Cartridge

Abstract

The invention provides a cartridge capable of suppressing scattering of liquid caused by turnover of the cartridge. A cartridge mounted on a cartridge mounting portion of a printing apparatus having a liquid introduction portion for receiving a liquid includes: a liquid storage portion for storing the liquid; a front surface located on an insertion direction side of insertion into the cartridge mounting portion; a bottom surface that intersects the front surface and is provided with a connection section that connects to the liquid introduction section; an upper surface facing the bottom surface; and a rear surface facing the front surface. At least one of the front surface, the rear surface, the bottom surface, and the upper surface is configured as a curved surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cartridge. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an ink cartridge having a housing having an ink supply port provided on a bottom surface thereof.

[0003] When the cartridge removed from the printing apparatus is placed on a table or a stand, the cartridge may fall over, and the liquid adhering to the vicinity of the ink supply port may scatter.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-82652 Summary of the invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge installed on a cartridge mounting portion of a printing device having a liquid introduction portion for receiving liquid. The cartridge comprises: a liquid storage portion that stores liquid; a front surface that is located on the insertion direction side into the cartridge mounting portion; a bottom surface that intersects the front surface and is provided with a connection portion connected to the liquid introduction portion; an upper surface that is opposite to the bottom surface; and a rear surface that is opposite to the front surface. At least one of the front surface, the rear surface, the bottom surface, and the upper surface is configured as a curved surface.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge installed on a cartridge mounting portion of a printing device having a liquid introduction portion for receiving liquid. The cartridge comprises: a liquid storage portion that stores liquid; a front surface that is located on the insertion direction side of the cartridge installation portion; a bottom surface that intersects the front surface and is provided with a connection portion connected to the liquid introduction portion; an upper surface that is opposite to the bottom surface; a rear surface that is opposite to the front surface; and a protrusion that is formed on at least any one of the front surface, the rear surface, the bottom surface, and the upper surface and protrudes outward. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the printing system in the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 A diagram for explaining a box mounting portion and a box.

[0009] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the box installation part.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a diagram when the box mounting portion is viewed from the +Z direction side.

[0011] Figure 5This is a side view for explaining the schematic structure of the cartridge in the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 It is a first schematic perspective view showing the cartridge in the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a second schematic perspective view showing the cartridge in the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 8 It is a top view of the box in the first embodiment.

[0015] Fig. 9 A schematic perspective view of a connector.

[0016] Fig.10 It is a schematic perspective view showing a cartridge in the second embodiment.

[0017] Fig.11 It is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the upper surface of the box in the third embodiment.

[0018] Fig.12 It is a top view of the box in the fourth embodiment.

[0019] Fig.13 It is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the first distal end portion and the second distal end portion.

[0020] Fig.14 It is a schematic perspective view showing a box in the fifth embodiment.

[0021] Fig.15 It is a schematic perspective view showing a box in the sixth embodiment.

[0022] Fig.16 It is a first schematic perspective view showing the box in the seventh embodiment.

[0023] Fig.17 It is a second schematic perspective view showing the box in the seventh embodiment.

[0024] Fig.18 It is a first schematic perspective view showing the box in the eighth embodiment.

[0025] Fig.19 It is a second schematic perspective view showing the box in the eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] A. First Implementation Method:

[0027] Figure 1 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of the printing system 1 in the first embodiment. Figure 1In the figure, three mutually orthogonal spatial axes, namely the XYZ axes, are depicted. The directions pointed to by the arrow marks of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis represent the positive directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively. The positive directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are set to the +X direction, +Y direction, and +Z direction, respectively. The directions opposite to the directions pointed to by the arrow marks of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are set to the negative directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively. The negative directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are set to the -X direction, -Y direction, and -Z direction, respectively. In the directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, the directions regardless of positive or negative are referred to as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, respectively. The same applies to the drawings and descriptions shown hereafter.

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

[0029] The printing device 10 in this embodiment is an inkjet printer that ejects ink as a liquid from an ejection head 22. The printing device 10 is a large-scale printer that prints on large-format paper (A2 to A0, etc.) such as posters. The printing device 10 includes a cartridge mounting unit 6, a control unit 31, a carriage 20, an ejection head 22, and a drive mechanism 30. In addition, the printing device 10 includes an operation button 15 for a user to operate the operation of the printing device 10.

[0030] The cartridge mounting portion 6 has a first device wall 67 located on the +Y direction side. The first device wall 67 has an insertion and extraction opening 674, which is an entrance and exit to the storage chamber 61 of the cartridge 4. The cartridge 4 is stored in the storage chamber 61 of the cartridge mounting portion 6 through the insertion and extraction opening 674, or the cartridge 4 is removed from the storage chamber 61. A plurality of cartridges 4 are installed in the cartridge mounting portion 6 in a detachable manner. In the present embodiment, four types of cartridges 4, one each, corresponding to the four colors of ink, black, yellow, magenta, and cyan, are installed in the cartridge mounting portion 6. The cartridge 4 storing black ink is also referred to as cartridge 4K, the cartridge 4 storing yellow ink is also referred to as cartridge 4Y, the cartridge 4 storing magenta ink is also referred to as cartridge 4M, and the cartridge 4 storing cyan ink is also referred to as cartridge 4C. In the present embodiment, the cartridge 4K is configured to store more liquid than the cartridges 4C, 4M, and 4Y. Therefore, the cartridge 4K is also referred to as a first type cartridge 4A, and the cartridges 4C, 4M, and 4Y are referred to as a second type cartridge 4B.

[0031] The printing device 10 has a replacement cover 13 on the front surface on the +Y direction side. The replacement cover 13 is configured to be openable and closable. By opening the replacement cover 13, the opening of the box mounting portion 6 is exposed, so that the box 4 can be removed and installed. When the box 4 is installed in the box mounting portion 6, ink can be supplied to the ejection head 22 provided on the slide 20 via the tube 24 as a liquid circulation tube. In the present embodiment, the ink is supplied from the box 4 to the ejection head 22 by using the water level difference. Specifically, the ink is supplied to the ejection head 22 by the water level difference between the liquid level of the ink in the box mounting portion 6 and the ejection head 22. In addition, in other embodiments, the ink in the box 4 can also be sucked by using a pump mechanism (not shown) of the printing device 10, so that the ink is supplied to the ejection head 22. In addition, the tube 24 is provided for each type of ink. Here, the state in which the box 4 is installed in the box mounting portion 6 and the ink as a liquid can be supplied to the printing device 10 is also referred to as the "installation completed state".

[0032] The ejection head 22 is provided with a nozzle for each type of ink. The ejection head 22 ejects ink from the nozzle toward the printing paper 2, thereby printing data such as text or images. In addition, in the present embodiment, the printing device 10 is a so-called "non-carriage loading type" printer in which the cartridge mounting portion 6 is not linked to the movement of the carriage 20. The technology disclosed in the present invention can also be applied to a so-called "carriage loading type" printer in which the cartridge mounting portion 6 is provided on the carriage 20 and the cartridge mounting portion 6 moves together with the carriage 20.

[0033] The control unit 31 controls each unit of the printing device 10 and exchanges signals with the cartridge 4. The carriage 20 moves the ejection 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 toothed belt 32 and a drive motor 34. The power of the drive motor 34 is transmitted to the carriage 20 via the timing toothed belt 32, so that the carriage 20 reciprocates in the direction along the X direction, that is, the main scanning direction. In addition, the printing device 10 includes a conveying mechanism for moving the printing paper 2 in the +Y direction, that is, the sub-scanning direction. When printing is performed, the printing paper 2 is moved in the sub-scanning direction by the conveying mechanism, and the printing paper 2 after printing is output to the front cover 11.

