Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Description
Title of Invention: CARTRIDGE AND PRINTING MATERIAL
SUPPLY SYSTEM
Cross Reference to Related Application
[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No.
2012-003694
filed on January 12, 2012, Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-003698 filed
on
January 12, 2012, Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-003653 filed on January
12,
2012, Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-003652 filed on January 12, 2012,
Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-189836 filed on August 30, 2012, U.S
Patent
Application No. 13/410461 filed on March 02,2012, U.S. Patent Application No.
13/410478 filed on March 02, 2012, U.S. Patent Application No. 13/410528 filed
on
March 02, 2012, and PCT Patent Application No. PCT/JP2012/001395 filed on
March
01, 2012.
Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates to a cartridge, a combination of a
cartridge and a
printing apparatus (or portion thereof) and/or a printing material supply
system
including the cartridge and a printing apparatus.
Background Art
[0003] Various mechanisms have been proposed for attachment and detachment
of a
cartridge to a printing apparatus. Examples of such mechanisms are disclosed
in U.S.
Publication No. 2005/0151811 (which corresponds to JP-A-2007-230249), U.S.
Patent
No. 7,008,053 (which corresponds to JP-A-2005-022345), U.S. Patent No.
6,276,780
(which corresponds to JP-A-2002-019142), U.S. Patent 6,955,422, US Patent
6,074,042, and U.S. Patent No. 7,018,030.
Summary
Technical Problem
[0004] U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811 discloses a cartridge with a
latching lever 3 and
electric contact terminal pads 102. Lever 3 includes an anchoring portion 6
for
engaging with the printer. The anchoring portion 6 is disposed far away from
the
contact pads 102. Because anchoring portion 6 is far away from the cartridge
terminals, the engagement with the printer can offer only limited contribution
to the
accuracy and stability of positioning of the cartridge terminals with respect
to the re-
spective printer terminals.
[0005] In addition, lever 3 in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811 needs to
be long enough to
reach a location accessible by the user so the user can operate it. It also
projects far
away from the side wall of the cartridge. Such a large lever results in a
larger cartridge,
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which can also result in a large-size printer, in which the cartridge is
attached to and
detached from, as well as bulky packaging for transportation and distribution
of the
cartridges, which in turn increases transportation and parts costs.
[0006] Also, the cartridge structure that connects the anchoring portion 6
to the cartridge-
side terminals includes a flexible section of the lever 3. Even though the
anchoring
portion 6 might be securely engaged with the primer, vibration generated
during
printing operations can be transmitted through the flexible section of the
lever 3 to the
cartridge terminals, and so can influence the positioning of the cartridge
terminals with
respect to the printer terminals. This is particularly a concern for on-
carriage type ink
cartridges, such as those disclosed of U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811,
because they
are mounted on a printer's carriage, to which the print head is attached. In
on-carriage
printers, the carriage is scanned back and forth over the print medium during
printing
operations. The ink cartridges in the carriage undergo great acceleration
force with
each change in scan direction, in addition to other vibration generated during
printing
operations.
[0007] The lever in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811 is formed integrally
with the
cartridge and is elastically deformable. With this configuration, the material
used to
produce the cartridge is limited to a material with sufficient moldability for
making
this configuration, and also with sufficient flexibility and durability that
is needed for
the lever to elastically deform during engagement and disengagement with the
printer.
[0008] The lever might plastically deform under operations by the user.
Such plastic de-
formation of the lever may cause positional misalignment between cartridge-
side
terminals and printer terminals, which could result in poor electrical
communication.
Plastic deformation also reduces the durability of the lever. Also, special
measures,
such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,018,030. must be taken during
packaging
of the cartridge to prevent creep deformation of the lever while the cartridge
is
packaged, especially when the cartridge is packaged in a vacuum package.
[0009] US Patent No. 6,276,780 discloses a cartridge without any memory or
electrical
terminals. Because this type of cartridge requires no electrical connection
with the
printer, there is no need to include structure or configuration for
maintaining stable po-
sitioning and alignment of cartridge terminals to printer terminals.
[0010] In addition, the cartridge is attached to the printer by a latch
mechanism 132 (in Figs.
9-16 of US Patent No. 6,276,780) that is disposed on the printer. Cartridge-
side latch
ramps 220 that engage the latch mechanism 132 are far away from the pivot axis
of the
latch mechanism 132, in the direction in which the cartridge is removed from
the
printer. As a result, when a resilient member 156 or compression force seal
132 applies
to the cartridge a force (indicated by arrow X in Fig. 12 US Patent No.
6,276,780) in
the direction in which to the cartridge is removed from the printer, this
force can be
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easily converted into a force that releases engagement of the retainer portion
I 34 from
the cartridge latch ramps 220, so that the cartridge might become separated
from the
printer during use of the printer. Because the engagement configuration
disclosed in
US Patent No. 6,276,780 includes this inherent risk of the cartridge becoming
separated from the printer, it is not suitable for use with the configurations
disclosed in
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, which require proper contact between the
cartridge terminals and printer terminals. Moreover, contact between the
cartridge and
printer terminals in the configurations in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811
applies
force from the terminals of the printer in lateral direction to the cartridge,
so that the
cartridge might move in the in lateral direction. The latch mechanism 132 of
US Patent
No. 6.276,780 is not suitable for the cartridge of U.S. Publication No.
2005/0151811 at
least for the reason that it might not be able to match the lateral direction
movement of
the cartridge, so that the latch mechanism 132 becomes detached from the
cartridge.
[00111 US Patent 6,074,042 discloses an ink cartridge with electrical
contacts 54. As shown
in Figs. 12A to 13B thereof, the electrical contacts 54 are at the leading
edge of the
direction in which the cartridge is mounted into the printer. With this
configuration,
when the cartridge is mounted into the printer, the electrical contacts 54 of
the
cartridge press flat against spring biased electrical contacts 104 of the
printer. Metal
oxidation, oil, or other non-conductive matter at the outer surface of the
metal
electrical contacts 54 can become sandwiched between the conductive metal of
the
cartridge and printer electrical contacts, possibly hindering electrical
communication
between the cartridge and the printer.
[0012] U.S. Patent 6,955,422 discloses, for example in Figs. 2a to 2d
thereof, a cartridge I
that has a memory device 7 with electrodes 7a. The electrodes 7a are aligned
sub-
stantially parallel to the direction of cartridge insertion into the printer.
With this con-
figuration, the printer electrodes 106 slide across the surface of the circuit
board (on
which the electrodes 7a are formed) for a long distance. The surface of the
circuit
hoard is typically covered with an electrically insulating resin material.
When the
printer electrodes 106 scrape against the circuit board, they can damage this
insulation
so that fragments of the insulation flake away from the circuit board. The
insulation
fragments can get caught between the printer electrodes 106 and the cartridge
=electrodes 7a, and become a cause of poor or otherwise unreliable electrical
commu-
nication between the printer and the cartridge.
[0013] As shown in Figs. 5 to 6B of U.S. Patent 6,955,422, the printer is
provided with a
leaf spring 103 that exerts an urging force that presses the surface of memory
device 7
against the printer electrodes 106 when the cartridge is mounted in the
printer, and that
moves the cartridge I upward when the cartridge is pulled out of the printer.
[0014] US Patent No. 7,008,053 discloses in Fig. 5 an elastic piece 40
provided on the
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printer. When the cartridge is fully mounted in the printer, the lower end 40a
of the
elastic piece 40 abuts against a flat surface 12a at the upper portion of the
projecting
portion 12 on which the electrodes 14 are located. The abutment between the
lower
end 40b and the flat surface 12a restricts upward movement of the projecting
portion
12. However, the configuration of US Patent No. 7.008,053 includes no means
located
near the projecting portion 12 for restricting downward movement of the
projecting
portion 12. As a result, projecting portion 12 is fairly free to vibrate
vertically during
operation of the printer and therefore the electrodes can become misaligned or
dis-
connected from the printer terminals.
[0015] In the presence of various mechanisms for attachment and detachment,
there is a
need to reduce the total size of a printer for better usability and ease of
installation. For
reducing the size of the printer, it is typically necessary to reduce the
sizes of a large
number of components forming the printer and relevant elements. These
components
and relevant elements include a cartridge attached to the printer and a
cartridge
mounting structure for attachment of the cartridge.
[00161 For improved use of the printer, information regarding the printing
material
contained in the cartridge (for example, information regarding the remaining
amount of
the printing material) is often displayed on the monitor of the printer. The
cartridge
attached to this printer would have a circuit board with a memory for storing
the in-
formation regarding the printing material. The circuit board has terminals
(cartridge-side terminals) used to send and receive information to and from
the printer.
The information regarding the printing material is transmitted between the
memory
and a controller of the printer through the contact of these cartridge-side
terminals and
terminals on the printer (apparatus-side terminals). It is accordingly
necessary to
maintain stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and
the
apparatus-side terminals.
[0017] As will be described below, there is no known mechanism to meet
these re-
quirements in a fully acceptable manner.
[0018) This problem is not limited to a cartridge containing ink for
printing but is also
commonly found in any of printing apparatuses and/or cartridges configured to
supply
or eject various other printing materials (for example, toner) as well as ink.
[0019] Consequently, there is a need to ensure stable electrical connection
between
cartridge-side terminals and apparatus-side terminals. There is also a need to
attain size
reduction of a cartridge, a printer and a printing material supply system
including the
cartridge attached to the printer.
Solution to Problem
[0020] In order to more suitably achieve at least part of the foregoing,
the present invention
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provides various aspects and embodiments described below.
(0021] First aspect:
A cartridge detachably attached to a printing apparatus, the printing
apparatus
comprising a cartridge mounting structure configured to have: (i) a apparatus-
side
bottom wall member: (ii) a first apparatus-side side wall member, which can be
at a
front thereof, provided to intersect the apparatus-side bottom wall member;
and (iii) a
second apparatus-side side wall member, which can be at a rear thereof,
provided to
intersect the apparatus-side bottom wall member and to be opposed to the first
apparatus-side side wall member. The apparatus can include a printing material
supply
structure, which can be in the form of a tube, structured to have a base end
provided on
the apparatus-side bottom wall member and a peripheral end to be connected
with the
cartridge and configured to supply a printing material contained in the
cartridge to a
head. The apparatus preferable includes a plurality of apparatus-side
electrical contact
terminals which can be provided in an apparatus-side corner section where the
apparatus-side bottom wall member intersects the first (front) apparatus-side
side wall
member. The apparatus can also include a lever provided on the first (front)
apparatus-
side side wall member in a rotatable manner to be used for attachment and
detachment
of the cartridge to and from the printing device. Here, a Z axis represents an
axis
parallel to a central axis C of the printing material supply tube, an X axis
represents an
axis, along which the printing material supply tube and the apparatus-side
terminals are
arrayed and which is orthogonal to the Z axis, and a Y axis represents an axis
or-
thogonal to both the Z axis and the X axis. A +Z-axis direction represents a
direction
along the Z axis from the base end to the peripheral end of the printing
material supply
tube, which can be an upwards direction. A -Z-axis direction represents a
reverse
direction to the +Z-axis direction. A +X-axis direction represents a direction
along the
X axis from the printing material supply tube towards the apparatus-side
terminals,
which can be a frontwards direction. A -X-axis direction represents a reverse
direction
to the +X-axis direction. A +Y-axis direction represents a direction along the
Y axis
going to one end, which can be a sideways direction, and -Y-axis direction
represents a
direction along the Y axis going to the other end. The apparatus can be
constructed so
that the apparatus-side terminals are in contact with the cartridge to apply a
force,
which can be a resilient or elastic force, to the cartridge in a specified
direction
including a +Z-axis direction component in an attached state of the cartridge
to the
cartridge mounting structure. The lever can have an operating member at the +Z-
axis
direction end (which can be the top end) and a first apparatus-side
restriction element
at the -Z-axis direction end (which can be the bottom end) to lock the
cartridge and
thereby restrict motion of the cartridge in the +Z-axis direction. The lever
can be con-
structed to rotate about a specified position between the operating member and
the first
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apparatus-side restriction element as an axis of rotation. Here, the X axis,
the Y axis
and the Z axis with respect to the cartridge in the attached state
respectively correspond
to an X axis, a Y axis and a Z axis of the cartridge. The cartridge can
comprise a first
face located on the -Z-axis direction side and a second face located on the +Z-
axis
direction side, as two faces opposed to each other in the Z-axis direction; a
third face
located on the +X-axis direction side and a fourth face located on the -X-axis
direction
side, as two faces opposed to each other in the X-axis direction and
intersecting the
first face and the second face; a corner section arranged to connect the first
face with
the third face; a sloped surface provided to form part of the corner section
and inclined
in a specific direction including the +X-axis direction component and the -Z-
axis
direction component. A printing material supply structure can be provided on
the first
face to be connected with the printing material supply tube. A plurality of
cartridge-
side terminals can be provided corresponding to the respective apparatus-side
terminals
and located on the sloped surface to receive a force in a specified direction
including
the +Z-axis direction component from the apparatus-side terminals. Due to the
slope at
the area of contact, the force can also have a -X-axis direction component.
The
cartridge can also include a first cartridge-side restriction portion
configured to be
locked by the first apparatus-side restriction element and thereby restrict
motion of the
cartridge in the +Z-axis direction.
[00221 The above configuration can be provided with either or both of two
features in the
following two embodiments. In one embodiment the added feature is that the
first
cartridge-side restriction portion is provided at a specific position on the
third face
close to an intersecting part, where the third face intersects the sloped
surface. In
another embodiment, the cartridge-side terminals comprise a first terminal
including a
first outer part located at the most +Y-axis direction end; and a second
terminal
including a second outer part located at the most -Y-axis direction end,
wherein the
first cartridge-side restriction portion is located not outside but inside a
range between
the first outer part and the second outer part in the Y-axis direction.
[0023] The cartridge according to a first aspect of the invention has the
first cartridge-side
restriction portion that engages with the lever of the printing device.
Because the lever
is not made integral with the cartridge, the material for producing the
cartridge can be
different from the material used for producing the lever. Also, the material
of the
cartridge can be selected with less concern for flexibility and durability
requirements,
and greater focus on other properties such as resistance to ink. Thus,
different plastics,
thermoplastics and resins can be used to make the different components.
[0024] Also, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special care is
needed to prevent
creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for
transportation and dis-
tribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the user's
convenience.
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100251 Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the
cartridge can he made
smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material, such as
paper or
box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution of the
cartridge.
thus advantageously reducing the transportation cost and the parts cost.
[0026] Because the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first
cartridge-side restriction
portion can be made with a small size and simple structure, and with hitter
rigidity
compared with the structures described in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811.
This
results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation of
the first
cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached state, the cartridge can
be kept at the
proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which maintains normal or
good
contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side terminals
and
reduces the possibility of poor continuity. In the cartridge of the first
aspect, since the
first cartridge-side restriction portion can have a small size and simple
structure, no
special care to prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in
packaging for
transportation and distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges of
U.S. Pub-
lication No. 2005/0151811. This improves the user's experience and convenience
of
use.
[0027] In the cartridge according to the first embodiment of the first
aspect, the first
cartridge-side restriction portion can be provided on the -Z-axis direction
side of the
axis of rotation of the lever. Even when the force is applied in the direction
including
the +Z-axis direction component from the apparatus-side terminals to move the
cartridge in the +Z-axis direction, the lever serves to restrict the motion of
the cartridge
in the +Z-axis direction. This reduces the possibility of the first cartridge-
side re-
striction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from the first apparatus-
side re-
striction element, thus ensuring stable electrical connection between the
cartridge-side
terminals and the apparatus-side terminals and reducing the possibility of
poor
continuity. The first apparatus-side restriction element can move about the
axis of
rotation of the lever with the movement of the cartridge in the -X-axis
direction when
force in the -X-axis direction is applied from the apparatus-side terminals to
the
mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the first cartridge-side
restriction
portion is uncoupled from the first apparatus-side restriction element. ,
[0028] In the cartridge according to the first aspect, the first cartridge-
side restriction portion
is provided at the specific position on the third face close to the
intersecting part. The
cartridge can thus be fixed to the cartridge mounting structure at a position
near to the
contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side terminals.
This
reduces the possibility of positional misalignment of the cartridge-side
terminals
relative to the apparatus-side terminals and reduces the poor continuity
between the
cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side terminals. In the event the
cartridge
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falls, the first cartridge-side restriction portion prevents the cartridge-
side terminals
from being directly hit against, for example, the floor surface and thereby
helps protect
the cartridge-side terminals from being damaged. Especially when the cartridge-
side
terminals are mounted on the circuit board with a memory unit, this protects
the
vulnerable memory unit from being damaged and enhances the effect of shock re-
sistance. Providing the first cartridge-side restriction portion at the
position close to the
intersecting part enables the lever of the cartridge mounting structure to be
located at
the position closer to the first face. This enables size reduction of the
cartridge and the
printing device in the Z-axis direction.
100291 Second aspect:
The cartridge according to the first aspect, wherein the first cartridge-side
restriction
portion is provided at a specific position close to an intersecting part,
where the third
face intersects the sloped surface.
[0030] In the cartridge according to the second aspect, the first cartridge-
side restriction
portion is provided at the specific position close to the intersecting part.
The cartridge
can thus be fixed to the cartridge mounting structure at the position near to
the contact
between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side terminals. The
first
cartridge-side restriction portion prevents the positional misalignment of the
cartridge-
side terminals relative to the apparatus-side terminals. Thus the first
cartridge-side re-
striction portion reduces the possibility of poor continuity between the
cartridge-side
terminals and the apparatus-side terminals. In the event the cartridge falls,
the first
cartridge-side restriction portion reduces the possibility of cartridge-side
terminals
from being directly hit against, for example, the floor surface and thereby
helps protect
the cartridge-side terminals from being damaged. Especially when the cartridge-
side
terminals are mounted on the circuit board with a memory unit, this protects
the
vulnerable memory unit from being damaged and enhances the effect of shock re-
sistance. When the first cartridge-side restriction portion formed as a
projection, the
effects of shock resistance are further enhanced. Providing the first
cartridge-side re-
striction portion at the position close to the intersecting part enables the
lever of the
cartridge mounting structure to be located at the position closer to the first
face. This
enables size reduction of the cartridge and the printing device in the Z-axis
direction.
[0031] Third aspect:
The cartridge according to either one of the first aspect and/or second
aspect, wherein
the first cartridge-side restriction portion is provided at a position
intersecting a plane
(plane Ye), which passes through center of a width or the Y-axis direction
length of the
cartridge and is parallel to the Z axis and the X axis.
[0032] When the cartridge is in a attached state in the printer, the
cartridge receives a force
from the apparatus-side terminals in a direction that includes a +Z axis
direction
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component, and the first cartridge-side restriction portion is pressed against
the first
apparatus-side restriction portion of the lever by this force. By providing
the first
cartridge-side restriction portion at a location intersected by the plane Yc,
the portion
of the first cartridge-side restriction portion in the vicinity of the
position intersected
by the plane Yc would hardly move at all, even if the cartridge were to move
about the
X axis or Z axis by application of an external force. It should be noted that
the first
cartridge-side restriction portion is arranged at a position that is near the
intersection
portion, the edge of the circuit board, or both. By providing the first
cartridge-side re-
striction portion. which hardly moves, at a location extremely near to
cartridge-side
terminals, electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the
apparatus-
side terminals can be stable.
[00331 Fourth aspect:
The fourth aspect is the embodiment described above where the cartridge-side
terminals comprise a first terminal including a first outer part located at
the most
+Y-axis direction end; and a second terminal including a second outer part
located at
the most -Y-axis direction end, wherein at least part of the first cartridge-
side re-
striction portion is located between the first outer part and the second outer
part in the
Y-axis direction and as mentioned above can be implemented independent from or
together with the above described embodiments of the first aspect addressed
above.
[00341 In the cartridge according to the fourth aspect, at least part of
the first cartridge-side
restriction portion is located between the first outer part arid the second
outer part. This
locates the first cartridge-side restriction portion of little motion at the
position very
close to the cartridge-side terminals, thus ensuring the stable electrical
connection
between the cartridge-side terminals and the contact mechanism.
[00351 Fifth aspect:
The cartridge according to the fourth aspect, wherein the first cartridge-side
re-
striction portion is located not outside but inside of a range between the
first outer part
and the second outer part in the Y-axis direction.
[0036] Some of the apparatus-side terminals might protrude out farther than
the others. in
the example shown in Fig. 31, the terminal 731 protrudes out further. When the
cartridge is mounted within the printer, the cartridge-side terminals will
receive from
the apparatus-side terminals a force with a +Z axis direction component. If
the
cartridge is held too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side
terminals
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31's example), might not be proper. By positioning the
first
cartridge-side restriction portion to completely the inside of the terminals
in the
widthwise direction, the cartridge can tilt sufficiently to adjust the
direction in which
the slanted surface faces, so that electrical connection between the cartridge-
side
terminals and the apparatus-side terminals can be even more stable. These
benefits are
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also relevant to the configurations of the embodiments addressed above.
[0037] Sixth aspect:
The cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect,
further
comprising a second cartridge-side restriction portion configured to be locked
by a
second apparatus-side restriction element provided on the second apparatus-
side side
wall member and thereby restrict motion of the cartridge in the +Z-axis
direction, and
the second cartridge-side restriction portion is provided on the fourth face.
[00381 The cartridge according to the sixth aspect has the second cartridge-
side restriction
portion on the fourth face to restrict the motion of the cartridge in the +Z-
axis
direction, so as to restrict the motion of the cartridge in the +Z-axis
direction from both
the +X-axis direction end and the -X-axis direction end. This further prevents
the po-
sitional misalignment of the respective cartridge-side terminals relative to
the cartridge
mounting structure and further ensures the stable electrical connection
between the
cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side terminals.
[0039] Seventh aspect:
The cartridge according to the sixth aspect, wherein the second cartridge-side
re-
striction portion is a projection to be inserted in the second apparatus-side
restriction
element formed as a recess or a through hole.
100401 In the cartridge according to the seventh aspect, inserting the
second cartridge-side
=
restriction portion into the second apparatus-side restriction element
provides the pivot
point of rotation to turn the cartridge about the vicinity of the second
cartridge-side re-
striction portion. This facilitates attachment and detachment of the cartridge
to and
from the cartridge mounting structure.
[0041] Eighth aspect:
The cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect,
wherein
the first cartridge-side restriction portion is located on the -X-axis
direction side of the
axis of rotation of the lever.
[0042] In the cartridge according to the eighth aspect, in the attached
state, the first
cartridge-side restriction portion generates rotational moment on the lever to
turn the
lever about the axis of rotation of the lever in ihe reverse direction to the
unlocking
direction. This reduces the possibility that the first cartridge-side
restriction portion is
unlocked from the first apparatus-side restriction element and further ensures
the stable
electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-
side
terminals. Even when the cartridge receives the force in the -X-axis direction
from the
apparatus-side terminals to move in the -X-axis direction, the first apparatus-
side re-
striction element moves in the -X-axis direction with the movement of the
cartridge.
Such moving reduces the possibility that the first cartridge-side restriction
portion
becomes unlocked from the first apparatus-side restriction element.
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11
[0043] Ninth aspect:
The cartridge according to the eighth aspect, wherein the first cartridge-side
re-
striction portion has a first abutting part that abuts a first portion of the
first apparatus-
side restriction element to restrict motion of the cartridge in the +Z-axis
direction, and
a second abutting part that abuts a second portion of the first apparatus-side
restriction
element to restrict motion of the cartridge in the +X-axis direction.
[0044] in the cartridge according to the ninth aspect, the first cartridge-
side restriction
portion has the first abutting part and the second abutting part and thus
ensures
generation of the rotational moment on the lever to turn the lever about the
axis of
rotation of the lever in the reverse direction to the unlocking direction.
This further
reduces the possibility that the first cartridge-side restriction portion is
unlocked from
the first apparatus-side restriction element and more effectively prevents the
poor
continuity between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals.
[0045] Tenth aspect:
The cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the ninth aspect,
further
comprising a projection configured to abut the operating member of the lever
and
receive a force including the +Z-axis direction component during detachment of
the
cartridge attached to the cartridge mounting structure from the cartridge
mounting
structure, and the projection is provided on the +Z-axis direction side of the
first
cartridge-side restriction portion on the third face.
100461 The cartridge according to the tenth aspect further has the
projection. The cartridge
can be readily removed from the cartridge mounting structure by using the
operating
member of the lever and the projection.
[0047] Eleventh aspect:
The cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the tenth aspect,
wherein the
corner section has a step extended from the first face in the +Z-axis
direction, the step
is located on the -X-axis direction side and the -Z-axis direction side of the
sloped
surface, and the step has a third cartridge-side restriction element that is
in contact with
a third apparatus-side restriction element provided on the cartridge mounting
structure,
so as to restrict motion of the cartridge in the Y-axis direction.
[0048] In the cartridge according to the eleventh aspect, the third
cartridge-side restriction
element to restrict the motion of the cartridge in the Y-axis direction is
provided in the
corner section with the cartridge-side terminals. This restricts the motion of
the third
face-side of the cartridge in the Y-axis direction in the attached state of
the cartridge.
[0049] Twelfth aspect:
The cartridge according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the third cartridge-
side re-
striction element comprises a pair of projection members configured to receive
the
third apparatus-side restriction element protruded from the apparatus-side
bottom wall
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
12
member in the +Z-axis direction, and the pair of projection members are
protruded
from the step in the +X-axis direction.
[00501 In the cartridge according to the twelfth aspect, the simple
structure of providing the
pair of projection members protruded in the +X-axis direction from the step
effectively
restricts the motion of the third face-side of the cartridge in the Y-axis
direction in the
attached state of the cartridge.
[0051] Thirteenth aspect:
The cartridge according to either one of the eleventh aspect and the twelfth
aspect,
wherein part of the third cartridge-side restriction element overlaps the
sloped surface,
when the cartridge is viewed from the first face side in the +Z-axis
direction.
[0052] In the cartridge according to the thirteenth aspect, the third
cartridge-side restriction
element and the sloped surface are located to partly overlap with each other.
This
further restricts the motion of the third face-side of the cartridge in the Y-
axis direction
about the printing material supply tube.
[0053] Fourteenth aspect:
The cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the thirteenth
aspect, wherein
the ink supply structure is provided at a specific position on the first face
closer to the
fourth face than the third face.
[00541 The cartridge according to the fourteenth aspect has the ink supply
structure located
closer to the fourth face than the third face. This structure lowers the
possibility of
adhesion of the printing material on the cartridge-side terminals, compared
with the
structure where the ink supply structure is located closer to the third face
than the
fourth face. This reduces the poor continuity between the cartridge-side
terminals and
the apparatus-side terminals.
[0055] Fifteenth aspect:
The cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the fourteenth
aspect,
wherein the first cartridge-side restriction portion is a projection.
[00561 The cartridge according to the fifteenth aspect provides the first
cartridge-side re-
striction portion as a projection which can be of a small size and simple
structure.
[0057] Sixteenth aspect:
The cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the fifteenth
aspect, wherein
the cartridge-side terminals include a cartridge-side ground terminal that is
in contact
with a apparatus-side ground terminal of the apparatus-side terminals, which
is
connected with a ground line, and the cartridge-side ground terminal is
provided on
center of the width or the Y-axis direction length of the cartridge and is
configured to
be in contact with the apparatus-side ground terminal before any other
cartridge-side
terminal is in contact with a corresponding apparatus-side terminal in the
course of at-
tachment of the cartridge to the cartridge mounting structure.
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
13
[00581 In the cartridge according to the sixteenth aspect, the force first
applied from the
cartridge mounting structure to the cartridge-side terminals is generated on
the sub-
stantial center of the width or the Y-axis direction length of the cartridge.
This prevents
the force applied to the cartridge-side terminals from acting to tilt the
cartridge in the
Y-axis direction, thus ensuring stable electrical connection between the
cartridge-side
terminals and the apparatus-side terminals. The cartridge-side ground
terminals are in
contact with the corresponding apparatus-side ground terminals, prior to the
contact of
the other cartridge-side terminals with the corresponding apparatus-side
terminals. The
grounding function of the cartridge-side ground terminal advantageously
prevents or
reduces the high voltage-induced troubles and failures, even when an
unexpected high
voltage is applied to the cartridge.
[0059] Seventeenth aspect:
The cartridge according to the sixteenth aspect, wherein a Z-axis direction
length of
the cartridge-side ground terminal is longer than the Z-axis direction length
of the
other cartridge-side terminal.
[0060] The cartridge according to the seventeenth aspect ensures the
contact between the
cartridge-side ground terminal and the apparatus-side ground terminal.
[0061] Eighteenth aspect:
A cartridge detachably attached to a printing device, the printing device
comprising a
cartridge mounting structure configured to allow attachment and detachment of
the
cartridge; a printing material supply tube structured to have a base end
provided on a
bottom of the cartridge mounting structure and a peripheral end to be
connected with
the cartridge and configured to supply a printing material contained in the
cartridge to
a head; a plurality of apparatus-side terminals provided to be in contact with
the
cartridge; and a lever provided to be used for attachment and detachment of
the
cartridge, wherein a Z axis represents an axis parallel to a central axis C of
the printing
material supply tube, an X axis represents an axis, along which the printing
material
supply tube and the apparatus-side terminals are arrayed and which is
orthogonal to the
Z axis, and a Y axis represents an axis orthogonal to both the Z axis and the
X axis,
wherein a +Z-axis direction represents a direction along the Z axis going from
the base
end to the peripheral end of thc printing material supply tube, a -Z-axis
direction
represents a reverse direction to the +Z-axis direction, a +X-axis direction
represents a
direction along the X axis going from the printing material supply tube to the
apparatus-side terminals, a -X-axis direction represents a reverse direction
to the
+X-axis direction, a +Y-axis direction represents a direction along the Y axis
going to
one end, and -Y-axis direction represents a direction along the Y axis going
to the
other end, wherein the apparatus-side terminals are in contact with the
cartridge to
apply a force to the cartridge in a specified direction including the +Z-axis
direction
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
14
component in an attached state of the cartridge to the cartridge mounting
structure, and
the lever has an operating member at the +Z-axis direction end and a first
apparatus-
side restriction element at the -Z-axis direction end to lock the cartridge
and thereby
restrict motion of the cartridge in the +Z-axis direction. the lever rotating
about a
specified position between the operating member and the first apparatus-side
re-
striction element as an axis of rotation, wherein the X axis, the Y axis and
the Z axis
with respect to the cartridge in the attached state respectively correspond to
an X axis,
a Y axis and a Z axis of the cartridge. The cartridge comprises an ink supply
structure
located at the -Z-axis direction end of the cartridge to be connected with the
printing
material supply tube; a circuit board located on the +X-axis direction side of
the ink
supply structure and has a surface inclined in a specified direction including
the
+X-axis direction component and the -Z-axis direction component; a plurality
of
cartridge-side terminals provided corresponding to the respective apparatus-
side
terminals and located on the surface of the circuit board to receive a force
in a
specified direction including the +Z-axis direction component from the
apparatus-side
terminals; and a first cartridge-side restriction portion configured to be
locked by the
first apparatus-side restriction element and thereby restrict motion of the
cartridge in
the +Z-axis direction and located on the +X-axis direction side of the
printing material
supply structure, =
[0062] The above configuration can be provided with either or both of the
features in the
following two embodiments. In one embodiment the added feature is that the
first
cartridge-side restriction portion is provided at a specific position close to
a board end,
the board end being located on the +Z-axis direction side of the surface of
the circuit
board. In another embodiment, the cartridge-side terminals comprise a first
terminal
including a first outer part located at the most +Y-axis direction end; and a
second
terminal including a second outer part located at the most -Y-axis direction
end,
wherein the first cartridge-side restriction portion is located not outside
but inside a
range between the first outer part and the second outer part in the Y-axis
direction.
[0063] The cartridge according to the eighteenth aspect has the first
cartridge-side restriction
portion locked by the lever of the printing device. The first cartridge-side
restriction
portion is located on the -Z-axis direction side of the axis of rotation of
the lever. This
structure does not require any engagement member between the axis of rotation
and
the operating member of the lever like the cartridge according to the first
aspect
described above and has the similar advantageous effects to those of the
cartridge
according to the first aspect. For example, the cartridge according to the
eighteenth
aspect shortens the distance between the lever and the cartridge, thus
allowing size
reduction in the X-axis direction of the printing device and the whole
printing material
supply system including the cartridge and the printing device.
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
=
[0064] In the cartridge according to the eighteenth aspect, the first
cartridge-side restriction
portion is provided on the -Z-axis direction side of the axis of rotation of
the lever.
This enables restriction of the motion of the cartridge in the +Z-axis
direction by the
lever like the cartridge according to the first aspect and has the similar
advantageous
effects to those of the cartridge according to the first aspect. For example,
this ensures
a more stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and
the
apparatus-side terminals and reduces the poor continuity.
[0065] According to the embodiment where the cartridge-side terminals
comprise a first
terminal including a first outer part located at the most +Y-axis direction
end; and a
second terminal including a second outer part located at the most -Y-axis
direction end,
wherein the first cartridge-side restriction portion is located not outside
hut inside a
range between the first outer part and the second outer part in the Y-axis
direction, the
first cartridge-side restriction portion is located not outside but inside the
range
hetween the first outer part and the second outer part. This enables fine
adjustment of
the direction of the sloped surface with the cartridge-side terminals provided
thereon,
like the cartridge according to the first embodiment. Even when the position
of each of
the apparatus-side terminals or the slope of the first cartridge-side
restriction portion
varies due to the manufacturing error, such fine adjustment of the direction
of the
sloped surface ensures the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-
side
terminals and the apparatus-side terminals.
0066] According to the embodiment where the first cartridge-side
restriction portion is
provided at a specific position close to a board end, the board end being
located on the
+Z-axis direction side of the surface of the circuit board, the first
cartridge-side re-
striction portion is provided at the position close to the board end located
on the
+Z-axis direction side. In other words, the first cartridge-side restriction
portion is
arranged as close as possible to the cartridge-side terminals. Since the first
cartridge-
side restriction portion is locked by the lever, the periphery of the first
cartridge-side
restriction portion has substantially no position shift by application of an
external force
to the cartridge. Providing the cartridge-side terminals at the location of
extremely
small position shift effectively prevents the positional misalignment of the
respective
cartridge-side terminals relative to the cartridge mounting structure, thus
maintaining
the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the
apparatus-
side terminals.
[0067] Nineteenth aspect:
A printing material supply system, comprising a printing device; and the
cartridge
according to any one of the first aspect to the eighteenth aspect, the
printing device
comprising a cartridge mounting structure configured to have: (i) a apparatus-
side
bottom wall member; (ii) a first apparatus-side side wall member provided to
intersect
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
16
the apparatus-side bottom wall member; and (iii) a second apparatus-side side
wall
member provided to intersect the apparatus-side bottom wall member and to be
opposed to the first apparatus-side side wall member; a printing material
supply tube
structured to have a base end provided on the apparatus-side bottom wall
member and
a peripheral end to be connected with the cartridge and configured to supply a
printing
material contained in the cartridge to a head: a plurality of apparatus-side
terminals
provided in a apparatus-side corner section where the apparatus-side bottom
wall
member intersects the first apparatus-side side wall member; and a lever
provided on
the first apparatus-side side wall member in a rotatable manner to be used for
at-
tachment and detachment of the cartridge to and from the printing apparatus,
wherein a
Z axis represents an axis parallel to a central axis C of the printing
material supply
tube, an X axis represents an axis, along which the printing material supply
tube and
the apparatus-side terminals are arrayed and which is orthogonal to the Z
axis, and a Y
axis represents an axis orthogonal to both the Z axis and the X axis, wherein
a +Z-axis
direction represents a direction along the Z axis going from the base end to
the pe-
ripheral end of the printing material supply tube, a -Z-axis direction
represents a
reverse direction to the +Z-axis direction, a +X-axis direction represents a
direction
along the X axis going from the printing material supply tube to the apparatus-
side
terminals, a -X-axis direction represents a reverse direction to the +X-axis
direction, a=
+Y-axis direction represents a direction along the Y axis going to one end,
and -Y-axis
direction represents a direction along the Y axis going to the other end,
wherein the
apparatus-side terminals are in contact with the cartridge to apply a force to
the
cartridge in a specified direction including the +Z-axis direction component
in an
attached state of the cartridge to the cartridge mounting structure, and the
lever has an
operating member at the +Z-axis direction end and a first apparatus-side
restriction
element at the -Z-axis direction end to lock the cartridge and thereby
restrict motion of
the cartridge in the +Z-axis direction, the lever rotating about a specified
position
between the operating member and the first apparatus-side restriction element
as an
axis of rotation.
[0068] The printing material supply system according to the nineteenth
aspect includes the
cartridge in accordance with any one of the first aspect to the eighteenth
aspect, so as
to allow size reduction of the printing material supply system in both the X-
axis
direction and the Z-axis direction and reduce the possibility that the first
apparatus-side
restriction element is unlocked from the first cartridge-side restriction
portion. This
ensures the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals
and the
apparatus-side terminals and reduces the poor continuity.
(00691 As can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the
embodiments of the
present invention are directed to an ink cartridge, combinations of an ink
cartridge with
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
17
a printing apparatus, or a portion of a printing apparatus, where the ink
cartridge is
installed on the apparatus and systems adapted to supply ink to a printing
apparatus
where the system includes the printing apparatus (or portions thereof) and/or
where the
system does not include the printing apparatus.
[0070] In one embodiment of the invention, an ink cartridge adapted to be
detachably
mounted on an ink jet printing apparatus is disclosed wherein the ink jet
printing
apparatus on which the ink cartridge is mounted includes a lever having an en-
gagement portion. The printing apparatus preferably includes a plurality of
apparatus-
side contact forming members that are constructed and arranged to apply
elastic force
to the ink cartridge when the ink cartridge is pressed against the apparatus-
side contact
forming members after the cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus. 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 or
first surface and rear or second surface are opposite each other and the top
or third
surface and bottom or fourth surface are opposite each other. The ink
cartridge
includes an ink chamber for storing ink. The ink cartridge also preferably
includes an
electrical device. The ink cartridge also includes an ink supply structure
positioned at
the bottom or fourth surface of the cartridge body having a mounting direction
leading
edge defining a plane of the ink cartridge where the ink supply structure is
adapted and
configured to supply ink from the ink chamber to the ink jet printing
apparatus. The
ink cartridge can also include a terminal bearing structure located proximate
to the
front or first surface of the cartridge body, the terminal bearing structure
having a
= plurality of electrically conductive terminals coupled to the electrical
device therein.
The terminals are adapted and arranged on the terminal bearing structure to
make
contact with and receive elastic force from the contact forming members when
the ink
cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus. The terminals are arranged
substantially
in a terminal plane which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane
defined by
the leading edge. The ink cartridge preferably includes a first restriction
portion
adapted to engage with the engagement portion of the lever so as to restrict
movement
of the ink cartridge in a direction opposite the mounting direction. The
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion is preferably located adjacent the
terminal
bearing structure.
[0071] In one embodiment, the terminal plane is at an angle of about 20 and
50 degrees,
preferably from about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane defined by the leading
edge.
[0072] The interaction at the terminal bearing structure to the printing
apparatus is important
for proper mounting of the cartridge. As described herein, by mating at an
angle, the
cartridge can receive both upwards and rearward forces. These forces help hold
the
= cartridge in place.
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
18
[00731 In one embodiment, when the front or first surface of the cartridge
body is viewed
with the ink supply structure facing down, the engagement portion of the first
re-
striction portion is located to the left of a right edge of a rightmost
terminal of the
plurality of terminals and to the right of a left edge of a leftmost terminal
of the
plurality of terminals.
[0074] In one embodiment, the terminals are adapted and arranged on the
terminal hearing
structure to make contact with and receive elastic force from the contact
forming
members at contact portions of the terminals. The contact portions are
arranged sub-
stantially in a contact portion plane. In this embodiment when the front or
first surface
of the cartridge body is viewed with the ink supply structure facing down, the
en-
gagement portion of the first restriction portion can be located to the left
of the
rightmost contact portion of the plurality of terminals and to the right of
the leftmost
contact portion of the plurality of terminals. In one embodiment, the contact
portion
plane is at an angle of between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane defined
by the
leading edge.
[0075] In one embodiment, the ink cartridge further includes a second
restriction portion on
the rear or second surface of the ink cartridge. The second restriction
portion is
preferably adapted and configured to engage with a respective portion of the
ink jet
printing apparatus. In this embodiment, the distance between the engagement
portion
of the second restriction portion and the plane defined by the leading edge is
more than
the distance between the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
and the
plane defined by the leading edge, when the distances are measured in an
orthogonal
direction to the plane defined by the leading edge.
[00761 In one embodiment, when viewing the ink cartridge from the side with
the en-
gagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right and the ink
supply structure
facing down, the distance between the engagement portion of the first
restriction
portion and the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance
between a
pivot point of the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the
cartridge is
mounted, when the distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the
plane
defined by the leading edge. The lever may also have two ends where the pivot
point is
intermediate the two ends.
[0077] In one embodiment when viewing the ink cartridge from the side with
the en-
gagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right and the ink
supply structure
facing down, the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is to the
left of a
pivot point of the lever when the cartridge is mounted.
[0078] In one embodiment when the front or first surface of the cartridge
body is viewed
with the ink supply structure facing down, at least a portion of the
engagement portion
of the first restriction portion is located substantially at the widthwise
center of the ink
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
19
cartridge.
[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the plane defined by the leading
edge is below the
bottom or fourth surface. In other embodiments, it is substantially flush with
the
bottom. In still other embodiments it can be recessed above the bottom or
fourth
surface.
[00801 In one embodiment an ink supply system adapted to supply ink
to an ink jet printing
apparatus is disclosed where the ink jet printing apparatus includes a
plurality of
apparatus-side contact forming members. The ink supply system preferably
includes an
ink chamber for storing ink and an ink supply structure, adapted and
configured to
supply ink from the ink chamber to the ink jet printing apparatus. The ink
supply
structure has a mounting direction leading edge defining a plane. The ink
supply
system preferably includes an electrical device. The ink supply system can
also include
a terminal beating structure having a plurality of electrically conductive
terminals, the
terminals adapted and arranged on the terminal bearing structure to make
contact with
and receive elastic force from the contact forming members at contact portions
of the
terminals when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus.
The ink
supply system can also include a first restriction portion adapted to engage
with the en-
gagement portion of a lever on the printing apparatus so as to restrict
movement of the
terminal bearing structure and terminals thereon in a direction opposite the
mounting
direction. The engagement portion of the first restriction portion is
preferably po-
sitioned adjacent the terminal bearing structure. The terminals can be
arranged sub-
stantially in a terminal plane which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to
the plane
defined by the leading edge when the ink supply system supplies ink to the
printing
apparatus. Alternatively, the terminal bearing structure determines the plane
and/or the
plane is defined by the terminals in contact with the respective structure on
the printing
apparatus.
[00811 In one embodiment of the system, the terminal plane is at an
angle of between about
20 and 50 degrees, preferably from about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane
defined by the
leading edge when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing
apparatus.
[0082] In one embodiment of the system, when the ink supply system is
in place to supply
ink to the printing apparatus, the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
located to the left of a right edge of a rightmost terminal of the plurality
of terminals
and to the right of a left edge of a leftmost terminal of the plurality of
terminals.
