Recording material supply system, circuit board, structure, and ink cartridge for recording material consumption device

ES 2 531 908 T3

DESCRIPTION

Recording material supply system, circuit board, structure and ink cartridge for recording material consuming device

The present invention relates to an ink cartridge, an ink supply system and a printer.

BACKGROUND

The printers are designed to accommodate the removable installation of ink cartridges or ink containers in the printer. Such ink cartridges or ink containers typically include installed devices of various kinds. An example of such a device is a memory device for storing ink-related information. High voltage circuits are also known (for example, piezoelectric elements used as residual ink level sensors) adapted to produce a response signal in response to the application of a voltage greater than the voltage of the power supply of said devices. memory. Devices of this class are electrically connected to a printer controller (or an external device). For example, in some cases the device and the controller are electrically connected through contact terminals.

[PTL 1] JP 2002-198627A [PTL 2] WO 2006 / 25578A [PTL 3] JP 2006-15733A [PTL 4] JP 10-230603A [PTL 5] JP 11-320857A [PTL 6] JP ​​2007-196664A [PTL 7] US 6435676B [PTL 8] US 6502917B [PTL 9] WO 99 / 59823A

EP-1,800,872 discloses a container of recording material that can be removably attached to a recording apparatus having terminals on the side of the apparatus. The package comprises an electrical device, a memory device, and a plurality of terminals. The first and second terminals are coupled to the electrical device and a plurality of memory terminals are coupled to the memory device. The contact portions of the terminals are present where the terminals come into contact with a contacting member on the side of the respective apparatus. In one embodiment, a power supply terminal is located in an upper row of terminals between two short-circuit detection terminals that can also be used for cartridge determination. The upper row is further from an ink supply port of the container than a lower row of terminals.

Resume

However, when using electrical connections that are based on such contact terminals, various problems can occur due to poor electrical contact, connection failures, or other connection problems. For example, there are cases where interrupting the supply of power from a printer to a device such as a memory device causes the memory device to malfunction or disable.

Such problems are not limited to cases where the device is a memory device, and such problems are common in cases where other classes of devices are used as well. Nor are such problems limited to printers that consume ink, but are common to devices that consume other kinds of recording materials (such as toner).

It is desirable to provide technology to reduce the probability of encountering problems when using electrical connections that rely on contact terminals that are designed to contact the terminals of a recording material consuming device.

An ink cartridge according to the present invention is defined in claim 1.

According to this configuration, the two contact parts of the second terminals that are used in order to detect the installation are located in the first line with the contact part of the power terminal located between them, thereby promoting a high probability of that, under conditions in which installation detection is verified, an electrical connection of the power terminal is successfully achieved. As a consequence, the probability of a faulty connection of the power terminal is lower, thus reducing the probability of problems arising with the use of electrical connections that are based on terminals.

Also, as the electrical contact member that corresponds to the power terminal is prevented from

ES 2 531 908 T3 comes into inadvertent contact with a terminal of a line other than the first line, the probability that problems may arise when using electrical connections that are based on terminals is reduced.

Preferably, the contact parts of the two second terminals are located at either end of the first line.

According to this configuration, since the contacting parts of the second terminals are located at either end of the first line, the probability of detection errors related to the installation state in the recording material consumption device is reduced.

Preferably, the memory device is adapted to perform transmission of data signals to an external circuit and / or reception of data signals from the external circuit in synchronization with a clock signal, and the plurality of first terminals includes a data terminal to perform transmission and / or reception of the data signals, a clock terminal to receive the clock signal and a ground terminal to receive the ground potential

According to this configuration, as the probability of a faulty connection of the data terminal, etc. is reduced, the probability that problems may arise with the use of terminal-based electrical connections is also reduced.

Preferably, the memory device acts upon receiving a reset signal of a level other than ground potential, the plurality of first terminals includes a reset terminal for receiving the reset signal and the contact portion of the reset terminal it is located on a different line than the first line.

Based on this configuration, the likelihood of memory device operational errors is reduced.

Preferably, the ink cartridge further comprises a side wall and a base wall, wherein the plurality of terminals are arranged on the side wall, the ink supply port is arranged on the base wall, the ink supply port Ink on the base wall is located at a position shifted towards the side wall, and the ink cartridge is installed in the printer in an installation direction that is downward in the direction of gravity.

According to this configuration, the probability of faulty connections of the plurality of terminals is reduced, so that the probability that problems may arise when using electrical connections that are based on terminals is reduced.

Preferably, the total number of contact parts in the first line is greater than the total number of contact parts in another line of the plurality of lines.

Under this configuration, the probability of an electrical contact member of the recording material consuming device inadvertently coming into contact with the wrong terminal is reduced.

An ink supply system according to the invention is defined in claim 10.

In claim 11 a printer according to the invention is defined.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is an illustration showing a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an illustration showing the electrical configuration of a printer and an ink cartridge;

Figure 3 is an illustration showing the electrical configuration of a printer and an ink cartridge;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a carriage;

Figure 5 is an enlarged partial view of a carriage;

Figures 6A and 6B are perspective views of an ink cartridge;

Figures 7A and 7B represent front views of an ink cartridge;

Figure 8 is an illustration showing the installation of an ink cartridge in a carriage;

Figure 9 is an illustration showing the ink cartridge installed in the carriage;

Figures 10A-10E are perspective views of a circuit board;

Figures 11A-11B illustrate a contact mechanism;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a contact mechanism;

Figures 13A-13E illustrate contact between contact members and terminals;

Fig. 14 is a flow chart showing the procedure of a cartridge detection process;

Fig. 15 is an illustration showing the configuration of a memory device;

Figure 16 is a time chart depicting the operation of a memory device; Figures 17A and 17B illustrate movement of an ink cartridge installed within a receptacle;

ES 2 531 908 T3 figure 18 is an enlarged view of the proximity of the contact parts;

Fig. 19 is an illustration representing a comparative example;

Figure 20 is an illustration showing another feature;

Fig. 21 is an illustration showing the positional relationships between contact parts and the center axis (center line CL) of an ink supply port;

Figure 22 is a perspective view of an ink supply system; Figure 23 is a perspective view of an ink supply system;

Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing an adapter and an ink container installed in a receptacle;

Fig. 25 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of an ink supply system (recording material supply system);

Fig. 26 is a perspective view showing the third embodiment of an ink supply system (recording material supply system);

Fig. 27 is an illustration showing a fourth embodiment of an ink supply system (recording material supply system);

Fig. 28 is an illustration showing a fifth embodiment of an ink supply system (recording material supply system);

Fig. 29 is an illustration showing a sixth embodiment of an ink supply system (recording material supply system);

Figure 30 is an illustration depicting a printer;

Figure 31 is a perspective view of an ink cartridge;

Figure 32 is a perspective view of a receptacle;

Fig. 33 is an illustration showing another embodiment of a circuit board;

FIG. 34 is an illustration showing another embodiment of a circuit board;

Fig. 35 is an illustration showing another embodiment of a circuit board; and Fig. 36 is an illustration showing another embodiment of a circuit board.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The description below addresses the embodiments of the invention, which will be discussed in the following order.

A. Embodiment 1:

B. Implementation configuration:

C. Embodiment 2:

D. Embodiment 3:

E. Embodiment 4:

F. Embodiment 5:

G. Embodiment 6:

H. Embodiment 7:

I. Example of circuit board modification

J. Modification examples

A. Embodiment 1:

A1 Device configuration:

Fig. 1 is an illustration showing a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printer is an example of a recording consumable material device. A recording consumable material device consumes recording material during recording. The printer 1000 has a sub-scan feed mechanism, a main scan feed mechanism, and a head drive mechanism. The sub-scan feed mechanism includes a paper feed motor (not shown) and a paper feed roller 10 that is driven by the paper feed motor. The sub-scan feed mechanism is adapted to convey a sheet of printer paper P in the sub-scan direction using the paper feed roller 10. The main sweep feed mechanism is adapted to use the power of a carriage motor 2 to produce reciprocating movement in the main sweep direction by a carriage 3 which is connected to a transmission belt 1. The carriage 3 includes a receptacle 4 and a print head 5. The head drive mechanism is adapted to drive the print head 5 and eject ink therefrom. The ejected ink produces dots on the printer paper P. The printer 1000 is further equipped with a main control circuit 40 to control the mechanisms discussed above. The main control circuit 40 is connected to the carriage 3 by a flexible cable 37.

The receptacle 4 is designed to house the installation of a plurality of ink cartridges, as indicated below, and is located in the print head 5. For normal service (printing) of the printer 1000, the ink cartridges are installed in the receptacle 4 in order to provide ink cartridges to the printer 1000. In the example shown in fig. 1, six ink cartridges can be installed in cradle 4. For example,

ES 2 531 908 T3 one ink cartridge would be installed for each of the six colors black, cyan, magenta, yellow, light cyan, and light magenta. Furthermore, an ink supply needle 6 is provided for supplying ink from the ink cartridges to the print head 5 on the upper face of the print head 5. In fig. 1, a single ink cartridge 100 is shown installed in cradle 4.

The figs. 2 and 3 are illustrations depicting the electrical configuration of printer 1000 and ink cartridge 100. The illustration of FIG. 2 focuses on the main control circuit 40, a carriage circuit 500, and the ink cartridge 100 as a whole. Fig. 3 shows the configuration in relation to the individual ink cartridge 100 that is representative of the plurality of ink cartridges. This electrical configuration is shared by the other ink cartridges as well. The main control circuit 40 and the carriage circuit 500 are control circuits that are provided internally to the printer 1000 and are used to control various mechanisms of the printer 1000 in order to perform printing; In the present specification, these two circuits will be collectively referred to as the printer control section 1000. Since the control section can be considered an external device of a device provided in the ink cartridges 100, it will sometimes be referred to as an external device of a device when the operations of the control section and the device are described.

As shown in fig. 2, the carriage circuit 500 and the ink cartridge 100 are connected by a plurality of wiring. The wiring includes a reset line signal LR1, a data signal line LD1, a clock signal line LC1, a power line LCV, a grounding line LCS, a first sensor drive signal line LDSN and a second LDSP sensor drive signal line. The five types of lines LR1, LD1, LC1, LCV, LCS respectively branch off and connect to all ink cartridges 100 (ie a bus-type connection). The drive signal lines from the LDSN, LDSP sensors are provided individually for each of the ink cartridges 100.

As shown in fig. 3, the ink cartridge 100 has a circuit board 200 and a sensor 104. The circuit board 200 has as a device a semiconductor memory device 203 (hereinafter simply memory device 203 ") and seven terminals 210 to 270 . The circuit board 200 acts as a connector provided with terminals for electrical connection to the control section of the printer 1000, and is adapted to provide electrical connections between the control section of the printer 1000 and the device (s) and the device (s). sensors provided on ink cartridge 100. A power terminal 220, a reset terminal 260, a clock terminal 270, a data terminal 240, and a ground terminal 230 are designed for electrical connection respectively with a Pvdd power terminal block (referred to herein as successive power supply block), a Prst reset terminal block (hereinafter referred to as a reset block), a Psck clock terminal block (hereinafter referred to as a clock block), a Psda data terminal block (hereinafter referred to as a data block) and a Pvss ground terminal block (hereinafter referred to as a grounding block) that are provided to the memory device 203. Various types could be used memory for memory device 203. In the present embodiment, a memory designed in such a way that memory cells intended for access (read and write operations) in units of words can be selected on the basis of the addresses generated according to an internal clock signal of the recording device. memory 203 (eg, EEPROM, or a memory using a ferroelectric memory cell array). Memory device 203 stores information regarding the ink contained in ink cartridge 100. Any device provided with a minimum of memory functionality for storing data (or information) can be used as memory device 203; and a CPU or the like could be provided in addition to the memory functionality. For example, the device could include a CPU and a program storage section.

