Cartridge

A cartridge includes a casing that demarcates a liquid chamber used for storing a liquid and that is hollow, and a liquid supply section that communicates with the liquid chamber and supplies the liquid in the liquid chamber to a printing apparatus. The casing includes a concave/convex portion.

The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Serial Number 2021-045568, filed Mar. 19, 2021 and JP Application Serial Number 2021-113362, filed Jul. 8, 2021, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a technique of a cartridge.

2. Related Art

Cartridges including a flexible liquid storage section that stores liquid and a case that accommodates the liquid storage section have been known (for example, refer to International Publication No. WO2012/086171).

In the related art, rigidity of a case is greater than that of the liquid storage section, and the liquid storage section is protected by being accommodated in the case. When a large amount of liquid is stored in the liquid storage section, the liquid storage section supports the case from the inside. Accordingly, the liquid storage section positioned inside the case is able to suppress deformation of the case. However, when the amount of liquid stored in the liquid storage section is small, it is difficult for the liquid storage section to support the case from the inside and it may thus be difficult to suppress the deformation of the case. Accordingly, a cartridge of a type in which a liquid storage section stores a small amount of liquid may be required to include another component, such as a rib, in a case to improve rigidity of the case. A technique that is able to improve the rigidity of the case without adding another component has thus been demanded. Such a problem of the case is common to a hollow casing used for storing liquid.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a cartridge configured to be attached to and detached from a cartridge attachment section of a printing apparatus is provided. The cartridge includes a casing that demarcates a liquid chamber used for storing a liquid and that is hollow, and a liquid supply section that communicates with the liquid chamber and supplies the liquid in the liquid chamber to the printing apparatus. The casing includes a concave/convex portion.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

A-1. Configuration of Printing System

FIG.1is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a printing system1of an embodiment of the disclosure. The XYZ axes that are three spatial axes orthogonal to each other are indicated inFIG.1. Directions indicated by the arrows of the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis indicate positive directions extending along the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis, respectively. The positive directions extending along the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are referred to as the +X direction, the +Y direction, and the +Z direction, respectively. Directions opposite to the directions indicated by the arrows of the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are negative directions extending along the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis, respectively. The negative directions extending along the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are referred to as the −X direction, the −Y direction, and the −Z direction, respectively. Directions that extend along the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis regardless of whether being positive or negative are referred to as the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction, respectively. The same is applicable to the drawings and description below.

The printing system1includes a printing apparatus10and a cartridge4that supplies ink, which is an example of a liquid, to the printing apparatus10.

The printing apparatus10of the present embodiment is an ink jet printer that ejects the ink, which is an example of the liquid, from an ejecting head22. The printing apparatus10is a large printer that performs printing on a large sheet (for example, A0- to A2-sized sheets), such as a poster. The printing apparatus10includes a cartridge attachment section6, a control section31, a carriage20, the ejecting head22, and a driving mechanism30. Moreover, the printing apparatus10includes operation buttons15used by a user to operate the printing apparatus10.

The cartridge attachment section6includes a first apparatus wall67positioned on the +Y direction side. The first apparatus wall67includes an insertion/removal opening674through which the cartridge4is inserted into and removed from an accommodating chamber61. The cartridge4is accommodated in or detached from the accommodating chamber61of the cartridge attachment section6via the insertion/removal opening674. A plurality of cartridges4are each detachably attached to the cartridge attachment section6. In the present embodiment, four types of the cartridges4which correspond to ink of four colors (black, yellow, magenta, and cyan), that is, a total of four cartridges4, are attached to the cartridge attachment section6. The cartridge4that stores black ink is referred to as a cartridge4K, the cartridge4that stores yellow ink is referred to as a cartridge4Y, the cartridge4that stores magenta ink is referred to as a cartridge4M, and the cartridge4that stores cyan ink is referred to as a cartridge4C. In the present embodiment, the cartridge4K is configured to be able to store more liquid than the cartridges4C,4M, and4Y. Accordingly, the cartridge4K is also referred to as a first-type cartridge4A, and each of the cartridges4C,4M, and4Y is also referred to as a second-type cartridge4B.

The printing apparatus10includes a cover for replacement13on the front surface on the +Y direction side. The cover for replacement13is configured to be openable/closable. Opening the cover for replacement13exposes the insertion/removal opening674of the cartridge attachment section6and enables the cartridge4to be attached/detached. When the cartridge4is attached to the cartridge attachment section6, ink is able to be supplied to the ejecting head22, which is provided in the carriage20, via a tube24corresponding to a liquid flowing tube. In the present embodiment, the ink is supplied to the ejecting head22from the cartridge4by using a water head difference. Specifically, the water head difference between a liquid level of the ink in the cartridge attachment section6and the ejecting head22causes the ink to be supplied to the ejecting head22. Note that, in other embodiments, the ink may be supplied to the ejecting head22when the ink in the cartridge4is sucked by a pump mechanism (not illustrated) of the printing apparatus10. Note that the tube24is provided for each type of ink. Here, a state in which the cartridge4is attached to the cartridge attachment section6and in which the ink, which is an example of the liquid, is able to be supplied to the printing apparatus10is referred to as an “attachment completed state”.

Nozzles are provided in the ejecting head22for each type of ink. The ejecting head22ejects ink from the nozzles onto a printing sheet2and prints data such as characters or an image. The printing apparatus10of the present embodiment is a printer of an off-carriage type, in which the cartridge attachment section6is not interlocked with movement of the carriage20. Note that the technique of the disclosure is applicable to a printer of an on-carriage type, in which the cartridge attachment section6is provided in the carriage20and in which the cartridge attachment section6moves together with the carriage20.

The control section31controls the respective sections of the printing apparatus10and transmits/receives a signal to/from the cartridge4. The carriage20causes the ejecting head22to move relative to the printing sheet2.

The driving mechanism30reciprocates the carriage20in accordance with a control signal from the control section31. The driving mechanism30includes a timing belt32and a driving motor34. Power of the driving motor34is transmitted to the carriage20via the timing belt32, and the carriage20is thereby reciprocated in a main scanning direction, which is the X direction. Moreover, the printing apparatus10includes a transporting mechanism that moves the printing sheet2in a sub-scanning direction, which is the +Y direction. When printing is performed, the transporting mechanism moves the printing sheet2in the sub-scanning direction, and the printing sheet2on which printing is completed is output onto a front cover11.

