cartridge

Abstract

The present application provides a box, comprising: a first operation surface that receives a first load for moving the box in an insertion direction; a main surface that constitutes a top surface on the upper side of gravity in an insertion posture; a second operation surface that constitutes a top surface in the insertion posture and is located on the lower side of gravity than the main surface, and receives a second load for moving the box in a rotational mounting direction, the angle between the second operation surface and the insertion direction being smaller than the angle between the first operation surface and the insertion direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a technology for a box. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, the following technique was known: moving the box in a horizontal mounting direction to mount the box on the box mounting section of the printing apparatus (Patent Document 1).

[0003] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] [Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-140011]

[0006] In existing technology, the user applies a load to the box by pushing it towards the rear of the box in the mounting direction, thereby moving the box in that direction. Depending on the type of printing apparatus, when installing the box onto the box mounting section, it may be necessary to move the box in multiple directions until installation is complete. In this case, the loads for each movement of the box may be applied to the box, resulting in dispersed loads and reduced operability during installation. Furthermore, if the box's shape becomes larger, operability during loading and unloading from the printing apparatus may also decrease. Summary of the Invention

[0007] (1) According to a first aspect of the present invention, a box is provided that can be detachably mounted to a box mounting portion of a printing apparatus. The box comprises: a first operating surface located near the front of the box in an insertion direction along a horizontal direction toward the box mounting portion when the box is inserted into the box mounting portion, and bearing a first load for moving the box in the insertion direction by pressing the first operating surface toward the insertion direction; a main surface forming a top surface located on the gravity-upward side when the box is inserted; and a second operating surface forming the top surface when the box is inserted, located on the gravity-downward side than the main surface, and bearing a second load for moving the box in a rotational mounting direction having a component of the gravity-downward direction by pressing the second operating surface toward the gravity-downward direction, wherein, in a side view of the box viewed from a width direction orthogonal to the insertion direction and the gravity-downward direction when the box is inserted, the angle between the second operating surface and the insertion direction is smaller than the angle between the first operating surface and the insertion direction.

[0008] (2) According to a second aspect of the present invention, a box that can be detachably mounted to a box mounting portion of a printing apparatus is provided. The box comprises: a liquid receiving portion for receiving liquid; a liquid supply portion communicating with the liquid receiving portion and having a central axis; a front surface located on the depth side of an insertion direction, the insertion direction being an insertion direction that is a direction for inserting the box into a predetermined position of the box mounting portion and orthogonal to the central axis direction along the central axis; a first operating surface opposite the front surface in the insertion direction and bearing a first load for moving the box in the insertion direction; and a bottom surface having an insertion opening for inserting the liquid inlet portion of the box mounting portion and located on the depth side of a rotational mounting direction having a component in the direction of gravity and the insertion direction in the box mounting portion. The depth side is a pivot point; and a top surface, which faces the bottom surface in the direction of the central axis and connects the front surface and the first operating surface, the top surface having: a main surface extending from the front surface in a disassembly direction opposite to the insertion direction; and a second operating surface located closer to the bottom surface than the main surface, and bearing a second load generated by pressing down in the direction of gravity to move the box in the rotational mounting direction, in a side view of the box viewed from a width direction orthogonal to the insertion direction and the direction of gravity in the insertion posture of the box into the box mounting portion, the angle between the second operating surface and the insertion direction is smaller than the angle between the first operating surface and the insertion direction.

[0009] (3) According to a third aspect of the present invention, a box is provided that can be detachably mounted to a box mounting portion of a printing apparatus. After the box is inserted into a predetermined position in the box mounting portion by moving it in an insertion direction along a horizontal direction, it rotates about the depth side of the insertion direction in the box mounting portion as a pivot point in a rotational mounting direction having a component in the direction of gravity, thereby completing the installation into the box mounting portion. The box includes: a first operating surface located near the front side of the insertion direction in the insertion posture of the box into the box mounting portion, and bearing a first load for moving the box in the insertion direction by pressing the first operating surface toward the insertion direction; and a second operating surface located in the rotational mounting direction in the insertion posture. The near-front side of the box bears a second load for moving the box toward the rotational mounting direction by pressing the second operating surface toward the direction of gravity; and an inclined surface located near the front side of the rotational mounting direction in the insertion posture, inclined relative to the insertion direction in such a way as it is located inside toward the second operating surface, and connected to the second operating surface. In a side view of the box viewed from a width direction orthogonal to the insertion direction and the direction of gravity in the insertion posture, the first angle between the second operating surface and the insertion direction is smaller than the second angle between the inclined surface and the insertion direction. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the structure of a printing system as an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a box installed in the box mounting section.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a diagram used to illustrate the box mounting section and the box itself.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the box mounting section viewed from the +Z direction side.

[0014] Figure 5 This is an exploded 3D view of the first type of box.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a side view of the first type of box.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a 3D view of the first type of box.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a portion of the first type of box.

[0018] Figure 9 This is the first diagram illustrating the installation process of the box into the box mounting section.

[0019] Figure 10 This is the second diagram illustrating the installation process of the box onto the box mounting section.

[0020] Figure 11 It is cut by a YZ plane parallel to the Y and Z directions. Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the situation.

[0021] Figure 12 This is the third diagram illustrating the installation process of the box into the box mounting section.

[0022] Figure 13 It is cut by the YZ plane Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the situation.

[0023] [Label Explanation]

[0024] 1: Printing system; 2: Printing paper; 4, 4C, 4M, 4Y, 4K: Box; 4A: First type of box; 4B: Second type of box; 6: Box mounting part; 8: Cover part; 10: Printing device; 13: Replacement cover; 15: Operation button; 20: Bracket; 22: Printer head; 24: Tube; 30: Drive mechanism; 31: Control unit; 32: Synchronous belt; 34: Drive motor; 41: Box body; 42: Front; 43: Top surface; 44: Bottom surface; 45: First side; 46: Second side; 47: First operating surface; 47a: First part; 47b: End; 50: Circuit board; 61: Receiving chamber; 61C, 61M, 61Y, 61K: Slots; 62: Second device wall; 63: Device top wall; 64: Device bottom wall; 65: First device side wall; 66: Second device side wall; 67: First device wall; 70: Device side terminal portion; 87: Stepped surface; 89: Corner portion; 90: Terminal arrangement portion; 401: Liquid container; 402: Adapter; 431: Opposing surface; 431a: Second part; 431b: Connecting part; 432: Main surface; 433: Inclined surface; 435: Second operating surface; 442: Liquid Supply section; 442a: Top end of supply section; 446: Insertion opening; 448: Positioning section of supply section; 450: Liquid receiving section; 497: Box engaging section; 521: Box side terminal; 602: Device guide section; 602a: First device guide section; 602b: Second device guide section; 610: Support member; 611: First support side wall; 612: Second support side wall; 613: Main wall; 614: Device opening; 642: Liquid inlet section; 642b: Top end; 644: Positioning section of device-side supply section; 644b: Other end; 674: Insertion 677: Engaging part; 697: Mounting engagement part; 698: Rotation fulcrum; 699: Liquid storage part; 721: Device side terminal; 831: Supply part configuration part; AG1: First angle; AG2: Second angle; AGa: Angle; CA1: Central axis; CA2: Central axis; D1: Insertion direction; D2: Rotational installation direction; D3: Connection release direction; D4: Disassembly direction; FD1: First load; FD2: Second load; SP1: First space; SP2: Second space; V1: Normal vector; VC: Imaginary cuboid. Detailed Implementation

[0025] A. Implementation method:

[0026] A-1. Structure of the printing system:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the structure of a printing system 1 as an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1The diagram depicts three spatial axes, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, which are orthogonal to each other. The arrows pointing along the X, Y, and Z axes indicate the positive directions along these axes, respectively. These positive directions are designated as +X, +Y, and +Z. The directions opposite to the arrows along the X, Y, and Z axes are designated as the negative directions, respectively. These negative directions are designated as -X, -Y, and -Z. Regardless of their polarity, the directions along the X, Y, and Z axes are referred to as the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction, respectively. The same applies to the diagrams and explanations shown thereafter.

