Patent Publication Number: US-7712881-B2

Title: Apparatus for attaching and detaching ink cartridge, recorder comprising the same and liquid spraying apparatus comprising the same

Description:
Priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application Number 2006-004028 filed on Jan. 11, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates to an ink-cartridge attaching and detaching device for sliding an ink cartridge and mounting the ink cartridge on a main body of a recording apparatus, a recording apparatus including the attaching and detaching device, and a liquid ejecting apparatus including the attaching and detaching device. 
   A liquid ejecting apparatus used herein indicates an apparatus that is not limited to a recording apparatus, such as an ink jet recording apparatus, a copier, and a facsimile machine, that performs recording to a recording medium, such as recording paper, by ejecting ink to the recording medium, from a recording head as a liquid ejecting head, and another example of the liquid ejecting apparatus includes an apparatus that attaching liquid to an ejecting target medium by ejecting liquid for a specific application, instead of ink, to an ejecting target medium corresponding to a recording medium from a liquid ejecting head corresponding to the recording head. Examples of the liquid ejecting head include, in addition to the above-described recording head, a color-material ejecting head used in production of a color filter for a liquid crystal display or other apparatus, an electrode-material (conductive paste) ejecting head used in formation of an electrode for an organic electroluminescent (EL) display, a surface emitting display (FED), or other apparatus, a bioorganic-substance ejecting head used in production of a biochip, and a sample ejecting head as a precision pipette. 
   BACKGROUND ART 
   An ink jet printer is described below as one example of an ink jet recording apparatus or a liquid ejecting apparatus. For mounting an ink cartridge on an ink jet printer, a relatively great pressing force is required. In this case, for ink cartridges, one for each color, a pressing force of the order of 4.9 N to 6.9 N is sufficient, but for a single-package ink cartridge, which is an integrated ink cartridge for a plurality of colors, for example, for a six-color ink cartridge, seven needles are provided and thus a significantly great pressing force of 34.3 N to 48.3 N is required. Such a great pressing force is barely possible in the case of vertical mounting of an ink cartridge. Unfortunately, if the ink cartridge is required to be horizontally slid to be mounted, the ink jet printer would be strained, so such mounting is practically impossible. 
   Patent Document 1 describes an ink-cartridge attaching and detaching device that can obtain a great pressing force by leverage. That is, turning of a lever for attaching and detaching an ink cartridge is transmitted to a link plate, thus allowing a link lever to be unlocked and the ink cartridge to be mounted on a holder. Unfortunately, however, this device has been developed specifically for the mounting of ink cartridges, one for each color, so the device does not have a great force adaptable to a single-package ink cartridge, which is an integrated cartridge for a plurality of colors. In addition, the provision of a lever for attaching and detaching an ink cartridge and a link plate for each of ink cartridges leads to an increase in the number of parts and thus results in an increase in the cost of parts. 
   During and after being mounted, an ink cartridge receives from a channel member connected thereto a force for restoring the ink cartridge. As a result, unless the ink cartridge is mounted by a pressing force greater than that force and the state is maintained, a gap is generated between both, a contact on each of the ink cartridge and the channel member is misaligned, and the remaining amount of ink cannot be detected. Variations in tolerances of dimensions of parts also cause the misalignment of the contacts. Unfortunately, Patent Document 1 does not disclose an arrangement for ensuring such a great pressing force and an intimate contact state. 
   Additionally, as a flat-shape ink cartridge, as illustrated in  FIG. 29 , an attaching and detaching device  500  for mounting an ink cartridge  508  by latching both left and right sides of the ink cartridge  508  is known. Specifically, first, when the ink cartridge  508  is inserted in a direction indicated the arrow, latch projections  555   a  of a pair of left and right cartridge holding units  555  are moved toward the ink-cartridge side and engage with a pair of left and right depressions  508   a  of the ink cartridge  508 . Then, an operation of turning a lever arm (not shown) presses the ink cartridge  508  by a predetermined stroke. In association therewith, ink supply needles  502  on a channel section  501  are pressed into needle insertion openings  508   b  of the ink cartridge  508 , and mounting of the ink cartridge  508  is completed. 
   However, in order to smoothly insert the ink cartridge  508 , an ink-cartridge insertion opening  556  needs to have a dimension that is slightly greater than the width of the ink cartridge  508 . Therefore, unfortunately, the ink cartridge  508  may be mounted in a so-called one-side latch state, in which, because the ink cartridge  508  is obliquely inserted, only one of the depressions  508   a  and only one of the latch projections  555   a  are engaged with each other. In other words, incorrect mounting caused by incorrect insertion may happen. As a result, the ink supply needles  502  may incorrectly pierce the ink cartridge  508 , and thus ink may leak out from these points. 
   [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-157094 
   DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
   Problems to be Solved by the Invention 
   In light of the above-mentioned circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an ink-cartridge attaching and detaching device that, even when a single-package ink cartridge, which is an integrated cartridge for a plurality of colors, that has a flat shape is used, can obtain a great pressing force by using a significantly small force, can reliably mount the ink cartridge without causing misalignment after mounting, and can easily remove the ink cartridge, and also provide a recording apparatus including the attaching and detaching device and a liquid ejecting apparatus including the attaching and detaching device. 
   Means for Solving the Problems 
   To attain the object, a first aspect of the present invention provides an ink-cartridge attaching and detaching device for sliding an ink cartridge and mounting the ink cartridge on a main body of a recording apparatus. The ink-cartridge attaching and detaching device includes a cartridge holding unit configured to hold the ink cartridge by insertion of the ink cartridge by a first predetermined stroke and a power transmitting and converting mechanism configured to ensure a pressing force required for mounting the ink cartridge by leverage by turning of a lever arm and to convert the turning of the lever arm into motion of a second predetermined stroke required for mounting the ink cartridge while held by the cartridge holding unit. The cartridge holding unit includes an integrated engagement member configured to engage with a surface of the ink cartridge, the surface being parallel to a mounting direction. When engaging with the ink cartridge, the engagement member lies in a central portion in a width direction with respect to the mounting direction at the surface. 
   The term “insertion of an ink cartridge” as used herein refers to a state in which the ink cartridge is inserted from the outside of a recording apparatus to the inside thereof and then the ink cartridge is held by a cartridge holding unit. The term “mounting of an ink cartridge” as used herein refers to a state in which the ink cartridge held by the cartridge holding unit is pressed together with the cartridge holding unit by turning of a lever and then a needle is embedded in the ink cartridge. 
   In order for the ink cartridge to be smoothly inserted into a main body of the recording apparatus, a certain amount of gap (clearance) is necessary between the ink cartridge and an insertion opening for allowing the ink cartridge to be inserted therefrom. Therefore, in known techniques, the ink cartridge may be inclined while being inserted. In addition, in known techniques, a plurality of cartridge holding units are provided so as to engage with a plurality of surfaces, for example, a pair of left and right cartridge holding units are provided so as to engage with both sides with the aim of mounting the ink cartridge properly, in other words, without inclining the ink cartridge. Unfortunately, however, there is a possibility that the ink cartridge might be inclined and this would cause only one side of the ink cartridge to be held and incorrect mounting of the ink cartridge. 
   Unused ink cartridges, i.e., heavy ink cartridges full of ink, are often mounted. In such cases, if an engagement member engages with a position remote from the center of gravity of an ink cartridge in a width direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion, a turning force may occur when the ink cartridge is mounted, and the ink cartridge may be inclined. 
   According to the first aspect of the present invention, the cartridge holding unit includes the integrated engagement member configured to engage with the surface of the ink cartridge, the surface being parallel to the mounting direction, and the engagement member lies in the central portion in the width direction with respect to the mounting direction at the surface when engaging with the ink cartridge. Therefore, even if the ink cartridge is inclined, the ink cartridge is not held at only one side of both left and right sides, unlike known techniques, and the cartridge holding unit can reliably hold the ink cartridge at the central portion in the width direction of the ink cartridge. 
   In addition, since the engagement member in the cartridge holding unit is formed integrally, an incomplete state, such as only one side being held, does not occur in the first place. 
   In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the engagement member includes a plurality of nail portions configured to engage with the ink cartridge, the nail portions being integral with the engagement member in the width direction with respect to the mounting direction. 
   According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operational advantages similar to those in the first aspect, the engagement member is formed integrally in the width direction with respect to the mounting direction, and the plurality of nail portions are included. Therefore, when engagement is attained by the plurality of locations, the movements of the plurality of nail portions can be synchronized accurately, so there is no possibility of occurrence of an incomplete state, such as only one side being held, as described above. 
   In addition, since engagement with the plurality of locations is attained by the plurality of locations, the attitude of the ink cartridge can be stabilized. 
   A third aspect of the present invention provides an ink-cartridge attaching and detaching device for sliding an ink cartridge and mounting the ink cartridge on a main body of a recording apparatus. The ink-cartridge attaching and detaching device includes a cartridge holding unit configured to hold the ink cartridge by insertion of the ink cartridge by a first predetermined stroke and a power transmitting and converting mechanism configured to ensure a pressing force required for mounting the ink cartridge by leverage by turning of a lever arm and to convert the turning of the lever arm into motion of a second predetermined stroke required for mounting the ink cartridge while held by the cartridge holding unit. The cartridge holding unit includes a slider configured to move in response to a power from the power transmitting and converting mechanism, an engagement member configured to engage with the slider, swing with respect to the slider, engage with the ink cartridge, hold the ink cartridge, and move in the mounting direction together with the slider, a first engagement unit configured to operate such that the slider and the engagement member directly engage with each other when the engagement member swings, and a second engagement unit configured to operate such that the slider and the engagement member directly engage with each other when the engagement member mounts the ink cartridge. 