100831 In one embodiment of the system, the terminals are adapted and
arranged on the
terminal bearing structure to make contact with and receive elastic force from
the
contact forming members at contact portions of the terminals. The contact
portions are
arranged substantially in a contact portion plane. When the ink supply system
is in
place to supply ink to the printing apparatus, the engagement portion of the
first re-
.
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
=
striction portion can be located to the left of the rightmost contact portion
of the
plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of the
plurality of
terminals. The contact portions can define a plane at an angle over 0 degrees
and less
than 90 degrees to the plane defined by the leading edge. This plane defined
by the
contact portions is preferably at over 20 degrees and less than 50 degrees to
the plane
defined by the leading edge when the ink supply system supplies ink to the
printing
apparatus.
[0084] In one embodiment, the ink supply system also includes a body that
includes a front
or first surface, and a rear or second surface, the front or first surface and
rear or
second surface opposite each other. The ink supply system can also include a
re-
striction portion proximate to the rear or second surface of the body,
referred to as the
second restriction portion, the terminal bearing structure proximate to the
front or first
surface of the body. The second restriction portion can include an engagement
portion
adapted and configured to engage with a respective portion of the ink jet
printing
apparatus. The distance between the engagement portion of the second
restriction
portion and the plane defined by the leading edge is more than the distance
between
the engagement portion of the first restriction portion and the plane defined
by the
leading edge, when the distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to
the plane
defined by the leading edge.
[0085] In one embodiment, the second restriction portion can be proximate
to the rear or
second surface of the body, the terminal bearing structure proximate to the
first surface
or front of the body, the second restriction portion adapted and configured to
engage
with a respective portion of the ink jet printing apparatus, wherein the
distance
between the engagement portion of the second restriction portion and the plane
defined
by the leading edge is more than the distance between the engagement portion
of the
first restriction portion and the plane defined by the leading edge, when the
distances
are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane defined by the leading
edge.
[0086] In one embodiment, the distance between the engagement portion of
the first re-
striction portion and the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the
distance
between a pivot point of the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge
when the
ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus, when the distances
are
measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane defined by the leading edge.
[0087] In one embodiment, when the ink supply system supplies ink to the
printing
apparatus, the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is on the
right and the
ink supply structure is facing down, the engagement portion of the first
restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever.
100881 In one embodiment the ink supply system includes a body proximate
the terminal
bearing structure and when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
21
apparatus, at least a portion of the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion is
located substantially at the widthwise center of the body.
[0089] In one embodiment, the ink supply system can include an adapter
where the ink
supply structure, the terminal bearing structure and the first restriction
portion are po-
sitioned on the adapter and the ink chamber is adapted and configured to he
mated with
the adapter. In another embodiment, the system can include an adapter where
the
terminal bearing structure and the first restriction portion are positioned on
the adapter.
the ink supply structure is positioned on the ink chamber and the ink chamber
is
adapted and configured to be mated with the adapter. Alternatively, the system
can
include an adapter, an ink tank external from the ink jet printing apparatus,
a tube and
an auxiliary adapter where the ink supply structure is positioned on the
auxiliary
adapter, the terminal bearing structure and the first restriction portion are
positioned on
the adapter and the tube supplies ink from the external tank to the auxiliary
adapter
when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus.
[0090] In one embodiment, the ink supply system includes a body that
includes a top and a
bottom, the top and bottom being opposite each other, where the plane defined
by the
leading edge is substantially flush with the bottom.
[0091] The present invention is not limited to the cartridge, the
combination of the ink
cartridge with the printing apparatus or the printing material supply system
described
above but may be implemented by diversity of other aspects, for example, a
liquid
cartridge, a liquid container, a printing material container, a cartridge
adapter, a circuit
board, a printing apparatus, a liquid ejection apparatus, and a liquid supply
system
including a liquid ejection apparatus and a liquid cartridge. The invention is
not limited
to the above aspects, but a multiplicity of variations and modifications may
be made to
these aspects without departing from the scope of the invention. When
addressing a
combination of an ink cartridge with a printing apparatus and/or an ink jet
printing
apparatus it should be understood that the ink cartridge is installed attached
or mounted
on the printing apparatus.
[0092] The foregoing summary, as well as the following description of
embodiments, will
be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings
wherein
like reference numerals refer to like components. For the purposes of
illustrating the
apparatus of the present application, there is shown in the drawings certain
em-
bodiments. It should be understood, however, that the application is not
limited to the
precise arrangement, structures, features, embodiments, aspects, and
apparatuses
shown, and the arrangements, structures, features, embodiments, aspects and ap-
paratuses shown may be used singularly or in combination with other
arrangements,
structures, features, embodiments, aspects and apparatuses.
[0093] The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and arc not in any
way intended to
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
22
limit the scope of this invention, but merely to clarify a single illustrated
embodiment
of the invention. In the drawings:
Brief Description of Drawings
[0094] [fit.7..11Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration
of a printing material
supply system;
[fig.21Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a holder with a cartridge
attached thereto;
[fig.3]Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a holder with a cartridge
attached thereto:
[fig.41Fig. 4 is a top view illustrating a holder with a cartridge attached
thereto;
[fig.5]Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken on line F4-F4 in Fig. 4;
[fig.5A]Fig. 5A is a sectional view illustrating a holder with a cartridge
attached
thereto;
Ifig.6A]Fig. 6A shows how the force is applied from the cartridge to a lever;
[fig.613]Fi2. 6B shows how the force is applied from the cartridge to a lever;
[fig.71Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of the
cartridge;
[fig.8]Fig. 8 is a bottom view of the cartridge;
[fig.9]Fig. 9 is a sectional view, taken on line F8-F8 in Fig. 8;
[fig.9A1Fig. 9A shows a view of the cartridge and the lever when the cartridge
is in its
mounted position;
[fig.10A]Fig. 10A illustrates the detailed structure of a circuit hoard;
[fig.1013]Fig. 10B illustrates the detailed structure of a circuit board;
[fig.11]Fig. 11 is a rear view of the cartridge;
[fig.12]Fig. 12 is a front view of the cartridge;
[fig.13]Fig. 13 is a left side view of the cartridge;
[fig.14]Fig. 14 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of the
holder;
[fig.151Fig. 15 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of the
holder;
[fig.16]Fig. 16 is a top view illustrating the structure of the holder;
[fig.17]Fig. 17 is a sectional view, taken on line F16-F16 in Fig. 16;
[fig.181Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a contact mechanism;
[fig.19]Fig. 19 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a lever;
[fig.20]Fig. 20 illustrates a cross section of a shaft body of the lever taken
on a plane
parallel to the X axis and the Z axis;
[fig.21]Fig. 21 is a sectional view of the lever;
Ifig.22]Fig. 22 is an exploded perspective view of a retainer and a
perspective view of
the lever;
[fig.231Fig. 23 is a sectional view showing the structure of the periphery of
the lever in
an attached state of the cartridge to the holder;
[fig.24]Fig. 24 shows the procedure for attachment of the cartridge to the
holder;
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
23
(fig.251Fig. 25 shows the procedure for attachment of the cartridge to the
holder;
[fig.26]Fig. 26 shows the procedure for attachment of the cartridge to the
holder;
[fig.27]Fig. 27 shows the procedure for attachment of the cartridge to the
holder;
[fig.27AjFig. 27A is a close-up view of the cartridge attached to the holder:
[fig.27B]Fig. 27B is a close-up view of the cartridge attached to the holder;
[fig.28]Fig. 28 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical structure;
[fig.291Fig. 29 illustrates the connection between the circuit board and an
attachment
detection circuit;
ffig.301Fig. 30 shows the external force applied to the cartridge in the
attached state;
[fig.311Fig. 31 shows fine adjustment of the direction of a sloped surface;
[fig.32A]Fig. 32A shows one example of advantageous effect;
ffig.32131Fig. 32B shows one example of advantageous effect;
[fig,32C]Fig. 32C shows one example of advantageous effect;
[fig.32DIFig. 32D shows one example of advantageous effect;
Efig.32E]Fig. 32E shows one example of advantageous effect;
[fig.32F]Fi2. 32F shows one example of advantageous effect;
[fig.33]Fig. 33 illustrates a printer according to a second embodiment;
Efig.341Fig. 34 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a
cartridge
according to a third embodiment;
Ifig.35A1Fig. 35A is conceptual diagram showing cartridge outer shape
according to
other embodiment;
[fig.35B1Fig. 35B is conceptual diagram showing cartridge outer shape
according to
other embodiment;
Ifig.35CIFig. 35C is conceptual diagram showing cartridge outer shape
according to
other embodiment;
[fig.35D1Fig. 35D is conceptual diagram showing cartridge outer shape
according to
other embodiment;
[fig.35E]Fig. 35E is conceptual diagram showing cartridge outer shape
according to
other embodiment;
[fig.35F]Fig. 35F is conceptual diagram showing cartridge outer shape
according to
other embodiment;
[fitz.35Q1Fig. 35G is conceptual diagram showing cartridge outer shape
according to
other embodiment;
[fig.351-1)Fig. 35H is conceptual diagram showing cartridge outer shape
according to
other embodiment;
[fig.35I]Fig. 351 is a conceptual diagram showing a cartridge that has
elongated
terminals;
Efig.35.11Fig. 35J is a conceptual diagram showing a cartridge that has a
contact
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
24
mechanism disposed to the outside of the circuit board;
[fig.36]Fig. 36 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a
cartridge with an
adapter according to one embodiment;
[fig.37]Fig. 37 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a
cartridge with an
adapter according to another embodiment;
[fig.3713iFig. 37B is a perspective view showing a cartridge composed of an
adapter
and a container assembly;
[fig.381Fig. 38 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a
cartridge with an
adapter according to another embodiment;
[fig.39A]Fig. 39A illustrates the structure of a lever according to one
modification;
[fig.3913]Fig. 39B illustrates the structure of a lever according to one
modification;
[fig.40]Fig. 40 illustrates attachment of the cartridge to a holder according
to one mod-
ification;
[fig.41A1Fig. 41A shows modifications of the terminal shape;
[fig.4113]Fig. 4IB shows modifications of the terminal shape;
[fig.41C]Fig. 4IC shows modifications of the terminal shape;
Ifig.42A]Fig. 42A is a graph showing a relation of wiping amount of a board
terminal
to a board inclination angle phi
[fig.4213]Fig 42B shows the wiping amount of a board terminal;
[fig.43A1Fig. 43A is a graph showing a relation of upward force by an
apparatus-side
ground terminal to a board inclination angle phi;
[fig.4313]Fig. 43B shows the upward force by the apparatus-side ground
terminal;
[fig.44]Fig. 44 is a graph showing another relation of wiping amount of the
board
terminal to a board inclination angle phi; and
[fig.45]Fig. 45 is a graph showing another relation of upward force by the
apparatus-
side ground terminal to a board inclination angle phi.
Description of Embodiments
[0095] In order to further clarify the configurations and the operations of
the invention,
some embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the ac-
companied drawings.
[0096] A. First Embodiment
A-1. General Configuration of Printing Material Supply System
Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a printing
material supply
system 10. XYZ axes orthogonal to one another are shown in Fig. 1. The XYZ
axes in
Fig. I correspond to the XYZ axes in the other drawings. In the subsequent
drawings,
the XYZ axes are shown when needed. The printing material supply system 10
includes cartridges 20 and a printer 50 serving as a printing apparatus. In
the printing
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
material supply system 10, the cartridges 20 are removably attached to a
holder 60 of
the printer 50 by the user.
[0097] Each of the cartridges 20 in the printing material supply system 10
contains ink as a
printing material. The ink as the printing material contained in the cartridge
20 is
supplied through an ink supply structure and a printing material supply tube
(described
later) to a head 540. According to this embodiment, a plurality of the
cartridges 20 are
removably attached to the holder 60 of the printer 50. More specifically, six
cartridges
20 respectively containing six different color inks (i.e., black, yellow,
magenta, light
magenta, cyan and light cyan) are attached to the holder 60. It will be
appreciated by
one of ordinaty skill in the art that, although the description herein
references ink, any
substance that can be used for printing is envisaged to be usable as described
in more
detail below in connection with the disclosed cartridge, combination and/or
supply
system and the invention should not be limited thereby.
[0098] According to other embodiments, the number of cartridges attached to
the holder 60
is not limited to six but may be greater than six or less than six. According
to other em-
bodiments, the number of different color inks is not limited to six colors but
may be
greater than six colors or less than six colors. According to other
embodiments, two or
more cartridges 20 attached to the holder 60 may contain one identical color
ink. The
detailed structures of the cartridge 20 and the holder 60 will be described
later.
[0099] The printer 50 of the printing material supply system 10 shown in
Fig. 1 is a compact
inkjet printer for personal use. The printer 50 has a controller 510 and a
carriage 520
including the holder 60, in addition to the holder 60. The carriage 520 also
includes the
head 540. The printer 50 supplies ink from the cartridge 20 attached to the
holder 60
through the printing material supply tube (described later) to the head 540
and ejects
ink from the head 540 onto a printing medium 90, such as printing sheet or
label. so as
to print various data, such as character strings, figures and images, on the
printing
medium 90. Although described in terms of an ink jet printer, one of ordinary
skill in
the art will appreciate the applicability of the invention to other printer
types and
printing material supply systems as described in more detail below and the
invention
should not be limited thereby.
[0100] The controller 510 of the printer 50 serves to control the
operations of the respective
parts of the printer 50. The carriage 520 of the printer 50 is configured to
scan the head
540 reciprocally across the printing medium 90. The head 540 of the printer 50
has an
ink ejection mechanism configured to eject ink from the cartridge 20 attached
to the
holder 60 onto the printing medium 90. The controller 510 and the carriage 520
are
electrically connected via a flexible cable 517. The ink ejection mechanism of
the head
540 is operated by control signals from the controller 510.
[0101] According to this embodiment, the carriage 520 has the head 540 and
the holder 60.
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
26
This type of the printer 50 having the cartridges 20 attached to the holder 60
on the
carriage 520 serving to move the head 540 is called "on-carriage type"
printer.
According to another embodiment, a stationary holder 60 may be provided at a
different position from the carriage 520, and ink may be supplied from each of
the
cartridges 20 attached to the stationary holder 60 to the head 540 of the
carriage 520
through a flexible tube. This type of the printer is called "off-carriage
type" printer.
[0102] According to this embodiment, the printer 50 has a main scan feed
mechanism and a
sub-scan feed mechanism to move the carriage 520 and the printing medium 90
relative to each other and implement printing on the printing medium 90. The
main
scan feed mechanism of the printer 50 includes a carriage motor 522 and a
drive belt
524 and serves to transfer the power of the carriage motor 520 to the carriage
520 by
means of the drive belt 520, so as to move the carriage 520 back and forth in
a main
scanning direction. The sub-scan feed mechanism of the printer 50 includes a
feed
motor 532 and a platen 534 and serves to transfer the power of the feed motor
532 to
the platen 534, so as to feed the printing medium 90 in a sub-scanning
direction or-
thogonal to the main scanning direction. The carriage motor 522 of the main
scan feed
mechanism and the feed motor 532 of the sub-scan feed mechanism are operated
by
control signals from the controller 510.
[0103] According to this embodiment, when the printing material supply
system 10 is in the
orientation typical for use, the X axis represents the axis along the sub-
scanning
direction (front-rear direction), in which the printing medium 90 is fed. The
Y axis
represents the axis along the main scanning direction (left-right or side-to-
side
direction when the system 10 is viewed from the front), in which the carriage
520 is
moved back and forth. The Z axis represents the axis in the direction of
gravity
(vertical direction). The use state of the printing material supply system 10
means the
state of the printing material supply system 10 placed on a horizontal plane.
In this em-
bodiment, the horizontal plane is a plane parallel to the X axis and the Y
axis, i.e., XY
[0104] According to this embodiment, the +X-axis direction represents the
sub-scanning
direction (forward direction), the -X-axis direction represents its reverse
direction
(backward direction) the +Z-axis direction represents the direction going from
the
bottom to the top of the printing material supply system 10 in the direction
opposite to
the direction of gravity (upward direction), and the -Z-axis direction
represents the
reverse to the +Z axis direction, that is, the direction of gravity (downward
direction).
In this embodiment, the +X-axis direction side (front side) is the front face
of the
printing material supply system 10. According to this embodiment, the +Y-axis
direction represents the direction going from the right side face to the left
side face of
the printing material supply system 10 (leftward direction), and the -Y-axis
direction
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
27
represents its reverse direction (rightward direction). In this embodiment,
the plurality
of cartridges 20 attached to the holder 60 are arrayed in the direction along
the Y axis
(left-right or side-to-side direction) called the "Y-axis direction".
Similarly the
direction alone the X axis (front-rear direction) and the direction alone the
Z axis
(vertical direction) are called the ''X-axis direction" and the '7-axis
direction".
[0105] A-2. Structure for Attachment of Cartridge 20 to Holder 60
Figs. 2 and 3 are perspective views illustrating the holder 60 with the
cartridge 20
attached thereto. Fig. 4 is a top view illustrating the holder 60 holder 60
with the
cartridge 20 attached thereto. In the state illustrated in Figs. 2 to 4, one
cartridge 20 is
properly attached at a designed attachment position of the holder 60. The
state of
properly attached at a designed attachment position" and a "mounted" position
means
that the cartridge 20 is attached, or said differently. mounted, such that
cartridge-side
terminals are located at positions respectively in contact with corresponding
apparatus-
side terminals included in a contact mechanism of the printer 50 (described
later).
[0106] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the holder 60 of the printer 50 has five
wall members 601,
603, 604, 605 and 606. A recess formed by these five wall members serves as a
cartridge chamber or cartridge mounting structure 602. The cartridge chamber
602 is
parted by partition walls 607 into a plurality of slots (mounting spaces) to
receive the
respective cartridges 20. The partition walls 607 serve as guides to insert
the cartridges
20 into the respective slots, but may be omitted as appropriate. Each slot has
a printing
material supply tube 640, a contact mechanism 70, a lever 80, a second
apparatus-side
restriction element 620 and a projection 636 serving as a third apparatus-side
re-
striction element. One side face (+Z-axis direction side face, top face) of
each slot is
open, and the cartridge 20 is attached to and detached from the holder 60 via
this open
side face (open top face).
[0107] The cartridge 20 is attached to the holder 60 in such a state that
the cartridge 20 is
locked by the lever 80 and the second apparatus-side restriction element 620
and that
the ink supply structure (described later) is connected with the printing
material supply
tube 640. This state is called "attached state of the cartridge 20 to the
holder 60" simply
"attached" state or alternatively "mounted" state. Connecting the printing
material
supply tube 640 with the ink supply structure of the cartridge 20 enables ink
as the
printing material contained in the cartridge 20 to be supplied to the head 540
(Fig. 1).
The printing material supply tube 640 has a peripheral end 642 (also called
"connection end") located on the +Z-axis direction side and a base end 645
located on
the -Z-axis direction side. The base end 645 is provided on the bottom wall
member
601, and the peripheral end 642 is connected with the ink supply structure of
the
cartridge 20. The printing material supply tube 640 has a central axis C
parallel to the
Z axis. The direction going from the base end 645 to the peripheral end 642
along the
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
28
central axis C is the +Z-axis direction.
101081 As shown in Fig. 2, an elastic member 648 is provided around the
printing material
supply tube 640 to seal the periphery of the ink supply structure of the
cartridge 20 in
the attached state, so as to prevent leakage of ink from the ink supply
structure to the
periphery. In the attached state, the elastic member 648 applies a pressing
force
including a +Z-axis direction component to the cartridge 20.
101091 In the attached (mounted) state, electrical connection between the
terminals provided
on a circuit board (described later) of the cartridge 20 and those of the
contact
mechanism 70 in each slot of the holder 60 allows transmission of various
information
between the cartridge 20 and the printer 50.
[01101 Fig. 5 is a sectional view, taken on F4-F4 line of Fig. 4. The
projection 636 is
omitted from the illustration. The printing material supply tube 640 of the
printer 50 is
connected with an ink supply structure 280 of the cartridge 20, so that ink is
supplied
from the cartridge 20 to the head 540 (Fig. I) via a printing material flow
path 282.
[01111 According to this embodiment, a porous filter 644 serving to filter
the ink supplied
from the cartridge 20 is provided at the peripheral end 642 of the printing
material
supply tube 640. The porous filter 644 may be made of, for example, stainless
steel
mesh or stainless steel woven fabric. According to another embodiment, the
porous
filter may not be located at the peripheral end 642 of the printing material
supply tube
640.
[01121 The contact mechanism 70 of the printer 50 is located on the +X-axis
direction side
of the printing material supply tube 640 and is configured to be electrically
con-
nectable with the terminals provided on a circuit board 40 of the cartridge
20. In the
attached state of the cartridge 20, a pressing force Pt including a +Z-axis
direction
vector component is applied from the terminals of the contact mechanism 70 to
the
circuit board 40. In the attached state of the cartridge 20, a pressing force
Ps in the
+Z-axis direction is applied from the elastic member 648 to the ink supply
structure
280.
[01131 A lever 80 used for attachment and detachment of the cartridge 20
has an operating
member 830 at a +Z-axis direction end and an engagement portion 810 at a -Z-
axis
direction end. The first apparatus-side restriction element or engagement
portion 810
(more specifically its first apparatus-side locking face described later) is
configured to
engage with a first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 at a first locking
position 810L
in the attached state. The first locking position 810L is located on the +Z-
axis direction
side and on the +X-axis direction side of the contact between the terminals
provided on
the circuit board 40 and the contact mechanism 70. The engagement portion 810
engages with the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 to restrict the
motion of the
cartridge 20 in the +Z-axis direction.
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
29
[0114] The lever 80 pivots around an axis 800c at the position between the
operating
member 830 and the engagement portion 810. The axis of rotation 800c of the
lever 80
is located on the +Z-axis direction side and on the +X-axis direction side of
the first
locking position 81 UL.
101151 The user uses the operating member 830 of the lever 80 to remove the
cartridge 20
from the holder 60. For removal of the cartridge 20, the user presses the
operating
member 830 in the -X-axis direction. This pressing applies a force Pr (called
"operating force Pr") from the +X-axis direction side toward the -X-axis
direction side,
to the operating member 830, This operating force Pr turns the lever 80 around
the axis
800c and moves the engagement portion 810 in the +X-axis direction from the
first
locking position 810L. This releases the engagement of the first cartridge-
side re-
striction portion 210 with the engagement portion 810 and enables the
cartridge 20 to
be removed from the holder 60.
[0116) The second apparatus-side restriction element 620 is provided on the
side wall
member 604 and is configured to engage with a second cartridge-side
restriction
portion 220 at a second locking position 620L. According to this embodiment,
the
second apparatus-side restriction element 620 is a through hole formed in the
side wall
member 604 of the holder 60. The second locking position 620L is located on
the
+Z-axis direction side and on the -X-axis direction side of the printing
material supply
tube 640. The second apparatus-side restriction element 620 engages with the
second
cartridge-side restriction portion 220 (which can also be referred to as the
second re-
striction element 220) to restrict the motion of the cartridge 20 in the +Z-
axis direction.
As described above, the motion of the cartridge 20 in the +Z-axis direction is
restricted
by both its +X-axis direction end and its -X-axis direction end in the
attached state.
[0117] The second locking position 620L, at which the second cartridge-side
restriction
portion 220 is in contact with the second apparatus-side restriction element
620, serves
as a pivot point, around which the cartridge 20 is turned to be attached to
and detached
from the holder 60. In other words, the cartridge 20 is turned around the
second
locking position 620L along a plane parallel to the Z axis and the X axis for
attachment
or detachment. The second cartridge side restriction element 220 and the
second
apparatus-side restriction element 620 accordingly serve as the pivot point of
rotation
of the cartridge 20 for attachment or detachment of the cartridge 20. The
attachment
and detachment of the cartridge 20 to and from the holder 60 will be described
in detail
later.
[0118] As shown in Fig. 5, in the attached state, the first locking
position 810L is located on
the -Z-axis direction side by a distance Dz from the second locking position
620L. This
reduces the possibility that the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210
is disengaged
from the engagement portion 810 by the pressing, forces Ps and Pt applied from
the
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
holder 60 to the cartridge 20. The cartridges 20 can thus be stably held at
the designed
attachment position.
[0119] Figs. 6A and 6B illustrate force applied from the cartridge 20 to
the lever 80 at the
first locking position 810L. In the state of Fig. 6A where the first locking
position
810L is located on the -Z-axis direction side of the second locking position
620L, a
force Fl is applied from the cartridge 20 to the lever 80 at the first locking
position
8101¨ In the state of Fig. 6B where the first locking position S I OL is
located on the
+Z-axis direction side of the second locking position 620L, a force F2 is
applied from
the cartridge 20 to the lever 80 at the first locking position 810L. The force
Fl shown
in Fig. 6A has the same magnitude as that of the force F2 shown in Fig. 6B.
[0120] Figs. 6A and 6B schematically show the positional relationships of
the first locking
position 810L, the second locking position 620L and the axis of rotation 800c
(also
called "pivot center 800c") to one another on the X axis and on the Z axis.
The
difference between the two positional relationships shown in Figs. 6A and 6B
is the
difference of the second locking position 620L on the Z axis. An arc RT I
shown in
Figs. 6A and 6B shows the rotation locus of the first locking position 81 (IL
around the
axis of rotation 800c. An arc RT2 shown in Figs. 6A and 6B shows the rotation
locus
of the first locking position 810L around the second locking position 620L.
[0121] In the example illustrated in Fig. 6A, the first locking position
810L is located on the
-Z-axis direction side of the second locking position 620L, so the force Fl,
which is
applied in the tangential direction of the arc R12 at the first locking
position 810Iõ has
a +X-axis direction vector component and a +Z-axis direction vector component.
The
force Fl is accordingly resolved into a vector component F I t in the
tangential direction
of the arc RTI and a vector component Flr in the radial direction of the arc
RT1.
[0122] In the example illustrated in Fig. 6B, the first locking position
810L is located on the
+Z-axis direction side of the second locking position 620L, so the force F2,
which is
applied in the tangential direction of the arc RT2 at the first locking
position 810L, has
a -X-axis direction vector component and a +Z-axis direction vector component.
The
force F2 is accordingly resolved into a vector component F2t in the tangential
direction
of the arc RT I and a vector component 172r in the radial direction of the arc
RT I.
[0123] As clearly understood from the comparison between Figs. 6A and 6B,
when the
magnitude of force Fl is equal to the magnitude of force F2 (Fl= F2), the
positional
relationships of the first locking position 810L, the second locking position
620L and
the axis of rotation 800c to one another result in "Fl t<F2t" for the vector
component in
the tangential direction of the arc RTI and "Fl r>F2r' for the vector
component in the
radial direction of the arc RT1. In comparison to the state illustrated in
Fig. 6B, the
state in Fig. 6A has a larger force vector component from the cartridge 20
towards the
axis of rotation 800c of the lever 80 and a smaller force vector component in
the
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
31
direction that will turn the lever 80 clockwise, that is, as viewed from the
+Y-axis
direction, around the axis of rotation 800c. In other words, locating the
first locking
position 8101, on the -Z-axis direction side of the second locking position
620L more
effectively reduces the possibility that the first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210 is
disengaged from the engagement portion 810, compared with locating the first
locking
position 8101_, on the +Z-axis direction side of the second locking position
620L. In
either state, no force acts in the +X-axis direction to release the engagement
at the first
locking position 810L, so both states provide a benefit in reducing the
possibility that
the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 will become disengaged from
the en-
gagement portion 810.
[0124] A-3. Detailed Structure of Cartridge
Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of cartridge 20 as one
example
of a cartridge in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 8 is a
bottom
view of the cartridge 20. Fig. 9 is a sectional view, taken on line F8-F8 in
Fig. 8. Figs.
10A and 10B illustrate the detailed structure of the circuit board 40. Fig.
10A is a view
of the circuit board 40 seen from the direction indicated by arrow F9 in Fig.
9, and Fig.
10B is a view of the circuit board 40 seen from arrow F I 0 in Fig. 10A.
According to
this embodiment, the X axis, the Y axis and the Z axis represent the axes on
the
cartridge 20 in the attached state. The +X-axis direction side in the attached
state is the
front face of the cartridge 20. A plane Ye shown in Fig. 8 is a plane that
passes through
the center of the width or the Y-axis direction length of the cartridge 20 and
is parallel
to the Z axis and the X axis (i.e.. ZX plane). A plane CX shown in Fig. 8 is a
plane that
passes through the central axis C and is parallel to the Z axis and the X axis
(i.e., ZX
plane).
[0125] As shown in Fig. 7, the cartridge 20 includes an ink chamber 200
containing ink, a
housing 22, the ink supply structure 280, the circuit board 40 and the first
cartridge-
side restriction portion 210. The cartridge 20 is attached to the holder 60 in
a mounting
direction SD. which is the -Z-axis direction (vertically downward direction in
the em-
bodiment). The special orientation or posture of the cartridge 20 is generally
not
constant during actual insertion of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60. In the
course of at-
tachment of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60, the cartridge 20 may be
inclined with
respect to the Z axis. In the state immediately before the attachment and in
the attached
state, however, the ink supply structure 280 receives the printing material
supply tube
640 having the central axis C parallel to the Z axis, so that the special
orientation of the
cartridge 20 is restricted by the printing material supply tube 640, and so is
sub-
stantially aligned in the Z axis direction. For this reason, and because the
general
direction of movement of the cartridge 20 while being mounted into the holder
60 is in
the -Z axis direction, the -Z axis direction can be considered as the mounting
direction
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
32
of the cartridge 20. For the same reasons. the +Z axis direction can be
considered as a
removal direction RD (Fig. 9) in which the cartridge 20 is removed from the
holder 60.
Because the -Z axis direction and the +Z axis direction are opposite
directions, the
mounting direction SD and the removal direction RD can be considered opposite
di-
rections.
[0126] The housing 22 (also called "cartridge body 22") defines an inner
space including the
ink chamber 200 of the cartridge 20. The housing 22 also forms at least part
of the
outer wall surfaces of the cartridge 20 and may be made of a synthetic resin,
such as
polypropylene (PP). The cartridge 20 is in a rectangular prism shape having
congruent
side faces or in an approximate rectangular parallelepiped shape. Part of the
housing 22
may be made of a resin film.
[01271 The cartridge 20 has a length (X-axis direction length), a width (Y-
axis direction
length) and a height (Z-axis direction length), wherein the length, the height
and the
width descend in this order. The magnitude relation of the length, the width
and the
height of the cartridge 20 is, however, not limited to this order but may be
determined
arbitrarily; for example, the height, the length and the width may descend in
this order
or the height, the length and the width may be equal to one another.
[01281 The housing 22 of the cartridge 20 includes a first wall or a bottom
201, a second
wall or a top 202, a third wall or a front 203, a fourth wall or a rear 204, a
fifth wall
205, a six wall 206 and connection walls 209. The connection walls 209 include
a
seventh wall 207 and an eighth wall 208 (Fig. 9). The first to the eighth
walls 201 to
208 define the inner space including the ink chamber 200 of the cartridge 20.
In the de-
scription below, the symbols 201 to 208 assigned to the first to the eighth
walls are
also used to represent the outer surfaces of the walls constituting the
housing 22 of the
cartridge 20 (i.e., first to eighth faces 201 to 208). The outer surfaces
(first to eighth
faces) 201 to 208 of the first to the eighth walls are substantial planes. The
"substantial
plane" means not only a perfectly flat plane but can include a plane having
partial
slight irregularity. In other words, the "substantial plane" includes a plane
that has
partial slight irregularity but is still recognizable as a face or a wall of
the housing 22
of the cartridge 20. The first to the eighth faces 201 to 208 are in
rectangular shapes in
the planar view.
[01291 The first face (first wall) 201, the second face (second wall) 202,
the third face (third
wall) 203, the fourth face (fourth wall) 204, the fifth face (fifth wall) 205
and the sixth
face (sixth wall) 206 are also called bottom face (bottom wall) 201, top face
(top wall)
202, front face (front wall) 203, rear face (rear wall)204, left side face
(left wall) 205
and right side face (right wall) 206, respectively. The outer surfaces of the
walls can
also be referred to the front 203, rear 204, top 202 and bottom 201, or as
first to fourth
surfaces where first surface refers to front 203, second surface refers to
rear 204, third
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
33
surface refers to top 202 and fourth surface refers to bottom 201.
[0130] The first face 201 and the second face 202 are opposed to each other
in the Z-axis
direction. The first face 201 is located on the -Z-axis direction side, while
the second
face 202 is located on the +Z-axis direction side. The third face 203 and the
fourth face
204 are opposed to each other in the X-axis direction. The third face 203 is
located on
the +X-axis direction side, while the fourth face 204 is located on the -X-
axis direction
side. The fifth face 205 and the sixth face 206 are opposed to each other in
the Y-axis
direction. The fifth face 205 is located on the +Y-axis direction side, while
the sixth
face 206 is located on the -Y-axis direction side.
[0131] According to this embodiment, the first face 201 located on the -Z-
axis direction side
forms the bottom face in the attached state. The first face 201 is an XY plane
parallel
to the X axis and the Y axis and perpendicular to the Z axis. The first lace
201 is a
horizontal face in the attached state.
[0132] The second face 202 located on the +Z-axis direction side forms the
top face in the
attached state. The second face 202 is opposed to the first face 201 and is
parallel to
the first face 201. The second face 202 is a plane (XY plane) parallel to the
X axis and
the Y axis and perpendicular to the Z axis. The second face 202 is a
horizontal face in
the attached state.
[0133] The third face 203 located on the +X-axis direction side forms a
side face in the
attached state. The third face 203 is perpendicular to the first face 201 and
the second
face 202 and is a plane (YZ plane) parallel to the Y axis and the Z axis and
per-
pendicular to the X axis. Among sides of the third face 203, a side 290
located on the
most -Z-axis direction side is called "first side 290", and a side 291 located
on the most
+Z-axis direction side is called "second side 291". In the specification
hereof, the ex-
pression that "two faces intersect or cross each other" means not only the
state that two
faces actually cross each other but the state that an extension of one face
intersects the
other face and the state that extensions of two faces cross each other.
[0134] The fourth face 204 located on the -X-axis direction side forms a
side face in the
attached or mounted state. The fourth face 204 is perpendicular to the first
face 201
and the second face 202. The fourth face 204 is parallel to the third face
203. The
fourth face 204 is a plane (YZ plane) parallel to the Y axis and the Z axis
and per-
pendicular to the X axis.
[0135] The fifth face 205 located on the +Y-axis direction side and the
sixth face 206
located on the -Y-axis direction side form side faces in the attached state.
The fifth face
205 and the sixth face 206 are perpendicular to the first to the fourth faces
201 to 204.
The fifth face 205 and the sixth face 206 are planes (XZ planes) parallel to
the X axis
and the Z axis and perpendicular to the Y axis. The sixth face 206 is parallel
to the fifth
face 205.
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
34
[0136] As shown in Fig. 9, the connection faces 209 couple the first face
201 with the third
face 203. The seventh face 207 of the connection faces 209 is perpendicular to
the first
face 201 and is a plane (YZ plane) parallel to the Y axis and the Z axis. The
seventh
face 207 is vertically-angled relative to the first face 201 and can also be
referred to as
a "step". In other words, the seventh face 207 is extended in the +Z-axis
direction from
the first face 201. The seventh face 207 is located on the -X-axis direction
side and on
the -Z-axis direction side of the eighth face 208. The eighth face 208 couples
the
seventh face 207 with the third face 203. The eighth face 208 is a sloped
surface
inclined in a direction including a +X-axis direction vector component and a -
Z-axis
direction vector component. The eighth face 208 is inclined to the first face
201 and
the third face 203. The eighth face 208 is perpendicular to the fifth face 205
and the
sixth face 206. In other words, the eighth face 208 is inclined to the XY
plane and the
YZ plane and is perpendicular to the XZ plane. The eighth face 208 has a board
mounting member 208T protruded outward from the eighth face 208.
10137] The relationships of the first to the sixth faces 201 to 206
indicate that the facing
direction of the first face 201 and the second face 202 is the Z-axis
direction, the facing
direction of the third face 203 and the fourth face 204 is the X-axis
direction and the
facing direction of the fifth face 205 and the sixth face 206 is the Y-axis
direction.
[0138] As shown in Fig. 7, the circuit board 40 is preferably mounted on
the board mounting
member 208T of the eighth face 208. The circuit board 40 has a terminal
bearing
structure 408 that is inclined, or, said differently, sloped, in the direction
including the
+X-axis direction vector component and the -Z-axis direction vector component,
like
the eighth face 208. In this embodiment, the terminal bearing structure 408
comprises
the surface of the circuit board 40. The terminal bearing structure 408 is
inclined to the
first face 201 and the third face 203. The terminal bearing structure 408 is
per-
pendicular to the fifth face 205 and the sixth face 206. In other words, the
terminal
bearing structure 408 is inclined to the XY plane and the YZ plane and is per-
pendicular to the XZ plane. The terminal bearing structure 408 is also called
"sloped
terminal hearing structure" or "sloped surface". As such, in the present
embodiment the
surface of the circuit board 40 can be considered a "sloped surface". The
terminal
bearing structure 408 has cartridge-side terminals 400, which are in contact
with the
apparatus-side terminals of the contact mechanism 70 (Fig. 2). The angle of
inclination
is preferably between 0 degrees and 90 degrees, more preferably between 20
degrees
and 50 degrees and most preferably from about 25 degrees to 40 degrees.
[0139] Figs. 42A and 42B shows the relation of a wiping amount of the
terminal on the
circuit board 40 by an apparatus-side terminal with respect to an inclination
angle phi
of the circuit board 40. The inclination angle phi of the circuit board 40
represents an
angle between the plane 110p extended from the mounting direction leading edge
of
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
the ink supply structure 280 and a plane in which the terminals 400 of the
circuit board
are arranged. The plane defined by the terminals 400 is neither perpendicular
nor
parallel to the plane 110p. The inclination angle phi is generally an acute
angle (less
than 90 degrees). In this embodiment, the plane 110p extended from the
mounting
direction leading edge is parallel to the bottom face 201 of the cartridge 20.
Also, the
plane in which the terminals 400 are arranged is parallel to the board surface
of the
circuit board 40. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the inclination angle phi
is equal to
the angle between the bottom face 201 of the cartridge 20 and the board
surface of the
circuit board 40. In the present embodiment, the circuit board 40 is about 0.7
mm
thick. The terminals 400 are about 5 microns thick, and are provided on the
circuit
board 40. The thickness of the terminals 400 are small to a negligible degree,
so the
surface of the circuit board 40, including surface of the terminals 400, is
substantially
flush. Therefore, the terminal bearing structure 408. which comprises the
surface of the
circuit board 40 in this embodiment, is located substantially within a
terminal (contact
portion) plane TP to be described later. Even if the circuit board 40 were
absent, there
would only be unevenness equivalent to the thickness of the terminals 400.
Therefore,
for simplicity sake, the terminal bearing structure 408 may be used
interchangeably
with "plane defined by the terminals" or ''terminal plane". When contact
portions cp of
the terminals 431-439 are referenced in connection with the terminal bearing
structure
408 the term "plane defined by the contact portions" or "contact portion
plane" can be
used interchangeably as well. In the course of attachment or mounting of the
cartridge
20, as shown in Figs. 24-27, the front face 203 (the first surface) of the
cartridge 20
goes down with slight pivotal rotation on the rear face 204 (the second
surface) of the
cartridge 20. In this process, the circuit board 40 slightly rotates and comes
into contact
with the apparatus-side contact forming members (apparatus-side terminals) 731-
739
on the terminal base 709, so that the respective cartridge-side terminals 431-
439 are
wiped by the apparatus-side contact forming members 731-739. The wiping of the
terminal on the circuit board 40 by the corresponding apparatus-side terminal
properly
removes the dust or oxide coating on the surface of the terminal on the
circuit board 40
to enhance the electric conductivity (electrical connection).
[0140] The plot of Fig. 42A shows the wiping length (wiping amount) of
the terminal on the
circuit board 40 by the corresponding apparatus-side contact forming members
as
ordinate, and the board inclination angle phi as abscissa. The calculation is
on the as-
sumption that distance LO in the X direction from the second surface (rear
face) 204 of
the cartridge 20 to the contact portion of the ground terminal 437 that comes
into
contact with the corresponding apparatus-side ground terminal 737 is 63 mm. In
general, the greater board inclination angle phi causes the board surface to
be closer to
the vertical plane and increases the wiping amount. In order to sufficiently
remove the
=
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
36
dust or oxide coating on the surface of the terminal on the circuit board 40,
the wiping
amount is preferably not less than 1 mm. According to the graph of Fig. 42A,
the board
inclination angle phi is preferably not less than 25 degrees to ensure the
wiping amount
of not less than I mm.
101411 Fig. 43A shows the relation of upward force F by the apparatus-side
ground terminal
737 to the board inclination angle phi in consideration of preventing half
insertion of
the cartridge. The calculation of Fig. 43A is also on the assumption that the
distance
LO is equal to 63 mm, like the calculation of Fig. 42A. The weight of the
cartridge
(including the weight of ink) is assumed to be 30 grams. This value is the
standard
weight of the cartridge for inkjet printing apparatuses for household use. The
"half
insertion of the cartridge" denotes the state where the engagement portion 810
of the
lever 80 is located just beside the elastic member 682 as shown in Fig. 25,
i.e., the state
immediately before the complete engagement. This state of half insertion is
also called
"half engagement". In this state of half engagement, only the apparatus-side
ground
terminal 737 among the plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members 731-
739
applies the upward force to the circuit board 40. It should be noted that in
the printing
apparatus shown in Fig. I. the holder 60 does not have a cover. When the user
releases
the hand in this state of half engagement, the cartridge 20 may be kept in
this state of
half engagement. The plot of Fig. 43A shows the calculation result of the
upward force
by the apparatus-side ground terminal 737 to prevent such half insertion of
the
cartridge 20. Fig. 43B shows the relation of the upward force F to the board
inclination
angle phi.
101421 The upward force by the apparatus-side ground terminal 737 is a +Z-
direction vector
component (vertically upward vector component in this embodiment) of the force
applied from the apparatus-side ground terminal 737 to the circuit board 40
(and the
cartridge 20) in the state of half engagement of Fig. 26. When the ground
terminal 437
of the circuit board 40 is pressed against the apparatus-side ground terminal
737, a
pressing force in a direction perpendicular to the board swface of the circuit
board 40
is applied to the ground terminal 437 by the elastic force of the apparatus-
side ground
terminal 737. The calculation of the upward force of Fig. 43A is on the
assumption that
pressing force FO of the apparatus-side ground terminal 737 is 0.2 N in the
direction
perpendicular to the board surface. Since the upward force F (=FOSYMBOL 180 V
"Symbol" \s 14cos phi) is the +Z-direction vector component of the pressing
force FO,
F =FO =0.2 N holds at the board inclination angle phi =0 degree as shown by
the
broken line in Fig. Fig. 43B. The upward force F varies according to the curve
F
=FOSYMBOL 180 1f "Symbol" \s 14cos phi with a variation in board inclination
angle
phi. The curve of Fig. 43A is the curve F =FOSYMBOL 180 \f "Symbol" \s I4cos
phi.
With an increase in board inclination angle phi (phi approaching 90 degrees),
the board
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
37
surface approaches the XZ plane and reduces the upward force F. An upward
force FB
balancing with the cartridge 20 having the distance LO of 63 mm and the weight
of 30
grams is approximately 0.15 N (the position of thick horizontal line in Fig.
