Ink-jet print cartridge, ink-jet printer, method and apparatus

摘要

An ink-jet print cartridge is especially configured for loading and unloading into and from an ink-jet print cartridge by use of substantially only horizontal translational movements relative to a carriage of the printer. The apparatus includes a generally rectangular prismatic print cartridge having its major axis of elongation disposed horizontally. The print cartridge includes a pair of outwardly extending elongate horizontal supporting lips located one on each of the opposite side walls of the print cartridge, a carriage body, a chute mounted on the carriage for receiving the print cartridge, and a generally horizontal guide rail on each of the pair of side walls of the chute. The guide rails guide the print cartridge into the carriage by supportingly engaging the lips. The print cartridge provides user engageable features which are located remotely from an array of electrical contacts on the cartridge body, and which are separated from a user by the length dimension of the cartridge body so that the electrical contacts are not easily contaminated by fingerprints. Further, a user's pushing installation force passed along a line passing through this array of electrical contacts, insuring good electrical connection of the print cartridge with the carriage.