[0028] The printing system 1 includes a printing device 10 and a cartridge 4 for supplying ink, which is a liquid, to the printing device 10.

[0029] The printing apparatus 10 of this embodiment is an inkjet printer that ejects liquid ink from the printhead 22. This printing apparatus 10 is a large-format printer for printing on large sheets of paper (A2 to A0, etc.) such as posters. The printing apparatus 10 includes a cartridge mounting unit 6, a control unit 31, a bracket 20, a printhead 22, and a drive mechanism 30. Furthermore, the printing apparatus 10 includes operation buttons 15 for the user to operate the printing apparatus 10.

[0030] The box mounting section 6 has a first device wall 67 located on the +Y direction side. The first device wall 67 has a plug-in opening 674, which serves as an inlet and outlet for the box 4 to be inserted and removed from the receiving chamber 61. The box 4 is received in the receiving chamber 61 of the box mounting section 6 via the plug-in opening 674, or the box 4 is removed from the receiving chamber 61. A plurality of boxes 4 are detachably mounted to the box mounting section 6. In this embodiment, four boxes 4, corresponding to the four colors of ink—black, yellow, magenta, and cyan—are mounted to the box mounting section 6 one by one, that is, a total of four boxes 4. The box 4 containing black ink is also referred to as box 4K, the box 4 containing yellow ink is also referred to as box 4Y, the box 4 containing magenta ink is also referred to as box 4M, and the box 4 containing cyan ink is also referred to as box 4C. In this embodiment, box 4K is configured to hold more liquid than boxes 4C, 4M, and 4Y. Therefore, box 4K is also referred to as the first type of box 4A, and boxes 4C, 4M, and 4Y are referred to as the second type of box 4B.

[0031] The printing apparatus 10 has a replacement cover 13 on its front surface in the +Y direction. The replacement cover 13 is configured to be openable and closable. By opening the replacement cover 13, the opening of the cartridge mounting section 6 is exposed, allowing the cartridge 4 to be loaded and unloaded. If the cartridge 4 is mounted in the cartridge mounting section 6, ink can be supplied to the nozzle 22 provided on the bracket 20 via the pipe 24, which serves as a liquid flow pipe. In this embodiment, ink is supplied from the cartridge 4 to the nozzle 22 using a water level difference. Specifically, ink is supplied to the nozzle 22 by the water level difference between the ink level in the cartridge mounting section 6 and the nozzle 22. Alternatively, in other embodiments, ink may be supplied to the nozzle 22 by drawing ink from the cartridge 4 using a pump mechanism (not shown) of the printing apparatus 10. Furthermore, the pipe 24 is provided according to the type of ink. Here, the state in which the cartridge 4 is mounted in the cartridge mounting section 6 and liquid ink can be supplied to the printing apparatus 10 is also referred to as the "mounted state".

[0032] The print head 22 is equipped with nozzles for each type of ink. The print head 22 ejects ink from the nozzles toward the printing paper 2 to print text, images, and other data. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printing apparatus 10 is a printer where the cartridge mounting section 6 is not linked to the movement of the carriage 20, and is referred to as a "non-carriage-loaded type" printer. The technology of this invention can also be applied to printers where the carriage 20 has a cartridge mounting section 6, and the cartridge mounting section 6 moves together with the carriage 20, and is referred to as a "carriage-loaded type" printer.

[0033] The control unit 31 controls each part of the printing apparatus 10 and sends and receives signals with the cartridge 4. The bracket 20 moves the print head 22 relative to the printing paper 2.

[0034] The drive mechanism 30 reciprocates the carriage 20 based on a control signal from the control unit 31. The drive mechanism 30 includes a timing belt 32 and a drive motor 34. By transmitting power from the drive motor 34 to the carriage 20 via the timing belt 32, the carriage 20 reciprocates in the main scanning direction, which is along the X direction. Furthermore, the printing apparatus 10 includes a transport mechanism for moving the printing paper 2 in the secondary scanning direction, which is the +Y direction. During printing, the printing paper 2 is moved in the secondary scanning direction via the transport mechanism, and the printed printing paper 2 is output onto the front cover 11.

[0035] Furthermore, a region called the starting position is provided outside the printing area where the carriage 20 moves in the main scanning direction. A maintenance mechanism for performing maintenance to ensure proper printing is carried out is mounted at the starting position. The maintenance mechanism consists of a cover member 8, a lifting mechanism (not shown), and a suction pump (not shown). The cover member 8 is pressed against the surface on the bottom side of the printhead 22 where a nozzle is formed, forming a closed space around the nozzle. The lifting mechanism raises and lowers the cover member 8 so as to press the cover member 8 against the nozzle surface of the printhead 22. The suction pump introduces negative pressure into the closed space formed by the cover member 8 pressing against the nozzle surface of the printhead 22.

[0036] In this embodiment, when the printing system 1 is in use, the axis along the sub-scanning direction of the printing paper 2 is designated as the Y-axis, the axis along the downward direction of gravity is designated as the Z-axis, and the axis along the moving direction of the carriage 20 is designated as the X-axis. Here, "the printing system 1 in use" refers to the state in which the printing system 1 is set on a horizontal plane. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sub-scanning direction is designated as the +Y direction, its opposite direction is designated as the -Y direction, the downward direction of gravity is designated as the -Z direction, and the upward direction of gravity is designated as the +Z direction. The X and Y directions are directions along the horizontal direction. Furthermore, when viewing the printing system 1 from the front side, the direction from right to left is designated as the +X direction, and its opposite direction is designated as the -X direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, for installation, the insertion direction of the box 4 into the box mounting part 6 is the -Y direction, and the direction of removing the box 4 from the box mounting part 6 is the +Y direction. Therefore, the -Y direction side of the box mounting part 6 is also referred to as the depth side, and the +Y direction side is also referred to as the near-front side. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the arrangement direction of the plurality of boxes 4 is designated as the X direction.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a diagram used to illustrate the box mounting section 6 and the box 4. Figure 2 The image shows the completed installation state, indicating that boxes 4K, 4M, and 4Y have been installed onto the box mounting section 6. Furthermore, in... Figure 2 The image shows the insertion completion state of the box 4C into the box mounting part 6.

[0038] After the box 4 is inserted into the predetermined position of the box mounting part 6 by moving in the horizontal insertion direction D1, it is rotated and moved in the box mounting part 6 in the rotational mounting direction D2, which has a component in the direction of gravity, using the depth side of the insertion direction D1 in the box mounting part 6 as the rotation fulcrum 698, thereby completing the installation of the box 4 into the box mounting part 6. Specifically, an installation process is performed when the box 4 is installed into the box mounting part 6. The installation process includes a terminal connection process and a supply part connection process performed after the terminal connection process. The terminal connection process is as follows: the box 4 is moved through the insertion opening 674 of the first device wall 67 in the horizontal insertion direction D1 and inserted into the receiving chamber 61 of the box mounting part 6, thereby inserting it into the predetermined position. The predetermined position is the position where the contact between the box-side terminals of the box 4 (described later) and the device-side terminals of the box mounting part 6 (described later) is completed. The supply section connection process is as follows: while maintaining contact between the device-side terminal and the box-side terminal, the liquid inlet section (described later) of the box mounting section 6 is connected to the liquid supply section (described later) of the box 4. Specifically, during the supply section connection process, the liquid inlet section is connected to the liquid supply section by rotating the first operating surface 47 side of the box 4 about the rotation pivot point 698 of the box mounting section 6 in the rotational mounting direction D2 indicated by the arrow. Furthermore, in the installed state, the box 4 is held in the installed state by engaging with the engaging body provided on the first device wall 67 side of the box mounting section 6.

