Ink cartridge set and printing device

Abstract

The invention provides an ink box set and a printing device. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of avoiding erroneous attachment of a plurality of cartridges. The ink cartridge is attachable to a first attachment portion included in the printing apparatus. The ink box comprises a storage part capable of storing liquid. The ink cartridge includes a protruding portion configured to come into contact with another ink cartridge to be inserted into the first attachment portion in a state where the ink cartridge is inserted into a second attachment portion adjacent to the first attachment portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an ink cartridge, an ink cartridge set and a printing device. Background Art

[0002] A printing device capable of printing by ejecting liquid onto a printing medium generally includes an erroneous attachment suppression mechanism for suppressing erroneous attachment of a liquid container storing liquid in certain cases. In the case where the printing device performs a printing operation due to erroneous attachment of the liquid container, there is a possibility that an image cannot be printed correctly or the printing device may malfunction.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-81084 discloses a head cartridge that can be attached to a carriage, the head cartridge including a liquid ejection portion configured to eject liquid and a liquid storage portion configured to supply liquid to the liquid ejection portion, the liquid ejection portion and the liquid storage portion being integrated. Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-81084 shows that the head cartridge has a cover component, and a protrusion is formed on the side of the cover component to serve as a user indication mark. By forming a protrusion on the side of the cover component included in the head cartridge, the head cartridge is prevented from being mistakenly attached to the carriage when the head cartridge is arranged in other ways in the front-to-back direction or the up-down direction.

[0004] However, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-81084 does not describe the case where two or more head cartridges are attached to the printing device. Therefore, in the head cartridge of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-81084, when two head cartridges are attached side by side, the carriage needs a housing space including a space for the protrusions of each of the two head cartridges. Therefore, there is a possibility that the size of the carriage increases and the main body of the printing device increases. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology capable of preventing erroneous attachment of multiple ink cartridges.

[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a cartridge group is provided including: a first ink cartridge, which can be attached to a first attachment portion included in a printing device; and a second ink cartridge, which can be attached to a second attachment portion included in the printing device and adjacent to the first attachment portion, wherein the first ink cartridge includes a first protrusion; the second ink cartridge includes a second protrusion; the first protrusion protrudes in a direction away from the second attachment portion when the first ink cartridge is attached to the first attachment portion, the second protrusion protrudes in a direction away from the first attachment portion when the second ink cartridge is attached to the second attachment portion, and when the second ink cartridge is inserted into the first attachment portion and the first ink cartridge is inserted into the second attachment portion, one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion overlaps with the other.

[0007] Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a printing device in one embodiment;

[0009] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of control applicable to a printing apparatus of one embodiment;

[0010] Figure 3A is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover provided on the slide is opened;

[0011] Figure 3B is a perspective view showing a state where the cover of the carriage is closed;

[0012] Figure 4 is an external perspective view showing an example of a head cartridge applicable to one embodiment;

[0013] Figure 5 is an external perspective view showing an example of a head cartridge applicable to one embodiment;

[0014] Figure 6 is a schematic top view showing an example of a head cartridge applicable to one embodiment;

[0015] Figure 7 is a schematic top view showing a conventional head cartridge;

[0016] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of how to suppress erroneous attachment of a head cartridge;

[0017] Fig. 9 is an external perspective view showing an example of a head cartridge applicable to one embodiment; and

[0018] Fig.10 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a head cartridge applicable to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Hereinafter, the present disclosure is described in detail according to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The configurations shown in the following embodiments are merely exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited to the schematically shown configurations.

[0020] [First embodiment]

[0021] The present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the same configurations in the drawings are described by using the same reference numerals.

[0022] <Overview of Printing Apparatus 100>

[0023] Figure 1 : is an external perspective view showing an outline of the printing device 100 in the present embodiment. The coordinate axes in the drawings are explained. In the drawings referred to in this specification, the X direction and the Y direction represent two directions orthogonal to each other on the horizontal plane. The Z direction represents the vertical direction. The +Y direction represents the forward direction of the printing device 100, the -Y direction represents the backward direction, the -X direction represents the left direction when the observer observes from the front side of the printing device 100, the +X direction represents the right direction, the +Z direction represents the upward direction, and the -Z direction represents the downward direction. In the following description, unless otherwise mentioned, upward, downward, left, and right represent the directions in which the observer observes from the front side of the printing device 100 in the posture of using the printing device 100 in the normal state. In this state, the X, Y, and Z directions correspond to the width, length, and height of the head cartridge (described later), respectively.

[0024] In this embodiment, the description is made assuming that the liquid is ink, but the liquid is not limited to ink.

[0025] "Printing" does not only mean forming meaningful information such as text and graphics. "Printing" also means forming meaningless information. "Printing" broadly refers to the situation of forming an image, design, pattern, structure, etc. on a printing medium, or the situation of processing the medium, regardless of whether the formed or processed object is obviously visible to humans.

