclined surface 708 by the cartridge 20 are pushed into the device-side inclined surface 708 side, whereby the elastic force Pt is generated by the reaction force. The vector component of the elastic force Pt generated by the device-side terminal groups 731 to 739 urges the cartridge 20 in the removal direction RD opposite to the mounting direction SD described above.

  The nine device-side terminals 731 to 739 are provided at positions corresponding to the nine cartridge-side terminals 431 to 439, respectively. Therefore, the device-side terminal 731 is also referred to as “mounting detection terminal (third terminal) 731”. The device side terminal 732 is also referred to as a “reset terminal 732”. The device side terminal 733 is also referred to as a “clock terminal 733”. The device-side terminal 734 is also referred to as “mounting detection terminal (fourth terminal) 734”. The device-side terminal 735 is also referred to as “mounting detection terminal (first terminal) 735”. The device side terminal 736 is also referred to as a “power supply terminal 736”. The device side terminal 737 is also referred to as a “ground terminal 737”. The device-side terminal 739 is also referred to as “mounting detection terminal (second terminal) 739”. Furthermore, in order to clarify the distinction from the terminal on the cartridge side, the above-mentioned names can be referred to with “device side” attached. For example, the “ground terminal 737” can also be referred to as the “device-side ground terminal 737”. The nine device side terminals 731 to 739 constitute a device side terminal group 700.

  The nine device-side terminals 731 to 739 constitute a first device-side terminal row and a second device-side terminal row having different positions in the Z-axis direction. The first device side terminal row includes five device side terminals 735 to 739. The second device side terminal row includes four device side terminals 731 to 734. The first device-side terminal row is located on the −Z-axis direction side with respect to the second device-side terminal row. Note that the number of device-side terminals is not limited to nine, and can be changed to any number according to the configuration of the circuit board 40, and may be nine or less, or nine or more. May be.

  Of the nine device-side terminals 731 to 739, the device-side ground terminal 737 located at the center in the Y-axis direction is electrically connected to a ground line (not shown). The height at which the device-side ground terminal 727 protrudes from the device-side inclined surface 708 is higher than the other device-side terminals 731 to 736, 738, and 739. As a result, the device-side ground terminal 737 contacts the circuit board 40 of the cartridge 20 before the other device-side terminals 731 to 736, 738, and 739.

  In the present embodiment, the apparatus side terminals 731 to 739 are held on the terminal block 709 and the contact mechanism 70 is assembled in the holder 60 in a unitized state so that the printer can be easily assembled. However, unitization of the contact mechanism 70 by the terminal block 709 is not essential. A structure in which the device side terminals 731 to 739 can be incorporated into the bottom wall portion 601 and the outer wall 603W of the holder may be integrally formed, and the device side terminals 731 to 739 may be incorporated therein. That is, the terminal block 709 is not essential.

A-4-3. Detailed configuration of lever 80:
FIG. 19 is an external perspective view of the lever 80. FIG. 20 is a cross section obtained by cutting the shaft portion 850 along a plane parallel to the X axis and the Z axis (XZ plane, plane perpendicular to the Y axis). FIG. 21 is a cross section cut through a plane parallel to the X axis and the Z axis (XZ plane, plane perpendicular to the Y axis) through the central portion of the lever 80 in the width direction (Y axis direction). FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional state of the lever 80 in a state where the cartridge 20 is correctly mounted on the holder 60 at the designed mounting position.

  As shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, the lever 80 includes an operation portion 830, a pair of shaft portions 850, a guide portion 820, and an engagement portion 810. The lever 80 has an operation portion 830 at one end (the end in the + Z axis direction) and an engagement portion 810 at the other end (at the end in the −Z axis direction). In addition, the lever 80 has a rotation shaft 800 c between the operation unit 830 and the apparatus side regulating unit 810. That is, the lever 80 rotates with the position between the operation unit 830 and the engaging unit 810 as the axis 800c.

  The operation unit 830 is a part of the lever 80 where an external force is applied by the user. As shown in FIG. 21, the operation unit 830 is provided at the end of the lever 80 in the + Z-axis direction. In addition, the operation unit 830 is located on the + Z-axis direction side of the rotation shaft 800c in a state where the cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60. In addition, the operation unit 830 is located on the + Z-axis direction side of the first device side wall portion 603 (FIG. 15) of the holder 60.

  The operation unit 830 includes an operation surface 835 and an operation unit facing surface 831. The operation surface 835 is a surface on which an external force (symbol Pr in FIG. 5) is applied from the + X-axis direction side to the −X-axis direction side by the user when the cartridge 20 is removed from the holder 60. The operation unit facing surface 831 is a surface facing the cartridge 20 in a state where the cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60.

  As shown in FIG. 19, a pair of shaft portions 850 is provided at a substantially intermediate position between both ends of the lever 80. The pair of shaft portions 850 form a rotation shaft 800 c of the lever 80. The rotation shaft 800c is parallel to the Y-axis direction (the arrangement direction of the cartridges 20). One shaft portion 850 a (also referred to as “first shaft portion 850 a”) of the pair of shaft portions 850 protrudes from the outer surface 893 of the lever 80 on the + Y axis direction side in the + Y axis direction. The other shaft portion 850b (also referred to as “second shaft portion 850b”) of the pair of shaft portions 850 protrudes from the outer surface 891 of the lever 80 on the −Y axis direction side in the −Y axis direction. ing. Here, the outer surfaces 891, 893 can also be referred to as side surfaces 891, 893. Since the lever 80 includes the pair of shaft portions 850, the rotation shaft 800c can be easily formed using a holding member described later.

  In the present embodiment, the pair of shaft portions 850 includes an inner arc surface 852, an outer arc surface 854, and radial side surfaces 856 and 858. Each surface 852, 854, 856, 858 constitutes a surface in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 850. Here, the inner circular arc surface 852 is also referred to as “first curved surface 852”, and the outer circular arc surface 854 is also referred to as “second curved surface 854”. The center of the inner circular arc surface 852 and the outer circular arc surface 854 is the rotation axis 800c. The inner circular arc surface 852 is located closer to the second apparatus side side wall portion 604 (−X axis direction side) than the outer circular arc surface 854.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the inner circular arc surface 852 forms an arc having a radius R1a with the rotation axis 800c as the center in a cross section parallel to the X axis and the Z axis. The outer arc surface 854 forms an arc having a radius R2a around the rotation axis 800c in a cross section parallel to the X axis and the Z axis. The radius R1a is smaller than the radius R2a. As described above, the shaft portion 850 includes the outer arc surface 854 and the inner arc surface 852 positioned closer to the second apparatus side wall portion 604 than the outer arc surface 854 as the surfaces constituting the circumferential direction. And have. Accordingly, the rotating shaft 800c can be positioned closer to the portion where the cartridge 20 is located in the cartridge housing chamber 602 without causing interference with the cartridge 20. Thereby, the engagement part 212 of the 1st control part 210 of the cartridge 20 can be latched by the engagement part 810, suppressing the shift | offset | difference from the 1st latching position 810L. If the rotary shaft 800c is at a position away from the cartridge 20, the shift of the lever 80 from the mounting position designed as a correctly mounted state will cause the engaging portion 810 to be greatly displaced in the Z-axis direction. I will. On the other hand, by positioning the rotary shaft 800c closer to the cartridge 20, even when the lever 80 is deviated from the posture of the lever 80 when the cartridge 20 is correctly mounted at the designed mounting position, the engagement is possible. The amount of displacement of the portion 810 in the Z-axis direction can be reduced. Therefore, the cartridge 20 can be locked while further reducing the deviation from the first locking position 810L. In addition, by making the radius R2a of the outer arc surface 854 larger than the radius R1a of the inner arc surface 852, a decrease in strength of the shaft portion 850 can be suppressed. “Locking position (first locking position) 810L” refers to the first device-side locking surface 811 (engagement when the cartridge 20 is mounted at the mounting position set as an ideal position in terms of design. The first contact portion of the portion 810) and the first cartridge side locking surface 211 (the first contact portion of the first cartridge side regulating portion 210).

  The engaging portion 810 is a portion that locks the cartridge 20 in the mounted state and restricts the movement of the cartridge 20. As shown in FIG. 21, the engaging portion 810 is provided at the end of the lever 80 in the −Z axis direction. Further, the engaging portion 810 is positioned on the −Z axis direction side of the rotation shaft 800 c in a state where the cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the engaging portion 810 locks the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 (see FIG. 5) by two portions. That is, the engaging portion 810 includes a first device-side locking surface 811 as a first portion (first device-side restricting portion), a groove portion 815, and a second portion (second device-side restricting portion). ) As a second device side locking surface 813. In the present embodiment, the two device-side locking surfaces 811 and 813 of the engaging portion 810 are in a positional relationship where they intersect each other.

  The first device-side locking surface 811 is a curved surface that forms an arc centered on the rotation shaft 800c. That is, the first device-side locking surface 811 has an arc shape centered on the rotation axis 800c in a cross section parallel to the X axis and the Z axis (a cross section parallel to the XZ plane and a cross section perpendicular to the Y axis). . As a result, when the cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60, the cartridge 20 can be locked by smoothly moving the first device side locking surface 811 to the locking position 810L. Further, when removing the cartridge 20 from the holder 60, the locking of the cartridge 20 by the first device side locking surface 811 can be smoothly released. That is, the cartridge 20 can be smoothly attached to and detached from the holder 60.

  Further, the first device-side locking surface 811 is close to the rotation shaft 800c in the X-axis direction when positioned at the locking position (first locking position) 810L. In other words, in the present embodiment, the first device-side locking surface 811 is positioned in the vicinity immediately below the rotation shaft 800c when positioned at the locking position (first locking position) 810L. Specifically, the first device-side locking surface 811 is positioned slightly on the −X axis direction side of the rotation shaft 800c when positioned at the locking position (first locking position) 810L. As a result, at the locking position 810L, the first device-side locking surface 811 has an angle close to perpendicular to the force in the + Z-axis direction that the cartridge 20 receives from the device-side terminal group 700 and the elastic member 648 in the mounted state. Intersect surfaces can be formed. In the present embodiment, at the locking position, the flat surface in contact with the first device-side locking surface 811 that is a curved surface is substantially horizontal. As a result, the possibility that the first cartridge side locking surface 211 and the first device side locking surface 811 of the cartridge 20 in the mounted state are unlocked can be reduced. From another point of view, the following can be said. That is, regarding the position in the X-axis direction, the first locking position 810L is preferably in the −X-axis direction and closer to the rotation shaft 800c than the rotation shaft 800c. Thereby, the plane in contact with the first device side locking surface 811 can be made substantially horizontal, and a force in the + X-axis direction is applied from the cartridge 20 to the first device side locking surface 811 in the mounted state. Can be prevented. Further, by bringing the first locking position 810L close to the rotation shaft 800c in the X-axis direction, the actual locking position between the first cartridge-side locking surface 211 and the first device-side locking surface 811 can be determined. Even when the position slightly deviates from the first locking position 810L, the shift of the locking position in the Z-axis direction can be suppressed. That is, the displacement of the cartridge 20 with respect to the holder 60 in the Z-axis direction can be suppressed, and electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminal group 400 and the apparatus-side terminal group 700 can be favorably achieved. For example, the first locking position 810L includes a straight line parallel to the Z-axis direction passing through the rotation shaft 800c, the rotation shaft 800c, and the first locking position in a cross section obtained by cutting the lever 80 along a plane parallel to the X axis and the Z axis. The angle A formed by the straight line connecting the position 810L is preferably 15 ° or less, more preferably 10 ° or less, and even more preferably 5 ° or less. The angle A is preferably 1 ° or more.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the guide portion 820 is formed between the operation portion 830 and the engagement portion 810 from the end in the + Z axis direction to the end in the −Z axis direction. The guide portion 820 guides the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 (FIG. 12) to the engaging portion 810 while restricting the movement of the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction when the cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60. Accordingly, the cartridge 20 can be easily mounted at the designed correct mounting position using the guide portion 820.

  The guide portion 820 is a recess formed by a guide bottom wall surface 821 formed along the Y-axis direction and a pair of guide wall portions 860 erected from the guide bottom wall surface 821 in the −X-axis direction. By the guide bottom wall surface 821 and the pair of guide wall portions 860, a recess for receiving the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 that is a protrusion can be easily formed. The pair of guide wall portions 860 includes a first guide wall portion 860a provided on the + Y axis direction side and a second guide wall portion 860b provided on the −Y axis direction side. A shaft portion 850a is provided on the outer surface 893 of the first guide wall portion 860a, and a shaft portion 850b is provided on the outer surface 891 of the second guide wall portion 860b.

  The distance between the guide walls 860a and 860b (the distance between the wall 860a and the inner surface of the wall 860b) is smaller than the length of the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction, and can be understood from the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 (see FIG. 12). )) In the Y-axis direction. When the cartridge 20 is mounted in the holder 60, the first cartridge side restriction portion 210 is received in the guide portion 820, and the movement of the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction is restricted by the pair of guide wall portions 860a and 860b. Further, the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 can be easily and reliably guided to the engaging portion 810 while regulating the movement of the cartridge 20 in the Z-axis direction by the guide bottom wall surface 821.

  Of the guide bottom wall surface 821, the engaging portion 810 side has a groove portion 870 for receiving the second portion 214 (FIG. 12) of the first cartridge side regulating portion 210. The groove portion 870 has a shape that is recessed in the + X-axis direction from the guide bottom wall surface 821. Further, the groove portion 870 is formed from the middle portion of the guide bottom wall surface 821 of the guide bottom wall surface 821 in the + Z axis direction to the end portion in the −Z axis direction.

  Further, the lever 80 is configured so that the first device-side locking surface 811 can move to the first locking position 810 </ b> L by its own weight when provided on the holder 60. That is, when the shaft portion 850 is held by the holding member 690, the lever 80 is inclined so that the first device-side locking surface 811 is on the −X-axis direction side with respect to the rotation shaft 800c (see FIG. 21). This state can be realized, for example, by positioning the center of gravity of the lever 80 on the −Z axis direction side and the −X axis direction side with respect to the rotation shaft 800c. For example, it can be realized by positioning the center of gravity of the lever 80 on the + Z-axis direction side and the + X-axis direction side of the rotation shaft 800c.

A-4-4. Detailed configuration of the holding member 690:
FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the holding member 690 and a perspective view of the lever 80. The lever 80 is rotatably attached to the holder 60 by being held by the holding member 690. FIG. 22 shows a partial configuration for holding one lever 80 instead of the entire holding member 690. The holding member 690 is configured by a combination of a first holding member 650 and a second holding member 680. The holding member 690 is made of synthetic resin. In the present embodiment, the holding member 690 is formed using ABS resin.

  The first holding member 650 includes a pair of standing portions 651 and a through hole 658. In the present embodiment, the holding member 650 is formed with a protrusion 636 serving as a third device-side regulating portion.

  The pair of upright portions 651 of the first holding member 650 are provided upright with an interval that can receive the lever 80 therebetween. Bearing portions 654 that can receive the shaft portion 850 of the lever 80 are respectively formed on the pair of standing portions 651. In the present embodiment, an engagement hole 656 that engages with the second holding member 680 is formed in each of the pair of standing portions 651.

  The second holding member 680 includes a pair of standing portions 681 and a through hole 688. In the present embodiment, an elastic member 682 is formed on the second holding member 680.

  The pair of standing portions 681 of the second holding member 680 are erected at the same interval as the pair of standing portions 651 of the first holding member 650. Each of the pair of standing portions 681 is formed with a sealing surface 684 that seals the bearing portion 654 so that the shaft portion 850 of the lever 80 does not come off from the bearing portion 654. In the present embodiment, the pair of standing portions 681 are respectively formed with engaging convex portions 686 that engage with the engaging holes 656 of the first holding member 650.

  When the lever 80 is assembled to the holder 60, the shafts 850 of the lever 80 are fitted into the bearings 654 of the pair of standing portions 651 of the first holding member 650, respectively. Installed between the standing portions 651. Thereafter, the holding members 650 and 680 are engaged with each other, whereby each bearing portion 654 in which the shaft portion 850 of the lever 80 is fitted is sealed with each sealing surface 684 of the holding member 680. Thereafter, the holding members 650 and 680 are fixed to the wall of the holder 60 with screws or the like using the through holes 658 and 688, so that the lever 80 can be rotatably assembled to the holder 60.

  FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure in the vicinity of the lever 80 in a state where the cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60. With reference to this figure, the relationship between the shaft portion 852 of the lever 80 and the bearing portion 654 of the holding member will be described. FIG. 23 illustrates a cross section of the lever 80 that locks the cartridge 20 taken along a plane that passes through the apparatus-side locking surface 811 and is parallel to the X axis and the Z axis. In FIG. 23, the shape in which the shaft portion 850 of the lever 80 is projected is indicated by a broken line, and the shape in which the bearing portion 654 and the sealing surface 684 are projected is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

  As can be seen from this figure, when the inner circular arc surface 852 and the outer circular arc surface 854 of the shaft portion 850 contact the bearing portion 654, the rotation shaft 800c of the lever 80 is positioned. When the lever 80 continues to rotate counterclockwise as viewed from the + Y axis direction, the radial side surface 856 of the shaft portion 850 contacts the bearing portion 654, so that the lever 80 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the + Y axis direction. Is limited. When the lever 80 continues to rotate clockwise as viewed from the + Y-axis direction, the radial side surface 858 of the shaft portion 850 contacts the sealing surface 684, thereby restricting the rotation of the lever 80 clockwise as viewed from the + Y-axis direction. Is done. As a result, the lever 80 can be stably rotated, and the cartridge 20 can be held in a stable state at the designed mounting position.

  When the lever 80 rotates, the elastic member 682 abuts on the locking back surface portion 880 located on the −Z-axis direction side of the rotation shaft 800 c of the lever 80. As a result, the elastic member 682 restricts the rotation area of the lever 80 when the cartridge 20 is attached to and detached from the holder 60. Further, when the cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60, the elastic member 682 abuts against the locking back surface portion 880 of the lever 80 and elastically deforms, thereby causing the back surface portion 880 to include a vector component in the −X axis direction. Press on. Thus, the engaging portion 810 of the lever 80 can be moved more reliably to the locking position (first locking position) 810L.

A-5. Attachment / detachment operation of the cartridge 20 with respect to the holder 60:
24 to 27 are explanatory views showing an operation (mounting or mounting operation) when the cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60. FIG. 24 to 27 are cross-sectional views corresponding to FIGS. 5 and 17. It is a time series in the order of FIGS.

  When the cartridge 20 is mounted in the holder 60, the cartridge 20 is inserted from the upper surface of the holder 60 as shown in FIG. Then, while moving the cartridge 20 from the second cartridge side regulating unit 220 side to the inside of the holder 60 in the −Z axis direction or the mounting direction, the second cartridge side regulating unit 220 is moved to the second device side regulating unit 620. Insert into. In the state shown in FIG. 24, the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 of the cartridge 20 is located on the + Z axis direction side of the engaging portion 810 in the lever 80 on the holder 60 side.

  Next, from the state shown in FIG. 24, the second cartridge side regulating portion 220 inserted into the second apparatus side regulating portion 620 is used as a rotation fulcrum, as viewed clockwise from the + Y-axis direction, that is, the third The cartridge 20 is rotated so that the wall 203 side is pushed toward the bottom wall portion 601 of the holder 60. Then, as shown in FIG. 25, the first cartridge side restricting portion 210 has the Y-axis by the guide portion 820 of the lever 80, that is, the pair of guide wall portions 860a and 860b and the guide bottom wall surface 821 shown in FIG. Further, the movement in the −Z-axis direction is performed while the movement in the X-axis direction is limited.

  Further, when the cartridge 20 is rotated so as to push the third wall 203 side of the cartridge 20 from the state shown in FIG. 25, the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is pushed further to the −Z axis direction side. Then, as shown in FIG. 26, the lever 80 is pushed in the −X-axis direction by the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 and rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the + Y-axis direction. At that time, the lever 80 abuts against the elastic member 682 and receives a biasing force from the elastic member 682 in a direction in which the lever 80 is pushed back clockwise as viewed from the + Y-axis direction. This urging force is an external force including a vector component in the −X axis direction. That is, the rotation area of the lever 80 is limited by the elastic member 682. The state in which the lever 80 abuts against the elastic member 682 is maintained from the state shown in FIG. 26 until the cartridge 20 is further pushed in until the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 gets over the guide portion 820 of the lever 80. Is done.

  Further, when the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 gets over the guide portion 820 of the lever 80 by rotating the cartridge 20 so as to push the third wall 203 side from the state shown in FIG. 26, as shown in FIG. The lever 80 rotates so that the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 moves to the −X axis direction side. Accordingly, the engaging portion 810 moves to the first locking position 810L and locks the first cartridge side regulating portion 210. Specifically, as shown in the lower right enlarged view, the first device side locking surface 811 (first portion) of the engaging portion 810 and the first cartridge side of the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 are shown. The movement of the cartridge 20 in the + Z-axis direction is restricted by the contact with the locking surface 211 (first contact portion). More specifically, the second device-side locking surface 813 (second portion) of the engaging portion 810 and the second cartridge-side locking surface 213 (second contact) of the first cartridge-side regulating portion 210. Contact with the contact portion), the movement of the cartridge 20 toward the + X-axis direction is restricted. As can be seen from FIG. 27A, the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 and the second cartridge side locking surface 213 are shown in the enlarged view of FIG. The first portion 212 of the first restricting portion 210 is formed in a curved surface so that the cartridge side locking surface 211 and the second cartridge side locking surface 213 are configured as independent portions of the same surface. May be. In addition, as can be seen from FIG. 27B, the first cartridge side regulating portion is configured such that the first cartridge side locking surface 211 and the second cartridge side locking surface 213 are configured as independent portions of the same surface. The first portion 212 of 210 may be formed with a flat inclined surface or other shapes. As a part of the mounting, the ink supply unit 280 of the cartridge 20 is connected to the printing material supply pipe 640, and the second cartridge side regulating unit 220 and the second device side regulating unit 620 are engaged, so that the first cartridge When the side regulating portion 210 and the engaging portion 810 are engaged, the mounting of the cartridge 20 on the holder 60 is completed. In addition, when the cartridge is correctly mounted at the designed mounting position, the cartridge side terminal group 400 and the apparatus side terminal group 700 are electrically connected, and signals are transmitted between the cartridge 20 and the printer 50. .

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 27, the elastic member 682 is not in contact with the lever 80 and is not applied with an external force when the cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60. By doing so, the possibility that the lever 80 is plastically deformed by an external force can be reduced, and the possibility that the engaging portion 810 is displaced from the first locking position 810L can be reduced. Therefore, the electrical connection between the cartridge side terminal group 400 and the apparatus side terminal group 700 can be further stabilized.

  The elastic member 682 may be configured to abut against the lever 80 in a state where the cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60 and apply a force in a direction including a component in the −X axis direction. That is, the elastic member 682 may always apply a force to the lever 80 in a direction including a component in the −X axis direction regardless of the position of the lever 80. Accordingly, when the cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60, the engaging portion 810 can be moved to the first locking position 810L with a sufficient force. Thereby, it is possible to generate a click feeling that makes the user sense that the cartridge 20 has been locked by the engaging portion 810.

  In other embodiments, the elastic member 682 may be omitted. As a result, the number of parts can be reduced.

  Next, the operation when removing the cartridge 20 from the holder 60 will be described. When removing the cartridge 20 from the holder 60, the user pushes the operation unit 830 in the −X axis direction. That is, the external force Pr (FIG. 5) is applied to the operation unit 830 in the direction including the vector component in the −X axis direction. Then, the lever 80 moves the engaging portion 810 around the rotation shaft 800c in a direction including the + X-axis direction component. At the same time, the first cartridge side locking surface 211 rotates in the direction of the arrow Y22 shown in FIG. As a result, the engagement between the engaging portion 810 and the first cartridge side restricting portion 210 is released, and the restriction on the movement of the cartridge 20 in the + Z-axis direction on the third surface 203 side is released. When the restriction on the movement of the cartridge 20 in the + Z-axis direction is released, the third surface 203 side of the cartridge 20 moves to the + Z-axis direction side by the urging force Pt from the contact mechanism 70. That is, the cartridge 20 is moved from the state shown in FIG. 27 to the state shown in FIG. From the state shown in FIG. 26, the second cartridge side regulating portion 220 inserted in the second apparatus side regulating portion 620 is used as a fulcrum, and it is counterclockwise as viewed from the + Y axis direction, that is, the third wall 203 side. Is rotated away from the bottom wall 601 of the holder 60 to move the cartridge 20 from the state of FIG. 26 to the state of FIG. 25 and further to the state of FIG. At this time, the user can rotate the cartridge 20 by applying an external force including a vector component in the −X axis direction to the protrusion 260. As a result of such an operation, the third surface 203 side moves counterclockwise and the third surface 203 side further moves to the + Z axis direction side when viewed from the + Y axis direction side. Finally, the user can pick up the cartridge 20 from the holder 60 by grasping the third surface 203 side of the cartridge 20 and pulling out the second cartridge side regulating portion 220 from the second device side regulating portion 620.

  Here, as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 27, the operation portion 830 of the lever 80 is provided with an operation portion facing surface 831. The operation unit facing surface 831 comes into contact with the protrusion 260 when the user presses the operation unit 830 when removing the cartridge 20 in the mounted state from the holder 60. The operation unit facing surface 831 is inclined toward a direction having a vector component in the −X axis direction and a vector component in the + Z axis direction. When the lever 80 rotates about the rotation shaft 800c in the direction of the arrow Y27, the operation portion facing surface 831 comes into contact with the protrusion 260, and the direction Yh has a vector component in the −X axis direction and a vector component in the + Z axis direction. The protrusion 260 is pressed. By doing so, for example, the cartridge 20 can be easily detached from the holder 60. In particular, when the cartridge 20 is caught by the member of the holder 60 and the first cartridge side locking surface 211 is moved from the first locking position 810L in the + X axis direction, the cartridge 20 does not move in the + Z axis direction side. Even so, the third surface 203 side of the cartridge 20 can be moved in the + Z-axis direction using the operation portion facing surface 831 and the protruding portion 260.

A-6. Wear detection method using wear detection terminals:
FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the circuit board 40 and the printer 50 of the cartridge 20 according to the first embodiment. The printer 50 includes a display panel 590, a power supply circuit 580, a main control circuit 570, and a sub control circuit 550. The display panel 590 is a display unit for performing various notifications such as the operation state of the printer 50 and the mounting state of the cartridge 20 to the user. The display panel 590 is provided in an operation unit (not shown) that is visible from the outside of the printer 50, for example. The power supply circuit 580 includes a first power supply 581 that generates a first power supply voltage VDD, and a second power supply 582 that generates a second power supply voltage VHV. The first power supply voltage VDD is a normal power supply voltage (rated 3.3 V) used in the logic circuit. The second power supply voltage VHV is a high voltage (for example, rated 42 V) used for driving the head 540 (FIG. 1) to discharge ink. These voltages VDD and VHV are supplied to the sub-control circuit 550, and are also supplied to other circuits as necessary. The main control circuit 570 has a CPU 571 and a memory 572. The sub control circuit 550 has a memory control circuit 551 and a mounting detection circuit 552. A circuit including the main control circuit 570 and the sub control circuit 550 can also be referred to as a “control circuit”.

  Of the nine terminals provided on the circuit board 40 (FIG. 10) of the cartridge, the reset terminal 432, the clock terminal 433, the power supply terminal 436, the ground terminal 437, and the data terminal 438 are electrically connected to the storage device 420. It is connected to the. The memory device 420 does not have an address terminal, and a memory cell to be accessed is determined based on the number of pulses of the clock signal SCK input from the clock terminal 433 and command data input from the data terminal. It is a non-volatile memory that receives data from the data terminal 438 or transmits data from the data terminal 438 in synchronization. The clock terminal 433 is used to supply the clock signal SCK from the sub control circuit 350 to the storage device 420. A power supply voltage (for example, a rating of 3.3 V) and a ground voltage (0 V) for driving the storage device are supplied from the printer 50 to the power supply terminal 436 and the ground terminal 437, respectively. The power supply voltage for driving the storage device 420 may be a voltage directly applied from the first power supply voltage VDD or a voltage generated from the first power supply voltage VDD and lower than the first power supply voltage VDD. . The data terminal 438 is used for exchanging the data signal SDA between the sub control circuit 550 and the storage device 420. The reset terminal 432 is used to supply a reset signal RST from the sub control circuit 550 to the storage device 420. The four mounting detection terminals 431, 434, 435, and 439 are connected to each other via wiring in the circuit board 40 (FIG. 3) of the cartridge 20, and are all grounded. For example, the attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435, 439 are grounded by being connected to the ground terminal 437. However, it may be grounded via a path other than the ground terminal 437. As can be understood from this description, the attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435, and 439 may be connected to a part of the memory terminals (or the storage device 420), but the memory terminals other than the ground terminal 437 Or is not connected to the storage device 420. In particular, if the mounting detection terminal is not connected to the memory terminal or the storage device, signals and voltages other than the mounting inspection signal are not applied to the mounting detection terminal, which is preferable in that mounting detection can be performed more reliably. In the example of FIG. 28, the four attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435, and 439 are connected by wiring, but a part of the wiring that connects them may be replaced by a resistor.

  In FIG. 28, wiring names SCK, VDD, SDA, RST, OV1, OV2, DT1, and DT2 are attached to wiring paths that connect the device-side terminals 731 to 739 and the cartridge-side terminals 431 to 439 of the circuit board 40. Has been. Among these wiring names, the same names as the signal names are used for the wiring paths for the storage device.

  FIG. 29 shows a connection state between the circuit board 40 and the mounting detection circuit 552. The four mounting detection terminals 431, 434, 435, and 439 of the circuit board 40 are connected to the mounting detection circuit 552 via corresponding device-side terminals 731, 734, 735, and 739. The four mounting detection terminals 431, 434, 435, 439 of the circuit board 40 are grounded. Wirings connecting the device side terminals 731, 734, 735, 739 and the attachment detection circuit 552 are connected to the power supply voltage VDD (rated 3.3 V) in the sub-control circuit 550 through pull-up resistors.

  In the example of FIG. 29, three terminals 431, 434, 435 among the four mounting detection terminals 431, 434, 435, 439 of the circuit board 40 are in good connection with the corresponding device-side terminals 731, 734, 735. It is in. On the other hand, the fourth attachment detection terminal 439 is in poor contact with the corresponding device-side terminal 739. The voltage of the wiring of the three device side terminals 731, 734, and 735 with good connection state is L level (ground voltage level), while the voltage of the wiring of the device side terminal 739 with poor connection state is H level ( Power supply voltage VDD level). Therefore, the mounting detection circuit 552 can determine the quality of the contact state for each of the four mounting detection terminals 731, 734, 735, and 739 by examining the voltage levels of these wirings.

  The contact portions cp of the four mounting detection terminals 431, 434, 435, 439 of the circuit board 40 are arranged outside the first region 400P of the contact portions cp of the terminals 432, 433, 436, 437, 438 for the storage device. Has been. The contact portions cp of the four attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435, and 439 are disposed outside the first region 400P. Further, the contact portions cp of the four attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435, 439 are arranged at the four corners of the quadrangular second region 400T including the first region 400P. The shape of the first region 400P is preferably a quadrangular shape having the smallest area including the contact portions cp of the terminals 432, 433, 436, 437, and 438 for the five storage devices. The shape of the second region 400T is preferably a quadrangular shape having the smallest area including all of the contact portions cp of the cartridge side terminal groups 431 to 439.

  When the contact states of the four mounting detection terminals 431, 434, 435, and 439 are all good, the cartridge 20 does not have a large inclination, and the contact states of the storage device terminals 432, 433, 436, 437, and 438 are also good. It is. On the other hand, when the contact state of one or more of the four attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435, 439 is poor, the cartridge has a large inclination, and the storage device terminals 432, 433, 436 , 437, and 438, the contact state of one or more terminals may be poor. When one or more of the four attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435, and 439 is in a poor contact state, the attachment detection circuit 552 displays information (characters or images) indicating the unattached state on the display panel 390. ) Is preferably displayed to notify the user.

  The reason why the contact detection portions cp of the attachment detection terminals are provided at all four corners around the first region 400P of the contact portion cp of the storage device terminal is that the cartridge 20 is mounted even when the cartridge 20 is attached to the holder 60. This is because the circuit board 40 of the cartridge 20 and the contact mechanism 70 of the holder 60 may be inclined with respect to each other due to the degree of freedom of tilting to some extent. For example, the cartridge 20 is tilted so that the terminal groups 431 to 434 (the contact portion group) of the upper row R2 of the circuit board 40 are more from the contact mechanism 70 than the terminal groups 435 to 439 (the contact portion group) of the lower row R1. When it leaves | separates, the contact of the terminal groups 431-434 of upper row | line | column R2 may become bad. When the cartridge 20 is tilted and the terminal groups 435 to 439 of the lower row R1 of the circuit board 40 are further away from the contact mechanism 70 than the terminal groups 431 to 434 of the upper row R2, 5 of the upper row R2 of the circuit board 40 is obtained. There is a possibility that the contact between the two terminals 435 to 439 becomes defective. Further, when the cartridge 20 is tilted and the left end of the circuit board 40 in FIG. 10 is further away from the contact mechanism 70 than the right end, the contact of the terminals 431, 432, 435, 436, and 437 on the left side of the circuit board 40 becomes poor. there is a possibility. Conversely, if the right end of the circuit board 40 is farther from the contact mechanism 70 than the left end, there is a possibility that the contacts of the terminals 433, 434, 437, 438, and 439 on the right side of the circuit board 40 will be poor. When such a contact failure occurs, an error may occur when reading data from the storage device 420 or writing data to the storage device 420. Therefore, as described above, the four attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435, and 439 arranged at the four corners around the outside of the first region 400P of the contact portion cp of the memory terminals 432, 433, 436, 437, and 438 are arranged. If it is confirmed whether or not the contact state of the contact part cp is all good, it is possible to prevent a contact failure and an access error of the storage device due to such an inclination.

A-7. Effects of this embodiment Some effects of this embodiment as compared to US 2005/0151811 and US Pat. No. 6,276,780

  In the printing material supply system 10 of the present embodiment, the holder 60 is provided with a lever 80, and the cartridge 20 is provided with a first cartridge side regulating portion 210. The cartridge side restricting portion 210 is provided on the −Z-axis direction side with respect to the rotation shaft 800c of the lever. Unlike US Publication No. 2005/0151811 in which the lever is integrated with the cartridge, the engaging portion with the holder is not provided between the rotating shaft of the lever and the operation portion. Therefore, a very large distance is not required between the lever and the side surface of the cartridge. That is, in the present embodiment, the distance between the lever 80 and the third surface 203 of the cartridge can be reduced, and the size in the X-axis direction can be reduced. In addition, since the length of the lever can be shortened, the size in the Z-axis direction can also be reduced. Therefore, the printer 50 and the printing material supply system 10 can be very downsized. Further, since the size of the packing material used for packing the cartridge when the cartridge 20 is transported or sold can be reduced, the transportation cost and the part cost can be reduced. Such an effect cannot be obtained simply by providing the lever on the printer holder side instead of the cartridge as in US Pat. No. 6,276,780. The rotation shaft 800c of the lever 80 is provided between the operation portion 830 and the engagement portion 810, and the cartridge side restriction portion 210 is provided on the −Z-axis direction side of the rotation shaft 800c of the lever 80 for the first time. It is what

  Further, in the printing material supply system 10 of the present embodiment, the length of the lever can be shortened, and the shape of the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 can be small and a simple configuration (protrusion in the present embodiment). . Therefore, the rigidity of the lever 80 and the cartridge side restricting portion 210 can be increased as compared with US Publication No. 2005/0151811. In addition, a material having a relatively high rigidity can be selected as the material of the lever 80 and the cartridge side regulating portion 210 (cartridge 20). Therefore, the possibility of plastic deformation and creep deformation of the lever 80 and the cartridge side regulating portion 210 can be suppressed to an extremely low level. Therefore, the cartridge 20 in the mounted state can be kept at an accurate position in the holder 60, and the contact state between the cartridge side terminals 431 to 439 and the apparatus side terminals 731 to 739 can be maintained in a normal state. It is possible to reduce conduction defects. In addition, according to this embodiment, since the shape of the cartridge side regulation part 210 can be made small and simple, when the cartridge 20 is transported and sold, it is packed (particularly, the inside of the packing material is decompressed). When packaging is performed, it is not necessary to consider the plastic deformation of the lever as in the cartridge of US Publication No. 2005/0151811, and the convenience for the user can be improved. In particular, in order to obtain such an effect, it is preferable that the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is a projection as in the present embodiment.