[0039] When the box 4 is removed from the box mounting section 6, the user lifts the first operating surface 47 side of the box 4, causing the rear end 47 side to rotate and move about the rotation pivot 698 in the connection release direction D3, which is opposite to the rotation mounting direction D2. During this rotational movement, the engagement created by the engaging body is released. After the box 4 is rotated and moved in the connection release direction D3 to the insertion completion state, the box 4 is removed from the box mounting section 6 by moving it in the +Y direction, which is the disassembly direction D4.

[0040] A-2. Detailed structure of the box mounting section:

[0041] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the box mounting section 6. Figure 4 This is a view of the box mounting section 6 from the +Z direction side. Figure 3 and Figure 4 For ease of understanding, a portion of the structure of the box mounting section 6 is omitted from the diagram. For the box mounting section 6, the X direction is also referred to as the width direction, the Y direction as the depth direction, and the Z direction as the height direction. Unless otherwise specified, the following descriptions will assume that the box mounting section 6 is in its initial configuration state without the box 4 installed.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, the box mounting portion 6 forms a receiving chamber 61 for accommodating the box 4. The receiving chamber 61 is approximately cuboid in shape. Within the receiving chamber 61, slots 61C, 61M, 61Y, and 61K, which serve as accommodating the boxes 4C, 4M, 4Y, and 4K, generally correspond to the external shapes of the boxes 4C, 4M, 4Y, and 4K. In this embodiment, box 4K has a larger dimension in the X direction compared to the other boxes 4C, 4M, and 4Y in order to increase the amount of liquid it can hold. Therefore, in this embodiment, the width of slot 61K is larger than the width of the other slots 61C, 61M, and 61Y.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the box mounting section 6 has six device walls 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, and 67 forming the receiving chamber 61. In this invention, "wall" refers to the concept of a wall composed of multiple walls, in addition to a single wall. The first device wall 67 is formed with an insertion / removal opening 674 through which the box 4 passes when it is inserted into or removed from the receiving chamber 61. The second device wall 62 forms the wall on the -Y direction side of the receiving chamber 61. The second device wall 62 is opposite to the first device wall 67 in the Y direction. The second device wall 62 is a wall that is substantially perpendicular to the printing device 10 in the operating state.

[0044] The top wall 63 of the device forms the wall on the +Z direction side of the receiving chamber 61. The bottom wall 64 of the device faces the top wall 63 in the Z direction and forms the wall on the -Z direction side of the receiving chamber 61. The bottom wall 64 is formed by a support member 610. The bottom wall 64 has a plurality of device openings 614. In this embodiment, four device openings 614 are formed according to slots 61C, 61M, 61Y, and 61K. The top wall 63 and the bottom wall 64 intersect with the second device wall 62 and the first device wall 67. In this invention, "intersecting" or "crossing" refers to any of the following states: (i) a state in which two elements intersect each other and actually cross; (ii) a state in which one element is extended and intersects with another element; and (iii) a state in which the elements intersect each other when the elements are extended respectively.

[0045] The first device sidewall 65 forms the wall of the receiving chamber 61 in the +X direction. The second device sidewall 66 is opposite to the first device sidewall 65 in the X direction, forming the wall of the receiving chamber 61 in the -X direction. The first device sidewall 65 and the second device sidewall 66 intersect with the second device wall 62, the first device wall 67, the device top wall 63, and the device bottom wall 64.

[0046] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the box mounting section 6 also includes a support member 610, a liquid inlet section 642, a device-side supply section positioning section 644, a device guide section 602, and a locking forming body 677. Multiple support members 610 are provided depending on the number of boxes 4 mounted. In this embodiment, four support members 610 are provided. The support member 610 forms the device bottom wall 64 on the gravity-downward side of the receiving chamber 61. The support member 610 supports the box 4 from the -Z direction side, which is the gravity-downward side. The support member 610 is a member extending along the Y direction. The support member 610 is concave. The support member 610 has a main wall 613 forming the device bottom wall 64, a first support side wall 611, and a second support side wall 612.

[0047] The main wall 613 has a concave bottom on the side facing downwards. A device opening 614 is formed at the end of the main wall 613 on the side of the first device wall 67. The device opening 614 extends through the main wall 613 in the thickness direction.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, the first support sidewall 611 rises from the +X direction end of the main wall 613 toward the +Z direction, which is the direction of gravity. The second support sidewall 612 rises from the -X axis direction end of the main wall 613 toward the +Z direction. The first support sidewall 611 and the second support sidewall 612 are opposite each other in the X direction.

[0049] The device guide 602 guides the box 4 in the insertion direction D1 and the disassembly direction D4. The device guide 602 is provided along the support member 610. The device guide 602 is respectively provided on the first support sidewall 611 and the second support sidewall 612. The device guide 602 is a protrusion provided on the first support sidewall 611 and the second support sidewall 612. Figure 4 As shown, a first device guide 602a, provided on the first support sidewall 611, is a protrusion extending from the first support sidewall 611 toward the second support sidewall 612. The first device guide 602a extends along the Y direction. Furthermore, multiple first device guides 602a are arranged at intervals along the Y direction. A second device guide 602b, provided on the second support sidewall 612, is a protrusion extending from the second support sidewall 612 toward the first support sidewall 611. The second device guide 602b extends along the Y direction. Furthermore, multiple second device guides 602b are arranged at intervals along the Y direction.

[0050] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the liquid inlet 642 receives the liquid from the container 4. Figure 3As shown, the liquid inlet 642 has a central axis CA1. In this embodiment, the central axis CA1 is inclined at 4° in the +Y direction relative to the Z direction. In the initial configuration state of the box mounting part 6, the liquid inlet 642 is not located inside the receiving chamber 61, but is located on the -Z direction side of the receiving chamber 61. That is, the liquid inlet 642 is located on the side opposite to the support member 610, separated from the receiving chamber 61. Therefore, when the box 4 is inserted into the receiving chamber 61 of the box mounting part 6, collision between the box 4 and the liquid inlet 642 can be prevented. By rotating the support member 610 about the pivot point 698 in the rotational mounting direction D2 and pressing down the device opening 614, the top end 642b of the liquid inlet 642 is disposed inside the receiving chamber 61. In other words, by rotating the pivot point 698, the support member 610 is rotated and moved, causing the device opening 614 to change its position towards the side under gravity, thereby placing the top part 642b of the liquid inlet 642 into the receiving chamber 61 through the device opening 614.

[0051] Figure 3 The device-side supply section positioning part 644 shown is received by the supply section positioning part of the box 4 (described later), thereby restricting the movement of the liquid supply section of the box 4 relative to the liquid inlet part 642. This positions the liquid supply section of the box 4. In the initial configuration state of the box mounting part 6, the device-side supply section positioning part 644 is not located within the receiving chamber 61, but rather at a position further away from the receiving chamber 61 in the -Z direction. That is, the device-side supply section positioning part 644 is located on the opposite side of the support member 610, across the receiving chamber 61. Therefore, when the box 4 is inserted into the receiving chamber 61 of the box mounting part 6, collision between the box 4 and the device-side supply section positioning part 644 can be prevented. By rotating the support member 610 about the pivot point 698 in the rotational mounting direction D2 and pressing down the device opening 614, the other end 644b of the device-side supply section positioning part 644 is positioned within the receiving chamber 61. In other words, the pivot point 698 causes the support member 610 to rotate, thereby changing the position of the device opening 614, and thus placing the other end 644b of the device-side supply positioning part 644 into the receiving chamber 61 via the device opening 614.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, the box mounting section 6 also has a device-side terminal section 70. The device-side terminal section 70 has a device-side terminal that contacts the box-side terminal of the box 4 when the box 4 is installed.