   The term “directly engage” as used herein refers to engagement in which the slider and the engagement member are directly in contact with each other and engaged without the use of a shaft therebetween. 
   If a shaft used for swinging was provided, so-called clearance for swinging would be needed, resulting in rattling. As a result, the possibility arises that, when the engagement member swings, the positional accuracy of the engagement member will decrease. In addition, the possibility arises that, during movement of the cartridge holding unit and mounting of the ink cartridge, the load imposed on the engagement member engaging with the ink cartridge will be focused on the shaft and the shaft will be deformed. Therefore, the possibility arises that the positional accuracy of the engagement member will decrease and the second predetermined stroke will not be ensured. 
   According to the third aspect of the present invention, the cartridge holding unit includes the slider configured to move in response to the power from the power transmitting and converting mechanism, the engagement member configured to engage with the slider, swing with respect to the slider, engage with the ink cartridge, hold the ink cartridge, and move in the mounting direction together with the slider, the first engagement unit configured to operate such that the slider and the engagement member directly engage with each other when the engagement member swings, and the second engagement unit configured to operate such that the slider and the engagement member directly engage with each other when the engagement member mounts the ink cartridge. Therefore, during insertion and movement for mounting and dismounting, by changing the location of engagement and contact of the slider and the engagement member, the engagement member maintains a swinging function without the provision of a shaft used for swinging. As a result, compared with a case in which a shaft is provided, the positional accuracy of the engagement member when the engagement member swings can be improved. During mounting of the ink cartridge, direct engagement attained by the second engagement unit allows the engagement member to be accurately positioned. In addition, the second predetermined stroke can be reliably ensured. 
   In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the slider and the engagement member are configured to, when the ink cartridge is inserted by the first predetermined stroke, be engaged by the first engagement unit, configured to, when the ink cartridge is moved in the mounting direction by the second predetermined stroke, be engaged under the weight of the ink cartridge by the second engagement unit, and configured to, when the ink cartridge is moved in a dismounting direction, be engaged by the first engagement unit. 
   According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operational advantages similar to those in the third aspect, the slider and the engagement member are configured to, when the ink cartridge is inserted by the first predetermined stroke, be engaged by the first engagement unit, configured to, when the ink cartridge is moved in the mounting direction by the second predetermined stroke, be engaged under the weight of the ink cartridge by the second engagement unit, and configured to, when the ink cartridge is moved in the dismounting direction, be engaged by the first engagement unit. Therefore, the location of contact and engagement is changed by the operation and the action of the engagement member such that, when swinging of the engagement member causes engagement with the ink cartridge and release of the engagement, the engagement member is engaged by the first engagement unit, and, when the ink cartridge is pushed and mounted, the engagement member is engaged by the second engagement unit. Engagement is switched from the first engagement unit to the second engagement unit by the weight of the ink cartridge. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an additional power source for switching. 
   In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the cartridge holding unit includes an urging unit. The urging unit is configured to, when a force generated by the weight of the ink cartridge is not exerted during moving of the ink cartridge in the mounting direction, urge the engagement member such that the engagement member is engaged by the first engagement unit. 
   According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operational advantages similar to those in the fourth aspect, the cartridge holding unit includes the urging unit, and the urging unit is configured to, when the weight of the ink cartridge is not exerted during moving of the ink cartridge in the mounting direction, urge the engagement member such that the engagement member is engaged by the first engagement unit. Therefore, when the force generated by the weight of the ink cartridge is not exerted, the urging unit can switch from an engagement state attained by the second engagement unit to an engagement state attained by the first engagement unit. When the above-described force is not exerted, the engagement member can swing accurately, and the engagement with ink cartridge can be easily attained or released. 
   In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the third to fifth aspects of the present invention, the second engagement unit includes a slider projection provided at the slider and extending in a direction in which the engagement member swings and a slit portion provided in the engagement member, extending in the mounting direction, and allowing the slider projection to pass therethrough. 
   According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operational advantages similar to those in any one of the third to fifth aspects, the second engagement unit includes the slider projection provided at the slider and extending in a direction in which the engagement member swings and the slit portion provided in the engagement member, extending in the mounting direction, and allowing the slider projection to pass therethrough. Therefore, the first engagement unit can be constructed by a simple structure. 
   In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the third to sixth aspects of the present invention, the cartridge holding unit includes a cartridge unlocking unit configured to, during moving of the ink cartridge from a state of being mounted to a direction in which the ink cartridge is to be dismounted, unlock engagement of the engagement member and the ink cartridge. 
   According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operational advantages similar to those in any one of the third to sixth aspects, the cartridge unlocking unit configured to unlock engagement of the engagement member and the ink cartridge is included. Therefore, during moving of the ink cartridge from a state of being mounted to the dismounting direction, the engagement of the engagement member and the ink cartridge can be released by the cartridge unlocking unit, a state in which the ink cartridge is held by the cartridge holding unit can be released, and the ink cartridge can be removed. 
   In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect of the present invention, the cartridge unlocking unit is configured to, during moving of the ink cartridge in the dismounting direction, urge the engagement member such that the engagement member is engaged with the slider by the first engagement unit and cause the engagement member to swing. 
   According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operational advantages similar to those in the seventh aspect, the cartridge unlocking unit is configured to, during moving of the ink cartridge in the dismounting direction, urge the engagement member such that the engagement member is engaged with the slider by the first engagement unit and cause the engagement member to swing. Therefore, the cartridge unlocking unit can cause the engagement member to accurately swing when the engagement of the engagement member and the ink cartridge is released. That is, there is no possibility that unstable path of swinging of the engagement member will prevent engagement of the engagement member and the ink cartridge from being released. 
   In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh or eighth aspect of the present invention, the cartridge unlocking unit is configured to, during mounting of the ink cartridge, urge the engagement member such that the engagement member is engaged with the slider by the second engagement unit. 
   According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the cartridge unlocking unit is configured to, during mounting of the ink cartridge, urge the engagement member such that the engagement member is engaged with the slider by the second engagement unit. Therefore, during mounting of the ink cartridge, the attitude of the engagement member can be stabilized, and the positional accuracy of the engagement member can be further improved. 
   In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the third to ninth aspects of the present invention, the first engagement unit is configured such that, during swinging of the engagement member and releasing of a state of holding the ink cartridge, in order to facilitate releasing engagement of the engagement member and the ink cartridge, a radius of swinging varies with swinging of the engagement member by swinging the engagement member while moving the engagement member with respect to the slider. 
   According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operational advantages similar to those in any one of the third to ninth aspects, the first engagement unit is configured such that, during swinging of the engagement member and releasing of a state of holding the ink cartridge, in order to facilitate releasing engagement of the engagement member and the ink cartridge, the radius of swinging varies with swinging of the engagement member by swinging the engagement member while moving the engagement member with respect to the slider. Therefore, the possibility of occurrence of friction between the engagement member and the ink cartridge can be reduced, and the engagement of the engagement member and the ink cartridge can be easily released. 
   An eleventh aspect of the present invention provides a recording apparatus including an ink-cartridge attaching and detaching device for sliding an ink cartridge and mounting the ink cartridge on a main body of the recording apparatus, the ink-cartridge attaching and detaching device being an ink-cartridge attaching and detaching device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects. 
   According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since the recording apparatus includes the attaching and detaching device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, in the recording apparatus, the operational advantages similar to those in any one of the first to tenth aspects can be obtained. 
   A twelfth aspect of the present invention provides a liquid ejecting apparatus including a liquid-cartridge attaching and detaching device for sliding a liquid cartridge and mounting the liquid cartridge on a main body of the liquid ejecting apparatus. The liquid ejecting apparatus includes a cartridge holding unit configured to hold the liquid cartridge by insertion of the liquid cartridge by a first predetermined stroke and a power transmitting and converting mechanism configured to ensure a pressing force required for mounting the liquid cartridge by leverage by turning of a lever arm and to convert the turning of the lever arm into motion of a second predetermined stroke required for mounting the liquid cartridge while held by the cartridge holding unit. The cartridge holding unit includes an integrated engagement member configured to engage with a surface of the liquid cartridge, the surface being parallel to a mounting direction. When engaging with the liquid cartridge, the engagement member lies in a central portion in a width direction with respect to the mounting direction at the surface. 
   A thirteenth aspect of the present invention provides a liquid ejecting apparatus including a liquid-cartridge attaching and detaching device for sliding a liquid cartridge and mounting the liquid cartridge on a main body of the liquid ejecting apparatus. The liquid ejecting apparatus includes a cartridge holding unit configured to hold the liquid cartridge by insertion of the liquid cartridge by a first predetermined stroke and a power transmitting and converting mechanism configured to ensure a pressing force required for mounting the liquid cartridge by leverage by turning of a lever arm and to convert the turning of the lever arm into motion of a second predetermined stroke required for mounting the liquid cartridge while held by the cartridge holding unit. The cartridge holding unit includes a slider configured to move in response to a power from the power transmitting and converting mechanism, an engagement member configured to engage with the slider, swing with respect to the slider, engage with the liquid cartridge, hold the liquid cartridge, and move in the mounting direction together with the slider, a first engagement unit configured to operate such that the slider and the engagement member directly engage with each other when the engagement member swings, and a second engagement unit configured to operate such that the slider and the engagement member directly engage with each other when the engagement member mounts the liquid cartridge. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a general perspective view schematically showing a recording apparatus according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a general plan view schematically showing the recording apparatus according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a general perspective view schematically showing an attaching and detaching device according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the attaching and detaching device when a lever arm is in a reset position before insertion. 
