Liquid Container Positioning Structure for Stable Mounting

The patent employs asymmetric positioning structures where the first and second receiving portions are positioned at different locations and orientations on the liquid container. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that the container can only be mounted in a specific correct posture, preventing incorrect mounting while maintaining coupling stability. The asymmetric design of receiving portions relative to the liquid supply port creates a unique fit with the corresponding positioning portions in the liquid ejecting apparatus.

The patent introduces multiple spatial dimensions for positioning by arranging receiving portions not only in different locations but also at different orientations (angles) relative to the liquid container body. This multi-dimensional positioning approach ensures stable coupling by constraining the container in multiple degrees of freedom, preventing both translational and rotational displacements that would compromise coupling stability.

The receiving portions in the liquid container serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as positioning features for correct orientation, as mechanical coupling elements for secure attachment, and as guides for the liquid supply port alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved mounting stability.

The patent merges the positioning function and the coupling function into a single integrated structure. The receiving portions are designed to perform both positioning (through their specific locations and orientations) and mechanical coupling (through their engagement with positioning portions) simultaneously. This merging of functions achieves mounting stability without proportionally increasing structural complexity.

The patent segments the coupling functions by separating the liquid supply coupling (at the liquid supply port) from the electrical coupling (at the container-side electrical coupling portion). This segmentation allows each coupling type to be optimized independently for its specific function, improving electrical coupling stability without requiring the electrical coupling portion to be adjacent to the liquid supply port. The segmented design manages complexity by creating distinct functional zones.

The receiving portions act as intermediary elements that mediate between the liquid container and the liquid ejecting apparatus. These intermediaries ensure that both the liquid supply port and the container-side electrical coupling portion are correctly positioned and oriented during mounting, thereby maintaining stable electrical coupling even when the electrical coupling portion is located at a distance from the liquid supply port. The intermediaries manage the spatial relationship between separated coupling elements.