Sensor 104 is used to detect the remaining ink level. In the present embodiment, a piezoelectric element composed of a piezoelectric body sandwiched between two electrodes is used as sensor 104. The piezoelectric element (sensor 104) is fixed in the ink cartridge case 100. When a driving voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric element deforms. This phenomenon is called the reverse piezoelectric effect. This inverse piezoelectric effect can be used to forcibly induce an oscillation of the piezoelectric element. The oscillations of the piezoelectric element can remain after the application of the driving voltage has ceased. The frequency of the residual oscillations represents the natural frequency of the surrounding structural body that oscillates in conjunction with the piezoelectric element (eg, the ink cartridge case 100 and the ink). The frequency of the residual oscillations varies according to the level of ink remaining in the ink cartridge 100 (that is, whether or not there is ink remaining in the ink channel in proximity to the sensor 104). Accordingly, it can be determined whether or not the remaining ink level is at or above a certain predetermined level from the residual oscillation frequency. The residual oscillation frequency can be acquired by measuring the oscillation frequency of the voltage produced by the piezoelectric effect. A first sensor terminal 210 and a second sensor terminal 250 are electrically connected respectively to one electrode and the other electrode of sensor 104 (piezoelectric element). The residual oscillation amplitude also varies according to the remaining ink level. Accordingly, it can be determined whether or not the remaining ink level is at or above a certain predetermined level from the variable amplitude of voltage produced by the piezoelectric effect.

The printer 1000 also includes a contact mechanism 400 and a carriage circuit 500. The contact mechanism

ES 2 531 908 T3 contact 400 and carriage circuit 500 are arranged on carriage 3 (fig. 1). The carriage circuit 500 is mounted on a control board provided on the carriage 3. The control board is electrically connected to the main control circuit 40 by the flexible cable 37.

The carriage circuit 500 has a memory control circuit 501, a sensor drive circuit 503, and seven terminals 510 to 570. A power terminal 520, a reset terminal 560, a clock terminal 570, a data terminal 540 and a ground terminal 530 are electrically connected to memory control circuit 501. The ground terminal 530 is connected to ground (that is, connected to the Ground of the printer 1000) via the memory control circuit 501 and the main control circuit 40. These terminals 520, 530, 540, 560 , 570 are respectively connected to the terminals 220, 230, 240, 260, 270 of the ink cartridge 100 by means of the contact mechanism 400 (contact members 420, 430, 440, 460, 470). That is, when the user installs the circuit board 200 in the printer 1000, the printer 1000 is electrically connected to the terminals of the circuit board 200. The contact member 420 corresponds to the part of the LCV power line of fig. two; contact member 4 60 corresponds to the part of the reset line signal LR1; the contact member 470 corresponds to the part of the clock signal line LC1; contact member 440 corresponds to the part of the data signal line LD1; and the contact member 430 corresponds to the part of the LCS grounding line.

The memory control circuit 501 controls the memory device 203, and reads and writes data from and to the memory device 203, via these terminals. Specifically, the power supply potential (power supply voltage) VDD is supplied from the memory control circuit 501 to the memory device 203 through the power supply terminal 520. A reset signal RST is supplied from memory control circuit 501 to memory device 2 03 through reset terminal 560. A clock signal SCK is supplied from memory control circuit 501 to memory device 203 to through clock terminal 57 0. Data terminal 540 is used for transmission (sending and receiving) of SDA data signals between memory control circuit 501 and memory device 203. The VSS ground potential is supplied from memory control circuit 501 to memory device 203 through ground terminal 530 (ground terminal 230 of ink cartridge 100 is a terminal designed to have Continuity with Printer 1000 Ground as long as ink cartridge 100 is installed correctly (ie, no position gaps) in printer 1000 (specifically, receptacle 4)). The power supply voltage VDD is different from the ground potential (Ground) of the printer 1000.

In the present embodiment, the memory devices 203 of the ink cartridges 100 are assigned mutually different ID numbers (identification numbers) in advance. These ID numbers are identification numbers that allow memory control circuit 501 to identify a plurality of memory devices 203 connected to the bus. The memory control circuit 501 sends to the data signal line LD1 data representative of the ID number of a memory device 203 for control, followed by data representative of a command. The memory device 203 corresponding to the ID number then executes a process according to the command (for example, a data read or data write operation). Memory devices 203 whose ID number differs from the designated ID number do not respond to the command, but await the designation of their own ID number (discussed in detail later).

In the present embodiment, the memory control circuit 501 and the memory device 203 are low-voltage circuits that operate at a lower voltage (in the present embodiment, a maximum of 3.3V) than the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element. when a remaining ink level is detected. Any of several appropriate configurations for the memory devices 203 may be adopted as the configuration of the memory control circuit 501.

The first sensor terminal 510 and the second sensor terminal 550 of the carriage circuit 500 are electrically connected to the sensor drive circuit 503. These terminals 510, 550 are respectively connected to terminals 210, 250 of the ink cartridge 100 by means of the drive mechanism. contact 400 (specifically, contact members 410, 450), contact member 450 of FIG. 3 corresponds to the part of the second drive signal line of the LDSP sensor, and the contact member 410 corresponds to the part of the first drive signal line of the LDSN sensor. Sensor drive circuit 503 applies voltage to sensor 104 or receives an output signal (response) from sensor 104 through these terminals. The sensor drive circuit 503 includes a cartridge detection circuit 503a and a remaining ink level detection circuit 5 03b.

The cartridge detection circuit 503a is adapted to produce a predetermined signal (voltage) via the terminals 510, 550 during the process of detecting whether or not an ink cartridge is installed in the receptacle 4. Then by acquiring via the terminals 510, 550 a response to the output signal (voltage), the cartridge detection circuit 503a detects whether the circuit board 200 is currently connected to the printer, that is, whether the ink cartridge 100 is currently installed in the printer. The remaining ink level detection circuit 503b is adapted to produce a driving voltage via these terminals 510,550. Next, the remaining ink level detection circuit 503b detects the remaining ink level, acquiring through the terminals 510, 550 the frequency or amplitude of the waveform.

ES 2 531 908 T3 represented by the voltage across the electrodes of the piezoelectric element. Details of these processes are set out later. In the present embodiment, sensor 104 is a high voltage circuit designed to receive a higher voltage (in the present embodiment, a maximum of about 40 V) than memory devices 203. Any of various configurations can be adopted as the configuration of the cartridge detection circuit 503a and the remaining ink level detection circuit 503b. For example, a configuration obtained through a combination of logic circuits could be used. Alternatively, a sensor drive circuit 503 could be designed using a computer. In the present embodiment, the carriage circuit 500 (including the sensor drive circuit 503) is designed using an ASIC.

The carriage circuit 500 is connected to the main control circuit 40 by means of a bus B that includes the flexible cable 37 (FIG. 1). The carriage circuit operates in accordance with the instructions of the main control circuit 40. In the present embodiment, the printer 1000 is provided with contact mechanisms 400 corresponding in number to the plurality of ink cartridges. Specifically, since six ink cartridges 100 are installed in carriage 3 (fig. 1), the carriage 3 is provided with six contact mechanisms 400. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a single carriage circuit 500 is shared by the six ink cartridges 100. The carriage circuit 500 processes each of the plurality of 100 ink cartridges one at a time. Using the ID number (identification number), the memory control circuit 501 selects a memory device 203 as a processing target (described in detail below). Through a switching circuit (not shown) that is provided in the carriage circuit 500, the sensor drive circuit 503 selects a sensor 104 as a processing target.

The main control circuit 40 is a computer that includes a CPU and a memory (ROM, RAM, etc.). The memory stores an M10 cartridge detection module, an M20 remaining ink level detection module, and an M30 memory control module. In the present specification, these modules M10 to M30 will be referred to as the first M10 module, the second M20 module and the third M30 module respectively. These modules M10 to M30 are computer programs designed to be executed by the CPU. The execution of processes by the CPU in accordance with these modules will be referred to herein simply as "module execution processes". The process of these modules M10 to M30 will be described in detail later.

As represented in figs. 2 and 3, the main control circuit 40 is connected to the carriage circuit 500 via a bus B. Via the bus B, the main control circuit 4 0 supplies the carriage circuit 500 with power supply potential, potential grounding and data (for example, commands indicating requests for processes from the main control circuit to the carriage circuit, data required for those processes, ID numbers, etc.). The carriage circuit sends data to the main control circuit 40 via bus B.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the carriage 3. FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial view of the carriage 3 shown in fig. 4. In fig. 4, a single ink cartridge 100 is installed in carriage 3. The X, Y, and Z directions are indicated in the drawing. The X direction will also be referred to as the + X direction, and the direction opposite the X direction will be referred to as -X address. This convention will also be used for the Y and Z directions.

The Z direction in the drawing indicates the installation direction of the ink cartridge 100. The ink cartridge 100 is installed in the carriage 3 by moving the ink cartridge 100 in the Z direction. The ink supply needles 6 are arranged along along the base wall 4wb (the wall extending in the + Z direction) of the receptacle 4. The ink supply needles 6 protrude in the -Z direction. The contact mechanisms 400 are arranged along the front wall 4wf (the wall extending in the -Y direction) of the receptacle 4. The Y direction indicates a direction perpendicular to the Z installation direction. In the present embodiment, six ink supply needles 6 and six contact mechanisms 400 are juxtaposed, respectively, in the X direction (-X to + X). The X direction is perpendicular to the Z direction and the Y direction. Six cartridges are installed side by side in the X direction (not shown).

The figs. 6A and 6B depict perspective views of ink cartridge 100, and FIGS. 7A and 7B represent front views of the ink cartridge 100. The X, Y and Z directions in the drawing indicate directions of the ink cartridge 100 installed in the carriage 3 (Fig. 4). The face of the + Z direction of the ink cartridge 100 (the face perpendicular to the Z direction, which is also the base wall 101wb in Fig. 6A) faces the base wall 4wb of the carriage 3. The Y-direction face of the ink cartridge 100 (the face perpendicular to the Y direction, which is also the front wall 101wf in Fig. 6A) faces the contact mechanism 400 of the carriage 3.

The ink cartridge 100 includes a case 101, a sensor 104, and a circuit board 200. An ink chamber 120 is formed to contain ink inside the case 101. The sensor 104 is attached to the inside of the case 101. The box 101 includes a front wall 101wf (wall in the Y-direction), a base wall 101wb (wall in the + Z direction), and a rear wall 101wbk (wall in the + Y direction). The front wall 101wf intersects (in the present embodiment, at a substantially right angle) with the base wall 101wb. Circuit board 200 is secured to front wall 101wf. Terminals 210 to 270 are arranged on the outer surface of circuit board 200 (the face facing contact mechanism 400 (FIG. 4) of printer 1000). An ink supply port 110 is placed at a position in the base wall 101wb that is closer to the front wall 101wf than it is to the rear wall 101wbk (that is, the wall in the + Y direction), which faces Wall

ES 2 531 908 T3 front 101wf.

Two projections P1, P2 are formed on the front wall 101wf. These projections P1, P2 protrude in the -Y direction. A hole H1 and a notch H2 adapted to respectively receive these projections P1, P2 are formed on the circuit board 200. The projections P1, P2, the hole H1 and the notch H2 act as positional error prevention parts to prevent misalignment. position during the process of assembling the circuit board in the ink cartridge. The hole H1 is located in the center of the lower edge (the edge in the + Z direction) of the circuit board 200, and the notch H2 is located in the center of the upper edge (the edge in the -Z direction) of the circuit board 200. Projections P1, P2 respectively pass through hole H1 and recess H2 when circuit board 200 is in a front wall mounted state 101wf. The position error of the circuit board 200 on the front wall 101wf is limited through the contact of the hole H1 with the projection P1 and the contact of the recess H2 with the projection P2. After mounting the circuit board 200 on the front wall 101wf, the tips of these projections P1, P2 contract. Specifically, the tips of these projections P1, P2 are contracted by applying heat so that the projections P1, P2 and the circuit board are intimately joined through heat stamping. In this way the circuit board 200 is fixed to the front wall 101wf.

Furthermore, a coupling projection 101e is provided on the front wall 101wf. Through the engagement of the mating projection 101e and the receptacle 4 (FIG. 4), the ink cartridge 100 is prevented from inadvertently detaching from the receptacle 4.

An ink supply port 110 is formed in the base wall 101wb which acts as a recording material supply port. The ink supply port 110 communicates with the ink chamber 120. The ink supply port 110 and the ink chamber 120 will together be called the ink container 130. The opening 110op of the ink supply port 110 will be hermetically sealed by a 110f film. This prevents ink from leaking from the ink supply port 110. When installing the ink cartridge 100 in the carriage3 (fig.4), the hermetic seal (film 110f) is pierced and the ink supply needle 6 is introduced through the ink supply hole 110. The ink that is contained in ink chamber 120 (FIG. 6A) is supplied to printer 100 through ink supply needle 6. The center line CL shown in FIG. 7B indicates the center axis of the ink supply port 110. With the ink cartridge 100 installed correctly (that is, without positioning errors) in carriage 3, the center line CL is aligned with the center axis of the supply needle. ink cartridge 6. The ink cartridge 100 corresponds to an ink supply system (or more generally, a recording material supply system).