  Furthermore, in the printing material supply system 10 according to the present embodiment, the cartridge side regulating unit 210 is provided on the −Z side with respect to the rotation shaft 800 c of the lever 80. As described above, the device-side terminals 731 to 739 generate the urging force Pt in the direction in which the circuit board 40 is pushed back (the direction including the vector components in the + Z-axis direction and the −X-axis direction) in the mounted state of the cartridge 20. . Therefore, the cartridge 20 in the mounted state 20 tends to move in the + Z-axis direction. However, in the printing material supply system 10 according to the present embodiment, the rotation shaft 800c of the lever 80 is provided in the −Z-axis direction with respect to the cartridge-side regulating portion 210. To the -Z axis direction side.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the cartridge side regulating portion 210 is provided on the −Z axis direction side and the −X axis direction side with respect to the rotation shaft 800 c of the lever 80. Therefore, when the cartridge 20 is about to move in the + Z-axis direction, a rotational moment as shown by the arrow M in FIG. This moment acts so as to force the cartridge side restricting portion 210 to be strongly pressed in the −X axis direction by the engaging portion 810. This moment also acts to match the movement of the lever engaging portion 810 with the movement of the cartridge 20 about to move in the −X axis direction by the vector component in the X axis direction of the urging force Pt. Therefore, a force that is pressed against the apparatus-side bottom wall 601 and the second apparatus-side wall 604 acts on the cartridge 20 in the mounted state. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cartridge 20 is unlikely to be detached from the holder 60. Further, the contact state between the cartridge side terminals 431 to 439 and the apparatus side terminals 731 to 739 can be maintained in a normal state, and the possibility of poor conduction can be reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is in contact with the first portion 811 of the engaging portion 810 to regulate the movement of the cartridge 20 in the + Z-axis direction. It has a cartridge side locking surface 211 and a second cartridge side locking surface 213 that restricts the movement of the cartridge 20 in the + X-axis direction by coming into contact with the second portion 812 of the engaging portion 810. Thereby, a rotational moment as indicated by an arrow M in FIG. 5 can be generated more reliably, and the possibility of poor conduction between the cartridge side terminals 431 to 439 and the apparatus side terminals 731 to 739 is more reliably reduced. it can.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, in the present embodiment, the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 has a second portion 214. When the cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60 by the second portion 214, there is a possibility that the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is positioned and locked to the −Z axial direction side from the engaging portion 810. Can be reduced. That is, when the cartridge 20 is mounted in the holder 60, the user may push the cartridge 20 further into the −Z axis direction side than the state of FIG. Even in such a case, the second cartridge portion 214 comes into contact with the second device-side locking surface 813 of the lever 80, so that the first cartridge-side regulating portion 210 is more in the −Z-axis direction than the engaging portion 810. Positioning on the side can be suppressed. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is locked to the engaging portion 810 at an unintended locking position.

A-7-2. FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the external force that the cartridge 20 receives in the mounted state of the cartridge 20. When the printer 50 performs printing or the like, the holder 60 and the cartridge 20 reciprocate in the main scanning direction (the Y-axis direction and the width direction of the cartridge 20). That is, when the holder 60 is accelerated and decelerated, the cartridge 20 receives an external force (inertial force) in the width direction. When the cartridge 20 receives an external force, the cartridge 20 tries to rotate in the rotation direction including the vector component in the width direction (vector component in the Y-axis direction) around the ink supply unit 280 (FIG. 27) and the printing material supply tube 640. There is a case. Specifically, the third surface 203 side may rotate in the direction of the arrow YR1, and the fourth surface 204 side may attempt to rotate in the direction of the arrow YR2. Further, the second surface 202 side of the cartridge 20 may try to rotate toward the arrow YR3 side. The directions of the arrows YR1 and YR2 are rotational directions including a vector component (vector component in the width direction) in the Y-axis direction around the Z-axis. An arrow YR3 is a rotation direction including a vector component in the Y-axis direction (vector component in the width direction) centered on the X-axis.

  When the cartridge 20 tries to move in the direction of the arrow YR3, one of the fifth surface 205 side and the sixth surface 206 side of the cartridge 20 tends to float in the + Z-axis direction side. However, as described above, such movement in the + Z-axis direction is confined by the lever 80. In particular, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is close to the intersecting portion 295. In other words, the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is close to the board end 405 of the circuit board 40. That is, the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is disposed so as to be as close as possible to the cartridge side terminal group 400. Since the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is locked to the lever 80, the position of the vicinity of the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is unlikely to fluctuate even when an external force is applied. Since the cartridge side terminal group 400 is provided in a place where the positional fluctuation is extremely small as described above, it is possible to efficiently suppress the positional deviation of the terminals 431 to 439 of the cartridge side terminal group 400 with respect to the holder 60. Therefore, the electrical connection between the cartridge side terminal group 400 and the apparatus side terminal group 700 can be stably achieved. In order to obtain such an effect more reliably, in the Y-axis direction (width direction) (when the cartridge 20 is viewed from the third surface 203 side toward the −X-axis direction), the first cartridge side It is preferable that at least a part of the restriction portion 210 (particularly, the first cartridge side locking surface 211) is located between the first outer portion 435P and the second outer portion 439P.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the corner portion 265 of the cartridge 20 has a step surface (seventh surface) 207 extending from the first surface 201 in the + Z-axis direction. The seventh surface 207 is located on the −X axis direction side and the −Z axis direction side with respect to the inclined surface (eighth surface) 208. In addition, a third cartridge side restricting portion 250 is provided on the seventh surface 207. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 14 to 16, the cartridge mounting portion 60 is provided with a third device-side regulating portion (projecting portion) 636. The third cartridge side regulating portion 250 is in contact with the protruding portion 636. Thereby, the movement in the width direction on the third surface 203 side around the printing material supply pipe 640 and the ink supply unit 280 can be further suppressed. Note that, as in the present embodiment, the third cartridge side regulating portion 250 is configured to be a pair of projecting members projecting from the seventh surface 207 in the + X-axis direction, and to receive the projecting portion 636 therebetween. Is preferred. With such a configuration, the movement in the width direction on the third surface 203 side around the printing material supply pipe 640 and the ink supply unit 280 can be reliably suppressed with a simple structure.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in this embodiment, in the X-axis direction (when the cartridge 20 is viewed from the first surface 201 side toward the + Z-axis direction), the terminal holding portion 408 of the circuit board 40 and the third axis The cartridge side regulating portion 250 is arranged so as to partially overlap. Therefore, the movement of the cartridge 20 in the arrow YR1 direction can be further suppressed, and the movement (displacement) of the cartridge side terminal group 400 with respect to the holder 60 can be further suppressed.

  Here, although the inertial force accompanying the movement in the main scanning direction is given as the external force in the width direction received by the cartridge 20, the external force received by the cartridge 20 is not limited to this. For example, in the off-carriage type printer described above, the print head moves in the main scanning direction, but the cartridge 20 is mounted on a stationary holder 60 and does not move in the main scanning direction. However, even in such an off-carriage type printer, the cartridge 20 may receive an external force. Specifically, in an off-carriage type printer, an external force (inertial force) may be applied to the cartridge 20 due to vibrations generated by the print head moving in the main scanning direction.

A-7-3. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is a plane that passes through the center of the width (length in the Y-axis direction) of the cartridge 20. It is provided so as to cross Yc. As shown in FIG. 5, in the mounted state of the cartridge 20, the cartridge 20 receives urging forces Ps and Pt including components in the + Z axis direction from the holder 60. The first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is pressed against the engaging portion 810 provided on the lever 80 by such urging forces Ps and Pt. Thereby, even when the cartridge 20 rattles around the X axis or the Z axis by an external force in the mounted state, the position near the position where the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 intersects the plane Yc hardly moves.

  Here, the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is close to the intersecting portion 295. Alternatively, it can be said that the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is close to the substrate end 405. By providing the first cartridge-side restricting portion 210 with little movement at a position very close to the cartridge-side terminal group 400, the electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminal group 400 and the contact mechanism 70 can be stably achieved. it can.

  Of the first cartridge side regulating portion 210, a portion that is particularly effective for regulating the position of the cartridge side terminal group 400 is the first cartridge side locking surface 211. Therefore, it is preferable that the first cartridge side locking surface 211 be as close as possible to the cartridge side terminal group 400. If the third portion 215 of the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is omitted and the first portion 212 is disposed in contact with the first side 290, the first cartridge side locking surface 211 is made to intersect with the intersection portion 295, Alternatively, it can be brought closer to the substrate end 405. Then, the electrical connection between the cartridge side terminal group 400 and the contact mechanism 70 can be achieved more stably.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, among the contact portions cp of the terminals constituting the cartridge side terminal group 400, the terminal 437 having the contact portion cp provided at the center in the Y-axis direction is the plane Yc. It is provided at a position that intersects with The contact portions cp of the remaining terminals 431 to 436, 438, and 439 are provided at positions that are line symmetric with respect to an intersection line between the plane Yc and the ground terminal 437. Since the position of the first cartridge side restricting portion 210 is fixed, the plane Yc moves particularly little. The cartridge side terminal group 400 is thus arranged on the plane Yc where there is little movement and in the vicinity thereof. In addition to providing the first cartridge side restricting portion 210 at a position very close to the cartridge side terminal group 400, the terminal group 400 is disposed on or near the plane Yc, whereby the cartridge side terminal group 400 and the contact mechanism 70 are arranged. It is possible to achieve more stable electrical connection with.

A-7-4. In the present embodiment, the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 (strictly, the first cartridge side locking surface 211) is arranged in the cartridge side terminal group 400 in the Y-axis direction. Of the first outer portion 435P located most on the + Y-axis direction side and the second outer portion 439P located on the most −Y-axis direction side in the cartridge-side terminal group 400 outside the range 40Y. It is located inside the range 40Y without being located. Thereby, after the cartridge 20 is mounted in the holder 60, the cartridge-side terminal group 400 receives the force of the vector component in the + Z-axis direction from the device-side terminal group 700, so that the inclination of the cartridge 20 can be finely adjusted. That is, the direction in which the inclined terminal holding portion 408 provided with the cartridge side terminal group 400 faces can be finely adjusted. Thereby, for example, the position of each of the device side terminals 731 to 739 from the device side inclined surface 708, the level of the first cartridge side locking surface 211 of the first cartridge side regulating portion 210, and the like are manufacturing errors. Even if there is a variation, the electrical connection between the cartridge side terminal group 400 and the apparatus side terminal group 700 can be stably achieved by finely adjusting the direction in which the inclined terminal holding portion 408 faces.

  FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining fine adjustment in the direction in which the inclined terminal holding portion 408 faces. The cartridge 20 at a position after the attitude of the cartridge 20 is finely adjusted is indicated by a broken line. For example, let us consider a case where the mounting detection terminal 731 in the device-side terminal group 700 protrudes more on the + Z-axis direction side from the device-side inclined surface 708 (FIG. 18) than the designed amount. In this case, the inclined terminal holding portion 408 receives a force Ph from the attachment detection terminal 731 in a direction including a vector component in the + Z-axis direction. Here, since the first cartridge side locking surface 211 is positioned in the range 40Y, the rotation of the cartridge 20 around the X axis can be further permitted. That is, the attitude of the cartridge 20 can be finely adjusted by receiving the inclined terminal holding portion 408 with the force Ph. In the case of FIG. 31, the cartridge 20 is finely adjusted so as to be inclined to the sixth surface 206 side.

A-7-5. Effects Related to Second Cartridge Side Restricting Section 220 The cartridge 20 has the second cartridge side regulating section 220 on the fourth surface 204 (FIG. 27). As a result, the movement of the cartridge 20 in the + Z-axis direction from both sides in the + X-axis direction can be restricted. Thereby, the electrical connection between the cartridge side terminal group 400 and the apparatus side terminal group 700 can be further stabilized.

In the present embodiment, the second cartridge side regulating portion 220 is a projection provided so as to project from the fourth surface 204 to the −X axis direction side. Then, the second cartridge side restriction portion 220 is inserted into the second device side restriction portion 620 (FIG. 3) that is a through hole of the holder 60.
When the user attaches / detaches the cartridge 20 to / from the holder 60, the cartridge 20 is rotated about the vicinity of the second cartridge side regulating portion 220 inserted into the second device side regulating portion 620 (FIG. 3). Let That is, the second device-side regulating unit 620 functions as a guide when the cartridge 20 is attached to and detached from the holder 60. Thereby, the cartridge 20 can be easily attached to and detached from the holder 60. Further, by using the second cartridge side restricting portion 220 as a protrusion, the second cartridge side restricting portion can be easily formed on the fourth surface.

A-7-6. As shown in FIG. 27, in the present embodiment, the cartridge 20 has a protrusion 260 on the third surface 203 on the + Z-axis direction side of the first cartridge side regulating portion 210. When removing the cartridge 20 mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 60, the operation unit 830 comes into contact with the protrusion 260 by applying a force to the operation unit 830 of the lever 80 from the + X axis direction side to the −X axis direction side. Thus, the protrusion 260 is pressed in the direction Yh having a component including the vector in the + Z-axis direction, that is, the force of the vector component in the + Z-axis direction can be applied to the protrusion 260. Thereby, the cartridge 20 can be easily detached from the holder 60 using the operation unit 830. In particular, when the cartridge 20 is caught by the member of the holder 60 and the first cartridge side locking surface 211 is moved from the first locking position 810L in the + X axis direction, the cartridge 20 does not move in the + Z axis direction side. Even so, it is possible to easily move the third surface 203 side of the cartridge 20 in the + Z-axis direction by using the protrusion 260.

  In the present embodiment, the external force is directly applied to the protrusion 260 by the operation unit 830 as described above, but the external force from the operation unit 830 is not necessarily applied to the protrusion 260. When the operation portion 830 is rotated, the engagement portion 810 and the first cartridge side restriction portion 210 are unlocked, and the restriction of the movement of the cartridge 20 in the + Z-axis direction on the third surface 203 side is released. . When the restriction on the movement of the cartridge 20 in the + Z-axis direction is released, the third surface 203 side of the cartridge 20 moves to the + Z-axis direction side by the urging force Pt from the contact mechanism 70. At this time, the protrusion 260 of the cartridge 20 also moves in the direction Yh. Thereafter, the user can easily remove the cartridge 20 from the holder 60 by manually pinching the vicinity of the protrusion 260 moved in the direction Yh. That is, even if an external force is not directly applied to the protruding portion 260 by the operating portion 830, the operability when removing the cartridge 20 from the holder 60 can be improved if the protruding portion 260 is provided.

A-7-7. Effect Regarding Position of Ink Supply Unit 280 As shown in FIG. 27, in the present embodiment, the ink supply unit 280 is provided in a portion of the first surface 201 closer to the fourth surface 204 than the third surface 203. That is, in the X-axis direction, the distance between the outer surface of the ink supply unit 280 and the third surface 203 is larger than the distance between the outer surface of the ink supply unit 280 and the fourth surface 204. On the other hand, the cartridge side terminal group 400 is provided in the terminal holding portion 408 adjacent to the third surface 203. That is, the ink supply unit 280 is provided at a position away from the cartridge side terminal group 400. Thereby, the possibility that ink adheres to the cartridge side terminal group 400 can be reduced. Therefore, the occurrence of contact failure between the cartridge side terminal group 400 and the apparatus side terminal group 700 can be suppressed.

A-7-8. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, among the contact portions cp of the terminals constituting the cartridge-side terminal group 400, the ground terminal 437 having the contact portion cp provided in the center in the Y-axis direction is as shown in FIG. The cartridge 20 is provided at a position that intersects the plane Yc passing through the center of the width (length in the Y-axis direction) of the cartridge 20. The ground terminal 437 is configured to come into contact with the contact mechanism 70 prior to contact with the contact mechanism 70 by the other cartridge side terminals 431 to 436, 438, and 439 when the cartridge 20 is mounted in the holder 60. Has been. As a result, an urging force first applied from the holder 60 to the circuit board 40 is generated at the center of the width of the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the biasing force applied to the circuit board 40 is prevented from acting as a force for tilting the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction, and the cartridge 20 can be mounted at the designed mounting position. Further, since the ground terminal 437 contacts the contact mechanism 70 of the holder 60 before the other cartridge side terminals 431 to 436, 438, and 439, even when an unintended high voltage is applied to the cartridge 20 side. The grounding function of the ground terminal 437 can reduce problems caused by a high voltage.

A-7-9. Effects on the shape of the first device-side locking surface 811 As shown in FIG. 21, the first device-side locking surface 811 is centered on the rotation axis 800c in a cross section parallel to the X axis and the Z axis. A curved surface having an arc shape. Thereby, the operation | movement at the time of attaching or detaching the cartridge 20 to the holder 60 can be performed smoothly. Further, by forming the first device side locking surface 811 as a curved surface, the amount pushed back to the + Z-axis direction side by the elastic member 648 (FIG. 27) when the cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60 can be reduced. Thereby, electrical contact between the cartridge side terminal group 400 and the apparatus side terminal group 700 can be favorably achieved.

  FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining one of the effects. The vertical direction in FIG. 32 is the Z-axis direction. Further, the upper side of the drawing is the + Z-axis direction, and the lower side of the drawing is the -Z-axis direction. FIGS. 32A to 32C are views showing how the cartridge is mounted when the first device-side locking surface 811 is a curved surface. 32D to 32F are views showing how cartridges are mounted when the first device-side locking surface 811t is a flat surface. 32A to 32C are time series in this order, and FIGS. 32D to 32F are time series in this order.

As shown in FIG. 32A, when the cartridge 20 is mounted in the holder 60, the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 moves to the −Z-axis direction side while contacting the guide bottom wall surface 821. As shown in FIG. 32B, when the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 moves to the −Z axis direction side with respect to the guide bottom wall surface 821, the first device side locking surface 811 moves in the direction of the arrow Y32. At this time, when the user strongly pushes the cartridge 20 in the −Z-axis direction, the first cartridge-side regulating portion 210 is positioned on the −Z-axis direction side with respect to the first device-side locking surface 811.
When the user releases his / her hand from the cartridge 20, the cartridge 20 is pushed up to the + Z-axis direction side by the urging forces Ps and Pt of the elastic member 648 and the device-side terminal group 700. As shown in FIG. 32C, when the first device-side locking surface 811 is a curved surface, the amount by which the first cartridge-side regulating portion 210 of the cartridge 20 is pushed up is D1.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 32D to 32F, when the first device-side locking surface 811t is a flat surface, the amount by which the first cartridge-side regulating portion 210 is pushed up is D2. Here, D1 is a value smaller than D2.

  That is, in the present embodiment, since the first device-side locking surface 811 is a curved surface, the first device-side locking surface in the mounted state compared to the case where the first device-side locking surface 811t is a flat surface. The surface 811 can be positioned more on the −Z axis direction side. Thereby, the amount by which the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is pushed up can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the first device-side locking surface 811 is close to the rotary shaft 800c in the X-axis direction when positioned at a predetermined or first locking position 810L (FIG. 21). . Thereby, even when the actual locking position deviates from the first locking position 810L in the X-axis direction, the movement distance in the Z-axis direction of the first device-side locking surface 811 can be reduced. Thereby, the shift | offset | difference of the cartridge 20 with respect to the holder 60 in the Z-axis direction can be suppressed.

B. Additional embodiments:
FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining the printer 50a of the second embodiment. FIG. 33 corresponds to the cross section of FIG. 17 of the first embodiment. The difference from the printer 50 of the first embodiment is that the holding member 690 a does not have the elastic member 682. Since the configuration of the other printing material supply system 10 is the same as that of the printer 50 of the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. The configuration of the cartridge 20 mounted on the printer 50a is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 33, the holding member 690a does not have an elastic member, and does not bias the lever 80 in the direction including the vector component in the −X axis direction. However, since the lever 80 is configured such that the first device-side locking surface 811 is positioned at the first locking position 810L by its own weight, the first cartridge-side locking surface 211 of the cartridge 20 is moved to the lever 80. The first device side locking surface 811 can be locked.

  The printer 50a of the second embodiment can reduce the possibility of the holding member 690a being damaged because the holding member 690a does not have an elastic member in addition to the effects exhibited by the printer 50 of the first embodiment. Further, since the holding member 690a does not have an elastic member, the number of parts can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the printer 50a can be suppressed.

C. Third embodiment:
FIG. 34 is an external perspective view of the cartridge 20b of the third embodiment. The difference from the cartridge 20 (FIG. 7) of the first embodiment is the size of the cartridge 20b. Since the other cartridge configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations, and descriptions thereof are omitted. Further, in the printer of the third embodiment, the holder 60 and the member (for example, the lever 80) provided in the holder 60 have the same configuration.

  The cartridge 20b is larger in size than the cartridge 20 of the first embodiment, and can accommodate a large amount of ink inside. The cartridge 20b can be mounted on a cartridge mounting portion of a large-sized ink jet printer capable of printing large format paper (A2 to A0 size or the like). The mounting direction SD when the cartridge 20b is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion of the large inkjet printer is the -Z-axis direction. In the present embodiment, the −Z-axis direction is the horizontal direction. When the cartridge 20b is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, the X-axis direction is the vertical direction. Specifically, the + X axis direction is the vertically upward direction, and the −X axis direction is the vertically downward direction.

D. Variations on cartridge configuration:
35 to 37 show modifications regarding the configuration of the cartridge. The configuration of the printing material supply system 10 is the same as that of the printer 50 of the first embodiment. Further, the same components as those of the cartridge 20 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

D-1. Modification Example of External Shape of Cartridge FIGS. 35A to 35H are conceptual diagrams showing the shape of the cartridge in another embodiment. The cartridge 20c shown in FIG. 35A has an oval or oval side shell. Further, the cartridge 20c has a first cartridge side regulating portion 210 and a circuit board 40 on the front side thereof. In addition, an ink supply unit 280 is formed on the bottom surface side of the cartridge 20c, and a second cartridge side regulating unit 220 is formed on the back side. The cartridge 20c has a certain width when viewed from the front side. If the cartridge 20c is also configured so that the first and second cartridge side regulating portions 210 and 220, the circuit board 40, and the ink supply portion 280 are connected to corresponding members of the printer 50, FIG. It is possible to ensure compatibility with the cartridge 20 shown in FIG.

  The cartridge 20d shown in FIG. 35B has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as in FIG. A major difference from the cartridge 20 of FIG. 7 is that the eighth surface 208 is not provided continuously at the lower end of the third surface 203. The cartridge 20L shown in FIG. 35G is the same in shape and structure as the cartridge 20d in that the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is provided close to the terminal holding portion 408. The cartridges 20e and 20f shown in FIGS. 35C and 35D are different from the cartridge 20 of FIG. 7 in that they do not have a seventh surface. In the cartridge 20g shown in FIG. 35E, the circuit board 40 is attached to the eighth surface 208 via a spring. A cartridge 20h shown in FIG. 35F has a movable surface 208h connected or hinged corresponding to the eighth surface 208, and the circuit board 40 is provided on the surface 208h. When the cartridge 20h is mounted on the printer, the movable surface 208h moves from the position indicated by the dotted line to the position indicated by the solid line. When the cartridge 20h is correctly installed in the printer and the movable surface 208h is at the position indicated by the solid line, the contact portion of the terminal group on the circuit board 40 is disposed on the contact portion surface TP. Also in these cartridges 20c to 20g, the first and second cartridge side regulating portions 210 and 220, the circuit board 40, and the ink supply portion 280 are configured to be connected to corresponding members of the printer 50. It is possible to ensure compatibility with the cartridge 20 shown in FIG. The cartridge 20m shown in FIG. 35H has an elongated member 211. One end of the elongated member 211 is connected to the first cartridge side regulating portion 210, and the other end is connected to the upper portion of the cartridge 202 via a hinge or other shaft support mechanism. In the above embodiment, the terminal group has a flat shape, but the terminal group may be elongated, formed into a wire shape, or other shapes. For example, FIG. 35I shows an embodiment of an elongated terminal group 400n. In this embodiment, when the cartridge 20j is mounted on the printer, the contact portion CP is disposed on the terminal surface TP. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 35J, the cartridge 20j includes a contact mechanism 70j having substantially the same configuration (including the configuration of the terminal group) as the printer-side contact mechanism 70 shown in FIG. The contact mechanism 70j includes an elastic terminal group having a contact portion. When the cartridge 20j is mounted on the printer, the contact mechanism 70j contacts the terminal group 700 of the contact mechanism 70 and is substantially disposed on the terminal surface TP. In the embodiment such as FIG. 35I or FIG. 35J where the terminal group is not flat, the “terminal holding part” or “inclined surface” is considered to be a part of the cartridge terminal group that supports the contact part, It is substantially the same as the portion indicated by the contact surface TP in the terminal group. Further, the portion of the restricting portion 210 that engages with the printer side lever is 1) a place where the upper surface 202 and the front surface 203 intersect, 2) one of the upper surface 202 and the front surface 203, and the other extended surface of the upper surface and the front surface 203. 3) Contact point rather than the place where the extended surfaces of both the upper surface 202 and the front surface 203 intersect (as in the case where the upper surface and the front surface of the cartridge are shaped as in the embodiment of FIGS. 35A and 35D). It is provided at a position close to the place where the part surface TP intersects the front surface 203 and a position close to the contact part cp itself. In the embodiment of FIG. 35J, the circuit board 40j of the cartridge 20j is provided on the back side of the contact mechanism 70j, and comes into contact with the printer-side contact mechanism 70 by indirect contact via the contact mechanism 70j.

  As can be understood from the various examples shown in FIG. 35, various modifications can be considered for the outer shape of the cartridge. Even when the outer shape of the cartridge has a shape other than a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, for example, as shown by dotted lines in FIGS. 35A and 35D, six surfaces of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped, that is, the bottom surfaces shown in FIGS. 201 (first surface), upper surface 202 (second surface), front surface 203 (third surface), back surface 204 (fourth surface), left side surface 205 (fifth surface), and right side surface 206 (sixth surface), Can be considered virtually. In this specification, the terms “face” and “plane” refer to such virtual surfaces or non-existent surfaces (imaginary surfaces) as described in FIGS. It can be used in the meaning including both the actual surface and the actual surface. Further, the terms “face” and “plane” are used to include both a plane and a curved surface.

D-2. Cartridge Using Adapter FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a cartridge 20i using an adapter. The cartridge 20i can be separated into a storage member 200i having an ink storage portion 200 and an adapter 299, and is combined for mounting on a holder of a printing apparatus. When the printing material in the storage unit 200 runs out, the user replaces the storage member 200i with a new one or refills the printing material there. The adapter 299 can be reused. This cartridge 20i is compatible with the cartridge 20 (see FIG. 7) of the first embodiment.

  The outer shell 22i of the cartridge 20i is configured by a combination of the outer shell of the housing member 200i and the outer shell of the adapter 299i. The storage member 200i includes an ink storage unit 200 that stores ink, a printing material channel 282 for supplying a printing material to the ink supply unit, and a foam resin 284. The housing member 200i includes a second surface 202i corresponding to the second surface 202 of the cartridge 20i. The accommodating member 200i includes a first surface 201i, a third surface 203i, a fourth surface 204i, and a fifth surface (not shown) corresponding to the first surface 201 and the third to eighth surfaces 203 to 208 of the cartridge 20i. , A sixth surface 206i, a seventh surface 207i, and an eighth surface 208i. The first surface 201i and the second surface 202i face each other in the Z-axis direction, and the first surface 201i is located on the −Z-axis direction side and the second surface 202i is located on the + Z-axis direction side. The third surface 203i and the fourth surface 204 face each other in the X-axis direction, the third surface 203i is positioned on the + X-axis direction side, and the fourth surface 204i is positioned on the −X-axis direction side. The fifth surface (not shown) and the sixth surface 206i face each other in the Y-axis direction, the fifth surface (not shown) is located on the + Y-axis direction side, and the sixth surface 206i is located on the −Y-axis direction side. The seventh surface 207i and the eighth surface 208i form a connection surface that connects the first surface 201i and the third surface 203i. The seventh surface 207i is a surface that intersects the first surface 201i at a right angle. The seventh surface 207i is a surface (YZ plane) parallel to the Y axis and the Z axis. The seventh surface 207i as the step surface is a surface erected with respect to the first surface 201i. That is, the seventh surface 207i is a surface extending in the + Z-axis direction from the first surface 201i. The seventh surface 207i is located on the −X axis direction side and the −Z axis direction side with respect to the eighth surface 208i. The eighth surface 208i is a surface that connects the seventh surface 207i and the third surface 203i. The eighth surface 208i is an inclined surface that is inclined in a direction including vector components in the + X-axis direction and the -Z-axis direction. The eighth surface 208i is a surface inclined with respect to the first surface 201i and the third surface 203i. The eighth surface 208i is a surface that intersects the fifth surface (not shown) and the sixth surface 206i at a right angle. The eighth surface 208i is inclined with respect to the XY plane and the YZ plane, and intersects the XZ plane at a right angle.

  The adapter 299 includes surfaces corresponding to the first surface 201, the third surface 203, the fourth surface 204, the fifth surface 205, the sixth surface 206, the seventh surface 207, and the eighth surface 208 of the cartridge 20i. . A surface corresponding to the second surface 202 of the cartridge 20 i is an opening 202. Inside the adapter 299, a space for receiving the housing member 200i is formed. An ink supply unit 280 is provided on the first surface 201 of the adapter 200. In addition, about another part, including a modification, it is comprised similarly to the cartridge 20 (FIG. 7) of 1st Embodiment. The first cartridge side regulating portion 210 may be on the adapter 299 as shown in FIG. 36, or may be on the housing member 200i (not shown). Similarly, the circuit board 40 may be on the adapter 299 as shown in FIG. 36, or may be on the accommodation member 200i (not shown). The positions of the restricting portion 210 and the circuit board 40 do not have to be both on the cartridge 20 i or the adapter 299, but one may be provided on the cartridge 20 i and the other may be provided on the adapter 299. As described above, the cartridge 20 i may be configured by the housing member 200 i and the adapter 299.

  FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a cartridge 20j in another form using an adapter. The cartridge 20j can be separated into a storage member 200j having an ink storage portion 200 and an adapter 299j, and is combined for mounting on a holder of a printing apparatus. When the printing material in the storage unit 200 runs out, the user replaces the storage member 200j with a new one or refills the printing material there. The adapter 299j can be reused. This cartridge 20j is compatible with the cartridge 20 (see FIG. 7) of the first embodiment.

  The outer shell 22j of the cartridge 20j is configured by a combination of the outer shell of the housing member 200j and the outer shell of the adapter 299j. The storage member 200j includes an ink storage unit 200 that stores ink and an ink supply unit 280. The housing member 200j includes a second surface 202j and a sixth surface 206j corresponding to the second surface 202 and the sixth surface 206 of the cartridge 20j, respectively. In addition, the housing member 200j includes first surfaces 201j, corresponding to the first surface 201, the third surface 203, the fourth surface 204, the fifth surface 205, the seventh surface 207, and the eighth surface 208 of the cartridge 20j, respectively. A third surface 203j, a fourth surface 204j, a fifth surface (not shown), a seventh surface 207j, and an eighth surface 208j are provided. The first surface 201j and the second surface 202j are opposed to each other in the Z-axis direction, and the first surface 201j is located on the −Z-axis direction side and the second surface 202j is located on the + Z-axis direction side. The third surface 203j and the fourth surface 204j face each other in the X-axis direction, the third surface 203j is positioned on the + X-axis direction side, and the fourth surface 204j is positioned on the −X-axis direction side. The fifth surface (not shown) and the sixth surface 206j face each other in the Y-axis direction, the fifth surface (not shown) is located on the + Y-axis direction side, and the sixth surface 206j is located on the −Y-axis direction side. In addition, the seventh surface 207j and the eighth surface 208j form a connection surface that connects the first surface 201j and the third surface 203j. The seventh surface 207j is a surface that intersects the first surface 201j at a right angle. The seventh surface 207j is a surface (YZ plane) parallel to the Y axis and the Z axis. The seventh surface 207j as the step surface is a surface erected with respect to the first surface 201j. That is, the seventh surface 207j is a surface extending in the + Z-axis direction from the first surface 201j. The seventh surface 207j is located on the −X axis direction side and the −Z axis direction side with respect to the eighth surface 208j. The eighth surface 208j is a surface connecting the seventh surface 207j and the third surface 203j. The eighth surface 208j is a slope inclined toward the direction including vector components in the + X-axis direction and the -Z-axis direction. The eighth surface 208j is a surface inclined with respect to the first surface 201j and the third surface 203j. The eighth surface 208j is a surface that intersects the fifth surface (not shown) and the sixth surface 206j at a right angle. The eighth surface 208j is inclined with respect to the XY plane and the YZ plane, and intersects the XZ plane at a right angle.

The adapter 299j includes surfaces corresponding to the first surface 201, the third surface 203, the fourth surface 204, and the fifth surface 205 of the cartridge 20j. The surfaces corresponding to the second surface 202 and the sixth surface 206 of the cartridge 20j are openings. A space for receiving the accommodating member 200i is formed inside the adapter 299j. The adapter 299j has an opening in a part of the first surface 201. The ink supply unit 280 provided in the housing member 200j is exposed from the opening provided in the first surface 201 of the adapter 299j and is connected to the printing material supply pipe 640 (see FIG. 2 and the like). Compared to the first embodiment (see FIG. 7), in the cartridge 20j of the present embodiment, the shape of the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is simplified, but the same shape as in the first embodiment. It is also good. The first cartridge side regulating portion 210 may be on the adapter 299j as shown in FIG. 36, or may be on the housing member 200j (not shown). Similarly, the circuit board 40 may be on the adapter 299j as shown in FIG. 36, or may be on the accommodation member 200j (not shown). The positions of the restricting portion 210 and the circuit board 40 need not be both on the cartridge 20j or the adapter 299j, but one may be provided on the cartridge 20j and the other may be provided on the adapter 299j. Further, the height (length in the Z-axis direction) of the third surface 203 and the fourth surface 204 is lower (shorter) than the third surface 203 and the fourth surface 204 of the first embodiment. The height (length) may be the same as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, although the protrusion part 260 is abbreviate | omitted, you may provide the protrusion part 260 similarly to 1st Embodiment. In addition, about another part, including a modification, it is comprised similarly to the cartridge 20 (FIG. 7) of 1st Embodiment. As described above, the cartridge 20j may be configured by the housing member 200j and the adapter 299j.
FIG. 37B shows a cartridge 20m having the same configuration as FIG. However, this embodiment is different in that the cartridge 20m is separated into an adapter 299m and a housing member 200m. Before the cartridge 20m is mounted on the printer, the end of the housing member 200m (shown by a dotted line) is inserted into the adapter 299m. The terminal group 400m is directly formed on the surface of the adapter 299m. Regardless of whether it is the surface of the cartridge as in this embodiment or the surface of the circuit board as in the other embodiments described above, when the surface terminal group of this cartridge is formed on a flat surface, This flat surface is considered to be an “inclined surface” or “terminal holding part”.

  FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a cartridge 20k in still another embodiment using an adapter. The cartridge 20k includes an adapter 299k, an external tank 200T, a tube 200L, and an auxiliary adapter 200S, and is combined for mounting on the holder of the printing apparatus. The adapter 299k has the same configuration as the adapter 299j described in the embodiment of FIG. A printing material is accommodated in the external tank 200T. The external tank 200T is placed outside the printer 50 shown in FIG. The auxiliary adapter 200S includes an ink supply unit 280k. The tube 200L supplies the printing material from the external tank 200T to the auxiliary adapter 200S. The external tank 200T, the auxiliary adapter 200S, and the tube 200L function as a storage member 200k that stores ink. That is, as indicated by a dotted line in the drawing, the cartridge 20k of the present embodiment can be regarded as having the accommodating member 200k. Therefore, the cartridge 20k of this embodiment can also be separated into the housing member 200k and the adapter 299j in the same manner as the cartridges 20i and 20j in the embodiment of FIGS. When the printing material in the tank 200T runs out, the user replaces the tank 200T with a new one or replenishes the printing material there. The adapter 299k can be reused. This cartridge 20j is compatible with the cartridge 20 (see FIG. 7) of the first embodiment.

