ES2774157T3 - Print fluid cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

A printing fluid cartridge (30) including: a front side; a rear side positioned opposite the front side with respect to a front-rear direction; an upper side; a lower side positioned opposite the upper side with respect to an up-down direction that is perpendicular to the front-to-back direction; a tubular fluid supply portion (34) positioned on the underside of the front side; a pivotable member (80) including a front end portion (81), a rear end portion (82), and an axle (83) including a pivot point, configured to pivot about the axle extending in a left direction- right which is perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction, where the pivot point is positioned on the upper side and the rear end portion (82) is positioned on the rear side; characterized by a light attenuating portion (88) protruding from the upper side of the front side and configured to attenuate light advancing in a left-right direction; and an electrical interface (75, 76, 77) positioned between the pivoting element and the light dimming portion with respect to the front-rear direction and including a surface extending in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, a stop (45) including an engaging surface (46) extending in the up-down direction and the left-right direction, where the pivoting element is positioned behind the electrical interface with respect to the front-rear direction, and wherein the front end portion (81) extends from the shaft (83) towards the engaging surface (46) and the rear end portion (82) extends from the shaft (83) towards the rear side; where the stop is positioned between the pivotable element and the electrical interface with respect to the front rear direction. where an upper end of the light attenuation portion is positioned below the electrical interface with respect to the up-down direction.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Print fluid cartridge

Background of the invention

1. Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a printing fluid cartridge including a light dimming portion and an electrical interface.

2. Description of Related Art

A known image printing apparatus, such as that described in Patent Application Publication No. JP 2009-132098 A, is configured to print an image on a sheet of recording paper. The known image recording apparatus has an ink jet recording head and is configured to selectively eject ink droplets from the recording head nozzles onto the recording paper sheet. The ink droplets fall onto the recording paper sheet and thereby a desired image is printed on the recording paper sheet. The known image recording apparatus has an ink cartridge, and the ink cartridge is configured to store ink to be supplied to the recording head. The ink cartridge is configured to be installed and removed from a mounting portion provided in the known image recording apparatus. Another known ink cartridge, such as that described in Patent Application Publication No. JP 2000-37880, has an electronic component, such as a memory module for storing data about the ink cartridge information, for example, the color ink, ink ingredients, remaining ink amount, maintenance status, etc. When the ink cartridge is mounted in a mounting portion, the memory module contacts and is electrically connected to electrical contacts arranged in the mounting portion, such that data stored in the memory module can be read.

Similarly, another known ink cartridge has a light attenuation portion configured to be detected by an optical sensor to obtain the information from the ink cartridge.

Summary of the invention

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a new printing fluid cartridge is provided, which includes a light attenuation portion and an electrical interface. The printing fluid cartridge includes a front side, a rear side positioned opposite the front side with respect to a front-back direction, an upper side, a bottom side positioned opposite the upper side with respect to an up-down direction that it is perpendicular to the front-rear direction, a tubular fluid supply portion positioned on the underside of the front side, a pivotable member configured to pivot about a pivot point, and including an end portion. The pivot point is located on the upper side and the end portion is located on the rear side. The printing fluid cartridge also includes a light attenuation portion protruding from the upper side of the front side and configured to attenuate light advancing in a left-right direction that is perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the upward direction. -down, and an electrical interface positioned between the pivotable element and the light dimming portion with respect to the front-rear direction and including a surface that extends in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. An upper end of the light attenuation portion is positioned below the electrical interface with respect to the up-down direction.

The printing fluid cartridge may include a first front wall positioned on the front side and a top wall positioned on the upper side.

The printing fluid cartridge may include a main body including the first front wall and a sub frame including a second front wall positioned on the front side and facing the first front wall in the front-rear direction.

A front end of the light attenuation portion may be further away from the rear side than a front end of the fluid supply portion is away from the rear side with respect to the front-rear direction.

The printing fluid cartridge may further include a stopper including a surface that extends in the up-down direction and in the left-right direction. The pivotable element may be positioned behind the electrical interface with respect to the front-rear direction and is configured to pivot about an axis extending in the left-right direction. The shaft may include the pivot point, and the stop may be positioned between the pivot member and the electrical interface with respect to the front-rear direction.

The main body may further include a first guide portion that extends in the front-rear direction and includes a pair of outer surfaces. Each of the first front wall and the first guide portion may have a dimension in the left-right direction, and the dimension of the first guide portion between the pair of outer surfaces of the first guide portion in the left direction. right may be less than the dimension of the first front wall in the left-right direction. The main body may further include a second guide portion that extends in the front-rear direction and includes a pair of outer surfaces. The second guide portion may have a dimension between the pair of outer surfaces of the second guide portion in the left-right direction, which is less than the dimension of the first front wall in the left-right direction. The subframe may include a third guide portion and a fourth guide portion, each of which extends in the front-rear direction. The third guide portion may include a pair of outer surfaces that is aligned with the pair of outer surfaces of the first guide portion in the front-rear direction and the fourth guide portion may include a pair of outer surfaces that is aligned with the pair of outer surfaces of the second guide portion in the front-rear direction.

The third guide portion may include a pair of plates defining the pair of outer surfaces of the third guide, respectively. The electrical interface may be positioned between the pair of plates of the third guide portion.

The electrical interface can be placed on an interface board, and the interface board can be mounted on the sub frame in mounting position. Each plate of the pair of plates of the third guide portion may include a first portion positioned in line with the mounting position in the left-right direction as viewed from the top-down direction and a second portion, and an upper end of the first portion may be positioned below an upper end of the second portion.

The second front wall may have a circular opening or a circular recess formed in it below the light attenuation portion with respect to the up-down direction.

The subframe may include a projection positioned at or adjacent to a lower end of the second wall and projecting forwardly, and the subframe may have an opening formed therein positioned above the projection with respect to the up-down direction. The fluid supply portion may be configured to pass through the opening of the subframe.

The printing fluid cartridge may further include a fluid chamber configured to store printing fluid and a protruding portion positioned at a middle portion of the front side with respect to the up-down direction and protruding forwardly. The projecting portion may have an interior space formed therein, and the interior space may be in fluid communication with the fluid chamber.

The printing fluid cartridge may further include another light dimming portion positioned far and ahead of the protruding portion with respect to the front-rear direction.

The main body may include a first resin configured to allow light advancing in the left-right direction to pass through, and the subframe may include a second resin configured to prevent light advancing in the left-right direction. pass through.

The subframe can be configured to move relative to the main body in the up-down direction.

The sub frame can be configured not to move relative to the main body in the left-right direction.

The printing fluid cartridge may further include a rear wall positioned at the rear side and away from the first front wall in the front-rear direction and a fluid chamber configured to store printing fluid. The fluid supply portion may be positioned on the first front wall and configured to establish communication between the interior and exterior of the fluid chamber. The rear wall may include a first surface that extends in parallel with the first front wall and a second surface that extends in a direction that intersects the first front wall, and at least a portion of the second surface may be positioned closer to each other. the first front wall than the first surface is attached to the first front wall.

The objects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of the invention and accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the needs it satisfies, and its objects, features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a printer including a cartridge mounting portion and an ink cartridge, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge.

Figure 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the cartridge mounting portion and the ink cartridge.

Figure 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cartridge mounting portion.

Fig. 6 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of the cartridge mounting portion and the ink cartridge during mounting of the ink cartridge in the cartridge mounting portion.

Fig. 7 is another partial vertical cross-sectional view of the cartridge mounting portion and the ink cartridge during mounting of the ink cartridge in the cartridge mounting portion.

Fig. 8 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of the cartridge mounting portion and the ink cartridge, in which the mounting of the ink cartridge in the cartridge mounting portion is completed.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of an ink cartridge, according to a modified embodiment.

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

The embodiments of the present invention, and their features and advantages, can be understood with reference to Figures 1-9, with like numerals being used for corresponding like parts in the various drawings.

[Printer 10]

Referring to Fig. 1, a printing apparatus, for example, a printer 10 is an ink jet printer configured to print an image on a recording paper sheet by selectively ejecting ink droplets onto the recording paper sheet. The printer 10 includes an ink supply device 100. The ink supply device 100 includes a cartridge mounting portion 110. The cartridge mounting portion 110 is configured to be able to mount a printing fluid cartridge therein, by For example, an ink cartridge 30. The cartridge mounting portion 110 has an opening 112 and the interior of the cartridge mounting portion 110 is exposed to the exterior of the cartridge mounting portion 110 through the opening 112. The cartridge The ink 30 is configured to be inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 through the opening 112, such that the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110. The ink cartridge 30 is configured to be pulled out of the cartridge mounting portion 110 through aperture 112.

The ink cartridge 30 is configured to store ink, which is used by the printer 10. The printer 10 includes a print head 21 and an ink tube 20. The ink cartridge 30 and the print head 21 are fluidly connected by the ink tube 20 when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110. The print head 21 includes a secondary reservoir 28. The secondary reservoir 28 is configured to temporarily store ink supplied through the ink tube 20 from the ink cartridge 30. The print head 21 includes nozzles 29 and is configured to selectively eject ink supplied from the secondary reservoir 28 through the nozzles 29.

Printer 10 includes a paper feed tray 15, a paper feed roller 23, a pair of transport rollers 25, a roller 26, a pair of discharge rollers 22, and a discharge tray 16. Transport 24 is formed from the paper feed tray 15 to the discharge tray 16 by the pair of transport rollers 25, the roller 26 and the pair of discharge rollers 22. The paper feed roller 23 is configured to feed a sheet of recording paper from the paper feed tray 15 to the transport path 24. The pair of transport rollers 25 is configured to transport the sheet of recording paper fed from the paper feed tray 15 onto the roller 26 The print head 21 is configured to selectively eject ink onto the recording paper sheet passing over the roller 26. Accordingly, an image is printed on the recording sheet. printing paper. The recording paper sheet that has passed over the roller 26 is discharged by the pair of printing rollers. discharge 22 to the paper discharge tray 16 arranged on the lowermost side of the transport path 24.

[Ink cartridge 30]

Referring to Figures 2 and 5, the ink cartridge 30 is configured to be inserted and removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110 in an insertion / extraction direction 50, while the ink cartridge 30 is in a vertical position, as is shown in Figure 2, with an upper face of the ink cartridge 30 facing upward and a lower face of the ink cartridge 30 facing downward. The insertion / extraction direction 50 extends in a horizontal direction. The ink cartridge 30 is in the upright position when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110 in a mounted position. The ink cartridge 30 is configured to be inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in an insertion direction 56 and removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110 in an extraction direction 55. The insertion / extraction direction 50 is a combination of the insertion direction 56 and the extraction direction 55. The insertion direction 56 extends in a horizontal direction and the extraction direction 55 extends in a horizontal direction. When the ink cartridge 30 is in the vertical position, a height direction (up-down direction) 52 corresponds to the gravitational direction (vertical direction). In another embodiment, the insertion / removal direction 50 may not exactly extend in a horizontal direction, but may extend in a direction that intersects a horizontal direction and the gravitational direction (vertical direction).

The ink cartridge 30 has a substantially parallelepiped shape and includes a main body 31 and a sub frame 90. The main body 31 and sub frame 90 form the exterior of the ink cartridge 30. The ink cartridge 30 is a reservoir configured to store ink. The ink cartridge 30 includes an ink chamber 36, which is a space formed inside the ink cartridge 30. More specifically, the main body 31 includes the ink chamber 36 formed therein, for example, the main body 31 includes an inner frame 35, and the ink chamber 36 is formed in the inner frame 35. The ink cartridge 30 has a width in a width direction (left-right direction) 51, a height in the height direction ( up-down direction) 52, and a depth in a depth direction (front-back direction) 53. The width direction (left-right direction) 51, the height direction (up-down direction) 52 , and the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53 are perpendicular to each other. The width of the ink cartridge 30 is less than the height and depth of the ink cartridge 30. When the ink cartridge 30 is in the mounted position (vertical position), the width direction (left-right direction) 51 is parallel with a horizontal plane, the direction of depth (front-back direction) 53 is also parallel with the horizontal plane, and the direction of height (up-down direction) 52 is parallel with the gravitational direction (vertical direction). When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted or removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110, the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53 is parallel with the insertion / extraction direction 50, and the width direction (direction left-right) 51 and the height direction (up-down direction) 52 are perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction 50. The height direction (up-down direction) 52 is parallel with an up direction and a down direction and is a combination of the up direction and the down direction.