[0053] like Figure 4As shown, the engaging body 677 is formed at a position closer to the +Y direction than the support member 610. Furthermore, the engaging body 677 is located closer to the -Z direction than the insertion / removal opening 674. Four flexible mounting engagement portions (not shown) are arranged on the engaging body 677 corresponding to each of the slots 61C to 61K.

[0054] A-3. Detailed structure of the box:

[0055] Figure 5 This is an exploded stereoscopic view of the first type of box 4A. Figure 6 This is a side view of the first type of box 4A. Figure 7 This is a 3D model of the first type of box, 4A. Figure 8 This is a diagram representing a portion of the first type of box 4A. Figures 5-8 The X, Y, and Z axes shown are based on the insertion posture of the box 4 into the box mounting portion 6. The insertion posture is the same as the posture of the box 4 when insertion into the box mounting portion 6 is complete. The difference between the first type of box 4A and the second type of box 4B is the width of the liquid container 401. The width of the first type of box 4A is larger than that of the second type of box 4B. Therefore, the volume of the liquid container 450 of the first type of box 4A is larger than that of the liquid container 450 of the second type of box 4B. Other structural features are the same in both the first type of box 4A and the second type of box 4B; therefore, the structure of the box 4 will be described below with reference to the first type of box 4A.

[0056] like Figure 7 As shown, the outer shape of box 4 is approximately cuboid. In box 4, the length direction is along the -Y direction, which is the insertion direction D1 towards the box mounting part 6; the width direction is the X direction; and the height direction is the direction under gravity. In box 4, the length direction has the largest dimension, and the width direction has the smallest dimension. The width direction is the direction orthogonal to both the insertion direction D1 and the direction under gravity in the insertion posture.

[0057] like Figure 7 As shown, the box 4 includes a box body 41 constituting the outer shell and a circuit board 50 mounted on the box body 41. In this embodiment, the box body 41 is as follows: Figure 5 The device shown consists of two parts. Specifically, the main body 41 includes a liquid container 401 and an adapter 402, which is fitted into the liquid container 401. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the main body 41 may be a single piece.

[0058] The liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 are respectively formed by injection molding of synthetic resins such as polypropylene. The liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 can be formed from the same material or from different materials.

[0059] The liquid container 401 has a liquid receiving section 450 for receiving ink as a liquid and a liquid supply section 442. The liquid supply section 442 communicates with the liquid receiving section 450. The liquid supply section 442 is a component extending from the bottom surface of the liquid container 401 and has a central axis CA2. The central axis CA2 is parallel to the Z direction in the inserted state. The direction along the central axis CA2 is also referred to as the central axis direction. The insertion direction D1 is orthogonal to the central axis direction along the central axis CA2.

[0060] The adapter 402 is mounted on the bottom surface of the liquid container 401. The adapter 402 has a concave supply section arrangement portion 831 that accommodates the liquid supply section 442. An insertion opening portion 446 is formed on the bottom surface of the supply section arrangement portion 831. The insertion opening portion 446 is the portion into which the liquid inlet portion 642 is inserted. The insertion opening portion 446 is opposite to the supply section tip portion 442a, which serves as the tip opening of the liquid supply section 442, in the Z direction.

[0061] like Figure 7 As shown, the box body 41 has a front surface 42, a first operating surface 47 which serves as the rear surface, a top surface 43, a bottom surface 44, a first side surface 45, a second side surface 46, and a corner 89. Each surface 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 is also referred to as each wall 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47.

[0062] The front surface 42 and the first operating surface 47 are opposite each other in the Y direction along the insertion direction D1 in the insertion posture. The front surface 42 forms the depth side of the insertion direction D1 in the insertion posture, that is, the tip surface in the -Y direction, which is the tip side of the insertion direction D1. The first operating surface 47 forms the near-front side in the insertion direction D1 in the insertion posture, that is, the surface in the +Y direction, which is the removal direction D4 for removing the box 4 from the box mounting part 6. Figure 6 As shown, the first operating surface 47 bears a first load FD1 for moving the box 4 in the insertion direction D1 by the user pushing the first operating surface 47 in the insertion direction D1 when the box 4 is inserted into the box mounting part 6. This first load FD1 is a force for moving the box 4 in the insertion direction D1. The first operating surface 47 extends from the end of the top surface 43 on the +Y direction side, i.e., the end of the second operating surface 435 discussed later, towards the side where the bottom surface 44 is located. The first operating surface 47 is planar. In this embodiment, "planar shape" refers to a surface with slight irregularities in addition to a flat surface without any unevenness. Figure 8As shown, in the side view viewed from the width direction in the insertion posture, the first operating surface 47 is approximately perpendicular to the insertion direction D1. In this embodiment, in the side view viewed from the width direction in the insertion posture, the angle AGa between the first operating surface 47 and the insertion direction D1 is 86°±2°. That is, the angle between the direction of the normal vector V1 of the first operating surface 47 and the insertion direction D1 is within the range of 4°±2°. In other embodiments, the angle AGa may also be 90°. As mentioned above, "the first operating surface 47 is approximately perpendicular to the insertion direction D1" means that in addition to the state where the angle AGa between the first operating surface 47 and the insertion direction D1 is 90°, it also includes states where the angle is 84° or more but less than 90°.

[0063] like Figure 6 As shown, the top surface 43 and the bottom surface 44 are opposite each other in the Z direction, which is the direction of the central axis CA2. Figure 7 As shown, the bottom surface 44 has an insertion opening 446 for inserting the liquid inlet 642 of the box mounting part 6 and a supply part positioning part 448. The bottom surface 44 forms the lower side of the box 4 when the box 4 is installed. The bottom surface 44 is the surface located on the depth side of the rotational mounting direction D2, which is the tip side of the rotational mounting direction D2, with the depth side of the insertion direction D1 in the box mounting part 6 as the rotation fulcrum 698. The supply part positioning part 448 receives the device-side supply part positioning part 644 during the installation process to position the liquid supply part 442 relative to the liquid inlet 642. Specifically, by receiving the device-side supply part positioning part 644 during the supply part connection process during the installation process, the supply part positioning part 448 restricts the movement of the supply part positioning part 448 in the direction intersecting the rotational mounting direction D2, thereby positioning the liquid supply part 442 relative to the liquid inlet 642. The supply section positioning section 448 is a recess formed on the bottom surface 44 and recessed from the outer surface of the bottom surface 44.

[0064] like Figure 6 As shown, the top surface 43 is opposite to the bottom surface 44 in the Z direction, which is the direction of the central axis. The top surface 43 forms the upper surface of the box 4 when the box 4 is installed. In the insertion position, the top surface 43 is located near the front side of the rotational mounting direction D2, that is, the depth side of the connection release direction D3, which is opposite to the rotational mounting direction D2. The top surface 43 connects the front surface 42 and the first operating surface 47. The top surface 43 has a main surface 432, an inclined surface 433, and a second operating surface 435 connected to the first operating surface 47. The main surface 432, the inclined surface 433, and the second operating surface 435 are planar.

