Cartridge, cartridge set and recording device

Abstract

To provide a technique that can avoid a plurality of cartridges from being erroneously attached.SOLUTION: A cartridge is configured to be enabled to be attached to a first attachment part provided in a recording device. The cartridge comprises a storage part that can store liquid. The cartridge comprises a protruding part that contacts the other cartridge that is inserted into the first attachment part, in a state where the cartridge is inserted into a second attachment part arranged adjacent to the first attachment part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cartridge, a cartridge set, and a recording device. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, a recording device capable of recording by discharging liquid onto a recording medium may be provided with an erroneous installation prevention mechanism for preventing erroneous installation of a liquid container that contains liquid. If a recording operation is performed by the recording device with the liquid container incorrectly installed, there is a risk that an image will not be recorded correctly or that the recording device will break down.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a head cartridge that can be mounted on a carriage and has a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid and a liquid storage section that supplies liquid to the liquid ejection section, with the liquid ejection section and the liquid storage section being integrated together. Patent Document 1 illustrates that the head cartridge includes a lid member, and a convex portion is formed on the side of the lid member to serve as a marker for the user. By forming the convex portion on the side of the lid member that the head cartridge includes, it is possible to prevent the head cartridge from being erroneously mounted on the carriage with the front-to-back and up-down orientation of the head cartridge reversed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-81084 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, Patent Document 1 does not mention mounting two or more head cartridges on a recording device. Therefore, when mounting two head cartridges side by side in the head cartridge of Patent Document 1, the carriage needs a storage space including the protrusions of the two head cartridges. This raises concerns that the carriage and even the main body of the recording device may become larger.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique capable of avoiding erroneous installation of multiple cartridges. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the cartridge disclosed herein is a cartridge that can be attached to a first mounting portion of a recording device, and is characterized in that it has a storage portion that can store a liquid, and a convex portion that comes into contact with another cartridge to be inserted into the first mounting portion when the cartridge is inserted into a second mounting portion adjacent to the first mounting portion. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the technique of the present disclosure, it is possible to avoid erroneous installation of multiple cartridges. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of control in a printing apparatus applicable to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a carriage according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a head cartridge applicable to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a head cartridge applicable to an embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 1 is a schematic overhead view showing an example of a head cartridge applicable to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic overhead view showing a conventional head cartridge. [Figure 8] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing an example of how erroneous attachment of a head cartridge is suppressed. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a head cartridge applicable to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a head cartridge applicable to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the components described in the following embodiments are merely examples. The technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments exemplified in the present disclosure.

[0011] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings.

[0012] <Overview of the Recording Device 100> FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an outline of a recording device 100 in this embodiment. The coordinate axes in the figure will be described. In the drawings referred to in this specification, the X direction and the Y direction indicate two directions perpendicular to each other on a horizontal plane. The Z direction indicates the vertical direction. The +Y direction indicates the front of the recording device 100, the -Y direction indicates the rear, the -X direction indicates the left direction when facing the front of the recording device 100, the +X direction indicates the right direction, the +Z direction indicates the upward direction, and the -Z direction indicates the downward direction, respectively. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the upward direction, the downward direction, and the left and right directions indicate the directions when facing the front of the recording device 100 in a position in which the recording device 100 is normally used. In this state, the X, Y, and Z directions correspond to the width, length, and height directions of a head cartridge (described later), respectively.

[0013] In this embodiment, the liquid is assumed to be ink, but the liquid is not limited to ink.

[0014] "Recording" (also called "printing") does not only mean forming meaningful information such as characters and figures. "Recording" also means forming meaningless information. "Recording" broadly means forming images, designs, patterns, structures, etc. on a recording medium, and processing the medium, regardless of whether they are manifested in a way that humans can perceive visually.

[0015] The term "recording medium" refers not only to ordinary recording paper, but also to media capable of receiving liquid, such as cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, resin, wood, and leather.

[0016] 1, the recording device 100 (e.g., an inkjet printer) includes a transport roller 101 that transports a recording medium (not shown), a pinch roller 102 that is driven by the transport roller 101, and a platen 103 that can support the transported recording medium. Furthermore, the recording device 100 includes a carriage 104 that can accommodate a cartridge set including a plurality of cartridges, a feed roller (not shown) that feeds the recording medium, and a discharge roller (not shown) for discharging the recording medium to a discharge tray (not shown).

[0017] In this embodiment, a head cartridge is detachably mounted on the carriage 104. When a recording operation is performed by the recording device 100, the recording medium is conveyed onto the platen 103 while being sandwiched between a conveying roller 101 and a pinch roller 102. The platen 103 is disposed at a position facing the head cartridge mounted on the carriage 104. An image is formed by discharging liquid onto the recording medium from the head cartridge mounted on the carriage 104, which can move back and forth along the scanning direction (±X direction). Specifically, an image is formed by alternating a conveying operation in which the recording medium is intermittently conveyed in the conveying direction (+Y direction in the figure) and a recording scan in which the carriage 104 moves in the ±X direction and discharges liquid onto the recording medium. The recording medium on which the image has been formed is discharged to a discharge tray by a discharge roller.

[0018] <Control of Recording Device 100> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration in the recording device 100 applicable to this embodiment.