[0026] "Print media" refers not only to general printing sheets, but also to media that can receive liquids, such as cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, resin, wood, and leather.

[0027] like Figure 1As shown, a printing device 100 (e.g., an inkjet printer) includes a conveying roller 101 configured to convey a printing medium (not shown), a pinch roller 102 configured to be driven by the conveying roller 101, and a platen 103 capable of supporting the conveyed printing medium. In addition, the printing device 100 includes a carriage 104 capable of attaching an ink cartridge group including a plurality of ink cartridges, a feed roller (not shown) configured to feed the printing medium, and an ejection roller (not shown) configured to eject the printing medium to an ejection tray (not shown).

[0028] In the present embodiment, the head cartridge is mounted on the carriage 104 in an attachable and detachable manner. When the printing device 100 performs a printing operation, the print medium is conveyed to the platen 103 while being held between the conveying roller 101 and the pinch roller 102. The platen 103 is arranged at a position where the platen 103 faces the head cartridge mounted on the carriage 104. Liquid is ejected from the head cartridge mounted on the carriage 104 that can reciprocate in the scanning direction (±X direction) to the print medium, thereby forming an image. Specifically, a conveying operation of intermittently conveying the print medium in the conveying direction (+Y direction in the figure) and a printing scan of ejecting liquid to the conveyed print medium while moving the carriage 104 in the ±X direction are alternately performed, thereby forming an image. The print medium formed with the image is discharged to the discharge tray by the discharge roller.

[0029] <Control of Printing Apparatus 100>

[0030] Figure 2 : is a block diagram showing a control configuration applicable to the printing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the printing apparatus 100 includes an MPU 201 configured to control the entire apparatus, a ROM 202 storing programs executed by the MPU 201 and various data, and a RAM 203 capable of temporarily storing data. The MPU 201 and the ROM 202 are connected to each other via a bus. The MPU 201 and the RAM 203 are connected to each other via a bus.

[0032] The printing apparatus 100 includes a print head driver 204 , a carriage motor driver 205 , a conveying motor driver 206 , an operation display unit 207 , and an interface unit (I / F unit) 208 , which are connected to the MPU 201 via a bus.

[0033] The first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b are connected to the print head driver 204 via a bus by being attached to the carriage 104. The printing device 100 includes a carriage motor 210 configured to drive the carriage 104. The carriage motor 210 is connected to the carriage motor driver 205 via a bus. The printing device 100 includes a conveying motor 211 configured to drive a conveying roller. The conveying motor 211 is connected to the conveying motor driver 206 via a bus.

[0034] The host computer 212 includes a printer driver 213 configured to exchange image data and data including the quality of an image to be printed and the like with the printing apparatus 100 in a case where a command to execute printing is given by a user.

[0035] The MPU 201 exchanges print images and the like with the host computer 212 via the I / F unit 208. The MPU 201 controls the entire apparatus according to the program, parameters, and the like stored in the ROM 202 while using the RAM 203 as a work area. For example, in the case where a command for printing is input from the host computer 212 disposed outside the printing apparatus 100 via the I / F unit 208, the MPU 201 loads the received image data onto the RAM 203.

[0036] The MPU 201 performs predetermined image processing on the image data according to the program, parameters, etc. stored in the ROM 202, and generates print data for causing the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b to print. The print head driver 204 drives the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b according to the print data loaded on the RAM 203 under the instruction of the MPU 201. The carriage motor driver 205 drives the carriage motor 210 under the instruction of the MPU 201 to reciprocate the carriage 104 at a predetermined speed. The conveying motor driver 206 drives the conveying motor 211 under the instruction of the MPU 201 to drive the conveying roller.

[0037] The operation display unit 207 includes a display and a button and a key group including a plurality of keys that the user can press. The display can display the status of the printing device 100, various menu screens, printing device 100 main body information, etc. The button and key group can receive input of various instructions such as printing from the user.

[0038] <Slide 104>

[0039] Figure 3A It is a perspective view showing a state where the cover 300 provided on the carriage 104 is opened.

[0040] like Figure 3AAs shown in FIG. 1 , the carriage 104 includes a first attachment portion 301a for attaching the first head cartridge 209a and a second attachment portion 301b for attaching the second head cartridge 209b. The first attachment portion 301a and the second attachment portion 301b are formed on the carriage 104 in a manner adjacent to each other. In this embodiment, when the observer observes from the front side of the carriage 104, the first attachment portion 301a is arranged on the left side ( Figure 3A Meanwhile, when the observer observes from the front side of the carriage 104, the second attachment portion 301b is arranged on the right side ( Figure 3A As described above, the ink cartridge set of the present embodiment includes the first head ink cartridge 209a attachable to and detachable from the first attachment portion 301a, and the second head ink cartridge 209b attachable to and detachable from the second attachment portion 301b adjacent to the first attachment portion 301a. The first head ink cartridge 209a and the second head ink cartridge 209b have substantially the same box shape.