A region called a home position is provided at a position to which the carriage20is moved in the main scanning direction and which is outside a printing region, and a maintenance mechanism that performs maintenance to enable the printing apparatus10to perform printing normally is mounted at the home position. The maintenance mechanism includes, for example, a cap member8and a raising/lowering mechanism (not illustrated). The cap member8is pressed against a surface on which the nozzles are formed on the bottom surface side of the ejecting head22and forms a closed space so as to enclose the nozzles. The raising/lowering mechanism raises/lowers the cap member8so as to press the cap member8against the nozzle surface of the ejecting head22.

In the present embodiment, in a use state of the printing system1, an axis extending in the sub-scanning direction in which the printing sheet2is transported is the Y-axis, an axis extending in the direction of gravity (downward direction) is the Z-axis, and an axis extending in a direction in which the carriage20moves is the X-axis. Here, “use state of the printing system1” denotes a state in which the printing system1is installed on a horizontal surface. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the sub-scanning direction is the +Y direction, a direction opposite thereto is the −Y direction, a downward direction in the direction of gravity is the −Z direction, and an upward direction opposite to the direction of gravity is the +Z direction. The X direction and the Y direction extend in the horizontal direction. When the printing system1is viewed from the front surface side, a direction from the right to the left is the +X direction, and a direction opposite thereto is the −X direction. Further, in the present embodiment, an inserting direction D1in which the cartridge4is inserted into the cartridge attachment section6for attachment is the −Y direction, and a detaching direction D4in which the cartridge4is detached from the cartridge attachment section6is the +Y direction. Accordingly, in the cartridge attachment section6, the −Y direction side is also referred to as a back side, and the +Y direction side is also referred to as a front side. In the present embodiment, an arrangement direction of the plurality of cartridges4extends in the X direction.

FIG.2is a view for describing the cartridge attachment section6and the cartridge4.FIG.2illustrates the attachment completed state in which attachment of the cartridges4K,4M, and4Y to the cartridge attachment section6is completed. Moreover,FIG.2illustrates an insertion completed state in which insertion of the cartridge4C into the cartridge attachment section6is completed. In the attachment completed state, the rear wall47side of the cartridge4is located on a lower side in the direction of gravity compared with the insertion completed state.

A-2. Description of Attaching Process and Attached State of Cartridge

FIG.3is a first view for describing a process of attaching the cartridge4to the cartridge attachment section6.FIG.4is a second view for describing the attaching process.FIG.5illustrates the attachment completed state in which attachment of the cartridge4to the cartridge attachment section6is completed.FIG.6is a sectional view of the cartridge4and the cartridge attachment section6in the attachment completed state.

The process of attaching the cartridge4to the cartridge attachment section6includes a terminal coupling process and a supply section coupling process performed next after the terminal coupling process. The terminal coupling process is a process in which the cartridge4is moved in the inserting direction D1, which is the −Y direction, to be inserted into the accommodating chamber61of the cartridge attachment section6via the insertion/removal opening674of the first apparatus wall67such that an apparatus-side terminal of the cartridge attachment section6, which will be described later, and a cartridge-side terminal of the cartridge4, which will be described later, are brought into contact with each other and electrically coupled, as illustrated inFIG.3. The supply section coupling process is a process in which a liquid introducing section of the cartridge attachment section6, which will be described later, and a liquid supply section of the cartridge4, which will be described later, are coupled in a state in which the apparatus-side terminal and the cartridge-side terminal are kept electrically coupled, as illustrated inFIGS.4and5. Specifically, in the supply section coupling process, when the rear wall47side of the cartridge4is rotationally moved in a coupling direction D2, which is indicated by an arrow, about a rotation fulcrum698of the cartridge attachment section6, the liquid introducing section and the liquid supply section are coupled. Note that, in the attachment completed state illustrated inFIG.5, an engagement forming body677provided on the first apparatus wall67side of the cartridge attachment section6engages the cartridge4, and the cartridge4thereby retains the attachment completed state.

When the cartridge4is detached from the cartridge attachment section6, as illustrated inFIG.5, a user raises the rear wall47side of the cartridge4to thereby rotationally move the rear wall47side in a coupling terminating direction D3, which is opposite to the coupling direction D2, with the rotation fulcrum698as a fulcrum. The rotational movement terminates the engagement performed by the engagement forming body677. When moved in the +Y direction, which is the detaching direction D4, after rotationally moved in the coupling terminating direction D3and brought into the state illustrated inFIG.4, the cartridge4is detached from the cartridge attachment section6.

In the attachment completed state of the cartridge4, a liquid supply section442of the cartridge4and a liquid introducing section642of the cartridge attachment section6are coupled as illustrated inFIG.6. Accordingly, the liquid stored in a liquid chamber450of the cartridge4is supplied to the liquid introducing section642via the liquid supply section442. Moreover, in the present embodiment, whereas the liquid is supplied from the liquid supply section442to the liquid introducing section642, air that accumulates in a liquid accumulation section699of the cartridge attachment section6forms air bubbles, and the air bubbles flow to the liquid chamber450by flowing through the liquid introducing section642and the liquid supply section442. Gas-liquid exchange in the liquid chamber450is thus performed. Note that, in other embodiments, the cartridge4may include an air communication path that enables the liquid chamber450to communicate with the outside, and gas-liquid exchange may be performed via the air communication path. The air communication path is arranged at a position different from that of the liquid supply section442and is formed in, for example, a casing401that forms the liquid chamber450.

Moreover, in the attachment completed state of the cartridge4, a cartridge engagement section497of the cartridge4engages an attachment engagement section697of the cartridge attachment section6, and the attachment completed state is thereby retained. The attachment engagement section697is formed in the engagement forming body677positioned on the first apparatus wall67side of the cartridge attachment section6.

