JP7173120B2 - printing fluid cartridge - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing fluid cartridge having a plate projecting from the outer surface of a body having a reservoir.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an inkjet recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium by ejecting ink stored in an ink container from nozzles. 2. Description of the Related Art Some ink jet recording apparatuses are configured so that a new ink cartridge can be installed each time ink is consumed.

For example, in Patent Document 1, a plate-shaped identification portion protrudes from the outer surface of the main body of the ink cartridge. A configuration for determining the type is disclosed.

JP 2010-228378 A

The identification portion as described above is thin enough to be detected by an optical sensor. Therefore, when the ink cartridge falls on the floor or collides with other objects, it is likely to receive a shock. As a result, the identification portion may be deformed or damaged, and the detection by the optical sensor may become impossible, or the cartridge mounting portion may become unable to be mounted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printing fluid cartridge in which a plate portion protruding from the outer surface of the main body is less likely to be damaged.

(1) The printing fluid cartridge disclosed in the present specification includes a main body having a storage chamber in which printing fluid is stored, a supply portion protruding from the main body in a first direction, and a liquid amount of the printing fluid in the storage chamber. a liquid level detection unit including a member to be detected that changes the state of light irradiated from the outside according to the decrease; a plate portion projecting with respect to the main body; and a plate portion that is continuous with the plate portion and has a dimension in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction that is longer than the dimension of the plate portion and extends in the first direction. an extending reinforcing portion, wherein the plate portion has an inclined surface connecting a front end in the first direction and an upper end in the second direction; They are located at overlapping positions when viewed from the first direction.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of a printer 10 having a cartridge mounting section 110. As shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the cartridge mounting portion 110. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the ink cartridge 30 as viewed from the front and above. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the ink cartridge 30 as viewed from the front and below. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the ink cartridge 30. As shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the positional relationship between the optical sensors 103 and 108 in the process of mounting the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting portion 110. The optical sensor 103 detects the light blocking portion 82 of the identification rib 80. Indicates status. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the positional relationship between the optical sensors 103 and 108 in the process of mounting the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting portion 110. The optical sensor 108 detects the light blocking portion 82 of the identification rib 80. Indicates status. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the positional relationship between the optical sensors 103 and 108 when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110. The optical sensor 103 detects the arm 68 of the member 59 to be detected. Indicates status. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the control section 1. As shown in FIG. 10A shows changes in the output signal of the optical sensor 103 during the process of inserting the ink cartridge 30. FIG. 10B shows changes in the output signal of the optical sensor 108 during the process of inserting the ink cartridge 30. FIG. FIG. 10C is a diagram showing changes in the output signal of the optical sensor 103 in the process of decreasing the amount of ink stored in the ink cartridge 30. FIG. FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining insertion detection of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110 . 12A and 12B are cross-sectional views showing the shape of the plate portion 85 of the identification rib 80 in the modified example. FIG. 12C is a diagram schematically showing the ink cartridge 30 in another modified example. FIG. 13 is a side view showing the dimensions of each part of the ink cartridge 30. As shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. It should be noted that the embodiment described below is merely an example in which the present invention is embodied, and it goes without saying that the embodiment can be changed as appropriate without changing the gist of the present invention. Also, in the following description, the direction in which the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 is defined as the insertion direction 51 . A direction opposite to the insertion direction 51 and in which the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110 is defined as a removal direction 52 .

Although the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 are horizontal in this embodiment, the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 may not be horizontal. Also, the direction of gravity is defined as a downward direction 53, and the direction opposite to the direction of gravity is defined as an upward direction 54 (an example of a second direction). Further, directions perpendicular to the insertion direction 51 and the downward direction 53 are defined as a rightward direction 55 and a leftward direction 56, respectively. More specifically, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted to the mounting position of the cartridge mounting portion 110 , that is, when the ink cartridge 30 is in the mounting posture, when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed in the insertion direction 51 , the ink cartridge 30 is positioned to the right. The extending direction is defined as rightward direction 55 and the leftward extending direction is defined as leftward direction 56 . Furthermore, the insertion direction 51 may be called a forward direction 57 (an example of the first direction), and the removal direction 52 may be called a rearward direction 58 .

[Overview of printer 10]
As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 10 records an image by selectively ejecting ink droplets onto a recording sheet based on an ink jet recording system. The printer 10 includes a recording head 21 , an ink supply device 100 , and an ink tube 20 connecting the recording head 21 and the ink supply device 100 . The ink supply device 100 is provided with a cartridge mounting portion 110 . An ink cartridge 30 (an example of a printing fluid cartridge) can be attached to the cartridge attachment portion 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 through the opening 112 in the insertion direction 51 or extracted from the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the removal direction 52 .

The ink cartridge 30 stores ink (an example of printing fluid) that can be used in the printer 10 . The ink cartridge 30 and the recording head 21 are connected by the ink tube 20 in a state where the ink cartridge 30 has been completely attached to the cartridge attachment portion 110 . A sub-tank 28 is provided in the recording head 21 . The sub-tank 28 temporarily stores ink supplied through the ink tube 20 . The recording head 21 selectively ejects ink supplied from the sub-tank 28 from the nozzles 29 by an inkjet recording method.

The printer 10 includes a paper feed tray 15 , a paper feed roller 23 , a transport roller pair 25 , a platen 26 , a discharge roller pair 27 and a paper discharge tray 16 . The recording paper fed from the paper feed tray 15 to the transport path 24 by the paper feed rollers 23 is transported onto the platen 26 by the pair of transport rollers 25 . The recording head 21 selectively ejects ink onto the recording paper passing over the platen 26 . As a result, an image is recorded on the recording paper. After passing through the platen 26 , the recording paper is discharged by the discharge roller pair 27 to the paper discharge tray 16 provided on the most downstream side of the transport path 24 .

[Ink supply device 100]
As shown in FIG. 1, an ink supply device 100 is provided in a printer 10. As shown in FIG. 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 section 110 to which the ink cartridge 30 can be mounted. Note that FIG. 1 shows a state in which the ink cartridge 30 has been completely attached to the cartridge attachment portion 110 . That is, the state in which the ink cartridge 30 is in the mounting posture is shown.

[Cartridge mounting part 110]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cartridge mounting portion 110 includes a case 101, an ink needle 102, optical sensors 103 and 108, four contacts 106, a slider 107, and a lock portion 145. . The cartridge mounting portion 110 can accommodate four ink cartridges 30 corresponding to the respective colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Four ink needles 102 , optical sensors 103 , four contacts 106 , sliders 107 , and locking portions 145 are provided for each of the four ink cartridges 30 .

[Case 101]
The case 101 forming the housing of the cartridge mounting portion 110 has a top surface that defines a top portion of the internal space of the case 101, a bottom surface that defines a bottom portion, and an end portion that connects the top portion and the bottom portion. and an opening 112 provided at a position opposite the end surface in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 and exposed to the user interface surface of the printer 10, which is the surface that the user faces when using the printer 10. It has a box shape. The ink cartridge 30 is inserted into and removed from the case 101 through the opening 112 . The ink cartridge 30 is guided in an insertion direction 51 and an ejection direction 52 by inserting the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the ink cartridge 30 into the guide grooves 109 provided on the top surface and the bottom surface. The case 101 is provided with three plates 104 that divide the internal space into four longitudinally long spaces. Each space partitioned by the plate 104 accommodates an ink cartridge 30 .