The ink cartridge 30 includes a front side and a rear side facing the front side with respect to the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53. The front side of the ink cartridge is positioned in front of the rear side of the ink cartridge. with respect to the insertion direction 56 when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110. The front area of the ink cartridge 30 from the center of the ink cartridge with respect to the depth direction (direction front-rear) 53 is the front side of the ink cartridge 30, and the rear area of the ink cartridge 30 from the center of the ink cartridge with respect to the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53 is the rear side of the ink cartridge 30. The ink cartridge 30 includes an upper side and a lower side facing the upper side with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52. The upper side Or of the ink cartridge 30 is positioned on top of the lower side of the ink cartridge 30 when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 and when the ink cartridge 30 is in the mounted position (vertical position). The upper area of the ink cartridge 30 from the center of the ink cartridge 30 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52 is the upper side of the ink cartridge 30, and the lower area of the ink cartridge 30 from the center of the ink cartridge 30 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52 is the bottom side of the ink cartridge 30. The front side of the ink cartridge 30 and the top side of the ink cartridge 30 they can occupy the same area. For example, a front area of the upper side of the ink cartridge 30 is an upper area of the front side of the ink cartridge 30. The rear side of the ink cartridge 30 and the upper side of the ink cartridge 30 may occupy the same area. For example, a rear area of the upper side of the ink cartridge 30 is an upper area of the rear side of the ink cartridge 30. The front side of the ink cartridge 30 and the bottom side of the ink cartridge 30 may occupy the same area. For example, a front area of the lower side of the ink cartridge 30 is a lower area of the front side of the ink cartridge 30. The rear side of the ink cartridge 30 and the bottom side of the ink cartridge 30 may occupy the same area. For example, a rear area of the lower side of the ink cartridge 30 is a lower area of the rear side of the ink cartridge 30.

[Main body 31]

The main body 31 includes a front wall 40 and a rear wall 42 facing the front wall 40 with respect to the insertion direction 56. The front wall 40 is positioned on a front side of the main body 31 or the ink cartridge 30 with with respect to the insertion direction 56 when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110. More specifically, the front wall 40 faces in the insertion direction 56, in other words, the front wall 40 faces toward the insertion direction 56, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110. The rear wall 42 is positioned on a rear side of the main body 31 or the ink cartridge 30 with respect to the insertion direction 56 when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110. More specifically, the rear wall 42 faces in the removal direction 55, in other words, the wall t The rear wall 42 is oriented toward the removal direction 55, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110. The front wall 40 and the rear wall 42 are aligned in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53. Front wall 40 and rear wall 42 are aligned in insertion / extraction direction 50 when ink cartridge 30 is inserted into cartridge mounting portion 110. Main body 31 includes side walls 37, 38, each one of which extends in the insertion / removal direction 50 and connected to the front wall 40 and the rear wall 42. The side walls 37 and 38 are aligned in the width direction (left-right direction) 51. The Main body 31 includes an upper wall 39 connected to upper ends of front wall 40, rear wall 42, and side walls 37 and 38. Main body 31 includes a lower wall 41 connected to lower ends of front wall 40, rear wall 42 and side walls 37, 38. Top wall 39 and bottom wall 41 are aligned in the height direction (up-down direction) 52. Top wall 39 is positioned on the upper side of the ink cartridge 30. An outer face of the front wall 40 is a front face of the main body 31, and an outer face of the rear wall 42 is a rear face of the main body 31, and also of the cartridge 30. Therefore, the front face of the main body 31 is oriented towards the insertion direction 56 when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the vertical position, and the rear face of the body Main 31 or the ink cartridge 30 is oriented towards the removal direction 55 when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the vertical position. An outer face of the upper wall 39 is an upper face of the main body 31, and also of the ink cartridge 30, and an outer face of the lower wall 31 is a lower face of the main body 31, and also of the ink cartridge 30. Therefore, the upper face of the main body 31 or the ink cartridge 30 is oriented in the upward direction when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the vertical position, and the lower face of the main body 31 or the ink cartridge 30 is oriented in the downward direction when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the vertical position. The upper face is connected to upper ends of the front face and the rear face, and the lower face is connected to lower ends of the front face and the rear face. Likewise, the outer faces of the side walls 37, 38 are side faces of the main body 31, and also of the ink cartridge 30.

With reference to Figures 2 to 4, the main body 31 includes a detection portion 33 in a middle portion of the main body 31 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52. The detection portion 33 is positioned in a middle portion of the front side of the ink cartridge 30 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52. The detection portion 33 protrudes forward from the front wall 40 of the main body 31 in the insertion direction 56. More specifically, the sensing portion 33 is positioned on the front face of the main body 31. The subframe 90 includes a first boss 85 that includes a sensing portion, for example, a plate 88. The first boss 85 includes a leading end with respect to insertion direction 56. Plate 88 includes a leading end with respect to insertion direction 56. Subframe 90 includes a second projection 86. The second s The flange 86 includes a leading end with respect to the insertion direction 56. The subframe 90 includes another sensing portion 89. The sensing portion 33 is positioned further rearward than the leading end of the first protrusion 85, the forward end of the plate 88, the forward end of the second boss 86, and the sensing portion 89 with respect to the insertion direction 56. The sensing portion 33 is box-shaped having an opening facing the ink chamber 36, so such that the interior space of the sensing portion 36 is in fluid communication with the ink chamber 36. The sensing portion 33 includes a pair of walls made of a translucent material, eg, transparent or semitransparent, eg, resin. transparent or semitransparent, configured to allow light, for example visible or infrared light, advancing in a direction perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction 50 to pass as u through. In this embodiment, the direction perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50 is the width direction (left-right direction) 51. The sensing portion 33 is exposed to the exterior of the ink cartridge 30 through an opening 95 formed through of the sub frame 90. When the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110, an optical sensor 114 (see FIG. 6) emits light in the direction perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50. The portion of Detection 33 may allow light emitted by optical sensor 114 and reaching detection portion 33 through aperture 95 to pass through.

The pair of walls of the detection portion 33 is aligned in the width direction (left-right direction) 51, and a gap has been formed between the pair of walls of the detection portion 33. The ink stored in the ink chamber 36 can reach that space. Referring to Figure 3, the main body 31 includes a sensor arm 60 disposed in the ink chamber 36. The sensor arm 60 includes an arm body 61 that extends mainly in the depth direction (forward direction- rear) 53, an indicator 62 placed at one end of the arm body 61, and a float 63 positioned at the other end of the arm body 61. The indicator 62 is positioned in the space formed between the pair of walls of the sensing portion 33. The main body 31 includes a support shaft 64 extending in the width direction (left-right direction) 51, and the sensor arm 60 is supported by the support shaft 64, such that the sensor arm 60 can pivot around the support shaft 64. Sensor arm 60 is configured to pivot based on the amount of ink stored in ink chamber 36, and thus indicator 62 is configured to pivot based on the amount of stored ink. in ink chamber 36. Sensor arm 60 is configured to move between an upper position and a lower position. When the sensor arm 60 is in the upper position, the indicator 62 is positioned on an upper side of the sensing portion 33 with respect to the gravitational direction (vertical direction). When the sensor arm 60 is in the lower position, the indicator 62 is positioned on a lower side of the sensing portion 33 with respect to the gravitational direction. Figure 3 illustrates the sensor arm 60 positioned in the lower position when the ink chamber 36 stores a predetermined amount of ink or more.

When the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110, the sensing portion 33 is positioned between a light emitter and a light receiver of the optical sensor 114, which are aligned in a horizontal direction (the direction of the width or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50, and the sensing portion 33 is configured to change state between a first state and a second state. When the sensing portion 33 is in the first state, the sensing portion 33 allows the light, which is emitted by the light emitter of the optical sensor 114 and proceeds in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50, pass through. When the detection portion 33 is in the second state, the detection portion 33 attenuates the light. More specifically, when the detection portion 33 is in the first state and the light hits one side of the detection portion 33 in the direction (width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50, a predetermined amount or more of the light exits the other side of the detection portion 33 in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50 and reaches the receiver of light from the optical sensor 114. When the detection portion 33 is in the second state and the light reaches one side of the detection portion 33 in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50, the amount of light exiting the other side of the detection portion 33 and reaching the light receiver of the optical sensor 114 is less than the predetermined amount, eg, zero. When the sensor arm 60 is in the upper position, the sensing portion 33 is in the first state to allow light to pass through. When the sensor arm 60 is in the lower position, the sensing portion 33 is in the second state to dim the light. The attenuation of the light is produced by the indicator 62 which completely prevents the light from passing through in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50, by the indicator 62 which absorbs a certain amount of light, by indicator 62 which deflects light, by indicator 62 which totally reflects light, etc. As such, the amount (intensity) of the light reaching the light receiver of the optical sensor 114 depends on the state of the detection portion 33. By detecting the state of the detection portion 33 with the optical sensor 114, it is determined whether the ink chamber 36 stores the predetermined amount of ink or more.

In another embodiment, the ink cartridge 30 may not include the sensor arm 60, and therefore the indicator 62 may not be located in the detection portion 33. In such a case, when the detection portion 33 stores ink , the detection portion 33 can dim the light. When the sensing portion 33 does not store ink, the sensing portion 33 can allow light to pass through. More specifically, when the detection portion 33 does not store ink and the light hits one side of the detection portion 33 in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50 , the predetermined amount or more of the light may exit the other side of the detection portion 33 in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50 and reaches the receiver of light from the optical sensor 114. When the detection portion 33 stores ink and the light reaches one side of the detection portion 33 in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion direction / extraction 50, the amount of light exiting the other side of the sensing portion 33 and reaching the light receiver of the optical sensor 114 is less than the predetermined amount, eg, zero. The attenuation of the light can be produced by the ink that absorbs a certain amount of the light. In another embodiment, the sensing portion 33 may include a flexible film that forms a gap. When ink is stored in the space formed by the flexible film, the flexible film bulges. The ink cartridge 30 may include a pivotable lever that contacts the flexible film, and the lever may dim the light by completely preventing the light from passing through it in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50, absorbing a certain amount of light, deflecting light, fully reflecting light, etc. When the ink exits the space formed by the flexible film and the flexible film contracts, the lever contacting the flexible film can be moved to a position where the lever no longer dims the light. In another embodiment, the detection portion 33 includes a prism-shaped structure. In such a case, when the ink contacts the prism-shaped structure, the prism-shaped structure can reflect light in such a way that the light does not reach the light receptor of the optical sensor 114. When the ink does not contact the shaped structure As a prism, the prism-shaped structure can reflect light such that the light reaches the light receiver of the optical sensor 114.

The main body 31 has an air communication opening 32 in the front wall 40 of the main body 31 above the sensing portion 33. The air communication opening 32 is formed through the front wall 40 that defines the air chamber. ink 36 in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53. An air layer formed in the ink chamber 36 and the atmosphere outside the ink chamber 36 can be brought into fluid communication by the air communication aperture 32. The subframe 90 has a circular opening 96 formed through a wall of the first protrusion 85 in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53, and the air communication opening 32 is accessible via the opening 96 from the outside of the ink cartridge 30 in the extraction direction 55. The aperture 96 is positioned below the plate 88 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52.

The main body 31 includes an air communication valve 73 configured to selectively open and close the air communication opening 32. When the air communication opening 32 is open, the pressure in the ink chamber 36 maintained at a negative pressure is equal to atmospheric pressure. In another embodiment, the air communication opening 32 may not be located in the front wall 40 of the main body 31 and may be located anywhere as long as the interior and exterior of the ink chamber 36 can be brought into communication. fluid. In another embodiment, ink cartridge 30 may be configured for use in printer 10 with ink chamber 36 held at negative pressure. In such a case, the ink cartridge 30 may not have the air communication aperture 32, and the subframe 90 may have a circular recess formed therein instead of the aperture 96. The recess may extend from the front end of the first boss 85 rearward.

The main body 31 includes a tubular fluid supply portion, for example, an ink supply portion 34 on the front wall 40 of the main body 31 below the sensing portion 33. The ink supply portion 34 is positioned in a lower portion of the front wall 40 of the main body 31, that is, on a lower wall side 41 of the front wall 40 of the main body 31. Therefore, the ink supply portion 34 is positioned on the lower side on the front side of the ink cartridge 30. The sub frame 90 has a circular opening 97 formed through a front wall 140 in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53. The ink supply portion 34 has a shape cylindrical and extends through the opening 97 of the front wall 140 in the insertion / extraction direction 50. Therefore, the ink supply portion 34 is positioned on the front wall 140 of the Subframe 90. The ink supply portion 34 has an ink supply opening 71 formed at the distal end of the ink supply portion 34.

The ink supply portion 34 has an ink path 72 formed therein. Ink path 72 extends from ink supply opening 71 to ink chamber 36 in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53. Main body 31 includes an ink supply valve 70 configured to open and selectively closing the ink supply opening 71. When the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110, an ink tube 122 disposed in the cartridge mounting portion 110 is inserted through the opening of ink supply 71 and pushes the ink supply valve 70 such that the ink supply opening 71 opens. When this occurs, ink flows from ink chamber 36 to ink tube 122 via ink path 72 in insertion direction 56.

In another embodiment, the ink cartridge 30 may not include the ink supply valve 70. In such a case, the ink supply port 71 may be covered and closed with a film. When the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110, the ink tube 122 can pass through the film such that the ink supply port 71 is opened.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the main body 31 includes a hook 43 on a lower wall side 41 and a front wall side 40 of the main body 31. The hook 43 extends forward in the direction depth (front-rear direction) 53 from a lower portion of the front wall 40 of the main body 31. The front end of the hook 43 includes two projections that extend outward in opposite directions in the width direction ( left-right direction) 51. The hook 43 has a notch formed in it. The notch is located in a middle portion of the hook 43 with respect to the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and extends in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53. With this notch, the Hook 43 is configured to elastically deform such that its dimension in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 decreases. The projections on the forward end of the hook 43 are positioned in elongated openings 91, 92 formed through the subframe 90, respectively, and interior wall contact surfaces defining the elongated openings 91, 92, respectively.

The main body 31 includes a stop 45 positioned on the upper wall 39 of the main body 31. More specifically, the stop 45 is positioned on a middle portion of the upper wall 39 with respect to the depth direction (front-rear direction). 53. The stopper 45 extends upward from the top wall 39 and away from the ink chamber 36 and includes an engaging surface 46 that extends in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and the height direction. (up-down direction) 52. The engaging surface 46 looks back with respect to the insertion direction 56, in other words, it looks in the extraction direction 55, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110. In another embodiment, the engaging surface 46 it may not extend vertically from the top wall 39, but it may be inclined with respect to the height direction (left-right direction) 51, and it may look back with respect to the insertion direction 56, in other words, look at the removal direction 55, and also looking in the upward direction when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110. When the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110, the surface of latch 46 contacts a latch member 145 of the cartridge mounting portion 110, and receives an external force. More specifically, when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted and retained in the cartridge mounting portion 110, the ink cartridge 30 is pushed in the pulling direction 55, and therefore the engaging surface 46 pushes the element. latch 145 in the removal direction 55. As a consequence, the latch surface 46 receives a reaction force from latch element 145 in the insertion direction 56.

The main body 31 includes a pivotable member 80 positioned on an upper side of the main body 31 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and on a rear wall side 42 of the main body 31. More specifically, the Pivot element 80 is positioned at a rear portion of upper wall 39. Pivot element 80 has a curved flat sheet shape and its longest dimension extends in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of depth (front-rear direction). 53. The pivotable member 80 includes a shaft 83 at its curved tip. The curved tip is placed in a middle portion of the pivotable member 80 with respect to the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53. The axis 83 extends in the width direction (left-right direction) 51. The axis 83 is supported by the other portion of main body 31 at a position spaced from engaging surface 46 toward rear wall 42, such that pivot member 80 can pivot about axis 83. In other words, axis 83 includes a pivot point around which the pivot member 80 pivots. The pivot member 80 includes a front end portion 81 and a rear end portion 82. The front end portion 81 extends from the shaft 83 toward the engagement surface 46 The rear end portion 82 extends from the shaft 83 toward the rear wall 42. The shaft 83 is positioned on the upper side of the ink cartridge 30, and the rear end portion is positioned on the side. or rear of ink cartridge 30.

When no external force is applied to the pivotable member 80, the pivotable member 80 is positioned such that the front end portion 81 is positioned further away from the top wall 39, that is, the front end portion 81 is in the position uppermost relative to the upper wall 39, due to its own weight, that is, the rear end portion 82 is heavier than the front end portion 81. When the pivotable member 80 is in this position, the end portion front end 81 may extend out beyond an upper end of the other main body portion 31. In another embodiment, the front end portion 81 may not extend out beyond the upper end of the other main body portion 31 and may be positioned further in than the upper end of the other portion of the main body 31, that is, positioned below the upper end of the other portion of the main body 31. When the ext portion Front oar 81 is pushed down, pivoting member 80 pivots in the clockwise direction in FIG. 3 against its own weight. When the pivotable member 80 is pivoted in the clockwise direction to the extent possible, the forward end portion 81 is positioned below an upper end of the engaging surface 46. Figure 2 illustrates the pivotable member 80 that has pivoted, of such that the front end portion 81 is positioned below the upper end of the engaging surface 46. In another embodiment, the pivotable member 80 may be integrally formed with the other portion of the main body 31. In another embodiment, the pivotable member 80 can be pushed by a spring in the clockwise direction. In such a case, when the rear end portion 82 is pushed downward, the pivoting member 80 pivots in the counterclockwise direction against the biasing force of the spring.

As mentioned above, the main body 31 includes the side walls 37, 38. Rear portions of the side walls 37, 38 extend from the rear wall 42 to a middle portion of the main body 31 with respect to the depth direction. (front-rear direction) 53. Each of the rear portions of the side walls 37, 38 includes a flat plate portion, and a tapered portion in front of the plate portion flat with respect to the depth direction (front direction -back) 53. More specifically, each flat sheet metal portion includes a flat outer surface that extends in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53 and the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and a surface flat interior extending in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53 and the height direction (up-down direction) 52. The tapered portion includes an in-depth surface. flat interior extending in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53 and height direction (up-down direction) 52 and a sloping outer surface 47, 48 extending in a sloping direction to the direction of the depth (front-rear direction) 53 and extending in the height direction (top-down direction) 52. The side wall 37 includes the inclined inner surface 47 and the side wall 38 includes the inclined inner surface 48. When the frame Subframe 90 is not mounted on the main body 31 before mounting the ink cartridge 30, a front portion of the inner frame 35 defining the ink chamber 36 is not covered by the subframe 90 and is exposed. Therefore, the front portion of the inner frame 35 includes front portions of the side walls 37, 38.

The main body 31 includes a guide portion 65 on the upper wall 39. The guide portion 65 is a pair of plates 57 extending upward from the upper wall 39 and extending in the depth direction (forward direction -back) 53 from a middle portion of the main body 31 with respect to the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53 towards the rear wall 42. The width of the guide portion 65 between the pair of outer surfaces of the plates 57 in the width direction (left-right direction) is less than the width of the main body 31 between the outer surfaces of the side walls 37, 38 of the main body 31 in the width direction (left-right direction). The width of the guide portion 65 between the pair of outer surfaces of the plates 57 in the width direction (left-right direction) is less than the width of the front wall 40 in the width direction (left-right direction). right). The inner interval of the guide portion 65 between the pair of inner surfaces of the plates 57 in the width direction (left-right direction) is larger than the width of the hook element 145 in the width direction ( Left Right). The guide portion 65 includes a leading end in the insertion direction 56. The guide portion 65 is positioned between a slot 87 of the first protrusion 85 and the rear wall 42. More specifically, the guide portion 65 is positioned behind the slot 87 with respect to the insertion direction 56. The axis 83 of the pivotable member 80 is pivotally supported by the plates 57, such that the front end portion 81 pivots between the plates 57.

The main body 31 includes a guide portion 66 on the bottom wall 41. The guide portion 66 is a protrusion that extends downwardly from the bottom wall 41 and extends in the depth direction (front-rear direction). 53 from a middle portion of the main body 31 with respect to the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53 towards the rear wall 42. The width of the guide portion 66 between the pair of outer surfaces of the guide portion 66 in the width direction (left-right direction) is less than the width of the main body 31 between the outer surfaces of the side walls 37, 38 of the main body 31 in the width direction (left-right direction). The width of the guide portion 66 between the pair of outer surfaces of the guide portion 66 in the width direction (left-right direction) is less than the width of the front wall 40 in the width direction ( Left Right). When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into and out of the cartridge mounting portion 110, the guide portions 65, 66 are inserted into guide grooves 109 of the cartridge mounting portion 110.

[Subframe 90]

The subframe 90 is mounted on the main body 31. The subframe 90 covers a front portion of the main body 31 extending from around the inclined inner surfaces 47, 48 to the front wall 40 of the main body 31 looking in the direction of insertion 56. More specifically, the subframe 90 includes the front wall 140 that is oriented and covers the front wall 40 of the main body 31 in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53, an upper wall 141 that is oriented and covers a front portion of the upper wall 39 in the height direction (up-down direction) 52, a lower wall 142 which is oriented and covers a front portion of the lower wall 41 in the height direction (up-down direction -bottom) 52, and side walls 143, 144 which are oriented and cover the front portions of the side walls 37, 38, respectively, in the direction of width ura (left-right direction) 51. The front wall 140 is positioned on the front side of the ink cartridge 30, and the upper wall 141 is positioned on the upper side of the ink cartridge 30. The sub-frame 90 has an opening formed therethrough, and the aperture is defined by rear ends of the upper wall 141, the lower wall 142 and the side walls 143, 144 and is positioned opposite the front wall 140 with respect to the depth direction (forward direction- rear) 53.

The side walls 143, 144 have elongated openings 91, 92 formed therethrough, respectively. Elongated openings 91, 92 are located in bottom wall sides 142 of side walls 143, 144, respectively. In other words, the elongated openings 91, 92 are located in lower portions of the side walls 143, 144. Each of the elongated openings 91, 92 has a longer dimension in the height direction (up-down direction) 52 The projections on the forward end of the hook 43 are positioned in the elongated openings 91, 92, respectively, and contact the interior surfaces of the walls that define the elongated openings 91, 92, respectively. If an attempt is made to remove the subframe 90 from the main body 31 by pulling the subframe 90 in the direction of depth (front-rear direction) 53, the projections on the front end of the hitch hook 43 engage the interior surfaces of the walls that define the elongated openings 91, 92, such that the subframe 90 cannot be removed from the main body 31. The dimension of each of the projections at the front end of the hook 43 in the height direction (up-down direction) 52 is less than the dimension of each of the elongated openings 91, 92 in the height direction (up-down direction) 52. The side walls 143, 144 include end portions 67, 68 at their rear, respectively. The end portions 67, 68 extend in the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and cover the tapered portions of the rear portions of the side walls 37, 38 of the main body 31, respectively. The end portions 67, 68 face the outer sloping surfaces 47, 48 of the tapered portions, respectively, that is, the end portions 67, 68 overlap the outer sloping surfaces 47, 48 in the width direction (left direction -right) 51. Subframe 90 is configured to move relative to main body 31 in the height direction (up-down direction) 52 within a range defined by the dimension of the elongated openings 91, 92 in the height direction (up-down direction) 52 allowing the projections on the front end of the hook 43 to slide into the elongated openings 91, 92 in the height direction (up-down direction). bottom) 52. In other words, there is a space between each of the projections of the forward end of the hook 43 and one end of a corresponding opening of the elongated openings 91, 92 in the height direction (up-down direction ) 52, such that the subframe 90 can slide on the main body 31 in the height direction (up-down direction) 52. When the subframe 90 moves relative to the main body 31, the end portions 67, 68 of subframe 90 slide on outer sloped surfaces 47, 48, respectively. In other words, the outer inclined surfaces 47, 48 function as guides when the subframe 90 moves relative to the main body 31. The subframe 90 is supported by the upper wall 39 of the front portion of the main body 31 below at a normal state. The sub frame 90 is configured not to move relative to the main body in the width direction (left-right direction) 51.

The subframe 90 has the opening 95 formed through the front wall 140 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51. The opening 95 is positioned in a middle portion of the upper wall 140 with respect to the direction of height (left-right direction) 52. In this embodiment, the opening 95 has a rectangular shape, but may have any other suitable shape according to modified embodiments. The aperture 95 has dimensions and a size corresponding to the detection portion 33 of the main body 31 and is in a position corresponding to the detection portion 33, such that the detection portion 33 is exposed to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 through the aperture 95 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51. A portion of the subframe 90 defining the aperture 95 includes the sensing portion 89 which extends in the height direction (top-down direction ) 52, and a support portion 79 extending from the lower end of the sensing portion 89 in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53 toward the main body 31 and configured to support the sensing portion 33 by below. When the sub frame 90 is supported by the upper wall 39 of the main body 31 below, there is a gap between the sensing portion 33 and the support portion 79. When the sub frame 90 moves in the upward direction relative to the main body 31, the support portion 79 contacts a lower end of the sensing portion 33. The range within which the sub frame 90 moves relative to the main body 31 in the height direction (up-down direction) 52 This can be defined by the dimension of the elongated openings 91, 92 in the height direction (up-down direction) 52 allowing the projections on the forward end of the hook 43 to slide into the elongated openings 91, 92 in the height direction (up-down direction) 52 or may be defined by the space between the sensing portion 33 and the support portion 79 formed when the secondary frame 90 is supported by the upper surface. or of the front portion of the main body 31 below.

The secondary frame 90 has the opening 96 formed through a wall of the first protrusion 85 in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53. In this embodiment, the opening 96 has a circular shape, but any others are also possible. shapes according to modified embodiments. The opening 96 has a dimension and a size corresponding to the air communication opening 32 of the main body 31 and is in a position corresponding to the air communication opening 32, such that the air communication opening 32 is accessible through the opening 96 from the outside of the ink cartridge 30 in the removal direction 55.

The subframe 90 has the opening 97 formed through the front wall 140 in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53, and the opening 97 is positioned in a lower portion of the front wall 140 with respect to the direction high 52. In this embodiment, opening 97 has a circular shape, but any other shapes are also possible according to modified embodiments. The aperture 97 has a dimension and a size corresponding to the ink supply portion 34 of the main body 31 and is in a position corresponding to the ink supply portion 34, such that the ink supply portion 34 extends through the opening 37 in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53.

Subframe 90 includes first boss 85 and second boss 86 on front wall 140. First boss 85 extends from the upper end of front wall 140 in the insertion direction 56 away from rear wall 42. Width of the first projection 85 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 is the same as the width of the front wall 140 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51. In another embodiment, the width of the first protrusion 85 may be less than the width of the front wall 140. The leading end of the first protrusion 85 is positioned further forward than the ink supply opening 71 formed at the distal end of the ink supply portion 34 in the direction insert 56 away from the rear wall 42. The first protrusion 85 has a recess, for example, a slot 87 formed in a middle portion of the first protrusion 85 with respect to the width direction (di left-right direction) 52. The slot 87 extends in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53. The slot 87 is open forward in the insertion direction 56 and open upward in the height direction ( top-bottom) 52. Both sides of the slot 87 with respect to the width direction (left-right direction) 51 are defined and closed by a pair of surfaces of the first protrusion 85, and the bottom of the slot 87 is defined and closed by a surface of the first projection 85. The cross section of the groove 87 taken along the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the width direction (left-right direction) 51 is rectangular.

The first protrusion 85 includes the plate 88 arranged in a middle portion of the slot 87 with respect to the width direction (left-right direction) 51. The plate 88 extends in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53 and the height direction (up-down direction) 52. The plate 88 extends in the upward direction from the surface of the first protrusion 85 that defines the bottom of the slot 87. The plate 88 extends from the wall front 140 of the sub frame 90 in the direction of the depth 53 or the insertion direction 56 at a boundary between the upper wall 141 and the front wall 140. The plate 88 projects from the upper side of the front side of the ink cartridge 30. The front end of the plate 88 is further away from the rear side of the ink cartridge 30 than the front end of the ink supply portion 30 is away from the rear side of the ink cartridge 30 with respect to the direction. depth ion (front-rear direction). Each of the side surfaces of the plate 88 with respect to the width direction (left-right direction) 51 extends in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53 and the height direction (up-down direction) 52 in parallel with the pair of surfaces of the first boss 85 defining both sides of the slot 87 with respect to the width direction (left-right direction) 51. The surfaces of the first boss 85 defining both sides of the slot 87 with respect to the width direction (left-right direction) 51 are opposite the side surfaces of the plate 88 in the width direction (left-right direction) 52, respectively. Plate 88 includes a material, eg, a resin, configured to attenuate light, eg, visible or infrared light, advancing in a direction perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction 50. In this embodiment, the direction perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50 is the width direction (left-right direction) 51. More specifically, when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110, the plate 88 is positioned between an emitter of light and a light receiver ^{of an optical sensor} 116 ^{, which are aligned in a horizontal direction (the width} direction ^or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50. The plate 88 is configured to attenuate the light, which is emitted by the light emitter of the optical sensor 116 and advances in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50. When the light hits one side of plate 88 in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50, the amount of light exiting the other side of plate 88 and that arriving at the light receiver from the optical sensor 116 is less than a predetermined amount, eg, zero. In other words, the plate 88 is configured to attenuate the amount or intensity of light to a level sufficient for it to be detected by the optical sensor 116. The attenuation of the light is produced by the plate 88 which completely prevents the light from passing through. through it in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50, by plate 88 which absorbs some amount of light, by plate 88 which deflects light, by plate 88 which fully reflects light, etc. As such, the plate 88 can be detected by the optical sensor 116. The dimension of the plate 88 from the front wall 40 to the front end of the plate 88 in the insertion direction 56 away from the rear wall 42 varies somewhat. from ink cartridge 30 to another type of ink cartridge 30. Different types of ink cartridges 30 may include different colored ink, different ink ingredients such as dye and pigment, different initial amounts of ink stored in the ink chamber 36, etc.

In another embodiment, the first protrusion 85 may have a recess 87 formed therein. The recess 87 may be open forward in the insertion direction 56, open upward in the height direction (up-down direction) 52, and open on one side or both sides of the first protrusion 85 in the width direction. (direction left right) 51.

The second boss 86 extends from the lower end of the front wall 140 in the insertion direction 56 away from the rear wall 42. The second boss 86 is positioned below the ink supply portion 34. The width of the second boss 86 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 is the same as the width of the front wall 140 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51. In another embodiment, the width of the second projection 86 may be less than the width of the front wall 140. The front end of the second projection 86 is positioned further forward than the ink supply opening 71 formed at the distal end of the ink supply portion 34 in the insertion direction 56 away from the rear wall 42. The dimension of the second projection 86 from the front wall 140 to the front end of the second projection 86 in the insertion direction 56 away from the rear wall 42 varied. a from one type of ink cartridge 30 to another type of ink cartridge 30. Different types of ink cartridges 30 may include different colors of ink, different ink ingredients such as dye and pigment, different initial amounts of ink stored in ink chamber 36, etc. In this embodiment, the second projection 86 is indirectly detected by an optical sensor 117 (see FIG. 1). In another embodiment, the second projection 86 can be directly detected by the optical sensor 117.

The subframe 90 includes the sensing portion 89 at or adjacent to the front wall 140 between the first boss 85 and the second boss 86 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52. The sensing portion 89 is positioned further forward than the detection portion 33 in the insertion direction 56 away from the rear wall 42. The detection portion 33 and the detection portion 89 are aligned and spaced in the insertion direction 56. The width of the portion 89 detection in the width direction (direction left-right) 51 is the same as the width of the detection portion 33 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51, but other larger or smaller widths are also possible according to modified embodiments. The sensing portion 89 is configured to attenuate light, for example, visible or infrared light, advancing in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50 passing its through. More specifically, during mounting of the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge mounting portion 110, the sensing portion 89 passes between the light emitter and the light receptor of the optical sensor 114. When this occurs, the sensing portion 89 attenuates the light, which is emitted from the light emitter of the optical sensor 114 and proceeds in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50. When the light reaches the one side of the detection portion 89 in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50, the amount of light exiting the other side of the detection portion 89 and reaching the light receiver from optical sensor 114 is less than the predetermined amount, eg, zero. In other words, the sensing portion 89 is configured to attenuate the amount or intensity of light to a level sufficient to be detected by the optical sensor 114. The attenuation of the light is produced by the sensing portion 89 which completely prevents the light passes through it in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50, through the detection portion 89 which absorbs a certain amount of the light, through the portion of detection 89 that deflects the light, by the detection portion 89 that fully reflects the light, etc. As such, the detection portion 89 can be detected by the optical sensor 114.

There is an interval between the sensing portion 89 and the sensing portion 33 in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53. During the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge mounting portion 110, the light, which is emitted by the light emitter of the optical sensor 114 and proceeds in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50, passes through the gap and reaches the light receiver from the optical sensor 114. The amount of light exiting the range and reaching the light receiver from the optical sensor 114 is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount. The dimension of the detection portion 89 in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53 varies from one type of the ink cartridge 30 to another type of the ink cartridge 30. Different types of the ink cartridges 30 may include colors. different ink, different ink ingredients such as dye and pigment, different initial amounts of ink stored in ink chamber 36, etc.

The leading end of the first protrusion 85, the leading end of the second protrusion 86 and the sensing portion 89 are positioned further forward than the sensing portion 33 with respect to the insertion direction 56. In other words, the sensing portion 33 is positioned further rearward than the leading end of the first projection 85, the leading end of the second projection 86, and the sensing portion 89 with respect to the insertion direction 56. Each of the sensing portion 33 and the Ink 71 is positioned between the first protrusion 85 and the second protrusion 86 with respect to the height direction 52.

The subframe 90 includes a guide portion 93 on the upper wall 141. The guide portion 93 is a pair of plates 94 extending upward from the upper wall 141 and extending in the depth direction (forward direction -back) 53 from a middle portion of the subframe 90 to the rear end of the subframe 90. The width of the guide portion 93 between the pair of outer surfaces of the plates 94 in the width direction (left-right direction) it is less than the width of the subframe 90 between the outer surfaces of the side walls 143, 144 of the subframe 90 in the width direction (left-right direction). The guide portion 93 includes a leading end in the insertion direction 56. The guide portion 93 is positioned between the slot 87 of the first protrusion 85 and the rear wall 42. More specifically, the guide portion 93 is positioned behind the groove 87 with respect to the insertion direction 56. The width of the guide portion 93 between the pair of outer surfaces of the plates 94 in the width direction (left-right direction) is equal to the width of the portion of guide 65 between the pair of outer surfaces of the plates 57 in the width direction (left-right direction). Guide portion 93 is aligned with guide portion 65 in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53, that is, plates 94 are aligned with plates 57 in the depth direction (front-rear direction). ) 53, respectively. Therefore, the outer surfaces of the plates 94 are aligned with the outer surfaces of the plates 57 in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53, respectively.

The subframe 90 includes a guide portion 99 on the bottom wall 142. The guide portion 99 is a protrusion that extends downwardly from the bottom wall 142 and that extends in the depth direction (front-rear direction). 53 from the front end of the second projection 86 to the rear end of the sub frame 90. The width of the guide portion 99 between the outer surfaces of the guide portion 99 in the width direction (left-right direction) is less than the width of the sub-frame 90 between the outer surfaces of the side walls 143, 144 of the sub-frame 90 in the width direction (left-right direction). The width of the guide portion 99 between the outer surfaces of the guide portion 99 in the width direction (left-right direction) is equal to the width of the guide portion 66 between the outer surfaces of the guide portion. 66 in the width direction (left-right direction). The guide portion 99 is aligned with the guide portion 66 in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53. Therefore, the outer surfaces of the guide portion 99 are aligned with the outer surfaces of the guide portion 66 in the direction of depth (front-rear direction) 53, respectively. When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted and removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110, the guide portions 93, 99 are inserted into the guide grooves 109 of the cartridge mounting portion 110.

The ink cartridge 30 includes an IC plate 74 disposed on the sub frame 90 between the pair of plates 94 of the guide portion 90. The IC plate 74 is positioned between the slot 87 of the first boss 85 and the rear wall 42 and between the stop 45 and the front wall 140. The IC plate 74 is positioned on the upper wall side 141 of the sub frame 90 between the front wall 140 and the rear wall 42. The IC plate 74 is positioned further back than the front wall 140 and slot 87 with respect to insertion direction 56. IC plate 74 and ink supply opening 71 are offset with respect to insertion direction 56. More specifically, IC plate 74 is positioned further back than the ink supply opening 71 with respect to the insertion direction 56.

Subframe 90 includes a platform on which IC plate 74 is disposed. The platform is positioned between the pair of plates 94 of the guide portion 93. The platform is a flat surface that extends in the width direction ( left-right direction) 51 and the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53, and extending in the insertion / extraction direction 50 when the ink cartridge 30 is in the mounted position (vertical position). A plane in which the platform extends, that is, a plane extending in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53 and the width direction (left-right direction) 51, intersects a plane in the that the engagement surface 46 extends, that is, a plane extending in the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the width direction (left-right direction) 51. In this embodiment, the plane in the The platform extends is perpendicular to the plane in which the engaging surface 46 extends. The IC plate 74 includes an upper surface that extends in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and the depth direction. (front-rear direction) 53. When the ink cartridge 30 is in the mounted position (vertical position), the upper surface of the PCB 74 extends horizontally and faces upward. A plane in which the upper surface of the PCB 74 extends, that is, a plane extending in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53 and the width direction (left-right direction) 51 , intersects the plane in which the engaging surface 46 extends, that is, a plane extending in the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the width direction (left-right direction) 51. In this embodiment, the plane in which the upper surface of the IC board 74 extends is perpendicular to the plane in which the engaging surface 46 extends. Since the platform is positioned further forward than the engaging surface 46 with Relative to insertion direction 56, IC plate 74 is positioned further forward than engaging surface 46 with respect to insertion direction 56. IC plate 74 is positioned on top of (higher than) IC plate 88 and the slot 87 of the first boss 85 with with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52. In other words, the PCB 74 is positioned further out than the PCB 88 and the slot 87. The PCB 74 is positioned above (higher than) at least a portion of the stopper 45 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52. In other words, the IC plate 74 is positioned further out than at least a portion of the stopper 45. The upper end of the plate 88 is positioned under the IC board 74 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52. The cartridge mounting portion 110 includes three contacts 106 aligned in the direction (width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / withdrawal direction 50. During mounting of the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge mounting portion 110, the IC board 74 contacts and is electrically connected to the three contacts 106 (see FIG. 6). When the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed, the IC board 74 still contacts and is electrically connected to the three contacts 106.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, IC board 74 includes an IC (not shown), and electrical interfaces, for example, an active electrode 75, a ground electrode 76, and a signal electrode 77. The IC is a semiconductor integrated circuit and saves data about information of ink cartridge 30, for example, lot number of ink cartridge 30, date of manufacture of ink cartridge 30, color of ink stored in ink cartridge 30, etc. When the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110, the data stored in the IC can be read by the printer 10.

Each of the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 is electrically connected to the IC. Each of the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76 and the signal electrode 77 has a surface that extends in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53 and the width direction (left-right direction) 51 The active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76 and the signal electrode 77 are aligned and spaced from each other in the width direction (left-right direction) 51. The ground electrode 76 is positioned between the active electrode 75 and the signal electrode 77. The IC board 74 has a width in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and the plate 88 of the first protrusion 85 has a width in the width direction (left-right direction) 51, and the width of the IC board 74 is larger than the width of the board 88. Each of the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 has a width in the width direction (direction left-right) 51, and the an The width of each of the active electrode 75, ground electrode 76, and signal electrode 77 is larger than the width of the plate 88. The center of the IC plate 74 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and the center of the plate 88 of the first protrusion 85 in the width direction (left-right direction) is placed in a plane that is parallel with the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the direction of the depth (front-rear direction) 53.

Therefore, IC board 74 and board 88 intersect the plane that is parallel with the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the depth direction (front-back direction) 53. In other words, the IC board 74 and board 88 are not offset in the width direction (left-right direction) 51. More specifically, the center of the ground electrode 76 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and the center of the plate 88 is positioned in the plane that is parallel with the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the depth direction (front-back direction) 53. In other words, the center of the ground electrode 76 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and the center of the plate 88 are not offset in the width direction (left-right direction) 51. Therefore, the ground electrode 76 and the plate 88 intersect the plane that is parallel with the direction of height (dir up-down ection) 52 and the depth direction (front-back direction) 53. In other words, the ground electrode 76 and rib 86 are not offset in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 The active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76, the signal electrode 77, and the plate 88 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the plane that is parallel with the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the depth direction. (front-rear direction) 53. Engagement surface 46, IC plate 74, and slot 87 intersect the plane that is parallel with the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the depth direction (front-rear direction ) 53. In other words, the engaging surface 46, the IC plate 74 and the slot 87 are not offset in the width direction (left-right direction) 51. More specifically, the engaging surface 46, the electrode of Earth

76 and slot 87 intersect the plane that is parallel with the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the depth direction (front-back direction) 53, the engaging surface 46, the active electrode 75, and the slot 87 intersect another plane that is parallel with the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the depth direction (front-back direction) 53, and the engaging surface 46, the signal electrode 77 and the slot 87 intersect another plane that is parallel with the direction of height (up-down direction) 52 and the direction of depth (front-back direction) 53. In other words, the engaging surface 46, each of the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76 and the signal electrode 77, and the groove 87 are not offset in the width direction (left-right direction) 51. During the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge mounting portion 110, the active electrode 75, the electr ground ear 76 and signal electrode 77 contact and are electrically connected to the three contacts 106 (see FIG. 6), respectively. When the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed, the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 still contact and are electrically connected to the three contacts 106, respectively.

The engaging surface 46, the IC plate 74 and the slot 87 are exposed upward with respect to the height direction 52 to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 on the upper wall side 39 of the main body 30 and the upper wall side 141 of the secondary frame 90. The active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76 and the signal electrode

77 are exposed upwardly to the outside of ink cartridge 30 on the upper surface of IC board 74, so that active electrode 75, ground electrode 76, and signal electrode 77 are accessible from above when ink cartridge 30 is in the mounted position. In other words, the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76 and the signal electrode 77 are accessible in the downward direction which is perpendicular to the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and the insertion / removal direction 50. Latching surface 46 is accessible from above when ink cartridge 30 is in the mounted position. In other words, the engaging surface 46 is accessible in the downward direction that is perpendicular to the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and the insertion / removal direction 50.

IC board 74 is mounted on top wall 141 of subframe 90 in at least one mounting position. A protrusion extends upward from each of the at least one mounting position of subframe 90 and the protrusion extends through an opening formed through IC plate 74. An upper portion of the protrusion is heat melted and it contacts the upper surface of the IC board 74. The at least one mounting position is positioned behind the active electrode 75, the ground electrode, and the signal electrode 77.

Each of the pair of plates 94 includes a first portion positioned in line with the mounting position in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 as viewed from the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and a second portion. The upper end of the first portion is positioned below the second portion. With the first portion of the plates 94, a heater, which has a width greater than the width of the guide portion 93 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 can contact the upper portion of the boss, so that the upper portion of the boss melts.

The pair of plates 94 of the guide portion 93 extend beyond the IC plate 74 upward and forward in the insertion direction 56. In other words, the pair of plates 94 of the guide portion 65 extend toward outside beyond IC plate 74. Subframe 90 includes ramp 49 connecting pair of plates 94 of guide portion 65. Ramp 49 is located between slot 87 of first boss 85 and rear wall 42 and between the IC plate 74 and the front wall 140. The ramp 49 is positioned between the slot 87 of the first protrusion 85 and the IC plate 74. The ramp 49 is inclined downward with respect to the insertion direction 56, so that a A front portion of the chute 49 is positioned lower than a rear portion of the chute 49. When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted and / or removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110, the latch 145 slides on the chute 49 .

A recess 78 is formed between the stop 45 and the sub frame 90 at a boundary between the stop 45 and the sub frame 90 in an upper portion of the ink cartridge 30. When the main body 31 and the sub frame 90 are positioned relative to the cartridge mounting portion 110, respectively, as described below, there is no difference in level between the stop 45 and the subframe 90 in the height direction (up-down direction) 50 on both sides of the recess 78 Therefore, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted or removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110, the latch element 145 is not caught in the recess 78.

In this embodiment, the subframe 90 covers the front wall 40 of the main body 31, the side wall side 37 of the front portion of the main body 31, the side wall side 38 of the front portion of the main body 31, the side upper wall 39 of the front portion of the main body 31, and the lower wall side 41 of the front portion of the main body 31. However, the subframe 90 may cover the front portion of the main body 31 differently. In a modified embodiment, the subframe 90 may not cover the side wall side 37 of the front portion of the main body 31. In another modified embodiment, the subframe 90 may not cover the lower wall side 41 of the front portion of the main body 31.

[Ink supply device 100]

Referring to FIG. 1, the printer 10 includes the ink supply device 100. The ink supply device 100 is configured to supply ink to the print head 21. The ink supply device 100 includes the mounting portion of cartridge 110 in which the ink cartridge 30 can be mounted. In Fig. 1, the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110.

[Cartridge mounting portion 110]

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the cartridge mounting portion 110 includes a case 101, and the case 101 has the opening 112 formed through one face of the case 101. The ink cartridge 30 is configured to be inserted or removed from the box 101 through the opening 112. The box 101 has the slot 109 formed in an upper surface that defines the upper end of the interior space of the box 101 and also has the slot 109 formed in a lower surface that defines the lower end of the interior space of the box 101. The slots 109 extend in the insertion / extraction direction 50. The ink cartridge 30 is guided in the insertion / extraction direction 50 with the guide portions 65, 93 inserted into the slot 109 formed in the upper surface of the case 101 and the guide portions 66, 99 inserted into the slot 109 formed in the lower surface of the case 101. The case 101 is configured to receive four ink cartridges 30 which they store cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink, respectively.

The box 101 includes three dividing plates 102 that extend in the vertical direction and the insertion / removal direction 50. The three dividing plates 102 divide the interior space of the box 101 into four spaces. The four ink cartridges 30 are configured to mount in the four spaces, respectively.

Referring to Figure 5, the housing 101 includes an end surface opposite the opening 112 in the insertion / removal direction 50. The cartridge mounting portion 110 includes a connecting portion 103 disposed on a lower portion of the surface. end of the case 101 at a position corresponding to the ink supply portion 34 of the ink cartridge 30 mounted in the case 101. In this embodiment, four connecting portions 103 are provided for the four ink cartridges 30 which can be mount in box 101.

The connecting portion 103 includes a printing fluid supply tube, for example, the ink tube 122, and a holding portion 121. The ink tube 122 is a cylindrical tube made of a synthetic resin. The ink tube 122 is connected to the ink tube 20 on the outside of the box 101. The ink tube 20 connected to the ink tube 20 extends to the print head 21 to supply ink to the print head 21. In the figure 4 and 5, the ink tube 20 is not illustrated.

The holding portion 121 has a cylindrical shape. The ink tube 122 is positioned in the center of the holding portion 121. Referring to Fig. 8, when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110, the ink supply portion 34 is inserted in the holding portion 121. When this takes place, the ink supply portion 34 is positioned relative to the holding portion 121 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52 by an outer surface of the ink supply portion 34 contacting an inner surface of the clamping portion 121. When the ink supply portion 34 is inserted into the clamping portion 121, the ink tube 122 is inserted into the ink supply opening 71. This allows the ink stored in ink chamber 36 to flow out into ink tube 122.

Referring to FIG. 5, the cartridge mounting portion 110 includes a sensor unit 104 above the connection portion 103. The sensor unit 104 includes a plate 113 and the optical sensor 114 mounted on the plate 113. More specifically, the Sensor unit 104 includes a plate 113 and four optical sensors 114 mounted on the single plate 113, corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30 that can be mounted on the case 101.

As described above, the optical sensor 114 includes the light emitter, eg, a light emitting diode, and the light receiver, eg, a phototransistor. The light emitter and light receiver are housed in a housing, and the housing extends from plate 113 in the insertion / removal direction 50 toward opening 112. The housing is substantially U-shaped as viewed from above. The light emitter and light receiver of the optical sensor 114 are aligned in a horizontal direction (the width direction or the left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50 with a space formed in between. The light emitter is configured to emit light, for example infrared or visible light, towards the light receiver in the horizontal direction (the width direction or the left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction 50 , and the light receiver is configured to receive the light emitted by the light emitter. The sensing portion 33 and the sensing portion 89 may be inserted in the space between the light emitter and the light receiver. The optical sensor 114 is configured to detect the change in the amount (intensity) of the light when the detection portion 33 or the detection portion 89 enters an optical path (detection point) formed between the light emitter and the receiver. of light. The optical sensor 114 is electrically connected to a controller (described later) of the printer 10, and when the optical sensor 114 detects the detection portion 33 or the detection portion 89, a signal sent from the optical sensor 114 to the controller changes. .

Referring to FIG. 5, the cartridge mounting portion 110 includes a sensor unit 105 positioned on the top surface of the box 101 next to the end surface of the box 101. The sensor unit 105 includes a plate 115 and the sensor. optical 116 mounted on plate 115. More specifically, sensor unit 105 includes a plate 115 and four optical sensors 116 mounted on the single plate 115, corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30 that can be mounted on the box 101.

As described above, the optical sensor 116 includes the light emitter, eg, a light emitting diode, and the light receiver, eg, a phototransistor. The light emitter and light receiver are housed in a housing, and the housing extends from the plate 115 downward in the vertical direction. The housing is substantially U-shaped upside down as viewed in the insertion / removal direction 50.

The light emitter and light receptor of the optical sensor 116 are aligned in the horizontal direction (the width direction or the left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50 with a space formed in between. The light emitter is configured to emit light, for example infrared or visible light, towards the light receiver in the horizontal direction (the width direction or the left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction 50 , and the light receiver is configured to receive the light emitted by the light emitter. When the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110, the plate 88 of the first protrusion 85 is inserted into the space between the light emitter and the light receiver. The optical sensor 116 is configured to detect the change in the amount (intensity) of light when the plate 88 enters an optical path (detection point) formed between the light emitter and the light receiver. Optical sensor 116 is electrically connected to printer controller 10, and when optical sensor 116 detects board 88, an output signal from optical sensor 116 to the controller changes. Based on the signal change, whether the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110 can be determined by the controller. In other words, the plate 88 is configured to provide information about the presence of the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge mounting portion 110 by attenuating the light from the optical sensor 116.

The cartridge mounting portion 110 includes electrical contacts 106 positioned on the upper surface of the case 101 between the end surface of the case 101 and the opening 112. Three contacts 106 are arranged and aligned in the direction (direction of width or the left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50. Three contacts 106 are arranged in positions corresponding to the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76, the signal electrode 77 of the ink cartridge 30. The contacts 106 they have electrical conductivity and resilience. Contacts 106 are configured to be elastically deformed in the upward direction. Four sets of three contacts 106 are provided, corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30 that can be mounted in the case 101.

The printer 10 includes the controller, and the contacts 106 are electrically connected to the controller via an electrical circuit. The controller can include a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. When the active electrode 75 contacts and is electrically connected to a corresponding contact of the contacts 106, a voltage Vc is applied to the active electrode 75. When the ground electrode 76 contacts and is electrically connected to a corresponding contact of the contacts 106, the ground electrode 76 is grounded. When the active electrode 75 and the ground electrode 76 contact and are electrically connected to the corresponding contacts 106, respectively, power is supplied to the IC. When the signal electrode 77 contacts and is electrically connected to a corresponding contact of the contacts 106, the data stored in the IC is accessible. The outputs of the electrical circuit are input to the controller.

Referring to Figure 1, the box 101 has a space 130 formed at the lower end of the end surface of the box 101. The cartridge mounting portion 110 includes a slider 135 disposed in the space 130. Four slides are provided 135 corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30 that can be mounted in the box 101. The space 130 is contiguous with the interior space of the box 101. The slider 135 is configured for movement in space 130 in the insertion / extraction direction 50. The slide 135 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The slider 135 is positioned in the line of travel of the second protrusion 86 of the ink cartridge 30 and is configured to contact the second protrusion 86.

The cartridge mounting portion 110 includes a coil spring 139 disposed in the space 130. The coil spring 139 is configured to bias the slide 135 toward the opening 112, that is, in the removal direction 55. When the coil spring 139 is at normal length, that is, when no external force is applied to the slider 135, the slider 135 is positioned at an opening side 112 of the space 130. When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the case 101, the second protrusion 86 of ink cartridge 30 contacts slider 135 and urges slider 135 in the insertion direction 56. As this occurs, coil spring 139 contracts and slider 135 slides in insertion direction 56. Helical spring 139 in a contracted state pushes the ink cartridge 30 in the removal direction 55 by the slider 135.

The cartridge mounting portion 110 includes the optical sensor 117 in an upper portion of the space 130. Four optical sensors 117 are provided corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30 that can be mounted in the case 101. In other words, the four sensors Optics 117 are provided corresponding to the four sliders 135. The four optical sensors 117 are aligned in the direction (width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction 50. The optical sensor 117 has the same structure as optical sensor 116.

When the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the case 101, the slide 135 is pushed and inserted into a space between a light emitter and a light receiver of the optical sensor 117. The optical sensor 117 is configured to detect the change in the amount (intensity) of light when slider 135 enters an optical path (detection point) formed between the light emitter and the light receiver of the optical sensor 117. The optical sensor 117 is electrically connected to the printer controller 10, and when the optical sensor 117 detects the slider 135, a signal sent from the optical sensor 117 to the controller changes. In Figures 5 through 8, slide 135, coil spring 139, and optical sensor 117 are not illustrated.

In the cartridge mounting portion 110, the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 114 is positioned further back than the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 116 and the detection point (optical path) of the sensor optical 117 in insertion direction 56.

Referring to Fig. 5, the cartridge mounting portion 110 includes a rod 125 on the end surface of the case 101. The position of the rod 125 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52 corresponds to the position of the air communication valve 73 of the ink cartridge 30 mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52. Four rods 125 corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30 mountable in the case 101. The rod 125 has a cylindrical shape and extends from the end surface of the case 101 in the insertion / removal direction 50 towards the opening 112. During cartridge mounting of ink 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110, the rod 125 is inserted through the opening 96 of the subframe 90, and the distal end of the rod 125 contacts the air communication valve 73. The valve Air communication valve 73 is pushed by rod 125 such that air communication opening 32 opens. An outer surface of the rod 125 contacts an inner surface 98 of the subframe 90 defining the aperture 96, and thereby the subframe 90 is positioned relative to the cartridge mounting portion 110 with respect to the height direction ( up-down direction) 52.

Referring to FIG. 5, the cartridge mounting portion 110 includes the latch element 145 positioned in an upper portion of the case 101. The latch element 145 is configured to retain the ink cartridge 30 in the mounted position. Latch element 145 is positioned adjacent the upper end of opening 112. Latch element 145 is positioned between opening 112 and contacts 106. Each of contacts 106 and latch element 145 intersect a plane that is parallel. with insertion / extraction direction 50 and vertical (gravitational) direction. In other words, each of the contacts 106 and the latch element 145 are not offset in the width direction (left-right direction) 51. Four latch elements 145 corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30 are provided which are can mount in box 101.

The cartridge mounting portion 110 includes a shaft 147 positioned adjacent the upper end of the aperture 112. The shaft 147 is mounted in the case 101 and extends in the direction (width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular. to insertion / removal direction 50. Shaft 147 extends through one end of latch 145 adjacent opening 112, in other words, a rear end of latch 145 relative to direction of insertion 56 Latch element 145 is supported by shaft 147, such that latch element 145 can pivot around shaft 147 selectively toward and away from the interior space of case 101. Latch element 145 includes a latch end 146 opposite the end of latch 145 through which shaft 147 extends. In other words, latch end 146 is positioned at a forward end of latch 1 45 with respect to insertion direction 56. Latch end 146 is configured to contact abutment 45 of the ink cartridge 30. By contact between the latch end 146 and the latch surface 46 of the stopper 45, the ink cartridge 30 is retained in the mounted position in the case 101 against the biasing force from the slider 135. When the latch end 146 contacts the latch surface 46, the latch end 146 extends substantially in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and the height direction (top-down direction) 52. The latch member 145 is configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the latch 145 is in the locked position, the latch end 146 can contact the stop 45. When the latch 145 is in the unlocked position, the latch end 146 cannot contact the stop 45.

Latch member 145 includes a sliding surface 148 that extends from latch end 146 toward shaft 147. When latch end 146 contacts latch surface 46, slide surface 148 extends substantially in the direction of rotation. width (left-right direction) 51 and depth direction (front-rear direction) 53. The sliding surface 148 has a width in the width direction (left-right direction) 51, such that the surface slide 148 contacts and slides on active electrode 75, ground electrode 76, and signal electrode 77 at the same time when ink cartridge 30 is inserted and / or removed from cartridge mounting portion 110.

Latch element 145 is configured to pivot downwardly due to its own weight or biased by a spring (not shown). When the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110, the latching end 146 that contacts the stop 45 is positioned above the front end portion 81 of the pivotable member 80. When the front end portion 81 is moving upward and pushing up on latch end 146, latch 145 pivots upward about shaft 147 from the locked position to the unlocked position. The movable range of latch 145 is limited, such that latch 145 does not pivot downward beyond the locked position.

[Mounting the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge mounting portion 110]

With reference to Figures 6 to 8, it is described how the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110. In Figures 6 to 8, the cartridge mounting portion 110 is illustrated in cross section, but only A side portion of the upper wall 39 of the main body 31 and a side portion of the upper wall 141 of the sub frame 90 are illustrated in cross section.

As described above, since the subframe 90 is supported by the upper wall 39 of the front portion of the main body 31 from below, the subframe 90 is movable in the upward direction relative to the main body 31 before mounting. the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge mounting portion 110. Referring to Fig. 6, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the insertion direction 56, the guide portions 65, 66, 93, 99 of the ink cartridge 30 are inserted into the slots 109 of the case 101, and thereby the ink cartridge 30 is positioned approximately relative to the cartridge mounting portion 110 with respect to the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and the height direction (up-down direction) 52. The ink cartridge 30 is configured to slide toward the end surface of the box 101 while the guide portions 65, 66, 93 , 99 are inserted into slots 109.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the case 101, the leading end of the first protrusion 85 contacts the sliding surface 148 of the latch 145. When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted further , the sliding surface 148 moves up the first protrusion 85 and the ramp 49. When this occurs, the latch element 145 pivots upward in the direction to the left in Figure 6 from the locked position to the unlocked position. . When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted further, the sliding surface 148 of the latch element 145 slides on the ramp 49 and the IC plate 74 and passes over the recess 78. When the sliding surface 148 slides on the active electrode 75 , ground electrode 76 and signal electrode 77, the active electrode 75, ground electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 are cleaned of dust.

Referring to Fig. 1, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the case 101, the second protrusion 86 contacts the slider 135. When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted further, the slider 135 is pushed in the insertion direction 56 against the biasing force of coil spring 139 to the detection point (optical path) of optical sensor 117. When optical sensor 117 detects slider 135, the output signal from optical sensor 117 to the controller changes from a high level signal to a low level signal.

Referring to FIG. 7, after the second projection 86 begins to push the slider 135, the sensing portion 89 enters the sensing point (optical path) of the optical sensor 114. When the optical sensor 114 senses the portion of detection 89, the signal sent from the optical sensor 114 to the controller changes from a high level signal to a low level signal.

Referring to FIG. 7, after the detection portion 89 enters the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 114, the plate 88 of the first protrusion 85 enters the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor. 116. When optical sensor 116 detects board 88, the signal sent from optical sensor 116 to controller changes from a high level signal to a low level signal. After the detection portion 89 passes the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 114, the interval between the detection portion 89 and the detection portion 33 passes the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 114 When this occurs, the signal sent from the optical sensor 114 to the controller changes from the low level signal to the high level signal. And then, when the detection portion 33 enters the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 114, the signal sent from the optical sensor 114 to the controller changes from the high level signal to the low level signal if the arm sensor 60 is in the lower position.

If the detection portion 89 is longer in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53 in a type of the ink cartridge 30, the detection portion 89 is still at the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 114 when the plate 88 begins to enter the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 116, and therefore, the signal sent from the optical sensor 114 is the low level signal at the same time as the signal output from the optical sensor 116 changes from the high level signal to the low level signal. If the detection portion 89 is shorter in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53 in another type of the ink cartridge 30, the detection portion 89 is not longer at the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 114 when the plate 88 begins to enter the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 116, and therefore, the output signal of the optical sensor 114 is the high level signal at the same time as the signal output from the sensor Optical 116 changes from the high level signal to the low level signal. In other words, the plate 88 and the detection portion 89 are configured to provide information about the type of the ink cartridge 30 by attenuating the light from the optical sensor 116 and the optical sensor 114.

If the second protrusion 86 is longer in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53 in one type of the ink cartridge 30, the slider 135 is already at the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 117 when the Plate 88 begins to enter the detection point (optical path) of optical sensor 116, and therefore, the output signal of optical sensor 117 is the low-level signal at the same time that the output signal of optical sensor 116 changes from the high level signal to low level signal. If the second projection 86 is shorter in the depth direction (front-rear direction) 53 in another type of the ink cartridge 30, the slider 135 is not yet at the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 117 when the plate 88 begins to enter the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 116, and therefore, the output signal of the optical sensor 117 is the high level signal at the same time that the output signal of the optical sensor 116 changes from the high level signal to the low level signal. In other words, the plate 88 and the second boss 86 are configured to provide information about the type of the ink cartridge 30 by attenuating the light from the optical sensor 116 and the optical sensor 117.

Referring to Fig. 7, during the introduction of the ink cartridge 30 into the box 101, the ink supply portion 34 of the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the holding portion 121 and the ink tube 122 is inserted into the ink supply opening 71. When this takes place, the ink supply portion 34 is positioned relative to the clamping portion 121 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52 by the outer surface of the ink supply portion 34 that contacts the inner surface of the clamping portion 121, that is, the main body 31 is positioned relative to the cartridge mounting portion 110 with respect to the height direction (upward direction -down) 52. The ink supply valve 70 is pushed by the ink tube 122, such that the ink supply port 71 is opened. The ink tube 122 has an ink introduction opening formed at its distal end, and the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 flows into the ink tube 122 through the ink introduction opening in the insertion direction 56.

Referring to Fig. 7, during the introduction of the ink cartridge 30 into the case 101, the rod 125 enters the opening 96 of the sub frame 90. The sub frame 90 is movable in the upward direction relative to the main body 31 When the rod 125 enters the opening 96, an upper portion of the outer surface of the rod 125 contacts an upper portion of the inner surface 98 of the subframe 90 that defines the aperture 96, and pushes up the subframe 90, such that the subframe 90 slides on the main body 31 in the upward direction. The subframe 90 cannot move in the downward direction relative to the cartridge mounting portion 110 because the upper portion of the outer surface of the rod 125 contacts the upper portion of the inner surface 98 of the subframe 90 that defines opening 96 below. Referring to FIG. 8, rod 125 contacts and pushes air communication valve 73. Air communication valve 73 is moved away from air communication opening 32 such that air flows into the ink chamber. 36 via air communication opening 32.

Meanwhile, referring to Figures 7 and 8, the contacts 106 contact the ramp 49 of the subframe 90. Since the ramp 49 is inclined upward when the contact 106 moves toward the rear wall 42 of the ink cartridge 30 and Since the subframe 90 cannot move in the downward direction with the upper portion of the outer surface of the rod 125 contacting the upper portion of the inner surface 98 of the subframe 90 that defines the aperture 96, the contacts 106 they are elastically deformed in the upward direction when contacts 106 slide on ramp 49 and IC plate 74. Elastically deformed contacts 106 push IC plate 74 in the downward direction. When the contacts 106 arrive at the PCB 74, the subframe 90 is positioned relative to the cartridge mounting portion 110 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52 by the contacts 106 and the rod. 125 that sandwich the subframe 90 above and below, respectively.

When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted further towards the end surface of the case 101, referring to Figure 9, the contacts 106 contact and are electrically connected to the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76, the signal electrode 77 of IC board 74, respectively. When the ink cartridge assembly 30 reaches the mounted position, the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 still contact and are electrically connected to the three contacts 106, respectively.

When the ink cartridge 30 reaches the mounted position, the engaging surface 46 of the stopper 45 of the ink cartridge 30 has passed through the engaging end 146 of the engaging element 145 in the insertion direction 56. The engaging element 145 pivots in the clockwise direction in Fig. 8 to the locked position, and the latch end 146 contacts the latch surface 46. With this contact between the latch element 145 and the stopper 45, the ink cartridge 30 is retains in the mounted position against the biasing force of the coil spring 139. In other words, the ink cartridge 30 is positioned relative to the cartridge mounting portion 110 with respect to the insertion / removal direction 50. As such, the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed.

When the ink cartridge 30 is in the mounted position in the cartridge mounting portion 110, the main body 31 is positioned with the ink supply portion 34 inserted into the holding portion 121 and the ink tube 122 inserted into the ink supply opening 71, and the subframe 90 is positioned sandwiched by the contacts 106 and the rod 125 at a position between the ends of its movable range.

When the ink cartridge 30 is in the mounted position in the cartridge mounting portion 110, the front end portion 81 of the pivotable member 80 is positioned below the latch end 146 of the latch member 145. The rear end portion 82 of the pivotable member 80 is positioned away from the top wall 39.

Based on the level of the output signal from the optical sensor 116, the controller determines whether the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110. In other words, the board 88 is configured to provide information about the presence of the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge mounting portion 110 by attenuating the light from the optical sensor 116. Based on the level of the output signal from the optical sensor 114 and / or based on the level of the output signal from the optical sensor 117 As the signal sent from optical sensor 116 changes from the high level signal to the low level signal, the controller determines the type of the ink cartridge 30. In other words, the plate 88, and the portion Detection sensor 89 or second protrusion 86 are configured to provide information about the type of ink cartridge 30 by attenuating the light from optical sensor 116 and optical sensor 114 or optical sensor 117. Periodically checking the level of the output signal from the optical sensor 114, the controller determines the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36, that is, it determines whether the ink chamber 36 has the predetermined amount of ink or more. In other words, the sensing portion 33 is configured to indicate the presence or absence of ink within the ink chamber 36 by dimming or not dimming the light from the optical sensor 114. Based on the data read from the IC board 74, it is determines the information of the ink cartridge 30, for example, the lot number of the ink cartridge 30, the manufacturing date of the ink cartridge 30, the color of ink stored in the ink cartridge 30, and so on.

In another embodiment, the sub frame 90 may be movable in the downward direction relative to the main body 31 in the initial position before mounting the ink cartridge 30 on the cartridge mounting portion 110. In such a case, the sub frame 90 is supported by static friction between the end portions 67, 68 of the sub frame 90 and the inclined outer surfaces 47, 48 of the main body 31. When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the case 101 and the rod 125 is inserted into opening 96 of subframe 90, the outer surface of rod 125 may not initially contact inner surface 98 of subframe 90 that defines aperture 96. When ink cartridge 30 is inserted further, contacts 106 contact chute 49 and IC plate 74 and push the subframe 90 downward such that the upper portion of the outer surface of the rod 125 contacts the upper portion of the s Inner surface 98 of subframe 90 defining aperture 96. When contacts 106 reach IC board 74, subframe 90 is positioned relative to cartridge mounting portion 110 with respect to the height direction (direction from top to bottom) 52 by the contacts 106 and the rod 125 that sandwich the subframe 90 above and below, respectively.

The time profile of the events that take place during the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110 is described in more detail here. When insertion is started, the sliding surface 148 of the latch portion 145 begins to slide on the IC board 74. The second projection 86 then contacts the slider 135 and begins to push the slider 135. The sensing portion 89 then begins to enter the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 114. The plate 88 then begins to enter the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 116. The rod 125 then contacts the air communication valve 73 and begins to push the air communication valve 73. Contacts 106 then begin to contact IC board 74. The interval between sensing portion 89 and sensing portion 33 then begins to enter the sensing point (optical path) from the optical sensor 114. The ink tube 122 then contacts the ink supply valve 70 and begins to push the ink supply valve 70. The detection portion 33 then begins to enter the detection point (optical path) of optical sensor 114. Engagement end 146 then contacts engagement surface 46.

After completing the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge mounting portion 110, the printer 10 begins printing. When the printer 10 runs out of ink stored in the ink chamber 36, the used ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110, and a new ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110.

[Removal of ink cartridge 30 from cartridge mounting portion 110]

When it is desired to remove the ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge mounting portion 110, the user pushes the rear end portion 82 of the pivotable member 80 downward. Consequently, the front end portion 81 of the pivotable member 80 moves upward. and separates from the top wall 39. When this occurs, the latch 145 is pushed upwardly by the forward end portion 81 of the pivotable member 80, and the latch end 146 of the latch 145 moves to a position above latch surface 46, that is, to a position spaced from latch surface 46. As such, latch member 145 moves from the locked position to the unlock position, and the ink cartridge 30 it is released from the clamped state by the latch element 145.

When the latch end 146 is separated from the latch surface 46, an external force applied to the ink cartridge 30, for example, the biasing force of the coil spring 139 moves the ink cartridge 30 in the removal direction 55. No However, since the user's finger still contacts the downwardly pushed rear end portion 82 of the pivoting member 80, the ink cartridge 30 moving in the removal direction 55 is stopped by the user. The user's finger receives the biasing force from the coil spring 139 via the pivotable member 80.

When the user moves the finger in the removal direction 55, the ink cartridge 30 moves following the finger, pushed by the slide 135 and the coil spring 139. When this takes place, the IC board 74 arranged in the sub frame 90 is released from the downward pushing force of the contacts 106 of the cartridge mounting portion 110. As the ink cartridge 30 moves in the removal direction 55 following the user's finger, the sliding surface 148 of the insert member Latch 145 passes over recess 78 and slides on IC board 74 and ramp 49. When sliding surface 148 slides on active electrode 75, ground electrode 76, and signal electrode 77, dust is wiped from the active electrode 75, ground electrode 76 and signal electrode 77. After sliding on ramp 49, sliding surface 148 passes over slot 87. When this takes place, the dust cleaned by the surface slide 148 falls into slot 87. Consequently, the probability of powder falling and sticking to a portion of ink supply portion 34 surrounding ink supply opening 71 is reduced.

Meanwhile, the outer surface of the rod 125 is separated from the inner surface 98 of the subframe 90 defining the aperture 96, such that the subframe 90 moves down relative to the main body 31 to the initial position at the that the subframe 90 is supported by the upper surface of the front portion of the main body 31. The ink tube 122 is ejected from the ink supply portion 34. As such, the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the portion of cartridge mount 110.

[Advantage]

In this embodiment, since the ink cartridge 30 includes the sensing portion 89 and the plate 88 configured to be detected by the optical sensors 114, 116 independent of the IC board 74, although the electrical connection between the IC board 74 and the contacts 106 are not established or data is not read from the IC by the signal electrode 77, it can be determined that the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the printer 10 based on the information obtained from the sensing portion 89 and the plate 88. Therefore, the ink cartridge 30 can be used, even if the electrical connection between the IC board 74 and the contacts 106 is not established or the IC data is not read by the signal electrode 77.

In this embodiment, since the light emitted from the optical sensor 114, 116 advances in the direction (width direction, left-right direction) perpendicular to the insertion direction 50, the detection portion 89 and the plate 88 can enter at the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 114, 116 in the insertion direction 50 at the desired times. Furthermore, since the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76 and the signal electrode 77 are accessible in the downward direction perpendicular to the insertion direction 50 and the direction in which the light travels, although to the active electrode 75, ground electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 access contacts 106 in the downward direction, such that the ink cartridge 30 moves in the downward direction, such displacement does not affect the times when the portion of detection 89 and plate 88 enter the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 114, 116 in the insertion direction 56. This is because the times are determined by the movement of the ink cartridge 30 in the direction of insertion 56, and are not determined by the downward movement of ink cartridge 30. Generally speaking, when events occur in directions perpendicular to each other, such events can be events independent and cannot be mutually affected.

In this embodiment, since the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 are positioned between the front wall 40 and the rear wall 42, the biasing force of the slide 135 and the coil spring 139 in the pull direction 55 is not directly received by active electrode 75, ground electrode 76, and signal electrode 77. Therefore, the probability of excessive load being applied to active electrode 75, ground electrode 76 is reduced and the signal electrode 77. In addition, the probability that ink will leak from the ink supply portion 34 and that the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76 and the signal electrode 77 will be contaminated with ink.

If the IC plate 74 is placed on the front wall 40 facing the insertion direction 56, the contact between the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76 and the signal electrode 77 and the contacts 106 could be unstable because the ink 30 is pushed in the withdrawal direction 55, that is, a direction in which the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76 and the signal electrode 77 move away from the contacts 106. Consequently, in such a case, the range of deformation of contacts 106 and the resilience of contacts 106 would have to be larger in order to ensure contact between active electrode 75, ground electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 and contacts 106 even when the active electrode 75, ground electrode 76, and signal electrode 77 are separated from contacts 106 by the pushing force pushing ink cartridge 30. However, the greater strain range and greater resilience of the contacts 106A larger pushing force could be applied to active electrode 75, ground electrode 76, and signal electrode 77, that is, excessive load could be applied to active electrode 75, ground electrode 76, and signal electrode 77. Also, if the IC board 74 is placed on the front wall 40, ink that has escaped from the ink supply portion 34 could reach the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76 and the signal electrode 77 and short-circuit between active electrode 75, ground electrode 76, and signal electrode 77.

In this embodiment, since the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76 and the signal electrode 77 and the stop 45 are arranged on the same side, for example, the side of the upper wall 39, of the ink cartridge 30, active electrode 75, ground electrode 76, and signal electrode 77 are positioned adjacent stop 45. Since stop 45 determines the position of ink cartridge 30 relative to cartridge mounting portion 110 with respect to the insertion / withdrawal direction 50 when stop 45 contacts latch 145, active electrode 75, ground electrode 76, and signal electrode 77, which are positioned adjacent to stop 45, can be positioned exactly relative to the contacts 106 with respect to insertion / extraction direction 50.

In this embodiment, since the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 are positioned further forward than the engaging surface 46 with respect to the insertion direction 56, and the engaging surface 46 and each one of the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76 and the signal electrode 77 intersects the respective plane that is parallel with the direction of height (up-down direction) 52 and the direction of depth (front-back direction) 53, the latch member 145 slides on the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76 and the signal electrode 77 during the introduction of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110. Therefore, the dust is cleaned. active electrode 75, ground electrode 76, and signal electrode 77 and the likelihood that the electrical connection between active electrode 75, ground electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 and contacts 10 6 is unstable.

In this embodiment, active electrode 75, ground electrode 76, and signal electrode 77 are positioned over at least a portion of engaging surface 46 of stopper 45. Since engaging member 145 is configured to pivot toward down due to its own weight or pushed by a spring, the dust on the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76 and the signal electrode 77 can be cleaned by the latch 145 with a stronger downward force. Furthermore, the movable range of latch 145 is limited, such that latch 145 does not pivot downward beyond the locked position. If the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 were placed below the engaging surface 46, the engaging element 145 might not contact the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76, and the ground electrode. signal 77. The position of active electrode 75, ground electrode 76, and signal electrode 77 above at least a portion of latch surface 46 thus facilitates the cleaning function of latch element 145.

In this embodiment, since the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76 and the signal electrode 77 are positioned further back than the ink supply opening 71 of the ink supply portion 34 with respect to the insertion direction 56, even if the dust on the active electrode 75, ground electrode 76, and signal electrode 77 is cleaned when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted and / or removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110, the probability that said powder will adhere to the portion of the ink supply portion 34 surrounding the ink supply opening 71. Therefore, the probability that the ink becomes contaminated with the powder is reduced.

In this embodiment, since the recess, for example, slot 87 has been positioned further forward than active electrode 75, ground electrode 76, and signal electrode 77 relative to the insertion direction 56, slot 87 and each of the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 intersect the respective plane that is parallel with the direction of height (up-down direction) 52 and the direction of depth (forward direction- back) 53, and the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76 and the signal electrode 77 are placed above the slot 87, the dust cleaned from the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76 and the signal electrode 77 falls to groove 87. Accordingly, the likelihood of powder falling off and sticking to the portion of the ink supply portion 34 surrounding the ink supply opening 71 is reduced.

In this embodiment, since the ink supply portion 34 has been placed on the front wall 40 and the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76 and the signal electrode 77 are placed on the upper wall 39, the probability is reduced that the ink splashed from the ink supply portion 34 reaches the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76 and the signal electrode 77 and contaminates them.

In this embodiment, since the subframe 90 can be moved relative to the main body 31 in the height direction (up-down direction) 52, the subframe 90 and the main body 31 can be positioned independently relative to the cartridge mounting portion 110 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52. Therefore, the elements arranged in the sub frame 90, for example, the IC board 74, the board 88, and the sensing portion 89, and elements arranged on the main body 31, for example, the ink supply portion 34, can be independently positioned relative to corresponding elements arranged on the cartridge mounting portion 110, for example, the contacts 106, optical sensors 114, 116, and ink tube 122.

Since the ink cartridge 30 is assembled from a plurality of elements, the dimensional tolerance of each element generally has to be small, which requires high accuracy when designing and manufacturing each element. If the dimensional tolerance of each item is relatively large, the cumulative dimensional error of the ink cartridge 30 is generally large. In such a case, the ink tube 122 may not be inserted into the ink supply opening 71 and may contact the distal end of the ink supply portion 34 and break, the contacts 106 may contact the IC board 74 with high pressure and they can be broken; on the contrary, the contacts

106 may fail to contact IC board 74, or board 88 and sensing portion 89 may not enter between the light emitter and light receiver of the optical sensor 114, 116. In this embodiment, however, since the sub frame 90 can be moved relative to the main body 31, the sub frame 90 and the main body 31 can be independently positioned relative to the cartridge mounting portion 110, the elements arranged on the sub frame 90, for example, IC board 74, board 88 and sensing portion

89, and the elements arranged on the main body 31, for example, the ink supply portion 34, can be independently positioned relative to corresponding elements arranged on the cartridge mounting portion 110, for example, the contacts 106, the optical sensors 114, 116, and ink tube 122, with moderate element dimensional tolerances.

In this embodiment, since the width of each of the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76 and the signal electrode 77 is larger than the width of the plate 88, in other words, the width of the plate 88 is less As the width of each of the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76 and the signal electrode 77, the plate 88 is suitable for non-contact detection by the optical sensor 116 while the active electrode 75, the ground electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 are suitable for physical contact with contacts 106.

In another embodiment, the second boss 86 may include a rib, which is similar to the plate 88 of the first boss.

85, and the optical sensor 117 may be configured to directly detect the rib of the second projection 86.

In another embodiment, the range within which the subframe 90 moves relative to the main body 31 can be determined by a known structure, for example, guide grooves formed in the main body.

31 or the subframe 90, other than the elongated openings 91, 92 or the sensing portion 33 and the support portion 79. Furthermore, the movement of the subframe 90 can be guided by a known structure, for example guide rails formed in the main body 31 or subframe 90, other than the inclined inner surfaces 47, 48.

In another embodiment, the inner surface 98 of the subframe 90 defining the opening 96 may not contact the outer surface of the rod 125 to move the subframe 90 relative to the main body 31. In such a case, the subframe 90 may include a surface extending in a direction intersecting the insertion / extraction direction 50 on the upper face or the lower face, and when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110, the surface can contact and slide on a protrusion disposed on the cartridge mounting portion 110, such that the subframe 90 moves relative to the main body 31

In another embodiment, the cartridge mounting portion 110 may not include the slider 135, the coil spring 139, and the optical sensor 117. In such a case, the ink cartridge 30 may be biased in the extraction direction 55 by springs coupled to ink supply valve 70 and / or air communication valve 73.

In another embodiment, the IC may not be arranged on the same board as the active electrode 75, the electrode

ground 75 and signal electrode 77 are arranged. For example, the IC can be positioned on or adjacent to rear wall 42 and can be wired to active electrode 75, ground electrode 75, and signal electrode 77 that are arranged on or adjacent to top wall 39.

In another embodiment, the ink cartridge 30 may not include the sub frame 90 and the sensing portion 89, the plate 88, and the IC plate 74 may be arranged in the main body 31.

Referring to FIG. 9, in another embodiment, the width of the ink cartridge 30 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 may be larger than the width of the ink cartridge 30 of FIG. 2, and the Guide portions 65, 66, 93, 99 may be offset from the center of ink cartridge 30 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51. Rear wall 42 may include a first surface 58 extending in parallel with front wall 40 and front wall 140, and a second surface 59 that extends in a direction intersecting front wall 40 and front wall 140. Second surface 59 is contiguous with first surface 58 and is inclined, so that a front portion of the second surface 59 is positioned closer to the front wall 40 and the front wall 140 than a rear portion of the second surface 59 is positioned to the front wall 40 and the front wall 140. At least one The portion of the second surface 59 is positioned closer to the front wall 40 and the front wall 140 than the first surface 58 is positioned to the front wall 40 and the front wall 140.

Although the invention has been described in connection with various exemplary structures and illustrative embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that other variations and modifications can be made to the structures and embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand other structures and embodiments from a consideration of the specification or practice of the invention described herein. The specification and examples described are intended to be merely illustrative and the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. Furthermore, according to one aspect, a printing fluid cartridge 30 is described, including:

a front side;

a rear side positioned opposite the front side with respect to a front-rear direction;

an upper side;

a lower side positioned opposite the upper side with respect to an up-down direction that is perpendicular to the front-back direction;

a tubular fluid supply portion 34 positioned on the lower side of the front side;

a pivotable element 80 configured to pivot about a pivot point and including an end portion, wherein the pivot point is positioned on the upper side and the end portion is positioned on the rear side;

a light attenuating portion 88 protruding from the upper side of the front side and configured to attenuate light advancing in a left-right direction that is perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction; and

an electrical interface 75, 76, 77 positioned between the pivotable member and the light dimming portion with respect to the front-rear direction and including a surface that extends in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction,

where an upper end of the light attenuation portion is positioned below the electrical interface with respect to the up-down direction.

According to another aspect, the printing fluid cartridge 30 includes:

a first front wall 40, 140 positioned on the front side; and

an upper wall 39, 141 positioned on the upper side.

According to another aspect, the printing fluid cartridge 30 includes:

a main body including the first front wall 40; and

a secondary frame including a second front wall 140 positioned on the front side and facing the first front wall in the front-rear direction.

According to another aspect, a front end of the light attenuation portion is positioned further from the rear side than a front end of the fluid supply portion is positioned away from the rear side with respect to the front-rear direction.

According to another aspect, the printing fluid cartridge 30 further includes a stop 45 including a surface 46 that extends in the up-down direction and in the left-right direction, where the pivotable element is positioned behind the electrical interface with respect to to the front-rear direction and is configured to pivot about an axis extending in the left-right direction, where the axis includes the pivot point, where the stop is positioned between the pivotable element and the electrical interface with respect to the front-back direction. According to another aspect, the main body further includes a first guide portion 65 extending in the front-rear direction and including a pair of outer surfaces, where each of the first front wall and the first guide portion has a dimension in the left-right direction, and the dimension of the first guide portion between the pair of outer surfaces of the first guide portion in the left-right direction is less than the dimension of the first front wall in the left-right direction, where the The main body further includes a second guide portion 66 extending in the front-rear direction and including a pair of outer surfaces, wherein the second guide portion has a dimension between the pair of outer surfaces of the second guide portion at the left-right direction, which is less than the dimension of the first front wall in the left-right direction, where the sub frame includes a third guide portion 93 and a fourth guide portion 99, each of which extends in the front-rear direction, where the third guide portion includes a pair of outer surfaces that is aligned with the pair of outer surfaces of the first guide portion in the front-rear direction and the fourth guide portion includes a pair of outer surfaces that is aligned with the pair of outer surfaces of the second guide portion in the front-rear direction.

According to another aspect, the third guide portion includes a pair of plates 94 defining the pair of outer surfaces of the third guide, respectively, where the electrical interface is positioned between the pair of plates of the third guide portion.

According to another aspect, the electrical interface is placed on an interface plate, and the interface plate is attached to the secondary frame in the mounting position, where each of the pair of plates of the third guide portion includes a first portion placed in line with the mounting position in the left-right direction as viewed from the up-down direction and a second portion, and an upper end of the first portion is positioned below an upper end of the second portion.

According to another aspect, the second front wall has a circular opening 96 or a circular recess formed therein below the light attenuation portion with respect to the up-down direction.

According to another aspect, the subframe includes a protrusion 86 positioned at or adjacent to a lower end of the second wall and protruding forwardly, and the subframe has an opening 97 formed therein positioned above the protrusion with respect to the direction of travel. up-down, where the fluid supply portion is configured to pass through the opening of the subframe.

According to another aspect, the printing fluid cartridge 30 further includes:

a fluid chamber 36 configured to store printing fluid;

a protruding portion 33 positioned in a middle portion of the front side with respect to the up-down direction and protruding forward, where the protruding portion has an interior space formed therein, and the interior space is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber.

According to another aspect, the printing fluid cartridge 30 further includes another light attenuation portion 89 positioned away from and ahead of the protruding portion with respect to the front-rear direction.

According to another aspect, the main body includes a first resin configured to allow light advancing in the left-right direction to pass through, and the secondary frame includes a second resin configured to prevent light advancing in the left direction. -Right pass through.

According to another aspect, the subframe is configured to move relative to the main body in the up-down direction.

According to another aspect, the sub frame is configured not to move relative to the main body in the left-right direction.

According to another aspect, the printing fluid cartridge 30 further includes:

a rear wall 42 positioned on the rear side and away from the first front wall in the front-rear direction; and

a fluid chamber 36 configured to store printing fluid,

wherein the fluid supply portion is positioned on the first front wall and configured to establish communication between an interior and an exterior of the fluid chamber,

The rear wall includes a first surface 58 that extends in parallel with the first front wall and a second surface 59 that extends in a direction that intersects the first front wall, and at least a portion of the second surface is positioned closer to the first front wall than the first surface is attached to the first front wall.

Claims (15)

1. One print fluid cartridge (30) including: a front side; a rear side positioned opposite the front side with respect to a front-rear direction; an upper side; a lower side positioned opposite the upper side with respect to an up-down direction that is perpendicular to the front-back direction; a tubular fluid supply portion (34) positioned on the underside of the front side; a pivotable member (80) including a front end portion (81), a rear end portion (82), and a shaft (83) including a pivot point, configured to pivot about the shaft extending in a left direction- right that is perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction, where the pivot point is positioned on the upper side and the rear end portion (82) is positioned on the rear side; characterized by a light attenuation portion (88) protruding from the upper side of the front side and configured to attenuate the light advancing in a left-right direction; and an electrical interface (75, 76, 77) positioned between the pivotable member and the light dimming portion with respect to the front-rear direction and including a surface that extends in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, a stop (45) including an engaging surface (46) extending in the up-down direction and the left-right direction, where the pivoting element is positioned behind the electrical interface with respect to the front-rear direction, and wherein the front end portion (81) extends from the shaft (83) towards the engaging surface (46) and the rear end portion (82) extends from the shaft (83) towards the rear side; where the stop is positioned between the pivotable element and the electrical interface with respect to the front-rear direction. where an upper end of the light attenuation portion is positioned below the electrical interface with respect to the up-down direction. 2. The printing fluid cartridge of claim 1, including: a first front wall (40, 140) positioned on the front side; and an upper wall (39, 141) positioned on the upper side. The printing fluid cartridge of claim 1 or 2, including: a main body including the first front wall (40); and a secondary frame including a second front wall (140) positioned on the front side and facing the first front wall in the front-rear direction. The printing fluid cartridge of any of the preceding claims, wherein a front end of the light attenuation portion is further away from the rear side than a front end of the fluid supply portion is away from the rear side. with respect to the front-rear direction. The printing fluid cartridge of claim 3, wherein the main body further includes a first guide portion (65) extending in the front-rear direction and including a pair of outer surfaces, where each of the first front wall and the first guide portion has a dimension in the left-right direction, and the dimension of the first guide portion between the pair of outer surfaces of the first guide portion in the left-right direction is less than the dimension of the first front wall in the left-right direction, where the main body further includes a second guide portion (66) that extends in the front-rear direction and includes a pair of outer surfaces, where the second guide portion has between the pair of outer surfaces of the second guide portion in the left-right direction a dimension that is less than the dimension of the first front wall in the direction left-right, where the Subframe includes a third guide portion (93) and a fourth guide portion (99), each of which extends in the front-rear direction, wherein the third guide portion includes a pair of outer surfaces that are aligned with the pair of outer surfaces of the first guide portion in the front-rear direction and the fourth guide portion includes a pair of outer surfaces that are aligned with the pair of outer surfaces of the second guide portion in the front-rear direction. The printing fluid cartridge of claim 5, wherein the third guide portion includes a pair of plates (94) that define the pair of outer surfaces of the third guide, respectively, where the electrical interface is positioned between the pair plates of the third guide portion. The printing fluid cartridge of claim 6, wherein the electrical interface is located on an interface plate, and the interface plate is mounted on the subframe in the mounting position, where each plate of the pair of plates of the A third guide portion includes a first portion positioned in line with the mounting position in the left-right direction as viewed from the top-down direction and a second portion, and an upper end of the first portion is positioned below a upper end of the second portion. The printing fluid cartridge of claim 3, wherein the second front wall has a circular opening (96) or a circular recess formed therein below the light attenuation portion with respect to the up-down direction. The printing fluid cartridge of claim 3, wherein the subframe includes a protrusion (86) positioned at or adjacent to a lower end of the second wall and protrudes forward, and the subframe has an aperture (97 ) formed therein positioned above the boss with respect to the top-down direction, where the fluid supply portion is configured to pass through the opening of the subframe. The printing fluid cartridge of any preceding claim, further comprising: a fluid chamber (36) configured to store printing fluid; a protruding portion (33) positioned at a middle portion of the front side with respect to the up-down direction and protruding forward, where the protruding portion has an interior space formed therein, and the interior space is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber. The printing fluid cartridge of claim 10, further including another light dimming portion (89) positioned away from and ahead of the protruding portion with respect to the front-rear direction. The printing fluid cartridge of any of claims 3, 5 to 9, wherein the main body includes a first resin configured to allow light advancing in the left-right direction to pass through, and the secondary frame includes a second resin configured to prevent light advancing in the left-right direction from passing through. 13. The printing fluid cartridge of any one of claims 3, 5 to 9 or 12, wherein the sub frame is configured for movement relative to the main body in the up-down direction. The printing fluid cartridge of claim 13, wherein the sub frame is configured not to move relative to the main body in the left-right direction. The printing fluid cartridge of claim 2, further comprising: a rear wall (42) positioned on the rear side and away from the first front wall in the front-rear direction; and a fluid chamber (36) configured to store printing fluid, wherein the fluid supply portion is positioned on the first front wall and configured to establish communication between the interior and exterior of the fluid chamber, The rear wall includes a first surface (58) that extends in parallel with the first front wall and a second surface (59) that extends in a direction that intersects the first front wall, and at least a portion of the second surface is positioned closer to the first front wall than the first surface is positioned to the first front wall.