[0065] Main surface 432 is the largest of the three surfaces 431, 433, and 435. Main surface 432 extends from front surface 42 along disassembly direction D4, which is opposite to insertion direction D1. Main surface 432 is parallel to insertion direction D1. Inclined surface 433 extends from main surface 432 toward disassembly direction D4. The end of inclined surface 433 on the +Y direction side is connected to first operating surface 47. Inclined surface 433 is inclined relative to insertion direction D1 such that it is located inside the box body 41, which is the bottom surface 44 side, as it moves toward disassembly direction D4, i.e., toward first operating surface 47. Figure 8 As shown, for example in the insertion posture and in the side view, the second angle AG2 formed by the inclined surface 433 and the insertion direction D1 is in the range of 10° or more and 35° or less. The second operating surface 435 connects the inclined surface 433 and the first operating surface 47. The second operating surface 435 bears a second load FD2 generated by the user pressing the second operating surface 435 in the downward direction of gravity, causing the box 4 to move in the rotational mounting direction D2. The direction of the second load FD2 is approximately in the downward direction of gravity. Furthermore, the rotational mounting direction D2 has a component in the downward direction of gravity. In the insertion posture, the second operating surface 435 is located on the downward direction of gravity side compared to the main surface 432. In the insertion posture and in the side view, the first angle AG1 formed by the second operating surface 435 and the insertion direction D1 is smaller than the second angle AG2. The first angle AG1 is, for example, less than 2°, and in this embodiment, it is 0°. The second operating surface 435 is approximately perpendicular to the downward direction of gravity in the insertion posture and in the side view. The phrase "approximately perpendicular to the direction of gravity" refers not only to the state where the angle between the second operating surface 435 and the direction of gravity is 90°, but also to a state within the range of 90° ± 2°. Furthermore, as described above, in the insertion posture and in the side view, the first angle AG1 between the second operating surface 435 and the insertion direction D1 is smaller than the angle AGa between the first operating surface 47 and the insertion direction D1. Additionally, the direction of gravity is approximately the same as the direction of the second load FD2. Furthermore, in the rotational mounting direction D2, the tangent direction of the rotational trajectory of the box 4 passing through the second operating surface 435 intersects the second operating surface 435 approximately perpendicularly in the side view. Figure 6 As shown, due to the inclined surface 433, a first space SP1 is generated on the upper side of the second operating surface 435.

[0066] like Figure 7 As shown, the first side surface 45 and the second side surface 46 are opposite each other in the X direction, which is the width direction. The first side surface 45 and the second side surface 46 are parallel to the Y and Z directions, respectively, in the insertion posture. The first side surface 45 is the surface located on the -X direction side. The second side surface 46 is the surface located on the +X direction side. Figure 7As shown, a corner portion 89 is provided at the corner where the front surface 42 intersects the bottom surface 44. The corner portion 89 has a concave terminal arrangement portion 90 that is recessed inward. The circuit board 50 is disposed on the terminal arrangement portion 90.

[0067] like Figure 6 As shown, box 4 also has a stepped surface 87 and an opposing surface 431. The stepped surface 87 is a surface formed by the adapter 402. The stepped surface 87 is a surface that rises from the end of the bottom surface 44 on the +Y direction side, which is the disassembly direction D4 side, towards the top surface 43 side. Figure 7 As shown, a box engagement portion 497 is formed on the stepped surface 87. The box engagement portion 497 is a recess formed from the outer surface of the stepped surface 87. The box engagement portion 497 engages with the mounting engagement portion 697 by inserting it in the installed state. The engagement maintains the installed state of the box 4 relative to the box mounting portion 6.

[0068] like Figure 6 As shown, the opposing surface 431 is a surface formed by the liquid container 401. The opposing surface 431 becomes the bottom surface of the liquid container 401. The opposing surface 431 is opposite to the second operating surface 435 in the direction along the central axis CA2. The opposing surface 431 is located on the side further upward by gravity than the bottom surface 44. That is, in the direction along the central axis CA2, the opposing surface 431 is located between the second operating surface 435 and the bottom surface 44. As a result, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the box body 41, such as... Figure 6 As shown, a second space SP2 is generated on the lower side of the opposing surface 431.

[0069] like Figure 6 As shown, the imaginary cuboid containing the minimum volume of the box body 41 is represented by the imaginary cuboid VC, indicated by dashed lines. In this case, the first portion 47a of the first operating surface 47, excluding the end 47b on the rotational mounting direction D2 side, and the second operating surface 435 are located inside the imaginary cuboid VC. The end 47b is the portion of the first operating surface 47 that intersects with the opposing surface 431. By having the first portion 47a and the second operating surface 435 located inside the imaginary cuboid VC, the enlargement of the box body 41 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the second portion 431a of the opposing surface 431, excluding the connecting portion 431b connected to the first operating surface 47, is located inside the imaginary cuboid VC. By having the second portion 431a located inside the imaginary cuboid VC, the enlargement of the box body 41 can be suppressed.

[0070] A-4. Box installation process:

[0071] Figure 9 This is the first diagram illustrating the installation process of box 4 to box mounting part 6. Figure 10 This is the second figure illustrating the installation process of box 4 to box mounting part 6. Figure 11 It is cut by a YZ plane parallel to the Y and Z directions. Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the situation. Figure 12 This is the third figure illustrating the installation process of box 4 to box mounting part 6. Figure 13 It is cut by the YZ plane Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the situation.

[0072] First, a terminal connection process is performed by moving the housing 4 along the insertion direction D1 to a predetermined position where the housing-side terminal 521 of the circuit board 50 contacts the device-side terminal 721 of the housing mounting portion 6. During the terminal connection process, the user pushes the first operating surface 47 toward the insertion direction D1. As a result, the first operating surface 47 bears a first load FD1 toward the insertion direction D1. The first operating surface 47 extends from the second operating surface 435 toward the side where the bottom surface 44 is located. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first operating surface 47 is approximately perpendicular to the insertion direction D1 in the insertion posture of the housing 4 and in the side view. That is, the direction of the normal vector V1 of the first operating surface 47 is approximately parallel to the insertion direction D1. As a result, the dispersion of the first load FD1 generated by the user pushing the first operating surface 47 toward the insertion direction D1 can be suppressed. Therefore, the user can move the housing 4 toward the insertion direction D1 by pushing the first operating surface 47 toward the insertion direction D1 with less force. In other words, by setting the direction of the first load FD1 to approximately 90° relative to the first operating surface 47, it is possible to suppress the first load FD1 from dispersing beyond the insertion direction D1. Therefore, the user can move the box 4 in the insertion direction D1 by pushing the first operating surface 47 in the insertion direction D1 with less force. As a result, the reduced operability of the box 4 in the insertion direction D1 can be suppressed.

[0073] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, after the terminal connection process is completed by moving the box 4 along the insertion direction D1 to a predetermined position where the box-side terminal 521 contacts the device-side terminal 721, the supply section connection process is executed. That is, the user presses the second operating surface 435 downwards, causing the box 4 to rotate about the rotation fulcrum 698 in the rotational mounting direction D2, which has a downward component. Thus, as... Figure 13 As shown, the supply section positioning section 448 receives the supply section positioning section 644 on the device side, thereby initiating the positioning of the liquid supply section 442 relative to the liquid inlet section 642. Next, the liquid supply section 442 is inserted into the liquid inlet section 642 and connected to it, thus completing the installation of the box mounting section 6 of the box 4. Wherein, as... Figure 8As shown, in the insertion posture and in the side view, the first angle AG1 formed by the second operating surface 435 and the insertion direction D1 is smaller than the second angle AG2 formed by the inclined surface 433 and the insertion direction D1. Therefore, the angle between the second operating surface 435 and the downward direction of gravity can be closer to 90° than the angle between the inclined surface 433 and the downward direction of gravity. Thus, the direction of the second load FD2 can be set to a direction close to 90° relative to the second operating surface 435, thereby suppressing the second load from dispersing beyond the downward direction of gravity compared to pressing the inclined surface 433 in the downward direction of gravity. This further reduces the force required to press the second operating surface 435 in the downward direction of gravity to move the box 4 in the rotational mounting direction D2. Therefore, during the installation of the box 4, the decrease in operability of the box in the rotational mounting direction D2 can be suppressed. In particular, in this embodiment, in the insertion posture and in the side view, the second operating surface 435 is approximately perpendicular to the downward direction of gravity. Therefore, during the connection process of the supply section, the dispersion of the second load applied to the second operating surface 435 can be suppressed, and thus, the force required to press the second operating surface 435 in the downward direction of gravity to move the box 4 in the rotational mounting direction D2 can be further reduced. As described above, the decrease in operability during the installation of the box 4 can be suppressed.

