Ink container

Abstract

An ink container is configured to be insertable into an attachment space of an attachment unit in a first direction. The ink container includes: a main body including a chamber configured to store ink; and a supply port configured to receive a supply tube provided in the attachment space and to extract ink from the chamber, the supply port facing the first direction. The main body further includes: a first key portion; and a second key portion located on an outer surface different from a surface on which the first key portion is located, the first key portion being configured to be received by the first receiving portion of the attachment unit when the ink container is inserted into the attachment unit in the first direction, the second key portion is configured to be received by a second receiving portion of the attachment unit when the ink container moves in a second direction different from the first direction in the attachment unit.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an ink container that stores ink. BACKGROUND

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a single-color ink cartridge that seals a single-color ink, and a color ink cartridge that seals a plurality of colors of inks of magenta, cyan, yellow, and black. In Patent Document 1, an operator can visually check which of the single-color ink cartridge and the color ink cartridge is attached to the ink cartridge through a light-transmissive window. This configuration prevents the operator from operating the device in a state where the cartridge is installed to a wrong position.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT DOCUMENT

[0005] Patent Document 1: JPH10-86408A

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, the attachment position of the cartridge can be determined in advance in correspondence with the color of the ink stored in the ink cartridge. However, the ink cartridge can store not only inks of different colors, but also inks of different compositions, such as dyes or pigments as coloring materials. In addition, there are several business models of the cartridge. For example, no price is set for each ink cartridge, but a fee is set for a contract as a right to use the device for a certain period of time. In this contract model, the price of the ink cartridge includes the contract fee.

[0008] It is desirable to be able to determine what kind of characteristics the cartridge to be inserted into the device has. SUMMARY

[0009] The present application provides an ink container, whether the ink container includes a plurality of characteristics for attachment to an attachment portion can be determined.

[0010] TECHNICAL SOLUTION FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0011] Some embodiments of the aspects of the present application can solve the above-described disadvantages of the prior art, and are clear from the ink container described in Technical Solution 1 or the ink container described in Technical Solution 12. More detailed advantageous embodiments can be clear from the additional technical solutions.

[0012] According to one of these aspects, there is provided an ink container configured to be insertable into an attachment space of an attachment unit in a first direction. The ink container includes a main body including a chamber configured to store ink, and a supply port configured to receive a supply tube provided in the attachment space and to draw ink from the chamber, the supply port facing the first direction. The main body further includes a first key portion, and a second key portion located on a different outer surface from a surface on which the first key portion is located.

[0013] The first key portion is configured to be received by a first receiving portion of the attachment unit when the ink container is inserted into the attachment unit in the first direction. The second key portion is configured to be received by a second receiving portion of the attachment unit when the ink container is moved in the attachment unit in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0014] Accordingly, the matching or the coincidence between the first key portion and the first receiving portion can be achieved in accordance with a characteristic of the ink container associated with the first key portion. For example, the characteristic can correspond to a characteristic of the ink stored in the chamber of the ink container, such as a color or a composition of the ink.

[0015] Similarly, the matching or the coincidence between the second key portion and the second receiving portion can be achieved in accordance with the same or other characteristics of the ink container as described above. Accordingly, in order to be installed to the attachment unit, a plurality of key portions associated with a plurality of characteristics of the ink container can be utilized to identify that the ink container is properly attached to the appropriate attachment space.

[0016] In addition, since the matching or the coincidence between the first key portion and the first receiving portion is made and completed when the ink container is moved in the first direction, and on the other hand, the matching or the coincidence between the second key portion and the second receiving portion is made and completed when the ink container is moved in the second direction, it is possible to determine which characteristics are not satisfied in accordance with whether the respective key portions and the receiving portions do not match or match when the ink container is moved in the first direction or the second direction.

[0017] In addition, since the first key portion and the second key portion are located on different outer surfaces of the main body, even if the ink container falls on the floor or the like, the risk of both the first key portion and the second key portion being damaged is reduced.

[0018] Further, since the first key portion and the second key portion are located on different outer surfaces of the main body, the load applied when each of the first key portion and the second key portion matches or coincides with the first receiving portion or the second receiving portion is not concentrated on the same position of the ink container. This can reduce the risk of deformation or breakage of the first key portion and / or the second key portion.

[0019] According to a further embodiment of the ink container described above, the outer surface can be an upper surface of an upper wall of the ink container. Since the second key portion is located on the upper surface of the upper wall of the ink container, the risk of damage to the second key portion is reduced compared to cases in which the second key portion is located on a lower surface or the like.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the ink container described above, in a use posture in which the ink container is inserted into the attachment unit, the first key portion and the second key portion are located above the supply port. Due to this configuration, ink is less likely to adhere to the first key portion and the second key portion in consideration of gravity.

[0021] According to a further embodiment of the ink container described above, movement of the ink container in the second direction is rotation about an axis perpendicular to the first direction. Due to this configuration, movement of the ink container in the first direction and movement in the second direction can be easily distinguished.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the ink container described above, in a state in which the first key portion has been received by the first receiving portion, the ink container is movable in the second direction.

[0023] Accordingly, insertion of the ink container into the attachment unit, in which the first key portion and the first receiving portion do not match or are not consistent with each other, is prevented. Furthermore, since movement in the second direction occurs after the first key portion is received by the first receiving portion, the corresponding second key portion can additionally function as a locking function that acts on the final stage of movement and locks the ink container in the attachment space.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the ink container described above, the main body further includes: a first member including the chamber and the supply port; and a second member located in front of the first member, the first key portion being located in the second member, the second key portion being located in the first member. In this configuration, the first key portion can advantageously be located in the second member, and the second key portion can advantageously be located in the first member. That is, even if the first key portion is damaged, for example, when the first member is installed in a wrong attachment space by force, the first member can be reused by replacing only the second member having the damaged first key portion.

[0025] According to a further refinement of the ink container described above, the first member and the second member are provided as: (a) different members that are mechanically connected to each other; or (b) a member that is integrally molded to form one body.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of the ink container described above, an inner surface of a wall of the second key portion defines a space in the first member, the space being continuous with the chamber.

[0027] Due to this structure, the space within the second key section increases the volume of the chamber, which is used to store ink.

[0028] According to another embodiment of the ink container described above, the attachment unit includes a plurality of attachment spaces, and the ink container is inserted into a corresponding attachment space among the plurality of attachment spaces; the first key portion is received by a first receiving portion located in the corresponding attachment space among the plurality of attachment spaces. When the first key portion and the first receiving portion match each other, it can be determined that the ink container is inserted into the attachment space to be installed.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the ink container described above, the main body further includes a display unit that enables visual identification of which of the plurality of attachment spaces the ink container is inserted into. Therefore, even if the first key is damaged, the attachment space to be inserted can be identified through the display unit.

[0030] According to another embodiment of the ink container described above, the second key portion has a surface facing a direction opposite to the first direction, said surface being for contacting the second receiving portion. Due to this surface, movement of the ink container in the opposite direction is suppressed by the engagement between the second key portion and the second receiving portion. In other words, the matching / coordination and locking functions of the ink container in the attachment space can be achieved through the same second key portion.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention, an ink container is provided, comprising: a body including a chamber configured for storing ink; and a supply port configured for receiving a supply tube of an attachment unit for extracting ink from the chamber, the supply port facing a first direction. The body further comprises: a first key portion having a shape and / or position on the body respectively associated with corresponding characteristics of the ink container, the first key portion being configured to be received by a corresponding first receiving portion of the attachment unit; and a second key portion located on an upper surface of the body and having a shape and / or position on the body respectively associated with another corresponding characteristic of the ink container, the second key portion being configured to be received by a corresponding second receiving portion of the attachment unit. The first key portion is located relative to the supply port in the first direction, and the second key portion is located relative to the supply port in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0032] Thus, an ink container is realized that can use different keys to satisfy multiple characteristics. Therefore, the keys are positioned in different orientations relative to the supply section in the insertion direction. This advantageously allows for a two-step insertion process, for example, where the first key is first received by the receiving section in a first movement along the insertion direction (because the first key is located in front of the supply port), and the second key is received in a second position in a second movement direction inclined relative to the first movement direction (because the second key is located behind the supply port), and the second movement is, for example, a rotation centered on the supply port.

[0033] According to the present invention, it can be determined whether the ink container exhibits several characteristics required for attachment to the attachment unit. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of printer 10.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a rear perspective view of the housing 110.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the ink cartridge 30 as seen from the front and top.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the ink cartridge 30 as seen from the rear and bottom.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a right view of ink cartridge 30.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a top view of ink cartridge 30.

[0040] Figure 7 This is a bottom view of ink cartridge 30.

[0041] Figure 8 This is the front view of ink cartridge 30.

[0042] Figure 9 This is a rear view of ink cartridge 30.

[0043] Figure 10 This is a left view of ink cartridge 30.

[0044] Figure 11 The front view of four ink cartridges 30.

[0045] Figure 12 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 30 and the cartridge housing 110, showing the state in which the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge housing 110.

[0046] Figure 13AIt is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 30 and the cartridge housing 110 obtained by cutting along a vertical plane intersecting the lower surface 70 of the ink cartridge 30. Figure 13A The image shows the state in which the ink cartridge 30 is located in the cartridge housing 110 and the ink receiving component 130 is in the first position.

[0047] Figure 13B It is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 30 and the cartridge housing 110 obtained by cutting along a vertical plane intersecting the first key portion 77 of the ink cartridge 30. Figure 13B The image shows the state in which the ink cartridge 30 is located in the cartridge housing 110 and the ink receiving component 130 is in the first position.

[0048] Figure 14A It is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 30 and the cartridge housing 110 obtained by cutting along a vertical plane intersecting the lower surface 70 of the ink cartridge 30. Figure 14A The image shows the ink cartridge 30 located in the cartridge housing 110 and the ink receiving component 130 in the second position.

[0049] Figure 14B It is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 30 and the cartridge housing 110 obtained by cutting along a vertical plane intersecting the first key portion 77 of the ink cartridge 30. Figure 14B The image shows the ink cartridge 30 located in the cartridge housing 110 and the ink receiving component 130 in the second position.

[0050] Figure 15A It is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 30 and the cartridge housing 110 obtained by cutting along a vertical plane intersecting the lower surface 70 of the ink cartridge 30. Figure 15A The image shows the ink cartridge 30 located in the cartridge housing 110 with the supply tube 102 inserted into the supply port 34.

[0051] Figure 15B It is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 30 and the cartridge housing 110 obtained by cutting along a vertical plane intersecting the first key portion 77 of the ink cartridge 30. Figure 15B The image shows the ink cartridge 30 located in the cartridge housing 110 with the supply tube 102 inserted into the supply port 34.

[0052] Figure 16A It is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 30 and the cartridge housing 110 obtained by cutting along a vertical plane intersecting the lower surface 70 of the ink cartridge 30. Figure 16A The attachment state of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge housing 110 is shown.

[0053] Figure 16B It is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 30 and the cartridge housing 110 obtained by cutting along a vertical plane intersecting the first key portion 77 of the ink cartridge 30. Figure 16BThe attachment state of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge housing 110 is shown.

[0054] Figure 17 This is a partial sectional perspective view of the ink cartridge 30 and the cartridge housing 110, showing the attachment state of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge housing 110.

[0055] Figure 18 This is a right view of the modified ink cartridge 30.

[0056] Figure 19 This is a right view of ink cartridge 30 in another variation.

[0057] Figure 20 This is a rear view of ink cartridge 30, another variation.

[0058] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the ink cartridge 30 as seen from the front and top, representing other variations. Detailed Implementation

[0059] In the following description, embodiments of the invention will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate.

[0060] It should be noted that the embodiments described below are merely examples of implementing the present invention, and the embodiments can be appropriately modified without departing from the essence of the present invention.

[0061] Next, the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into and removed from the cartridge housing 110 in a horizontal direction (orthogonal to the direction of gravity). Further, where appropriate, the forward and backward directions can be collectively referred to as the front-back direction. The upward and downward directions can be collectively referred to as the up-down direction. The right and left directions can be collectively referred to as the left-right direction.

[0062] The description assumes the front-back and left-right directions are horizontal. Further, the vertical direction orthogonal to the front-back direction is defined as the up-down direction. The direction orthogonal to both the up-down and front-back directions is defined as the left-right direction. Note that the attachment state of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge housing 110 is the state where the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the attachment position within the cartridge housing 110 and is ready for use with the printer 10. This attachment position is where the supply tube 102, located in the cartridge housing 110, is inserted into and connected to the supply port 34, located in the ink cartridge 30.

[0063] In the following text, the posture of the ink cartridge 30 when it is attached and ready to be used with the printer 10 is referred to as the usage posture or upright posture.

[0064] Unless otherwise stated, when the positional relationships between the components of ink cartridge 30 are described using the terms "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "rear," and when the orientation or direction of the components of ink cartridge 30 is described using the terms "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "rear," these descriptions are based on ink cartridge 30 being in a usage posture. Furthermore, when the position, orientation, or direction of ink cartridge 30 itself is described using the terms "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "rear," this description is based on ink cartridge 30 being in a usage posture.

[0065] The ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge housing 110 in a forward direction, which may be referred to as the attachment direction. The ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge housing 110 in a rearward direction.

[0066] When describing the component of ink cartridge 30 facing a specific direction, the direction the component faces is not strictly limited to that specific direction. For example, when describing "front surface facing forward," the front surface can face forward and upward. The front surface of ink cartridge 30 is as follows: Figure 8 The surface shown in the front view. The rear surface of ink cartridge 30 is as follows. Figure 9 The surface shown in the rear view. The upper surface of the ink cartridge 30 is as shown. Figure 6 The surface shown in the top view. The lower surface of ink cartridge 30 is as follows. Figure 7 The surface shown in the bottom view. The left surface of ink cartridge 30 is as shown. Figure 10 The surface shown in the left view. The right surface of ink cartridge 30 is as shown. Figure 5 The surface shown in the right view.

[0067] [Overview of Printer 10]

[0068] like Figure 1 As shown, the printer 10 includes a cartridge housing 110, a secondary cartridge 120, an ink tube 20, a recording head 21, and an ink cartridge 30.

[0069] Printer 10 is an inkjet recording device, such as an inkjet printer, which records images by ejecting ink droplets from a recording head 21 onto a sheet based on an inkjet recording method. Printer 10 includes a cartridge housing 110. Cartridge housing 110 is an example of an attachment unit.