A-3. Details of Configuration of Cartridge Attachment Section6

FIG.7is a perspective view of the cartridge attachment section6.FIG.8illustrates the cartridge attachment section6viewed from the +Z direction side. InFIGS.7and8, for ease of understanding, illustration of the configuration of the cartridge attachment section6is partially omitted. Regarding the cartridge attachment section6, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are also referred to as a width direction, a depth direction, and a height direction, respectively. In the following description, regarding the state, unless otherwise stated, each component will be described on the assumption that the cartridge attachment section6is in an initial arrangement state in which the cartridge4is not attached to the cartridge attachment section6.

As illustrated inFIG.7, the cartridge attachment section6forms the accommodating chamber61that accommodates the cartridge4. The accommodating chamber61has an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. In the accommodating chamber61, shapes of slots61C,61M,61Y, and61K, which are portions for accommodating the cartridges4C,4M,4Y, and4K, respectively, substantially correspond to outer shapes of the cartridges4C,4M,4Y, and4K, respectively. In the present embodiment, the dimension of the cartridge4K in the X direction is larger than that of each of the other cartridges4C,4M, and4Y such that the amount of liquid to be stored in the cartridge4K is increased. Accordingly, the width of the slot61K is greater than that of each of the other slots61C,61M, and61Y in the present embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG.7, the cartridge attachment section6includes six apparatus walls62,63,64,65,66, and67that form the accommodating chamber61. In the disclosure, “wall” conceptually includes a wall constituted by a plurality of walls in addition to a wall constituted by a single wall. The first apparatus wall67forms the insertion/removal opening674through which the cartridge4is inserted into or detached from the accommodating chamber61. The second apparatus wall62forms a wall of the accommodating chamber61on the −Y direction side. The second apparatus wall62faces the first apparatus wall67in the Y direction. The second apparatus wall62is substantially vertical in a use state of the printing apparatus10.

The apparatus top wall63forms a wall of the accommodating chamber61on the +Z direction side. The apparatus bottom wall64faces the apparatus top wall63in the Z direction and forms a wall of the accommodating chamber61on the −Z direction side. The apparatus bottom wall64is formed of a supporting member610. The apparatus bottom wall64includes a plurality of apparatus openings614. In the present embodiment, four apparatus openings614are formed so as to correspond to the slots61C,61M,61Y, and61K. The apparatus top wall63and the apparatus bottom wall64intersect the second apparatus wall62and the first apparatus wall67. In the disclosure, “intersect” denotes any of the following states: (i) a state in which two components intersect each other and actually cross each other; (ii) a state in which, when one of two components is extended, the one component crosses the other component; and (iii) a state in which, when two components are extended, the two components cross each other.

The first apparatus side wall65forms a wall of the accommodating chamber61on the +X direction side. The second apparatus side wall66faces the first apparatus side wall65in the X direction and forms a wall of the accommodating chamber61on the −X direction side. The first apparatus side wall65and the second apparatus side wall66intersect the second apparatus wall62, the first apparatus wall67, the apparatus top wall63, and the apparatus bottom wall64.

As illustrated inFIGS.7and8, the cartridge attachment section6further includes the supporting member610, the liquid introducing section642, a supply section positioning section644, an apparatus guiding section602, and the engagement forming body677. A plurality of supporting members610are provided so as to correspond to the number of cartridges4to be attached. In the present embodiment, four supporting members610are provided. The supporting member610forms the apparatus bottom wall64of the accommodating chamber61on the lower side in the direction of gravity (downward direction). The supporting member610supports the cartridge4from the −Z direction side, which is the lower side in the direction of gravity. The supporting member610extends in the Y direction and has a recessed shape. The supporting member610includes a main wall613forming the apparatus bottom wall64, a first supporting side wall611, and a second supporting side wall612.

The main wall613forms a recessed bottom portion positioned on the lower side in the direction of gravity. The apparatus opening614is formed in the end of the main wall613on the first apparatus wall67side. The apparatus opening614passes through the main wall613in the thickness direction of the main wall613.

As illustrated inFIG.7, the first supporting side wall611stands in the +Z direction, which is the upward direction opposite to the direction of gravity, from the end of the main wall613on the +X direction side. The second supporting side wall612stands in the +Z direction from the end of the main wall613on the −X direction side. The first supporting side wall611and the second supporting side wall612face each other in the X direction.

The apparatus guiding section602guides the cartridge4in the inserting direction D1or the detaching direction D4. The apparatus guiding section602is provided for each of the supporting members610. The apparatus guiding section602is provided in each of the first supporting side wall611and the second supporting side wall612. The apparatus guiding section602is a protrusion provided in each of the first supporting side wall611and the second supporting side wall612. As illustrated inFIG.8, a first apparatus guiding section602aprovided in the first supporting side wall611is a protrusion protruding from the first supporting side wall611toward the second supporting side wall612. The first apparatus guiding section602aextends in the Y direction. A plurality of first apparatus guiding sections602aare arranged with a gap therebetween in the Y direction. A second apparatus guiding section602bprovided in the second supporting side wall612is a protrusion protruding from the second supporting side wall612toward the first supporting side wall611. The second apparatus guiding section602bextends in the Y direction. A plurality of second apparatus guiding sections602bare arranged with a gap therebetween in the Y direction.

As illustrated inFIGS.7and8, the liquid introducing section642receives the liquid of the cartridge4. In the initial arrangement state of the cartridge attachment section6, the liquid introducing section642is positioned not in the accommodating chamber61but on the −Z direction side with respect to the accommodating chamber61. That is, the liquid introducing section642is positioned opposite the supporting member610with the accommodating chamber61therebetween. Accordingly, when the cartridge4is inserted into the accommodating chamber61of the cartridge attachment section6, it is possible to prevent the cartridge4from coming into collision with the liquid introducing section642. When the supporting member610is rotationally moved in the coupling direction D2about the rotation fulcrum698to push the apparatus opening614down, a tip end642bof the liquid introducing section642is arranged in the accommodating chamber61. That is, the supporting member610is rotationally moved about the rotation fulcrum698to thereby move the apparatus opening614to the lower side in the direction of gravity such that the tip end642bof the liquid introducing section642is arranged in the accommodating chamber61through the apparatus opening614.