[0041] The carriage 104 includes a first cover 300a that can move between a fixed position (first position) and a release position (second position), where the first cover 300a is fixedly attached to the first head cartridge 209a of the first attachment portion 301a, and is not fixed and releases the first head cartridge 209a at the release position. The carriage 104 includes a second cover 300b that can move between a fixed position (third position) and a release position (fourth position), where the second cover 300b is fixedly attached to the second head cartridge 209b of the second attachment portion 301b, and is not fixed and releases the second head cartridge 209b at the release position.

[0042] The carriage 104 includes a rotation shaft 302 that pivotally supports the first cover 300a and the second cover 300b so that the first cover 300a and the second cover 300b can be freely opened and closed. The first cover 300a can be freely pivotally moved between a first position where the first cover 300a fixes the first head ink cartridge 209a and a second position where the first head ink cartridge 209a can be attached and detached. The second cover 300b can be freely pivotally moved between a third position where the second cover 300b fixes the second head ink cartridge 209b and a fourth position where the second head ink cartridge 209b can be attached and detached.

[0043] The first head ink cartridge 209a can store and eject the first type of liquid. In this embodiment, the first head ink cartridge 209a can store and eject three types of color inks, namely yellow, magenta and cyan.

[0044] Meanwhile, the second head cartridge 209b can store and eject the second type of liquid (eg, black ink). Hereinafter, the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b are referred to as head cartridges 209 when there is no need to particularly distinguish between them.

[0045] The first head cartridge 209a is attached and detached in a state where the first cover 300a is opened. Meanwhile, the second head cartridge 209b is attached and detached in a state where the second cover 300b is opened.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the first head cartridge 209a includes a first protrusion 303a that protrudes in a direction away from the second attachment portion 301b (-X direction in the figure) when the first head cartridge 209a is attached to the first attachment portion 301a. At the same time, the second head cartridge 209b includes a second protrusion 303b that protrudes in a direction away from the first attachment portion 301a (+X direction in the figure) when the second head cartridge 209b is attached to the second attachment portion 301b.

[0047] The carriage 104 includes a wall 304 that separates the first attachment portion 301a and the second attachment portion 301b. Note that the thickness of the wall 304 (the length in the X direction in the figure) is approximately 1.0 mm.

[0048] Figure 3B 1 is a perspective view showing a state where the cover 300 of the carriage 104 is closed.

[0049] like Figure 3B As shown, the first cover 300a is configured to be pivotally movable between a release position (the above-mentioned second position) and a fixed position (the above-mentioned first position) about a rotation axis 302. Closing the first cover 300a in a state where the first head cartridge 209a is inserted into the first attachment portion 301a causes the first head cartridge 209a to be attached to the first attachment portion 301a.

[0050] The carriage 104 is configured so that both the first cover 300a and the second cover 300b cannot be closed without the head cartridge 209 being properly inserted into the first attachment portion 301a and the second attachment portion 301b, respectively.

[0051] The first cover 300a is configured to be immovable from the release position to the fixed position in a state where the second head cartridge 209b is inserted into the first attachment portion 301a. In addition, the carriage 104 is configured not to move in the scanning direction in a state where the first cover 300a is not closed. Note that in the case where the attached first head cartridge 209a is to be removed, the first cover 300a is opened again.

[0052] The second cover 300b is configured to be pivotally movable between a release position (the fourth position described above) and a fixed position (the third position described above) about the rotation axis 302. Closing the second cover 300b in a state where the second head cartridge 209b is inserted into the second attachment portion 301b allows the second head cartridge 209b to be attached to the carriage 104. Note that in the case where the attached second head cartridge 209b is to be removed, the second cover 300b is opened again.

[0053] In this embodiment, the second cover 300b is configured to be immovable from the release position to the fixed position when the first head cartridge 209a is inserted into the second attachment portion 301b. In addition, the carriage 104 is configured not to move in the scanning direction when the second cover 300b is not closed.

[0054] According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress a situation in which a printing operation is started in a state in which one or both of the first head ink cartridge 209a and the second head ink cartridge 209b are erroneously attached to the carriage 104. Specifically, a malfunction of the printing apparatus can be suppressed. The configuration for preventing the ink cartridge from being erroneously attached to each of the two attachment portions is described in detail below.

[0055] <First Head Cartridge 209a>

[0056] Figure 4 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a first head ink cartridge 209a applicable to this embodiment.

[0057] like Figure 4 As shown, the first head ink cartridge 209a includes a first storage portion 401a capable of storing a first type of liquid and a first ejection portion 402a capable of ejecting the first type of liquid. Note that three liquid chambers capable of independently storing the above three colors of ink are arranged side by side inside the first storage portion 401a in the conveying direction (Y direction). In addition, the first head ink cartridge 209a includes a first flow channel portion 403a in which a flow channel connecting the first storage portion 401a and the first ejection portion 402a is formed.