[0070] Ink cartridge 30 is used to be attached to cartridge housing 110. Ink cartridge 30 is an example of an ink container. The rear end of cartridge housing 110 has an opening 112. Ink cartridge 30 is configured to be inserted forward into housing 110 through opening 112 and attached to housing 110 when ink cartridge 30 reaches the attachment position. Ink cartridge 30 is configured to be pulled rearward from housing 110 through opening 112. When cover 126 is closed, opening 112 is covered by cover 126, and when cover 126 is open, opening 112 is exposed to the outside of printer 10.

[0071] Figure 1 This shows the ink cartridge 30 fully attached to the cartridge housing 110. That is, Figure 1 The ink cartridge 30 is shown in its attached state. The ink cartridge 30 is in a usage position when attached. The ink cartridge 30 stores ink that can be used in the printer 10. The ink can be a liquid containing coloring materials such as pigments, or a processing liquid that does not contain coloring materials but contains additives for improving the quality of the image formed by the coloring materials. When the ink cartridge 30 is fully attached to the cartridge housing 110, i.e., when the ink cartridge 30 is in the attached state, the ink cartridge 30 and the recording head 21 are connected to each other via the ink tube 20. The recording head 21 dispenses ink supplied from the ink cartridge 30 from a plurality of nozzles 29. Specifically, the head control plate included in the recording head 21 selectively applies a drive voltage to a plurality of piezoelectric elements 29A corresponding to the plurality of nozzles 29. As a result, ink is selectively ejected from the nozzles 29. That is, the recording head 21 consumes the ink stored in the ink cartridge 30 attached to the cartridge housing 110.

[0072] Printer 10 includes a paper supply tray 15, a paper supply roller 23, a pair of transport rollers 25, a pressure plate 26, a pair of discharge rollers 27, and a discharge tray 16. The paper supply roller 23 supplies sheet material from the paper supply tray 15 to a transport path 24. The sheet material supplied to the transport path 24 reaches the pair of transport rollers 25. The pair of transport rollers 25 transport the sheet material to the pressure plate 26. The recording head 21 selectively sprays ink onto the sheet material passing through the pressure plate 26. Thus, an image is recorded on the sheet material. The sheet material passing through the pressure plate 26 reaches the pair of discharge rollers 27. The pair of discharge rollers 27 discharge the sheet material to the discharge tray 16 located at the downstream end of the transport path 24.

[0073] [Box shell 110]

[0074] like Figure 2As shown, the cartridge housing 110 includes a housing 101 and a supply tube 102. The housing 101 is box-shaped. The housing 101 has an internal space for attaching the ink cartridge 30. The housing 101 has an end face 103, a left wall, a right wall, a lower wall, and a cover wall 171. The end face 103 defines the front end of the ink cartridge 30 in the attachment direction when it is attached to the internal space. The left wall defines the left end of the internal space, the right wall defines the right end of the internal space, and the cover wall 171 covers the pressing plate 134, which will be described later. The cover wall 171 includes an upper wall 172 facing upward and a rear wall 173 extending downward from the rear end of the upper wall 172. The rear end of the housing 101 has an opening 112. The opening 112 is exposed when the user opens the cover 126 to use the printer 10.

[0075] The internal space of housing 101 has three partitions 109. The three partitions 109 are spaced apart in the left-right direction. Slot 108 is an example of an attachment space. The internal space of housing 101 has four slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D arranged in the left-right direction. Slot 108A is located on the far right of the four slots 108A-108D. Slot 108B is located on the left side of slot 108A. Slot 108C is located on the left side of slot 108B. Slot 108D is located on the left side of slot 108C and is located on the far left of the four slots 108A-108D.

[0076] The internal space of the housing 101 is divided into slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D by three partitions 109 and the inner surface of the housing 101. The partitions 109 extend upwards from the upper surface of the upper wall 172 of the covering wall 171. The three partitions 109 are equally spaced in the left-right direction. The partitions 109 have a flat plate shape extending in both the vertical and front-back directions. The partitions 109 extend from the front end to the rear end of the upper wall 172.

[0077] The housing 101 has a guide surface 161. The guide surface 161 is disposed within the internal space of each slot 108A, 108B, 108C, 108D. The guide surface 161 faces upward. The guide surface 161 is generally a semi-circular surface. When the ink cartridge 30 is attached to or removed from the housing 101, the guide surface 161 guides the ink cartridge 30 in the front-rear direction. In the attached state of the ink cartridge 30 attached to the housing 101, the guide surface 161 supports the lower end of the ink cartridge 30.

[0078] like Figure 13A and Figure 13B As shown, there is a space 162 below the supply pipe 102.

[0079] like Figure 2As shown, the cover wall 171 is located below the end face 103 of the housing 101. The upper wall 172 has a flat plate shape extending in the front-back and left-right directions. The upper wall 172 extends from the left wall to the right wall of the housing 101. The rear wall 173 has a flat plate shape extending in the up-down and left-right directions. The rear wall 173 extends from the left wall to the right wall of the housing 101. In the rear wall 173, through holes 144 are equally spaced in the left-right directions in the respective slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D. The guide surface 161 is located below the through holes 144. The supply pipe 102 passes through the through holes 144 and protrudes rearward from the rear wall 173.

[0080] In each slot 108A, 108B, 108C, 108D, the upper wall 172 has slots 113 and 114. Slots 113 and 114 in each slot 108A, 108B, 108C, 108D have a common shape. Slot 113 is located at the left end of each slot 108A, 108B, 108C, 108D, and slot 114 is located at the right end of each slot 108A, 108B, 108C, 108D. Both slots 113 and 114 are recessed downward from the upper wall 172 and extend in the front-rear direction with an opening in the rear wall 173. The ink cartridge 30 includes a pair of walls (described later), each wall 71 inserted into a corresponding slot 113 or slot 114. In each slot 108A, 108B, 108C, 108D, two protruding pieces 117 are provided in the left-right direction between slots 113 and 114. The two protruding pieces 117 protrude upward from the upper wall 172 of the cover wall 171 and are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction.

[0081] The upper wall 172 of the cover wall 171 has a through hole 140A, and the space between the through hole 140A and the two protruding pieces 117 is continuous. The rear wall 173 of the cover wall 171 has a through hole 140B. The lower end of the through hole 140A and the upper end of the through hole 140B are continuous with each other.

[0082] A first keyway 115 is located between two protrusions 117 in each of the slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D. The first keyway 115 is an example of a first receiving portion. Specifically, slot 108A has a first keyway 115A, slot 108B has a first keyway 115B, slot 108C has a first keyway 115C, and slot 108D has a first keyway 115D. The first keyway 115 opens upwards and backwards.

[0083] The first key portion 77 of the ink cartridge 30 (described below) can be inserted into the first key slot 115. The first key slots 115A, 115B, 115C, and 115D are positioned differently in the left-right direction relative to slots 113 and 114. Specifically, the center of the first key slot 115A is closer to slot 113 in the left-right direction than the center of the slot 108A between slots 113 and 114. In the left-right direction, the distance from the first key slot 115A to slot 114 in slot 108A is greater than the distance from the first key slot 115B to slot 114 in slot 108B. In the left-right direction, the distance from the first key slot 115C to slot 114 in slot 108C is greater than the distance from the first key slot 115B to slot 114 in slot 108B. In the left-right direction, the first keyway 115D is closer to the slot 114 in the slot 108D than the first keyway 115C is in the slot 115C.

[0084] In each slot 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D, rib 118 is located above slot 113, and rib 119 is located above slot 114. In slot 108A, rib 118 protrudes from the inner surface of the right wall 129. In slot 108B, rib 118 protrudes from the partition wall 109 defining the right end of slot 108B. In slot 108C, rib 118 protrudes from the partition wall 109 defining the right end of slot 108C. In slot 108D, rib 118 protrudes from the partition wall 109 defining the right end of slot 108C. In slot 108A, rib 119 protrudes from the partition wall 109 defining the left end of slot 108A. In slot 108B, rib 119 protrudes from the partition wall 109 defining the left end of slot 108B. In slot 108C, rib 119 protrudes from the partition wall 109 defining the left end of slot 108C. In slot 108D, rib 119 protrudes from the inner surface of the left wall 128. Ribs 118 and 119 are opposite each other in the left-right direction in slot 108.

[0085] Supply pipe 102 is located within the internal space of each slot 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D. Supply pipe 102 is located below each first keyway 115A, 115B, 115C, and 115D. Supply pipe 102 is a hollow cylindrical tube. Supply pipe 102 extends from the auxiliary housing 120 into the internal space of the slot 108 in a front-to-back direction. The rear end of supply pipe 102 is open. The top end of supply pipe 102 is located within the internal space of each slot 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D.

[0086] Although not described in detail, a valve is provided inside the supply tube 102. The valve opens and closes the opening of the supply tube 102. The supply tube 102 can be connected to the supply port 34 of the ink cartridge 30.

[0087] like Figure 1As shown, the front end of the supply tube 102 is connected to the auxiliary cartridge 120. The auxiliary cartridge 120 has a space for storing ink supplied from the ink cartridge 30 via the supply tube 102. The interior space of the auxiliary cartridge 120 communicates with the outside at its upper part and is open to the atmosphere. The ink in the auxiliary cartridge 120 is supplied to the recording head 21 via the ink tube 20.

[0088] like Figure 12 As shown, rod 121 is located above each of the first keyways 115A, 115B, 115C, and 115D. Rod 121 protrudes rearward from end face 103. Rod 121 can be connected to the atmospheric open passage 38 of ink cartridge 30 (described later). Fitting pieces 122 and 123 are provided above each of the first keyways 115A, 115B, 115C, and 115D and below rod 121. Fitting piece 122 is a plate-shaped component. Fitting piece 122 protrudes to the left from the inner surface of the right wall 129 in slot 108A. Fitting piece 122 protrudes to the left from the partition wall 109 defining the right end of slot 108B. Fitting piece 122 protrudes to the left from the partition wall 109 defining the right end of slot 108C. Fitting piece 122 protrudes to the left from the partition wall 109 defining the right end of slot 108D. The fitting piece 123 is a plate-shaped component. The fitting piece 123 protrudes to the right from the partition wall 109 at the left end of the defining slot 108A. The fitting piece 123 protrudes to the right from the partition wall 109 at the left end of the defining slot 108B. The fitting piece 123 protrudes to the right from the partition wall 109 at the left end of the defining slot 108C. The fitting piece 123 protrudes to the right from the inner surface of the left wall 128 in the slot 108. The fitting pieces 122 and 123 are opposite each other in the left-right direction within the slot 108.

[0089] As shown in Figure 13, in each slot 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D, contact 125 is located on the inner surface of the upper side of housing 101. Contact 125 can be electrically connected to the IC board 60 of ink cartridge 30. The controller of printer 10 reads the information stored in the IC board 60 of ink cartridge 30 through contact 125 and records the information on IC board 60.

[0090] As shown in Figure 13, an ink receiving component 130 is located in space 162 of housing 101. Each slot 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D is provided with an ink receiving component 130. The ink receiving component 130 has a front end portion 131 extending in a left-right direction. The front end portion 131 is supported by housing 101. The ink receiving component 130 has a generally flat shape extending rearward and upward from the front end portion 131, and a rear end portion 132 of the ink receiving component 130 is located near the rear end of supply tube 102. The ink receiving component 130 rotates about the front end portion 131 to move the rear end portion 132 generally in a vertical direction.

[0091] A helical spring 133 extending in the front-to-back direction is located between the ink receiving component 130 and the housing 101. The helical spring 133 applies a force forward to the rear end 132 of the ink receiving component 130, that is, pulls the rear end 132 of the ink receiving component 130 forward.

[0092] like Figure 13A and Figure 13B As shown, the ink receiving component 130, which is pulled by the coil spring 133, is held in a state where its rear end 132 is closest to the lower surface of the supply tube 102. In this state, the rear end 132 is not in contact with the lower surface of the supply tube 102. The state in which the rear end 132 of the ink receiving component 130 is closest to the lower surface of the supply tube 102 is called the closest state of the ink receiving component 130. In the state where the rear end 132 of the ink receiving component 130 is closest to the lower surface of the supply tube 102, the ink receiving component 130 is in the first position. When the ink cartridge 30 is not attached to the supply tube 102, the ink receiving component 130 is in the closest state, but is not in contact with the lower surface of the supply tube 102.

[0093] After the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the housing 101, ink may remain at the rear end of the supply tube 102. This ink moves to the lower part of the rear end of the supply tube 102 due to gravity and then drips onto the rear end 132 of the ink receiving member 130, which is closest to the lower surface of the supply tube 102. The received ink moves along the ink receiving member 130 from the rear end 132 to the front end 131, away from the ink cartridge 30. Because the ink remaining at the rear end of the supply tube 102 is received by the rear end 132 of the ink receiving member 130, the possibility of ink adhering to the lower wall of the housing 101 is reduced.

[0094] like Figure 14A and Figure 14B As shown, the ink receiving component 130 is in a second position when it moves downward against the tension of the coil spring 133. A space is provided between the ink receiving component 130 in the second position and the supply tube 102, allowing the lower part of the supply section 33 of the ink cartridge 30 to be located within this space, and enabling the supply section 33 to receive the supply tube 102. In other words, when the supply port 34 of the ink cartridge 30, inserted into each slot 108A, 108B, 108C, 108D in the forward direction, receives the supply tube 102, the ink receiving component 130 does not restrict the forward movement of the ink cartridge 30.

[0095] like Figure 2As shown, the pressing plate 134 is located below the cover wall 171 of each slot 108A, 108B, 108C, 108D and in front of the rear wall 173. The pressing plate 134 is an example of a moving mechanism. The pressing plate 134 is supported by the housing 101 and is movable in the vertical direction. The lower end 135 of the pressing plate 134 contacts the ink receiving member 130 between the front end 131 and the rear end 132 of the ink receiving member 130. When the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge housing 110 in an attached state, the upper end 136 of the pressing plate 134 is located below the first keyway 115. The pressing plate 134 is located below the through hole 140A of the cover wall 171. The pressing plate 134 is located in front of the through hole 140B of the rear wall 173. With this configuration, the press plate 134 can contact the first key portion 77 of the ink cartridge 30, which will be described later via the first keyway 115, the through hole 140A, and the through hole 140B.