[Ink needle 102]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ink needle 102 is made of tubular resin and is provided below the end surface of the case 101 . The ink needle 102 is arranged on the end face of the case 101 at a position corresponding to the ink supply portion 34 (see FIG. 3) of the ink cartridge 30 mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110 . The ink needle 102 protrudes in the removal direction 52 from the end surface of the case 101 .

A cylindrical guide portion 105 is provided around the ink needle 102 . The guide portion 105 protrudes from the end surface of the case 101 in the removal direction 52 and has an open end. The ink needle 102 is arranged at the center of the guide portion 105 . The guide portion 105 has a shape into which the ink supply portion 34 of the ink cartridge enters.

In the process of inserting the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the insertion direction 51 , that is, in the process of moving the ink cartridge 30 to the mounting position, the ink supply portion 34 of the ink cartridge 30 enters the guide portion 105 . Further, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the insertion direction 51 , the ink needle 102 is inserted into the through hole 71 formed in the seal member 70 . As a result, the valve body 77 (see FIG. 8) is separated from the through hole 71 and ink can flow from the storage chamber 36 to the ink needle 102 . Then, the ink flows out to the ink tube 20 connected to the ink needle 102 through the inner space of the ink needle 102 .

[Slider 107]
An opening 111 extending along the insertion direction 51 (or removal direction 52) is formed at a position close to the end surface of the lower guide groove 109 of the case 101. As shown in FIG. A slider 107 is provided in the opening 111 . The slider 107 protrudes upward from below the lower surface of the guide groove 109 through the opening 111 . The slider 107 is fitted in a guide rail (not shown) provided below the case 101 and is movable in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 within the opening 111 along the guide rail. A pull spring 114 is stretched between the slider 107 and the case 101 . The pull-down spring 114 pulls the slider 107 and urges it in the removal direction 52 . Therefore, the slider 107 is positioned at the end of the guide rail in the detachment direction 52 when no external force is applied. From that position, when an external force in the insertion direction 51 is applied, the slider 107 can move in the insertion direction 51 within the opening 111 along the guide rails.

In the process of inserting the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the insertion direction 51, that is, in the process of moving the ink cartridge 30 to the mounting position, the second projecting portion 86 of the ink cartridge 30 moves along the guide groove 109 in the insertion direction. By advancing to 51 , the slider 107 abuts. Further, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the insertion direction 51 , the slider 107 moves in the insertion direction 51 against the biasing force of the pull spring 114 by being pushed into the second projecting portion 86 . The ink cartridge 30 receives an urging force in the removal direction 52 from the slider 107 .

[Lock part 145]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lock portion 145 extends in the leftward direction 56 and the rightward direction 55 of the case 101 near the top surface of the case 101 and near the opening 112 . The locking portion 145 is a rod-shaped member extending along the left direction 56 and the right direction 55 . The locking part 145 is, for example, a metal cylinder. Both ends of the lock portion 145 in the left direction 56 and the right direction 55 are fixed to walls defining both ends of the case 101 in the left direction 56 and the right direction 55 . Therefore, the locking portion 145 does not move relative to the case 101, such as rotating. The locking portion 145 extends in the leftward direction 56 and the rightward direction 55 over four spaces that can accommodate four ink cartridges 30 . A space exists around the lock portion 145 in each space in which the ink cartridge 30 is accommodated. Therefore, it is possible to access the locking portion 145 in the upward direction 54 and in the removing direction 52 .

The lock portion 145 is for holding the ink cartridge 30 mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110 at the mounting position. When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 and rotated to the mounting posture, the lock portion 145 is engaged with the lock portion 145 . The ink cartridge 30 is held in the cartridge mounting portion 110 against the force of pressing the ink cartridge 30 and the force of the coil spring 78 of the ink cartridge 30 pushing the ink cartridge 30 in the removal direction 52 .

As shown in FIG. 2, four contacts 106 are provided near the end surface of the top surface of the case 101 . Although not shown in detail in each figure, the four contacts 106 are spaced apart in leftward direction 56 and rightward direction 55 . The arrangement of the four contacts 106 corresponds to the arrangement of the four electrodes 65 of the ink cartridge 30 described later (see FIG. 3). Each contact 106 is composed of a member having conductivity and elasticity, and can be elastically deformed in the upward direction 54 . Four sets of four contacts 106 are provided corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30 that can be accommodated in the case 101 . The number of contacts 106 and the number of electrodes 65 are arbitrary.

Each contact 106 is electrically connected to the controller 1 via an electric circuit. The control unit 1 is composed of, for example, a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (see FIG. 9). By electrically connecting the contact 106 and the corresponding electrode 65 , the voltage Vc is applied to the electrode 65 , the electrode 65 is grounded, and the electrode 65 is supplied with power. Electrical continuity between the contacts 106 and the corresponding electrodes 65 allows access to data stored in the IC of the ink cartridge 30 . An output from the electric circuit is input to the control section 1 .

[Rod 125]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a rod 125 is provided above the ink needle 102 at the end of the case 101 . The rod 125 protrudes from the end surface of the case 101 in the removal direction 52 . Like the upper half of a cylindrical shape, the rod 125 has an inverted U-shaped cross-section orthogonal to the removal direction 52, and has a shape in which a rib extending upward in the removal direction 52 protrudes from the uppermost portion thereof. be. The rod 125 is inserted into the recess 96 below the IC board 64 of the ink cartridge 30 while the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge installation portion 110, that is, when the ink cartridge 30 is positioned at the installation position.

[Optical sensor 103]
As shown in FIG. 1, an optical sensor 103 is provided on the top surface of the case 101 . The optical sensor 103 has a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion. The light emitting section is provided in the right direction 55 or the left direction 56 from the light receiving section with a space therebetween. The liquid amount detection section 62 of the ink cartridge 30 that has been completely mounted on the cartridge mounting section 110 is arranged between the light emitting section and the light receiving section. In other words, the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion are arranged to face each other across the liquid amount detection portion 62 of the ink cartridge 30 that has been completely attached to the cartridge attachment portion 110 .

The optical sensor 103 outputs different detection signals depending on whether the light output from the light emitting unit is received by the light receiving unit. For example, the optical sensor 103 outputs a low level signal (“the signal level is less than the threshold level”) under the 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 optical sensor 103 outputs a high-level signal (“the signal level is equal to or greater than the threshold level) on the condition that the light output from the light-emitting portion can be received by the light-receiving portion (that is, the received light intensity is equal to or greater than a predetermined intensity). ) is output.

[Optical sensor 108]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an optical sensor 108 is provided on the top surface of the case 101 at a position closer to the end surface of the case 101 than the optical sensor 103 is. The optical sensor 108 has a light emitter and a light receiver. The light emitting section is provided in the right direction 55 or the left direction 56 from the light receiving section with a space therebetween. The identification rib 80 of the ink cartridge 30 completely mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110 is arranged between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion. In other words, the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion are arranged to face each other across the identification rib 80 of the ink cartridge 30 that has been completely mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110 .