       FIG. 5  is a plan view of the attaching and detaching device when the lever arm is in the reset position in the course of insertion. 
       FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of the attaching and detaching device when the lever arm is in the reset position in the course of insertion. 
       FIG. 7  is a sectional side view of an essential part of the attaching and detaching device when the lever arm is in the reset position in the course of insertion. 
       FIG. 8  is a plan view of the attaching and detaching device when the lever arm is in the reset position at completion of insertion. 
       FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of the attaching and detaching device when the lever arm is in the reset position at completion of insertion. 
       FIG. 10  is a sectional side view of an essential part of the attaching and detaching device when the lever arm is in the reset position at completion of insertion. 
       FIG. 11  is a plan view of the attaching and detaching device in the course of mounting of an ink cartridge. 
       FIG. 12  is a sectional side view of an essential part of the attaching and detaching device in the course of mounting of an ink cartridge. 
       FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of the attaching and detaching device when the lever arm is in a set position at completion of mounting. 
       FIG. 14  is a plan view of the attaching and detaching device when the lever arm is in a set position at completion of mounting. 
       FIG. 15  is a side perspective view of the attaching and detaching device when the lever arm is in a set position at completion of mounting. 
       FIG. 16  is a sectional side view of an essential part of the attaching and detaching device when the lever arm is in a set position at completion of mounting. 
       FIG. 17  is a plan view of the attaching and detaching device in the course of dismounting of the ink cartridge. 
       FIG. 18  is a sectional side view of an essential part of the attaching and detaching device in the course of dismounting of the ink cartridge. 
       FIG. 19  is a sectional side view of an essential part of the attaching and detaching device in the course of dismounting of the ink cartridge (a latch plate is raised). 
       FIG. 20  is a sectional side view of the attaching and detaching device in the course of dismounting of the ink cartridge (forced extrusion). 
       FIG. 21  is a sectional side view of an essential part of the attaching and detaching device in the course of dismounting of the ink cartridge (forced extrusion). 
       FIG. 22  is a plan view of the attaching and detaching device in the course of dismounting of the ink cartridge (spring-urged extrusion). 
       FIG. 23  is a sectional side view of an essential part of the attaching and detaching device in the course of dismounting of the ink cartridge (spring-urged extrusion). 
       FIG. 24  is a sectional side view of an essential part of the attaching and detaching device in the course of dismounting of the ink cartridge (the latch plate is lowered). 
       FIGS. 25(A) and 25(B)  are plan views showing the shape of a cam portion according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 26(A)  and  FIG. 26(B)  are an enlarged sectional side view of an essential part and a plan view, respectively, during engagement of a first engagement unit. 
       FIG. 27(A)  and  FIG. 27(B)  are an enlarged sectional side view of an essential part and a plan view thereof, respectively, during engagement of the first engagement unit (the latch plate is raised). 
       FIG. 28(A)  and  FIG. 28(B)  are an enlarged sectional side view of an essential part and a plan view thereof, respectively, during engagement of a second engagement unit. 
       FIG. 29  is a plan view of a known ink-cartridge attaching and detaching device. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. 
   A hopper  101  for accommodating stacked sheets of paper as recording media is disposed at the rear of a main body of a recording apparatus  100  so as to be swingable about an upper section as a fulcrum. A top sheet stacked on the hopper  101  is fed to a recording-portion side, which is a downstream side of the transport direction, by a feeding portion  144 . Specifically, one of stacked sheets is picked up by a feeding roller (not shown) driven by a feeding motor  104 , guided by a paper guide  103 , and fed to a transport roller (not shown), which is disposed downstream in the transport direction. The sheet fed to the transport roller is further transported to a recording portion  143 , which is disposed downstream in the transport direction, by the transport roller driven by a transport motor (not shown). The recording portion  143  includes a platen  105  for supporting paper from below and a carriage  107  disposed above the platen  105  so as to face the platen  105 . The carriage  107  is driven by a carriage motor  102  while being guided by a carriage guide shaft (not shown) extending along the direction of main scan. A recording head  106  for ejecting ink toward paper is disposed on a bottom of the carriage  107 . The sheet recorded by the recording portion  143  is further transported downstream and output by an output roller (not shown) from the front side of the recording apparatus  100 . 
   An ink cartridge  211  (see  FIG. 3 ) is mounted on an attaching and detaching device  201  disposed on a lower portion of the main body of the recording apparatus  100 , and ink is supplied to an ink channel (not shown) via an ink supply needle  411  (see  FIG. 7 ). The ink is supplied to the recording head  106  on the carriage  107  via an ink supply tube  110 . During flushing and cleaning of the recording head  106 , an ink suction device  200 , acting as an ejection-characteristics maintaining portion for maintaining ejection characteristics of the recording portion  143 , disposed at a LSD side performs an operation of ejecting and sucking ink. The ink suction device  200  includes a cap portion  213 . The ink suction device  200  can seal the recording head  106  by vertically moving the cap portion  213 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 3 , the attaching and detaching device  201  includes an insertion opening  271  for allowing the ink cartridge  211  to be inserted therefrom. The insertion opening  271  is disposed at the back of the recording apparatus  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The attaching and detaching device  201  for an ink cartridge includes a lever arm  363  operated by a user, a power transmitting and converting mechanism  230  for converting a power of the lever arm  363  into motion of a second predetermined stroke S 2  (see  FIG. 11 ) required for mounting the ink cartridge  211 , a cartridge holding unit  210  configured to hold the ink cartridge  211  that has been inserted by a first predetermined stroke S 1  (see  FIG. 8 ) in the insertion opening  271 , and a cartridge unlocking unit  220  configured to release a state in which the ink cartridge  211  is held by the cartridge holding unit  210  during dismounting of the ink cartridge  211 . The structure and operation of these elements is described below in sequence. 
   A frame member  190  for arranging a transport portion configured to transport paper and the recording portion configured to record information on paper is disposed above the attaching and detaching device  201 . The frame member  190  is formed of a metal plate. The frame member  190  is disposed so as to engage with a position that does not face the ink cartridge  211 , i.e., a position on a sidewall surface adjacent to a side end of the attaching and detaching device  201  in a state where the ink cartridge  211  is mounted in the attaching and detaching device  201 . This can avoid deformation of the attaching and detaching device  201  caused by the weight pressed and imposed on the frame member  190  and avoid an increase in friction between the attaching and detaching device  201  and the ink cartridge  211  when the ink cartridge  211  is inserted, mounted, or dismounted. 
   The engagement of the frame member  190  with other structures disposed above the frame member  190  can be removed from the side. The frame member  190  and the attaching and detaching device  201  disposed below the frame member  190  can be singly removed. In other words, only the attaching and detaching device  201  can be readily removed from the entire recording apparatus. 
     FIG. 4  is a front perspective view illustrating the attaching and detaching device when a lever arm is in a “reset position” before the ink cartridge is inserted.  FIG. 5  is a plan view of the attaching and detaching device when the lever arm is in the “reset position” in the course of insertion of the ink cartridge.  FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of the attaching and detaching device shown in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 7  is a sectional side view of an essential part of the attaching and detaching device shown in  FIG. 5 . 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 to 7 , the attaching and detaching device  201  for the ink cartridge  211  includes the power transmitting and converting mechanism  230 , the cartridge holding unit  210 , and the cartridge unlocking unit  220 . 
   The power transmitting and converting mechanism  230  includes the lever arm  363 , a first gear  231  formed in the lever arm  363 , a second gear  232  being in contact with the first gear  231  so as to be capable of transmitting a power, a third gear  233  formed integrally with the second gear  232 , a fourth gear  234  being in contact with the third gear  233  so as to be capable of transmitting a power, a cam portion  235  formed integrally with the fourth gear  234 , and a slider  240  functioning as a cam follower being in contact with the cam portion  235 . The slider  240  has a first slider opening portion  246 . The slider  240  is movable in mounting and dismounting directions by causing the cam portion  235  to come into contact with and press a first surface  246   a  or a second surface  246   b . The cam portion  235  has an eccentric cam portion  235   a  and a concentric cam portion  235   b , which will be described below (see  FIGS. 25(A) and 25(B) ). 
   The direction of movement of the slider  240  is regulated by passing of shafts  262   a  and  262   b  through two guide slits  241   a  and  241   b  provided in the slider  240  along the movement direction. 
   In this embodiment, the lever arm  363  is provided so as to turn about a lever shaft  364  as a fulcrum. A position of the lever arm  363  shown in  FIGS. 4 to 10  is referred to as the “reset position” of the lever arm. A position of the lever arm  363  shown in  FIGS. 13 to 16  is referred to as the “set position” of the lever arm. The range of turning of the lever arm  363  is regulated by a lever turn regulation projection  369  provided on a base  387  of the main body of the attaching and detaching device  201  and two lever turn regulation portions  366  provided on the lever arm  363 . Therefore, the lever arm  363  can turn only a range of from the “set position” to the “reset position”. 
