MXPA00000618A - Ink-jet recorder and ink cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

An ink supply needle (6) is provided on one side of the path where a carriage (4) reciprocatingly moves. A circuit board (31) is attached to the wall near the side where an ink supply orifice (44) of an ink cartridge (40) is provided. Contacts for connection to external control means are formed on the exposed surface of the circuit board (31). Therefore, even if a clearance is present between the carriage (4) and the cartridge (40), the movement path is restricted by the ink supply needle (6) and the ink supply orifice (44), and the contacts are connected to external control means in a prescribed order. As a result, the data in semiconductor storage means is prevented from being deleted because of application of signals in a wrong careless order.

Description

INJECTION IMPRESSOR PRINTER OF INK AND INK CARTRIDGE FOR THE SAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 5 Field of the invention: The present invention relates to a printing apparatus to which the ink is supplied from a replaceable ink cartridge for printing on a recording medium, ejecting a drop of ink from the ink apertures of the ink. the nozzle and an ink cartridge suitable for the device previous printer. • Conventional technique: An ink jet printing apparatus is known which is provided with a print head for supplying a signal of conduction to a piezoelectric vibrator or heating means to print data, pressurize ink by energy generated by the piezoelectric vibrator or heating means, and from there eject ink droplets from the openings of the nozzle, and an ink cartridge housing ink to supply ink to the previous printhead. Since the print quality depends on the resolution of the print head and depends greatly on the viscosity of the ink, the degree of bleeding in a recording medium or the like, the characteristics of the ink have improved to enhance print quality. Even if the same ink is used, a method of driving a printhead suitable for the characteristics of the ink is improved to intensify the print quality. Additionally, a maintenance condition, such as, the ejection-without-medium cycle or forced ejection in a capped state is improved to prevent the nozzle openings from becoming clogged. As described above, the printing quality of a printing apparatus can be enhanced when the ink characteristics and the driving method for a print head work together, not only because of the characteristics of the ink. Although a result of such technical development can be applied to a newly manufactured ink jet printer, the application to a printer already shipped from a manufactured one would be practically impossible when taking into account the cost, labor and others. This is because the printing apparatus has to be taken to the manufacturer and the storage media in which the control data is recorded must be exchanged. To cope with such a problem, as described in Japanese patent publication no. 259491 2, for example, a printing apparatus has been proposed in which the semiconductor storage medium and an electrode connecting to the storage medium are arranged in an ink cartridge, a group of electrodes is also disposed in the body of the printing apparatus , the data stored in the semiconductor storage medium is read, and the registration operation is controlled according to the data. However, there is a problem that the contact with the semiconductor storage medium fails due to the rough operation for joining or separating an ink cartridge by a user or set between a carriage and an ink cartridge, the reading of the data is disabled due to electrification or the application of a signal at an inappropriate time and, in the worst case, the data is lost and the registration operation is disabled. • The present invention is made in view of such a problem and an object of this is to provide an ink jet printing apparatus, wherein the data stored in the semiconductor storage medium can be prevented from being lost, independently of the unsuitable operation for joining or separate an ink cartridge. Another object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge • suitable for the previous printing device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIAMETERS Fig. 1 shows a mode of a printing apparatus according to the present invention, mainly in relation to its registration mechanism, and FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of the assembly showing a mode of a carriage in the previous printing apparatus. Fig. 3 shows a carriage mode in the previous printing apparatus in a state, in which an ink cartridge is installed, Fig. 4 is a top view showing a carriage mode in the previous printing apparatus in a state, in which an ink cartridge is installed, and Figs. 5 (a) and 5 (b) show a modality of a prior carriage contact mechanism. Figs. 6 (a) and 6 (b) show a modality of an ink cartridge suitable for the above printing apparatus, Figs. 7 (a) to 7 (c) show one embodiment of a circuit board mounted on the ink cartridge, in relation to its surface structure and back and the size of an electrode, and Figs. 7 (d) and 7 (e) show a contact state with a contact, Figs. 8 and 9 show a process in which the ink cartridge is installed, Fig. 10 shows the amount of movement of primarily an ink supply port, where an ink supply needle of the ink cartridge is inserted, and Figs. 1 1 (a) to 1 1 (c) show a process of contact between the circuit board of the ink cartridge and a contact of a support. Figs. 1 2 (a), 1 2 (b) to Figs. 14 (a) and 14 (b) are respectively sectional views and top views showing another embodiment of the present invention in a state in which the ink cartridge is installed, and FIG. 1 5 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the present invention in a state, in which the ink cartridge is installed. Fig. 1 5 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the head holder and the ink cartridge respectively in the previous printing apparatus, Figs. 17 (a) and 1 7 (b) are, respectively, a planar and side view showing one embodiment of the contact provided to the support of the previous head, and Figs. 1 8 (a) to 1 8 (c) are respectively a front view, a side view and a rear view showing a contact board mounted on the previous ink cartridge. Fig. 1 9 is a sectional view showing the first line in a process for inserting the ink cartridge, and FIG. 20 (a) is a plan showing the other embodiment of the contact mounted on the previous ink cartridge, and FIG. 20 (b) shows a state in which the ink adheres. Fig. 21 is a sectional view showing the other modality of the support of the head and the ink cartridge respectively in the printing apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 22 is a sectional view showing the first line in the process for inserting the ink cartridge into the previous printing apparatus. Figs. 23 (a) to 23 (d) are, respectively, flat views and showing the other embodiment of the present invention in relation to the arrangement of the contacts, and Figs. 24 (a) and 24 (b) are, respectively, sectional views showing another embodiment of the circuit board assembly in the ink cartridge and a top view showing the structure of the mounting plate. 15 Fig. 25 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the circuit board assembly in the ink cartridge. Fig. 26 (a) and 26 (b) show the other embodiment of the circuit board assembly. • BEST MODE FOR COVERING THIS INVENTION Fig. 1 shows one embodiment of an ink jet printing apparatus according to the present invention, with respect to a printing mechanism. A support 4 for installing a black ink cartridge 40 housing black ink described below and a cartridge color ink 50 accommodating color ink, is disposed on an upper surface of a carriage 3 which is connected to a driving motor 2 via a distribution band 1. A print head 5, to which ink is supplied from each ink cartridge, is provided on the bottom surface of the carriage 3. FIG. 2 shows a carriage mode in a state in which the carriage is disassembled in a part of the carriage. head and a part of the head and Fig. 3 is a structural view in section, sectioned in an ink supply port 44 of the black ink cartridge 40. The ink supply needles 6 and 7, which communicate with the print head 5, penetrate vertically into the bottom of the cartridge 3, so that they are located on the back side of the device, that is, on the side of the distribution band 1. The levers 1 1 and 1 2 are mounted respectively on the upper end of a vertical wall 8 opposite in each proximity to the ink supply needles 6 and 7 outside the vertical wall forming the support 4, so that the levers are rotatable respectively along the arrows 9 and 10. A wall 1 3, located on the side of each free end of the levers 1 1 and 1 2, is composed of a vertical part 1 3 a near the bottom and an inclined part 1 3b, tilted outward in its upper area. The levers 1 1 and 1 2, respectively, extend from the proximity of the arrows 9 and 1 0 so that the projections 14 and 1 5 respectively, fit the projections 46 and 56 described later, at the upper end of the projections. ink cartridges 40 and 50, are approximately perpendicular to each body of the respective levers 1 1 and 1 2 and hook portions 1 8 and 1 9 elastically adjusted to hooks 16 and 17 formed in the inclined part 1 3b of the support 4 are formed respectively. The elastic members 20 and 21 to elastically press at least the area opposite the ink supply port 44 or 54 of each ink cartridge 40 or 50, as shown in Fig. 4, when the ink cartridge 40 is placed in a normal position, are provided on the back of each lever 1 1 or 1 2, that is, the face opposite the cover 43 of the ink cartridge 40. For these elastic members 20 and 21, material having the coefficient of friction of 0.5 or more for the respective covers 43 and 53 of the ink cartridges 40 and 50, for example, rubber, the hardness of which is 10 ° to 70 °, foamed material and a felt member, and in addition, gelled material. The windows 22 and 23, the upper portions of which are opened, are respectively formed in the vertical wall 8, located near the ink supply needle. In addition, the continuous waves 22c and 23c are respectively formed in the vertical walls 22a and 23a and in the lower parts 22b and 23b to respectively form each window, and the contact mechanisms 24 and 25 are respectively inserted into these waves 22c and 23c and fixed there. Since the contact mechanisms 24 and 25 are composed so as to have approximately the same structure, a contact mechanism 24 will be described below. As shown in Figs. 5 (a) and 5 (b), two types of slots 26 and 26 'different in depth, are formed approximately to a fixed degree, and contact forming members 29 and 29', provided with conductivity and elasticity, are adjusted at each slit 26 or 26 'of the body 28, provided with an elastically transformable ratchet 27 on both sides. These contact forming members 29 and 29 'are located, respectively, unevenly and fixed so that they are exposed on the surface and back sides of the body 28. The exposed areas 29a and 29'a of each of the faces of contact forming members 29 and 29 'respectively, elastically come into contact with the contact of a circuit board 30 by decomposing the contact mechanisms 24 and 25, as described above and by adjusting the circuit board 30 in front of a wall vertical 34 of a base 32, areas 29b and 29'b exposed from the other side respectively, enter elastically in contact with the contact of a circuit board 31 described subsequently of the ink cartridges 40 and 50, and conduction is achieved. Meanwhile, the printhead 5 is fixed to the bottom of the holder 4 via a horizontal part 33 of the base 32 composed together with the ink supply needles 6 and 7, so that the base is approximately type L. Respectively, the windows 35 and 36 are formed in the areas opposite the contact mechanisms 24 and 25 in the vertical wall 34 of the base 32 and the anterior circuit board 30 is supported on its front side. The circuit board 30 is connected to control