[0074] like Figure 13 As shown, with the box 4 installed, the liquid supply section 442 of the box 4 is connected to the liquid inlet section 642 of the box mounting section 6. Thus, liquid contained in the liquid container 450 of the box 4 is supplied to the liquid inlet section 642 via the liquid supply section 442. Furthermore, in this embodiment, while liquid is supplied from the liquid supply section 442 to the liquid inlet section 642, air contained in the liquid storage section 699 of the box mounting section 6 forms bubbles and flows through the liquid inlet section 642, the liquid supply section 442, and into the liquid container 450. This allows for gas-liquid exchange in the liquid container 450. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the box 4 may have an atmospheric communication path that connects the liquid container 450 to the outside, through which gas-liquid exchange occurs. This atmospheric communication path is located at a different position than the liquid supply section 442, for example, formed on the wall forming the liquid container 450.

[0075] Furthermore, when the box 4 is installed, the box engaging portion 497 of the box 4 engages with the mounting engaging portion 697 of the box mounting portion 6, thereby maintaining the installed state. The mounting engaging portion 697 is formed in the engaging forming body 677 located on the side of the first device wall 67 of the box mounting portion 6.

[0076] When removing the box 4 from the box mounting section 6, the user first lifts the first operating surface 47 of the box 4 towards the upward direction of gravity, thereby moving the box 4 about the pivot point 698 in the connection release direction D3, which has an upward component of gravity. During this movement, the spring-loaded mounting engagement part 697 changes position using the box 4, thereby releasing the engagement between the mounting engagement part 697 and the box engagement part 497. After the box 4 has moved in the connection release direction D3 until it reaches an insertion position, the user holds the first operating surface 47 of the box 4 and moves the box 4 in the removal direction D4. Thus, the box 4 is removed from the box mounting section 6.

[0077] Among them, such as Figure 2 As shown, the four boxes 4C, 4M, 4Y, and 4K are arranged in the X direction, resulting in limited space between adjacent boxes 4. Therefore, it is difficult to move the boxes 4 in the disassembly direction D4 to hold their sides 45 and 46. On the other hand, as... Figure 11 and Figure 13 As shown, in box 4, a first space SP1 is created above the second operating surface 435 using the inclined surface 433, and a second space SP2 is created below the opposing surface 431 using the stepped surface 87. As described below, the operability of disassembling box 4 can be improved using these first spaces SP1 and second spaces SP2. For example, as... Figure 13 As shown, by forming a second space SP2, the user can push the opposing surface 431 upwards in the direction of gravity by inserting their hand into the second space SP2. Furthermore, in Figure 11 In the insertion posture shown, by forming a first space SP1 and a second space SP2, the user can move the box 4 in the disassembly direction D4 by inserting his hand into the first space SP1 and the second space SP2 to hold the second operating surface 435 and the opposing surface 431.

[0078] According to the above implementation method, such as Figure 6 As shown, the box 4 has: a main surface 432, which forms the top surface 43; and a second operating surface 435, which forms the top surface 43, located on the side closer to the lower direction of gravity than the main surface 432. Therefore, compared to the case where the main surface 432 and the second operating surface 435 are at the same height, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the box 4's overall size. Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, as... Figure 8As shown, the box 4 has an inclined surface 433 that is located inward toward the second operating surface 435. In other words, the box 4 has an inclined surface 433 that is inclined relative to the insertion direction D1, located on the bottom surface 44 side toward the disassembly direction D4. This also helps to prevent the box 4 from becoming too large. By preventing the box 4 from becoming too large, the weight of the box 4 is reduced, or the user can easily hold the box 4. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in operability when the user loads or unloads the box 4 relative to the printing device 10. When the box 4 is installed into the box mounting part 6, it is possible to prevent the first load FD1 applied to the first operating surface 47 and the second load FD2 applied to the second operating surface 435 from being dispersed beyond the direction of pushing the box 4. This helps to prevent a decrease in operability during the installation process of the box 4.

[0079] B. Other implementation methods:

[0080] B-1. Other implementation methods 1:

[0081] This invention is not limited to inkjet printers and their cartridges, but can also be applied to cartridges of any printing apparatus that uses liquids other than inkjet ink. For example, it can be applied to various printing apparatuses and their cartridges.

[0082] (1) Image recording devices such as fax machines

[0083] (2) Printing equipment for color materials used in the manufacture of color filters for image display devices such as liquid crystal displays.

[0084] (3) Printing apparatus for electrode materials used in electrode formation for organic EL (Electro Luminescence) displays, field emission displays (FEDs), etc.

[0085] (4) A printing device that sprays liquid containing organic matter from organisms used in biochip manufacturing.

[0086] (5) Sample printing device as a precision pipette

[0087] (6) Printing device for lubricating oil

[0088] (7) Resin liquid printing device

[0089] (8) A printing device for precisely spraying lubricating oil onto precision machinery such as clocks and cameras.

[0090] (9) A liquid spraying device for spraying a transparent resin liquid, such as an ultraviolet-curable resin liquid, onto a substrate in order to form a miniature hemispherical lens (optical lens) or the like used in optical communication components.

[0091] (10) A printing apparatus that sprays acidic or alkaline etching solutions to etch substrates, etc.

[0092] (11) A printing device equipped with a liquid jet head that ejects any number of other tiny droplets.

[0093] Furthermore, "droplet" refers to the state of liquid ejected from the printing device, including granular, teardrop-shaped, and trailing filamentous states. In addition, the term "liquid" here simply refers to any material that enables the printing device to eject such a material. For example, "liquid" can refer to any material in a liquid phase, including materials in a liquid state with high or low viscosity, as well as materials in a liquid state such as sols, gels, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, and liquid metals. Furthermore, "liquid" is not limited to liquids as a state of matter; it also includes substances formed by dissolving, dispersing, or mixing functional material particles such as pigments and metal particles in a solvent. Representative examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals as described in the above embodiments. Here, "ink" refers to various liquid compositions including general water-based inks, oil-based inks, gel inks, and hot-melt inks.

[0094] B-2. Other implementation methods 2:

[0095] In the above embodiments, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the main surface 432 and the inclined surface 433 of box 4 are planar, but are not limited to this. For example, the inclined surface 433 can also be a curved surface protruding from the outer side of box 4 or a curved surface protruding from the inner side of box 4. In addition, the inclined surface 433 can also be composed of a combination of multiple planes. Furthermore, the inclined surface 433 can be the surface connecting the main surface 432 and the second operating surface 435, or it can be a surface along, for example, the direction under gravity.