   The cartridge holding unit  210  is composed of the slider  240  disposed at the attaching and detaching device  201  and two depressions  211   a  disposed at the ink cartridge. The slider  240  is provided with a latch plate  250  having two nail portions  251 . The depressions  211   a  can engage with the nail portions  251 . The latch plate  250  is constructed such that the nail-portion side can swing in vertical directions shown in  FIG. 7  with respect to the slider  240  about a position, as a fulcrum, where latch-plate engagement portions  254 , which are disposed opposite to the nail portions  251 , engage with slider engagement portions  245  disposed at the slider  240 . The latch plate  250  is disposed at the upper surface of the slider  240 . The two nail portions  251  of the latch plate  250  protrude downward through second slider opening portions  247  of the slider  240 . The base  387  of the attaching and detaching device  201  also has base openings  387   a  such that the base openings  387   a  does not interfere with engagement of the nail portions  251  and the depressions  211   a.    
   The slider  240  has the slider engagement portions  245  formed by bending at its central part in the mounting direction. The slider engagement portions  245  can engage with the respective latch-plate engagement portions  254  of the latch plate  250  disposed upstream in the mounting direction. In the present invention, each of the slider engagement portions  245  and each of the latch-plate engagement portions  254  constitute a first engagement unit. The latch plate  250  can swing about a position, as a fulcrum, of engagement of the first engagement unit. 
   In the present invention, the “engagement of the first engagement unit” refers to a state in which the slider engagement portion  245  and the latch-plate engagement portion  254  are in surface contact with each other. 
   The slider  240  has slider projections  242 . The slider projections  242  are formed by bending in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction so as to extend along the mounting direction and the direction of swinging of the latch plate  250 . Each of the slider projections  242  can engage with a latch-plate slit  255  provided in the latch plate  250  and extending in the mounting direction. In the present invention, the slider projection  242  and the latch-plate slit  255  constitute a second engagement unit. When no external force is exerted on the latch plate  250 , a latch-plate spring  256  urges the latch plate  250  such that the latch plate  250  and the slider  240  engage with each other and downwardly urges the nail portions  251  of the latch plate  250 . 
   In the present invention, “engagement of the second engagement unit” refers to a state in which the slider projection  242  is in surface contact with a mounting-direction surface  255   a  of the latch-plate slit  255  (see  FIG. 28 ) by pressing the mounting-direction surface  255   a.    
   Moreover, the cartridge unlocking unit  220  is constituted of each of oblique portions  253  and each of cancelling arms  260   a  and  260   b . The cancelling arms  260   a  and  260   b  are disposed on both sides of the latch plate  250  in a width direction with respect to the mounting direction. The cancelling arms  260   a  and  260   b  come into contact with the oblique portions  253  and upwardly push the latch plate  250  only when the ink cartridge  211  is dismounted. 
   The cancelling arms  260   a  and  260   b  can turn about the shaft  262   a  and a shaft  262   c  as a fulcrum, against an urging force of cancelling-arm springs  261 , respectively. 
   The structure is described in greater detail below with reference to the operation of the attaching and detaching device  201 . 
   In this embodiment, since each of the slider  240  and the latch plate  250  is formed of a metal plate, the latch plate  250  can be positioned accurately. Additionally, even if the device is left under high temperatures, there is no possibility of deformation. 
   [Insertion of Ink Cartridge] 
   The operation is described below for each state of insertion, mounting, and dismounting of the ink cartridge  211 . 
   First, the ink cartridge  211  shown in  FIG. 4  is inserted from the outside of the attaching and detaching device  201  into the insertion opening  271 . At this time, a lever projection  363   c  of a knob  363   a  at a distal end of an arm body  363   b  of the lever arm  363  is provided with a guide surface  363   d . The guide surface  363   d  is configured to guide the ink cartridge  211  to the insertion opening  271  when the ink cartridge  211  is inserted into the insertion opening  271  by a user. Specifically, the guide surface  363   d  is inclined with respect to the insertion direction of the ink cartridge  211  so as to gradually push the ink cartridge  211  deviating from an approach path “A” extending from the insertion opening  271  in the opposite direction back to the approach path A as the ink cartridge  211  approaches the insertion opening  271 . 
   The term “mounting direction” as used herein refers to a direction in which the ink cartridge  211  enters the insertion opening  271  and heads for the ink supply needle  411 , which is disposed at the back. Specifically, it is a direction from the lower side to the upper side in  FIG. 5 , which is indicated by the arrow. 
   When a leading end of the ink cartridge  211  is inserted into the insertion opening  271 , the leading end of the ink cartridge  211  abuts a dismounting lever  385  disposed in the back of the insertion opening  271 . The dismounting lever  385  is provided so as to urge the ink cartridge  211  in a dismounting direction by turning about a dismounting lever shaft  386  as a fulcrum by a spring (not shown). 
   The term “dismounting direction” as used herein refers to a direction opposite to the mounting direction. 
   A state in which the ink cartridge  211  stops after abutting the dismounting lever  385  is illustrated in  FIGS. 5 to 7 . In this state, since the course of the lever projection  363   c  is blocked by the side of the ink cartridge  211 , it is impossible to turn the lever arm  363  in the “reset position” toward the “set position” side. This can avoid a user from performing an operation of pushing the ink cartridge  211  in the mounting direction by means of the lever projection  363   c , a so-called erroneous operation (abnormal operation). 
     FIG. 8  is a plan view of the attaching and detaching device when the lever arm is in the reset position at completion of insertion of the ink cartridge.  FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of the attaching and detaching device shown in  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 10  is a sectional side view of an essential part of the attaching and detaching device shown in  FIG. 8 . 
   When, from a state shown in  FIGS. 5 to 7 , the ink cartridge  211  is further pushed against an urging force of the dismounting lever  385  and inserted by a first predetermined stroke S 1 , the insertion of the ink cartridge  211  is completed, as shown in  FIGS. 8 to 10 . 
   Specifically, when, from a state shown in  FIGS. 5 to 7 , the ink cartridge  211  is further pushed, the leading end of the ink cartridge  211  comes into contact with the nail portions  251 , which project downward through the second slider opening portions  247  of the slider  240 . Then, the leading end of the ink cartridge  211  upwardly pushes the nail portions  251  against the urging force of the latch-plate spring  256 , and the two nail portions  251  engage with the respective depressions  211   a  of the ink cartridge  211 . That is, the slider  240  integrally holds the ink cartridge  211  via the latch plate  250 . This is a state of completion of insertion of the ink cartridge  211 . 
   The two nail portions  251  of the latch plate  250  are formed integrally with the latch plate  250 . The two nail portions  251  of the latch plate  250  are configured to engage with the respective depressions  211   a , which are disposed adjacent to the center of the ink cartridge  211  in the width direction with respect to the mounting direction. Therefore, even if the orientation of the ink cartridge  211  is inclined with respect to the mounting direction to some extent, the two nail portions  251  can engage with the two depressions  211   a , respectively. In addition, since the two nail portions  251  are formed integrally and thus are synchronized, there is no possibility of a state in which only one of the nail portions  251  engages with one of the depressions  211   a  and the other one of the nail portions  251  does not engage with the other one of the depressions  211   a , a so-called one-side latch state. 
   If a user attempts to further insert the ink cartridge  211  with hand toward the back side from a location of the ink cartridge  211  shown in  FIGS. 8 to 10 , the leading end of the ink cartridge  211  is regulated by abutment portions  243  provided at the slider  240 . At this time, the slider  240  does not move due to the shape of the cam portion  235  (see  FIGS. 25(A) and 25(B) ) unless the lever arm  363  is turned. 
   [Mounting of Ink Cartridge] 
     FIG. 11  is a plan view of the attaching and detaching device in the course of mounting of the ink cartridge.  FIG. 12  is a sectional side view of an essential part of the attaching and detaching device shown in  FIG. 11 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 11 , when the lever arm  363  is turned about the lever shaft  364  as a fulcrum counterclockwise from the “reset position” shown in  FIG. 8 , the first gear  231  transmits power to the second gear  232 , and the third gear  233 , which is integral with the second gear  232 , transmits the power to the fourth gear  234 , as described above. The cam portion  235 , which is integral with the fourth gear  234 , comes into contact with and presses the first surface  246   a  of the first slider opening portion  246  and thus moves the slider  240  in the mounting direction. The slider  240  has the two guide slits  241   a  and  241   b  in series along the mounting direction. Passing the shafts  262   a  and  262   b , which are provided at the base  387 , through the shafts  262   a  and  262   b , respectively, regulates the direction of movement of the slider  240 . 
   The cam portion  235  is configured to press the central portion of the slider  240  in the width direction with respect to the mounting direction. As for the positional relationship to the latch plate  250 , in the width direction, a position where the cam portion  235  presses the slider  240  is approximately on the center line of the nail portions  251  of the latch plate  250 . In addition, as shown in  FIG. 12 , a surface where each of the nail portions  251  presses the ink cartridge  211  is perpendicular to the mounting direction. Therefore, the attitude of each of the ink cartridge  211 , the latch plate  250 , and the slider  240  can be stabilized while at the same time power of the cam portion  235  can be efficiently transmitted to the ink cartridge  211 . 
   When the slider  240  is moved in the mounting direction, the ink cartridge  211  held by the nail portions  251  of the latch plate  250  is also moved integrally therewith. At this time, the weight of the ink cartridge  211  loosens engagement of the slider engagement portion  245  and the latch-plate engagement portion  254 , and, in the second engagement unit, the slider projection  242  engaging with the corresponding latch-plate slit  255  presses a surface that faces the mounting direction (see  FIG. 28 ). This pressing force moves the ink cartridge  211  in the mounting direction via the nail portions  251 . As the ink cartridge  211  moves, the ink supply needle  411  adjacent to the leading end in the mounting direction is gradually pierced in the ink cartridge  211 . 
