Cartridge, recording device, and method for manufacturing cartridge
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2022051686
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-03-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-19
- Estimated Expiration
- Not applicable · inactive patent
AI Technical Summary
Existing ink cartridge configurations require a large number of parts and increased manufacturing steps to prevent incorrect mounting, leading to higher costs.
A cartridge design with a cover having a recessed portion that fits into a mounting part with a convex portion, allowing for multiple mounting patterns by rotating the cover at different angles, reducing the need for multiple parts and simplifying the manufacturing process.
The design effectively suppresses incorrect mounting of cartridges with a simple configuration, reducing manufacturing costs and preventing incorrect installation.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cartridge, a recording device, and a method of manufacturing a cartridge.
Background Art
[0002] In Patent Document 1, as a configuration for suppressing misattachment of an ink cartridge (also referred to as a "cartridge"), a concave portion is formed in an ink supply port of the cartridge, and a convex portion is formed in a mounting region of a carriage for mounting the cartridge.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the engagement pattern between the convex portion and the concave portion is different for each product or each ink color. Therefore, in order to suppress misattachment of the cartridge, a large number of parts are required. Moreover, since the manufacturing process also increases, the manufacturing cost has been high.
[0005] Therefore, the technology according to the present disclosure aims to provide a technology capable of suppressing misattachment of a cartridge with a simple configuration.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the cartridge according to this disclosure is a cartridge that can be mounted in a predetermined position on a first mounting portion of a recording device, comprising: a supply port for supplying liquid inside the cartridge to the recording device; and a cover that covers the outer circumference of the supply port and has a recess at a position along the outer circumference, wherein the recess is configured to fit onto the first protrusion when the cartridge is mounted in the predetermined position on the first mounting portion which has a first protrusion, and when the supply port is rotated from the predetermined position to a predetermined angle with respect to the pivot axis, it is possible to fit onto the second protrusion of a second mounting portion, which is separate from the first mounting portion and has a second protrusion provided at a different phase from the phase in which the first protrusion is provided on the first mounting portion, and the cartridge is not mounted on the second mounting portion in the predetermined position. [Effects of the Invention]
[0007] According to the cartridge disclosed herein, the simple configuration makes it possible to suppress incorrect installation of the cartridge. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the liquid supply system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the cartridge manufacturing process. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a cover mounting pattern in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of the mounting part of the holder. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the formation pattern of the protrusions on the mounting portion in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cartridge that is not installed in the recording device. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the cover inserted into the mounting section, with the recessed part fitted into the convex part. [Figure 9] It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cover and the mounting portion function as a misattachment prevention mechanism. [Figure 10] It is a figure which shows the modification when a recessed part is formed in the outer periphery of a cover. [Figure 11] It is a schematic diagram of the cover according to the second modification. [Figure 12] It is a figure which shows an example of the mounting pattern of the cover in the second modification | variation. [Figure 13] It is a schematic diagram of the mounting portion in the second modification | variation. [Figure 14] It is a figure which shows the modification when a recessed part is formed in the inner periphery of a cover. [Figure 15] It is a schematic front view of the cover and the mounting portion according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] )]]It is a schematic diagram of the cover according to the third modification. [Figure 17] It is a schematic diagram of the mounting portion according to the third modification. [Figure 18] It is a schematic diagram of a general cartridge. [Figure 19] It is a schematic diagram of a general supply port. [Figure 20] It is a schematic diagram showing the vicinity of the supply port after being mounted on a general carriage.
MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the components described below are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Also, not all of the technical features described below are essential for solving the problems of the present invention.
[0010] First, in order to facilitate the understanding of the cartridge and the recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, a general cartridge and recording apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20. As a general recording apparatus, there is known a type (so-called serial recording method) in which an image is formed on a recording medium by scanning the recording head over the recording medium and transporting the recording medium by a predetermined amount in a direction orthogonal to the scanning direction. The recording head is mounted on a carriage for scanning. The recording head is supplied with ink from a cartridge while mounted on this carriage. On the other hand, the cartridge can continuously supply ink by the amount of ink ejected by the recording head.
[0011] FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a general cartridge 500. As shown in FIG. 18, the cartridge 500 stores ink inside. And the cartridge 500 has a supply port 590 for supplying ink to the recording apparatus.
[0012] FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a general supply port 590. As shown in FIG. 19, in the vicinity of the supply port 590, a cartridge recess 503 is formed so as to correspond to a carriage projection 504 (see FIG. 20) formed on a carriage of a general recording apparatus.
[0013] FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing the vicinity of the supply port 590 after being mounted on a general carriage. As shown in FIG. 20, generally, the carriage has a carriage projection 504. When the carriage projection 504 and the cartridge recess 503 correspond to each other, the cartridge 500 can be mounted on the carriage.