[0096] The pressing plate 134 is held in the raised position by the force exerted by the coil spring 133 on the ink receiving component 130, i.e., by the pull of the coil spring 133. Although described in detail later, when the first key portion 77 of the ink cartridge 30 enters the first key slot 115, the pressing plate 134 is pressed downward by the first key portion 77 to counteract the force exerted by the coil spring 133, i.e., the pull of the coil spring 133. When the pressing plate 134 moves downward, the ink receiving component 130 can move between a first position and a second position.

[0097] like Figure 2 As shown, second keyways 138 are provided in the surface 137 on the upper side of the periphery of the defining opening 112 of the housing 101, corresponding to the positions of the corresponding slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D. Specifically, in the housing 101, slot 108A has a second keyway 138A, slot 108B has a second keyway 138B, slot 108C has a second keyway 138C, and slot 108D has a second keyway 138D. The second keyway 138 is an example of a second receiving portion. The second keyway 138 is a recess formed at the rear end of the top surface of the housing 101, defining the upper end of the internal space of the housing 101. The second keyway 138 is recessed upward from the top surface. The lower end of the second keyway 138 is continuous with the internal space of the housing 101. The rear end of the second keyway 138 opens to the outside of the housing 101. The distance between the lower end and the upper end of the opening at the rear end of the second keyway 138 is greater than the distance between the lower end and the upper end of the opening at the front end of the second keyway 138.

[0098] In this embodiment, the distance between the lower and upper ends of the opening of the second keyway 138 gradually decreases from the rear end of the opening toward the front end. Alternatively, the distance between the lower and upper ends of the opening of the second keyway 138 may gradually increase from the rear end of the opening toward the front end, and then gradually decrease. The centers of the second keyways 138A, 138B, and 138C in the left-right direction relative to the centers of the slots 108A, 108B, and 108C, respectively, are located to the left. The center of the second keyway 138D in the left-right direction relative to the center of the slot 108D is located to the right. The second key portion 78 of the ink cartridge 30 can enter at least one of the second keyways 138A, 138B, 138C, and 138D.

[0099] The locking part 139 is located in the space defining the opening of each of the second keyways 138A, 138B, 138C, and 138D. The locking part 139 is a rod-shaped member extending in the left-right direction. When the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge housing 110 in an attached state, the locking part 139 contacts the locking surface 87 of the ink cartridge 30.

[0100] [Ink cartridge 30]

[0101] Ink cartridge 30 is a container that stores ink as a liquid. For example... Figures 3-10 As shown, the ink cartridge 30 includes a container body 31, a cover 32, and an IC board 60. The container body 31 is an example of a first component. The cover 32 is an example of a second component.

[0102] The container body 31 and the cap 32 are examples of the body. The cap 32 covers the front of the container body 31. The ink cartridge 30 is inserted from the front into one of the corresponding slots 108A, 108B, 108C, 108D, with the cap 32 facing the end face 103 of the housing 101.

[0103] The container body 31 has a generally thin, flat cubic shape, with its length in the left-right direction less than its length in the up-down direction and its length in the front-back direction. The container body 31 includes a supply section 33 and a second key section 78. The container body 31 includes a front wall 40, a rear wall 41 opposite to the front wall 40 in the front-back direction, a left wall 42 connected to the front wall 40 in the front-back direction, a right wall 43 opposite to the left wall 42 in the left-right direction, an upper wall 44 connected to the front wall 40 in the front-back direction, and a lower wall 45 opposite to the upper wall 44 in the up-down direction. The container body 31 has an upper surface 80 that serves as the outer surface of the upper wall 44. The outer surface of the front wall 40 faces forward. The rear wall 41 has a rear surface 62 facing backward. The outer surface of the left wall 42 faces left. The outer surface of the right wall 43 faces right. The outer surface of the upper wall 44, i.e., the upper surface 80, faces upward. The outer surface of the lower wall 45 faces downward.

[0104] As shown in Figure 13, a cavity 46 defining the internal space of the container body 31 is defined by a front wall 40, a rear wall 41, a left wall 42, a right wall 43, an upper wall 44, and a lower wall 45. The front wall 40, rear wall 41, left wall 42, right wall 43, upper wall 44, and lower wall 45 have a degree of translucency that allows the surface of the ink stored in the cavity 46 to be visually identifiable from the outside. The container body 31 is, for example, a one-piece molded product made of synthetic resin. The front wall 40 has an upper front wall 40U located on the upper side and a lower front wall 40L located on the lower side. The upper front wall 40U is located in front of the lower front wall 40L in the front-rear direction. The space behind the upper front wall 40U in the front-rear direction is also part of the cavity 46. In other words, the upper part of the cavity 46 extends further forward than the lower part of the cavity 46. The lower front wall 40L is continuous with the supply section 33.

[0105] like Figure 10 As shown, the left wall 42 includes a left front wall 42F located on the front side in the front-rear direction and a left rear wall 42R located on the rear side in the front-rear direction.

[0106] like Figure 5 As shown, the right wall 43 includes a right anterior wall 43F located anteriorly in the anteroposterior direction and a right posterior wall 1R 43R located posteriorly in the anteroposterior direction. The left anterior wall 42F and the right anterior wall 43F are continuous with the upper anterior wall 40U. The left posterior wall 42R and the right posterior wall 43R are continuous with the posterior wall 41. The space between the left anterior wall 42F and the right anterior wall 43F is part of the chamber 46. The lateral distance between the outer surfaces of the left anterior wall 42F and the right anterior wall 43F is less than the lateral distance between the outer surfaces of the left posterior wall 42R and the right posterior wall 43R.

[0107] Two protrusions 52 are provided on the left front wall 42F. Two protrusions 52 are provided on the right front wall 43F. On the left front wall 42F, the two protrusions 52 are separated from each other in the vertical direction. On the right front wall 43F, the two protrusions 52 are separated from each other in the vertical direction. The protrusions 52 have a generally rectangular shape when viewed from the side. The protrusions 52 pass through the through hole 76 of the cover 32, which will be described later.

[0108] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the supply section 33 is a cylindrical component. The supply section 33 has an outer peripheral surface extending in the front-rear direction. The outer peripheral surface is a curved surface that curves in the circumferential direction with the front-rear direction as the axis. The supply section 33 is located at the lower end of the container body 31, and a portion of the outer surface of the supply section 33 constitutes the lower surface 47 of the container body 31.

[0109] The supply section 33 has a supply port 34 through which ink flows from the ink cartridge 30. The supply port 34 is located at the front end of the supply section 33. Viewed from the front, the supply port 34 is circular. The lower surface 47 includes the lower half of a circumferential surface with the front-rear direction as its axis. The lower surface 47 includes a first surface 48 and a second surface 49. The first surface 48 is cylindrical in the front-rear direction, and the second surface 49 is located behind the first surface 48 in the front-rear direction. The outer diameter of the supply section 33 decreases from the first surface 48 to the second surface 49.

[0110] As shown in Figure 13, the supply unit 33 is cylindrical and has an internal space. The internal space of the supply unit 33 is connected to the front supply port 34 in the front-rear direction and to the rear chamber 46 in the front-rear direction. The ink in the internal space of the supply unit 33 can flow out to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 through the supply port 34.

[0111] The sealing component 35, valve 36, and coil spring 37 are located inside the supply section 33. The sealing component 35 is an annular component made of elastic material such as rubber and is located inside the supply port 34 and the supply section 33. The supply port 34 is filled with the sealing component 35, but the ink in the internal space of the supply section 33 can flow out to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 through the hole formed in the front-back direction through the center of the sealing component 35. That is, the ink in the internal space of the supply section 33 can still flow out to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 through the supply port 34.

[0112] Valve 36 can move in the front-to-back direction within the internal space of the supply section 33. When valve 36 contacts sealing member 35, the hole formed through sealing member 35 closes or seals, in other words, supply port 34 closes or seals. That is to say, ink in the internal space of supply section 33 cannot flow out to the outside of ink cartridge 30 through the hole formed through sealing member 35, in other words, it cannot flow out to the outside of ink cartridge 30 through supply port 34.

[0113] The coil spring 37 applies force to the valve 36 against the sealing member 35, causing the valve 36 to contact the sealing member 35. When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge housing 110, the supply tube 102 enters the supply port 34. The outer peripheral surface of the supply tube 102 is in liquid-tight contact with the inner peripheral surface of the hole defining the sealing member 35, and the supply tube 102 causes the sealing member 35 to elastically deform. When the rear end of the supply tube 102 passes through the sealing member 35 and enters the internal space of the supply section 33, the rear end of the supply tube 102 contacts the valve 36. When the ink cartridge 30 is further inserted into the cartridge housing 110, the ink tube 102 pushes the valve 36, causing the valve 36 to move rearward against the force of the coil spring 37.

[0114] When valve 36 moves rearward, the internal space of supply section 33 communicates with the internal space of supply pipe 102, and ink in chamber 46 flows into the internal space of supply pipe 102 through the internal space of supply section 33. Although not shown in the figures, ink flows from the internal space of supply section 33 into the internal space of supply pipe 102 through a hole formed at the rear end of supply pipe 102. Thus, ink in the internal space of supply section 33 flows out to the outside of ink cartridge 30 through supply pipe 102 located at supply port 34; in other words, it flows out to the outside of ink cartridge 30 through supply port 34.

[0115] The sealing member 35 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the supply tube 102 to prevent ink leakage. The valve 36 and coil spring 37 for closing or sealing the supply port 34 are not necessarily required. For example, in another embodiment, the supply port 34 can be blocked by a diaphragm or the like. When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge housing 110, the supply tube 102 breaks the diaphragm, thereby allowing the rear end of the supply tube 102 to enter the internal space of the supply section 33 through the supply port 34. Alternatively, in yet another embodiment, due to the elasticity of the sealing member 35 itself, the orifice of the sealing member 35 located at the supply port 34 can be closed. When the supply tube 102 is inserted, the orifice is pressed open by the supply tube 102, thereby allowing the rear end of the supply tube 102 to enter the internal space of the supply section 33 through the supply port 34. In either case, the ink inside the supply section 33 flows out to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 through the supply tube 102 located at the supply port 34; in other words, it flows out to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 through the supply port 34.

[0116] like Figure 4 As shown, the downward protruding convex portion 59 is located on the first surface 48 of the supply portion 33.

[0117] like Figure 7 As shown, the outline of the portion of the protrusion 59 that is continuous with the first surface 48 has a roughly square shape when viewed from below in the vertical direction, and the length of the outline in the front-back direction is approximately equal to the length of the outline in the left-right direction. The two side faces of the protrusion 59 in the left-right direction are downward-facing triangles. Each side face of the protrusion 59 in the left-right direction is a conical surface that slopes towards the center of the protrusion 59 in the left-right direction as the side face extends downward. In other words, the protrusion 59 is conical, and the length of the protrusion 59 in the left-right direction gradually decreases as the side faces downward.

[0118] As shown in Figure 13, an atmospheric opening passage 38, connecting to the upper end of the chamber 46 and accessible to the outside of the ink cartridge 30, is located on the upper front wall 40U of the container body 31. The atmospheric opening passage 38 opens forward on the upper front wall 40U. A valve 50 and a coil spring 51 are located within the atmospheric opening passage 38. The coil spring 51 is an example of a force-applying component. The front end of the coil spring 51 is located above and in front of the supply port 34 of the supply section 33. The front end of the coil spring 51 is located in front of the second key section 78. The valve 50 can move in the front-back direction within the atmospheric opening passage 38. The coil spring 51 applies force to the valve 50 forward. The valve 50, pushed by the coil spring 51, seals the opening of the atmospheric opening passage 38. As described later, when the valve 50 moves backward against the force of the coil spring 51, the atmospheric opening passage 38 is opened, allowing air to flow between the outside of the ink cartridge 30 and the chamber 46.

[0119] The lid 32 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape, and its length in the left-right direction is less than the length in the up-down direction and the length in the front-back direction of the container body 31. The lid 32 has a box shape and has a rearward opening. The lid 32 is attached to the container body 31 to generally cover the upper front wall 40U, the left front wall 42F, and the right front wall 43F.

[0120] The lid 32 includes a front wall 53, a left wall 54 extending rearward from the left end of the front wall 53, a right wall 55 opposite to the left wall 54 in the left-right direction, an upper wall 56 extending rearward from the upper end of the front wall 53, and a lower wall 57 opposite to the upper wall 56 in the vertical direction. The front wall 53, left wall 54, right wall 55, upper wall 56, and lower wall 57 define the internal space of the lid 32. The opening of the lid 32 is defined by the rear ends of the front wall 53, left wall 54, right wall 55, upper wall 56, and lower wall 57. The front wall 53 is part of the front wall of the ink cartridge 30. The left wall 54 is part of the left wall of the ink cartridge 30. The right wall 55 is part of the right wall of the ink cartridge 30. The upper wall 56 is part of the upper wall of the ink cartridge 30. The lower wall 57 is part of the lower wall of the ink cartridge 30. The vertical length of the lid 32 is less than the vertical length of the container body 31. The length of the cover 32 in the front-to-back direction is less than the length of the container body 31 in the front-to-back direction.

[0121] The distance in the left-right direction of the cover 32 is slightly greater than the distance in the left-right direction between the outer surface of the left front wall 42F and the outer surface of the right front wall 43F of the container body 31, and is approximately the same as the distance in the left-right direction between the outer surface of the left rear wall 42R and the outer surface of the right rear wall 43R.

[0122] The left wall 54 has two through holes 58, spaced apart vertically. The right wall 55 has two through holes 58, also spaced apart vertically. A protrusion 52 of the left front wall 42F is located in one of the through holes 58 in the left wall 54, and a protrusion 52 of the right front wall 43F is located in one of the through holes 58 in the right wall 55. The through holes 58 have a generally rectangular shape. Specifically, the vertical length of each through hole 58 is greater than its horizontal length. The through holes 58 are sufficiently larger than the external shape of the protrusions 52. That is, the vertical length of each through hole 58 is greater than the vertical length of each protrusion 52. The horizontal length of each through hole 58 is greater than the horizontal length of each protrusion 52.

[0123] The container body 31 and the lid 32 are assembled by inserting the protrusion 52 into the corresponding through hole 58. Since the through hole 58 is larger than the external shape of the protrusion 52, the lid 32 can move relative to the container body 31 in the vertical and horizontal directions and the front-back direction when the container body 31 and lid 32 are assembled. Because the through hole 58 is sufficiently larger than the external shape of the protrusion 52, the lid 32 can move not only relative to the container body 31 in the vertical and horizontal directions and the front-back direction, but also in the direction of rotation of the lid 32 relative to the container body 31 along a plane extending in the vertical and horizontal directions and the front-back direction.