43A). This
means that the upward force of not less than 0.15 N enables the cartridge 20
to be
pressed vertically upward by the apparatus-side ground terminal 737. In order
to
ensure the upward force of not less than 0.15 N, the board inclination angle
phi is
preferably not greater than 40 degrees, as clearly understood from Fig. 43A.
[0143] When the user releases the hand in the state of half engagement of
Fig. 26, the
cartridge 20 may be kept in the state of half engagement. If the board
inclination angle
phi is set to be not greater than 40 degrees as shown in Fig. 43A, however,
when the
user releases the hand in the state of half engagement, the apparatus-side
ground
terminal 737 presses the front face 203 of the cartridge 20 in the +7.
direction (upward
direction). This clearly disengages the cartridge from the engagement portion
810 of
the lever 80 and facilitates the user to find the failed attachment. From this
point of
view, it is preferable to set the board inclination angle phi to be not
greater than 40
degrees.
[0144] Figs. 44 and 45 show the characteristics of a cartridge having a
greater dimension in
the X direction than the dimension of the cartridge in Figs. 42 and 43A.
Whereas the
cartridge is assumed to have the distance L() =63 mm in Figs. 42 and 43A, it
is
assumed to have the distance LO =80 mm in Figs. 44 and 45. The calculation of
the
upward force of Fig. 45 is on the assumption that FO =0.2 N and the weight of
the
cartridge (including the weight of ink) is 30 g, like the calculation of Fig.
43A. As
clearly understood from the result of Fig. 44, like the result of Fig. 42A, in
order to
ensure the wiping amount of not less than 1 mm, the board inclination angle
phi is
preferably not less than 25 degrees. Although the distance LO is 80 mm in the
cal-
culation of Fig. 45 relative to 63 mm in the calculation of Fig. 43A, the
upward force
=
FB balancing with the cartridge 20 having the weight of 30 grams is almost
equal to
that of Fig. 43 and is approximately 0.15 N (the position of thick horizontal
line in Fig.
45). As clearly understood from the result of Fig. 45, like the result of Fig.
43A, in
order to prevent half engagement of the cartridge, the board inclination angle
phi is
preferably not greater than 40 degrees.
101451 By taking into account the characteristics of Figs. 42 through 45,
discussed above, it
is preferable to set the board inclination angle phi to be not less than 25
degrees and
not greater than 40 degrees.
101461 The increased pressing force of the apparatus-side ground terminal
737 ensures the
sufficient upward force even at the greater board inclination angle phi. In
this case, it is
preferable to set the pressing force of the apparatus-side ground terminal 737
and the
board inclination angle phi to such values that enable the cartridge 20 to be
pressed
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
38
upward and changed from the state of half engagement to the disengagement
state by
the pressing force of the apparatus-side ground terminal 737, when the user
release the
hand from the cartridge 20 in the state of half engagement.
101471 The seventh face 207 and the terminal bearing structure 408 form
part of the outer
surfaces of the cartridge 20. More specifically the seventh face 207 and the
terminal
bearing structure 408 form a portion of a corner section 265 coupling the
first face 201
and the third face 203 that form part of the outer surfaces of the cartridge
20. For better
understanding, the corner section 265 is shown by a thick line in Fig. 9. The
third face
203 and the corner section 265 are opposed to the first apparatus-side side
wall
member 603 of the holder 60 (Fig. 14) in the attached state of the cartridge
20 to the
holder 60 as described later. The third face 203 and the corner section 265
are thus
called "first opposed outer wall surface". The fourth face 204 is opposed to
the second
apparatus-side side wall member 604 of the holder 60 (Fig. 15) in the attached
state as
described later. The fourth face 204 is thus called "second opposed outer wall
surface.
10148] As shown in Fig. 10A, the circuit board 40 has a boss groove 401 at
a +Z-axis
direction end and a boss hole 402 at a -Z-axis direction end. The circuit
board 40 is
fixed to the eighth face 208 of the cartridge 20 by means of the boss groove
401 and
the boss hole 402. According to this embodiment, the boss groove 401 and the
boss
hole 402 are provided at positions intersecting the plane Yc passing through
the center
of the width (Y-axis direction length) of the cartridge 20. According to
another em-
bodiment, 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
face 208
by an adhesive or by an engagement click (not shown) provided on the eighth
face 208.
[0149] As shown in Figs. 10A and 10B, the circuit board 40 includes the
cartridge-side
terminals 400 provided on the terminal bearing structure 408 and a memory unit
420
provided on a rear face 409. The terminal bearing structure 408 and the rear
face 409
are planes. A portion or a side of the plane terminal bearing structure 408
located on
the most +Z-axis direction side in the mounting state of the circuit board 40
on the
cartridge 20 is called a board end 405.
[0150] The cartridge-side terminals 400 include nine terminals 431 to 439.
The memory unit
420 stores information regarding ink of the cartridge 20 (for example,
remaining
amount of ink and ink color). The cartridge-side terminals 400 are
electrically
conductive and can be coupled to an electrical device that is part of the
cartridge 20.
As used herein, electrical device can refer to a resistor, sensor or memory
device, or
other device that produces or is powered by electricity as can be appreciated
by one of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0151] As shown in Fig. I OA, the nine cartridge-side terminals 431 to 439
are all in ap-
proximate rectangular shape and are arrayed in two rows that are substantially
per-
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
39
pendicular to the mounting direction SD. The substantially perpendicular rows
are
extended in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cartridge 20. The
row of the
two row to the rear with respect to the mounting direction SD is called first
terminal
row RI (lower line R I ), and the row to the front line with respect to the
mounting
direction SD is called second terminal row R2 (upper line R2). The first
terminal row
RI and the second terminal row R2 have different positions in the Z-axis
direction.
More specifically, the first terminal row RI is located on the -Z-axis
direction side of
the second terminal row R2. Each of the terminals 431 to 439 has a contact
portion cp
at its center, which is in contact with the contact mechanism 70. The first
terminal row
R1 and the second terminal row R2 may he regarded as lines formed by a
plurality of
contact portions cp.
[01521 The terminals 431 to 439 may be called by the following names
corresponding to
their functions or applications. For differentiation from the terminals on the
printer 50.
the word "cartridge-side" may he prefixed to each name. For example, the
"igound
terminal 437" may be called "cartridge-side ground terminal 437'.
<First Terminal Row RI>
(I) attachment detection terminal (first terminal) 435;
(2) power terminal 436;
(3) ground terminal 437;
(4) data terminal 438; and
(5) attachment detection terminal (second terminal) 439.
<Second Terminal Row R2>
(6) attachment detection terminal (third terminal) 431;
(7) reset terminal 432;
(8) clock terminal 433; and
(9) attachment detection terminal (fourth terminal) 434.
[0153] The contact portions cp of the terminals 435 to 439 on the first
terminal row RI and
the contact portions cp of the terminals 431 to 434 on the second terminal row
R2 are
arranged alternately or more specifically in zigzag.
[01541 The four attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 are
used to check the
good/poor electrical contact with the corresponding apparatus-side terminals
provided
in the contact mechanism 70, so that the printer 50 can detect whether the
cartridge 20
is properly attached at the designed attachment position of the holder 60.
These four
terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 are collectively called "attachment detection
terminals". According to this embodiment, the four cartridge-side terminals
431, 434,
435 and 439 are electrically connected with one another inside the circuit
board 40.
When the cartridge 20 is attached to the holder 60, these terminals 431, 434,
435 and
439 are electrically connected with a ground line (not shown) on the printer
50 via the
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
ground terminal 437. The method of detecting attachment by using the four
attachment
detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 will be described later.
[0155] The other five cartridge-side terminals 432. 433. 436, 437 and 438
are terminals for
the memory unit 420. These five terminals 432, 433, 436, 437 and 438 are thus
also
called "memory terminals".
[0156] The reset terminal 432 receives a reset signal RST, which is to be
supplied to the
memory unit 420. The clock terminal 433 receives a clock signal SCK, which is
to be
supplied to the memory unit 420. The power terminal 436 receives a power-
supply
voltage VDD (for example, rated voltage of 3.3 V), which is to be supplied to
the
memory unit 420. The ground terminal 437 receives a ground voltage VSS (0V).
which is to be supplied to the memory unit 420. The data terminal 438 receives
a data
signal SDA, which is to be supplied to the memory unit 420.
101571 The first terminal 435 as one of the attachment detection terminals
includes a first
outer part 435P located on the most +Y-axis direction side of the cartridge-
side
terminals 400. The second terminal 439 as one of the attachment detection
terminals
includes a second outer part 439P located on the most -Y-axis direction side
of the
cartridge-side terminals 400. The third terminal 431 as one of the attachment
detection
terminals includes a third outer part 43IP located on the most +Y-axis
direction side of
the second terminal line R. The fourth terminal 434 as one of the attachment
detection
terminals includes a fourth outer part 434P located on the most -Y-axis
direction side
of the second terminal line R. In this embodiment, the first to fourth outer
parts 435P,
439P, 431P, 434P are substantially straight edges of the corresponding
terminals and
extend substantially in the Z axis direction, but this should not be
considered a
limitation. For example, the edges could be curved and could extend in a
direction not
parallel to the Z axis direction, such as shown for the terminals 431, 434 in
the
example of Figs. 41A and 41B, and the outer part of the terminal could still
be un-
derstood as the outermost portion of the edge in the Y axis direction.
[0158] Among the contact portions cp of the cartridge-side terminals 400,
the ground
terminal 437 having the contact portion cp on the center in the Y-axis
direction is
provided at the position intersecting the plane Ye passing through the center
of the
width (Y-axis direction length) of the cartridge 20. The contact portions cp
of the other
terminals 431 to 436, 438 and 439 are arranged to be symmetrical with respect
to the
line of intersection of the plane Yc and the ground terminal 437 as the axis.
The
ground terminal 437 is configured to be in contact with the contact mechanism
70 prior
to the other cartridge-side terminals 431 to 436, 438 and 439 in the course of
at-
tachment of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60. The pressing force first
applied from the
holder 60 to the circuit board 40 is thus generated on the substantial center
of the width
or the Y-axis direction length of the cartridge 20 both before and after the
cartridge is
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
=
41
completely mounted. This prevents the pressing force applied to the circuit
board 40
from acting to tilt the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction and thereby
enables the at-
tachment of the cartridge 20 at the designed attachment position. Such contact
of the
ground terminal 437 with the contact mechanism 70 of the holder 60 prior to
the other
cartridge-side terminals 431 to 436, 438 and 439 advantageously prevents or
reduces
the high voltage-induced troubles and failures by the grounding function of
the ground
terminal 437, even when an unexpected high voltage is applied to the cartridge
20.
[01591 According to this embodiment, the ground terminal 437 is formed
longer along the
L-axis direction than the other cartridge-side terminals 431 to 436, 438 and
439. This
ensures the contact of the ground terminal 437 with the contact mechanism 70
of the
holder 60. According to another embodiment, all the cartridge-side terminals
431 to
439 on the circuit board 40 may be formed in the same size.
10160] As shown in Fig. 9, the ink supply structure 280 is protruded in the
-Z-axis direction
from the first face 201. The ink supply structure 280 communicates with the
ink
chamber 200 via the printing material flow path 282. The ink supply structure
280 is
connected with the printing material supply tube 640 (Fig. 5) of the printer
50 to
supply the ink contained in the ink chamber 200 to the head 540 (Fig. 1). In
other
words, the ink supply structure 280 is open to the outside, in order to supply
the ink
contained in the ink chamber 200 to outside of the cartridge 20. As can be
seen in Fig.
5A, ink supply structure 280 need not protrude from the first face 201.
Rather, in one
embodiment, it can be flush or substantially flush with the first face 201. In
such an
embodiment, printing material supply tube 640 is raised so as to be proximate
to the
first face when the cartridge 20 is mounted.
[01611 The ink supply structure 280 is provided at the position closer to
the fourth face 204
than the third face 203 on the first face 201. The distance between the outer
surface of
the ink supply structure 280 and the third face 203 in the X-axis direction is
ac-
cordingly greater than the distance between the outer surface of the ink
supply
structure 280 and the fourth face 204.
[0162] The ink supply structure 280 has an open peripheral end. The surface
at this open pe-
ripheral end is referred to as open surface 288, or alternately a mounting
direction
leading edge, and defines a horizontal plane in the attached state. That is,
the open
surface 288 is the leading edge (XY plane) of the cartridge in the mounting
direction
SD and defines an XY axes plane which is parallel to the X axis and the Y
axis.
[0163] A resin foam 284 is provided inside the ink supply structure 280 at
the position on
the +Z-axis direction side of the open surface 288 or more specifically at the
position
in contact with the printing material flow path 282. According to this
embodiment,
before shipment of the cartridge 20, the open surface 288 of the ink supply
structure
280 is sealed with a sealing member (not shown), such as a cap or a film. For
at-
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
=
42
tachment of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60, the sealing member (not shown)
for
sealing the open surface 288 is removed from the cartridge 20.
[0164] According to this embodiment, the ink supply structure 280 is
protruded in the -
Z-axis direction with the center on the central axis C of the printing
material supply
tube 640. According to another embodiment, the center of the ink supply
structure 280
may be deviated from the central axis C of the printing material supply tube
640.
According to this embodiment, the open surface 288 of the ink supply structure
280
viewed from the -Z-axis direction is formed by the line-symmetrical housing
with
respect to axes parallel to the X axis and the Y axis. According to another
embodiment,
the open surface 288 of the ink supply structure 280 may be formed by the
asymmetric
housing and may have a mounting direction leading edge defining a plane. The
open
surface 288 viewed from the Z direction is in the rounded rectangular shape
according
to this embodiment but may be in any other suitable shape, e.g., precise
circle, ellipse.
oval, square or rectangle according to other embodiments.
[016.5] As shown in Fig, 9A, plane BP is a plane formed by the mounting
direction leading
edge of the open surface 288 of ink supply structure 280. Distance A is the
distance
between plane BP and the engagement portion 212 of the first restriction
portion 210.
Distance B is the distance between plane BP and an engagement portion of the
second
restriction element 220. Distance C is the distance between plane BP and the
lever 80's =
pivot point around axis 800c. As can be seen in Figure 9A, the distance B
between
plane BP and an engagement portion of the second restriction element 220 is
greater
than the distance A between plane BP and the engagement portion 212 of the
first re-
striction portion 210 when measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane
BP. The
distance A between plane BP and the engagement portion 212 of the first
restriction
portion 210 is less than the distance C between plane BP arid the lever 80's
pivot point
around axis 800c when measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane BP.
Addi-
tionally as can be seen in Fig. 9A, plane TP is the plane formed by the sloped
terminal
bearing structure 408, which in this embodiment is parallel to the sloped
terminal
bearing structure 408 itself, and so for simplicity sake, the terminal bearing
structure
408 may be used to refer to the plane TP. Plane TP is neither parallel nor
perpendicular
to plane BP. The terminal bearing structure 408 has cartridge-side terminals
400,
which are in contact with the apparatus-side terminals of the contact
mechanism 70
(Fig. 2).
[0166] As shown in Fig. 7, the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210
is provided on the
third face 203. The first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is located on
the +Z-axis
direction side and on the +X-axis direction side of the ink supply structure
280 and the
circuit board 40. The first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is locked
by the lever
80 (Fig. 2), so as to restrict the motion of the cartridge 20 in the attached
state. The
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
43
first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is structured as a projection
protruded in the
+X-axis direction (outward) from the third face 203. The first cartridge-side
restriction
portion 210 is located at the position closer to the first side 290 than the
second side
291 along the Z-axis direction. According to this embodiment, the first
cartridge-side
restriction portion 210 is located 'adjacent to the first side 290.
[0167] The first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 includes a first
portion 212 extended in
the Y-axis direction (width direction). a second portion 214 extended in the
+Z-axis
direction (vertically upward direction) from the first portion 212, and a
third portion
215 extended in the -Z-axis direction (vertically downward direction) from the
first
portion 212. As described above, the +Z-axis direction (vertically upward
direction) is
generally the removal direction RD and is opposite the -Z-axis direction
(vertically
downward direction), which is generally the mounting direction SD. The first
or en-
gagement portion 212 cooperates with an engagement portion 810 of the lever 80
to
restrict the motion of the cartridge 20 in the attached state. The second
portion 214 is
provided to lock the first portion 212 by the expected part of the lever 80 in
attachment
of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60.
[0168} The first portion 212 includes a first cartridge-side locking
surface 211 as a first
abutting part and a second cartridge-side locking surface 213 as a second
abutting part.
The first cartridge-side locking surface 211 faces in the +Z-axis direction.
The second
cartridge-side locking surface 213 faces in the +X-axis direction. The third
portion 215
is in contact with the first portion 212 and the first side 290.
[0169] The cartridge 20 further includes the second cartridge-side
restriction portion 220
provided on the fourth face 204, a projection 260 provided on the third face
203 and a
third cartridge-side restriction element 250 provided on the seventh face 207.
[0170] The second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 is structured as a
projection
protruded in the -X-axis direction from the fourth face 204. The second
cartridge-side
restriction portion 220 is inserted into the second apparatus-side restriction
element
620 (Fig. 3) in the form of the through hole of the holder 60. The user tums
the
cartridge 20 around the second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 inserted
in the
second apparatus-side restriction element 620 (Fig. 3) in attachment or
detachment of
the cartridge 20 to or from the holder 60. In other words, the second
apparatus-side re-
striction element 620 serves as the guide for attachment or detachment of the
cartridge
20 to or from the holder 60. This facilitates the attachment and detachment of
the
cartridge 20 to and from the holder 60. In the attached state of the cartridge
20, the
second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 is locked by the second
apparatus-side re-
striction element 620 to restrict the motion of the cartridge 20 in the
attached state. The
second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 is located on the +Z-axis
direction side
and on the -X-axis direction side of the ink supply structure 280 and the
circuit board
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
44
40.
[0171] The projection 260 on the third face 203 is located on the +Z-axis
direction side of
the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210. According to this
embodiment, the
projection 260 is located at the most +Z-axis direction position (most upward
position)
including the second side 291 on the third face 203.
[0172] The third cartridge-side restriction element 250 is structured as a
pair of projection
members (restriction walls) protruded in the +X-axis direction from both Y-
axis
direction sides of the seventh face 207. The pair of projection members 250
receive the
projection 636 (Fig. 2) inserted therebetween and, in cooperation with the
projection
636, restrict the motion of the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction in the
attached state.
[0173] Fig. 11 is a rear view of the cartridge 20. The second cartridge-
side restriction
portion 220 is described in detail with reference to Fig. 1 I. The second
cartridge-side
restriction portion 220 includes a restriction locking surface 222 as a
restriction locking
element, a sloped surface 224, a first restriction side face 226 and a second
restriction
side face 228.
[0174] The restriction locking surface 222 faces in the +Z-axis direction
and forms a
horizontal face in the attached state. The restriction locking surface 222 is
in contact
with the second apparatus-side restriction element 620 (Fig. 3) to serve as
the pivot
point of rotation when the cartridge 20 is turned to be detached from the
holder 60.
[0175] The restriction locking surface 222 is locked by the second
apparatus-side restriction
element 620 in the attached state, so as to restrict the motion of the
cartridge 20 in the
+Z-axis direction in the attached state. The restriction locking surface 222
is provided
at the position intersecting the plane Ye passing through the center of the
width (Y-axis
direction length) of the cartridge 20 and perpendicular to this plane Ye. As
shown in
Fig. 5, in the attached state of the cartridge 20, the cartridge 20 receives
the pressing
forces Ps and Pt including the +Z-axis direction vector components from the
holder 60.
The restriction locking surface 222 is pressed against the second apparatus-
side re-
striction element 620 by these pressing forces Ps and Pt. The second apparatus-
side re-
striction element 620 is thus in contact with the restriction locking surface
222 in
parallel with the Y-axis direction. This reduces the possibility that the
cartridge 20 is
tilted about the X axis in the attached state.
[0176] The sloped surface 224 is connected with the restriction locking
surface 222 and is
inclined to the direction including the +Z-axis direction vector component and
the -
X-axis direction vector component. This enables the restriction locking
surface 222 to
be smoothly guided to the second apparatus-side restriction element 620 in
attachment
of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60.
[0177] The first restriction side face 226 forms a -Y-axis direction side
face of the second
cartridge-side restriction portion 220. The second restriction side face 228
forms a
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
+Y-axis direction side face of the second cartridge-side restriction portion
220. The
first restriction side face 226 is a plane facing in the -Y-axis direction,
and the second
restriction side face 228 is a plane facing in the +Y-axis direction. The
first restriction
side face 226 and the second restriction side face 228 are planes respectively
parallel to
the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. The first and the second
restriction side
faces 226 and 228 interfere with the second apparatus-side restriction element
620 to
restrict the motion of the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction in the
attached state of the
cartridge 20.
[0178] Fig. 12 is a front view of the cartridge 20. The first cartridge-
side restriction portion
210 is described more in detail with reference to Ha. 12. The first cartridge-
side re-
striction portion 210 is provided at the position intersecting the plane Ye.
The first
cartridge-side locking surface 211 is provided at the position intersecting
the plane Ye
and perpendicular to this plane Ye.
[0179] The first cartridge-side locking surface 211 is located not outside
hut inside a range
40Y between the first outer part 435P and the second outer part 439P in the Y-
axis
direction (width direction), when the cartridge 20 is viewed from the third
face
203-side in the -X-axis direction. According to this embodiment, the first
cartridge-
side restriction portion 210 including the first cartridge-side locking
surface 211 is
located not outside but inside the range 40Y. In other words, the first
cartridge-side re-
striction portion 210 is located inside an area defined by a first phantom
line 435PL
including the first outer part 435P and a second phantom line 439PL including
the
second outer part 439P. The first phantom line 435PL and the second phantom
line
=
439PL are straight lines extended in the Z-axis direction.
101801 Fig. 13 is a left side view of the cartridge 20. The positional
relationship of the re-
spective members of the cartridge 20 is described with reference to Fig. 13.
An in-
tersection where the third face 203 intersects the sloped terminal bearing
structure 408
is called "intersecting part 295. As per the above description about the term
"in-
tersection", the intersection where the third face 203 intersects the sloped
terminal
bearing structure 408 includes not only the intersection of the actual face
203 and the
terminal bearing structure 408, but also the intersection of one of the face
203 and the
terminal bearing structure 408 and an extension of the other of the face 203
and the
terminal bearing structure 408, or the intersection of extensions of both of
the face 203
and the terminal bearing structure 408. The intersecting part 295 is a line
parallel to the
Y-axis direction. According to this embodiment, the intersecting part 295 is
located on
a plane extended from the third face 203 in the -Z-axis direction. The
intersecting part
295 is accordingly located on the -Z-axis direction side of the third face
203. The
middle point in the Z-axis direction length on the third face 203 (or more
specifically.
the middle point between an intersection of the third face 203 and the contact
portion
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
=
46
plane TP and the intersection of the second face 202 and the third face 203)
is called
midpoint 203P.
[0181] The first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is located close to
the intersecting part
295. The first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 can also be considered
as located
adjacent to the terminal bearing structure 408 and close to the hoard end 405.
This
means that the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 can be
sufficiently closer to
the cartridge-side terminals 400, or more precisely. the portion of the
restriction
portion 210 that engages with the apparatus-side lever can be located at a
position
closer to the contact portions cp than to an intersection of the top face 202
and the front
face 203. The first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is provided
preferably on a
specific part of the third face 203 closer to the first side 290 than to the
second side 291
or more precisely, the portion of the restriction portion 210 that engages
with the
apparatus-side lever is located at a position closer to the intersecting part
295 than to
an intersection of the top face 202 and the front face 203, which is in the
range from
the midpoint 203P to the first side 290. It is especially preferable to
provide the first
cartridge-side restriction portion 210 at the position sufficiently close or
proximate to
the first side 290. As used herein, "proximate" can mean "close to," ''near'
or "on." As
described above, the portion of the restriction portion 210 that engages with
the
apparatus-side lever is located at a position closer to the intersecting part
295 and/or to
the contact portions cp than to an intersection of the top face 202 and the
front face
203. Although in this embodiment the intersection of the top face 202 and the
front
face 203 is the position indicated by 291 in Fig. 13, as mentioned above, the
in-
tersection need not be where two surfaces actually cross each other, but could
be where
one face intersects an extension of the other face, or where extensions of two
faces
cross each other, as indicated by broken line in the embodiments of Figs. 35A
and
35D. In this embodiment, the distance between an intersection of the third
face 203 and
the contact portion plane TP and the intersection of the second face 202 and
the third
face 203 is about 20 rm. The distance between an intersection of the third
face 203
and the contact portion plane TP and the first cartridge-side locking surface
211 of the
first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is about 16 mm.
[0182] The effective part of the first cartridge-side restriction portion
210 specifically
serving to restrict the position of the cartridge-side terminals 400 is the
first cartridge-
side locking surface 211. It is thus preferable to locate the first cartridge-
side locking
surface 211 as close as possible to the cartridge-side terminals 400. Omitting
the third
portion 215 of the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 and locating
the first
portion 212 in contact with the first side 290 enables the first cartridge-
side locking
surface 211 to be closer to the intersecting part 295 or the board end 405.
[0183] Fig. 13 also shows an X-axis direction range 250X of the third
cartridge-side re-
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
47
striction element 250 and an X-axis direction range 408X of the sloped
terminal
bearing structure 408. As clearly understood from this drawing, part of the
third
cartridge-side restriction element 250 overlaps with the sloped terminal
bearing
structure 408 in the X-axis direction, when the cartridge 20 is viewed from
the first
face 201-side in the +Z-axis direction.
[0184] A-4. Detailed Structure of Holder 60:
A-4-1. General Structure of Holder 60:
Figs. 14 and 15 are perspective views illustrating the structure of the holder
60. Fig.
16 is a top view illustrating the structure of the holder 60. Fig. 17 is a
sectional view,
taken on line F16-F16 in Fig. 16. The projection 636 shown in Figs. 14 to 16
is omitted
from the illustration of Fig. 17.
101851 As described above, the holder 60 of the printer 50 has the five
wall members 601,
603, 604, 605 and 606 to form the concave cartridge chamber 602 to receive the
cartridge 20. The five wall members 601, 603, 604, 605 and 606 are
collectively called
"chamber-forming wall members 600". According to this embodiment, the five
wall
members 601, 603, 604, 605 and 606 are resin plate members and are made of a
synthetic resin, more specifically modified polyphenylene ether (m-PPE).
[0186] The wall member 601 forms the bottom face of the concave cartridge
chamber 602.
The wall members 603, 604, 605 and 606 form the side faces of the concave
cartridge
chamber 602. The wall member 601, the wall member 603, the wall member 604,
the
wall member 605 and the wall member 606 are respectively called" apparatus-
side
bottom wall member 601", "first apparatus-side side wall member 603", "second
apparatus-side side wall member 604", "third apparatus-side side wall member
605"
and "fourth apparatus-side side wall member 606",
[0187] Each of the printing material supply tubes 640 and each of the
contact mechanisms
70 including the apparatus-side terminals are arrayed in the X-axis direction
on the
wall member 601. The printing material supply tube 640 is located on the side
of the
wall member 604, and the contact mechanism 70 is located on the side of the
wall
member 603. To other words, the printing material supply tube 640 is provided
at the
position closer to the wall member 604 than the wall member 603. The contact
mechanism 70 is provided at the position closer to the wall member 603 than
the
printing material supply tube 640.
[0188] The elastic member 648 is provided around the printing material
supply tube 640 on
the wall member 601. As described above with reference to Fig. 5, the elastic
member
648 seals the periphery of the ink supply structure 280 the cartridge 20 and
thereby
prevents leakage of ink from the ink supply structure 280 to the periphery in
the
attached state of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60. The elastic member 648
generates
the pressing force Ps in the direction of pressing back the ink supply
structure 280 of
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
48
the cartridge 20 (in the +Z-axis direction) in the attached state of the
cartridge 20 to the
holder 60 (Fig. 5).
[0189] As shown in Figs. 14 to 16, holder 60 has an opening OP on the upper
side opposed
to the wall member 601 across the cartridge chamber 602. The cartridge 20
passes
through the opening Op when the cartridge 20 is attached to or detached from
the
holder 60.
[0190] The wall member 603 is vertically-angled relative to the wall member
601 on the
+X-axis direction side of the wall member 601. According to this embodiment,
the
most +X-axis direction side of the wall member 603 forms an outer wall 603W.
In the
use attitude of the printer 50, the outer wall 603W forms the front face of
the holder
60. The outer wall 603W is extended in the direction of the array of the
plurality of
cartridges 20 (Y-axis direction). A lever 80 used for attachment and
detachment of the
cartridge 20 is provided on the wall member 603. A lever 80 is fixed in
movable
manner, or more precisely, in a rotatable manner to the wall member 603 via a
retainer
690. In other words, lever 80 is fixed to the retainer 690 forming part of the
wall
member 603. An axis of rotation of the lever 80 is parallel to the Y-axis
direction.
[01911 The retainer 690 is provided at a corner section (apparatus-side
corner section) 600C
(Fig. 17) where the side wall member 603 intersects the bottom wall member
601.
[0192] As shown in Fig. 5, the operating member 830 is provided on the +Z-
axis direction
end of the lever 80. When the user presses this operating member 830 from the
+X-axis direction side toward the -X-axis direction side (i.e., when the user
applies the
operating force Pr to the operating member 830), the lever 80 is turned
counter-
clockwise (seen from the +Y-axis direction) about the axis of rotation. The
lever 80 is
accordingly rotated on the XZ plane parallel to the X-axis direction and the Z-
axis
direction.
[0193] The lever 80 is provided as a separate member from the chamber-
forming wall
members 601, 603, 604, 605 and 606. The lever 80 is made of a synthetic resin,
more
specifically polyacetal (POM) according to this embodiment. The lever 80 has a
certain level of rigidity sufficient to lock the cartt idge 20. More
specifically, the lever
80 preferably has rigidity that causes no substantial deformation of the lever
80 by a
force (for example, force of 14.4 N) applied from the cartridge 20 in the
attached state.
For example, the deformation of the lever 80 by application of an external
force of
14.4N from the cartridge 20 is preferably not greater than about 0.5 mm. The
lever 80
preferably dues not have any elastically deformable portion. This reduces the
pos-
sibility that the lever 80 is significantly deformed by the force applied from
the
cartridge 20 in the attached state of the cartridge 20 and ensures the stable
electrical
connection between the cartridge-side terminals 400 and the apparatus-side
terminals
of the contact mechanism 70. Providing the separate lever 80 from the chamber-
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
49
forming wall members 601, 603, 604, 605 and 606 advantageously increases the
degree of freedom in selection of the material for the lever 80.
[0194] Referring back to Figs. 14 to 17, the wall member 604 is vertically-
angled relative to
the wall member 601 on the -X-axis direction side of the wall member 601. The
wall
member 604 is opposed to the wall member 603 across the cartridge chamber 602.
According toMis embodiment, the wall member 604 forms the rear face of the
holder
60 in the use attitude of the printer 50. The wall member 604 is extended in
the
direction of the array of the plurality of cartridges 20 (Y-axis direction).
The second
apparatus-side restriction element 620 is provided on the wall member 604. The
second apparatus-side restriction element 620 is a through hole passing
through the X-
axis direction (Fig. 17). According to another embodiment, the second
apparatus-side
restriction element 620 may be a recess open to the cartridge chamber 602.
[0195] As described above with reference to Fig. 5, the second apparatus-
side restriction
element 620 is configured to engage with the second cartridge-side restriction
portion
220. The second apparatus-side restriction element 620 serves as a guide for
at-
tachment and detachment of the cartridge 20 to and from the holder 60. The
second
apparatus-side restriction element 620 locks the second cartridge-side
restriction
portion 220 in the attached state of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60. More
specifically,
the second apparatus-side restriction element 620 locks the second cartridge-
side re-
striction portion 220 at the second locking position 620L located on the +Z-
axis
direction side and on the -X-axis direction side of the printing material
supply tube
640. According to this embodiment, the second apparatus-side restriction
element 620
is structured as a through hole having the size to receive the second
cartridge-side re-
striction portion 220 and has an apparatus-side locking surface 622. The
apparatus-side
locking surface 622 is a plane facing in the -Z-axis direction and locks the
restriction
locking surface 222 of the second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 (Fig.
I I). A
+X-axis direction end 624 of the apparatus-side locking surface 622 is in
contact with
the second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 and accordingly serves as
the pivot
point of rotation for detachment of the cartridge 20 from the holder 60.
[01961 As shown in Fig, 17, the second apparatus-side side wall member 604
of the holder
60 has a space 670 provided on the +Z-axis direction side of the second
apparatus-side
restriction element 620. The space 670 provides a room to allow rotation of
the
cartridge 20 about the vicinity of the second apparatus-side restriction
element 620 as
the pivot point of rotation when the cartridge 20 is attached to or detached
from the
holder 60. According to this embodiment, the space 670 is formed by steps
recessed in
the -X-axis direction stepwise in the +Z-axis direction from the second
apparatus-side
side wall member 604. According to another embodiment, the space 670 may be
formed by a sloped surface of the wall member 604 lowered in the -X-axis
direction
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
gradually in the +Z-axis direction.
[0197] As shown in Figs. 1410 16, the wall member 605 is vertically-angled
relative to the
wall member 601 on the -Y-axis direction side of the wall member 601.
According to
this embodiment, the wall member 605 forms the right side face of the holder
60 ill the
use attitude of the printer 50. The wall member 605 is connected with the wall
members 603 and 604. The wall member 605 is extended in the X-axis direction
and
crosses the direction of the array of the plurality of cartridges 20 (Y-axis
direction).
[01981 The wall member 606 is vertically-angled relative to the wall member
601 on the
+Y-axis direction side of the wall member 601. The wall member 606 is opposed
to the
wall member 605 across the cartridge chamber 602. According to this
embodiment, the
wall member 606 forms the left side face of the holder 60 in the use attitude
of the
printer 50. The wall member 606 is connected with the wall members 603 and
604.
The wall member 606 is extended in the X-axis direction and crosses the
direction of
the array of the plurality of cartridges 20 (Y-axis direction).
10199] According to the positional relationships of the wall members 601
and 603 to 606
described above, the wall member 601 is perpendicular to the Z-axis direction;
the wall
member 603 and the wall member 604 are opposed to each other in the X-axis
direction; the wall member 605 and the wall member 606 are opposed to each
other in
the Y-axis direction; and the wall member 601 and the opening OP are opposed
to each
other in the Z-axis direction.
[0200] The contact mechanism 70 is provided at the corner section 600C
where the wall
member 601 intersects the wall member 603 of the holder 60. The contact
mechanism
70 is located at the position closer to the wall member 603 than the printing
material
supply tube 640. The contact mechanism 70 includes a plurality of apparatus-
side
terminals corresponding to and in contact with the respective terminals 431 to
439 of
the cartridge-side terminals 400 (Fig. 10), and a terminal base on which the
plurality of
apparatus-side terminals are located.
[0201] A-4-2.Detailed Structure of Contact Mechanism 70:
Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the contact mechanism 70, which is detached
from
the holder 60.
[0202] The contact mechanism 70 includes a terminal base 709 and apparatus-
side terminals
or contact forming members 731 to 739 located on the terminal base 709. Each
of the
apparatus-side terminals 731 to 739 is an elastic member having electrical
conductivity
and has a protruded portion from an apparatus-.side sloped surface 708, which
is
displaced by an external force. The apparatus-side terminals 731 to 739
generate the
pressing or elastic force (pressing force) Pt in the direction of pressing
back the circuit
board 40 of the cartridge 20 (direction including the +Z-axis direction vector
component and the -X-axis direction vector component) in the attached state of
the
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
51
cartridge 20 to the holder 60 (Fig. 5). The elastic force (pressing force) Pt
is generated
as a reaction force when the cartridge 20 presses the apparatus-side terminals
731 to
739 protruded from the apparatus-side sloped surface 708 toward the apparatus-
side
sloped surface 708. The resulting vector component of the elastic force PT
generated
by the apparatus-side terminals 731 to 739 urges the cartridge 20 in the
removal
direction RD, which is the direction opposite the mounting direction SD as
described
above.
102031 The nine apparatus-side terminals 731 to 739 arc provided at the
positions corre-
sponding to the nine cartridge-side terminals 431 to 439. The apparatus-side
terminal
731 is called "attachment detection terminal (third terminal) 731". The
apparatus-side
terminal 732 is called ''reset terminal 732. The apparatus-side terminal 733
is called
"clock terminal 733". The apparatus-side terminal 734 is called "attachment
detection
terminal (fourth terminal) 734". The apparatus-side terminal 735 is called
"attachment
detection terminal (first terminal) 735". The apparatus-side terminal 736 is
called
"power terminal 736. The apparatus-side terminal 737 is called "ground
terminal
737". The apparatus-side terminal 738 is called "data terminal 738". The
apparatus-
side terminal 739 is called "attachment detection terminal (second terminal)
739". For
differentiation from the cartridge-side terminals, the word ''apparatus-side"
may be
prefixed to each name. For example, the 'ground terminal 737" may be called
"apparatus-side ground terminal 737". The nine apparatus-side terminals 731 to
739
are collectively called apparatus-side terminals 700.
[0204] The nine apparatus-side terminals 731 to 739 are arrayed in a first
apparatus-side
terminal line and a second apparatus-side terminal line having different
positions in the
Z-axis direction. The first apparatus-side terminal line includes the five
apparatus-side
terminals 735 to 739, and the second apparatus-side terminal line includes the
four
apparatus-side terminals 731 to 734. The first apparatus-side terminal line is
located on
the -Z-axis direction side of the second apparatus-side terminal line. The
number of the
apparatus-side terminals is not limited to nine but may be varied to any
desired number
greater than nine or less than nine according to the structure of the circuit
board 40.
[0205] Among the nine apparatus-side terminals 731 to 739, the apparatus-
side ground
terminal 737 located on the substantial center in the Y-axis direction is
electrically
connected with a ground line (not shown). The height of the apparatus-side
ground
terminal 737 protruded from the apparatus-side sloped surface 708 is greater
than the
height of the other apparatus-side terminals 731 to 736, 738 and 739. The
apparatus-
side ground terminal 737 is accordingly in contact with the circuit board 40
of the
cartridge 20 prior to the other apparatus-side terminals 731 to 736, 738 and
739.
[0206] According to this embodiment, in order to accelerate assembling the
printer, the
apparatus-side terminals 731 to 739 are located on the terminal base 709 and
are
=
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
52
unitized to the contact mechanism 70, which is incorporated in the holder 60.
The
unitized contact mechanism 70 using the terminal base 709 is, however, not
essential.
According to another embodiment, a suitable structure for receiving the
apparatus-side
terminals 731 to 739 may be formed integrally with the bottom wall member 601
or
the outer wall 603W of the holder 60, and the apparatus-side terminals 731 to
739 may
be incorporated in the structure. The terminal base 709 is accordingly not
essential.
[02071 A-4-3. Detailed Structure of Lever 80:
Fig. 19 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of the lever 80.
Fig. 20 il-
lustrates across section of a shaft body 850 taken on the plane parallel to
the X axis
and the Z axis (XZ plane, plane perpendicular to the Y axis). Fig. 21
illustrates a cross
section of the lever 80 taken on the plane that passes through the central
region in the
width direction (Y-axis direction) of the lever 80 and is parallel to the X
axis and the Z
axis (XZ plane, plane perpendicular to the Y axis). Fie. 21 shows the cross
section of
the lever 80 in the state that the cartridge 20 is properly attached at the
designed at-
tachment position of the holder 60.
(02081 As shown in Figs. 19 and 21, the lever 80 includes the operating
member 830, a pair
of shaft bodies 850, a guide member 820, and the engagement portion 810. The
lever
80 has the operating member 830 on one end (+Z-axis direction end) and the en-
gagement portion 810 on the other side (-Z-axis direction end). The lever 80
has an
axis of rotation 800c between the operating member 830 and the engagement
portion
810. In other words, the lever 80 pivots around the axis of rotation 800c at
the position
between the operating member 830 and the engagement portion 810.
[0209] The operating member 830 of the lever 80 receives the external force
applied by the
user. As shown in Fig. 21, the operating member 830 is provided at the +Z-axis
direction end of the lever 80. The operating member 830 is located on the +Z-
axis
direction side of the axis of rotation 800c in the attached state of the
cartridge 20 to the
holder 60. The operating member 830 is located on the +Z-axis direction side
of the
first apparatus-side side wall member 603 of the holder 60 (Fig. 15).
[0210] The operating member 830 has an operation surface 835 and an
operating-member
opposed surface 831. The operation surface 835 receives the external force
(force Pr
shown in Fig. 5) applied by the user from the +X-axis direction side to the -X-
axis
direction side for detachment of the cartridge 20 from the holder 60. Thc
operating-
member opposed surface 831 is a face opposed to the cartridge 20 in the
attached state
of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60.
[0211] As shown in Fig. 19, the pair of shaft bodies 850 are provided at
the substantially
middle position between the ends of the lever 80. The pair of shaft bodies 850
define
the axis of rotation 800c of the lever SO. The axis of rotation 800c is
parallel to the Y-
axis direction (direction of the array of the cartridges 20). One shaft body
850a of the
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
53
pair of shaft bodies 850 (called "first shaft body 850a") is protruded in the
+Y-axis
direction from an outer surface 893 on the +Y-axis direction side of the lever
80. The
other shaft body 850b of the pair of shaft bodies 850 (called "second shaft
body 850b")
is protruded in the -Y-axis direction from an outer surface 891 on the -Y-axis
direction
side of the lever 80. The outer surfaces 891 and 893 are also called side
faces 891 and
893. The pair of shaft bodies 850 provided on the lever 80 readily define the
axis of
rotation 800c by using a retainer as described later.
[0712] According to this embodiment, each of the shaft bodies 850 has an
inner arc-shaped
surface 852, an outer arc-shaped surface 854. and radial side faces 856 and
858. The
respective faces 852, 854, 856 and 858 form the circumferential surface of the
shaft
body 850. The inner arc-shaped surface 852 and the outer arc-shaped surface
854 are
respectively called "first curved surface 852' and "second curved surface
854". The
centers of the inner arc-shaped surface 852 and the outer arc-shaped surface
854
correspond to the axis of rotation 800c. The inner arc-shaped surface 852 is
located at
the position closer to the second apparatus-side side wall member 604 than
(i.e., on the
-X-axis direction side of) the outer arc-shaped surface 854.