The optical sensor 108 outputs different detection signals depending on whether the light output from the light emitting section is received by the light receiving section. For example, the optical sensor 108 outputs a low level signal (“the signal level is less than the threshold level” on the 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 optical sensor 108 outputs a high-level signal (“the signal level is equal to or greater than the threshold level” on the condition that the light output from the light-emitting portion can be received by the light-receiving portion (that is, the received light intensity is equal to or greater than a predetermined intensity). ) is output.

A cover sensor 118 (see FIG. 9) is provided near the upper end of the opening 112 of the case 101 . The cover sensor 118 can detect whether the opening 112 of the case 101 and the cover are in contact. When the cover is in the closed position, the vicinity of the upper end of the cover abuts against the cover sensor 118 , and a detection signal is output from the cover sensor 118 to the control unit 1 . If the cover is not in the closed position, the cover sensor 118 will not output a detection signal.

[Ink cartridge 30]
The ink cartridge 30 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 is a container that stores ink. A space formed inside the ink cartridge 30 is a storage chamber 36 that stores ink. The storage chamber 36 is formed by an inner frame 35 and a film (not shown) housed in the rear cover 31 and the front cover 32 forming the appearance of the ink cartridge 30 .

The posture of the ink cartridge 30 shown in FIG. 5 is the posture when the ink cartridge 30 is in the mounting posture. That is, the ink cartridge 30 has a front surface 140, a rear surface 41, upper surfaces 39 and 141, and lower surfaces 42 and 142, as will be described later. The direction from the rear surface 41 to the front surface 140 corresponds to the insertion direction 51 and the front direction 57, the direction from the front surface 140 to the rear surface 41 corresponds to the removal direction 52, and the direction from the upper surfaces 39, 141 to the lower surfaces 42, 142 corresponds to the removal direction 52. In this posture, the downward direction 53 is aligned, and the direction from the lower surfaces 42 and 142 to the upper surfaces 39 and 141 is aligned with the upward direction 54 . Further, when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110, the front surface 140 faces the insertion direction 51 and the front direction 57, the rear face 41 faces the removal direction 52, and the lower faces 42 and 142 face the downward direction 53. , upper surfaces 39 and 141 face upward direction 54 .

As shown in FIG. 5, the ink cartridge 30 is mainly composed of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped rear cover 31, a front cover 32 forming a front surface 140, and an inner frame 35 defining a storage chamber . The front cover 32 is attached to the rear cover 31 to form the outline of the ink cartridge 30 . The inner frame 35 is housed inside the assembled rear cover 31 and front cover 32 . The ink cartridge 30 generally has a dimension along the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58 greater than the dimension along the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56 or the dimension along the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54 . The surface of the front cover 32 that faces the insertion direction 51 (forward direction 57) when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110, and is more than half the dimension of the ink cartridge 30 in the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58. The front surface is the front surface 140 , and the surface of the rear cover 31 facing the removal direction 52 (rearward direction 58 ) is the rear surface 41 . That is, the rear surface 41 is arranged with the storage chamber 36 interposed between the rear surface 41 and the front surface 140 of the front cover 32 . The front cover 32 and the rear cover 31 are examples of the main body.

[Rear cover 31]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the rear cover 31 has side surfaces 37 and 38 spaced apart from each other in the right direction 55 and left direction 56, an upper surface 39 facing upward 54, and a lower surface 53 facing downward. 42 extends from the rear surface 41 in the insertion direction 51 and has a box shape opening forward 57 . An internal frame 35 is inserted through the opening inside the rear cover 31 . That is, the rear cover 31 covers the rear portion of the inner frame 35 . Further, the lower surface 42 is arranged with the storage chamber 36 interposed between the lower surface 42 and the upper surface 39 in a state in which the inner frame 35 is inserted.

A convex portion 43 is provided on the upper surface 39 of the rear cover 31 . The convex portion 43 extends along the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58 at the center of the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56 on the upper surface 39 . A surface of the projection 43 facing the rearward direction 58 is the lock surface 151 . Lock surface 151 extends along downward direction 53 and upward direction 54 . The lock surface 151 is a surface that can come into contact with the lock portion 145 in the removal direction 52 when the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge attachment portion 110 . When the lock surface 151 comes into contact with the lock portion 145 in the removal direction 52 , the ink cartridge 30 is pushed through the slider 107 against the biasing force of the coil spring 78 and the biasing force of the coil spring 78 . 110.

An operation portion 90 is provided on the upper surface 39 of the rear cover 31 in the rearward direction 58 from the lock surface 151 . A sub-upper surface 91 is formed at the rear end of the upper surface 39 of the rear cover 31 so as to be positioned downward 53 from the rest of the upper surface 39 . An operation unit 90 is arranged above the sub-upper surface 91 with a space therebetween. The operation part 90 has a flat plate shape that protrudes in the upward direction 54 from the vicinity of the boundary between the other part of the upper surface 39 and the sub-upper surface 91 to above the convex part 43 and is bent obliquely downward in the rearward direction 58 and the downward direction 53 . be. A rib 94 is provided between the operating portion 90 and the sub-upper surface 91 and continues to the operating portion 90 and the sub-upper surface 91 and extends in the rearward direction 58 .

[Front cover 32]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the front cover 32 has sides 143, 144 spaced apart in the right 55 and left 56 directions and spaced apart in the downward 53 and upward 54 directions. An upper surface 141 and a lower surface 142 extend from the front surface 140 in the rearward direction 58 to form a box shape opening in the rearward direction 58 . An internal frame 35 is inserted through the opening inside the front cover 32 . That is, the front cover 32 covers the front portion of the inner frame 35 that is not covered by the rear cover 31 .

When the front cover 32 and the rear cover 31 are assembled, that is, the ink cartridge 30 is assembled, the top surface 141 of the front cover 32 constitutes the top surface of the ink cartridge 30 together with the top surface 39 of the rear cover 31 . Together with the lower surface 142 of the front cover 32 and the lower surface 42 of the rear cover 31, the lower surface of the ink cartridge 30 is configured. The front surface, rear surface, upper surface, lower surface, and side surfaces of the ink cartridge 30 do not necessarily have to form one plane.

A recess 96 recessed in the rearward direction 58 is formed in the upper portion of the front surface 140 of the front cover 32 . The rod 125 enters the concave portion 96 when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110 . Therefore, the cross section of the recess 96 perpendicular to the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58 has a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the rod 125 .

A hole 97 penetrating in the rear direction 58 is formed in the lower portion of the front surface 140 of the front cover 32 . The hole 97 serves as a hole for exposing the ink supply portion 34 of the inner frame 35 to the outside when the inner frame 35 is inserted into the front cover 32 . Therefore, the hole 97 is formed in a position, size, and shape corresponding to the ink supply portion 34 of the inner frame 35 .

A first protrusion 85 and a second protrusion 86 are provided on the front surface 140 of the front cover 32 . The first protrusion 85 protrudes forward 57 from the upper end of the front cover 32 . The concave portion 96 is provided at the tip of the first projecting portion 85 . A tip of the first projecting portion 85 forms a part of the front surface 140 .