When received by a supply section positioning section448, an apparatus-side supply section positioning section644illustrated inFIG.7regulates movement of the liquid supply section442with respect to the liquid introducing section642. The liquid supply section442is thus positioned. In the initial arrangement state of the cartridge attachment section6, the apparatus-side supply section positioning section644is positioned not in the accommodating chamber61but on the −Z direction side with respect to the accommodating chamber61. That is, the apparatus-side supply section positioning section644is positioned opposite the supporting member610with the accommodating chamber61therebetween. Accordingly, when the cartridge4is inserted into the accommodating chamber61of the cartridge attachment section6, it is possible to prevent the cartridge4from coming into collision with the apparatus-side supply section positioning section644. When the supporting member610is rotated in the coupling direction D2about the rotation fulcrum698to push the apparatus opening614down, the other end644bof the apparatus-side supply section positioning section644is arranged in the accommodating chamber61. That is, the supporting member610is rotated about the rotation fulcrum698to thereby move the apparatus opening614such that the other end644bof the apparatus-side supply section positioning section644is arranged in the accommodating chamber61through the apparatus opening614.

As illustrated inFIG.8, the cartridge attachment section6further includes an apparatus-side terminal section70and an apparatus-side identifying member630. The apparatus-side identifying member630is used for identifying whether or not a correct type of the cartridge4C,4M,4Y, or4K is inserted into a corresponding one of the slots61C,61M,61Y, and61K of the accommodating chamber61. A pattern shape of the apparatus-side identifying member630differs in accordance with the color of the liquid stored in each of the cartridges4C,4M,4Y, and4K.FIG.7illustrates apparatus-side identifying members630with the same pattern shape between the slots61C,61M,61Y, and61K for convenience, but such pattern shapes differ in the actual apparatus-side identifying members630. The apparatus-side identifying member630is provided in the main wall613of the supporting member610.

The apparatus-side identifying member630is formed of at least a single rib. The pattern shape is determined in accordance with the number of ribs and positions of the ribs. A cartridge-side identifying member formed of a rib is provided in the cartridge4. A pattern shape of the cartridge-side identifying member differs in accordance with the type of the cartridge4, that is, the color of the stored liquid. When the correct type of the cartridge4is inserted into the corresponding one of the slots61C,61M,61Y, and61K, the apparatus-side identifying member630and the cartridge-side identifying member do not come into collision with each other. On the other hand, when an incorrect type of the cartridge4is inserted into the slot61C,61M,61Y, or61K, the apparatus-side identifying member630and the cartridge-side identifying member come into collision with each other, and the cartridge4is hindered from being further inserted. This reduces the possibility of attaching an incorrect type of the cartridge4to the slot61C,61M,61Y, or61K of the cartridge attachment section6.

As illustrated inFIG.7, the engagement forming body677is formed on the +Y direction side with respect to the supporting member610. Moreover, the engagement forming body677is positioned on the −Z direction side with respect to the insertion/removal opening674. Four attachment engagement sections697illustrated inFIG.6and corresponding to the slots61C,61M,61Y, and61K are arranged in the engagement forming body677.

A-4. Details of Configuration of Cartridge4

FIG.9is an exploded perspective view of the first-type cartridge4A.FIG.10is a first perspective view of the first-type cartridge4A.FIG.11is a bottom view of the first-type cartridge4A.FIG.12is a second perspective view of the first-type cartridge4A.FIG.13is a side view of the first-type cartridge4A.FIG.14is a sectional view along line XIV-XIV inFIG.13.FIG.15is a perspective view of the first-type cartridge4A illustrated inFIG.14. OfFIGS.9to15,FIGS.9and10omit illustration of a film200that closes an insertion opening446. The first-type cartridge4A and the second-type cartridge4B illustrated inFIG.1differ in the capacity of the casing401. Specifically, the width of the casing401of the first-type cartridge4A, which will be described later, is greater than the width of the casing401of the second-type cartridge4B, and the capacities of the casings401thus differ from each other. Since the other configurations including an adaptor402and the film200are the same in the first-type cartridge4A and the second-type cartridge4B, description of details of the configuration of the cartridge4will be given below with respect to the first-type cartridge4A. Note that the first-type cartridge4A is also simply referred to below as the cartridge4. In the drawings illustrating the cartridge4, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are indicated in accordance with the insertion completed state in which insertion of the cartridge4into the cartridge attachment section6is completed. That is, in the drawings illustrating the cartridge4, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are indicated in accordance with a state before the supply section coupling process, in which the supporting member610is rotationally moved.

As illustrated inFIG.10, the outer shape of the cartridge4is an approximately rectangular parallelepiped. In the cartridge4, a direction extending in the −Y direction corresponding to the inserting direction D1, in which the cartridge4is inserted into the cartridge attachment section6, is a long-side direction, the X direction is a short-side direction corresponding to the width direction, and the Z direction is a height direction. The cartridge4has the largest dimension in the long-side direction and has the smallest dimension in the short-side direction.

The cartridge4includes a cartridge main body41and a circuit substrate50attached to the cartridge main body41and illustrated inFIG.11. In the present embodiment, the cartridge main body41is constituted by two members as illustrated inFIG.9. Specifically, the cartridge main body41includes the casing401, the adaptor402fit to the casing401to be attached thereto, and the liquid supply section442attached to the casing401. Note that, in other embodiments, the cartridge main body41may be an integrated component.

Each of the casing401and the adaptor402is molded by, for example, injection molding of a synthetic resin, such as polypropylene. The casing401and the adaptor402may be formed of the same material or different materials.

As illustrated inFIG.12, the cartridge main body41includes a front wall42, a rear wall47, a top wall43, a bottom wall44, a first main body side wall45, a second main body side wall46, and a corner section89illustrated inFIG.10. The walls42,43,44,45,46, and47are also referred to as surfaces42,43,44,45,46, and47, respectively. The front wall42and the rear wall47face each other in the Y direction extending in the inserting direction D1. The top wall43and the bottom wall44face each other in the Z direction. As illustrated inFIG.10, the Z direction is parallel to a central axis CA2of the liquid supply section442. The first main body side wall45and the second main body side wall46face each other in the X direction.