[0058] The first ejection portion 402a includes a first ejection element substrate (not shown) capable of ejecting a first type of liquid supplied from the first storage portion 401a via the first flow channel portion 403a. The first ejection element substrate includes an electrothermal conversion element (e.g., a heater not shown) as an ejection energy generating element (pressure generating element), which is configured to generate energy for ejecting a first type of liquid filling a pressure chamber (not shown). The electrothermal conversion element is located together with an ejection port (not shown) and a pressure chamber (not shown) at a position closer to an outflow channel (not shown) than a supply channel (not shown). For example, the electrothermal conversion element is driven to generate heat and cause bubbles in the first type of liquid filling the pressure chamber (not shown), and the first type of liquid can be ejected from the ejection port (not shown) by using the energy of the bubbles. Note that piezoelectric elements and the like can be given as other examples of ejection energy generating elements that can be applied to the present embodiment.

[0059] In this embodiment, the first head ink cartridge 209a includes a first cover portion 404a that covers an opening formed in the upper portion of the first storage portion 401a. A first protrusion 303a protruding in a first direction (-X direction in this example figure) is formed on a first side surface (surface facing -X direction in this example figure) of the first cover portion 404a.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first protrusion 303a is formed to protrude from the first side surface of the first cover portion 404a in the -X direction by 3.2 mm or more and 4.5 mm or less. The width (length in the X direction) of the first head cartridge 209a is about 22.0 mm, excluding the first protrusion 303a.

[0061] <Second Head Cartridge 209b>

[0062] Figure 5 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of the second head cartridge 209b applicable to this embodiment.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, the second head ink cartridge 209b includes a second storage portion 401b, which can store a second type of liquid different from the type of liquid that can be stored in the first storage portion included in the first head ink cartridge 209a. The second head ink cartridge 209b includes a second ejection portion 402b that can eject the second type of liquid. In addition, the second head ink cartridge 209b includes a second flow channel portion 403b, in which a flow channel connecting the second storage portion 401b and the second ejection portion 402b is formed.

[0064] The second ejection portion 402b includes a second ejection element substrate (not shown) capable of ejecting a second type of liquid supplied from the second storage portion 401b via the second flow channel portion 403b. The second ejection element substrate includes an electrothermal conversion element (e.g., a heater not shown) as an ejection energy generating element (pressure generating element), which is configured to generate energy for ejecting a second type of liquid filling a pressure chamber (not shown). The electrothermal conversion element is located together with an ejection port (not shown) and a pressure chamber (not shown) at a position closer to an outflow channel (not shown) than a supply channel (not shown). For example, the electrothermal conversion element is driven to generate heat and cause bubbles in the second type of liquid filling the pressure chamber (not shown), and the second type of liquid can be ejected from the ejection port (not shown) by using the energy of the bubbles. Note that piezoelectric elements and the like can be given as other examples of ejection energy generating elements that can be applied to the present embodiment.

[0065] In this embodiment, the second head ink cartridge 209b includes a second cover portion 404b that covers an opening formed in the upper portion of the second storage portion 401b. A second protrusion 303b protruding in a second direction (+X direction in this example figure) is formed on a second side surface (surface facing +X direction in this example figure) of the second cover portion 404b.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the second protrusion 303b is formed in a manner that protrudes from the second side surface of the second cover portion 404b by more than 3.2 mm and less than 4.5 mm in the second direction. The width (length in the X direction) of the second head ink cartridge 209b is about 22.0 mm, excluding the second protrusion 303b. As described above, except for the positions where the first protrusion 303a and the second protrusion 303b are arranged, the first head ink cartridge 209a and the second head ink cartridge 209b have substantially the same size and shape.

[0067] <Distance Between First Head Cartridge 209a and Second Head Cartridge 209b>

[0068] Figure 6 2 is a schematic top view of the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b properly attached to the carriage 104 when viewed from the upper front side of the printing apparatus. Figure 6 , the carriage 104 is not shown for ease of illustration.

[0069] like Figure 6As shown, the first head ink cartridge 209a and the second head ink cartridge 209b are arranged adjacent to each other in the scanning direction (±X direction). The first protrusion 303a and the second protrusion 303b are only formed on the side surface where the first protrusion 303a and the second protrusion 303b do not interfere with each other. Specifically, the first protrusion 303a is only formed on the left side surface of the first cover part 404a, and the second protrusion 303b is only formed on the right side surface of the second cover part 404b without interfering with the first protrusion 303a. According to this configuration, the first head ink cartridge 209a and the second head ink cartridge 209b can be arranged closer to each other than in the conventional technology.