[02131 As shown in Fitz. 20. the inner arc-shaped surface 852 forms an arc
of radius Rla
about the axis of rotation 800c on the cross section parallel to the X axis
and the Z
axis. The outer arc-shaped surface 854 forms an arc of radius R2a about the
axis of
rotation 800c on the cross section parallel to the X axis and the Z axis. The
radius Rla
is smaller than the radius R2a. As described above, each shaft body 850 has
the
concentric inner arc-shaped surface 852 and outer arc-shaped surface 854,
which is
located at the position closer to the second apparatus-side side wall member
604 than
the outer arc-shaped surface 854, as part of the circumferential surface. The
axis of
rotation 800c can thus be located at the closer position to the cartridge 20
in the
cartridge chamber 602 without interfering with the cartridge 20. This enables
the en-
gagement portion 212 of the first restriction portion 210 of the cartridge 20
to be
locked by the engagement portion 810, while reducing a deviation from the
first
locking position 810L. If the axis of rotation 800c were located at the
distant position
from the cartridge 20, any shift of the lever 80 from the attachment position
designed
for the correctly mounted state of the cartridge 20 causes a significant
displacement of
the engagement portion 810 in the Z-axis direction. Locating the axis of
rotation 800c
at the closer position from the cartridge 20 advantageously reduces the
displacement of
the engagement portion 810 in the Z-axis direction when the lever 80 is
shifted from
the standard attitude in the state of the cartridge 20 properly attached at
the designed
attachment position. Namely such positioning enables the cartridge 20 to be
locked by
the engagement portion 810 with the less deviation from the first locking
position
8101¨ Setting the greater radius R2a of the outer arc-shaped surface 854 than
the radius
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
54
RI a of the inner arc-shaped surface 852 advantageously prevents the strength
degradation of the shaft body 850. The "locking position (first locking
position) 810L"
means the position where a first apparatus-side locking surface 811 (first
part of the en-
gagement portion 810) abuts the first cartridge-side locking surface 211
(first abutting
part of the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210) when the cartridge
20 is attached
at the attachment position set as the ideal designed position.
[02141 The engagement portion 810 serves to lock the cartridge 20 in the
attached state and
restrict the motion of the cartridge 20. As shown in Fig. 21, the engagement
portion
810 is provided on the -Z-axis direction end of the lever 80. The engagement
portion
810 is located on the -Z-axis direction side of the axis of rotation 800c in
the attached
state of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60.
[0215] As shown in Fig. 21, the engagement portion 810 locks the first
cartridge-side re-
striction portion 210 (Fig. 5) by two parts. The engagement portion 810
includes the
first apparatus-side locking surface 811 as the first part (the first
apparatus-side re-
striction element), a groove 815 and a second apparatus-side locking surface
813 as the
second part (the second apparatus-side restriction element). According to this
em-
bodiment, the two apparatus-side locking surfaces 811 and 813 of the
engagement
portion 810 are located to intersect each other.
=
[02161 The first apparatus-side locking surface 811 is a curved surface in
an arc shape
around the axis of rotation 800c. The first apparatus-side locking surface 811
ac-
cordingly has the are shape around the axis of rotation 800c on the cross
section
parallel to the X axis and the Z axis (i.e., cross section parallel to the XZ
plane, cross
section perpendicular to the Y axis). For attachment of the cartridge 20 to
the holder
60, this structure enables the first apparatus-side locking surface 811 to be
smoothly
moved to the locking position 810L and lock the cartridge 20. For detachment
of the
cartridge 20 from the holder 60, this structure enables the first apparatus-
side locking
surface 811 to smoothly unlock the cartridge 20. This structure accordingly
ensures
smooth attachment and detachment of the cartridge 20 to and from the holder
60.
[02171 At the locking position (first locking position) 810L, the first
apparatus-side locking
surface 811 is close to the axis of rotation 800c in the X-axis direction. In
other words,
at the locking position (first locking position) 810L, the first apparatus-
side locking
surface 811 is located approximately beneath the axis of rotation 800c
according to this
embodiment. More specifically, at the locking position (first locking
position) 810L,
the first apparatus-side locking surface 811 is located on the slightly -X-
axis direction
side of the axis of rotation 800c. At the locking position 810L, the first
apparatus-side
locking surface 811 accordingly defines a plane intersecting at an
approximately right
angle the +Z-axis direction force which the cartridge 20 in the attached state
receives
from the apparatus-side terminals 700 and the elastic member 648. According to
this
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
embodiment, the plane in contact with the first apparatus-side locking surface
811 as
the curved surface is a substantially horizontal plane at the locking position
810L. This
reduces the possibility of releasing the engagement between the first
cartridge-side
locking surface 211 and the first apparatus-side locking surface 811 while the
cartridge
20 is mounted in the printer. The first locking position 810L in the X-axis
direction is
thus preferably the position close to the axis of rotation 800c and on the -X-
axis
direction side of the axis of rotation 800c. This makes the plane in contact
with the first
apparatus-side locking surface 811 substantially horizontal and prevents
application of
the +X-axis direction force from the cartridge 20 in the attached state to the
first
apparatus-side locking surface 811. Locating the first locking position 810L
close to
the axis of rotation 800c in the X-axis direction advantageously reduces a
deviation of
the locking position in the Z-axis direction even when the actual locking
position of the
first cartridge-side locking surface 211 and the first apparatus-side locking
surface 811
is slightly deviated from the first locking position 810L. In other words,
this reduces
the deviation of the cartridge 20 in the Z-axis direction relative to the
holder 60 and
ensures the good electrical connection of the cartridge-side terminals 400
with the
apparatus-side terminals 700. For example, on the cross section of the lever
80 taken
on the plane parallel to the X axis and the Z axis, the first locking position
81 OL should
be located, such that an angle A between the straight line passing through the
axis of
rotation 800c and parallel to the Z-axis direction and the straight line
connecting the
axis of rotation 800c with the first locking position 810L is preferably not
greater than
15 degrees, more preferably not greater than 10 degrees, and further
preferably not
greater than 5 degrees. The angle A is also preferably not less than 1 degree.
[0218] As shown in Fig. 19, the guide member 820 is provided between the
operating
member 830 and the engagement portion 810 tube extended from the +Z-axis
direction end to the -Z-axis direction end. The guide member 820 serves to
guide the
first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 (shown in Fig. 12) to the
engagement portion
810, while restricting the motion of the cartridge 20 in the Y-axis direction
in the
course of attachment of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60. The cartridge 20
can thus be
properly attached at the designed attachment position.
[02191 The guide member 820 is a recess formed by a guide bottom wall 821
provided along
the Y-axis direction and a pair of guide walls 860 being vertically-angled
toward the -
X-axis direction from the guide bottom wall 821. The guide bottom wall 821 and
the
pair of guide walls 860 readily form the recess to receive the first cartridge-
side re-
striction portion 210 structured as the projection. The pair of guide walls
860 include a
first guide wall 860a provided on the +Y-axis direction side and a second
guide wall
860b provided on the -Y-axis direction side. The shaft body 850a is located on
the
outer surface 893 of the first guide wall 860a, whilst the shaft body 850b is
located on
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
56 =
the outer surface 891 of the second guide wall 860b.
102201 The space between the two guide walls 860a and 860b, i.e., the
distance between the
inner surfaces of the two guide walls 860a and 860b, is less than the Y-axis
direction
length of the cartridge 20 but is greater than the Y-axis direction length of
the first
cartridge-side restriction portion 210 (as can be seen in Fig. 12). For
attachment of the
cartridge 20 to the holder 60, the first cartridge-side restriction portion
210 is received
by the guide member 820 and is readily and securely guided to the engagement
portion
810, while the pair of guide walls 860a and 860b restrict the motion of the
cartridge 20
in the Y-axis direction and the guide bottom wall 821 restricts the motion of
the
cartridge 20 in the Z-axis direction.
102211 One part of the guide bottom wall 821 on the side of the engagement
portion 810 has
a groove 870 configured to receive the second portion 214 of the first
cartridge-side re-
striction portion 210 (Fig. 12). The groove 870 is recessed from the surface
of the
guide bottom wall 821 in the +X-axis direction. The groove 870 is extended
from the
middle in the +Z-axis direction of the guide bottom wall 821 to its -Z-axis
direction
end.
[0222] The lever 80 set on the holder 60 is configured to move the first
apparatus-side
locking surface 81) to the first locking position 810L by its dead weight. The
lever 80
is tilted to locate the first apparatus-side locking surface 811 on the -X-
axis direction
side of the axis of rotation 800c (Fig. 21), when the shaft bodies 850 are
retained by =
the retainer 690. According to one embodiment, the lever 80 may be tilted by
locating
the center of gravity of the lever 80 on the -Z-axis direction side and on the
-X-axis
direction side of the axis of rotation 800c. According to another embodiment,
the lever
80 may be tilted by locating the center of gravity of the lever 80 on the +Z-
axis
direction side and on the +X-axis direction side of the axis of rotation 800c.
[02231 A-4-4. Detailed Structure of Retainer 690:
Fig. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the retainer 690 and a perspective
view of
the lever 80. The lever 80 is retained by the retainer 690, so as to be
attached to the
holder 60 in a rotatable manner. Fig. 22 shows partial structure of the
retainer 690 to
retain the lever 80. The retainer 690 is structured by a combination of a
first retainer
member 650 and a second retainer member 680. The retainer 690 is made of a
synthetic resin, more specifically ABS resin according to this embodiment.
[0224) The first retainer member 650 has a pair of standing portions 651
and a through hole
658. According to this embodiment, the first retainer member 650 also has the
projection 636 serving as the third apparatus-side restriction element.
[02251 The pair Of standing portions 651 of the first retainer member 650
are arranged
across a space for receiving the lever 80. Each of the standing portions 651
has a
bearing element 654 to receive the shaft body 85(1 of the lever 80. According
to this
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
57
embodiment, each of the standing portions 651 also has an engagement hole 656
serving to engage the second retainer member 680.
[02261 The second retainer member 680 has a pair of standing portions 681
and a through
hole 688. According to this embodiment, the second retainer member 680 also
has an
elastic member 682.
102271 The pair of standing portions 681 of the second retainer member 680
are arranged
across the same space as that between the pair of standing portions 651 of the
first
retainer member 650. Each of the standing portions 681 has a block surface 684
to
block the bearing element 654, in order to prevent the shaft body 850 of the
lever 80
from being unintentionally uncoupled from the bearing element 654. According
to this
embodiment, each of the standing portions 681 also has an engagement
projection 686
to be fit in the engagement hole 656 of the first retainer member 650.
[0228] For attachment of the lever 80 to the holder 60, the lever 80 is
located between the
pair of standing portions 651 by setting the respective shaft bodies 850 of
the lever 80
into the corresponding bearing elements 654 of the pair of standing portions
651 of the
first retainer member 650. Subsequently the two retainer members 650 and 680
are
assembled, so that the bearing elements 654 with the shaft bodies 850 of the
lever 80
fit therein are blocked by the corresponding block surfaces 684 of the second
retainer
member 680. The first and second retainer members 650 and 680 are then fixed
to the
wall of the holder 60, for example, with screws set in the through holes 658
and 688.
This attaches the lever 80 to the holder 60 in a rotatable manner.
[0229] Fig. 23 is a sectional view showing the structure of the periphery
of the lever 80 in
the attached state of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60. The relationship
between the
shaft body 852 of the lever 80 and the bearing element 654 of the first
retainer member
650 is described with reference to Fig. 23. Fig. 23 shows the cross section of
the lever
80 locking the cartridge 20 taken on the plane passing through the first
apparatus-side
locking surface 811 and parallel to the X axis and the Z axis. The broken line
in Fig. 23
shows the projected shape of the shaft body 850 of the lever 80, and the two-
dot chain
line shows the projected shape of the bearing element 654 and the block
surface 684.
102301 As clearly understood from Fig. 23, the axis of rotation 800c of the
lever 80 is po-
sitioned through the contact of the inner arc-shaped surface 852 and the outer
arc-
shaped surface 854 of the shaft body 850 with the bearing element 654. Turning
the
lever 80 counterclockwise (seen from the +Y-axis direction) causes the radial
side face
856 of the shaft body 850 to abut the bearing element 654. This restricts
further coun-
terclockwise rotation of the lever 80 (seen from the +Y-axis direction).
Turning the
= lever 80 clockwise (seen from the +Y-axis direction) causes the radial
side face 858 of
the shaft body 850 to abut the block surface 684. This restricts further
clockwise
rotation of the lever 80 (seen from the -t-Y-axis direction). This ensures
stable rotation
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
58
of the lever 80 and keeps the cartridge 20 at the designed attachment position
in the
stable state.
[0231] During rotation of the lever 80, the elastic member 682 abuts an
engagement rear
face 880 of the lever 80 located on the -Z-axis direction side of the axis of
rotation
800c. The elastic member 682 accordingly limits the rotatable range of the
lever 80
during attachment and detachment of the cartridge 20 to and from the holder
60. In at-
tachment of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60, the elastic member 682 abuts
the en-
gagement rear face 880 of the lever 80 and is elastically deformed, so as to
press the
engagement rear face 880 in the direction including the -X-axis direction
vector
component. This ensures the movement of the engagement portion 810 of the
lever 80
to the locking position (first locking position) SIOL.
10232] A-5, Attachment and Detachment of Cartridge 20 to and from Holder
60:
Figs. 24 to 27 show the procedure for attachment or mounting of the cartridge
20 to
the holder 60 (attachment procedure). Figs. 24 to 27 are sectional views
corresponding
to Figs. 5 and 17 and are arranged in time series in this order.
[0233] For attachment of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60, the procedure
first inserts the
cartridge 20 through the top face of the holder 60 as shown in Fig. 24. The
procedure
then moves the cartridge 20 in the -Z axis direction or mounting direction to
make the
second cartridge-side restriction portion 220-side of the cartridge 20 enter
first into the
holder 60 and inserts the second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 into
the second
apparatus-side restriction element 620. In the state of Fig. 24, the first
cartridge-side re-
striction portion 210 of the cartridge 20 is located on the +Z-axis direction
side of the
engagement portion 810 of the lever 80 in the holder 60.
[02341 The cartridge 20 is pivoted clockwise (seen from the +Y-axis
direction) about the
second cartridge-side restriction portion 220, which is inserted in the second
apparatus-
side restriction element 620, as the pivot point of rotation from the state of
Fig. 24, so
that the third face 203-side of the cartridge 20 is moved toward the bottom
wall
member 601 of the holder 60. As shown in Fig. 25, the first cartridge-side
restriction
portion 210 then moves in the -Z-axis direction, while the motion of the
cartridge 20 in
the Y-axis direction and in the X-axis direction is restricted by the guide
member 820
of the lever 80, i.e., the pair of guide walls 860a and 8606, and by the guide
bottom
wall 821 shown in Fig. 19.
[0235] When the cartridge 20 is further turned from the state of Fig. 25 to
press in its third
face 203-side, the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is further
pressed in the -
Z-axis direction. As shown in Fig. 26, the lever 80 is then pressed in the -X-
axis
direction by the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 to turn
counterclockwise
(seen from the +Y-axis direction). The lever 80 abuts the elastic member 682
and
receives the pressing force from the elastic member 682 in the direction to
press back
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
59
the lever 80 clockwise (seen from the +Y-axis direction). This pressing force
is an
external force including a -X-axis direction vector component. The rotatable
range of
the lever 80 is accordingly limited by the elastic member 682. This state of
Fig. 26
where the lever 80 abuts the elastic member 682 and is pressed by the elastic
member
682 maintains until the cartridge 20 is further pressed in and the first
cartridge-side re-
striction portion 210 rides over the guide member 820 of the lever 80.
[0236] When the cartridge 20 is further [timed from the state of Fig. 26 to
press in its third
face 203-side, the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 eventually
rides over the
guide member 820 of the lever 80. The lever 80 is then turned to move the
first
cartridge-side restriction portion 210 in the -X-axis direction as shown in
Fig, 27. The
engagement portion 810 accordingly moves to the first locking position 810L
and
locks the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 at the first locking
position 810L.
More specifically, as shown by the lower right close-up view, the first
apparatus-side
locking surface 811 (first part) of the engagement portion 810 abuts the first
cartridge-
side locking surface 211 (first abutting part) of the first cartridge-side
restriction
portion 210, so as to restrict the motion of the cartridge 20 in the +Z-axis
direction.
The second apparatus-side locking surface 813 (second pan) of the engagement
portion 810 also abuts the second cartridge-side locking surface 213 (second
abutting
part) of the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210, so as to restrict
the motion of the
cartridge 20 in the +X-axis direction. Although the first cartridge-side
locking surface
211 and second cartridge-side locking surface 213 are shown in the close-up
view of
Fig. 27 as being two separate substantially orthogonal surfaces, as can be
seen in Fig.
27A, the first portion 212 of the first restriction portion 210 can be formed
with a
curved surface so that the first cartridge-side locking surface 211 and second
cartridge-
side locking surface 213 are configured as separate sections of the same
surface. Alter-
natively, as can be seen in Fig. 27B, the first portion 212 of the first
restriction portion
210 can be formed with a flat slanted surface or other shape so that the first
cartridge-
side locking surface 211 and second cartridge-side locking surface 213 are
configured
as separate sections of the same surface. As part of the mounting, the ink
supply
structure 280 of the cartridge 20 is then connected with the printing material
supply
tube 640, while the second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 engages with
the
second apparatus-side restriction element 620 and the first cartridge-side
restriction
portion 210 engages with the engagement portion 810. This completes the
attachment
of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60. The proper attachment of the cartridge
20 at the
designed attachment position makes electrical connection between the cartridge-
side
terminals 400 and the apparatus-side terminals 700, so as to allow signal
transmission
between the cartridge 20 and the printer 50.
[0237] According to this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 23 and 27, the
elastic member 682
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
is configured not to abut the lever 80 and thereby not to apply an external
force to the
lever 80 in the attached state of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60. This
reduces the pos-
sibility of plastic deformation of the lever 80 by external force and the
possibility of
deviation of the engagement portion 810 from the first locking position 810L.
This ac-
cordingly ensures stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side
terminals 400
and the apparatus-side terminals 700.
[0238] According to another embodiment, the elastic member 682 may be
designed to abut
the lever 80 and thereby apply a force to the lever 80 in the direction
including the -
X-axis direction vector component in the attached state of the cartridge 20 to
the holder
60. In this application, the elastic member 682 continuously applies the force
to the
lever 80 in the direction including the -X-axis direction vector component.
irrespective
of the position of the lever 80. This moves the engagement portion 810 with
sufficient
force to the first locking position 810L for attachment of the cartridge 20 to
the holder
60. This gives the hard click to inform the user of locking the cartridge 20
by the en-
gagement portion 810.
10239] According to another embodiment, the elastic member 682 may be
omitted. This ap-
plication decreases the total number of parts.
[0240] The procedure of detachment of the cartridge 20 from the holder 60
is described. For
detachment of the cartridge 20 from the holder 60, the user presses the
operating
member 830 in the -X-axis direction. In other words, the user applies the
external force
Pr (Fig. 5) to the operating member 830 in the direction including the -X-axis
direction
vector component. The lever 80 then moves the engagement portion 810 around
the
axis of rotation 800c in the direction including the +X-axis direction vector
component. Simultaneously the first cartridge-side locking smface 211 rotates
and
moves in the direction of arrow Y22 shown in Fig. 23. This disengages the
first
cartridge-side restriction portion 210 from the engagement portion 810 and
eliminates
the restriction on the motion of the third face 203-side of the cartridge 20
in the
+Z-axis direction. Eliminating the restriction on the motion of the cartridge
20 in the
+z-axis direction causes the third face 203-side of the cartridge 20 to move
in the
+Z-axis direction by the pressing force Pt from the contact mechanism 70. This
moves
the cartridge 20 from the state of Fig. 27 to the state of Fig. 26. The
cartridge 20 is
further turned counterclockwise (seen from the +Y-axis direction) about the
second
cartridge-side restriction portion 220 inserted in the second apparatus-side
restriction
element 620 as the pivot point of rotation, in order to pull away the third
face 203-side
of the cartridge 20 from the bottom wall member 601 of the holder 60. This
moves the
cartridge 20 from the state of Fig. 26 to the state of Fig. 25 and further to
the state of
Fig. 24. The user may apply force to the projection 260 in the direction
including the -
X-axis direction vector component, in order to turn the cartridge 20. This
operation
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
=
61
turns the third face 203-side of the cartridge 20 counterclockwise (seen from
the
+Y-axis direction) and moves the third face 203-side of the cartridge 20 in
the +Z-axis
direction. The user holds the third face 203-side of the cartridge 20 and
pulls away the
second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 from the second apparatus-side
restriction
element 620, so as to remove the cartridge 20 from the holder 60.
[0241] As shown in the close-up view of Fig. 27, the operating member 830
of the lever 80
includes the operating-member opposed surface 831. For removal of the
cartridge 20 in
the attached state from the holder 60, when the user presses the operating
member 830,
the operating-member opposed surface 831 is in contact with the projection
260. The
operating-member opposed surface 831 is inclined in a direction including a -X-
axis
direction vector component and a +Z-axis direction vector component. Turning
the
lever 80 about the axis of rotation 800c in the direction of arrow Y27 causes
the
operating-member opposed surface 831 to be in contact with the projection 260
and
presses the projection 260 in a direction Yh including the -X-axis direction
vector
component and the +Z-axis direction vector component. This facilitates
detachment of
the cartridge 20 from the holder 60. Even when the cartridge 20 is stuck by
some part
of the holder 60 and is not moved in the +Z-axis direction through the travel
of the first
cartridge-side locking surface 211 from the first locking position 810L in the
+X-axis
direction, the third face 203-side of the cartridge 20 can be moved in the +Z-
axis
direction by using the operating-member opposed surface 831 and the projection
260.
10242] A-6. Attachment Detection Method Using Attachment Detection
Terminals:
Fig. 28 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical structure of the
circuit board 40
of the cartridge 20 and the printer 50 according to the first embodiment. The
printer 50
includes a display panel 590, a power circuit 580, a main control circuit 570
and a sub-
control circuit 550. The display panel 590 serves as a display unit to notify
the user of
various information, for example, the operating condition of the printer 50
and the at-
tachmein state of the cartridge 20. The display panel 590 may be provided on
an
operation unit (not shown) visible from outside of the printer 50. The power
circuit 580
includes a first power supply 581 to generate a first power-supply voltage VDD
and a
second power supply 582 to generate a second power-supply voltage VHV. The
first
power-supply voltage VDD is the ordinary power-supply voltage (e.g.. rated
voltage of
3.3 V) used for logic circuits. The second power-supply voltage VHV is the
high
voltage (e.g., rated voltage of 42 V) used to drive the head 540 (Fig. 2) for
ink ejection.
These voltages VDD and VHV are supplied to the sub-control circuit 550, while
being
supplied to the other circuits as needed basis. The main control circuit 570
includes a
CPU 571 and a memory 572. The sub-control circuit 550 includes a memory
control
circuit 551 and an attachment detection circuit 552. The circuit structure
including the
main control circuit 570 and the sub-control circuit 550 is called ''control
circuit".
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
62
[02431 Among the nine terminals provided on the circuit board 40 of the
cartridge 20 (Fig.
10), the reset terminal 432, the clock terminal 433, the power terminal 436,
the ground
terminal 437 and the data terminal 438 are electrically connected with the
memory unit
420. The memory unit 420 is a nonvolatile memory without an address terminal.
In the
memory unit 420, a memory cell to be accessed is determined, based on the
pulse
number of clock signal SCK input from the clock terminal 433 and command data
input from the data terminal 438. The memory unit 420 receives data from the
data
terminal 438 or sends data to the data terminal 438, in synchronism with the
clock
signal SCK. The clock terminal 433 is used to supply the clock signal SCK from
the
sub-control circuit 550 (Fig. 28) to the memory unit 420. The printer 50
applies the
power-supply voltage (for example, rated voltage of 3.3 V) for driving the
memory
unit 420 and the ground voltage (0 V) respectively to the power terminal 436
and to the
ground terminal 437. The power-supply voltage for driving the memory unit 420
may
be the first power-supply voltage VDD directly applied by the printer 50 or
may be
generated from the first power-supply voltage VDD to be lower than the first
power-
supply voltage VDD. The data terminal 438 is used for transmission of data
signal
SDA between the sub-control circuit 550 and the memory unit 420. The reset
terminal
432 is used to supply reset signal RST from the sub-control circuit 550 to the
memory
unit 420. The four attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 are
inter-
connected by wiring in the circuit board 40 of the cartridge 20 (Fig. 3) and
are all
grounded. For example, the attachment detection terminals 431, 434,435 and 439
are
connected with the ground terminal 437 to be grounded. According to another em-
bodiment, the attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 may be
grounded
by any connection path without the ground terminal 437. As clearly understood
from
this description, the attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 may
be
connected with part of the memory terminals (or memory unit 420), but is
preferably
not connected with any memory terminals other than the ground terminal 437 or
the
memory unit 420. Non-connection of the attachment detection terminals with the
memory terminal or the memory unit results in application of no signal or
voltage other
than an attachment check signal to the attachment detection terminals and thus
ensures
the accurate attachment detection. The four attachment detection terminals
431, 434,
435 and 439 are interconnected by wiring in the illustrated example of Fig.
28, but part
of the connection path may be replaced by a resistance.
[0244] In Fig. 28, path names SCK, VDD, SDA, RST, OVI, 0V2, DTI and DT2 are
assigned to the respective connection paths connecting the apparatus-side
terminals
731 to 739 with the cartridge-side terminals 431 to 439 of the circuit board
40. The
signal names are used for the path names with respect to the connection paths
to the
memory unit 420.
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
63
[02451 Fig. 29 illustrates the connection between the circuit board 40 and
the attachment
detection circuit 552. The four attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435
and 439 of
the circuit board 40 are connected with the attachment detection circuit 552
via the cor-
responding apparatus-side terminals 731, 734, 735 and 739. The four attachment
detection terminals 431. 434, 435 and 439 of the circuit hoard 40 are
grounded. The
connection paths between the apparatus-side terminals 731, 734, 735 and 739
and the
attachment detection circuit 552 are respectively connected to the power-
supply
voltage VDD (rated voltage of 3.3 V) in the sub-control circuit 550 via pull-
up re-
sistance.
10246] In the illustrated example of Fig. 29, the three terminals 431, 434
and 435 of the four
attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439 on the circuit board 40
have
good connection with the corresponding apparatus-side terminals 731. 734 and
735.
The attachment detection terminal 439, however, has poor connection with the
corre-
sponding apparatus-side terminal 739. The voltage level of the connection
paths for the
three apparatus-side terminals 731, 734 and 735 in the good connection stale
is L level
(ground voltage level), whilst the voltage level of the connection path for
the
apparatus-side terminal 739 in the poor connection state is H level (power-
supply
voltage VDD level). The attachment detection circuit 552 may check the voltage
levels
of these connection paths, so as to identify the good/poor connection state
with respect
to each of the four attachment detection terminals 731, 734, 735 and 739.
10247] The contact portions cp of the four attachment detection terminals
431, 434, 435 and
439 on the circuit board 40 are located outside a first area 400P, which
includes the
contact portions cp of the memory terminals 432, 433, 436, 437 and 438. The
contact
portions cp of the four attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439
are
located at four corners of a quadrilateral second area 400T, which includes
the first
area 400P. The first area 400P is preferably a smallest possible quadrilateral
including
the contact portions cp of the five memory terminals 432, 433, 436, 437 and
438. The
second area 400T is preferably a smallest possible quadrilateral including all
the
contact portions cp of the cartridge-side terminals 431 to 439.
102481 In the state of good contact for all the four attachment detection
terminals 431, 434,
435 and 439, the cartridge 20 has no significant tilt and ensures the good
contact for
the memory terminals 432, 433, 436, 437 and 438. In the state of poor contact
for any
one or more of the four attachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439,
on the
other hand, the cartridge 20 has a significant tilt and may cause the poor
contact for
any one or more of the memory terminals 432, 433, 436, 437 and 438. According
to a
preferable embodiment, in the state of poor contact for any one or more of the
four at-
tachment detection terminals 431, 434, 435 and 439, the attachment detection
circuit
552 displays information (character string or image) indicating the failed
attachment
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
64
on the display panel 590 to notify the user of the failed attachment.
[0249] The contact portions cp of the attachment detection terminals 431,
434, 435 and 439
are arranged at the four corners surrounding the first area 400P including the
contact
portions cp of the memory terminals 432, 433. 436. 437 and 438, because of the
following reason. In the attached state of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60,
there is a
certain margin for tilting the cartridge 20, so that the circuit board 40 of
the cartridge
20 may be inclined relative to the contact mechanism 70 of the holder 60. For
example,
tilting the cartridge 20 to make the terminals 431 to 434 (more specifically
their
contact portions) in the upper line R2 (Fig. I0A) on the circuit board 40 more
distant
from the contact mechanism 70 than the terminals 435 to 439 (more specifically
their
contact portions) in the lower line RI (Fig. 10A) may result in the poor
contact for any
of the terminals 431 to 434 in the upper line R2. Tilting the cartridge 20 to
make the
terminals 435 to 439 (more specifically their contact portions) in the lower
line RI on
the circuit board 40 more distant from the contact mechanism 70 than the
terminals
431 to 434 (more specifically their contact portions) in the upper line R2 may
result in
the poor contact for any the terminals 435 to 439 in the lower line RI.
Tilting the
cartridge 20 to make the left edge of the circuit board 40 (Fig. 10A) more
distant from
the contact mechanism 70 than the right edge may result in the poor contact
for any of
the terminals 431, 432, 435, 436 and 437 on the left side of the circuit board
40. Tilting
the cartridge 20 to make the right edge of the circuit board 40 more distant
from the
contact mechanism 70 than the left edge may result in the poor contact for any
of the
terminals 433, 434, 437, 438 and 439 on the right side of the circuit board
40. The poor
contact may cause an error in reading data from the memory unit 420 or in
writing data
into the memory unit 420. Checking, the contact portions cp of all the four
attachment
detection terminals 43 I, 434, 435 and 439, which are arranged at the four
corners
outside the first area 400P including the contact portions cp of the memory
terminals
432, 433, 436, 437 and 438, for the good/poor contact advantageously prevents
the
poor contact and a resulting access error in the memory unit 420 due to such
tilting of
the cartridge 20.
A-7. Advantageous Effects of Embodiment:
A-7-1. Certain of The Advantageous Effects of This Embodiment Compared with
The Structures Disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811. and U.S. Patent
No.
6,276,780 Mentioned Previously.
[0250] In the printing material supply system 10 according to this
embodiment, the lever 80
is provided on the holder 60, and the first cartridge-side restriction portion
210 is
provided on the cartridge 20. The cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is
located on
the -Z-axis direction side of the axis of rotation 800c of the lever 80. The
engagement
member for engaging with the holder is not located at the position between the
axis of
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
rotation and the operating member of the lever, unlike the structures in U.S.
Pub-
lication No. 2005/0151811 in which the lever is integral with the cartridge.
There is ac-
cordingly no need to make a relatively large distance between the lever and
the
cartridge side face. The structure of the embodiment accordingly shortens the
distance
between the lever 80 and the third face 203 of the cartridge 20, i.e., the
dimension in
the X-axis direction. while shortening the length of the lever, i.e.. the
dimension in the
Z-axis direction. This allows significant size reduction of the printer 50 and
the whole
printing material supply system 10. as well as size reduction of packaging for
trans-
portation and distribution of the cartridges 20, which advantageously reduces
the trans-
portation cost and the parts cost. This advantageous effect is not achieved by
simply
providing the lever on the printer holder instead of the cartridge as
described in U.S.
Patent No. 6,276,780. This advantageous effect is achieved by providing the
axis of
rotation 800e of the lever 80 between the operating member 830 and the
engagement
portion 810 and locating the cartridge-side restriction portion 210 on the -Z-
axis
direction side of the axis of rotation 800c of the lever 80.
[0251] The printing material supply system 10 according to the embodiment
includes the
relatively short lever 80 and the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210
of the small
size and the simple structure (c.a., projection). This increases the rigidity
of the lever
80 and the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210, compared with the
structures
described in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, and allows the relatively high-
rigidity material to be selected for the lever 80 and the first cartridge-side
restriction
portion 210 (cartridge 20). This results in significantly reducing the
possibility of
plastic deformation or creep deformation of the lever 80 and the first
cartridge-side re-
striction portion 210. In the attached state, the cartridge 20 can be kept at
the proper
position in the holder 60, which maintains the normal or good contact between
the
cartridge-side terminals 431 to 439 and the apparatus-side terminals 731 to
739 and
reduces the poor continuity. Since the first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210 of this
embodiment has the small size and the simple structure, no special care to
prevent
plastic deformation of the lever is required in packaging for transportation
and dis-
tribution of the cartridges 20, especially in vacuum packaging, unlike the
cartridges of
U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811. This improves the user's convenience.
Providing
the projection as the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 as
described in the em-
bodiment is especially preferable for this advantageous effect.
102521 In the printing material supply system 10 according to the
embodiment, the cartridge-
side restriction portion 210 is located on the -Z-axis direction side of the
axis of
rotation 800c of the lever 80. As described previously, the apparatus-side
terminals 731
to 739 generate the pressing force Pt in the direction of pressing back the
circuit board
40 (i.e., in the direction including the +Z-axis direction vector component
and the -
=
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
66
X-axis direction vector component) in the attached state of the cartridge 20.
This
pressing force Pt is expected to move the cartridge 20 in the +Z-axis
direction in the
attached state. In the printing material supply system 10 of the embodiment,
however,
the axis of rotation 800c of the lever 80 is located on the -Z-axis direction
side of the
first cartridge-side restriction portion 210, so that the lever 80 restricts
the motion of
the cartridge 20 from the +Z-axis direction side to the -Z-axis direction
side.
[0253] According to this embodiment, the first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210 is
located on the -Z-axis direction side and on the -X-axis direction side of the
axis of
rotation 800c of the lever 80. When the cartridge 20 moves in the +Z-axis
direction, ro-
tational moment arises on the lever 80 as shown by arrow M in Fig. 5. This
moment
acts to cause the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 to he strongly
pressed in the
-X-axis direction by the engagement portion 810. This moment also acts to move
the
engagement portion 810 of the lever 80 in accordance with moving the cartridge
20 in
the -X-axis direction by the X-axis direction vector component of the pressing
force Pt.
The cartridge 20 in the attached state accordingly receives the force to be
pressed
against the apparatus-side bottom wall member 601 and the second apparatus-
side side
wall member 604. This structure of the embodiment prevents the cartridge 20
from
being unintentionally uncoupled from the holder 60, thus maintaining the
normal or
good contact between the cartridge-side terminals 431 to 439 and the apparatus-
side
terminals 731 to 739 and reducing the possibility of poor continuity.
[0254] As shown in Fig. 27, the first cartridge-side restriction portion
210 includes the first
cartridge-side locking surface 211 that abuts the first part 811 of the
engagement
portion RIO to restrict the motion of the cartridge 20 in the +Z-axis
direction, and the
=
second cartridge-side locking surface 213 that abuts the second part 813 of
the en-
gagement portion 810 to restrict the motion of the cartridge 20 in the +X-axis
direction. This ensures production of the rotational moment as shown by the
arrow M
in Fig. 5 and more effectively reduces the possibility of poor continuity
between the
cartridge-side terminals 431 to 439 and the apparatus-side terminals 731 to
739.
[0255] As shown in Fig. 12, according to this embodiment, the first
cartridge-side restriction
portion 210 has the second portion 214. The first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210
reduces the possibility that the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210
is locked at
the position on the -Z-axis direction side of the engagement portion 810 in
attachment
of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60. In the course of attachment of the
cartridge 20 to
the holder 60, the user may press the cartridge 20 deeper in the -Z-axis
direction into
the holder 60 than the state of Fig. 27. Even in this case, the second portion
214 of the
first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 abuts the second apparatus-side
locking
surface 813 of the lever 80, so as to prevent the first cartridge-side
restriction portion
210 from being located on the -Z-axis direction side of the engagement portion
810.
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
67
This reduces the possibility that the first cartridge-side restriction portion
210 is locked
by the engagement portion 810 at the unintended locking position.
[0256] A-7-2. Reduction of Effects of External Force in Attached State of
Cartridge:
Fig. 30 shows the external force applied to the cartridge 20 in the attached
or
mounted state. During printing operation of the printer 50, the holder 60 and
the
cartridge 20 move reciprocally in the main scanning direction (Y-axis
direction or
width direction of the cartridge 20). The cartridge 20 accordingly receives
external
force (inertial force) during acceleration and deceleration of the holder 60
in the width
direction. The cartridge 20 receiving the external force may turn about the
ink supply
structure 280 (Fie. 27) and the printing material supply tube 640 in the
rotating
direction including the width direction vector component (Y-axis direction
vector
component). More specifically, the third face 203-side of the cartridge 20 may
turn in
the direction of arrow YR1, while the fourth face 204-side of the cartridge 20
may turn
in the direction of arrow YR2. The second face 202-side of the cartridge 20
may also
turn in the direction of arrow YR3. The direction of arrow YR1 and the
direction of
arrow YR2 are the rotating direction about the Z axis, which includes the Y-
axis
direction vector component (width direction vector component). The direction
of arrow
YR3 is the rotating direction about the X axis, which includes the Y-axis
direction
vector component (width direction vector component).
[0257] Moving the cartridge 20 in the direction of arrow YR3 causes either
the fifth face 205
or the sixth face 206 of the cartridge 20 to be pulled up in the +Z-axis
direction. As
described previously, however, such motion of the cartridge 20 in the +Z-axis
direction
is restricted by the lever 80. According to this embodiment, the first
cartridge-side re-
striction portion 210 is close to the intersecting part 295 as shown in Fig.
13. In other
words, the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is close to the board
end 405 of
the circuit board 40. The first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is
arranged as close
as possible to the cartridge-side terminals 400. Since the first cartridge-
side restriction
portion 210 is locked by the lever 80, the periphery of the first cartridge-
side restriction
portion 210 has substantially no position shift by the external force.
Providing the
cartridge-side terminals 400 at the location of extremely small position shift
effectively
prevents the positional misalignment of the respective terminals 431 to 439 of
the
cartridge-side terminals 400 relative to the holder 60, thus maintaining the
stable
electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals 400 and the
apparatus-side
terminals 700. In order to ensure this advantageous effect, it is preferable
to locate at
least part of the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 (specifically
the first
cartridge-side locking surface 211) between the first outer part 435P and the
second
outer part 439P (Fig. WA) in the Y-axis direction (width direction) (when the
cartridge
20 is viewed from the third face 203-side in the -X-axis direction).
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
68
[0258] As shown in Fig. 7, according to this embodiment, the comer section
265 of the
cartridge 20 has the step (seventh face) 207 extended in the +Z-axis direction
from the
first face 201. The seventh face 207 is located on the -X-axis direction side
and on the -
Z-axis direction side of the sloped surface (eighth face) 208. The seventh
face 207 has
the third cartridge-side restriction element 250. As shown in Fig. 2 and Figs.
14 to 16,
the holder 60 has the third apparatus-side restriction element (projection)
636. The
third cartridge-side restriction element 250 is in contact with the projection
636. This
further restricts the motion of the third face 203-side of the cartridge 20 in
the width
direction about the printing material supply tube 640 and the ink supply
structure 280.
The third cartridge-restriction element 250 is structured preferably as the
pair of
projection members protruded from the seventh face 207 in the +X-axis
direction to
receive the projection 636 therebetween as described in the embodiment. This
simple
structure effectively restricts the motion of the third face 203-side of the
cartridge 20 in
the width direction about the printing material supply tube 640 and the ink
supply
structure 280.
102591 As shown in Fig. 13, according to this embodiment, the terminal
bearing structure
408 of the circuit board 40 and the third cartridge-side restriction element
250 are
arranged to partly overlap each other in the X-axis direction (when the
cartridge 20 is
viewed from the first face 20I-side in the +Z-axis direction). This further
effectively
restricts the motion of the cartridge 20 in the direction of arrow YR I and
thereby
prevents the motion (deviation) of the cartridge-side terminals 400 relative
to the
holder 60.
102601 In the above description, the external force in the width direction
applied to the
cartridge 20 is the inertial force produced by the movement of the cartridge
20 in the
main scanning direction. The external force applied to the cartriclu.e 20 is,
however, not
restricted to such inertial force. For example, in the off-carriage type
printer, the print
head moves in the main scanning direction, but the cartridge 20 is attached to
the
stationary holder and so does not move in the main scanning direction. In the
off-
carriage type printer, however, the cartridge 20 may receive an external
force. More
specifically, an external force (inertial force) may be applied to the
cartridge 20 due to,
for example, vibration arising from the movement of the print head in the main
scanning direction.
[0261] A-7-3. Reduction of Tilting of Cartridge 20 in Attached State:
As shown in Fig. 12, according to this embodiment, the first cartridge-side
restriction
portion 210 is provided to intersect the plane Yc passing through the center
of the
width (Y-axis direction length) of the cartridge 20. As shown in Fig. 5, the
cartridge 20
in the attached state receives the pressing forces Ps and Pt including the +Z-
axis
direction vector component from the holder 60. These pressing forces Ps and Pt
press
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
69
the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 against the engagement
portion 810 of
the lever 80. Even when the cartridge 20 in the attached state is shaken about
the X
axis or the Z axis by the external force, the first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210
hardly moves in the vicinity of the position intersecting the plane Yc.
=
[0262] The first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is located
close to the intersecting part
295, i.e., close to the board end 405. Providing the first cartridge-side
restriction
portion 210, which moves very little at the position very close to the
cartridge-side
terminals 400 ensures a stable electrical connection between the cartridge-
side
terminals 400 and the contact mechanism 70.
[0263] The effective part of the first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210 specifically
serving to restrict the position of the cartridge-side terminals 400 is the
first cartridge-
side locking surface 211. It is thus preferable to locate the first cartridge-
side locking
surface 211 as close as possible to the cartridge-side terminals 400. Omitting
the third
portion 215 of the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 and locating
the first
portion 212 in contact with the first side 290 enable the first cartridge-side
locking
surface 211 to be closer to the intersecting part 295 or the board end 405.
This further
ensures the stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals
400 and
the contact mechanism 70.
[0264] According to this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, among the
contact portions cp of
the respective cartridge-side terminals 400, the ground terminal 437 having
the contact
portion cp on the center in the Y-axis direction is provided at the position
intersecting
the plane Ye. The contact portions cp of the other terminals 431 to 436, 438
and 439.
are arranged to be symmetrical with respect to the line of intersection of the
plane Ye
and the ground terminal 437 as the axis. The plane Ye has especially little
motion,
since the position of the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is
fixed. The
cartridge-side terminals 400 are provided on the plane Ye of little motion or
its
neighborhood. In addition to providing the first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210 at
the position very close to the cartridge-side terminals 400, locating the
cartridge-side
terminals 400 on the plane Ye or its neighborhood further ensures the stable
electrical
connection between the cartridge-side terminals 400 and the contact mechanism
70.
[0265] A-7-4. Fine Adjustment of Tilted Cartridge 20 in Attached State:
According to this embodiment, the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210
(more
specifically, the first cartridge-side locking surface 211) is located not
outside but
inside the range 40Y in the Y-axis direction between the first outer part 435?
located
on the most +Y-axis direction side of the cartridge-side terminals 400 and the
second
outer part 439P located on the most -Y-axis direction side of the cartridge-
side
terminals 400. After the cartridge 20 is attached to the holder 60, the
cartridge-side
terminals 400 receive the force of +Z-axis direction vector component from the
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
apparatus-side terminals 700, so as to finely adjust the tilt of the cartridge
20 or more
specifically the direction of the sloped terminal bearing structure 408, on
which the
cartridge-side terminals 400 are provided. The manufacturing error may vary
the
positions of the respective apparatus-side terminals 73! to 739 from the
apparatus-side
sloped surface 708 or the horizontality of the first cartridge-side locking
surface 211 of
the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210. Even in such cases, the fine
adjustment
of the direction of the sloped terminal hearing structure 408 ensures the
stable
electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals 400 and the
apparatus-side
terminals 700.
[0266[ Fig. 31 shows fine adjustment of the direction of the sloped
terminal bearing
structure 408. The position of the cartridge 20 after fine adjustment of the
attitude of
the cartridge 20 is shown by the broken line. In this example, the attachment
detection
terminal 731 of the apparatus-side terminals 700 protrudes from the apparatus-
side
sloped surface 708 (Fig. 18) in the +Z-axis direction more than the designed
amount.