Fig. 8 is an illustration showing the installation of the ink cartridge 100 in the carriage 3. FIG. 9 is an illustration showing the ink cartridge 100 installed in the carriage 3. In these drawings, the ink cartridge 100 and the carriage 3 are shown in cross section. This cross section is perpendicular to the X direction.

During the installation of the ink cartridge 100, first, the ink cartridge 100 is oriented in the upward direction of the receptacle 4 (the -Z direction) so that the ink supply port 110 faces the ink supply needle. ink 6. The ink cartridge 100 is then installed in the receptacle 4 by moving the ink cartridge 100 in the Z installation direction. In doing so, the mating projection 101e of the ink cartridge 100 is mated with a mating projection 4e of the receptacle 4. The ink supply needle 6 is inserted into the ink supply port 110. A member is provided annular seal 112 in the opening 110op of the ink supply port 110. The hermetic sealing member 112 is made of elastic material such as rubber, and is designed to contact the ink supply needle 6 and prevent ink leakage. In this way, the hermetic sealing member 112 defines a contact section between the ink supply port 110 (opening 110op) and the ink supply needle 6.

As represented in fig. 8, a valve element 113 is located on the upstream side of the seal member 112. This valve member 113 is biased towards the seal member 112 by a spring, not shown. When the ink cartridge 100 is detached from the receptacle 4, the valve member 113 contacts the sealing member 112 and provides a seal to the ink supply port 110. Thus, the probability of ink leakage from the ink supply port 110 is reduced, even if the ink cartridge 100 detaches from the receptacle 4 after the ink cartridge 10 0 has been installed in the receptacle 4 and breaks. the movie 110f.

With the ink cartridge 100 installed in the receptacle 4 as shown in FIG. 9, the contact mechanism 400 is located in the direct direction (-Y direction) of the circuit board 200. A plate 500b is placed in the -Y direction of the contact mechanism 400. The carriage circuit 500 is mounted on the plate 500b. Terminals 210 to 270 of circuit board 200 are electrically connected respectively to terminals 510 to 570 of carriage circuit 500 by contact mechanism 4 00 (discussed in detail below). The installation direction Z corresponds to the installation direction during the installation (connection) of the circuit board 200 in the printer 1000.

When the ink cartridge 100 is installed in the receptacle 4, the ink supply needle 6 pushes the

ES 2 531 908 T3 valve element 113 upward so that the valve element 113 is separated from the hermetic sealing member 112. In this way the ink chamber 120 and the ink supply needle 6 communicate, making it possible for ink from inside ink chamber 120 is supplied to printer 1000.

The figs. 10A and 10B are perspective views of circuit board 200. FIG. 10C shows a front view of the circuit board 200 oriented along the Y direction (-Y to + Y); fig. 10D shows a side view of the circuit board 200 oriented along the -X direction (+ X to -X); and fig. 10E shows a rear view of circuit board 200 oriented along the -Y direction (+ Y to -Y). The X, Y, and Z directions in the drawing indicate directions with the ink cartridge 100 installed in carriage 3 (Fig. 4).

On the circuit board 200, the terminals 210-270 and the memory device 203 are arranged on a board 205 that is an insulator. The board 205 includes the memory device 203 arranged on the rear side BS of the board 205, and the terminals 210 to 270 arranged on the front side FS of the board 205. Plate 205 is a flat plate perpendicular to the Y direction, the shape thereof being generally rectangular with sides parallel to the X direction and sides parallel to the Z direction. The front side FS indicates the surface facing the front direction (the -Y direction), while the back side BS indicates the surface facing the back direction (the + Y direction). The hole H1 and the recess H2 are formed in the plate 205. Terminals 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270 are respectively connected to blocks Pvdd, Pvss, Psda, Prst, Psck (fig. 3) of memory device 203 by electrically conductive pathways, not shown. Electrically conductive vias may include, for example, a through hole drilled through plate 205, an electrically conductive pattern formed on the surface or interior of plate 205, and a connecting wire connecting the conduction pattern to the block. of the memory device 203. In the present embodiment, the surface of the memory device 203 on the board 205 is coated with an RC resin.

Fig. 10C represents the front side FS of the circuit board 200. The seven terminals 210 to 270 are respectively shaped to have a generally rectangular shape. These terminals 210 to 270 are arranged so that they form two straight lines L1, L2 that extend along the X direction (-X to + X) perpendicular to the Z installation direction of the ink cartridge in the receptacle 4 . The first line L1 represents a hypothetical straight line (segment) substantially perpendicular to the installation direction Z and formed or defined by a plurality of contact parts 210c to 250c including a contact part 210c such that the first sensor 210 enters into contact with the contact member 410 and a contact portion 250c such that the second sensor 250 comes into contact with the contact member 450. The second line L2 represents a hypothetical straight line (segment) substantially perpendicular to the installation direction Z and formed or defined by a contact part 2 60c such that the reset terminal 2 60 comes into contact with the contact member 4 60 and a contact portion 270c such that the clock terminal 270 contacts the contact member 470. The first line L1 is placed on the front side, or front side, in relation to the installation direction Z (that is, the front side with respect to the other line (in this case, the second line L2) in the direction of movement during installation). With the ink cartridge 100 (fig. 8, 9) installed correctly (that is, without position gaps) in the receptacle 4, the straight line which, of this plurality of straight lines, is the closest in the direction of the ink supply port 110 (the opening 110op) is the first line L1. The terminals having the contact parts that form the first line L1 are, in order from the left in the drawing (the edge in the -X direction), the first sensor terminal 210, the power terminal 220, the power terminal ground 230, data terminal 240, and second sensor terminal 250. The terminals that make up the second line L2 are, in order from the left in the drawing, reset terminal 260 and clock terminal 270. The two terminals 210, 250 can be omitted. In this case, the terminals of the contact parts that constitute the first line L1 would include three of the terminals that connect with the memory device 203, that is, the power terminal 220, the ground terminal 230 and the data terminal 240. As in this example, the first line L1 may be formed by the terminal contact portions of part or all of the terminals that connect to the memory device 203.

Fig. 10E represents the back side BS of the circuit board 200. Two terminals 210b, 250b are formed on the back side BS. These terminals 210b, 250b respectively have electrical continuity with the terminals 210, 250 on the front side FS. One of the sensor electrodes 104 is connected to terminal 210b, and the other sensor electrode 104 is connected to terminal 250b.

Fig. 11A is a rear view of the contact mechanism 400 oriented along the -Y direction (+ Y to -Y); and fig. 11B is a side view of the contact mechanism 400 oriented along the -X direction (+ X to -X). Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the contact mechanism 400. The contact mechanism 400 includes a support member 400b and seven contact members 410-470. First grooves 401 and second grooves 402 extending collaterally along the X direction (-X to + X) are formed in the support member 400b. The second grooves 402 are offset towards the -Z direction with respect to the first grooves 401. The contact members 410 to 470 respectively extend in recess within these grooves 401, 402 so as to correspond with the terminals 210 to 27 0 from circuit board 200 (FIG. 10C). Contact members 410 to 470 each possess electrical conductivity and resilience. The second slot 402a on the + X side and the second slot 402b on the -X side are not used and can be omitted.

ES 2 531 908 T3

As shown in fig. 11B, the contact members 410 to 470 at one end project towards the + Y direction from the support member 400b. This first projecting end is pushed towards the circuit board 200 so as to make contact with a corresponding terminal between the terminals 210 to 270 of the circuit board 200. FIG. 11A depicts portions 410c through 470c on contact members 410 through 470, which are in contact with terminals 210 through 270. These contact parts 410c to 47 0c act as terminals on the device side that provide electrical connections between the printer 1000 and the terminals 210 to 270 of the circuit board 200. In the present specification, these contact parts 410c to 470c they will also be referred to as device-side terminals 410c through 470c.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 11B, the contact members 410 to 470 at the other end project towards the -Y direction from the support member 400b. This other projecting end is pushed towards the plate 500b so as to contact a corresponding terminal between the terminals 510 to 570 on the plate 500b (the terminals 510 to 570 of the carriage circuit 500). Although omitted from the drawing, terminals 510 to 570 of carriage circuit 500 are arranged similarly to terminals 210 to 270 shown in FIG. 10C. These terminals 510 to 570 are formed in the carriage circuit 500b on the face thereof facing the contact mechanism 400.

The figs. 13A-13E illustrate the contact between the contact members 410 to 470 and the terminals 210 to 270 with the ink cartridge 100 (FIG. 8) in the installed state. The figs. 13A through 13E show the contact mechanism 400 and the circuit board 200 oriented along the -X direction (+ X to -X). During installation, the circuit board 200 moves in the installation direction Z. The positional relationship of circuit board 200 and contact mechanism 400 changes in the sequence illustrated in FIGS. 13A to 13E.

First, as shown in fig. 13B, the lower edge LE (edge ​​of the + Z direction) of the board 205 of the circuit board 200 comes into contact with the two contact members 460, 470 which are positioned offset in the -Z direction with respect to the members of contact 410 to 450. Next, through movement of plate 205 in the + Z direction, the contact members 4 60, 47 0 are pushed in the Y direction. Contact members 4 60,470 have resilience, and contact portions 4 60c, 470c are pushed in the + Y direction. Consequently, with the contact members 460, 470 (contact parts 4 60c, 470c) in a state of contact with the front side FS of the plate 205, the plate 205 moves in the + Z direction.

Then, as shown in fig. 13C, the lower edge LE of the plate 205 comes into contact with the five contact members 410 to 450 which are positioned offset in the + Z direction. These contact members 410 to 450 also have resilience, and the contact parts 410c to 450c are pushed towards the + Y direction. Consequently, with the contact members 410 to 450 (contact parts 410c to 450c) in a state of contact with the front side FS of the plate 205, the plate 205 moves in the + Z direction. Fig. 13D depicts plate 205 which has been further moved in the + Z direction from the state shown in FIG. 13C. In the state shown in fig. 13D, terminal 230 has moved between contact member 4 60 and contact member 470.

Finally, as shown in fig. 13E, the installation of the ink cartridge 100 is complete. In this state, the contact members 410 to 470 (contact portions 410c to 470c) are arranged in respective contact with the terminals 210 to 270 of the circuit board 200.

In fig. 13E, two distances Ds1, Ds2 are represented. The first distance Ds1 indicates the distance for the contact members 410 to 450 to slide on the front side FS of the plate 205. The second distance Ds2 indicates the distance for the contact members 4 60 and 470 to slide on the side front FS of plate 205. As illustrated, the first distance Ds1 is less than the second distance Ds2. Thus, for the contact members 410 to 450 corresponding to the first line L1 (fig. 10C) which is located in the front position (front side) in the installation direction Z, the sliding distance on the front side FS is shorter compared to the other contact members 4 60, 4 70. Consequently, compared to the other contact members 460, 470, foreign matter such as dust on the front side FS is less likely to be deposited on the contact members 410 to 450. That is, the probability of faulty connections between the contact members 410 to 450 and terminals 210 to 250 is smaller compared to the other contact members 4 60, 470.

The settings described above are shared by all ink cartridges.

A2. Cartridge detection:

Fig. 14 is a flow chart showing the procedure of a cartridge detection process. Through this process the printer 1000 verifies if an ink cartridge is installed. The process is executed by a (first) cartridge detection module M10 and carriage circuit 500 (sensor drive circuit 503, FIG. 3). The procedure of fig. 14 is a process related to a single ink cartridge. The first module M10 and the carriage circuit 500 respectively execute this process for all the ink cartridges that are supposed to be installed in the receptacle 4 (fig. 4). In doing so, the first M10 module verifies the installation of all ink cartridges (six). The first M10 module can carry out this process using any of the

ES 2 531 908 T3 various time schemes. For example, the process can be executed on a periodic basis or when a predetermined condition is met (for example, when the printer power supply 1000 is turned on, when an ink cartridge 100 is replaced, or when printing starts) ; or the process can be executed in response to a user instruction.

In the initial Step S100, the first module M10 produces a signal (voltage) from the sensor terminals 510,550 of the ink cartridge for its detection. Specifically, the first module M10 presents the cartridge detection circuit 503a with a signal production instruction. This instruction includes the ID number of the ink cartridge. According to this instruction, the cartridge detection circuit 503a switches the switching circuit so that the sensor terminals 510, 550 that are associated with the ID number are selected, as a consequence of which the sensor terminals 510, 550 selected produce a signal (voltage). If the ink cartridge 100 is installed, voltage is applied to the two electrodes of the sensor 104. The sensor 104 is thus charged.