means 38 via a flexible cable 37 shown in FIG. 1, supplies a driving signal for instructing the printing head 5 to inject a drop of ink and comes in contact with the circuit board 31 of the ink cartridges 40 and 50, respectively, via the contact mechanisms 24 and 25. Figs. 6 (a) and 6 (b) show one embodiment of the black ink cartridge 40 and the color ink cartridge 50, a porous member 42 impregnated with ink is housed respectively in the containers 41 and 51, formed so that they are substantially rectangular parallelepipeds and the respective upper faces are respectively sealed by the covers 43 and 53. The ink supply ports 44 and 54 are formed respectively in opposite positions to the ink supply needles 6 and 7 when the ink cartridges are respectively installed in the holder 4 in the lower part of the respective containers 41 and 51, and the projecting portions 46, 56 to conform to the respective projections 14 and 1 5 of the levers 1 1 and 1 2, are integrated with the upper ends respectively of the vertical walls 45 and 55 on the side of the ink supply ports. The protruding portion 46 of the black ink cartridge 40 is continuously formed from one end to the other end, the protruding portion 56 of the color ink cartridge 50, is formed individually, so that they are located on both sides and, In addition, triangular ribs 47 and 57 are formed respectively between each lower surface and wall 45 or 55. A reference numeral 59 denotes a concave portion to prevent incorrect insertion. The concave portions 48 and 58 are respectively formed in the vertical walls 45 and 55 on the side of the ink supply ports, • > so that the concave portions are respectively located in the center of the width of the ink cartridges 40 and 50, and the circuit boards 31 are respectively installed in the previous concave portions. The contacts 60 in plural rows in one direction, in which the cartridge is inserted, in two rows in this mode, are formed in a position respectively opposite to the contact forming members 29 and 29 'of the previous contact mechanism 24 in the side of the surface when the circuit board is attached to the ink cartridge of the circuit board 31, as shown in Fig. 7 (a). A semiconductor storage means 61 can be mounted on the back surface of the circuit board 31, so that the semiconductor storage means is connected to these contacts 60 and, if necessary, molded by ink-resistant material and maintained without expose. The semiconductor storage means 61 can store data of the amount of ink accommodated in the ink cartridge 40 or 50, to which the semiconductor storage medium, the date of manufacture of the ink, its marking and the like are provided. If required, the semiconductor storage means 61 stores data such as a maintenance status transmitted from the body of the printing apparatus. A reference number 60 'denotes an electrode used for verification during its manufacturing process. Out of the electrodes formed on the circuit board 31, for a small electrode 60-1 shown in FIG. 7 (c), the height H 1 can be 1 .8 mm and the width Wq 1 mm, for a large electrode 60-2, the height H2 can be 1.8 mm and the width W2 is 3 mm. Particularly, contact with the contact forming members 29 can be ensured by forming a small electrode 60-1 in a rectangle, in which the length in the inserted direction of the ink cartridge 40 or 50 is longer than that in the other direction , minimizing the width W1 of the electrode even if there is a lift? h between the ink cartridge 40 or 50 and the holder 4, as shown in FIG. 1 1 (c). In the circuit board 31 in which the semiconductor storage means 61 is assembled as described above, at least one through hole 31 a and a concave portion 31 b are formed, and projections 45 a, 45 b, 55 a and 55 b for placed together with the through hole 31 a and the concave portion 31 b and the projections 45 c, 45 d, 55 c and 55 d, which are elastically in contact with the side of the circuit board 31, such as a rib and a ratchet are respectively formed near the ink supply ports 44 and 45 in a direction in which the cartridge is inserted, in the vertical direction of the circuit board 31 on the vertical walls 45 and 55, which are respectively the mounting faces of the ink cartridges 40 and 50. Thus, the circuit board can be easily installed, respectively adjusting the ribs 45c , 45d, 55c and 55d when pressing the semiconductor storage means 61 on the respective walls 45 and 55 of the cartridges 40 and 50, regulating the position of the semiconductor storage medium according to the projection. Hereby, the cartridge does not need to be unnecessarily thickened to form a hole for a screw, the filling of ink is enabled in sufficient quantity, it is not necessary to secure with screws, in which work there is relatively some problem, but the hot stamping where work is easy and a manufacturing process can be simplified. In this fashion, when the cartridge 40 is installed with the lever 1 1 raised to an approximately vertical position, the projection 46 formed on the side of the ink supply port is caught by the projection 14 of the lever 1 1, the side of the another end is supported by the inclined part 1 3b of the holder 4 and is held in a state in which the side of the ink supply port is lifted as shown in Fig. 8. In the previous installation, if the cartridge of ink 40 reaches the lime against the body of the printing apparatus, the circuit board 31 is protected by the projecting portion 46 at the top, since the circuit board 31 is also housed in the concave portion 48, no shock it operates directly on the circuit board 31 and the damage is prevented. When the lever 1 1 closes in this state, the projection 14 is turned down, the ink cartridge 40 is lowered, maintaining approximately the posture when installed and the ink supply port 44 comes into contact with the tip end of the ink supply needle 6, as shown in Fig. 9. As a part on the ink supply port 44 of the cartridge 40 is pressed by the elastic member 20, when the lever 1 1 is further turned in this state, the ink supply