In this case, the sloped terminal hearing structure 408 receives force Ph in a
direction
including the +Z-axis direction vector component from the attachment detection
terminal 731. Locating the first cartridge-side locking surface 211 within the
range
40Y allows more rotation of the cartridge 20 about the X axis. In other words,
ap-
plication of the force Ph to the sloped terminal bearing structure 408 enables
fine ad-
justment of the attitude of the cartridge 20. In the illustrated example of
Fig. 31, the
attitude of the cartridge 20 is finely adjusted to be tilted toward the sixth
face 206-side.
[0267] A-7-5. Advantageous Effects of Second cartridge-side restriction
portion 220:
The cartridge 20 has the second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 on the
fourth = =
face 204 (Fig. 27), which serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge 20
from its
+X-axis direction sides in the +Z-axis direction. This further ensures the
stable
electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals 400 and the
apparatus-side
terminals 700.
[02681 According to this embodiment, the second cartridge-side restriction
portion 220 is the
projection protruded from the fourth face 204 in the -X-axis direction. The
second
cartridge-side restriction portion 220 is inserted into the second apparatus-
side re-
striction element 620 (Fig. 3) in the form of the through hole of the holder
60, The user
turns the cartridge 20 about the vicinity of the second cartridge-side
restriction portion
220 inserted in the second apparatus-side restriction clement 620 (Fig. 3) for
at-
tachment and detachment of the cartridge 20 to and from the holder 60. The
second
apparatus-side restriction element 620 accordingly serves as the guide for
attachment
and detachment of the cartridge 20 to and from the holder 60. This structure
facilitates
attachment and detachment of the cartridge 20 to and from the holder 60. The
second
cartridge-side restriction portion 220 in the form of the projection can he
readily
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
71
provided on the fourth face 204 of the cartridge 20.
[02691 A-7-6. Advantageous Effects of Projection 260:
As shown in Fig. 27, according to this embodiment, the cartridge 20 has the
projection 260 on the +Z-axis direction side of the first cartridge-side
restriction
portion 210 on the third face 2C3. For detachment of the cartridge 20 from the
holder
60, applying the force to the operating member 830 of the lever 80 from the +X-
axis =
direction side to the -X-axis direction side causes the operating member 830
to be in
contact with the projection 260 and press the projection 260 in the direction
Yh
including the +Z-axis direction vector component. The projection 260
accordingly
receives the force of +Z-axis direction vector component. This facilitates
detachment
of the cartridge 20 from the holder 60 by using the operating member 830. Even
when
the cartridge 20 is stuck by some part of the holder 60 and is not moved in
the +Z-axis
direction through the travel of the first cartridge-side locking surface 211
from the first
locking position 810L in the +X-axis direction, the third face 203-side of the
cartridge
20 can be moved in the +Z-axis direction by using the projection 260.
(0270] Although the external force is directly applied from the operating
member 830 to the
projection 260 according to the embodiment, the external force may not be
applied
from the operating member 830 to the projection 260. Turning the operating
member
830 disengages the engagement portion 810 from the first cartridge-side
restriction
portion 210 and eliminates the restriction on the motion of the third face 203-
side of
the cartridge 20 in the +Z-axis direction. Eliminating the restriction on the
motion of
the cartridge 20 in the +Z-axis direction causes the third face 203-side of
the cartridge
20 to move in the +Z-axis direction by the pressing force Pt from the contact
mechanism 70. The projection 260 of the cartridge 20 simultaneously moves in
the
direction Yh. The user holds the periphery of the projection 260 moving in the
direction Yh and readily detaches the cartridge 20 from the holder 60.
Providing the
projection 260 improves the operability for detachment of the cartridge 20
from the
holder 60 even without direct application of the external force from the
operating
member 830 to the projection 260.
[02711 A-7-7. Advantageous Effects of Position of Ink supply structure 280:
As shown in Fig. 27, according to this embodiment. the ink supply structure
280 is
provided at the position closer to the fourth face 204 than the third face 203
on the first
face 201. The distance between the outer surface of the ink supply structure
280 and
the third face 203 in the X-axis direction is accordingly greater than the
distance
between the outer surface of the ink supply structure 280 and the fourth face
204. The
cartridge-side terminals 400 are provided on the sloped terminal bearing
structure 408
adjacent to the third face 203. In other words, the ink supply structure 280
is provided
at the position away from the cartridge-side terminals 400. This reduces the
possibility
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
72
that ink adheres to the cartridge-side terminals 400 and prevents the poor
contact
between the cartridge-side terminals 400 and the apparatus-side terminals 700.
[0272] A-7-8. Advantageous Effects of Ground Terminal 437:
According to this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10A, among the contact portions
cp
of the cartridge-side terminals 400, the ground terminal 437 having the
contact portion
cp on the center in the Y-axis direction is provided at the position
intersecting the
plane Ye passing through the center of the width (Y-axis direction length) of
the
cartridge 20. The ground terminal 437 is configured to be in contact with the
contact
mechanism 70 prior to the other cartridge-side terminals 431 to 436, 438 and
439 in the
course of attachment of the cartridge 20 to the holder 60. The pressing force
first
applied from the holder 60 to the circuit board 40 is thus generated on the
substantial
center of the width or the Y-axis direction length of the cartridge 20. This
prevents the
pressing force applied to the circuit board 40 from acting to tilt the
cartridge 20 in the
Y-axis direction and thereby enables the attachment of the cartridge 20 at the
designed
attachment position. Such contact of the ground terminal 437 with the contact
mechanism 70 of the holder 60 prior to the other cartridge-side terminals 431
to 436,
438 and 439 advantageously prevents or reduces the high voltage-induced
troubles and
failures by the grounding function of the ground terminal 437, even when an un-
expected high voltage is applied to the cartridge 20.
[0273] A-7-9. Advantageous Effects of Shape of First Apparatus-side Locking
Surface 811:
As shown in Fig. 21, the first apparatus-side locking surface 811 is the
curved
surface in the arc shape about the axis of rotation 800c on the cross section
parallel to
the X axis and the Z axis. This ensures the smooth operations for attachment
and de-
tachment of the cartridge 20 to and from the holder 60. Forming the first
apparatus-
side locking surface 811 as the curved surface decreases the press-back amount
in the
+Z-axis direction by the elastic member 648 (Fig. 27) in the course of
attachment of
the cartridge 20 to the holder 60. This ensures the good electrical contact
between the
cartridge-side terminals 400 and the apparatus-side terminals 700.
[0274] One example of such advantageous effect is described with reference
to Figs. 32A to
32F. The vertical direction of Figs. 32A to 32F corresponds to the Z-axis
direction; the
upward direction of the drawings corresponds to the +Z-axis direction and the
downward direction corresponds to the -Z-axis direction which directions are
opposite
each other. Figs. 32A to 32C show attachment of a cartridge using the first
apparatus-
side locking surface 811 formed as the curved surface and are arranged in time
series
in this order. Figs. 32D to 32F show attachment of a cartridge using a first
apparatus-
side locking surface 81It formed as a plane and are arranged in times series
in this
order.
[0275] As shown in Fig. 32A, for attachment of the cartridge 20 to the
holder 60, the first
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
73
cartridge-side restriction portion 210 moves in the -Z-axis direction while
abutting the
guide bottom wall 821. As shown in Fig. 32B, when the first cartridge-side
restriction
portion 210 moves through the guide bottom wall 821 further in the -Z axis
direction,
the first apparatus-side locking surface 81 I moves in the direction of arrow
Y32. When
the user strongly presses the cartridge 20 in the -Z-axis direction, the first
cartridge-
side restriction portion 210 is located on the -Z-axis direction side of the
first
apparatus-side locking surface 811. When the user loses hold of the cartridge
20, the
cartridge 20 is pressed upward in the +Z-axis direction by the pressing forces
Ps and Pt
of the elastic member 648 and the apparatus-side terminals 700. As shown in
Fig. 32C,
the pressed-up amount of the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 of
the cartridge
20 is DI when the first apparatus-side locking surface 811 is formed as the
curved
surface.
[0276] As shown in Figs. 32D to 32F, when the First apparatus-side locking
surface 811 t is
formed as the plane, the pressed-up amount of the first cartridge-side
restriction
portion 210 is D2, which is greater than Dl.
[02771 In the attached state of the cartridge 20, the first apparatus-side
locking surface 811
formed as the curved surface can be located on the more -Z-axis direction side
than the
first apparatus-side locking surface 811t formed as the plane. This reduces
the pressed-
up amount of the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210.
[0278] According to this embodiment, the first apparatus-side locking
surface 811 located at
the preset or first locking position 810L is close to the axis of rotation
800c in the X-
axis direction (Fig. 21). This reduces the moving distance of the first
apparatus-side
locking surface 811 in the Z-axis direction even when the actual locking
position is
deviated in the X-axis direction from the first locking position 810L. This
accordingly
prevents deviation of the cartridge 20 in the Z-axis direction relative to the
holder 60.
[0279] B. Additional Embodiment:
Fig. 33 illustrates a printer 50a according to a second embodiment. Fig. 33
shows the
cross section corresponding to the cross section of Fig. 17 according to the
first em-
bodiment. The difference from the printer 50 of the first embodiment is that a
retainer
690a does not have the elastic member 682. Otherwise the printer 50a of the
second
embodiment has the same structure as that of the printer 50 of the first
embodiment.
The like elements are expressed by the like symbols and are not specifically
explained
here. The cartridge 20 attached to the printer 50a has the same structure as
the cartridge
20 attached to the printer 50 of the first embodiment.
[0280] As shown in Fig. 33, the retainer 690a does not have an elastic
member to press the
lever 80 in the direction including the -X-axis direction vector component.
The lever
80 is, however, designed to locate its first apparatus-side locking surface
811 at the
first locking position 810L by its dead weight, so that the first cartridge-
side locking
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
74
surface 211 of the cartridge 20 is locked by the first apparatus-side locking
surface 811
of the lever 80.
[02811 The printer 50a of the second embodiment has the similar
advantageous effects to
those of the printer 60 of the first embodiment. Additionally, the structure
of the
retainer 690 without an elastic member reduces the possible damage or breakage
of the
retainer 690 and decreases the total number of parts to reduce the
manufacturing cost
of the printer 50a.
[02821 C. Third Embodiment:
Fig. 34 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a cartridge 20b
according
to a third embodiment. The difference from the cartridge 20 of thc first
embodiment
(Fig. 7) is the size of the cartridge 20b. Otherwise the cartridge 20b of the
third em-
bodiment has the same structure as that of the cartridge 20 of the first
embodiment.
The like elements are expressed by the like symbols and are not specifically
explained
here. A printer of the third embodiment is adopted for the cartridge 20b but
has the
same structure as that of the holder 60 and the respective members (for
example, lever
80) provided on the holder 60 of the first embodiment.
[0283] The cartridge 20b has the greater dimensions than those of the
cartridge 20 of the
first embodiment and is capable of containing a greater amount of ink. The
cartridge
20b is attachable to a cartridge mounting structure of a large inkjet printer
that is
capable of printing large paper (e.g., sizes A2 to A0). The cartridge 20b is
attached to
the cartridge mounting structure of the large inkjet printer in the -Z-axis
direction as
the mounting direction SD. According to this embodiment; the -Z-axis direction
is the
horizontal direction. In the attached state of the cartridge 20b to the
cartridge mounting
structure, the X-axis direction is the vertical direction. More specifically,
the +X-axis
direction is the vertically upward direction, and the -X-axis direction is the
vertically
downward direction.
[0284] D. Modifications of Cartridge Structure:
Figs. 35 to 37 show modifications of cartridge structure. These cartridges are
designed for the printer having the same structure as that of the printer 50
according to
the first embodiment. The like elements of these cartridges to those of the
cartridge 20
of the first embodiment are expressed by the like symbols.
[0285.1 D-1. Modifications of Cartridge Outer Shape:
Figs. 35A to 35H arc conceptual diagrams showing cartridge outer shapes
according
to other embodiments. A cartridge 20c shown in Fig. 35A has a housing of an
elliptical
or oval side face. The cartridge 20c has the first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210
and the circuit board 40 provided on the front face. The ink supply structure
280 is
formed on the bottom face of the cartridge 20c, and the second cartridge-side
re-
striction portion 220 is provided on the rear face of the cartridge 20c. This
cartridge
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
20c has a fixed width, when the cartridge 20c is seen from its front face
side. This
cartridge 20c is compatible with the cartridge 20 shown in Fig. 7, as long as
the first
and second cartridge-side restriction portions 21() and 220, the circuit board
40 and the
ink supply structure 280 are structured to be connectable with the
corresponding parts
in the printer 50.
[0286] A cartridge 20d shown in Fig. 35B has an approximate rectangular
parallelepiped
shape like the cartridge 20 shown in Fig. 7. The large difference from the
cartridge 20
of Fig. 7 is that the eighth face 208 is not continuous from the lower end of
the third
face 203. Cartridge 201 shown in Fig. 350 is similar in shape and design to
cartridge
20d with the placement of the first cartridge-side restriction portion 210
provided
closer to the terminal bearing structure 408. Cartridges 20e and 20f shown in
Figs. 35C
and 35D have no seventh face, which is included in the cartridge 20 of Fig. 7.
A
cartridge 20g shown in Fig. 35E has the circuit hoard 40 mounted on the eighth
face
208 by means of a spring. A cartridge 20h shown in Fig. 35F has a hinged or
otherwise
movable face 208h, in place of the eighth face 208, and the circuit board 40
is mounted
on the movable face 208h. While the cartridge 20h is being mounted into the
printer,
the movable face 208h moves from the position indicated by broken line to that
indicated by solid line. Once the cartridge 20h is properly mounted in the
printer and
the movable face 208h is in the position indicated by solid line, the contact
portions of
terminals on the circuit board 40 are aligned on the contact portion plane TP.
These
cartridges 20c to 20g are also compatible with the cartridge 20 shown in Fig.
7, as long
as the first and second cartridge-side restriction portions 210 and 220, the
circuit board
40 and the ink supply structure 280 are structured to be connectable with the
corre-
sponding parts in the printer 50. A cartridge 20m shown in Fig. 35FI has an
elongated
member 211 a which is connected at one end to the first cartridge-side
restriction
portion 210 and at the other end to the top 202 of the cartridge 20m via a
hinge or other
pivotable mechanism. Although the terminals were flat shaped in the above em-
bodiments, the terminals could be elongated, wire shaped, or other shapes. For
example, Fig. 351 shows an embodiment with elongated terminals 400n, wherein
the
contact portions cp are aligned on the terminal plane TP when the cartridge
20j is
mounted into the printer. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 35J, a cartridge 20j
that
includes a contact mechanism 70j that has substantially the same configuration
(including the configuration of the terminals) as the apparatus-side contact
mechanism
70 shown in Fig. 18. The contact mechanism 70j has resilient terminals with
contact
portions that, when the cartridge 20j is mounted into the printer, contact
with the
terminals 700 of the contact mechanism 70 and are substantially aligned on the
terminal plane TP. In embodiments such as those of Figs. 351 and 351, where
the
terminals are not flat shaped, the "terminal bearing structure" and the
"sloped surface"
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
76
can be considered the portion of the cartridge terminals that supports the
contact
portions, and so is substantially the same as the portions of the terminals
indicated by
the contact portion plane TP. Also, the portion of the restriction portion 210
that
engages with the apparatus-side lever is located at a position closer to where
the
contact portion plane TP intersects the front face 203 and to the contact
portions cp
themselves than to the intersection of 1) the top face 202 and the front face
203. 2) one
of the top face 202 and the front face 203 and an extension of the other of
the top face
202 and the front face 203, or 3) extensions of both the top face 202 and the
front face
203 (such as when the cartridge body has top and front faces shaped as in the
em-
bodiments of Figs. 35A and 35D). In the embodiment of Fig. 35J, the circuit
board 40j
of the cartridge 20j is positioned to the inside of the contact mechanism 70j
and
contacts the apparatus-side contact mechanism 70 via indirect contact through
the
contact mechanism 70j.
10287] As clearly understood from the examples shown in Figs. 35A to 35H,
there are
various other modifications of cartridge outer shape. In the case of the
cartridge having
the outer shape other than the approximate rectangular parallelepiped, as
shown by the
broken lines in Figs. 35A and 35D, the six faces of the rectangular
parallelepiped, i.e.,
the bottom face 201 (first face), the top face 202 (second face), the front
face 203 (third
face), the rear face 204 (fourth face), the left side face 205 (fifth face)
and the right side
face 206 (sixth face) can be virtually assumed. In the specification hereof,
the ten-ns
''face' and "plane" mean a virtual plane or the non-existent (imaginary) plane
as shown
in Figs. 35A or 35D and the actual plane as shown in Figs. 7 and 8. The terms
"face"
and "plane" include both planar surfaces and curved surfaces.
[0288) D-2. Cartridge with Adapter.
Fig. 36 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a cartridge 20i
with an
adapter according to one embodiment. This cartridge 20i is separable into a
container
assembly 200i including the ink chamber 200 and an adapter 299 which can then
be
mated together for mounting into the holder of the printing apparatus. After
the
printing material in the ink chamber 200 is used up, the user replaces the
container
assembly 200i with a new one or refills the printing material into the
container
assembly 200i. The adapter 299 is reusable. This cartridge 20i is compatible
with the
cartridge 20 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 7.
102891 A housing 22i for the cartridge 20i is structured as a combination
of a housing for the
container assembly 200i and a housing for the adapter 299i. The container
assembly
200i includes the ink chamber 200 configured to contain ink, the printing
material flow
path 282 configured to supply ink or printing material to the ink supply
structure and
the resin foam 284. The container assembly 200i has a second face 202i
corresponding
to the second face 202 of the cartridge 20i. The container assembly 200i also
has a first
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
77
face 2011, a third face 2031, a fourth face 2041, a fifth face (not shown), a
sixth face
206i, a seventh face 207i and an eighth face 2081 respectively corresponding
to the first
face 201 and the third to the eighth faces 203 to 208 of the cartridge 201.
The first face
201i and the second face 2021 are opposed to each other in the Z-axis
direction; the
first face 2011 is located on the -Z-axis direction side and the second face
202i is
located on the +Z-axis direction side. The third face 203i and the fourth face
204i are
opposed to each other in the X-axis direction; the third face 2031 is located
on the
+X-axis direction side and the fourth face 204i is located on the -X-axis
direction side.
The fifth face (not shown) and the sixth face 2061 are opposed to each other
in the Y-
axis direction; the fifth face (not shown) is located on the -Y-axis direction
side and the
sixth face 206i is located on the +Y-axis direction side. The seventh face
207i and the
eighth face 208i form the connection faces of connecting the first face 2011
with the
third face 203i. The seventh face 207i is perpendicular to the first face 201i
and forms
a plane parallel to the Y axis and the Z axis (YZ plane). The seventh face
2071 as the
step is vertically-angled relative to the first face 201i. The seventh face
2071 is ac-
cordingly extended from the first face 201i in the +Z-axis direction. The
seventh face
207i is located on the -X-axis direction side and on the -Z-axis direction
side of the
eighth face 2081. The eighth face 208i connects the seventh face 2071 with the
third
face 203i and is a sloped surface inclined in the direction including a +X-
axis direction
vector component and a -Z-axis direction vector component. The eighth face
2081 is
inclined to the first face 201i and the third face 2031 and is perpendicular
to the fifth
face (not shown) and the sixth face 206i. In other words, the eighth face 208i
is
inclined to the XY plane and the YZ plane and is perpendicular to the XZ
plane.
102901 The adapter 299 has the faces corresponding to the first face
201, the third face 203,
the fourth face 204, the fifth face 205, the sixth face 206, the seventh face
207 and the
eighth face 208 of the cartridge 20i. The face of the adapter 299
corresponding to the
second face 202 of the cartridge 20i is an opening. The adapter 299 has an
inner space
to receive the container assembly 200i. The first face 201 of the adapter 200
has the
ink supply structure 280. Otherwise the cartridge 201 has the similar
structure to that of
the cartridge 20 of the first embodiment sown in Fig. 7 with our without some
variations. The first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 can be on the
adapter 299 as
shown in Fig. 36 or on the container assembly 200i (not shown). Similarly,
circuit
board 40 can be on the adapter 299 as shown in Fig. 36 or on the container
assembly
200i (not shown). The positioning of restriction portion 210 and circuit board
40 need
not both be on the container assembly 200i or adapter 299, rather one can be
on
container assembly 200i and the other can be on adapter 299. The cartridge 20i
may
thus be structured as the combination of the container assembly 2001 and the
adapter
299 as described above.
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
78
[0291] Fig. 37 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a
cartridge 20j with an
adapter according to another embodiment. This cartridge 20j is separable to a
container
assembly 200j including the ink chamber 200 and an adapter 299j which can then
be
mated together for mounting into the holder of the printing apparatus. After
the
printing material in the ink chamber 200 is used up, the user may replace the
container
assembly 200j with a new one or refill the printing material into the
container assembly
200j. The adapter 299 is reusable. This cartridge 20j is compatible with the
cartridge
20 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 7.
[0292] A housing 22j for the cartridge 20j is structured as a combination
of a housing for the
container assembly 200j and a housing for the adapter 299j. The container
assembly
200j includes the ink chamber 200 configured to contain ink and the ink supply
structure 280. The container assembly 200j has a second face 202j and a sixth
face
206j respectively corresponding to the second face 202 and the sixth face 206
of the
cartridge 20j. The container assembly 200j also has a first face 201j. a third
face 203j,
a fourth face 204j, a fifth face (not shown), a seventh face 207j and an
eighth face 208j
respectively corresponding to the first face 201, the third face 203, the
fourth face 204,
the fifth face 205, the seventh face 207 and the eighth face 208 of the
cartridge 20j.
The first face 201j and the second face 202j are opposed to each other in the
Z-axis
direction; the first face 201j is located on the -Z-axis direction side and
the second face
202j is located on the +Z-axis direction side. The third face 203j and the
fourth face
204j are opposed to each other in the X-axis direction; the third face 203j is
located on
the +X-axis direction side and the fourth face 204j is located on the -X-axis
direction
side. The fifth face (not shown) and the sixth face 206j are opposed to each
other in the
Y-axis direction; the fifth face (not shown) is located on the -Y-axis
direction side and
the sixth face 206j is located on the +Y-axis direction side. The seventh face
207j and
the eighth face 208j form the connection faces of connecting the first face
201j with
the third face 203j. The seventh face 207j is perpendicular to the first face
20Ij and
forms a plane parallel to the Y axis and the Z axis (YZ plane). The seventh
face 207j as
the step is vertically-angled relative to the first face 201j. The seventh
face 207j is ac-
cordingly extended from the first face 201j in the +Z-axis direction. The
seventh face
207j is located on the -X-axis direction side and on the -Z-axis direction
side of the
eighth face 208j. The eighth face 208j connects the seventh face 207j with the
third
face 203j and is a sloped surface inclined in the direction including a +X-
axis direction
vector component and a -Z-axis direction vector component. The eighth face
208j is
inclined to the first face 201j and the third face 203j and is perpendicular
to the fifth
face (not shown) and the sixth face 206j. In other words, the eighth face 208j
is
inclined to the XY plane and the YZ plane and is perpendicular to the XZ
plane.
[0293] The adapter 299j has the faces corresponding to the first face 201,
the third face 203,
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
79
the fourth face 204 and the fifth face 205 of the cartridge 20j. The faces of
the adapter
299j forming the second face 202 and the sixth face 206 of the cartridge 20j
are
openings. The adapter 299j has an inner space to receive the container
assembly 200j.
The adapter 299j also has an opening in part of the first face 201. The ink
supply
structure 280 provided in the container assembly 200j is exposed on the
opening
provided on the first face 201 of the adapter 299j and is connected with the
printing
material supply tube 640 (Fig. 2). The cartridge 20j has a first cartridge-
side restriction
portion 210 of the simpler structure than that of the first embodiment (Fig.
7) but may
have the first cartridge-side restriction portion 2 l0 of the same structure
as that of the
first embodiment (Fig. 7). Alternatively, the first cartridge-side restriction
portion 210
can be a part of the adapter 299j as shown in Fig. 37 or a part of the
container assembly
200j (not shown). Similarly, circuit hoard 40 can be on the adapter 299j as
shown in
Fig. 37 or on the container assembly 200j (not shown). The positioning of
restriction
portion 210 and circuit board 40 need not both be on the container assembly
200j or
adapter 299j, rather one can be on container assembly 200j and the other can
be on
adapter 299j. The cartridge 20j has the third face 203 and the fourth face 204
of the
lower heights (shorter Z-axis direction lengths) than those of the third face
203 and the
fourth face 204 of the first embodiment but may have the third face 203 and
the fourth
face 204 of the same heights (same Z-axis direction lengths) as those of the
first em-
bodiment. The cartridge 20j does not have the projection 260 but may have the
projection 260 like the first embodiment. Otherwise the cartridge 20j has the
similar
structure to that of the cartridge 20 of the first embodiment sown in Fig. 7
with or
without some variations. The cartridge 20j may thus he structured by the
combination
of the container assembly 200j and the adapter 299j as described above.
[02941 Fig. 37B shows a cartridge 20p configured similar to that shown in
the embodiment
of Fig. 7. However, this embodiment differs in that the cartridge 20p is
divided into an
adapter 299p and a container assembly 200p. The adapter 299p fits over an end
20Ip
(indicated in dotted line) of the container assembly 200p before the cartridge
20p is
mounted into the printer. Also, the terminals 400p are formed directly on the
surface of
the adapter 299p. When the terminals are formed on a planer surface, whether
the
surface of the cartridge as in this embodiment or on the surface of a circuit
board as in
previous embodiments, the planar surface on which the terminals are formed can
be
considered a "sloped surface" or "terminal bearing structure".
[0295] Fig. 38 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a
cartridge 20k with an
adapter according to another embodiment. The cartridge 20k includes an adapter
299k,
an external tank 200T, a tube 200L and an auxiliary adapter 200S which can all
be
mated together for mounting into the holder of the printing apparatus. The
adapter
299k has the same structure as that of the adapter 299j described above with
reference
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
to Fig. 37. The external tank 200T contains printing material and is located
outside the
printer 50 shown in Fig. 1. The auxiliary adapter 200S has an ink supply
structure
280k. The tube 200L is used to supply the printing material from the external
tank
2001 to the auxiliary adapter 200S. The external tank 200T, the auxiliary
adapter 200S
and the tube 200L serves as a container assembly 200k configured to contain
ink or
printing material. As shown by the broken line in Fig. 38. the cartridge 20k
of this em-
bodiment is thus assumed to have the container assembly 200k. The cartridge
20k of
this embodiment is thus separable to the container assembly 200k and the
adapter
299k, like the cartridge 20i shown in Fig. 36 and the cartridge 20j shown in
Fig. 37.
After the printing material in the external tank 200T is used up, tile user
may replace
the external tank 200T with a new one or refill the printing material into the
external
tank 2001. The adapter 299k is reusable. This cartridge 20k is compatible with
the
cartridge 20 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 7.
[0296] A housing 22k of the cartridge 20k is structured as a combination of
a housing for the
virtual container assembly 200k and a housing for the adapter 299k. The
structure of
the virtual container assembly 200k and the structure of the adapter 299k are
similar to
the structure of the cartridge 20j described above with reference to Fig. 37
with our
without some variations. Otherwise the cartridge 20k has the similar structure
to that of
the cartridge 20 of the first embodiment sown in Fig. 7 with or without some
variations. The cartridge 20k may thus be structured by the combination of the
container assembly 200k and the adapter 299k as described above.
[0297] E. Modification of Lever:
According to the above embodiment, the elastic member 682 is provided
separately
from the lever 80 (Fig. 22). The lever 80 may be made of an elastically
deformable
material. A modification of the lever is described with reference to Figs. 39
and 40.
[02981 Figs. 39A and 39B illustrate the structure of a lever 80a according
to one modi-
fication. Fig. 39A is a perspective view showing the appearance of the lever
80a, and
Fig. 39B is a side view showing the appearance of the lever 80a. The
differences from
the lever 80 of the first embodiment are that the lever 80a additionally has
an arm
member 890 to be elastically deformable, has an operating member 830a of a
different
shape and does not include the groove 870. Otherwise the lever 80a has the
similar
structure to that of the lever 80 according to the first embodiment (Fig. 19).
The lever
80a is made of a synthetic resin, such as polypropylene.
[0299] Fig. 40 illustrates attachment of the cartridge 20 to a holder 60a.
According to this
embodiment, the cartridge 20 has a first cartridge-side restriction portion
210a without
the second portion 214 (Fig. 12). The shaft body 850 of the lever 80a is
attached to the
first apparatus-side side wall member 603. When the lever 80a is turned about
the shaft
body 850, the arm member 890a abuts a projection 603t formed as part of the
first
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
81
apparatus-side side wall member 603 to be elastically deformed.
[0300] F. Modifications of Cartridge-Side Terminals:
4IA to 41C show modifications of the terminal shape on the circuit board. The
difference from the circuit board 40 shown in Fig. 10A is that circuit boards
40c to 40e
have different shapes of the terminals 431 to 439. The respective terminals on
the
circuit board 40c shown in Fig. 41A and on the circuit board 40d shown in Fig.
41B
have irregular shapes, instead of the approximate rectangular shape according
to the
first embodiment (Fig. 10A). In the circuit board 40e shown in Fig. 41C, the
nine
terminals 431 to 439 are arrayed in one line, wherein the attachment detection
terminals 435 and 439 are located on both ends, and the attachment detection
terminals
431 and 434 arc respectively located between the attachment detection terminal
435
and the power terminal 436 and between the attachment detection terminal 439
and the
data terminal 438, In these circuit hoards 40c to 40e, the contact portions cp
of these
terminals 431 to 439, which are in contact with the apparatus-side terminals
corre-
sponding to these terminals 431 to 439, have the same arrangement as that of
the
circuit board 400 shown in Fig. 10A. The individual terminals may have the
shapes of
various variations as long as the contact portions cp have the same
arrangement.
[0301] G. Other Modifications:
The foregoing has described the invention in detail with reference to the
illustrative
embodiments. The invention is, however, not limited to the above embodiments,
but a
multiplicity of variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments
without
departing from the scope of the invention. Some examples of possible
modifications
are described below.
103021 G- I. First Modification:
The second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 is provided on the fourth
face 204
according to the above embodiment, but may be omitted as appropriate. For
example,
when there is a relatively small clearance between the cartridge 20 and each
slot of the
holder 60, the motion of the fourth face 204-side of the cartridge 20 in the
+Z-axis
direction can be restricted without the second cartridge-side restriction
portion 220
through abutment of the whole or part of the outer surface of the fourth face
204 with
the second apparatus-side side wall member 604. This keeps the cartridge 20 in
the
holder 60. According to another embodiment, an elastic member made of, for
example,
rubber may be provided between the fourth face 204 of the cartridge 20 and the
second
apparatus-side side wall member 604 of the holder 60. The motion of the fourth
face
204-side of the cartridge 20 in the +Z-axis direction may be restricted
through the
friction of the elastic member against the fourth face 204 of the cartridge 20
and the
second apparatus-side side wall member 604 of the holder 60. This elastic
member
may be a separate member from the cartridge 20 or the holder 60 or may be
joined
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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with the fourth face 204 of the cartridge 20 or with the second apparatus-side
side wall
member 604 of the holder 60. In the application without the second cartridge-
side re-
striction portion 220, the second apparatus-side restriction element 620
provided on the
second apparatus-side side,wall member 604 (Fig. 15) may also be omitted.
[0303] The second cartridge-side restriction portion 220 is the projection
according to the
above embodiment, but may be another form, for example, a recess. In this
latter ap-
plication. the second apparatus-side restriction element 620 provided on the
second
apparatus-side side wall member 604 may he a projection. According to another
em-
bodiment, the holder 60 may have an additional member configured to press the
fourth
face 204-side of the second face 202 of the cartridge 20 in the -Z-axis
direction. For
example, the holder 60 may have a slidable rod member. After the cartridge 20
is
placed in the cartridge chamber 602, the fourth face 204-side of the second
face 202 of
the cartridge 20 may be pressed by the rod member.
[0304] G-2. Second Modification:
The first cartridge-side restriction portion 210 is provided at the position
close to the
intersecting part 295 according to the above embodiment, but may be provided
at any
arbitrary position on the third face 203 within the range 40Y or may be
extended
outside of the range 40Y. (Fig. 12). Locating the first cartridge-side
restriction portion
210 within the range 40 enables fine adjustment of the direction of the sloped
surface
with the cartridge-side terminals mounted thereon. This ensures the stable
electrical
connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals.
[0305] 0-3. Third Modification:
According to the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 22. the lever 80 has the
pair of
shaft bodies 850, and the retainer 690 has the hearing elements 654. According
to
another embodiment, the lever 80 may have bearing elements, and the retainer
690
may have shaft bodies. According to the above embodiment, the lever 80 and the
retainer 690 including the second retainer member 680 are unitized and
attached to the
holder 60 for easy assembly of the printer. The retainer 690 is, however, not
essential.
According to another embodiment, bearing members may be formed integrally with
the outer wall 603W of the holder 60 to receive and fix the lever 80.
[0306] 0-4. Fourth Modification:
As mentioned above, the present invention is not restricted to the inkjet
printer and
its ink cartridge but is applicable to any of various liquid ejection
apparatuses
configured to eject a liquid other than ink and its liquid container, for
example, without
limitation, the liquid ejection apparatuses and their liquid containers given
below:
I .image recording apparatus, such as a facsimile machine;
2.color material ejection apparatus used to manufacture color filters for
image
display devices, e.g., liquid crystal displays:
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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3.electrnde material ejection apparatus used to form electrodes of, for
example, organic
EL (electroluminescence) displays and field emission displays (FED);
4.liquid ejection apparatus configured to eject a bioorganic matcrial-
containing liquid
used for manufacturing. biochips;
5.sample ejection apparatus used as a precision pipette;
6.1ubricating oil spray apparatus;
7.resin solution spray apparatus;
8.liquid spray apparatus for pinpoint spray of lubricating oil at precision
machinery
including watches and cameras;
9.liquid ejection apparatus configured to eject transparent resin solution,
such as ul-
traviolet curable resin solution, onto the substrate, so as to manufacture a
hemi-
spherical microlens (optical lens) used for, for example, optical
communication
elements;
10.liquid spray apparatus configured to spray an acidic or alkaline etching
solution, in
order to etch the substrate; and
II, (11) liquid ejection apparatus equipped with liquid ejection head for
ejecting a very
small volume of droplets of another arbitrary liquid.
[0307] The "liquid droplet" means a state of liquid ejected from the liquid
ejection apparatus
and may be in a granular shape, a teardrop shape or a tapered threadlike
shape. The
"liquid" herein may be any material ejectable by the liquid ejection
apparatus. The
"liquid" may be any material in the liquid phase. For example, liquid-state
materials of
high viscosity or low viscosity, sols, gel water, various inorganic solvents
and organic
solvents, solutions, liquid resins and liquid metals (metal melts) are
included in the
"liquid". The "liquid" is not restricted to the liquid state as one of the
three states of
matter but includes solutions, dispersions and mixtures of the functional
solid material
particles, such as pigment particles or metal particles, solved in, dispersed
in or mixed
with a solvent. Typical examples of the liquid include ink described in the
above em-
bodiment and liquid crystal. The "ink" includes general water-based inks and
oil-based
inks, as well as various liquid compositions, such as gel inks and hot-melt
inks, but is
not limited as such.
[0308] G-5. Fifth Modification:
The invention may be accomplished by the following variations. The symbols in
parentheses after the elements in each of the variations correspond to the
symbols of
the respective elements described in the first embodiment.
[0309] G-5-1. First Variation:
A cartridge (20) detachably attached to a printing apparatus (50) comprises a
first
face (201) arranged to form an outer surface of the cartridge, the first face
(201) having
an ink supply structure (280) to be connected with the printing apparatus; a
second face
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(202) opposed to the first face (201): a third face (203) arranged to have one
side (291)
that is connected with the second face (202) and the other side (290) that is
opposite to
the one side (291), the third face (203) being located between the first face
(201) and
the second face (202) with respect to an opposed direction (Z-axis direction),
along
which the first face (201) and the second face (202) are opposed to each
other; a fourth
face (204) opposed to the third face (203). the fourth face (204) being
arranged to
connect with the first face (201) and the second face (202): a corner section
(265)
arranged to form an outer surface (265) of connecting the first face (201)
with the third
face (203); cartridge-side terminals (400) provided on the corner section
(265), the
cartridge-side terminals (400) being arranged to receive an external force of
pressing
up the cartridge (20) from apparatus-side terminals (700) of the printing
apparatus (50)
in an attached state of the cartridge (20) to the printing apparatus (50); and
a first
cartridge-side restriction portion (210) provided on the third face (203) and
arranged to
be locked by a lever (80) of the printing apparatus (50) in the attached state
and
thereby restrict motion of the cartridge (20) in a press-up direction, wherein
the first
cartridge-side restriction portion (210) is provided at a position close to
the cartridge-
side terminals (400).
103101 G-5-2. Second Variation;
A cartridge (20) detachably attached CO a printing apparatus (50) comprises a
first
face (201) arranged to form an outer surface of the cartridge, the first face
(201) having
an ink supply structure (280) to be connected with the printing apparatus; a
second face
(202) opposed to the first face (201); a third face (203) arranged to have one
side (291)
that is connected with the second face (202) and the other side (290) that is
opposite to =
the one side (291) and is located between the first face (201) and the second
face (202)
with respect to an opposed direction (Z-axis direction), along which the first
face (201)
and the second face (202) are opposed to each other; a fourth face (204)
opposed to the
third face (203), the fourth face (204) being arranged to connect with the
first face
(201) and the second face (202); a comer section (265) arranged to form an
outer
surface (265) of connecting the first face (201) with the third face (203);
cartridge-side
terminals (400) provided on the corner section (265), the cartridge-side
terminals (400)
being arranged to receive an external force of pressing up the cartridge (20)
from
apparatus-side terminals (700) of the printing apparatus (50) in an attached
state of the
cartridge (20) to the printing apparatus (50); and a first cartridge-side
restriction
portion (210) provided on the third face (203) and arranged to be locked by a
lever (80)
of the printing apparatus (50) in the attached state and thereby restrict
motion of the
cartridge (20) in a press-up direction, wherein the first cartridge-side
restriction portion
(210) is located closer to the other side (290) than the one side (291).
[0311] G-5-3. Third Variation:
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
85 =
A cartridge (20) detachably attached to a printing apparatus (50) comprises a
first face
(201) arranged to form an outer surface of the cartridge, the first face (201)
having an
ink supply structure (280) to be connected with the printing apparatus; a
second face
(202) opposed to the first face (201): a third face (203) arranged to have one
side (291)
that is connected with the second face (202) and the other side (290) that is
opposite to
the one side (291) and is located between the first face (201) and the second
face (202)
with respect to an opposed direction (Z-axis direction), along which the first
face (201)
and the second face (202) are opposed to each other; a fourth face (204)
opposed to the
third face (203), the fourth face (204) being arranged to connect with the
first face
(201) and the second face (202); a comer section (265) arranged to form an
outer
surface (265) of connecting the first face (201) with the third face (203);
cartridge-side
terminals (400) provided on the corner section (265), the cartridge-side
terminals (400)
being arranged to receive an external force of pressing up the cartridge (20)
from
apparatus-side terminals (700) of the printing apparatus (50) in an attached
state of the
cartridge (20) to the printing apparatus (50); and a first cartridge-side
restriction
portion (210) provided on the third face (203) and arranged to be locked by a
lever (80)
of the printing apparatus (50) in the attached state and thereby restrict
motion of the
cartridge (20) in a press-up direction, wherein the first cartridge-side
restriction portion
(210) is provided at a position close to the other side (290) than the one
side (291).
103121 Like the first embodiment described above, any of the first to the
third variations ad-
vantageously prevents positional misalignment of the cartridge-side terminals
relative
to the printing apparatus and thereby ensures stable electrical connection
between the
cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side terminals. in any of the first
to the third
variations, when the direction from the first face side to the second face
side in the
opposed direction (Z-axis direction) in the attached state is the +Z-axis
direction and
the direction from the second face side to the first face side is the -Z-axis
direction, the
first cartridge-side restriction portion is preferably located on the -Z-axis
direction side
of the axis of rotation of the lever.
[03131 G-5-4. Fourth Variation;
A cartridge (20) detachably attached to a printing apparatus (50) comprises an
ink
supply structure (280) that is connected with the printing apparatus;
cartridge-side
terminals (400) arranged to receive an external force of pressing up the
cartridge (20)
from apparatus-side terminals (700) of the printing apparatus (50) in an
attached state
of the cartridge (20) to the printing apparatus (50); and a first cartridge-
side restriction
portion (210) located on an identical side with the cartridge-side terminals
(400) and
arranged to be locked by a lever (80) of the printing apparatus (50) M the
attached state
and thereby restrict motion of the cartridge (20) in a press-up direction,
wherein the
first cartridge-side restriction portion (210) is located close to the
cartridge-side
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86
terminals (700).
[03141 When the press-up direction is the +Z-axis direction and the
opposite direction to the
press-up direction is the -Z-axis direction, the first cartridge-side
restriction portion is
preferably located on the -Z-axis direction side of the axis of rotation of
the lever.
[0315] Like the first embodiment described above, the fourth variation
advantageously
prevents positional misalignment of the cartridge-side terminals relative to
the printing
apparatus and thereby ensures stable electrical connection between the
cartridge-side
terminals and the apparatus-side terminals.
[0316] 0-6. Sixth Modification:
The invention may be accomplished by the following variations. The symbols in
parentheses after the elements in each of the variations correspond to the
symbols of
the respective elements described in the first embodiment.
0-6-1. First Variation
[03171 A cartridge (20) detachably attached to a printing apparatus (50)
comprises: a first
face (201) arranged to form an outer surface of the cartridge, the first face
(210) having
a printing material supply structure (280) that is connected with the printing
apparatus;
a second face (202) opposed to the first face (201); a third face (203)
arranged to have
one side (291) that is connected with the second face (202) and the other side
(290)
that is opposite to the one side (291), the third face (203) being located
between the
first face (201) and the second face (202) with respect to an opposed
direction (Z-axis
direction), the opposed direction being a direction along which the first face
(201) and
the second face (202) are opposed to each other; a fourth face (204) opposed
to the
third face (203), the fourth face (204) being arranged to intersect the first
face (201)
and the second face (202); a fifth face (205) arranged to intersect the first
face (201),
the second face (202), the third face (203) and the fourth face (204); a sixth
face (206)
opposed to the fifth face (205); a corner section (265) arranged to form an
outer
surface (265) of connecting the first face (201) with the third face (203);
cartridge-side
terminals (400) provided on the corner section (265), the cartridge-side
terminals (400)
being arranged to receive an external force of pressing up the cartridge (20)
from
apparatus-side terminals (700) of the printing apparatus (50) in an attached
state of the
cartridge (20) to the printing apparatus (50); and a first cartridge-side
restriction
portion (210) provided on the third face (203) and arranged to be locked by a
lever (80)
of the printing apparatus (50) in the attached state and thereby restrict
motion of the
cartridge (20) in a press-up direction, wherein with respect to the opposed
direction of
the fifth face (205) and the sixth face (206) (Y-axis direction), the first
cartridge-side
restriction portion (210) is located not outside but inside a range (40Y)
where the
cartridge-side terminals (400) are provided.