[0070] In a state where the first head ink cartridge 209a and the second head ink cartridge 209b are attached to the carriage 104, a distance W61 from the right side surface of the first cover portion 404a to the left side surface of the second cover portion 404b is about 1.4 mm or more and 1.8 mm or less. Specifically, the first head ink cartridge 209a and the second head ink cartridge 209b are attached to the carriage 104 while being spaced 1.4 mm or more and 1.8 mm or less from each other. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the first head ink cartridge 209a and the second head ink cartridge 209b are spaced 1.4 mm from each other for description.

[0071] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the width W62 of the first head cartridge 209a is about 22.0 mm, and the width W62 of the second head cartridge 209b is about 22.0 mm. Note that the height H1 (excluding the length of the protrusion in the Z direction) of the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b is about 56.5 mm. Therefore, the width of the attachment portion 301 of the carriage 104 needs to be about 45.4 mm (22.0 mm + 1.4 mm + 22.0 mm) to allow the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b to be attached not to interfere with each other.

[0072] In a state where the first head ink cartridge 209a and the second head ink cartridge 209b are correctly attached, the first protrusion 303a and the second protrusion 303b extend in a direction away from each other. Therefore, in a state where the first head ink cartridge 209a and the second head ink cartridge 209b are correctly attached to the carriage 104, the first protrusion 303a and the second protrusion 303b do not contact each other. An example of conventional technology is described below to facilitate understanding of the fact that the printing device of the present embodiment can be smaller in size than the printing device in the conventional technology.

[0073] Figure 7 is a schematic top view of two conventional head cartridges properly attached to a conventional carriage when viewed from the upper front side of a conventional printing device. Figure 7 In the figure, the carriage is not shown for ease of illustration. Figure 7 In the following, the difference between the head cartridge of the present embodiment and the conventional head cartridge is mainly described.

[0074] Figure 7 The head cartridge 600a shown corresponds to the first head cartridge 209a in the present embodiment. However, two liquid chambers capable of individually storing inks of two colors among the above three colors are arranged side by side in the scanning direction (X direction) inside the head cartridge 600a. Figure 7 The head cartridge 600b shown corresponds to the second head cartridge 209b in this embodiment. Figure 7 As shown, the head cartridge 600a includes a cover portion 601a, and the head cartridge 600b includes a cover portion 601b. In the conventional technology, the outer peripheral shapes of the cover portion 601a and the cover portion 601b are the same.

[0075] The cover portion 601a includes a protrusion 602a on the left side surface (the surface facing the -X direction in the figure) and a protrusion 603a on the right side surface (the surface facing the +X direction in the figure). The length of the protrusion 602a in the depth direction in the figure is shorter than the length of the protrusion 603a in the depth direction. In this configuration, the difference in the length of the protrusion 602a and the protrusion 603a in the depth direction is determined by the user to suppress the head cartridge 600a from being attached to the carriage in the front-back direction and the up-down direction.

[0076] The cover portion 601b further includes a protrusion 602b and a protrusion 603b similar to the cover portion 601a. ​​Allowing the user to determine the difference in length of the protrusion 602b and the protrusion 603b in the depth direction suppresses erroneous attachment of the head cartridge 600b to the carriage in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction.

[0077] In the conventional art, the right side surface of the cover portion 601a and the left side surface of the cover portion 601b need to be spaced apart by about 7.5 mm to avoid interference between the head cartridge 600a and the head cartridge 600b having substantially the same shape. Specifically, in the conventional art, the distance W71 from the right side surface (surface facing the +X direction in the figure) of the cover portion 601a excluding the protrusion 603a to the left side surface (surface facing the -X direction in the figure) of the cover portion 601b excluding the protrusion 602b is about 7.5 mm.

[0078] In addition, the width W72 ( Figure 7 The length of the head cartridge 600a (excluding the length of the protrusion 602a and the protrusion 603a in the X direction) is about 29.5 mm. The width of the head cartridge 600b is also about 29.5 mm like the head cartridge 600a. Note that the distance W73 from the right side surface of the protrusion 603a to the left side surface of the protrusion 602b is about 3.2 mm. The height H2 of the head cartridge 600a and the head cartridge 600b (excluding the length of the protrusion in the Z direction) is about 42.0 mm.

[0079] Therefore, a width of about 66.5 mm (W72 (29.5 mm) + W71 (7.5 mm) + W72 (2.95 mm)) is required to attach the head cartridge 600a and the head cartridge 600b to the carriage.

[0080] Forming the protrusions on both side surfaces of the cover portion as described above results in an increase in the size of the carriage. However, the increase in the size of the carriage may also increase the size of the entire printing device. This is an explanation of the conventional technology. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The structures of the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b will be described again.

[0081] As described above, the width of the head cartridge in this embodiment is smaller than that of the conventional head cartridge. Specifically, the width of the head cartridge in this embodiment is about 7.5 mm smaller than that of the conventional head cartridge. Note that the height (length in the Z direction) of the first head cartridge 209a is about 14.5 mm higher than the height of the head cartridge 600. This is to make the liquid storage amount in the head cartridge 209 of this embodiment equal to the liquid storage amount in the conventional head cartridge.