The front wall42is positioned on a side in the inserting direction D1, in which the cartridge4is inserted into the cartridge attachment section6. That is, the front wall42forms an insertion tip end surface on the −Y direction side, which corresponds to the inserting direction D1side. The rear wall47forms a surface on a side in the +Y direction, which corresponds to the detaching direction D4. The top wall43is positioned on the +Z direction side and intersects the front wall42and the rear wall47. The bottom wall44is positioned on the −Z direction side, which corresponds to the lower side in the direction of gravity, in the attached state. The bottom wall44intersects the front wall42and the rear wall47. The insertion opening446into which the liquid introducing section642is inserted is formed in the bottom wall44. The insertion opening446and the liquid supply section442are positioned so as to overlap each other when the cartridge4is viewed from the bottom wall44side. In the present embodiment, the liquid supply section442is arranged such that the central axis CA2of the liquid supply section442passes through the insertion opening446.

The first main body side wall45is positioned on the −X direction side, and the second main body side wall46is positioned on the +X direction side. Each of the first main body side wall45and the second main body side wall46intersects the front wall42, the rear wall47, the top wall43, and the bottom wall44and extends in the inserting direction D1. The corner section89is provided in a corner portion in which the front wall42and the bottom wall44intersect each other. The corner section89includes a terminal arrangement section90having a shape recessed inwardly. As illustrated inFIG.11, the circuit substrate50is attached to the terminal arrangement section90.

As illustrated inFIG.9, the liquid supply section442is a cylindrical member protruding from a casing bottom wall74of the casing401, which faces the top wall43. The liquid supply section442has the central axis CA2. The liquid supply section442communicates with the liquid chamber450in which the liquid is stored and supplies the liquid in the liquid chamber450to the printing apparatus10. Specifically, the liquid supply section442is coupled to the liquid introducing section642in the attached state and supplies the liquid in the liquid chamber450to the ejecting head22of the printing apparatus10via the liquid introducing section642. The liquid supply section442includes a supply section tip end442acorresponding to a tip end that forms an opening through which the liquid is fed out. A valve mechanism that opens/closes a channel through which the liquid flows is arranged in the liquid supply section422. The valve mechanism opens when the liquid introducing section642is inserted into the liquid supply section422.

As illustrated inFIG.9, the adaptor402includes an adaptor front wall82, an adaptor rear wall87, an adaptor bottom wall84, a first adaptor side wall85, and a second adaptor side wall86. The adaptor front wall82constitutes a portion of the front wall42and is positioned on the tip end side of the inserting direction D1side. The adaptor rear wall87constitutes a portion of the rear wall47and faces the adaptor front wall82in the Y direction. The adaptor bottom wall84constitutes the bottom wall44and intersects the adaptor front wall82and the adaptor rear wall87.

The first adaptor side wall85intersects the adaptor bottom wall84and extends in the Y direction, which corresponds to the long-side direction of the adaptor402. The first adaptor side wall85is a plate-shaped wall standing from the adaptor bottom wall84toward the casing401. The second adaptor side wall86faces the first adaptor side wall85in the X direction, which corresponds to the short-side direction of the adaptor402. The second adaptor side wall86intersects the adaptor bottom wall84and extends in the Y direction, which corresponds to the long-side direction of the adaptor402. The second adaptor side wall86is a plate-shaped wall standing from the adaptor bottom wall84toward the casing401.

The adaptor402has a recessed shape in which the adaptor bottom wall84serves as the bottom. The adaptor402has an opening on a side facing the adaptor bottom wall84, and the liquid supply section442is arranged inside the adaptor402via the opening. A portion of the adaptor402in which the liquid supply section442is arranged is referred to as a supply section arrangement section831. The adaptor bottom wall84includes the insertion opening446, through which the liquid introducing section642is inserted, at a position facing the supply section tip end442a.

As illustrated inFIG.10, the adaptor402further includes an attachment element700that cooperates with the cartridge attachment section6in at least one of the attaching process in which the cartridge4is attached to the cartridge attachment section6of the printing apparatus10and the attached state in which the cartridge4is attached to the cartridge attachment section6. The attachment element700mechanically cooperates with the cartridge attachment section6when, for example, coming into contact with or engaging the cartridge attachment section6or inserted into the cartridge attachment section6. The attachment element700includes a cartridge-side identifying member430, a cartridge guided section447, the supply section positioning section448, the cartridge engagement section497, and the circuit substrate50illustrated inFIG.11.

The cartridge-side identifying member430illustrated inFIG.10is constituted by a rib. The pattern shape of the cartridge-side identifying member430is determined in accordance with the number of ribs and positions of the ribs. The pattern shape differs in accordance with the type of the cartridge4, that is, the color of the stored liquid. When the correct type of the cartridge4is inserted into the corresponding one of the slots61C,61M,61Y and61K in the attaching process of the cartridge4, the cartridge-side identifying member430is able to pass through the apparatus-side identifying member630without coming into collision with the apparatus-side identifying member630.

As illustrated inFIGS.10and11, the cartridge guided section447extends in the inserting direction D1. For ease of understanding, the cartridge guided section447is indicated by single hatching inFIGS.10and11. The cartridge guided section447extends in the inserting direction D1from a portion in which the corner section89is positioned to a portion in which the insertion opening446is positioned. In the width direction of the cartridge4, a first cartridge guided section447ais positioned on one side with respect to the insertion opening446, and a second cartridge guided section447bis positioned on the other side with respect to the insertion opening446. The cartridge guided section447is guided in the inserting direction D1by the apparatus guiding section602of the cartridge attachment section6.

The cartridge guided section447is formed of a step in each of the first adaptor side wall85and the second adaptor side wall86. The cartridge guided section447is a surface facing the −Z direction. The cartridge guided section447formed in the first adaptor side wall85is also referred to as the first cartridge guided section447a, and the cartridge guided section447formed in the second adaptor side wall86is also referred to as the second cartridge guided section447b. When the cartridge4is inserted into the cartridge attachment section6, the surface of the apparatus guiding section602on the +Z direction side and the cartridge guided section447come into contact with each other, and movement of the cartridge4is thus guided in the inserting direction D1while the posture of the cartridge4is maintained.