0-6-2. Second Variation
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
87
[03181 A cartridge (20) detachably attached to a printing apparatus (50)
comprises: a
printing material supply structure (280) that is connected with the printing
apparatus;
cartridge-side terminals (400) provided on an outer surface of the cartridge
(20). the
cartridge-side terminals (400) being arranged to receive an external force of
pressing
up the cartridge (20) from apparatus-side terminals (700) of the printing
apparatus (50)
in an attached state of the cartridge (20) to the printing apparatus (50): and
a first
cartridge-side restriction portion (211) provided on the same side of the
outer surface
as that with the cartridge-side terminals (400), the first cartridge-side
restriction portion
(211) being arranged to be locked by a lever (80) of the printing apparatus
(50) in the
attached state to restrict motion of the cartridge (20) in a press-up
direction (+Z-axis
direction), wherein with respect to a width direction of the cartridge, the
first cartridge-
restriction element (211) is located not outside hut inside a range (40Y)
where the
cartridge-side terminals (400) are provided. According to the first or the
second
variation, the cartridge-side terminals receive the force in the press-up
direction from
the apparatus-side terminals. This enables fine adjustment of the direction of
the part
where the cartridge-side terminals are provided and ensures stable electrical
connection
between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side terminals.
According to the
first or the second variation, it is preferable that the first cartridge-side
restriction
= portion is located below the axis of rotation of the lever. The term
"below" herein cor-
responds to, for example, -Z-axis direction or a reverse direction to the
press-up
direction.
[03191 G-7. Seventh Modification:
The invention may be accomplished by the following descriptions and
variations.
The symbols in parentheses after the elements in each of the descriptions
correspond to
the symbols of the respective elements described in the first embodiment.
G-7-1. First Variation
[0320] An ink cartridge (20) adapted to be detachably mounted on an ink jet
printing
apparatus (50), the ink jet printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of
apparatus-
side contact forming members (731-739) constructed and arranged to apply
elastic
force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20) when the ink cartridge (20) is pressed
against the
apparatus-side contact forming members (731-739), the ink jet printing
apparatus (50)
also comprising a lever (80) having an engagement portion (810), the ink
cartridge
(20), comprising a cartridge body (22) including a front (203), a rear (204),
a top (202)
and a bottom (201), the front (203) and rear (204) opposite each other and the
top
(202) and bottom (201) opposite each other; an electrical device, an ink
chamber (200)
for storing ink; an ink supply structure (280) positioned at the bottom (201)
of the
cartridge body (22), adapted and configured to supply ink from the ink chamber
(200)
to the ink jet printing apparatus (50), the ink supply structure (280) having
a mounting
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
88
direction (SD) leading edge (288) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge
(20); a
terminal bearing structure (408) located proximate to the front (203) of the
cartridge
body (22), the terminal bearing structure (408) having a plurality of
electrically
conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals
(400) adapted
and arranged on the terminal bearing structure (408) to make contact with and
receive
elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731-739) at contact
portions (cp)
of the terminals (400) when the ink cartridge (20) is mounted on the printing
apparatus
(50), the contact portions (cp) arranged substantially in a contact portion
plane (TP)
which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane (BP) defined by the
leading
edge (288); and a first restriction portion (210) adapted to engage with the
engagement
portion (810) of the lever (80) so as to restrict movement of the ink
cartridge (20) in a
direction opposite (RD) the mounting direction (SD). the engagement portion
(212) of
the first restriction portion (210) located adjacent the terminal bearing
structure (408).
[03211 Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh
modification will now be
described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while
the ink
cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical
communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure,
positioning action
of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the
terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force from the
apparatus-side
terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional shift of the
terminals,
which can occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be
suppressed.
Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the
stable
electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-
side
terminals.
[03221 Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge,
the material for
producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever.
Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and
durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties such as
resistance to
ink.
[0323] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special
care is needed to
prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for
transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the
user's con-
venience. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the
cartridge can be
made smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material,
such as
paper or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution
of the
cartridge, thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also
because
the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side
restriction portion can
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
89
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity,
compared
with the structures described in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for
example. This
results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation of
the first
cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state, the
cartridge can be
kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which
maintains normal
or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals
and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first
cartridge-
side restriction portion can have a small size and simple structure, no
special care to
prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in packaging for
transportation and
distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges of U.S. Publication No.
2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's
con-
venience.
(03241 It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge
terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the
case with
the flexible levers of U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less
vibration is
transmitted from the engagement portion to the cartridge terminals, so
electrical com-
munication is more stable.
[03251 Because the contact portion plane (TP) of the terminals is neither
parallel nor per-
pendicular to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of
the
cartridge terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge
into the
printer. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation
fragments (dust)
that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances
against the
circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
103261 Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge
terminals, an elastic force
which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached
from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the printer side
terminals
serves to both press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together,
and also to
move the cartridge in the direction for removal from the printer when
engagement
between the first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So
there is no need
to provide an additional spring as in the case of the U.S. Patent 6,955,422,
which
enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0327] Because the first restriction portion is adapted to engage with the
engagement portion
of the lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction
opposite to the
mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be
maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic
force of the
apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction
opposite to
the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way, they
are firmly
fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite
from the
mounting direction, There is thus less likelihood of misalignment or
disconnection
between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members,
compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related
con-
figuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.
[0328] Adaptation I
The ink cartridge as described above where the contact portion plane (TP) is
at an
angle of between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the
leading
edge (288).
[0329] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the contact
portion plane is at an
angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the
leading
edge, excessive wipine is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-
insertion can
be applied.
10330] Adaptation 2
The ink cartridge as described above where when the front (203) of the
cartridge
body (20) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the
engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to the left of
the rightmost
contact portion of the plurality of terminals (4()0) and to the right of the
leftmost
contact portion of the plurality of terminals (400).
[0331] When the ink cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the
cartridge is held
too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming
members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact
portion of the
plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of the
plurality of
terminals the ink cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the electrical
connection between
the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming members can
be even
more stable.
[0332] Adaptation 3
The ink cartridge (20) as described above further comprising a second
restriction
portion (220) on the rear (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the second
restriction portion
(220) adapted and configured to engage with a respective portion (620) of the
ink jet
printing apparatus (50), wherein the distance (B) between the engagement
portion of
the second restriction portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge
(288) is more than the distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of
the first
restriction portion (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288), when
the distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP)
defined by the
leading edge (288).
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91
[03331 When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is
located farther from
the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion, the possibility that the first restriction portion will
become disengaged
from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively reduced, compared
with
the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is
located farther
from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of
the
second restriction portion.
[0334] Adaptation 4
The ink cartridge (20) as described above where when viewing the ink cartridge
(20)
from the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion
(210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the
distance (A)
between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210)
and the
plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C)
between a
pivot point (800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge
(288) when the cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in
an or-
thogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0335] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion and
the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a
pivot point of
the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the cartridge is
mounted, the
lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge. This reduces the
possibility of the
first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from the engagement
portion
of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the possibility of poor
continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis of rotation
of the lever
when force is applied from the contact forming members to the mounted
cartridge.
This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion
becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the lever.
[0336] Adaptation 5
The ink cartridge as described above where when viewing the ink cartridge (20)
from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) to
the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212)
of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of a pivot point (800c)
of the lever
when the cartridge is mounted.
[0337] When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the
first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the
cartridge from the
side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the ink
supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment
on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the lever in the
reverse
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
=
92
direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement
portion of the
lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members. Even when the
cartridge
receives force, the first restriction portion would move with the cartridge.
Such moving
reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
103381 Adaptation 6
The ink cartridge as described above where when the front (203) of the
cartridge
body (22) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, at least
a portion
of the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is
located sub-
stantially at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge (20).
[0339] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so
that at least a portion of
the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located
substantially at the
widthwise center of the ink cartridge, the first restriction portion is
located extremely
near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between
the plurality
of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can he stable.
[0340] Adaptation 7
The ink cartridge as described above where the plane (BP) defined by the
leading
edge (288) is substantially flush with the bottom (201).
G-7-2. Second Variation
[03411 An ink cartridge (20) adapted to be detachably mounted on an ink jet
printing
apparatus (50), the ink jet printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of
apparatus-
side contact forming members (731-739) constructed and arranged to apply
elastic
force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20) when the ink cartridge (20) is pressed
against the
apparatus-side contact forming members (731-739), the ink jet printing
apparatus (50)
also comprising a lever (80) having an engagement portion (810), the ink
cartridge
(20), comprising a cartridge body (22) including a front (203), a rear (204),
a top (202)
and a bottom (201), the front (203) and rear (204) opposite each other and the
top
(202) and bottom (201) opposite each other; an electrical device, an ink
chamber (200)
for storing ink; an ink supply structure (280) positioned at the bottom (201)
of the
cartridge body (22), adapted and configured to supply ink from the ink chamber
(200)
to the ink jet printing apparatus (50), the ink supply structure (280) having
a mounting
direction (SD) leading edge (288) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge
(20); a
terminal bearing structure (408) located proximate to the front (203) of the
cartridge
body (203), the terminal bearing structure (408) having a plurality of
electrically
conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals
(400) adapted
and arranged on the terminal bearing structure (408) to make contact with and
receive
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
93
elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731-739) of the ink jet
printing
apparatus (50) when the ink cartridge (20) is mounted on the printing
apparatus (50),
the terminals (400) arranged substantially in a terminal plane (TP) which is
neither
parallel nor perpendicular to the plane of the leading edge (288); and a first
restriction
portion (210) adapted to engage with the engagement portion (810) of the lever
(80) so
as to restrict movement of the ink cartridge (20) in a direction opposite (RD)
the
mounting direction (SD), the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion
(210) located adjacent the terminal bearing structure (408).
[0342] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh
modification will now be
described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while
the ink
cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical
communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure,
positioning action
of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the
terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force from the
apparatus-side
terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional shift of the
terminals,
which can occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be
suppressed.
Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more Stable, thus maintaining the
stable
electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-
side
terminals.
103431 Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge,
the material for
producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever.
Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and
durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties such as
resistance to
ink.
[03441 Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special
care is needed to
prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for
transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the
user's con-
venience. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the
cartridge can be
made smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material,
such as
paper or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution
of the
cartridge, thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also
because
the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side
restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity,
compared
with the structures described in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for
example. This
results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation of
the first
cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state, the
cartridge can be
kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which
maintains normal
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
94
or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals
and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first
cartridge-
side restriction portion can have a small size and simple structure, no
special care to
prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in packaging for
transportation and
distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges of U.S. Publication No.
2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's
con-
venience.
[0345] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge
terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the
case with
the flexible levers of U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less
vibration is
transmitted from the engagement portion to the cartridge terminals, so
electrical com-
munication is more stable.
[03461 Because the terminal plane (TP) of the terminals is neither parallel
nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of the
cartridge
terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge into the
printer. In
addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation fragments (dust)
that can
be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances against the
circuit board
during installation of the cartridge.
103471 Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge
terminals, an elastic force
which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached
from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the printer side
terminals
serves to both press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together,
and also to
move the cartridge in the direction for removal from the printer when
engagement
between the first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So
there is no need
to provide an additional spring as in the case of the U.S. Patent 6,955,422,
which
enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[03481 Because the first restriction portion is adapted to engage with the
engagement portion
of the lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction
opposite to the
mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be
maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic
force of the
apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction
opposite to
the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in
the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way, they
are firmly
fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite
from the
mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment or
disconnection
between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members,
compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related
con-
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
figuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.
[0349] Adaptation 1
The ink cartridge as described above where the terminal plane (TP) is at an
angle of
between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288).
[0350] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the terminal plane
is at an angle
between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the leading
edge.
excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-insertion
can be
applied.
10351) Adaptation 2
The ink cartridge as described above where when the front (203) of the
cartridge
body (20) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the
engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to the left of
a right echT of
a rightmost terminal of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of a
left edge of =
the leftmost terminal of the plurality of terminals (400).
[0352] When the ink cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus. if the
cartridge is held
too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming
members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of a right edge of a
rightmost terminal
of the plurality of terminals and to the right of a left edge of the leftmost
terminal of
the plurality of terminals the ink cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the
electrical
connection between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact
forming
members can be even more stable.
[03531 Adaptation 3
The ink cartridge (20) as described above further comprising a second
restriction
portion (220) on the rear (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the second
restriction portion
(220) adapted and configured to engage with a respective portion (620) of the
ink jet
printing apparatus (50), wherein the distance (B) between the engagement
portion of
the second restriction portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge
(288) is more than the distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of
the first
restriction portion (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288), when
the distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP)
defined by the
leading edge (288).
10354] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is
located farther from
the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion
will become
disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively
reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion
of the
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
96
second restriction portion .
[0355] Adaptation 4
The ink cartridge (20) as described above where when viewing the ink cartridge
(20)
from the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion
(210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the
distance (A)
between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210)
and the
plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C)
between a
pivot point (800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge
(288) when the cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in
an or-
thogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0356] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion and
the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a
pivot point of
the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the cartridge is
mounted, the
lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge. This reduces the
possibility of the
first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from the engagement
portion
of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the possibility of poor
continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis of rotation
of the lever
when force is applied from the contact forming members to the mounted
cartridge.
This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion
becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the lever.
[0357] Adaptation 5
The ink cartridge as described above where when viewing the ink cartridge (20)
from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) to
the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212)
of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of a pivot point (800c)
of the lever
when the cartridge is mounted.
[0358] When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the
first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the
cartridge from the
side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the ink
supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment
on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the lever in the
reverse
direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement
portion of the
lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members. Even when the
cartridge
receives force, the first restriction portion would move with the cartridge.
Such moving
reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
97
unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
[03591 Adaptation 6
The ink cartridge as described above where when the front (203) of the
cartridge
body (22) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, at least
a portion
of the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is
located sub-
stantially at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge (20).
[0360] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so
that at least a portion of
the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located
substantially at the
widthwise center of the ink cartridge, the first restriction portion is
located extremely
near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between
the plurality
of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming, members can be stable.
103611 Adaptation 7
The ink cartridge as described above where the plane (BP) defined by the
leading
edge (288) is substantially flush with the bottom (201).
G-7-3. Third Variation
[0362] An ink cartridge (20) adapted to be detachably mounted on an ink jet
printing
apparatus (50), the ink jet printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of
apparatus-
side contact forming members (731-739) constructed and arranged to apply
elastic
force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20) when the ink cartridge (20) is pressed
against the
apparatus-side contact forming members (731-739), the ink jet printing
apparatus (50)
also comprising a lever (80) having an engagement portion (810), the ink
cartridge (20)
comprising, a cartridge body (22) including a first surface (203), second
surface (204),
third surface (202) and fourth surface (201), wherein the first surface (203)
and second
surface (204) are opposite each other and the third surface (202) and fourth
surface
(201) are opposite each other; an electrical device; an ink chamber (200) for
storing
ink; an ink supply structure (280) positioned at the fourth surface (201) of
the cartridge
body (22), adapted and configured to supply ink from the ink chamber (200) to
the ink
jet printing apparatus (50), the ink supply structure (280) having a mounting
direction
(SD) leading edge (288) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge (20); a
terminal
bearing structure (408) located proximate to the first surface (203) of the
cartridge
body (22), the terminal hearing structure (408) having a plurality of
electrically
conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the contact
portions (cp)
adapted and arranged on the contact portion structure (408) to make contact
with and
receive elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731-739) at
contact
portions (cp) of the terminals (400) when the ink cartridge (20) is mounted on
the
printing apparatus (50), the contact portions (400) arranged substantially in
a contact
portion plane (TP) which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane of
the
leading edge (288); and a first restriction portion (210) adapted to engage
with the en-
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
98
gagement portion (810) of the lever (80) so as to restrict movement of the ink
cartridge
(20) in a direction opposite (RD) the mounting direction (SD). the engagement
portion
(212) of the first restriction portion (210) located adjacent the terminal
bearing
structure (408).
[030] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh
modification will now be
described. The terminals roust be precisely positioned and stably fixed while
the ink
cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical
communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of the
first i-e-
striction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure,
positioning action
of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the
terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force from the
apparatus-side
terminals can he properly counteracted against. Also, positional shift of the
terminals.
which can occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be
suppressed.
Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the
stable
electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-
side
terminals.
[03641 Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge,
the material for
producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever.
Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and
durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties such as
resistance to
ink.
[0365] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special
care is needed to
prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for
transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the
user's con-
venience. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the
cartridge can be
made smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material,
such as
paper or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution
of the
cartridge, thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also
because
the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side
restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity,
compared
with the structures described in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for
example. This
results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation of
the first
cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state, the
cartridge can be
kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which
maintains normal
or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals
and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first
cartridge-
side restriction portion can have a small size and simple structure, no
special care to
prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in packaging for
transportation and
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
99
distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges of U.S. Publication No.
2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's
con-
venience.
[0366] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge
terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the
case with
the flexible levers of U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less
vibration is
transmitted from the engagement portion to the cartridge ten-ninals. so
electrical com-
munication is more stable.
103671 Because the contact portion plane (TP) of the terminals is neither
parallel nor per-
pendicular to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of
the
cartridge terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge
into the
printer. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation
fragments (dust)
that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances
against the
circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
[0368] Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge
terminals, an elastic force
which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached
from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the printer side
terminals
serves to both press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together,
and also to
move the cartridge in the direction for removal from the printer when
engagement
between the first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So
there is no need
to provide an additional spring as in the case of the U.S. Patent 6,955,422,
which
enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0369] Because the first restriction portion is adapted to engage with the
engagement portion
of the lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction
opposite to the
mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be
maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic
force of the
apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction
opposite to
the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in
the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way, they
are firmly
fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite
from the
mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment or
disconnection
between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members,
compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related
con-
figuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.
[0370] Adaptation 1
The ink cartridge as described above where the contact portion plane (TP) is
at an
angle of between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the
leading
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
100
edge (288).
[03711 As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the contact
portion plane is at an
angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the
leading
edge, excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-
insertion can
be applied.
[03721 Adaptation 2
The ink cartridge as described above where when the first surface (203) of the
cartridge body (20) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down,
the en-
gagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to
the left of the
rightmost contact portion of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right
of the
leftmost contact portion of the plurality of terminals (400).
[0373] When the ink cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the
cartridge is held
too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming
members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact
portion of the
plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of the
plurality of
terminals the ink cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the electrical
connection between
the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming members can
be even
more stable.
[0374] Adaptation 3
The ink cartridge (20) as described above further comprising a second
restriction
portion (220) on the second surface (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the
second re-
striction portion (220) adapted and configured to engage with a respective
portion
(620) of the ink jet printing apparatus (50), wherein the distance (B) between
the en-
gagement portion of the second restriction portion (220) and the plane (BP)
defined by
the leading edge (288) is more than the distance (A) between the engagement
portion
(212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the
leading
edge (288), when the distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the
plane
(BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0375] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is
located farther from
the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion
will become
disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively
reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion
of the
second restriction portion .
[03761 Adaptation 4
The ink cartridge (20) as described above where when viewing the ink cartridge
(20)
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
101
from the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion
(210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the
distance (A)
between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210)
and the
plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C)
between a
pivot point (800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge
(288) when the cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in
an or-
thogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[03771 When the distance between the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion and
the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a
pivot point of
the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the cartridge is
mounted, the
lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge. This reduces the
possibility of the
first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from the engagement
portion
of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the possibility of poor
continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis of rotation
of the lever
when force is applied from the contact forming members to the mounted
cartridge.
This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion
becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the lever.
[0378] Adaptation 5
The ink cartridge as described above where when viewing the ink cartridge (20)
from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) to
the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212)
of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of a pivot point (800c)
of the lever
when the cartridge is mounted.
[0379] When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the
first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the
cartridge from the
side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the ink
supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment
on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the lever in the
reverse
direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement
portion of the
lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members. Even when the
cartridge
receives force, the first restriction portion would move with the cartridge.
Such moving
reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
[0380) Adaptation 6
The ink cartridge as described above where when the first surface (203) of the
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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cartridge body (22) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down,
at least
a portion of the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) is
located substantially at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge (20).
(0381] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so
that at least a portion of
the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located
substantially at the
widthwise center of the ink cartridge, the first restriction portion is
located extremely
near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between
the plurality
of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
[0382] Adaptation 7
The ink cartridge as described above where the plane (BP) defined by the
leading
edge (288) is substantially flush with the fourth surface (201).
G-7-4. Fourth Variation
103831 An ink cartridge (20) adapted to be detachably mounted on an ink jet
printing
apparatus (50), the ink jet printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of
apparatus-
side contact forming members (731-739) constructed and arranged to apply
elastic
force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20) when the ink cartridge (20) is pressed
against the
apparatus-side contact forming members (731-739), the ink jet printing
apparatus (50)
also comprising a lever (80) having an engagement portion (810), the ink
cartridge
(20), comprising a cartridge body (22) including a first surface (203), second
surface
(204), third surface (202) and fourth surface (201), wherein the first surface
(203) and
second surface (204) are opposite each other and the third surface (202) and
fourth
surface (201) are opposite each other; an electrical device, an ink chamber
(200) for
storing ink; an ink supply structure (280) positioned at the fourth surface
(201) of the
cartridge body (22), adapted and configured to supply ink from the ink chamber
(200)
to the ink jet printing apparatus (50), the ink supply structure (280) having
a mounting
direction (SD) leading edge (288) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge
(20); a
terminal bearing structure (408) located proximate to the first surface (203)
of the
cartridge body (22), the terminal bearing structure (408) having a plurality
of elec-
trically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the
terminals (400)
adapted and arranged on the terminal bearing structure (408) to make contact
with and
receive elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731-739), when
the ink
cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus (50), the terminals (400)
arranged sub-
stantially in a terminal plane (TP) which is neither parallel nor
perpendicular to the
plane of the leading edge (208) so that a vector component of the elastic
force (Pt)
from the apparatus-side contact forming members (731-739) urges the ink
cartridge in
a direction opposite (RD) to the mounting direction (SD); and a first
restriction portion
(210) adapted to engage with the engagement portion (810) of the lever (80) so
as to
restrict movement of the ink cartridge (20) in a direction opposite (RD) the
mounting
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
t03
direction (SD), the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210)
located adjacent the terminal bearing structure (408).
[0384] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh
modification will now be
described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while
the ink
cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical
communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure,
positioning action
of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the
terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force from the
apparatus-side
terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional shift of the
terminals.
which can occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be
suppressed.
Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the
stable
electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-
side
terminals.
[0385] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge,
the material for
producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever.
Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and
durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties such as
resistance to
ink.
[0386] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special
care is needed to
prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for
transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the
user's con-
venience. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the
cartridge can be
made smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material,
such as
paper or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution
of the
cartridge, thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also
because
the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side
restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity,
compared
with the structures described in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for
example. This
results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation of
the first
cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state, the
cartridge can be
kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which
maintains normal
or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals
and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first
cartridge-
side restriction portion can have a small size and simple structure, no
special care to
prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in packaging for
transportation and
distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges of U.S. Publication No.
2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's
con-
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
=
104
venience.
[0387] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge
terminals and the cartridges
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the
case with
the flexible levers of U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less
vibration is
transmitted from the engagement portion to the cartridge terminals, so
electrical com-
munication is more stable.
[0388] Because the terminal plane (TP) of the terminals is neither parallel
nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of the
cartridge
terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge into the
printer. In
addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation fragments (dust)
that can
be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances against the
circuit board
during installation of the cartridge.
103891 Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge
terminals, an elastic force
which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached
from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the printer side
terminals
serves to both press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together,
and also to
move the cartridge in the direction for removal from the primer when
engagement
between the first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So
there is no need
to provide an additional spring as in the case of the U.S. Patent 6,955,422,
which
enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0390] Because the first restriction portion is adapted to engage with the
engagement portion
of the lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction
opposite to the
mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be
maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic
force of the
apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction
opposite to
the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in
the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way, they
are firmly
fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite
from the
mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment or
disconnection
between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members,
compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related
con-
figuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.
[0391] Adaptation 1
The ink cartridge as described above where the terminal plane (TP) is at an
angle of
between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288).
[0392] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the terminal plane
is at an angle
between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the leading
edge,
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
1 05
excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-insertion
can be
applied.
[03931 Adaptation 2
The ink cartridge as described above where when the first surface (203) of the
cartridge body (20) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down.
the en-
gagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to
the left of the
rightmost contact portion of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right
of the
leftmost contact portion of the plurality of terminals (400).
[03941 When the ink cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the
cartridge is held
too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming
members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact
portion of the
plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of the
plurality of
terminals the ink cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the electrical
connection between
the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming members can
be even
more stable.
[0395] The ink cartridge (20) as described above further comprising a
second restriction
portion (220) on the second surface (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the
second re-
striction portion (220) adapted and configured to engage with a respective
portion
(620) of the ink jet printing apparatus (50), wherein the distance (B) between
the en-
gagement portion of the second restriction portion (220) and the plane (BP)
defined by
the leading edge (288) is more than the distance (A) between the engagement
portion
(212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the
leading
edge (288), when the distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the
plane
(BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0396] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is
located farther from
the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion
will become
disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively
reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion
of the
second restriction portion .
[0397] Adaptation 4
The ink cartridge (20) as described above where when viewing the ink cartridge
(20)
from the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion
(210) to the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the
distance (A)
between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion(210) and
the
plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C)
between a
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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pivot point (800e) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge
(288) when the cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in
an or-
thogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
103981 When the distance between the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion and
the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a
pivot point of
the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the cartridge is
mounted. the
lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge. This reduces the
possibility of the
first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from the engagement
portion
of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the possibility of poor
continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis of rotation
of the lever
when force is applied from the contact forming members to the mounted
cartridge.
This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion
becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the lever.
[0399] Adaptation 5
The ink cartridge as described above where when viewing the ink cartridge (20)
from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) to
the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the enaagement
portion (212)
of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of a pivot point (800c)
of the lever .
when the cartridge is mounted.
10400] When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the
first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the
cartridge from the
side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the ink
supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment
on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the lever in the
reverse
direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement
portion of the
lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members. Even when the
cartridge
receives force, the first restriction portion would move with the cartridge.
Such moving
reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
[0401] Adaptation 6
The ink cartridge as described above where when the first surface (203) of the
cartridge body (22) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down,
at least
a portion of the engagement portion (2 I 2) of the first restriction portion
(210) is
located substantially at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge (20).
[0402] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so
that at least a portion of
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located
substantially at the
widthwise center of the ink cartridge, the first restriction portion is
located extremely
near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between
the plurality
of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
[0403] Adaptation 7
The ink cartridge as described above where the plane (BP) defined by the
leading
edge (288) is substantially flush with the fourth surface (2W).
G-7-5. Fifth Variation
[0404] A combination of an ink cartridge (20) and a portion of an ink jet
printing apparatus
(50), the combination comprising; a portion of an ink jet printing apparatus
(50), the
portion comprising: a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members (731-
739)
applying an elastic force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20); and a lever (80)
having an en-
gagement portion (810); an ink cartridge (20), the ink cartridge (20),
comprising a
cartridge body (22) including a front (203), a rear (204), a top (202) and a
bottom
(201), the front (203) and rear (204) opposite each other and the top (202)
and bottom
(201) opposite each other; an ink chamber (200) for storing ink; an electrical
device, an
ink supply structure (280) positioned at the bottom (201) of the cartridge
body (22),
adapted and configured to supply ink from the ink chamber (200) to the ink jet
printing
apparatus (50), the ink supply structure (280) having a mounting direction
(SD)
leading edge (288) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge (20); a terminal
bearing
structure (408) located proximate to the front (203) of the cartridge body
(22), the
terminal bearing structure (408) having a plurality of electrically conductive
terminals
(400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) on the terminal
bearing
structure (408) contacting with and receiving elastic force (Pt) from the
contact
forming members (73 1-739) at contact portions (cp) of the terminals (400),
the contact
portions (cp) arranged substantially in a contact portion plane (TP) which is
neither
parallel nor perpendicular to the plane of the leading edge (288); and a first
restriction
portion (210) engaged with the engagement portion (810) of the lever (80)so as
to
restrict movement of the ink cartridge (20) in a direction opposite (RD) the
mounting
direction (SD), the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210)
located adjacent the terminal bearing structure (408).
[0405] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh
modification will now be
described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while
the ink
cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical
communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure,
positioning action
of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the
terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force from the
apparatus-side
=
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
108
terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional shift of the
terminals,
which can occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be
suppressed.
Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the
stable
electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-
side
terminals.
[04061 Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge,
the material for
producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lover.
Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and
durability requirements. and with greater focus on other properties such as
resistance to
ink.
[04071 Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special
care is needed to
prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for
transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the
user's con-
venience. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the
cartridge can be
made smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material,
such as
paper or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution
of the
cartridge, thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also
because
the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side
restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity,
compared
with the structures described in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for
example. This
results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation of
the first
cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state, the
cartridge can be
kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which
maintains normal
or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals
and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first
cartridge-
side restriction portion can have a small size and simple structure, no
special care to
prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in packaging for
transportation and
distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges of U.S. Publication No.
2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's
con-
venience.
[0408] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge
terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the
case with
the flexible levers of U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less
vibration is
transmitted from the engagement portion to the cartridge terminals, so
electrical com-
munication is more stable.
1.0409.} Because the contact portion plane (TP) of the terminals is neither
parallel nor per-
pendicular to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288). the surface of
the
cartridge terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge
into the
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
109
printer. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation
fragments (dust)
that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances
against the
circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
[04101 Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge
terminals, an elastic force
which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached
from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the printer side
terminals
serves to both press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together,
and also to
move the cartridge in the direction for removal from the printer when
engagement
between the first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So
there is no need
to provide an additional spring as in the case of the U.S. Patent 6,955,422,
which
= enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
104111 Because the first restriction portion is engaged with the engagement
portion of the
lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to
the
mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be
maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic
force of the
apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction
opposite to
the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in
the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way, they
are firmly
fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction- opposite
from the
mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment or
disconnection
between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members,
compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related
con-
figuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.
[0412] Adaptation 1
The combination as described above where the contact portion plane (TP) is at
an
angle of between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the
leading
edge (288).
[0413] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the contact
portion plane is at. an
angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the
leading
edge, excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-
insertion can
be applied.
[0414] Adaptation 2
The combination as described above where when the front (203) of the cartridge
body (20) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the
engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to the left of
the rightmost
contact portion of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of the
leftmost
contact portion of the plurality of terminals (400).
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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[0415] When the ink cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the
cartridge is held
too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming
members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact
portion of the
plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of the
plurality of
terminals the ink cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the electrical
connection between
the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming members can
be even
more stable.
[0416] Adaptation 3
The combination as described above further comprising a second restriction
portion
(220) on the rear (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the second restriction
portion (220)
engaged with a respective portion (620) of the ink jet printing apparatus
(50), wherein
the distance (B) between the engagement portion of the second restriction
portion
(220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is more than the
distance
(A) between the engagement portion (21 2) of the first restriction portion
(210) and the
plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the distances are measured
in an
orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0417] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is
located farther from
the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion
will become
disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively
reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion
of the
second restriction portion .
[0418] Adaptation 4
The combination as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and a
pivot
point (800c) intermediate the two ends and when viewing the ink cartridge (20)
from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) to
the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the distance (A)
between the
engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane
(BP)
defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between the
pivot point
(800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288)
when the
cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in an orthogonal
direction
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0419] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion and
the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a
pivot point of
the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the cartridge is
mounted, the
lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge. This reduces the
possibility of the
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
I
first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from the engagement
portion
of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the possibility of poor
continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis of rotation
of the lever
when force is applied from the contact forming members to the mounted
cartridge.
This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion
becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the lever.
[0420] Adaptation 5
The combination as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and a
pivot
point (800c) intermediate the two ends and when viewing the ink cartridge (20)
from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) to
the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212)
of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of the pivot point
(800c) of the lever.
[0421] When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the
first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the
cartridge from the
side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the ink
supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment
on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the lever in the
reverse
direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement
portion of the
lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members. Even when the
cartridge
receives force, the first restriction portion would move with the cartridge.
Such moving =
reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
[0422] Adaptation 6
The combination as described above where when the front (203) of the cartridge
body (22) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, at least
a portion
of the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is
located sub-
stantially at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge (20).
[0423] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so
that at least a portion of
the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located
substantially at the
widthwise center of the ink cartridge, the first restriction portion is
located extremely
near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between
the plurality
of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
[0424] Adaptation 7
The combination as described above where the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288) is substantially flush with the bottom (2(11).
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
112
G-7-6. Sixth Variation
[0425] A combination of an ink cartridge (20) and a portion of an ink jet
printing apparatus
(50), the combination comprising a portion of an ink jet printing apparatus
(50), the
portion comprising: a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members (731-
739)
applying an elastic force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20); and a lever (80)
having an en-
gagement portion (810); an ink cartridge (20). the ink cartridge (20)
comprising: a
cartridge body (22) including a front (203). a rear (204), a top (202) and a
bottom
(201), the front (203) and rear (204.) opposite each other and the top (202)
and bottom
(201) opposite each other; an electrical device, an ink chamber (200) for
storing ink; an
ink supply structure (280) positioned at the bottom (201) of the cartridge
body (22),
adapted and configured to supply ink from the ink chamber (200) to the ink jet
printing
apparatus (50), the ink supply structure (280) having a mounting direction
(SD)
leading edge (288) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge (20); a terminal
bearing
structure (408) located proximate to the front (203) of the cartridge body
(22), the
terminal bearing structure (408) having a plurality of electrically conductive
terminals
(400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) on the terminal
bearing
structure (408) contacting with and receiving elastic force (Pt) from the
contact
forming members (731-739), the terminals (400) arranged substantially in a
terminal
plane (TP) which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane of the
leading edge
(288); and a first restriction portion (210) engaged with the engagement
portion (8)0)
of the lever (80) so as to restrict movement of the ink cartridge (20) in a
direction
opposite (RD) the mounting direction (SD:, the engagement portion (212) of the
first
restriction portion (210) located adjacent the terminal bearing structure
(408).
104261 Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh
modification will now be
described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while
the ink
cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical
communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure,
positioning action
of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the
terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force from the
apparatus-side
terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional shift of the
terminals.
which can occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be
suppressed.
Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the
stable
electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-
side
terminals.
[0427] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge,
the material for
producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever.
Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties such as
resistance to
ink.
[04281 Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special
care is needed to
prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for
transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the
user's con-
venience. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the
cartridge can he
made smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material,
such as
paper or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution
of the
cartridge, thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also
because
the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side
restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity,
compared
with the structures described in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for
example. This
results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation of
the first
cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state, the
cartridge can be
kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which
maintains normal
or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals
and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first
cartridge-
side restriction portion can have a small size and simple structure, no
special care to
prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in packaging for
transportation and
distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges of U.S. Publication No.
2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's
con-
venience.
[0429] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge
terminals and the cartridges
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the
case with
the flexible levers of U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less
vibration is
transmitted from the engagement portion to the cartridge terminals, so
electrical com-
munication is more stable.
(04301 Because the terminal plane (TP) of the terminals is neither parallel
nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of the
cartridge
terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge into the
printer. In
addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation fragments (dust)
that can
be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances against the
circuit board
during installation of the cartridge.
10431] Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge
terminals, an elastic force
which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached
from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. Iii other words, the elastic force from the printer
side terminals
serves to both press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together,
and also to
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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move the cartridge in the direction for removal from the printer when
engagement
between the first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So
there is no need
to provide an additional spring as in the case of the U.S. Patent 6,955,422,
which
enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0432] Because the first restriction portion is engaged with the engagement
portion of the
lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to
the
mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be
maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic
force of the
apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction
opposite to
the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in
the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way, they
are firmly
fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite
from the
mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment or
disconnection
between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members,
compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related
con-
figuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.
[0433] Adaptation 1
The combination as described above where the terminal plane (TP) is at an
angle of
between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288).
[0434] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the terminal plane
is at an angle
between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the leading
edge,
excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-insertion
can be
applied.
[0435] Adaptation 2
The combination as described above where when the front (203) of the cartridge
body (20) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the
engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to the left of
a right edge of
a rightmost terminal of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of a
left edge of
the leftmost terminal of the plurality of terminals (400).
[0436] When the ink cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the
cartridge is held
too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming
members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of a right edge of a
rightmost terminal
of the plurality of terminals and to the right of a left edge of the leftmost
terminal of
the plurality of terminals the ink cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the
electrical
connection between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact
forming
members can be even more stable.
[0437] Adaptation 3
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
115
The combination as described above further comprising a second restriction
portion
(220) on the rear (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the second restriction
portion (220)
engaged with a respective portion (620) of the ink jet printing apparatus
(50), wherein
the distance (B) between the engagement portion of the second restriction
portion
(220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is more than the
distance
(A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) and the
plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the distances are measured
in an
orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0438] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is
located farther from
the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion
will become
disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively
reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion
of the
second restriction portion .
[0439] Adaptation 4
The combination as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and a
pivot
point (800c) intermediate the two ends and when viewing the ink cartridge (20)
from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) to
the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the distance (A)
between the
engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane
(BP)
defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between the
pivot point
(800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288)
when the
cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in an orthogonal
direction
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0440] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion and
the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a
pivot point of
the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the cartridge is
mounted, the
lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge. This reduces the
possibility of the
first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from the engagement
portion
of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the possibility of poor
continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis of rotation
of the lever
when force is applied from the contact forming members to the mounted
cartridge.
This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion
becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the lever.
[0441] Adaptation 5
The combination as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and a
pivot
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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point (800c) intermediate the two ends and when viewing the ink cartridge (20)
from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) to
the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212)
of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of the pivot point
(800c) of the lever.
[0442] When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the
first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the
cartridge from the
side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the ink
supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment
on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the lever in the
reverse
direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement
portion of the
lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members. Even when the
cartridge
receives force, the first restriction portion would move with the cartridge.
Such moving
reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
[0443] Adaptation 6
The combination as described above where when the front (203) of the cartridge
body (22) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, at least
a portion
of the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is
located sub-
stantially at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge (20).
[0444] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so
that at least a portion of
the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located
substantially at the
widthwise center of the ink cartridge, the first restriction portion is
located extremely
near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between
the plurality
of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
[0445] Adaptation 7
The combination as described above where the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288) is substantially flush with the bottom (201).
0-7-7. Seventh Variation
[0446] A combination of an ink cartridge (20) and a portion of an ink jet
printing apparatus
(50), the combination comprising: a portion of an ink jet printing apparatus
(50), the
portion comprising: a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members (731-
739)
applying an elastic force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20); and a lever (80)
having an en-
gagement portion (810); an ink cartridge (20), the ink cartridge (20)
comprising a
cartridge body (22) including a first surface (201), second surface (204),
third surface
(202) and fourth surface (201), wherein the first surface (203) and second
surface (204)
are opposite each other and the third surface (202) and fourth surface (201)
are
=
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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opposite each other; an electrical device, an ink chamber (200) for storing
ink; an ink
supply structure (280) positioned at the fourth surface (201) of the cartridge
body (22).
adapted and configured to supply ink from the ink chamber (200) to the ink jet
printing
apparatus (50), the ink supply structure (280) having a mounting direction
(SD)
leading edge (288) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge (20); a terminal
bearing
structure (408) located proximate to the first surface (203) of the cartridge
body (22),
the terminal bearing structure (408) having a plurality of electrically
conductive
terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) on the
terminal =
bearing structure (408) contacting with and receiving elastic force (Pt) from
the contact
forming members (731-739) at contact portions (cp) of the terminals (400), the
contact
portions (cp) arranged substantially in a contact portion plane (TP) which is
neither
parallel nor perpendicular to the plane of the leading edge (288); and a first
restriction
portion (210) engaged with the engagement portion (810) of the lever (80) so
as to
restrict movement of the ink cartridge (20) in a direction opposite (RD) the
mounting
direction (SD), the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210)
located adjacent the terminal bearing structure (408).
[0447] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh
modification will now be
described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while
the ink
cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical
communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure,
positioning action
of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the
terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force from the
apparatus-side
terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional shift of the
terminals,
which can occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be
suppressed.
Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the
stable
electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-
side
terminals.
[0448] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge,
the material for
producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever.
Also, the material of the cartridge can he selected with less concern for
flexibility and
durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties such as
resistance to
ink.
[04491 Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special
care is needed to
prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for
transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the
user's con-
venience. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the
cartridge can be
made smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material,
such as
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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paper or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution
of the
cartridge, thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also
because
the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side
restriction portion can
he made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity,
compared
with the structures described in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811. for
example. This
results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation of
the first
cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state, the
cartridge can he
kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which
maintains normal
or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals
and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first
cartridge-
side restriction portion can have a small size and simple structure, no
special care to
prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in packaging for
transportation and
distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges of U.S. Publication No.
2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's
con-
venience.
[0450] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge
terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the
case with
the flexible levers of U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case. less
vibration is
transmitted from the engagement portion to the cartridge terminals, so
electrical com-
munication is more stable.
[0451] Because the contact portion plane (TP) of the terminals is neither
parallel nor per-
pendicular to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of
the
cartridge terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge
into the
printer. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation
fragments (dust)
that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances
against the
circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
(04521 Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge
terminals, an elastic force
which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached
from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the printer side
terminals
serves to both press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together,
and also to
move the cartridge in the direction for removal from the printer when
engagement
between the first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So
there is no need
to provide an additional spring as in the case of the U.S. Patent 6,955,422,
which
enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0453] Because the first restriction portion is engaged with the engagement
portion of the
lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to
the
mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
1 1 9
maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic
force of the
apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction
opposite to
the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in
the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way, they
are firmly
fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite
from the
mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment or
disconnection
between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members.
compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related
con-
figuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.
[0454] Adaptation 1
The combination as described above where the contact portion plane (TP) is at
an
angle of between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the
leading
edge (288).
[0455] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the contact
portion plane is at an
angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the
leading
edge, excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-
insertion can
be applied.
[0456] Adaptation 2
The combination as described above where when the first surface (203) of the
cartridge body (20) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down,
the en-
gagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to
the left of the
rightmost contact portion of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right
of the
leftmost contact portion of the plurality of terminals (400).
[04571 When the ink cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the
cartridge is held
too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming
members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact
portion of the
plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of the
plurality of
terminals the ink cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the electrical
connection between
the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming members can
be even
more stable.
(04581 Adaptation 3
The combination as described above further comprising a second restriction
portion
(220) on the second surface (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the second
restriction
portion (220) engaged with a respective portion (620) of the ink jet printing
apparatus
(50), wherein the distance (B) between the engagement portion of the second re-
striction portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288)
is more
than- the distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first
restriction
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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portion (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the
distances
are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the
leading edge
(288).