[0082] In this embodiment, the width required to attach the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b is about 45.4 mm. At the same time, the width required to attach the head cartridge 600a and the head cartridge 600b is about 66.5 mm. Therefore, the width required to attach the two head cartridges in this embodiment is less than Figure 7 The width of the two head cartridges shown is less than about 21.1 mm.

[0083] Therefore, considering the fact that the carriage 104 performs reciprocating scanning to print an image on a print medium, the distance of the reciprocating scanning of the carriage 104 in this embodiment is smaller than that of the conventional carriage by about 42.2 mm (21.1×2). As described above, by forming the head cartridge of this embodiment into a shape that is smaller (thinner) in the width direction than the conventional head cartridge, the size of the carriage and the apparatus main body can be made smaller than that in the conventional art.

[0084] <Suppression of erroneous attachment>

[0085] Figure 8 is a diagram showing how to suppress erroneous attachment of the head cartridge in this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 8 A state in which the first head cartridge 209a is attempted to be inserted into the second attaching portion 301b when the second head cartridge 209b is erroneously inserted into the first attaching portion 301a is shown.

[0086] like Figure 8As shown, in a state where the second head ink cartridge 209b is inserted into the first attachment portion 301a, the second protrusion 303b protrudes in a direction (in this example, the +X direction) toward the second attachment portion 301b adjacent to the first attachment portion 301a. Specifically, the second protrusion 303b protrudes on the second attachment portion 301b side. Therefore, when the second head ink cartridge 209b is inserted into the first attachment portion 301a and an attempt is made to insert the first head ink cartridge 209a into the second attachment portion 301b, the first protrusion 303a contacts the second protrusion 303b in an overlapping manner. The contact of the first protrusion 303a with the second protrusion 303b prevents the first head ink cartridge 209a from being attached to the second attachment portion 301b.

[0087] Specifically, when the first head cartridge 209a is inserted into the second attachment portion 301b by mistake and the second head cartridge 209b is inserted into the first attachment portion 301a by mistake, the first protrusion 303a overlaps the second protrusion 303b. Therefore, it becomes difficult to insert the first head cartridge 209a into the second attachment portion 301b in the attachment direction (-Z direction in the figure).

[0088] In addition, in a state where the first protrusion 303a overlaps the second protrusion 303b, the second cover 300b cannot be closed. Note that the first cover 300a cannot be closed in this state either. Specifically, making the first protrusion 303a overlap the second protrusion 303b suppresses the situation where the user mistakenly attaches the first head ink cartridge 209a to the second attachment portion 301b. Note that, contrary to the above example, the wrong attachment can also be suppressed in the case where the first head ink cartridge 209a is mistakenly inserted into the second attachment portion 301b before the second head ink cartridge 209b. In the case where the first head ink cartridge 209a is mistakenly inserted into the second attachment portion 301b before the second head ink cartridge 209b, the second protrusion 303b overlaps the first protrusion 303a. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the second head ink cartridge 209b to be inserted into the first attachment portion 301a in the attachment direction (-Z direction in the figure). Specifically, overlapping the second protrusion 303b with the first protrusion 303a suppresses erroneous attachment of the second head cartridge 209b to the first attachment portion 301a.

[0089] In addition, the same applies to the case where the same type of head cartridge 209 is attempted to be attached to the first attachment portion 301a and the second attachment portion 301b, respectively. For example, suppose that two second head cartridges 209b are attempted to be attached to the first attachment portion 301a and the second attachment portion 301b. In this case, the second protrusion 303b of the second head cartridge 209b attempted to be attached to the first attachment portion 301a protrudes on the second attachment portion 301b side. Therefore, even in the case of attempting to insert another second head cartridge 209b into the second attachment portion 301b, the other second head cartridge 209b also abuts against the second protrusion 303b of the second head cartridge 209b inserted into the first attachment portion 301a, thereby suppressing incorrect attachment. In this case, the second protrusion 303b of the second head cartridge 209b inserted into the first attachment portion 301a contacts the second head cartridge 209b attempted to be correctly inserted into the second attachment portion 301b. Specifically, forming the second protrusion 303b on the upper portion of the second head cartridge 209b can also suppress erroneous attachment of the two second head cartridges 209b. The same applies to the case of attempting to attach two first head cartridges 209a to the first attachment portion 301a and the second attachment portion 301b.

[0090] As described above, according to the technology disclosed in the present invention, in the case where one of the two head cartridges is inserted into the attachment portion by mistake, the protrusion included in the wrongly inserted head cartridge contacts a portion of the other head cartridge. In this state, the cover cannot be closed. In other words, unless both head cartridges are inserted into the correct position, the two head cartridges contact each other and prevent the cover from being closed.