  The outer shell 22k of the cartridge 20k is configured by a combination of the outer shell of the virtual housing member 200k and the outer shell of the adapter 299k. The configuration of the virtual housing member 200k and the configuration of the adapter 299k are the same as the cartridge 20j of FIG. In addition, about another structure, including a modification, it is comprised similarly to the cartridge 20 (FIG. 7) of 1st Embodiment. As described above, the cartridge 20k may be configured by the housing member 200k and the adapter 299k.

E. Lever variants:
In the above embodiment, the elastic member 682 is provided separately from the lever 80 (FIG. 22), but the lever 80 itself may be a member that can be elastically deformed. 39 and 40, another embodiment of the lever will be described.

  FIG. 39 is a diagram for explaining the lever 80a. FIG. 39A is a first external perspective view of the lever 80a. FIG. 39B is a second side view of the lever 80a. The difference from the lever 80 of the first embodiment is that an arm 890 is newly provided and the lever 80a can be elastically deformed. The lever 80a is different from the lever 80 in the shape of the operation unit 830a. The lever 80a does not include the groove portion 870. About another structure, it is the same as the lever (FIG. 19) of 1st Embodiment. The lever 80a is formed of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene.

  FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the cartridge 20 is mounted on the holder 60a. Note that the second portion 214 (FIG. 12) of the first cartridge side regulating portion 210a of the cartridge 20 of the present embodiment is omitted. The shaft portion 850 is attached to the first device side wall portion 603. When the lever 80a rotates around the shaft portion 850, the arm portion 890 comes into contact with the protrusion portion 603t that is a part of the first device side wall portion 603 and elastically deforms.

F. Modified example of cartridge side terminal group:
41A to 41C are diagrams showing modifications of the terminal shape of the circuit board. These substrates 40c-40e differ only in the surface shape of the board | substrate 40 shown to FIG. 10A, and the terminals 431-439. In the substrates 40c and 40d in FIGS. 41A and 41B, the shape of each terminal is not a substantially rectangular shape but has an irregular shape. In the substrate 40e of FIG. 41C, nine terminals 431 to 439 are arranged in a line, and the attachment detection terminals 435 and 439 are arranged at both ends thereof. The attachment detection terminals 431 and 434 are disposed between the attachment detection terminal 435 and the power supply terminal 436 and between the attachment detection terminal 439 and the data terminal 438, respectively. Also in these boards 40c-40e, arrangement | positioning of the contact part cp with the apparatus side terminal corresponding to each terminal 431-439 is the same as the board | substrate 400 of FIG. 10A. As described above, the surface shape of each terminal can be variously modified as long as the arrangement of the contact portions cp is the same.

G. Other variations:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

G-1. First modification:
In the above-described embodiment, the second cartridge side restricting portion 220 is provided on the fourth surface 204, but the second cartridge side restricting portion 220 may be omitted. For example, if the clearance between the cartridge 20 and the slot of the holder 60 is relatively small, all or part of the outer surface of the fourth surface 204 may be the second surface even without the second cartridge side restricting portion 220. By abutting on the apparatus side wall 604, the movement of the cartridge 20 toward the + Z-axis direction on the fourth surface 204 side is restricted. Thereby, the cartridge 20 can be held in the holder 60. Further, for example, an elastic member such as rubber is provided between the fourth surface 204 of the cartridge 20 and the wall portion 604 of the holder 60, and friction between the fourth surface 204 and the second device side wall portion 604 and the elastic member is provided. Therefore, the movement of the fourth surface 204 side toward the + Z-axis direction may be restricted. This elastic member may be a member different from the cartridge 20 or the holder 60, or may be attached to the fourth surface 204 of the cartridge 20 or the side wall 604 of the holder 60. In addition, when the 2nd cartridge side regulation part 220 is abbreviate | omitted, the 2nd apparatus side regulation part 620 (FIG. 15) of the 2nd apparatus side side wall part 604 can also be abbreviate | omitted.

  Further, the second cartridge side restricting portion 220 is a protrusion, but is not limited to this, and may be a concave portion. In this case, the second device-side regulating portion 620 of the second device-side side wall 604 is a protrusion. Further, a member that presses the fourth surface 204 side of the second surface 202 of the cartridge 20 toward the −Z-axis direction side may be provided in the holder 60. For example, a slidable rod-shaped member may be provided in the holder 60, and after the cartridge 20 is accommodated in the cartridge housing chamber 602, the fourth surface 204 side of the second surface 202 of the cartridge 20 may be pressed by the rod-shaped member.

G-2. Second modification:
In the above embodiment, the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 is provided at a position close to the intersecting portion 295. However, on the third surface 203, it extends to an arbitrary position within the range 40Y or to the outside thereof. It may be provided. By providing the first cartridge side regulating portion 210 outside the range 40, it is possible to satisfactorily adjust the direction of the inclined surface on which the cartridge side terminal group is provided. As a result, stable electrical conduction between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group can be ensured.

G-3. Third modification:
In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the lever 80 is provided with a pair of shaft portions 850 and the holding member 690 is provided with a bearing portion 654. Conversely, the lever 80 is provided with a bearing portion, and the holding member A shaft portion may be provided at 690. In the present embodiment, the lever 80 and the holding members 680 and 690 are assembled into the holder 60 in a united state so that the printer can be easily assembled. However, members such as the holding members 680 and 690 are not essential. A configuration may be adopted in which the bearing portion of the lever 80 is integrally provided on the outer wall 603W of the holder and the lever is fixed thereto.

G-4. Fourth modification:
As described above, the present invention is not limited to an ink jet printer and its ink cartridge, but can be applied to any liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid other than ink and its liquid container. For example, the present invention is not limited to these, but can be applied to the following various liquid ejecting apparatuses and liquid storage containers thereof.
1. 1. Image recording apparatus such as a facsimile machine 2. Color material ejecting apparatus used for manufacturing color filters for image display devices such as liquid crystal displays. 3. Electrode material injection device used for forming electrodes such as organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display and surface emission display (FED). 4. Liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting a liquid containing bio-organic matter used for biochip manufacturing 5. Sample injection device as a precision pipette 6. Lubricating oil injection device Resin liquid injection device8. 8. Liquid injection device that injects lubricating oil pinpoint to precision machines such as watches and cameras. 9. Liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting 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. Liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects an acidic or alkaline etching solution to etch a substrate or the like Liquid ejecting apparatus having a liquid ejecting head for ejecting other arbitrary minute amount of liquid droplets

  The “droplet” refers to the state of the liquid ejected from the liquid ejecting apparatus, and includes those that have tails in the form of particles, tears, and threads. The “liquid” here may be any material that can be ejected by the liquid ejecting apparatus. For example, the “liquid” may be a material in a state in which the substance is in a liquid phase, such as a material in a liquid state having high or low viscosity, and sol, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, Liquid materials such as liquid resins and liquid metals (metal melts) are also included in the “liquid”. Further, “liquid” includes not only a liquid as one state of a substance but also a liquid obtained by dissolving, dispersing or mixing particles of a functional material made of a solid such as a pigment or metal particles in a solvent. Further, representative examples of the liquid include ink and liquid crystal as described in the above embodiment. Here, the ink includes general liquid inks and oil-based inks, and various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot melt inks, but is not limited thereto.

G-5. Fifth modification:
In addition, the present invention can be implemented as the following modifications. In addition, the code | symbol attached | subjected with the parenthesis with each element of each deformation | transformation aspect respond | corresponds to the code | symbol of each element described in 1st Embodiment.

G-5-1. First variant:
A cartridge (20) detachably attached to the printing apparatus (50), the first surface (201) constituting the outer surface of the cartridge, and an ink supply unit (280) connected to the printing apparatus ) Provided on the first surface (201); the second surface (202) facing the first surface (201); and one side (291) connected to the second surface (202). 3 planes (203), the other side (290) opposite to the one side (291) is the opposite direction (Z axis) where the first surface (201) and the second surface (202) face each other A third surface (203) located between the first surface (201) and the second surface (202) with respect to the direction); a fourth surface (204) facing the third surface (203); The fourth surface (204) connected to the first surface (201) and the second surface (202) A corner portion (265) which is an outer surface (265) connecting the first surface (201) and the third surface (203); a cartridge side terminal group (400) provided on the corner portion (265); In the mounted state in which the cartridge (20) is mounted on the printing device (50), an external force is applied to push up the cartridge from the device-side terminal group (700) of the printing device (50). A cartridge side terminal group (400); provided on the third surface (203), and being engaged with a lever (80) of the printing apparatus in the mounted state, the cartridge is moved in the push-up direction. A first cartridge side regulating portion (210) for regulating the first cartridge side regulating portion (210), wherein the first cartridge side regulating portion (210) is close to the cartridge side terminal group (400). It is provided at the position, the cartridge.

G-5-2. Second variant:
A cartridge (20) detachably attached to the printing apparatus (50), the first surface (201) constituting the outer surface of the cartridge, and an ink supply unit (280) connected to the printing apparatus ) Provided on the first surface (201); the second surface (202) facing the first surface (201); and one side (291) connected to the second surface (202). 3 planes (203), the other side (290) opposite to the one side (291) is the opposite direction (Z axis) where the first surface (201) and the second surface (202) face each other A third surface (203) positioned between the first surface (201) and the second surface (202) with respect to the direction); and a fourth surface (204) facing the third surface (203). The fourth surface (204) connected to the first surface (201) and the second surface (202) A corner portion (265) which is an outer surface (265) connecting the first surface (201) and the third surface (203); and a cartridge side terminal group provided on the corner portion (265) ( 400), when the cartridge (20) is mounted on the printing apparatus (50), an external force is applied to push up the cartridge from the apparatus-side terminal group (700) of the printing apparatus (50). A cartridge-side terminal group (400) to be added; provided on the third surface (203) and locked in the lever (80) of the printing apparatus in the mounted state in the direction in which the cartridge is pushed up A first cartridge side restricting portion (210) for restricting movement of the first cartridge side restricting portion (210) from the other side than the one side (291). Provided on the side close to the edge (290), the cartridge.

G-5-3. Third variant:
A cartridge (20) detachably attached to the printing apparatus (50), the first surface (201) constituting the outer surface of the cartridge, and an ink supply unit (280) connected to the printing apparatus ) Provided on the first surface (201); the second surface (202) facing the first surface (201); and one side (291) connected to the second surface (202). 3 planes (203), the other side (290) opposite to the one side (291) is the opposite direction (Z axis) where the first surface (201) and the second surface (202) face each other A third surface (203) located between the first surface (201) and the second surface (202) with respect to the direction); a fourth surface (204) facing the third surface (203); The fourth surface (204) connected to the first surface (201) and the second surface (202) A corner portion (265) which is an outer surface (265) connecting the first surface (201) and the third surface (203); a cartridge side terminal group (400) provided on the corner portion (265); In the mounted state in which the cartridge (20) is mounted on the printing device (50), an external force is applied to push up the cartridge from the device-side terminal group (700) of the printing device (50). A cartridge-side terminal group (400); provided on the third surface (203) and locked in the lever (80) of the printing apparatus in the mounted state to move the cartridge in the pushing-up direction. A first cartridge-side restricting portion (210) that restricts movement, and the first cartridge-side restricting portion (210) is located close to the other side (290). It is provided, the cartridge.

  According to the first to third modifications, as in the first embodiment, the positional deviation of each terminal of the cartridge side terminal group with respect to the printing apparatus can be suppressed. Therefore, the electrical connection between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group can be stably achieved. Here, regarding the first to third deformation modes, in the mounted state, the direction from the first surface side to the second surface side in the facing direction (Z-axis direction) is the Z-axis positive direction, and the second surface side is the first surface. When the direction toward the side is the −Z-axis direction, the first cartridge-side restricting portion is preferably positioned on the −Z-axis direction side with respect to the rotation axis of the lever.

G-5-4. Fourth variant:
A cartridge (20) detachably attached to the printing apparatus (50), an ink supply unit (280) connected to the printing apparatus; a cartridge side terminal group (400), the cartridge (20) ) Is mounted on the printing apparatus (50), and a cartridge side terminal group (400) to which an external force is applied so as to push up the cartridge from the apparatus side terminal group (700) of the printing apparatus (50); A first cartridge side restricting portion (210) for restricting movement of the cartridge in the pushing-up direction by being locked to the lever (80) of the printing apparatus in the mounted state, the cartridge side A first cartridge side regulating portion (210) located on the same side as the terminal group; and the first cartridge side regulating portion (210) Close to the cartridge-side terminal group (700) are arranged, the cartridge.

  Here, when the pushing-up direction is the Z-axis positive direction and the direction opposite to the Z-axis positive direction is the Z-axis negative direction, the first cartridge side restricting portion is closer to the Z-axis negative direction side than the rotation axis of the lever. Preferably it is located.

  Also according to the fourth modification, as in the first embodiment, the positional deviation of each terminal of the cartridge side terminal group with respect to the printing apparatus can be suppressed. Therefore, the electrical connection between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group can be stably achieved.

G-6. Sixth Modification Aspects of the present invention can also be implemented by the following modifications. In each modification, the reference numerals in parentheses attached after the elements correspond to the reference numerals of the elements described in the first embodiment.

First Modification A cartridge (20) that is detachably attached to the printing apparatus (50), is configured to form an outer surface of the cartridge, and is a printing material supply port (connected to the printing apparatus) 280); a second surface (202) facing the first surface (201); one side (291) connected to the second surface (202) and the An opposing direction (Z-axis direction) in which the first surface (201) and the second surface (202) face each other, with one side (291) and the other side (290) on the opposite side. A third surface (203) positioned between the first surface (201) and the second surface (202); opposed to the third surface (203) and the first surface (201) And a fourth surface (204) configured to intersect the second surface (202); A fifth surface (205) configured to intersect the first surface (201), the second surface (202), the third surface (203), and the fourth surface (204); A corner portion configured to form a sixth surface (206) facing the surface (205); and an outer surface (265) connecting the first surface (201) and the third surface (203). 265); in the mounted state provided at the corner portion (265) and the cartridge (20) mounted on the printing device (50), the device side terminal group (700) of the printing device (50) A cartridge-side terminal group (400) configured to receive an external force that pushes up the cartridge; provided on the third surface (203) by the lever (80) of the printing apparatus (50) in the mounted state By being locked A first cartridge side restricting portion (210) configured to restrict the movement of the cartridge (20) in the push-up direction, and the first cartridge side restricting portion (210) includes the first cartridge side restricting portion (210). With respect to the direction (Y-axis direction) in which the fifth surface (205) and the sixth surface (206) face each other, it is positioned not on the outside of the range (40Y) where the cartridge side terminal group (400) is provided. The cartridge (20).

Second Modification A cartridge (20) detachably attached to the printing apparatus (50), the printing material supply port (280) connected to the printing apparatus; on the outer surface of the cartridge (20) In the mounted state in which the cartridge (20) is mounted on the printing apparatus (50), an external force that pushes up the cartridge from the apparatus-side terminal group (700) of the printing apparatus (50) is received. A cartridge-side terminal group (400) configured; provided on the same side of the outer surface as the cartridge-side terminal group (400) and locked by the lever (80) of the printing apparatus (50) in the mounted state A first cartridge side regulating portion (211) configured to regulate movement of the cartridge (20) in the push-up direction (+ Z-axis direction); And the first cartridge side regulating portion (211) is located not inside but outside the range (40Y) where the cartridge side terminal group (400) is provided in the width direction of the cartridge. 20).
In the first modification or the second modification, the cartridge-side terminal group receives a force in the push-up direction from the apparatus-side terminal group. Thereby, the direction of the portion where the cartridge side terminal group is provided can be finely adjusted, and the electrical connection between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group can be stabilized. In the first modification mode or the second modification mode, it is desirable that the first cartridge side regulating portion is positioned below the rotation axis of the lever. Here, the term “downward” corresponds to the −Z-axis direction or the direction opposite to the push-up direction.

G-7. Seventh modification:
The present invention can also be implemented as the following descriptions and modifications. In addition, the code | symbol attached | subjected in the parenthesis with each element in each description respond | corresponds to the code | symbol of each element described in 1st Embodiment.

G-7-1. First Modification A plurality of device-side contact forming members (731 to 739) configured and arranged to apply an elastic force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20) when the ink cartridge (20) is pressed, An ink cartridge (20) configured to be detachably mounted on an ink jet printing apparatus (50) comprising a lever (80) having a joint portion (810), and a front portion (203) It has a rear part (204), an upper part (202), and a bottom part (201), the front part (203) and the rear part (204) face each other, and the upper part (202) and the bottom part (201) face each other. A cartridge main body (22); an electronic device; an ink storage portion (200) for storing ink; and the bottom (201) of the cartridge main body (22), An ink storage unit (200) is configured to supply ink to the ink jet printing apparatus (50), and has a mounting direction (SD) tip (288) that forms a surface (BP) of the ink cartridge (20). An ink supply unit (280); a plurality of conductive terminals (400) disposed in proximity to the front part (203) of the cartridge body (22) and connected to the electronic device; 20) is attached to the printing apparatus (50), the contact forming members (731 to 739) come into contact with the contact forming members (731 to 739) at the contact portion (cp) of the terminal group (400). The plurality of terminals (400) are configured and arranged so as to receive the elastic force (Pt) from the above, and the contact portion (cp) is formed by the tip portion (288). A terminal holding part (408) substantially disposed on a contact part surface (TP) that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface (BP) to be engaged; engages with the engaging part (810) of the lever (80) A first restricting portion (210) that includes an engaging portion (212) configured as described above and restricts movement of the ink cartridge (20) in a direction (RD) opposite to the mounting direction (SD); An ink cartridge (20), wherein the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion (408).

  Several advantages of the above-described modification of the seventh modification will be described. In order to ensure electrical communication between the ink cartridge and the printer, the terminal group needs to be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted on the printer. Since the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion, the first restricting portion is positioned close to the place where positioning is most necessary (that is, the terminal group on the terminal holding portion). Operation is performed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately counter the elastic force from the printer side terminal group. Further, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation of the terminal group that may occur due to vibration during the printing operation. Therefore, the terminal group can be positioned more stably, and a stable electrical connection can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group.

  Further, since the lever is not formed integrally with the cartridge, the material forming the cartridge may be different from the material used to form the lever. In addition, the material of the cartridge can be selected by paying attention to other characteristics such as resistance to ink without paying much attention to the requirements of flexibility and durability.

  Further, since the lever is not provided on the cartridge, no special consideration is required for preventing creep deformation of the lever when packing the cartridge for transportation or sales. Thereby, a packing requirement can be simplified and a user's convenience improves. Since the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be reduced in size. As a result, it is possible to reduce packing materials such as paper and boxes used for packing the cartridge for transportation and sale of the cartridge, and it is possible to suppress transportation costs and component costs. Further, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, for example, the first cartridge side regulating portion has a small and simple structure with higher rigidity as compared with the structure described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811. be able to. Thereby, the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restricting portion can be greatly reduced. Since the cartridge can be held at an appropriate position in the cartridge mounting portion in the mounted or mounted state, normal or good contact can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the printer side terminal group, and the electrical communication state deteriorates. The possibility can be reduced. Unlike the cartridge described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811, the first cartridge side restricting portion can be made small and simple in structure, so that the creep deformation of the lever during transportation of the cartridge or packing for sale No special consideration is required to prevent this. This reduces packaging requirements and improves user convenience.

  (Unlike the case of using the flexible lever described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811) The structure that connects the cartridge side terminal group and the engaging portion of the cartridge to each other can be a rigid structure only. In this case, since vibration is hardly transmitted from the engaging portion to the cartridge side terminal group, electrical communication is more stable.

  Since the contact part surface (TP) of the terminal group is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip part (288), the surface of the cartridge-side terminal group is appropriately placed when the cartridge is inserted into the printer. Can be rubbed. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress or prevent the generation of insulator pieces (dust) that may occur when the printer terminal group is rubbed over a long distance with respect to the circuit board when the cartridge is attached. .

  The printer-side terminal group applies a spring such as the spring 103 described in US Pat. No. 6,955,422 to apply an elastic force including a vector component in a direction in which the cartridge is removed from the printer to the cartridge-side terminal group. There is no need to prepare. That is, when the engagement between the first restricting portion and the lever of the printer is released, the elastic force from the printer side terminal group pushes the printer side terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group together, Works to move the cartridge in the direction of removal. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in US Pat. No. 6,955,422, and the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  The first restricting portion is configured to engage with the engaging portion of the lever and restrict the movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to the mounting direction, so that when the cartridge is mounted on the printer, The position of the cartridge-side terminal group can be maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the device-side contact forming member, and the first restricting portion can be appropriately positioned in the direction opposite to the mounting direction. Can be maintained in the correct position. Since the cartridge side terminal group is “clamped” in this way, it is fixed so as not to move in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite to the mounting direction. For this reason, compared with the one-side regulation by the elastic member 40 and related structure described in US Pat. No. 7,008,053, there is a possibility of displacement and cutting between the cartridge-side terminal group and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Decrease.

Application example 1:
In the ink cartridge described above, the contact surface (TP) is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288).

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 42A to 45, excessive wiping is prevented when the contact portion surface is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface formed by the tip portion. Sufficient force can be applied to prevent insertion.

Application example 2:
In the ink cartridge described above, when the front portion (203) of the cartridge body (20) is viewed with the ink supply portion (280) facing downward, the engagement of the first restricting portion (210). The joining portion (212) is located on the left side of the rightmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals (400), and is located on the right side of the leftmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals (400). .

  When the ink cartridge is attached to the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is fixed too firmly, contact with a part of the apparatus-side contact forming member (for example, the terminal 734 shown in FIG. 31) may not be ensured. By disposing the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the left side of the rightmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals and on the right side of the leftmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals, The ink cartridge can be tilted sufficiently so that the electrical connection with the apparatus-side contact forming member can be further stabilized.

Application example 3:
The ink cartridge (20) described above is further provided on the rear portion (204) of the ink cartridge (20), and is configured to engage with a corresponding portion (620) of the inkjet printing apparatus (50). When the second restricting portion (220) having the engaging portion to be arranged is provided and each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288), the second restricting portion (220) is provided. The distance (B) between the engaging portion of the restricting portion (220) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip end portion (288) is the engaging portion of the first restricting portion (210) ( 212) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288).

  When the engaging portion of the second restricting portion is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the first restricting portion, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the second The possibility that the first restricting portion is disengaged from the printer-side engaging portion can be reduced more effectively than in the case where the first restricting portion is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the restricting portion.

Application example 4:
In the ink cartridge (20) described above, the ink from the side (203) with the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) on the right side and the ink supply portion (280) facing downward. When the cartridge (20) is viewed, each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288). The distance (A) between the engaging portion (212) of the one restricting portion (210) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip end portion (288) is the rotational axis (800c) of the lever (80). ) And the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288) is smaller than the distance (C).

  When the distance between the engaging portion of the first restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is smaller than the distance between the rotation shaft of the lever and the surface formed by the tip portion with the cartridge mounted In some cases, the lever acts to regulate the movement of the cartridge. As a result, the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion of the lever or the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion can be reduced. A connection can be formed, and the possibility that conduction is reduced can be reduced. When a force is applied to the cartridge mounted from the contact forming member, the first restricting portion can move around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.

Application example 5:
In the ink cartridge described above, the ink cartridge (20) from the side (203) with the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) on the right side and the ink supply portion (280) facing downward. ), The engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is located on the left side of the rotation shaft (800c) of the lever in a state where the cartridge is mounted.

  When the cartridge is viewed from a predetermined surface with the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the right side and the ink supply portion facing downward, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion becomes the rotation axis of the lever. When the cartridge is mounted so as to be positioned on the left side, the first restricting portion generates a rotation moment on the lever, and rotates the lever in the direction opposite to the release direction around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced, and further, a stable electrical connection can be ensured between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Even when the cartridge receives a force, since the first restricting portion moves together with the cartridge, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.

Application example 6:
In the ink cartridge described above, when the front portion (203) of the cartridge body (20) is viewed with the ink supply portion (280) facing downward, the engagement of the first restricting portion (210). At least a part of the joining portion (212) is positioned at the substantially center in the width direction of the ink cartridge (20).

  By providing the first restricting portion at a position where at least a part of the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed at substantially the center in the width direction of the ink cartridge, the first restricting portion is provided with a plurality of terminals. The electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device-side contact forming member can be stabilized by being arranged in the very vicinity.

Application example 7:
In the ink cartridge described above, the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288) is substantially flush with the bottom portion (201).

G-7-2. Second Modification A plurality of device-side contact forming members (731 to 739) configured and arranged to apply an elastic force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20) when the ink cartridge (20) is pressed, An ink cartridge (20) configured to be detachably mounted on an inkjet printing apparatus (50) comprising a lever (80) having a mating portion (810); a front portion (203) and a rear portion (204), an upper part (202), and a bottom part (201), the front part (203) and the rear part (204) face each other, and the upper part (202) and the bottom part (201) face each other. A cartridge main body (22); an electronic device; an ink containing portion (200) for containing ink; and the bottom (201) of the cartridge main body (22), The ink container (200) is configured to supply ink to the inkjet printing apparatus (50), and has a mounting direction (SD) tip (288) that forms the surface (BP) of the ink cartridge (20). An ink supply unit (280); a plurality of conductive terminals (400) disposed in proximity to the front part (203) of the cartridge body (203) and connected to the electronic device; 20) is in contact with the contact forming members (731 to 739) of the terminal (400) in a state of being mounted on the printing apparatus (50), and the elastic force (Pt The plurality of terminals (400) are configured and arranged so that the plurality of terminals (400) are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface of the tip (288). A terminal holding portion (408) disposed substantially on the child surface (TP); and an engaging portion (212) configured to engage with the engaging portion (810) of the lever (80). A first restricting portion (210) for restricting movement of the ink cartridge (20) in a direction (RD) opposite to the mounting direction (SD), the first restricting portion (210) The engagement portion (212) of the ink cartridge (20) is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion (408).

  Several advantages of the above-described modification of the seventh modification will be described. In order to ensure electrical communication between the ink cartridge and the printer, the terminal group needs to be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted on the printer. Since the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion, the first restricting portion is positioned close to the place where positioning is most necessary (that is, the terminal group on the terminal holding portion). Operation is performed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately counter the elastic force from the printer side terminal group. Further, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation of the terminal group that may occur due to vibration during the printing operation. Therefore, the terminal group can be positioned more stably, and a stable electrical connection can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group.

  Further, since the lever is not formed integrally with the cartridge, the material forming the cartridge may be different from the material used to form the lever. In addition, the material of the cartridge can be selected by paying attention to other characteristics such as resistance to ink without paying much attention to the requirements of flexibility and durability.

  Further, since the lever is not provided on the cartridge, no special consideration is required for preventing creep deformation of the lever when packing the cartridge for transportation or sales. Thereby, a packing requirement can be simplified and a user's convenience improves. Since the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be reduced in size. As a result, it is possible to reduce packing materials such as paper and boxes used for packing the cartridge for transportation and sale of the cartridge, and it is possible to suppress transportation costs and component costs. Further, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, for example, the first cartridge side regulating portion has a small and simple structure with higher rigidity as compared with the structure described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811. be able to. Thereby, the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restricting portion can be greatly reduced. Since the cartridge can be held at an appropriate position in the cartridge mounting portion in the mounted or mounted state, normal or good contact can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the printer side terminal group, and the electrical communication state deteriorates. The possibility can be reduced. Unlike the cartridge described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811, the first cartridge side restricting portion can be made small and simple in structure, so that the creep deformation of the lever during transportation of the cartridge or packing for sale No special consideration is required to prevent this. This reduces packaging requirements and improves user convenience.

  (Unlike the case of using the flexible lever described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811) The structure that connects the cartridge side terminal group and the engaging portion of the cartridge to each other can be a rigid structure only. In this case, since vibration is hardly transmitted from the engaging portion to the cartridge side terminal group, electrical communication is more stable.

  Since the terminal surface (TP) of the terminal group is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288), the surface of the cartridge side terminal group is appropriately rubbed when the cartridge is inserted into the printer. be able to. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress or prevent the generation of insulator pieces (dust) that may occur when the printer terminal group is rubbed over a long distance with respect to the circuit board when the cartridge is attached. .

  The printer-side terminal group applies a spring such as the spring 103 described in US Pat. No. 6,955,422 to apply an elastic force including a vector component in a direction in which the cartridge is removed from the printer to the cartridge-side terminal group. There is no need to prepare. That is, when the engagement between the first restricting portion and the lever of the printer is released, the elastic force from the printer side terminal group pushes the printer side terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group together, Works to move the cartridge in the direction of removal. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in US Pat. No. 6,955,422, and the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  The first restricting portion is configured to engage with the engaging portion of the lever and restrict the movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to the mounting direction, so that when the cartridge is mounted on the printer, The position of the cartridge-side terminal group can be maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the device-side contact forming member, and the first restricting portion can be appropriately positioned in the direction opposite to the mounting direction. Can be maintained in the correct position. Since the cartridge side terminal group is “clamped” in this way, it is fixed so as not to move in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite to the mounting direction. For this reason, compared with the one-side regulation by the elastic member 40 and related structure described in US Pat. No. 7,008,053, there is a possibility of displacement and cutting between the cartridge-side terminal group and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Decrease.

Application example 1:
In the ink cartridge described above, the terminal surface (TP) is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288).

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 42A to 45, when the terminal surface is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface formed by the tip, excessive wiping is prevented and halfway insertion is performed. Sufficient force can be applied to prevent this.

Application example 2:
In the ink cartridge described above, when the front portion (203) of the cartridge body (20) is viewed with the ink supply portion (280) facing downward, the engagement of the first restricting portion (210). A joint part (212) is located on the left side of the right end of the rightmost terminal among the plurality of terminals (400) and on the right side of the left end of the leftmost terminal of the plurality of terminals (400). To position.

  When the ink cartridge is attached to the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is fixed too firmly, contact with a part of the apparatus-side contact forming member (for example, the terminal 734 shown in FIG. 31) may not be ensured. By disposing the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the left side of the right end of the rightmost terminal among the plurality of terminals and on the right side of the left end of the leftmost terminal of the plurality of terminals, The ink cartridge can be tilted sufficiently so that the electrical connection between the terminal and the apparatus-side contact forming member can be further stabilized.

Application example 3:
The ink cartridge (20) described above is further provided on the rear portion (204) of the ink cartridge (20), and is configured to engage with a corresponding portion (620) of the inkjet printing apparatus (50). When the second restricting portion (220) having the engaging portion to be arranged is provided and each distance is measured in a direction orthogonal to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288), The distance (B) between the engaging portion of the restricting portion (220) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip end portion (288) is the engaging portion of the first restricting portion (210) ( 212) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288).

  When the engaging portion of the second restricting portion is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the first restricting portion, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the second The possibility that the first-side restricting portion is disengaged from the printer-side engaging portion can be more effectively reduced as compared to the case where the restricting portion is farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion.

Application example 4:
In the ink cartridge (20) described above, the ink from the side (203) with the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) on the right side and the ink supply portion (280) facing downward. When the cartridge (20) is viewed, each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288). The distance (A) between the engaging portion (212) of the one restricting portion (210) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip end portion (288) is the rotational axis (800c) of the lever (80). ) And the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288) is smaller than the distance (C).

  When the distance between the engaging portion of the first restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is smaller than the distance between the rotation shaft of the lever and the surface formed by the tip portion with the cartridge mounted In some cases, the lever acts to regulate the movement of the cartridge. As a result, the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion of the lever or the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion can be reduced. A connection can be formed, and the possibility that conduction is reduced can be reduced. When a force is applied to the cartridge mounted from the contact forming member, the first restricting portion can move around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.

Application example 5:
In the ink cartridge described above, the ink cartridge (20) from the side (203) with the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) on the right side and the ink supply portion (280) facing downward. ), The engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is located on the left side of the rotation shaft (800c) of the lever in a state where the cartridge is mounted.

  When the cartridge is viewed from a predetermined surface with the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the right side and the ink supply portion facing downward, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever. When the cartridge is mounted so as to be positioned at the position, the first restricting portion generates a rotational moment on the lever, and rotates the lever in the direction opposite to the releasing direction around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced, and further, a stable electrical connection can be ensured between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Even when the cartridge receives a force, since the first restricting portion moves together with the cartridge, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.

Application example 6:
In the ink cartridge described above, when the front portion (203) of the cartridge body (20) is viewed with the ink supply portion (280) facing downward, the engagement of the first restricting portion (210). At least a part of the joining portion (212) is positioned at the substantially center in the width direction of the ink cartridge (20).

  By providing the first restricting portion at a position where at least a part of the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed at substantially the center in the width direction of the ink cartridge, the first restricting portion is provided with a plurality of terminals. The electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device-side contact forming member can be stabilized by being arranged in the very vicinity.

Application example 7:
In the ink cartridge described above, the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288) is substantially flush with the bottom portion (201).

G-7-3. Third Modification A plurality of device-side contact forming members (731 to 739) configured and arranged to apply an elastic force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20) when the ink cartridge (20) is pressed, An ink cartridge (20) configured to be detachably mounted on an inkjet printing apparatus (50) comprising a lever (80) having a mating portion (810), the first surface (203); It has a second surface (204), a third surface (202), and a fourth surface (201), the first surface (203) and the second surface (204) are opposed to each other, and the third surface ( 202) and the cartridge body (22) facing the fourth surface (201); an electronic device; an ink container (200) for containing ink; and the front of the cartridge body (22) Located on the fourth surface (201) and configured to supply ink from the ink container (200) to the ink jet printing apparatus (50), forms a surface (BP) of the ink cartridge (20). An ink supply unit (280) having a mounting direction (SD) tip (288); and a plurality of ink supply units (280) disposed in proximity to the first surface (203) of the cartridge body (22) and connected to the electronic device The contact forming members (731 to 739) are provided in the contact portion (cp) of the terminal group (400) with the conductive terminal (400) and the ink cartridge (20) mounted in the printing apparatus (50). And the contact part (cp) is configured on the contact part structure (408) and receives the elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731 to 739). A terminal holding portion (408), wherein the contact portion (400) is substantially disposed on a contact portion surface (TP) that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface of the tip portion (288); 80) and an engaging portion (212) configured to engage with the engaging portion (810) of the ink cartridge (20) in a direction (RD) opposite to the mounting direction (SD). A first restricting portion (210) for restricting movement; and the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion (408). Ink cartridge (20).

  Several advantages of the above-described modification of the seventh modification will be described. In order to ensure electrical communication between the ink cartridge and the printer, the terminal group needs to be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted on the printer. Since the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion, the first restricting portion is positioned close to the place where positioning is most necessary (that is, the terminal group on the terminal holding portion). Operation is performed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately counter the elastic force from the printer side terminal group. Further, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation of the terminal group that may occur due to vibration during the printing operation. Therefore, the terminal group can be positioned more stably, and a stable electrical connection can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group.

  Further, since the lever is not formed integrally with the cartridge, the material forming the cartridge may be different from the material used to form the lever. In addition, the material of the cartridge can be selected by paying attention to other characteristics such as resistance to ink without paying much attention to the requirements of flexibility and durability.

  Further, since the lever is not provided on the cartridge, no special consideration is required for preventing creep deformation of the lever when packing the cartridge for transportation or sales. Thereby, a packing requirement can be simplified and a user's convenience improves. Since the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be reduced in size. As a result, it is possible to reduce packing materials such as paper and boxes used for packing the cartridge for transportation and sale of the cartridge, and it is possible to suppress transportation costs and component costs. Further, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, for example, the first cartridge side regulating portion has a small and simple structure with higher rigidity as compared with the structure described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811. be able to. Thereby, the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restricting portion can be greatly reduced. Since the cartridge can be held at an appropriate position in the cartridge mounting portion in the mounted or mounted state, normal or good contact can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the printer side terminal group, and the electrical communication state deteriorates. The possibility can be reduced. Unlike the cartridge described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811, the first cartridge side restricting portion can be made small and simple in structure, so that the creep deformation of the lever during transportation of the cartridge or packing for sale No special consideration is required to prevent this. This reduces packaging requirements and improves user convenience.