[0019] 2, the recording device 100 includes an MPU 201 for controlling the entire device, a ROM 202 in which programs executed by the MPU 201 and various data are stored, and a RAM 203 capable of temporarily storing data. The MPU 201 and the ROM 202 are connected via a bus. The MPU 201 and the RAM 203 are connected via a bus.

[0020] The printing apparatus 100 includes a printhead driver 204, a carriage motor driver 205, a transport motor driver 206, an operation display unit 207, and an I / F unit (interface unit) 208, which are connected to an MPU 201 via a bus.

[0021] The first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b are attached to the carriage 104 and connected to a print head driver 204 via a bus. The recording device 100 includes a carriage motor 210 for driving the carriage 104. The carriage motor 210 is connected to a carriage motor driver 205 via a bus. The recording device 100 includes a transport motor 211 for driving a transport roller. The transport motor 211 is connected to a transport motor driver 206 via a bus.

[0022] The host computer 212 includes a printer driver 213 for transmitting and receiving image data and data including the quality of the image to be printed to and from the printing apparatus 100 when a user issues a command to execute printing.

[0023] The MPU 201 transmits and receives recording images and the like to and from the host computer 212 via the I / F unit 208. The MPU 201 controls the entire device using the RAM 203 as a work area in accordance with programs, parameters, and the like stored in the ROM 202. For example, when a command for recording is input via the I / F unit 208 from the host computer 212 disposed outside the recording device 100, the MPU 201 loads the received image data in the RAM 203.

[0024] The MPU 201 performs predetermined image processing on image data according to the programs and parameters stored in the ROM 201, and generates print data for printing by the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b. Under the instruction of the MPU 201, the recording head driver 204 drives the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b according to the print data expanded in the RAM 203. Under the instruction of the MPU 201, the carriage motor driver 205 drives the carriage motor 210 to move the carriage 104 back and forth at a predetermined speed. Under the instruction of the MPU 201, the transport motor driver 206 drives the transport motor 211 to drive the transport rollers.

[0025] The operation display unit 207 includes a display, a key group including buttons and multiple keys that can be pressed by the user, etc. The display can display the status of the recording device 100, various menu screens, or main body information of the recording device 100, etc. The buttons and keys can receive input of various instructions such as printing from the user.

[0026] <Carriage 104> FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover 300 provided on the carriage 104 is open.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the carriage 104 includes a first mounting portion 301a for mounting the first head cartridge 209a, and a second mounting portion 301b for mounting the second head cartridge 209b. The first mounting portion 301a and the second mounting portion 301b are formed on the carriage 104 so as to be adjacent to each other. In this embodiment, the first mounting portion 301a is disposed on the left side (the -X direction side in FIG. 3(a)) when viewed from the front of the carriage 104. On the other hand, the second mounting portion 301b is disposed on the right side (the +X direction side in FIG. 3(a)) when viewed from the front of the carriage 104. In this manner, the cartridge set of this embodiment includes the first head cartridge 209a detachable from the first mounting portion 301a, and the second head cartridge 209b detachable from the second mounting portion 301b adjacent to the first mounting portion 301a. The first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b have substantially the same box shape.

[0028] The carriage 104 includes a first cover 300a that is movable between a fixed position (first position) at which the first head cartridge 209a mounted in the first mounting portion 301a is fixed and a release position (second position) at which the first head cartridge 209a is released without being fixed. The carriage 104 includes a second cover 300b that is movable between a fixed position (third position) at which the second head cartridge 209b mounted in the second mounting portion 301b is fixed and a release position (fourth position) at which the second head cartridge 209b is released without being fixed.

[0029] The carriage 104 includes a single rotating shaft 302 that pivotally supports the first cover 300a and the second cover 300b so as to be openable and closable. The first cover 300a is rotatable between a first position at which the first head cartridge 209a is fixed and a second position at which the first head cartridge 209a is detachable. The second cover 300b is rotatable between a third position at which the second head cartridge 209b is fixed and a fourth position at which the second head cartridge 209b is detachable.

[0030] The first head cartridge 209a is capable of storing and ejecting a first type of liquid. In this embodiment, the first head cartridge 209a is capable of storing and ejecting three types of color ink, namely, yellow, magenta, and cyan.

[0031] On the other hand, the second head cartridge 209b is capable of storing and ejecting a second type of liquid (for example, black ink). Hereinafter, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b, they will be referred to as head cartridges 209.

[0032] The first head cartridge 209a is attached and detached with the first cover 300a open, whereas the second head cartridge 209b is attached and detached with the second cover 300b open.

[0033] In this embodiment, when the first head cartridge 209a is attached to the first mounting portion 301a, the first head cartridge 209a has a first protrusion 303a that protrudes in a direction away from the second mounting portion 301b (-X direction in the figure). On the other hand, when the second head cartridge 209b is attached to the second mounting portion 301b, the second head cartridge 209b has a second protrusion 303b that protrudes in a direction away from the first mounting portion 301a (+X direction in the figure).

[0034] The carriage 104 includes a wall 304 that separates the first mounting portion 301a and the second mounting portion 301b. The thickness of the wall 304 (the length in the X direction in the drawing) is about 1.0 mm.

[0035] FIG. 3B is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover 300 of the carriage 104 is closed.

[0036] 3(b), the first cover 300a is configured to be rotatable between an open position (the second position described above) and a fixed position (the first position described above) about a rotation shaft 302. When the first cover 300a is closed with the first head cartridge 209a inserted into the first mounting portion 301a, the first head cartridge 209a is mounted to the first mounting portion 301a.