[0035] In addition, an area called the initial position is provided at a position outside the printing area where the carriage 20 moves in the main scanning direction. A maintenance mechanism is mounted at the initial position, and the maintenance mechanism performs maintenance for performing printing normally. The maintenance mechanism is composed of a cover member 8, a lifting mechanism (not shown) that is pressed on a surface where a nozzle is formed on the bottom surface side of the ejection head 22 and forms a closed space in a manner surrounding the nozzle, a lifting mechanism that lifts and lowers the cover member 8 to press against the nozzle surface of the ejection head 22, and a suction pump that introduces negative pressure into the closed space formed by the cover member being pressed against the nozzle surface of the ejection head 22.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the axis along the sub-scanning direction for conveying the printing paper 2 in the use state of the printing system 1 is set as the Y axis, the axis along the direction under gravity is set as the Z axis, and the axis along the moving direction of the carriage 20 is set as the X axis. Here, the so-called "use state of the printing system 1" refers to the state in which the printing system 1 is set on a horizontal surface. In addition, in the present embodiment, the sub-scanning direction is set as the +Y direction, the opposite direction thereof is set as the -Y direction, the direction under gravity is set as the -Z direction, and the direction above gravity is set as the +Z direction. The X direction and the Y direction are directions along the horizontal direction. In addition, when the printing system 1 is observed from the front surface side, the direction from the right side to the left side is set as the +X direction, and the opposite direction thereof is set as the -X direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, the insertion direction of the box 4 into the box mounting portion 6 for installation is the -Y direction, and the direction of removing the box 4 from the box mounting portion 6 is the +Y direction. Therefore, the -Y direction side in the box mounting portion 6 is also called the depth side, and the +Y direction side is also called the near front side. In addition, in the present embodiment, the arrangement direction of the plurality of boxes 4 is the X direction.

[0037] Figure 2 4 is a diagram for explaining the box mounting portion 6 and the box 4. Figure 2 In FIG. 4 , the boxes 4K, 4M, and 4Y are shown in a state where they have been installed in the box installation section 6. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the cartridge 4C is shown in an insertion completed state in which the insertion into the cartridge mounting portion 6 is completed.

[0038] With respect to the box 4, after being inserted into the predetermined position of the box mounting portion 6 by moving in the insertion direction D1 along the horizontal direction, the box 4 is rotated in the rotational installation direction D2 having a component in the downward direction of gravity by using the depth side of the insertion direction D1 in the box mounting portion 6 as the rotation fulcrum 698, thereby completing the installation in the box mounting portion 6. Specifically, when the box 4 is installed in the box mounting portion 6, an installation process is performed. The installation process includes a terminal connection process and a supply portion connection process that is performed after the terminal connection process. The terminal connection process is to move the box 4 in the insertion direction D1 along the horizontal direction and insert it into the box mounting portion 6 through the plug-in opening 674 of the first device wall 67. Figure 1 The process of inserting the box 4 into the storage chamber 61 of the box mounting portion 6 shown in the figure until it is inserted to a predetermined position. The predetermined position is the position where the box-side terminal described later of the box 4 and the device-side terminal described later of the box mounting portion 6 are in contact. The supply portion connection process is a process of connecting the liquid introduction portion described later of the box mounting portion 6 and the liquid supply portion described later of the box 4 while maintaining the contact between the device-side terminal and the box-side terminal. Specifically, in the supply portion connection process, the rear surface 47 of the box 4 is rotated and moved sideways in the rotational mounting direction D2 indicated by the arrow mark with the rotation fulcrum 698 of the box mounting portion 6 as the center, thereby connecting the liquid introduction portion and the liquid supply portion. In addition, in the installed state, the box 4 is engaged by utilizing the engaging forming body provided on the side of the first device wall 67 of the box mounting portion 6, so that the installed state is maintained.

[0039] When removing the cartridge 4 from the cartridge installation portion 6, the user lifts the rear surface 47 side of the cartridge 4, thereby rotating the rear surface 47 side in the connection release direction D3, which is the direction opposite to the rotation installation direction D2, with the rotation fulcrum 698 as the fulcrum. During this rotational movement, the engagement formed by the engagement forming body is released. After the cartridge 4 is rotated in the connection release direction D3 to bring the cartridge 4 into the insertion completion state, the cartridge 4 is removed from the cartridge installation portion 6 by moving the cartridge 4 in the +Y direction, which is the removal direction D4.

[0040] Figure 3 2 is a three-dimensional view of the box mounting portion 6. Figure 4 , when the box mounting portion 6 is viewed from the +Z direction side. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 In the figure, a part of the structure of the box installation part 6 is omitted for easy understanding. With respect to the box installation part 6, the X direction is also referred to as the width direction, the Y direction is also referred to as the depth direction, and the Z direction is also referred to as the height direction. Hereinafter, unless there is a special description about the state, the box installation part 6 in the initial configuration state when the box 4 is not installed in the box installation part 6 will be used as a premise to describe each element.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the box mounting portion 6 forms a storage chamber 61 for storing the box 4. The storage chamber 61 is roughly rectangular. The portion of the storage chamber 61 that stores each box 4C, 4M, 4Y, 4K, namely the slots 61C, 61M, 61Y, 61K, roughly corresponds to the appearance of each box 4C, 4M, 4Y, 4K. In this embodiment, the box 4K is larger in the X direction than the other boxes 4C, 4M, 4Y in order to increase the amount of liquid stored. Therefore, in this embodiment, the width of the slot 61K is greater than the width of the other slots 61C, 61M, 61Y.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, the box mounting portion 6 has six device walls 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, and 67 that form the storage chamber 61. In the present disclosure, the concept of "wall" means that in addition to a single wall, it also includes a wall composed of multiple walls. The first device wall 67 forms an insertion and extraction opening 674 through which the box 4 passes when inserting or removing it from the storage chamber 61. The second device wall 62 forms a wall on the -Y direction side of the storage 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 approximately vertical when the printing device 10 is in use.

[0043] The device upper wall 63 forms a wall on the +Z direction side of the storage chamber 61. The device bottom wall 64 is opposite to the device upper wall 63 in the Z direction and forms a wall on the -Z direction side of the storage chamber 61. The device bottom wall 64 is formed by a supporting member 610. The device bottom wall 64 has a plurality of device openings 614. In the present embodiment, four device openings 614 are formed according to the slots 61C, 61M, 61Y, and 61K. The device upper wall 63 and the device bottom wall 64 intersect with the second device wall 62 and the first device wall 67. In the present disclosure, the meaning of "intersecting" or "intersecting" refers to any one of (i) a state in which two elements intersect each other and actually intersect, (ii) a state in which one element intersects with another element when one element is extended, and (iii) a state in which the elements intersect each other when the elements are extended respectively.

[0044] The first device side wall 65 forms a wall on the +X direction side of the storage chamber 61. The second device side wall 66 is opposite to the first device side wall 65 in the X direction, and forms a wall on the -X direction side of the storage chamber 61. The first device side wall 65 and the second device side wall 66 intersect with the second device wall 62, the first device wall 67, the device top wall 63, and the device bottom wall 64.

[0045] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4As shown, the box installation part 6 also has a supporting member 610, a liquid introduction part 642, a device side supply part positioning part 644, a device guide part 602, and a snap-fit ​​forming body 677. The box installation part 6 has a plurality of supporting members 610 according to the number of boxes 4 to be installed. In the present embodiment, four supporting members 610 are provided. The supporting member 610 forms the device bottom wall 64 on the gravity lower direction side of the storage chamber 61. The supporting member 610 supports the box 4 from the -Z direction side which is the gravity lower direction side. The supporting member 610 is a member extending along the Y direction. The supporting member 610 is concave in shape. The supporting member 610 has a main wall 613, a first supporting side wall 611, and a second supporting side wall 612 forming the device bottom wall 64.

[0046] The main wall 613 has a concave bottom located on the gravity downward side. A device opening 614 is formed at the end of the main wall 613 on the first device wall 67 side. The device opening 614 penetrates the main wall 613 in the thickness direction of the main wall 613.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the first supporting side wall 611 stands in the +Z direction, which is the gravity upward direction, from the +X direction side end of the main wall 613. The second supporting side wall 612 stands in the +Z direction from the -X axis direction side end of the main wall 613. The first supporting side wall 611 and the second supporting side wall 612 are opposite to each other in the X direction.

[0048] The device guide 602 guides the cartridge 4 in the insertion direction D1 and the removal direction D4. The device guide 602 is provided for each support member 610. The device guide 602 is provided on the first support side wall 611 and the second support side wall 612, respectively. The device guide 602 is a protrusion provided on the first support side wall 611 and the second support side wall 612. Figure 4 As shown, the first device guide portion 602a provided on the first supporting side wall 611 is a protrusion protruding from the first supporting side wall 611 toward the second supporting side wall 612. The first device guide portion 602a extends along the Y direction. In addition, a plurality of first device guide portions 602a are arranged at intervals in the Y direction. The second device guide portion 602b provided on the second supporting side wall 612 is a protrusion protruding from the second supporting side wall 612 toward the first supporting side wall 611. The second device guide portion 602b extends along the Y direction. In addition, a plurality of second device guide portions 602b are arranged at intervals in the Y direction.