  (Unlike the case of using the flexible lever described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811) The structure that connects the cartridge side terminal group and the engaging portion of the cartridge to each other can be a rigid structure only. In this case, since vibration is hardly transmitted from the engaging portion to the cartridge side terminal group, electrical communication is more stable.

  Since the contact part surface (TP) of the terminal group is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip part (288), the surface of the cartridge-side terminal group is appropriately placed when the cartridge is inserted into the printer. Can be rubbed. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress or prevent the generation of insulator pieces (dust) that may occur when the printer terminal group is rubbed over a long distance with respect to the circuit board when the cartridge is attached. .

  The printer-side terminal group applies a spring such as the spring 103 described in US Pat. No. 6,955,422 to apply an elastic force including a vector component in a direction in which the cartridge is removed from the printer to the cartridge-side terminal group. There is no need to prepare. That is, when the engagement between the first restricting portion and the lever of the printer is released, the elastic force from the printer side terminal group pushes the printer side terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group together, Works to move the cartridge in the direction of removal. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in US Pat. No. 6,955,422, and the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  The first restricting portion is configured to engage with the engaging portion of the lever and restrict the movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to the mounting direction, so that when the cartridge is mounted on the printer, The position of the cartridge-side terminal group can be maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the device-side contact forming member, and the first restricting portion can be appropriately positioned in the direction opposite to the mounting direction. Can be maintained in the correct position. Since the cartridge side terminal group is “clamped” in this way, it is fixed so as not to move in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite to the mounting direction. For this reason, compared with the one-side regulation by the elastic member 40 and related structure described in US Pat. No. 7,008,053, there is a possibility of displacement and cutting between the cartridge-side terminal group and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Decrease.

Application example 1:
In the ink cartridge described above, the contact surface (TP) is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288).

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 42A to 45, excessive wiping is prevented when the contact portion surface is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface formed by the tip portion. Sufficient force can be applied to prevent insertion.

Application example 2:
In the ink cartridge described above, when the first surface (203) of the cartridge main body (20) is viewed with the ink supply unit (280) facing downward, the first restricting unit (210) has the The engaging portion (212) is positioned on the left side of the rightmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals (400) and is positioned on the right side of the leftmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals (400). To do.

  When the ink cartridge is attached to the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is fixed too firmly, contact with a part of the apparatus-side contact forming member (for example, the terminal 734 shown in FIG. 31) may not be ensured. By disposing the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the left side of the rightmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals and on the right side of the leftmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals, The ink cartridge can be tilted sufficiently so that the electrical connection with the apparatus-side contact forming member can be further stabilized.

Application example 3:
The ink cartridge (20) described above is further provided on the second surface (204) of the ink cartridge (20) so as to engage with a corresponding part (620) of the inkjet printing apparatus (50). A second restricting portion (220) having an engaging portion to be configured and arranged, wherein each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288); The distance (B) between the engaging portion of the second restricting portion (220) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288) is the engagement of the first restricting portion (210). It is larger than the distance (A) between the part (212) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip part (288).

  When the engaging portion of the second restricting portion is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the first restricting portion, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the second The possibility that the first-side restricting portion is disengaged from the printer-side engaging portion can be more effectively reduced as compared to the case where the restricting portion is farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion.

Application example 4:
In the ink cartridge (20) described above, the ink from the side (203) with the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) on the right side and the ink supply portion (280) facing downward. When the cartridge (20) is viewed, each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288). The distance (A) between the engaging portion (212) of the one restricting portion (210) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip end portion (288) is the rotational axis (800c) of the lever (80). ) And the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288) is smaller than the distance (C).

  When the distance between the engaging portion of the first restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is smaller than the distance between the rotation shaft of the lever and the surface formed by the tip portion with the cartridge mounted In some cases, the lever acts to regulate the movement of the cartridge. As a result, the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion of the lever or the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion can be reduced. A connection can be formed, and the possibility that conduction is reduced can be reduced. When a force is applied to the cartridge mounted from the contact forming member, the first restricting portion can move around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.

Application example 5:
In the ink cartridge described above, the ink cartridge (20) from the side (203) with the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) on the right side and the ink supply portion (280) facing downward. ), The engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is located on the left side of the rotation shaft (800c) of the lever in a state where the cartridge is mounted.

  When the cartridge is viewed from a predetermined surface with the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the right side and the ink supply portion facing downward, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever. When the cartridge is mounted so as to be positioned at the position, the first restricting portion generates a rotational moment on the lever, and rotates the lever in the direction opposite to the releasing direction around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced, and further, a stable electrical connection can be ensured between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Even when the cartridge receives a force, since the first restricting portion moves together with the cartridge, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.

Application example 6:
In the ink cartridge described above, when the first surface (203) of the cartridge main body (20) is viewed with the ink supply unit (280) facing downward, the first restricting unit (210) has the At least a part of the engaging portion (212) is positioned at the substantially center in the width direction of the ink cartridge (20).

  By providing the first restricting portion at a position where at least a part of the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed at substantially the center in the width direction of the ink cartridge, the first restricting portion is provided with a plurality of terminals. The electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device-side contact forming member can be stabilized by being arranged in the very vicinity.

Application example 7:
In the ink cartridge described above, the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288) is substantially flush with the fourth surface (201).

G-7-4. Fourth Modification A plurality of device-side contact forming members (731 to 739) configured and arranged to apply an elastic force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20) when the ink cartridge (20) is pressed, An ink cartridge (20) configured to be detachably mounted on an inkjet printing apparatus (50) comprising a lever (80) having a mating portion (810), the first surface (203); It has a second surface (204), a third surface (202), and a fourth surface (201), the first surface (203) and the second surface (204) are opposed to each other, and the third surface ( 202) and the cartridge body (22) facing the fourth surface (201); an electronic device; an ink container (200) for containing ink; and the front of the cartridge body (22) Located on the fourth surface (201) and configured to supply ink from the ink container (200) to the ink jet printing apparatus (50), forms a surface (BP) of the ink cartridge (20). An ink supply unit (280) having a mounting direction (SD) tip (288); and a plurality of ink supply units (280) disposed in proximity to the first surface (203) of the cartridge body (22) and connected to the electronic device A conductive terminal (400) is provided, and the ink cartridge comes into contact with the contact forming member (731 to 739) in a state where the ink cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus (50). The plurality of terminals (400) are configured and arranged so as to receive the elastic force (Pt), and the elastic force (Pt) from the device side contact forming members (731 to 739) is The terminal surface where the plurality of terminals (400) are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface of the tip (208) so that the torque component acts on the ink cartridge in a direction (RD) opposite to the mounting direction (SD) A terminal holding portion (408) configured to be substantially disposed on (TP); an engaging portion configured to engage with the engaging portion (810) of the lever (80) 212), and a first restricting portion (210) for restricting movement of the ink cartridge (20) in a direction (RD) opposite to the mounting direction (SD), the first restricting portion The engagement portion (212) of (210) is an ink cartridge (20) disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion (408).

  Several advantages of the above-described modification of the seventh modification will be described. In order to ensure electrical communication between the ink cartridge and the printer, the terminal group needs to be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted on the printer. Since the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion, the first restricting portion is positioned close to the place where positioning is most necessary (that is, the terminal group on the terminal holding portion). Operation is performed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately counter the elastic force from the printer side terminal group. Further, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation of the terminal group that may occur due to vibration during the printing operation. Therefore, the terminal group can be positioned more stably, and a stable electrical connection can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group.

  Further, since the lever is not formed integrally with the cartridge, the material forming the cartridge may be different from the material used to form the lever. In addition, the material of the cartridge can be selected by paying attention to other characteristics such as resistance to ink without paying much attention to the requirements of flexibility and durability.

  Further, since the lever is not provided on the cartridge, no special consideration is required for preventing creep deformation of the lever when packing the cartridge for transportation or sales. Thereby, a packing requirement can be simplified and a user's convenience improves. Since the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be reduced in size. As a result, it is possible to reduce packing materials such as paper and boxes used for packing the cartridge for transportation and sale of the cartridge, and it is possible to suppress transportation costs and component costs. Further, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, for example, the first cartridge side regulating portion has a small and simple structure with higher rigidity as compared with the structure described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811. be able to. Thereby, the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restricting portion can be greatly reduced. Since the cartridge can be held at an appropriate position in the cartridge mounting portion in the mounted or mounted state, normal or good contact can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the printer side terminal group, and the electrical communication state deteriorates. The possibility can be reduced. Unlike the cartridge described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811, the first cartridge side restricting portion can be made small and simple in structure, so that the creep deformation of the lever during transportation of the cartridge or packing for sale No special consideration is required to prevent this. This reduces packaging requirements and improves user convenience.

  (Unlike the case of using the flexible lever described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811) The structure that connects the cartridge side terminal group and the engaging portion of the cartridge to each other can be a rigid structure only. In this case, since vibration is hardly transmitted from the engaging portion to the cartridge side terminal group, electrical communication is more stable.

  Since the terminal surface (TP) of the terminal group is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288), the surface of the cartridge side terminal group is appropriately rubbed when the cartridge is inserted into the printer. be able to. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress or prevent the generation of insulator pieces (dust) that may occur when the printer terminal group is rubbed over a long distance with respect to the circuit board when the cartridge is attached. .

  The printer-side terminal group applies a spring such as the spring 103 described in US Pat. No. 6,955,422 to apply an elastic force including a vector component in a direction in which the cartridge is removed from the printer to the cartridge-side terminal group. There is no need to prepare. That is, when the engagement between the first restricting portion and the lever of the printer is released, the elastic force from the printer side terminal group pushes the printer side terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group together, Works to move the cartridge in the direction of removal. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in US Pat. No. 6,955,422, and the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  The first restricting portion is configured to engage with the engaging portion of the lever and restrict the movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to the mounting direction, so that when the cartridge is mounted on the printer, The position of the cartridge-side terminal group can be maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the device-side contact forming member, and the first restricting portion can be appropriately positioned in the direction opposite to the mounting direction. Can be maintained in the correct position. Since the cartridge side terminal group is “clamped” in this way, it is fixed so as not to move in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite to the mounting direction. For this reason, compared with the one-side regulation by the elastic member 40 and related structure described in US Pat. No. 7,008,053, there is a possibility of displacement and cutting between the cartridge-side terminal group and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Decrease.

Application example 1:
In the ink cartridge described above, the terminal surface (TP) is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288).

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 42A to 45, when the terminal surface is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface formed by the tip, excessive wiping is prevented and halfway insertion is performed. Sufficient force can be applied to prevent this.

Application example 2:
In the ink cartridge described above, when the first surface (203) of the cartridge main body (20) is viewed with the ink supply unit (280) facing downward, the first restricting unit (210) has the The engaging portion (212) is positioned on the left side of the rightmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals (400) and is positioned on the right side of the leftmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals (400). To do.

  When the ink cartridge is attached to the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is fixed too firmly, contact with a part of the apparatus-side contact forming member (for example, the terminal 734 shown in FIG. 31) may not be ensured. By disposing the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the left side of the rightmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals and on the right side of the leftmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals, The ink cartridge can be tilted sufficiently so that the electrical connection with the apparatus-side contact forming member can be further stabilized.

  The ink cartridge (20) described above is further provided on the second surface (204) of the ink cartridge (20) so as to engage with a corresponding part (620) of the inkjet printing apparatus (50). A second restricting portion (220) having an engaging portion to be configured and arranged, wherein each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288); The distance (B) between the engaging portion of the second restricting portion (220) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288) is the engagement of the first restricting portion (210). It is larger than the distance (A) between the part (212) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip part (288).

  When the engaging portion of the second restricting portion is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the first restricting portion, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the second The possibility that the first-side restricting portion is disengaged from the printer-side engaging portion can be more effectively reduced as compared to the case where the restricting portion is farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion.

Application example 4:
In the ink cartridge (20) described above, the ink from the side (203) with the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) on the right side and the ink supply portion (280) facing downward. When the cartridge (20) is viewed, each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288). The distance (A) between the engaging portion (212) of the one restricting portion (210) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip end portion (288) is the rotational axis (800c) of the lever (80). ) And the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288) is smaller than the distance (C).

  When the distance between the engaging portion of the first restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is smaller than the distance between the rotation shaft of the lever and the surface formed by the tip portion with the cartridge mounted In some cases, the lever acts to regulate the movement of the cartridge. As a result, the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion of the lever or the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion can be reduced. A connection can be formed, and the possibility that conduction is reduced can be reduced. When a force is applied to the cartridge mounted from the contact forming member, the first restricting portion can move around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.

Application example 5:
In the ink cartridge described above, the ink cartridge (20) from the side (203) with the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) on the right side and the ink supply portion (280) facing downward. ), The engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is located on the left side of the rotation shaft (800c) of the lever in a state where the cartridge is mounted.

  When the cartridge is viewed from a predetermined surface with the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the right side and the ink supply portion facing downward, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever. When the cartridge is mounted so as to be positioned at the position, the first restricting portion generates a rotational moment on the lever, and rotates the lever in the direction opposite to the releasing direction around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced, and further, a stable electrical connection can be ensured between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Even when the cartridge receives a force, since the first restricting portion moves together with the cartridge, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.

Application example 6:
In the ink cartridge described above, when the first surface (203) of the cartridge main body (20) is viewed with the ink supply unit (280) facing downward, the first restricting unit (210) has the At least a part of the engaging portion (212) is positioned at the substantially center in the width direction of the ink cartridge (20).

  By providing the first restricting portion at a position where at least a part of the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed at substantially the center in the width direction of the ink cartridge, the first restricting portion is provided with a plurality of terminals. The electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device-side contact forming member can be stabilized by being arranged in the very vicinity.

Application example 7:
In the ink cartridge described above, the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288) is substantially flush with the fourth surface (201).

G-7-5. Fifth Modification A plurality of device-side contact forming members (731 to 731), which are a combination of the ink cartridge (20) and a part of the ink jet printing apparatus (50), and apply an elastic force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20). 739) and a lever (80) having an engaging portion (810), a portion of an inkjet printing apparatus (50); an ink cartridge (20); the ink cartridge (20); 203), a rear part (204), an upper part (202), and a bottom part (201), the front part (203) and the rear part (204) are opposed to each other, and the upper part (202) and the bottom part (201). A cartridge body (22) facing each other; an ink container (200) for containing ink; an electronic device; and the bottom (201 of the cartridge body (22) ) And is configured to supply ink from the ink container (200) to the inkjet printing apparatus (50), and forms a front surface (BP) of the ink cartridge (20) in the mounting direction (SD) An ink supply part (280) having a part (288); a plurality of conductive terminals (400) disposed in proximity to the front part (203) of the cartridge body (22) and connected to the electronic device; The plurality of terminals (400) are in contact with the contact forming members (731 to 739) at the contact portions (cp) of the terminal group (400), and elastic force (731 to 739) from the contact forming members (731 to 739). A terminal holding portion (408), wherein the contact portion (cp) is substantially disposed on a contact portion surface (TP) that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface of the tip portion (288); An engagement portion (212) engaged with the engagement portion (810) of the bar (80) is provided, and the movement of the ink cartridge (20) in the direction (RD) opposite to the mounting direction (SD) is provided. A first restricting portion (210) for restriction, and the engagement portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion (408). .

  Several advantages of the above-described modification of the seventh modification will be described. In order to ensure electrical communication between the ink cartridge and the printer, the terminal group needs to be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted on the printer. Since the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion, the first restricting portion is positioned close to the place where positioning is most necessary (that is, the terminal group on the terminal holding portion). Operation is performed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately counter the elastic force from the printer side terminal group. Further, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation of the terminal group that may occur due to vibration during the printing operation. Therefore, the terminal group can be positioned more stably, and a stable electrical connection can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group.

  Further, since the lever is not formed integrally with the cartridge, the material forming the cartridge may be different from the material used to form the lever. In addition, the material of the cartridge can be selected by paying attention to other characteristics such as resistance to ink without paying much attention to the requirements of flexibility and durability.

  Further, since the lever is not provided on the cartridge, no special consideration is required for preventing creep deformation of the lever when packing the cartridge for transportation or sales. Thereby, a packing requirement can be simplified and a user's convenience improves. Since the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be reduced in size. As a result, it is possible to reduce packing materials such as paper and boxes used for packing the cartridge for transportation and sale of the cartridge, and it is possible to suppress transportation costs and component costs. Further, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, for example, the first cartridge side regulating portion has a small and simple structure with higher rigidity as compared with the structure described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811. be able to. Thereby, the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restricting portion can be greatly reduced. Since the cartridge can be held at an appropriate position in the cartridge mounting portion in the mounted or mounted state, normal or good contact can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the printer side terminal group, and the electrical communication state deteriorates. The possibility can be reduced. Unlike the cartridge described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811, the first cartridge side restricting portion can be made small and simple in structure, so that the creep deformation of the lever during transportation of the cartridge or packing for sale No special consideration is required to prevent this. This reduces packaging requirements and improves user convenience.

  (Unlike the case of using the flexible lever described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811) The structure that connects the cartridge side terminal group and the engaging portion of the cartridge to each other can be a rigid structure only. In this case, since vibration is hardly transmitted from the engaging portion to the cartridge side terminal group, electrical communication is more stable.

  Since the contact part surface (TP) of the terminal group is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip part (288), the surface of the cartridge-side terminal group is appropriately placed when the cartridge is inserted into the printer. Can be rubbed. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress or prevent the generation of insulator pieces (dust) that may occur when the printer terminal group is rubbed over a long distance with respect to the circuit board when the cartridge is attached. .

  The printer-side terminal group applies a spring such as the spring 103 described in US Pat. No. 6,955,422 to apply an elastic force including a vector component in a direction in which the cartridge is removed from the printer to the cartridge-side terminal group. There is no need to prepare. That is, when the engagement between the first restricting portion and the lever of the printer is released, the elastic force from the printer side terminal group pushes the printer side terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group together, Works to move the cartridge in the direction of removal. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in US Pat. No. 6,955,422, and the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  The first restricting portion is engaged with the engaging portion of the lever and restricts the movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to the attaching direction. Therefore, when the cartridge is attached to the printer, The position can be maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the apparatus-side contact forming member, and can be maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the direction opposite to the mounting direction by the first restricting portion. be able to. Since the cartridge side terminal group is “clamped” in this way, it is fixed so as not to move in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite to the mounting direction. For this reason, compared with the one-side regulation by the elastic member 40 and related structure described in US Pat. No. 7,008,053, there is a possibility of displacement and cutting between the cartridge-side terminal group and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Decrease.

Application example 1:
In the combination described above, the contact surface (TP) is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288).

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 42A to 45, excessive wiping is prevented when the contact portion surface is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface formed by the tip portion. Sufficient force can be applied to prevent insertion.

Application example 2:
In the combination described above, when the front portion (203) of the cartridge body (20) is viewed with the ink supply portion (280) facing downward, the engagement of the first restricting portion (210). The portion (212) is positioned on the left side of the rightmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals (400) and is positioned on the right side of the leftmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals (400).

  When the ink cartridge is attached to the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is fixed too firmly, contact with a part of the apparatus-side contact forming member (for example, the terminal 734 shown in FIG. 31) may not be ensured. By disposing the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the left side of the rightmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals and on the right side of the leftmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals, The ink cartridge can be tilted sufficiently so that the electrical connection with the apparatus-side contact forming member can be further stabilized.

Application example 3:
The combination described above further includes a second engagement portion provided on the rear portion (204) of the ink cartridge (20) and engaged with a corresponding portion (620) of the inkjet printing apparatus (50). When the distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288), the engaging portion of the second restricting portion (220). And the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288) is determined by the engagement portion (212) and the tip portion (288) of the first restricting portion (210). It is larger than the distance (A) between the formed surface (BP).

  When the engaging portion of the second restricting portion is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the first restricting portion, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the second The possibility that the first-side restricting portion is disengaged from the printer-side engaging portion can be more effectively reduced as compared to the case where the restricting portion is farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion.

Application example 4:
In the combination described above, the lever (80) includes two ends and a rotation shaft (800c) positioned between the two ends, and the engagement of the first restricting portion (210). When the ink cartridge (20) is viewed from the side (203) with the section (212) on the right side and the ink supply section (280) facing downward, each distance is formed by the tip section (288). When measuring in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP), the engaging portion (212) and the tip portion (288) of the first restricting portion (210) with the cartridge (20) mounted. The distance (A) between the surface (BP) formed by the distance between the rotation axis (800c) of the lever (80) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288). Smaller than (C).

  When the distance between the engaging portion of the first restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is smaller than the distance between the rotation shaft of the lever and the surface formed by the tip portion with the cartridge mounted In some cases, the lever acts to regulate the movement of the cartridge. As a result, the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion of the lever or the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion can be reduced. A connection can be formed, and the possibility that conduction is reduced can be reduced. When a force is applied to the cartridge mounted from the contact forming member, the first restricting portion can move around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.

Application example 5:
In the combination described above, the lever (80) includes two ends and a rotation shaft (800c) positioned between the two ends, and the engagement of the first restricting portion (210). When the ink cartridge (20) is viewed from the side (203) with the section (212) on the right side and the ink supply section (280) facing down, the engagement of the first regulating section (210) The joining portion (212) is located on the left side of the rotation shaft (800c) of the lever.

  When the cartridge is viewed from a predetermined surface with the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the right side and the ink supply portion facing downward, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever. When the cartridge is mounted so as to be positioned at the position, the first restricting portion generates a rotational moment on the lever, and rotates the lever in the direction opposite to the releasing direction around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced, and further, a stable electrical connection can be ensured between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Even when the cartridge receives a force, since the first restricting portion moves together with the cartridge, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.

Application example 6:
In the combination described above, when the front portion (203) of the cartridge body (20) is viewed with the ink supply portion (280) facing downward, the engagement of the first restricting portion (210). At least a part of the portion (212) is positioned at substantially the center in the width direction of the ink cartridge (20).

  By providing the first restricting portion at a position where at least a part of the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed at substantially the center in the width direction of the ink cartridge, the first restricting portion is provided with a plurality of terminals. The electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device-side contact forming member can be stabilized by being arranged in the very vicinity.

Application example 7:
In the combination described above, the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288) is substantially flush with the bottom (201).

G-7-6. Sixth Modification A plurality of device-side contact forming members (731 to 731), which are a combination of an ink cartridge (20) and a part of an inkjet printing device (50), and apply an elastic force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20). 739) and a lever (80) having an engaging portion (810), a portion of an inkjet printing apparatus (50); an ink cartridge (20); the ink cartridge (20); 203), a rear part (204), an upper part (202), and a bottom part (201), the front part (203) and the rear part (204) are opposed to each other, and the upper part (202) and the bottom part (201). A cartridge main body (22) facing each other; an electronic device; an ink containing portion (200) for containing ink; and the bottom portion (201 of the cartridge main body (22)) ) And is configured to supply ink from the ink container (200) to the inkjet printing apparatus (50), and forms a front surface (BP) of the ink cartridge (20) in the mounting direction (SD) An ink supply part (280) having a part (288); a plurality of conductive terminals (400) disposed in proximity to the front part (203) of the cartridge body (22) and connected to the electronic device; The plurality of terminals (400) are in contact with the contact forming members (731 to 739) and receive elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731 to 739), and the terminals (400) are A terminal holding portion (408) disposed substantially on a terminal surface (TP) that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface of the tip portion (288); and the engagement portion (810) of the lever (80). Together A first restricting portion (210) for restricting movement of the ink cartridge (20) in a direction (RD) opposite to the mounting direction (SD). The combination in which the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion (408).

  Several advantages of the above-described modification of the seventh modification will be described. In order to ensure electrical communication between the ink cartridge and the printer, the terminal group needs to be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted on the printer. Since the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion, the first restricting portion is positioned close to the place where positioning is most necessary (that is, the terminal group on the terminal holding portion). Operation is performed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately counter the elastic force from the printer side terminal group. Further, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation of the terminal group that may occur due to vibration during the printing operation. Therefore, the terminal group can be positioned more stably, and a stable electrical connection can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group.

  Further, since the lever is not formed integrally with the cartridge, the material forming the cartridge may be different from the material used to form the lever. In addition, the material of the cartridge can be selected by paying attention to other characteristics such as resistance to ink without paying much attention to the requirements of flexibility and durability.

  Further, since the lever is not provided on the cartridge, no special consideration is required for preventing creep deformation of the lever when packing the cartridge for transportation or sales. Thereby, a packing requirement can be simplified and a user's convenience improves. Since the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be reduced in size. As a result, it is possible to reduce packing materials such as paper and boxes used for packing the cartridge for transportation and sale of the cartridge, and it is possible to suppress transportation costs and component costs. Further, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, for example, the first cartridge side regulating portion has a small and simple structure with higher rigidity as compared with the structure described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811. be able to. Thereby, the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restricting portion can be greatly reduced. Since the cartridge can be held at an appropriate position in the cartridge mounting portion in the mounted or mounted state, normal or good contact can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the printer side terminal group, and the electrical communication state deteriorates. The possibility can be reduced. Unlike the cartridge described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811, the first cartridge side restricting portion can be made small and simple in structure, so that the creep deformation of the lever during transportation of the cartridge or packing for sale No special consideration is required to prevent this. This reduces packaging requirements and improves user convenience.

  (Unlike the case of using the flexible lever described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811) The structure that connects the cartridge side terminal group and the engaging portion of the cartridge to each other can be a rigid structure only. In this case, since vibration is hardly transmitted from the engaging portion to the cartridge side terminal group, electrical communication is more stable.

  Since the terminal surface (TP) of the terminal group is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288), the surface of the cartridge side terminal group is appropriately rubbed when the cartridge is inserted into the printer. be able to. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress or prevent the generation of insulator pieces (dust) that may occur when the printer terminal group is rubbed over a long distance with respect to the circuit board when the cartridge is attached. .

  The printer-side terminal group applies a spring such as the spring 103 described in US Pat. No. 6,955,422 to apply an elastic force including a vector component in a direction in which the cartridge is removed from the printer to the cartridge-side terminal group. There is no need to prepare. That is, when the engagement between the first restricting portion and the lever of the printer is released, the elastic force from the printer side terminal group pushes the printer side terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group together, Works to move the cartridge in the direction of removal. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in US Pat. No. 6,955,422, and the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  The first restricting portion is engaged with the engaging portion of the lever and restricts the movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to the attaching direction. Therefore, when the cartridge is attached to the printer, The position can be maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the apparatus-side contact forming member, and can be maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the direction opposite to the mounting direction by the first restricting portion. be able to. Since the cartridge side terminal group is “clamped” in this way, it is fixed so as not to move in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite to the mounting direction. For this reason, compared with the one-side regulation by the elastic member 40 and related structure described in US Pat. No. 7,008,053, there is a possibility of displacement and cutting between the cartridge-side terminal group and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Decrease.

Application example 1:
In the combination described above, the terminal surface (TP) is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288).

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 42A to 45, when the terminal surface is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface formed by the tip, excessive wiping is prevented and halfway insertion is performed. Sufficient force can be applied to prevent this.

Application example 2:
In the combination described above, when the front portion (203) of the cartridge body (20) is viewed with the ink supply portion (280) facing downward, the engagement of the first restricting portion (210). The portion (212) is positioned on the left side of the right end of the rightmost terminal among the plurality of terminals (400), and is positioned on the right side of the left end of the leftmost terminal of the plurality of terminals (400). To do.

  When the ink cartridge is attached to the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is fixed too firmly, contact with a part of the apparatus-side contact forming member (for example, the terminal 734 shown in FIG. 31) may not be ensured. By disposing the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the left side of the right end of the rightmost terminal among the plurality of terminals and on the right side of the left end of the leftmost terminal of the plurality of terminals, The ink cartridge can be tilted sufficiently so that the electrical connection between the terminal and the apparatus-side contact forming member can be further stabilized.

  The combination described above further includes a second engagement portion provided on the rear portion (204) of the ink cartridge (20) and engaged with a corresponding portion (620) of the inkjet printing apparatus (50). When the distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288), the engaging portion of the second restricting portion (220). And the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288) is determined by the engagement portion (212) and the tip portion (288) of the first restricting portion (210). It is larger than the distance (A) between the formed surface (BP).

  When the engaging portion of the second restricting portion is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the first restricting portion, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the second The possibility that the first-side restricting portion is disengaged from the printer-side engaging portion can be more effectively reduced as compared to the case where the restricting portion is farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion.

Application example 4:
In the combination described above, the lever (80) includes two ends and a rotation shaft (800c) positioned between the two ends, and the engagement of the first restricting portion (210). When the ink cartridge (20) is viewed from the side (203) with the section (212) on the right side and the ink supply section (280) facing downward, each distance is formed by the tip section (288). When measuring in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP), the engaging portion (212) and the tip portion (288) of the first restricting portion (210) with the cartridge (20) mounted. The distance (A) between the surface (BP) formed by the distance between the rotation axis (800c) of the lever (80) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288). Smaller than (C).

  When the distance between the engaging portion of the first restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is smaller than the distance between the rotation shaft of the lever and the surface formed by the tip portion with the cartridge mounted In some cases, the lever acts to regulate the movement of the cartridge. As a result, the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion of the lever or the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion can be reduced. A connection can be formed, and the possibility that conduction is reduced can be reduced. When a force is applied to the cartridge mounted from the contact forming member, the first restricting portion can move around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.

Application example 5:
In the combination described above, the lever (80) includes two ends and a rotation shaft (800c) positioned between the two ends, and the engagement of the first restricting portion (210). When the ink cartridge (20) is viewed from the side (203) with the section (212) on the right side and the ink supply section (280) facing down, the engagement of the first regulating section (210) The joining portion (212) is located on the left side of the rotation shaft (800c) of the lever.

  When the cartridge is viewed from a predetermined surface with the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the right side and the ink supply portion facing downward, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever. When the cartridge is mounted so as to be positioned at the position, the first restricting portion generates a rotational moment on the lever, and rotates the lever in the direction opposite to the releasing direction around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced, and further, a stable electrical connection can be ensured between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Even when the cartridge receives a force, since the first restricting portion moves together with the cartridge, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.

Application example 6:
In the combination described above, when the front portion (203) of the cartridge body (20) is viewed with the ink supply portion (280) facing downward, the engagement of the first restricting portion (210). At least a part of the portion (212) is positioned at substantially the center in the width direction of the ink cartridge (20).

  By providing the first restricting portion at a position where at least a part of the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed at substantially the center in the width direction of the ink cartridge, the first restricting portion is provided with a plurality of terminals. The electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device-side contact forming member can be stabilized by being arranged in the very vicinity.

Application example 7:
In the combination described above, the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288) is substantially flush with the bottom (201).

G-7-7. Seventh Modification A plurality of device-side contact forming members (731 to 731), which are a combination of an ink cartridge (20) and a part of an ink jet printing apparatus (50), and apply an elastic force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20). 739) and a lever (80) having an engagement portion (810), a portion of an inkjet printing apparatus (50), and an ink cartridge (20); the ink cartridge (20); (201), a second surface (204), a third surface (202), and a fourth surface (201), wherein the first surface (203) and the second surface (204) face each other, A cartridge body (22) in which the third surface (202) and the fourth surface (201) face each other; an electronic device; a container (200) for containing ink; and the cartridge A surface of the ink cartridge (20), which is positioned on the fourth surface (201) of the main body (22) and configured to supply ink from the ink container (200) to the inkjet printing apparatus (50). An ink supply part (280) having a mounting direction (SD) tip part (288) forming (BP); and being disposed in proximity to the first surface (203) of the cartridge body (22), the electronic device A plurality of conductive terminals (400) connected to the contact group (731-739) at the contact portion (cp) of the terminal group (400). The contact forming member (731 to 739) receives an elastic force (Pt), and the contact portion (cp) is substantially parallel to the contact portion surface (TP) that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface of the tip portion (288). A terminal holding part (408) disposed on the lever; and an engaging part (212) engaged with the engaging part (810) of the lever (80), the direction opposite to the mounting direction (SD) A first restricting portion (210) for restricting the movement of the ink cartridge (20) to (RD), and the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) includes the terminal A combination arranged adjacent to the holding part (408).

  Several advantages of the above-described modification of the seventh modification will be described. In order to ensure electrical communication between the ink cartridge and the printer, the terminal group needs to be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted on the printer. Since the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion, the first restricting portion is positioned close to the place where positioning is most necessary (that is, the terminal group on the terminal holding portion). Operation is performed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately counter the elastic force from the printer side terminal group. Further, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation of the terminal group that may occur due to vibration during the printing operation. Therefore, the terminal group can be positioned more stably, and a stable electrical connection can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group.

  Further, since the lever is not formed integrally with the cartridge, the material forming the cartridge may be different from the material used to form the lever. In addition, the material of the cartridge can be selected by paying attention to other characteristics such as resistance to ink without paying much attention to the requirements of flexibility and durability.

  Further, since the lever is not provided on the cartridge, no special consideration is required for preventing creep deformation of the lever when packing the cartridge for transportation or sales. Thereby, a packing requirement can be simplified and a user's convenience improves. Since the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be reduced in size. As a result, it is possible to reduce packing materials such as paper and boxes used for packing the cartridge for transportation and sale of the cartridge, and it is possible to suppress transportation costs and component costs. Further, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, for example, the first cartridge side regulating portion has a small and simple structure with higher rigidity as compared with the structure described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811. be able to. Thereby, the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restricting portion can be greatly reduced. Since the cartridge can be held at an appropriate position in the cartridge mounting portion in the mounted or mounted state, normal or good contact can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the printer side terminal group, and the electrical communication state deteriorates. The possibility can be reduced. Unlike the cartridge described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811, the first cartridge side restricting portion can be made small and simple in structure, so that the creep deformation of the lever during transportation of the cartridge or packing for sale No special consideration is required to prevent this. This reduces packaging requirements and improves user convenience.

  (Unlike the case of using the flexible lever described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811) The structure that connects the cartridge side terminal group and the engaging portion of the cartridge to each other can be a rigid structure only. In this case, since vibration is hardly transmitted from the engaging portion to the cartridge side terminal group, electrical communication is more stable.

  Since the contact part surface (TP) of the terminal group is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip part (288), the surface of the cartridge-side terminal group is appropriately placed when the cartridge is inserted into the printer. Can be rubbed. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress or prevent the generation of insulator pieces (dust) that may occur when the printer terminal group is rubbed over a long distance with respect to the circuit board when the cartridge is attached. .

  The printer-side terminal group applies a spring such as the spring 103 described in US Pat. No. 6,955,422 to apply an elastic force including a vector component in a direction in which the cartridge is removed from the printer to the cartridge-side terminal group. There is no need to prepare. That is, when the engagement between the first restricting portion and the lever of the printer is released, the elastic force from the printer side terminal group pushes the printer side terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group together, Works to move the cartridge in the direction of removal. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in US Pat. No. 6,955,422, and the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  The first restricting portion is engaged with the engaging portion of the lever and restricts the movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to the attaching direction. Therefore, when the cartridge is attached to the printer, The position can be maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the apparatus-side contact forming member, and can be maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the direction opposite to the mounting direction by the first restricting portion. be able to. Since the cartridge side terminal group is “clamped” in this way, it is fixed so as not to move in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite to the mounting direction. For this reason, compared with the one-side regulation by the elastic member 40 and related structure described in US Pat. No. 7,008,053, there is a possibility of displacement and cutting between the cartridge-side terminal group and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Decrease.

Application example 1:
In the combination described above, the contact surface (TP) is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288).

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 42A to 45, excessive wiping is prevented when the contact portion surface is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface formed by the tip portion. Sufficient force can be applied to prevent insertion.

Application example 2:
In the combination described above, when the first surface (203) of the cartridge body (20) is viewed with the ink supply part (280) facing downward, the engagement of the first restricting part (210). The joining portion (212) is located on the left side of the rightmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals (400), and is located on the right side of the leftmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals (400). .

  When the ink cartridge is attached to the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is fixed too firmly, contact with a part of the apparatus-side contact forming member (for example, the terminal 734 shown in FIG. 31) may not be ensured. By disposing the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the left side of the rightmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals and on the right side of the leftmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals, The ink cartridge can be tilted sufficiently so that the electrical connection with the apparatus-side contact forming member can be further stabilized.