The second protruding portion 86 protrudes forward 57 from the front surface 140 of the front cover 32 at the lower end of the front surface 140 , that is, below the ink supply portion 34 . A recessed portion 86 that opens forwardly 57 and downwardly 53 is formed on the lower surface of the second projecting portion 86 . A portion of the recess 86 protrudes downward 53 from the lower surface 142 of the front cover 32 . The second projecting portion 86 abuts on the recessed portion 86 when the slider 107 enters the recessed portion 86 during the process of inserting the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110 .

A hole 98 penetrating downward 53 is formed in the upper surface 141 of the front cover 32 . The hole 98 serves as a hole for exposing the liquid amount detection portion 62 of the inner frame 35 to the outside when the inner frame 35 is inserted into the front cover 32 . Therefore, the hole 98 is formed in a position, size, and shape corresponding to the liquid amount detection portion 62 of the inner frame 35 .

An IC substrate 64 is provided on the upper surface 141 of the front cover 32 and above the first projecting portion 85 , that is, above the ink supply portion 34 . The IC board 64 is electrically connected to four contacts 106 (see FIG. 2) arranged along the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 while the ink cartridge 30 is being mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110, and the ink cartridge 30 is connected to the cartridge mounting portion 110. It is electrically connected to the contact 106 even when it is attached to the portion 110 .

An IC (not shown in each drawing) and four electrodes 65 are mounted on the IC substrate 64 . The four electrodes 65 are a VDD electrode, an SCK electrode, a VSS electrode, and an SIO electrode from the right direction 55 to the left direction 56 , and are arranged along the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 . The IC is a semiconductor integrated circuit in which information about the ink cartridge 30, such as lot number, date of manufacture, and ink color, is stored in a readable manner.

Each electrode 65 is electrically connected to the IC. Each electrode 65 extends along the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58 respectively, and the four electrodes 65 are spaced apart in the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56 . Each electrode 65 is exposed on the upper surface of the IC substrate 64 so as to be electrically accessible.

[Internal frame 35]
As shown in FIG. 5 , the inner frame 35 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped outer shape, and the dimension along the rightward direction 55 and leftward direction 56 , or the upward direction 54 and downward direction 53 is greater than the forward direction 57 and the The dimension along the rearward direction 58 is large. The internal frame 35 is integrally molded with resin.

The internal frame 35 includes a front wall 44 and a rear wall 45 that at least partially overlap each other when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed in the insertion direction 51 or the removal direction 52 , and the ink cartridge 30 is viewed in the upward direction 54 or downward direction 53 . It comprises a top wall 46 and a bottom wall 47 that sometimes at least partially overlap.

When the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge attachment portion 110, the front wall 44 is at the front and the rear wall 45 is at the rear. The upper wall 46 connects the upper ends of the front wall 44 and the rear wall 45 . The lower wall 47 connects the lower ends of the front wall 44 and the rear wall 45 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , the front wall 44 of the inner frame 35 faces the rear surface of the front surface 140 of the front cover 32 when the inner frame 35 is inserted into the front cover 32 . An ink supply portion 34 is provided on the front wall 44 . The rear wall 45 of the internal frame 35 faces the back surface of the rear surface 41 of the rear cover 31 when the internal frame 35 is inserted into the rear cover 31 . The upper wall 46 of the internal frame 35 faces the rear surface of the upper surface 39 of the rear cover 31 and the rear surface of the upper surface 141 of the front cover 32 when the internal frame 35 is inserted into the rear cover 31 and the front cover 32 . . A liquid volume detector 62 is provided on the upper wall 46 . The lower wall 47 of the internal frame 35 faces the rear surface of the lower surface 42 of the rear cover 31 and the rear surface of the lower surface 142 of the front cover 32 when the internal frame 35 is inserted into the rear cover 31 and the front cover 32. . The front wall 44, upper wall 46, rear wall 45, and lower wall 47 of the inner frame 35 do not necessarily have to form one plane.

The inner frame 35 is open to the right 55 and left 56 . The right and left sides of the opened inner frame 35 are liquid-tightly sealed with films. The outer shape of each film substantially matches the outer shape of the inner frame 35 when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed from the right or left, respectively. Each film constitutes the right or left wall of the storage chamber 36 . The film may be attached to each wall by, for example, high-frequency welding or bonding with an adhesive, other than thermal welding. As described above, the storage chamber 36 in which ink can be stored is mainly formed by the front wall 44, the rear wall 45, the upper wall 46, the lower wall 47, and the film. The dimensions of the inner frame 35 along the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56 are determined by the volume of ink stored therein. That is, when the volume of ink to be stored is small, the dimensions along the right direction 55 and left direction 56 of the inner frame 35 are approximately the same as the dimensions along the right direction 55 and left direction 56 of the upper surface 141 of the front cover 32 . They may be identical.

[Ink supply unit 34]
As shown in FIG. 5, the ink supply 34 protrudes forward 57 from the front wall 44 of the inner frame 35 at the lower portion of the front face 140 . The ink supply portion 34 has a cylindrical outer shape and protrudes outward through a hole 97 provided in the front surface 140 of the front cover 32 . As shown in FIG. 5 , the ink supply section 34 includes a cylindrical wall 49 having an internal space, a seal member 70 attached to the wall 49 , a cap 72 and a valve body 77 .

As shown in FIG. 5, the inner frame 35 has a tubular wall 49 . The cylinder wall 49 extends in the front direction 57 from the front wall 44 toward the outside of the ink cartridge 30 . The tubular wall 49 projects outwardly from the front wall 44 at its front end 57 and is located between the front wall 44 and the rear wall 45 at its rearward end 58 . The front end 57 of the tubular wall 49 is open. An end portion of the cylinder wall 49 in the removal direction 52 is also opened to be continuous with the storage chamber 36, but the opening is not shown in each figure.

The inner peripheral surface of the cylinder wall 49 is annular and extends continuously in a cross section perpendicular to the forward direction 57 . Note that the annular shape is not limited to a circular shape, and may be an elliptical shape, a rectangular shape, or the like. In addition, the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder wall 49 does not need to be annular over the entire area from the end in the forward direction 57 to the end in the rearward direction 58 when viewed in the forward direction 57 . It may be circular in appearance. The inner space of the cylinder wall 49 is the valve chamber 48 . Although not shown in each drawing, a gas flow path is formed through the valve chamber 48 for opening the storage chamber 36 to the outside atmosphere.

A seal member 70 and a cap 72 are attached to the tip of the cylindrical wall 49 (the end of the cylindrical wall 49 in the insertion direction 51). A valve body 77 and a coil spring 78 are housed inside the cylindrical wall 49 .

[Seal member 70]
As shown in FIG. 5, the seal member 70 attached to the cylinder wall 49 has a generally disc shape. The outer diameter dimension of the seal member 70 substantially matches the inner diameter dimension of the cylinder wall 49 . The sealing member 70 is liquid-tightly adhered to the tip of the cylindrical wall 49 . The seal member 70 is made of, for example, an elastic material such as rubber.