[0014] The above is the description of a general cartridge and recording apparatus.
[0015] [First Embodiment] [Outline of Liquid Supply System] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the liquid supply system according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the liquid supply system includes a cartridge 100 that can be mounted in a predetermined position on a first mounting part (described later) provided on the recording device 200, and a recording device 200 that is supplied with liquid from the mounted cartridge 100. The cartridge 100 according to this embodiment is a serial recording type off-carriage type. The recording device 200 includes a holder 3 having a mounting part 150 for mounting the cartridge 100, a tube 2 with one end connected to the holder 3 and the other end connected to a carriage (not shown) on which a recording head 1 is mounted, and a recording head 1 that discharges liquid. The cartridge 100 is detachable from the mounting part 150 of the holder 3. The mounting part 150 has a needle 310 (see Figure 5) which is hollow inside. The needle 310 is connected to the tube 2. The needle 310 constitutes the end of the liquid supply system in the recording device 200. The cartridge 100 mounted on the mounting section 150 communicates with the recording head 1 on the carriage via the needle 310 on the mounting section 150, the housing of the holder 3 on the mounting section 150, and the tube 2 connecting the holder 3 and the carriage. Recording (e.g., printing) is performed by the recording head 1 ejecting the liquid supplied from the cartridge 100 as liquid droplets LD. When the liquid is consumed by being ejected from the recording head 1, the same amount of liquid that was consumed is supplied again from the cartridge 100 to the recording head 1.
[0016] <Overview of Cartridge 100> Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cartridge 100 according to this embodiment. The cartridge 100 is broadly divided into a storage section 110, a supply port 120, and a cover 124 having an opening 1240 (see Figure 3) for mounting on the supply port 120. The cover 124 covers the outer circumference of the supply port 120. The storage section 110 has a housing 160 and a lid 170. The supply port 120 is located on the housing 160 side. The lid 170 has an atmospheric communication port 180. The liquid supplied to the recording head 1 is stored in the storage section 110. The liquid stored in the storage section 110 is supplied to the recording head 1 via the supply port 120. As the liquid in the storage section 110 decreases, air is introduced into the storage section 110 from the atmospheric communication port 180. The cover 124 has a recess 126 (see Figure 3) located along the outer circumference of the supply port 120 as a mis-attachment prevention mechanism to suppress mis-attachment to the mounting portion 150 of the recording device 200. Specifically, the cover 124 has a recess 126 located at a position corresponding to the position of the protrusion 125 (see Figure 5) of the mounting portion 150, and extends in the direction of insertion into the mounting portion 150.
[0017] As a result, when the cartridge 100 is manufactured, rotating the cover 124 creates multiple mounting patterns corresponding to the positions of the protrusions 125 on the mounting portion 150, while using one type of recess 126 formation pattern. In other words, the cover 124 functions as a mis-mounting prevention mechanism to suppress mis-mounting when the cartridge 100 is mounted on the recording device 200. The mounting patterns of the cover 124 will be described later. Next, the components of the cartridge 100 will be described in detail.
[0018] <Storage section 110> As described above, the storage section 110 stores the liquid to be supplied to the recording head 1. The supply port 120 is located at the very bottom of the storage section 110. The storage section 110 has a slope 111 at its bottom that slopes downward in the direction of gravity toward the supply port 120, and a step that goes down one level. The slope 111 is inclined downward toward the supply port 120. This improves the ease of using up the liquid.
[0019] <Supply port 120> Next, the supply port 120 will be described. The supply port 120 is connectable to the recording device 200. The supply port 120 supplies the liquid inside the storage unit 110 to the recording device 200. In other words, the supply port 120 supplies the liquid inside the cartridge 100 to the recording device 200. The supply port 120 is provided with a valve. Inside the supply port 120 are a valve spring 122, a valve body 121, and an annular sealing member 123. The material constituting the valve spring 122 includes metal. The material constituting the valve body 121 includes resin. The material constituting the sealing member 123 includes rubber. The sealing member 123 is fitted into the opening of the supply port 120. Therefore, before the cartridge 100 is installed in the recording device 200, the valve body 121 is pressed against the sealing member 123 by the biasing force of the valve spring 122. This keeps the supply port 120 closed.
[0020] <How to manufacture cartridge 100> Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the manufacturing process for cartridge 100. For simplicity, this explanation will focus on the components attached to the supply port 120. The following explanation of the series of steps for manufacturing cartridge 100 will be based on Figure 3. In the following explanation, "step S~" will be simply abbreviated as "S~".