Application example 3:
The combination described above further includes an engagement portion provided on the second surface (204) of the ink cartridge (20) and engaged with a corresponding portion (620) of the inkjet printing device (50). When the second restricting portion (220) is provided and each distance is measured in a direction orthogonal to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288), the engagement of the second restricting portion (220). The distance (B) between the joint portion and the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288) is the same as the engagement portion (212) and the tip portion (288) of the first restricting portion (210). ) Is larger than the distance (A) between the surface (BP) formed by ().

  When the engaging portion of the second restricting portion is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the first restricting portion, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the second The possibility that the first-side restricting portion is disengaged from the printer-side engaging portion can be more effectively reduced as compared to the case where the restricting portion is farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion.

Application example 4:
In the combination described above, the lever (80) includes two ends and a rotation shaft (800c) positioned between the two ends, and the engagement of the first restricting portion (210). When the ink cartridge (20) is viewed from the side (203) with the section (212) on the right side and the ink supply section (280) facing downward, each distance is formed by the tip section (288). When measuring in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP), the engaging portion (212) and the tip portion (288) of the first restricting portion (210) with the cartridge (20) mounted. The distance (A) between the surface (BP) formed by the distance between the rotation axis (800c) of the lever (80) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288). Smaller than (C).

  When the distance between the engaging portion of the first restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is smaller than the distance between the rotation shaft of the lever and the surface formed by the tip portion with the cartridge mounted In some cases, the lever acts to regulate the movement of the cartridge. As a result, the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion of the lever or the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion can be reduced. A connection can be formed, and the possibility that conduction is reduced can be reduced. When a force is applied to the cartridge mounted from the contact forming member, the first restricting portion can move around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.

Application example 5:
In the combination described above, the lever (80) includes two ends and a rotation shaft (800c) positioned between the two ends, and the engagement of the first restricting portion (210). When the ink cartridge (20) is viewed from the side (203) with the section (212) on the right side and the ink supply section (280) facing down, the engagement of the first regulating section (210) The joining portion (212) is located on the left side of the rotation shaft (800c) of the lever.

  When the cartridge is viewed from a predetermined surface with the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the right side and the ink supply portion facing downward, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever. When the cartridge is mounted so as to be positioned at the position, the first restricting portion generates a rotational moment on the lever, and rotates the lever in the direction opposite to the releasing direction around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced, and further, a stable electrical connection can be ensured between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Even when the cartridge receives a force, since the first restricting portion moves together with the cartridge, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.

Application example 6:
In the combination described above, when the first surface (203) of the cartridge body (20) is viewed with the ink supply part (280) facing downward, the engagement of the first restricting part (210). At least a part of the joining portion (212) is positioned at the substantially center in the width direction of the ink cartridge (20).

  By providing the first restricting portion at a position where at least a part of the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed at substantially the center in the width direction of the ink cartridge, the first restricting portion is provided with a plurality of terminals. The electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device-side contact forming member can be stabilized by being arranged in the very vicinity.

Application example 7:
In the combination described above, the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288) is substantially flush with the fourth surface (201).

G-7-8. Eighth Modification A plurality of device-side contact forming members (731 to 731), which are a combination of an ink cartridge (20) and a part of an ink jet printing apparatus (50), and apply an elastic force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20). 739) and a lever (80) having an engagement portion (810), a portion of an inkjet printing apparatus (50), and an ink cartridge (20); the ink cartridge (20); (203), a second surface (204), a third surface (202), and a fourth surface (201), the first surface (203) and the second surface (204) are opposed to each other, A cartridge body (22) in which the third surface (202) and the fourth surface (201) face each other; an electronic device; an ink container (200) for containing ink; and the cartridge A surface of the ink cartridge (20), which is positioned on the fourth surface (201) of the main body (22) and configured to supply ink from the ink container (200) to the inkjet printing apparatus (50). An ink supply part (280) having a mounting direction (SD) tip part (288) forming (BP); and being disposed in proximity to the first surface (203) of the cartridge body (22), the electronic device A plurality of conductive terminals (400) connected to the contact formation members (731 to 739), and the contact formation members (731 to 739) contact the elastic force ( Pt), and the terminal (400) is disposed substantially on the terminal surface (TP) that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface of the tip (288); An engagement portion (212) engaged with the engagement portion (810) of (80), and restricts movement of the ink cartridge (20) in a direction (RD) opposite to the mounting direction (SD). A first restricting portion (210), and the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion (408).

  Several advantages of the above-described modification of the seventh modification will be described. In order to ensure electrical communication between the ink cartridge and the printer, the terminal group needs to be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted on the printer. Since the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion, the first restricting portion is positioned close to the place where positioning is most necessary (that is, the terminal group on the terminal holding portion). Operation is performed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately counter the elastic force from the device side terminal group. Further, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation of the terminal group that may occur due to vibration during the printing operation. Therefore, the terminal group can be positioned more stably, and a stable electrical connection can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group.

  Further, since the lever is not formed integrally with the cartridge, the material forming the cartridge may be different from the material used to form the lever. In addition, the material of the cartridge can be selected by paying attention to other characteristics such as resistance to ink without paying much attention to the requirements of flexibility and durability.

  Further, since the lever is not provided on the cartridge, no special consideration is required for preventing creep deformation of the lever when packing the cartridge for transportation or sales. Thereby, a packing requirement can be simplified and a user's convenience improves. Since the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be reduced in size. As a result, it is possible to reduce packing materials such as paper and boxes used for packing the cartridge for transportation and sale of the cartridge, and it is possible to suppress transportation costs and component costs. Further, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, for example, the first cartridge side regulating portion has a small and simple structure with higher rigidity as compared with the structure described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811. be able to. Thereby, the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restricting portion can be greatly reduced. Since the cartridge can be held at an appropriate position in the cartridge mounting portion in the mounted or mounted state, normal or good contact can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group, and the electrical communication state deteriorates. The possibility can be reduced. Unlike the cartridge described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811, the first cartridge side restricting portion can be made small and simple in structure, so that the creep deformation of the lever during transportation of the cartridge or packing for sale No special consideration is required to prevent this. This reduces packaging requirements and improves user convenience.

  (Unlike the case of using the flexible lever described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811) The structure that connects the cartridge side terminal group and the engaging portion of the cartridge to each other can be a rigid structure only. In this case, since vibration is hardly transmitted from the engaging portion to the cartridge side terminal group, electrical communication is more stable.

  Since the terminal surface (TP) of the terminal group is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288), the surface of the cartridge side terminal group is appropriately rubbed when the cartridge is inserted into the printer. be able to. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress or prevent the generation of insulator pieces (dust) that may occur when the printer terminal group is rubbed over a long distance with respect to the circuit board when the cartridge is attached. .

  The printer-side terminal group applies a spring such as the spring 103 described in US Pat. No. 6,955,422 to apply an elastic force including a vector component in a direction in which the cartridge is removed from the printer to the cartridge-side terminal group. There is no need to prepare. That is, when the engagement between the first restricting portion and the lever of the printer is released, the elastic force from the printer side terminal group pushes the printer side terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group together, Works to move the cartridge in the direction of removal. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in US Pat. No. 6,955,422, and the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  The first restricting portion is engaged with the engaging portion of the lever and restricts the movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to the attaching direction. Therefore, when the cartridge is attached to the printer, The position can be maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the apparatus-side contact forming member, and can be maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the direction opposite to the mounting direction by the first restricting portion. be able to. Since the cartridge side terminal group is “clamped” in this way, it is fixed so as not to move in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite to the mounting direction. For this reason, compared with the one-side regulation by the elastic member 40 and related structure described in US Pat. No. 7,008,053, there is a possibility of displacement and cutting between the cartridge-side terminal group and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Decrease.

Application example 1:
In the combination described above, the terminal surface (TP) is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288).

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 42A to 45, when the terminal surface is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface formed by the tip, excessive wiping is prevented and halfway insertion is performed. Sufficient force can be applied to prevent this.

Application example 2:
In the combination described above, when the front portion (203) of the cartridge body (20) is viewed with the ink supply portion (280) facing downward, the engagement of the first restricting portion (210). The portion (212) is positioned on the left side of the right end of the rightmost terminal among the plurality of terminals (400), and is positioned on the right side of the left end of the leftmost terminal of the plurality of terminals (400). To do.

  When the ink cartridge is attached to the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is fixed too firmly, contact with a part of the apparatus-side contact forming member (for example, the terminal 734 shown in FIG. 31) may not be ensured. By disposing the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the left side of the right end of the rightmost terminal among the plurality of terminals and on the right side of the left end of the leftmost terminal of the plurality of terminals, The ink cartridge can be tilted sufficiently so that the electrical connection between the terminal and the apparatus-side contact forming member can be further stabilized.

Application example 3:
The combination described above further includes an engagement portion provided on the second surface (204) of the ink cartridge (20) and engaged with a corresponding portion (620) of the inkjet printing device (50). When the second restricting portion (220) is provided and each distance is measured in a direction orthogonal to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288), the engagement of the second restricting portion (220). The distance (B) between the joint portion and the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288) is the same as the engagement portion (212) and the tip portion (288) of the first restricting portion (210). ) Is larger than the distance (A) between the surface (BP) formed by ().

  When the engaging portion of the second restricting portion is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the first restricting portion, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the second The possibility that the first-side restricting portion is disengaged from the printer-side engaging portion can be more effectively reduced as compared to the case where the restricting portion is farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion.

Application example 4:
In the combination described above, the lever (80) includes two ends and a rotation shaft (800c) positioned between the two ends, and the engagement of the first restricting portion (210). When the ink cartridge (20) is viewed from the side (203) with the section (212) on the right side and the ink supply section (280) facing downward, each distance is formed by the tip section (288). When measuring in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP), the engaging portion (212) and the tip portion (288) of the first restricting portion (210) with the cartridge (20) mounted. The distance (A) between the surface (BP) formed by the distance between the rotation axis (800c) of the lever (80) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288). Smaller than (C).

  When the distance between the engaging portion of the first restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is smaller than the distance between the rotation shaft of the lever and the surface formed by the tip portion with the cartridge mounted In some cases, the lever acts to regulate the movement of the cartridge. As a result, the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion of the lever or the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion can be reduced. A connection can be formed, and the possibility that conduction is reduced can be reduced. When a force is applied to the cartridge mounted from the contact forming member, the first restricting portion can move around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.

Application example 5:
In the combination described above, the lever (80) includes two ends and a rotation shaft (800c) positioned between the two ends, and the engagement of the first restricting portion (210). When the ink cartridge (20) is viewed from the side (203) with the section (212) on the right side and the ink supply section (280) facing down, the engagement of the first regulating section (210) The joining portion (212) is located on the left side of the rotation shaft (800c) of the lever.

  When the cartridge is viewed from a predetermined surface with the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the right side and the ink supply portion facing downward, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever. When the cartridge is mounted so as to be positioned at the position, the first restricting portion generates a rotational moment on the lever, and rotates the lever in the direction opposite to the releasing direction around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced, and further, a stable electrical connection can be ensured between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Even when the cartridge receives a force, since the first restricting portion moves together with the cartridge, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.

Application example 6:
In the combination described above, when the first surface (203) of the cartridge body (20) is viewed with the ink supply part (280) facing downward, the engagement of the first restricting part (210). At least a part of the joining portion (212) is positioned at the substantially center in the width direction of the ink cartridge (20).

  By providing the first restricting portion at a position where at least a part of the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed at substantially the center in the width direction of the ink cartridge, the first restricting portion is provided with a plurality of terminals. The electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device-side contact forming member can be stabilized by being arranged in the very vicinity.

Application example 7:
In the combination described above, the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288) is substantially flush with the fourth surface (201).

G-7-9. Ninth Modified Embodiment An ink supply system configured to supply ink to an inkjet printing apparatus (50) having a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members (731 to 739), and an electronic device; An ink container (200) for mounting; and a mounting direction (SE) tip that is configured and arranged to supply ink from the ink container (200) to the inkjet printing apparatus (50) and forms a surface (BP) An ink supply unit (280) having a unit (288); and a plurality of conductive terminals (400) connected to the electronic device, wherein the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50). In the contact part (cp) of the terminal group (400), the contact forming member (731-739) is contacted, and the contact forming member (731-739) By receiving the elastic force (Pt), the vector component of the elastic force (Pt) from the device-side contact forming members (731 to 739) is changed in the direction (RD) opposite to the mounting direction (SD). A plurality of terminals (400) configured and arranged to work against (200); a terminal holding portion (408); and engaging with the engaging portion (810) of the lever (80) A first restricting portion (210) for restricting movement of the terminal holding portion (408) in a direction (RD) opposite to the mounting direction (SD), The engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion (408); the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing device (50) When the contact portion (cp) is moved, the tip portion (2 Substantially arranged the ink supply system to the surface and there is no contact portion surface parallel even vertical (TP) of 8).

  Several advantages of the above-described modification of the seventh modification will be described. In order to ensure electrical communication between the ink cartridge and the printer, the terminal group needs to be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted on the printer. Since the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion, the first restricting portion is positioned close to the place where positioning is most necessary (that is, the terminal group on the terminal holding portion). Operation is performed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately counter the elastic force from the device side terminal group. Further, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation of the terminal group that may occur due to vibration during the printing operation. Therefore, the terminal group can be positioned more stably, and a stable electrical connection can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group.

  Further, since the lever is not formed integrally with the cartridge, the material forming the cartridge may be different from the material used to form the lever. In addition, the material of the cartridge can be selected by paying attention to other characteristics such as resistance to ink without paying much attention to the requirements of flexibility and durability.

  Further, since the lever is not provided on the cartridge, no special consideration is required for preventing creep deformation of the lever when packing the cartridge for transportation or sales. Thereby, a packing requirement can be simplified and a user's convenience improves. Since the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be reduced in size. As a result, it is possible to reduce packing materials such as paper and boxes used for packing the cartridge for transportation and sale of the cartridge, and it is possible to suppress transportation costs and component costs. Further, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, for example, the first cartridge side regulating portion has a small and simple structure with higher rigidity as compared with the structure described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811. be able to. Thereby, the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restricting portion can be greatly reduced. Since the cartridge can be held at an appropriate position in the cartridge mounting portion in the mounted or mounted state, normal or good contact can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group, and the electrical communication state deteriorates. The possibility can be reduced. Unlike the cartridge described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811, the first cartridge side restricting portion can be made small and simple in structure, so that the creep deformation of the lever during transportation of the cartridge or packing for sale No special consideration is required to prevent this. This reduces packaging requirements and improves user convenience.

  (Unlike the case of using the flexible lever described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811) The structure that connects the cartridge side terminal group and the engaging portion of the cartridge to each other can be a rigid structure only. In this case, since vibration is hardly transmitted from the engaging portion to the cartridge side terminal group, electrical communication is more stable.

  Since the contact part surface (TP) of the terminal group is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip part (288), the surface of the cartridge-side terminal group is appropriately placed when the cartridge is inserted into the printer. Can be rubbed. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress or prevent the generation of insulator pieces (dust) that may occur when the printer terminal group is rubbed over a long distance with respect to the circuit board when the cartridge is attached. .

  The printer-side terminal group applies a spring such as the spring 103 described in US Pat. No. 6,955,422 to apply an elastic force including a vector component in a direction in which the cartridge is removed from the printer to the cartridge-side terminal group. There is no need to prepare. That is, when the engagement between the first restricting portion and the lever of the printer is released, the elastic force from the printer side terminal group pushes the printer side terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group together, Works to move the cartridge in the direction of removal. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in US Pat. No. 6,955,422, and the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  The first restricting portion is configured to engage with the engaging portion of the lever and restrict the movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to the mounting direction, so that when the cartridge is mounted on the printer, The position of the cartridge-side terminal group can be maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the device-side contact forming member, and the first restricting portion can be appropriately positioned in the direction opposite to the mounting direction. Can be maintained in the correct position. Since the cartridge side terminal group is “clamped” in this way, it is fixed so as not to move in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite to the mounting direction. For this reason, compared with the one-side regulation by the elastic member 40 and related structure described in US Pat. No. 7,008,053, there is a possibility of displacement and cutting between the cartridge-side terminal group and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Decrease.

Application example 1:
In the ink supply system described above, when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), the contact portion surface (TP) is against the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288). The angle is about 25 to 40 degrees.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 42A to 45, excessive wiping is prevented when the contact portion surface is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface formed by the tip portion. Sufficient force can be applied to prevent insertion.

Application example 2:
In the ink supply system described above, when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing device (50), the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) has the plurality of terminals ( 400) is located on the left side of the rightmost contact portion, and is located on the right side of the leftmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals (400).

  When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, if it is fixed too firmly, contact with a part of the apparatus-side contact forming member (for example, the terminal 734 shown in FIG. 31) may not be ensured. By arranging the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the left side of the rightmost contact portion of the plurality of terminals and on the right side of the leftmost contact portion of the plurality of terminals, the plurality of terminals and the device are arranged. The ink cartridge can be tilted sufficiently so that the electrical connection with the side contact forming member can be further stabilized.

Application example 3:
The ink supply system described above further includes a main body (22) having a front part (203) and a rear part (204) facing each other, and a second restricting part (near the rear part (204) of the main body (22)). The terminal holding part (408) is close to the front part (203) of the main body (22); and the second restricting part (220) is the ink jet printing apparatus (50) Engaging portions configured and arranged to engage with corresponding portions (620) of each of which the distances are measured in a direction perpendicular to the plane (BP) formed by the tip (288). In this case, the distance (B) between the engaging portion of the second restricting portion (220) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288) is the first restricting portion (210). The engagement portion (212) and the tip portion (288) of Greater than the distance (A) between the plane (BP) is formed.

  When the engaging portion of the second restricting portion is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the first restricting portion, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the second The possibility that the first-side restricting portion is disengaged from the printer-side engaging portion can be more effectively reduced as compared to the case where the restricting portion is farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion.

Application example 4:
The ink supply system described above further includes a main body (22) having a first surface (203) and a second surface (204) facing each other, and a first proximate to the second surface (204) of the main body (22). The terminal holding portion (408) is close to the first surface (203) of the main body (22); the second restricting portion (220) is An engagement portion constructed and arranged to engage with a corresponding portion (620) of the inkjet printing apparatus (50), each distance being orthogonal to a surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288) The distance (B) between the engaging part of the second restricting part (220) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip part (288) is The restricting portion (210) of the engaging portion (212) and the tip portion Greater than the distance (A) between the plane (BP) which is formed by 288).

  When the engaging portion of the second restricting portion is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the first restricting portion, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the second The possibility that the first-side restricting portion is disengaged from the printer-side engaging portion can be more effectively reduced as compared to the case where the restricting portion is farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion.

Application example 5:
In the ink supply system described above, when each distance is measured in a direction orthogonal to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288), the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing device (50). In this case, the distance (A) between the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288) is the lever (80). Less than the distance (C) between the rotation axis (800c) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288).

  When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, the distance between the engaging portion of the first restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is the surface formed by the rotation shaft and the tip portion of the lever. If it is less than the distance between the levers, the lever acts to regulate the movement. As a result, the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion of the lever or the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion can be reduced. A connection can be formed, and the possibility that conduction is reduced can be reduced. When a force is applied from the contact forming member, the first restricting portion can move around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.

Application example 6:
In the ink supply system described above, when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is placed on the right side, and the When the ink supply part (280) is turned downward, the engaging part (212) of the first restricting part (210) is located on the left side of the rotation shaft (800c) of the lever.

  When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever, the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is on the right side, and the ink supply portion When the is placed downward, the first restricting portion generates a rotational moment on the lever, and rotates the lever in the direction opposite to the release direction around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced, and further, a stable electrical connection can be ensured between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever.

Application example 7:
The ink supply system described above further includes a main body (22) close to the terminal holding portion (408), and the first restriction is applied when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50). At least a part of the engaging portion (212) of the portion (210) is disposed at substantially the center in the width direction of the main body (22).

  Since the first restricting portion is provided at a position where at least a part of the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed at substantially the center in the width direction of the main body, the first restricting portion is made up of a plurality of terminals. Arranged in the vicinity, the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device-side contact forming member can be stabilized.

Application Example 8:
The ink supply system described above further includes an adapter (299), and the ink supply unit (280), the terminal holding unit (408), and the first restricting unit (210) include the adapter (299). Arranged and arranged so that the ink containing part (200) is fitted to the adapter (299).

Application example 9:
The ink supply system described above further includes an adapter (299j), the terminal holding portion (408) and the first restricting portion (210) are disposed on the adapter (299j), and the ink supply portion ( 280) is arranged on the ink containing part (200), and the ink containing part (200) is configured and arranged so as to be fitted with the adapter (299).

Application Example 10:
The ink supply system described above further includes an adapter (299k), an ink tank (200T) outside the inkjet printing apparatus (50), a tube (200L), and an auxiliary adapter (200S). A supply unit (280) is disposed on the auxiliary adapter (200S), the terminal holding unit (408) and the first regulating unit (210) are disposed on the adapter (299k), and the ink supply system When the ink is supplied to the printing apparatus (50), the ink is supplied from the external tank (200T) to the auxiliary adapter (200S) through the tube (200L).

Application Example 11:
The ink supply system described above further includes a main body (22) having an upper part (202) and a bottom part (201) facing each other, and a surface (BP) formed by the tip part (288) is the bottom part (201). And substantially the same plane.

G-7-10. Tenth Modification Aspect is configured to supply ink to an inkjet printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members (731 to 739) and a lever (80) having an engaging portion (810). An ink supply system comprising: an electronic device; an ink container (200) for containing ink; and a structure configured to supply ink from the ink container (200) to the inkjet printing apparatus (50) An ink supply unit (280) having a mounting direction (SD) tip (288) disposed and forming a surface (BP); and a plurality of conductive terminals (400) connected to the electronic device, When the supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), the vector component of the elastic force (Pt) from the apparatus-side contact forming members (731 to 739) is From the contact forming members (731 to 739), the contact forming members (731 to 739) are brought into contact with the ink containing portion (200) in a direction (RD) opposite to the mounting direction (SD). The terminal holding part (408) in which the plurality of terminals (400) are configured and arranged so as to receive the elastic force (Pt); and the engagement part (810) of the lever (80). A first restricting portion (210) comprising an engaging portion (212) configured to restrict movement of the terminal holding portion (408) in a direction (RD) opposite to the mounting direction (SD); The engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion (408); the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing device (50) The terminal (400) 88) surface and be free terminal surfaces parallel even vertical (TP) is substantially disposed, the ink supply system.

  Several advantages of the above-described modification of the seventh modification will be described. In order to ensure electrical communication between the ink cartridge and the printer, the terminal group needs to be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted on the printer. Since the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion, the first restricting portion is positioned close to the place where positioning is most necessary (that is, the terminal group on the terminal holding portion). Operation is performed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately counter the elastic force from the device side terminal group. Further, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation of the terminal group that may occur due to vibration during the printing operation. Therefore, the terminal group can be positioned more stably, and a stable electrical connection can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group.

  Further, since the lever is not formed integrally with the cartridge, the material forming the cartridge may be different from the material used to form the lever. In addition, the material of the cartridge can be selected by paying attention to other characteristics such as resistance to ink without paying much attention to the requirements of flexibility and durability.

  Further, since the lever is not provided on the cartridge, no special consideration is required for preventing creep deformation of the lever when packing the cartridge for transportation or sales. Thereby, a packing requirement can be simplified and a user's convenience improves. Since the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be reduced in size. As a result, it is possible to reduce packing materials such as paper and boxes used for packing the cartridge for transportation and sale of the cartridge, and it is possible to suppress transportation costs and component costs. Further, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, for example, the first cartridge side regulating portion has a small and simple structure with higher rigidity as compared with the structure described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811. be able to. Thereby, the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restricting portion can be greatly reduced. Since the cartridge can be held at an appropriate position in the cartridge mounting portion in the mounted or mounted state, normal or good contact can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group, and the electrical communication state deteriorates. The possibility can be reduced. Unlike the cartridge described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811, the first cartridge side restricting portion can be made small and simple in structure, so that the creep deformation of the lever during transportation of the cartridge or packing for sale No special consideration is required to prevent this. This reduces packaging requirements and improves user convenience.

  (Unlike the case of using the flexible lever described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811) The structure that connects the cartridge side terminal group and the engaging portion of the cartridge to each other can be a rigid structure only. In this case, since vibration is hardly transmitted from the engaging portion to the cartridge side terminal group, electrical communication is more stable.

  Since the terminal surface (TP) of the terminal group is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288), the surface of the cartridge side terminal group is appropriately rubbed when the cartridge is inserted into the printer. be able to. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress or prevent the generation of insulator pieces (dust) that may occur when the printer terminal group is rubbed over a long distance with respect to the circuit board when the cartridge is attached. .

  The printer-side terminal group applies a spring such as the spring 103 described in US Pat. No. 6,955,422 to apply an elastic force including a vector component in a direction in which the cartridge is removed from the printer to the cartridge-side terminal group. There is no need to prepare. That is, when the engagement between the first restricting portion and the lever of the printer is released, the elastic force from the printer side terminal group pushes the printer side terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group together, Works to move the cartridge in the direction of removal. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in US Pat. No. 6,955,422, and the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  The first restricting portion is configured to engage with the engaging portion of the lever and restrict the movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to the mounting direction, so that when the cartridge is mounted on the printer, The position of the cartridge-side terminal group can be maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the device-side contact forming member, and the first restricting portion can be appropriately positioned in the direction opposite to the mounting direction. Can be maintained in the correct position. Since the cartridge side terminal group is “clamped” in this way, it is fixed so as not to move in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite to the mounting direction. For this reason, compared with the one-side regulation by the elastic member 40 and related structure described in US Pat. No. 7,008,053, there is a possibility of displacement and cutting between the cartridge-side terminal group and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Decrease.

Application example 1:
In the ink supply system described above, when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), the terminal surface (TP) is against the surface (BP) formed by the tip end portion (288). The angle is about 25-40 degrees.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 42A to 45, when the terminal surface is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface formed by the tip, excessive wiping is prevented and halfway insertion is performed. Sufficient force can be applied to prevent this.

Application example 2:
In the ink supply system described above, when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing device (50), the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) has the plurality of terminals ( 400 is located on the left side of the right end of the rightmost terminal, and is located on the right side of the left end of the leftmost terminal of the plurality of terminals (400).

  When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, if it is fixed too firmly, contact with a part of the apparatus-side contact forming member (for example, the terminal 734 shown in FIG. 31) may not be ensured. By disposing the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the left side of the right end of the rightmost terminal among the plurality of terminals and on the right side of the left end of the leftmost terminal of the plurality of terminals, The ink cartridge can be tilted sufficiently so that the electrical connection between the terminal and the apparatus-side contact forming member can be further stabilized.

Application example 3:
The ink supply system described above further includes a main body (22) having a front part (203) and a rear part (204) facing each other, and a second restricting part (near the rear part (204) of the main body (22)). The terminal holding part (408) is close to the front part (203) of the main body (22); and the second restricting part (220) is the ink jet printing apparatus (50) Engaging portions configured and arranged to engage with corresponding portions (620) of each of which the distances are measured in a direction perpendicular to the plane (BP) formed by the tip (288). In this case, the distance (B) between the engaging portion of the second restricting portion (220) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288) is the first restricting portion (210). The engagement portion (212) and the tip portion (288) of Greater than the distance (A) between the plane (BP) is formed.

  When the engaging portion of the second restricting portion is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the first restricting portion, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the second The possibility that the first-side restricting portion is disengaged from the printer-side engaging portion can be more effectively reduced as compared to the case where the restricting portion is farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion.

Application example 4:
The ink supply system described above further includes a main body (22) having a first surface (203) and a second surface (204) facing each other, and a first proximate to the second surface (204) of the main body (22). The terminal holding portion (408) is close to the first surface (203) of the main body (22); the second restricting portion (220) is An engagement portion constructed and arranged to engage with a corresponding portion (620) of the inkjet printing apparatus (50), each distance being orthogonal to a surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288) The distance (B) between the engaging part of the second restricting part (220) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip part (288) is The restricting portion (210) of the engaging portion (212) and the tip portion Greater than the distance (A) between the plane (BP) which is formed by 288).

  When the engaging portion of the second restricting portion is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the first restricting portion, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the second The possibility that the first-side restricting portion is disengaged from the printer-side engaging portion can be more effectively reduced as compared to the case where the restricting portion is farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion.

Application example 5:
In the ink supply system described above, when each distance is measured in a direction orthogonal to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288), the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing device (50). In this case, the distance (A) between the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288) is the lever (80). Less than the distance (C) between the rotation axis (800c) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288).

  When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, the distance between the engaging portion of the first restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is the surface formed by the rotation shaft and the tip portion of the lever. If it is less than the distance between the levers, the lever acts to regulate the movement. As a result, the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion of the lever or the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion can be reduced. A connection can be formed, and the possibility that conduction is reduced can be reduced. When a force is applied from the contact forming member, the first restricting portion can move around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.

Application example 6:
In the ink supply system described above, when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is placed on the right side, and the When the ink supply part (280) is turned downward, the engaging part (212) of the first restricting part (210) is located on the left side of the rotation shaft (800c) of the lever.

  When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever, the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is on the right side, and the ink supply portion When the is placed downward, the first restricting portion generates a rotational moment on the lever, and rotates the lever in the direction opposite to the release direction around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced, and further, a stable electrical connection can be ensured between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever.

Application example 7:
The ink supply system described above further includes a main body (22) close to the terminal holding portion (408), and the first restriction is applied when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50). At least a part of the engaging portion (212) of the portion (210) is disposed at substantially the center in the width direction of the main body (22).

  Since the first restricting portion is provided at a position where at least a part of the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed at substantially the center in the width direction of the main body, the first restricting portion is made up of a plurality of terminals. Arranged in the vicinity, the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device-side contact forming member can be stabilized.

Application Example 8:
The ink supply system described above further includes an adapter (299), and the ink supply unit (280), the terminal holding unit (408), and the first restricting unit (210) include the adapter (299). Arranged and arranged so that the ink containing part (200) is fitted to the adapter (299).

Application example 9:
The ink supply system described above further includes an adapter (299j), the terminal holding portion (408) and the first restricting portion (210) are disposed on the adapter (299j), and the ink supply portion ( 280) is arranged on the ink containing part (200), and the ink containing part (200) is configured and arranged so as to be fitted with the adapter (299).

Application Example 10:
The ink supply system described above further includes an adapter (299k), an ink tank (200T) outside the inkjet printing apparatus (50), a tube (200L), and an auxiliary adapter (200S). A supply unit (280) is disposed on the auxiliary adapter (200S), the terminal holding unit (408) and the first regulating unit (210) are disposed on the adapter (299k), and the ink supply system When the ink is supplied to the printing apparatus (50), the ink is supplied from the external tank (200T) to the auxiliary adapter (200S) through the tube (200L).
Application Example 11:
The ink supply system described above further includes a main body (22) having an upper part (202) and a bottom part (201) facing each other, and a surface (BP) formed by the tip part (288) is the bottom part (201). And substantially the same plane.

G-7-11. Eleventh Modification An ink supply system configured to supply ink to a part of the ink jet printing apparatus (50), the ink jet printing apparatus (50 having a plurality of apparatus side contact forming members (731 to 739)) ); A lever (80) having an engaging portion (810); an electronic device; an ink containing portion (200) for containing ink; and the inkjet printing apparatus from the ink containing portion (200) An ink supply unit (280) configured and arranged to supply ink to (50) and having a mounting direction (SD) tip (288) forming a surface (BP); and a plurality connected to the electronic device Conductive terminals (400), and when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), the plurality of terminals (400) are connected to a terminal group ( 400) is in contact with the contact forming member (731 to 739) at the contact portion (cp), and the vector component of the elastic force (Pt) from the device side contact forming member (731 to 739) is the mounting direction (SD). Is a terminal holding portion (408) that receives an elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731 to 739) so as to act on the ink containing portion (200) in the opposite direction (RD); and the lever (80 ) Of the terminal holding portion (408) in the direction (RD) opposite to the mounting direction (SD). A first restricting portion (210), wherein the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion (408); and the ink supply system Supply ink to the printing device (50) When that, the contact part (cp) is arranged substantially plane and there is no contact portion surface parallel even vertical (TP) of the tip (288), the ink supply system.

  Several advantages of the above-described modification of the seventh modification will be described. In order to ensure electrical communication between the ink cartridge and the printer, the terminal group needs to be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted on the printer. Since the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion, the first restricting portion is positioned close to the place where positioning is most necessary (that is, the terminal group on the terminal holding portion). Operation is performed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately counter the elastic force from the device side terminal group. Further, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation of the terminal group that may occur due to vibration during the printing operation. Therefore, the terminal group can be positioned more stably, and a stable electrical connection can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group.

  Further, since the lever is not formed integrally with the cartridge, the material forming the cartridge may be different from the material used to form the lever. In addition, the material of the cartridge can be selected by paying attention to other characteristics such as resistance to ink without paying much attention to the requirements of flexibility and durability.

  Further, since the lever is not provided on the cartridge, no special consideration is required for preventing creep deformation of the lever when packing the cartridge for transportation or sales. Thereby, a packing requirement can be simplified and a user's convenience improves. Since the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be reduced in size. As a result, it is possible to reduce packing materials such as paper and boxes used for packing the cartridge for transportation and sale of the cartridge, and it is possible to suppress transportation costs and component costs. Further, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, for example, the first cartridge side regulating portion has a small and simple structure with higher rigidity as compared with the structure described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811. be able to. Thereby, the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restricting portion can be greatly reduced. Since the cartridge can be held at an appropriate position in the cartridge mounting portion in the mounted or mounted state, normal or good contact can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group, and the electrical communication state deteriorates. The possibility can be reduced. Unlike the cartridge described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811, the first cartridge side restricting portion can be made small and simple in structure, so that the creep deformation of the lever during transportation of the cartridge or packing for sale No special consideration is required to prevent this. This reduces packaging requirements and improves user convenience.

  (Unlike the case of using the flexible lever described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811) The structure that connects the cartridge side terminal group and the engaging portion of the cartridge to each other can be a rigid structure only. In this case, since vibration is hardly transmitted from the engaging portion to the cartridge side terminal group, electrical communication is more stable.

  Since the contact part surface (TP) of the terminal group is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip part (288), the surface of the cartridge-side terminal group is appropriately placed when the cartridge is inserted into the printer. Can be rubbed. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress or prevent the generation of insulator pieces (dust) that may occur when the printer terminal group is rubbed over a long distance with respect to the circuit board when the cartridge is attached. .

  The printer-side terminal group applies a spring such as the spring 103 described in US Pat. No. 6,955,422 to apply an elastic force including a vector component in a direction in which the cartridge is removed from the printer to the cartridge-side terminal group. There is no need to prepare. That is, when the engagement between the first restricting portion and the lever of the printer is released, the elastic force from the printer side terminal group pushes the printer side terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group together, Works to move the cartridge in the direction of removal. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in US Pat. No. 6,955,422, and the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  The first restricting portion is engaged with the engaging portion of the lever and restricts the movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to the attaching direction. Therefore, when the cartridge is attached to the printer, The position can be maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the apparatus-side contact forming member, and can be maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the direction opposite to the mounting direction by the first restricting portion. be able to. Since the cartridge side terminal group is “clamped” in this way, it is fixed so as not to move in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite to the mounting direction. For this reason, compared with the one-side regulation by the elastic member 40 and related structure described in US Pat. No. 7,008,053, there is a possibility of displacement and cutting between the cartridge-side terminal group and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Decrease.

Application example 1:
In the ink supply system described above, when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), the contact portion surface (TP) is against the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288). The angle is about 25 to 40 degrees.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 42A to 45, excessive wiping is prevented when the contact portion surface is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface formed by the tip portion. Sufficient force can be applied to prevent insertion.

Application example 2:
In the ink supply system described above, when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing device (50), the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) has the plurality of terminals ( 400) is located on the left side of the rightmost contact portion, and is located on the right side of the leftmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals (400).