A through hole 71 is formed in the seal member 70 so as to pass through the central portion in the thickness direction (forward direction 57 and rearward direction 58). The through-hole 71 is a hole that communicates the outside of the ink cartridge 30 with the valve chamber 48, through which the ink stored in the storage chamber 36 flows. The outer diameter of the ink needle 102 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 71 . Accordingly, when the ink needle 102 is inserted through the through hole 71 , the outer peripheral surface of the ink needle 102 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 71 .

[Cap 72]
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the cap 72 attached to the cylinder wall 49 includes a disk-shaped lid portion 73 and a cylindrical portion 74 protruding from the surface of the lid portion 73 facing the rearward direction 58 . , and an engaging portion 75 projecting rearward 58 from the projecting end of the cylindrical portion 74 . A through hole 76 is formed in the lid portion 73 so as to pass through the central portion in the thickness direction (the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58). The diameter of through-hole 76 is larger than that of through-hole 71 .

The lid portion 73 contacts the sealing member 70 from the opposite direction to the cylinder wall 49 . In other words, the seal member 70 is sandwiched between the front end portion of the cylindrical wall 49 and the lid portion 73 in the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58 . The cylindrical portion 74 partially covers the outer peripheral surface of the seal member 70 and the outer surface of the tubular wall 49 . The engaging portion 75 is engaged with the engaged portion 50 provided on the front wall 44 . Thereby, the cap 72 holds the seal member 70 at the tip of the cylindrical wall 49 .

[Valve body 77]
As shown in FIG. 5, the valve body 77 is arranged in the valve chamber 48 . The valve body 77 is movable in the valve chamber 48 along the forward direction 57 and the backward direction 58 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , the valve body 77 has a holding portion 79 and a cylindrical elastic member 93 . A through hole 95 is formed in the elastic member 93 in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 . The elastic member 93 is made of a material having lower rigidity than the holding portion 79, such as an elastic material such as rubber. The holding portion 79 is inserted into the through hole 95 . The ink stored in the storage chamber 36 flows through the clearance around the holding portion 79 in the through hole 95 and flows from the holding portion 79 into the valve chamber 48 in the forward direction 57 . The elastic member 93 has an annular flange protruding from the outer peripheral surface in liquid-tight contact with the inner wall of the valve chamber 48 , thereby liquid-tightly partitioning the valve chamber 48 in the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58 .

[Coil spring 78]
The coil spring 78 is arranged in the valve chamber 48 in the rearward direction 58 from the valve body 77 . A coil spring 78 biases the valve body 77 in the insertion direction 51 . As a result, the valve body 77 is held in contact with the seal member 70 in the valve chamber 48 . Instead of the coil spring 78, another biasing member such as a leaf spring may be used.

[Liquid volume detector 62]
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the inner frame 35 has a liquid volume detection portion 62 projecting upward 54 from the upper wall 46 . The liquid volume detection portion 62 is a convex portion having an internal space that is continuous with the storage chamber 36 , and has translucency to transmit light in the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56 . The liquid level detector 62 is exposed to the outside through a hole 98 in the front cover 32 . The liquid volume detection unit 62 has an internal space defined by five planes located in the forward direction 57, the backward direction 58, the upward direction 54, the right direction 55, and the left direction 56, respectively. Of these five planes, the plane defining the end of the internal space in the front direction 57 is called a plane 66 , and the plane defining the end of the internal space in the rearward direction 58 is called a plane 67 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , a member 59 to be detected is arranged inside the storage chamber 36 of the inner frame 35 . The detected member 59 has a through hole 92 penetrating in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 . A rotary shaft 61 extending rightward 55 from the first inner wall 131 of the inner frame 35 is inserted through the through hole 92 . The member to be detected 59 is supported by the rotating shaft 61 so that the member to be detected 59 can rotate around the rotating shaft 61 .

The detected member 59 has a float 63 . The float 63 has a box shape extending in the radial direction of the through hole 92 . The float 63 has a smaller specific gravity than the ink stored in the storage chamber 36 . Therefore, in the storage chamber 36, the float 63 creates buoyancy in the state of being in the ink.

The detected member 59 has an arm 68 . The arm 68 extends in the radial direction of the through-hole 92 and in a direction different from the direction in which the float 63 extends. The arm 68 has entered the liquid volume detection section 62 . When the storage chamber 36 is almost filled with ink, the buoyant force of the float 63 causes the detected member 59 to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. The posture of the detected member 59 is maintained by the contact of the arm 68 of the detected member 59 with the flat surface 66 of the liquid amount detection portion 62 . In this state, the arm 68 of the member 59 to be detected blocks the light from the optical sensor 103 traveling in the right direction 55 or the left direction 56 of the liquid amount detection portion 62 . Also, in this state, the float 63 and the arm 68 are positioned in the removal direction 52 from the through hole 92 . A portion of the arm 68 that is immersed in ink also generates a buoyant force, and the buoyant force generated in the arm 68, like the buoyant force of the float 63, turns the member 59 to be detected counterclockwise in FIG. .

When the light output from the light emitting portion of the optical sensor 103 reaches one of the right and left surfaces of the liquid amount detection portion 62, the light emitted from the light emitting portion of the optical sensor 103 is emitted from the other of the right and left surfaces of the liquid amount detection portion 62 by the member to be detected 59. The intensity of the light reaching the light-receiving part becomes less than a predetermined intensity, for example, zero. The arm 68 of the member 59 to be detected may completely block the light 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. Alternatively, the light may be totally reflected.

When the amount of ink in the storage chamber 36 decreases and the surface of the ink drops from the position of the float 63 in which the member 59 to be detected blocks the light traveling through the liquid amount detection portion 62, the float 63 is lowered to the level of the ink. descend with the surface. Gravity of the portion of the float 63 above the liquid surface of the ink acts as a force to rotate the member 59 to be detected clockwise in FIG. The gravity of the portion of the arm 68 above the liquid surface of the ink, like the gravity of the float 63, also acts as a force to rotate the member 59 to be detected clockwise in FIG.

When the gravitational force acting on the float 63 and the arm 68 becomes greater than the buoyant force acting on the float 63 and the arm 68, the detected member 59 rotates clockwise in FIG. Due to this clockwise rotation, the arm 68 of the member 59 to be detected, which has entered the liquid amount detection section 62, also rotates clockwise, leaving the optical path from the light emitting section to the light receiving section of the optical sensor 103. Move to near plane 67 . As a result, the intensity of the light reaching the light receiving portion of the optical sensor 103 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined intensity.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, an identification rib 80 is provided on the upper surface 141 (an example of the outer surface) of the front cover 32 in the rearward direction 58 from the IC board 64 . In the present embodiment, the plate portion 85 is arranged behind the SCK electrode of the IC substrate 64 in the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58, but in the rightward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58, the plate portion 85 is arranged at a position different from that of the present embodiment. For example, the plate portion 85 may be placed behind the VSS electrode. The identification rib 80 is an example of a configuration in which the light transmittance from the optical sensor 108 differs depending on the type of the ink cartridge 30. It extends upward 54 from the upper surface 141 of the cover 32 . The identification rib 80 has a first reinforcing portion 83 , a second reinforcing portion 84 and a plate portion 85 .