port 44 is pressed on the supply needle of ink 6 by means of an amped pressure, based on the ratio of the length of the lever 1 1 and the distance between the arrow 9 and the elastic member 20. When the lever 1 1 is pushed to the end, it is fixed by the hook 16 with the lever 1 1 always elastically pressing the cover 43 of the ink cartridge 40 on the side of the ink supply needle via the elastic member 20, as shown in Fig. 3. Hereby, the ink cartridge 40 it is elastically pressed under a fixed pressure with the ink supply port 44 fitted to the ink supply needle 6 and a state in which the ink supply port 44 is adjusted to the ink supply needle 6, holding them tightly ticas being independent of vibration in the im pressure, shock and vibration due to the movement apparatus and other pressor im. Since the circuit board 31 is located in the center in the width of the cartridge 40 in the vertical wall 45 in the vicinity of the ink supply port, the vertical wall 45 in which the circuit board 31 is fixed, moves possibly in parallel with a site in which the ink supply port 44 is regulated by the ink supply needle. Meanwhile, since the circuit board 31 is located in the vicinity of the ink supply needle 6, even if the cartridge 40 is shaken when installed and a rotation is caused with the ink supply needle 6 in the center , the amount a of a turn is extremely small, as shown in Fig. 1 0. For the arrangement discussed above, the circuit board 31 moves according to the preset path, as shown in FIG. 1 1 (a) to 1 1 (c), it comes into contact with the contacts 29 and 29 'of the contact mechanism 24 in a defined order and in a vertically grouped order, prevents data being lost in the semiconductor storage medium 61 due to the application of signals in unprepared order, the members contact trainers 20 and 29 'enter # contact elastically with the contact 60 of the circuit board 31 in a state, in which the ink cartridge 40 is installed securely, and the reading of data stored in the semiconductor storage means 61 and the writing of the data is enabled. data on the side of the printing apparatus. When the installation of the ink cartridge 40 or 50 is finished, the • contact forming member 29a of the contact mechanism 24 comes into contact with the electrodes in the upper row outside the electrodes shown in Figs. 7 (d) and 7 (e) and the contact forming member 29'a comes into contact with the electrodes in the lower row. Two members contact formers 29 are in contact with electrode 60-2 arranged in the center in the bottom row. The two contact forming members 29 matched to the electrode 60-2 are cemented and can be judged by sensing the conduction between them and the side of the printing apparatus, whether the cartridge 40 or 50 is installed or not. Also, as the width W2 of the electrode 60-2 is greater than that of the other electrode 60-1 and the electrode 60-2 is located in the centerline of the ink supply port, the safety electrode 60-2 comes into contact with the contact forming member 29 '. As the electrodes 60-1 and 60-2 are exposed and a user can easily check them in the event of contact failure, the electrodes are simply cleaned with cloth and others and the conduction can be recovered. When it is adjusted to the hook 1 6 it is released and the lever 1 1 is turned upwards in case the ink is consumed in the ink cartridge 40, the projection 14 of the lever 1 1 is adjusted to the lower part of the protruding portion 46 of the ink cartridge in the process, as shown in Fig. 9. When the lever 1 1 is further rotated in this state, the ink cartridge 40 is lifted by the lever 1 1 and the adjustment is released to the ink supply needle 6. As the upper part of the ink cartridge 40 is exposed from the holder with the projection 46 on the side of the ink supply port supported by the projection 14 of the lever 1 1, as shown in FIG. Fig. 8, when the rotation of lever 1 1 ends to an approximately vertical position, the ink cartridge can be easily removed. In the above embodiment, only the side of the ink supply port is pressed, however, it is more effective to provide the elastic members 1 00, 01 in two locations in the longitudinal direction of the lever 1 1, as shown in Figs. 12 (a) and 1 2 (b), and in the case of the widest cartridge 50 for color ink, the elastic members 1 02 through 1 05 are provided in four locations, dispersing the elastic members in the width direction of the lever 12. As shown in Figs. 1 3, when the elastic members 1 06 and 1 07 are assembled which cover approximately the total face size, the cartridges 40 and 50 can be held more securely by a large frictional force. In this case, it is desirable that the thickness and elastic modulus be selected so that the pressure on the side of the ink supply port is greater than in the other area. Additionally, as shown in the Fígs. 14, if the elastic members 108 and 109, similar to the elastic members elastically pressing the upper surface, are left approximately in the center of the lower part of the support 4, the hermetic capacity between the ink supply port 44 or 54 and the The ink supply needle 6 or 7 of the ink cartridge 40 or 50 can be kept independent of vibration and shock. Further, even if at least one plate spring 70 protruded at least on the side of the ink supply port is fixed to the side of a free end at the rear of the lever 1 1, as shown in FIG. 1 5, the ink cartridge 40 can be fixed in the holder. In this case, it is more effective than no slippage and others are jammed on the free end side 70a of the plate spring 70 or on the cover of the ink cartridge. Fig. 1 6 shows a mode in case a circuit board is fixed at the bottom in the vicinity of an ink supply port of an ink cartridge, an ink supply needle 6 is placed communicating with a print head 5 in the lower part of a carriage and a board 81, in which elastically transformable contacts 80- 1, 80-2, ... 80- are formed. 6, formed by a spring, is provided in a position possibly adjacent to the ink supply needle 6, as shown in Figs. 1 7 (a) and 1 7 (b).