[0049] Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The liquid introduction portion 642 shown receives the liquid of the box 4. Figure 3As shown in the figure, the liquid introduction part 642 has a central axis CA1. In the present embodiment, the central axis CA1 is inclined 4° in the +Y direction relative to the Z direction. In the initial configuration state of the box mounting portion 6, the liquid introduction part 642 is not located in the storage chamber 61, but is located on the -Z direction side compared to the storage chamber 61. In other words, the liquid introduction part 642 is located on the opposite side of the storage chamber 61 with respect to the support member 610. Thus, when the box 4 is inserted into the storage chamber 61 of the box mounting portion 6, it is possible to prevent the box 4 from colliding with the liquid introduction part 642. The top end portion 642b of the liquid introduction part 642 is configured in the storage chamber 61 by rotating the support member 610 in the rotational mounting direction D2 around the rotation fulcrum 698 and pressing the device opening 614. That is, the rotation fulcrum 698 rotates the support member 610 and displaces the device opening 614 to the side under gravity, thereby arranging the tip portion 642 b of the liquid introduction part 642 in the storage chamber 61 through the device opening 614 .

[0050] Figure 3 The device side supply unit positioning portion 644 shown is accommodated in the supply unit positioning portion described later of the box 4, thereby limiting the movement of the liquid supply unit of the box 4 relative to the liquid introduction portion 642. Thus, the positioning of the liquid supply unit of the box 4 is implemented. In the initial configuration state of the box mounting portion 6, the device side supply unit positioning portion 644 is not located in the storage chamber 61, but is located on the -Z direction side compared to the storage chamber 61. In other words, the device side supply unit positioning portion 644 is located on the opposite side of the storage chamber 61 with respect to the support member 610. Thus, when the box 4 is inserted into the storage chamber 61 of the box mounting portion 6, it is possible to prevent the box 4 from colliding with the device side supply unit positioning portion 644. The end of the storage chamber 61 side of the device side supply unit positioning portion 644, that is, the storage chamber side end, is arranged in the storage chamber 61 by rotating the support member 610 in the rotational mounting direction D2 with the rotation fulcrum 698 as the center and pressing the device opening portion 614. That is, the rotation fulcrum 698 rotates the support member 610 and displaces the device opening 614 , thereby arranging the storage chamber side end portion in the storage chamber 61 through the device opening 614 .

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the cartridge mounting portion 6 further includes an apparatus-side terminal portion 70. The apparatus-side terminal portion 70 includes an apparatus-side terminal that contacts the cartridge-side terminal of the cartridge 4 in the mounted state.

[0052] like Figure 4As shown, the engagement forming body 677 is formed on the +Y direction side relative to the support member 610. The engagement forming body 677 is located on the -Z direction side relative to the insertion and extraction opening 674. The engagement forming body 677 is provided with four elastic mounting engagement parts which correspond to the respective slots 61C to 61K and are not shown.

[0053] Figure 5 4 is a side view for explaining the schematic structure of the case 4. Figure 6 , a first schematic perspective view of the box 4 is shown. Figure 7 , a second schematic perspective view of the box 4 is shown. Figure 8 , a top view of box 4. Figures 5 to 8 The XYZ axes shown in FIG. 1 are based on the insertion posture of the cartridge 4 into the cartridge mounting portion 6. The insertion posture is the same as the posture of the cartridge 4 in the insertion completion state in which the cartridge 4 has been inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 6. Figures 5 to 8 , the first type box 4A is shown as the box 4. The first type box 4A is different from the second type box 4B in the width and volume of the liquid storage body 401. Specifically, the first type box 4A is wider than the second type box 4B, and the volume of the liquid storage part 450 of the first type box 4A is larger than the volume of the liquid storage part 450 of the second type box 4B. As for other structures, since the first type box 4A and the second type box 4B have the same structure, in the following, unless otherwise specified, the first type box 4A is illustrated and the structure of the box 4 is described.

[0054] The outer shape of the box 4 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. In the box 4, the insertion direction D1 into the box mounting portion 6, i.e., the direction along the -Y direction, is the long side direction, the X direction is the short side direction as the width direction, and the Z direction is the gravity direction, that is, the height direction. The width direction is a direction that is orthogonal to the insertion direction D1 and the gravity direction in the insertion posture. In the box 4, the dimension in the short side direction is the smallest. In addition, in the box 4, the dimension in the height direction is less than the dimension in the long side direction. Specifically, in the present embodiment, in the box 4, the dimension in the height direction is smaller than the dimension in the long side direction, and larger than the dimension in the short side direction.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the box 4 includes a box body 41 constituting a housing, and a circuit board 50 mounted on the box body 41. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the box body 41 is composed of two parts. Specifically, the box body 41 includes a liquid storage body 401 and an adapter 402 mounted on the liquid storage body 401 by fitting. Figure 5 In FIG. 4 , the adapter 402 is schematically shown by a single dotted line. Figures 6 to 8In the figure, only the cartridge 4 is shown in a state where the adapter 402 is removed from the liquid container 401, that is, the liquid container 401 in the cartridge body 41. However, usually, the adapter 402 is not removed from the liquid container 401 by the user, and the cartridge 4 is handled by the user in a state where the adapter 402 is installed. The meaning of "handling the cartridge 4" includes, for example, a case where the cartridge 4 is installed on the printing device 10, a case where the cartridge 4 is removed from the printing device 10, or a case where the cartridge 4 removed from the printing device 10 is placed on any table or stand. In addition, in other embodiments, the cartridge body 41 may also be integrated.

[0056] The liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 are each molded by injection molding a synthetic resin such as polypropylene. The liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 may be formed of the same material or different materials.

[0057] like Figure 5 As shown, the liquid container 401 has a liquid container 450 for storing ink as a liquid, and a liquid supply portion 442. The liquid supply portion 442 is connected to the liquid container 450. The liquid supply portion 442 is a member 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.

[0058] Fig. 9 , which is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of the adapter 402. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 4 , the adapter 402 is mounted on the lower surface of the liquid container 401. The adapter 402 is a concave shape that receives the portion of the liquid container 401 including the liquid supply unit 442. Figure 5 as well as Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , a connection portion 446 connected to the liquid introduction portion 642 of the cartridge mounting portion 6 is formed at a portion of the bottom surface of the adapter 402, i.e., the adapter bottom surface 411, which is opposite to the top opening of the liquid supply portion 442, i.e., the supply portion top end portion 442a in the Z direction. In the present embodiment, the bottom surface 44 of the cartridge 4 is constituted by the adapter bottom surface 411. In other embodiments, when the cartridge 4 is integral, the connection portion 446 only needs to be formed on the bottom surface of the integral cartridge 4.

[0059] like Figures 5 to 9As shown, the box 4, specifically the box body 41, has a front surface 42, a rear surface 47, an upper surface 43, a bottom surface 44, a first side surface 45, a second side surface 46, and a corner portion 89. In the present embodiment, at least any one of the front surface 42, the rear surface 47, the bottom surface 44, and the upper surface 43 is configured as a surface with a curved surface shape. The so-called curved surface shape means the shape of a curved surface that is not a flat shape. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the front surface 42, the rear surface 47, and the first upper surface 431 of the upper surface 43 described later are configured as surfaces with a curved surface shape that protrudes toward the outside, that is, a convex surface. As Figure 5 as well as Fig. 9 As shown in the figure, a bottom surface protrusion 449 is provided on the bottom surface 44, and the bottom surface protrusion 449 is a protrusion protruding toward the outside of the bottom surface 44, that is, toward the -Z direction. In this embodiment, the bottom surface protrusion 449 is configured as a hemispherical protrusion protruding toward the -Z direction from the flat bottom surface 44. The end of the bottom surface protrusion 449 on the -Z direction side constitutes the end of the box 4 on the -Z direction side.