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the first reinforcing portion 83 extends in the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58 from the upper surface 141 of the front cover 32 in the forward direction 57 from the liquid amount detection portion 62 . there is In the first reinforcing portion 83 , the dimension along the right direction 55 and left direction 56 of the lower end portion that is continuous with the upper surface 141 is longer than the dimension along the right direction 55 and left direction 56 of the plate portion 85 . The dimensions of the first reinforcing portion 83 along the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56 gradually decrease toward the upward direction 54 . The first reinforcing portion 83 has constant dimensions along the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56 in the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58 .

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , the second reinforcing portion 84 is continuous at the rearward 58 end of the first reinforcing portion 83 and extends upward 54 from the end. The dimensions of the rear end portion of the second reinforcing portion 84 along the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 are longer than the dimensions of the plate portion 85 along the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 . The dimensions of the second reinforcing portion 84 along the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56 gradually decrease toward the front direction 57 . The second reinforcing portion 84 has constant dimensions along the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56 in the upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53 . A recessed portion 86 is formed at the end of the second reinforcing portion 84 in the rearward direction 58 so that the center of the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56 is recessed in the forward direction 57 . Recess 86 extends upward 54 from upper surface 141 of front cover 32 . A portion of the liquid amount detection portion 62 enters the concave portion 86 .

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a plate portion 85 is formed continuously with the first reinforcing portion 83 and the second reinforcing portion 84 . The plate portion 85 extends in the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58, and in the upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53. It is thinner than the dimension (thickness) along the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56 of each reinforcing portion 84 . Each figure shows a plate portion 85 having a light shielding portion 82 and a through hole 81 . A through hole 81 (an example of a window) is formed near the center of the plate portion 85 in the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58 so as to pass through the plate portion 85 in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 . A peripheral edge of the through hole 81 is defined by a plate portion 85 . The light shielding portion 82 is positioned at least in the forward direction 57 from the through hole 81 . The window provided in the plate portion 85 may be any window as long as it transmits light in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 . That is, the window may be the through hole 81 as in the present embodiment, or may be provided as a part of the plate portion 85 by a member having optical transparency, such as transparent resin. The through hole 81 is not necessarily required, and either the plate portion 85 having the through hole 81 or the plate portion 85 not having the through hole 81 can be selected according to the type (color, capacity, etc.) of the ink cartridge 30. may be prepared. As will be described later, the type of the ink cartridge 30 can be detected by detecting the presence or absence of the through hole 81 by the optical sensor 108 .

An upper end surface 87 (an example of a second end surface) of the plate portion 85 is a plane parallel to the upper surface 141 of the front cover 32 and extends in the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58 as well as the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56 . ing. In the upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53 , the upper end surface 87 is positioned substantially at the same position as the upper end surface of the second reinforcing portion 84 and the upper end surface of the liquid amount detection portion 62 . The upper end surface 87 is continuous with the second reinforcing portion 84 at the rear end.

A front end surface 88 (an example of a first end surface) of the plate portion 85 is a plane orthogonal to the upper surface 141 of the front cover 32 and extends along the upward direction 54 and downward direction 53 as well as the forward direction 57 and rearward direction 58 . ing. In the upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53 , the front end surface 88 is positioned slightly rearward 58 from the front end of the first reinforcing portion 83 . The front end face 88 is continuous with the first reinforcing portion 83 at its lower end.

An inclined surface 89 is formed in the upward direction 54 and the forward direction 57 of the plate portion 85 . The inclined surface 89 extends in the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56, and the direction 124 (see FIG. 5) orthogonal to the inclined surface 89 is not along the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58, and the upward direction 54 and the It is a plane not along the downward direction 53 . The rear end of the inclined surface 89 is continuous with the upper end surface 87 and the lower end is continuous with the front end surface 88 . That is, the inclined surface 89 connects the upper end surface 87 and the front end surface 88 .

As shown in FIG. 5, the inclined surface 89 includes a first imaginary straight line 121 extending along the upward direction 54 from a front end 83A (an example of a first extending end) at the upper end of the first reinforcing portion 83, and a second reinforcing portion 83. The intersection 120 with the second imaginary straight line 122 extending in the forward direction 57 from the upper end 84A at the front end of the portion 84 is closer to the continuous portion 79 where the first reinforcing portion 83 and the second reinforcing portion 84 are continuous. In this way, among the dimensions along the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56 of the identification rib 80, the first reinforcing portion 83 whose lower end portion is longer than the plate portion 85 and the rear end portion of which is longer than the plate portion 85 is provided, the identification rib 80 is prevented from being deformed or damaged from the lower end side or the rear end side due to the impact from the right direction 55 and left direction 56 in particular.

The plate portion 85 enters between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the optical sensor 108 in the process of inserting the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110, and absorbs the infrared light emitted by the light emitting portion of the optical sensor 108. Shade or attenuate. As shown in FIG. 8, when the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge attachment portion 110, the through hole 81 of the plate portion 85 is positioned between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the optical sensor . Infrared light emitted from the light emitting portion of the optical sensor 108 passes through the through hole 81 and reaches the light receiving portion without being blocked or attenuated by the plate portion 85 . The through hole 81 may or may not be formed in the plate portion 85 depending on the type of the ink cartridge 30 . When the ink cartridge 30 having the plate portion 85 in which the through hole 81 is not formed, that is, in which the light shielding portion 82 is formed over the insertion direction 51, is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110, the light emitting portion of the optical sensor 108 and the light emitting portion of the optical sensor 108 are mounted. A light blocking portion 82 of the plate portion 85 is positioned between the light receiving portion and the infrared light emitted from the light emitting portion is blocked or attenuated by the light blocking portion 82 of the plate portion 85 . The optical sensor 108 detects the presence or absence of the through hole 81 in the plate portion 85 , and the control portion 1 determines the type of the ink cartridge 30 .

[Dimensions of each part]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 13, the dimension L from the front surface 140 to the rear surface 41 of the ink cartridge 30 along the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58 is 83 mm to 90 mm, with an optimum value of 85 mm. In the ink cartridge 30, the dimension W1 from the side wall 143 to the side wall 144 along the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56 varies depending on the capacity of the ink accommodated in the ink cartridge 30, but is preferably 12 mm to 39 mm. preferable. The dimension H1 along the upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53 from the lower surfaces 42, 142 to the upper surface 141 of the ink cartridge 30 is preferably 56 mm to 60 mm. The dimension H2 along the upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53 from the lower surfaces 42, 142 to the upper surface 91 of the ink cartridge 30 is preferably 56 mm to 60 mm. A dimension A along the upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53 from the center of the through hole 71 of the ink supply section 34 to the center of the through hole 81 is preferably 47 mm to 50 mm. A dimension B along the upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53 from the center of the through hole 71 of the ink supply section 34 to the upper surface of the IC substrate 64 is preferably 41 mm to 44 mm. A dimension C along the upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53 from the center of the through hole 71 of the ink supply portion 34 to the upper end of the lock surface 151 is preferably 51 mm to 53 mm. A dimension D along the upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53 from the upper surface of the IC substrate 64 to the center of the through hole 81 is preferably 5 mm to 6 mm. A dimension E along the upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53 from the center of the through hole 71 of the ink supply section 34 to the center (detection position) of the liquid amount detection section 62 is preferably 44 mm to 47 mm. A dimension F from the rear end of the IC substrate 64 to the center of the through-hole 81 along the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58 is preferably 20 mm to 22 mm. A dimension G along the forward direction 57 and the backward direction 58 from the center of the through-hole 81 to the center (detection position) of the liquid amount detection portion 62 is preferably 10 mm to 12 mm. The dimension W2 along the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56 of the identification rib 80 is preferably between 0.05 mm and 2 mm. The dimension of the IC substrate 64 along the front direction 57 and the rear direction 58 is preferably 4 mm to 9 mm, and the dimension along the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 is preferably 5 mm to 6.5 mm. 64 is preferably between 5.4 mm×4.4 mm and 6.5 mm×9.0 mm.