[0021] In S1, the housing 160 is prepared. In S2, the valve spring 122 is installed inside the supply port 120 of the housing 160. In S3, the valve body 121 is installed so as to contact the tip of the valve spring 122. In S4, the inner circumference of the sealing member 123 is installed so as to be closed by the valve body 121. In S5, when the cover 124 is attached to the first cartridge, the cover 124 is attached to the first cartridge at a different angle than when the cover 124 is attached to the second cartridge which contains a different type of liquid than the first cartridge. In other words, in this step, the angle at which the cover 124 is attached to the supply port 120 is adjusted before the cover 124 is attached to the supply port 120. For example, the cover 124 is rotated with the supply port 120 as the pivot axis. In this case, the angle at which the cover 124 is rotated can be adjusted arbitrarily. This allows the angle at which the cover 124 is attached to be determined arbitrarily. In S6, the cover 124 is fixed to the supply port 120. Examples of methods for fixing the cover 124 include heat welding or fixing with adhesive.
[0022] The above is a general explanation of the series of steps for manufacturing the cartridge 100. As a result, there is only one formation pattern for the recess 126 on the cover 124, but multiple mounting patterns can be created by arbitrarily adjusting the angle at which the cover 124 is mounted. The order of the steps described above may be changed, to the extent that the angle at which the cover 124 is mounted can be adjusted. For example, after mounting the cover 124 to the supply port 120, the cover 124 may be rotated to adjust the angle at which it is fixed.
[0023] <Installation pattern for cover 124> Figure 4 shows an example of the mounting pattern of the cover 124 in this embodiment. The configuration of the cartridge 100, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described below using Figures 4(a) to (d).
[0024] Figure 4(a) shows the first mounting pattern 100A on the cover 124. The cover 124 has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the mounting portion 150 on the recording device 200 into which the cover 124 is inserted. In the illustrated example, the cover 124 shown in Figure 4(a) has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the mounting portion 150 shown in Figure 5(a), which will be described later. Furthermore, the cover 124 shown in Figure 4(a) is fixed in a state in which the angle at which it is mounted on the supply port 120 is adjusted by rotating the supply port 120 around the pivot axis.
[0025] Figure 4(b) shows the second mounting pattern 100B on the cover 124. Figure 4(c) shows the third mounting pattern 100C on the cover 124. Figure 4(d) shows the fourth mounting pattern 100D on the cover 124. As shown in Figures 4(a) to 4(d), the cross-sectional shape when the cover 124 is cut in a direction intersecting the direction of insertion into the mounting part 150 includes a substantially regular polygon. The cross-sectional shape of the cover 124 in this embodiment includes a substantially regular square. Each cartridge 100 shown in Figures 4(a) to 4(d) stores a different type (for example, a different color) of liquid. For example, the cartridge 100 having the first mounting pattern 100A has cyan ink inside. The cartridge 100 having the second mounting pattern 100B has magenta ink inside. The cartridge 100 having the third mounting pattern 100C has yellow ink inside. Cartridge 100 having a fourth mounting pattern 100D has black ink inside.
[0026] In the first mounting pattern 100A, in S5 described above, the cover 124 is mounted such that, when viewing the cartridge 100 from the front, the recess 126 is located in the upper right. This allows the cartridge 100 that stores cyan ink to be equipped with the first pattern of mis-mounting prevention mechanism (described later). In the second mounting pattern 100B, the cover 124 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise relative to the first mounting pattern 100A, and the cover 124 is mounted on the supply port 120. In other words, in the second mounting pattern 100B, the recess 126 is located in the lower right of the cover 124 when viewing the cartridge 100 from the front. This allows the cartridge 100 that stores magenta ink to be equipped with the second pattern of mis-mounting prevention mechanism, while using a cover 124 that has the same shape as the cover 124 used in the first mounting pattern 100A. In the third mounting pattern 100C, the cover 124 is rotated 180 degrees clockwise relative to the first mounting pattern 100A, and the cover 124 is mounted on the supply port 120. In other words, in the third mounting pattern 100C, the recess 126 is located on the lower left of the cover 124 when the cartridge 100 is viewed from the front. This allows the cartridge 100 that stores yellow ink to have a third pattern of mis-mounting prevention mechanism, while using a cover 124 that has the same shape as the cover 124 used in the first mounting pattern 100A. In the fourth mounting pattern 100D, the cover 124 is rotated 270 degrees clockwise relative to the first mounting pattern 100A, and the cover 124 is mounted on the supply port 120. In other words, in the fourth mounting pattern 100D, the recess 126 is located on the upper left of the cover 124 when the cartridge 100 is viewed from the front. This allows the cartridge 100, which stores black ink, to have a fourth type of mis-installation prevention mechanism, while using a cover 124 that has the same shape as the cover 124 used in the first installation pattern 100A. The cover 124 may be rotated counterclockwise.