[0124] With the cover 32 attached to the container body 31, the cover 32 covers the upper front wall 40U of the container body 31. The front wall 53 of the cover 32 is located in front of the supply port 34. The supply port 34 is located below the lower wall 57 of the cover 32. The IC board 60 is located on the upper wall 56 of the cover 32. The IC board 60 is an example of an electrical interface. The IC board 60 extends in the front-back direction and the left-right direction. The IC board 60 is located above the supply port 34. The IC board 60 includes, for example, a substrate formed of silicone resin or glass epoxy resin, an IC mounted on the substrate, and three electrodes 61 mounted on the substrate. Note that the IC is not shown in the drawings.

[0125] Three electrodes 61 face upwards. The IC board 60 can be a flexible substrate with flexibility. The IC board 60 is bonded to the upper wall 56 of the cover 32 by, for example, a photocurable resin. The IC board 60 can be bonded to the cover 32 by an adhesive other than a photocurable resin, or it can be attached to the cover 32 by a method other than bonding, such as fitting. During the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge housing 110, the electrodes 61 of the IC board 60 contact the contacts 125. In the attached state of the ink cartridge 30 attached to the cartridge housing 110, the IC board 60 contacts and is electrically connected to the contacts 125. The IC is a semiconductor integrated circuit. Information related to the ink cartridge 30 is readablely stored in the IC. The relevant information of the ink cartridge 30 includes, for example, batch number, manufacturing date, ink color, and other indicator information. The electrodes 61 are electrically connected to the IC. The electrodes 61 extend in the front-to-back direction. The electrodes 61 are arranged on the upper surface of the IC board 60 in a manner spaced apart from each other in the left-to-right direction. The electrodes 61 are exposed on the upper surface of the IC board 60 to facilitate electrical contact.

[0126] like Figure 3 As shown, the upper wall 56 of the cover 32 has a through hole 90 in front of the IC board 60. An atmospheric opening passage 38 is located below the through hole 90. Guide tabs 91 extending in the front-rear direction protrude upwards near both ends of the upper wall 56 of the cover 32 in the left-right direction. The IC board 60 is located between one guide tab 91 and another guide tab 91 in the left-right direction. When the cover 32 is inserted into the housing 110, the guide tabs 91 serve as guides for the cover 32 to move in the front-rear direction.

[0127] like Figure 7 As shown, the outer surface 70 of the lower wall 57 of the cover 32 is located above and in front of the supply port 34. The lower surface 70 is a flat surface extending rearward from the lower end of the front wall 53 and slopes downward as it extends rearward. The cover 32 has walls 71 extending downward from both ends of the lower surface 70 in the left-right direction. One wall 71 is spaced apart from the other wall 71 in the left-right direction. One wall 71 and the other wall 71 are examples of the first wall and the second wall. The wall 71 is a plate-like component and extends in the vertical and front-back directions, and has a thickness in the left-right direction. The front-back length of the wall 71 is greater than the length of the wall 71 in the left-right direction and the length of the wall 71 in the vertical direction. The vertical length of the wall 71 is greater than the length of the wall 71 in the left-right direction.

[0128] like Figure 5 As shown, the front surface of the wall 71 has a first front surface 72 located at its upper part and a second front surface 73 located at its lower part. The front end of the first front surface 72 is inclined upward as the front end of the first front surface 72 extends rearward. The second front surface 73 is inclined downward as the front end of the second front surface 73 extends rearward.

[0129] likeFigure 7 As shown, the rear ends of the two walls 71 contact the secondary front wall 88 (also referred to as a wall), and the two walls 71 extend forward from the secondary front wall 88. The secondary front wall 88 extends downward from the rear end of the lower surface 70. The secondary front wall 88 has a plate shape extending in both the vertical and horizontal directions, and has a thickness in the longitudinal direction. The horizontal length of the secondary front wall 88 is greater than its vertical length. The outer surface of the forward-facing secondary front wall 88 is part of the front surface of the cover 32.

[0130] On the left wall 54 of the cover 32, above the wall 71, there is a groove 74 extending in the front-back direction (also called the first groove 74). The first groove 74 is located to the upper left of the first key portion 77 and extends in the front-back direction. On the right wall 55 of the cover 32, above the wall 71, there is a groove 74 extending in the front-back direction (also called the second groove 74). The second groove 74 is located to the upper right of the first key portion 77 and extends in the front-back direction. The longitudinal direction of the groove 74 is the front-back direction.

[0131] like Figure 8 As shown, the groove 74 is defined by an upward-facing surface 74L, a vertically oriented surface 74U facing the surface 74L, and a surface 74M connecting the surfaces 74L and 74U. The front end of the groove 74 opens forward at the front wall 53 of the cover 32. That is, the front end and left end of the first groove 74 have openings, and the front end and right end of the second groove have openings.

[0132] like Figures 3-10 As shown, the first front surface 72 of one wall 71 serves as a guide for the ribs 118 of the housing 110 to enter a slot 74. The first front surface 72 of the other wall 71 serves as a guide for the ribs 119 of the housing 110 to enter the first slot 74. One slot 74 has a length capable of receiving the ribs 118 of the housing 101 in the longitudinal direction, and the other slot 74 has a length capable of receiving the ribs 119 of the housing 101 in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the vertical distance between surfaces 74L and 74U of the slot 74 is greater than the vertical length of each of the ribs 118 and 119 of the housing 101. The vertical position of the cover 32 relative to the housing 101 is determined by the contact between the surfaces 74U and 74L of one slot 74 and the ribs 118, and the contact between the surfaces 74U and 74L of one slot 74 and the ribs 119.

[0133] The outer surface of the front wall 53 of the cover 32 is the front surface 75. The front surface 75 is located in front of the supply port 34. The front surface 75 has an upper front surface 75U located above it and a lower front surface 75L located below it. The upper end of the lower front surface 75L is continuous with the upper front surface 75U. The lower end of the lower front surface 75L is located behind the upper end of the lower front surface 75L, and the lower front surface 75L slopes upward as it extends forward. The lower front surface 75L is a guide for guiding ribs 118 and ribs 119 into the slot 74. Specifically, during the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the housing 110, the lower front surface 75L contacts the front ends of ribs 118 and 119. In this configuration, the lower front surface 75L guides each of ribs 118 and 119 into the slot 74.

[0134] The upper front surface 75U of the front wall 53 of the cover 32 has a through hole 76. The valve 50 of the container body 31 is exposed to the outside through the through hole 76. The front end of the through hole 76 is located in front of the supply port 34 of the supply section 33. The lower surface 70 of the cover 32 has a first key portion 77. The first key portion 77 is located above the supply port 34 and below the upper surface of the electrode 61 of the IC board 60. The front end of the first key portion 77 is located in front of the front end of the electrode 61. The first key portion 77 is located below the through hole 76. In other words, the opening of the atmospheric open passage 38 is located between the first key portion 77 and the electrode 61 in the vertical direction. The first key portion 77 is located at the front of the ink cartridge 30.

[0135] like Figure 8 As shown, the first key portion 77 is located between a pair of walls 71 in the left-right direction and extends downward from the lower surface 70. The rear end of the wall 71 is continuous with the secondary front wall 88. The rear end of the first key portion 77 is continuous with the secondary front wall 88. The first key portion 77 has a lower surface 77L defining the lower end of the first key portion 77, a side surface 77S, and a front surface 77F defining the front end of the first key portion 77.

[0136] The side surface 77S of the first key portion 77 includes a surface facing left and a surface facing right. The side surface 77S of the first key portion 77 extends in the vertical and horizontal directions. The lower surface 77L of the first key portion 77 extends in the horizontal and horizontal directions. The lower surface 77L defines the width of the first key portion 77 in the horizontal direction.

[0137] In this embodiment, the first key portion 77 has a plate shape in which the length in the front-to-back direction is greater than the length in the left-to-right direction and the length in the up-down direction, but the shape of the first key portion 77 is not limited to this. For example, the length in the front-to-back direction of the first key portion 77 may be less than its length in the up-down direction. The lower surface 77L is located in the up-down direction at a position overlapping with at least one of the electrodes 61. In other words, the lower surface 77L is located directly below at least one of the electrodes 61 in the up-down direction.

[0138] like Figure 5 As shown, the front-to-back length L1 of the lower surface 77L is greater than the front-to-back length L2 of the upper surface of the electrode 61. The front surface 77F of the first key portion 77 faces forward. The front surface 77F is located behind the front end of the first front surface 72 of the wall 71. The first front surface 72 is located behind the front end of the second front surface 73. Further, the front surface 77F of the first key portion 77 is located behind the front end of the front wall 53 of the cover 32.

[0139] Therefore, when the ink cartridge 30 falls with the front wall 53 of the cover 32 facing downwards, even if the first front surface 72 or the second front surface 73 of the wall 71 or the front end of the front wall 53 of the cover 32 collides with the floor or the like, the front surface 77F of the first key portion 77 will not collide with the floor or the like. Therefore, the first key portion 77 is unlikely to deform due to direct impact. As will be described later in the relevant description, the first key portion 77 serves as a key to ensure that the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the slot 108 on the right side. When the first key portion 77 is deformed, it may not function properly as a key.

[0140] like Figure 11 As shown, the left-right positions of the first key portions 77 (77A, 77B, 77C, 77D) differ among the four ink cartridges 30 (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D). This difference in position of the first key portions 77 (77A, 77B, 77C, 77D) corresponds to the difference in position of the first key slots 115 (115A, 115B, 115C, 115D) within the slots 108 (108A, 108B, 108C, 108D). This difference in position of the first key portions 77 (77A, 77B, 77C, 77D) also corresponds to the difference in characteristics (referred to as first characteristics) of the ink cartridges 30 (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D).

[0141] In this embodiment, the left-right positions of the first key portions 77 (77A, 77B, 77C, 77D) differ in the four ink cartridges 30 (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D). However, in another embodiment, the left-right positions of the first key portions 77 (77A, 77B, 77C, 77D) can be the same in the four ink cartridges 30 (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D), while the shapes of the first key portions 77 (77A, 77B, 77C, 77D) can differ in the four ink cartridges 30 (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D). In this case, the positions of the first key slots 115 (115A, 115B, 115C, 115D) in the slots 108 (108A, 108B, 108C, 108D) can be the same, but the shapes of the first key slots 115 (115A, 115B, 115C, 115D) in the slots 108 (108A, 108B, 108C, 108D) can be different, corresponding to different shapes of the first key portions 77 (77A, 77B, 77C, 77D). Therefore, the mechanical characteristics, such as position or shape, of the first key portions 77 (77A, 77B, 77C, 77D) are different in the four ink cartridges 30 (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D). In other words, the mechanical characteristics of the first key portion 77 (77A, 77B, 77C, 77D) correspond to one of the ink cartridges 30 (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D). That is, the first key portion 77 has a shape and / or position in the container body 31 that is associated with the corresponding first characteristic of the ink cartridge 30.

[0142] An example of the characteristics of the ink cartridge 30 is the characteristics of the ink stored in the chamber 46. In this embodiment, the position of the first key portion 77 in the left-right direction among the four ink cartridges 30 (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) varies depending on the characteristics of the ink stored in the chamber 46, such as the ink's color and composition.

[0143] In the usage position, the first key portion 77 is positioned above the supply port 34 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the first key portion 77 is positioned in front of the supply port 34 in the front-back direction.

[0144] The cover 32 includes a third key portion 79. The third key portion 79 is defined by a recessed portion recessed from the left wall 54 of the cover 32, a recessed portion recessed from the right wall 55, a protrusion protruding to the left from the left wall 54, and a protrusion protruding to the right from the right wall 55. In this embodiment, the third key portion 79 includes a recessed portion recessed from the left wall 54 of the cover 32 and a recessed portion recessed from the right wall 55.

[0145] like Figure 8As shown, the third key portion 79 is a combination of the recessed portion of the left wall 54 and the recessed portion of the right wall 55. The third key portion 79 is located above the first key portion 77 and below the upper surface of the electrode 61 of the IC board 60. In this embodiment, the third key portion 79 is located below the through hole 76. The third key portion 79 is located at both ends of the upper front surface 75U in the left-right direction. The front end of the third key portion 79 opens forward on the upper front surface 75U of the cover 32. Depending on the characteristics of each ink cartridge 30, the mechanical characteristics such as the position and shape of the third key portion 79 are different. The characteristics of the ink cartridge 30 indicated by the third key portion 79 may be the same as or different from the characteristics of the ink cartridge 30 indicated by the first key portion 77.

[0146] In this embodiment, the ink cartridge 30 indicated by the first key 77 is characterized by the color of the ink, while the ink cartridge 30 indicated by the third key 79 is characterized by the type of contract that the user will sign when using the printer, and the ink cartridge 30 is used in the printer.

[0147] Contract types may include contracts where users are billed based on the number of pages of image recording performed, regardless of the amount of ink used.

[0148] Once the contract is signed, a new ink cartridge 30 will be delivered when the ink in chamber 46 of ink cartridge 30 is depleted, but the user does not have to pay for the ink cartridge 30 itself. Alternatively, the third key section 79 indicates the sales area of ​​the printer that uses the ink cartridge 30.

[0149] The shape of the third key portion 79 of the ink cartridge 30 used in one sales area is different from the shape of the third key portion 79 of the ink cartridge 30 used in another sales area. For example, the third key portion 79 may be provided only on one of the left and right sides, or the shape of the opening of the third key portion 79 to the front may be different.

[0150] As described below in the relevant description, in this embodiment, the third key portion 79, including the recessed portion of the left wall 54 and the recessed portion of the right wall 55 of the cover 32, respectively matches the fitting piece 123 and the fitting piece 122. When the position or shape of the third key portion differs, the presence or absence and shape of each of the fitting pieces 123 and 122 can vary according to the presence or absence and shape of the corresponding third key portion 79.

[0151] like Figure 9As shown, the container body 31 has a rear surface 62 as the outer surface of the rear wall 41 of the container body 31. The rear surface 62 includes a first rear surface 63, a second rear surface 64, and a third rear surface 65. The second rear surface 64 is located to the left of the first rear surface 63. The third rear surface 65 is located to the right of the first rear surface 63. The first rear surface 63 is a plane orthogonal to the front-back direction. The second rear surface 64 is a plane intersecting both the front-back direction and the left-right direction. The right end of the second rear surface 64 is continuous with the first rear surface 63. The left end of the second rear surface 64 is located to the left rear of the first rear surface 63. The third rear surface 65 is a plane intersecting both the front-back direction and the left-right direction. The left end of the third rear surface 65 is continuous with the first rear surface 63. The right end of the third rear surface 65 is located to the right rear of the first rear surface 63. The length of the first rear surface 63 in the left-right direction is constant in the up-down direction.