[Control unit 1]
The printer 10 has a control section 1 shown in FIG. The control unit 1 is composed of, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The control unit 1 may be arranged as a control board inside the device housing as the control unit of the printer 10, or may be provided in the case 101 or the like as a separate control board independent of the control unit of the printer 10. . The control unit 1 is connected to the IC board 64, the optical sensor 103, the optical sensor 108, and the cover sensor 118 so that electrical signals can be transmitted and received. The control unit 1 is also connected to other members such as a motor and a touch panel so as to be able to transmit and receive electrical signals, but the other members are omitted in the figure. A program for the control unit 1 to execute each process is stored in the ROM. The CPU performs calculations for executing each process based on the programs stored in the ROM, and gives instructions to each member. The RAM functions as a memory that temporarily stores various information.

When the light emitted from the light emitting portion of the optical sensor 103 toward the light receiving portion in the left direction 56 reaches the light receiving portion, a high level signal is sent from the optical sensor 103 to the control portion 1 . On the other hand, when the light emitted from the light emitting portion of the optical sensor 103 toward the light receiving portion in the left direction 56 does not reach the light receiving portion, a low level signal is sent from the optical sensor 103 to the control portion 1 .

When the light emitted from the light emitting portion of the optical sensor 108 toward the light receiving portion in the left direction 56 reaches the light receiving portion, a high level signal is sent from the optical sensor 108 to the control portion 1 . On the other hand, when the light emitted from the light emitting portion of the optical sensor 108 toward the light receiving portion in the left direction 56 does not reach the light receiving portion, a low level signal is sent from the optical sensor 108 to the control portion 1 .

[Insertion detection and remaining amount detection]
Remaining amount detection by the optical sensor 103 and mounting detection by the optical sensor 108 will be described below. In the cartridge mounting portion 110 in which the ink cartridge 30 is not inserted, there is nothing between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the optical sensor 103 to block the light emitted from the light emitting portion, and the light emitted from the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the optical sensor 108 is not blocked. There is nothing between the part and the part that blocks the light emitted from the light emitting part. Therefore, a high level signal is sent from the optical sensor 103 to the control unit 1 as indicated by "A" in FIG. A high level signal is also sent from the optical sensor 108 to the controller 1, as indicated by "A" in FIG. 10B.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, in the ink cartridge 30 that is not inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110, when the storage chamber 36 is substantially filled with ink, the buoyant force of the float 63 causes the member 59 to be detected to The arm 68 is in a posture in contact with the flat surface 66 of the liquid amount detection section 62 .

After the cover of the cartridge mounting portion 110 is opened, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the forward direction 57, the convex portion 43 is pressed against the lock portion 145, and the convex portion 43 is pushed. 43 moves downward 53 . When the ink cartridge 30 is further inserted in the forward direction 57 , the convex portion 43 becomes the forward direction 57 from the lock portion 145 . At this time, the convex portion 43 is no longer pushed by the lock portion 145 and thus moves upward 54 . Thereby, the lock surface 151 faces the lock portion 145 in the rearward direction 58 . As a result, the ink cartridge 30 is positioned in the cartridge mounting portion 110 and the mounting is completed.

When the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the rearward direction 58 , the operation portion 90 is pressed downward 53 . As a result, the convex portion 43 is moved downward 53 , and the lock surface 151 becomes downward 53 relative to the lock portion 145 . As a result, the ink cartridge 30 can be removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110 without being blocked by the lock portion 145 .

As shown in FIG. 6, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the forward direction 57, the light blocking portion 82 of the identification rib 80 is positioned between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the optical sensor 103. do. As a result, the signal sent from the optical sensor 103 to the controller 1 changes from high level to low level, as indicated by "B" in FIG. 10(A). At this time, there is nothing between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the optical sensor 108 to block the light emitted from the light-emitting portion. Therefore, the signal sent from the optical sensor 108 to the control unit 1 remains at high level.

As shown in FIG. 7 , when the ink cartridge 30 is further inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 , the through hole 81 of the identification rib 80 passes through the optical sensor 103 and the identification rib 80 is forward of the optical sensor 103 . It will be located at 57. As a result, the signal sent from the optical sensor 103 to the controller 1 changes from low level to high level, as indicated by "C" in FIG. 10(A). On the other hand, the light blocking portion 82 of the identification rib 80 is located between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the optical sensor 108 . As a result, as indicated by "B" in FIG. 10B, the signal sent from the optical sensor 108 to the controller 1 changes from high level to low level.

When the ink cartridge 30 is further inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 and the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110, as shown in FIG. It is positioned between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion. Thereby, the through hole 81 of the identification rib 80 transmits the light emitted from the light emitting portion of the optical sensor 108 . As a result, as indicated by "C" in FIG. 10B, the signal sent from the optical sensor 108 to the control unit 1 changes from high level to low level and then to high level. When the ink cartridge 30 having the plate portion 85 without the through hole 81 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110, the signal sent from the optical sensor 108 to the control portion 1 changes from high level to low level. remains low after

Further, the detected portion 93 is positioned between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the optical sensor 103 and blocks the light emitted from the light emitting portion of the optical sensor 103 . As a result, the signal sent from the optical sensor 108 to the controller 1 changes from high level to low level, as indicated by "D" in FIG. 10(A).

After the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge attachment portion 110, the cover of the cartridge attachment portion 110 is closed.

During the process of inserting the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110, the detected member 59 does not move. Therefore, the member to be detected 59 blocks light emitted from the optical sensor 103 in the left direction 56 . Further, in the identification rib 80, after the light shielding portion 82 shields the light emitted from the optical sensor 108 in the left direction 56, the through hole 81 allows the light to pass therethrough.

Next, detection of insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The control unit 1 counts the number of times the signal sent from the optical sensor 108 to the control unit 1 changes from high level to low level from when the cover of the cartridge mounting unit 110 is opened until it is closed. (S100).

When the cover is closed (S110: Yes), the controller 1 refers to the number of times stored in the RAM (S120). Then, if the number of times is one or more (S120: Yes), the control section 1 determines that the ink cartridge 30 is normally mounted in the cartridge mounting section 110 (S130). On the other hand, if the number of times is 0 (S120: No), the control section 1 determines that an ink cartridge different from the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting section 110, or the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting section 110. It is determined that it is not attached (S140).