[0027] For example, the cover 124 has a recess 126 that fits into a first protrusion (see Figure 6(a)) formed on a first mounting portion of the recording device 200 on which the cartridge 100 is mounted. Furthermore, the cover 124 includes a shape (e.g., a square) whose cross-section is symmetrical when rotated at a predetermined angle (e.g., 90 degrees) with the supply port 120 as the pivot axis. Moreover, when the cover 124 is rotated at a predetermined angle, the recess 126 is positioned at a different phase (see Figure 4(b)). It can then be mounted on a second mounting portion (see Figure 6(b)) on which a second protrusion is formed at a different position from the first mounting portion.
[0028] In this embodiment, the angle at which the cover 124 is attached to the supply port 120 is adjusted according to the type of liquid contained in the cartridge 100, and then the cover 124 is attached. This makes it possible to create multiple patterns (for example, four patterns) of incorrect attachment prevention mechanisms using covers 124 of the same shape.
[0029] <Recording device 200> Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the mounting portion 150 of the holder 3. As described above, the recording device 200 has a holder 3. Here, for ease of understanding, one mounting portion 150 is illustrated and explained. The mounting portion 150 has a needle 310. When the cartridge 100 is mounted in the recording device 200, the needle 310 is inserted into the supply port 120, and liquid enters the inside of the needle 310. When the recording device 200 performs recording, the liquid in the cartridge 100 is supplied to the recording head 1 via the needle 310 and the housing of the holder 3. The mounting portion 150 also has a protrusion 125 on its inner circumference. In the illustrated example, the protrusion 125 is formed in a position corresponding to the first mounting pattern 100A (see Figure 4(a)). When the cartridge 100 is mounted on the recording device 200, the cover 124 is inserted into the mounting section 150 such that the positions of the valve body 121 and the needle 310, and the positions of the recess 126 and the protrusion 125, respectively, coincide. Once the cover 124 is correctly inserted all the way into the mounting section 150, the holder 3 can hold the cartridge 100. In other words, the cartridge 100 is correctly mounted on the recording device 200.
[0030] <Formation pattern of the protrusion 125> Figure 6 shows an example of the formation pattern of the protrusion 125 on the mounting portion 150 in this embodiment. Figure 6 shows the cartridge 100 as viewed from the front. In Figure 5, one mounting portion 150 is illustrated, but the holder 3 may have multiple mounting portions 150. In this embodiment, the shape of each mounting portion 150 shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(d) differs according to the type of liquid stored inside the storage portion 110 of the cartridge 100 to which it is mounted. Figure 6(a) shows the first formation pattern 150A on the mounting portion 150. The holder 3 described above has a mounting portion 150 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the cover 124 of the cartridge 100. In the example shown in Figure 6(a), the holder 3 has a mounting portion 150 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the cover 124 shown in Figure 4(a). Figure 6(b) shows the second formation pattern 150B on the mounting portion 150. The shape of the mounting portion 150 shown in Figure 6(b) corresponds to the shape of the cover 124 shown in Figure 4(b). Figure 6(c) shows the third forming pattern 150C on the mounting portion 150. The shape of the mounting portion 150 shown in Figure 6(c) corresponds to the shape of the cover 124 shown in Figure 4(c). Figure 6(d) shows the fourth forming pattern 150D on the mounting portion 150. The shape of the mounting portion 150 shown in Figure 6(d) corresponds to the shape of the cover 124 shown in Figure 4(d). For example, each of the cartridges 100 shown in Figures 4(a) to 4(d) is mounted on each of the mounting portions 150 shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(d).
[0031] <Correspondence between recess 126 and protrusion 125> In this embodiment, the recess 126 shown in Figure 4(a) is configured to fit onto the first protrusion (protrusion 125 shown in Figure 6(a)) when the cartridge 100 is mounted in a predetermined position on the first mounting part (mounting part 150 shown in Figure 6(a)), which has a first protrusion (protrusion 125 shown in Figure 6(a)). On the other hand, in the recording device 200, the second mounting part (mounting part 150 shown in Figure 6(b)), which is separate from the first mounting part, has a second protrusion (protrusion 125 shown in Figure 6(b)) which is provided at a different phase from the phase in which the first protrusion is provided on the first mounting part. Furthermore, in the cover 124 alone, the recess 126 can fit onto the second protrusion of the second mounting part, which is separate from the first mounting part, when the cover 124 is rotated from a predetermined position to a predetermined angle (90 degrees clockwise) with the supply port 120 as the pivot axis. However, the cartridge 100 with the cover 124 mounted is not mounted on the second mounting part in a predetermined position.