[0060] As described later, in the present embodiment, when the user attempts to place the box 4 on a horizontal surface such as a table top or a desk top in the first case where the front surface 42, the rear surface 47, the upper surface 43, and the bottom surface 44 are respectively used as grounding surfaces, it is difficult to stably place the box 4. Specifically, the front surface 42, the rear surface 47, the upper surface 43, and the bottom surface 44 are respectively formed as curved surfaces or have protrusions protruding outward, so that it is difficult for the box 4 to stand on its own in the first case. In addition, the meaning of "placing the box 4 on a certain surface as a grounding surface" includes the case where the box 4 is placed in a manner of directly grounding the surface, or the case where the box 4 is placed in a manner of grounding the edges or protrusions formed on the surface.

[0061] The front surface 42 and the rear surface 47 are opposite to each other in the Y direction along the insertion direction D1 in the insertion posture. The front surface 42 forms a top surface on the -Y direction side which is the depth side of the insertion direction D1, that is, the top side of the insertion direction D1 in the insertion posture. Hereinafter, the depth side of the insertion direction D1 is also referred to as the insertion direction D1 side. The rear surface 47 forms a surface located on the near front side of the insertion direction D1, that is, the +Y direction side of the disassembly direction D4 for disassembling the box 4 from the box mounting portion 6 in the insertion posture. When the box 4 is inserted into the box mounting portion 6, the rear surface 47 is pressed toward the insertion direction D1 by the user, thereby receiving a load for moving the box 4 in the insertion direction D1. The load is a force for moving the box 4 in the insertion direction D1. The rear surface 47 extends from the end on the +Y direction side of the upper surface 43 to the side where the bottom surface 44 is located.

[0062] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the front surface 42 is configured as an arcuate convex surface convex toward the -Y direction. The rear surface 47 is configured as an arcuate convex surface convex toward the +Y direction.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the upper surface 43 and the bottom surface 44 are opposite to each other in the Z direction, which is the central axis direction of the central axis CA2. The bottom surface 44 forms the lower side of the box 4 when the box 4 is installed. The bottom surface 44 is located in the box installation part 6 on the deep side in the rotation installation direction D2 with the deep side in the insertion direction D1 as the rotation fulcrum 698, that is, the top side of the rotation installation direction D2. Figure 5 As shown, the bottom surface 44 has a connection portion 446 and a supply portion positioning portion 448. The connection portion 446 is configured as an opening portion for inserting the liquid introduction portion 642. The central axis CA3 of the connection portion 446 is substantially consistent with the central axis CA2. During the installation process, the supply portion positioning portion 448 and the storage device side supply portion positioning portion 644 implement the positioning of the liquid supply portion 442 relative to the liquid introduction portion 642. Specifically, during the supply portion connection process during the installation process, the supply portion positioning portion 448 passes through the storage device side supply portion positioning portion 644 and restricts the movement of the supply portion positioning portion 448 in the direction intersecting the rotational installation direction D2, thereby implementing the positioning of the liquid supply portion 442 relative to the liquid introduction portion 642. The supply portion positioning portion 448 is a recessed portion formed on the bottom surface 44 and recessed from the outer surface of the bottom surface 44.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the connection portion 446 is arranged in the Y direction at a position closer to the end portion on the rear surface 47 side of the box 4 than to the end portion on the front surface 42 side of the box 4. That is, the distance in the Y direction between the connection portion 446 and the rear end of the box 4 is shorter than the distance in the Y direction between the connection portion 446 and the front end of the box 4. Specifically, the distance in the Y direction between the center axis CA3 and the rear end of the box 4 is shorter than the distance in the Y direction between the center axis CA3 and the front end of the box 4. As a result, the front surface 42 in the present embodiment corresponds to the surface farthest from the connection portion 446 among the front surface 42, the rear surface 47, and the upper surface 43.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the upper surface 43 is opposite to the bottom surface 44 in the Z direction which is the central axis direction. The upper surface 43 forms the upper surface of the box 4 when the box 4 is installed. The upper surface 43 is located near the front side of the rotation installation direction D2, that is, the depth side of the connection release direction D3 which is the direction opposite to the rotation installation direction D2 in the insertion posture. Figures 5 to 8As shown, the upper surface 43 has a first upper surface 431 and a second upper surface 432. The upper surface 43 connects the front surface 42 and the rear surface 47 through the first upper surface 431 and the second upper surface 432. The first upper surface 431 is connected to the front surface 42. The second upper surface 432 is connected to the rear surface 47. The first upper surface 431 is configured as a convex surface in the shape of an arc protruding toward the +Z direction. The second upper surface 432 is a flat surface.

[0066] The first upper surface 431 constitutes the main surface of the upper surface 43. The main surface of a certain surface means the largest surface in the surface. The first upper surface 431 extends from the front surface 42 along the disassembly direction D4 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction D1. The second upper surface 432 extends from the first upper surface 431 to the disassembly direction D4 side as a whole. Specifically, the second upper surface 432 has an inclined surface 433 connected to the first upper surface 431 and extending in the disassembly direction D4 while being inclined, and a connecting surface 434 extending in the disassembly direction D4 and connecting the inclined surface 433 and the rear surface 47. The inclined surface 433 is inclined relative to the insertion direction D1 in a manner that it is located on the inner side of the box body 41 as the bottom surface 44 side as it tends to the disassembly direction D4 side, that is, as it tends to the rear surface 47. The connecting surface 434 receives the load generated by being pressed by the user in the gravity downward direction for moving the box 4 in the rotational installation direction D2. The direction of this load is approximately the gravity downward direction. In addition, the rotational installation direction D2 has a component in the gravity downward direction. In the insertion posture, the connection surface 434 is located on the gravity downward direction side compared to the first upper surface 431. The connection surface 434 is approximately perpendicular to the gravity downward direction when viewed from the side in the insertion posture. The "approximately perpendicular to the gravity downward direction" mentioned here includes not only the state where the angle between the connection surface 434 and the gravity downward direction is 90°, but also the state within the range of 90°±2°.

[0067] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, a ridge 435 is formed on the first upper surface 431. The ridge 435 is a ridge-like portion extending in the long side direction of the first upper surface 431 as a convex surface, that is, along the Y direction. The first upper surface 431 is formed as a mountain-shaped convex surface having a ridge-like vertex extending along the Y direction by having the ridge 435. In the present embodiment, the ridge 435 is equivalent to the first top end 438. The first top end 438 is a portion that is formed as a convex surface and protrudes outward to constitute the outer end of the box 4. Specifically, the ridge 435 as the first top end 438 is formed on the first upper surface 431 as a convex surface, and protrudes in the +Z direction to constitute the end of the box 4 on the +Z direction side.

[0068] like Figure 5As shown, the corner portion 89 is provided at the corner portion where the front surface 42 and the bottom surface 44 intersect. The circuit board 50 is arranged at the concave portion of the corner portion 89 that is recessed inward.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, the box 4 also has a step surface 87 and an opposing surface 461. The step surface 87 is a surface formed by the connector 402. The step surface 87 is a surface that stands up from the end on the +Y direction side of the disassembly direction D4 side in the bottom surface 44 toward the upper surface 43. A box clamping portion 497 is formed on the step surface 87. The box clamping portion 497 is a recessed portion recessed from the outer surface of the step surface 87. The box clamping portion 497 enters through the installation clamping portion not shown in the figure in the installed state, thereby engaging with the installation clamping portion. Through this engagement, the installed state of the box 4 relative to the box mounting portion 6 is maintained. In addition, the installation clamping portion is formed on the clamping forming body 677 of the box mounting portion 6.

[0070] The facing surface 461 is a surface formed by the liquid storage body 401. The facing surface 461 becomes the bottom surface of the liquid storage body 401. The facing surface 461 is opposite to the connecting surface 434 in the central axis direction along the central axis CA2. The facing surface 461 is located on the upper side of the gravity than the bottom surface 44. As a result, a space can be generated on the lower side of the facing surface 461 and the +Y direction side of the step surface 87, so that the box 4 can be configured to save space.

[0071] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 4 , the first side surface 45 and the second side surface 46 are opposed to each other in the X direction which is the width direction. Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the first side surface 45 and the second side surface 46 are respectively planar shapes. The first side surface 45 and the second side surface 46 are respectively parallel to the Y direction and the Z direction in the insertion posture. The first side surface 45 is a surface located on the +X direction side. The second side surface 46 is a surface located on the -X direction side. The first side surface 45 and the second side surface 46 have an area larger than the upper surface 43, the front surface 42, and the rear surface 47, respectively. In addition, although in the present embodiment, the area of ​​the first side surface 45 and the area of ​​the second side surface 46 are substantially the same, they may be different.