  When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, if it is fixed too firmly, contact with a part of the apparatus-side contact forming member (for example, the terminal 734 shown in FIG. 31) may not be ensured. By disposing the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the left side of the rightmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals and on the right side of the leftmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals, The ink cartridge can be tilted sufficiently so that the electrical connection with the apparatus-side contact forming member can be further stabilized.

Application example 3:
The ink supply system described above further includes a main body (22) having a front part (203) and a rear part (204) facing each other, and a second restricting part (near the rear part (204) of the main body (22)). The terminal holding part (408) is close to the front part (203) of the main body (22); and the second restricting part (220) is the ink jet printing apparatus (50) When the second portion is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288). The distance (B) between the engaging portion of the restricting portion (220) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip end portion (288) is the engaging portion of the first restricting portion (210) ( 212) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288) Greater than the distance (A) between.

  When the engaging portion of the second restricting portion is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the first restricting portion, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the second The possibility that the first-side restricting portion is disengaged from the printer-side engaging portion can be more effectively reduced as compared to the case where the restricting portion is farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion.

Application example 4:
The ink supply system described above further includes a main body (22) having a first surface (203) and a second surface (204) facing each other, and a first proximate to the second surface (204) of the main body (22). The terminal holding portion (408) is close to the first surface (203) of the main body (22); the second restricting portion (220) is It has an engaging part engaged with the corresponding part (620) of an inkjet printing apparatus (50), and each distance is measured in the direction orthogonal to the surface (BP) formed by the said front-end | tip part (288). In this case, the distance (B) between the engaging portion of the second restricting portion (220) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288) is the first restricting portion (210). Formed by the engaging part (212) and the tip part (288) Greater than the distance (A) between the plane (BP) to be.

  When the engaging portion of the second restricting portion is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the first restricting portion, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the second The possibility that the first-side restricting portion is disengaged from the printer-side engaging portion can be more effectively reduced as compared to the case where the restricting portion is farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion.

Application example 5:
In the ink supply system described above, the lever (80) includes two ends and a rotation shaft (800c) positioned between the two ends, and each distance is formed by the tip (288). When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing device (50), the engagement portion (210) of the first restricting portion (210) is measured when measured in a direction orthogonal to the surface (BP) to be applied. 212) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288) is formed by the rotation shaft (800c) of the lever (80) and the tip (288). It is smaller than the distance (C) between the surface (BP).

  When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, the distance between the engaging portion of the first restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is the surface formed by the rotation shaft and the tip portion of the lever. If it is less than the distance between the levers, the lever acts to regulate the movement. As a result, the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion of the lever or the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion can be reduced. A connection can be formed, and the possibility that conduction is reduced can be reduced. When a force is applied from the contact forming member, the first restricting portion can move around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.

Application example 6:
In the ink supply system described above, the lever (80) includes two ends and a rotation shaft (800c) positioned between the two ends, and the ink supply system includes the printing device (50). When the ink is supplied to the first restricting portion (210), the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is set to the right side and the ink supplying portion (280) is turned downward. The engaging portion (212) of (210) is located on the left side of the rotating shaft (800c) of the lever.

  When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever, the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is on the right side, and the ink supply portion When the is placed downward, the first restricting portion generates a rotational moment on the lever, and rotates the lever in the direction opposite to the release direction around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced, and further, a stable electrical connection can be ensured between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever.

Application example 7:
The ink supply system described above further includes a main body (22) close to the terminal holding portion (408), and the first restriction is applied when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50). At least a part of the engaging portion (212) of the portion (210) is disposed at substantially the center in the width direction of the main body (22).

  Since the first restricting portion is provided at a position where at least a part of the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed at substantially the center in the width direction of the main body, the first restricting portion is made up of a plurality of terminals. Arranged in the vicinity, the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device-side contact forming member can be stabilized.

Application Example 8:
The ink supply system described above further includes an adapter (299), and the ink supply unit (280), the terminal holding unit (408), and the first restricting unit (210) include the adapter (299). Arranged and arranged so that the ink containing part (200) is fitted to the adapter (299).

Application example 9:
The ink supply system described above further includes an adapter (299j), the terminal holding portion (408) and the first restricting portion (210) are disposed on the adapter (299j), and the ink supply portion ( 280) is arranged on the ink containing part (200), and the ink containing part (200) is configured and arranged so as to be fitted with the adapter (299).

Application Example 10:
The ink supply system described above further includes an adapter (299k), an ink tank (200T) outside the inkjet printing apparatus (50), a tube (200L), and an auxiliary adapter (200S). A supply unit (280) is disposed on the auxiliary adapter (200S), the terminal holding unit (408) and the first regulating unit (210) are disposed on the adapter (299k), and the ink supply system When the ink is supplied to the printing apparatus (50), the ink is supplied from the external tank (200T) to the auxiliary adapter (200S) through the tube (200L).

Application Example 11:
The ink supply system described above further includes a main body (22) having an upper part (202) and a bottom part (201) facing each other, and a surface (BP) formed by the tip part (288) is the bottom part (201). And substantially the same plane.

G-7-12. Twelfth Modification An ink supply system configured to supply ink to a part of an ink jet printing apparatus (50), the ink jet printing apparatus having a plurality of device side contact forming members (731 to 739) ( 50); a lever having an engaging portion (810); an electronic device; an ink containing portion (200) for containing ink; and the ink jet printing device (50) from the ink containing portion (200). And an ink supply unit (280) having a mounting direction (SD) tip (288) forming and supplying a surface (BP); and a plurality of conductive members connected to the electronic device. A plurality of terminals (400) when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing device (50). A terminal holding portion (408) that contacts the material (731 to 739) and receives an elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731 to 739); and the engaging portion (810) of the lever (80). A first restricting portion (210) comprising an engaging portion (212) to be engaged, and restricting movement of the terminal holding portion (408) in a direction (RD) opposite to the mounting direction (SD); The engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion (408); the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing device (50) In doing so, the terminal (400) is substantially disposed on a terminal surface (TP) that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface of the tip (288).

  Several advantages of the above-described modification of the seventh modification will be described. In order to ensure electrical communication between the ink cartridge and the printer, the terminal group needs to be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the ink cartridge is mounted on the printer. Since the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion, the first restricting portion is positioned close to the place where positioning is most necessary (that is, the terminal group on the terminal holding portion). Operation is performed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately counter the elastic force from the device side terminal group. Further, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation of the terminal group that may occur due to vibration during the printing operation. Therefore, the terminal group can be positioned more stably, and a stable electrical connection can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group.

  Further, since the lever is not formed integrally with the cartridge, the material forming the cartridge may be different from the material used to form the lever. In addition, the material of the cartridge can be selected by paying attention to other characteristics such as resistance to ink without paying much attention to the requirements of flexibility and durability.

  Further, since the lever is not provided on the cartridge, no special consideration is required for preventing creep deformation of the lever when packing the cartridge for transportation or sales. Thereby, a packing requirement can be simplified and a user's convenience improves. Since the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be reduced in size. As a result, it is possible to reduce packing materials such as paper and boxes used for packing the cartridge for transportation and sale of the cartridge, and it is possible to suppress transportation costs and component costs. Further, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, for example, the first cartridge side regulating portion has a small and simple structure with higher rigidity as compared with the structure described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811. be able to. Thereby, the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restricting portion can be greatly reduced. Since the cartridge can be held at an appropriate position in the cartridge mounting portion in the mounted or mounted state, normal or good contact can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group, and the electrical communication state deteriorates. The possibility can be reduced. Unlike the cartridge described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811, the first cartridge side restricting portion can be made small and simple in structure, so that the creep deformation of the lever during transportation of the cartridge or packing for sale No special consideration is required to prevent this. This reduces packaging requirements and improves user convenience.

  (Unlike the case of using the flexible lever described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811) The structure that connects the cartridge side terminal group and the engaging portion of the cartridge to each other can be a rigid structure only. In this case, since vibration is hardly transmitted from the engaging portion to the cartridge side terminal group, electrical communication is more stable.

  Since the terminal surface (TP) of the terminal group is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288), the surface of the cartridge side terminal group is appropriately rubbed when the cartridge is inserted into the printer. be able to. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress or prevent the generation of insulator pieces (dust) that may occur when the printer terminal group is rubbed over a long distance with respect to the circuit board when the cartridge is attached. .

  The printer-side terminal group applies a spring such as the spring 103 described in US Pat. No. 6,955,422 to apply an elastic force including a vector component in a direction in which the cartridge is removed from the printer to the cartridge-side terminal group. There is no need to prepare. That is, when the engagement between the first restricting portion and the lever of the printer is released, the elastic force from the printer side terminal group pushes the printer side terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group together, Works to move the cartridge in the direction of removal. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in US Pat. No. 6,955,422, and the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  The first restricting portion is engaged with the engaging portion of the lever and restricts the movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to the attaching direction. Therefore, when the cartridge is attached to the printer, The position can be maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the apparatus-side contact forming member, and can be maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the direction opposite to the mounting direction by the first restricting portion. be able to. Since the cartridge side terminal group is “clamped” in this way, it is fixed so as not to move in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite to the mounting direction. For this reason, compared with the one-side regulation by the elastic member 40 and related structure described in US Pat. No. 7,008,053, there is a possibility of displacement and cutting between the cartridge-side terminal group and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Decrease.

Application example 1:
In the ink supply system described above, when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), the terminal surface (TP) is against the surface (BP) formed by the tip end portion (288). The angle is about 25-40 degrees.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 42A to 45, when the terminal surface is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface formed by the tip, excessive wiping is prevented and halfway insertion is performed. Sufficient force can be applied to prevent this.

Application example 2:
In the ink supply system described above, when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing device (50), the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) has the plurality of terminals ( 400 is located on the left side of the right end of the rightmost terminal, and is located on the right side of the left end of the leftmost terminal of the plurality of terminals (400).

  When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, if it is fixed too firmly, contact with a part of the apparatus-side contact forming member (for example, the terminal 734 shown in FIG. 31) may not be ensured. By disposing the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the left side of the right end of the rightmost terminal among the plurality of terminals and on the right side of the left end of the leftmost terminal of the plurality of terminals, The ink cartridge can be tilted sufficiently so that the electrical connection between the terminal and the apparatus-side contact forming member can be further stabilized.

Application example 3:
The ink supply system described above further includes a main body (22) having a front part (203) and a rear part (204) facing each other, and a second restricting part (near the rear part (204) of the main body (22)). The terminal holding part (408) is close to the front part (203) of the main body (22); and the second restricting part (220) is the ink jet printing apparatus (50) When the second portion is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288). The distance (B) between the engaging portion of the restricting portion (220) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip end portion (288) is the engaging portion of the first restricting portion (210) ( 212) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288) Greater than the distance (A) between.

  When the engaging portion of the second restricting portion is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the first restricting portion, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the second The possibility that the first-side restricting portion is disengaged from the printer-side engaging portion can be more effectively reduced as compared to the case where the restricting portion is farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion.

Application example 4:
The ink supply system described above further includes a main body (22) having a first surface (203) and a second surface (204) facing each other, and a first proximate to the second surface (204) of the main body (22). The terminal holding portion (408) is close to the first surface (203) of the main body (22); the second restricting portion (220) is It has an engaging part engaged with the corresponding part (620) of an inkjet printing apparatus (50), and each distance is measured in the direction orthogonal to the surface (BP) formed by the said front-end | tip part (288). In this case, the distance (B) between the engaging portion of the second restricting portion (220) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288) is the first restricting portion (210). Formed by the engaging part (212) and the tip part (288) Greater than the distance (A) between the plane (BP) to be.

  When the engaging portion of the second restricting portion is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the first restricting portion, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the second The possibility that the first-side restricting portion is disengaged from the printer-side engaging portion can be more effectively reduced as compared to the case where the restricting portion is farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion.

Application example 5:
In the ink supply system described above, the lever (80) includes two ends and a rotation shaft (800c) positioned between the two ends, and each distance is formed by the tip (288). When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing device (50), the engagement portion (210) of the first restricting portion (210) is measured when measured in a direction orthogonal to the surface (BP) to be applied. 212) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288) is formed by the rotation shaft (800c) of the lever (80) and the tip (288). It is smaller than the distance (C) between the surface (BP).

  When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, the distance between the engaging portion of the first restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is the surface formed by the rotation shaft and the tip portion of the lever. If it is less than the distance between the levers, the lever acts to regulate the movement. As a result, the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion of the lever or the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion can be reduced. A connection can be formed, and the possibility that conduction is reduced can be reduced. When a force is applied from the contact forming member, the first restricting portion can move around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.

Application example 6:
In the ink supply system described above, the lever (80) includes two ends and a rotation shaft (800c) positioned between the two ends, and the ink supply system includes the printing device (50). When the ink is supplied to the first restricting portion (210), the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is set to the right side and the ink supplying portion (280) is turned downward. The engaging portion (212) of (210) is located on the left side of the rotating shaft (800c) of the lever.

  When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever, the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is on the right side, and the ink supply portion When the is placed downward, the first restricting portion generates a rotational moment on the lever, and rotates the lever in the direction opposite to the release direction around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced, and further, a stable electrical connection can be ensured between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever.

Application example 7:
The ink supply system described above further includes a main body (22) close to the terminal holding portion (408), and the first restriction is applied when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50). At least a part of the engaging portion (212) of the portion (210) is disposed at substantially the center in the width direction of the main body (22).

  Since the first restricting portion is provided at a position where at least a part of the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed at substantially the center in the width direction of the main body, the first restricting portion is made up of a plurality of terminals. Arranged in the vicinity, the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device-side contact forming member can be stabilized.

Application Example 8:
The ink supply system described above further includes an adapter (299), and the ink supply unit (280), the terminal holding unit (408), and the first restricting unit (210) include the adapter (299). Arranged and arranged so that the ink containing part (200) is fitted to the adapter (299).

Application example 9:
The ink supply system described above further includes an adapter (299j), the terminal holding portion (408) and the first restricting portion (210) are disposed on the adapter (299j), and the ink supply portion ( 280) is arranged on the ink containing part (200), and the ink containing part (200) is configured and arranged so as to be fitted with the adapter (299).

Application Example 10:
The ink supply system described above further includes an adapter (299k), an ink tank (200T) outside the inkjet printing apparatus (50), a tube (200L), and an auxiliary adapter (200S). A supply unit (280) is disposed on the auxiliary adapter (200S), the terminal holding unit (408) and the first regulating unit (210) are disposed on the adapter (299k), and the ink supply system When the ink is supplied to the printing apparatus (50), the ink is supplied from the external tank (200T) to the auxiliary adapter (200S) through the tube (200L).

Application Example 11:
The ink supply system described above further includes a main body (22) having an upper part (202) and a bottom part (201) facing each other, and a surface (BP) formed by the tip part (288) is the bottom part (201). And substantially the same plane.
G-8. Eighth modification:
The present invention can also be implemented as the following descriptions and modifications. In each description, the reference numerals in parentheses together with the respective elements correspond to the reference numerals of the respective elements described in the first embodiment or the modification of the cartridge with the adapter.
G-8-1. First Modification [Claim 54]
A printing apparatus comprising a plurality of device-side contact forming members (731 to 739) configured to apply an elastic force (Pt) to the cartridge (20), and a lever (80) having an engagement portion (810). 50) a cartridge (20) configured to be mounted on; opposing first surface (203) and second surface (204); opposing third surface (202) and fourth surface (201); an electronic device; a liquid container (200) for containing a liquid; located on the fourth surface (201), the liquid is transferred from the liquid container (200) to the printing apparatus (50). A liquid supply part (280) having a mounting direction (SD) tip (288) forming a surface (BP) of the cartridge (20); and more than the second surface (204) Arranged near the first surface (203) The contact forming members (731 to 739) at the contact portion (cp) of the terminal group (400) with the cartridge (20) attached to the printing apparatus (50) connected to the electronic device. The contact portion (cp) of the terminal group (400) is formed by the tip portion (288), and is arranged to receive an elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731 to 739). A conductive terminal group (400) substantially disposed on a contact surface (TP) that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface (BP) to be engaged; and engaging with the engaging portion (810) of the lever (80) A first restricting portion (210) that includes an engaging portion (212) configured to restrict movement of the cartridge (20) in a direction (RD) opposite to the mounting direction (SD); The first regulation The engagement portion (212) of (210) is disposed at a position closer to the contact portion (cp) than an intersection (291) between the third surface (202) and the first surface (203). The cartridge (20).
Several advantages of the above-described modification of the eighth modification will be described. In order to ensure electrical communication between the cartridge and the printing apparatus, the terminals need to be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus. Since the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed at a position closer to the contact portion than the intersecting portion between the third surface and the first surface, a place where positioning is most necessary (ie, a terminal group of the terminal holding portion) The positioning operation of the first restricting portion is performed by approaching to. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately counter the elastic force from the device side terminal group. Further, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation of the terminal group that may occur due to vibration during the printing operation. Therefore, the terminal group can be positioned more stably, and a stable electrical connection can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group.

  Further, since the lever is not formed integrally with the cartridge, the material forming the cartridge may be different from the material used to form the lever. In addition, the material of the cartridge can be selected by paying attention to other characteristics such as resistance to liquids without worrying much about the requirements for flexibility and durability.

  Further, since the lever is not provided on the cartridge, no special consideration is required for preventing creep deformation of the lever when packing the cartridge for transportation or sales. Thereby, a packing requirement can be simplified and a user's convenience improves. Since the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be reduced in size. As a result, it is possible to reduce packing materials such as paper and boxes used for packing the cartridge for transportation and sale of the cartridge, and it is possible to suppress transportation costs and component costs. Further, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, for example, the first cartridge side regulating portion has a small and simple structure with higher rigidity as compared with the structure described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811. be able to. Thereby, the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restricting portion can be greatly reduced. Since the cartridge can be held at an appropriate position in the cartridge mounting portion in the mounted or mounted state, normal or good contact can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group, and the electrical communication state deteriorates. The possibility can be reduced. Unlike the cartridge described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811, the first cartridge side restricting portion can be made small and simple in structure, so that the creep deformation of the lever during transportation of the cartridge or packing for sale No special consideration is required to prevent this. This reduces packaging requirements and improves user convenience.

  (Unlike the case of using the flexible lever described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811) The structure that connects the cartridge side terminal group and the engaging portion of the cartridge to each other can be a rigid structure only. In this case, since vibration is hardly transmitted from the engaging portion to the cartridge side terminal group, electrical communication is more stable.

  Since the contact portion surface (TP) of the terminal group is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288), the surface of the cartridge-side terminal group is appropriately placed when the cartridge is inserted into the printing apparatus. Can be rubbed. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress or prevent the generation of insulator pieces (dust) that may occur when the device-side terminal group rubs over a long distance with respect to the circuit board when the cartridge is attached. .

  The device-side terminal group applies a resilient force including a vector component in a direction in which the cartridge is removed from the printing apparatus to the cartridge-side terminal group, and thus a spring such as the spring 103 described in US Pat. No. 6,955,422. It is not necessary to have. That is, when the engagement between the first restricting portion and the lever is released, the elastic force from the device side terminal group pushes the device side terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group together and removes it from the printing apparatus. Works to move the cartridge in the direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in US Pat. No. 6,955,422, and the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

The first restricting portion is configured to be engaged with the engaging portion of the lever to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to the attaching direction, and therefore, when the cartridge is attached to the printing apparatus. The position of the cartridge-side terminal group can be maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the apparatus-side contact forming member, and the first restricting portion can maintain the position in the direction opposite to the mounting direction. It can be maintained in an appropriate position. Since the cartridge side terminal group is “clamped” in this way, it is fixed so as not to move in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite to the mounting direction. For this reason, compared with the one-side regulation by the elastic member 40 and related structure described in US Pat. No. 7,008,053, there is a possibility of displacement and cutting between the cartridge-side terminal group and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Decrease.
[Claim 55]
Application example 1:
In the cartridge (20) described above, the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is an intersection (295) between the first surface (203) and the contact portion surface (TP). The intermediate portion (203P) between the third surface (202) and the intersecting portion (291) of the first surface (203) is disposed closer to the contact portion (cp).
By arranging the engaging portion of the first restricting portion at a position closer to the contact portion than the midpoint, the above-described effects can be brought about.
[Claim 56]
Application example 2:
In the above-described cartridge (20), the contact part surface (TP) is at an angle of 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface (BP) formed by the tip part (288).

As described above with reference to FIGS. 42A to 45, excessive wiping is prevented when the contact portion surface is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface formed by the tip portion. Sufficient force can be applied to prevent insertion.
[Claim 57]
Application example 3:
In the cartridge (20) described above, when the first surface (203) of the cartridge (20) is viewed with the liquid supply unit (280) facing downward, the first restricting unit (210) The engaging portion (212) is located on the left side of the extension line (439PL) of the right end (439P) of the rightmost terminal (439) among the plurality of terminals (431 to 439), and the plurality of terminals Among the terminals (431 to 439), it is located on the right side of the extension line (435PL) of the left end (435P) of the leftmost terminal (435).

When the cartridge is attached to the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is fixed too firmly, contact with a part of the apparatus-side contact forming member (for example, the terminal 734 shown in FIG. 31) may not be ensured. By disposing the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the left side of the rightmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals and on the right side of the leftmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals, The cartridge can be tilted sufficiently so that the electrical connection with the apparatus-side contact forming member can be further stabilized.
[Claim 58]
Application example 4:
The above-described cartridge (20) is further provided on the second surface (204) of the cartridge (20) and is configured to engage with a corresponding part of the printing device (50). When the second restricting portion (220) having (222) is provided and each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288), the second restricting portion ( 220) and the distance (B) between the surface (BP) formed by the engaging portion (222) and the tip portion (288) is the engaging portion (210) of the first restricting portion (210). 212) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288).

When the engaging portion of the second restricting portion is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the first restricting portion, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the second Compared with the case where it is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the restricting portion, the possibility that the first restricting portion is disengaged from the device-side engaging portion can be reduced more effectively.
[Claim 59]
Application example 5:
In the cartridge (20) described above, the cartridge (20) is viewed from an angle in which the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is on the right side and the liquid supply portion (280) is downward. ), Each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288). When the cartridge (20) is mounted, the first regulation is performed. The distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the part (210) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip part (288) is the rotation axis (800c) of the lever (80) and the surface (BP). It is smaller than the distance (C) between the surface (BP) formed by the tip end portion (288).

When the distance between the engaging portion of the first restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is smaller than the distance between the rotation shaft of the lever and the surface formed by the tip portion with the cartridge mounted In some cases, the lever acts to regulate the movement of the cartridge. As a result, the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion of the lever or the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion can be reduced. A connection can be formed, and the possibility that conduction is reduced can be reduced. When a force is applied to the cartridge mounted from the contact forming member, the first restricting portion can move around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.
[Claim 60]
Application example 6:
In the cartridge (20) described above, the cartridge (20) is inserted from an angle in which the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is directed to the right side and the liquid supply portion (280) is directed downward. When viewed, the engagement portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is located on the left side of the rotation shaft (800c) of the lever (80) with the cartridge (20) attached. .

When the cartridge is viewed from a predetermined surface with the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the right side and the liquid supply portion facing downward, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever. When the cartridge is mounted so as to be positioned at the position, the first restricting portion generates a rotational moment on the lever, and rotates the lever in the direction opposite to the releasing direction around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced, and further, a stable electrical connection can be ensured between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Even when the cartridge receives a force, since the first restricting portion moves together with the cartridge, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.
[Claim 61]
Application example 7:
In the cartridge (20) described above, when the first surface (203) is viewed with the liquid supply unit (280) facing downward, the first regulation is performed with the cartridge (20) mounted. At least a part of the engaging portion (212) of the portion (210) is located at the approximate center in the width direction of the cartridge (20).

By providing the first restricting portion at a position at which at least a part of the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed at the substantially center in the width direction of the cartridge, the first restricting portion is provided with a plurality of terminals. Arranged in the vicinity, the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device-side contact forming member can be stabilized.
[Claim 62]
Application Example 8:
In the cartridge (20) described above, the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288) is substantially flush with the fourth surface (201).
[Claim 63]
Application example 9:
The cartridge (20) described above further includes an adapter (299, 299j, 299k), and the contact portion (cp) and the first restricting portion (210) of the terminal group (400) are disposed on the adapter. Disposed and configured and arranged so that the liquid containing part (200) fits into the adapter.
G-8-2. Second Modification [Claim 64]
A printing apparatus comprising a plurality of device-side contact forming members (731 to 739) configured to apply an elastic force (Pt) to the cartridge (20), and a lever (80) having an engagement portion (810). 50) a cartridge (20) configured to be mounted on; opposing first surface (203) and second surface (204); opposing third surface (202) and fourth surface ( 201); an electronic device; a liquid storage part (200) for storing a liquid; located on the fourth surface (201) and supplying a liquid from the liquid storage chamber (200) to the printing apparatus (50) A liquid supply portion (280) configured to supply and having a mounting direction (SD) tip (288) forming a surface (BP) of the cartridge (20); and more than the second surface (204) Placed near the first surface (203) The contact forming members (731 to 739) in the contact portion (cp) of the terminal group (400) with the cartridge (20) attached to the printing apparatus (50) connected to the electronic device. The contact portion (cp) of the terminal group (400) is formed by the tip portion (288), and is arranged to receive an elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731 to 739). A conductive terminal group (400) substantially disposed on a contact surface (TP) that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface (BP) to be engaged; and engaging with the engaging portion (810) of the lever (80) A first restricting portion (210) that includes an engaging portion (212) configured to restrict movement of the cartridge (20) in a direction (RD) opposite to the mounting direction (SD); Comprising the first surface (20 ) Is provided at a position closer to the first intersecting portion (295) where the first surface (203) intersects the contact portion surface (TP) than the second intersecting portion intersecting the third surface (202). The cartridge (20).
Several advantages of the above-described modification of the eighth modification will be described. In order to ensure electrical communication between the cartridge and the printing apparatus, the terminals need to be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus. Since the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed at a position closer to the first intersecting portion where the first surface intersects the contact portion surface than the second intersecting portion where the first surface intersects with the third surface, positioning is performed. Is moved closer to the most necessary place (that is, the terminal group of the terminal holding portion), and the positioning operation of the first restricting portion is performed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately counter the elastic force from the device side terminal group. Further, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation of the terminal group that may occur due to vibration during the printing operation. Therefore, the terminal group can be positioned more stably, and a stable electrical connection can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group.

  Further, since the lever is not formed integrally with the cartridge, the material forming the cartridge may be different from the material used to form the lever. In addition, the material of the cartridge can be selected by paying attention to other characteristics such as resistance to liquids without worrying much about the requirements for flexibility and durability.

  Further, since the lever is not provided on the cartridge, no special consideration is required for preventing creep deformation of the lever when packing the cartridge for transportation or sales. Thereby, a packing requirement can be simplified and a user's convenience improves. Since the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be reduced in size. As a result, it is possible to reduce packing materials such as paper and boxes used for packing the cartridge for transportation and sale of the cartridge, and it is possible to suppress transportation costs and component costs. Further, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, for example, the first cartridge side regulating portion has a small and simple structure with higher rigidity as compared with the structure described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811. be able to. Thereby, the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restricting portion can be greatly reduced. Since the cartridge can be held at an appropriate position in the cartridge mounting portion in the mounted or mounted state, normal or good contact can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group, and the electrical communication state deteriorates. The possibility can be reduced. Unlike the cartridge described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811, the first cartridge side restricting portion can be made small and simple in structure, so that the creep deformation of the lever during transportation of the cartridge or packing for sale No special consideration is required to prevent this. This reduces packaging requirements and improves user convenience.

  (Unlike the case of using the flexible lever described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811) The structure that connects the cartridge side terminal group and the engaging portion of the cartridge to each other can be a rigid structure only. In this case, since vibration is hardly transmitted from the engaging portion to the cartridge side terminal group, electrical communication is more stable.

  Since the contact portion surface (TP) of the terminal group is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288), the surface of the cartridge-side terminal group is appropriately placed when the cartridge is inserted into the printing apparatus. Can be rubbed. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress or prevent the generation of insulator pieces (dust) that may occur when the device-side terminal group rubs over a long distance with respect to the circuit board when the cartridge is attached. .

  The device-side terminal group applies a resilient force including a vector component in a direction in which the cartridge is removed from the printing apparatus to the cartridge-side terminal group, and thus a spring such as the spring 103 described in US Pat. No. 6,955,422. It is not necessary to have. That is, when the engagement between the first restricting portion and the lever is released, the elastic force from the device side terminal group pushes the device side terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group together and removes it from the printing apparatus. Works to move the cartridge in the direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in US Pat. No. 6,955,422, and the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

The first restricting portion is configured to be engaged with the engaging portion of the lever to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to the attaching direction, and therefore, when the cartridge is attached to the printing apparatus. The position of the cartridge-side terminal group can be maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the apparatus-side contact forming member, and the first restricting portion can maintain the position in the direction opposite to the mounting direction. It can be maintained in an appropriate position. Since the cartridge side terminal group is “clamped” in this way, it is fixed so as not to move in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite to the mounting direction. For this reason, compared with the one-side regulation by the elastic member 40 and related structure described in US Pat. No. 7,008,053, there is a possibility of displacement and cutting between the cartridge-side terminal group and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Decrease.
[Claim 65]
Application example 1:
In the cartridge (20) described above, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is more than the middle point (203P) between the first intersecting portion (295) and the second intersecting portion. It is arranged at a position close to one intersection (295).
By arranging the engaging portion of the first restricting portion at a position closer to the contact portion than the midpoint, the above-described effects can be brought about.
[Claim 66]
Application example 2:
In the cartridge (20) described above, the contact portion (cp) surface (TP) is at an angle of 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288).

As described above with reference to FIGS. 42A to 45, excessive wiping is prevented when the contact portion surface is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface formed by the tip portion. Sufficient force can be applied to prevent insertion.
[Claim 67]
Application example 3:
In the cartridge (20) described above, when the first surface (203) of the cartridge (20) is viewed with the liquid supply unit (280) facing downward, the first restricting unit (210) The engaging portion (212) is located on the left side of the extension line (439PL) of the right end (439P) of the rightmost terminal (439) among the plurality of terminals (431 to 439), and the plurality of terminals Among the terminals (431 to 439), it is located on the right side of the extension line (435PL) of the left end (435P) of the leftmost terminal (435).

When the cartridge is attached to the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is fixed too firmly, contact with a part of the apparatus-side contact forming member (for example, the terminal 734 shown in FIG. 31) may not be ensured. By disposing the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the left side of the rightmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals and on the right side of the leftmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals, The cartridge can be tilted sufficiently so that the electrical connection with the apparatus-side contact forming member can be further stabilized.
[Claim 68]
Application example 4:
The above-described cartridge (20) is further provided on the second surface (204) of the cartridge (20) and is configured to engage with a corresponding part of the printing device (50). When the second restricting portion (220) having (222) is provided and each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288), the second restricting portion ( 220) and the distance (B) between the surface (BP) formed by the engaging portion (222) and the tip portion (288) is the engaging portion (210) of the first restricting portion (210). 212) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288).

When the engaging portion of the second restricting portion is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the first restricting portion, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the second Compared with the case where it is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the restricting portion, the possibility that the first restricting portion is disengaged from the device-side engaging portion can be reduced more effectively.
[Claim 69]
Application example 5:
In the cartridge (20) described above, the cartridge (20) is viewed from an angle in which the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is on the right side and the liquid supply portion (280) is downward. ), Each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288). When the cartridge (20) is mounted, the first regulation is performed. The distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the part (210) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip part (288) is the rotation axis (800c) of the lever (80) and the surface (BP). It is smaller than the distance (C) between the surface (BP) formed by the tip end portion (288).

When the distance between the engaging portion of the first restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is smaller than the distance between the rotation shaft of the lever and the surface formed by the tip portion with the cartridge mounted In some cases, the lever acts to regulate the movement of the cartridge. As a result, the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion of the lever or the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion can be reduced. A connection can be formed, and the possibility that conduction is reduced can be reduced. When a force is applied to the cartridge mounted from the contact forming member, the first restricting portion can move around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.
[Claim 70]
Application example 6:
In the cartridge (20) described above, the cartridge (20) is inserted from an angle in which the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is directed to the right side and the liquid supply portion (280) is directed downward. When viewed, the engagement portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is positioned on the left side of the rotating shaft (800c) of the lever (80) in a state where the cartridge (20) is mounted. To do.

When the cartridge is viewed from a predetermined surface with the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the right side and the liquid supply portion facing downward, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever. When the cartridge is mounted so as to be positioned at the position, the first restricting portion generates a rotational moment on the lever, and rotates the lever in the direction opposite to the releasing direction around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced, and further, a stable electrical connection can be ensured between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Even when the cartridge receives a force, since the first restricting portion moves together with the cartridge, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.
[Claim 71]
Application example 7:
In the cartridge (20) described above, when the first surface (203) is viewed with the liquid supply unit (280) facing downward, the first regulation is performed with the cartridge (20) mounted. At least a part of the engaging portion (212) of the portion (210) is located at the approximate center in the width direction of the cartridge (20).

By providing the first restricting portion at a position at which at least a part of the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed at the substantially center in the width direction of the cartridge, the first restricting portion is provided with a plurality of terminals. Arranged in the vicinity, the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device-side contact forming member can be stabilized.
[Claim 72]
Application Example 8:
In the cartridge (20) described above, the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288) is substantially flush with the fourth surface (201).
[Claim 73]
Application example 9:
The cartridge (20) according to any one of claims 64 to 72, further comprising an adapter (299, 299j, 299k), the contact portion (cp) of the terminal group (400) and the first A restricting portion (210) is disposed on the adapter, and the liquid storage portion (200) is configured and disposed so as to be fitted to the adapter.
G-8-3. Third modification [Claim 74]
A plurality of device-side contact forming members (731 to 739) configured to apply an elastic force (Pt) to the cartridge (20), and a lever (80) having an engaging portion (810) and a rotation shaft. A cartridge (20) configured to be mounted on a printing device (50); opposing first side (203) and second side (204); opposing third side (202) and second side Four surfaces (201); an electronic device; a liquid storage portion (200) for storing a liquid; located on the fourth surface (201), from the liquid storage chamber (200) to the printing device (50) A liquid supply unit (280) configured to supply liquid to the cartridge (20) and having a mounting direction (SD) tip (288) forming a surface (BP) of the cartridge (20); and the second surface (204) Than the first surface (203) The contact forming members (731 to 731) are arranged at the contact portion (cp) of the terminal group (400) in a state in which the cartridge (20) is mounted on the printing apparatus (50). 739) and arranged to receive elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731 to 739); the contact portion (cp) of the terminal group (400) is formed by the tip portion (288). A conductive terminal group (400) disposed substantially on a contact surface (TP) that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface (BP) to be formed; and the engaging portion (810) of the lever (80); A first restricting portion (210) that includes an engaging portion (212) configured to engage, and restricts movement of the cartridge (20) in a direction (RD) opposite to the mounting direction (SD). And comprising When the cartridge (20) is mounted on the printing device (50), the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is positioned below the rotating shaft (800c) of the lever (80). The cartridge (20), wherein the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is disposed such that the engaging portion (212) is engaged with the lever (80).
Several advantages of the above-described modification of the eighth modification will be described. In order to ensure electrical communication between the cartridge and the printing apparatus, the terminals need to be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus. Since the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed at a position below the rotation axis of the lever, the lever functions to restrict the movement of the cartridge. As a result, the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion of the lever or the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion can be reduced. A connection can be formed, and the possibility that conduction is reduced can be reduced. When a force is applied to the cartridge mounted from the contact forming member, the first restricting portion can move around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced. Therefore, the terminal group can be positioned more stably, and a stable electrical connection can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group.

  Further, since the lever is not formed integrally with the cartridge, the material forming the cartridge may be different from the material used to form the lever. In addition, the material of the cartridge can be selected by paying attention to other characteristics such as resistance to liquids without worrying much about the requirements for flexibility and durability.