In the next Step S110, the first module M10 uses the sensor terminals 510, 550 to acquire a response signal (voltage). Specifically, the first module M10 presents the cartridge detection circuit 503a with an instruction to acquire the signal (voltage). According to this instruction, the cartridge detection circuit 503a stops applying voltage and then measures the voltage at the two sensor terminals 510, 550. The cartridge sense circuit 503a then reports the measured voltage to the first module M10.

In the next Step S120, the first module M10 decides whether the measured voltage is greater than a predetermined threshold value. If the ink cartridge 100 is installed, the voltage of the charged sensor 104 is measured. The absolute value of this measured voltage (called the first voltage) is greater than zero. If the ink cartridge 100 is not installed, the measured voltage is substantially zero. A threshold value is empirically established in advance between zero and the first voltage. Consequently, if the absolute value of the measured voltage is greater than the threshold value, the first module M10 decides that the ink cartridge 100 is installed (Step S130). If the absolute value of the measured voltage is equal to or less than the threshold value, the first module M10 decides that the ink cartridge 100 is not installed (Step S140). Then the first M10 module ends the process.

In preferred practice, if an ink cartridge is not installed in one or more installation positions, the first module M10 executes a process related to the unopened cartridge (s). Said process could be a print suspension process, or a process to warn the user of the cartridge not installed situation, for example.

A3. Memory control:

Fig. 15 is an illustration showing the configuration of the memory device 203 in the present embodiment. Memory device 203 is a semiconductor chip that includes an IOC input / output circuit; an MLM logic module; an array of MCA non-volatile memory cells; and five blocks (input / output terminals) Pvdd, Prst, Psck, Psda and Pvss. The MLM logic module includes an ID comparer MLM1, an address generator MLM2, and a read / write controller MLM3. In response to an instruction from an external device (eg, the printer controller 1000 of FIG. 3; the main control circuit 40 and the carriage circuit 500 as a whole), the MLM logic module performs data writing to the MCA memory cell array or data reading from the memory cell array MCA (discussed in detail later). The IOC input / output circuit includes five lines Lvdd, Lrst, Lsck, Lsda, Lvss; three buffer circuits MBrst, MBsck, MBsd; and a PC protection circuit. The Pvdd, Prst, Psck, Psda, Pvss blocks are respectively connected to the MLM logic module by the lines Lvdd, Lrst, Lsck, Lsda, Lvss. The Lvdd power line is a line to receive potential from the VDD power supply. The Lrst reset line is a line to receive a RST reset signal. The Lrst reset line is provided with a first MBrst buffer circuit. The Lsck clock line is a line for receiving an SCK clock signal. The Lsck clock line is provided with a second MBsck buffer circuit. The Lsda data line is a line for sending and receiving SDA data signals. The data line Lsda is provided with a third buffer circuit MBsda. The Lvss grounding line is a line for receiving VSS grounding potential. The Pvdd, Prst, Psck, Psda, Pvss blocks are electrically connected to terminals 220,260,270,240,230 respectively of circuit board 200.

The protection circuit PC protects the internal circuitry of the memory device 203 (including the MLM logic module and the MCA memory cell array) from abnormal inputs, such as static electricity, to the blocks. In the present embodiment, the protection circuit PC includes protection diodes D1 to D6. Three of these diodes DI, D3, D5 are connected at the cathode to the Pvdd power block (Lvdd power line). These diodes D1, D3, D5 are connected at the anode to the blocks Prst, Psck, Psda (lines Lrst, Lsk, Lsda) respectively. Another three diodes D2, D4, D6 are connected at the anode to the grounding block Pvss (grounding line Lvss).

These diodes D2, D4, D6 are connected at the cathode to the blocks Prst, Psck, Psda (lines Lrst, Lsk, Lsda) respectively.

Fig. 16 is a time graph depicting the operation of the memory device 203. In the drawing, it is

ES 2 531 908 T3 show the signals (VDD power supply potential, RST reset signal, SCK clock signal, SDA data signal) that appear in the blocks of memory device 203 (Fig. 15), as well as memory device operations 203. In the present embodiment, both the reading of data from the MCA memory cell array of the memory device 203 and the writing of data to the MCA memory cell array are performed as shown by the graph in FIG. 16. In the drawing, the H level indicates high potential (approximately 3.3 V), while the L level represents low potential (zero V); the reference for these potentials is the ground potential VSS. The arrows displayed below the symbols denoting the signals indicate the direction of signal (data) flow. The arrow pointing to the right indicates the flow from the memory control circuit 501 (FIG. 3) to the memory device 203, while the arrow pointing to the left indicates the flow from the memory device 203 to the memory control circuit 501. SDA data signals can flow in both directions.

In the present embodiment, access to memory device 203 (FIG. 15: MCA memory cell array) occurs by sequential access. The memory address intended for access is updated in a predetermined order from a predetermined initial address, based on the SCK clock signal. In the present embodiment, since the write operations to the memory cell array and the read operations from the memory cell array are performed en bloc in units of rows, the memory address is an address that specifies a row. . Memory cells are accessed one at a time in order starting at Row 0 of the MCA memory cell array. The size of the data in a single row (corresponding to a word) is n bits (n is an integer equal to or greater than, for example, n = 32). The address generator MLM2 updates the memory address intended for its access in the order Row 0, Row 1, Row 2 ..., acting in such a way that each time n pulses of the SCK clock signal are received. The memory device ID number 203 is stored in advance in Row 0. In the present embodiment, the ID number is represented in three bits. The physical positions in the memory array of the rows do not necessarily have the same order as the access sequence of the rows.

When memory device 203 (fig. 15) is to be accessed, memory control circuit 501 (fig. 3) first sets the potential of the VDD power supply at level H. Next, the control circuit sets the RST reset signal at level H. In the present embodiment, under conditions with the reset signal RST at level H (a predetermined level different from the ground potential VSS), the memory device 203 operates in synchronization with the clock signal SCK. If the reset signal RST is at a level other than the H level (eg, at the same potential as the ground potential VSS), the memory device 203 suspends operation. The memory control circuit 501 may reset all operations of the memory device by subsequently changing the reset signal RST from level H to level L (discussed in detail below).

Next, the memory control circuit (FIG. 3) presents the SCK clock signal to the clock terminal 270 of the circuit board 200 (FIG. 15). In synchronization with the SCK clock signal, the memory control circuit 5 01 presents an n-bit data signal SDA to the data terminal 240. The first three bits of this n-bit data represent the ID number of the data recording device. memory203 for your access. The next bit represents an order. The command is a data read (R) or a data write (W); for example, level L represents R and level H represents W. The remaining bits are empty data.

During the interval in which the initial n CP1 clock pulses are received, the MLM logic module (fig. 15) executes the following process. The MLM2 address generator (Fig. 15) generates a memory address representing Row 0. The MLM3 read / write controller reads the generated address data (Row 0 data) from the memory cell array MCA (fig. 16: Stage 10). Next, the ID comparer MLM1 decides whether its own ID number read from the memory cell array MCA is the same as the ID number that is specified by the memory control circuit 501 (Fig. 3) (Step S20). If its own ID number is different from the specified ID number, the MLM smart relay suspends treatment and goes into an operational mode (standby mode) in which the reset signal is monitored. If your own ID number is the same as the specified ID number, the MLM smart relay continues processing. By switching the processes depending on the ID number, the memory device 203 that is specified by the memory control circuit 501 executes the processes according to the instruction of the memory control circuit 501. In the next Step S30, the read / write controller MLM3 decides whether the command that is specified by the data signal SDA is a data read (R) or a data write (W). After having received the initial n clock pulses, the MLM logic module starts a process according to the command.

In the case of a data reading order, the MLM logic module (fig. 15) executes the process of Steps S41 to S4k in synchronization with the SCK clock signal. As noted above, the MLM2 address generator (fig. 15) increments the memory address one row from Row 0, each time n clock pulses are received. The read / write controller MLM3 then reads from the memory cell array MCA the address data that is specified by the address generator MLM2. The read / write controller MLM3, using a data signal SDA, then produces the read data one bit at a time in synchronization with the clock signal SCK. For example, according to the second n clock pulses CP2, the read / write controller MLM3 produces the data of Row 1 (S41). In more detail, at the time of the initial clock pulse of the second n clock pulses CP2, the read / write controller MLM3 reads Row 1 of the

ES 2 531 908 T3 memory cell array, and in synchronization with each clock pulse of the n clock pulses CP2 sends the data of the n bits read to the memory control circuit 501. The memory control circuit 501 ( Fig. 3), acting in synchronization with the SCK clock signal, receives a bit of the data from Row 1 to Row k (k is an integer equal to or greater than 1) that is stored in the cell array of MCA memory. In the embodiment of fig. 16, after having received the data from Row k, the memory control circuit 501 stops displaying the SCK clock signal.

In the case of a data writing order (W), the MLM logic module (fig. 15) executes the process of Steps S51 to S5k in synchronization with the SCK clock signal. The memory control circuit 501 (fig. 3), using an SDA data signal and acting in synchronization with the SCK clock signal, presents the MLM logic module one bit at a time with data to be stored in the memory matrix. mCa. The read / write controller MLM3 then stores the received data in the memory cell array MCA, at the address that is specified by the address generator MLM2. For example, in synchronization with the second n clock pulses CP2, the read / write controller MLM3 stores the received data in Row 1 of the MCA memory cell array (S51, S51w). In the embodiment of fig. 16, after the data has been stored in the memory cells of Row k (S5kw), the memory control circuit 501 stops displaying the SCK clock signal.

As will be discussed later, the possibility exists that the position of an ink cartridge 100 could deviate from the correct placement within the receptacle 4. Such incorrect placement could theoretically lead to the data terminal 240 of the circuit board 200 (fig. 2) to be separated from the contact member 440 from the contact mechanism 400. At this point, if the power supply potential VDD, the reset signal RST, and the clock signal SCK are being presented normally to the memory device 203 (Fig. 15), the logic module MLM could write data from according to the potential of the Lsda data line (that is, bad data) in the MCA memory cell array (the potential of the Lsda data line could be the same as that of the Lvss ground line, for example). The memory device 203 may also malfunction or become inoperative for various other reasons not limited to the foregoing (discussed in detail below).

After suspending the display of the SCK clock signal, the memory control circuit 501 (fig. 3) changes the reset signal RST from level H to level L. By doing so, all memory devices 203 reset. your operations. Specifically, the MLM2 address generator resets the memory address to Row 0. When the logic module MLM receives the next reset signal RST (level H), the clock signal SCK and the data signal SDA, it executes the process from Step S10 of FIG. 16. After the memory control circuit 501 sets the reset signal RST at level L the power supply potential VDD is set at level L. By doing so, all memory devices 203 suspend the signals. operations.

The memory control circuit 501 (FIG. 3) operates according to the instructions of the (third) memory control module M30. The third module M30 accesses the memory device 203 of each of the six ink cartridges 100 that are installed in the receptacle 4 (fig. 4). As information that is stored in the memory devices 203, it is possible to use information of various kinds relating to the inks contained in the ink cartridges 100. For example, the information may represent the type of ink. The third module M30 can also read the ink type information from the memory devices 203 and verify that the appropriate ink cartridges are installed. The ink consumption level (for example, the number of dots) can also be used when an ink cartridge is installed in the 1000 printer. The third module M30 can also periodically update the level of ink consumption stored in the memory device 203, during printing, after carrying out the cleaning of the nozzles, when the user indicates the shutdown of the printer 1000, etc. In doing so, the third module M30 is able to estimate the level of remaining ink by reading the level of ink consumption in the memory device 203. The third module M30 can access the memory devices 203 according to various timing schemes.

B. Characteristics of the realization:

Embodiment 1 described above has several features. These characteristics are set out below

B1. Feature 1:

The present embodiment has the following feature; the contact portion 220c of the power supply terminal 220 presenting the power supply potential VDD to the memory device 203 is located on the first straight line L1 (Fig. 10C). The memory device 203 receives the power supply potential VDD through the contact portion 220c of the power supply terminal 220.

The first straight line L1 is positioned in the forward position (the front side) with respect to the other straight line (in the present embodiment, the second straight line L2). The front position indicates the front position with the ink cartridge 100 oriented for installation in the printer 1000. That is, the front position (the front side) represents the front position (the front side) in the Z installation direction.