[0032] <When cartridge 100 can be mounted on recording device 200> Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the cartridge 100 before it is mounted on the recording device 200. In the following description, the cartridge 100 will be shown using schematic diagrams, focusing on the components necessary for mounting it on the mounting section 150. The holder 3 will be shown focusing on the needle 310 and the protrusion 125. The following describes the process of mounting the cartridge 100 on the recording device 200 in order. Here, we will describe the case where the cartridge 100 having the first mounting pattern 100A is mounted on the mounting section 150 having the first forming pattern 150A.
[0033] The cover 124, mounted on the outer circumference of the supply port 120, has an opening 1240 (see Figure 3) that is larger than the outer diameter of the needle 310, making it easier to install the cartridge 100. This allows the needle 310 to be guided when the cartridge 100 is installed in the recording device 200. As shown in Figure 7, before the needle 310 is inserted, the opening of the supply port 120 is sealed by the valve body 121 and the sealing member 123. In the illustrated example, the position of the recess 126 corresponds to the position of the protrusion 125. Therefore, the recess 126 can be fitted into the protrusion 125. In other words, the recess 126 can guide the relative insertion of the protrusion 125.
[0034] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the cover 124 inserted into the mounting portion 150 and the recess 126 fitted into the protrusion 125. As shown in Figure 8, when the cartridge 100 is moved further in the insertion direction (from left to right in the figure) from the position shown in Figure 7, the needle 310 is inserted into the supply port 120. When the cartridge 100 is mounted on the recording device 200, the needle 310 is first inserted by sliding while maintaining a seal with the sealing member 123. Once inserted into the supply port 120, the needle 310 presses against the valve body 121 against the biasing force of the valve spring 122. Subsequently, the valve body 121 moves away from the sealing member 123 while being pressed by the needle 310. This opens the supply port 120, that is, it becomes possible to supply liquid to the recording head 1.
[0035] Meanwhile, the recess 126 between the outer circumference of the cover 124 and the inner circumference of the mounting portion 150 guides the relative insertion of the protrusion 125. As a result, not only does the opening 1240 of the cover 124 guide the relative insertion of the needle 310, but the recess 126 of the cover 124 also guides the relative insertion of the protrusion 125, thus stabilizing the insertion of the cartridge 100. The cartridge 100 is mounted to the mounting portion 150 of the recording device 200 by pushing it in until it is no longer possible to insert the supply port 120.
[0036] Therefore, if the type of liquid contained in the cartridge 100 corresponds to the type of liquid to be supplied to the mounting unit 150, the cartridge 100 can be mounted on the mounting unit 150. When the cartridge 100 is removed from the recording device 200, the reverse operation of the mounting process described above is performed.
[0037] <When the cover 124 and mounting portion 150 function as a mechanism to prevent incorrect mounting> The following describes a case where the recess 126 of the cover 124 and the protrusion 125 of the mounting portion 150 function as a mechanism to prevent incorrect mounting. In other words, the case where the mounting pattern of the cover 124 and the formation pattern of the protrusion 125 do not correspond to each other, and the cartridge 100 cannot be mounted on the recording device 200 is described. Here, the description assumes a case where the mounting of the cartridge 100 having the second mounting pattern 100B onto the mounting portion 150 having the first formation pattern 150A is prevented.
[0038] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the cover 124 and mounting portion 150 functioning as a mis-mounting prevention mechanism. As shown in Figure 9, the recess 126 is located at the bottom. On the other hand, the protrusion 125 is located above the mounting portion 150. Therefore, even if one attempts to mount the cartridge 100 into the recording device 200 when the positions of the recess 126 and the protrusion 125 do not correspond, the front surface of the cover 124 will come into contact with the front surface of the protrusion 125. This prevents the cartridge 100 from being mis-mounted into the wrong mounting portion 150.
[0039] <Summary> As described above, by rotating the cover 124 to a predetermined angle and then attaching it to the supply port 120, it is possible to create multiple attachment patterns using one type of cover 124. Therefore, the number of parts required to suppress incorrect attachment of the cartridge 100 can be reduced. In other words, the manufacturing cost of the cartridge 100 with the incorrect attachment suppression mechanism can be reduced. On the other hand, in the recording device 200, the attachment portion 150 has a protrusion 125. This prevents the attachment of a cartridge 100 in which the position of the recess 126 does not correspond to the position of the protrusion 125 to the recording device 200. Accordingly, the recess 126 of the cartridge 100 and the protrusion 125 of the recording device 200 according to this embodiment function as a mechanism to suppress incorrect attachment of the cartridge 100.
[0040] Therefore, the mis-installation prevention mechanism according to this disclosure can prevent the mis-installation of the cartridge 100 with a simple configuration. In addition, in this embodiment, the supply port 120 is located within the opening 1240 of the cover 124. Therefore, by using the mis-installation prevention mechanism, it is possible to prevent a liquid of a different type from the liquid stored in the storage section 110 from adhering to the supply port 120.