   At this time, a large pressing force is necessary for causing the ink supply needle  411  to pierce the ink cartridge  211 . Since the slider projection  242  is provided by bending in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction, as described above, even if a large pressing force is exerted, there is no possibility of flection or deformation. That is, the slider projection  242  can be in surface contact with a surface that faces the mounting direction (see  FIG. 28 ) and reliably transmit the pressing force to the ink cartridge  211  via the latch plate  250 . In addition, since the slider projection  242  is not deformed, the latch plate  250  can be accurately positioned. 
   A reason why the first engagement unit and the second engagement unit can engage the latch plate  250  and the slider  240  is that, if a shaft was provided to allow the latch plate  250  to swing, a large pressing force required for mounting the ink cartridge  211  would be focused on the shaft, the shaft would be deformed, and the possibility of being unable to obtain sufficient pressing force and accuracy of a pressing distance for pressing the ink cartridge  211  would arise. Therefore, without the provision of the shaft, by changing the location of engagement by the operation of the latch plate  250 , the pressing force and the pressing distance (second predetermined stroke S 2 ) can be ensured while a function of swinging in the latch plate  250  is maintained. 
   In addition, since each of the slider engagement portions  245  and each of the latch-plate engagement portions  254 , which constitute the first engagement unit, and each of the slider projections  242  and each of the latch-plate slits  255 , which constitute the second engagement unit, are disposed in series with respect to the nail portions  251  in the mounting direction, the nail portions  251  of the latch plate  250  can be positioned more accurately. Moreover, since the pair of first engagement units and the pair of second engagement units are provided in the width direction with respect to the mounting direction, the attitude of the latch plate  250  can be stabilized. Furthermore, since the second engagement units are disposed in series with respect to the nail portions  251  in the mounting direction, a pressing force can be efficiently transmitted to the nail portions  251 . 
   The slider projection  242  and the latch-plate slit  255 , which constitute the second engagement unit, regulate the position of the latch plate  250  with respect to the slider  240  in the width direction. Therefore, at the insertion of the ink cartridge  211 , as described above, the depressions  211   a  of the ink cartridge  211  can reliably face and engage with the nail portions  251  of the latch plate  250 . 
   In a direction of the height of the ink cartridge  211  (the vertical direction in  FIG. 12 ), the closer the position of engagement of the nail portions  251  and the depressions  211   a  is to a position where the ink supply needle  411  is embedded in the ink cartridge  211 , the more stable the attitude of the ink cartridge  211  becomes and the more efficient a pressing force during mounting being a power of the cam portion  235  is transmitted to the ink cartridge  211 . Although it is necessary to consider the relationship to a path of the lower end of each of the nail portions  251  while the latch plate  250  upwardly swing in a dismounting process, which will be described below, the position of engagement of the nail portions  251  and the depressions  211   a  may preferably be opposed to the ink supply needle  411  in the height direction of the ink cartridge  211 . 
   Subsequently, when the lever arm  363  is tuned toward the “set position” side, together with the slider  240  in the mounting direction, shoulder portions  252  of the slider  240  come into contact with an end contact portion  260   c  of the cancelling arm  260   a  and an end contact portion  260   c  of the cancelling arm  260   b , respectively, thus causing the cancelling arms  260   a  and  260   b  to turn about the shaft  262   c , as a fulcrum, passing through a slit  241   c  and on the shaft  262   a  passing through the guide slit  241   a , respectively, against an urging force of the cancelling-arm springs  261  (see  FIG. 11 ). At this time, since the shoulder portions  252  receive the pressing force from the respective end contact portions  260   c , the slider projections  242  are in contact with the respective surfaces that face the mounting direction (see  FIG. 28 ) more reliably. That is, the urging force of the cancelling-arm springs  256  can stabilize the attitude of the latch plate  250 . 
   When the slider  240  further moves in the mounting direction and the shoulder portions  252  pass through the respective end contact portions  260   c  of the cancelling arms  260   a  and  260   b , the cancelling arms  260   a  and  260   b  return to their original states by the urging force of the cancelling-arm springs  261  (see  FIGS. 5 ,  8 , and  14 ). Each of the cancelling arms  260   a  and  260   b  is a member that acts on the latch plate  250  during the dismounting of the ink cartridge  211 , so the details thereof will be described below in the description of the dismounting. 
   When the lever arm  363  is turned counterclockwise up to the “set position”, the mounting of the ink cartridge  211  is completed. 
     FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of the attaching and detaching device when the lever arm is in the “set position” at completion of mounting.  FIG. 14  is a plan view of the attaching and detaching device shown in  FIG. 13 .  FIG. 15  is a side perspective view of the attaching and detaching device shown in  FIG. 13 .  FIG. 16  is a sectional side view of an essential part of the attaching and detaching device shown in  FIG. 13 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 13 to 16 , when the lever arm  363  is further turned from a state shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12  up to the “set position”, the ink cartridge  211  is in a state in which the ink supply needle  411  is fully embedded in the ink cartridge  211  after the ink cartridge  211  moves from a state of completion of insertion of the ink cartridge  211  (see  FIGS. 8 to 10 ) by a second predetermined stroke S 2  in the mounting direction, i.e., a state of completion of mounting of the ink cartridge  211 . 
   The ink cartridge  211  has an ink remaining information terminal  212  at the right front side. The ink remaining information terminal  212  is configured to be electrically connected to a connector  412  provided at the main body of the attaching and detaching device immediately before the mounting of the ink cartridge  211  is completed. The connector  412  is configured to be movable by a fixed distance in the mounting direction and to be capable of following the movement of the ink cartridge  211  by a connector spring  413  and a contact surface of the connector  412 , the contact surface being provided at the leading end in the mounting direction and being capable of coming into contact with the leading-end surface of the ink cartridge  211 . 
   When the connector  412  electrically contacts the ink remaining information terminal  212  and when the electrical connection becomes released, friction arises between the connector  412  and the ink cartridge  211 . 
   In addition, immediately before the mounting of the ink cartridge  211  is completed, the leading end of the ink cartridge  211  comes into contact with a valve lever (not shown) for switching opening and closing an ink channel valve (not shown) provided at the main body of the attaching and detaching device. The valve lever is configured to urge the ink cartridge  211  in the dismounting direction by a spring (not shown), as is the case with the dismounting lever  385 . When the leading end of the ink cartridge  211  is not in contact with the valve lever, the ink channel valve is blocked. When the leading end of the ink cartridge  211  comes into contact with the valve lever and moves the valve lever against an urging force upon completion of mounting of the ink cartridge, the ink channel valve is made open. 
   [Dismounting of Ink Cartridge] 
     FIG. 17  is a plan view of the attaching and detaching device in the course of dismounting of the ink cartridge.  FIG. 18  is a sectional side view of an essential part of the attaching and detaching device shown in  FIG. 17 . 
   During dismounting of the ink cartridge  211 , the lever arm  363  is turned clockwise from the “set position”, shown in  FIG. 13 , to the “reset position”, shown in  FIGS. 5 and 8 . The operation of the attaching and detaching device  201  during this dismounting is complicated, so the operation will be described below for each stage. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , when the lever arm  363  is slightly turned from the “set position” toward the “set position” side, a power of the turning of the lever arm  363  is transmitted to the cam portion  235 , as described above. The cam portion  235  comes into contact with and presses the second surface  246   b  of the first slider opening portion  246  of the slider  240  and slightly moves the slider  240  in the dismounting direction. At this time, since the ink supply needle  411  is embedded in the ink cartridge  211 , the ink cartridge  211  does not move until the ink cartridge  211  comes into contact with the abutment portions  243 , which are provided at the leading end of the slider  240  in the mounting direction (see  FIG. 18 ). As the slider  240  is slightly moved in the dismounting direction, the latch plate  250  also moves in the dismounting direction. At this time, engagement of the nail portions  251  of the latch plate  250  and the depressions  211   a  of the ink cartridge  211  becomes loose, and a gap (clearance) is generated between the nail portions  251  and the depressions  211   a . Therefore, at this time, the nail portions  251  do not receive any force from the ink cartridge  211 . The latch-plate spring  256  is exerted on the latch plate  250 , thereby causing the leading end in the mounting-direction of the latch-plate slit  255  of the latch plate  250  and the slider projection  242 , which have been in contact with each other at the mounting, to be separated and causing the latch plate  250  to engage with the slider  240  by the first engagement unit. 
   Since the urging force of the dismounting lever  385  is smaller than the frictional force between the ink cartridge  211  and the ink supply needle  411 , the ink cartridge  211  does not move. 
     FIG. 19  is a sectional side view of an essential part of the attaching and detaching device in the course of dismounting of the ink cartridge. 
   As shown in  FIG. 19 , when the lever arm  363  is gradually turned from a state shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18  toward the “reset position” side further, the slider  240  gradually moves toward the left side of the drawing further, which is the dismounting direction. At this time, the abutment portions  243  provided at the slider  240  are in contact with and press the leading end of the ink cartridge  211 . Therefore, the abutment portions  243  gradually the ink cartridge  211  toward the left side, which is the dismounting direction, against a frictional force between the ink cartridge  211  and the ink supply needle  411 . At this time, the abutment portions  243  are disposed so as to face the nail portions  251 . As is the case of during mounting, in which the ink cartridge  211  is pressed in by the nail portions while the attitude of the ink cartridge  211  is stabilized, during dismounting, the two abutment portions  243  can move the ink cartridge  211  in the dismounting direction while at the same time the attitude of the ink cartridge  211  is stabilized. 