[0037] If the head cartridge 209 is not properly inserted into each of the first mounting portion 301a and the second mounting portion 301b, the carriage 104 is configured such that the first cover 300a and the second cover 300b cannot be closed together.

[0038] When the second head cartridge 209b is inserted into the first mounting portion 301a, the first cover 300a is configured not to move from the release position to the fixed position. In addition, when the first cover 300a is not closed, the carriage 104 is configured not to move in the scanning direction. When the mounted first head cartridge 209a is removed, the first cover 300a is opened again.

[0039] The second cover 300b is configured to be able to rotate about the rotation shaft 302 between an open position (the fourth position described above) and a fixed position (the third position described above). When the second cover 300b is closed with the second head cartridge 209b inserted into the second mounting portion 301b, the second head cartridge 209b is mounted on the carriage 104. When the mounted second head cartridge 209b is to be removed, the second cover 300b is opened again.

[0040] In this embodiment, the second cover 300b is configured not to move from the release position to the fixed position when the first head cartridge 209a is inserted into the second mounting portion 301b. In addition, the carriage 104 is configured not to move in the scanning direction when the second cover 300b is not closed.

[0041] According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the recording operation from being started in a state where the first head cartridge 209a, the second head cartridge 209b, or both of them are erroneously attached to the carriage 104. In other words, it is possible to prevent the recording device from breaking down. Below, a detailed description is given of the configuration for preventing the wrong cartridges from being attached to each of the two attachment parts.

[0042] <First Head Cartridge 209a> FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a first head cartridge 209a that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0043] 4, the first head cartridge 209a includes a first storage section 401a capable of storing a first type of liquid, and a first ejection section 402a capable of ejecting the first type of liquid. Inside the first storage section 401a, three liquid chambers capable of storing the above-mentioned three colors of ink individually are arranged in line along the transport direction (Y direction). Furthermore, the first head cartridge 209a includes a first flow path section 403a in which a flow path connecting the first storage section 401a and the first ejection section 402a is formed.

[0044] The first ejection section 402a includes a first ejection element substrate (not shown) capable of ejecting a first type of liquid supplied from the first storage section 401a through the first flow path section 403a. The first ejection element substrate includes an electrothermal conversion element (e.g., a heater, not shown) as an ejection energy generating element (pressure generating element) that generates energy for ejecting the first type of liquid filled in the pressure chamber (not shown). The electrothermal conversion element, together with the ejection port (not shown) and the pressure chamber (not shown), is located closer to the outflow flow path (not shown) than to the supply flow path (not shown). For example, the electrothermal conversion element is driven to generate heat to bubble the first type of liquid filled in the pressure chamber (not shown), and the bubbling energy is utilized to eject the first type of liquid from the ejection port (not shown). Note that another example of an ejection energy generating element applicable to this embodiment is a piezo element.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first head cartridge 209a includes a first lid 404a that covers an opening formed in the upper part of the first housing part 401a. A first protrusion 303a protruding in a first direction (in this example, the -X direction in the figure) is formed on a first side surface of the first lid 404a (in this example, the surface facing the -X direction in the figure).

[0046] In this embodiment, the first protrusion 303a is formed to protrude from the first side surface of the first lid portion 404a in the -X direction by 3.2 mm to 4.5 mm. The width (length in the X direction) of the first head cartridge 209a is about 22.0 mm excluding the first protrusion 303a.

[0047] <Second Head Cartridge 209b> FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a second head cartridge 209b that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0048] 5, the second head cartridge 209b includes a second storage section 401b capable of storing a second type of liquid different from the type of liquid that can be stored in the first storage section of the first head cartridge 209a. The second head cartridge 209b includes a second ejection section 402b capable of ejecting the second type of liquid. Furthermore, the second head cartridge 209b includes a second flow path section 403b in which a flow path connecting the second storage section 401b and the second ejection section 402b is formed.

[0049] The second ejection section 402b includes a second ejection element substrate (not shown) capable of ejecting the second type of liquid supplied from the second accommodation section 401b through the second flow path section 403b. The second ejection element substrate includes an electrothermal conversion element (for example, a heater, not shown) as an ejection energy generating element (pressure generating element) that generates energy for ejecting the second type of liquid filled in the pressure chamber (not shown). The electrothermal conversion element, together with the ejection port (not shown) and the pressure chamber (not shown), is located closer to the outflow flow path (not shown) than to the supply flow path (not shown). For example, the electrothermal conversion element is driven to generate heat to foam the second type of liquid filled in the pressure chamber (not shown), and the foaming energy is utilized to eject the second type of liquid from the ejection port (not shown). Another example of an ejection energy generating element applicable to this embodiment is a piezo element.

[0050] In this embodiment, the second head cartridge 209b includes a second lid 404b that covers an opening formed in the upper part of the second housing part 401b. A second protrusion 303b protruding in a second direction (in this example, the +X direction in the figure) is formed on a second side surface of the second lid 404b (in this example, the surface facing the +X direction in the figure).

[0051] In this embodiment, the second protrusion 303b is formed to protrude from the second side surface of the second cover portion 404b in the second direction by 3.2 mm to 4.5 mm. The width (length in the X direction) of the second head cartridge 209b is about 22.0 mm excluding the second protrusion 303b. Thus, the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b have almost the same size and shape except for the positions where the first protrusion 303a and the second protrusion 303b are arranged.