[0041] <Modification 1 of the first embodiment> This modified version aims to provide a mis-installation prevention mechanism with even more patterns.
[0042] Figure 10 shows a modified example in which a recess 126 is formed on the outer circumference of the cover 124. As shown in Figure 10(a), the shape of the cross-section when the cover 124 is cut in a direction intersecting the direction of insertion into the mounting portion 150 includes a substantially annular shape. In the illustrated example, the shape of the cross-section of the cover 124 includes an annular shape. Figure 10(a) shows an example of a cover 124 having a substantially annular outer circumference. Note that if the shape of the outer circumference of the cover 124 is substantially annular, the shape of the outer circumference of the cover 124 of other cartridges 100 is also substantially annular. With this configuration, by adjusting the angle at which the cover 124 is mounted, it is possible to provide a mounting pattern that is greater than the example shown in Figure 10(c) described later. As shown in Figures 10(b) and 10(c), the shape of the cross-section when the cover 124 is cut in a direction intersecting the direction of insertion into the mounting portion 150 includes a substantially regular polygon. The shape of the cross-section of the cover 124 shown in Figure 10(b) includes a substantially regular pentagon. The cross-sectional shape of the cover 124 shown in Figure 10(c) includes a roughly regular hexagon. Figure 10(b) shows an example of a cover 124 having a roughly regular pentagonal outer circumference. With this configuration, five mounting patterns can be provided by adjusting the angle at which the cover 124 is mounted in 72-degree increments. Therefore, even if there are five types of cartridges 100 to be mounted in the recording device 200, a mechanism to prevent incorrect mounting can be provided. If the outer circumference of the cover 124 of one cartridge 100 is roughly a regular pentagon, then the outer circumferences of the covers 124 of the remaining four cartridges 100 will also be roughly regular pentagons. Furthermore, with this configuration, as shown in the figure, the height of the cartridge 100 can be made as low as possible. For this reason, the cartridge 100 can be made smaller than in the first embodiment. Figure 10(c) shows an example of a cover 124 having a roughly regular hexagonal outer circumference. With this configuration, six mounting patterns can be provided by adjusting the angle at which the cover 124 is mounted in 60-degree increments. Therefore, even if there are six types of cartridges 100 to be mounted in the recording device 200, a mechanism to prevent incorrect mounting can be provided. Furthermore, if the outer circumference of the cover 124 of one cartridge 100 is approximately a regular hexagon, then the outer circumferences of the covers 124 of the remaining five cartridges 100 will also be approximately hexagonal.
[0043] Furthermore, the shape of the inner circumference of the mounting portion 150 of the recording device 200 is appropriately changed according to the shape of the outer circumference of the cover 124 of the cartridge 100. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a mis-mounting prevention mechanism with even more patterns.
[0044] <Modification 2 of the first embodiment> In the example shown in Figure 4, a recess 126 is formed on the outer circumference of the cover 124. As another example of the location where the recess 126 is formed, the recess 126 may be formed on the inner circumference of the cover 124. This modified example aims to provide a mis-installation prevention mechanism with even more patterns.
[0045] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the cover 124 according to this modified example. As shown in Figure 11, the cover 124 according to this modified example has a recess 126 that is recessed from the inner circumference to the outer circumference of the opening 1240.
[0046] Figure 12 shows an example of the mounting pattern of the cover 124 in this modified example. As shown in Figure 12, this modified example can provide a fifth mounting pattern 1200A, a sixth mounting pattern 1200B, a seventh mounting pattern 1200C, and an eighth mounting pattern 1200D. In this modified example as well, four patterns of incorrect mounting prevention mechanisms can be created by adjusting the angle at which the cover 124 is mounted on the supply port 120 in 90-degree increments, with the supply port 120 as the center of the pivot axis.
[0047] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the mounting portion 150 in this modified example. In this modified example, the mounting portion 150 has a protrusion 125 that extends from the inside of the back surface of the mounting portion 150 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the cover 124. In the illustrated example, the protrusion 125 is formed at a position corresponding to the fifth mounting pattern 1200A (see Figure 12).
[0048] Figure 14 shows a modified example in which a recess 126 is formed on the inner circumference of the cover 124. The purpose of this modified example is to provide a mis-installation prevention mechanism with even more patterns. Explanations that are common to the example shown in Figure 10 will be omitted as appropriate. Figure 14(a) shows an example of a cover 124 having a substantially annular outer circumference. Figure 14(b) shows an example of a cover 124 having a substantially regular pentagonal outer circumference. Figure 14(c) shows an example of a cover 124 having a substantially regular hexagonal outer circumference. With this configuration, even when a recess 126 is formed on the inner circumference of the cover 124, a mis-installation prevention mechanism with even more patterns can be provided.