[0091] Furthermore, in the case where two head cartridges are properly attached, the protrusions included in the respective cartridges protrude in directions opposite to each other. Therefore, the interval between two adjacent head cartridges can be made smaller than that in the conventional technology. This can reduce the distance that the carriage reciprocates to scan when printing an image on a regular-sized sheet, as compared with the conventional technology. Therefore, the printing speed can be increased and the size of the printing device body can be reduced.

[0092] In addition, each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is used as a finger placement portion when removing a corresponding one of the first head cartridge and the second head cartridge. In addition, it is easier to remove both the first head cartridge and the second head cartridge at the same time by placing fingers on both the first protrusion and the second protrusion than in the conventional technology. In addition, the position where the first protrusion is formed and the position where the second protrusion is formed are obviously different from each other. Therefore, the user can distinguish the first head cartridge and the second head cartridge from each other by touch. This can further suppress the situation where the user mistakenly attaches the head cartridge to the carriage.

[0093] Therefore, according to the head cartridge of the present embodiment, erroneous attachment of a plurality of cartridges can be avoided without causing an increase in the size of the printing apparatus.

[0094] [Second embodiment]

[0095] The second embodiment of the disclosed technology is described below with reference to the drawings. The head cartridge in the first embodiment and the head cartridge in this embodiment are similar in that they can store liquid.

[0096] However, the head cartridge of this embodiment is different from the head cartridge of the first embodiment in that liquid is supplied from a liquid tank via a tube to the head cartridge of this embodiment, whereas a predetermined amount of liquid is pre-stored in the head cartridge of the first embodiment. In the following description, a configuration similar to or corresponding to that in the first embodiment is denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted, and the differences are mainly described.

[0097] Fig. 9 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a third head cartridge 800a applicable to this embodiment.

[0098] like Fig. 9 As shown, the third head ink cartridge 800a includes a first storage portion 401a capable of storing a first type of liquid and a first ejection portion 402a capable of ejecting the first type of liquid. In addition, the third head ink cartridge 800a includes a first flow channel portion 403a, in which a flow channel connecting the first storage portion 401a and the first ejection portion 402a is formed.

[0099] In this embodiment, the third head ink cartridge 800a includes a third cover portion 804a, which covers an opening formed in the upper portion of the first storage portion 401a. A first protrusion 303a protruding in a first direction (-X direction in this example figure) is formed on a first side surface (left side surface facing -X direction in this example figure) of the third cover portion 804a.

[0100] The third cover portion 804a includes a connection portion 805 that can connect an end of a tube (not shown) for supplying liquid from a liquid tank (eg, an ink tank not shown) fixed at a fixed position in the printing apparatus to the first storage portion 401a.

[0101] The connection part 805 includes a first connection part 805M, a second connection part 805C, and a third connection part 805Y. The end of a tube that can supply magenta ink can be connected to the first connection part 805M. The end of a tube that can supply cyan ink can be connected to the second connection part 805C. The end of a tube that can supply yellow ink can be connected to the third connection part 805Y.

[0102] ] Fig.10 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a fourth head ink cartridge 800 b applicable to this embodiment.

[0103] like Fig.10As shown, the fourth head ink cartridge 800b includes a second storage portion 401b capable of storing the second type of liquid and a second ejection portion 402b capable of ejecting the second type of liquid. In addition, the fourth head ink cartridge 800b includes a second flow channel portion 403b, in which a flow channel connecting the second storage portion 401b and the second ejection portion 402b is formed.

[0104] In this embodiment, the fourth head ink cartridge 800b includes a fourth cover portion 804b, which covers the opening formed in the upper portion of the second storage portion 401b. The second protrusion 303b protruding in the second direction (+X direction in this example figure) is formed on the first side surface (the right side surface facing the +X direction in this example figure) of the fourth cover portion 804b.

[0105] The fourth cover portion 804b includes a fourth connection portion 805BK as the connection portion 805, which can connect the end of a tube (not shown) for supplying liquid from a liquid tank (e.g., an ink tank not shown) fixed at a fixed position in the printing device to the second storage portion 401b. The end of a tube that can supply black ink can be connected to the fourth connection portion 805BK.

[0106] As described above, by providing the first protrusion 303a and the second protrusion 303b in the head cartridges respectively, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained also in a plurality of head cartridges in which liquid is continuously supplied from the liquid tank to the storage portion through the tube.

[0107] [Other embodiments]

[0108] In the above-described embodiment, the protrusion is formed in the cover portion. However, the protrusion does not have to be formed in the cover portion, as long as the protrusions formed in the corresponding two cover portions protrude in directions away from each other and can suppress the erroneous attachment of each of the two head cartridges. For example, the configuration may be such that the first protrusion is formed on the left side surface of the first storage portion, and the second protrusion is formed on the right side surface of the second storage portion. In such a configuration, it is also possible to suppress the erroneous attachment of each of the two head cartridges.