   As the slider  240  moves in the dismounting direction, the pair of oblique portions  253  of the latch plate  250  gradually overlie the respective end contact portions  260   c  of the cancelling arms  260   a  and  260   b . At this time, the end contact portions  260   c  urge the latch plate  250  via the oblique portions  253  so as to cause the latch plate  250  to be engaged by the first engagement unit while at the same time upwardly pushing the latch plate  250  via the oblique portions  253 . Then, the latch plate  250  starts swinging upwardly about a position, as a fulcrum, where the slider engagement portion  245  and the latch-plate engagement portion  254 , which constitute the first engagement unit. 
   At this time, although the diameter of a path of the lower end of each of the nail portions  251  is greater than that of the other area because the nail portions  251  extend downward, the nail portions  251  can rise without undergoing frictional resistance due to the gap between the nail portions  251  and the depressions  211   a , as described above. Here, although the gap is very slight, since the first engagement unit is engaged by surface contact and the position and the path of the nail portions  251  can be accurately set, there is no possibility that, during upward swinging of the latch plate  250 , frictional resistance between the nail portions  251  and the depressions  211   a  will be generated. 
     FIG. 20  is a sectional side view of an essential part of the attaching and detaching device in the course of dismounting of the ink cartridge.  FIG. 21  is a sectional side view of an essential part of the attaching and detaching device shown in  FIG. 20 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , when the lever arm  363  is gradually turned from a state shown in  FIG. 19  toward the “reset position” side further, the slider  240  is gradually moved in the dismounting direction further. At this time, the oblique portions  253  of the latch plate  250  fully overlie the respective end contact portions  260   c  of the cancelling arms  260   a  and  260   b . Therefore, the latch plate  250  reaches a highest point of upward swinging, the nail portions  251  are fully removed from the depressions  211   a , and engagement thereof is released. 
   At this time, since the upward swinging of the latch plate  250  needs a gap between the nail portion  251  and the respective depression  211   a , the upward swinging is performed in a period of time during the abutment portions  243  move the ink cartridge  211  in the dismounting direction. 
   Until the ink supply needle  411  is almost fully removed from the ink cartridge  211  and relatively large frictional resistance between the ink cartridge  211  and the ink supply needle  411  becomes lost, the abutment portions  243  move the ink cartridge  211  in the dismounting direction. 
   After the frictional resistance between the ink cartridge  211  and the ink supply needle  411  becomes lost, an extrusion lever  401  with which the slider  240  is provided is exerted, so that the ink cartridge  211  is forced in the dismounting direction with respect to the slider  240 , which is the cartridge holding unit  210 . The extrusion lever  401  is configured to move the ink cartridge  211  against relatively small frictional resistance between the ink cartridge  211  and the connector  412 , described above. 
   Here, the extrusion lever  401  includes an extrusion portion  401   b  (see  FIG. 22 ) at its first end and a contact portion  401   a  (see  FIG. 22 ) at its second end. The extrusion portion  401   b  is configured to extrude the ink cartridge  211  in contact therewith. The contact portion  401   a  is configured to come into contact with and engage with a projection (not shown) provided at the base  387  of the attaching and detaching device  201 . The extrusion lever  401  is configured to, when engagement of the projection (not shown) and the contact portion  401   a  is released, return to its original position (shown in  FIG. 17 ) by means of an extrusion-lever spring  402 . Specifically, when the slider  240  moves in the dismounting direction, the contact portion  401   a  of the extrusion lever  401  moving together with the slider  240  engages with the projection (not shown) of the base  387 . This causes the extrusion lever  401  to turn by using the contact portion  401   a  as the point of a lever where force is applied and causes the ink cartridge  211  to be forced by a third predetermined stroke S 3  (see  FIGS. 22 and 23 ) in the dismounting direction with respect to the slider  240  by using the extrusion portion  401   b  as the point of application. 
   At this time, since the extrusion lever  401  moves the ink cartridge  211  by the third predetermined stroke S 3  with respect to the slider  240  in the dismounting direction, even if the latch plate  250  swings downward by an operation of inversely turning the lever arm  363  toward the “set position” side, a so-called erroneous operation (abnormal operation), there is no possibility of re-engagement of the nail portions  251  and the depressions  211   a.    
   The term “third predetermined stroke S 3 ” as used herein refers to the distance that the ink cartridge  211  moves with respect to the slider  240 , the distance being the distance of movement for the ink cartridge  211  from a position where the nail portions  251  engage with the respective depressions  211   a  to a position where the nail portions  251  do not engage with the respective depressions  211   a.    
   In  FIG. 21 , it would appear that the ink supply needle  411  is embedded in the ink cartridge  211 , but the ink supply needle  411  is fully disconnected from a gasket (not shown) of an opening of the ink cartridge for allowing the ink supply needle  411  to pass through and frictional resistance between the ink cartridge  211  and the ink supply needle  411  is not present. 
   In this embodiment, the extrusion lever  401  is configured to act against relatively small frictional resistance between the ink cartridge  211  and the connector  412 . However, of course, the extrusion lever  401  may be configured to act against relatively large between the ink cartridge  211  and the ink supply needle  411 . 
     FIG. 22  is a plan view of the attaching and detaching device in the course of dismounting of the ink cartridge.  FIG. 23  is a sectional side view of an essential part of the attaching and detaching device shown in  FIG. 22 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , when the lever arm  363  is gradually turned from a state shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21  toward the “set position” side further, the slider  240  is gradually moved in the dismounting direction further. Then, after the extrusion lever  401  moves the ink cartridge  211  with respect to the slider  240  against relatively small frictional resistance between the ink cartridge  211  and the slider  240 , little frictional resistance between the ink cartridge  211  and the attaching and detaching device  201  is present. As a result, the urging force of the dismounting lever  385  is just about to push the ink cartridge  211  out in the dismounting direction. 
     FIG. 24  is a sectional side view of an essential part of the attaching and detaching device in the course of dismounting of the ink cartridge. As shown in  FIG. 24 , when the lever arm  363  is gradually turned from a state shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23  toward the “reset position” side further, the slider  240  gradually moves in the dismounting direction further. At this time, the ink cartridge  211  is extruded in the dismounting direction by an urging force of the dismounting lever  385 . Then, the oblique portions  253  of the latch plate  250  ride over the respective end contact portions  260   c  of the cancelling arms  260   a  and  260   b . As a result, the latch plate  250  swings downward after the ink cartridge  211  is moved in the dismounting direction by the dismounting lever  385 . 
   The ink cartridge  211  moved in the dismounting direction by the urging force of the dismounting lever  385  protrudes approximately half thereof out of the insertion opening  271 , comes into contact with the lever projection  363   c  of the lever arm  363 , and stops. 
   When the lever arm  363  is fully turned to the “reset position” (see  FIGS. 4 to 6 ,  8 , and  9 ) and the lever projection  363   c  is moved out of the approach path A, the ink cartridge  211  can be removed from the insertion opening  271 . 
     FIGS. 25(A) and 25(B)  are plan views showing the shape of a cam portion according to the present invention. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 25(A) and 25(B) , the cam portion  235  is configured to turn about a cam shaft  235   c  as a fulcrum. The cam portion  235  includes the eccentric cam portion  235   a  eccentric with respect to the cam shaft  235   c  and the concentric cam portion  235   b  concentric with respect to the cam shaft  235   c . As described above, when the lever arm  363  is turned from the “reset position” toward the “set position” side, the cam portion  235  is turned counterclockwise as shown in  FIG. 25(A) . At this time, since the eccentric cam portion  235   a  presses the first surface  246   a  of the first slider opening  246 , the slider  240  is moved in the dismounting direction, indicated by an arrow, while being guided by the guide slits  241   a  and  241   b  and the shafts  262   a  and  262   b.    
   When the lever arm  363  is in a position immediately in front of the “set position”, the concentric cam portion  235   b  is in contact with the first surface  246   a  of the concentric cam portion  235   b . A state in which the lever arm  363  is further turned up to the “set position” is shown in  FIG. 25(B) . That is, when the lever arm  363  is in the position immediately in front of the “set position”, the slider  240  has already moved by the second predetermined stroke S 2 , which is necessary for mounting. Even if the lever arm  363  is subsequently turned from the position immediately in front of the “set position” to the “set position”, since the concentric cam portion  235   b  is in contact with the first surface  246   a , the slider  240  is not moved. That is, even when the lever arm  363  is further turned, so-called over-stroke does not occur in the distance that the slider  240  moves. 
   Therefore, the slider  240  can be configured not to follow the position (phase) of the lever arm  363  in a range. That is, the provision of “play” of about several degrees allows the slider  240  to move by the second predetermined stroke S 2  in the mounting direction without full turning of the lever arm  363  to the “set position”. In this case, even if the lever arm  363  is fully turned to the “set position”, the distance that the slider  240  moves remains at the second predetermined stroke S 2 . As a result, the distance that the slider  240  moves in mounting of the ink cartridge  211  can be easily controlled. 
   For example, even if, during mounting of the ink cartridge  211 , a user stops operation at a position immediately in front of the “set position” without appropriately turning the lever arm  363  up to the “set position”, the slider  240  can be reliably moved by the second predetermined stroke S 2 . That is, even if the position at which a user stops the operation for the lever arm  363  varies, the slider  240  can be reliably moved by the second predetermined stroke S 2  and the ink cartridge  211  can be mounted. 