[0459] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is
located farther from
the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion
will become
disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively
reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion
of the
second restriction portion.
[0460] Adaptation 4
The combination as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and a
pivot
point (800c) intermediate the two ends and when viewing the ink cartridge (20)
from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) to
the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the distance (A)
between the
engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane
(BP)
defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between the
pivot point
(800c) of the lever (80) arid the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288)
when the
cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in an orthogonal
direction
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0461] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion and
the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a
pivot point of
the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the cartridge is
mounted, the
lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge. This reduces the
possibility of the
first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from the engagement
portion
of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the possibility of poor
continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis of rotation
of the lever
when force is applied from the contact forming members to the mounted
cartridge.
This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion
becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the lever.
[0462] Adaptation 5
The combination as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and a
pivot
point (800c) intermediate the two ends and when viewing the ink cartridge (20)
from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) to
the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212)
of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of the pivot point
(800c) of the lever.
[0463] When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the
first restriction
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the
cartridge from the
side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the ink
supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment
on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the lever in the
reverse
direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement
portion of the
lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members. Even when the
cartridge
receives force, the first restriction portion would move with the cartridge.
Such moving
reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
(0464] Adaptation 6
The combination as described above where when the first surface (203) of the
cartridge body (22) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down,
at least
a portion of the engagement portion (2 12) of the first restriction portion
(210) is
located substantially at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge (20).
[0465] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so
that at least a Portion of
the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located
substantially at the
widthwise center of the ink cartridge, the first restriction portion is
located extremely
near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between
the plurality
of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
104661 Adaptation 7
The combination as described above where the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288) is substantially flush with the fourth surface (201).
G-7-8. Eighth Variation
1104671 A combination of an ink cartridge (20) and a portion of an ink jet
printing apparatus
(50), the combination comprising: a portion of an ink jet printing apparatus
(50), the
portion comprising: a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members (731-
739)
applying an elastic force (Pt) to the ink cartridge (20); and a lever (80)
having an en-
gagement portion (810); an ink cartridge (20), the ink cartridge (20)
comprising a
cartridge body (22) including a first surface (203), second surface (204),
third surface
(202) and fourth surface (201), wherein the first surface (203) and second
surface (204)
are opposite each other and the third surface (202) and fourth surface (201)
are
opposite each other; an electrical device, an ink chamber (200) for storing
ink; an ink
supply structure (280) positioned at the fourth surface (201) of the cartridge
body (22),
adapted and configured to supply ink from the ink chamber (200) to the ink jet
printing
apparatus (50), the ink supply structure (280) having a mounting direction
(SD)
leading edge (288) defining a plane (BP) of the ink cartridge (20); a terminal
bearing
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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structure (408) located proximate to the first surface (203) of the cartridge
body (22),
the terminal bearing structure (408) having a plurality of electrically
conductive
terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400) on the
terminal
bearing structure (408) contacting with arid receiving elastic force (Pt) from
the contact
forming members (731-739), the terminals (400) arranged substantially in a
terminal
plane (TP) which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane of the
leading edge
(288); and a first restriction portion (210) including an engagement (212)
portion
engaged with the engagement portion (810) of the lever (80) so as to restrict
movement
of the ink cartridge (20) in a direction opposite (RD) the mounting direction
(SD), the
engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) located
adjacent the
terminal bearing structure (40$).
[04681 Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh
modification will now be
described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while
the ink
cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical
communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure,
positioning action
of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the
terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force from the
apparatus-side
terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional shift of the
terminals,
which can occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be
suppressed.
Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the
stable
electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-
side
terminals.
[0469] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge,
the material for
producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever.
Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and
durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties such as
resistance to
ink.
[0470] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special
care is needed to
prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for
transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the
user's con-
venience. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the
cartridge can be
made smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material,
such as
paper or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution
of the
cartridge, thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also
because
the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side
restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity,
compared
with the structures described in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for
example. This
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
i 23
results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation of
the first
cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state, the
cartridge can be
kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which
maintains normal
or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals
and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first
cartridge-
side restriction portion can have a small size and simple structure, no
special care to
prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in packaging for
transportation and
distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges of U.S. Publication No.
2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's
con-
venience.
[0471] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge
terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the
case with
the flexible levers of U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less
vibration is
transmitted from the engagement portion to the cartridge terminals, so
electrical com-
munication is more stable.
[04721 Because the terminal plane (IF) of the terminals is neither parallel
nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of the
cartridge
terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge into the
printer. In
addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation fragments (dust)
that can
be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances against the
circuit board
during installation of the cartridge.
[0473] Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge
terminals, an elastic force
which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached
from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the printer side
terminals
serves to both press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together,
and also to
move the cartridge in the direction for removal from the printer when
engagement
between the first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So
there is no need
to provide an additional spring as in the case of the U.S. Patent 6,955,422,
which
enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0474] Because the first restriction portion is engaged with the engagement
portion of the
lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to
the
mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be
maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic
force of the
apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction
opposite to
the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in
the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way, they
are firmly
fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite
from the
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment or
disconnection
between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members,
compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related
con-
figuration of US Patent No. 7.008,053.
[0475] Adaptation 1
The combination as described above where the terminal plane (TP) is at an
angle of
between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288).
[0476] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the terminal plane
is at an angle
between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the leading
edge,
excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-insertion
can be
applied.
[0477] Adaptation 2
The combination as described above where when the front (203) of the cartridge
body (20) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the
engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to the left of
a right edge of
a rightmost terminal of the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of a
left edge of
the leftmost terminal of the plurality of terminals (400).
[0478] When the ink cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the
cartridge is held
too securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming
members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of a right edge of a
rightmost terminal
of the plurality of terminals and to the right of a left edge of the leftmost
terminal of
the plurality of terminals the ink cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the
electrical
connection between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact
forming
members can be even more stable.
[0479] Adaptation 3
The combination as described above further comprising a second restriction
portion
(220) on the second surface (204) of the ink cartridge (20), the second
restriction
portion (220) engaged with a respective portion (620) of the ink jet printing
apparatus
(50), wherein the distance (B) between the engagement portion of the second re-
striction portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288)
is more
than the distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first
restriction
portion (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the
distances
are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the
leading edge
(288).
[0480] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is
located farther from
the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion
will become
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively
reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion
of the
second restriction portion .
[0481] Adaptation 4
The combination as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and a
pivot
point (800c) intermediate the two ends and when viewing the ink cartridge (20)
from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) to
the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the distance (A)
between the
engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane
(BP)
defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between the
pivot point
(800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288)
when the
cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in an orthogonal
direction
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
10482] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion and
the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a
pivot point of
the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the cartridge is
mounted, the
lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge. This reduces the
possibility of the
first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from the engagement
portion
of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the possibility of poor
continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis of rotation
of the lever
when force is applied from the contact forming members to the mounted
cartridge.
This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion
becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the lever.
[0483] Adaptation 5
The combination as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and a
pivot
point (800c) intermediate the two ends and when viewing the ink cartridge (20)
from
the side (203) with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210) to
the right and the ink supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212)
of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of the pivot point
(800c) of the lever.
[0484] When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the
first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the
cartridge from the
side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the ink
supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment
on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the lever in the
reverse
direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement
portion of the
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members. Even when the
cartridge
receives force, the first restriction portion would move with the cartridge.
Such moving
reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
[0485] Adaptation 6
The combination as described above where when the first surface (203) of the
cartridge body (22) is viewed with the ink supply structure (280) facing down,
at least
a portion of the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) is
located substantially at the widthwise center of the ink cartridge (20).
[0486] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so
that at least a portion of
the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located
substantially at the
widthwise center of the ink cartridge, the first restriction portion is
located extremely
near to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between
the plurality
of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
[0487] Adaptation 7
The combination as described above where the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge (288) is substantially flush with the fourth surface (201).
G-7-9. Ninth Variation
[0488] An ink supply system adapted to supply ink to an ink jet printing
apparatus (50), the
ink jet printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of apparatus-side
contact forming
members (731-739), the ink supply system comprising an electrical device, an
ink
chamber (200) for storing ink; an ink supply structure (280), adapted and
configured to
supply ink from the ink chamber (200) to the ink jet printing apparatus (50),
the ink
supply structure (280) having a mounting direction (SE) leading edge (288)
defining a
plane (BP); a terminal bearing structure (408) having a plurality of
electrically
conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the terminals
(400) adapted
and arranged on the terminal bearing structure (408) to make contact with and
receive
elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members 731-739) at contact
portions (cp)
of the terminals (400) when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing
apparatus (50) so that a vector component of the elastic force (Pt) from the
apparatus-
side contact forming members (731-739) urges the ink chamber (200) in a
direction
opposite (RD) to the mounting direction (SD); and a first restriction portion
(210)
adapted to engage with the engagement portion (810) of the lever (80) so as to
restrict
movement of the terminal bearing structure (408) in a direction opposite (RD)
the
mounting direction (SD); wherein the engagement portion (212) of the first
restriction
portion (2 I 0) is positioned adjacent the terminal bearing structure (408)
and the contact
portions (cp) are arranged substantially in a contact portion plane (TP) which
is neither
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
127
=
= parallel nor perpendicular to the plane of the leading edge (288) when
the ink supply
system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).
[0489] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh
modification will now be
described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while
the ink
cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical
communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure,
positioning action
of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the
terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force from the
apparatus-side
terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional shift of the
terminals,
which can occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be
suppressed.
Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the
stable
electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-
side
terminals.
[0490] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the
cartridge, the material for
producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever.
Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and
durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties such as
resistance to
ink.
[0491] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no
special care is needed to
prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for
transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the
user's con-
venience. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the
cartridge can be
made smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material,
such as
paper or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution
of the
cartridge, thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also
because
the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side
restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity,
compared
with the structures described in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for
example. This
results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation of
the first
cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state, the
cartridge can be
kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which
maintains normal
or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals
and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first
cartridge-
side restriction portion can have a small size and simple structure, no
special care to
prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in packaging for
transportation and
distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges of U.S. Publication No.
2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's
con-
=
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
128
venienee.
[0492] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge
terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the
case with
the flexible levers of U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less
vibration is
transmitted from the engagement portion to the cartridge terminals, so
electrical com-
munication is more stable.
[0493] Because the contact portion plane (TP) of the terminals is neither
parallel nor per-
pendicular to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of
the
cartridge terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge
into the
printer. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation
fragments (dust)
that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances
against the
circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
[0494] Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge
terminals, an elastic force
which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached
from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6.955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the printer side
terminals
serves to both press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together.
and also to
move the cartridge in the direction for removal from the printer when
engagement
between the first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So
there is no need
to provide an additional spring as in the case of the U.S. Patent 6,955,422,
which
enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0495] Because the first restriction portion is adapted to engage with the
engagement portion
of the lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction
opposite to the
mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be
maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic
force of the
apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction
opposite to
the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in
the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way, they
are firmly
fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite
from the
mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment or
disconnection
between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members,
compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related
con-
figuration of US Patent No. 7.008,053.
[0496] Adaptation 1
The ink supply system as described above where the contact portion plane (TP)
is at
an angle of between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the
leading
edge (288) when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus
(50).
[0497] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the contact
portion plane is at an
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the
leading
=
edge, excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-
insertion can
be applied.
[04981 Adaptation 2
The ink supply system as described above where when the ink supply system
supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50) the engagement portion (212) of
the first re-
striction portion (210) is located to the left of the rightmost contact
portion of the
plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of the leftmost contact portion
of the
plurality of terminals (400).
[0499] When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus,
if held too
securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact
portion of the
plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of the
plurality of
terminals there can be sufficient tilting so that the electrical connection
between the
plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming members can be
even
more stable.
105001 Adaptation 3
The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22)
including a
front (203) and a rear (204), the front (203) and rear (204) opposite each
other. a
second restriction portion (220) proximate to the rear (204) of the body (22),
the
terminal bearing structure (408) proximate to the front (203) of the body
(22), the
second restriction portion (220) adapted and configured to engage with a
respective
portion (620) of the ink jet printing apparatus (50), wherein the distance (B)
between
the engagement portion of the second restriction portion (220) and the plane
(BP)
defined by the leading edge (288) is more than the distance (A) between the en-
gagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane
(BP) defined
by the leading edge (288), when the distances are measured in an orthogonal
direction
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0501] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is
located farther from
the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the
first re- =
striction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion
will become
disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively
reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion
of the
second restriction portion .
[0502] Adaptation 4
The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22)
including a
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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first surface (203) and a second surface (204), the first surface (203) and
second
surface (204) opposite each other, a second restriction portion (220)
proximate to the
second surface (204) of the body (22), the terminal bearing structure (408)
proximate
to the first surface (203) of the body (22), the second restriction portion
(220) adapted
and configured to engage with a respective portion (620) of the ink jet
printing
apparatus (50), wherein the distance (B) between the engagement portion of the
second
restriction portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288)
is more
than the distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first
restriction
portion (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the
distances
are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the
leading edge
(288).
[0503] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is
located farther from
the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion
will become
disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively
reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion
of the
second restriction portion .
105041 Adaptation 5
The ink supply system as described above where the distance (A) between the en-
gagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane
(BP) defined
by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between a pivot point
(800c) of
the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) when the
ink
supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), when the distances
are
measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge
(288).
[0505] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion and
the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a
pivot point of
the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the ink supply system
supplies ink to the printing apparatus, the lever serves to restrict motion.
This reduces
the possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or
disengaged from
the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical
connection
between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and
reducing the
possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move about
the axis of
rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming members.
This
reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion
becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the lever.
[0506] Adaptation 6
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
131
The ink supply system as described above where when the ink supply system
supplies
ink to the printing apparatus (50), the engagement portion (212) of the first
restriction
portion (210) is on the right and the ink supply structure is (280) facing
down, the en-
gagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left
of a pivot
point (800c) of the lever.
[0507] When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus
and the en-
gagement portion of the first restriction portion is to the left of a pivot
point of the
lever and the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the ink
supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment
on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the lever in the
reverse
direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement
portion of the
lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members. Further, the
possibility that
the engagement portion of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked from
the en-
gagement portion of the lever is reduced.
[0508] Adaptation 7
The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22)
proximate
the terminal bearing structure (408), wherein when the ink supply system
supplies ink
to the printing apparatus (50), at least a portion of the engagement portion
(212) of the
first restriction portion (210) is located substantially at the widthwise
center of the
body (22).
[0509] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so
that at least a portion of
the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located
substantially at the
widthwise center of the body, the first restriction portion is located
extremely near to
the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
[0510] Adaptation 8
The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299)
wherein the ink supply structure (280), the terminal bearing structure (408)
and the
first restriction portion (210) are positioned on the adapter (299) and the
ink chamber
(200) is adapted and configured to be mated with the adapter (299).
[0511] Adaptation 9
The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299j)
wherein the terminal bearing structure (408) and the first restriction portion
(210) are
positioned on the adapter (299j), the ink supply structure (280) is positioned
on the ink
chamber (200) and the ink chamber (200) is adapted and configured to be mated
with
the adapter (299).
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
132
[0512] Adaptation 10
The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299k),
an
ink tank (200T) external from the ink jet printing apparatus (50), a tube
(200L) and an
auxiliary adapter (200S) wherein the ink supply structure (280) is positioned
on the
auxiliary adapter (200S), the terminal bearing. structure (408) and the first
restriction
portion (210) are positioned on the adapter (299k) and the tube (200L)
supplies ink
from the external tank (200T) to the auxiliary adapter (200S) when the ink
supply
system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).
[0513] Adaptation 11
The ink supply system as described above where the further comprising a body
(22)
including a top (202) and a bottom (201), the top and bottom opposite each
other.
where the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially flush
with the
bottom (201).
[0514] G-7-10. Tenth Variation
An ink supply system adapted to supply ink to an ink jet printing apparatus
(50). the
ink jet printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of apparatus-side
contact forming =
members (731-739). the ink jet printing apparatus (50) also comprising a lever
(80)
having an engagement portion (810), the ink supply system comprising an
electrical
device, an ink chamber (200) for storing ink; an ink supply structure (280),
adapted
and configured to supply ink from the ink chamber (200) to the ink jet
printing
apparatus (50), the ink supply structure (280) having a mounting direction
(SD)
leading edge (288) defining a plane (BP); a terminal bearing structure (408)
having a
plurality of electrically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical
device, the
terminals (400) adapted and arranged on the terminal bearing structure (408)
to make
contact with and receive elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members
(731-739) when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus
(50) so
that a vector component of the elastic force (Pt) from the apparatus-side
contact
forming members (731-739) urges the ink chamber (200) in a direction opposite
(RD)
to the mounting direction (SD); and a first restriction portion (210)
including an en-
gagement portion(212) adapted to engage with the engagement portion (810) of
the
lever (80) so as to restrict movement of the terminal bearing structure (408)
in a
direction opposite (RD) the mounting direction (SD); wherein the engagement
portion
(212) of the first restriction portion (210) is positioned adjacent the
terminal bearing
structure (408) and the terminals (400) are arranged substantially in a
terminal plane
(TP) which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane of the leading
edge (288)
when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).
[0515] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh
modification will now be
described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while
the ink
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
133
cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical
communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of thc
first re-
striction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure,
positioning action
of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the
terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force from the
apparatus-side
terminals can he properly counteracted against. Also, positional shift of the
terminals,
which can occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be
suppressed.
Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the
stable
electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-
side
terminals.
[0516] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge,
the material for
producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever.
Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and
durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties such as
resistance to
[0517] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special
care is needed to
prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for
transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the
user's con-
venience. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the
cartridge can be
made smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material,
such as
paper or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution
of the
cartridge, thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also
because
the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side
restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity,
compared
with the structures described in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for
example. This
results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation of
the first
cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state, the
cartridge can be
kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which
maintains normal
or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals
and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first
cartridge-
side restriction portion can have a small size and simple structure, no
special care to
prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in packaging for
transportation and
distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges of U.S. Publication No.
2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's
con-
venience.
[0518] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge
terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the
case with
the flexible levers of U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less
vibration is
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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transmitted from the engagement portion to the cartridge terminals, so
electrical com-
munication is more stable.
[0519] Because the terminal plane (TP) of the terminals is neither parallel
nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading ethic (288). the surface of the
cartridge
terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge into the
printer. In
addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation fragments (dust)
that can
be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances against the
circuit board
during installation of the cartridge.
[0520] Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge
terminals, an elastic force
which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached
from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the printer side
terminals
serves to both press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together.
and also to
move the cartridge in the direction for removal from the printer when
engagement
between the first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So
there is no need
to provide an additional spring as in the case of the U.S. Patent 6,955,422,
which
enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0521] Because the first restriction portion is adapted to engage with the
engagement portion
of the lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction
opposite to the
mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be
maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic
force of the
apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction
opposite to
the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in
the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way, they
are firmly
fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite
from the
mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment or
disconnection
between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members,
compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related
con-
figuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.
[0522] Adaptation 1
The ink supply system as described above where the terminal plane (TP) is at
an
angle of between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the
leading
edge (288) when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus
(50).
[0523] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the terminal plane
is at an angle
between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the leading
edge,
excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-insertion
can be
applied.
[0524] Adaptation 2
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
1 35
The ink supply system as described above where when the ink supply system
supplies
ink to the printing apparatus (50), the engagement portion (212) of the first
restriction
portion (210) is located to the left of a right edge of a rightmost terminal
of the
plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of a left edge of the leftmost
terminal of the
plurality of terminals (400).
[05251 When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus,
if held too
securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of a right edge of a
rightmost terminal
of the plurality of terminals and to the right of a left edge of the leftmost
terminal of
the plurality of terminals the ink cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the
electrical
connection between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact
forming
members can be even more stable.
[0526] Adaptation 3
The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22)
including a
front (203) and a rear (204), the front (203) and rear (204) opposite each
other, a
second restriction portion (220) proximate to the rear (204) of the body (22),
the
terminal bearing structure (408) proximate to the front (203) of the body
(22), the
second restriction portion (220) adapted and configured to engage with a
respective
portion (620) of the ink jet printing apparatus (50), wherein the distance (B)
between
the engagement portion of the second restriction portion (220) and the plane
(BP)
defined by the leading edge (288) is more than the distance (A) between the en-
gagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane
(BP) defined
by the leading edge (288), when the distances are measured in an orthogonal
direction
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[05271 When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is
located farther from
the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion
will become
disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be mare effectively
reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion
of the
second restriction portion .
[0528] Adaptation 4
The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22)
including a
first surface (203) and a second surface (204), the first surface (203) and
second
surface (204) opposite each other, a second restriction portion (220)
proximate to the
second surface (204) of the body (22), the terminal bearing structure (408)
proximate
to the first surface (203) of the body (22), the second restriction portion
(220) adapted
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
1 36
and configured to engage with a respective portion (620) of the ink jet
printing
apparatus (50), wherein the distance (B) between the engagement portion of the
second
restriction portion (220) and the plane (13P) defined by the leading edge
(288) is more
than the distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first
restriction
portion (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the
distances
are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the
leading edge
(288).
[0529] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is
located farther from
the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion
will become
disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively
reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion
of the
second restriction portion =
[0530] Adaptation 5
The ink supply system as described above where the distance (A) between the en-
gagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane
(BP) defined
by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between a pivot point
(800c) of
the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) when the
ink
supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), when the distances
are
measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge
(288).
105311 When the distance between the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion and
the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a
pivot point of
the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the ink supply system
supplies ink to the printing apparatus. the lever serves to restrict motion.
This reduces
the possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or
disengaged from
the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical
connection
between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and
reducing the
possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move about
the axis of
rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming members.
This
reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion
becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the lever.
[0532] Adaptation 6
The ink supply system as described above where when the ink supply system
supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), the engagement portion (212) of
the first re-
striction portion (210) is on the right and the ink supply structure is (280)
facing down,
the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is to the
left of a
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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pivot point (800c) of the lever.
[05331 When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus
and the en-
gagement portion of the first restriction portion is to the left of a pivot
point of the
lever and the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the ink
supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment
on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the lever in the
reverse
direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement
portion of the
lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members. Further, the
possibility that
the engagement portion of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked from
the en-
gagement portion of the lever is reduced.
[0534] Adaptation 7
The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22)
proximate
the terminal bearing structure (408), wherein when the ink supply system
supplies ink
to the printing apparatus (50), at least a portion of the engagement portion
(212) of the
first restriction portion (210) is located substantially at the widthwise
center of the
body (22).
[0535] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so
that at least a portion of
the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located
substantially at the
widthwise center of the body, the first restriction portion is located
extremely near to
the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
[05361 Adaptation 8
The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299)
wherein the ink supply structure (280), the terminal bearing structure (408)
and the
first restriction portion (210) are positioned on the adapter (299) and the
ink chamber
(200) is adapted and configured to be mated with the adapter (299).
[0537] Adaptation 9
The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299j)
wherein the terminal bearing structure (408) and the first restriction portion
(210) are
positioned on the adapter (299j), the ink supply structure (280) is positioned
on the ink
chamber (200) and the ink chamber (200) is adapted and configured to be mated
with
the adapter (299).
[0538] Adaptation 10
The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299k),
an
ink tank (200T) external from the ink jet printing apparatus (50), a tube
(200L) and an
auxiliary adapter (200S) wherein the ink supply structure (280) is positioned
on the
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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auxiliary adapter (200S), the terminal bearing structure (408) and the first
restriction
portion (210) are positioned on the adapter (299k) and the tube (200L)
supplies ink
from the external tank (200T) to the auxiliary adapter (200S) when the ink
supply
system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).
[05391 Adaptation 11
The ink supply system as described above where the further comprising a body
(22)
including a top (202) and a bottom (201), the top and bottom opposite each
other,
where the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially flush
with the
bottom (201).
[05401 G-7-11. Eleventh Variation
An ink supply system adapted to supply ink to a portion of an ink jet printing
apparatus (50), the system comprising: a portion of an ink jet printing
apparatus (50).
the portion comprising: a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members
(731-739); and a lever (80) having an engagement portion (810), an electrical
device.
an ink chamber (200) for storing ink; an ink supply structure (280). adapted
and
configured to supply ink from the ink chamber (200) to the ink jet printing
apparatus
(50), the ink supply structure (280) having a mounting direction (SD) leading
edge
(288) defining a plane (BP); a terminal bearing structure (408) having a
plurality of
electrically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the
terminals
(400) contacting and receiving elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming
members
(731-739) at contact portions (cp) of the terminals (400) when the ink supply
system
supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50) so that a vector component of the
elastic
force (Pt) from the apparatus-side contact forming members (731-739) urges the
ink
chamber (200) in a direction opposite (RD) to the mounting direction (SD); and
a first
restriction portion (210) engaged with the engagement portion (810) of the
lever (80)
so as to restrict movement of the terminal bearing structure (408) in a
direction
opposite (RD) the mounting direction (SD); wherein the engagement portion
(212) of
the first restriction portion (210) is positioned adjacent the terminal
bearing structure
(408) and the contact portions (cp) are arranged substantially in a contact
portion plane
(TP) which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane of the leading
edge (288)
when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).
[0541] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh
modification will now be
described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while
the ink
cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical
communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure,
positioning action
of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the
terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force from the
apparatus-side
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional shift of the
terminals,
which can occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be
suppressed.
Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the
stable
electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-
side
terminals.
[0542] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge,
the material for
producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever.
Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and
durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties such as
resistance to
ink.
[0543] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special
care is needed to
prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for
transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the
user's con-
venience. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the
cartridge can be
made smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material,
such as
paper or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution
of the
cartridge, thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also
because
the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side
restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity,
compared
with the structures described in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for
example. This
results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation of
the first
cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state, the
cartridge can be
kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which
maintains normal
or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals
and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first
cartridge-
side restriction portion can have a small size and simple structure, no
special care to
prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in packaging for
transportation and
distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges of U.S. Publication No.
2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's
con-
venience.
[0544] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge
terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the
case with
the flexible levers of U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less
vibration is
transmitted from the engagement portion to the cartridge terminals, so
electrical com-
munication is more stable.
[0545] Because the contact portion plane (TP) of the terminals is neither
parallel nor per-
pendicular to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of
the
cartridge terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge
into the
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
140
printer. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation
fragments (dust)
that can be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances
against the
circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
[0546] Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge
terminals, an elastic force
which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached
from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the printer side
terminals
serves to both press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together,
and also to
move the cartridge in the direction for removal from the printer when
engagement
between the first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So
there is no need
to provide an additional spring as in the case of the U.S. Patent 6,955,422,
which
enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0547] Because the first restriction portion is engaged with the engagement
portion of the
lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to
the
mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be
maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic
force of the
apparatus-side contact forming members. and with respect to the direction
opposite to
the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in
= the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way,
they are firmly
fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite
from the
mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment or
disconnection
between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members,
compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related
con-
figuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.
[0548] Adaptation 1
The ink supply system as described above where the contact portion plane (TP)
is at
an angle of between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the
leading
edge (288) when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus
(50).
[0549] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the contact
portion plane is at an
angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the
leading
edge, excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-
insertion can
be applied.
[0550] Adaptation 2
The ink supply system as described above where when the ink supply system
supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50) the engagement portion (212) of
the first re-
striction portion (210) is located to the left of the rightmost contact
portion of the
plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of the leftmost contact portion
of the
plurality of terminals (400).
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
141
[0551] When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus,
if held too
securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact
portion of the
plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of the
plurality of
terminals there can be sufficient tilting so that the electrical connection
between the
plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming, members can be
even
more stable.
105521 Adaptation 3
The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22)
including a
front (203) and a rear (204), the front (203) and rear (204) opposite each
other, a
second restriction portion (220) proximate to the rear (204) of the body (22),
the
terminal bearing structure (408) proximate to the front (203) of the body
(22), the
second restriction portion (220) engaged with a respective portion (620) of
the ink jet
printing apparatus (50), wherein the distance (B) between the engagement
portion of
the second restriction portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge
(288) is more than the distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of
the first
restriction portion (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288), when
the distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP)
defined by the
leading edge (288).
[05531 When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is
located farther from
the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion
will become
disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively
reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion
of the
second restriction portion .
[0554] Adaptation 4
The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22)
including a
first surface (203) and a second surface (204), the first surface (203) and
second
surface (204) opposite each other, a second restriction portion (220)
proximate to the
second surface (204) of the body (22), the terminal bearing structure (408)
proximate
to the first surface (203) of the body (22), the second restriction portion
(220) engaged
with a respective portion (620) of the ink jet printing apparatus (50),
wherein the
distance (B) between the engagement portion of the second restriction portion
(220)
and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is more than the distance
(A)
between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210)
and the
plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the distances are measured
in an
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
142
orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0555] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is
located farther from
the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion
will become
disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively
reduced.
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is eneaeement portion
of the
second restriction portion .
[0556) Adaptation 5
The ink supply system as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and
a
pivot point (800c) intermediate the two ends and where the distance (A)
between the
engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane
(BP)
defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between the
pivot point
(800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288)
when the
ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), when the
distances are
measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge
(288).
[05571 When the distance between the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion and
the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a
pivot point of
the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the ink supply system
supplies ink to the printing apparatus, the lever serves to restrict motion.
This reduces
the possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or
disengaged from
the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical
connection
between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and
reducing the
possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move about
the axis of
rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming members.
This
reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion
becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the lever.
[0558] Adaptation 6
The ink supply system as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and
a
pivot point (800c) intermediate the two ends and where when the ink supply
system
supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), the engagement portion (212) of
the first re-
striction portion (210) is on the right and the ink supply structure is (280)
facing down,
the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is to the
left of the
pivot point (800c) of the lever.
[05591 When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus
and the en-
gagement portion of the first restriction portion is to the left of a pivot
point of the
lever and the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the ink
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
143
supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment
on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the lever in the
reverse
direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the etwagement
portion of the
lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members. Further, the
possibility that
the engagement portion of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked from
the en-
gagement portion of the lever is reduced.
[0560] Adaptation 7
The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22)
proximate
the terminal hearing structure (408), wherein when the ink supply system
supplies ink
to the printing apparatus (50), at least a portion of the engagement portion
(212) of the
first restriction portion (210) is located substantially at the widthwise
center of the
body (22).
j056 Ii By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so
that at least a portion of
the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located
substantially at the
widthwise center of the body, the first restriction portion is located
extremely near to
the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
[0562] Adaptation 8
The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299)
wherein the ink supply structure (280), the terminal bearing structure (408)
and the
first restriction portion (210) are positioned on the adapter (299) and the
ink chamber
(200) is adapted and configured to be mated with the adapter (299).
[0563] Adaptation 9
The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299j)
wherein the terminal bearing structure (408) and the first restriction portion
(210) are
positioned on the adapter (299j). the ink supply structure (280) is positioned
on the ink
chamber (200) and the ink chamber (200) is adapted and configured to be mated
with
the adapter (299).
[0564] Adaptation 10
The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299k),
an
ink tank (2001) external from the ink jet printing apparatus (50), a tube
(200L) and an
auxiliary adapter (200S) wherein the ink supply structure (280) is positioned
on the
auxiliary adapter (200S), the terminal bearing structure (408) and the first
restriction
portion (210) are positioned on the adapter (299k) and the tube (200L)
supplies ink
from the external tank (2001) to the auxiliary adapter (200S) when the ink
supply
system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
144
(0565] Adaptation 11
The ink supply system as described above where the further comprising a body
(22)
including a top (202) and a bottom (201), the top and bottom opposite each
other,
where the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially flush
with the
bottom (201).
[0566] G-7-12. Twelfth Variation
An ink supply system adapted to supply ink to a portion of an ink jet printing
apparatus (50), the system comprising: a portion of an ink jet printing
apparatus (50),
the portion comprising: a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members
(731-739); and a lever (80) having an engagement portion (810); an electrical
device.
an ink chamber (200) for storing ink; an ink supply structure (280), adapted
and
configured to supply ink from the ink chamber (200) to the ink jet printing
apparatus
(50), the ink supply structure (280) having a mounting direction (SD) leading
edge
(288) defining a plane (BP); a terminal bearing structure (408) having a
plurality of
electrically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the electrical device, the
terminals
(400) contacting and receiving elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming
members
(731-739) when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus
(50): and a
first restriction portion (210) engaged with the engagement portion (810) of
the lever
(80) so as to restrict movement of the terminal bearing structure (408) in a
direction
opposite (RD) the mounting direction (SD); wherein the engagement portion
(212) of
the first restriction portion (210) is positioned adjacent the terminal
bearing structure
(408) and the terminals (400) are arranged substantially in a terminal plane
(TP) which
is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane of the leading edge (288)
when the ink
supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).
[0567] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the seventh
modification will now be
described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while
the ink
cartridge is mounted in the printer, in order to ensure reliable electrical
communication
between the cartridge and the printer. Because the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion is located adjacent to the terminal bearing structure,
positioning action
of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is most
needed (i.e., the
terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force from the
apparatus-side
terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also, positional shift of the
terminals,
which can occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be
suppressed.
Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the
stable
electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-
side
terminals.
[0568] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge,
the material for
producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever.
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and
durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties such as
resistance to
ink.
[0569] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridue, no special
care is needed to
prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for
transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the
user's con-
venience. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the
cartridge can be
made smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material,
such as
paper or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution
of the
cartridge, thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also
because
the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side
restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity,
compared
with the structures described in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for
example. This
results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation of
the first
cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state, the
cartridge can be
kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which
maintains normal
or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals
and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first
cartridge-
side restriction portion can have a small size and simple structure, no
special care to
prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in packaging for
transportation and
distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges of U.S. Publication No.
2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's
con-
venience.
[0570] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge
terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the
case with
the flexible levers of U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less
vibration is
transmitted from the engagement portion to the cartridge terminals, so
electrical com-
munication is more stable.
[0571] Because the terminal plane (TP) of the terminals is neither parallel
nor perpendicular
to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of the
cartridge
terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge into the
printer. In
addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates insulation fragments (dust)
that can
be generated if the printer terminals scrape for long distances against the
circuit board
during installation of the cartridge.
[0572] Because the printer terminals apply, against the cartridge
terminals, an elastic force
which includes a vector component in the direction in which the cartridge is
detached
from the printer, there is no need to provide a spring like the spring 103
described in
U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic force from the printer side
terminals
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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serves to both press the printer side and cartridge side terminals together,
and also to
move the cartridge in the direction for removal from the printer when
engagement
between the first restriction portion and the printer lever is released. So
there is no need
to provide an additional spring as in the case of the U.S. Patent 6.955.422,
which
enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0573] Because the first restriction portion is engaged with the engagement
portion of the
lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction opposite to
the
mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be
maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic
force of the
apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction
opposite to
the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in
the printer. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this way, they
are firmly
fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction opposite
from the
mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment or
disconnection
between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming
members,
compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and related
con-
figuration of US Patent No. 7.008.053.
[0574] Adaptation 1
The ink supply system as described above where the terminal plane (TP) is at
an
angle of between about 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the
leading
edge (288) when the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus
(50).
[0575] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the terminal plane
is at an angle
between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the leading
edge,
excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-insertion
can be
applied.
[0576] Adaptation 2
The ink supply system as described above where when the ink supply system
supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), the engagement portion (212) of
the first re-
striction portion (210) is located to the left of a right edge of a rightmost
terminal of
the plurality of terminals (400) and to the right of a left edge of the
leftmost terminal of
the plurality of terminals (400).
[0577] When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus,
if held too
securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of a right edge of a
rightmost terminal
of the plurality of terminals and to the right of a left edge of the leftmost
terminal of
the plurality of terminals the ink cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the
electrical
connection between the plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact
forming
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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members can be even more stable.
[05781 Adaptation 3
The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22)
including a
front (203) and a rear (204). the front (203) and rear (204) opposite each
other, a
second restriction portion (220) proximate to the rear (204) of the body (22),
the
terminal bearing stricture (408) proximate to the front (203) of the body
(22). the
second restriction portion (220) engaged with a respective portion (620) of
the ink jet
printing apparatus (50), wherein the distance (B) between the engagement
portion of
the second restriction portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge
(288) is more than the distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of
the first
restriction portion (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288), when
the distances are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP)
defined by the
leading edge (288).
1.05791 When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is
located farther from
the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion
will become
disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively
reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion
of the
second restriction portion .
105801 Adaptation 4
The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22)
including a
first surface (203) and a second surface (204), the first surface (203) and
second
surface (204) opposite each other, a second restriction portion (220)
proximate to the
second surface (204) of the body (22), the terminal bearing structure (408)
proximate
to the first surface (203) of the body (22), the second restriction portion
(220) engaged
with a respective portion (620) of the ink jet printing apparatus (50),
wherein the
distance (B) between the engagement portion of the second restriction portion
(220)
and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is more than the distance
(A)
between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210)
and the
plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the distances are measured
in an
orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0581] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is
located farther from
the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion, the possibility that the first side restriction portion
will become
disengaged from the printer engagement portion can be more effectively
reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is engagement portion
of the
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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second restriction portion .
[0582] Adaptation 5
The ink supply system as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and
a
pivot point (800c) intermediate the two ends and where the distance (A)
between the
engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane
(BP)
defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between the
pivot point
(800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288)
when the
ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), when the
distances are
measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge
(288).
[0583] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion and
the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a
pivot point of
the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the ink supply system
supplies ink to the printing apparatus, the lever serves to restrict motion.
This reduces
the possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or
disengaged from
the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical
connection
between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and
reducing the
possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move about
the axis of
rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming members.
This
reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion
becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the lever.
[0584] Adaptation 6
The ink supply system as described above where the lever (80) has two ends and
a
pivot point (800c) intermediate the two ends and where when the ink supply
system
supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50), the engagement portion (212) of
the first re-
striction portion (210) is on the right and the ink supply structure is (280)
facing down,
the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is to the
left of the
pivot point (800c) of the lever.
[05851 When the ink supply system supplies ink to the printing apparatus
and the en-
gagement portion of the first restriction portion is to the left of a pivot
point of the
lever and the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the ink
supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational moment
on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the lever in the
reverse
direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility that the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the engagement
portion of the
lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members. Further, the
possibility that
the engagement portion of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked from
the en-
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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gagement portion of the lever is reduced.
[0586] Adaptation 7
The ink supply system as described above further comprising a body (22)
proximate
the terminal bearing structure (408). wherein when the ink supply system
supplies ink
to the printing apparatus (50), at least a portion of the engagement portion
(212) of the
first restriction portion (210) is located substantially at the widthwise
center of the
body (22).
[0587] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so
that at least a portion of
the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located
substantially at the
widthwise center of the body, the first restriction portion is located
extremely near to
the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
105881 Adaptation 8
The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299)
wherein the ink supply structure (280), the terminal bearing structure (408)
and the
first restriction portion (210) are positioned on the adapter (299) and the
ink chamber
(200) is adapted and configured to be mated with the adapter (299).
[0589] Adaptation 9
The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299j)
wherein the terminal bearing structure (408) and the first restriction portion
(210) are
positioned on the adapter (299j), the ink supply structure (280) is positioned
on the ink
chamber (200) and the ink chamber (200) is adapted and configured to he mated
with
the adapter (299).
[0590] Adaptation 10
The ink supply system as described above further comprising an adapter (299k),
an
ink tank (200T) external from the ink jet printing apparatus (50), a tube
(200L) and an
auxiliary adapter (200S) wherein the ink supply structure (280) is positioned
on the
auxiliary adapter (200S), the terminal bearing structure (408) and the first
restriction
portion (210) are positioned on the adapter (299k) and the tube (200L)
supplies ink
from the external tank (200T) to the auxiliary adapter (200S) when the ink
supply
system supplies ink to the printing apparatus (50).
[0591] Adaptation 11
The ink supply system as described above where the further comprising a body
(22)
including a top (202) and a bottom (201), the top and bottom opposite each
other.
where the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is substantially flush
with the
bottom (201).
G-8. Eighth Modification
[0592] The invention may be accomplished by the following descriptions and
variations.
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
150
The symbols in parentheses after the elements in each of the descriptions
correspond to
the symbols of the respective elements described in the first embodiment or in
the
modification of the cartridge with the adapter.
G-8-1. First Variation
[0593] A cartridge (20) adapted to be mounted on an printing apparatus
having the
following structures: the printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of
apparatus-
side contact forming members (731-739) arranged to apply elastic force (Pt) to
the
cartridge (20), the printing apparatus (50) also comprising a lever (80)
having an en-
gagement portion (810), the cartridge (20) comprising: a first face (203),
second face
(204), third face (202), and fourth face (201), wherein the first face (203)
and second
face (204) are opposite each other and the third face (202) and fourth face
(201) are
Opposite each other; an electrical device: an liquid chamber (200) for storing
liquid; an
liquid supply structure (280) positioned at the fourth face (201), configured
to supply
liquid from the liquid chamber (200) to the printing apparatus (50), the
liquid supply
structure (280) having a mounting direction (SD) leading edge (288) defining a
plane
(BP) of the cartridge (20); electrically conductive terminals (400) located
closer to the
first face (203) than to the second face (204) and coupled to the electrical
device, the
terminals (400) arranged to make contact with and to receive elastic force
(Pt) from the
contact forming members (731-739) at contact portions (cp) of the terminals
(400)
when the cartridge (20) is mounted on the printing apparatus (50), the contact
portions
(cp) of the terminals (400) arranged substantially in a contact portions plane
(TP)
which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane (BP) defined by the
leading
edge (288); and a first restriction portion (210) adapted to engage with the
engagement
portion (810) of the lever (80) so as to restrict movement of the cartridge
(20) in a
direction opposite (RD) the mounting direction (SD), the engagement portion
(212) of
the first restriction portion (210) located at a position closer to the
contact portions (cp)
than to an intersection (291) of the third face (202) and the first face
(203).
[05941 Some of the benefits of the above variation of the eighth
modification will now be
described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while
the
cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus, in order to ensure reliable
electrical
communication between the cartridge and the printing apparatus. Because the en-
gagement portion of the first restriction portion is located at a position
closer to the
contact portions than to an intersection of the third face and the first face,
positioning
action of the first restriction portion occurs close to where positioning is
most needed
(i.e., the terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The elastic force
from the
apparatus-side terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also,
positional shift of
the terminals, which can occur due to vibration during printing operations,
can be
suppressed. Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus
maintaining the
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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stable electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the
apparatus-side
terminals.
[0595] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge,
the material for
producing, the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever.
Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and
durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties such as
resistance to
liquid.