[0072] As described above, since the dimension of the width direction as the short side direction is the smallest in the box 4, when the box 4 is placed on a table or a stand, the first side surface 45 or the second side surface 46 is set as the grounding surface, so that the height of the box 4 placed on the table or the stand can be minimized in the vertical direction. Therefore, if the first side surface 45 or the second side surface 46 is set as the grounding surface, the box 4 can be placed more stably. Here, in the present embodiment, when trying to place the box 4 using the front surface 42, the rear surface 47, and the upper surface 43 as the grounding surface, the posture of the box 4 is unstable because these surfaces are configured as curved surfaces, making it difficult to place the box 4 stably using these surfaces as the grounding surface. In addition, when trying to place the box 4 using the bottom surface 44 as the grounding surface, the posture of the box 4 is unstable because the bottom surface protrusion 449 is provided, making it difficult to place the box 4 stably using the bottom surface 44 as the grounding surface. Therefore, in order to prevent the box 4 from taking an unstable posture, the user is easily induced to use the first side surface 45 or the second side surface 46 as the grounding surface instead of the front surface 42, the rear surface 47, the upper surface 43 or the bottom surface 44.

[0073] According to the box 4 in the present embodiment described above, the front surface 42, the rear surface 47, and the first upper surface 431 of the upper surface 43 are configured as curved surfaces. If this method is adopted, since in the first case where the box 4 removed from the printing device 10 is placed on a horizontal surface such as a table or a stand with the front surface 42, the rear surface 47, or the upper surface 43 as a grounding surface, the posture of the box 4 becomes unstable, the user is easily induced to place the box 4 without using these surfaces as a grounding surface. Therefore, the possibility of the box 4 being stably placed can be increased, and the situation in which the liquid attached to the connecting portion 446 or the liquid supply portion 442, etc., is scattered due to the overturning of the box 4 can be suppressed. In addition, in the present embodiment, a protrusion protruding toward the outside, i.e., a bottom surface protrusion 449, is provided on the bottom surface 44. Therefore, since the user is easily induced to place the box 4 without using the bottom surface 44 as a grounding surface in substantially the same manner as described above, it is possible to suppress the scattering of the liquid attached to the connection portion 446 or the liquid supply portion 442 due to the box 4 falling over.

[0074] In addition, in the present embodiment, since the front surface 42 is the surface farthest from the connection portion 446, when the box 4 is overturned from the state where the front surface 42 is placed as the grounding surface, the movement amount of the connection portion 446 or the impact on the connection portion 446 caused by the overturning is likely to become larger, so that the liquid is more likely to scatter. Therefore, in the present embodiment, since the front surface 42 is configured as a curved surface, the user is easily induced to place the box 4 without using the front surface 42 as the grounding surface. Therefore, compared with the method in which the front surface 42 is not configured as a curved surface, the situation in which the liquid is scattered due to the overturning of the box 4 can be more effectively suppressed. In addition, for example, on the basis of configuring the front surface 42 as a curved surface, or, instead, forming a protrusion protruding outward on the front surface 42, the situation in which the liquid is scattered due to the overturning of the box 4 can also be more effectively suppressed in the same manner as described above.

[0075] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a ridge 435 is formed as a first top end 438 on the first top surface 431 of the top surface 43 that is configured as a convex surface. If such a method is adopted, the posture of the box 4 becomes more unstable when the box 4 is placed with the top surface 43 as a grounding surface, compared with a method in which the ridge 435 as the first top end 438 is not formed on the top surface 43, so the user is more likely to be induced to place the box 4 without using the top surface 43 as a grounding surface. Therefore, the scattering of liquid caused by the overturning of the box 4 can be more reliably suppressed. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, such a first top end 438 can be simply formed as the ridge 435.

[0076] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a bottom surface protrusion 449 is formed on the bottom surface 44. Therefore, when the box 4 is placed on a table or a stand using the bottom surface 44 as a grounding surface, the connection portion 446 can be prevented from contacting the upper surface of the table or the stand, and the liquid attached to the connection portion 446 can be prevented from attaching to the upper surface of the table or the stand.

[0077] In addition, in the present embodiment, since the front surface 42, the rear surface 47, and the upper surface 43 are configured as curved surfaces, it is easy to configure the box 4 as a whole into a rounded shape compared to a method in which these surfaces are not configured as curved surfaces. Therefore, the fit of the box 4 to the fingers can be further improved, and the ease of handling of the box 4 can be further improved. In addition, since it is possible to give a different impression in appearance design compared to a box with an angular shape as a whole, and the difference in appearance design between the boxes with an angular shape can be increased, for example, the recognition of the boxes can be further improved.

[0078] B. Second Implementation Method:

[0079] Fig.10 , is a schematic perspective view showing a box 4b in the second embodiment. Fig.10 The liquid storage body 401b of the box body 41b is shown. In this embodiment, the edge portion 435b as the first top end portion 438b is different from the first embodiment. When observed along the first opposing direction described later, it is arranged at a position deviated from the first central position C1 of the first upper surface 431b in the upper surface 43b. In addition, the edge portion 435b is different from the first embodiment in that it is arranged at a position deviated from the center of gravity Cg of the box 4b when observed in the first opposing direction. Regarding the parts of the structure of the box 4b in this embodiment that are not particularly described, they are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0080] The first central position C1 is a position in the center of the short side direction of the first upper surface 431b when viewed along the first opposing direction in which the first upper surface 431b and the bottom surface 44 are opposed to each other in the first upper surface 431b as a convex surface. Specifically, the first central position C1 is a position in the center of the first upper surface 431b in the X direction. In the present embodiment, the ridge portion 435b as the first top end portion 438b is arranged at a position deviated from the first central position C1 in the +X direction in the X direction which is the short side direction of the first upper surface 431b when viewed along the Z direction which is the first opposing direction.

[0081] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the ridge portion 435b as the first top end portion 438b is arranged at a position deviated from the center of gravity Cg in the +X direction in the X direction which is the short side direction of the first upper surface 431b when viewed along the Z direction which is the first opposing direction. That is, in the present embodiment, the ridge portion 435b is arranged at a position closer to the +X direction side than the YZ plane passing through the center of gravity Cg. In addition, the center of gravity Cg in the present embodiment is located closer to the +X direction side than the first central position C1.

[0082] In addition, in the present embodiment, a front surface ridge portion 421 as a ridge portion is formed on the front surface 42b in a manner substantially similar to the first upper surface 431b. The front surface ridge portion 421 is a ridge-shaped portion extending along the long side direction of the front surface 42b as a convex surface, that is, in the Z direction. The front surface ridge portion 421 is equivalent to the first top end portion with respect to the front surface 42b. The front surface ridge portion 421 is arranged at a position deviated from the second central position C2 in the X direction which is the short side direction of the front surface 42b. The second central position C2 is a position at the center of the X direction which is the short side direction of the front surface 42b when viewed along the second opposing direction in which the front surface 42b and the rear surface 47 are opposed. Specifically, the front surface ridge portion 421 is arranged at a position deviated from the second central position C2 in the +X direction. In addition, the front surface ridge 421 is substantially similar to the ridge 435b, and is arranged at a position deviated from the center of gravity Cg in the +X direction in the X direction which is the short side direction of the front surface 42b when viewed along the Y direction which is the second opposing direction.

[0083] According to the box 4b in the second embodiment described above, the ridge 435b as the first top end portion 438b is arranged at a position deviated from the first central position C1 in the X direction as the short side direction of the first upper surface 431b when observed along the Z direction as the first opposite direction. If such a method is adopted, when the box 4b is placed with the upper surface 43b as the ground contact surface, the box 4b is easily tilted relative to the YZ plane, thereby making the posture of the box 4b more unstable. As a result, the user is more likely to be induced to place the box 4b without using the upper surface 43b as the ground contact surface. Therefore, the scattering of liquid caused by the tipping over of the box 4b can be more reliably suppressed.

[0084] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the ridge 435b as the first top end 438b is arranged at a position deviated from the center of gravity Cg in the X direction as the short side direction of the first upper surface 431b when viewed along the Z direction as the first opposing direction. If such a method is adopted, since the posture of the box 4b becomes more unstable when the box 4b is placed with the upper surface 43b as the grounding surface, the user is more likely to be induced to place the box 4b without using the upper surface 43b as the grounding surface. Therefore, the scattering of the liquid caused by the overturning of the box 4b can be more reliably suppressed.