  Further, since the lever is not provided on the cartridge, no special consideration is required for preventing creep deformation of the lever when packing the cartridge for transportation or sales. Thereby, a packing requirement can be simplified and a user's convenience improves. Since the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be reduced in size. As a result, it is possible to reduce packing materials such as paper and boxes used for packing the cartridge for transportation and sale of the cartridge, and it is possible to suppress transportation costs and component costs. Further, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, for example, the first cartridge side regulating portion has a small and simple structure with higher rigidity as compared with the structure described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811. be able to. Thereby, the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restricting portion can be greatly reduced. Since the cartridge can be held at an appropriate position in the cartridge mounting portion in the mounted or mounted state, normal or good contact can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group, and the electrical communication state deteriorates. The possibility can be reduced. Unlike the cartridge described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811, the first cartridge side restricting portion can be made small and simple in structure, so that the creep deformation of the lever during transportation of the cartridge or packing for sale No special consideration is required to prevent this. This reduces packaging requirements and improves user convenience.

  (Unlike the case of using the flexible lever described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811) The structure that connects the cartridge side terminal group and the engaging portion of the cartridge to each other can be a rigid structure only. In this case, since vibration is hardly transmitted from the engaging portion to the cartridge side terminal group, electrical communication is more stable.

  Since the contact portion surface (TP) of the terminal group is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288), the surface of the cartridge-side terminal group is appropriately placed when the cartridge is inserted into the printing apparatus. Can be rubbed. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress or prevent the generation of insulator pieces (dust) that may occur when the device-side terminal group rubs over a long distance with respect to the circuit board when the cartridge is attached. .

  The device-side terminal group applies a resilient force including a vector component in a direction in which the cartridge is removed from the printing apparatus to the cartridge-side terminal group, and thus a spring such as the spring 103 described in US Pat. No. 6,955,422. It is not necessary to have. That is, when the engagement between the first restricting portion and the lever is released, the elastic force from the device side terminal group pushes the device side terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group together and removes it from the printing apparatus. Works to move the cartridge in the direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in US Pat. No. 6,955,422, and the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

The first restricting portion is configured to be engaged with the engaging portion of the lever to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to the attaching direction, and therefore, when the cartridge is attached to the printing apparatus. The position of the cartridge-side terminal group can be maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the apparatus-side contact forming member, and the first restricting portion can maintain the position in the direction opposite to the mounting direction. It can be maintained in an appropriate position. Since the cartridge side terminal group is “clamped” in this way, it is fixed so as not to move in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite to the mounting direction. For this reason, compared with the one-side regulation by the elastic member 40 and related structure described in US Pat. No. 7,008,053, there is a possibility of displacement and cutting between the cartridge-side terminal group and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Decrease.
[Claim 75]
Application example 1:
In the above-described cartridge (20), the contact part surface (TP) is at an angle of 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface (BP) formed by the tip part (288).
By arranging the engaging portion of the first restricting portion at a position closer to the contact portion than the midpoint, the above-described effects can be brought about.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 42A to 45, excessive wiping is prevented when the contact portion surface is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface formed by the tip portion. Sufficient force can be applied to prevent insertion.
[Claim 76]
Application example 2:
In the cartridge (20) described above, when the first surface (203) of the cartridge (20) is viewed with the liquid supply unit (280) facing downward, the first restricting unit (210) The engaging portion (212) is located on the left side of the extension line (439PL) of the right end (439P) of the rightmost terminal (439) among the plurality of terminals (431 to 439), and the plurality of terminals Among the terminals (431 to 439), it is located on the right side of the extension line (435PL) of the left end (435P) of the leftmost terminal (435).

When the cartridge is attached to the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is fixed too firmly, contact with a part of the apparatus-side contact forming member (for example, the terminal 734 shown in FIG. 31) may not be ensured. By disposing the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the left side of the rightmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals and on the right side of the leftmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals, The cartridge can be tilted sufficiently so that the electrical connection with the apparatus-side contact forming member can be further stabilized.
[Claim 77]
Application example 3:
The above-described cartridge (20) is further provided on the second surface (204) of the cartridge (20) and is configured to engage with a corresponding part of the printing device (50). When the second restricting portion (220) having (222) is provided and each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288), the second restricting portion ( 220) and the distance (B) between the surface (BP) formed by the engaging portion (222) and the tip portion (288) is the engaging portion (210) of the first restricting portion (210). 212) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288).

When the engaging portion of the second restricting portion is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the first restricting portion, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the second Compared with the case where it is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the restricting portion, the possibility that the first restricting portion is disengaged from the device-side engaging portion can be reduced more effectively.
[Claim 78]
Application example 4:
In the cartridge (20) described above, the cartridge (20) is inserted from an angle in which the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is directed to the right side and the liquid supply portion (280) is directed downward. When viewed, the engagement portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is positioned on the left side of the rotating shaft (800c) of the lever (80) in a state where the cartridge (20) is mounted. To do.

When the cartridge is viewed from a predetermined surface with the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the right side and the liquid supply portion facing downward, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever. When the cartridge is mounted so as to be positioned at the position, the first restricting portion generates a rotational moment on the lever, and rotates the lever in the direction opposite to the releasing direction around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced, and further, a stable electrical connection can be ensured between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Even when the cartridge receives a force, since the first restricting portion moves together with the cartridge, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.
[Claim 79]
Application example 5:
In the cartridge (20) described above, when the first surface (203) is viewed with the liquid supply unit (280) facing downward, the first regulation is performed with the cartridge (20) mounted. At least a part of the engaging portion (212) of the portion (210) is located at the approximate center in the width direction of the cartridge (20).

By providing the first restricting portion at a position at which at least a part of the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed at the substantially center in the width direction of the cartridge, the first restricting portion is provided with a plurality of terminals. Arranged in the vicinity, the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device-side contact forming member can be stabilized.
[Claim 80]
Application example 6:
In the cartridge (20) described above, the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288) is substantially flush with the fourth surface (201).
[Claim 81]
Application example 7:
The cartridge (20) described above further includes an adapter (299, 299j, 299k), and the contact portion (cp) and the first restricting portion (210) of the terminal group (400) are disposed on the adapter. Disposed and configured and arranged so that the liquid containing part (200) fits into the adapter.
G-8-4. Fourth modification [Claim 82]
A printing apparatus comprising a plurality of device-side contact forming members (731 to 739) configured to apply an elastic force (Pt) to the cartridge (20), and a lever (80) having an engagement portion (810). 50) a cartridge (20) configured to be mounted on; opposing front (203) and rear (204); opposing top (202) and bottom (201); electronic device; A liquid container (200) for containing liquid; and located at the bottom (201), configured to supply liquid from the liquid container (200) to the printing device (50), and the cartridge A liquid supply part (280) having a mounting direction (SD) tip (288) forming a surface (BP) of (20); and closer to the front part (203) than the rear part (204); The electron In contact with the contact forming members (731 to 739) at the contact portion (cp) of the terminal group (400) in a state where the cartridge (20) is attached to the printing apparatus (50), and connected to a vise, The contact forming member (731 to 739) is arranged to receive an elastic force (Pt), and the contact portion (cp) of the terminal group (400) is a surface (BP) formed by the tip end portion (288). A conductive terminal group (400) substantially disposed on a contact surface (TP) that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the contact surface (TP); configured to engage with the engagement portion (810) of the lever (80) A first restricting portion (210) for restricting movement of the cartridge (20) in a direction (RD) opposite to the mounting direction (SD). The first regulating part (210) Serial is provided at a position closer to the contact portion surface (TP) than the top (202), the cartridge (20).
Several advantages of the above-described modification of the eighth modification will be described. In order to ensure electrical communication between the cartridge and the printing apparatus, the terminals need to be accurately positioned and stably fixed while the cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus. Since the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed at a position closer to the contact portion surface than the upper portion, the first restricting portion approaches the place where positioning is most necessary (that is, the terminal group of the terminal holding portion). The positioning operation is performed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately counter the elastic force from the device side terminal group. Further, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation of the terminal group that may occur due to vibration during the printing operation. Therefore, the terminal group can be positioned more stably, and a stable electrical connection can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group.

  Further, since the lever is not formed integrally with the cartridge, the material forming the cartridge may be different from the material used to form the lever. In addition, the material of the cartridge can be selected by paying attention to other characteristics such as resistance to liquids without worrying much about the requirements for flexibility and durability.

  Further, since the lever is not provided on the cartridge, no special consideration is required for preventing creep deformation of the lever when packing the cartridge for transportation or sales. Thereby, a packing requirement can be simplified and a user's convenience improves. Since the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the cartridge can be reduced in size. As a result, it is possible to reduce packing materials such as paper and boxes used for packing the cartridge for transportation and sale of the cartridge, and it is possible to suppress transportation costs and component costs. Further, since the lever is not integral with the cartridge, for example, the first cartridge side regulating portion has a small and simple structure with higher rigidity as compared with the structure described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811. be able to. Thereby, the possibility of plastic deformation of the first cartridge side restricting portion can be greatly reduced. Since the cartridge can be held at an appropriate position in the cartridge mounting portion in the mounted or mounted state, normal or good contact can be maintained between the cartridge side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group, and the electrical communication state deteriorates. The possibility can be reduced. Unlike the cartridge described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811, the first cartridge side restricting portion can be made small and simple in structure, so that the creep deformation of the lever during transportation of the cartridge or packing for sale No special consideration is required to prevent this. This reduces packaging requirements and improves user convenience.

  (Unlike the case of using the flexible lever described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811) The structure that connects the cartridge side terminal group and the engaging portion of the cartridge to each other can be a rigid structure only. In this case, since vibration is hardly transmitted from the engaging portion to the cartridge side terminal group, electrical communication is more stable.

  Since the contact portion surface (TP) of the terminal group is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288), the surface of the cartridge-side terminal group is appropriately placed when the cartridge is inserted into the printing apparatus. Can be rubbed. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress or prevent the generation of insulator pieces (dust) that may occur when the device-side terminal group rubs over a long distance with respect to the circuit board when the cartridge is attached. .

  The device-side terminal group applies a resilient force including a vector component in a direction in which the cartridge is removed from the printing apparatus to the cartridge-side terminal group, and thus a spring such as the spring 103 described in US Pat. No. 6,955,422. It is not necessary to have. That is, when the engagement between the first restricting portion and the lever is released, the elastic force from the device side terminal group pushes the device side terminal group and the cartridge side terminal group together and removes it from the printing apparatus. Works to move the cartridge in the direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in US Pat. No. 6,955,422, and the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

The first restricting portion is configured to be engaged with the engaging portion of the lever to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to the attaching direction, and therefore, when the cartridge is attached to the printing apparatus. The position of the cartridge-side terminal group can be maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the apparatus-side contact forming member, and the first restricting portion can maintain the position in the direction opposite to the mounting direction. It can be maintained in an appropriate position. Since the cartridge side terminal group is “clamped” in this way, it is fixed so as not to move in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite to the mounting direction. For this reason, compared with the one-side regulation by the elastic member 40 and related structure described in US Pat. No. 7,008,053, there is a possibility of displacement and cutting between the cartridge-side terminal group and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Decrease.
[Claim 83]
Application example 1:
In the cartridge (20) described above, the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) includes an intersection between the front portion (203) and the contact portion surface (TP) and the upper portion (202). ) And the intersection of the front part (203) and a position closer to the contact part (cp) than a midpoint (203P).
By arranging the engaging portion of the first restricting portion at a position closer to the contact portion than the midpoint, the above-described effects can be brought about.
[Claim 84]
Application example 2:
In the above-described cartridge (20), the contact part surface (TP) is at an angle of 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface (BP) formed by the tip part (288).

As described above with reference to FIGS. 42A to 45, excessive wiping is prevented when the contact portion surface is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface formed by the tip portion. Sufficient force can be applied to prevent insertion.
[Claim 85]
Application example 3:
In the cartridge (20) described above, when the front portion (203) of the cartridge (20) is viewed with the liquid supply portion (280) facing downward, the first restriction portion (210) has the The engaging portion (212) is located on the left side of the extension line (439PL) of the right end (439P) of the rightmost terminal (439) among the plurality of terminals (431-439), and the plurality of terminals (431-439) is located on the right side of the extension line (435PL) of the left end (435P) of the leftmost terminal (435).

When the cartridge is attached to the printing apparatus, if the cartridge is fixed too firmly, contact with a part of the apparatus-side contact forming member (for example, the terminal 734 shown in FIG. 31) may not be ensured. By disposing the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the left side of the rightmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals and on the right side of the leftmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals, The cartridge can be tilted sufficiently so that the electrical connection with the apparatus-side contact forming member can be further stabilized.
[Claim 86]
Application example 4:
In the cartridge (20) described above, the engagement portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is engaged with a rotatable lever having a rotation shaft above the engagement portion (212). Configured.

When the rotatable lever has the rotation shaft above the engaging portion of the first restricting portion, the lever functions to restrict the movement of the cartridge. As a result, the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion of the lever or the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion can be reduced. A connection can be formed, and the possibility that conduction is reduced can be reduced. When a force is applied to the cartridge mounted from the contact forming member, the first restricting portion can move around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.
[Claim 87]
Application example 5:
The cartridge (20) described above is further provided on the rear portion (204) of the cartridge (20) and is configured to engage with a corresponding portion of the printing device (50). ) Having a second restricting portion (220), and when each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288), the second restricting portion (220) The distance (B) between the engagement part (222) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip part (288) is the engagement part (212) of the first restriction part (210). And a distance (A) between the tip (288) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288).

When the engaging portion of the second restricting portion is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the first restricting portion, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the second Compared with the case where it is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the restricting portion, the possibility that the first restricting portion is disengaged from the device-side engaging portion can be reduced more effectively.
[Claim 88]
Application example 6:
In the cartridge (20) described above, the second restricting portion (220) acts as a central axis of rotation when the cartridge (20) is rotated and removed from the holder of the printing device (50). Composed.
[Claim 89]
Application example 7:
In the cartridge (20) described above, the cartridge (20) is viewed from an angle in which the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is on the right side and the liquid supply portion (280) is downward. ), Each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288). When the cartridge (20) is mounted, the first regulation is performed. The distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the part (210) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip part (288) is the rotation axis (800c) of the lever (80) and the surface (BP). It is smaller than the distance (C) between the surface (BP) formed by the tip end portion (288).

When the distance between the engaging portion of the first restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is smaller than the distance between the rotation shaft of the lever and the surface formed by the tip portion with the cartridge mounted In some cases, the lever acts to regulate the movement of the cartridge. As a result, the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion of the lever or the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion can be reduced. A connection can be formed, and the possibility that conduction is reduced can be reduced. When a force is applied to the cartridge mounted from the contact forming member, the first restricting portion can be moved around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.
[Claim 90]
Application Example 8:
In the cartridge (20) described above, the cartridge (20) is inserted from an angle in which the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is directed to the right side and the liquid supply portion (280) is directed downward. When viewed, the engagement portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is positioned on the left side of the rotating shaft (800c) of the lever (80) in a state where the cartridge (20) is mounted. To do.

When the cartridge is viewed from a predetermined surface with the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the right side and the liquid supply portion facing downward, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever. When the cartridge is mounted so as to be positioned at the position, the first restricting portion generates a rotational moment on the lever, and rotates the lever in the direction opposite to the releasing direction around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced, and further, a stable electrical connection can be ensured between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Even when the cartridge receives a force, since the first restricting portion moves together with the cartridge, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.
[Claim 91]
Application example 9:
In the cartridge (20) described above, when the front part (203) is viewed with the liquid supply part (280) facing downward, the first restricting part is mounted with the cartridge (20) attached. At least a part of the engaging portion (212) of (210) is positioned substantially at the center in the width direction of the cartridge (20).

By providing the first restricting portion at a position at which at least a part of the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed at the substantially center in the width direction of the cartridge, the first restricting portion is provided with a plurality of terminals. Arranged in the vicinity, the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device-side contact forming member can be stabilized.
[Claim 92]
Application Example 10:
In the cartridge (20) described above, the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288) is substantially flush with the bottom (201).
[Claim 93]
Application Example 11:
The cartridge (20) described above further includes an adapter (299, 299j, 299k), and the contact portion (cp) and the first restricting portion (210) of the terminal group (400) are disposed on the adapter. Disposed and configured and arranged so that the liquid containing part (200) fits into the adapter.
[Claim 94]
Application Example 12:
The use of the cartridge (20) described above, wherein the engaging portion is such that the movable lever (80) of the printing device (50) has a rotation shaft above the engaging portion of the cartridge (20). Is engaged with the lever (80).
[Claim 95]
Application Example 13:
A combination of a cartridge (20) and a printing device (50), the combination comprising the cartridge (20) and the printing device (50) described above; the printing device (50) comprising the cartridge (20) A plurality of device-side contact forming members (731 to 739) for applying elastic force (Pt) to the first engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) of the cartridge (20). A lever (80) having an engagement portion (810) configured to restrict movement of the cartridge (20) in a direction (RD) opposite to the mounting direction (SD).
[Claim 96]
Application Example 14:
In the combination described above, the lever (80) includes two ends and a rotation shaft positioned between the two ends, and the rotation shaft (800c) of the lever (80) (20) It is provided above the engaging part (212) of the first restricting part (210).

When the rotatable lever has the rotation shaft above the engaging portion of the first restricting portion, the lever functions to restrict the movement of the cartridge. As a result, the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion of the lever or the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion can be reduced. A connection can be formed, and the possibility that conduction is reduced can be reduced. When a force is applied to the cartridge mounted from the contact forming member, the first restricting portion can move around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.
[Claim 97]
Application Example 15:
In the combination described above, the rotating shaft (800c) of the lever (80) is provided on the right side of the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) of the cartridge (20).

When the rotation shaft of the lever is provided on the right side of the engaging portion of the first restricting portion of the cartridge, the first restricting portion generates a rotating moment on the lever and is opposite to the release direction around the lever rotating shaft. Rotate the lever in the direction of. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced, and further, a stable electrical connection can be ensured between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Even when the cartridge receives a force, since the first restricting portion moves together with the cartridge, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.
G-8-5. Fifth Modification [Claim 98]
A liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) configured to supply liquid to a printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of apparatus side contact forming members (731-739); an electronic device; a liquid source ( 200i, 200j, 200T); a mounting direction (SD) tip that is configured and arranged to supply liquid from the liquid source (200i, 200j, 200T) to the printing apparatus (50) and forms a surface (BP) A liquid supply section (280) having a section (288); an adapter (299, 299j, 299k) having a conductive terminal group (400) connected to the electronic device; and the supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) supplies the liquid to the printing device (50), the contact forming members (731 to 73) in the contact portion (cp) of the terminal group (400). ) And the terminal group (400) is arranged to receive an elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731 to 739); the contact portion (cp) of the terminal group (400) An adapter (299, 299j, 299k) disposed substantially on a contact surface (TP) that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to a surface (BP) formed by the tip (288); 203), and the first restricting portion engages with the engaging portion (810) of the lever (80), and the mounting direction (SD) Liquid supply system (20i, 20j) comprising an engagement portion configured to restrict movement of the adapter in the opposite direction (RD) to the contact portion surface (TP). 20k).
Several advantages of the above-described modification of the ninth modification will be described. In order to ensure electrical communication between the adapter and the printing apparatus, it is necessary to accurately position and stably fix the terminal group while the adapter is mounted on the printing apparatus. Since the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is arranged adjacent to the contact portion surface, the positioning operation of the first restricting portion by approaching the place where positioning is most necessary (that is, the terminal group of the terminal holding portion) Is done. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately counter the elastic force from the device side terminal group. Further, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation of the terminal group that may occur due to vibration during the printing operation. Therefore, more stable positioning of the terminal group is possible, and stable electrical connection can be maintained between the adapter side terminal group and the apparatus side terminal group.

  Furthermore, since the lever is not formed integrally with the adapter, the material forming the adapter may be different from the material used to form the lever. Also, the adapter material can be selected with a focus on other properties such as resistance to liquids, without much concern for flexibility and durability requirements.

  Furthermore, since the lever is not provided on the adapter, no special consideration is required to prevent the lever from being deformed when packing the adapter for transportation or sales. Thereby, a packing requirement can be simplified and a user's convenience improves. Since the lever is not an integral part of the adapter, the adapter can be miniaturized. As a result, it is possible to reduce packaging materials such as paper and boxes used for packing the adapter for transportation and sales of the adapter, and it is possible to suppress transportation costs and component costs. In addition, since the lever is not integrated with the adapter, for example, the first adapter side restricting portion has a small and simple structure with higher rigidity as compared to the structure described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811. be able to. Thereby, the possibility of plastic deformation of the first adapter side restricting portion can be greatly reduced. In the mounted or mounted state, the adapter can be held at an appropriate position in the adapter mounting portion, so that normal or good contact can be maintained between the adapter side terminal group and the device side terminal group, and the electrical communication state deteriorates. The possibility can be reduced. Because the first adapter side restricting portion can be made small and simple, unlike the cartridge described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811, the creep deformation of the lever during transportation of the adapter or packing for sale is possible. No special consideration is required to prevent this. This reduces packaging requirements and improves user convenience.

  (Unlike using the flexible lever described in US Publication No. 2005/0151811 and US Publication No. 2005/0151811) The structure for connecting the adapter side terminal group and the engaging portion of the adapter to each other is only a rigid structure. can do. In this case, since vibration is hardly transmitted from the engaging portion to the adapter side terminal group, electrical communication is more stable.

  Since the contact part surface (TP) of the terminal group is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip part (288), the surface of the adapter-side terminal group should be appropriate when inserting the adapter into the printer. Can be rubbed. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to suppress or prevent the generation of insulator pieces (dust) that may occur when the device-side terminal group rubs over a long distance with respect to the circuit board when the adapter is attached. .

  The device-side terminal group applies a resilient force including a vector component in a direction in which the adapter is removed from the printing apparatus to the adapter-side terminal group, and thus a spring such as the spring 103 described in US Pat. No. 6,955,422. It is not necessary to have. That is, when the engagement between the first restricting portion and the lever is released, the elastic force from the device-side terminal group pushes the device-side terminal group and the adapter-side terminal group together to remove it from the printing apparatus. Works to move the adapter in the direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional spring as in US Pat. No. 6,955,422, and the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

The first restricting portion is configured to be engaged with the engaging portion of the lever to restrict the movement of the adapter in the direction opposite to the attaching direction. Therefore, when the adapter is attached to the printing apparatus. The position of the adapter-side terminal group can be maintained at an appropriate position with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the device-side contact forming member. It can be maintained in an appropriate position. Since the adapter side terminal group is “clamped” in this way, it is fixed so as not to move in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite to the mounting direction. For this reason, compared with the one-side regulation by the elastic member 40 and related structure described in US Pat. No. 7,008,053, there is a possibility of displacement or cutting between the adapter-side terminal group and the device-side contact forming member. Decrease.
[Claim 99]
Application example 2:
In the liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) described above, the contact portion surface (TP) is at an angle of 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288).

As described above with reference to FIGS. 42A to 45, excessive wiping is prevented when the contact portion surface is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to the surface formed by the tip portion. Sufficient force can be applied to prevent insertion.
[Claim 100]
Application example 3:
In the liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) described above, when the front part of the adapter is viewed with the liquid supply part (280) facing downward, the engagement of the first restriction part (210) The joint portion (212) is located on the left side of the extension line (439PL) of the right end (439P) of the rightmost terminal (439) among the plurality of terminals (431 to 439), and the plurality of terminals ( 431 to 439) are located on the right side of the extension line (435PL) of the left end (435P) of the leftmost terminal (435).

When the adapter is attached to the printing apparatus, if the adapter is fixed too firmly, contact with a part of the apparatus-side contact forming member (for example, the terminal 734 shown in FIG. 31) may not be ensured. By disposing the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the left side of the rightmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals and on the right side of the leftmost contact portion among the plurality of terminals, The adapter can be tilted sufficiently to further stabilize the electrical connection with the device-side contact forming member.
[Claim 101]
Application example 4:
The above-described liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) is further provided on the rear part (204) of the adapter and is configured to engage with a corresponding part of the printing device (50). When the second restricting portion (220) having (222) is provided and each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288), the second restricting portion ( 220) and the distance (B) between the surface (BP) formed by the engaging portion (222) and the tip portion (288) is the engaging portion (210) of the first restricting portion (210). 212) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip (288).

When the engaging portion of the second restricting portion is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the first restricting portion, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the second Compared with the case where it is located farther from the surface formed by the tip than the engaging portion of the restricting portion, the possibility that the first restricting portion is disengaged from the device-side engaging portion can be reduced more effectively.
[Claim 102]
Application example 5:
In the liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) described above, the engagement portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is on the right side and the liquid supply portion (280) is downward. When the adapter is viewed from an angle, when each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface (BP) formed by the tip portion (288), the first regulation is performed with the adapter mounted. The distance (A) between the engagement part (212) of the part (210) and the surface (BP) formed by the tip part (288) is the rotation axis (800c) of the lever (80) and the surface (BP). It is smaller than the distance (C) between the surface (BP) formed by the tip end portion (288).

When the distance between the engaging portion of the first restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is smaller than the distance between the rotation shaft of the lever and the surface formed by the tip portion with the adapter mounted In some cases, the lever acts to regulate the movement of the adapter. As a result, the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion of the lever or the possibility that the first restricting portion is released from the engaging portion can be reduced. A connection can be formed, and the possibility that conduction is reduced can be reduced. When a force is applied to the adapter mounted from the contact forming member, the first restricting portion can move around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.
[Claim 103]
Application example 6:
In the liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) described above, from an angle in which the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is on the right side and the liquid supply portion (280) is downward. When the adapter is viewed, the engaging portion (212) of the first restricting portion (210) is positioned on the left side of the rotating shaft (800c) of the lever (80) with the adapter attached. To do.

When the adapter is viewed from a predetermined surface with the engaging portion of the first restricting portion on the right side and the liquid supply portion facing downward, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever. When the adapter is mounted so as to be positioned at, the first restricting portion generates a rotational moment on the lever, and rotates the lever in the direction opposite to the release direction around the rotation axis of the lever. Thereby, the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced, and further, a stable electrical connection can be ensured between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming member. Even when the adapter receives force, the first restricting portion moves together with the adapter, so that the possibility that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disengaged from the engaging portion of the lever can be reduced.
[Claim 104]
Application example 7:
In the liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) described above, when the front part of the adapter is viewed with the liquid supply part (280) facing downward, At least a part of the engaging portion (212) of the restricting portion (210) is located substantially at the center in the width direction of the adapter.

By providing the first restricting portion at a position at which at least a part of the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is arranged at substantially the center in the width direction of the adapter, the first restricting portion is made of a plurality of terminals. Arranged in the vicinity, the electrical connection between the plurality of terminals and the device-side contact forming member can be stabilized.
[Claim 105]
Application Example 8:
The liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) described above further includes a container assembly (200i, 200j) having the liquid source therein and fitted with the adapter.
[Claim 106]
Application example 9:
In the liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) described above, the liquid supply part (280) is provided on the container assembly (200j).
[Claim 107]
Application Example 10:
The liquid supply system (20k) described above further includes a tank (200T) having the liquid source therein, an auxiliary adapter (200S) having the liquid supply unit (280), the tank and the auxiliary adapter (200S). And a tube (200L) for connecting the two.

  Within the scope of the present invention, as a part of the cartridge itself, as a part of the combination of the cartridge and the printing apparatus, in other words, as a part when the cartridge is mounted and / or the printing apparatus The features described herein can be implemented as part of a system that is configured to supply ink or other printing material.

  The requirements described in each aspect of the present invention may be added to each of the various modifications described above.

  As is obvious to those skilled in the art, the present invention can be applied in various ways and is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples, and can be realized in various ways. Features of different embodiments described in this specification can be combined as appropriate to form one embodiment, or some of the features described in this specification can be omitted or other features added. Forms are also possible. It is also possible to distribute functionality across multiple components in various ways, either in whole or in part, now known or will become known in the future.

  Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-described embodiments can be modified without departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, but can be modified within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. While the basic features of the invention have been illustrated and described as applied to the embodiments, those skilled in the art will variously omit and replace in form and detail of the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. And can be changed. Further, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the scope of the present invention includes modifications and variations that would be conventionally known and eventually developed for the components described herein. Accordingly, the present invention is limited only by the following claims. Also, the claims set forth below are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention described herein, as well as the scope of the invention considered to be stated between the lines as a language issue. Is included.

Claims (107)