Meanwhile, an ink supply port 14, which can be adjusted to the ink supply needle 6, is provided in the lower part of an ink cartridge 40, a concave portion 82 is formed in a position possibly close to the port of ink supply 14 and in a position opposite the contact board 81 and a circuit board 83 is fixed diagonally, so that the circuit board has an angle? with each vertex of the contacts 80-1 to 80-6. The through holes 83a and 83b are formed for a positioning on the circuit board 83, as shown in Fig. 1 8 (a), the semipoductive medium 84 is mounted on the surface on the side of an ink receiving chamber, that is, on the back as shown in Figs. 1 8 (b) and 1 8 (c) and contacts 85-1, 85-2, ... 85-6 connected to the data input terminal and the driving power supply terminal of the semiconductor storage medium 84, to obtain the conduction to contacts 80-1 to 80-6 on the side of the carriage, are formed on the side of the exposed surface. As the semiconductor storage means 84 is mounted on the back surface of the circuit board 83 as described above, the degree of freedom to fix the contacts is intensified. The surface and the back of the circuit board 83 can be used effectively and the electrodes for the contacts 85-1, 85-2, ... 85-6 can be formed in area to the extent that the reliability of the connection. A molding agent can be easily applied to the surface on which the semiconductor storage medium 84 is formed without considering whether the application accuracy is high or not, to prevent adhesion to the contacts 85-1, 85-2, ... 85-6 and the manufacturing process can be simplified. In addition, because the semiconductor storage means is mounted on the carriage with the state hidden by the circuit board 83, the user can be prevented from touching the storage medium unintentionally, liquid, such as ink, can be prevented. adhere to the storage medium, and electrostatic destruction and an accident caused by a short circuit can also be prevented. The semiconductor storage means 84 is connected to control means not shown in the printing apparatus via the contacts 85-1, 85-2, ... 85-6 and the contacts 80-1 to 80-6, the data stored in the Semiconductor storage medium is read and the data, such as, the amount of ink consumed by the printing operation, is written to the medium. In this embodiment, when the ink cartridge 40 reaches the vicinity of the bottom of the carriage in the case where the ink cartridge 40 is installed, the ink supply needle 6 enters the ink supply port 14, as It is shown in Fig. 1 9, form a step, the contacts 80-1 to 80-3 near one side of the circuit board 83 having an angle? with a horizontal plane it comes in contact with the contacts 85-1 to 85-3 and the cond uction is obtained. When the cartridge 40 is further lowered, the contacts 80-4 h to 80-6 near the other side of the circuit board 83 come into contact with the contacts 85-4 to 85-6 and all the contacts produce conduction. Accordingly, the energy is supplied to the semiconductor storage means 84 through contacts 80-1 to 80-3 and contacts 85-1 to 85-3, by which the conduction is first obtained, so that the initializes the semiconductor storage means 84. Data can be prevented by accessing data stored in the semiconductor storage medium 84 via contacts 80-4 through 80-6 and contacts 85-4 through 85-6, which become in driving after the previous driving is achieved.

Meanwhile, when the ink cartridge 40 is removed from the carriage, the termination processing can be executed by energy still supplied by contacts 80-1 through 80-3 and contacts 85-1 through 85-3 and later, the power can be disconnected even though contacts 80-4 to 80-6 and contacts 85-4 to 85-6 are disconnected first. When processing for the semiconductor storage means 84 ends as described above, the ink supply needle 6 is withdrawn from the ink supply port 14. FIG. 20 (a) shows the other contact mode 85-1 to 85-5 formed in an ink cartridge 40. The conductive patterns 86 and 87 are formed between a column of contacts 85-1 to 85-3 by which is obtained first the conduction when the ink cartridge 40 is inserted and a column of contacts 85-4 to 85-5 by which the conduction is subsequently obtained.

For example, contacts 85-1 and 85-3 are selected as a detection terminal and two of contacts 85-4 through 85-5, that is, 85-4 and 85-5 can be selected as a power supply terminal. Energy. In the arrangement described above, if ink K adheres through terminals 85-4 and 85-5, serving as a power supply terminal, as shown in Fig. 20 (b), the resistance between the terminals 85-4 and 85-5 is detected by the contacts 85-1 and 85-3, by which the conduction is first obtained together with the contacts 80-1 and 80-3 of the Support 4 when the ink cartridge is inserted. If the resistance detected is less than a predetermined value, the power supply to 80-4 and 80-5 by which the conduction is then obtained, together with the power supply terminals 85-4 and 85-5, stops, you can avoid an accident caused by a short circuit due to ink adhesion K. Fig. 21 shows another preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which a circuit board 83 ', in which the contacts 85- 1 'to 85-6' formed, so that they are secured horizontally in the lower part of an ink cartridge 40, while the circuit board is always pressed up by a spring or the like. A board 81 'is formed in which two contact columns 80-1' to 80-3 'and contacts 80-4' to 80-6 'are formed, in such a way that a difference g is provided at a level made between the ends of the tips of the two columns. Also in this modality, as shown in Fig. 22, as the first contact column 85-1 'to 85-3' and the contacts 80-1 'and 80-3' are first converted into conduction. Next, the second contact column 80-4 'to 80-6' respectively cuts in a collision, comes into contact with the contacts 85-4 'to 85-6' and the conduction is obtained, so that the action and effect similar to those in the previous modalities. In the previous mode, the contacts 80-1 to 80-6 and 85-1 to 85-6 are divided into plural columns and the difference in time until the conduction is obtained, is provided between the columns. However, it is clear that the similar effect can be realized even if the contacts 80-1 to 80-6 and the contacts 85-1 to 85-6 are arranged respectively in a row, as shown in Figs. 23 (a) and 23 (b), and a board 83 in which the contacts 85-1 to 85-6 are formed, is moved in angle as shown in Figs. 23 (c) and 23 (d), so that the driving time becomes different between contact 80-1 and 85-1 on one side and contact 80-6 and 85-6 on the other side. Similarly, if the position of each end of the contacts 80-1 to 80-6 is designed to be differentiated, the same function can be achieved. In other embodiments, the mode according to which the ink cartridge is mounted on the carriage is described as an example. However, it is evident that a similar effect can be obtained even if the present invention is applied to a printing apparatus of a type in which an ink cartridge is housed in a cartridge housing area of the body of the apparatus and is connected to a print head via an ink supply tube.