[0596] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special
care is needed to
prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for
transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the
user's con-
venience. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the
cartridge can be
made smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material,
such as
paper or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution
of the
cartridge, thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also
because
the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side
restriction portion can
he made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity,
compared
with the structures described in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for
example. This
results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation of
the first
cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state, the
cartridge can be
kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which
maintains normal
or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals
and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first
cartridge-
side restriction portion can have a small size and simple structure, no
special care to
prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in packaging for
transportation and
distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges of U.S. Publication No.
2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's
con-
venience.
[0597] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge
terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the
case with
the flexible levers of U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less
vibration is
transmitted from the engagement portion to the cartridge terminals, so
electrical com-
munication is more stable.
[0598] Because the contact portion plane (TP) of the terminals is neither
parallel nor per-
pendicular to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of
the
cartridge terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge
into the
printing apparatus. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates
insulation
fragments (dust) that can be generated if the apparatus-side terminals scrape
for long
distances against the circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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[05991 Because the apparatus-side terminals apply, against the cartridge
terminals, an elastic
force which includes a vector component in the direction in which the
cartridge is
detached from the printing apparatus, there is no need to provide a spring
like the
spring 103 described in U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic
force from
the apparatus-side terminals serves to both press the apparatus side and
cartridge side
terminals together, and also to move the cartridge in the direction for
removal from the
printing apparatus when engagement between the first restriction portion and
the lever
is released. So there is no need to provide an additional spring as in the
case of the U.S.
Patent 6,955,422, which enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0600] Because the first restriction portion is adapted to engage with the
engagement portion
of the lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction
opposite to the
mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be
maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic
force of the
apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction
opposite to
the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in
the printing apparatus. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this
way, they
are firmly fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction
opposite
from the mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment or
dis-
connection between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact
forming
members, compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and
related
configuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.
[0601] Adaption 1:
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the engagement portion (212) of
the
first restriction portion (210) is located at a position closer to the contact
portions (cp)
than to the midpoint (203P) between an intersection (295) of the first face
(203) and
the contact portions plane (TP) and an intersection (291) of the third face
(202) and the
first face (203).
[0602] By locating the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
at a position closer
to the contact portions than to the midpoint, the benefits described above can
be
brought well.
[0603] Adaption 2;
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the contact portions plane (TP)
is at
an angle of between 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge
(288).
[0604] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the contact
portion plane is at an
angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the
leading
edge, excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-
insertion can
be applied.
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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[0605] Adaption 3:
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the first face (203) of
the
cartridge (20) is viewed with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down,
the en-
gagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to
the left of an
extended line (439PL) of a right edge (439P) of a rightmost terminal (439) of
the
plurality of terminals (431-439) and to the right of an extended line (435PL)
of a left
edge (435P) of a leftmost terminal (435) of the plurality or terminals (431-
439).
[0606] When the cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the
cartridge is held too
securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact
portion of the
plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of the
plurality of
terminals the cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the electrical
connection between the
plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming members can be
even
more stable.
(06071 Adaption 4:
The cartridge (20) as described above, further comprising a second restriction
portion
(220) on the second face (204) of the cartridge (20), the second restriction
portion
(220) adapted to engage with a respective portion of the printing apparatus
(50).
wherein the distance (B) between the engagement portion (222) of second
restriction
portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is more
than the
distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210)
and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the distances are
measured
in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288).
[06081 When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is
located farther from
the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion, the possibility that the first restriction portion will
become disengaged
from the apparatus-side engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
located farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the
engagement
portion of the second restriction portion.
[06091 Adaption 5:
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the cartridge (20)
from
the angle with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) to the
right and the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the distance (A)
between the
engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane
(BP)
defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between a
pivot point
(800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288)
when the
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in an orthogonal
direction
to the direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0610] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion and
the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a
pivot point of
the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the cartridge is
mounted, the
lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge. This reduces the
possibility of the
first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from the engagement
portion
of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the possibility of poor
continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis of rotation
of the lever
when force is applied from the contact forming members to the mounted
cartridge.
This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion
becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the lever.
[0611] Adaption 6:
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the cartridge (20)
from
the angle with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) to the
right and the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212)
of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of the pivot point
(800c) of the lever
(80) when the cartridge (20) is mounted.
[0612] When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the
first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the
cartridge from the
side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the
liquid supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational
moment on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the lever
in the
reverse direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility
that the en-
gagement portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the
engagement
portion of the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection
between the
plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members. Even
when the
cartridge receives force, the first restriction portion would move with the
cartridge.
Such moving reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first
restriction
portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
[06131 Adaption 7:
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the first face (203) is
viewed
with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, at least a portion of the
engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located substantially
at the
widthwise center of the cartridge (20) when the cartridge (20) is mounted.
[0614] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so
that at least a portion of
the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located
substantially at the
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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widthwise center of the cartridge, the first restriction portion is located
extremely near
to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
[0615] Adaption 8:
=
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the plane (BP) defined by the
leading
edge (288) is substantially flush with the fourth face (201).
[0616] Adaption 9:
The cartridge (20) as described above, comprising an adapter (299, 299j, 299k)
wherein the contact portions (cp) of the terminals (400) and the first
restriction portion
(210) are positioned on the adapter and the liquid chamber (200) is adapted
and
configured to be mated with the adapter.
G-8-2. Second Variation
[0617] A cartridge (20) adapted to be mounted on an printing apparatus
(50), the printing
apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming
members
(731-739) arranged to apply elastic force (Pt) to the cartridge (20), the
printing
apparatus (50) also comprising a lever (80) having an engagement portion
(810), the
cartridge (20) comprising: a first face (203), second face (204), third face,
and fourth
face (201), wherein the first face (203) and second face (204) are opposite
each other
and the third face (202) and fourth face (201) are opposite each other; an
electrical
device; an liquid chamber (200) for storing liquid; an liquid supply structure
(280) po-
sitioned at the fourth face (201), configured to supply liquid from the liquid
chamber
(200) to the printing apparatus (50), the liquid supply structure (280) having
a
mounting direction (SD) leading edge (288) defining a plane (BP) of the
cartridge (20);
electrically conductive terminals (400) located closer to the first face (203)
than to the
second face (204) and coupled to the electrical device, the terminals (400)
arranged to
make contact with and receive elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming
members
(731-739) at contact portions (cp) of the terminals (400) when the cartridge
(20) is
mounted on the printing apparatus (50), the contact portions (cp) of the
terminals (400)
arranged substantially in a contact portions plane (TP) which is neither
parallel nor
perpendicular to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288); and a first
re-
striction portion (210) adapted to engage with the engagement portion (810) of
the
lever (80) so as to restrict movement of the cartridge (20) in a direction
opposite (RD)
the mounting direction (SD), the first restriction portion (210) provided at a
position
closer to a first intersection (295) where the first face (203) intersects the
contact
portions plane (TP) than to a second intersection where the first face (203)
intersects
the third face (202).
[0618] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the eighth
modification will now be
described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while
the
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
156
cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus, in order to ensure reliable
electrical
communication between the cartridge and the printing apparatus. Because the en-
gagement portion of the first restriction portion is located at a position
closer to a first
intersection where the first face intersects the contact portion plane than to
a second in-
tersection where the first face intersects the third face, positioning action
of the first re-
striction portion occurs close to where positioning is most needed (i.e., the
terminals of
the terminal hearing structure). The elastic force from the apparatus-side
terminals can
be properly counteracted against. Also, positional shift of the terminals,
which can
occur due to vibration during printing operations, can be suppressed.
Therefore, po-
sitioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the stable
electrical
connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals.
[0619] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge,
the material for
producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever.
Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and
durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties such as
resistance to
liquid.
[0620] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special
care is needed to
prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for
transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the
user's con-
venience. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the
cartridge can be
made smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material,
such as
paper or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution
of the
cartridge, thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also
because
the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side
restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity,
compared
with the structures described in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for
example. This
results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation of
the first
cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state, the
cartridge can be
kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which
maintains normal
or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals
and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first
cartridge-
side restriction portion can have a small size and simple structure, no
special care to
prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in packaging for
transportation and
distribution of the cartridge, finlike the cartridges of U.S. Publication No.
2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's
con-
venience.
[0621] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge
terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to he only rigid structure (which is not the
case with
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
157
the flexible levers of U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less
vibration is
transmitted from the engagement portion to the cartridge terminals, so
electrical com-
munication is more stable.
[0622] Because the contact portion plane (TP) of the terminals is neither
parallel nor per-
pendicular to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of
the
cartridge terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge
into the
printing apparatus. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates
insulation
fragments (dust) that can be generated if the apparatus-side terminals scrape
for long
distances against the circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
[0623] Because the apparatus-side terminals apply, against the cartridg.e
terminals, an elastic
force which includes a vector component in the direction in which the
cartridge is
detached from the printing apparatus. there is no need to provide a spring
like the
spring 103 described in U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic
force from
the apparatus-side terminals serves to both press the apparatus side and
cartridge side
terminals together, and also to move the cartridge in the direction for
removal from the
printing apparatus when engagement between the first restriction portion and
the lever
is released. So there is no need to provide an additional spring as in the
case of the U.S.
Patent 6,955,422, which enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0624] Because the first restriction portion is adapted to engage with the
engagement portion
of the lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction
opposite to the
mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be
maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic
force of the
apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction
opposite to
the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in
the printing apparatus. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this
way. they
are firmly fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction
opposite
from the mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment or
dis-
connection between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact
forming
members, compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and
related
configuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.
[0625] Adaption 1
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion is located at a position closer to the first intersection
(295) than to the
midpoint (203P) between the first intersection (295) and the second
intersection.
[0626] By locating the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
at a position closer
to the contact portions than to the midpoint, the benefits described above can
be
brought well.
[0627] Adaption 2
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
158
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the contact portions (cp) plane
(TP) is
at an angle of between 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the
leading edge
(288). =
[0628] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the contact
portion plane is at an
angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the
leading
edge. excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-
insertion can
be applied.
[0629] Adoption 3
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the first face (203) of
the
cartridge (20) is viewed with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down,
the en-
gagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to
the left of an
extended line (439PL) of a right edge (439P) of a rightmost terminal (439) of
the
plurality of terminals (431-439) and to the right of an extended line (435PL)
of a left
edge (435P) of a leftmost terminal (435) of the plurality of terminals (431-
439).
[0630] When the cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the
cartridge is held too
securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact
portion of the
plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of the
plurality of
terminals the cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the electrical
connection between the
plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming members can be
even
more stable.
[0631] Adoption 4
The cartridge (20) as described above, further comprising a second restriction
portion
(220) on the second face (204) of the cartridge (20), the second restriction
portion
(220) adapted to engage with a respective portion of the printing apparatus
(50),
wherein the distance (B) between the engagement portion (222) of second
restriction
portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is more
than the
distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210)
and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the distances are
measured
in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288).
[0632] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is
located farther from
the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion, the possibility that the first restriction portion will
become disengaged
from the apparatus-side engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
located farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the
engagement
portion of the second restriction portion.
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
1:19
[0633] Adaption 5
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the cartridge (20)
from
the angle with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) to the
right and the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the distance (A)
between the
engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane
(BP)
defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between a
pivot point
(800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288)
when the
cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in an orthogonal
direction
to the direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0634] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion and
the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a
pivot point of
the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the cartridge is
mounted, the
lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge. This reduces the
possibility of the
first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from the engagement
portion
of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the possibility of poor
continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis of rotation
of the lever
when force is applied from the contact forming members to the mounted
cartridge.
This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion
becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the lever.
[0635] Adaption 6
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the cartridge (20)
from
the angle with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(2)0) to the
right and the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212)
of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of the pivot point
(800c) of the lever
(80) when the cartridge (20) is mounted.
[0636] When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the
first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the
cartridge from the
side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the
liquid supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational
moment on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the lever
in the
reverse direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility
that the en-
gagement portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the
engagement
portion of the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection
between the
plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members. Even
when the
cartridge receives force, the first restriction portion would move with the
cartridge.
Such moving reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first
restriction
portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
160
[06371 Adaption 7
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the first face (203) is
viewed
with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, at least a portion of the
engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located substantially
at the
widthwise center of the cartridge (20) when the cartridge (20) is mounted.
[0638] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so
that at least a portion of
the engagement portion of the first restrietion portion is located
substantially at the
widthwise center of the cartridge, the first restriction portion is located
extremely near
to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
[0639] Adaption 8
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the plane (BP) defined by the
leading
edge (288) is substantially flush with the fourth face (2W).
[0640] Adaption 9
The cartridge (20)as described above, comprising an adapter (299, 299j, 299k)
wherein the contact portions (cp) of the terminals (400) and the first
restriction portion
(210) are positioned on the adapter and the liquid chamber (200) is adapted
and
configured to be mated with the adapter.
0-8-3. Third Variation
[0641] An cartridge (20) adapted to be mounted on an printing apparatus
(50) having the
following structures: the printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of
apparatus-
side contact forming members (731-739) arranged to apply elastic force (Pt) to
the
cartridge (20), the printing apparatus (50) also comprising a lever (80)
having an en-
gagement portion (810) and a pivot point, the cartridge (20) comprising: a
first face
(203), second face (204), third face (202), and fourth face (201), wherein the
first face
(203) and second face (204) are opposite each other and the third face (202)
and fourth
face (201) are opposite each other; an electrical device: an liquid chamber
(200) for
storing liquid; an liquid supply structure (280) positioned at the fourth face
(201),
configured to supply liquid from the liquid chamber (200) to the printing
apparatus
(50), the liquid supply structure (280) having a mounting direction (SD)
leading edge
(288) defining a plane (BP) of the cartridge (20); electrically conductive
terminals
(400) located closer to the first face (203) than to the second face (204) and
coupled to
the electrical device, the terminals (400) arranged to make contact with and
to receive
elastic force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731-739) at contact
portions (cp)
of the terminals (400) when the cartridge (20) is mounted on the printing
apparatus
(50), the contact portions (cp) of the terminals (400) arranged substantially
in a contact
portions plane (TP) which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane
(BP)
defined by the leading edge (288); and a first restriction portion (210)
adapted to
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
161
engage with the engagement portion (810) of the lever (80) so as to restrict
movement
of the cartridge (20) in a direction opposite (RD) the mounting direction
(SD), the en-
gagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is disposed such
that when
the cartridge (20) is mounted onto the printing apparatus (50), the engagement
portion
(212) of the first restriction portion (210) is engaged with the lever (80) at
a position
beneath the pivot point (800c) of the lever (80).
[06421 Some of the benefits of the above variation of the eitzhth
modification will now be
described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while
the
cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus, in order to ensure reliable
electrical
communication between the cartridge and the printing apparatus. Because the en-
gagement portion of the first restriction portion is located at a position
beneath the
pivot point of the lever, the lever serves to restrict the motion of the
cartridge. This
reduces the possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or
disengaged
from the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical
connection
between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and
reducing the
possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move about
the axis of
rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming members
to the
mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first
restriction portion becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the
lever.
Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the
stable
electrical connection between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-
side
terminals.
[06431 Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the cartridge,
the material for
producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever.
Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and
durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties such as
resistance to
liquid.
[0644] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no special
care is needed to
prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for
transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the
user's con-
venience. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the
cartridge can be
made smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material,
such as
paper or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution
of the
cartridge, thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also
because
the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side
restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity,
compared
with the structures described in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for
example. This
results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation of
the first
=
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
162
cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state, the
cartridge can be
kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which
maintains normal
or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals
and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first
cartridge-
side restriction portion can have a small size and simple structure, no
special care to
prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in packaging for
transportation and
distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges of U.S. Publication No.
2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's
con-
venience.
[0645] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge
terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the
case with
the flexible levers of U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less
vibration is
transmitted from the engagement portion to the cartridge terminals, so
electrical com-
munication is more stable.
106461 Because the contact portion plane (TP) of the terminals is
neither parallel nor per-
pendicular to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of
the
cartridge terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge
into the
printing apparatus. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates
insulation
fragments (dust) that can be generated if the apparatus-side terminals scrape
for long
distances against the circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
[06471 Because the apparatus-side terminals apply, against the
cartridge terminals, an elastic
force which includes a vector component in the direction in which the
cartridge is
detached from the printing apparatus, there is no need to provide a spring
like the
spring 103 described in U.S. Patent 6.955,422. In other words, the elastic
force from
the apparatus-side terminals serves to both press the apparatus side and
cartridge side
terminals together, and also to move the cartridge in the direction for
removal from the
printing apparatus when engagement between the first restriction portion and
the lever
is released. So there is no need to provide an additional spring as in the
case of the U.S.
Patent 6,955,422, which enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
[0648] Because the first restriction portion is adapted to engage with
the engagement portion
of the lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction
opposite to the
mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be
maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic
force of the
apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction
opposite to
the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in
the printing apparatus. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this
way, they
are firmly fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction
opposite
from the mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment or
dis-
.
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
163
connection between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact
forming
members, compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and
related
configuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.
[0649] Adaption 1
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the contact portions plane (TP)
is at
an angle of between 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge
(288).
[0650] By locating the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
at a position closer
to the contact portions than to the midpoint, the benefits described above can
be
brought well.
[0651] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the contact
portion plane is at an
angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the
leading
edge, excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-
insertion can
be applied.
[0652] Adaption 2
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the first face (203) of
the
cartridge (20) is viewed with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down,
the en-
gagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to
the left of an
extended line (439PL) of a right edge (439P) of a rightmost terminal (439) of
the
plurality of terminals (431-439) and to the right of an extended line (435PL)
of a left
edge (435P) of a leftmost terminal (435) of the plurality of terminals (431-
439).
[0653] When the cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the
cartridge is held too
securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact
portion of the
plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of the
plurality of
terminals the cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the electrical
connection between the
plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming members can be
even
more stable.
[0654] Adaption 3
The cartridge (20) as described above, further comprising a second restriction
portion
(220) on the second face (204) of the cartridge (20), the second restriction
portion
(220) adapted to engage with a respective portion of the printing apparatus
(50),
wherein the distance (B) between the engagement portion (222) of second
restriction
portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is more
than the
distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210)
and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the distances are
measured
in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge
(288).
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
164
[06551 When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is
located farther from
the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion, the possibility that the first restriction portion will
become disengaged
from the apparatus-side engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
located farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the
engagement
portion of the second restriction portion.
106561 Adaption 4
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the cartridge (20)
from
the angle with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) to the
right and the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212)
of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of the pivot point
(800c) of the lever
(80) when the cartridge (20) is mounted.
[06571 When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the
first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the
cartridge from the
side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the
liquid supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational
moment on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of' rotation of the lever
in the
reverse direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility
that the en-
gagement portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the
engagement
portion of the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection
between the
plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members. Even
when the
cartridge receives force, the first restriction portion would move with the
cartridge.
Such moving reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first
restriction
portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
[0658] Adaption 5
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the first face (203) is
viewed
with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, at least a portion of the
engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located substantially
at the
widthwise center of the cartridge (20) when the cartridge (20) is mounted.
[0659] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so
that at least a portion of
the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located
substantially at the
widthwise center of the cartridge, the first restriction portion is located
extremely near
to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
[0660] Adaption 6
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the plane (BP) defined by the
leading
edge (288) is substantially flush with the fourth face (201).
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
165
[0661] Adaption 7
The cartridge (20) as described above, comprising an adapter (299, 299j, 299k)
wherein the contact portions (cp) of the terminals (400) and the first
restriction portion
(210) are positioned on the adapter and the liquid chamber (200) is adapted
and
configured to be mated with the adapter.
G-8-4. Fourth Variation
[0662] An cartridge (20) adapted to be mounted on an printing apparatus
(50), the printing
apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming
members
(731-739) arranged to apply elastic force (Pt) to the cartridge (20), the
printing
apparatus (50) also comprising a lever (80) having an engagement portion
(810), the
cartridge (20) comprising: a front (203), a rear (204), a top (202), and a
bottom (201),
wherein the front (203) and rear (204) opposite each other and the top (202)
and
bottom (201) opposite each other; an electrical device; an liquid chamber
(Lou) for
storing liquid; an liquid supply structure (280) positioned at the bottom
(201),
configured to supply liquid from the liquid chamber (200) to the printing
apparatus
(50), the liquid supply structure (280) having a mounting direction (SD)
leading edge
(288) defining a plane (BP) of the cartridge (20); electrically conductive
terminals
(400) located closer to the front (203) than to the rear (204) and coupled to
the
electrical device, the terminals (400) arranged to make contact with and
receive elastic
force (Pt) from the contact forming members (731-739) at contact portions (cp)
of the
terminals (400) when the cartridge (20) is mounted on the printing apparatus
(50), the
contact portions (cp) of the terminals (400) arranged substantially in a
contact portions
plane (TP) which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane (BP)
defined by the
leading edge (288); and a first restriction portion (210) adapted to engage
with the en-
gagement portion (810) of the lever (80) so as to restrict movement of the
cartridge
(20) in a direction opposite (RD) the mounting direction (SD), the first
restriction
portion (210) provided at a position located closer to the contact portions
plane (TP)
than to the top (202).
[0663] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the eighth
modification will now be
described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while
the
cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus, in order to ensure reliable
electrical
communication between the cartridge and the printing apparatus. Because the en-
gagement portion of the first restriction portion is located at a position
closer to the
contact portion plane than to the top, positioning action of the first
restriction portion
occurs close to where positioning is most needed (i.e., the terminals of the
terminal
bearing structure). The elastic force from the apparatus-side terminals can be
properly
counteracted against. Also, positional shift of the terminals, which can occur
due to
vibration during printing operations, can be suppressed. Therefore,
positioning of the
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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terminals is more stable, thus maintaining the stable electrical connection
between the
= cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side terminals.
(06641 Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the
cartridge, the material for
producing the cartridge can be different from the material used for producing
the lever.
Also, the material of the cartridge can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and
durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties such as
resistance to
liquid.
[0665] Additionally, because the lever is not on the cartridge, no
special care is needed to
prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the cartridge for
transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the
user's con-
venience. Because the lever is not an integral part of the cartridge, the
cartridge can be
made smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material,
such as
paper or box, used to package the cartridge for transportation or distribution
of the
cartridge, thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also
because
the lever is not integral with the cartridge, the first cartridge-side
restriction portion can
be made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity,
compared
with the structures described in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for
example. This
results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation of
the first
cartridge-side restriction portion. In the attached or mounted state, the
cartridge can he
kept at the proper position in the cartridge mounting structure, which
maintains normal
or good contact between the cartridge-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals
and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first
cartridge-
side restriction portion can have a small size and simple structure, no
special care to
prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in packaging for
transportation and
distribution of the cartridge, unlike the cartridges of U.S. Publication No.
2005/0151811. This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's
con-
venience.
[0666] It is possible for the structure that connects the cartridge
terminals and the cartridge's
engagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the
case with
the flexible levers of U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less
vibration is
transmitted from the engagement portion to the cartridge terminals, so
electrical com-
munication is more stable.
[0667] Because the contact portion plane (TP) of the terminals is
neither parallel nor per-
pendicular to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of
the
cartridge terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the cartridge
into the
printing apparatus. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates
insulation
fragments (dust) that can be generated if the apparatus-side terminals scrape
for long
distances against the circuit board during installation of the cartridge.
=
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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(06681 Because the apparatus-side terminals apply, against the cartridge
terminals, an elastic
force which includes a vector component in the direction in which the
cartridge is
detached from the printing apparatus, there is no need to provide a spring
like the
spring 103 described in U.S. Patent 6,955,422. In other words, the elastic
force from
the apparatus-side terminals serves to both press the apparatus side and
cartridg side
terminals together, and also to move the cartridge in the direction for
removal from the
printing apparatus when engagement betwen the first rzstriction portion and
the lever
is released. So there is no need to provide an additional spring as in the
case of the U.S.
Patent 6,955,422, which enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
106691 Because the first restriction portion is adapted to engage with the
engagement portion
of the lever so as to restrict movement of the cartridge in the direction
opposite to the
mounting direction, as a result, the position of the cartridge terminals will
be
maintained in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic
force of the
apparatus-side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction
opposite to
the mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the cartridge is
mounted in
the printing apparatus. Since the cartridge terminals are "sandwiched" in this
way, they
are firmly fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction
opposite
from the mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment or
dis-
connection between the cartridge terminals and the apparatus-side contact
forming
members, compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and
related
configuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.
[0670] Adaption I
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the engagement portion (212) of
the
first restriction portion (210) is located at a position closer to the contact
portions (cp)
than to the midpoint (203P) between an intersection of the front (203) and the
contact
portions plane (TP) and the intersection of the top (202) and the front (203).
[0671] By locating the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
at a position closer
to the contact portions than to the midpoint, the benefits described above can
be
brought well.
[0672] Adaption 2
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the contact portions plane (TP)
is at
an angle of between 25 and 40 degrees to the plane (BP) defined by the leading
edge
(288).
[0673] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the contact
portion plane is at an
angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the
leading
edge, excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-
insertion can
be applied.
[06741 Adaption 3
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The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the front (203) of the
cartridge
(20) is viewed with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the
engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to the left of
an extended
line (439PL) of a right edge (439P) of a rightmost terminal (439) of the
plurality of
terminals (431-439) and to the right of an extended line (43.5PL) of a left
edge (435P)
of a leftmost terminal (435) of the plurality of terminals (431-439).
106751 When the cartridge is mounted on the printine apparatus, if the
cartridge is held too
securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact
portion of the
plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of the
plurality of
terminals the cartridge can tilt sufficiently so that the electrical
connection between the
plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming members can be
even
more stable.
[0676] Adaption 4
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the engagement portion is
adapted to
engage with a rotatable lever having a pivot point above the engagement
portion (212)
of the first restriction portion (210).
[0677] When the rotatable lever has the pivot point above the engagement
portion of the first
restriction portion, the lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge.
This reduces
the possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or
disengaged from
the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical
connection
between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and
reducing the
possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move about
the axis of
rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming members
to the
mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first
restriction portion becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the
lever.
[06781 Adaption 5
The cartridge (20) as described above, further comprising a second restriction
portion
(220) on the rear (204) of the cartridge (20), the second restriction portion
(220)
adapted to engage with a respective portion of the printing apparatus (50),
wherein the
distance (B) between the engagement portion (222) of second restriction
portion (220)
and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is more than the distance
(A)
between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210)
and the
plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the distances are measured
in an
orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0679] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is
located farther from
the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the
first re-
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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striction portion, the possibility that the first restriction portion will
become disengaged
from the apparatus-side engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
located farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the
engagement
portion of the second restriction portion.
[0680] Adaption 6
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the second restricricm portion
(220) is
adapted to serve as a pivot point of rotation when the cartridge (20) is
turned to be
detached from a holder of the printing apparatus (50).
[06811 Adaption 7
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the cartridge (20)
from
the angle with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) to the
right and the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the distance (A)
between the
engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) and the plane
(BP)
defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance (C) between a
pivot point
(800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288)
when the
cartridge (20) is mounted, when the distances are measured in an orthogonal
direction
to the direction to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288).
[0682] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion and
the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a
pivot point of
the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the cartridge is
mounted, the
lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge. This reduces the
possibility of the
first restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from the engagement
portion
of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the contact forming members and reducing the possibility of poor
continuity. The first restriction portion can move about the axis of rotation
of the lever
when force is applied from the contact forming members to the mounted
cartridge.
This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion
becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of the lever.
[0683] Adaption 8
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when viewing the cartridge (20)
from
the angle with the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion
(210) to the
right and the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, the engagement
portion (212)
of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left of the pivot point
(800c) of the lever
(80) when the cartridge (20) is mounted.
[0684] When the cartridge is mounted so that the engagement portion of the
first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the
cartridge from the
side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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liquid supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational
moment on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the lever
in the
reverse direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility
that the en-
gagement portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the
engagement
portion of the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection
between the
plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members. Even
when the
cartridge receives force, the first restriction portion would move with the
cartridge.
Such moving reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first
restriction
portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
[06851 Adoption 9
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein when the front (203) is viewed
with
the liquid supply structure (280) facing down, at least a portion of the
engagement
portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located substantially
at the
widthwise center of the cartridge (20) when the cartridge (20) is mounted.
[0686] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so
that at least a portion of
the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located
substantially at the
widthwise center of the cartridge, the first restriction portion is located
extremely near
to the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
[0687] Adoption 10
The cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the plane (BP) defined by the
leading
edge (288) is substantially flush with the bottom (201).
[0688] Adaption II
The cartridge (20) as described above, comprising an adapter (299, 299j, 299k)
wherein the contact portions (cp) of the terminals (400) and the first
restriction portion
(210) are positioned on the adapter and the liquid chamber (200) is adapted
and
configured to be mated with the adapter.
[0689] Adaption 12
Use of the cartridge (20) as described above, wherein the engagement portion
of the
cartridge (20) is engaged with a movable lever (80) of a printing apparatus
(50) in such
a way that the lever (80) has a pivot point above the engagement portion.
[0690] Adaption 13
The combination of a cartridge (20) and a printing apparatus (50), the
combination
comprising: a cartridge (20) as described above; and a printing apparatus (50)
including a plurality of apparatus-side contact forming members (731-739)
applying an
elastic force (Pt) to the cartridge (20), and a lever (80) having an
engagement portion
(810) adapted to engage with the engagement portion (212) of the first
restriction
portion (210) of the cartridge (20) so as to restrict movement of the
cartridge (20) in a
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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direction opposite (RD) the mounting direction (SD).
[0691] Adaption 14
The combination as described above, wherein the lever (80) has two ends and a
pivot
point intermediate the two ends, the pivot point (800c) of the lever (80) is
provided
above the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) of
the
cartridge (20).
[0692] When the rotatable lever has the pivot point above the engagement
portion of the first
restriction portion, the lever serves to restrict the motion of the cartridge.
This reduces
the possibility of the first restriction portion becoming unlocked or
disengaged from
the engagement portion of the lever, thus creating a stable electrical
connection
between the plurality of terminals and the contact forming members and
reducing the
possibility of poor continuity. The first restriction portion can move about
the axis of
rotation of the lever when force is applied from the contact forming members
to the
mounted cartridge. This reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of
the first
restriction portion becomes uncoupled from the engagement portion of. the
lever.
[0693] Adaption 15
The combination as described above, wherein the pivot point (800c) of the
lever (80)
is provided to the right of the engagement portion (212) of the first
restriction portion
(210) of the cartridge (20).
[0694] When the pivot point of the lever is provided to the right of the
engagement portion
of the first restriction portion of the cartridge, the first restriction
portion generates ro-
tational moment on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of
the lever in
the reverse direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility
that the en-
gagement portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the
engagement
portion of the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection
between the
plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members. Even
when the
cartridge receives force, the first restriction portion would move with the
cartridge.
Such moving reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first
restriction
portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
G-8-5. Fifth Variation
[0695] A liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) adapted to supply liquid to a
printing
apparatus (50), the printing apparatus (50) comprising a plurality of
apparatus-side
contact forming members (731-739), the liquid supply system (201, 20j, 20k)
comprising: an electrical device; an liquid source (200i, 200j, 2001); an
liquid supply
structure (280) adapted and configured to supply liquid from the liquid source
(200i,
200j, 200T) to the printing apparatus (50), the liquid supply structure (280)
having a
mounting direction (SD) leading edge (288) defining a plane (BP); an adapter
(299,
299j, 299k) having: electrically conductive terminals (400) coupled to the
electrical
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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device, the terminals (400) arranged to make contact with and receive elastic
force (Pt)
from the contact forming members (731-739) at contact portions (cp) of the
terminals
(400) when the supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) supplies liquid to the printing
apparatus
(50), the contact portions (cp) of the terminals (400) an-anged substantially
in a contact
portions plane (TP) which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the plane
(BP)
defined by the leading edge (288): and a first restriction portion (210)
provided on a
front (203) of the adapter and adapted to ewzagc with the engagement pardon
810) of
the lever (80) so as to restrict movement of the adapter in a direction
opposite (RD) the
mounting direction (SD), the first restriction portion (210) positioned
adjacent the
contact portions plane (TP).
[0696] Some of the benefits of the above variation of the ninth
modification will now be
described. The terminals must be precisely positioned and stably fixed while
the
adapter is mounted in the printing apparatus. in order to ensure reliable
electrical com-
munication between the adapter and the printing apparatus. Because the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion is positioned adjacent the contact
portion plane,
positioning action of the first restriction portion occurs close to where
positioning is
most needed (i.e., the terminals of the terminal bearing structure). The
elastic force
from the apparatus-side terminals can be properly counteracted against. Also,
po-
sitional shift of the terminals, which can occur due to vibration during
printing op-
erations, can be suppressed. Therefore, positioning of the terminals is more
stable, thus
maintaining the stable electrical connection between the adapter-side
terminals and the
apparatus-side terminals.
[0697] Moreover, because the lever is not made integral with the adapter,
the material for
producing the adapter can be different from the material used for producing
the lever.
Also, the material of the adapter can be selected with less concern for
flexibility and
durability requirements, and with greater focus on other properties such as
resistance to
liquid.
[0698] Additionally, because the lever is not on the adapter, no special
care is needed to
prevent creep deformation of the lever in packaging of the adapter for
transportation
and distribution. This simplifies packaging requirements and improves the
user's con-
venience. Because the lever is not an integral part of the adapter, the
adapter can be
made smaller. This further allows size reduction of the packaging material,
such as
paper or box, used to package the adapter for transportation or distribution
of the
adapter, thus advantageously reducing transportation and parts costs. Also
because the
lever is not integral with the adapter, the first adapter-side restriction
element can be
made with a small size and simple structure, and with higher rigidity,
compared with
the structures described in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811, for example.
This
results in significantly reducing the possibility of plastic deformation of
the first
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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adapter-side restriction element. In the attached or mounted state, the
adapter can be
kept at the proper position in the adapter mounting structure, which maintains
normal
or good contact between the adapter-side terminals and the apparatus-side
terminals
and reduces the possibility of poor electrical communication. Since the first
adapter-
side restriction element can have a small size and simple structure, no
special care to
prevent creep deformation of the lever is required in packaging for
transportation and
distribution of the adapter, unlike the cartridges of U.S. Publication No.
2005/0151811.
This reduces packaging requirements and also improves the user's convenience.
[0699] It is possible for the structure that connects the adapter terminals
and the adapter's en-
gagement portion to each other, to be only rigid structure (which is not the
case with
the flexible levers of U.S. Publication No. 2005/0151811). In this case, less
vibration is
transmitted from the engagement portion to the adapter terminals, so
electrical commu-
nication is more stable.
[0700] Because the contact portion plane (TP) of the terminals is neither
parallel nor per-
pendicular to the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), the surface of
the
adapter terminals can be properly wiped during insertion of the adapter into
the
printing apparatus. In addition, this configuration reduces or eliminates
insulation
fragments (dust) that can he generated if the apparatus-side terminals scrape
for long
distances against the circuit board during installation of the adapter.
[0701] Because the apparatus-side terminals apply, against the adapter
terminals, an elastic
force which includes a vector component in the direction in which the adapter
is
detached from the printing apparatus, there is no need to provide a spring
like the
spring 103 described in U.S. Patent 6,955.422. In other words, the elastic
force from
the apparatus-side terminals serves to both press the apparatus side and
adapter side
terminals together, and also to move the adapter in the direction for removal
from the
printing apparatus when engagement between the first restriction portion and
the lever
is released. So there is no need to provide an additional spring as in the
case of the U.S.
Patent 6,955,422, which enables a simpler structure and reduced costs.
10702] Because the first restriction portion is adapted to engage with the
engagement portion
of the lever so as to restrict movement of the adapter in the direction
opposite to the
mounting direction, as a result, the position of the adapter terminals will be
maintained
in place with respect to the mounting direction by the elastic force of the
apparatus-
side contact forming members, and with respect to the direction opposite to
the
mounting direction by the first restriction portion, when the adapter is
mounted in the
printing apparatus. Since the adapter terminals are "sandwiched" in this way,
they are
firmly fixed from moving in both the mounting direction and the direction
opposite
from the mounting direction. There is thus less likelihood of misalignment or
dis-
connection between the adapter terminals and the apparatus-side contact
forming
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
174
members, compared with the one-sided restriction by the elastic piece 40 and
related
configuration of US Patent No. 7,008,053.
[0703] Adaption 1
The liquid supply system (20i, 20j. 20k) as described above, wherein the
contact
portions plane (TP) is at an allele of between 25 and 40 degrees to the plane
(BP)
defined by the leading edge (288).
[0704] As discussed with reference to Figs. 42A-45, when the contact
portion plane is at an
angle between about 25 and 40 degrees relative to the plane defined by the
leading
edge, excessive wiping is prevented and sufficient force to prevent half-
insertion can
be applied.
[0705] Adaption 2
The liquid supply system (201, 20j, 20k) as described above, wherein when the
front
of the adapter is viewed with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down,
the en-
gagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is located to
the left of an
extended line (439PL) of a right edge (439P) of a rightmost terminal (439) of
the
plurality of terminals (431-439) and to the right of an extended line (435PL)
of a left
edge (435P) of a leftmost terminal (435) of the plurality of terminals (431-
439).
[0706] When the adapter is mounted on the printing apparatus, if the
adapter is held too
securely, then contact with some of the apparatus-side contact forming members
(terminal 734 in Fig. 31 for example), might not be secure. By locating the
engagement
portion of the first restriction portion to the left of the rightmost contact
portion of the
plurality of terminals and to the right of the leftmost contact portion of the
plurality of
terminals the adapter can tilt sufficiently so that the electrical connection
between the
plurality of terminals and the apparatus-side contact forming members can be
even
more stable.
[0707] Adaption 3
The liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) as described above, further
comprising a
second restriction portion (220) on an rear (204) of the adapter, the second
restriction
portion (220) adapted to engage with a respective portion of the printing
apparatus
(50), wherein the distance (B) between the engagement portion (222) of second
re-
striction portion (220) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288)
is more
than the distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first
restriction
portion (210) and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288), when the
distances
are measured in an orthogonal direction to the plane (BP) defined by the
leading edge
(288).
[0708] When the engagement portion of the second restriction portion is
located farther from
the plane defined by the leading edge than is the engagement portion of the
first re-
striction portion, the possibility that the first restriction portion will
become disengaged
CA 02806705 2013-02-22
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from the apparatus-side engagement portion can be more effectively reduced,
compared with the case when the engagement portion of the first restriction
portion is
located farther from the plane defined by the leading edge than is the
engagement
portion of the second restriction portion.
[0709] Adaption 4
The liquid supply system (20i, 20j. 20k) as described above, wherein when
viewing
the adapter from the angle with the engagement portion (212) of the fh-st
restriction
portion (210) to the right and the liquid supply structure (280) facing down,
the
distance (A) between the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction
portion (210)
and the plane (BP) defined by the leading edge (288) is less than the distance
(C)
between a pivot point (800c) of the lever (80) and the plane (BP) defined by
the
leading edge (288) when the adapter is mounted, when the distances are
measured in
an orthogonal direction to the direction to the plane (BP) defined by the
leading edge
(288).
[0710] When the distance between the engagement portion of the first
restriction portion and
the plane defined by the leading edge is less than the distance between a
pivot point of
the lever and the plane defined by the leading edge when the adapter is
mounted, the
lever serves to restrict the motion of the adapter. This reduces the
possibility of the first
restriction portion becoming unlocked or disengaged from the engagement
portion of
the lever, thus creating a stable electrical connection between the plurality
of terminals
and the contact forming members and reducing the possibility of poor
continuity. The
first restriction portion can move about the axis of rotation of the lever
when force is
applied from the contact forming members to the mounted adapter. This reduces
the
possibility that the engagement portion of the first restriction portion
becomes
uncoupled from the engagement portion of the lever.
[0711] Adaption 5
The liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) as described above, wherein when
viewing
the adapter from the angle with the engagement portion (212) of the first
restriction
portion (210) to the right and the liquid supply structure (280) facing down,
the en-
gagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210) is to the left
of the pivot
point (800e) of the lever (80) when the adapter is mounted,
(07121 When the adapter is mounted so that the engagement portion of the
first restriction
portion is to the left of a pivot point of the lever when viewing the adapter
from the
side with the engagement portion of the first restriction portion to the right
and the
liquid supply structure facing down, the first restriction portion generates
rotational
moment on the lever to turn the lever about the axis of rotation of the lever
in the
reverse direction to the unlocking direction. This reduces the possibility
that the en-
gagement portion of the first restriction portion is unlocked from the
engagement
CA 02806705 2015-03-31
176
portion of the lever and further ensures the stable electrical connection
between the
plurality of terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members. Even
when the
adapter receives force, the first restriction portion would move with the
adapter. Such
moving reduces the possibility that the engagement portion of the first
restriction
portion is unlocked from the engagement portion of the lever.
[0713] Adaption 6
The liquid supply system (20i, 20j, 20k) as described above, wherein when the
front
of the adapter is viewed with the liquid supply structure (280) facing down,
at least a
portion of the engagement portion (212) of the first restriction portion (210)
is located
substantially at the widthwise center of the adapter when the adapter is
mounted.
[0714] By providing the first restriction portion in such a position so
that at least a portion of
the engagement portion of the first restriction portion is located
substantially at the
widthwise center of the adapter, the first restriction portion is located
extremely near to
the plurality of terminals so that the electrical connection between the
plurality of
terminals and the apparatus side contact forming members can be stable.
[0715] Adaption 7
The liquid supply system (20i, 20j) as described above, further comprising a
container assembly (200i, 200j) having the liquid source therein and adapted
to be
mated with the adapter.
[0716] Adaption 8
The liquid supply system (20j) as described above, wherein the liquid supply
structure (280) is provided on the container assembly (200j).
[0717] Adaption 9
The liquid supply system (20k) as described above, further comprising: a tank
(200T)
having the liquid source therein; an auxiliary adapter (200S) having the
liquid supply
structure (280); and a tube (200L) connecting the tank and the auxiliary
adapter
(200S).
[0718] It should also be appreciated that the features described herein can
be part of a
cartridge itself, as part of a combination of a cartridge and a printing
apparatus or in
other words when the cartridge is installed and/or as part of a system adapted
to supply
ink or other printing material to a printing apparatus without departing from
the scope
of the invention.
[0719] The matters described in the respective aspects according to any
parts of the
invention may be added to any of the various variations described above.
[0720] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention
has many ap-
plications, may be implemented in many manners and, as such is not to be
limited by
the foregoing embodiments and examples. Any number of the features of the
different
embodiments described herein may be combined into one single embodiment and
CA 02806705 2015-03-31
177 =
alternate embodiments having fewer than or more than all of the features
herein
described are possible. Functionality may also be, in whole or in part,
distributed
among multiple components, in manners now known or to become known.
[0721] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes
could be made to the
embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept
thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to
the particular
embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the
scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. While there
had
been shown and described fundamental features of the invention as applied to
being
exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood that omissions and
substitutions
and changes in the form and details of the disclosed invention may be made by
those
skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.
Moreover, the
scope of the present invention covers conventionally known, future developed
variations and modifications to the components described herein as would be un-
derstood by those skilled in the art. It is the intention, therefore, to be
limited only as
indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. It is also to be
understood that
the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific
features of the
invention herein disclosed and all statements of the scope of the invention
that, is a
matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