The advantages of the above will be discussed below. The figs. 17A and 17B illustrate the incorrect placement of an installed ink cartridge 100 within the receptacle 4. FIG. 17A and fig. 17B represent ink cartridge 100

ES 2 531 908 T3 and the receptacle 4 in cross section (cross section perpendicular to the X direction). The ink supply needle 6 of the receptacle 4 is inserted into the ink supply port 110 of the ink cartridge 100. Consequently, the ink supply port 110 of the ink cartridge 100 is secured to the ink supply needle. 6 from receptacle 4. As a result, the ink cartridge 100 may undergo a rocking motion around the ink supply port 110. At the opening 110op of the ink supply port 110, the seal member 112 is in contact with the ink supply needle. ink 6. Consequently, the center of movement MC of the ink cartridge 100 is located on the center line CL, in proximity to the contact section between the sealing member 112 and the ink supply needle 6.

Fig. 17A and fig. 17B depict the ink cartridge 100 tilted towards the + Y direction with respect to the Z axis. Such tilted condition could occur for various reasons. For example, during installation of the ink cartridge 100 in the receptacle 4 (printer 1000), the user may inadvertently install the ink cartridge 100 in the receptacle 4 in an inclined condition. Furthermore, since the centroid CF of the ink cartridge is located on the + Y side with reference to the center line CL, the terminals 210 to 270 of the ink cartridge have a propensity to tilt in the direction away from the contact members 410. to 470.

Fig. 17A represents the travel distance da of the contact parts 210c to 250c of the first line L1. The angle AG in the drawing indicates the inclination (rotation angle) of the ink cartridge 100 centered around the ink supply port 110. The first distance Ra indicates the distance between the ink supply port 110 (the center of rotation MC ) and the contact parts 210c to 250c.

Fig. 17B represents the travel distance db of the contact parts 260c, 270c of the second line L2. The second distance Rb indicates the distance between the ink supply port 110 (the center of rotation MC) and the contact parts 260c, 270c. The rotation angle of the ink cartridge 100 is the angle AG, the same as in FIG. 17A.

If the angle AG is large, the contact portions 210c to 270c can be separated from the contact members 410 to 470. In this case, the first line L1 is less likely to separate from the contact members than the second line L2. The reason is the following. In the present embodiment, the opening 110op is located further to the side of the installation direction Z compared to the plurality of contact portions 210c to 270c of the plurality of terminals 210 to 270 (fig. 7, 17). The first line L1 is positioned on the front side in the installation direction Z with respect to the other line (in the present embodiment, the second line L2; it can also be stated that in the present embodiment, of the plurality of lines, the first line L1 is the line that is closest to the opening 110op (fig. 7), that is, the first distance Ra is shorter than the second distance Rb. In this case, for a given angle AG, the distance between the first line L1 and the contact members 410 to 450 (the first distance da) is shorter than the distance between the second line L2 and the contact members 4 60, 470 (the second distance db). The characteristic of the opening 110op which is located more towards the side of the installation direction Z compared to the contact parts 210c to 270c means that, relative to the positions in the direction parallel to the installation direction Z, the position of the aperture 110op is located further to the side of the installation direction Z compared to the respective positions of the contact portions 210c to 270c.

Fig. 18 is an enlarged view of the proximity of the contact portions 210c to 270c. Fig. 18 depicts an ink cartridge 100 in an inclined condition similar to FIG. 17A and fig. 17B. As shown, when the angle AG increases, the second line L2 separates from the contact members before the first line L1 does.

Thus, of the plurality of lines L1, L2 on circuit board 200, the line that is least likely to experience faulty connections with contact members is the first line L1. Consequently, in preferred practice, of the plurality of contact parts provided to the circuit board 200, those contact parts that have the potential to cause serious problems due to faulty connections are located on the first line L1. In the present embodiment, the contact portion 220c for the power supply potential VDD is located on the first line L1 (Fig. 10C).

Fig. 19 is an illustration representing a comparative example. In the drawing, circuit board terminals 210-270 and memory device 203 are shown. In the configuration shown in FIG. 19, the contact part for power supply potential VDD is located on the second line L2 (contact part 270c), while the contact part for the reset signal RST and the contact part for the data signal SDA they are located in the first line L1 (contact parts 230c, 240c). Specifically, the power supply block Pvdd is connected to terminal 270, and the reset block Prst and data block Psda are connected to terminals 230, 240 respectively.

In the configuration of fig. 19, it is assumed that the ink cartridge is inclined such that contact is lost between the second line L2 and the contact members 460, 470 (FIG. 18). It is further assumed that, under these conditions, the memory control circuit 501 (FIG. 3) attempts to access the memory device 203 (FIG. 16). In this case, the supply of power supply potential to the memory device 203 through the terminal 270 is interrupted. Instead, the Lvdd power supply line from memory device 203 is presented

ES 2 531 908 T3 with the reset signal RST through the protective diode DI. However, compared to the reset signal RST, the voltage supplied to it is less by the equivalent of the forward voltage of the protective diode DI (for example, by about 0.6 V).

In this case, the acceptable range for the operating voltage of the memory device 203 is assumed to be between 2.7 V and 3.3 V. In this case, the voltage of the reset signal RST that is presented to terminal 230 by the memory control circuit 501 can also be between 2.7 V and 3.3 V. If the voltage of the reset signal RST is 3.3 V, the power supply line Lvdd is supplied with a voltage 2.7 V. In this condition, the memory device 203 is able to function. However, since the voltage on the power supply line Lvdd is close to the lower limit of the acceptable range, the operation of the memory device 203 may become unstable. Furthermore, if the voltage of the reset signal RST is still lower (eg 2.7 V), the memory device 203 may become inoperative in some cases. Under these conditions, there is a possibility that the MLM logic module does not have the ability to generate the correct control signal for the MCA memory cell array. For example, in response to a write request, the MLM logic module might save bad data Dwe that differs from the good write data Dw for the MCA memory cell array. It is also possible that in response to a read request, the MLM logic module produces erroneous Dre data that differs from the correct Dr. read data. Thus, apparently normal operation may actually be erroneous operation.

In view of the above, according to the present embodiment, the contact part for supplying the power supply potential VDD to the memory device 203 is located in the first line L1 (contact part 220c). As a result, the probability of malfunction caused by unstable operating voltage as described above can be minimized.

Such as represented in FIG. 13E, in the present embodiment, the contact members 410 to 450 corresponding to the first line L1 (fig. 10C) located in the forward position in the installation direction Z slide short distances on the front side FS, compared to the other contact members 460, 470 (Ds1 <Ds2). Consequently, the probability of a bad connection is lower for the first line L1 than for the other line. Also, from this point of view, it is preferable that those contact parts that have the potential to cause a serious malfunction due to a faulty connection (for example, the contact part receiving potential from VDD power supply) are located in the first line L1.

In the event of a faulty connection of reset terminal 260 or clock terminal 270, memory device 203 is either reset, or operation of memory device 203 is suspended, thus there is a minimal probability of failure. erroneous data is written, compared to the case where a faulty connection of the power supply terminal 220 occurs. Thus, in the present embodiment, the contact portions 260c, 270c of these terminals 260, 270 are located on the other line that is not the leading line (in the present embodiment, the second line L2).

As represented in figs. 17A and 17B, in the present embodiment, the contact parts 210c to 270c (terminals 210 to 270) are arranged on a side wall (the front wall 101wf) of the ink cartridge 100. The ink supply port 110 is arranged at the base wall 101wb of the ink cartridge 100. In this case, the ink supply port 110 is located at an eccentric or offset position to the front wall 101wf side of the base wall 101wb. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the ink supply port 110 in the base wall 101wb is located towards the front wall 101wf side thereof as viewed from an intermediate IP position located between a first edge El which is closest of the front wall 101wf (the connection position with the front wall 101wf) and a second edge E2 located on the opposite side from the first edge El (the connection position with the rear wall 101wbk). The installation direction Z coincides with the downward direction in the gravity direction. As a result, the centroid CF of the ink cartridge 100 is located on the + Y side (the side opposite that on which the connecting mechanism 400 is located) with reference to the center line CL (center MC). The centroid CF is the centroid of the profile of the ink cartridge 100 when the ink cartridge 100 is viewed towards -X from + X. The intermediate position IP is substantially identical to the position of the centroid CF projected on the base wall 101wb along the installation direction Z. Due to the above configuration, the ink cartridge 100 tends to tilt in the direction such that the contact portions 210c to 270c separate from contact members 410 to 470. Under these conditions, the use of Feature 1 described above offers significant advantages. Also, since the ink supply port 110 is closer to the first edge El (terminals 210 to 270) than to the second edge E2 (the back wall 101wbk), the travel distances da, db are smaller for a given angle AG, compared to if the ink supply port 110 was closer to the second edge E2 than to the first edge El. Consequently, there is a reduced probability of faulty contact between the terminals 210 to 270 (contact parts 210c to 270c) and the contact members 210c to 270c in the event that the ink cartridge 100 is tilted.

B2. Feature 2:

The present embodiment may have the following additional feature; the contact part 240c of the data terminal 24 0, which is adapted to receive data signals SDA from an external device (the control section (the main control circuit 40 and the carriage circuit 500 as a whole) of the printer 1000) and to send signals

ES 2 531 908 T3 of SDA data to the external device (the control section of the printer 1000), is located on the first line L1 (fig. 10C). The memory device 203 receives SDA data signals and sends SDA data signals through the contact portion 240c of this data terminal 240.

Fig. 20 is an illustration depicting a structure other than Feature 2. The drawing shows the terminals 210-270 of a circuit board and a memory device 203. In the structure depicted in FIG. 20, the contact part for the data signal SDA (contact part 270c) is located on the second line L2. Specifically, the data block Psda is connected to terminal 270.

In the structure shown in fig. 20, it is assumed that the ink cartridge is tilted such that contact between terminal 270 and contact member 470 is lost (FIG. 18). It is further assumed that, under these conditions, the memory control circuit 501 (FIG. 3) attempts to access the memory device 203 (FIG. 16). Under these conditions, the bidirectional transmission (send and receive) of SDA data signals through terminal 270 is interrupted. Accordingly, if the memory device 203 receives the power supply potential VDD, a reset signal RST and the clock signal SCK is able to operate, but cannot operate normally. For example, in response to a write request, the memory device 203 may store erroneous data Dwe that differs from the correct write data Dw. In the absence of electrical connection with the contact member 470 of the printer 1000, the memory device 203 operates based on the data (bad data) according to the potential in the data block Psda (Fig. 15) data line Lsda) that is separates from the contact member. The potential on the Lsda data line could be level L for example. In this case, the Dwe bad data would be data in which all bits are set to level L. Similarly, in response to a read request, the data received by the memory control circuit 501 may be erroneous data Dre that differs from the correct read data Dr (for example, data in which all bits are set at level L). Thus, the apparently normal operation may actually be a malfunction.

In the present embodiment, the contact part of the data terminal for sending and receiving data signals SDA (contact part 240c) may be located on the first line L1. As a result, the probability of malfunction is less as described above.

B3. Feature 3:

The present embodiment may have the following additional feature; the contact portion 270c of the clock terminal 270 for receiving the SCK clock signal is located on a different line than the first line L1 (in the present embodiment, on the second line L2; FIG. 10C).

The memory device 203 of the present embodiment suspends operation if the display of the SCK clock signal is interrupted. Consequently, the probability of erroneous data being written to the memory device 203 is less in the case of a faulty connection of the clock terminal 270, compared to the case of a faulty connection of the terminal. power supply 220 or data terminal 240. Accordingly, by locating the contact portion 270c of the clock terminal 270 on a line other than the first line L1 (eg, the second line L2) as taught in the present embodiment, the plurality of contact portions can be distributed among a plurality of lines, without increasing the likelihood of erroneous data being written to memory device 203. Thus, compared to the case where all the plurality of contact parts are arranged in a single line, the lines can be shorter in length (that is, the device can be more compact).

B4. Feature 4:

The present embodiment may have the following additional feature; the contact portion 260c of the reset terminal 260 that receives the reset signal RST is located on a different line than the first line L1 (in the present embodiment, the second line L2; FIG. 10C).