The supply section positioning section448illustrated inFIG.10receives the apparatus-side supply section positioning section644in the attaching process to thereby position the liquid supply section442with respect to the liquid introducing section642. Specifically, in the supply section coupling process of the attaching process, the supply section positioning section448receives the apparatus-side supply section positioning section644and regulates movement of the supply section positioning section448in a direction intersecting the coupling direction D2to thereby position the liquid supply section442with respect to the liquid introducing section642. The supply section positioning section448is formed in the bottom wall44and is a recessed portion depressed from the outer surface of the bottom wall44. The supply section positioning section448is positioned in a portion of the bottom wall44between the insertion opening446and the end to which the adaptor rear wall87is coupled. Note that, in other embodiments, the supply section positioning section448may be a hole passing through the bottom wall44.

The cartridge engagement section497is provided in the rear wall47, specifically, the adaptor rear wall87. The cartridge engagement section497is a recessed portion depressed from the outer surface of the adaptor rear wall87. The cartridge engagement section497is formed in a portion of the adaptor rear wall87in the vicinity of the end intersecting the adaptor bottom wall84. When the attachment engagement section697enters the cartridge engagement section497in the attached state as illustrated inFIG.6, the cartridge engagement section497engages the attachment engagement section697. The engagement maintains the attached state of the cartridge4to the cartridge attachment section6.

As illustrated inFIG.11, the circuit substrate50is arranged in the terminal arrangement section90provided in the adaptor402. The circuit substrate50includes a cartridge-side terminal521that comes into contact with an apparatus-side terminal721in the attached state.

As illustrated inFIG.13, the film200is attached to the adaptor402in a removable manner in a state of covering the insertion opening446. The film200is peeled off from the cartridge4by a user before the cartridge4is attached to the cartridge attachment section6. The film200is formed of a synthetic resin, such as polyethylene terephthalate or polypropylene.

As illustrated inFIGS.12and15, the casing401is a casing that demarcates the liquid chamber450used for storing the liquid and that is hollow. As illustrated inFIGS.10and12, the casing401includes a casing top wall73, the casing bottom wall74, and four casing side walls72,75,76, and77. The walls72to77form the contour of the casing401.

The casing bottom wall74illustrated inFIG.10is a wall to which the liquid supply section442is coupled. The casing bottom wall74forms the bottom surface of the casing401in the attachment completed state in which the cartridge4is attached to the cartridge attachment section6. The casing top wall73illustrated inFIG.12constitutes the top wall43of the cartridge main body41. The casing top wall73faces the casing bottom wall74in a central axis direction extending along the central axis CA2. As illustrated inFIGS.10and12, the four casing side walls72,75,76, and77are walls that couple the casing bottom wall74and the casing top wall73.

The four casing side walls72,75,76, and77are the casing front wall72, the first casing side wall75, the second casing side wall76, and the casing rear wall77. The casing front wall72constitutes a portion of the front wall42and is positioned on the tip end side in the inserting direction D1. The casing rear wall77constitutes a portion of the rear wall47of the cartridge main body41. The casing rear wall77faces the casing front wall72in the Y direction extending in the inserting direction D1.

As illustrated inFIG.10, the first casing side wall75, which corresponds to a first side wall, constitutes a portion of the first main body side wall45. The first casing side wall75couples the casing front wall72and the casing rear wall77. The first casing side wall75is a side wall on one side in the width direction of the casing401. As illustrated inFIG.12, the second casing side wall76, which corresponds to a second side wall, constitutes a portion of the second main body side wall46. The second casing side wall76faces the first casing side wall75in the X direction, which corresponds to the width direction of the casing401. That is, the second casing side wall76is a side wall on the other side in the width direction of the casing401. The second casing side wall76couples the casing front wall72and the casing rear wall77. The external sizes of the first casing side wall75and the second casing side wall76are larger than the external sizes of the casing front wall72and the casing rear wall77. In the present embodiment, the external sizes of the first casing side wall75and the second casing side wall76are the same and the largest of the walls72,73,74,75,76, and77that form the casing401.

As illustrated inFIGS.10and12, the casing401includes a concave/convex portion99. The concave/convex portion99includes a first concave/convex portion91formed in the first casing side wall75, which corresponds to the first side wall, as illustrated inFIG.10and a second concave/convex portion92formed in the second casing side wall76, which corresponds to the second side wall, as illustrated inFIG.12.

As illustrated inFIG.10, four first concave/convex portions91are provided. The four first concave/convex portions91are formed at predetermined intervals so as to be arranged side by side in the Y direction extending in the inserting direction D1. As illustrated inFIG.12, four second concave/convex portions92are provided. The four second concave/convex portions92are formed at predetermined intervals so as to be arranged side by side in the Y direction extending in the inserting direction D1. The four first concave/convex portions91and the four second concave/convex portions92are formed such that each of the first concave/convex portions91faces a corresponding one of the second concave/convex portions92in the X direction, which corresponds to the width direction of the casing401.

As illustrated inFIG.15, the concave/convex portion99includes a concave portion93recessed from an outer surface401faof the casing401toward the inner side which corresponds to the liquid chamber450side and a convex portion94formed of the concave portion93and protruding from an inner surface401fbof the casing401toward the liquid chamber450side. Here, the concave portion93of the first concave/convex portion91illustrated inFIG.10is also referred to as a first concave portion93a, and the convex portion94of the first concave/convex portion91illustrated inFIG.14is also referred to as a first convex portion94a. Moreover, the concave portion93of the second concave/convex portion92illustrated inFIG.12is also referred to as a second concave portion93b, and the convex portion94of the second concave/convex portion92illustrated inFIG.14is also referred to as a second convex portion94b.