The ink cartridge is detachably mounted on an ink jet printing apparatus including a plurality of apparatus side contact forming members configured and arranged to apply an elastic force to the ink cartridge when pressed, and a lever having an engaging portion. An ink cartridge configured to:
A cartridge main body having a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface face each other, and the third surface and the fourth surface face each other; ,
An electronic device;
An ink container for containing ink;
An ink supply unit located on the fourth surface of the cartridge body, configured to supply ink from the ink storage unit to the ink jet printing apparatus, and having a mounting direction tip that forms a surface of the ink cartridge; ,
A plurality of conductive terminals arranged close to the first surface of the cartridge body and connected to the electronic device, and in contact with the contact forming member in a state where the ink cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus The plurality of terminals are configured and arranged to receive an elastic force from the contact forming member, and the plurality of terminals are substantially in a terminal surface that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to a surface formed by the tip portion. A terminal holding portion disposed in
A first restricting portion that includes an engaging portion configured to engage with the engaging portion of the lever, and restricts movement of the ink cartridge in a direction opposite to the mounting direction;
With
The engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion;
ink cartridge. The ink cartridge according to claim 1,
An ink cartridge, wherein the terminal surface is at an angle of about 25 to 40 degrees with respect to a surface formed by the tip portion. The ink cartridge according to claim 1,
When the first surface of the cartridge body is viewed with the ink supply portion facing downward, the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is the right end of the rightmost terminal among the plurality of terminals. And an ink cartridge located on the right side of the left end of the leftmost terminal among the plurality of terminals. The ink cartridge according to claim 1,
And a second restricting portion provided on the second surface of the ink cartridge and having an engaging portion configured and arranged to engage with a corresponding portion of the inkjet printing apparatus,
When each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface formed by the tip portion, the distance between the engagement portion of the second restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is the first An ink cartridge that is larger than a distance between the engaging portion of one restricting portion and a surface formed by the tip portion. The ink cartridge according to claim 1,
When the ink cartridge is viewed from the side where the engagement portion of the first restricting portion is on the right side and the ink supply portion is directed downward, each distance is orthogonal to the surface formed by the tip portion. When measured in the direction, the distance between the engaging portion of the first restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion with the cartridge mounted is the rotation axis of the lever and the tip The ink cartridge is smaller than the distance between the surface formed by the portion. The ink cartridge according to claim 1,
When the ink cartridge is viewed from the side where the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the right side and the ink supply portion is directed downward, the first restricting portion is mounted. The ink cartridge is positioned on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever. The ink cartridge according to claim 1,
When the first surface of the cartridge body is viewed with the ink supply portion facing downward, at least a part of the engagement portion of the first restricting portion is the ink when the cartridge is mounted. An ink cartridge located approximately at the center in the width direction of the cartridge. The ink cartridge according to claim 1,
An ink cartridge, wherein a surface formed by the tip portion is substantially flush with the fourth surface. A combination of an ink cartridge and a part of an inkjet printing apparatus,
A part of an inkjet printing apparatus comprising a plurality of device-side contact forming members that apply an elastic force to the ink cartridge, and a lever having an engagement portion;
An ink cartridge, the ink cartridge comprising:
A cartridge main body having a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface face each other, and the third surface and the fourth surface face each other; ,
An electronic device;
An ink container for containing ink;
An ink supply unit positioned on the fourth surface of the cartridge body, configured to supply ink from the ink storage unit to the ink jet printing apparatus, and having a mounting direction tip that forms a surface of the ink cartridge;
A plurality of conductive terminals arranged in proximity to the first surface of the cartridge body and connected to the electronic device, wherein the plurality of terminals are in contact with the contact forming member, and an elastic force is applied from the contact forming member; The terminal holding portion, wherein the plurality of terminals are substantially disposed in a terminal surface that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the surface formed by the tip portion;
A first restricting portion that includes an engaging portion that is engaged with the engaging portion of the lever, and that restricts the movement of the ink cartridge in a direction opposite to the mounting direction;
With
The combination in which the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed adjacent to the terminal holding portion. A combination according to claim 9,
The combination wherein the terminal surface is at an angle of about 25-40 degrees with respect to the surface formed by the tip. A combination according to claim 9,
When the first surface of the cartridge body is viewed with the ink supply portion facing downward, the engagement portion of the first restricting portion is the right end of the rightmost terminal among the plurality of terminals. And a left side of the leftmost terminal among the plurality of terminals. A combination according to claim 9,
And a second restricting portion provided on the second surface of the ink cartridge and having an engaging portion engaged with a corresponding portion of the ink jet printing apparatus,
When each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface formed by the tip portion, the distance between the engagement portion of the second restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is the first The combination which is larger than the distance between the said engaging part of 1 control part and the surface formed by the said front-end | tip part. A combination according to claim 9,
The lever is
Two ends, and a rotation shaft positioned between the two ends,
When the ink cartridge is viewed from the side where the engagement portion of the first restricting portion is on the right side and the ink supply portion is directed downward, each distance is orthogonal to the surface formed by the tip portion. When measured in the direction, the distance between the engaging portion of the first restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is the surface formed by the rotating shaft and the tip portion of the lever. The combination, which is smaller than the distance between. A combination according to claim 9,
The lever is
Two ends, and a rotation shaft positioned between the two ends,
When the ink cartridge is viewed from the side where the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the right side and the ink supply portion is directed downward, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the lever The combination located on the left side of the rotation axis. A combination according to claim 9,
When the first surface of the cartridge main body is viewed with the ink supply portion facing downward, at least a part of the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is substantially at the center in the width direction of the ink cartridge. Located, combination. A combination according to claim 9,
A combination wherein the surface formed by the tip is substantially flush with the fourth surface. (I) a device side bottom wall, (ii) a first device side wall provided in a direction intersecting with the device side bottom wall, and (iii) a direction intersecting with the device side bottom wall. A cartridge mounting portion comprising: a second device side wall portion provided so as to face the first device side wall portion;
A printing material supply pipe having a proximal end portion provided on the apparatus-side bottom wall portion and a distal end portion connected to the cartridge, and for distributing the printing material accommodated in the cartridge to the head;
A device-side terminal group provided at a device-side corner portion where the device-side bottom wall portion and the first device-side side wall portion intersect;
A lever that is pivotally provided on the first apparatus side wall and is used for attaching and detaching the cartridge;
An axis parallel to the central axis C of the printing material supply pipe is a Z axis, a direction in which the printing material supply pipe and the device-side terminal group are arranged, and a direction orthogonal to the Z axis is an X axis, the Z axis, and The axis perpendicular to the X axis is the Y axis, and the direction from the base end portion to the tip end portion of the printing material supply pipe in the Z axis direction is the + Z axis direction, which is opposite to the + Z axis direction. -Z-axis direction, of the X-axis direction, the direction from the printing material supply pipe toward the device-side terminal group is the + X-axis direction, and the direction opposite to the -X-axis direction is the -X-axis direction, When the direction toward one of the Y-axis directions is the + Y-axis direction and the direction toward the other is the -Y-axis direction,
The device-side terminal group is in contact with the cartridge in a mounted state where the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, and applies a force to the cartridge in a direction having the + Z-axis direction component,
The lever has an operation portion at the end on the + Z-axis direction side, and restricts the movement of the cartridge in the + Z-axis direction by locking the cartridge at the end on the −Z-axis direction side. For a printing apparatus that has a first device-side restricting portion and rotates around a position between the operation portion and the first device-side restricting portion.
A cartridge that is detachably mounted,
When the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis for the cartridge in the mounted state are the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis of the cartridge, respectively,
Two surfaces facing each other in the Z-axis direction, a first surface located on the −Z-axis direction side and a second surface located on the + Z-axis direction side;
A second surface that intersects the first surface and the second surface and faces in the X-axis direction, a third surface located on the + X-axis direction side, and a fourth surface located on the −X-axis direction side; ,
A corner portion connecting the first surface and the third surface;
An inclined surface that constitutes a part of the corner portion and inclines toward a direction including components of the + X-axis direction and the -Z-axis direction;
A printing material supply port provided on the first surface and connected to the printing material supply pipe;
A cartridge side terminal group comprising a plurality of cartridge side terminals provided corresponding to each device side terminal of the apparatus side terminal group, wherein the cartridge side terminal group is provided on the inclined surface from the device side terminal group in the + Z-axis direction. A cartridge-side terminal group that receives a force in a direction having a component;
A first cartridge side regulating portion that regulates movement of the cartridge in the + Z-axis direction by being locked to the first device side regulating portion,
The first cartridge side regulating portion is provided at a position near the intersection of the third surface where the third surface and the inclined surface intersect, and is in a −Z-axis direction with respect to the shaft of the lever. A cartridge provided at the side position. The cartridge of claim 17, further comprising:
The cartridge side terminal group on the front surface has a circuit board provided with a storage device on the back surface,
The inclined surface is constituted by the surface of the circuit board;
The cartridge, wherein the first cartridge side regulating portion is disposed in the vicinity of the substrate end portion on the + Z-axis direction side of the circuit board. The cartridge according to claim 17 or 18,
The cartridge, wherein the first cartridge side regulating portion is provided at a position passing through the center of the width of the cartridge in the Y-axis direction and across a plane parallel to the Z-axis and the X-axis. The cartridge according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein
The cartridge side terminal group includes:
A first terminal including a first outer portion located closest to the + Y-axis direction;
A second terminal including a second outer portion located closest to the -Y-axis direction side,
About the Y-axis direction
A cartridge in which at least a part of the first cartridge side regulating portion is located between the first outer portion and the second outer portion. The cartridge of claim 20, wherein
About the Y-axis direction
The cartridge in which the first cartridge side regulating portion is located inside the range without being located outside the range between the first outer portion and the second outer portion. The cartridge according to any one of claims 17 to 21, further comprising:
A second cartridge-side restricting portion that restricts movement of the cartridge in the + Z-axis direction by being locked to a second device-side restricting portion provided on the second device-side side wall;
The second cartridge side regulating portion is a cartridge provided on the fourth surface. 23. A cartridge according to claim 22,
The cartridge, wherein the second cartridge side restricting portion is a protrusion inserted into the second device side restricting portion which is a recess or a through hole.   The cartridge according to any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the first cartridge side regulating portion is located on a −X axis direction side with respect to the shaft of the lever. A cartridge according to claim 24,
The first cartridge side restricting portion is in contact with a first portion of the first device side restricting portion to thereby restrict the movement of the cartridge in the + Z-axis direction; And a second abutting portion that restricts movement of the cartridge in the + X-axis direction by abutting with a second portion of the one apparatus-side regulating portion. The cartridge according to any one of claims 17 to 25, further comprising:
A projecting portion to which a force including the + Z-axis direction component is applied by coming into contact with the operation portion of the lever when the cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting portion is removed from the cartridge mounting portion;
The cartridge, wherein the protrusion is provided on the + Z-axis direction side of the third surface with respect to the first cartridge side regulating portion. A cartridge according to any one of claims 17 to 26, wherein
The corner portion has a step surface extending in the + Z-axis direction from the first surface,
The step surface is located on the −X axis direction side and the −Z axis direction side with respect to the inclined surface,
The step surface is provided with a third cartridge-side restricting portion that restricts the movement of the cartridge in the Y-axis direction by contacting a third device-side restricting portion provided in the cartridge mounting portion. ,cartridge. 28. The cartridge of claim 27,
The third cartridge side restricting portion is a pair of projecting members that receive the third device side restricting portion projecting in the + Z-axis direction from the device side bottom wall portion,
The cartridge is a cartridge that protrudes in the + X-axis direction from the step surface. A cartridge according to claim 27 or claim 28,
A cartridge in which a part of the third cartridge side regulating portion overlaps the inclined surface when the cartridge is viewed from the first surface side in the + Z-axis direction. A cartridge according to any one of claims 17 to 29,
The printing material supply port is provided in a portion of the first surface that is closer to the fourth surface than the third surface. The cartridge according to any one of claims 17 to 30, wherein
The cartridge, wherein the first cartridge side regulating portion is a protrusion. A cartridge according to any one of claims 17 to 31, comprising
The cartridge side terminal group includes a cartridge side ground terminal that contacts a device side ground terminal connected to a ground line of the device side terminal group,
The cartridge-side ground terminal is provided at the center of the width in the Y-axis direction of the cartridge, and when the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, the other cartridge-side terminals in the cartridge-side terminal group A cartridge configured to contact the device-side ground terminal before contacting the device-side terminal group. A cartridge according to claim 32, wherein
The cartridge-side ground terminal has a length in the Z-axis direction that is longer than the length of the other cartridge-side terminal in the Z-axis direction. A cartridge mounting part to which the cartridge is attached and detached,
A printing material supply pipe having a proximal end portion provided at the bottom of the cartridge mounting portion and a distal end portion connected to the cartridge, and for distributing the printing material accommodated in the cartridge to the head;
A device-side terminal group in contact with the cartridge;
A lever used for attaching and detaching the cartridge,
An axis parallel to the central axis C of the printing material supply pipe is a Z axis, a direction in which the printing material supply pipe and the device-side terminal group are arranged, and a direction orthogonal to the Z axis is an X axis, the Z axis, and The axis perpendicular to the X axis is the Y axis, and the direction from the base end portion to the tip end portion of the printing material supply pipe in the Z axis direction is the + Z axis direction, which is opposite to the + Z axis direction. -Z-axis direction, of the X-axis direction, the direction from the printing material supply pipe toward the device-side terminal group is the + X-axis direction, and the direction opposite to the -X-axis direction is the -X-axis direction, When the direction toward one of the Y-axis directions is the + Y-axis direction and the direction toward the other is the -Y-axis direction,
The device-side terminal group is in contact with the cartridge in a mounted state where the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, and applies a force to the cartridge in a direction having the + Z-axis direction component,
The lever has an operation portion at an end on the + Z-axis direction side, and locks the cartridge at an end on the −Z-axis direction side to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the + Z-axis direction. A printing apparatus that has one apparatus-side regulating section and rotates about a position between the operation section and the first apparatus-side regulating section.
A cartridge that is detachably mounted,
When the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis for the cartridge in the mounted state are the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis of the cartridge, respectively,
A printing material supply port located on the −Z-axis direction side and connected to the printing material supply pipe;
A circuit board that is located on the + X-axis direction side of the printing material supply port and has a surface that is inclined toward a direction including components of the + X-axis direction and the −Z-axis direction;
A cartridge-side terminal group comprising a plurality of cartridge-side terminals provided on the surface of the circuit board and corresponding to each device-side terminal of the device-side terminal group. A cartridge-side terminal group that receives a force in a direction having a component in the + Z-axis direction;
A first cartridge side regulating portion that restricts movement of the cartridge in the + Z-axis direction by being locked to the first device-side regulating portion, and is in the + X-axis direction from the printing material supply port. A first cartridge side regulating portion located on the side,
The first cartridge side restricting portion is provided at a specific position closer to the substrate end located on the + Z axis direction side in the surface of the circuit board, and is more −Z axis than the lever axis. A cartridge provided on the direction side. A printing material supply system,
A printing device;
A cartridge according to any one of claims 17 to 34,
The printing apparatus includes:
(I) a device side bottom wall, (ii) a first device side wall provided in a direction intersecting with the device side bottom wall, and (iii) a direction intersecting with the device side bottom wall. A cartridge mounting portion comprising: a second device side wall portion provided so as to face the first device side wall portion;
A printing material supply pipe having a proximal end portion provided on the apparatus-side bottom wall portion and a distal end portion connected to the cartridge, and for distributing the printing material accommodated in the cartridge to the head;
A device-side terminal group provided at a device-side corner portion where the device-side bottom wall portion and the first device-side side wall portion intersect;
A lever that is pivotally provided on the first apparatus side wall and is used for attaching and detaching the cartridge;
An axis parallel to the central axis C of the printing material supply pipe is a Z axis, a direction in which the printing material supply pipe and the device-side terminal group are arranged, and a direction orthogonal to the Z axis is an X axis, the Z axis, and The axis perpendicular to the X axis is the Y axis, and the direction from the base end portion to the tip end portion of the printing material supply pipe in the Z axis direction is the + Z axis direction, which is opposite to the + Z axis direction. Is the -Z-axis direction, the X-axis direction is the direction from the printing material supply pipe toward the device-side terminal group is the + X-axis direction, the opposite direction to the -X-axis direction is the -X-axis direction, When the direction toward one of the Y axis directions is the + Y axis direction and the direction toward the other is the −Y axis direction,
The device-side terminal group is in contact with the cartridge in a mounted state where the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, and applies a force to the cartridge in a direction having the + Z-axis direction component,
The lever has an operation portion at the end on the + Z-axis direction side, and restricts the movement of the cartridge in the + Z-axis direction by locking the cartridge at the end on the −Z-axis direction side. A printing material supply system which has a first device side restricting portion and rotates around a position between the operation portion and the first device side restricting portion. (I) a device side bottom wall, (ii) a first device side wall provided in a direction intersecting with the device side bottom wall, and (iii) a direction intersecting with the device side bottom wall. A cartridge mounting portion comprising: a second device side wall portion provided so as to face the first device side wall portion;
A printing material supply pipe having a proximal end portion provided on the apparatus-side bottom wall portion and a distal end portion connected to the cartridge, and for distributing the printing material accommodated in the cartridge to the head;
A device-side terminal group provided at a device-side corner portion where the device-side bottom wall portion and the first device-side side wall portion intersect;
A lever that is pivotally provided on the first apparatus side wall and is used for attaching and detaching the cartridge;
An axis parallel to the central axis C of the printing material supply pipe is a Z axis, a direction in which the printing material supply pipe and the device-side terminal group are arranged, and a direction orthogonal to the Z axis is an X axis, the Z axis, and The axis perpendicular to the X axis is the Y axis, and the direction from the base end portion to the tip end portion of the printing material supply pipe in the Z axis direction is the + Z axis direction, which is opposite to the + Z axis direction. -Z-axis direction, of the X-axis direction, the direction from the printing material supply pipe toward the device-side terminal group is the + X-axis direction, and the direction opposite to the -X-axis direction is the -X-axis direction, When the direction toward one of the Y-axis directions is the + Y-axis direction and the direction toward the other is the -Y-axis direction,
The device-side terminal group is in contact with the cartridge in a mounted state where the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, and applies a force to the cartridge in a direction having the + Z-axis direction component,
The lever has an operation portion at an end on the + Z-axis direction side, and locks the cartridge at an end on the −Z-axis direction side to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the + Z-axis direction. A printing apparatus that has one apparatus-side regulating section and rotates about a position between the operation section and the first apparatus-side regulating section.
A cartridge that is detachably mounted,
When the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis for the cartridge in the mounted state are the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis of the cartridge, respectively,
Two surfaces facing each other in the Z-axis direction, a first surface located on the −Z-axis direction side and a second surface located on the + Z-axis direction side;
A second surface that intersects the first surface and the second surface and faces in the X-axis direction, a third surface located on the + X-axis direction side, and a fourth surface located on the −X-axis direction side; ,
A corner portion connecting the first surface and the third surface;
An inclined surface that constitutes a part of the corner portion and inclines toward a direction including components of the + X-axis direction and the -Z-axis direction;
A printing material supply port provided on the first surface to which the printing material supply pipe is connected;
A cartridge side terminal group comprising a plurality of cartridge side terminals provided corresponding to each device side terminal of the apparatus side terminal group, wherein the cartridge side terminal group is provided on the inclined surface from the device side terminal group in the + Z-axis direction. A cartridge-side terminal group that receives a force in a direction having a component;
A first cartridge side regulating portion that regulates movement of the cartridge in the + Z-axis direction by being locked to the first device side regulating portion,
The first cartridge side restricting portion is provided on the third surface, and is provided at a position on the −Z axial direction side of the shaft of the lever.
The cartridge side terminal group includes:
A first terminal including a first outer portion located closest to the + Y-axis direction;
A second terminal including a second outer portion located closest to the -Y-axis direction side,
About the Y-axis direction
The cartridge in which the first cartridge side regulating portion is located inside the range without being located outside the range between the first outer portion and the second outer portion. A cartridge according to claim 36,
The first cartridge side regulating portion is a cartridge provided at a specific position close to an intersecting portion where the third surface and the inclined surface intersect. A cartridge according to claim 36 or claim 37, further comprising:
The cartridge side terminal group on the front surface has a circuit board provided with a storage device on the back surface,
The inclined surface is constituted by the surface of the circuit board;
The first cartridge side regulating portion is a cartridge that is close to a substrate end located on the + Z-axis direction side of the circuit board. A cartridge according to any one of claims 36 to 38,
The cartridge, wherein the first cartridge side regulating portion is provided at a position passing through the center of the width of the cartridge in the Y-axis direction and across a plane parallel to the Z-axis and the X-axis. 40. The cartridge according to any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein the cartridge is further locked by a second device side regulating portion provided on the second device side wall portion. A second cartridge side restricting portion for restricting movement in the + Z-axis direction;
The second cartridge side regulating portion is a cartridge provided on the fourth surface. 41. The cartridge of claim 40, wherein
The cartridge, wherein the second cartridge side restricting portion is a protrusion inserted into the second device side restricting portion which is a recess or a through hole.   42. The cartridge according to any one of claims 36 to 41, wherein the first cartridge side regulating portion is located on a −X axis direction side with respect to the shaft of the lever. A cartridge according to any one of claims 36 to 42, wherein
The first cartridge side restricting portion is in contact with a first portion of the first device side restricting portion to thereby restrict the movement of the cartridge in the + Z-axis direction; And a second abutting portion that restricts movement of the cartridge in the + X-axis direction by abutting with a second portion of the one apparatus-side regulating portion. A cartridge according to any one of claims 36 to 43,
A projecting portion to which a force including the + Z-axis direction component is applied by coming into contact with the operation portion of the lever when the cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting portion is removed from the cartridge mounting portion;
The cartridge, wherein the protrusion is provided on the + Z-axis direction side of the third surface with respect to the first cartridge side regulating portion. A cartridge according to any one of claims 36 to 44, wherein
The corner portion has a step surface extending in the + Z-axis direction from the first surface,
The step surface is located on the −X axis direction side and the −Z axis direction side with respect to the inclined surface,
The step surface is provided with a third cartridge-side restricting portion that restricts the movement of the cartridge in the Y-axis direction by contacting a third device-side restricting portion provided in the cartridge mounting portion. ,cartridge. The cartridge of claim 45, wherein
The third cartridge side restricting portion is a pair of projecting members that receive the third device side restricting portion projecting in the + Z-axis direction from the device side bottom wall portion,
The cartridge is a cartridge that protrudes in the + X-axis direction from the step surface. A cartridge according to claim 45 or claim 46,
A cartridge in which a part of the third cartridge side regulating portion overlaps the inclined surface when the cartridge is viewed from the first surface side in the + Z-axis direction. A cartridge according to any one of claims 36 to 47,
The printing material supply port is provided in a portion of the first surface that is closer to the fourth surface than the third surface. A cartridge according to any one of claims 36 to 48,
The cartridge in which the first cartridge side regulating portion is a protrusion. A cartridge according to any one of claims 36 to 49,
The cartridge side terminal group includes a cartridge side ground terminal that contacts a device side ground terminal connected to a ground line of the device side terminal group,
The cartridge-side ground terminal is provided at the center of the width in the Y-axis direction of the cartridge, and when the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, the other cartridge-side terminals in the cartridge-side terminal group A cartridge configured to contact the device-side ground terminal before contacting the device-side terminal group. 51. The cartridge according to claim 50, wherein
The cartridge-side ground terminal has a length in the Z-axis direction that is longer than the length of the other cartridge-side terminal in the Z-axis direction. A cartridge mounting part to which the cartridge is attached and detached,
A printing material supply pipe having a proximal end portion provided at the bottom of the cartridge mounting portion and a distal end portion connected to the cartridge, and for distributing the printing material accommodated in the cartridge to the head;
A device-side terminal group in contact with the cartridge;
A lever used for attaching and detaching the cartridge,
An axis parallel to the central axis C of the printing material supply pipe is a Z axis, a direction in which the printing material supply pipe and the device-side terminal group are arranged, and a direction orthogonal to the Z axis is an X axis, the Z axis, and The axis perpendicular to the X axis is the Y axis, and the direction from the base end portion to the tip end portion of the printing material supply pipe in the Z axis direction is the + Z axis direction, which is opposite to the + Z axis direction. Is the -Z-axis direction, the X-axis direction is the direction from the printing material supply pipe toward the device-side terminal group is the + X-axis direction, and the opposite direction to the -X-axis direction is the -X-axis direction. sometimes,
The device-side terminal group is in contact with the cartridge in a mounted state where the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, and applies a force to the cartridge in a direction having the + Z-axis direction component,
The lever has an operation portion at an end on the + Z-axis direction side, and locks the cartridge at an end on the −Z-axis direction side to restrict the movement of the cartridge in the + Z-axis direction. A printing apparatus that has one apparatus-side regulating section and rotates about a position between the operation section and the first apparatus-side regulating section.
A cartridge that is detachably mounted,
When the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis for the cartridge in the mounted state are the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis of the cartridge, respectively,
A printing material supply port located on the −Z-axis direction side and connected to the printing material supply pipe;
A cartridge-side terminal group that is located on the + X-axis direction side from the printing material supply port and includes a plurality of cartridge-side terminals provided corresponding to the device-side terminals of the device-side terminal group, A cartridge-side terminal group that is provided on an inclined surface that is inclined toward a direction including the components in the + X-axis direction and the −Z-axis direction, and receives a force in a direction having the component in the + Z-axis direction from the device-side terminal group; ,
A first cartridge side regulating portion that restricts movement of the cartridge in the + Z-axis direction by being locked to the first device-side regulating portion, and is in the + X-axis direction from the printing material supply port. A first cartridge side regulating portion provided at a position on the side and provided at a position on the −Z axis direction side with respect to the shaft of the lever,
The cartridge side terminal group includes:
A first terminal including a first outer portion located closest to the + Y-axis direction;
A second terminal including a second outer portion located closest to the -Y-axis direction side,
About the Y-axis direction
The cartridge in which the first cartridge side regulating portion is located in the range without being located outside the range between the first outer portion and the second outer portion. A printing material supply system,
A printing device;
A cartridge according to any one of claims 36 to 52,
The printing apparatus includes:
(I) a device side bottom wall, (ii) a first device side wall provided in a direction intersecting with the device side bottom wall, and (iii) a direction intersecting with the device side bottom wall. A cartridge mounting portion comprising: a second device side wall portion provided so as to face the first device side wall portion;
A printing material supply pipe having a proximal end portion provided on the apparatus-side bottom wall portion and a distal end portion connected to the cartridge, and for distributing the printing material accommodated in the cartridge to the head;
A device-side terminal group provided at a device-side corner portion where the device-side bottom wall portion and the first device-side side wall portion intersect;
A lever that is pivotally provided on the first apparatus side wall and is used for attaching and detaching the cartridge;
An axis parallel to the central axis C of the printing material supply pipe is a Z axis, a direction in which the printing material supply pipe and the device-side terminal group are arranged, and a direction orthogonal to the Z axis is an X axis, the Z axis, and The axis perpendicular to the X axis is the Y axis, and the direction from the base end portion to the tip end portion of the printing material supply pipe in the Z axis direction is the + Z axis direction, which is opposite to the + Z axis direction. Is the -Z-axis direction, the X-axis direction is the direction from the printing material supply pipe toward the device-side terminal group is the + X-axis direction, the opposite direction to the -X-axis direction is the -X-axis direction, When the direction toward one of the Y axis directions is the + Y axis direction and the direction toward the other is the −Y axis direction,
The device-side terminal group is in contact with the cartridge in a mounted state where the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, and applies a force to the cartridge in a direction having the + Z-axis direction component,
The lever has an operation portion at the end on the + Z-axis direction side, and restricts the movement of the cartridge in the + Z-axis direction by locking the cartridge at the end on the −Z-axis direction side. A printing material supply system which has a first device side restricting portion and rotates around a position between the operation portion and the first device side restricting portion. A cartridge configured to be mounted on a printing apparatus including a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members configured to apply an elastic force to the cartridge, and a lever having an engaging portion,
Opposing first and second surfaces, opposing third and fourth surfaces,
An electronic device;
A liquid container for containing the liquid;
A liquid supply portion located on the fourth surface, configured to supply liquid from the liquid storage chamber to the printing apparatus, and having a mounting direction tip that forms a surface of the cartridge;
It is arranged closer to the first surface than the second surface, connected to the electronic device, and in contact with the contact forming member at a contact portion of the terminal group in a state where the cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus. A conductive member disposed to receive an elastic force from the contact forming member, wherein the contact portion of the terminal group is substantially disposed on a contact portion surface that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to a surface formed by the tip portion. Sex terminal group,
A first restricting portion comprising an engaging portion configured to engage with the engaging portion of the lever, and restricting movement of the cartridge in a direction opposite to the mounting direction;
With
The cartridge, wherein the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed at a position closer to the contact portion than an intersecting portion between the third surface and the first surface. The cartridge of claim 54,
The engaging portion of the first restricting portion is more than a midpoint between the intersection of the first surface and the contact portion surface and the intersection of the third surface and the first surface. A cartridge disposed at a position close to the contact portion. A cartridge according to claim 54 or claim 55,
The cartridge, wherein the contact portion surface is at an angle of 25 to 40 degrees with respect to a surface formed by the tip portion. 57. The cartridge according to any one of claims 54 to 56, wherein
When the first surface of the cartridge is viewed with the liquid supply portion facing downward, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the right end of the rightmost terminal among the plurality of terminals. A cartridge located on the left side of an extension line and on the right side of the extension line at the left end of the leftmost terminal among the plurality of terminals. A cartridge according to any one of claims 54 to 57,
And a second restricting portion provided on the second surface of the cartridge and having an engaging portion configured to engage with a corresponding portion of the printing apparatus,
When each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface formed by the tip portion, the distance between the engagement portion of the second restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is the first A cartridge that is larger than a distance between the engaging portion of one restricting portion and a surface formed by the tip portion. 59. The cartridge according to any one of claims 54 to 58, wherein
When the cartridge is viewed from an angle in which the engagement portion of the first restricting portion is on the right side and the liquid supply portion is downward, each distance is orthogonal to the surface formed by the tip portion. When the cartridge is mounted, the distance between the engaging portion of the first restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is the rotation axis of the lever and the A cartridge that is smaller than the distance between the surface formed by the tip. 60. The cartridge of claim 59, wherein
When the cartridge is viewed from an angle in which the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the right side and the liquid supply portion is directed downward, the first restricting portion of the first restricting portion is attached. The engagement portion is located on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever. 61. The cartridge according to any one of claims 54 to 60, wherein
When the first surface of the cartridge body is viewed with the liquid supply portion facing downward, at least a part of the engagement portion of the first restricting portion is attached to the cartridge when the cartridge is mounted. The cartridge is located at the approximate center in the width direction. A cartridge according to any one of claims 54 to 61, wherein
The cartridge, wherein the surface formed by the tip is substantially flush with the fourth surface. A cartridge according to any one of claims 54 to 62, wherein
In addition, with an adapter,
The cartridge, wherein the contact portion and the first restricting portion of the terminal group are arranged on the adapter, and the liquid storage portion is configured and arranged to be fitted with the adapter. A cartridge configured to be mounted on a printing apparatus including a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members configured to apply an elastic force to the cartridge, and a lever having an engaging portion,
Opposing first and second surfaces, opposing third and fourth surfaces,
An electronic device;
A liquid container for containing the liquid;
A liquid supply portion located on the fourth surface, configured to supply liquid from the liquid storage chamber to the printing apparatus, and having a mounting direction tip that forms a surface of the cartridge;
It is arranged closer to the first surface than the second surface, connected to the electronic device, and in contact with the contact forming member at a contact portion of the terminal group in a state where the cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus. A conductive member disposed to receive an elastic force from the contact forming member, wherein the contact portion of the terminal group is substantially disposed on a contact portion surface that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to a surface formed by the tip portion. Sex terminal group,
A first restricting portion comprising an engaging portion configured to engage with the engaging portion of the lever, and restricting movement of the cartridge in a direction opposite to the mounting direction;
With
The cartridge is provided at a position closer to the first intersection where the first surface intersects the contact portion surface than the second intersection where the first surface intersects the third surface. . A cartridge according to claim 64, wherein
The cartridge, wherein the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is disposed at a position closer to the first intersecting portion than a midpoint between the first intersecting portion and the second intersecting portion. 66. A cartridge according to claim 64 or claim 65,
The cartridge, wherein the contact portion surface is at an angle of 25 to 40 degrees with respect to a surface formed by the tip portion. A cartridge according to any one of claims 64-66,
When the first surface of the cartridge is viewed with the liquid supply portion facing downward, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the right end of the rightmost terminal among the plurality of terminals. A cartridge located on the left side of an extension line and on the right side of the extension line at the left end of the leftmost terminal among the plurality of terminals. A cartridge according to any one of claims 64-67,
And a second restricting portion provided on the second surface of the cartridge and having an engaging portion configured to engage with a corresponding portion of the printing apparatus,
When each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface formed by the tip portion, the distance between the engagement portion of the second restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is the first A cartridge that is larger than a distance between the engaging portion of one restricting portion and a surface formed by the tip portion. 69. The cartridge according to any one of claims 64-68,
When the cartridge is viewed from an angle in which the engagement portion of the first restricting portion is on the right side and the liquid supply portion is downward, each distance is orthogonal to the surface formed by the tip portion. When the cartridge is mounted, the distance between the engaging portion of the first restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is the rotation axis of the lever and the A cartridge that is smaller than the distance between the surface formed by the tip. 70. The cartridge of claim 69, wherein
When the cartridge is viewed from an angle in which the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the right side and the liquid supply portion is directed downward, the first restricting portion of the first restricting portion is attached. The engagement portion is located on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever. A cartridge according to any one of claims 64-70,
When the first surface of the cartridge body is viewed with the liquid supply portion facing downward, at least a part of the engagement portion of the first restricting portion is attached to the cartridge when the cartridge is mounted. The cartridge is located at the approximate center in the width direction. A cartridge according to any one of claims 64-71,
The cartridge, wherein the surface formed by the tip is substantially flush with the fourth surface. A cartridge according to any one of claims 64-72,
In addition, with an adapter,
The cartridge, wherein the contact portion and the first restricting portion of the terminal group are arranged on the adapter, and the liquid storage portion is configured and arranged to be fitted with the adapter. A cartridge configured to be mounted on a printing apparatus including a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members configured to apply an elastic force to the cartridge, and a lever having an engaging portion and a rotation shaft,
Opposing first and second surfaces, opposing third and fourth surfaces,
An electronic device;
A liquid container for containing the liquid;
A liquid supply unit located on the fourth surface and configured to supply liquid from the liquid storage unit to the printing apparatus, the liquid supply unit having a front end in the mounting direction that forms a surface of the cartridge; ,
It is arranged closer to the first surface than the second surface, connected to the electronic device, and in contact with the contact forming member at a contact portion of the terminal group in a state where the cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus. A conductive member disposed to receive an elastic force from the contact forming member, wherein the contact portion of the terminal group is substantially disposed on a contact portion surface that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to a surface formed by the tip portion. Sex terminal group,
A first restricting portion comprising an engaging portion configured to engage with the engaging portion of the lever, and restricting movement of the cartridge in a direction opposite to the mounting direction;
With
When the cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, the first restricting portion is configured such that the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is engaged with the lever at a position below the rotation shaft of the lever. A cartridge in which the engaging portion is disposed. 75. The cartridge of claim 74, wherein
The cartridge, wherein the contact portion surface is at an angle of 25 to 40 degrees with respect to a surface formed by the tip portion. A cartridge according to claim 74 or claim 75,
When the first surface of the cartridge is viewed with the liquid supply portion facing downward, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is the right end of the rightmost terminal among the plurality of terminals. A cartridge located on the left side of an extension line and on the right side of the extension line at the left end of the leftmost terminal among the plurality of terminals. A cartridge according to any one of claims 74 to 76, wherein
And a second restricting portion provided on the second surface of the cartridge and having an engaging portion configured to engage with a corresponding portion of the printing apparatus,
When each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface formed by the tip portion, the distance between the engagement portion of the second restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is the first A cartridge that is larger than a distance between the engaging portion of one restricting portion and a surface formed by the tip portion. A cartridge according to any one of claims 74 to 77, wherein
When the cartridge is viewed from an angle in which the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the right side and the liquid supply portion is directed downward, the first restricting portion of the first restricting portion is attached. The engagement portion is located on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever. A cartridge according to any one of claims 74 to 78, wherein
When the first surface of the cartridge body is viewed with the liquid supply portion facing downward, at least a part of the engagement portion of the first restricting portion is attached to the cartridge when the cartridge is mounted. The cartridge is located at the approximate center in the width direction. A cartridge according to any one of claims 74 to 79, wherein
The cartridge, wherein the surface formed by the tip is substantially flush with the fourth surface. A cartridge according to any one of claims 74 to 80,
In addition, with an adapter,
The cartridge, wherein the contact portion and the first restricting portion of the terminal group are arranged on the adapter, and the liquid storage portion is configured and arranged to be fitted with the adapter. A cartridge configured to be mounted on a printing apparatus including a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members configured to apply an elastic force to the cartridge, and a lever having an engaging portion,
Opposing front and rear, opposing top and bottom,
An electronic device;
A liquid container for containing the liquid;
A liquid supply unit located at the bottom, configured to supply liquid from the liquid storage unit to the printing apparatus, and having a mounting direction tip that forms a surface of the cartridge;
The contact portion is disposed closer to the front portion than the rear portion, connected to the electronic device, and in contact with the contact forming member at a contact portion of the terminal group in a state where the cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus. Conductive terminal group disposed so as to receive an elastic force from a forming member, wherein the contact portion of the terminal group is substantially disposed on a contact surface that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to a surface formed by the tip portion. When,
An engagement portion configured to engage with the engagement portion of the lever, and a first restriction portion for restricting movement of the cartridge in a direction opposite to the mounting direction.
The first restriction portion is a cartridge provided at a position closer to the contact portion surface than the upper portion. 83. A cartridge according to claim 82, wherein
The engaging portion of the first restricting portion is closer to the contact portion than a midpoint between the intersection between the front portion and the contact portion surface and the intersection between the upper portion and the front portion. Placed in the cartridge. A cartridge according to claim 82 or claim 83,
The cartridge, wherein the contact portion surface is at an angle of 25 to 40 degrees with respect to a surface formed by the tip portion. A cartridge according to any one of claims 82 to 84, wherein
When the front portion of the cartridge is viewed with the liquid supply portion facing downward, the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is an extension of the right end of the rightmost terminal among the plurality of terminals. A cartridge located on the left side of a line and on the right side of an extension line at the left end of the leftmost terminal among the plurality of terminals. The cartridge according to any one of claims 82 to 85,
The cartridge, wherein the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is configured to engage with a rotatable lever having a rotating shaft above the engaging portion. The cartridge according to any one of claims 82 to 86, wherein
And a second restricting portion provided on the rear portion of the cartridge and having an engaging portion configured to engage with a corresponding portion of the printing apparatus,
When each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface formed by the tip portion, the distance between the engagement portion of the second restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is the first A cartridge that is larger than a distance between the engaging portion of one restricting portion and a surface formed by the tip portion. 88. A cartridge according to claim 87, wherein
The cartridge is configured such that the second restricting portion acts as a central axis of rotation when the cartridge is rotated and removed from the holder of the printing apparatus. The cartridge according to any one of claims 82 to 88,
When the cartridge is viewed from an angle in which the engagement portion of the first restricting portion is on the right side and the liquid supply portion is downward, each distance is orthogonal to the surface formed by the tip portion. When the cartridge is mounted, the distance between the engaging portion of the first restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is the rotation axis of the lever and the A cartridge that is smaller than the distance between the surface formed by the tip. 90. The cartridge of claim 89, wherein
When the cartridge is viewed from an angle in which the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the right side and the liquid supply portion is directed downward, the first restricting portion of the first restricting portion is attached. The engagement portion is located on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever. The cartridge according to any one of claims 82 to 90,
When the front portion of the cartridge body is viewed with the liquid supply portion facing downward, at least a part of the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is attached to the cartridge with the cartridge mounted. A cartridge located approximately in the center in the width direction. 92. The cartridge according to any one of claims 82 to 91, wherein
The cartridge, wherein the surface formed by the tip is substantially flush with the bottom. A cartridge according to any one of claims 82 to 92, wherein
In addition, with an adapter,
The cartridge, wherein the contact portion and the first restricting portion of the terminal group are arranged on the adapter, and the liquid storage portion is configured and arranged to be fitted with the adapter. 94. Use of a cartridge according to any one of claims 82-93,
Use wherein the engaging portion is engaged with the lever such that the movable lever of the printing device has a rotation shaft above the engaging portion of the cartridge. A combination of a cartridge and a printing device,
A cartridge according to any one of claims 82 to 93 and a printing apparatus,
The printing apparatus engages with a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members that apply elastic force to the cartridge and the engagement part of the first restriction part of the cartridge in a direction opposite to the mounting direction. And a lever having an engagement portion configured to restrict movement of the cartridge. A combination according to claim 95, wherein
The lever is
Two ends, and a rotation shaft positioned between the two ends,
The combination, wherein the rotation shaft of the lever is provided above the engaging portion of the first restricting portion of the cartridge. 99. A combination according to claim 96,
The combination in which the rotation shaft of the lever is provided on the right side of the engaging portion of the first restricting portion of the cartridge. A liquid supply system configured to supply liquid to a printing apparatus comprising a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members,
An electronic device;
A liquid source;
A liquid supply unit configured and arranged to supply liquid from the liquid source to the printing apparatus, and having a mounting direction front end portion forming a surface;
A conductive terminal group connected to the electronic device, and the supply system contacts the contact forming member at a contact portion of the terminal group when supplying liquid to the printing apparatus; An adapter, wherein the terminal group is disposed so as to receive an elastic force, and the contact portion of the terminal group is substantially disposed on a contact surface that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to a surface formed by the tip portion; ,
An engagement portion provided at a front portion of the adapter, configured to engage with the engagement portion of the lever and to restrict movement of the adapter in a direction opposite to the mounting direction; A liquid supply system comprising: a first restricting portion disposed adjacent to the contact portion surface. 99. A liquid supply system according to claim 98, wherein
The liquid supply system, wherein the contact portion surface is at an angle of 25 to 40 degrees with respect to a surface formed by the tip portion. A liquid supply system according to claim 98 or claim 99, wherein
When the front portion of the adapter is viewed with the liquid supply portion facing downward, the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is an extension line of the right end of the rightmost terminal among the plurality of terminals. And a liquid supply system located on the right side of an extension line at the left end of the leftmost terminal among the plurality of terminals. The liquid supply system according to any one of claims 98 to 100, wherein:
And a second restricting portion provided on a rear portion of the adapter and having an engaging portion configured to engage with a corresponding portion of the printing apparatus,
When each distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface formed by the tip portion, the distance between the engagement portion of the second restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is the first A liquid supply system that is larger than a distance between the engaging portion of one restricting portion and a surface formed by the tip portion. The liquid supply system according to any one of claims 98 to 101, wherein:
When the adapter is viewed from an angle in which the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the right side and the liquid supply portion is downward, each distance is perpendicular to the surface formed by the tip portion. When the adapter is mounted, the distance between the engaging portion of the first restricting portion and the surface formed by the tip portion is the rotation axis of the lever and the A liquid supply system that is less than the distance between the surface formed by the tip. A liquid supply system according to claim 102, wherein
When the adapter is viewed from an angle in which the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is on the right side and the liquid supply portion is directed downward, the adapter is attached to the first restricting portion. The liquid supply system, wherein the engagement portion is located on the left side of the rotation shaft of the lever. The liquid supply system according to any one of claims 98 to 103, wherein
When the front portion of the adapter is viewed with the liquid supply portion facing downward, at least a part of the engaging portion of the first restricting portion is in the width direction of the adapter with the adapter attached. A liquid supply system located almost in the center of A liquid supply system according to any one of claims 98 to 104, wherein
A liquid supply system further comprising a container assembly having the liquid source therein and fitted with the adapter. A liquid supply system according to claim 105, wherein
A liquid supply system, wherein the liquid supply is provided on the container assembly. A liquid supply system according to any one of claims 98 to 104, wherein
Furthermore, the liquid supply system provided with the tank which has the said liquid source in an inside, the auxiliary adapter which has the said liquid supply part, and the tube which connects the said tank and the said auxiliary adapter.

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