In addition, when the cover is closed, the signal sent from the optical sensor 108 to the control unit 1 is at a low level (there is no through hole 81) or at a high level (there is a through hole 81). The type of ink cartridge 30 may be determined according to For example, when the cover is closed, the control unit 1 determines that the ink cartridge 30 is the large-capacity ink cartridge on condition that the signal sent from the optical sensor 108 to the control unit 1 is low level. On the condition that the signal sent from the optical sensor 108 to the control unit 1 is at a high level, it is determined that the ink cartridge 30 has a normal capacity (a capacity smaller than a large capacity). Further, the control unit 1 may determine the number of sheets that can be printed with the ink stored in the ink cartridge 30 according to the type of the ink cartridge 30 that is installed.

Next, detection of the remaining amount of ink by the optical sensor 103 will be described. When the remaining amount of ink stored in the storage chamber 36 is large, as shown in FIG. 8, the arm 68 of the member 59 to be detected blocks the space between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the optical sensor 103 . . As a result, a low-level signal is sent from the optical sensor 103 to the controller 1, as indicated by "A" in FIG. 10(C).

In the state shown in FIG. 8, when the ink stored in the storage chamber 36 is consumed and reduced, the detected member 59 rotates and the arm 68 moves backward 58 from the detection position of the optical sensor 103 . Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting portion of the optical sensor 103 reaches the light receiving portion of the optical sensor 103 without being blocked by the arm 68 of the member 59 to be detected. As a result, the signal sent from the optical sensor 103 to the controller 1 changes from low level to high level, as indicated by "B" in FIG. 10(C). As a result, the controller 1 detects that the remaining amount of ink stored in the storage chamber 36 is less than a predetermined amount.

[Action and effect of the present embodiment]
In this embodiment, the plate portion 85 of the identification rib 80 protruding from the upper surface 141 of the front cover 32 extends from the first reinforcing portion 83 and the second reinforcing portion 84 . The inclined surface 89 located relatively far from the continuous portion 79 between the first reinforcing portion 83 and the second reinforcing portion 84 is closer to the continuous portion 79 than the intersection point 120 between the first imaginary straight line 121 and the second imaginary straight line 122. , the plate portion 85 is less likely to deform due to impact applied to the inclined surface 89 .

Further, when the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge attachment portion 110, the type of the ink cartridge 30 can be determined by optically detecting the presence or absence of the through hole 81 in the plate portion 85 by the optical sensor 103. be.

[Modification]
In the above-described embodiment, the plate portion 85 of the identification rib 80 has the inclined surface 89 that is flat, but as shown in FIG. It may be a curved surface that In addition, the curved surface may be such that the central portion bulges forward 57 in the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56 as well. Further, the boundary between the inclined surface 89 and the upper end surface 87 and the boundary with the front end surface 88 may be chamfered or rounded. Similarly, the right end or left end of the inclined surface 89 may be chamfered or rounded. good. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12(B), the plate portion 85 of the identification rib 80 may have only the front end surface 88 and the inclined surface 89 without forming the upper end surface 87 . In this case, the inclined surface 89 connects the front end surface 88 and the projecting end of the second reinforcing portion 84 .

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a member that protrudes in the forward direction 57 from the identification rib 80 to the same extent as the identification rib 80 is not formed on the upper surface 141 of the front cover 32, but FIG. As shown, a protrusion 40 (an example of a first protrusion) may be provided on the upper surface 141 of the front cover 32 and protrude upward 54 in the forward direction 57 from the identification rib 80 .

As described above, the convex portion 43 (an example of the second convex portion) that protrudes upward 54 from the upper surface 39 of the rear cover 31 is formed in the rearward direction 58 from the identification rib 80 . The inclined surface 89 is positioned closer to the upper surface 141 of the front cover 32 than the third imaginary straight line 123 connecting the protruding end 40A of the protrusion 40 in the upward direction 54 and the protruding end 43A of the protrusion 43 in the upward direction 54. be. As a result, for example, when the ink cartridge 30 is dropped on the floor, the projections 40 and 43 are more likely to hit the floor than the inclined surface 89 . Therefore, impact is less likely to be applied to the inclined surface 89 .

Although the inner frame 35 for storing ink is covered with the front cover 32 and the rear cover 31 in the above-described embodiment, the front cover 32 and the rear cover 31 may not be provided. That is, the outer surface of the inner frame 35 may be the outer surface of the ink cartridge 30 , and the identification rib 80 may extend from the upper surface of the inner frame 35 .

In addition, in the above-described embodiments, ink is described as an example of printing fluid, but instead of ink, for example, a pretreatment liquid that is ejected onto recording paper prior to ink during printing may be stored in the printing fluid cartridge. It may be stored. Also, water for cleaning the recording head 21 may be stored in the printing fluid cartridge. In addition, toner may be used as the printing fluid in a printing fluid cartridge that can be installed in a printer that employs a laser recording method instead of an inkjet method.

30... Ink cartridge (printing fluid cartridge)
31 Front cover (body)
32 Rear cover (body)
36... Storage chamber 79... Continuous portion 40... Convex portion (first convex portion)
43 ... Convex part (second convex part)
81 through hole (window)
83 First reinforcing portion 84 Second reinforcing portion 85 Plate portion 87 Upper end surface (second end surface)
88 front end face (first end face)
89... Inclined surface 110... Cartridge mounting portion 141... Upper surface (outer surface)

Claims (8)

a main body having a storage chamber in which printing fluid is stored;
a supply portion protruding in a first direction from the main body;
a liquid volume detection unit including a member to be detected that changes the state of light irradiated from the outside in accordance with a decrease in the liquid volume of the printing fluid in the storage chamber;
a plate portion extending along the first direction and protruding from the main body in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction;
a reinforcing portion that is continuous with the plate portion, has a dimension in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction that is longer than the dimension of the plate portion, and extends in the first direction;
The plate portion has an inclined surface connecting a front end in the first direction and an upper end in the second direction,
In the printing fluid cartridge, the liquid amount detection portion and the reinforcement portion are positioned to overlap each other when viewed from the first direction. 2. A printing fluid cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a second reinforcing portion continuous with the rear end of said plate portion in said first direction and extending along said second direction. 3. The printing fluid cartridge of claim 2, wherein the second reinforcing portion has a portion extending from the plate portion in the third direction. 4. A printing fluid cartridge according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said liquid volume detection portion and said second reinforcement portion are positioned to overlap each other when viewed from said first direction. 5. A printing fluid cartridge as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the rear end of the reinforcing portion and the lower end of the second reinforcing portion are continuous. 6. The space according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a space through which the light irradiated along the third direction can pass is located between the front end of the plate portion and the liquid amount detection portion in the first direction. printing fluid cartridges. 7. A printing fluid cartridge according to claim 6, wherein said space is a through hole formed in said plate portion. 8. A printing-fluid cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said sensed member protrudes from said main body and has an arm movable in response to reduction of printing fluid in said reservoir.

Images