[0085] C. Third Implementation Method:

[0086] Fig.11 FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the upper surface 43c of the box 4c in the third embodiment. Fig.11In the figure, only the first upper surface 431c of the upper surface 43c of the liquid storage body 401c of the box body 41c is shown, and the second upper surface 432 is omitted. In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the protrusion 436 formed on the first upper surface 431c functions as the first top end 438c. The parts of the structure of the box 4c in this embodiment that are not particularly described are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0087] The protrusion 436 in this embodiment is configured as a protrusion that further protrudes outward from the ridge 435 formed on the first upper surface 431c. That is, in this embodiment, it can also be said that the first top end 438c is configured as a protrusion that protrudes outward. Specifically, the protrusion 436 is configured as a hemispherical protrusion that protrudes from the ridge 435 toward the +Z direction. In addition, the shape of the protrusion 436 is not limited to a hemispherical shape, for example, it can also be any shape such as a cone shape, a pyramid shape, a plate shape, or an axis shape.

[0088] Even according to the box 4c in the third embodiment described above, since the user is easily induced to place the box 4 without using the curved surface, i.e., the upper surface 43c, etc. as the ground contact surface, it is also possible to suppress the scattering of the liquid attached to the connecting portion 446 or the liquid supply portion 442, etc., due to the overturning of the box 4. In addition, in the present embodiment, when the box 4c is placed with the upper surface 43c as the ground contact surface, the contact area between the box 4c and the upper surface of the table or the upper surface of the table, etc., is easily reduced by the protrusion 436 as the first top end 438c formed on the upper surface 43c, thereby making the posture of the box 4c more unstable. As a result, the user is more easily induced to place the box 4c without using the upper surface 43c as the ground contact surface. Therefore, the scattering of the liquid caused by the overturning of the box 4c can be more reliably suppressed.

[0089] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the first top end portion 438c as the protrusion 436 is configured as a protrusion that further protrudes outward from the ridge 435. Therefore, for example, compared with a method in which the protrusion 436 is not provided, when the box 4c is placed with the upper surface 43c as a grounding surface, the contact area between the box 4c and the upper surface of a table or a stand is likely to become smaller, thereby making the posture of the box 4c more unstable.

[0090] D. Fourth Implementation Method:

[0091] Fig.12 , is a top view of the box 4d in the fourth embodiment. That is, Fig.12The box 4d is shown as viewed from the upper surface 43d side of the liquid storage body 401d of the box body 41d. In this embodiment, unlike the third embodiment, a second top end portion 439 is further formed on the first upper surface 431d of the upper surface 43d. The parts of the structure of the box 4d in this embodiment that are not particularly described are the same as those in the third embodiment.

[0092] The second top end portion 439 is configured as a protrusion different from the first top end portion 438c. The second top end portion 439 is formed on the convex surface on which the first top end portion 438c is formed, and protrudes outward to constitute the outer end of the box 4d. Specifically, the second top end portion 439 is formed on the first upper surface 431d. In addition, the second top end portion 439 protrudes toward the +Z direction, and constitutes the end of the box 4d on the +Z direction side at a different place from the first top end portion 438c. The second top end portion 439 in this embodiment is configured as a hemispherical protrusion protruding from the edge portion 435 in the +Z direction in substantially the same manner as the first top end portion 438c. The second top end portion 439 is arranged at a position on the -Y direction side of the first top end portion 438c.

[0093] Fig.13 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the first distal end portion 438 c and the second distal end portion 439 in this embodiment. Fig.13 Shown in an enlarged manner Fig.12 The portion including the first top end portion 438c and the second top end portion 439. Fig.13 As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, the first top end portion 438c and the second top end portion 439 are arranged at mutually staggered positions in the short side direction of the first upper surface 431d as a convex surface, that is, in the X direction. Specifically, the second top end portion 439 is arranged on the +X direction side of the first top end portion 438c. That is, the second position P2 indicating the position of the second top end portion 439 in the X direction is located on the +X direction side of the first position P1 indicating the position of the first top end portion 438c in the X direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, the first position P1 overlaps with the first central position C1 and the center of gravity Cg when viewed along the Z direction.

[0094] According to the cartridge 4d in the fourth embodiment described above, the first top surface 431d as a convex surface has the first top portion 438c and the second top portion 439 formed as protrusions, respectively. Therefore, even if any one of the protrusions of the first top portion 438c and the second top portion 439 deteriorates, the other protrusion can be used to induce the user to place the cartridge 4d without using the top surface 43d as a grounding surface.

[0095] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first top end 438c and the second top end 439 are arranged at mutually staggered positions in the X direction which is the short side direction of the first upper surface 431d. If such a mode is adopted, the posture of the box 4d can be made more unstable when the box 4d is placed with the first upper surface 431d as the grounding surface. Therefore, the scattering of the liquid caused by the overturning of the box 4d can be more reliably suppressed.

[0096] In other embodiments, the first position P1 may not overlap with the first central position C1 and the center of gravity Cg when viewed along the Z direction. That is, the first top end 438c configured as the protrusion 436 may be arranged substantially similarly to the first top end 438b configured as the ridge 435 at a position deviated from the first central position C1 or the center of gravity Cg in the short side direction of the first upper surface 431c, i.e., the X direction, when viewed along the Z direction, which is the first opposing direction.

[0097] E. Fifth Implementation Method:

[0098] Fig.14 , is a schematic perspective view showing a cartridge 4e in the fifth embodiment. Fig.14 The liquid storage body 401e of the box body 41e is shown. In this embodiment, unlike the first to fourth embodiments, the first top end portion 438 is not formed on the first upper surface 431e in the upper surface 43e. That is, the ridges 435, 435b or the protrusions 436 are not formed on the first upper surface 431e. The parts of the structure of the box 4e in this embodiment that are not specifically described are the same as those in the first embodiment. Since even according to the box 4e in the fifth embodiment constructed in this way, it is easy for the user to be induced to place the box 4e on a surface that does not use the curved surface shape, i.e., the upper surface 43e, etc. as a grounding surface, it is possible to suppress the scattering of the liquid attached to the connecting portion 446 or the liquid supply portion 442, etc. due to the overturning of the box 4e.

[0099] F. Sixth Implementation Method:

[0100] Fig.15 , is a schematic perspective view showing a cartridge 4f in the sixth embodiment. Fig.15 The liquid storage body 401f of the box body 41f is shown. In this embodiment, unlike the first to fifth embodiments, the front surface 42f, the rear surface 47f, and the first upper surface 431f of the upper surface 43f are not configured as convex surfaces, but are configured as curved surfaces that are recessed toward the inside, that is, concave surfaces. The parts of the structure of the box 4f in this embodiment that are not particularly described are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0101] The rear surface 47f is configured as an arc-shaped concave surface that is concave toward the -Y direction. The first upper surface 431f is configured as an arc-shaped concave surface that is concave toward the -Z direction. In addition, the front surface 42f is configured as an arc-shaped concave surface that is concave toward the +Y direction in a substantially similar manner to the rear surface 47f or the first upper surface 431f.

[0102] In the present embodiment, a protrusion protruding toward the outside of the rear surface 47f, namely, a rear surface protrusion 482, is formed on the rear surface 47f. The rear surface protrusion 482 in the present embodiment is configured as a protrusion protruding toward the +Y direction. In addition, the rear surface protrusion 482 is formed at the ends of the +X direction and the -Z direction in the rear surface 47f. A protrusion protruding toward the outside of the first upper surface 431f, namely, an upper surface protrusion 481, is formed on the first upper surface 431f. The upper surface protrusion 481 in the present embodiment is configured as a protrusion protruding toward the +Z direction. In addition, the upper surface protrusion 481 is formed at the ends of the +X direction and the +Y direction in the first upper surface 431f. A protrusion protruding toward the outside of the front surface 42f, namely, a front surface protrusion 483, is formed on the front surface 42f. The front surface protrusion 483 in the present embodiment is configured as a protrusion protruding toward the -Y direction. Furthermore, the front surface protrusions 483 are formed at the ends of the front surface 42 f in the +X direction and the −Z direction.