[0152] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 9 As shown, the lower wall 45 of the container body 31 includes a first lower wall 45A and a second lower wall 45B extending downward from the first lower wall 45A. The rear end of the first lower wall 45A is continuous with the lower end of the rear wall 41. The front portion of the first lower wall 45A extends in the front-rear direction. The front end of the first lower wall 45A is continuous with the front wall 40. The supply section 33 is located on the first lower wall 45A. The curved front surface of the supply section 33, including its rear end, protrudes downward from the first lower wall 45A. The second lower wall 45B is continuous with the lower end of the rear wall 41. The second lower wall 45B is an inclined wall that is inclined relative to the front-rear direction. The second lower wall 45B is inclined relative to both the front-rear and vertical directions, such that the upper end of the second lower wall 45B is located rearward and above its lower end. The lower end of the second lower wall 45B is continuous with the rear end of the lower surface 47 of the supply section 33. The lower end of the second lower wall 45B is continuous with the rear end of the supply section 33 below the first lower wall 45A. In the left-right direction, the second lower wall 45B is shorter than the first lower wall 45A.

[0153] Since the supply section 33 is located below the first lower wall 45A, such as Figure 9 As shown, when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed from the rear, the lower surface 47 of the supply section 33 is visible. Therefore, when viewed from the rear, the user can identify where the supply section 33 is located, and when the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the slot 108, the ink cartridge 30 can be easily attached in the correct orientation.

[0154] Furthermore, since the lower wall 45 is continuous with the rear end of the supply section 33, the rear end of the supply section 33 is reinforced. As a result, even if the lower end of the ink cartridge 30 is impacted, the supply section 33 is unlikely to deform. It should be noted that the lower wall 45 may only have a first lower wall 45A and not a second lower wall 45B.

[0155] The second rear surface 64 has a recess 66 near its upper end. The recess 66 is formed by a space recessed forward from the second rear surface 64 and a surface defining the space. The third rear surface 65 has a recess 67 near its upper end. The recess 67 is formed by a space recessed forward from the third rear surface 65 and a surface defining the space.

[0156] like Figure 1 As shown, when the cover 126 is closed, the protrusions 127 protruding from the cover 126 are respectively accommodated in each recess 66, 67. The protrusions 127 of the cover 126 in the closed state contact the surfaces forming the upper ends of the recesses 66, 67. With this configuration, the ink cartridge 30 attached to the cartridge housing 110 is less likely to detach from the cartridge housing 110 due to impacts or the like.

[0157] Furthermore, such as Figure 9 As shown, the length of the first rear surface 63 sandwiched between recesses 66 and 67 in the left-right direction is greater than the length of both recesses 66 and 67 in the left-right direction. Therefore, since the first rear surface 63 is easily visible from the rear of the ink cartridge 30, the user is more likely to press the upper part of the first rear surface 63 when the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge housing 110.

[0158] Sheets 94 are attached to the rear wall 41, left wall 42, and right wall 43 of the container body 31. Sheets 94 display the color, type, and capacity of the ink stored in the ink cartridge 30. Sheets 94 allow visual identification of which of the slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into. Sheet 94 is an example of a display unit.

[0159] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the rear end of the upper surface 80 of the upper wall 44 of the container body 31 includes an operating surface 68. The operating surface 68 is an inclined surface that slopes upwards and backwards. The operating surface 68 is continuous with the upper end of the rear surface 62. The operating surface 68 has a plurality of protrusions 69 that project upwards and extend in a left-right direction. The protrusions 69 are examples of anti-slip structures.

[0160] like Figure 12 As shown, protrusions 69 extend downward from both ends of the operating surface 68 in the left-right direction and reach the outer surfaces of the left wall 42 and the right wall 43. Three protrusions 69 extend from the left end of the operating surface 68 to the left wall 42, spaced apart in the front-back direction. Three protrusions 69 extend from the right end of the operating surface 68 to the right wall 43, also spaced apart in the front-back direction. When the user operates the operating surface 68, the protrusions 69 function as sliding stops. It should be noted that the sliding stops could, for example, replace the protrusions 69 with a recess that extends downward from the operating surface 68.

[0161] The upper surface 80 of the container body 31 includes a first upper surface 81, a second upper surface 82, a third upper surface 83, an upper end face 86, and an operating surface 68. The first upper surface 81 is located at the front end of the upper surface 80.

[0162] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the first upper surface 81 has a surface 81A located at the center in the left-right direction, a surface 81B located on the left side, and a surface 81C located on the right side.

[0163] Surface 81A is a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction. Surface 81B is continuous with the left end of surface 81A. Surface 81C is continuous with the right end of surface 81A. Surface 81B is a surface facing left and upward. Surface 81C is a surface facing right and upward. The length of surface 81A in the left-right direction is less than the length of surface 81B in the left-right direction. The length of surface 81A in the left-right direction is less than the length of surface 81C in the left-right direction.

[0164] The second upper surface 82 is continuous with the rear end of the first upper surface 81. The rear end of the second upper surface 82 is higher than the front end. The second upper surface 82 has a surface 82A located at the center in the left-right direction, a surface 82B located to the left of surface 82A, and a surface 82C located to the right of surface 82A.

[0165] like Figure 5 and Figure 10 As shown, surface 82A is inclined relative to the front-rear direction, facing forward and upward. Surface 82A is a flat surface extending in both the front-rear and left-right directions. Surface 82A faces upward and forward. Surface 82B is continuous with the left end of surface 82A and faces to the left. Surface 82C is continuous with the right end of surface 82A and faces to the right. The left-right length of surface 82A is less than the left-right length of surface 82B. The left-right length of surface 82A is less than the left-right length of surface 82C. The left-right length of surface 82A is equal to the left-right length of surface 81A. The front-rear length of surface 82A is greater than the front-rear length of surface 81A.

[0166] The rear end of the third upper surface 83 is continuous with the rear end of the surface 82C of the second upper surface 82. The third upper surface 83 is a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction. The third upper surface 83 is located above the first upper surface 81. The rear end of the third upper surface 83 is continuous with the operating surface 68. The third upper surface 83 has a contact surface 92. The contact surface 92 extends rearward from the lower end of the locking surface 87 of the second key portion 78, which will be described later.

[0167] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the second key portion 78 is located on the third upper surface 83 of the container body 31. The second key portion 78 protrudes upward from the third upper surface 83. The second key portion 78 is located above the supply port 34. The upper end of the second key portion 78 is located above the upper surface of the electrode 61 of the IC plate 60. The second key portion 78 is located behind the IC plate 60 in the front-back direction. The second key portion 78 is located in front of the operation surface 68.

[0168] When the protrusion 52 of the container body 31 contacts the upper end of the through hole 58 of the cover 32, the cover 32 is in its lowest position relative to the container body 31. In the state where the cover 32 is in its lowest position relative to the container body 31, the upper end of the second key portion 78 is located above the IC board 60.

[0169] The second key portion 78 has a first forward inclined surface 84A, a second forward inclined surface 84B, a left inclined surface 85A, a right inclined surface 85B, an upper end surface 86, and a locking surface 87. The first forward inclined surface 84A is a flat surface and is inclined in such a way that the distance relative to the supply port 34 in the vertical direction gradually increases from the front end to the rear end of the second key portion 78. The first forward inclined surface 84A is continuous with the rear end of the surface 82B of the second upper surface 82. The front end of the second forward inclined surface 84B is continuous with the rear end of the surface 82A of the second upper surface 82.

[0170] As the second forward inclined surface 84B extends rearward from its front end, it extends to the left. The rear end of the second forward inclined surface 84B is continuous with the upper end surface 86. The front end of the second forward inclined surface 84B is continuous with the rear end of surface 82A of the second upper surface 82. The lower end of the second forward inclined surface 84B is continuous with the third upper surface 83. The left end of the second forward inclined surface 84B is continuous with the right end of the first forward inclined surface 84A. The boundary between the first forward inclined surface 84A and the second forward inclined surface 84B extends to the left from the front end towards the rear.

[0171] Locking surface 87 is an example of the first surface. Second forward-tilting surface 84B is an example of the second surface.

[0172] The upper end surface 86 is a flat surface facing upwards. The upper end of the locking surface 87 is continuous with the rear end of the upper end surface 86. In other words, the upper end surface 86 is located between the second forward inclined surface 84B and the locking surface 87 in the front-rear direction. The locking surface 87 is a flat surface facing rearwards. When the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge housing 110, the locking surface 87 and the contact surface 92 are in contact with the locking portion 139 of the cartridge housing 110.

[0173] The left-inclined surface 85A is a flat surface that slopes upwards from the left end to the right end relative to the left-right direction. The left-inclined surface 85A is continuous with the left end of the first front-inclined surface 84A. The boundary between the left-inclined surface 85A and the first front-inclined surface 84A extends to the right from the front end to the rear end. The rear end of the boundary between the left-inclined surface 85A and the first front-inclined surface 84A is continuous with the upper surface 86.

[0174] The right-inclined surface 85B is a flat surface that slopes upwards from the right end to the left end relative to the left-right direction. The right end of the right-inclined surface 85B is continuous with the right end of the second front-inclined surface 84B. The boundary between the right-inclined surface 85B and the second front-inclined surface 84B extends to the left from the front end to the rear end. The rear end of the boundary between the right-inclined surface 85B and the second front-inclined surface 84B is continuous with the upper end surface 86. The rear end of the right-inclined surface 85B is continuous with the locking surface 87.

[0175] Because the second key portion 78 has a first forward inclined surface 84A, a second forward inclined surface 84B, a left inclined surface 85A, and a right inclined surface 85B, the strength of the second key portion 78 is higher than when the second key portion 78 has a surface extending in the vertical direction. Therefore, the second key portion 78 is less prone to deformation due to impacts in the left-right direction.

[0176] like Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the first angle θ1 of the second forward inclined surface 84B relative to the horizontal plane is smaller than the second angle θ2 of the left inclined surface 85A relative to the horizontal plane. The third angle θ3 formed between the right inclined surface 85B and the horizontal plane can be different from the second angle θ2 formed between the left inclined surface 85A and the horizontal plane. The first angle θ1 is, for example, in the range of 5° to 10°, and in this embodiment, it is 7°. The second angle θ2 is, for example, in the range of 30° to 40°. The third angle θ3 is, for example, in the range of 30° to 40°.

[0177] like Figure 11 As shown, the left-right positions of the second key portions 78 (78A, 78B, 78C, 78D) can differ in the four ink cartridges 30 (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D). These differences in the positions of the second key portions 78 (78A, 78B, 78C, 78D) correspond to differences in the positions of the second key slots 138 (138A, 138B, 138C, 138D) within the slots 108 (108A, 108B, 108C, 108D). These differences in the positions of the second key portions 78 (78A, 78B, 78C, 78D) also correspond to differences in the characteristics (referred to as second characteristics) of the ink cartridges 30 (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D).

[0178] In this embodiment, the left-right positions of the second key portions 78 (78A, 78B, 78C, 78D) differ in the four ink cartridges 30 (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D). However, in another embodiment, the left-right positions of the second key portions 78 (78A, 78B, 78C, 78D) may be the same in the four ink cartridges 30 (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D), but the shapes of the second key portions 78 (78A, 78B, 78C, 78D) may differ in the four ink cartridges 30 (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D). In this case, the positions of the second key slots 138 (138A, 138B, 138C, 138D) in the slots 108 (108A, 108B, 108C, 108D) can be the same, but the shapes of the second key slots 138 (138A, 138B, 138C, 138D) in the slots 108 (108A, 108B, 138C, 138D) can be different, corresponding to different shapes of the second key portions 78 (78A, 78B, 78C, 78D). Therefore, the mechanical characteristics of the second key portions 78 (78A, 78B, 78C, 78D), such as their position or shape, are different in the four ink cartridges 30 (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D). That is, the second key portions 78 in the cover 32 have a shape and / or position associated with the corresponding second characteristics of the ink cartridges 30. The characteristics indicated by the second key 78 may be the same as or different from the characteristics indicated by the first key 77 or the third key 79.

[0179] In this embodiment, the characteristic of the ink cartridge 30 indicated by the second key portion 78 is the composition of the ink stored in the chamber 46. The position of the second key portion 78 in the left-right direction of the second upper surface 82 varies depending on the composition of the ink stored in the chamber 46. The composition of the ink refers to the types and / or amounts of components contained in the ink. Examples of components are dyes and pigments. In this embodiment, the composition of the ink as a characteristic of the ink cartridge 30 refers to whether the ink contains dyes or pigments. The composition of the ink is an example of ink characteristics.

[0180] like Figure 5 As shown, the second key portion 78 has an inner surface 93, which is opposite to each of the first forward inclined surface 84A, the second forward inclined surface 84B, the left inclined surface 85A, the right inclined surface 85B, the upper end surface 86, and the locking surface 87. The inner surface 93 defines a space that is continuous with the chamber 46 in the container body 31.

[0181] like Figure 8 As shown, the length M1 of the first key portion 77 in the left-right direction is less than the length M2 of the second key portion 78 in the left-right direction, which is the maximum width of the second key portion 78 in the left-right direction.

[0182] likeFigure 5 As shown, the vertical length M3 of the front end of the first key portion 77 is greater than the vertical length M4 of the second key portion 78, which is the maximum vertical height of the second key portion 78. The length M4 corresponds to the vertical length of the locking surface 87 of the second key portion 78. The maximum vertical height of the second key portion 78 is less than the maximum horizontal width of the second key portion 78.

[0183] like Figure 5 As shown, the first distance N1 is less than the second distance N2, where the first distance N1 is the shortest distance between the center of the supply port 34 and the first key portion 77, and the second distance N2 is the shortest distance between the center of the supply port 34 and the second key portion 78. With this configuration, as described below, when the rear end of the container body 31 rotates upward around the supply port 34, the length of the rotation trajectory of the first key portion 77 is less than the length of the rotation trajectory of the second key portion 78.