[0052] <Interval Between First Head Cartridge 209a and Second Head Cartridge 209b> Fig. 6 is a schematic overhead view of the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b, which are correctly attached to the carriage 104, as viewed from above the front of the recording apparatus. For ease of explanation, the carriage 104 is not shown in Fig. 6.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6, the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other along the scanning direction (±X direction). The first convex portion 303a and the second convex portion 303b are formed only on the side surfaces that do not interfere with each other. Specifically, the first convex portion 303a is formed only on the left side surface of the first lid portion 404a, and the second convex portion 303b is formed only on the right side surface of the second lid portion 404b so as not to interfere with the first convex portion 303a. With this configuration, the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b can be arranged closer to each other than in the conventional technology.

[0054] When the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b are mounted on the carriage 104, a distance W61 from the right side surface of the first cover portion 404a to the left side surface of the second cover portion 404b is about 1.4 mm or more and about 1.8 mm or less. In other words, the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b are mounted on the carriage 104 with a distance of 1.4 mm or more and 1.8 mm or less from each other. In this embodiment, a description will be given assuming that the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b are spaced apart from each other by 1.4 mm.

[0055] In this embodiment, the width W62 of the first head cartridge 209a is about 22.0 mm, and the width W62 of the second head cartridge 209b is about 22.0 mm. The height H1 (length in the Z direction excluding the protruding portion) of the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b is about 56.5 mm. Therefore, in order to mount the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b without interfering with each other, the mounting portion 301 of the carriage 104 needs to have a width of about 45.4 mm (22.0 mm + 1.4 mm + 22.0 mm).

[0056] When the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b are correctly mounted, the first convex portion 303a and the second convex portion 303b extend in directions away from each other. Therefore, when the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b are correctly mounted to the carriage 104, the first convex portion 303a and the second convex portion 303b do not come into contact with each other. Below, an example of the conventional technology will be described to make it easier to understand that the recording apparatus of this embodiment can be made smaller than the conventional technology.

[0057] Fig. 7 is a schematic overhead view of two conventional head cartridges correctly mounted on a conventional carriage, viewed from above the front of a conventional recording device. For convenience of explanation, the carriage is not shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 7 will be used to mainly explain the differences between the head cartridge of this embodiment and the conventional head cartridge.

[0058] The head cartridge 600a shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to the first head cartridge 209a of this embodiment. However, inside the head cartridge 600a, two liquid chambers capable of individually storing two of the three colors of ink described above are arranged side by side along the scanning direction (X direction). The head cartridge 600b shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to the second head cartridge 209b of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the head cartridge 600a includes a lid portion 601a, and the head cartridge 600b includes a lid portion 601b. In the conventional technology, the outer periphery shapes of the lid portion 601a and the lid portion 601b are the same.

[0059] The cover 601a has a protrusion 602a on the left side (the surface facing the -X direction in the figure) and a protrusion 603a on the right side (the surface facing the +X direction in the figure). The length of the protrusion 602a in the depth direction in the figure is shorter than the length of the protrusion 603a in the depth direction. With this configuration, the user can distinguish the difference in the length of the protrusion 602a and the protrusion 603a in the depth direction, thereby preventing the head cartridge 600a from being attached to the carriage in the wrong front-to-back or up-to-down direction.

[0060] Like the cover part 601a, the cover part 601b also has a protrusion part 602b and a protrusion part 603b. By determining the difference in length between the protrusion part 602b and the protrusion part 603b in the depth direction, the user is prevented from attaching the head cartridge 600b to the carriage in the wrong front-to-back or up-to-down direction.

[0061] In the conventional technology, in order to prevent the head cartridge 600a and the head cartridge 600b having almost the same shape from interfering with each other, it was necessary to separate the right side surface of the lid part 601a and the left side surface of the lid part 601b by about 7.5 mm. That is, in the conventional technology, the distance W71 from the right side surface (surface facing the +X direction in the figure) of the lid part 601a excluding the convex part 603a to the left side surface (surface facing the -X direction in the figure) of the lid part 601b excluding the convex part 602b was about 7.5 mm.

[0062] The width W72 of the head cartridge 600a (the length in the X direction excluding the protrusions 602a and 603a in FIG. 7) was about 29.5 mm. Like the head cartridge 600a, the width of the head cartridge 600b was also about 29.5 mm. The distance W73 from the right side of the protrusion 603a to the left side of the protrusion 603b was about 3.2 mm. The height H2 of the head cartridges 600a and 600b (the length in the Z direction excluding the protrusions) was about 42.0 mm.

[0063] Therefore, in order to mount the head cartridge 600a and the head cartridge 600b on the carriage, a width of about 66.5 mm (W72 (29.5 mm) + W71 (7.5 mm) + W72 (29.5 mm)) was required.

[0064] If convex portions are formed on both sides of the cover in this way, the carriage will become larger. And, if the carriage becomes larger, there is a risk that the entire recording apparatus will also become larger. The above is a description of the conventional technology. Hereinafter, the configurations of the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5 again.

[0065] As described above, the width of the head cartridge of this embodiment is smaller than that of the conventional head cartridge. Specifically, the width of the head cartridge of this embodiment is smaller than that of the conventional head cartridge by about 7.5 mm. The height (length in the Z direction) of the first head cartridge 209a is larger than that of the head cartridge 600 by about 14.5 mm. This is to make the liquid storage capacity of the head cartridge 209 of this embodiment the same as that of the conventional head cartridge.