[0096] C. Other methods:

[0097] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various structures without departing from its spirit. For example, in order to solve some or all of the above problems, or to achieve some or all of the above effects, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various methods described below can be appropriately replaced or combined. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as a necessary technical feature in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0098] (1) According to a first aspect of the present invention, a box is provided that can be detachably mounted to a box mounting portion of a printing apparatus. The box includes: a first operating surface located near the front of the box in an insertion direction along a horizontal direction toward the box mounting portion when the box is inserted into the box mounting portion, and bearing a first load for moving the box in the insertion direction by pressing the first operating surface toward the insertion direction; a main surface forming a top surface located on the gravity-upward side when inserted; and a second operating surface forming the top surface when inserted, located on the gravity-downward side than the main surface, and bearing a second load for moving the box in a rotational mounting direction having a component of the gravity-downward direction by pressing the second operating surface toward the gravity-downward direction. In a side view of the box viewed from a width direction orthogonal to the insertion direction and the gravity-downward direction when inserted, the angle between the second operating surface and the insertion direction is smaller than the angle between the first operating surface and the insertion direction. According to this method, by positioning the second operating surface on the gravity-downward side than the main surface, it is possible to suppress an increase in the box's overall size. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the decrease in operability of the user when loading and unloading the box relative to the printing device. Furthermore, in the box, the angle between the second operating surface and the insertion direction is smaller than the angle between the first operating surface and the insertion direction. Therefore, the angle between the second operating surface and the downward direction of gravity can be closer to 90° than the angle between the first operating surface and the downward direction of gravity. Therefore, the direction of the second load can be set to a direction close to 90° relative to the second operating surface, thus suppressing the dispersion of the second load. Therefore, the force required to press the second operating surface in the downward direction of gravity to move the box in the rotational mounting direction can be further reduced. Therefore, during the box installation process, it is possible to suppress the decrease in operability of the box in the rotational mounting direction.

[0099] (2) In the above-described manner, a bottom surface may also be provided, which has an insertion opening for inserting the liquid inlet portion of the box mounting portion, and the first operating surface extends from the second operating surface to the side where the bottom surface is located. According to this method, by having the first operating surface extend from the second operating surface to the side where the bottom surface is located, the direction of the first load can be set to approximately 90° relative to the first operating surface, thus suppressing the dispersion of the first load. Consequently, by pushing the first operating surface towards the insertion direction with a smaller force, the box can be moved in the insertion direction. Therefore, during box mounting, the reduction in operability of the box in the insertion direction can be suppressed.

[0100] (3) In the above-described manner, it is also possible to further include a box body that forms the outer shell of the box body, and has the first operating surface and the second operating surface, wherein a first portion of the first operating surface, excluding the end on the side of the rotational mounting direction, and the second operating surface are located inside an imaginary cuboid that accommodates the minimum volume of the box body. According to this method, by having the first portion of the first operating surface and the second operating surface located inside the imaginary cuboid, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the box body.

[0101] (4) In the above-described manner, the second operating surface may be connected to the first operating surface, and the box may also have an opposing surface that faces the second operating surface and is connected to the first operating surface. A second portion of the opposing surface, excluding the connecting portion connected to the first operating surface, is located inside the imaginary cuboid. According to this method, by having the second portion of the opposing surface located inside the imaginary cuboid, the large size of the box body can be suppressed.

[0102] (5) In the above-described manner, the first operating surface may be substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction and the second operating surface may be substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity in the insertion posture and in the side view. According to this method, the first load dispersion applied to the first operating surface can be suppressed, thus further reducing the force required to push the first operating surface in order to move the box in the insertion direction. Furthermore, according to this method, the second load dispersion applied to the second operating surface can be suppressed, thus further reducing the force required to press the second operating surface in the direction of gravity in order to move the box in the rotational mounting direction. As described above, the reduction in operability during box installation can be suppressed.

[0103] (6) According to a second aspect of the present invention, a box that can be detachably mounted to a box mounting portion of a printing apparatus is provided. The box comprises: a liquid reservoir for containing liquid; a liquid supply portion communicating with the liquid reservoir and having a central axis; a front surface located on the depth side of an insertion direction, the insertion direction being an insertion direction that is a direction for inserting the box into a predetermined position of the box mounting portion and orthogonal to the central axis direction along the central axis; a first operating surface opposite the front surface in the insertion direction and bearing a first load for moving the box in the insertion direction; and a bottom surface having an insertion opening for inserting a liquid inlet portion of the box mounting portion and located on the depth side of a rotational mounting direction having a component in the direction of gravity and the insertion direction in the box mounting portion. The depth side serves as a pivot point; and a top surface, which faces the bottom surface in the direction of the central axis and connects the front surface and the first operating surface, the top surface having: a main surface extending from the front surface in a disassembly direction opposite to the insertion direction; and a second operating surface located closer to the bottom surface than the main surface, and bearing a second load generated by pressing down in the direction of gravity to move the box in the rotational mounting direction. In a side view of the box viewed from a width direction orthogonal to the insertion direction and the direction of gravity in the box's insertion posture, the angle between the second operating surface and the insertion direction is smaller than the angle between the first operating surface and the insertion direction. In this manner, the second operating surface is located closer to the direction of gravity than the main surface, thereby suppressing the box's overall size from increasing. This suppresses the decrease in operability when the user loads or unloads the box relative to the printing device. Furthermore, in the box, the angle between the second operating surface and the insertion direction is smaller than the angle between the first operating surface and the insertion direction. Therefore, the angle between the second operating surface and the downward direction of gravity can be closer to 90° than the angle between the first operating surface and the downward direction of gravity. Consequently, the direction of the second load can be set to be close to 90° relative to the second operating surface, thus suppressing the dispersion of the second load. Therefore, by pressing the second operating surface downward in gravity with a smaller force, the box can be moved in the rotational mounting direction. Thus, during box installation, the reduction in operability of the box in the rotational mounting direction can be suppressed.

[0104] (7) In the above-described manner, it is also possible to have a counter surface opposite to the second operating surface, located between the second operating surface and the bottom surface in the direction of the central axis. According to this method, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the box body.

[0105] (8) In the above-described manner, the top surface may also have an inclined surface that extends from the main surface to the side of the disassembly direction and is inclined relative to the insertion direction, such that it is located on the bottom surface side as it moves toward the disassembly direction. In the insertion posture and in the side view, the first angle between the second operating surface and the insertion direction is smaller than the second angle between the inclined surface and the insertion direction. According to this method, the box has an inclined surface located on the bottom surface side as it moves toward the second operating surface, thereby suppressing the box from becoming too large. As a result, the user's operability when loading and unloading the box relative to the printing device can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the box, the first angle between the second operating surface and the insertion direction is smaller than the second angle between the inclined surface and the insertion direction. As a result, the angle between the second operating surface and the direction of gravity can be closer to 90° than the angle between the inclined surface and the direction of gravity. Therefore, the direction of the second load can be set to a direction close to 90° relative to the second operating surface, and thus, the dispersion of the second load can be suppressed compared to the case of pressing the inclined surface in the direction of gravity. Therefore, the force required to press the second operating surface downwards in order to move the box in the rotational mounting direction can be further reduced. As a result, during the installation of the box, the reduction in operability of the box in the rotational mounting direction can be suppressed.

[0106] (9) According to a third aspect of the present invention, a box is provided that can be detachably mounted to a box mounting portion of a printing apparatus. After the box is inserted into a predetermined position of the box mounting portion by moving it in an insertion direction along the horizontal direction, it is rotated about the depth side of the insertion direction in the box mounting portion as a pivot point in a rotational mounting direction having a component in the direction of gravity, thereby completing the mounting to the box mounting portion. The box includes: a first operating surface located near the front of the insertion direction when the box is inserted into the box mounting portion, and bearing a first load for moving the box in the insertion direction by pushing the first operating surface toward the insertion direction; a second operating surface located near the front of the rotational mounting direction when the box is inserted, and bearing a second load for moving the box in the rotational mounting direction by pressing the second operating surface toward the direction of gravity; and an inclined surface located near the front of the rotational mounting direction when the box is inserted, inclined relative to the insertion direction such that it is located inward toward the second operating surface, and connected to the second operating surface. In a side view of the box viewed from a width direction orthogonal to the insertion direction and the direction of gravity when the box is inserted, the first angle between the second operating surface and the insertion direction is smaller than the second angle between the inclined surface and the insertion direction. In this manner, by having an inclined surface located inward toward the second operating surface, the enlargement of the box's shape can be suppressed. This reduces the user's operability when loading or unloading the box relative to the printing device. Furthermore, within the box, the first angle formed by the second operating surface and the insertion direction is smaller than the second angle formed by the inclined surface and the insertion direction. Therefore, the angle formed by the second operating surface and the downward direction of gravity can be closer to 90° than the angle formed by the inclined surface and the downward direction of gravity. Consequently, the direction of the second load can be set to a direction close to 90° relative to the second operating surface, thus suppressing the dispersion of the second load compared to pressing the inclined surface downwards. Therefore, the force required to press the second operating surface downwards in order to move the box in the rotational mounting direction can be further reduced. Thus, during the installation of the box, the reduction in operability in the rotational mounting direction can be suppressed.