[0184] like Figure 11 As shown, the ink cartridge assembly 300 includes a plurality of ink cartridges 30. The ink cartridge assembly 300 is an example of an ink container assembly. The ink cartridges 30 included in the ink cartridge assembly 300 have different mechanical characteristics, for example, the position and / or shape of the first key portion 77, the second key portion 78, and the third key portion 79 according to the differences in the characteristics of the ink cartridges 30.

[0185] The position of the first key portion 77 of the four ink cartridges 30 in the left-right direction varies depending on the color of the ink stored in the ink cartridge 30.

[0186] The position of the second key portion 78 of the four ink cartridges 30 in the left-right direction varies depending on the composition of the ink stored in the ink cartridges 30. In this specific embodiment, the composition of the ink refers to whether the ink contains dyes or pigments.

[0187] The position and / or shape of the third key portion 79 of the four ink cartridges 30 vary depending on the sales region of the printer that uses the ink cartridges 30.

[0188] Figure 11 Ink cartridge 30A corresponds to Figures 3-10 The ink cartridge 30 shown.

[0189] The position of the first key portion 77 in the left-right direction corresponds to the position of the first keyway 115 of the housing 110. Figure 11 The first key portion 77A of the rightmost ink cartridge 30A is located on the right side relative to the center of the lower surface 70 in the left-right direction. Figure 11 The first key portion 77B of the second ink cartridge 30B from the right is located further to the left on the lower surface 70 compared to the first key portion 77A of ink cartridge 30A. Figure 11The first key portion 77C of the third ink cartridge from the right, compared to the first key portion 77B of ink cartridge 30B, is positioned further to the left on the lower surface 70. Figure 11 The first key portion 77D of the leftmost ink cartridge 30D is located further to the left in the left-right direction of the lower surface 70 compared to the first key portion 77C of ink cartridge 30C.

[0190] The left-right positions of the second key portions 78A, 78B, 78C, and 78D of ink cartridges 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D correspond to the positions of the second keyways 138 of their respective cartridge housings 110. Each of the second key portions 78A, 78B, and 78C of ink cartridges 30A, 30B, and 30C is located to the left of the center of the second upper surface 82 in the left-right direction. The second key portion 78D of ink cartridge 30D is located to the right of the center of the second upper surface 82 in the left-right direction.

[0191] In this embodiment, due to Figure 11 The four ink cartridges 30 shown are used in the same sales area, so the position and shape of the third key section 79 are the same.

[0192] [Attachment of ink cartridge 30 to cartridge housing 110]

[0193] like Figure 12 As shown, the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into a predetermined slot 108 of the cartridge housing 110 in a forward direction. Forward insertion is an example of insertion in the first direction. Figure 12 The ink cartridge 30 shown is in an insertion position. In other words, the ink cartridge 30 is inserted with its front wall 53 facing the end face 103 of the housing 101.

[0194] Ink cartridges 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D, storing magenta, cyan, yellow, and black inks, are inserted into four slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D, respectively. The following description will illustrate how ink cartridge 30A, storing magenta ink, is inserted into the rightmost slot 108A in the left-right direction.

[0195] The ink cartridge 30A, which stores red ink, is located in Figure 11 The rightmost one. The user pushes the first rear surface 63 of the ink cartridge 30A forward with their hand and inserts the ink cartridge 30A forward into the cartridge housing 110.

[0196] like Figure 13A and Figure 13B As shown, ink cartridge 30A is inserted into slot 108A through opening 112 in housing 101. The lower surface 47 of the inserted ink cartridge 30A is formed by… Figure 2The housing 101 shown is supported by a guide surface 161. Before the ink cartridge 30A's supply port 34 reaches the supply tube 102, the second key portion 78A reaches a position directly below the second keyway 138A of the housing 101. The second key portion 78A of the ink cartridge 30A is located on the left side relative to the center of the second upper surface 82 in the left-right direction.

[0197] On the other hand, the center of the second keyway 138A relative to the slot 108A in the left-right direction is located on the left side. Therefore, when the ink cartridge 30A is inserted further forward, as... Figure 14A and Figure 14B As shown, the second key portion 78A moves directly below the second keyway 138A. When this occurs, the second forward inclined surface 84B of the second key portion 78A contacts the locking portion 139, thereby applying a downward force to the ink cartridge 30A.

[0198] When a downward force is applied to the second forward inclined surface 84B of the second key portion 78A, the ink cartridge 30A... Figure 14A and Figure 14B The ink cartridge 30A is rotated clockwise as shown. As a result, the lower surface 47 of the supply section 33 at the lower end of the ink cartridge 30A contacts the guide surface 161 of the housing 101, and the second key section 78A moves forward to reach the lower part of the second keyway 138A and contacts the locking section 139.

[0199] Further, the first key portion 77A enters the first keyway 115A while the supply portion 33 is in contact with the guide surface 161 of the housing 101, and the second forward inclined surface 84B of the second key portion 78A contacts the locking portion 139. Further, one of the pair of walls 71 enters the groove 113. The other of the pair of walls 71 enters the groove 114. Further, the rib 118 enters one of the two grooves 74. The rib 119 enters the other of the two grooves 74. With one of the pair of walls 71 entering the groove 113 and the other entering the groove 114, the cover 32 is guided forward. When the rib 118 enters one of the two grooves 74 and the rib 119 enters the other of the two grooves 74, the cover 32 is guided forward and positioned relative to the housing 110 in the vertical direction.

[0200] The second front surface 73 of one of the pair of walls 71 contacts the lower surface of the groove 113 and moves forward, and the second front surface 73 of the other pair of walls 71 contacts the lower surface of the groove 114 and moves forward, thereby guiding one of the pair of walls 71 into the groove 113 and the other into the groove 114 in the vertical direction.

[0201] Furthermore, when the ink cartridge 30A moves forward and the first front surface 72 of one wall 71 or the lower front surface 75L of the cover 32 contacts the rib 118, the rib 118 is guided into the groove 74 in the vertical direction. When the ink cartridge 30A moves forward and the first front surface 72 of the other wall 71 or the lower front surface 75L of the cover 32 contacts the rib 119, the rib 119 is guided into the groove 74 in the vertical direction.

[0202] Furthermore, when the first key portion 77A of the ink cartridge 30A enters the first key slot 115A, the side 77S of the first key portion 77A is as follows: Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown, one side contacts a pair of protruding pieces 117 while moving forward, so that the first key portion 77A is guided into the first keyway 115A in the left-right direction.

[0203] When the first key portion 77A of the ink cartridge 30A enters the first key slot 115A, the second key portion 78A enters the second key slot 138A. Furthermore, when the second key portion 78A enters the second key slot 138A, the second forward inclined surface 84B and the upper end surface 86 sequentially contact the locking portion 139.

[0204] like Figure 14A and Figure 14B As shown, when the second forward inclined surface 84B is in contact with the locking part 139, a downward and rearward force acts on the container body 31. When the upper end surface 86 is in contact with the locking part 139, a downward force acts on the container body 31. When the second forward inclined surface 84B or the upper end surface 86 slides along the locking part 139, the lower surface 47 of the container body 31 slides along the guide surface 161. When the first key portion 77A of the ink cartridge 30A enters the first key groove 115A, the lower surface 77L of the first key portion 77A contacts the upper end 136 of the pressing plate 134.

[0205] When the first key portion 77A of the ink cartridge 30A enters the first key slot 115A, the lower surface 77L of the first key portion 77A presses the pressing plate 134 downward to move the ink receiving component 130 from the first position to the second position.

[0206] When this occurs, the upward force generated by the tension of the coil spring 133 acts on the cover 32 via the ink receiving component 130 and the pressing plate 134, but if Figure 8 The surfaces 74L and 74U of the groove 74 shown contact with the rib 118, thereby positioning the cover 32 relative to the housing 110 in the vertical direction. As a result, the cover 32 does not move upward.

[0207] The pressing plate 134 moves downward against the force exerted by the coil spring 133. As the pressing plate 134 moves downward, the ink receiving component 130... Figure 13A andFigure 13B The first position shown is moved to Figure 14A and Figure 14B The second position is shown. When the ink receiving component 130 is in the second position, as the ink cartridge 30A moves forward, the supply port 34 connects to the supply tube 102.

[0208] The supply pipe 102 pushes the valve 36, which moves backward against the force of the coil spring 37. The outer peripheral surface of the supply pipe 102, which is connected to the supply section 33, contacts the sealing member 35 to prevent ink leakage.

[0209] like Figure 15A and Figure 15B As shown, when the ink cartridge 30A moves forward, the rod 121 of the slot 108A contacts the valve 50 of the atmospheric opening passage 38 through the opening of the cover 32. The rod 121 pushes the valve 50, causing the valve 50 to move backward against the force of the coil spring 51. When the valve 50 moves backward, the atmospheric opening passage 38 is opened to allow air to flow between the outside and the chamber 46.

[0210] Furthermore, the electrode 61 of the IC board 60 contacts and is electrically connected to the contact 125. Furthermore, the locking surface 87 of the second key portion 78A is located in front of the locking portion 139. The contact surface 92 is located directly below the locking portion 139. The contact 125 elastically deforms like a leaf spring; when the electrode 61 contacts the contact 125, the contact 125 applies a downward contact pressure to the electrode 61.

[0211] Furthermore, the force exerted by the helical spring 133 indirectly acts on the cover 32. Although the contact point 125 applies a downward contact pressure to the electrode 61 and the helical spring 133 applies an upward pressure to the first key portion 77A, the surface 74L or surface 74U of the groove 74 absorbs the upward or downward pressure through contact with the ribs 118 and 119. Thus, the upward force acting on the cover 32 and the downward force acting on the cover 32 are balanced.

[0212] Furthermore, such as Figure 15B As shown, the position of the upper end 136 of the pressing plate 134 in contact with the first key portion 77A in the front-back direction is different from the position of the contact point 125 in contact with the electrode 61 in the front-back direction. Specifically, the position of the upper end 136 of the pressing plate 134 in contact with the first key portion 77A in the front-back direction is in front compared to the position of the contact point 125 in contact with the electrode 61 in the front-back direction.

[0213] Therefore, the force acting on the cover 32 causes the cover 32 to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction, thereby causing the rear end of the cover 32 to move upward more than the front end.

[0214] On the other hand, such asFigure 17 As shown, ribs 118 and 119 contact surfaces 74L and 74U of groove 74, thereby inhibiting the rotation of cover 32.

[0215] like Figure 17 As shown, when the ink cartridge 30A is inserted and is in the attached state in the slot 108A, the third key portion 79 matches the mating piece 122 and the mating piece 123.

[0216] Assuming an ink cartridge 30 sold in a different region is inserted into slot 108D, this ink cartridge 30 does not have one of the recesses of the third key portion 79 formed in the left wall 54 and right wall 55 of the cover 32. In slot 108D, the fitting piece 122 is located on the right side, and the fitting piece 123 is located on the left side. In an ink cartridge 30 without one of the recesses of the third key portion 79 formed in the left wall 54 and right wall 55 of the cover 32, the front wall 53 of the cover 32 contacts one of the fitting pieces 122 and 123. Therefore, the ink cartridge 30 cannot be further inserted into slot 108D in the forward direction. Since the ink cartridge 30 cannot be inserted into slot 108D, this means that the ink cartridge 30 is identified as an ink cartridge 30 intended for use in printers sold in a sales region different from that of printer 10.

[0217] exist Figure 15A and Figure 15B In the illustrated state, the container body 31 can rotate about the supply port 34, causing the rear end of the container body 31 to move downwards and upwards when inserted into the slot 108A. More specifically, the container body 31 can rotate about an axis extending in the left-right direction and passing through the center of the supply port 34, causing the rear end of the container body 31 to move upwards in the slot 108A. Although the position of the cover 32 relative to the housing 110 in the vertical direction is determined as described above, the container body 31 can rotate in this way because the through hole 58 of the cover 32 is sufficiently large compared to the shape of the protrusion 52 of the container body 31.

[0218] When the ink cartridge 30A rotates and moves its rear end upward, the locking surface 87 and locking part 139 of the second key part 78A are opposite to each other in the front-rear direction. The rotation of the ink cartridge 30A, which moves the rear end of the ink cartridge 30A upward, is an example of movement in the second direction.

[0219] When the user removes their finger from the ink cartridge 30A, such as Figure 16A and Figure 16B As shown, the ink cartridge 30A moves rearward by the force of the coil springs 37 and 51, and the locking surface 87 contacts the locking part 139. Accordingly, the ink cartridge 30A is held in the attached state.

[0220] Furthermore, the contact surface 92 contacts the locking part 139. As a result, the container body 31 of the ink cartridge 30A is positioned vertically relative to the cartridge housing 110. In other words, the position of the ink cartridge 30A relative to the cartridge housing 110 in the vertical direction is determined.

[0221] With the ink cartridge 30A attached to the cartridge housing 110, the internal space of the ink cartridge 30A, i.e., the chamber 46, is connected to the atmosphere through the atmospheric opening passage 38. As a result, the ink in the chamber 46 flows into the internal space of the supply pipe 102 through the internal space of the supply section 33.

[0222] Furthermore, although the ink cartridge 30A is pushed backward by the coil springs 37 and 51, the locking surface 87 of the ink cartridge 30A and the locking portion 139 of the cartridge housing 110 are in contact with each other, thereby inhibiting the backward movement of the ink cartridge 30A. Therefore, the ink cartridge 30A is held in the cartridge housing 110.

[0223] Furthermore, with the ink cartridge 30A attached to the cartridge housing 110, the electrode 61 of the IC board 60 contacts the contact 125. Further, the electrode 61 and contact 125 are electrically connected so that the IC can communicate with the control unit of the printer 10 via the electrode 61 and contact 125.

[0224] Assuming ink cartridge 30A is inserted incorrectly Figure 2 The cartridge housing 110 shown has a slot 108B. In the left-right direction, the distance between the first keyway 115B and the slot 114 in the slot 108B is less than the distance between the first keyway 115A and the slot 114 in the slot 108A. Therefore, because the positions of the first key portion 77A of the ink cartridge 30A and the first keyway 115B of the slot 108B are offset from each other in the left-right direction, the first key portion 77A cannot enter the first keyway 115B and contacts the rear wall 173. Since the front surface 77F of the first key portion 77A contacts the rear wall 173, the ink cartridge 30A can no longer be inserted into the slot 108B. Because the ink cartridge 30A cannot be inserted into the slot 108B, the user realizes that the ink cartridge 30A is not the ink cartridge 30 that should be inserted into the slot 108B.