That is, the contacts only have to be formed in required positions on the exposed side of the ink cartridge and the prior contacts 85-1 to 85-6 have to be formed only in touchable positions opposite the contacts of the ink cartridge, when Install the ink cartridge. Furthermore, the same effect can still be achieved in an arrangement in which the board 83 is mounted on the lower part of the ink cartridge 40, via a mounting plate 88 having elastically transformable ratchets 88a protruding therefrom at least at both ends on the open sides of the mounting plate, after inserting a coil spring 86 or an arched plate spring 87 into a concave portion, as shown in Figs. 24 and 25. Alternatively, the same effect can be obtained if the semiconductor storage medium 84 is mounted on the mounting plate 88 thus forming the contacts 85-1, 85-2, ... 85-6. According to this arrangement, if a guide is simply prepared, the ratchets 88a can be removed by the guide and the board 83 can be separated from the cartridge 40 in a factory while avoiding unnecessary separation by the user. Additionally, in the above embodiments, projections can be formed for positioning in the ink cartridge and the circuit board is placed. However, the similar effect can be achieved in another arrangement in which the concave portion 93a is formed in a wall of an ink cartridge 90, a wall 93 adjacent the bottom 92 in which an ink supply port is formed 91 in this mode, as shown in Fig. 26 (a), a circuit board 83 is housed and fixed in the concave portion 93a. If necessary, a film 94, which can be peeled from one end 94a can also be applied, as shown in Fig. 25 (b) and can also be sealed until the beginning of use. According to the present invention, since the ink supply needle is located near one side in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the reciprocation of the carriage, the circuit board is mounted on the wall in the vicinity of the side on which the ink supply port of the ink cartridge is formed, the plural contacts are formed to connect to external control means on the exposed surface of the circuit board and the semiconductor storage medium is accessed from the external control means via the contacts , the circuit board is located on the side of the ink supply port and the face on which the circuit board is fixed moves along the length of the ink supply needle. Consequently, even if there is a play between the carriage and the cartridge, the cartridge is moved according to a place defined by the ink supply needle and the ink supply port, the contacts are connected to the external control means in a defined order and it can be safely prevented, that the data stored in the semiproductive storage medium is lost by the application of signals in an unprepared order.

Claims (75)

1. CLAIMS 1 . An ink jet printing apparatus that includes: a reciprocating carriage in which an ink supply needle is formed, a • 5 cartridge holder and a print head communicating with said ink supply needle to eject ink drops; and an ink cartridge mounted on said ink supply needle having a semiconductor storage medium that stores ink information, wherein said ink supply needle is located near an end 10 on one side in a direction perpendicular to the reciprocal directions of said carriage; a circuit board is mounted on a wall of said ink cartridge in the vicinity of the side, in which said ink supply port is formed; plural contacts for connection to the external control means are formed on an exposed surface of said circuit board; 15 and said semiconductor storage means is accessed from said external control means via said contacts.
2. 2. An ink jet printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plural contacts are connected to said • external storage medium at a different time in a process, 20 in which said ink cartridge is attached or separated.
3. 3. An ink jet printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said circuit board is arranged in a side wall of said ink cartridge near said ink supply port, and said plural contacts are divided into groups. plurals, each of which is located in an interval in a direction in which said ink cartridge is attached or separated.
4. 4. An ink jet printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said circuit board is arranged on a surface on which said ink supply port is formed, and said plural contacts are divided into plural groups, each of which is located at a different height in a direction in which said ink cartridge is attached or separated.
5. 5. An ink jet printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the contacts that come in contact with the contacts of said circuit board and said control means are divided into plural groups, and each group is located at different height in a direction in which said ink cartridge is attached or separated.
6. 6. An ink jet printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said circuit board is arranged on a surface, which is moved at an angle from a perpendicular plane to an address in which said cartridge is attached or separated. ink.
7. 7. An ink jet printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said semiconductor storage means is mounted on the surface of said circuit board where said contacts are formed.
8. 8. An ink jet printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said semiconductor storage means is mounted on the back surface of said circuit board, wherein said contacts are formed.
9. 9. An ink jet printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said circuit board is secured to said ink cartridge, so that the circuit board can be separated. 1.
10. An ink jet printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a concave portion or a through hole is formed for positioning on said circuit board, and a projection is formed to fit said concave portion. or said through hole in said ink cartridge. eleven .
11. An ink jet printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the side of said circuit board is fixed by a rib or a pawl formed in said ink cartridge.
12. 12. An ink jet printing apparatus according to claim 1 1, wherein said rib or ratchet is formed in a range in a direction, in which said ink cartridge is attached or separated. 3.
13. An ink jet printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a concave portion is formed to the extent that said circuit board can be housed in the mounting area of said circuit board of said ink cartridge. .