[0066] In this embodiment, the width required to mount the first head cartridge 209a and the second head cartridge 209b is about 45.4 mm. In contrast, the width required to mount the head cartridge 600a and the head cartridge 600b is about 66.5 mm. Therefore, the width required to mount the two head cartridges in this embodiment is shorter by about 21.1 mm than the width of the two head cartridges shown in FIG. 7.

[0067] For this reason, when it is considered that the carriage 104 scans back and forth to record an image on a recording medium, the distance traveled by the carriage 104 of this embodiment when scanning back and forth is shorter by about 42.2 mm (21.1 x 2) than the distance traveled by a conventional carriage when scanning back and forth. In this way, by forming the head cartridge of this embodiment into a shape that is smaller (slimmer) in the width direction than the conventional head cartridge, the carriage and the main body of the device can be made smaller than those of the conventional technology.

[0068] <Prevention of incorrect installation> 8 is a diagram showing how erroneous mounting of the head cartridges is suppressed in this embodiment. Specifically, the figure shows a state in which the first head cartridge 209a is to be inserted into the second mounting portion 301b in a state in which the second head cartridge 209b has been erroneously inserted into the first mounting portion 301a.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 8, the second convex portion 303b protrudes in a direction toward the second mounting portion 301b adjacent to the first mounting portion 301a (in this example, the +X direction) when the second head cartridge 209b is inserted into the first mounting portion 301a. That is, the second convex portion 303b protrudes toward the second mounting portion 301b. Therefore, when the first head cartridge 209a is inserted into the second mounting portion 301b while the second head cartridge 209b is inserted into the first mounting portion 301a, the first convex portion 303a comes into contact with the second convex portion 303b so as to overlap with each other. The contact of the first convex portion 303a with the second convex portion 303b prevents the first head cartridge 209a from being mounted in the second mounting portion 301b.

[0070] Specifically, when the first head cartridge 209a is erroneously inserted into the second mounting portion 301b while the second head cartridge 209b is erroneously inserted into the first mounting portion 301a, the first convex portion 303a overlaps the second convex portion 303b. Therefore, it becomes difficult to insert the first head cartridge 209a into the second mounting portion 301b along the mounting direction (-Z direction in the figure).

[0071] In addition, in a state where the first convex portion 303a overlaps the second convex portion 303b, the second cover 300b cannot be closed. In this state, the first cover 300a cannot be closed either. That is, the first convex portion 303a overlaps the second convex portion 303b, thereby preventing the user from erroneously attaching the first head cartridge 209a to the second mounting portion 301b. In contrast to this example, even if the first head cartridge 209a is erroneously inserted into the second mounting portion 301b before the second head cartridge 209b, erroneous attachment can be prevented. When the first head cartridge 209a is erroneously inserted into the second mounting portion 301b before the second head cartridge 209b, the second convex portion 303b overlaps the first convex portion 303a. Therefore, it becomes difficult to insert the second head cartridge 209b into the first mounting portion 301a along the mounting direction (-Z direction in the figure). That is, the second convex portion 303b overlaps the first convex portion 303a, thereby preventing the second head cartridge 209b from being erroneously mounted to the first mounting portion 301a.

[0072] The same applies when the same type of head cartridge 209 is to be mounted in each of the first mounting portion 301a and the second mounting portion 301b. For example, assume that two second head cartridges 209b are to be mounted in the first mounting portion 301a and the second mounting portion 301b. In this case, the second convex portion 303b of the second head cartridge 209b to be mounted in the first mounting portion 301a protrudes toward the second mounting portion 301b. Therefore, even when the other second head cartridge 209b is about to be inserted into the second mounting portion 301b, it abuts against the second convex portion 303b of the other second head cartridge 209b, and erroneous mounting can be suppressed. In this case, the second convex portion 303b of the second head cartridge 209b erroneously inserted into the first mounting portion 301a comes into contact with the second head cartridge 209b to be correctly inserted into the second mounting portion 301b. In other words, since the second convex portion 303b is formed on the upper portion of the second head cartridge 209b, it is possible to prevent the two second head cartridges 209b from being erroneously attached. The same applies to the case where two first head cartridges 209a are to be attached to the first attachment portion 301a and the second attachment portion 301b.

[0073] As described above, according to the technology of the present disclosure, when one of the two head cartridges is erroneously inserted into the mounting portion, the convex portion of the erroneously inserted head cartridge comes into contact with a part of the other head cartridge. In this state, the cover cannot be closed. In other words, unless both of the two head cartridges are inserted in the correct positions, the two cartridges come into contact with each other, preventing the cover from being closed.

[0074] Furthermore, when the two head cartridges are correctly installed, the convex portions of each cartridge protrude in opposite directions. This allows the distance between two adjacent head cartridges to be smaller than that of the prior art. This allows the distance that the carriage travels back and forth when recording an image on standard paper to be shorter than that of the prior art. This allows for improved recording speed and a more compact recording device body.