[0225] Assuming an ink cartridge 30 with a first key portion 77 at the same position as ink cartridge 30A and a second key portion 78 at the same position as ink cartridge 30D is inserted as follows: Figure 2 The rightmost slot 108A of the cartridge housing 110 is shown. In the rightmost slot 108A, the first keyway 115A is located on the right side in the left-right direction of the slot 108A and corresponds to the position of the first key portion 77 of the ink cartridge 30A. Therefore, the first key portion 77 of the ink cartridge 30 can enter the first keyway 115A.

[0226] On the other hand, the center of the second keyway 138A relative to the slot 108A in the left-right direction is located on the left side, corresponding to the position of the second key portion 78 of the ink cartridge 30A, but not corresponding to the position of the second key portion 78 of the ink cartridge 30D. Therefore, since the second key portion 78 of the ink cartridge 30 and the second keyway 138A of the slot 108A are misaligned in the left-right direction, as the ink cartridge 30 rotates, the upper end face 86 contacts the housing 101 before the second key portion 78 enters the second keyway 138A. As a result, since the locking surface 87 and the locking portion 139 do not face each other in the front-back direction, the ink cartridge 30A is not held in the slot 108D. Since the container body 31 cannot rotate, the user realizes that the ink cartridge 30 is not the ink cartridge 30 that should be inserted into the slot 108A.

[0227] As described above, when ink cartridge 30 is mistakenly inserted into a slot 108 that is different from the slot 108 it should be inserted into, during the insertion process, the first key slot 115 does not receive the first key portion 77, and the second key slot 138 does not receive the second key portion 78. As a result, the user realizes that ink cartridge 30 has been inserted into a slot 108 that does not correspond to ink cartridge 30.

[0228] Specifically, when the container body 31 of the ink cartridge 30 is transparent, the ink stored in the chamber 46 is visible from the outside. On the other hand, when the container body 31 of the ink cartridge 30 is opaque, the user cannot visually inspect the color of the ink stored in the ink cartridge 30. Even in this case, the user can determine that the ink cartridge 30 has been attached to the wrong slot 108.

[0229] Next, the action of removing ink cartridge 30A from cartridge housing 110 when ink cartridge 30A is attached to cartridge housing 110 will be described.

[0230] like Figure 17 As shown, in the attached state, ribs 118 and 119, which contact the groove 74, restrict the vertical movement and rotation of the cover 32. Since the container body 31 is movable relative to the cover 32, even with the vertical movement and rotation of the cover 32 restricted, only the container body 31 can rotate around the supply port 34. Through the rotation of the container body 31, the locking surface 87 and the locking part 139 selectively contact or separate from each other in the vertical direction. In the attached state, when the user presses the operating surface 68 of the container body 31 with their finger, the rear end of the container body 31 moves downward. Therefore, the locking surface 87 and the locking part 139 separate from each other in the vertical direction.

[0231] When the user removes their finger from the operating surface 68, the ink cartridge 30 moves backward in the slot 108A under the force of the coil springs 37 and 51.

[0232] In the attached state, the protrusion 59 of the ink cartridge 30A is located in the space 162 of the housing 101. When the ink cartridge 30A moves rearward in the slot 108A, the protrusion 59 also moves rearward in the space 162, and the protrusion 59 contacts the front end of the guide surface 161. As a result, the rearward movement of the ink cartridge 30A is restricted, such as... Figure 14A and Figure 14B As shown, ink cartridge 30A does not pop out of slot 108A, but is placed in front of slot 108A.

[0233] Furthermore, such as Figure 13A and Figure 13B As shown, when the ink cartridge 30A moves backward, the protrusion 59 of the ink cartridge 30A separates from the guide surface 161 of the slot 108A, and the ink cartridge 30A is removed from the slot 108A.

[0234] [Operation and Effects of this Implementation Method]

[0235] According to the above embodiment, an ink cartridge 30 having at least two types of characteristics is attached to the cartridge housing 110. The insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the slot 108 to which the ink cartridge 30 should be attached can be determined by receiving the first key portion 77 into the first keyway 115.

[0236] When the ink cartridge 30 moves forward relative to the cartridge housing 110, the first key portion 77 is received into the first keyway 115. When the ink cartridge 30 rotates within the cartridge housing 110 about an axis extending in the left-right direction, the second key portion 78 is received into the second keyway 138. In other words, the movement of the ink cartridge 30 in the second direction is a rotation about an axis perpendicular to the first direction. Therefore, when the ink cartridge 30 moves forward or rotates relative to the cartridge housing 110, the user can easily determine whether the ink cartridge 30 does not satisfy either of the two types of characteristics based on whether the first or second key portion is received.

[0237] Specifically, when the container body 31 of the ink cartridge 30 is transparent, the ink stored in the chamber 46 is visible from the outside. On the other hand, when the container body 31 of the ink cartridge 30 is opaque, the user cannot visually inspect the color of the ink stored in the ink cartridge 30. Even in this case, the user can determine the characteristics of the ink cartridge.

[0238] The first key portion 77 and the second key portion 78 are located on different outer surfaces of the ink cartridge 30, namely the front surface and the top surface, respectively. Even if the ink cartridge 30 is dropped on the floor, the possibility of both the first key portion 77 and the second key portion 78 being damaged simultaneously is reduced.

[0239] Since the first key portion 77 and the second key portion 78 are located on different outer surfaces of the ink cartridge 30, the load applied to the first key portion 77 and the second key portion 78 when they are received by the first keyway 115 and the second keyway 138, respectively, is not concentrated in one place. This configuration can reduce the possibility of deformation or breakage of the first key portion 77 and the second key portion 78.

[0240] Since the second key portion 78 is located on the upper surface of the ink cartridge 30, the possibility of damage to the second key portion 78 is reduced compared to cases where the second key portion 78 is located on the lower surface. Since the first key portion 77 and the second key portion 78 are located above the supply port 34, ink is less likely to adhere to the first key portion 77 and the second key portion 78.

[0241] When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge housing 110, the ink cartridge 30 moves forward in the front-to-back direction and rotates about a rotation axis extending in the left-to-right direction. Therefore, the user can easily identify the direction of movement of the ink cartridge 30.

[0242] Since the ink cartridge 30 can move (rotate) about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction when the first key portion 77 has been received by the first key slot 115, the ink cartridge 30 is prevented from being inserted into the cartridge housing 110 when the first key portion 77 has not been received by the first key slot 115.

[0243] Since the first key 77 is located on the cover 32 and the second key 78 is located on the container body 31, even if the first key 77 is damaged, only the cover 32 needs to be replaced, and the container body 31 can be reused.

[0244] Since the space defined by the inner surface 93 of the second key portion 78 is continuous with the storage chamber 46, the volume of the storage chamber 46 is increased.

[0245] Because the ink cartridge 30 has a sheet 94, even if the first key 77 is damaged, the slot 108 into which the ink cartridge 30 will be inserted can be identified through the sheet 94.

[0246] When the second key portion 78 is received by the second keyway 138 and the locking surface 87 contacts the locking portion 139, the ink cartridge 30 inserted into the housing 110 is prevented from moving backward.

[0247] [Variation Example]

[0248] In the above embodiment, the first key portion 77 extends rearward from the lower surface 70 of the cover 32. Optionally, as... Figure 18 As shown, the first key portion 177 can protrude to the right from the right wall 55 of the cover 32 and extend in the front-rear direction. In this case, a groove extending in the front-rear direction for the first key portion 177 to enter is formed in the fitting piece 123 of the housing 110. Alternatively, the first key portion 177 can protrude to the left from the left wall 54 of the cover 32 and extend in the front-rear direction.

[0249] Furthermore, the first key portion 177 may protrude from one or both of the right wall 55 and left wall 54 in a position other than where the third key portion 79 is located in the cover 32 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the vertical position and / or shape of the first key portion 177 differs, and the horizontal position of the second key portion 78 differs. Thus, these two types of features are easily distinguishable.

[0250] Furthermore, such as Figure 19 As shown, the first key portion 277 may be located in the recess that constitutes the third key portion 79.

[0251] Furthermore, the rear end of the first key portion 277 can be separated from the rear end face 89 of the recess that constitutes the third key portion 79 in the front-rear direction.

[0252] In the above embodiment, the first key portion 77 is convex, and the first keyway 115 is an example of a first receiving member, where the first keyway 115 is concave. However, the mechanical characteristics of the first key portion 77 and the first keyway 111 can be reversed. That is, concave is another example of a first key portion, and convex is another example of a first receiving member. Similarly, the shapes of the second key portion and the second receiving portion can be opposite to those of the first key portion and the first receiving portion already described.

[0253] Furthermore, the number of first key sections 277 is not limited to one; it can be two or more.

[0254] In the above embodiment, the length of the first rear surface 63 in the left-right direction is constant in the up-down direction. Optionally, as... Figure 20 As shown, the length of the first rear surface 363 in the left-right direction can gradually decrease downwards in the up-down direction. This configuration makes it easier for the user to press the upper part of the first rear surface 363, which is wider than the lower part of the first rear surface 363.

[0255] In the above embodiment, the ink cartridge 30 includes a container body 31 and a cap 32. Optionally, as... Figure 21 As shown, the ink cartridge 30 can have a container 431 integrally formed with a container body 31 and a cap 32. In this case, the container 431 stores ink. Furthermore, the distance between surfaces 74U and 74L in one slot 74 is greater than the vertical dimension of the rib 118, and the distance between surfaces 74U and 74L in the other slot 74 is greater than the vertical dimension of the rib 119, so that there is sufficient space between surfaces 74U and 74L and between ribs 118 and 119 to allow the container 431 to rotate about an axis that extends in the left-right direction and passes through the center of the supply port 34.

[0256] The first key section 77, the second key section 78, and the IC board 60 are located in the container 431. The container 431, which includes the surface where the first key section 77 and the IC board 60 are provided and the internal space for storing ink, is another example of the main body of an ink container.

[0257] In the above embodiment, the second key portion 78 is located on the upper surface of the ink cartridge 30, but the second key unit 78 may be located on an outer surface different from the front and upper surfaces of the ink cartridge 30.

[0258] In the above embodiment, the atmospheric opening passage 38 is located on the upper front wall 40U of the container body 31. However, the atmospheric opening passage 38 may also be located on a wall other than the front wall 40 of the container body 31, for example, on the upper wall 44.

[0259] In the above embodiment, the pressing plate 134 and the ink receiving component 130 are arranged in the cartridge housing 110. However, the pressing plate 134 and the ink receiving component 130 may also be omitted. In other words, the first key portion 77 may only perform the function of identifying the characteristics of the ink cartridge 30.

[0260] Furthermore, the second key unit 78 may not have a locking surface 87. In this case, the valve 36 and the coil spring 37 may not be provided, and the hole of the sealing member 35 located at the supply port 34 can be closed due to the elasticity of the sealing member 35 itself. When the supply tube 102 is inserted, the hole is pressed and enlarged by the supply tube 102, thereby allowing the rear end of the supply tube 102 to enter the internal space of the supply unit 33 through the supply port 34. The supply tube 102 causes the sealing member 35 to elastically deform, thereby bringing the outer peripheral surface of the supply tube 102 into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the sealing member 35. This elastic force can counteract the force of the coil spring 51 and hold the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge housing 110 without having a locking surface 87. In other words, the second key unit 78 may only perform the function of identifying the characteristics of the ink cartridge 30.

[0261] In the above embodiment, the sheet 94 is attached to the container body 31. However, a display section may be formed instead of the sheet 94, which is integrally formed with the container body 31 as a concave-convex shape that allows visual identification of the color, type, volume, etc. of the ink in the container body 31.

[0262] In the above embodiment, ink cartridge 30 is an example of an ink container. However, the ink container may not be a cartridge attached to printer 10, but a bottle, such as a canister for refilling ink into the printer.

[0263] In the above embodiments or variations, the ink supply section 33 includes a supply port 34 defining its front end, and the supply section 33 is configured to receive a supply tube 20 (ink tube) disposed in the slot 108 (attachment space). A sealing member 35, a valve 36, and a coil spring 37 may be disposed in the supply section 33. The coil spring 37 can apply force from the valve 36 to the sealing member 35 to seal the chamber 40 in the container body 31 or body 431 of the cartridge. However, other structures that seal the ink storage chamber from the outside may be provided instead of the sealing member 35, valve 36, and coil spring 37; for example, an elastic insert, diaphragm, etc., may be pierced by the supply tube 20, which may be formed as a needle.

[0264] In the above-described embodiments or variations, the supply section 33 is a cylindrical component and has an outer peripheral surface extending rearward from the supply port 34. The outer peripheral surface is a curved surface that curves circumferentially with the rearward direction as its axis. However, according to variations, the outer peripheral surface of the supply section 33 may also include a plurality of flat surfaces arranged adjacent to each other. In addition, the curved surface may only be provided in the lower part of the peripheral surface of the supply section in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the supply section 33 may be configured to have a parallelepiped shape that is more or less integrated into the container body 31 or the body 431.

[0265] In the above-described embodiments or variations, the supply port 34 is circular when viewed from the front. However, according to variations, the supply port 34 may have a shape other than circular when viewed from the front. The supply port 34 may have any shape, as long as it has a through hole into which the supply tube 102 can be inserted, and the through hole can be sealed by sealing the ink storage chamber from the outside.

[0266] In the above embodiments or variations, the first key portion 77 and the second key portion 78 are respectively associated with a first characteristic and a second characteristic of the ink container, and are described as relating to ink color and ink composition (e.g., dye or pigment), respectively. However, the specific characteristics of the ink container can also be the opposite, i.e., the first characteristic can be ink composition and the second characteristic can be ink color. Furthermore, the first and second characteristics can differ from the examples described above; for example, they can be sales area or contract type (associated with the third key portion in this embodiment), or even more specific characteristics. Furthermore, the specific characteristics are not tied to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0267] In the above embodiments or variations, the first key portion 77 is shown as having a plate shape extending rearward from its front surface 77F to the secondary front wall 88. However, the first key portion may also be discontinuous with the secondary front wall 88 (e.g., separate, unconnected, and / or spaced apart), or even continuous with the secondary front wall 88 (e.g., integrally formed), or the secondary front wall 88 may be absent (omitted).

[0268] Furthermore, the plate shape can be replaced by a mesh extending in a forward-backward direction from the secondary front wall 88 of the cover 32 or from the front wall 40 of the container body 31 or body 431, and having a lower surface 77L. Alternatively, a mesh extending in a vertical direction and having a front surface 77F can also be provided. The two meshes are connected to each other and are respectively connected to their respective secondary front wall 88 (if present) and lower wall 70. In other words, the first key portion 77 of this modification can be hollow, etc.