[0049] [Second Embodiment] The first embodiment and this embodiment share the common feature of having a recess 126 and a protrusion 125 as a mechanism to prevent mis-installation. However, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the cover 124 has a protrusion 125 and the mounting portion 150 has a recess 126. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals will be used to indicate that components similar to those in the first embodiment are the same and their descriptions will be omitted, and the focus will be on the differences from the first embodiment.
[0050] <Configuration of the mis-installation prevention mechanism> Figure 15 is a schematic front view of the cover 124 and mounting portion 150 according to this embodiment. Figure 15(a) is a schematic front view of the cover 124 according to this embodiment. The cover 124 according to this embodiment has a protrusion 125 that extends along the direction of insertion into the mounting portion 150 at a position corresponding to the position of the recess 126 (see Figure 15(b)) of the mounting portion 150. Figure 15(b) is a schematic front view of the mounting portion 150 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 15(a), the cover 124 according to this embodiment has a protrusion 125. Specifically, the protrusion 125 extends outward from the outer circumference of the cover 124. Also, as shown in Figure 15(b), the mounting portion 150 according to this embodiment has a recess 126 at a position corresponding to the position of the protrusion 125.
[0051] In this embodiment, the cover 124 has a protrusion 125 that fits into a first recess formed in a first mounting portion of the recording device 200 on which the cartridge 100 is mounted (see Figure 15(a)). Furthermore, the cover 124 has a shape in which its cross-section is symmetrical when rotated at a predetermined angle with the supply port 120 as the pivot axis. Moreover, when the cover 124 is rotated at a predetermined angle, the protrusion 125 is positioned at a different phase, and it can be mounted on a second mounting portion where a second recess is formed at a different position from the first mounting portion. Therefore, when mounting the corresponding cartridge 100 to the mounting portion 150, the protrusion 125 fits into the recess 126. Thus, the cover 124 can be inserted into the mounting portion 150.
[0052] On the other hand, if the position of the protrusion 125 on the cover 124 does not correspond to the position of the recess 126 on the mounting part 150, attempting to mount the cartridge 100 into the recording device 200 will result in the front surface of the protrusion 125 contacting the front surface of the recess 126. Consequently, the cover 124 cannot be inserted into the mounting part 150. In other words, in this embodiment as well, when manufacturing the cartridge 100, four patterns of mis-mounting prevention mechanisms can be created by adjusting the mounting angle of the cover 124 in 90-degree increments, using the supply port 120 as a pivot axis. That is, in this embodiment as well, mis-mounting of the cartridge 100 can be suppressed with a simple configuration.
[0053] <Modified form of the second embodiment> In the example shown in Figure 15(a), a protrusion 125 is formed on the outer circumference of the cover 124. The protrusion 125 may also be formed on the inner circumference of the opening 1240 of the cover 124.
[0054] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the cover 124 according to this modified example. As shown in Figure 16, the cover 124 according to this modified example has a protrusion 125 that extends inward from the inner circumference of the opening 1240. With this configuration, the cover 124 can be made smaller compared to the case where the protrusion 125 is formed on the outer circumference of the cover 124. In addition, the cover 124 according to this modified example has a protrusion 125 formed over the entire area in the insertion direction (length direction) of the cartridge 100. However, the protrusion 125 does not have to be formed over the entire area in the insertion direction of the cartridge 100, as long as it can suppress incorrect installation of the cartridge 100. By reducing the area in which the protrusion 125 is formed, the cost of manufacturing the cover 124 can be further reduced. For example, the protrusion 125 may be formed only near the front end of the opening 1240.
[0055] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the mounting portion 150 according to this modified example. In this modified example, the mounting portion 150 has a cylindrical portion 1700 that surrounds the needle 310. The cylindrical portion 1700 has a recess 126 that is recessed inward from its outer circumference. In this modified example, if the position of the recess 126 in the cylindrical portion 1700 corresponds to the position of the protrusion 125 formed on the inner circumference of the opening 1240, the cover 124 (see Figure 16) can be inserted into the mounting portion 150. Note that the position of the recess 126 shown corresponds to the position of the protrusion 125 shown in Figure 16. In other words, if the position of the recess 126 in the cylindrical portion 1700 does not correspond to the position of the protrusion 125 formed on the inner circumference of the opening 1240, the front surface of the protrusion 125 will come into contact with the front surface of the cylindrical portion 1700. This prevents the cartridge 100 from being installed incorrectly. Even with this configuration, the incorrect installation of the cartridge 100 can be prevented with a simple configuration.