[0109] According to the technology of the present disclosure, erroneous attachment of a plurality of ink cartridges can be avoided.

[0110] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge set, comprising: a first ink cartridge attachable to a first attachment portion included in the printing device; as well as a second ink cartridge, the second ink cartridge being attachable to a second attachment portion included in the printing device and adjacent to the first attachment portion, wherein the first ink cartridge including a first protrusion that protrudes in a direction away from the second attachment portion in a state in which the first ink cartridge is attached to the first attachment portion; the second ink cartridge including a second protrusion that protrudes in a direction away from the first attachment portion in a state in which the second ink cartridge is attached to the second attachment portion; and In a state where the second ink cartridge is inserted into the first attachment portion and the first ink cartridge is inserted into the second attachment portion, one of the first protrusion portion and the second protrusion portion overlaps the other.

2. The ink cartridge set according to claim 1, wherein The first protrusion protrudes in a direction opposite to a direction in which the second attaching portion is located in a state in which the first ink cartridge is attached to the first attaching portion, and protrudes from the second attaching portion toward the first attaching portion in a state where the first ink cartridge is inserted into the second attaching portion, and The second protrusion protrudes in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first attaching portion is located in a state in which the second ink cartridge is attached to the second attaching portion, and The second ink cartridge protrudes from the first attaching portion toward the second attaching portion in a state where the second ink cartridge is inserted into the first attaching portion. 3 . The ink cartridge set according to claim 1 , wherein the first protrusion is arranged in an upper portion of a side surface of the first ink cartridge.

4. The ink cartridge set according to claim 1, wherein The first ink cartridge also includes: a first storage unit capable of storing color ink, and a first ejection element substrate capable of ejecting the color ink stored in the first storage portion to a printing medium, and The second ink cartridge also includes: a second storage portion capable of storing black ink, and The second ejection element substrate is capable of ejecting the black ink stored in the second storage portion to the printing medium.

5. The ink cartridge set according to claim 4, wherein: The first protrusion is arranged in a first cover portion covering an upper portion of the first storage portion.

6. The ink cartridge set according to claim 4, further comprising: a first connection portion to which a first tube for supplying color ink from a liquid tank included in the printing device to the first storage portion can be connected; as well as A second connection portion to which a second tube for supplying black ink from a liquid tank included in the printing device to the second storage portion can be connected.

7. A printing device, comprising: a first attachment portion to which a first ink cartridge storing a first type of liquid is attachable; as well as a second attachment portion to which a second ink cartridge storing a second type of liquid different from the first type of liquid can be attached, the second attachment portion being adjacent to the first attachment portion, wherein The first ink cartridge includes a first protrusion configured to contact the second ink cartridge to be inserted into the first attachment portion in a state where the first ink cartridge is inserted into the second attachment portion, and The second ink cartridge includes a second protrusion configured to contact the first ink cartridge to be inserted into the second attachment portion in a state where the second ink cartridge is inserted into the first attachment portion.

8. The printing device according to claim 7, wherein: The first type of liquid is color ink, and The second type of liquid is black ink.

9. The printing device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The first protrusion protrudes in a direction opposite to a direction in which the second attaching portion is located in a state in which the first ink cartridge is attached to the first attaching portion, and protrudes from the second attaching portion toward the first attaching portion in a state where the first ink cartridge is inserted into the second attaching portion, and The second protrusion protrudes in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first attaching portion is located in a state in which the second ink cartridge is attached to the second attaching portion, and The second ink cartridge protrudes from the first attaching portion toward the second attaching portion in a state where the second ink cartridge is inserted into the first attaching portion. 10 . The printing device according to claim 7 , wherein the first protrusion is arranged in an upper portion of a side surface of the first ink cartridge.

11. The printing device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The first protrusion is arranged in a first cover portion covering an upper portion of a first storage portion capable of storing the first type of liquid.

12. The printing device according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising: a first connection portion to which a first tube for supplying a first type of liquid from a liquid tank included in the printing device to the interior of the first ink cartridge can be connected; as well as A second connection portion to which a second tube for supplying the second type liquid from a liquid tank included in the printing apparatus to the inside of the second ink cartridge can be connected.

13. The printing device according to claim 7, further comprising: A carriage movable in a scanning direction includes the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion.

14. The printing device according to claim 13, wherein: The slide comprises: a first cover movable between a fixed position in which the first cover fixes the first ink cartridge attached to the first attachment portion and a released position in which the first ink cartridge is released, and a second cover, the second cover being movable between a fixed position in which the second cover is fixedly attached to the second ink cartridge of the second attachment portion and a released position in which the second ink cartridge is released, wherein The first cover is configured to be unmovable from the release position to the fixed position in a state where the second ink cartridge is inserted into the first attachment portion, and The second cover is configured to be unmovable from the release position to the fixed position in a state where the first ink cartridge is inserted into the second attachment portion.

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