[0269] Alternatively, the first key portion 77 having the lower surface 77L may extend only from the front wall 40 and not from the lower wall 70. If the body of the box 30 comprises two parts, such as the container body 31 and the lid 32, the first key portion 77 may be integrally formed with the container body 31.

[0270] In another embodiment, the first key portion 77 itself may include a movable mechanism. When the ink cartridge is inserted into the slot 108, the first contact portion of the movable mechanism contacts a portion of the slot 108 of the cartridge housing 110, and the resulting force on the contact portion is converted into downward movement of the second contact portion of the movable mechanism, including the lower surface 77L, pressing the press plate 134 downward. The movable mechanism may include an elastic member that holds the first and second contact portions during cartridge insertion and before contact is achieved.

[0271] In a more refined embodiment, the first key portion 77 itself may include a deformable movable mechanism, wherein a rotatable rod is provided in the ink cartridge, which securely contacts the press plate via its contact portion during insertion and further rotates the press plate 134 downward via its contact portion during further insertion of the ink cartridge 30. The movable mechanism may also be a rotatable wheel that, during insertion, “rolls” over the press plate 134, thereby pressing the press plate 134 downward and optionally entering corresponding receiving portions 115A, 115B, 115C, 115D provided in the left-right direction in the slot 108 (if the position and shape of the wheel match or conform to the corresponding receiving portion).

[0272] Furthermore, in the above embodiments or modifications, the second key portion is described as having an inclined shape via surfaces 85A and 85B, and having inclined surfaces 84A and 84B on its sides. However, according to modified embodiments, the second key portion may also be formed simply of a plate with an inclined shape extending in both the front-rear and vertical directions, thereby having thin inclined surfaces and optionally a thin locking surface facing in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. In this case, the thickness of the plate corresponds to the width of the second key portion. In another modification, the second key portion 78 has surfaces 85A and 85B; however, these two surfaces are not inclined but extend in the vertical direction in a manner that makes them close to each other when viewed from the rear.

[0273] Furthermore, it should be noted that the matching or correspondence between the first or second key portion and the first or second receiving portion described herein does not necessarily mean that their shapes and / or positions, or cross-sections in a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement, are completely complementary. These key portions may also be formed as protrusions, the shape and cross-section of which may deviate from the shape and cross-section of the hollow space defined by the corresponding receiving portion. Embodiments including variations of these key portions are included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0274] However, the aforementioned matching and consistency functions require at least that the first key portion be positioned and shaped to accommodate the first receiving portion and the second key portion be positioned and shaped to accommodate the second receiving portion, respectively.

[0275] Furthermore, it should be noted that the specific structures of the first key portion 77 and the second key portion 78 shown in the above embodiments can also be implemented in a box (not shown) in which, for example, the rear surface 62 and rear wall 43 are simply flat and do not have a second inclined surface 64 and a third inclined surface 65 and / or the lower wall 45 has a first lower wall 45A and a second lower wall 45B including the specific structures shown. The rear surface 62 and rear wall 43 can also have a convex shape or any other shape.

[0276] Furthermore, in further modified embodiments, a pair of walls 71 may be omitted, or the shapes of the walls 71 may be configured differently. For example, the first front surface 72 and the second front surface 73 may not be circular, but rather defined as rectangular or tapered profiles. Alternatively or alternatively, the walls 71 may not extend from the lower wall 70, but rather from the front wall 40 of the container body 31 or body 431. According to further modifications, only one of the two walls 71 may be provided, such as one wall of the left wall 54 or one wall of the right wall 55.

[0277] Furthermore, the groove 74 described in this embodiment or corresponding variations has an upward-facing lower surface 74L, a downward-facing upper surface 74U, and a (bottom) surface 74M of the connecting surfaces 74L and 74U. However, according to variations, only the bottom surface 74M and the downward-facing upper surface 74U, or only the bottom surface 74M and the upward-facing lower surface 74L, may exist. If neither the downward-facing upper surface 74U nor the upward-facing lower surface 74L exists, then even if the first key portion 77 and the second key portion 78 are present, the groove 74 may not be provided. In a further variation, the groove 74 is only present on one side of the housing 30, such as the left wall 54 side, but not on the other side, such as the right wall 55 side, and vice versa. In a further variation, an upward-facing lower surface 74L is formed only on one side, such as the left wall 54, and a downward-facing upper surface 74U is formed only on the other side, such as the right wall 55, and vice versa, without forming opposite surfaces 74U and 74L of the groove 74 respectively.

[0278] According to a further variation, the groove 74 may not have a U-shaped profile, but rather a V-shaped profile, for example, with opposing faces 74L and 74U facing each other in a direction slightly inclined relative to the vertical direction. Any other configuration is also possible. Furthermore, the flat (bottom) surface 74M connecting faces 74L and 74U may be omitted or replaced by a circular, concave, or convex bottom surface 74M connecting opposing faces 74L and 74U. If the flat (bottom) surface 74M connecting faces 74L and 74U is omitted, the groove 74 or a pair of grooves 74 is formed by holes extending in the front-rear direction on the left wall 54 and / or the right wall 55.

[0279] exist Figures 1-20 In the illustrated embodiment, the main body is described as comprising a container body 31 and a lid 32. Both are connected by a protrusion 52 and a through hole 58 accommodating the protrusion 52 through some clearance, allowing the lid 32 to rotate slightly and to a limited extent relative to the container body 31. However, in the case of these two components 31 and 32, according to variations, they may be connected to each other by other hinge mechanisms that allow rotation, or they may be connected to each other without clearance, thus disallowing rotation.

[0280] In this embodiment, the second key portion 78 is described as being integrally formed on the upper wall 44. However, according to variations, the second portion may also be formed as a separate part on or within the upper wall 44. In further variations, the second portion may be elastically extendable or retractable in the vertical or inclined direction. For example, during insertion, the second key portion may be pushed downward by the locking portion 139 (e.g., preventing...). Figures 1-20 The container body 31 or Figure 21 The main body 431 rotates and retracts into the recess formed on the upper wall 44, while the locking part 139 slides along the inclined surface 84B.

[0281] Therefore, the second key portion can be spring-loaded, for example, in an upward direction. Once the locking portion 139 passes the inclined surface 84B, the second key portion moves upward again under the action of its spring force, and if the second key portion matches or aligns with the second receiving portion (second keyway 138), the second key portion and the second receiving portion are engaged. At the same time, the locking surface 87 contacts the locking portion 139. The box is then securely fixed to the slot 108.

[0282] Depending on the (steeper) inclination of the locking surface 87, for example after ink consumption, the cartridge can be removed from the slot 108 by applying greater force, such as a force that overcomes the friction between the locking part 139 and the locking surface 87. In this case, the second key retracts again during removal. It should be noted that if the second key does not match the second key slot 138 during insertion, the locking surface 87 cannot contact the locking part 139, the cartridge cannot be held in place, and the user becomes aware that the cartridge 30 has been inserted into the wrong slot 108.

[0283] In the above embodiments or variations thereof, the third key portion 79 is described as a recess formed on the left wall 54 and the right wall 55, respectively. However, according to a further variation of the box 30, the cover 32 may be formed with a thickness between the left wall 54 and the right wall 55, without any recessed portion, thus fitting between the fitting pieces 122, 123. This variation is one embodiment of the box 30 in which the third portion is omitted. However, the recessed portion may also be formed only on one side, for example, only on the left wall 54 or only on the right wall 55.

[0284] exist Figures 1-21 In the above embodiments shown in the examples or variations thereof, the rear end of the upper surface 80 of the upper wall 44 of the container body 31 includes an operating surface 68, which has a plurality of upwardly projecting protrusions 69 extending in the left-right direction, wherein the protrusions 69 are examples of anti-slip structures. However, according to the variations of the embodiments, the operating surface may be arranged in a different manner, for example, having recesses instead of protrusions, or even omitting the protrusions.

[0285] Although the invention has been described according to embodiments, and will be described as an embodiment according to the following clauses 1 to 18, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments and structures disclosed therein. Furthermore, the invention can be made in various combinations and configurations, as well as other combinations and configurations including one, more than, or less than one element.

[0286] Clause 1: An ink container comprising:

[0287] The main body includes a chamber configured to store ink; and

[0288] The supply port faces the attachment direction.

[0289] The main body also includes:

[0290] A first key portion, the first key portion being located on the first outer surface of the body; and

[0291] The second key portion is located on a second outer surface different from the first outer surface, wherein the engagement surface of the second key portion can be engaged by moving the second key portion along a second direction different from the attachment direction.

[0292] Clause 2: The ink container according to Clause 1, wherein the second key portion is movable along the second direction with the second outer surface.

[0293] Clause 3: The ink container according to Clause 2, wherein the second outer surface is the upper surface of the upper wall of the ink container.

[0294] Clause 4: The ink container according to Clause 1, wherein the second key portion is in a fixed position relative to the supply port.

[0295] Clause 5: The ink container according to Clause 1, wherein the second key portion is movable relative to the first key portion in the second direction.

[0296] Clause 6: The ink container according to Clause 1, wherein the mating surface faces a direction opposite to the attachment direction.

[0297] Clause 7: The ink container according to Clause 1, wherein the first key portion has at least one of a shape and position associated with a corresponding first characteristic of the ink container, and the second key portion has at least one of a shape and position associated with a corresponding second characteristic of the ink container, the corresponding second characteristic being different from the corresponding first characteristic.

[0298] Clause 8: The ink container as described in Clause 7, wherein the first characteristic includes the color of the ink stored in the first ink container, and the second characteristic includes the composition of the ink stored in the first ink container.

[0299] Clause 9: The ink container according to Clause 7, wherein the body further includes a display portion including a mark for identifying at least one of the first characteristic and the second characteristic.

[0300] Clause 10: The ink container according to Clause 1, wherein the first key portion and the second key portion are located above the supply port in an up-down direction orthogonal to the attachment direction.

[0301] Clause 11: The ink container according to Clause 1, wherein the movement of the second key portion includes rotation about an axis perpendicular to the attachment direction.

[0302] Clause 12: The ink container according to Clause 1, wherein the body further comprises:

[0303] A first component, the first component including the chamber and the supply port; and

[0304] The second component is located in front of the first component in the attachment direction.

[0305] The first key portion is located in the second component, and the second key portion is located in the first component.

[0306] Clause 13: The ink container according to Clause 12, wherein the first component and the second component are integrally molded to form a single unit.

[0307] Clause 14: The ink container according to Clause 12, wherein the first component is different from the second component and is mechanically connected to the second component.

[0308] Clause 15: The ink container according to Clause 1, wherein the inner surface of the wall of the second key portion defines a space in the first component, the space being continuous with the chamber.

[0309] Clause 16: A printing system comprising:

[0310] Attachment unit; and

[0311] An ink container configured to be attached to the attachment unit.

[0312] The ink container has:

[0313] The main body includes a chamber configured to store ink; and

[0314] The supply port faces the attachment direction;

[0315] The main body also includes:

[0316] A first key portion, located on a first outer surface of the body and configured to be received by the attachment unit in the attachment direction; and

[0317] The second key portion is located on a second outer surface different from the first outer surface, wherein the engagement surface of the second key portion can be engaged by moving the second key portion along a second direction different from the attachment direction.

[0318] Clause 17: The printing system according to Clause 16, wherein the ink container is movable in the second direction while the first key portion has been received by the first receiving portion of the attachment unit in the attachment direction.

[0319] Clause 18: The printing system pursuant to Clause 16, wherein,

[0320] The attachment unit includes multiple attachment spaces.

[0321] The ink container can be inserted into one of the corresponding attachment spaces among the plurality of attachment spaces.

[0322] The first key portion can be received by the first receiving portion located in the corresponding attachment space among the plurality of attachment spaces.

Claims

1. An ink container configured to be insertable into an attachment space of an attachment unit in a first direction, characterized by comprising: a main body including a chamber configured to store ink; and a supply port configured to receive a supply tube provided in the attachment space for taking out the ink from the chamber, the supply port facing the first direction, wherein the main body further includes: a first key portion; and a second key portion located on an outer surface different from a surface on which the first key portion is located, wherein the first key portion is configured to be received by a first receiving portion of the attachment unit when the ink container is inserted into the attachment unit in the first direction, and the second key portion is configured to be received by a second receiving portion of the attachment unit when the ink container is moved in the attachment unit in a second direction different from the first direction.

2. The ink container according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer surface is an upper surface of an upper wall of the ink container.

3. The ink container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in a use posture in which the ink container is inserted into the attachment unit, the first key portion and the second key portion are located above the supply port.

4. The ink container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the movement of the ink container in the second direction is a rotation about an axis perpendicular to the first direction.

5. The ink container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, in a state in which the first key portion has been received by the first receiving portion, the ink container is movable in the second direction.

6. The ink container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the main body further includes: a first member including the chamber and the supply port; and a second member located in front of the first member, wherein the first key portion is located on the second member, and the second key portion is located on the first member.

7. The ink container according to claim 6, characterized in that the first member and the second member are provided as: (a) different members mechanically connected to each other; or (b) members integrally molded to be formed as one body.

8. The ink container according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that an inner surface of a wall of the second key portion defines a space in the first member, and the space is continuous with the chamber.

9. The ink container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the attachment unit includes a plurality of attachment spaces, the ink container is inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of attachment spaces, and the first key portion is received by a first receiving portion located in the corresponding one of the plurality of attachment spaces.

10. The ink container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the main body further includes a display portion that enables visual recognition of which one of the plurality of attachment spaces the ink container is inserted into. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 11. The ink container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the second key portion has a surface facing a direction opposite to the first direction, the surface being configured to be in contact with the second receiving portion.

12. An ink container characterized by comprising: provided with: a main body including a chamber configured to store ink, and a supply port configured to receive a supply tube of an attachment unit for taking out the ink from the chamber, the supply port facing a first direction, wherein the main body further includes: a first key portion including shapes and / or positions at the main body respectively associated with corresponding characteristics of the ink container, the first key portion being configured to be received by a corresponding first receiving portion of the attachment unit; and a second key portion located at an upper surface of the main body and including shapes and / or positions at the main body respectively associated with another corresponding characteristics of the ink container, the second key portion being configured to be received by a corresponding second receiving portion of the attachment unit, the first key portion is located in the first direction with respect to the supply port, and the second key portion is located in a direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the supply port.

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