[0075] In addition, the first convex portion and the second convex portion each function as a finger hook portion when removing the first head cartridge and the second head cartridge, respectively. Furthermore, it is easier than the conventional technology to hook a finger on both the first convex portion and the second convex portion to simultaneously remove both the first head cartridge and the second head cartridge. In addition, the position where the first convex portion is formed and the position where the second convex portion is formed are clearly different from each other. Therefore, the user can distinguish the first head cartridge and the second head cartridge by touch. This can further suppress the user from erroneously attaching the head cartridge to the carriage.

[0076] Therefore, according to the head cartridge of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent erroneous installation of a plurality of cartridges without increasing the size of the recording apparatus.

[0077] [Second embodiment] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the technique of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The head cartridge of the first embodiment and the head cartridge of this embodiment have in common that they can both store liquid.

[0078] However, the head cartridge of the present embodiment differs from the head cartridge of the first embodiment in that a predetermined amount of liquid is stored inside in advance, whereas the head cartridge of the present embodiment is supplied with liquid from a liquid tank via a tube. In the following explanation, the same reference numerals are used for configurations similar to or corresponding to the first embodiment, and explanations are omitted, and differences are mainly explained.

[0079] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a third head cartridge 800a that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0080] 9, the third head cartridge 800a includes a first storage section 401a capable of storing a first type of liquid, and a first ejection section 402a capable of ejecting the first type of liquid. Furthermore, the third head cartridge 800a includes a first flow path section 403a in which a flow path connecting the first storage section 401a and the first ejection section 402a is formed.

[0081] In this embodiment, the third head cartridge 800a includes a third lid 804a that covers an opening formed in the upper part of the first housing part 401a. A first protrusion 303a protruding in a first direction (in this example, the -X direction in the figure) is formed on a first side surface (in this example, the left side surface facing the -X direction in the figure) of the third lid 804a.

[0082] The third lid portion 804a has a connection portion 805 to which an end of a tube (not shown) can be connected for supplying liquid from a liquid tank (e.g., an ink tank not shown) fixed at a fixed position in the recording device to the first storage portion 401a.

[0083] The connection portion 805 includes a first connection portion 805M, a second connection portion 805C, and a third connection portion 805Y. The first connection portion 805M can be connected to an end of a tube capable of supplying magenta ink. The second connection portion 805C can be connected to an end of a tube capable of supplying cyan ink. The third connection portion 805Y can be connected to an end of a tube capable of supplying yellow ink.

[0084] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of a fourth head cartridge 800b applicable to this embodiment.

[0085] 10, the fourth head cartridge 800b includes a second storage section 401b capable of storing a second type of liquid, and a second ejection section 402b capable of ejecting the second type of liquid. Furthermore, the fourth head cartridge 800b includes a second flow path section 403b in which a flow path connecting the second storage section 401b and the second ejection section 402b is formed.

[0086] In this embodiment, the fourth head cartridge 800b includes a fourth lid portion 804b that covers an opening formed in the upper part of the second housing portion 401b. A second protrusion 303b protruding in a second direction (in this example, the +X direction in the figure) is formed on a first side surface (in this example, the right side surface facing the +X direction in the figure) of the fourth lid portion 804b.

[0087] The third cover 804a includes a fourth connector 805BK as a connector 805 to which an end of a tube (not shown) for supplying liquid from a liquid tank (e.g., an ink tank not shown) fixed at a fixed position of the recording device to the second container 401b can be connected. The fourth connector 805BK can be connected to an end of a tube capable of supplying black ink.

[0088] In this way, even in the case of multiple head cartridges in which liquid is continuously supplied to the storage section from the liquid tank via a tube, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained by providing each of the head cartridges with a first convex portion 303a and a second convex portion 303b.

[0089] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, the convex portion is formed on the lid portion. However, as long as the convex portions formed on the two lid portions are extended in the direction away from each other and the erroneous installation of each of the two head cartridges can be suppressed, the convex portion does not have to be formed on the lid portion. For example, the first convex portion may be formed on the left side surface of the first storage portion, and the second convex portion may be formed on the right side surface of the second storage portion. With such a configuration, the erroneous installation of each of the two head cartridges can also be suppressed.

[0090] The present disclosure includes the following configurations.

[0091] [Configuration 1] A cartridge that can be mounted in a first mounting portion of a recording device, A storage section capable of storing liquid; a protrusion that comes into contact with another cartridge to be inserted into the first mounting portion when the cartridge is inserted into a second mounting portion adjacent to the first mounting portion; A cartridge comprising:

[0092] [Configuration 2] The protrusion is When the cartridge is mounted in the first mounting portion, the cartridge protrudes in a direction opposite to a direction in which the second mounting portion is located, When the cartridge is inserted into the second mounting portion, the cartridge protrudes from the second mounting portion toward the first mounting portion. 2. The cartridge of claim 1.

[0093] [Configuration 3] The protrusion is disposed on an upper portion of a side surface of the cartridge. 3. A cartridge according to configuration 1 or 2.

[0094] [Configuration 4] The protrusion is disposed on a lid portion that covers an upper portion of the storage portion. A cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 3.

[0095] [Configuration 5] a connection section to which a tube for supplying liquid from a liquid tank included in the recording device to the storage section can be connected, A cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 4.