14. 14. An ink jet printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: a lever supported by an arrow is provided on the side of said ink supply needle, so that the lever is rotatable and which can, be adjusted on the other side of the; and an elastic member is provided for elastically pressing the upper surface of said ink cartridge at least in an area opposite said ink supply needle to said lever.
15. 15. An ink jet printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said lever is provided with a projection to fit an upper part on the side of said ink supply port of said ink cartridge, with the projection raised on the side of the ink cartridge, in the vicinity of said arrow.
16. 16. An ink jet printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic contact forming member protruding from said ink supply needle to said ink cartridge and connecting to said circuit board. 7.
17. An ink jet printer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: a circuit board for connecting to said external control means is provided outside the side of said ink supply port; and conduction is obtained to said semiconductor storage medium of the ink cartridge via said elastic contact forming member.
18. 1 8. An ink cartridge for supplying ink to a print head to which ink is supplied via an ink supply needle, wherein: said ink supply port into which said ink supply needle is inserted. it forms on one side of a container forming an ink receiving chamber; a circuit board is mounted; and plural contacts are formed to connect to external control means on the exposed surface of said circuit board.
19. 19. An ink cartridge according to claim 1 8, wherein: said circuit board is arranged on the face in which said ink supply port is formed; said plural contacts are divided into plural groups; and each group is located at a different height in a direction in which said ink cartridge is joined or separated.
20. 20. An ink cartridge according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the contacts in said group are connected to contacts on the side of the printing apparatus body at a different time. twenty-one .
21. An ink cartridge according to claim 18, wherein said circuit board is provided in a central line crossing said ink supply port.
22. 22. An ink cartridge according to claim 18, wherein said circuit board is aligned with a center line in the width direction of the face adjacent said ink supply port.
23. 23. An ink cartridge according to claim 18, wherein said ink supply needle is formed in a carriage.
24. 24. An ink cartridge according to claim 18, wherein one of said plural contacts approaches plural contacts on the side of a printing apparatus and is used to detect whether the ink cartridge is installed or not.
25. 25. An ink cartridge according to claim 18, wherein: one of said plural contacts approaches plural contacts on the side of a printing apparatus and is used to detect whether or not the ink cartridge is installed; and one of said plural contacts is formed so that it is longer than the other contacts.
26. 26. An ink cartridge according to claim 18, wherein said contact is formed in a rectangle, in which the side in one direction, in which an ink cartridge is inserted, is longer than the side in another. address.
27. 27. An ink cartridge according to claim 18, wherein said circuit board is arranged on a face, which is moved at an angle from a plane perpendicular to a direction in which said ink cartridge is attached or separated.
28. 28. An ink cartridge according to claim 18, wherein said semiconductor storage means is mounted on the surface of said circuit board in which said contacts are formed.
29. 29. An ink cartridge according to claim 18, wherein said semiconductor storage means is mounted on the back surface of said circuit board, wherein said contacts are formed.
30. 30. An ink cartridge for supplying ink to a print head to which ink is supplied via an ink supply needle, wherein: said ink supply port into which said ink supply needle is inserted is formed on one side of a container forming an ink holding chamber; a circuit board is mounted in the vicinity of said ink supply port; and the plural contacts for connecting to said external control means are formed on the exposed surface of said circuit board.
31. 31 An ink cartridge according to claim 30, wherein: said circuit board is arranged on another face adjacent to a face on which said pin supply port is formed, and said plural contacts are divided into plural groups, Each group is placed in an interval in an address in which the ink cartridge is attached or separated.
32. 32. An ink cartridge according to claim 30, wherein: said circuit board is arranged on the face in which said ink supply port is formed, and said plural contacts are divided into plural groups, each group is located at different height in a direction in which the ink cartridge is attached or separated.
33. 33. An ink cartridge according to claim 31 or 32, wherein said group is connected to contacts on the body side of a printing apparatus at different times.
34. 34. An ink cartridge according to claim 18, wherein said circuit board is aligned with a centerline crossing said ink supply port.
35. 35. An ink cartridge according to claim 30, wherein said circuit board is aligned with a center line in the width direction of a face adjacent said ink supply port.
36. 36. An ink cartridge according to claim 30, wherein said ink supply needle is formed in a carriage.
37. 37. An ink cartridge according to claim 30, wherein one of said plural contacts approaches plural contacts on the side of a printing apparatus and is used to detect whether the corresponding ink cartridge is installed or not.
38. 38. An ink cartridge according to claim 30, wherein: one of said plural contacts approaches plural contacts on the side of an im- pressor apparatus and is used to detect whether the corresponding ink cartridge is installed or not.; and one of said plural contacts is formed to be greater than the other contacts.
39. 39. An ink cartridge according to claim 30, wherein said contact is formed in a rectangle, where the side in a direction in which an ink cartridge is attached, is longer than the side in another direction.
40. 40. An ink cartridge according to claim 30, wherein said circuit board is arranged on a face moved at an angle from a perpendicular plane to an address in which said ink cartridge is attached or separated.
41. 41 An ink cartridge according to claim 30, wherein said semiconductor storage means is mounted on the surface in which said contacts of said circuit board are formed.
42. 42. An ink cartridge according to claim 30, wherein said semiconductor storage means is mounted on a back surface, wherein said contacts of said circuit board are formed.
43. 43. An ink cartridge according to claim 41 or 42, wherein said contacts are formed on the side of said ink supply port.