   The term “position immediately in front of the ‘set position’” as used herein refers to a position in between the “reset position” and the “set position” and the position is in the proximity of the “set position”. The degree of proximity is preferably set such that, during mounting of the ink cartridge  211 , the concentric cam portion  235   b  and the first surface  246   a  are in contact with each other at a position where a user tends to stop the lever arm  363 . 
   In a state in which the slider  240  is moved by the second predetermined stroke S 2  in the mounting direction, the first surface  246   a  is always in contact with the concentric cam portion  235   b . In this state, an urging force of the dismounting lever  385  and the valve lever for urging the ink cartridge  211  in the dismounting direction is exerted on the ink cartridge  211 , as described above. In addition, there is a possibility of generation of a force for causing the ink cartridge  211  to be disconnected from the ink supply needle  411  and to be urged in the dismounting direction. As a result, a force that will urge the slider  240  in the dismounting direction is always exerted on the slider  240 . In this embodiment, when the mounting movement is completed, the cam portion  235  is always in contact with the first surface  246   a . Therefore, even if the first surface  246   a  presses the concentric cam portion  235   b , there is no possibility of generation of a force that will cause the cam portion  235  to turn about the cam shaft  235   c  as a fulcrum. As a result, even if an external force is exerted, there is no possibility that the slider  240  will move, unless the lever arm  363  is turned toward the “reset position” side. 
   In this embodiment, in a case in which the lever arm  363  is turned from the “set position” toward the “reset position” side, when the lever arm  363  is in a position immediately in front of the “reset position”, the concentric cam portion  235   b  is in contact with the second surface  246   b , as in a case in which the lever arm  363  is turned toward the “set position” side. That is, even if the lever arm  363  is not fully turned to the “reset position”, the slider  240  can be moved by the second predetermined stroke S 2  in the dismounting direction. In this case, even if the lever arm  363  is then fully turned to the “reset position”, the distance that the slider  240  moves remains at the second predetermined stroke S 2 . 
   When the lever arm  363  is in the “reset position”, the concentric cam portion  235   b  is in contact with the second surface  246   b . Therefore, as described above, even if, after the ink cartridge  211  is inserted by the first predetermined stroke S 1  from the insertion opening  271  and the ink cartridge  211  is held by the cartridge holding unit  210 , an attempt to push the ink cartridge  211  further is made, unless the lever arm  363  is turned toward the “set position” side, it is impossible to move the slider  240  in the mounting direction. That is, even if an attempt to push the ink cartridge  211  by more than the first predetermined stroke S 1 , the abutment portions  243  of the slider  240  regulate the position of the ink cartridge  211 . 
   The first engagement unit and the second engagement unit, which are described above, will now be described in greater detail below. 
     FIGS. 26(A) and 26(B)  are enlarged views of an essential part of the attaching and detaching device when the latch plate is in a lowered state and an engaged state performed by the first engagement unit.  FIG. 26(A)  is an enlarged plan view of the essential part.  FIG. 26(B)  is a sectional side view of the essential part shown in  FIG. 26(A) . 
   A state shown in  FIGS. 26(A) and 26(B)  is the above-described state before completion of insertion of the ink cartridge  211  (see  FIGS. 4 to 7 ), the above-described state during slight turning of the lever arm  363  from the “set position” toward the “reset position” side (see  FIGS. 17 and 18 ), and the above-describe state after the latch plate  250  rises and then descends during dismounting of the ink cartridge  211  (see  FIG. 24 ). The pair of first engagement units and the pair of second engagement units are disposed in the width direction, and the engagement units in the same pair perform the same operation. Here, one unit of each pair is described, and the description of the other is omitted. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 26(A) and 26(B) , with respect to the latch plate  250 , the slider engagement portion  245  and the latch-plate engagement portion  254 , which constitute the first engagement unit, are in surface contact with each other at a position R by an urging force of the above-described latch-plate spring  256 . At this time, the slider projection  242  of the second engagement unit is separated from the mounting-direction surface  255   a  of the latch-plate slit  255 . The latch-plate engagement portion  254  is in surface contact with the slider engagement portion  245  at the position R via an engagement opening portion  245   a  provided in the slider engagement portion  245 . 
     FIGS. 27(A) and 27(B)  are enlarged views of an essential part of the attaching and detaching device when the latch plate is in a raised state and an engaged state performed by the first engagement unit.  FIG. 27(A)  is an enlarged plan view of the essential part.  FIG. 27(B)  is a sectional side view of the essential part shown in  FIG. 27(A) . 
   A state shown in  FIGS. 27(A) and 27(B)  is a state in which, during dismounting of the above-described ink cartridge  211 , the end contact portions  260   c  of the cancelling arms  260   a  and  260   b  upwardly pushes the latch plate  250  via the oblique portions  253  (see  FIGS. 19 to 21 ). 
   As shown in  FIGS. 27(A) and 27(B) , the latch plate  250  is upwardly pushed by an urging force of the latch-plate spring  256  and the end contact portions  260   c  while the slider engagement portion  245  and the latch-plate engagement portion  254 , which constitute the first engagement unit, are in surface contact with each other. The path of each of the nail portions  251  of the latch plate  250  is an arc shape about the location, as a fulcrum, of engagement of the slider engagement portion  245  and the latch-plate engagement portion  254 . 
   More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 27(A) , in a state in which the above-described latch-plate spring  256  downwardly urges a leading-end portion of the latch plate  250  where the nail portions  251  are provided, the end contact portions  260   c  upwardly push the latch plate  250 . At this time, the end contact portions  260   c  upwardly push the oblique portions  253 , which are disposed between an area of the latch plate  250  where the latch-plate spring  256  is provided and the first engagement unit. Therefore, the latch-plate engagement portion  254  comes into contact with an upper surface  245   b  of the engagement opening portion  245   a  and is pressed thereby. That is, a fulcrum for swinging of each of the nail portions  251  of the latch plate  250  is a position Q at which the upper surface  245   b  of the engagement opening portion  245   a  is in contact with the latch-plate engagement portion  254 . At this time, the axial direction of the swing fulcrum Q is perpendicular to the mounting direction. 
   The distance from the first engagement units to the respective nail portions  251  can be accurately determined by the respective positions R, at each of which the slider engagement portion  245  and the latch-plate engagement portion  254 , which serve as a swing-radius regulating unit, are in surface contact with each other. At this time, since the fulcrum position Q always remains unchanged, when the latch plate  250  swings, a point of the latch plate  250  where the upper surface  245   b  of the engagement opening portion  245   a  of the slider  240  (a point adjacent to the latch plate in the position Q) slightly slides toward the nail-portion side, which is the leading-end side, and toward a second-end side (in a direction from the nail portion toward the fulcrum) and the position R, where the slider engagement portion  245  and the latch-plate engagement portion  254  are in surface contact with each other, slightly vertically changes and moves. 
   Here, when each of the nail portions  251  swings upward, the surface-contact position R slightly moves downward, and the distance between the fulcrum Q and the position R is slightly increased. As a result, as each of the nail portions  251  upwardly swings, the distance between the fulcrum Q and the nail portion  251 , which is the swing radius, is slightly reduced. 
   That is, individually providing the swing fulcrum Q and the position R, where the slider engagement portion  245  and the latch-plate engagement portion  254 , which serve as the swing-radius regulating unit, are in surface contact with each other, causing the latch plate  250  to swing, and moving the position R close to or away from the fulcrum Q can vary the distance between the fulcrum Q and the nail portion  251  during swinging of the latch plate  250 . 
   In other words, during upward swinging of the latch plate  250 , the first engagement unit is configured to move the latch plate  250  such that the nail portions  251 , which are provided at the leading end of the latch plate  250 , is retracted and moved toward the first engagement unit, which acts as the swing fulcrum Q, and thus releasing of engagement with the depressions  211   a  is facilitated. 
   The present invention is an engagement device configured to, during releasing of a state in which the latch plate  250 , which is an engaging member in the main body of the device, engages with and holds the ink cartridge  211 , which is an engaged member, cause the latch plate  250 , which is the engaging member, to swing while moving so as to be retracted in a direction in which releasing of engagement of the depressions  211   a , which are an engaged unit in the engaged member, and the nail portions  251 , which are an engaging unit in the engaging member, is facilitated. Therefore, by the shape of the nail portion  251  and the depression  211   a , during releasing of engagement of the nail portions  251  and the depressions  211   a  by swinging of the latch plate  250 , the latch plate may be moved such that the swing radius of each of the nail portions  251  is gradually increased. The engaged member is not limited to the ink cartridge. The shape of each of the engaging unit and the engaged unit is not limited to the shape of a nail and a depression. 
   During swinging of the latch plate  250  from an upper state to a lower original position ( FIG. 26 ), the distance between the fulcrum Q and the surface-contact position R is reduced again. Therefore, the distance between the fulcrum Q and each of the nail portions  251  becomes the original length. 
   In this embodiment, as each of the nail portions  251  upwardly swing, the distance between the fulcrum Q and the nail portion  251  is slightly reduced. This can further reduce a possibility of occurrence of friction generated by contact of the nail portions  251  with the depressions  211   a  when engagement of the nail portions  251  and the depressions  211   a  becomes released and the nail portions  251  are extracted from the respective depressions  211   a.    