The memory device 203 of the present embodiment is designed so that if the display of the reset signal RST is interrupted, the signal that is input to the memory device 203 from the reset block assumes a potential lower than the High level, Either memory device 203 suspends operation, or memory device 203 restarts. Consequently, the probability of erroneous data being written to the memory device 203 is less in the case of a faulty connection of the reset terminal 2 60, compared to the case of a faulty connection of the power supply terminal 220 or data terminal 240. Accordingly, by locating the contact portion 260c of the reset terminal 2 60 on a different line than the first line L1 (for example, the second line L2) as taught in the present embodiment, the plurality of contact portions can be distributed between a plurality of lines, without increasing the likelihood of erroneous data being written to memory device 203. Thus, compared to the case where all the plurality of contact parts are arranged in a single line, the lines can have a shorter length (that is, the device can be more compact).

B5. Feature 5:

The present embodiment may have the following additional feature; the plurality of contact parts 210c to 270c are located in the same plane (Fig. 10C), and when the central axis of the ink supply port 110 (line

ES 2 531 908 T3 central CL) along the direction (the Y direction) perpendicular to this plane (from + Y to -Y) projects in this plane, the contact parts that are located farthest from the central axis CL they are the contact portions 210c, 250c of the sensor terminals 210, 250.

The sensor terminals 210, 250 are terminals in which the main control circuit 40 and the carriage circuit 500 of the printer 1000 present to the circuit board 200 a signal to detect whether an ink cartridge 100 is installed (fig. 3) . As shown in fig. 21, when the ink cartridge 100 is misplaced, the position gaps (d1, d5) at positions further from the center line CL are larger than the position gaps (d2, d3, d4) at positions closer to the center line CL. Consequently, even if the terminal 230, which is close to the center line CL, is in correct contact (that is, without position gaps) with the corresponding contact part 430c, the terminals 210, 250 which are farthest from each other. the center line CL may not be in contact with the corresponding contact parts 410c, 450c. Consequently, by positioning the contact portions 210c, 250c of the terminals 210, 250 at the positions furthest from the center line CL, the probability of erroneous detection in relation to the installation of the ink cartridge 100 is reduced. For example, The likelihood of the wrong installation being detected can be reduced in the event that the ink cartridge 100 is misplaced and not installed properly. The sensor terminals 210, 250 have a functionality whereby the printer control section (the main control circuit 40 and the carriage circuit 500) is able to detect whether the ink cartridge 100 is installed correctly in the printer. 1000, or whereby the printer's control section is able to detect whether the circuit board terminals are connected correctly, and thus one can also speak of installation cartridge detection terminals.

Since the contact part 230c of the power supply terminal 230 is located between the two contact parts 210c, 250c to detect the installation, the installation detection having been confirmed, there is a high probability that the electrical connection of the power supply terminal 230. As a result, the probability of faulty connection of the power supply terminal 230 is lower, and the probability of problems arising in terminal-based electrical connections is reduced.

Sensor terminals 210, 250 are designed to receive a higher voltage (higher applied voltage) compared to the other terminals 220-240, 260 and 270 (fig. 3). When the contact parts 210c, 250c of these terminals 210, 250 are located at the furthest positions from the center line CL, their contact parts 210c, 250c are located at the ends, thereby reducing the number of other parts of the terminal. contacts located in proximity to the contact parts 210c, 250c. Consequently, the likelihood of contact members410,450 designed to produce high voltage coming into unintentional contact with other terminals (eg, terminals connected to memory device 203) is reduced. Such unintentional contact can occur during installation (or removal) of the ink cartridge 100. Unintentional contact can also be the result of ink or dust adhering to the circuit board 200.

It is not essential that the plurality of contact portions 210c to 270c are arranged in the same plane, and may instead be arranged approximately in one plane.

B6. Feature 6:

The present embodiment may have the following additional feature; The line including the contact parts 210c, 250c of the sensor terminals 210, 250 (the first line L1) is the longest line among the plurality of lines (Fig. 10C). In this case, the length of a line refers to the length between the two contact parts whose positions are furthest towards the ends on each line. In the example represented in fig. 10C, is the length of line L1 and line L2.

This characteristic indicates that the distance between the contact parts 210c, 250c of the sensor terminals 210,250 is greater than the distance between the two ends of other lines. Thus, if the position gap of the circuit board 200 (the position gap of the ink cartridge 100 with respect to the receptacle 4 (fig. 4)) is large, the position gap of at least one of the two parts of the contact 210c, 250c with respect to the contact mechanism 400 is also large. Furthermore, by positioning the contact parts 210c, 250c at the two ends of a line, it is possible to reduce the number of other contact parts in proximity to the contact part 210c, and / or the number of other contact parts in proximity to the contact part 250c. This feature 6 has the same effects as feature 5 described above. More specifically, the probability of erroneous detection in connection with the installation of the ink cartridge 100 is reduced. In addition, the probability of problems with electrical connections that are based on terminals is reduced. On the other hand, the likelihood of contact members 410, 450 designed to produce high voltage coming into unintentional contact with other terminals (eg, terminals connected to memory device 203) is reduced.

B7. Feature 7:

There is a possibility that the contact members (460,470) for the contact parts (260c, 270c) of the second line L2 may come into contact with the terminals of the front line (the first line L1) of the circuit board 200 during installation (or separation ) of ink cartridge 100. Consequently, if the total number of contact parts of the wave lines other than the first line L1 is less than the total number of contact parts of the first line L1, the probability that the contact members of the line is reduced. printer 1000

ES 2 531 908 T3 unintentionally come into contact with the terminals of the circuit board 200. As a result, the probability of damage to the circuit board 200 is reduced. In this case, the total number of other lines could also be two or more. In this case, it is preferable that the total number of contact parts on the front line is higher than the total number of contact parts on all other lines.

As described in Feature 1 with reference to FIGS. 17A, 17B and 18, the first leading line L1 has a lower probability of bad connection compared to other lines. Consequently, by increasing the total number of contact parts in the first line L1, the probability of faulty connections in relation to the plurality of contact parts in general is reduced.

C. Embodiment 2:

The figs. 22 and 23 are perspective views showing a second embodiment of the ink supply system (recording material supply system). It differs from the embodiment depicted in fig. 6A and 6B only in that, of the elements of the ink cartridge 100, the ink container 130 (the ink supply port 110 and the ink chamber 120 as a whole) is separated from the other elements. The configuration of printer 1000 is the same as the configuration of Embodiment 1 above.

This ink supply system SI includes a structural body 100A (hereinafter also called adapter 100A) and an ink container 100B. The ink container 100B includes a box 01B to contain ink, and an ink supply port 110. Inside the box 101B an ink chamber 120B is formed to contain the ink. The ink supply port 110 is formed in the base wall 101Bwb (wall in the + Z direction) of the box 101B. Ink supply port 110 communicates with ink chamber 120B. The configuration of the ink supply port 110 is the same as the configuration of the ink supply port 110 of the ink cartridges 100 discussed above (Fig. 6 to 9).

The adapter 100A includes a main unit 101A and a circuit board 200. Inside the main unit 101A is formed a space 101AS designed to house the ink container 100B. At the top (-Z direction) of the main unit 101A an opening 101ASop is provided which communicates with the space 101AS. The main unit 101A further includes a front wall 101Awf and a base wall 101Awb. The front wall 101Awf is the wall in the -Y direction, and the base wall 101Awb is the wall in the + Z direction. The front wall 101Awf intersects (in the present embodiment, at a substantially right angle) with the base wall 101Awb.

The configuration of the front wall 101Awf is the same as that of the front wall 101wf of the ink cartridges 100 discussed above (Fig. 6 to 9). Circuit board 200 is secured to front wall 101Awf. In addition to having an opening 101AH, the configuration of the base wall 101Awb is the same as that of the base wall 101wb of the ink cartridges 100 discussed above. With the ink container 100B housed within the space 101AS, the ink supply port 110 protrudes from the adapter 100A through the opening 101AH. The opening 101AH is located further to the side of the Z installation direction than the plurality of contact portions 210c to 270c of the plurality of terminals 210 to 270 of the circuit board 200. The opening 101AH passes transversely in the installation direction Z. As the characteristic of the opening 101AH is located more towards the side of the installation direction Z than the plurality of contact parts 210c to 27 0c (that is, towards the direction of movement of the adapter 100A with respect to the printer 1000 during the installation), this means that, in relation to the positions in the direction parallel to the installation direction Z, the position of the opening 101AH is located further to the side of the Z installation direction compared to the respective positions of the contact portions 210c to 270c.

Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing adapter 100A and ink container 100B, installed in receptacle 4. This cross-sectional view is a simplification of a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 9. Like the ink cartridge 100, the adapter 100A is installed installed in the receptacle 4 through movement in the Z installation direction. The ink container 100B is similarly installed in the receptacle 4 through movement in the installation direction Z. The ink container 100B is housed in the adapter 100A and in this state is installed in the receptacle 4.

The opening 101AH of the adapter 100A is designed to face the ink supply needle 6 when the adapter 100A is installed in the receptacle 4. This means that, with the adapter 100A installed in the receptacle 4, the ink supply needle 6 projects into opening 101AH. In this case, the tip of the ink supply needle 6 can be made to pass always fully transverse through the opening 101AH by installing the adapter 100A in the receptacle 4. Alternatively, with the adapter 100A installed in the receptacle 4, the tip of the ink supply needle 6 can be positioned in front of the opening 101AH. In either case, the ink supply needle 6 is inserted into the ink supply port 110 which projects towards the + Z direction from the opening 101AH.

In the present embodiment, sensor 104 (FIG. 3) is dispensed with, and instead a capacitor that is provided to the circuit board is connected to sensor terminals 210, 250. By the same procedure as in FIG. 14, the cartridge detection circuit 503a, using the capacitor, detects whether the adapter 100A is installed.

ES 2 531 908 T3

In the present embodiment, as with the ink cartridges 100 discussed above, the ink container 100B may undergo a rocking motion around the ink supply port 110. In this case, the adapter 100A similarly contacts the ink container. ink 100B and experiences a rocking motion around the ink supply port 110. Consequently, also in the SI ink supply system of the present embodiment, various problems similar to those found with the ink cartridges 100 discussed above may arise. Consequently, in the present embodiment, the characteristics of the adapter 100A are the same as those of the ink cartridges 100 discussed above (except that the ink chamber 120B and the ink supply port 110 are dispensed with). That is, the adapter 100A has the same characteristics as the ink cartridges 100 discussed above (eg, Features 1 to 7). As a result, the SI ink supply system of the present embodiment offers several advantages comparable to the ink cartridges 100 discussed above.

When installed in the receptacle 4, the position of the adapter 100A is determined (restricted) by the ink container 100B. Specifically, the adapter 100A can be said to be supported by the ink container 100B. Once installed in receptacle 4, there is no need to replace the 100A adapter. If the ink in the ink container runs out, the ink container can be replaced by removing the empty ink container 100B without detaching the adapter 100A, and installing a new ink container filled with ink.

In connection with the present embodiment, Features 1 to 7 set forth above are modified as follows. Specifically, the positional relationships between the terminals (contact parts) and the center axis (center line CL) of the ink supply needle 6 are adopted with the adapter 100A which has been installed without position gaps (correctly) in the printer. 1000 instead of the positional relationships between the terminals (contact parts) on the circuit board 200 and the center axis (center line CL) of the ink supply port 110. The fact that the first line L1 is located near the opening 101AH means that, with the adapter 100A and the ink container 100B that has been installed in the printer 1000, the first line L1 is placed near the opening 110op of the supply port. ink 110. In the present embodiment, it can also be said that with the adapter 100A being installed correctly (without position gaps) in the printer 1000, the line of the plurality of lines (lines of contact parts) that is closest to the needle ink supply 6 is the first line L1.

D. Embodiment 3:

The figs. 25 and 26 are perspective views showing a third embodiment of the ink supply system (recording material supply system). The main difference from the embodiment depicted in figs. 22 and 23 is that the X direction wall (the wall perpendicular to the X direction) of the adapter 100Aa (frame body 100Aa) is eliminated. The main unit 101Aa of the adapter 100Aa has a front wall 101Aawf, a base wall 101Aawb, and a rear wall 101Aawbk. The other characteristics of the ink supply system Sla are similar to the characteristics of the ink supply system SI shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. In figs. 25 and 26, items that are identical to items in the SI ink supply system (Fig. 22,23) are assigned like symbols. Circuit board 200 is secured to front wall 101Aawf.