[0096] [Configuration 6] The cartridge further includes an ejection element substrate capable of ejecting liquid onto a recording medium. 6. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[0097] [Configuration 7] A cartridge set including a first cartridge that is mountable in a first mounting portion of a recording device, and a second cartridge that is mountable in a second mounting portion adjacent to the first mounting portion, the first cartridge includes a first protrusion, the second cartridge includes a second protrusion, When the first cartridge is attached to the first mounting portion, the first protrusion protrudes in a direction away from the second mounting portion, When the second cartridge is attached to the second mounting portion, the second protrusion protrudes in a direction away from the first mounting portion, the second cartridge is inserted into the first mounting portion, and the first convex portion and the second convex portion overlap with each other in a state in which the first cartridge is inserted into the second mounting portion; A cartridge set characterized by:

[0098] [Configuration 8] The first protrusion is When the first cartridge is mounted in the first mounting portion, the first cartridge protrudes in a direction opposite to a direction in which the second mounting portion is located, When the first cartridge is inserted into the second mounting portion, the first cartridge protrudes from the second mounting portion toward the first mounting portion, The second protrusion is When the second cartridge is mounted in the second mounting portion, the second cartridge protrudes in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first mounting portion is located, When the second cartridge is inserted into the first mounting portion, the second cartridge protrudes from the first mounting portion toward the second mounting portion. 8. The cartridge set of claim 7.

[0099] [Configuration 9] The first protrusion is disposed on an upper portion of a side surface of the first cartridge. A cartridge set according to configuration 7 or 8.

[0100] [Configuration 10] The first cartridge comprises: a first storage section capable of storing color ink; a first ejection element substrate capable of ejecting the color ink contained in the first container onto a recording medium; The second cartridge comprises: a second storage section capable of storing black ink; a second ejection element substrate capable of ejecting the black ink contained in the second container onto a recording medium, A cartridge set according to any one of configurations 7 to 9.

[0101] [Configuration 11] The first protrusion is disposed on a first lid portion that covers an upper portion of the first housing portion. 11. The cartridge set of claim 10.

[0102] [Configuration 12] a first connection portion capable of connecting a first tube for supplying color ink from a liquid tank included in the recording device to the first storage portion; a second connection portion capable of connecting a second tube for supplying black ink from a liquid tank included in the recording device to the second storage portion; Further comprising: 12. A cartridge set according to configuration 10 or 11.

[0103] [Configuration 13] A first mounting portion; a first cartridge that is mountable to the first mounting portion, that contains a first type of liquid, and that is capable of ejecting the first type of liquid; a second mounting portion adjacent to the first mounting portion; a second cartridge that is mountable to the second mounting portion, that contains a second type of liquid different from the first type of liquid, and that is capable of ejecting the second type of liquid; Equipped with the first cartridge includes a first protrusion that comes into contact with the second cartridge to be inserted into the first mounting portion when the first cartridge is inserted into the second mounting portion; the second cartridge includes a second protrusion that comes into contact with the first cartridge to be inserted into the second mounting portion when the second cartridge is inserted into the first mounting portion; A recording device comprising:

[0104] [Configuration 14] the first liquid is a color ink, The second liquid is a black ink. 14. The recording device according to configuration 13.

[0105] [Configuration 15] The first protrusion is When the first cartridge is mounted in the first mounting portion, the first cartridge protrudes in a direction opposite to a direction in which the second mounting portion is located, When the first cartridge is inserted into the second mounting portion, the first cartridge protrudes from the second mounting portion toward the first mounting portion, The second protrusion is When the second cartridge is mounted in the second mounting portion, the second cartridge protrudes in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first mounting portion is located, When the second cartridge is inserted into the first mounting portion, the second cartridge protrudes from the first mounting portion toward the second mounting portion. 15. The recording device according to configuration 13 or 14.

[0106] [Configuration 16] The first protrusion is disposed on an upper portion of a side surface of the first cartridge. 16. The recording device according to any one of configurations 13 to 15.

[0107] [Configuration 17] The first convex portion is disposed on a first lid portion that covers an upper portion of a first storage portion capable of storing the first type of liquid. 17. A recording device according to any one of configurations 13 to 16.

[0108] [Configuration 18] a first connection portion capable of connecting a first tube for supplying the first type of liquid from a liquid tank included in the recording device to an inside of the first cartridge; a second connection portion capable of connecting a second tube for supplying the second type of liquid from a liquid tank included in the recording device to an inside of the second cartridge; 18. The recording device according to any one of configurations 13 to 17, further comprising:

[0109] [Configuration 19] a carriage including the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion and capable of moving along a scanning direction; 19. The recording device according to any one of configurations 13 to 18.

[0110] [Configuration 20] The carriage includes: a first cover movable between a fixing position for fixing the first cartridge mounted in the first mounting portion and a releasing position for releasing the first cartridge; a second cover movable between a fixing position for fixing the second cartridge mounted in the second mounting portion and a releasing position for releasing the second cartridge; Equipped with When the second cartridge is inserted into the first mounting portion, the first cover cannot be moved from the release position to the fixed position; When the first cartridge is inserted into the second mounting portion, the second cover cannot move from the release position to the fixed position. 20. The recording device according to configuration 19.

Claims

1. A cartridge that can be mounted in a first mounting portion of a recording device, A storage section capable of storing liquid; a protrusion that comes into contact with another cartridge to be inserted into the first mounting portion when the cartridge is inserted into a second mounting portion adjacent to the first mounting portion; A cartridge comprising:

2. The protrusion is When the cartridge is mounted in the first mounting portion, the cartridge protrudes in a direction opposite to a direction in which the second mounting portion is located, When the cartridge is inserted into the second mounting portion, the cartridge protrudes from the second mounting portion toward the first mounting portion.