   In this embodiment, the nail portions  251  are closer to the leading end than an area of the latch plate  250  where the latch-plate spring  256  is provided. Therefore, during insertion of the ink cartridge  211  by the first predetermined stroke S 1  and engagement of the nail portions  251  and the depressions  211   a , the latch-plate engagement portions  254  swing about the positions R as a fulcrum, at which the latch-plate engagement portions  254  are in surface contact with the respective slider engagement portions  245 . At this time, since it is not necessary to consider the above-described clearance, even when the latch plate  250  swings about the positions R as a fulcrum, no problem arises. Here, the positional relationship between an area of the latch plate  250  where the latch-plate spring  256  is provided and the nail portions  251  can be reversed and swinging about the fulcrum Q can be performed in the same way as in releasing of engagement. 
   In this embodiment, the latch plate  250  is formed of a metal plate, and the thickness of the metal plate is on the order of about 1.0 mm. 
   In addition, the direction of urging of the latch-plate spring  256  can be changed, the latch-plate engagement portion  254  can come into contact with an area subjected to bending in the slider engagement portion  245 , a so-called curved area, and the latch plate  250  can swing about the surface-contact position (R) as a fulcrum. 
     FIGS. 28(A) and 28(B)  are enlarged views of an essential part of the attaching and detaching device when the latch plate is in a lowered state and an engaged state performed by the second engagement unit.  FIG. 28(A)  is an enlarged plan view of the essential part.  FIG. 28(B)  is a sectional side view of the essential part shown in  FIG. 28(A) . 
   A state shown in  FIGS. 28(A) and 28(B)  is a state in which, during mounting of the ink cartridge  211 , the above-described lever arm  363  is turned from the “reset position” up to the “set position” (see  FIGS. 11 to 16 ). 
   As shown in  FIGS. 28(A) and 28(B) , during mounting of the ink cartridge  211 , the slider projection  242  and the mounting-direction surface  255   a  of the latch-plate slit  255  are in surface contact with each other, the slider projection  242  and the latch-plate slit  255  constituting the second engagement unit. At this time, engagement of the slider engagement portion  245  and the latch-plate engagement portion  254 , which constitute the first engagement unit, becomes loose, and the slider engagement portion  245  is separated from the latch-plate engagement portion  254  and is not in surface contact therewith. Then, as the lever arm  363  is turned, the slider projection  242  comes into contact with and presses the mounting-direction surface  255   a  of the latch-plate slit  255 . Therefore, the ink cartridge  211  can be accurately moved by the second predetermined stroke S 2  via the latch plate  250 . 
   The ink-cartridge attaching and detaching device  201  according to this embodiment slides the ink cartridge  211  and mounts the ink cartridge  211  on the main body of the recording apparatus. The ink-cartridge attaching and detaching device  201  includes the cartridge holding unit  210  configured to hold the ink cartridge  211  by insertion of the ink cartridge  211  by the first predetermined stroke S 1  and the power transmitting and the converting mechanism  230  configured to ensure a pressing force required for mounting the ink cartridge  211  by leverage by turning of the lever arm  363  and to convert the turning of the lever arm  363  into the second predetermined stroke S 2  required for mounting the ink cartridge  211  while held by the cartridge holding unit  210 . The cartridge holding unit  210  includes the latch plate  250  being an integrated engagement member configured to engage with a surface of the ink cartridge  211 , the surface being parallel to the mounting direction. When engaging with the ink cartridge  211 , the latch plate  250  lies in the central portion in the width direction with respect to the mounting direction at the surface. 
   As a result, even if the ink cartridge  211  is inclined, there is no possibility that only one side of the ink cartridge  211  will be held, unlike known techniques, and the cartridge holding unit  210  can reliably hold the ink cartridge  211  at the central portion in the width direction. Since the latch plate  250  of the cartridge holding unit  210  is formed integrally, an incomplete state such as only one side being held does not occur in the first place. Compared with a known structure (see  FIG. 29 ), the number of parts can be reduced. 
   The latch plate  250  being the engagement member according to this embodiment is formed integrally in the width direction with respect to the mounting direction and has the plurality of nail portions  251  for engaging with the ink cartridge  211 . As a result, because engagement is attained by a plurality of locations, the attitude of the ink cartridge  211  can be stabilized. 
   The cartridge holding unit  210  according to this embodiment includes the slider  240  configured to move in response to a power from the power transmitting and converting mechanism, the latch plate  250  being an engagement member configured to engage with the slider  240 , swing with respect to the slider  240 , engage with the ink cartridge  211 , hold the ink cartridge  211 , and move in the mounting direction together with the slider  240 , the slider engagement portion  245  and the latch-plate engagement portion  254 , which constitute a first engagement unit configured to operate such that the slider  240  and the latch plate  250  directly engage with each other when the latch plate  250  swings, and the slider projection  242  and the latch-plate slit  255 , which constitute a second engagement unit configured to operate such that the slider  240  and the latch plate  250  directly engage with each other when the latch plate  250  mounts the ink cartridge  211 . 
   In other words, during insertion and movement for mounting and dismounting, by changing the location of engagement and contact of the slider  240  and the latch plate  250 , the latch plate  250  maintains a swinging function without the provision of a shaft used for swinging. 
   As a result, compared with a case in which such shaft is provided, the positional accuracy of the nail portions  251  of the latch plate  250  can be improved. 
   In addition, the cartridge holding unit  210  according to this embodiment includes the latch-plate spring  256  as an urging unit. The latch-plate spring  256  is configured to, when the weight of the ink cartridge is not exerted during moving of the ink cartridge in the mounting direction, urge the latch plate  250 , which is the engagement member, such that the latch plate  250  is engaged by the slider engagement portion  245  and the latch-plate engagement portion  254 , which constitute the first engagement unit. 
   The cartridge unlocking unit  220  according to this embodiment is configured to, during moving of the ink cartridge  211  in the dismounting direction, urge the latch plate  250  such that the latch plate  250  is engaged with the slider  240  by the slider engagement portion  245  and the latch-plate engagement portion  254  as the first engagement unit and cause the latch plate  250 , which is the engagement member, to swing. 
   In addition, the cartridge unlocking unit  220  is configured to, during mounting of the ink cartridge  211 , urge the latch plate  250 , which is the engagement member, such that the slider  240 , the slider projection  242 , and the mounting-direction surface  255   a  of the latch-plate slit  255  are in surface contact with one another, the slider projection  242  and the latch-plate slit  255  constituting the second engagement unit. 
   The first engagement unit according to this embodiment is configured such that, during swinging of the latch plate  250 , which is the engagement member, and releasing of a state of holding the ink cartridge, in order to facilitate releasing engagement of the nail portions  251  of the latch plate  250  and the depressions  211   a  of the ink cartridge  211 , a radius of swinging varies with swinging of the latch plate  250  by swinging the latch plate  250  while moving the latch plate  250  with respect to the slider  240 . 
   The shape and the type of the cam portion according to the present invention are not limited to the above embodiment. For example, a grooved cam may be used. 
   In this embodiment, two nail portions are provided. However, a single nail portion extending in the width direction may be provided. Alternatively, three or more nail portions may be provided in the width direction. 
   In addition, in this embodiment, the swing fulcrum for the latch plate is positioned in the mounting direction upstream from the nail portions. However, it may be positioned downstream. 
   The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Various modifications may be made within the invention described in the claims and are included in the scope of the present invention. 
   REFERENCE NUMERALS 
   
       
       
         
             100 : recording apparatus  101 : hopper  102 : carriage motor  103 : paper guide  104 : feeding motor  105 : platen  106 : recording head  107 : carriage  110 : ink supply tube  143 : recording portion  144 : feeding portion  190 : frame member 
             200 : ink suction device  201 : attaching and detaching device  210 : cartridge holding unit  211 : ink cartridge 
         
       
     
  
     211   a : depression  212 : ink remaining information terminal  213 : cap portion  220 : cartridge unlocking unit  230 : power transmitting and converting mechanism
           231 : first gear  232 : second gear  233 : third gear  234 : fourth gear  235 : cam portion  235   a : eccentric cam portion  235   b : concentric cam portion  235   c : cam shaft  240 : slider  241   a : guide slit  241   b : guide slit  241   c : slit  242 : slider projection  243 : abutment portion     245 : slider engagement portion  245   a : engagement opening portion  245   b : upper surface     246 : first slider opening portion  246   a : first surface  246   b : second surface  247 : second slider opening portion  250 : latch plate  251 : nail portion  252 : shoulder portion  253 : oblique portion  254 : latch-plate engagement portion  255 : latch-plate slit  255   a : mounting-direction surface  256 : latch-plate spring  260   a : cancelling arm  260   b : cancelling arm  260   c : end contact portion  261 : cancelling-arm spring  262   a : shaft  262   b : shaft  262   c : shaft  271 : insertion opening     363 : lever arm  363   a : knob  363   b : arm body     363   c : lever projection  363   d : guide surface  364 : lever shaft     366 : lever turn regulation portion  369 : lever turn regulation projection  385 : dismounting lever  386 : dismounting lever shaft  387 : base  387   a : base opening  401 : extrusion lever  401   a : contact portion  401   b : extrusion portion  402 : extrusion-lever spring  411 : extrusion-lever spring     412 : connector  413 : connector spring  500 : attaching and detaching device  501 : channel section     502 : ink supply needle  508 : ink cartridge  508   a : depression     508   b : needle insertion port  555 : cartridge holding unit  555   a : latch projection  556 : ink-cartridge insertion opening Q: fulcrum R: contact surface (of first engagement unit)   S 1 : first predetermined stroke S 2 : second predetermined stroke   S 3 : third predetermined stroke