On the inner face of the front wall 101Aawf (the face facing the ink container 100Ba) of the adapter 100Aa there is provided a first rail RL1 which extends parallel to the installation direction Z. On the front wall 101Bawf of the ink container 100Ba a first groove G1 is formed which corresponds to the first rail RL1. On the inner face of the rear wall 101Aawbk (the face facing the ink container 100Ba) of the adapter 100Aa a second rail RL2 is arranged which extends parallel to the installation direction Z. On the rear wall 101Bawbk of the ink container 100Ba a second groove G2 is formed which corresponds to the second rail RL2. The ink container 100Ba is installed on the adapter 100Aa by sliding the first rail RL1 into the first groove G1 and sliding the second rail RL2 into the second groove G2. In this state, the ink supply port 110 of the ink container 100Ba passes through the opening 101AaH of the base wall 101Aawb of the adapter 100Aa so that it protrudes from the adapter 100Aa (not shown).

The ink supply system Sla is installed in the receptacle 4 in the same way as the ink supply system SI shown in fig. 24. Similarly, in the present embodiment, the adapter 100Aa may contact the ink container 100Ba and undergo a rocking motion around the ink supply port 110. Accordingly, also in the Sla ink supply system of the present embodiment, various problems similar to those found in the above-discussed embodiments may arise. On the other hand, the Sla ink supply system of the present embodiment has characteristics (eg, Features 1 to 7) comparable to the above-discussed SI ink supply system. As a result, the Sla ink supply system of the present embodiment offers several advantages comparable to the SI ink supply system discussed above.

E. Embodiment 4:

Fig. 27 is an illustration showing a fourth embodiment of the ink supply system (recording material supply system). A difference from the Sla ink supply system of FIGS. 25

ES 2 531 908 T3 and 26 is that the rear wall 101Bawbk is eliminated. The other features of the ink supply system SIb are identical to the features of the ink supply system Sla of FIGS. 25 and 26. FIG. 27 represents a cross-sectional view comparable to FIG. 24. The main unit 101Ab of the adapter 100Ab (frame body 100Ab) has a front wall 101Aawf and a base wall 101Aawb. The adapter 100Ab may contact the ink container 100Ba and undergo a rocking motion around the ink supply port 110. This ink supply system SIb has characteristics (eg, Features 1 to 7) comparable to those of the SI ink supply system discussed above. As a result, the SIb ink supply system of the present embodiment offers several advantages comparable to the previous SI ink supply system.

F. Embodiment 5:

Fig. 28 is an illustration showing a fifth embodiment of the ink supply system (recording material supply system). A difference from the ink supply system SIb shown in FIG. 27 is that the base wall 101Aawb is eliminated. The other characteristics of the ink supply system SIc are identical to the characteristics of the ink supply system SIb. Fig. 28 represents a cross-sectional view comparable to FIG. 27.The main unit 101Ac of the adapter 100Ac (frame body 100Ac) has a front wall 101Aawf. Adapter 100Ac may contact ink container 100Ba and rocking around ink supply port 110. This SIc ink supply system has characteristics (eg, Features 1 to 7) comparable to those of the SI ink supply system discussed above. As a result, the SIc ink supply system of the present embodiment offers several advantages comparable to the previous SI ink supply system. In the present embodiment, the adapter 100Ac is installed in the ink container 100Ba for service. Any number of structures can be adopted as a configuration to implement this installation. For example, the ink container 100Ba could be provided with projections and the adapter 100Ac could be provided with recesses so that the adapter 100Ac can be installed in the ink container 100Ba by inserting the projections into the recesses.

G. Embodiment 6:

Fig. 29 is an illustration showing a sixth embodiment of the ink supply system (recording material supply system). A difference from the ink supply system SIc shown in fig. 28 is that in the memory device 203 it is provided to the ink container and not to the circuit board; and conductive pathways are provided to connect the memory device 203 and the terminals provided on the circuit board. The other characteristics of the ink supply system SId are identical to the characteristics of the ink supply system SIc. Fig. 29 represents a cross-sectional view comparable to FIG. 28, and an enlarged view of the area surrounding the circuit board 200d, The main unit 101Ad of the adapter 100Ad (frame body 100Ad) has a front wall 101Adwf. Circuit board 200d is secured to front wall 101Adwf. Memory device 203 is secured to ink container 100Bd. In fig. 29, to elements that are identical to elements in the ink supply system SIc of FIG. 28 are assigned like symbols.

The circuit board 200d has a board 205, and a plurality of terminals that are formed on the board 205. The plurality of terminals are the same as the terminals 210 to 270 shown in FIG. 10C. In the drawing, power terminal 220 and reset terminal 260 are shown as representative. A conductive path E2c is connected to power terminal 220. Conductive path E2c passes through plate 205 and front wall 101Adwf of adapter 100Ad. Conductive path E2c extends in the + Y direction from supply terminal 22 0 and leads to terminal E2a. The terminal E2a extends exposed on the inner surface of the front wall 101Adwf (the face that faces the ink container 100Bd). A conductive path E6c of similar design is in turn connected to the reset terminal 260. Similar conductive paths (not shown) are in turn connected to the other terminals (terminals 230,240,270) for the memory device 203. The structures of the front wall 101Adwf are the same as the structures of the front wall 101Aawf of FIG. 28, except that holes are formed to allow passage of conductive paths E2c, E6c.

A plate 203s is secured to the front wall 101Bdwf of the ink container 100Bd. The memory device 203 is secured to the rear face of the plate 203s (the face that faces the front wall 101Bdwf). On the face facing the opposite side of the plate 203s (the face facing the adapter 100Ad) a plurality of terminals are provided. In fig. 29, two terminals E2b, E6b are shown as representative. The plurality of terminals that are provided to the board 203s are respectively connected to the plurality of blocks (fig. 3: Pvdd to Pvss) of the memory device 203. The power supply block Pvdd is connected to the terminal E2b, and the reset block Prst is connected to terminal E6b. Terminal E2b is positioned opposite terminal E2a. Terminal E6b is positioned opposite terminal E6a.

With the ink supply system SId that has been properly installed in the receptacle 4 in a condition where the adapter 100Ad is installed in (or comes into contact with) the ink container 100Bd in the correct position, the terminal E6a enters contacts terminal E6b and terminal E2a contacts terminal

ES 2 531 908 T3

E2b. The Prst reset block is thereby connected to the reset terminal 260, and the Pvdd power block is connected to the power terminal 220. The other combinations of memory device blocks 203 and board terminals 205, which are omitted in the drawing, they are similarly connected. As a result, the printer 1000 has the ability to access the memory device 203 via the terminals on the board 205.

The ink supply system SId of the present embodiment has several features (eg, Features 1 to 7) comparable to those of the ink supply system SIc shown in FIG. 28. As a result, the SId ink supply system offers several advantages comparable to those of the SIc ink supply system.

The feature of the present embodiment (that is, that the memory device 203 is secured to the ink container 100Bd instead of the circuit board 200d) is not limited to the ink supply system SIc shown in FIG. 28 and can be implemented analogously in the respective ink supply systems SI, Sla, Sib shown in Figs. 22a 27.

In general, various configurations provided with a plate and with a plurality of terminals arranged on the plate can be employed by means of the configuration of the circuit board provided with the terminals for contacting the contact members 410 to 4 70 of printer 1000 (fig. 11). In this case, the terminals include terminals for electrical connection to the memory device 203.

H. Embodiment 7:

Fig. 30 is an illustration showing a 1000K printer in a seventh embodiment. A difference from the printer 1000 shown in FIG. 1 is that the 4K receptacles that are adapted to receive the 100K ink cartridges are secured to the 1000K printer housing and not to the carriage that includes the print head (not shown). The 4K receptacles and the printhead are connected by tubes, not shown. The ink in each 100K ink cartridge is supplied to the print head through the tube.

Fig. 31 is a perspective view of a 100K ink cartridge. The ink cartridge 100K includes a case 101K, a circuit board 200, and an ink supply port 110K. The 101K box includes a 101Kwf front wall and a 101Kwb base wall. The front wall 101Kwf intersects (in the present embodiment, at a substantially right angle) with the base wall 101Kwb. Inside the box 101K is housed an ink container 101P.

Circuit board 200 is identical to circuit board 200 in each of the preceding embodiments. The circuit board 200 is secured to the front wall 101Kwf of the box 101K. In the front wall 101Kwf, the contours of the sections that secure the circuit board 200 (for example, the projections P1, P2) are identical to those of the front wall 101wf in a previous embodiment (Fig. 6A).

The characteristics of the ink supply port 110K are the same as the characteristics of the ink supply port 110 in each of the preceding embodiments. The ink supply port 110K is provided in the base wall 101Kwb of the box 101K. The ink supply port 110K communicates with the ink container 101P.

In addition, positioning holes127,128 and a pressurization hole 17 are formed in the base wall 101Kwb. Pressure can be applied to the ink container 101P by supplying air through the pressurization hole 17. This pressurization is carried out in order to drive the ink supply.

Fig. 32 is a perspective view of the 4K receptacles. In the present embodiment, a receptacle4 is provided for each 100K ink cartridge. Each 4K receptacle includes a movable support part 102K, a contact mechanism 400K, an ink supply needle 6K, projecting projection parts 103Ka, 103Kb, and a rotary lever 108K. The movable support part 102K is adapted to support the ink cartridge 100K through contact with the base wall 101Kwb (fig. 31) of the 100K ink cartridge. The projecting projection parts 103Ka, 103Kb are secured to the movable support part 102K. The projecting projection portions 103Ka, 103Kb protrude towards the -Z direction and enter the positioning holes 127,128 of the ink cartridge 100K respectively. The contact mechanism 400K is secured to the movable support part 102K in the direct direction (-Y direction). The characteristics of this contact mechanism 400K are the same as the characteristics of the contact mechanism 400 discussed above (fig. 11). Although not illustrated in the drawing, a circuit comparable to the carriage circuit 500 (FIG. 3) is connected to each of the contact mechanisms 400.

In the present embodiment, the ink cartridge 100K is installed in the receptacle 4K by moving the ink cartridge 100K in the installation direction Z. In this case, pushing the ink cartridge 100K against the movable support portion 102K causes that the movable support part 102K moves in the + Z direction. The second 4K receptacle (4Ka) in fig. 32 is shown in its condition prior to installation of the 100K ink cartridge. The third 4K receptacle (4Kb) is depicted in this condition with the 100K ink cartridge installed (the illustration omitting the 100K ink cartridge per se). In the present specification, the position of the part of

ES 2 531 908 T3 mobile support 102K shown by receptacle 4Kb will also be referred to as installed position. Through the movement of the movable support part 102K in the + Z direction, the ink supply needle 6K appears in the -Z direction of the movable support part 102K. The ink supply needle 6K is then inserted into the ink supply port 110K (Fig. 31) of the ink cartridge 100K.

During the installation of the ink cartridge 100K, the ink cartridge 100K (the movable support portion 102K) is initially pushed to a position further away from the installed position (a position shifted towards the + Z direction). In doing so, a pin 112K that is provided on the tip of the rotary lever 108K engages a mating portion (not shown) of the ink cartridge 100K. Then the ink cartridge 100K (the movable support portion 102K) is clamped in the installed position. If the cartridge 100K (the movable support portion 102K) is again pushed further away from the installed position, the pin 112K disengages. The 100K ink cartridge is then removed from the 4K receptacle. As features of the rotary lever 108K and the engaging portion, any of a number of known features can be employed.

The ink cartridge 100K of the present embodiment, like the ink cartridge 100 of Embodiment 1, may undergo a rocking motion around the ink supply port 110K. Accordingly, various problems similar to those encountered with the ink cartridges 100 of Embodiment 1 may also arise in the present embodiment. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the ink cartridge 100K is provided with a circuit board 200 and an ink supply port 110K similar to those of the ink cartridge 100 described above. The characteristics of the circuit board 200 and the ink supply port 110K are respectively the same as the characteristics of the circuit board 200 and the ink supply port 110 of Embodiment 1. The first line L1 (fig. 10C) of the circuit board 200 is closer to the opening of the ink supply port 110K compared to the other line. That is, the ink cartridge 100K has the same characteristics as the ink cartridge 100 of Embodiment 1 (eg, Features 1 to 7). As a result, the ink cartridge 100K of the present embodiment offers several advantages comparable to the ink cartridge 100 of Embodiment 1.