44. 44. An ink cartridge according to claim 30, wherein said circuit board is fixed so that it can be separated.
45. 45. An ink cartridge according to claim 30, wherein a concave portion or a through hole for positioning is formed in said circuit board; and a projection for adjusting said concave portion or said through hole is formed in said ink cartridge.
46. 46. An ink cartridge according to claim 30, wherein a rib or ratchet for elastically pressing is formed on the side of said circuit board.
47. 47. An ink cartridge according to claim 46, wherein said rib or ratchet is formed in a range in a direction in which said ink cartridge is attached or separated.
48. 48. An ink cartridge according to claim 30, wherein a concave portion is formed to the degree of said circuit board can be housed, in the mounting area of said circuit board.
49. 49. An ink cartridge according to claim 30, wherein a protruding portion is formed in the vicinity of an upper portion of an area in which said circuit board is fixed.
50. 50. An ink cartridge according to claim 49, wherein said protruding portion protrudes in the vertical direction of said circuit board.
51. 51 An ink cartridge according to claim 30, wherein various of said ink receiving chambers are provided, and said circuit board is mounted in the center of each of said plural ink receiving chambers.
52. 52. An ink cartridge according to claim 30, wherein said circuit board, said boss portion and said ink supply port are formed near one side of the ink cartridge.
53. 53. An ink cartridge for supplying ink to a print head to which ink is supplied via an ink supply needle, wherein: said ink supply port into which said ink supply needle is inserted, is formed in a face of a container containing an ink receiving chamber; A circuit board mounts in the vicinity of said ink supply port; plural contacts are formed to connect to the external control means on the exposed surface of said circuit board; and said semiconductor storage means is mounted on a back surface where said contacts of said circuit board are formed.
54. 54. An ink cartridge according to claim 53, wherein said circuit board is aligned with a centerline crossing said ink supply port.
55. 55. An ink cartridge according to claim 53, wherein said circuit board is aligned with a center line in the width direction of a face adjacent said ink supply port.
56. 56. An ink cartridge according to claim 53, wherein said ink supply needle is formed in a carriage.
57. 57. An ink cartridge according to claim 53, wherein one of said plural contacts approaches plural contacts on the side of a printing apparatus and is used to detect whether the corresponding ink cartridge is installed or not.
58. 58. An ink cartridge according to claim 53, wherein one of said plural contacts approaches plural contacts on the side of a printing apparatus and is used to detect whether the ink cartridge is installed or not, and is formed one of these plural contacts, so that it is greater than the other contacts.
59. 59. An ink cartridge according to claim 53, wherein said contact is formed in a rectangle where the side in one direction in which the ink cartridge is inserted is greater than the side in another direction.
60. 60. An ink cartridge according to claim 53, wherein said circuit board is arranged on a face that moves at an angle from a plane perpendicular to a direction in which said ink cartridge is attached or separated.
61. 61 An ink cartridge according to claim 53, wherein said semiconductor storage means is mounted on the surface in which said contacts of said circuit board are formed.
62. 62. An ink cartridge according to claim 53, wherein said semiconductor storage means is mounted on a back surface of said circuit board, wherein said contacts are formed.
63. 63. An ink cartridge according to claim 53, wherein said circuit board, said boss portion and said ink supply port are formed near one side of the ink cartridge.
64. 64. An ink cartridge for supplying tub to a head to which ink is supplied via an ink supply needle, wherein a concave portion is formed on one side of a container forming an ink receiving chamber: circuits are mounted in said concave portion; and plural contacts are formed to connect to external control means on the exposed surface of said circuit board.
65. 65. An ink cartridge according to claim 64, wherein said circuit board is arranged on another face adjacent to a face on which said ink supply port is formed, and said plural contacts are divided into plural groups. , each group is located at an intersection in a direction in which the ink cartridge is attached or separated.
66. 66. An ink cartridge according to claim 64, wherein said circuit board is aligned with a center line crossing said ink supply port.
67. 67. An ink cartridge according to claim 64, wherein said circuit board is aligned with a center line in the width direction of a face adjacent said ink supply port.
68. 68. An ink cartridge according to claim 64, wherein said ink supply needle is formed in a carriage.
69. 69. An ink cartridge according to claim 64, wherein one of said plural contacts approaches plural contacts on the side of a printing apparatus and is used to detect whether the corresponding ink cartridge is installed or not.
70. 70. An ink cartridge according to claim 64, wherein one of said plural contacts approaches plural contacts on the side of a printing apparatus and is used to detect whether the ink cartridge is installed or not, and is formed one of these plural contacts, so that it is greater than the other contacts.
71. 71 An ink cartridge according to claim 64, wherein said contact is formed in a rectangle where the side in a direction in which the ink cartridge is inserted is greater than the side in another direction.
72. 72. An ink cartridge according to claim 64, wherein said circuit board is arranged on a face that moves at an angle from a plane perpendicular to an direction in which said ink cartridge is attached or separated.
73. 73. An ink cartridge according to claim 64, wherein said semiconductor storage means is mounted on the surface in which said contacts of said circuit board are formed.
74. 74. An ink cartridge according to claim 64, wherein said semiconductor storage means is mounted on a back surface of said circuit board, wherein said contacts are formed.
75. 75. An ink cartridge according to claim 64, wherein said circuit board, said boss portion and said ink supply port are formed near one side of the ink cartridge.