[0107] In addition to the methods described above, the present invention can also be implemented by means of a box manufacturing method, a printing system having a box and a printing apparatus, etc.

Claims

1. A cartridge detachably mountable to a cartridge mounting portion of a printing device, wherein The cartridge is provided with: a first operation surface that is located on a front side of an insertion direction along a horizontal direction toward the cartridge mounting portion in an insertion posture of the cartridge toward the cartridge mounting portion, and receives a first load for moving the cartridge in the insertion direction by pushing the first operation surface in the insertion direction; a main surface that constitutes a part of a top surface on an upper side of a gravity direction in the insertion posture; and a second operation surface that constitutes a part of the top surface in the insertion posture, and is located on a lower side of the gravity direction than the main surface, and receives a second load for moving the cartridge in a rotational mounting direction having a component of the lower side of the gravity direction by pressing the second operation surface in the lower side of the gravity direction, in a side view of the cartridge in the insertion posture from a width direction orthogonal to the insertion direction and the lower side of the gravity direction, an angle of the second operation surface with the insertion direction is smaller than an angle of the first operation surface with the insertion direction, the cartridge further has a bottom surface having an insertion opening portion for insertion of a liquid introduction portion possessed by the cartridge mounting portion, the first operation surface extends from the second operation surface to a side on which the bottom surface is located.

2. A cartridge detachably mountable to a cartridge mounting portion of a printing device, wherein The cartridge is provided with: a first operation surface that is located on a front side of an insertion direction along a horizontal direction toward the cartridge mounting portion in an insertion posture of the cartridge toward the cartridge mounting portion, and receives a first load for moving the cartridge in the insertion direction by pushing the first operation surface in the insertion direction; a main surface that constitutes a part of a top surface on an upper side of a gravity direction in the insertion posture; and a second operation surface that constitutes a part of the top surface in the insertion posture, and is located on a lower side of the gravity direction than the main surface, and receives a second load for moving the cartridge in a rotational mounting direction having a component of the lower side of the gravity direction by pressing the second operation surface in the lower side of the gravity direction, in a side view of the cartridge in the insertion posture from a width direction orthogonal to the insertion direction and the lower side of the gravity direction, an angle of the second operation surface with the insertion direction is smaller than an angle of the first operation surface with the insertion direction, the cartridge further has a cartridge main body that forms an outer case, and has the first operation surface and the second operation surface, a first portion of the first operation surface other than an end portion on a side of the rotational mounting direction and the second operation surface are located inside an imaginary cuboid that accommodates a minimum volume of the cartridge main body.

3. The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: the second operation surface is connected to the first operation surface, the cartridge further has an opposing surface that is located opposite the second operation surface, and is connected to the first operation surface, a second portion of the opposing surface other than a connection portion connected to the first operation surface is located inside the imaginary cuboid.

4. A cartridge detachably mountable to a cartridge mounting portion of a printing device, wherein The cartridge is provided with: a first operation surface that is located on a front side in an insertion direction along a horizontal direction toward the cartridge mounting portion in an insertion posture of the cartridge into the cartridge mounting portion, and receives a first load for moving the cartridge in the insertion direction by pushing the first operation surface in the insertion direction; a main surface that constitutes a part of a top surface on an upper side of a gravitational direction in the insertion posture; and a second operation surface that constitutes a part of the top surface on a lower side of the gravitational direction than the main surface in the insertion posture, and receives a second load for moving the cartridge in a rotational mounting direction having a component of the lower side of the gravitational direction by pressing the second operation surface in the lower side of the gravitational direction, in a side view of the cartridge in the insertion posture from a width direction orthogonal to the insertion direction and the lower side of the gravitational direction, an angle of the second operation surface with respect to the insertion direction is smaller than an angle of the first operation surface with respect to the insertion direction, in the insertion posture and in the side view, the first operation surface is substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction, the second operation surface is substantially perpendicular to the lower side of the gravitational direction.

5. A cartridge detachably mountable to a cartridge mounting portion of a printing device, wherein The cartridge has: a liquid containing portion for containing a liquid; a liquid supply portion that communicates with the liquid containing portion, and has a central axis; a front surface that is located on a depth side in an insertion direction that is an insertion direction for inserting the cartridge into a predetermined position of the cartridge mounting portion, and is orthogonal to a central axis direction along the central axis; a first operation surface that is located opposite to the front surface in the insertion direction, and receives a first load for moving the cartridge in the insertion direction; a bottom surface that has an insertion opening portion into which a liquid introduction portion of the cartridge mounting portion is inserted, and is located on a depth side in a rotational mounting direction having a component of a lower side of a gravitational direction, and has a rotational fulcrum on the depth side in the insertion direction in the cartridge mounting portion; and a top surface that is located opposite to the bottom surface in the central axis direction, and connects the front surface and the first operation surface, the top surface has: a main surface that extends from the front surface in a detachment direction opposite to the insertion direction; and a second operation surface that is located on a side of the bottom surface than the main surface, and receives a second load for moving the cartridge in the rotational mounting direction by pressing in the lower side of the gravitational direction, in a side view of the cartridge in an insertion posture of the cartridge into the cartridge mounting portion from a width direction orthogonal to the insertion direction and the lower side of the gravitational direction, an angle of the second operation surface with respect to the insertion direction is smaller than an angle of the first operation surface with respect to the insertion direction.

6. The cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the cartridge further has an opposite surface that is located opposite to the second operation surface, in the central axis direction, the opposite surface is located between the second operation surface and the bottom surface.

7. The cartridge according to claim 5 or 6, wherein ​ The top surface further has an inclined surface extending from the main surface to the dismounting direction side and inclined with respect to the insertion direction in a manner that is located on the bottom surface side as it goes toward the dismounting direction, In the insertion attitude and in the side view, The first angle between the second operation surface and the insertion direction is smaller than the second angle between the inclined surface and the insertion direction.

8. A cartridge detachably mountable to a cartridge mounting portion of a printing device, wherein The cartridge, after being inserted to a predetermined position of the cartridge mounting portion by being moved in an insertion direction along a horizontal direction, is rotationally moved in a rotational mounting direction having a component of a direction of gravity as a rotational fulcrum of a depth side of the insertion direction in the cartridge mounting portion, thereby completing mounting to the cartridge mounting portion, The cartridge has: a first operation surface located on a front side of the insertion direction in an insertion attitude of the cartridge to the cartridge mounting portion and receiving a first load for moving the cartridge in the insertion direction by pushing the first operation surface toward the insertion direction; a second operation surface located on a front side of the rotational mounting direction in the insertion attitude and receiving a second load for moving the cartridge in the rotational mounting direction by pressing the second operation surface toward the direction of gravity; and an inclined surface located on a front side of the rotational mounting direction in the insertion attitude and inclined with respect to the insertion direction in a manner that is located on an inner side as it goes toward the second operation surface and connected to the second operation surface, In a side view of the cartridge from a width direction orthogonal to the insertion direction and the direction of gravity in the insertion attitude, a first angle between the second operation surface and the insertion direction is smaller than a second angle between the inclined surface and the insertion direction.

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