I. Modified embodiments of the circuit board:

Fig. 33 is an illustration showing another embodiment of the circuit board. The difference from the circuit board 200 shown in FIG. 10C is that the seven terminals 210G to 270G are arranged to form a single line extending in the X direction. Compared to the terminals 210 to 270 of the Embodiment, the terminals 210G to 270G are formed with an elongated generally rectangular shape at the bottom. direction Z. The placement of the contact portions 210Gc to 270Gc of the terminals 210G to 270G is identical to the placement of the contact portions 210ca 270c of Embodiment 1. Consequently, the various advantages mentioned above can be achieved even when the terminals 210G to 270G of this circuit board 200G are used instead of the terminals 210 to 270 of the circuit boards 200, 200d in the preceding embodiments.

Fig. 34 is an illustration depicting another embodiment of the circuit board. The difference from the circuit board 200 shown in FIG. 10C is that terminals 210H to 270H are irregular in shape. Also in this embodiment, the placement of the contact portions 210Hc to 270Hc of the terminals 210H to 270H is identical to the placement of the contact portions 210c to 270c of Embodiment 1. Accordingly, the various advantages mentioned above can be achieved even when the terminals 210H to 270H of this circuit board 200H are used instead of the terminals 210 to 270 of the circuit boards 200,200d in the preceding embodiments.

Fig. 35 is an illustration depicting another embodiment of the circuit board. The difference from the circuit board 200 shown in FIG. 10C is that terminals 210J to 270J are irregular in shape. Furthermore, this circuit board 200J differs from circuit boards 200,200G discussed above in that the shapes of the terminals 210J to 270J are determined such that the plurality of terminals overlap when viewed along the installation direction Z ( -Z to + Z). Also in this embodiment, the placement of the contact portions 210Jc to 270Jc of the terminals 210J to 270J is identical to the placement of the contact portions 210ca 270c of Embodiment 1. Consequently, the various advantages mentioned above can be achieved even when they employ terminals 210J to 270J of this circuit board 200J instead of terminals 210a 270 of circuit boards 200,200d in the preceding embodiments.

Fig. 36 is an illustration depicting another embodiment of the circuit board. Five terminals 210K to 250K include linearly shaped conductive sections extending in the Z-direction, in addition to conductive sections identical to terminals 210 to 250 of FIG. 10C. Two terminals 260K, 270K include conductive sections in a linear fashion extending in the + Z direction, in addition to conductive sections identical to terminals 260 and 270 of FIG. 10C. Also in this embodiment, the placement of the contact portions 210Kc to 270Kc of the terminals 210K to 270K is identical to the placement of the contact portions 210c to 270c of Embodiment 1.

Consequently, the various advantages mentioned above can be achieved even when the terminals 210K to 270K of this circuit board 200K are used instead of the terminals 210 to 270 of the circuit boards.

ES 2 531 908 T3 circuits 200,200d in the preceding embodiments.

J. Modified realizations:

Of the constituent elements set forth in the preceding embodiments, elements other than those expressly claimed in the independent claims are additional elements that may be dispensed with as appropriate. The invention is not limited to the embodiments expressed in particular in the foregoing description, and although they are within the scope and spirit thereof, they may be reduced in practice to various other ways, such as, for example, the following modifications.

Modified embodiment 1:

The contact portion 220c of the power terminal 220 in the embodiment shown in FIG. it may be located in a position that overlaps with the center line CL. In addition, the circuit board 200 as a whole may be positioned so that it does not overlap with the center line CL. Some of the contact parts may be positioned to overlap with other contact parts when viewed along the Z installation direction (-Z to + Z).

In any case, it is preferable that the contact part of the power terminal is located on the front line (the first line L1). This reduces the probability of faulty connection of the power terminal, thereby reducing the probability of problems arising when using an electrical connection that is based on a terminal.

Modified embodiment 2:

It is possible to employ several different devices such as the devices mounted on the 100,100K ink cartridges and the 100A, 100Aa, 100Ab, 100Ac, 100Ad adapters in the embodiments described above. For example, sensor 104 could be one designed to apply voltage to the ink within an ink cartridge 100 and measure resistance. The properties of the ink and the ink level can be detected from the resistance value. Furthermore, the devices used to detect the installation of the 100,100K ink cartridges and the 100A, 100Aa, 100Ab, 100Ac, 100Ad adapters are not limited to piezoelectric elements, and various other devices could be employed. For example, capacitors could be used instead of piezoelectric elements. A conductive path could also be used to connect (short circuit) two terminals. When a conductive path is used, the installation can be detected by checking the electrical continuity between the two terminals. On the other hand, a device could be provided for use in detecting the facility separately from the sensor to detect the remaining ink level (in this case, additional terminals would be provided for the additional device). In the foregoing embodiments, the sensor to detect the remaining ink level can be omitted.

The configurations of the memory device 203 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 15, and various other configurations may be adopted. For example, when the memory device 203 includes a parasitic diode, it is possible to omit the protective diode, which constitutes an equivalent circuit of the parasitic diode. As memory device 203 a serial memory adapted to receive memory commands and addresses on a data signal line from an external device (for example, the control section (the main control circuit 40 and the carriage circuit 500 in its entirety) of the printer 1000 of Fig. 3), instead of generating memory addresses based on the clock signal. Alternatively, instead of having a plurality of memory devices connected to the printer control section via a bus-type connection, a plurality of memory devices could be individually connected to the printer control section. In this case, instead of the reset signal, the control section of the printer can transmit a chip selection signal to a memory device intended for its access, in order to control the reset state and the operating state. through the level of this chip select signal. Operations of this type of memory (for example, internal memory counter and register values) are reset according to changes in the chip select signal. Consequently, the chip select signal is equivalent to a reset signal. Furthermore, the reset block of the memory devices of the preceding embodiments could be omitted, and the operations that in the memory devices of the preceding embodiments are executed by the memory device through changes in the level of the reset signal. they can be run instead based on changes in the level of the power supply potential supplied to the power pack. In this case, the memory device assumes an operational state in response to the supply of the power supply potential, and the memory device is reset when the power supply potential is interrupted. On the other hand, it is possible to employ various devices, not limited to memory devices 203, to send and / or receive data signals. For example, a memory that does not allow updating of data (eg ROM) can be used. Said memory can also store information representative of the types of ink. An on-board memory having a CPU and a memory can also be used. This enables flexible control according to the data processing algorithm by the CPU. In any event, it is possible to employ as devices herein any of several devices that are adapted to act in response to the potential of the power source received from a recording consumable material device (e.g., printer 100 of Fig. 3). When using such a device that operates in response to the potential of the power supply, serious problems (eg malfunction) may arise if the power supply is interrupted. Thus, it is preferable that the contact part receiving the power source potential is located on the front line.

ES 2 531 908 T3

Any of a number of placement schemes can be employed for placement of the devices. For example, the memory device 203 (Fig. 3) can be directly secured to another member than the board (for example, the box 101 of Fig. 6, the main unit 101A of Fig. 22 or the box 101K of Fig. 31).

Regarding the total number of terminals, an arbitrary number can be selected according to the devices to be used. The plurality of contact parts can be arranged to form three or more straight lines. Lines other than the leading line may include a line or lines that have a total number of contact parts greater than that of the leading line. In any case, when the plurality of contact parts is distributed over several lines, the distance between the center line CL and the contact parts can be short, as shown in fig. 21. Consequently, the position gaps of the contact parts are reduced.

Modified embodiment 3:

The characteristics of the ink supply system in the preceding embodiments are not limited to the characteristics depicted in FIGS. 6 to 9, figs. to 23, figs. 25 to 26 and figs. 27, 28, 29 and 31, and various other features can be adopted. For example, a single ink cartridge could be provided with multiple ink containers (assemblies consisting of an ink chamber and an ink supply port).

At least part of the plurality of terminals can be formed directly on a component other than the board (eg front wall 101wf of Fig. 6, front wall 101Awf of Fig. 22 or front wall 101Kwf of Fig. 31). On the other hand, the characteristic of arranging the terminals on the front wall is not limited to cases where the terminals are formed directly on the front wall, and may also refer to cases where the terminals are formed on a plate that is installed in the front wall.

In addition, several different features may be employed as a feature whereby a circuit board for electrical connection to a recording consumable device (eg, the printer 1000 of FIG. 3) is installed in (connected to) the device. of recording consumable material. For example, the circuit board can be secured to the ink cartridge as in the embodiments shown in FIG. 6a or fig. 31. Alternatively, the circuit board can be secured to a structural body (adapter) as in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 22 to 29. In this case, several different features can be employed as features of the structural body (adapter). For example, a feature may be employed that allows independent installation in the recording consumable device as in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 22 to 27. Or, as in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 28 and 29, with a structural body that has been secured to a recording material container (for example, the ink container 100Ba of FIG. 28), the structural body, together with the attached recording material container, can be installed in the recording consumable material device. In any case, when the position of the structural body is determined (restricted) by the recording material container, that is, when the movement of the recording material container causes the structural body to move as well, the structural body can be supported through the recording material container.

Modified embodiment 4:

The total number of ink cartridges that can be used simultaneously by the printer is not limited to six, and another number could be used (for example, one, four, or eight). Regarding the types of ink that can be used, several different types can be used. For example, a gray ink that is lighter than black ink could be used. Colored inks (eg red ink or blue ink) could also be used. Inks that do not contain coloring material can also be used (for example, a colorless transparent ink that contains a component to protect the ink dots).

The recording material in the foregoing embodiments is not limited to ink, and other recording materials could be used. For example, toner could be used. On the other hand, the recording material consuming device is not limited to a printer, and various other recording material consuming devices could be employed.

Modified embodiment 5:

Some of the structures that are implemented by means of hardware in the preceding embodiments could be replaced by software, and conversely part or all of the structures that are implemented by means of software in the preceding embodiments could themselves be replaced by hardware. For example, the functions of the remaining ink level detection module M20 of FIG. 3 could be realized by a hardware circuit that had a logic circuit.

Furthermore, when part or all of the functions of the inventions are implemented by means of software, the software (computer program) may be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium. In the present invention, computer-readable recording medium is not limited to portable recording media such as floppy disks and CD-ROMs, but also includes internal storage computing devices such as various types of RAM and ROM, as well as storage devices. external storage such as a hard drive associated with a computer.

ES 2 531 908 T3

[Reference characters]

1 ... transmission belt

2 ... Cart engine

3.. . car

4.. . receptacle

4K. Receptacle

4e ... docking projection

4Kb ... receptacle

4wb ... base wall

4wf ... front wall

5.. . print head

6 ... ink supply needle

6K ... ink supply needle

10 ... .roller

... pressurization port

37 ... flexible cable

40 ... main control circuit

100, 100K ... ink cartridge

IOOA, 100Aa, 100Ab, 100Ac, 100Ad ... adapter

IOOB, 100Ba, 100Bd ... ink container

101Kwb ... base wall

101Bwb ... base wall

101ASop ... aperture

101Awb ... base wall

101Kwf ... front wall

101Awf ... front wall

101 ... box

IOIA. .. box

IOIB. .. box

101K ... box

101P ... ink bottle

101e ... docking projection

101AH ... aperture

101AS ... space

101wb ... base wall

101wf ... front wall

102K ... movable support part

103Ka ... overhang projection part

104 ... sensor

108K ... rotary lever

110 ... ink supply port

110K ... ink supply port

110f ... film

110op .. aperture

112 ... hermetic sealing member

112K ... pin

120 ... ink chamber

120B ... ink chamber

127 ... placement hole

130 ... ink container

200, 200G, 200H, 200J, 200K ... circuit board

203 ... memory stick

205 ... license plate

210 ~ 270,210G ~ 270G, 210H ~ 270H, 210J-2170J,

210K ~ 270K ... terminal

210b ... terminal

210c ~ 270c, 210Gc ~ 270Gc, 210Hc ~ 270Hc, 210Jc ~ 270Jc,

210Kc ~ 270Kc ... contact part

400 ... contact mechanism

400K ... contact mechanism

400b ... support member

401 ... first slot

402 ... second slot

402a ... second slot

402b ... second slot

410 ~ 470 ... contact member

ES 2 531 908 T3

410c ~ 470c ... contact part

500 ... car circuit

501 ... memory control circuit

502 ... sensor drive circuit

503a ... cartridge detection circuit

503b ... remaining ink level detection circuit 510 - 570 ... terminal

1000 ... printer

1000K. ..printer

P ... printer paper

P1 ... projection

P2 ... projection

H1 ... orifice

H2 ... notch

D1 ~ D6 ... protection diode

LE ... lower edge

51 ... ink supply system

BS ... rear side

FS ... front side

M10 ... cartridge detection module

M20 ... remaining ink level detection module

M30 ... memory control module