[0056] <Other Embodiments> In the first and second embodiments, there was one recess 126 and one protrusion 125. However, multiple recesses 126 and protrusions 125 may be formed. By forming multiple recesses 126 and protrusions 125, even more mounting patterns can be provided. Furthermore, the shapes of the recesses 126 and protrusions 125 are not limited to the shapes exemplified in Embodiment 1, as long as their shapes correspond to each other.
[0057] In the first embodiment, an off-carriage type cartridge 100 was assumed and described, but the type of cartridge 100 may also be a so-called on-carriage type.
[0058] In the first embodiment, the cartridge 100 had different cover 124 mounting patterns for each ink color, but it may also have different cover 124 mounting patterns and recess 126 formation patterns for each type of device to which it is mounted. In this case, for example, a recording device of a different type from the recording device 200 shown in Figure 1 (i.e., a second recording device) has a convex portion 125 and a mounting portion 150 that correspond to the cover 124 mounting pattern and recess 126 formation pattern according to this example.
[0059] This disclosure relates to a technology for suppressing incorrect installation of the cartridge 100 when it is installed in the recording device 200. Therefore, the technology described in this disclosure can be applied if the supply port 120 is installed in the mounting section 150. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0060] 100 cartridges 120 supply ports 121 Valve body 123 Sealing member 124 Cover 126 recess
Claims
1. A cartridge that can be mounted in a predetermined position on a first mounting portion of a recording device having a head that ejects liquid, a supply port for supplying the liquid inside the cartridge to the recording device; a cover that covers an outer periphery of the supply port and has a recess at a position along the outer periphery, The recessed portion is a first mounting portion having a first protrusion, the first protrusion being fitted into the first mounting portion when the cartridge is mounted in the predetermined orientation; when the supply port is rotated from the predetermined attitude to a predetermined angle around a rotation axis, the supply port is capable of fitting into a second convex portion of a second mounting portion different from the first mounting portion, the second mounting portion having a second convex portion provided in a phase different from a phase in which the first convex portion is provided in the first mounting portion, the cartridge is not mounted in the second mounting portion in the predetermined position; A cartridge characterized by:
2. The recessed portion extends in a direction in which the first mounting portion is inserted at a position corresponding to a position of the first protruding portion.
2. The cartridge of claim 1.
3. A cartridge that can be mounted in a predetermined position on a first mounting portion of a recording device having a head that ejects liquid, a supply port for supplying the liquid inside the cartridge to the recording device; a cover covering an outer periphery of the supply port and having a protrusion; The protrusion is the cartridge is configured to be fitted into the first recess when the cartridge is mounted in the predetermined orientation in the first mounting portion having a first recess, when the supply port is rotated from the predetermined attitude to a predetermined angle around a rotation axis, the supply port can be fitted into a second recess of a second mounting portion different from the first mounting portion, the second recess being provided in a phase different from a phase in which the first recess is provided in the first mounting portion, the cartridge is not mounted in the second mounting portion in the predetermined position; A cartridge characterized by:
4. The protrusion extends in a direction in which the protrusion is inserted into the first mounting portion at a position corresponding to a position of the first recess.
4. The cartridge of claim 3.
5. the cover includes a shape in which a cross section of the cover cut in a direction intersecting a direction in which the cover is inserted into the first mounting portion is symmetrical when the cover is rotated to the predetermined angle with the supply port as a center of a rotation axis, A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
6. The cross-sectional shape is substantially annular.
6. A cartridge according to claim 5.
7. The cross-sectional shape is a substantially regular polygon.
6. A cartridge according to claim 5.
8. Further, a bottom of the storage section for storing the liquid has a slope that slopes downward toward the supply port. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
9. A cartridge described in any one of claims 1 to 8, containing ink therein.
10. The supply port has a spring, a valve body, and a seal member, when the cartridge is not attached to the first attachment portion, the valve body is pressed against the seal member by the negative force of the spring to close the supply port. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
11. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising the first mounting portion having a shape corresponding to the shape of the cover of the cartridge. A recording apparatus comprising:
12. The liquid supply device further includes a second mounting portion to which a second cartridge is mounted, the second cartridge storing a different type of liquid from the liquid stored inside the first cartridge mounted to the first mounting portion. The recording apparatus according to claim 11.
13. A method for manufacturing a cartridge capable of being mounted in a predetermined position on a first mounting section of a recording device having a head that ejects liquid, by mounting a cover having a recess or protrusion extending in a mounting direction on a housing having a storage section for storing liquid and a supply port for supplying the liquid inside the storage section to the recording device, providing an enclosure; When attaching the cover to a first cartridge, attaching the cover to the first cartridge at an angle different from an angle when attaching the cover to a second cartridge that contains a different type of liquid than the first cartridge; A method for manufacturing a cartridge, comprising: