JP6394461B2 - Liquid cartridge, liquid consuming apparatus, and liquid cartridge manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid cartridge capable of detecting that the remaining amount of liquid stored in a liquid storage chamber has decreased, a liquid consuming apparatus including the liquid cartridge, and a method for manufacturing the liquid cartridge.

  2. Related Art An ink jet recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium by discharging ink stored in an ink storage chamber of an ink cartridge from a nozzle is known. Some ink cartridges are made of a light-transmitting material in order to detect the remaining amount of ink in the ink storage chamber. An optical sensor having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion is disposed in the main body of the ink jet recording apparatus in which such an ink cartridge is mounted. The light emitting part and the light receiving part are arranged on both sides of the ink cartridge. As a result, when the remaining amount of ink in the ink storage chamber is large and the ink level is higher than the optical sensor, the light from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit is blocked by the ink. On the other hand, when the remaining amount of ink in the ink storage chamber is reduced and the ink level is lower than the optical sensor, the light receiving unit can receive light from the light emitting unit. As described above, the ink remaining amount in the ink storage chamber can be detected based on whether or not the light receiving unit receives light.

  However, when the liquid repellency of the members constituting the ink cartridge is low, the optical sensor on the wall surface of the ink cartridge that partitions the ink storage chamber for a long time even after the ink liquid level is lower than the optical sensor. Ink may remain at the same height. The optical sensor may erroneously detect the remaining ink.

  In order to solve such a problem, Patent Document 1 discloses that in order to prevent ink from adhering to and remaining on the prism, a low surface energy treatment agent containing an alkylpolysiloxane is applied to the prism. Forming a water film is disclosed. Patent Document 2 discloses an ink cartridge in which an ink remaining amount detection unit that detects the remaining amount of ink based on the presence or absence of light transmission is formed using a hydrophobic resin containing a predetermined amount of a water repellent material. .

JP 2000-198222 A JP 2011-235441 A

  However, in the configuration for forming the water-repellent film described in Patent Document 1, the water-repellent film may be peeled off from the prism over time.

  Further, in the ink cartridge disclosed in Patent Document 2, in order to increase the water repellency of the ink remaining amount detection unit, it is necessary to increase the weight% of the water repellent material. When the weight percentage of the water repellent material is increased, the water repellent material may be eluted into the ink.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to improve liquid repellency at a portion for detecting the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage chamber without fear of peeling or elution of the water repellent member. It is to provide means that can.

  (1) A liquid cartridge according to the present invention protrudes in a protruding direction in which a liquid storage chamber in which a liquid is stored is formed, and in a protruding direction away from the frame with respect to the liquid storage chamber, and communicates with the liquid storage chamber. A projecting portion having an inner space and having light transmission properties, and being inserted into the inner space of the projecting portion, and farther from the liquid storage chamber than the first end in the first end and the projecting direction. A second end that is located; an internal space that opens toward the liquid storage chamber at the first end; and has optical transparency, and is stored in the liquid storage chamber from the protrusion. A liquid repellent member having high liquid repellency with respect to the liquid, and a position closer to the first end than the second end of the liquid repellent member. Projection and liquid repellent part And a sealing portion for sealing liquid-tightly between the light transmitting spaces and the liquid reservoir chamber between.

  According to the above configuration, the liquid stored in the internal space of the protrusion comes into contact with the liquid repellent member instead of the protrusion. Here, since the liquid repellent member has higher liquid repellency with respect to the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber than the protruding portion, it can be reduced that the liquid remains attached to the liquid repellent member. Moreover, since the sealing part is formed in the liquid repellent member, it is possible to reduce the entry of the liquid into the light transmission space.

  (2) The liquid repellent member has air permeability.

  If there is a difference in pressure between the light transmission space and the internal space of the liquid repellent member, the liquid repellent member is elastically deformed. However, according to the above configuration, since the liquid repellent member has air permeability, the air gradually moves between the light transmitting space and the internal space of the liquid repellent member via the liquid repellent member, and there is no pressure difference. . Therefore, the liquid repellent member can elastically return to the original shape.

  (3) Preferably, the liquid repellent member is silicone rubber.

  (4) A groove surrounding the protruding portion is formed on a surface of the frame that partitions the liquid storage chamber. The sealing portion is inserted into the groove.

  According to the said structure, a sealing part can be comprised simply.

  (5) The liquid cartridge according to the present invention further includes a contact member that is supported by the frame in the liquid storage chamber and contacts the first end of the liquid repellent member in the protruding direction.

  According to the said structure, possibility that a liquid repellent member will fall out from a protrusion part can be made low.

  (6) The liquid cartridge according to the present invention further includes a pressure contact member that is supported by the frame in the liquid storage chamber and presses against the first end of the liquid repellent member in the protruding direction.

  According to the said structure, it is not necessary to provide a groove | channel like the structure of said (4). Therefore, the insertion length of the liquid repellent member into the protruding portion can be shortened.

  (7) The sealing portion contacts the frame in the protruding direction.

  According to the above configuration, when the liquid repellent member receives pressure in the protruding direction from the pressure contact member, the sealing portion can abut against the frame while being elastically deformed in the protruding direction.

  (8) A flow path that connects the inside and the outside of the light transmission space is formed in the frame. The sealing portion opens the flow path in a first state in which the liquid-repellent member is only partially inserted into the internal space of the protruding portion, and the liquid-repellent member enters the internal space of the protruding portion. The flow path is closed in the second state inserted in the protruding direction from the state.

  According to the above configuration, when the liquid repellent member is assembled to the protruding portion, the air in the light transmission space can be extracted outside the light transmission space by reducing the pressure of the light transmission space. Thereby, the liquid repellent member can be reliably inserted to the vicinity of the protruding end of the protruding portion. And in the state where the liquid repellent member was assembled | attached to the protrusion part, the clearance gap between a protrusion part and a liquid repellent member can be made small. As a result, the entry of liquid into the light transmission space can be reduced.

  (9) In the second state, the sealing portion may seal the space between the light transmission space and the liquid storage chamber in a liquid-tight manner.

  (10) For example, the liquid cartridge according to the present invention is movably disposed in the liquid storage chamber, and further includes a moving member having a float and a light shielding portion. The float moves in the liquid storage chamber according to the amount of liquid in the liquid storage chamber. And the said light-shielding part moves the internal space of the said liquid repellent member according to the movement of the said float.

  (11) The present invention includes the liquid cartridge, a mounting unit on which the liquid cartridge is detachably mounted, a liquid consumption unit that consumes liquid supplied from the liquid cartridge mounted on the mounting unit, A liquid comprising: a light emitting part that emits light to the light shielding part through the protruding part and the liquid repellent member; and a light receiving part that can receive the light emitted from the light emitting part and transmitted through the protruding part and the liquid repellent member. It can also be understood as a consumer device.

  According to the above configuration, the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage chamber is detected based on whether or not the progress of light from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit is hindered by the liquid in the liquid repellent member inserted in the protruding portion or the light shielding unit. Is possible. Here, since the liquid repellent member has high liquid repellency with respect to the liquid, adhesion of residual liquid to the liquid repellent member is reduced. Therefore, the possibility that the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit erroneously detect the remaining amount of the liquid in the liquid storage chamber is low, assuming that the liquid or the light shielding unit is present even though there is no liquid or the light shielding unit in the liquid repellent member. can do.

  (12) A liquid cartridge manufactured by the method according to the present invention protrudes in a protruding direction in which a liquid storage chamber in which liquid is stored is formed, and a protruding direction in which the liquid storage chamber is separated from the frame. A protrusion having an internal space communicating with the liquid storage chamber and having light permeability; and being inserted into the internal space of the protrusion, the liquid being more liquid than the first end in the first end and the protrusion direction. A second end located far from the storage chamber; an internal space opened toward the liquid storage chamber at the first end; light-transmitting; and the liquid rather than the protrusion A liquid repellent member having high liquid repellency with respect to the liquid stored in the storage chamber, and a position closer to the first end than the second end of the liquid repellent member, is elastically deformed and contacts the frame. By touching A sealing portion that liquid-tightly seals between the light transmission space between the protruding portion and the liquid repellent member and the liquid storage chamber, and the frame includes an inside and an outside of the light transmission space. And the sealing portion opens the flow passage in a first state in which the liquid repellent member is only partially inserted into the internal space of the protrusion, and the liquid repellent The member closes the flow path in the second state in which the member is inserted in the protruding direction from the first state into the internal space of the protruding portion. The method of manufacturing a liquid cartridge according to the present invention includes a first step of inserting the liquid repellent member to the first state, a second step of decompressing the light transmission space through the flow path, and the second step. And a third step of inserting the liquid repellent member from the first state to the second state while maintaining the reduced pressure state of the light transmission member.

  According to the above method, the liquid repellent member can be assembled to the projecting portion while removing the air in the space between the projecting portion and the liquid repellent member. Thereby, the liquid repellent member can be reliably inserted to the vicinity of the protruding end of the protruding portion. And in the state where the liquid repellent member was assembled | attached to the protrusion part, the clearance gap between a protrusion part and a liquid repellent member can be made small. As a result, the entry of liquid into the light transmission space can be reduced.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the liquid repellency at a portion for detecting the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage chamber without fear of peeling or elution of the water repellent member.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of a printer 10 having a cartridge mounting part 110. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the external configuration of the ink cartridge 30. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the frame 31 excluding the film. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the frame 31 with the detected member 59 added to FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 30 when the detected member 59 is in the first position. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 30 when the detected member 59 is in the second position. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the liquid repellent member 120 as viewed from above, FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the liquid repellent member 120 as viewed from below, and FIG. FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the frame 31 with the liquid repellent member 120 inserted therein. FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the liquid repellent member 120 in Modification 1 as viewed from above, and FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the liquid repellent member 120 in Modification 1 as viewed from below. FIG. 9C is a perspective view of the contact member 130 in the first modification, and FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional perspective view of the frame 31 in the first modification. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the frame 31 in which the liquid repellent member 120 in Modification 1 is inserted. FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the liquid repellent member 120 in Modification 2 as viewed from above, and FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the liquid repellent member 120 in Modification 2 as viewed from below. FIG. 11C is a perspective view of the pressure contact member 140 in the second modification, and FIG. 11D is a cross-sectional perspective view of the frame 31 in the second modification. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the frame 31 in which the liquid repellent member 120 in Modification 2 is inserted. FIG. 13A is a perspective view of the frame 31 in the third modification, FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the liquid repellent member 120 in the third modification viewed from above, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a liquid repellent member 120 in Modification 3 as viewed from below. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the frame 31 in the third modification. More specifically, FIG. 14A is a perspective view of the frame 31 showing a cross section along a plane parallel to the insertion direction 51, the removal direction 52, the upward direction 54, and the downward direction 53, and FIG. B) is a perspective view of the frame 31 showing a cross section along a plane parallel to the insertion direction 51, the removal direction 52, the right direction 55, and the left direction 56. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the frame 31 in the third modification. More specifically, FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of the frame 31 showing a cross section along a plane parallel to the insertion direction 51, the removal direction 52, the upper direction 54, and the lower direction 53, and FIG. B) is a cross-sectional view of the frame 31 showing a cross section along a plane parallel to the insertion direction 51, the removal direction 52, the right direction 55, and the left direction 56. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the frame 31 when the liquid repellent member 120 in the third modification is in the first state. More specifically, FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the frame 31 showing a cross section along a plane parallel to the insertion direction 51, the removal direction 52, the upper direction 54, and the lower direction 53, and FIG. B) is a cross-sectional view of the frame 31 showing a cross section along a plane parallel to the insertion direction 51, the removal direction 52, the right direction 55, and the left direction 56. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the frame 31 when the liquid repellent member 120 in the third modification is in the second state. More specifically, FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view of the frame 31 showing a cross section along a plane parallel to the insertion direction 51, the removal direction 52, the upper direction 54, and the lower direction 53, and FIG. B) is a cross-sectional view of the frame 31 showing a cross section along a plane parallel to the insertion direction 51, the removal direction 52, the right direction 55, and the left direction 56.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. The embodiment described below is merely an example in which the present invention is embodied, and it is needless to say that the embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. In the following description, the direction in which the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting unit 110 is defined as the insertion direction 51. The direction opposite to the insertion direction 51 and with which the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110 is defined as the removal direction 52. In the present embodiment, the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 are horizontal directions, but the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 may not be horizontal directions. Further, in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110, that is, in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is in a use posture, the gravity direction is defined as the downward direction 53, and the direction opposite to the gravity direction is defined as the upward direction 54. The In addition, when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed in the removal direction 52, directions orthogonal to the insertion direction 51 and the downward direction 53 are defined as a right direction 55 and a left direction 56.

  In the following description, the ink cartridge 30 is assumed to be in a use posture unless otherwise specified. The usage posture of the ink cartridge 30 is, for example, the posture when the ink cartridge 30 is used by being attached to the printer 10 or the posture of the liquid cartridge when checking the movement of the detected member 59 in the manufacturing process. Point to.

[Overview of Printer 10]
As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 records an image by selectively ejecting ink droplets onto a recording sheet based on an ink jet recording method. The printer 10 (an example of a liquid consuming device) includes a recording head 21 (an example of a liquid consuming unit), an ink supply device 100, and an ink tube 20 that connects the recording head 21 and the ink supply device 100. The ink supply device 100 is provided with a cartridge mounting part 110 (an example of a mounting part). An ink cartridge 30 (an example of a liquid cartridge) can be mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110. An opening 112 is provided on one surface of the cartridge mounting portion 110. The ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the insertion direction 51 through the opening 112 or is extracted from the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the removal direction 52.

  The ink cartridge 30 stores ink (an example of a liquid) that can be used by the printer 10. In a state where the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting unit 110 is completed, the ink cartridge 30 and the recording head 21 are connected by the ink tube 20. The recording head 21 is provided with a sub tank 28. The sub tank 28 temporarily stores the ink supplied through the ink tube 20. The recording head 21 selectively ejects the ink supplied from the sub tank 28 from the nozzles 29 by the ink jet recording method. Specifically, a drive voltage is selectively applied from the head control board 21A provided on the recording head 21 to the piezo elements 29A provided corresponding to the nozzles 29. Thereby, ink is selectively ejected from the nozzles 29.

  The recording paper fed from the paper feed tray 15 to the transport path 24 by the paper feed roller 23 is transported onto the platen 26 by the transport roller pair 25. The recording head 21 selectively ejects ink onto a recording sheet that passes over the platen 26. Thereby, an image is recorded on the recording paper. The recording paper that has passed through the platen 26 is discharged to a paper discharge tray 16 provided on the most downstream side of the transport path 24 by a discharge roller pair 27.

[Ink supply apparatus 100]
As shown in FIG. 1, the ink supply device 100 is provided in the printer 10. The ink supply device 100 supplies ink to the recording head 21 provided in the printer 10. The ink supply device 100 includes a cartridge mounting unit 110 in which the ink cartridge 30 can be mounted. The cartridge mounting unit 110 includes a case 101, an ink needle 102, and a sensor 103.

  FIG. 1 shows a state where the ink cartridge 30 has been completely installed in the cartridge mounting unit 110. That is, a state where the ink cartridge 30 is in the use posture is shown. The cartridge mounting portion 110 can accommodate four ink cartridges 30 corresponding to each color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Four ink needles 102 and four sensors 103 are provided corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30.

[Ink needle 102]
As shown in FIG. 1, an opening 112 is formed in the case 101. The case 101 includes a back surface 151 positioned opposite to the opening 112. The ink needle 102 protrudes in the removal direction 52 from the back surface 151 of the case 101. The ink needle 102 is disposed on the back surface 151 of the case 101 at a position that can face the ink supply unit 60 of the ink cartridge 30. The ink needle 102 is a tubular resin needle in which a liquid flow path is formed. An opening is provided in the vicinity of the protruding end, and the ink tube 20 is connected to the proximal end. The ink in the ink chamber 36 (an example of a liquid storage chamber) flows out to the ink tube 20 through the ink needle 102 that has entered the ink supply unit 60. That is, the ink in the ink chamber 36 is supplied to the recording head 21 through the ink supply unit 60 from the ink cartridge 30 that has been mounted in the cartridge mounting unit 110.

  In the present specification, “the ink cartridge 30 mounted in the cartridge mounting unit 110” means at least a part of the ink positioned in the cartridge mounting unit 110 (more specifically, in the case 101). The cartridge 30 is meant. Accordingly, the ink cartridge 30 in the process of being inserted into the cartridge mounting unit 110 is also the ink cartridge 30 mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110.

  On the other hand, in this specification, the state where “mounting of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed” is a state where ink can be supplied from at least the ink cartridge 30 to the recording head 21. For example, this state means a state of the ink cartridge 30 in which image recording by the printer 10 is possible, such as a state where the ink cartridge 30 is locked so as not to move with respect to the cartridge mounting unit 110. The ink cartridge 30 that has been mounted in the cartridge mounting unit 110 is in a use posture.

[Sensor 103]
As shown in FIG. 1, the case 101 includes a top surface 152 that extends from the upper end of the back surface 151 toward the opening 112. The sensor 103 protrudes downward from the top surface 152 of the case 101. The sensor 103 includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The light emitting unit is provided in the right direction 55 or the left direction 56 of the light receiving unit with a space from the light receiving unit. The convex portion 37 (an example of the protruding portion) of the ink cartridge 30 that has been mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110 is disposed between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion. In other words, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are disposed to face each other with the convex portion 37 of the ink cartridge 30 that has been mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110 being interposed therebetween. In the present embodiment, the optical path of the light output from the light emitting unit coincides with the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. As described above, the light emitting part emits light toward the convex part 37, and the light receiving part can receive the light emitted from the light emitting part and transmitted through the convex part 37.

  The sensor 103 outputs different detection signals depending on whether or not the light output from the light emitting unit is received by the light receiving unit. For example, the sensor 103 may detect a low level signal (“a signal with a signal level less than a threshold level” on condition that the light output from the light emitting unit cannot be received by the light receiving unit (that is, the received light intensity is less than a predetermined intensity). ").) Is output. On the other hand, the sensor 103 receives a high level signal (“the signal level is equal to or higher than the threshold level” on condition that the light output from the light emitting unit can be received by the light receiving unit (that is, the received light intensity is equal to or higher than a predetermined intensity). "Signal") is output. Note that the light emitting unit in the present embodiment outputs light (for example, visible light or infrared light) that passes through the wall of the convex portion 37 of the ink cartridge 30 and does not pass through the ink stored in the ink cartridge 30. To do.

[Ink cartridge 30]
As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5, the ink cartridge 30 includes a frame 31 in which an ink chamber 36 in which ink is stored is formed, and a protrusion 37 protruding from the frame 31. The liquid repellent member 120 is disposed in the internal space, and the detected member 59 is rotatably disposed in the ink chamber 36. The ink cartridge 30 supplies the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 to the outside through the ink supply unit 60. The ink cartridge 30 is in the upright state shown in FIG. 2, that is, the insertion direction 51 with respect to the cartridge mounting portion 110 with the surface in the downward direction 53 in the drawing as the bottom surface and the surface in the upward direction 54 in the drawing as the top surface. And it is inserted and extracted along the removal direction 52.

[Frame 31]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the frame 31 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, is thin in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56, and has dimensions of a down direction 53 and an up direction 54, an insertion direction 51, and a removal direction 52. Is a flat shape larger than the dimensions in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. The frame 31 overlaps at least partially with the front wall 40 and the rear wall 41 that overlap at least partially when viewed in plan from the insertion direction 51 or the withdrawal direction 52 and when viewed from below in the downward direction 53 or the upward direction 54. An upper wall 39 and a lower wall 42 and an inner wall 43 provided between the upper wall 39 and the lower wall 42 are provided. When the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110, the front wall 40 faces in the front direction (in other words, in the insertion direction 51), and faces in the rear direction (in other words, the removal direction 52). The rear wall 41 is directed to the rear wall 41.

  The upper wall 39 connects the upper ends of the front wall 40 and the rear wall 41. The lower wall 42 connects the lower ends of the front wall 40 and the rear wall 41. The inner wall 43 is connected to the front wall 40, the rear wall 41, and the lower wall 42. A convex portion 37 is formed on the upper wall 39 so as to protrude in the upward direction 54 (an example of the protruding direction). The convex portion 37 may be provided other than the upper wall 39. For example, the convex portion 37 may be formed on the front wall 40 and protrude from the front wall 40 in the insertion direction 51. In this case, the insertion direction 51 is an example of a protruding direction. Further, the convex portion 37 may be formed on the rear wall 41 and protrude from the rear wall 41 in the removal direction 52. In this case, the removal direction 52 is an example of a protruding direction. That is, the convex portion 37 only has to protrude in a direction away from the frame 31 with respect to the ink chamber 36.

  Of the above walls, the upper wall 39 on which at least the convex portion 37 is formed transmits light output from the light emitting portion of the sensor 103. That is, the convex part 37 has light transmittance.

  The surfaces of the frame 31 in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 are open. The surface of the opened frame 31 is sealed with a film. The outer shape of the film 32 (see FIG. 2) that seals the surface in the right direction 55 of the frame 31 substantially matches the outer shape of the frame 31 when viewed from the right direction 55. The outer shape of a film (not shown) that seals the surface in the left direction 56 of the frame 31 substantially matches the outer shape of the frame 31 when viewed from the left direction 56. Each film constitutes the right wall and the left wall of the ink chamber 36. Each film is heat-welded to the right end surface and the left end surface of the upper wall 39, the front wall 40, the rear wall 41, and the lower wall 42. Accordingly, ink can be stored in the upper wall 39, the front wall 40, the rear wall 41, the lower wall 42, and the ink chamber 36 partitioned by the respective films. The inner wall 43 is disposed inside the ink chamber 36. The ink cartridge 30 may further include a cover that covers the outer surface of the film in order to protect the film against external force. In addition, the right wall and the left wall of the ink chamber 36 do not necessarily have to be formed of a film, and are formed of walls having the same thickness as the upper wall 39, the front wall 40, the rear wall 41, and the lower wall 42. Also good.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a groove 127 is formed on the surface of the upper wall 39 facing the ink chamber 36. The groove 127 extends in an annular shape so as to surround the convex portion 37 when the convex portion 37 is viewed from below.

[Ink chamber 36]
As shown in FIG. 3, the ink chamber 36 is formed between the front wall 40 and the rear wall 41. Ink is stored in the ink chamber 36. The ink in the ink chamber 36 flows out of the ink cartridge 30 through the ink supply unit 60 when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110.

  The convex portion 37 has an internal space. The internal space is open downward 53 and communicates with the ink chamber 36.

[Ink supply unit 60]
As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the ink supply unit 60 is formed near the lower end of the front wall 40. The ink supply unit 60 includes a cylindrical tube wall 46 in which a valve chamber 47 is formed, and a seal member 76 and a cap 79 attached to the tube wall 46.

  The cylinder wall 46 extends from the inside of the ink chamber 36 to the outside. An opening 46 </ b> A is formed at an end of the cylindrical wall 46 in the insertion direction 51. Accordingly, the ink chamber 36 is communicated with the outside of the ink cartridge 30 via the valve chamber 47. That is, the ink supply unit 60 supplies the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 to the outside of the ink cartridge 30. A seal member 76 and a cap 79 are attached to the end of the cylindrical wall 46 in the insertion direction 51, that is, the tip of the cylindrical wall 46.

  The seal member 76 is a disk-shaped member whose outer diameter dimension substantially matches the outer diameter dimension of the cylindrical wall 46. The seal member 76 is in liquid tight contact with the tip of the cylindrical wall 46. A through hole 68 that penetrates the seal member 76 in the insertion direction 51 is formed at the center of the seal member 76. The through hole 68 communicates the inside and outside of the valve chamber 47. The diameter of the through hole 68 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the ink needle 102. The seal member 76 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, for example.

  The cap 79 is attached to the tip of the cylindrical wall 46 and sandwiches the seal member 76 between the cylindrical wall 46. A through hole 69 that penetrates the cap 79 in the thickness direction is formed at the center of the cap 79. The diameter of the through hole 69 is larger than the through hole 68.

[Valve 77, coil spring 87]
As shown in FIG. 5, a valve body 77 and a coil spring 87 are accommodated inside the cylindrical wall 46 of the ink supply unit 60. The valve body 77 and the coil spring 87 are in the state of the ink supply unit 60, the state in which ink flows out of the ink cartridge 30 from the ink chamber 36 through the ink supply unit 60, and the ink chamber through the ink supply unit 60. This is for selectively switching between the state where the ink does not flow out from the ink cartridge 30 to the outside of the ink cartridge 30.

  The valve body 77 includes a disc-shaped valve 83 and a convex portion 84 extending from the valve 83 in the removal direction 52. The valve body 77 is disposed in the valve chamber 47 so as to be movable in the insertion direction 51 and the withdrawal direction 52 in a state where the valve 83 faces the end of the cylindrical wall 46 in the insertion direction 51.

  The outer diameter dimension of the valve body 77 is smaller than the inner diameter dimension of the cylindrical wall 46. Thereby, the valve body 77 is movable in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52. Specifically, the valve body 77 is movable between a standby position indicated by a broken line in FIG. 5 and an operating position that is closer to the rear wall 41 than the standby position and indicated by a solid line in FIG. .

  The outer dimension of the valve 83 is slightly larger than the through hole 68 of the seal member 76. Thereby, when the valve body 77 is in the standby position, the valve 83 is pushed into the through hole 68 of the seal member 76 and can seal the through hole 68 in a liquid-tight manner. As a result, the opening 46A is closed. On the other hand, when the valve body 77 is in the operating position, the valve 83 is separated from the seal member 76. Thereby, the opening 46A is opened.

  Further, the outer diameter dimension of the convex portion 84 is smaller than the outer diameter dimension of the valve 83.

  The coil spring 87 is arranged in a state where one end is in contact with the wall 45 defining the end of the valve chamber 47 in the removal direction 52 and the other end is in contact with the convex portion 84. The coil spring 87 urges the valve body 77 toward the insertion direction 51. That is, the coil spring 87 biases the valve body 77 from the operating position toward the standby position. Instead of the coil spring 87, another urging member such as a leaf spring may be used. Further, the biasing member such as the coil spring 87 is not necessarily provided.

  In a state where the ink cartridge 30 is not mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110, the valve body 77 is held at the standby position by being biased by the coil spring 87. The valve body 77 at the standby position is in contact with the seal member 76 by the biasing force of the coil spring 87. In this state, the valve 83 is in liquid-tight contact with the peripheral portion of the through hole 68 of the seal member 76. Thereby, the through hole 68 is closed. As a result, the flow of ink from the ink chamber 36 to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 is blocked.

  In the above state, when the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110 is started and the ink cartridge 30 moves in the insertion direction 51 to the vicinity of the back surface 151 of the cartridge mounting portion 110, the valve 83 of the valve body 77 is moved to the ink needle. 102 abuts. When the ink cartridge 30 further moves in the insertion direction 51 in this state, the valve body 77 is pushed by receiving a reaction force from the ink needle 102. Thereby, the valve body 77 moves in the removal direction 52 from the standby position toward the operating position against the urging force of the coil spring 87. Then, the valve body 77 is separated from the seal member 76 and the through hole 68 is opened. As a result, the distribution of ink from the ink chamber 36 to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 is allowed.

[Liquid repellent member 120]
The liquid repellent member 120 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B can transmit light output from the light emitting portion of the sensor 103 and repels the frame 31, particularly the convex portion 37 of the frame 31. It is made of a highly liquid material. The liquid repellent member 120 is made of a material that allows air to pass therethrough. The liquid repellent member 120 is made of an elastically deformable material. That is, the liquid repellent member 120 is made of a material having light permeability and air permeability, high liquid repellency, and elastically deformable. In the present embodiment, the liquid repellent member 120 is formed of silicone rubber which is one of the materials having the above characteristics. The liquid repellent member 120 does not necessarily have air permeability, and in that case, for example, fluororubber may be used.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the liquid repellent member 120 includes a main body 121 and a sealing portion 122 connected to the main body 121.

[Main unit 121]
The main body 121 has substantially the same shape and the same size as the internal space of the convex portion 37. In the present embodiment, the main body 121 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The main body 121 can be inserted into the internal space of the convex portion 37 from the open lower end of the convex portion 37.

  The main body 121 is configured to be hollow. That is, the main body 121 has an internal space 123. The internal space 123 is open at the first end 121 </ b> A of the main body 121. That is, the opening 124 is formed at the first end 121 </ b> A of the internal space 123. On the other hand, the internal space 123 is closed at the second end 121 </ b> B of the main body 121. The second end 121B is an end located opposite to the first end 121A.

  In the present embodiment, the main body 121 is disposed in the internal space of the convex portion 37 with the first end 121A as the lower end and the second end 121B as the upper end. That is, the main body 121 is inserted into the internal space of the convex portion 37 with the first end 121A facing the ink chamber 36 and the second end 121B facing the protruding tip (upper end) of the convex portion 37.

  In the present embodiment, the first end 121 </ b> A has a planar shape that extends along the insertion direction 51, the removal direction 52, the right direction 55, and the left direction 56 outside the edge of the opening 124.

  As described above, the main body 121 has the first end 121A, the second end 121B positioned above the ink chamber 36 relative to the first end 121A, and the internal space opened toward the ink chamber 36 at the first end 121A. 123.

[Sealing part 122]
The sealing portion 122 is formed at a position closer to the first end 121 </ b> A than the second end 121 </ b> B in the liquid repellent member 120. The sealing part 122 protrudes in the upward direction 54 from the periphery of the first end 121 </ b> A of the main body 121.

  The sealing portion 122 is an annular portion formed corresponding to the groove 127 formed in the upper wall 39. That is, the sealing part 122 has substantially the same shape and the same size as the groove 127 in plan view. Therefore, the sealing part 122 can be inserted into the groove 127. The sealing portion 122 is inserted into the groove 127 when the main body 121 is inserted into the internal space of the convex portion 37.

  In a state where the main body 121 is inserted into the internal space of the convex portion 37 and the sealing portion 122 is inserted into the groove 127, a slight gap is formed between the convex portion 37 and the liquid repellent member 120. This gap is a space 128 (an example of a light transmission space). The space 128 is partitioned by the convex portion 37 and the liquid repellent member 120.

  The width of the front end portion 122 </ b> A of the sealing portion 122 is slightly thicker than the width of the groove 127. On the other hand, the width of the portion other than the tip end portion 122 </ b> A of the sealing portion 122 is formed slightly narrower than the width of the groove 127. Thereby, the sealing portion 122 is inserted into the groove 127 while the distal end portion 122A is elastically deformed.

  As a result, the sealing portion 122 is liquid-tightly sealed between the space 128 and the ink chamber 36 at the position of the front end portion 122A by abutting the surface of the groove 127 while the front end portion 122A is elastically deformed. To do. More specifically, the groove 127 is formed between the inner annular surface and the outer annular surface, but the sealing portion 122 is a space at least at a contact point with the outer annular surface of the groove 127. The space between 128 and the ink chamber 36 is liquid-tightly sealed. Further, the liquid repellent member 120 is maintained in the state of being inserted into the convex portion 37 by the end portion 122 </ b> A coming into contact with the surface defining the groove 127 while being elastically deformed.

[Detected member 59]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the detected member 59 is disposed in the ink chamber 36. The detected member 59 is rotatably supported by the frame 31. As shown in FIG. 3, the inner wall 43 is provided with a convex portion 44 protruding in the right direction 55. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the detected member 59 includes a rotation center portion 61 that is the rotation center of the detected member 59. In the present embodiment, the rotation center portion 61 has a cylindrical shape with the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 as axial directions, but may have a shape other than the cylindrical shape. A through hole 70 penetrating in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 is formed in the rotation center portion 61. The convex portion 44 is inserted into the through hole 70. As a result, the detected member 59 is supported by the frame 31 in the ink chamber 36 so as to be rotatable around a rotation shaft extending along the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 about the center of the through hole 70.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the detected member 59 includes the above-described rotation center portion 61, first arm 71, second arm 72, detected portion 62 (an example of a light shielding portion), and a float 63. .

  The first arm 71 extends from the rotation center 61 in the radial direction of the rotation center 61. The second arm 72 extends from the rotation center portion 61 in the radial direction and in a direction different from the first arm 71.

  The detected part 62 is provided at the extending end of the first arm 71 and is supported by the first arm 71. The detected part 62 has a plate shape. The detected part 62 is made of a material that blocks light output from the light emitting part. More specifically, when the light output from the light emitting unit reaches one of the right and left surfaces of the detected unit 62, the light that exits from the other right and left surfaces of the detected unit 62 and reaches the light receiving unit Is less than a predetermined strength, for example, zero. The detected unit 62 may completely block the light from traveling in the right direction 55 or the left direction 56, may partially absorb the light, or may bend the traveling direction of the light. The light may be totally reflected. For example, the detected portion 62 may be a resin containing a pigment, or may be transparent or translucent, but may have a prism shape and bend the light traveling direction, or aluminum. A reflective film such as a film may be provided on the surface. The detected part 62 may be provided at a position other than the extended end of the first arm 71, for example, at an intermediate position between the extended end and the base end of the first arm 71.

  The float 63 is provided at the extending end of the second arm 72 and is supported by the second arm 72. The float 63 is formed of a material having a specific gravity smaller than that of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36. The float 63 may be provided at a position other than the extended end of the second arm 72, for example, at an intermediate position between the extended end and the base end of the second arm 72.

  The detected member 59 is disposed in the ink chamber 36 with the first arm 71 generally facing the upward direction 54 and the second arm 72 generally facing the removal direction 52. At this time, the detected portion 62 is located in the internal space 123 of the liquid repellent member 120 inserted into the internal space of the convex portion 37, and the float 63 is located in the ink chamber 36.

  The detected member 59 can rotate between a first position shown in FIG. 5 and a second position that is different from the first position shown in FIG. It is. The moving method of the detected member 59 is not limited to rotation, and may be slid along the lower direction 53 and the upper direction 54, for example.

  The float 63 moves in the ink chamber 36 according to the amount of ink in the ink chamber 36. When the amount of ink in the ink chamber 36 is large, the float 63 is submerged in ink. At this time, the float 63 moves in the upward direction 54, which is the direction of floating with respect to the ink by buoyancy. However, since the detected portion 62 is in contact with the surface 120A facing the removal direction on the surface defining the internal space 123 of the liquid repellent member 120, the movement is restricted. FIG. 5 shows a state when the detected portion 62 is in contact with the surface 120A. In the state shown in FIG. 5, the float 63 is in a state of sinking with respect to the ink. The position of the detected member 59 at this time is the first position.

  When the amount of ink in the ink chamber 36 decreases and the ink level becomes lower than the float 63, the float 63 follows the ink level in the downward direction 53 in order to maintain a floating state in the ink. Move to. As a result, the detected member 59 rotates in the direction of the arrow 74 from the first position toward the second position. Thereby, the float 63 is located in the vicinity of the lower wall 42 as shown in FIG. The position of the detected member 59 at this time is the second position. As described above, the float 63 moves in the ink chamber 36 according to the amount of ink in the ink chamber 36.

  When the float 63 moves in the downward direction 53, the detected part 62 rotates the internal space 123 of the liquid repellent member 120 in the direction of the arrow 74 together with the detected member 59. On the other hand, if the float 63 moves in the upward direction 54, the detected part 62 rotates the internal space 123 of the liquid repellent member 120 in the direction opposite to the arrow 74 together with the detected member 59. That is, the detected part 62 moves in the internal space 123 of the liquid repellent member 120 according to the movement of the float 63.

  When the detected member 59 is in the first position, the detected portion 62 is located between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor 103 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, the light output from the light emitting part passes through the convex part 37 and the liquid repellent member 120 but is blocked by the detected part 62. Therefore, the light does not reach the light receiving unit, that is, the intensity of the light reaching the light receiving unit is less than a predetermined intensity. Thereby, the detected part 62 is detected by the sensor 103 from the outside of the ink cartridge 30 when the detected member 59 is in the first position. On the other hand, when the detected member 59 is other than the first position, the detected portion 62 is not positioned between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor 103. Therefore, the light output from the light emitting part passes through the convex part 37 and the liquid repellent member 120 and reaches the light receiving part, that is, the intensity of the light reaching the light receiving part is equal to or higher than a predetermined intensity. Thereby, the sensor 103 outputs a high level signal. A control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of the printer 10 confirms that the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36 has reached a predetermined amount when the high level signal output from the sensor 103 is input. recognize.

  In the present embodiment, the sensor 103 determines whether or not the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36 has reached a predetermined amount depending on whether or not the detected portion 62 exists between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion. However, the sensor 103 determines whether or not the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36 has reached a predetermined amount depending on whether or not there is light-shielding ink between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. You may recognize. As an example in that case, the convex part 37 protrudes in the insertion direction 51 from the front wall 40 in the vicinity of the lower wall 42, or protrudes in the removal direction 52 from the rear wall 41. The ink having a light shielding property is an ink containing a pigment such as carbon black, for example.

[Effects of Embodiment]
According to the present embodiment, the ink stored in the internal space of the convex portion 37 contacts the liquid repellent member 120 instead of the convex portion 37. Here, since the liquid repellent member 120 has higher liquid repellency with respect to the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 than the convex portion 37, it is possible to reduce the ink remaining on the liquid repellent member 120. In addition, since the sealing portion 122 is formed in the liquid repellent member 120, the ingress of ink into the space 128 can be reduced.

  In addition, if there is a difference in pressure between the space 128 and the internal space 123 of the liquid repellent member 120, the liquid repellent member 120 is elastically deformed. For example, in the manufacturing process of the ink cartridge 30, the ink chamber 36 may be decompressed after ink is injected into the ink chamber 36. At this time, since the pressure of the liquid repellent member 120 is lower than the pressure of the space 128, the liquid repellent member 120 may be elastically deformed toward the ink chamber 36 so that the volume of the space 128 becomes larger. However, according to the present embodiment, since the liquid repellent member 120 has air permeability, air gradually moves between the space 128 and the internal space 123 of the liquid repellent member 120 via the liquid repellent member 120, Pressure difference disappears. Therefore, the liquid repellent member 120 can return to its original shape.

  Moreover, according to this embodiment, since the groove | channel 127 is formed in the flame | frame 31, and the sealing part 122 is comprised so that it may insert in the groove | channel 127, the sealing part 122 can be comprised easily.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the ink chamber 36 depends on whether or not the progress of light from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit is hindered by the ink in the liquid repellent member 120 inserted into the convex portion 37 or the detected portion 62. The remaining amount of ink inside can be detected. Here, since the liquid repellent member 120 has high liquid repellency with respect to ink, adhesion of residual ink to the liquid repellent member 120 is reduced. For this reason, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit assume that the ink or the detected portion 62 is present even though the ink or the detected portion 62 is not present in the liquid repellent member 120, and the remaining amount of ink in the ink chamber 36 is erroneous. The possibility of detection can be reduced.

[Modification 1]
In the above embodiment, the width of the front end portion 122 </ b> A of the sealing portion 122 inserted into the groove 127 is slightly larger than the width of the groove 127. Therefore, the liquid repellent member 120 is maintained in the state of being inserted into the convex portion 37. However, there is a possibility that the liquid repellent member 120 falls off the convex portion 37. Therefore, the ink cartridge 30 may further include a contact member 130 shown in FIG. 9C in addition to the above embodiment.

  In the following description, the same contents as in the above embodiment are omitted or briefly described, and the contents different from the above embodiment are described in detail.

  The configuration of the liquid repellent member 120 (see FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B, and FIG. 10) in Modification 1 is the same as that in the above embodiment.

  The contact member 130 is a member that prevents the liquid repellent member 120 from falling off the convex portion 37 by being disposed below the liquid repellent member 120 in the ink chamber 36. The contact member 130 is supported by the frame 31 as described in detail below.

  As shown in FIG. 9D, support portions 131 and 132 are formed on the lower surface of the upper wall 39 of the frame 31. The support part 131 is formed at a position shifted from the groove 127 in the insertion direction 51. The support part 131 protrudes from the front wall 40 in the removal direction 52. The support part 132 is formed at a position shifted from the groove 127 in the removal direction 52. The support portion 132 protrudes from the upper wall 39 in the downward direction 53. The support portion 132 includes a convex portion 132A that protrudes from the lower end of the support portion 132 in the insertion direction 51.

  As shown in FIG. 9C, the contact member 130 is a plate-shaped member. The contact member 130 is formed with a through hole 133 penetrating in the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54. The through hole 133 has substantially the same shape and the same size as the opening 124 of the liquid repellent member 120 in plan view.

  The contact member 130 includes a first convex portion 134 that protrudes from the end portion in the insertion direction 51 in the insertion direction 51, and a second convex portion 135 that protrudes from the end portion in the removal direction 52 in the removal direction 52. Yes. The contact member 130 is supported by the frame 31 by the first convex portion 134 being supported by the support portion 131 and the second convex portion 135 being supported by the convex portion 132A of the support portion 132 (see FIG. 10).

  As shown in FIG. 10, the contact member 130 is positioned directly below the liquid repellent member 120 inserted into the convex portion 37 in a state where the contact member 130 is supported by the frame 31. In a state where the contact member 130 is supported by the frame 31, the upper end of the contact member 130 is in contact with the first end 121 </ b> A of the liquid repellent member 120 from below. That is, the contact member 130 is in contact with the first end 121 </ b> A of the liquid repellent member 120 in the upward direction 54. As a method of attaching the contact member 130 to the frame 31, the lower surface of the first convex portion 134 of the contact member 130 and the upper surface of the support portion 131 are in contact with each other, and the second convex portion 135 of the contact member 130 is contacted. The abutting member 130 is slid in the right direction 55 or the left direction 56 in a state in which the lower surface and the upper surface of the convex portion 132A are in contact with each other, whereby the abutting member 130 is inserted into the convex portion 37. Located directly below.

  In a state where the contact member 130 is supported by the frame 31, the through hole 133 is positioned directly below the opening 124 of the liquid repellent member 120. As a result, the internal space 123 of the liquid repellent member 120 and the ink chamber 36 communicate with each other through the through hole 133.

  According to the first modification, the possibility that the liquid repellent member 120 falls off the convex portion 37 can be reduced.

[Modification 2]
In the above embodiment, the groove 127 is formed in the upper wall 39 of the frame 31 and the sealing portion 122 of the liquid repellent member 120 is inserted into the groove 127. However, the groove 127 is not provided in the frame 31. May be. In a configuration in which the groove 127 is not provided in the frame 31, the ink cartridge 30 may further include a pressure contact member 140 shown in FIG. 11C in addition to the above embodiment.

  In the following description, the same contents as in the above embodiment are omitted or briefly described, and the contents different from the above embodiment are described in detail.

  In the second modification, the configuration of the liquid repellent member 120 (see FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 12) is partially different from the above embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the liquid repellent member 120 includes an extending portion 139 that extends obliquely downward from the periphery of the opening 124. The lower end, which is the extension tip of the extension part 139, is the first end 121A of the liquid repellent member 120 (see FIG. 11B). A sealing portion 122 is provided at the extension tip of the extension portion 139. The sealing portion 122 protrudes in the upward direction 54 from the extending tip of the extending portion 139. The protruding length of the sealing portion 122 in the upward direction 54 in Modification 2 is shorter than the protruding length of the sealing portion 122 in the upward direction 54 in the above embodiment. Specifically, the sealing portion 122 in the above embodiment needs to have a length equivalent to the depth of the groove 127 in order to be inserted into the groove 127. On the other hand, the sealing portion 122 in the modified example 2 is necessary because the front end of the sealing portion 122 is press-contacted all around the convex portion 37 when pressed against the upper wall 39 of the frame 31 as described later. A minimum length is sufficient.

  As shown in FIG. 11D, support portions 141 and 142 are formed on the upper wall 39 of the frame 31. The support part 141 is formed at a position shifted from the groove 127 in the insertion direction 51. The support portion 141 protrudes from the front wall 40 in the removal direction 52. The support part 142 is formed at a position shifted in the removal direction 52 from the groove 127. The support portion 142 extends from the side wall 37 </ b> A of the convex portion 37 in the removal direction 52, bends at the tip of the extension, and extends downward. A projecting portion 142 </ b> A projecting in the insertion direction 51 is formed at the extending lower end of the support portion 142. The support part 142 can be bent by being configured as described above.

  The pressure contact member 140 shown in FIG. 11C is a member that maintains the state in which the liquid repellent member 120 is inserted into the convex portion 37 by pressing the liquid repellent member 120 from below in the ink chamber 36.

  The pressure contact member 140 is a plate-shaped member. The pressure contact member 140 is formed with a through hole 143 penetrating in the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54. The through hole 143 has substantially the same shape and the same size as the opening 124 of the liquid repellent member 120 in plan view.

  The pressure contact member 140 projects from the end in the insertion direction 51 in the insertion direction 51 and bends in the downward direction 53, and projects from the end in the removal direction 52 in the removal direction 52 and in the downward direction 53. And a bent second convex portion 145. The 1st convex part 144 and the 2nd convex part 145 can be bent by being the above-mentioned composition. The pressure contact member 140 is supported by the frame 31 by the first convex portion 144 being supported by the support portion 141 and the second convex portion 145 being supported by the protrusion 142A of the support portion 142 (FIG. 12). reference).

  As shown in FIG. 12, the length from the end of the pressing member 140 in the insertion direction 51 to the end of the removal direction 52 is the end of the support portion 141 in the removal direction 52 and the end of the protrusion 142A in the insertion direction 51. Slightly longer than the gap between. Thereby, the pressure contact member 140 is fitted to the support portions 141 and 142 by bending at least one of the first and second convex portions 144 and 145 or the support portions 141 and 142. As a result, the pressure contact member 140 is supported by the frame 31 in the ink chamber 36 below the liquid repellent member 120. As a method for attaching the pressure contact member 140 to the frame 31, the pressure contact member 140 may be attached to the support portion 141 while at least one of the first convex portion 144 and the second convex portion 145 or the support portions 141 and 142 is bent. It is moved upward 54 through the gap between the end in the removal direction 52 and the end in the insertion direction 51 of the protrusion 142A. As a result, the first convex portion 144 and the second convex portion 145 pass through the gap between the end in the removal direction 52 of the support portion 141 and the end in the insertion direction 51 of the protrusion 142A, and the first convex portion 144 is obtained. And the 2nd convex part 145 is fitted with the support parts 141 and 142. As shown in FIG.

  In a state where the pressure contact member 140 is fitted to the support portions 141 and 142, the sealing portion 122 of the liquid repellent member 120 inserted into the convex portion 37 is sandwiched between the convex portion 37 and the pressure contact member 140. . The lengths of the sealing portion 122 in the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54 are slightly longer than the gap between the convex portion 37 and the pressure contact member 140 at a position sandwiching the sealing portion 122.

  Thereby, the sealing part 122 contacts the convex part 37 and the pressure contact member 140 while being elastically deformed in a state where the pressure contact member 140 is fitted to the support parts 141 and 142. At this time, the pressure contact member 140 is in pressure contact with the sealing portion 122 of the liquid repellent member 120 in the upward direction 54. As a result, the sealing portion 122 is in pressure contact with the frame 31 constituting the convex portion 37 in the upward direction 54. As a result, the sealing unit 122 seals the space 128 and the ink chamber 36 in a liquid-tight manner.

  According to the second modification, it is not necessary to provide the groove 127 as in the above embodiment. Therefore, the insertion length of the liquid repellent member 120 into the convex portion 37 can be shortened. As a result, the liquid repellent member 120 and the convex portion 37 can be reduced in size.

  Further, according to the second modification, the liquid repellent member 120 receives pressure from the pressure contact member 140 in the upward direction 54, so that the sealing portion 122 contacts the frame 31 while being elastically deformed in the upward direction 54. it can.

[Modification 3]
A flow path 160 (see FIGS. 14 and 15) that communicates the inside and the outside of the space 128 formed between the convex portion 37 and the liquid repellent member 120 may be formed in the frame 31. In the following description, the same contents as in the above embodiment are omitted or briefly described, and the contents different from the above embodiment are described in detail.

  In the third modification, the configuration of the liquid repellent member 120 (see FIGS. 13B and 13C) is different from the above embodiment in the sealing portion 122 portion.

  As shown in FIGS. 13B and 13C, the sealing portion 122 is surrounded by an annular rib 158 formed corresponding to the groove 127 formed in the upper wall 39, and the rib 158. And a protrusion 159 that protrudes upward from the first end 121 </ b> A at a position adjacent to the main body 121.

  The rib 158 corresponds to the sealing portion 122 in the above embodiment. That is, the rib 158 has the tip portion 158A corresponding to the tip portion 122A in the above embodiment. By inserting the tip portion 158A into the groove 127, the space 128 and the ink chamber 36 are sealed in a liquid-tight manner.

  In the present embodiment, the protrusion 159 has a cylindrical shape, but is not limited to a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 159 is inserted into a space 161 (see FIGS. 14 and 15) constituting a part of the flow channel 160. The protrusion 159 is inserted into the space 161 while being pressed against a peripheral surface 161A (see FIG. 15) that partitions the space 161.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a flow path 160 is formed in the upper wall 39 of the frame 31. The channel 160 includes a space 161, a through hole 162, and a communication path 163.

  The space 161 is a hollow internal space formed in the upper wall 39. In the present embodiment, the shape of the recess that divides the space 161 is a columnar shape corresponding to the protrusion 159, but may be any shape that matches the shape of the protrusion 159. The space 161 is formed next to the space 128. The space 161 is formed at a position shifted from the space 128 in the removal direction 12. The space 161 is partitioned by a peripheral surface 161A and a bottom surface 161B (see FIG. 15B). The peripheral surface 161A defines the side of the dent. The bottom surface 161B defines the bottom (upper part) of the recess.

  The through hole 162 is a hole that connects the space 161 and the internal space of the convex portion 37. One opening of the through hole 162 is formed in the peripheral surface 161A. The other opening of the through hole 162 is formed in the side surface 37 </ b> C that partitions the internal space of the convex portion 37. In a state where the liquid repellent member 120 is inserted into the internal space of the convex portion 37, a space 128 is provided between the side surface 37 </ b> C and the liquid repellent member 120. That is, the through hole 162 is a hole that connects the space 161 and the space 128.

  The communication path 163 is a hole that connects the space 161 and the outside of the ink cartridge 30. One opening of the communication path 163 is formed in the peripheral surface 161A. One opening of the communication path 163 is formed above the one opening of the through hole 162. The other opening 163A (see FIGS. 13 and 15B) of the communication path 163 is formed in the upper wall 39 of the frame 31. The opening 163A is opened in the right direction 55.

  As described above, the flow path 160 communicates the space 128 with the outside of the ink cartridge 30 through the through hole 162, the space 161, and the communication path 163. The flow path 160 may communicate the space 128 and the ink chamber 36.

  FIG. 16 shows a state in which the liquid repellent member 120 is only partially inserted into the internal space of the convex portion 37.

  In this state, the tip 158A of the rib 158 is inserted into the groove 127. For this reason, the space 128 and the ink chamber 36 are sealed in a liquid-tight manner at the position of the front end portion 158A.

  Further, in this state, as shown in FIG. 16B, the upper end of the protrusion 159 of the sealing portion 122 is positioned below the upper end of one opening of the through hole 162. Thereby, the space 128 and the space 161 are communicated. Further, the upper end of the protrusion 159 of the sealing portion 122 is positioned below the upper end of one opening of the communication path 163. Thereby, the space 161 communicates with the outside of the ink cartridge 30. That is, the space 128 and the outside of the ink cartridge 30 communicate with each other. As described above, in the state shown in FIG. 16, the sealing portion 122 opens the flow path 160. The state of the liquid repellent member 120 at this time is an example of the first state.

  FIG. 17 shows a state in which the liquid repellent member 120 is inserted into the inner space of the convex portion 37 at the back, that is, in the upward direction 54 from FIG. 16.

  In this state, the tip 158A of the rib 158 is inserted into the groove 127 as in the first state. For this reason, the space 128 and the ink chamber 36 are sealed in a liquid-tight manner at the position of the front end portion 158A.

  In this state, as shown in FIG. 17B, the upper end of the protrusion 159 of the sealing portion 122 is located above the upper end of one opening of the through hole 162. Thereby, the communication between the space 128 and the space 161 is blocked. That is, communication between the space 128 and the outside of the ink cartridge 30 is blocked. As described above, in the state shown in FIG. 17, the sealing portion 122 closes the flow path 160. The state of the liquid repellent member 120 at this time is an example of the second state.

[Method for Manufacturing Ink Cartridge 30 of Modification 3]
Hereinafter, a method in which the liquid repellent member 120 is inserted into the internal space of the convex portion 37 in the ink cartridge 30 of Modification 3 will be described. In the method, the liquid repellent member 120 is inserted into the internal space of the convex portion 37 by executing three steps.

  First, the liquid repellent member 120 is inserted into the internal space of the convex portion 37 up to the first state shown in FIG. The insertion of the liquid repellent member 120 up to the first state is the first step.

  Next, the space 128 is decompressed through the flow path 160. The decompression is performed, for example, by connecting the suction port of the suction pump to the other opening 163A of the communication path 163. The pressure reduction is performed, for example, until the pressure in the space 128 becomes minus 90 kPa with respect to the pressure in the ink chamber 36 and the internal space 123 of the liquid repellent member 120. As described above, the liquid repellent member 120 is preferably formed of a material having air permeability, but does not have an air permeability enough to eliminate the 90 kPa pressure difference in a short time. Therefore, decompression is possible. The above-described decompression is the second step.

  Next, the liquid repellent member 120 is inserted into the internal space of the convex portion 37 to the second state shown in FIG. 17 while maintaining the pressure of the space 128 where the pressure is reduced in the second step. Specifically, an external force that pushes the liquid repellent member 120 in the upward direction 54 from below is applied, and the liquid repellent member 120 is drawn into the internal space of the convex portion 37 due to a pressure difference. The internal space 37 is inserted up to the second state. Note that the liquid repellent member 120 may be inserted to the second state only by the pressure difference without applying an external force that pushes the liquid repellent member 120 upward from the lower side. The insertion of the liquid repellent member 120 up to the second state is the third step. Thereafter, the suction port of the suction pump is removed from the other opening 163 </ b> A of the communication path 163. The pressure difference between the pressure of the space 128 and the internal space 123 of the ink chamber 36 and the liquid repellent member 120 is such that air gradually passes between the space 128 and the internal space 123 of the liquid repellent member 120 via the liquid repellent member 120. It disappears by moving to.

  According to the third modification, the liquid repellent member 120 can be assembled to the convex portion 37 while removing the air in the space 128 between the convex portion 37 and the liquid repellent member 120. Thereby, the liquid repellent member 120 can be reliably inserted to the vicinity of the protruding end of the convex portion 37. In the state where the liquid repellent member 120 is assembled to the convex portion 37, the gap between the convex portion 37 and the liquid repellent member 120 can be reduced. As a result, the ingress of ink into the space 128 can be reduced.

[Other variations]
In the above embodiment, ink has been described as an example of a liquid, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of ink, a pretreatment liquid ejected onto a recording sheet prior to ink at the time of printing may be a liquid.

10 ... Printer (Liquid consumption device)
21 ... Recording head (liquid consumption part)
30 ... Ink cartridge (liquid cartridge)
31 ... Frame 36 ... Ink chamber (liquid storage chamber)
37 ... convex part (protrusion part)
110 ... Cartridge mounting part (mounting part)
120 ... Liquid repellent member 121A ... 1st end 121B ... 2nd end 122 ... Sealing part 123 ... Internal space 128 ... Space

Claims (12)

A frame in which a liquid storage chamber in which liquid is stored is formed;
Projecting in a projecting direction away from the liquid storage chamber from the frame, having an internal space communicating with the liquid storage chamber, and having a light transmitting property;
A first end and a second end positioned farther from the liquid storage chamber than the first end in the protruding direction, and the liquid storage at the first end; A liquid repellent member having an internal space opened toward the chamber, having light transmissivity, and having higher liquid repellency with respect to the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber than the protruding portion;
The liquid repellent member is formed at a position closer to the first end than the second end, and is in contact with the frame while elastically deforming, thereby transmitting light between the protrusion and the liquid repellent member. A liquid cartridge comprising: a sealing portion that liquid-tightly seals between the space and the liquid storage chamber.   The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the liquid repellent member has air permeability.   The liquid cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the liquid repellent member is silicone rubber. A groove surrounding the protrusion is formed on the surface of the frame that partitions the liquid storage chamber.
The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the sealing portion is inserted into the groove.   5. The liquid cartridge according to claim 4, further comprising a contact member that is supported by the frame in the liquid storage chamber and contacts the first end of the liquid repellent member in the protruding direction.   4. The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure contact member that is supported by the frame in the liquid storage chamber and presses against the first end of the liquid repellent member in the protruding direction. 5.   The liquid cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the sealing portion contacts the frame in the protruding direction. A flow path that communicates the inside and the outside of the light transmission space is formed in the frame,
The sealing portion opens the flow path in a first state in which the liquid-repellent member is only partially inserted into the internal space of the protruding portion, and the liquid-repellent member enters the internal space of the protruding portion. The liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the flow path is closed in a second state inserted in the protruding direction from the state.   The liquid cartridge according to claim 8, wherein in the second state, the sealing portion seals between the light transmission space and the liquid storage chamber in a liquid-tight manner. The liquid storage chamber is movably disposed, and further includes a moving member having a float and a light shielding portion,
The float moves in the liquid storage chamber according to the amount of liquid in the liquid storage chamber,
The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the light shielding portion moves in an internal space of the liquid repellent member in accordance with the movement of the float. A liquid cartridge according to claim 10;
A mounting portion on which the liquid cartridge is detachably mounted;
A liquid consuming unit for consuming the liquid supplied from the liquid cartridge mounted on the mounting unit;
A light emitting part for emitting light to the light shielding part through the protrusion and the liquid repellent member;
A liquid consuming device comprising: a light receiving portion capable of receiving light emitted from the light emitting portion and transmitted through the protruding portion and the liquid repellent member. A frame in which a liquid storage chamber in which liquid is stored is formed; and a protruding direction in which the liquid storage chamber is separated from the liquid storage chamber from the frame; an internal space communicating with the liquid storage chamber; A first end and a second end located farther from the liquid storage chamber than the first end in the projecting direction. A liquid repellent member having an internal space opened toward the liquid storage chamber at one end, having light transmission properties, and having higher liquid repellency with respect to the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber than the protruding portion And the liquid repellent member is formed at a position closer to the first end than the second end, and comes into contact with the frame while being elastically deformed, so that the gap between the protruding portion and the liquid repellent member is Light transmission space and liquid storage chamber A fluid-tightly sealed portion, and a flow path is formed in the frame to communicate the inside and the outside of the light transmission space. In the first state where the member is only partially inserted into the internal space of the protruding portion, the flow path is opened, and the liquid repellent member is inserted into the internal space of the protruding portion in the protruding direction from the first state. A method of manufacturing a liquid cartridge for closing the flow path in a second state,
A first step of inserting the liquid repellent member to the first state;
A second step of depressurizing the light transmission space through the flow path;
A liquid cartridge manufacturing method comprising: a third step of inserting the liquid repellent member from the first state to the second state while maintaining the reduced pressure state of the light transmission space by the second step.

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