2. The cartridge of claim 1.

3. The protrusion is disposed on an upper portion of a side surface of the cartridge.

2. The cartridge of claim 1.

4. The protrusion is disposed on a lid portion that covers an upper portion of the storage portion.

2. The cartridge of claim 1.

5. a connection section to which a tube for supplying liquid from a liquid tank included in the recording device to the storage section can be connected, 2. The cartridge of claim 1.

6. The cartridge further includes an ejection element substrate capable of ejecting liquid onto a recording medium.

2. The cartridge of claim 1.

7. A cartridge set including a first cartridge mountable in a first mounting portion of a recording device, and a second cartridge mountable in a second mounting portion adjacent to the first mounting portion, the first cartridge includes a first protrusion, the second cartridge includes a second protrusion, When the first cartridge is attached to the first mounting portion, the first protrusion protrudes in a direction away from the second mounting portion, When the second cartridge is attached to the second mounting portion, the second protrusion protrudes in a direction away from the first mounting portion, the second cartridge is inserted into the first mounting portion, and the first convex portion and the second convex portion overlap with each other in a state in which the first cartridge is inserted into the second mounting portion; A cartridge set characterized by:

8. The first protrusion is When the first cartridge is mounted in the first mounting portion, the first cartridge protrudes in a direction opposite to a direction in which the second mounting portion is located, When the first cartridge is inserted into the second mounting portion, the first cartridge protrudes from the second mounting portion toward the first mounting portion, The second protrusion is When the second cartridge is mounted in the second mounting portion, the second cartridge protrudes in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first mounting portion is located, When the second cartridge is inserted into the first mounting portion, the second cartridge protrudes from the first mounting portion toward the second mounting portion.

8. A cartridge set according to claim 7.

9. the first protrusion is disposed on an upper portion of a side surface of the first cartridge; 8. A cartridge set according to claim 7.

10. The first cartridge comprises: a first storage section capable of storing color ink; a first ejection element substrate capable of ejecting the color ink contained in the first container onto a recording medium, The second cartridge comprises: A second storage section capable of storing black ink; a second ejection element substrate capable of ejecting the black ink contained in the second container onto a recording medium, 8. A cartridge set according to claim 7.

11. The first protrusion is disposed on a first lid portion that covers an upper portion of the first storage portion.

11. A cartridge set according to claim 10.

12. a first connection portion to which a first tube can be connected for supplying color ink from a liquid tank included in the recording device to the first storage portion; a second connection portion capable of connecting a second tube for supplying black ink from a liquid tank included in the recording device to the second storage portion; Further comprising:

11. A cartridge set according to claim 10.

13. A first mounting portion; a first cartridge that is mountable to the first mounting portion, that contains a first type of liquid, and that is capable of ejecting the first type of liquid; a second mounting portion adjacent to the first mounting portion; a second cartridge that is mountable to the second mounting portion, that contains a second type of liquid different from the first type of liquid, and that is capable of ejecting the second type of liquid; Equipped with the first cartridge includes a first protrusion that comes into contact with the second cartridge to be inserted into the first mounting portion when the first cartridge is inserted into the second mounting portion; the second cartridge includes a second protrusion that comes into contact with the first cartridge to be inserted into the second mounting portion when the second cartridge is inserted into the first mounting portion; A recording apparatus comprising:

14. the first liquid is a color ink, The second liquid is a black ink. The recording apparatus according to claim 13.

15. The first protrusion is When the first cartridge is mounted in the first mounting portion, the first cartridge protrudes in a direction opposite to a direction in which the second mounting portion is located, When the first cartridge is inserted into the second mounting portion, the first cartridge protrudes from the second mounting portion toward the first mounting portion, The second protrusion is When the second cartridge is mounted in the second mounting portion, the second cartridge protrudes in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first mounting portion is located, When the second cartridge is inserted into the first mounting portion, the second cartridge protrudes from the first mounting portion toward the second mounting portion.

15. The recording apparatus according to claim 13 or 14.

16. the first protrusion is disposed on an upper portion of a side surface of the first cartridge; 15. The recording apparatus according to claim 13 or 14.

17. the first convex portion is disposed on a first lid portion that covers an upper portion of a first storage portion capable of storing the first type of liquid; 15. The recording apparatus according to claim 13 or 14.

18. a first connection portion capable of connecting a first tube for supplying the first type of liquid from a liquid tank included in the recording apparatus to an inside of the first cartridge; a second connection portion capable of connecting a second tube for supplying the second type of liquid from a liquid tank included in the recording apparatus to an inside of the second cartridge; The recording device according to claim 13 , further comprising:

19. a carriage including the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion and capable of moving along a scanning direction; The recording apparatus according to claim 13.

20. The carriage includes: a first cover movable between a fixing position for fixing the first cartridge mounted in the first mounting portion and a releasing position for releasing the first cartridge; a second cover movable between a fixing position for fixing the second cartridge mounted in the second mounting portion and a releasing position for releasing the second cartridge; Equipped with the first cover is configured not to be movable from the release position to the fixed position when the second cartridge is inserted into the first mounting portion, When the first cartridge is inserted into the second mounting portion, the second cover cannot move from the release position to the fixed position.

20. The recording device according to claim 19.

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