As illustrated inFIGS.10and12, a sectional shape of the concave portion93, which is orthogonal to the X direction in which the concave portion93is recessed, is round. Moreover, as illustrated inFIG.15, a sectional shape of the convex portion94, which is orthogonal to the X direction in which the convex portion94protrudes, is round. Accordingly, in the attachment completed state in which the cartridge4is attached to the cartridge attachment section6, an outer peripheral surface991of the convex portion94has no horizontal surface. That is, as illustrated inFIG.6, in the attachment completed state, an upper surface998of the outer peripheral surface991of the convex portion94, which is positioned in an upper portion, is an arc-shaped surface and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. That is, the upper surface998is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction so as to extend gradually downward from the uppermost apex portion.

As illustrated inFIG.14, a first tip end98a, which is a tip end of the first convex portion94ain the protruding direction, and a second tip end98b, which is a tip end of the second convex portion94bin the protruding direction, are bonded to each other. Each of the first tip end98aand the second tip end98bis a round planar surface. The convex portion94of the concave/convex portion99is disposed at a position deviated from the central axis CA2of the liquid supply section442as illustrated inFIG.14. In the present embodiment, when the cartridge4is viewed in a direction extending along the central axis CA2of the liquid supply section442, for example, from the side on which the casing top wall73is positioned, the convex portion94of the concave/convex portion99is disposed in a second region Rg2different from a first region Rg1, in which the liquid supply section442is positioned.

The concave/convex portion99is formed by, for example, the following method. First, the first casing side wall75and the second casing side wall76are heated and softened to be in a starch-syrup-like state, and a column-shaped pin is then pressed against the outer surface401faof each of the first casing side wall75and the second casing side wall76in an inward direction. After the pin is pressed until the tip ends of the first convex portion94aand the second convex portion94b, which are formed by being pressed by the pin, come into contact with each other, the casing401is cooled, for example, naturally. The first concave/convex portion91and the second concave/convex portion92are thus formed.

According to the aforementioned embodiment, since the casing401that is hollow includes the concave/convex portion99as illustrated inFIGS.10and12, it is possible to improve rigidity of the casing401without adding a component separate from the casing401. This makes it possible to reduce possible damage of the casing401even in an instance in which an impact is applied to the cartridge4when, for example, the cartridge4falls down. Moreover, even when the internal pressure of the liquid chamber450is lowered, it is possible to reduce possible deformation of the casing401. Since the rigidity of the casing401is improved by using the concave/convex portion99, it is possible to ensure desired rigidity regardless of the amount of liquid stored in the liquid chamber450, thus making it possible to flexibly change the amount of liquid to be stored in the liquid chamber450. Further, according to the aforementioned embodiment, the first tip end98aof the first convex portion94aand the second tip end98bof the second convex portion94bare bonded to each other as illustrated inFIG.14, thus making it possible to further improve the rigidity of the casing401. Further, according to the aforementioned embodiment, by providing the concave/convex portion99in the first casing side wall75and the second casing side wall76, each of which has a large external size, as illustrated inFIGS.10and12, it is possible to improve rigidity of the first casing side wall75and the second casing side wall76that are walls each of which has the large external size and thus tends to have low rigidity.

According to the aforementioned embodiment, the concave/convex portion99includes the concave portion93recessed from the outer surface401faof the casing401toward the inner side which corresponds to the liquid chamber450side and the convex portion94formed of the concave portion93and protruding from the inner surface401fbof the casing401toward the liquid chamber450side as illustrated inFIG.15. It is thereby possible to easily form the concave portion93and the convex portion94of the concave/convex portion99.

According to the aforementioned embodiment, when the cartridge4is viewed in the direction extending along the central axis CA2, the concave/convex portion99is disposed in the second region Rg2different from the first region Rg1, in which the liquid supply section442is positioned, as illustrated inFIG.14. When the liquid is poured into the liquid chamber450, after, for example, the cartridge4is arranged to have a pouring posture in which the supply section tip end442aof the liquid supply section442, which is illustrated inFIG.10, faces upward, a stick-shaped liquid pouring tube which is a jig is inserted into the liquid chamber450from the liquid supply section442. The liquid pouring tube is inserted into the liquid chamber450such that the tip end of the liquid pouring tube is positioned in the vicinity of the top wall43to suppress generation of bubbles in the liquid chamber450in a liquid pouring process, and the liquid is then poured. The liquid is poured while the tip end of the liquid pouring tube is moved to the bottom wall44side, that is, the upper side of the cartridge4having the pouring posture, in accordance with the rising liquid surface in the liquid chamber450. In this instance, since no concave/convex portion99is disposed in the first region Rg1, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid pouring tube which is the jig comes into collision with the convex portion94when the liquid is poured into the liquid chamber450from the liquid supply section442. It is thus possible to smoothly pour the liquid into the liquid chamber450from the liquid supply section442.

According to the aforementioned embodiment, in the attachment completed state, the upper surface998of the outer peripheral surface991of the convex portion94is an arc-shaped surface and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction as illustrated inFIG.6. Accordingly, the upper surface998of the convex portion94has no horizontal surface in the attachment completed state, thus making it possible to suppress the liquid in the liquid chamber450remaining on the upper surface998of the convex portion94. It is thereby possible to reduce an amount of liquid to remain in the liquid chamber450. Moreover, according to the aforementioned embodiment, the convex portion94has a truncated cone shape, and a sectional shape of the convex portion94, which is orthogonal to the protruding direction of the convex portion94, is round, as illustrated inFIG.15. It is therefore possible to easily form the convex portion94such that, in the attachment completed state, the upper surface998of the outer peripheral surface991of the convex portion94has an arc-shaped surface.

B. Other Embodiments

The concave/convex portion99is formed in the first casing side wall75and the second casing side wall76in the aforementioned embodiment but may be formed in a different wall of the casing401. For example, the concave/convex portion99may be formed in the casing front wall72and the casing rear wall77. When the concave/convex portion99is formed in the casing front wall72and the casing rear wall77, the casing front wall72functions as the first side wall, and the casing rear wall77functions as the second side wall. For example, the concave/convex portion99may be formed in the casing top wall73and the casing bottom wall74. Moreover, the concave/convex portion99is not necessarily formed in two walls of the casing401which face each other. For example, the concave/convex portion99may be formed in at least one of the casing top wall73, the first casing side wall75, the second casing side wall76, the casing front wall72, the casing rear wall77, and the casing bottom wall74. In addition, the concave portion93and the convex portion94of the concave/convex portion99may be formed at different positions. Further, the shape of the convex portion94is not limited to the truncated cone shape. The convex portion94may have, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape or a column shape.