[0103] Since even according to the box 4f in the sixth embodiment described above, it is easy for the user to be induced to place the box 4f without using the curved surface, namely the front surface 42f, the rear surface 47f or the upper surface 43f, as the ground contact surface, it is possible to prevent the liquid attached to the connecting part 446 or the liquid supply part 442 from scattering due to the overturning of the box 4f.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the posture of the cartridge 4f becomes more unstable when the cartridge 4f is placed with the upper surface 43f, the rear surface 47f, or the front surface 42f as the grounding surface due to the upper surface protrusion 481, the rear surface protrusion 482, or the front surface protrusion 483, so that the user is more likely to be induced to place the cartridge 4f without using these surfaces as the grounding surface. Therefore, the scattering of the liquid caused by the tipping over of the cartridge 4f can be more reliably suppressed.

[0105] In addition, in the present embodiment, the upper surface protrusion 481, the rear surface protrusion 482, or the front surface protrusion 483 is formed at the end of the upper surface 43f, the rear surface 47f, or the front surface 42f as a concave surface. If such a mode is adopted, for example, compared with the case where each protrusion is formed at the center of each surface, when the box 4f is placed with the upper surface 43f, the rear surface 47f, or the front surface 42f as a grounding surface, the posture of the box 4f can be made more unstable.

[0106] In other embodiments, the protrusions may not be formed on each of the concave surfaces. Even in this manner, the user may be easily induced to place the cartridge 4f without using the curved surfaces, i.e., the front surface 42f, the rear surface 47f, or the upper surface 43c, as the ground contact surface, thereby preventing the liquid attached to the connection portion 446 or the liquid supply portion 442 from scattering due to the overturning of the cartridge 4f.

[0107] G. Seventh Implementation Method:

[0108] Fig.16 2 is a first schematic perspective view showing a cartridge 4g according to the seventh embodiment. Fig.17 , which is a second schematic perspective view of the box 4g. In detail, Fig.16 as well as Fig.17 The liquid storage body 401g of the box body 41g is shown separately. In this embodiment, unlike the first to sixth embodiments, the front surface 42g, the rear surface 47g, and the first upper surface 431g of the upper surface 43g are not configured as curved surfaces. The parts of the structure of the box 4g in this embodiment that are not particularly described are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0109] In the present embodiment, the front surface 42g, the rear surface 47g, and the first upper surface 431g are respectively formed by inclined surfaces that protrude straight outward at a substantially fixed inclination angle. The front surface 42g, the rear surface 47g, and the first upper surface 431g are respectively formed into a triangular shape that protrudes outward when observed along the long side direction of each surface. The upper surface protrusion 481b in the present embodiment is formed by an angular ridge that protrudes from the first upper surface 431g toward the +Z direction. The rear surface protrusion 482b is formed by an angular ridge that protrudes from the rear surface 47g toward the +Y direction. The front surface protrusion 483b is formed by an angular ridge that protrudes from the front surface 42g toward the -Y direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, the ridges that constitute the upper surface protrusion 481b, the rear surface protrusion 482b, and the front surface protrusion 483b are respectively formed as acute-angled ridges. In other embodiments, each edge portion may be configured as a right-angled edge portion or an obtuse-angled edge portion.

[0110] Since the user can be easily induced to place the box 4g without using the front surface 42g, the rear surface 47g or the upper surface 43g on which the various protrusions are formed as a grounding surface according to the box 4g in the seventh embodiment described above, it is possible to prevent the liquid attached to the connecting portion 446 or the liquid supply portion 442 from scattering due to the overturning of the box 4g.

[0111] H. Eighth Implementation Method:

[0112] Fig.18 2 is a first schematic perspective view showing a cartridge 4h in the eighth embodiment. Fig.19 , represents a second schematic stereoscopic view of the box 4h. In detail, Fig.18 as well as Fig.19The liquid storage body 401h of the box body 41h is shown separately. In this embodiment, unlike the seventh embodiment, the upper surface protrusion 481c formed on the first upper surface 431h in the upper surface 43h, the rear surface protrusion 482c formed on the rear surface 47h, and the front surface protrusion 483c formed on the front surface 42h are respectively configured as arc-shaped edges, rather than being configured as angular edges. The part that is not particularly described in the structure of the box 4h in this embodiment is the same as the seventh embodiment. Since even according to the box 4h in the eighth embodiment configured in this way, the user is easily induced to place the box 4h without using the front surface 42h, the rear surface 47h or the upper surface 43h formed with the protrusion as the grounding surface, it is possible to suppress the situation in which the liquid attached to the connecting portion 446 or the liquid supply portion 442, etc., is scattered due to the overturning of the box 4h. In addition, in this embodiment, since the upper surface protrusion 481c, the rear surface protrusion 482c or the front surface protrusion 483c is configured as an arc-shaped edge, the outer end of the box 4h can be set to a rounded shape, thereby further improving the ease of handling of the box 4h.

[0113] I. Other implementations:

[0114] (I-1) In the above-mentioned embodiment, at least one of the following situations may be realized, that is, at least one of the front surface 42, the rear surface 47, the bottom surface 44, and the upper surface 43 is configured as a surface with a curved surface shape, and at least one of the front surface 42, the rear surface 47, the bottom surface 44, and the upper surface 43 is formed with a protrusion. Therefore, for example, any one, two, or three of the front surface 42, the rear surface 47, the upper surface 43, and the bottom surface 44 may be configured as a surface with a curved surface shape, or all of the surfaces may be configured as surfaces with a curved surface shape. In addition, on the basis of configuring these surfaces as surfaces with a curved surface shape, or instead, a protrusion may be formed on any one, two, or three of these surfaces, or all of the surfaces may be formed with a protrusion. In this case, for example, the protrusion may be configured as a protrusion like the bottom surface protrusion 449 described in the first embodiment, or may be configured as an ridge as described in the sixth embodiment or the seventh embodiment. Furthermore, the shape of the protrusion as the protrusion may be any shape, such as a hemispherical shape, a conical shape, a pyramidal shape, a plate shape, or an axis shape.

[0115] (I-2) In the fourth embodiment, at least one of the shape and the height of the protrusion of the first top portion 438c as a protrusion may be different from the second top portion 439. For example, the height of the first top portion 438c protruding from the edge portion 435 to the +Z direction may be higher than the height of the second top portion 439 protruding from the edge portion 435 to the +Z direction, may be lower than the height of the second top portion 439 protruding from the edge portion 435 to the +Z direction, or may be the same. In addition, for example, the first top portion 438c may be configured as a hemispherical shape, while the second top portion 439 may be configured as a pyramid shape. In this way, by setting at least one of the shape and the height of the protrusion of the first top portion 438c to be different from the second top portion 439, the posture of the box 4d in the case where the upper surface 43d is used as the grounding surface to place the box 4d can be made more unstable. Therefore, the scattering of liquid caused by the tipping over of the box 4d can be more reliably suppressed.

[0116] (I-3) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the first top end portion is not limited to the upper surface 43 or the front surface 42, and may be formed on the rear surface 47 or the bottom surface 44. In addition, the second top end portion is not limited to the upper surface 43, and may be formed on the front surface 42, the rear surface 47, or the bottom surface 44. In addition, on the upper surface 43, the front surface 42, the rear surface 47, or the bottom surface 44, for example, not limited to one or two, three or more top ends may be formed. Specifically, on the upper surface 43, the front surface 42, the rear surface 47, or the bottom surface 44, for example, three or more protrusions may be formed as top ends, respectively.

[0117] J.Other methods:

[0118] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its main purpose. For example, the present disclosure can be implemented in the following ways. In order to solve part or all of the problems of the present disclosure, or to achieve part or all of the effects of the present disclosure, the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various methods described below can be appropriately replaced or combined. In addition, as long as the technical feature is not described as a necessary feature in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0119] (1) According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge mounted on a cartridge mounting portion of a printing device having a liquid introduction portion for receiving liquid. The cartridge includes: a liquid storage portion that stores liquid; a front surface that is located on the insertion direction side into the cartridge mounting portion; a bottom surface that intersects the front surface and is provided with a connection portion connected to the liquid introduction portion; an upper surface that faces the bottom surface; and a rear surface that faces the front surface. At least one of the front surface, the rear surface, the bottom surface, and the upper surface is configured as a curved surface.

[0120] According to this method, when the cartridge removed from the printing device is placed on a table or a stand with the curved surface as a grounding surface, the posture of the cartridge becomes unstable, so the user is easily induced to place the cartridge without using the curved surface as a grounding surface. Therefore, the possibility of the cartridge being stably placed can be increased, and the scattering of liquid caused by the overturning of the cartridge can be suppressed.

[0121] (2) In the above-mentioned method, the following method may be adopted, that is, at least any one of the front surface, the rear surface, the bottom surface, and the upper surface is configured as a convex surface that is a curved surface convex toward the outside, and further includes a first top end portion, which is formed on the convex surface and protrudes toward the outside and constitutes the outer end of the box. According to this method, since the posture of the box becomes more unstable when the convex surface is used as the grounding surface to place the box, the user is more likely to be induced to place the box without using the convex surface as the grounding surface. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress the scattering of liquid caused by the overturning of the box.

[0122] (3) In the above-mentioned method, the first top end portion may be arranged at a position deviated from the center of the convex surface in the short-side direction of the convex surface when viewed along the opposing direction of the convex surface and the surface on the opposite side of the convex surface. According to this method, since the posture of the box becomes more unstable when the box is placed with the convex surface as the grounding surface, the user is more likely to be induced to place the box without using the convex surface as the grounding surface. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress the scattering of liquid caused by the overturning of the box.

[0123] (4) In the above-mentioned manner, the first top end portion may be arranged at a position deviated from the center of gravity of the box in the short side direction when viewed along the opposing direction. According to this manner, since the posture of the box becomes more unstable when the box is placed with the convex surface as the grounding surface, the user is more likely to be induced to place the box without using the convex surface as the grounding surface. Therefore, the scattering of liquid caused by the overturning of the box can be more reliably suppressed.

[0124] (5) In the above aspect, the first tip portion may be configured as a ridge extending along the longitudinal direction of the convex surface when viewed along an opposing direction in which the convex surface and a surface opposite to the convex surface face each other.

[0125] (6) In the above-mentioned aspect, the first tip portion may be configured as a protrusion protruding outward, and the second tip portion may be further provided. The second tip portion is formed on the convex surface, protrudes outward, and configures the outer end of the box. The second tip portion may be configured as a protrusion protruding outward. According to this aspect, for example, even if one of the protrusions of the first tip portion and the second tip portion deteriorates, the other protrusion may be used to induce the user to place the box without using the convex surface as a grounding surface.

[0126] (7) In the above-mentioned method, the first tip portion and the second tip portion may be arranged at mutually staggered positions in the short-side direction of the convex surface. According to this method, by arranging the first tip portion and the second tip portion at mutually staggered positions in the short-side direction of the concave surface, the posture of the box can be made more unstable when the box is placed with the convex surface as the grounding surface. Therefore, the scattering of liquid caused by the overturning of the box can be more reliably suppressed.

[0127] (8) In the above-mentioned method, the following method may be adopted, that is, at least one of the shape and the protruding height of the first top end portion is different from that of the second top end portion. According to this method, by setting at least one of the shape and the height of the first top end portion to be different from that of the second top end portion, the posture of the box when the box is placed with the convex surface as the grounding surface can be made more unstable. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress the scattering of liquid caused by the overturning of the box.

[0128] (9) According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge installed on a cartridge mounting portion of a printing device having a liquid introduction portion for receiving liquid. The cartridge includes: a liquid storage portion for storing liquid; a front surface located on the insertion direction side of the cartridge installation portion; a bottom surface intersecting the front surface and provided with a connection portion connected to the liquid introduction portion; an upper surface facing the bottom surface; a rear surface facing the front surface, and a protrusion formed on at least one of the front surface, the rear surface, the bottom surface, and the upper surface and protruding outward. According to this aspect, when the cartridge removed from the printing device is placed on a table or a stand with the surface on which the protrusion is formed as a grounding surface, the posture of the cartridge becomes unstable, and thus the user is easily induced to place the cartridge without using the surface as a grounding surface. Therefore, the possibility of the cartridge being stably placed can be increased, thereby suppressing the scattering of liquid caused by the tipping over of the cartridge.

[0129] The present disclosure can be realized in forms such as a method for manufacturing a cartridge and a printing system including a cartridge and a printing device in addition to the above-described forms.

[0130] Explanation of symbols

[0131] 1…printing system; 2…printing paper; 4, 4C, 4K, 4M, 4Y, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h…box; 4A…first type of box; 4B…second type of box; 6…box mounting portion; 8…cover member; 10…printing device; 11…front cover; 13…replacement cover; 15…operation button; 20…slide; 22…ejection head; 24…tube; 30…driving mechanism; 31…control unit; 32…synchronous toothed belt; 34…driving motor; 41, 41b, 41c, 41d, 41e, 41f, 41g, 41h…box body; 42, 42b, 42f, 42g, 42h…front surface; 43, 43b, 43c, 43d, 43e, 43f, 43g, 43h…upper surface; 44…bottom surface; 45…first side surface; 46…second side surface; 47, 47f, 47g, 47h…rear surface; 50…circuit substrate; 61…storage chamber; 61c, 61k…slot; 62…second device wall; 63…device upper 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; 401, 401b, 401c, 401d, 401e, 401f, 401g, 401h…liquid Storage body; 402… adapter; 411… adapter bottom surface; 421… front surface ridge; 431, 431b, 431c, 431d, 431e, 431f, 431g, 431h… first upper surface; 432… second upper surface; 433… inclined surface; 434… connection surface; 435, 435b… ridge; 436… protrusion; 438, 438b, 438c… first top end; 439… second top end; 442… liquid supply part; 442a… supply part top end; 446… connection part; 448… supply part positioning part; 449… bottom surface protrusion; 450… liquid storage part; 461… opposite surface; 481, 481b, 481c…upper surface protrusion; 482, 482b, 482c…rear surface protrusion; 483, 483b, 483c…front surface protrusion; 497…box locking portion; 602…device guide portion; 602a…first device guide portion; 602b…second device guide portion; 610…support component; 611…first supporting side wall; 612…second supporting side wall; 613…main wall; 614…device opening; 642…liquid introduction portion; 642b…top end portion; 644…device side supply portion positioning portion; 674…plug-in opening; 677…locking forming body; 698…rotation fulcrum.

Claims

1. A cartridge mounted on a cartridge mounting portion of a printing device having a liquid introduction portion for receiving liquid, comprising: a liquid storage portion for storing liquid; a front surface located on an insertion direction side into the cartridge mounting portion; a bottom surface intersecting the front surface and provided with a connection portion connected to the liquid introduction portion; an upper surface, which is opposite to the bottom surface; a rear surface, which is opposite to the front surface, At least any one of the front surface, the rear surface, the bottom surface, and the upper surface is configured as a curved surface.

2. The box according to claim 1, wherein At least one of the front surface, the rear surface, the bottom surface, and the top surface is configured as a convex surface that is a curved surface convex toward the outside. A first tip portion is further provided, the first tip portion being formed on the convex surface, protruding outward, and constituting an outer end of the box.

3. The box according to claim 2, wherein The first tip portion is arranged at a position deviated from the center of the convex surface in the short-side direction of the convex surface when viewed along an opposing direction in which the convex surface and a surface opposite to the convex surface face each other.

4. The box according to claim 3, wherein The first leading end portion is arranged at a position offset from the center of gravity of the cartridge in the short-side direction when viewed along the opposing direction.

5. The cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein The first distal end portion is configured as a ridge portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the convex surface when viewed along an opposing direction in which the convex surface and a surface on the opposite side of the convex surface face each other.

6. The cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The first top end portion is configured as a protrusion protruding outward. The cartridge further comprises a second top end portion, the second top end portion being formed on the convex surface, protruding outward and constituting an outer end of the cartridge, The second distal end portion is configured as a protrusion that protrudes outward.

7. The box according to claim 6, wherein The first distal end portion and the second distal end portion are arranged at positions offset from each other in the short-side direction of the convex surface.

8. The box according to claim 6, wherein At least one of a shape and a protruding height of the first distal end portion is different from that of the second distal end portion.

9. A cartridge mounted on a cartridge mounting portion of a printing device having a liquid introduction portion for receiving liquid, comprising: a liquid storage portion for storing liquid; a front surface located on an insertion direction side into the cartridge mounting portion; a bottom surface intersecting the front surface and provided with a connection portion connected to the liquid introduction portion; an upper surface, which is opposite to the bottom surface; a rear surface, which is opposite to the front surface; A protrusion is formed on at least any one of the front surface, the rear surface, the bottom surface, and the upper surface, and protrudes toward the outside.

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