The disclosure is not limited to an ink jet printer and a cartridge used in an ink jet printer and may be applied to a cartridge attached to any printing apparatus that ejects liquid other than ink. For example, the disclosure may be applied to various printing apparatuses as follows and cartridges therefor:(1) an image recording apparatus such as a facsimile machine;(2) a printing apparatus that ejects a coloring material used in manufacturing a color filter for an image display apparatus such as a liquid crystal display;(3) a printing apparatus that ejects an electrode material used to form electrodes of an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, a surface emitting display (field emission display (FED)), and the like;(4) a printing apparatus that ejects liquid containing a bioorganic substance used in manufacturing biochips;(5) a sample printing apparatus serving as a precision pipette;(6) a printing apparatus of lubricating oil;(7) a printing apparatus of a liquid resin;(8) a printing apparatus that ejects lubricating oil in a pinpoint manner onto a precision instrument such as a clock or a camera;(9) a printing apparatus that ejects a transparent liquid resin such as an ultraviolet curing liquid resin on a substrate to form a hemispherical microlens (an optical lens) used in an optical communication element or the like;(10) a printing apparatus that ejects an acid or alkaline etchant to perform etching of a substrate or the like; and(11) a printing apparatus including a liquid ejecting head that ejects any other minute liquid droplets.

Note that the term “liquid droplets” refers to a state of liquid ejected from the printing apparatus, and examples thereof include a granular shape, a tear shape, and a thread shape in a trailing shape. Further, the term “liquid” here refers to any material that is able to be ejected by the printing apparatus. For example, “liquid” may be any material as long as it is a material in a state in which a substance is in a liquid phase, and examples thereof include a liquid state material having high or low viscosity and a liquid state material such as sol, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvent, solution, liquid resin, and liquid metal. Examples of the “liquid” further include, in addition to liquid as one state of a substance, materials in which particles of a functional material having solids such as pigments and metal particles are dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. In addition, representative examples of liquid include ink as described in the embodiment described above, liquid crystal, and the like. Examples of the ink include various liquid compositions such as typical water-based ink, oil-based ink, gel ink, and hot-melt ink.

C. Other Aspects

The disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and may be implemented in various configurations within a range not departing from the gist of the disclosure. To address some or all of the above-described problems or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects, technical features in the embodiments corresponding to technical features in the aspects described below can be replaced or combined as appropriate. The technical features can be deleted as appropriate unless the technical features are described as essential in the present specification.

(1) According to an aspect of the disclosure, a cartridge that is detachably attached to a cartridge attachment section of a printing apparatus is provided. The cartridge includes a casing that demarcates a liquid chamber used for storing a liquid and that is hollow, and a liquid supply section that communicates with the liquid chamber and supplies the liquid in the liquid chamber to the printing apparatus. The casing includes a concave/convex portion. According to this aspect, by providing the concave/convex portion, it is possible to improve rigidity of the casing without adding a component separate from the casing.

(2) In the above-described aspect, the concave/convex portion may include a concave portion recessed from an outer surface of the casing toward a side of the liquid chamber and a convex portion formed of the concave portion and protruding from an inner surface of the casing. According to this aspect, it is possible to easily form the concave portion and the convex portion of the concave/convex portion.

(3) In the above-described aspect, the liquid supply section may include a central axis, and when the cartridge is viewed in a direction extending along the central axis, the concave/convex portion may be disposed in a second region different from a first region, in which the liquid supply section is positioned. According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a jig used for pouring the liquid comes into collision with the convex portion when the liquid is poured into the liquid chamber from the liquid supply section. It is thus possible to smoothly pour the liquid into the liquid chamber from the liquid supply section.

(4) In the above-described aspect, an upper surface of the convex portion may be inclined with respect to a horizontal direction in an attachment completed state in which the cartridge is attached to the cartridge attachment section. According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress the liquid in the liquid chamber remaining on the upper surface of the convex portion. It is thereby possible to reduce an amount of liquid to remain in the liquid chamber.

(5) In the above-described aspect, the casing may include a casing bottom wall to which the liquid supply section is coupled, a casing top wall that faces the casing bottom wall, and a casing side wall that couples the casing bottom wall and the casing top wall, and the concave/convex portion may be formed in the casing side wall. According to this aspect, the concave/convex portion formed in the casing side wall is able to improve the rigidity of the casing.

(6) In the above-described aspect, the casing side wall may include a first side wall and a second side wall that face each other, the concave/convex portion may include a first concave/convex portion formed in the first side wall and a second concave/convex portion formed in the second side wall, and a first tip end of a first convex portion corresponding to the convex portion provided in the first concave/convex portion and a second tip end of a second convex portion corresponding to the convex portion provided in the second concave/convex portion may be bonded to each other. According to this aspect, it is possible to further improve the rigidity of the casing by causing the first tip end and the second tip end to be bonded to each other.

(7) In the above-described aspect, the casing side wall may include a casing front wall positioned on a tip end side in an inserting direction in which the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge attachment section, a casing rear wall facing the casing front wall, a first casing side wall corresponding to the first side wall that couples the casing front wall and the casing rear wall, and a second casing side wall facing the first casing side wall and corresponding to the second side wall that couples the casing front wall and the casing rear wall, and an external size of each of the first casing side wall and the second casing side wall may be larger than an external size of the casing front wall and an external size of the casing rear wall. According to this aspect, by providing the concave/convex portion in the first casing side wall and the second casing side wall, each of which has a large external size, it is possible to improve rigidity of the first casing side wall and the second casing side wall that are walls each of which has the large external size and thus tends to have low rigidity.

(8) In the above-described aspect, a sectional shape of the convex portion may be round, the sectional shape being orthogonal to a protruding direction of the convex portion. According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a concave/convex portion provided with a convex portion having a round sectional shape.

The disclosure is able to be implemented in an aspect of a manufacturing method of a cartridge, a printing system including a cartridge and a printing apparatus, and the like in addition to the above-described aspects.