CN101885272B - Ink cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

An ink cartridge comprising: a casing including a front surface and a rear surface opposite to the front surface; an ink supply portion positioned at the front surface of the casing; an air intake portion positioned at the casing; A movable member that moves between one position and a second position. The ink cartridge also includes an elastic member having a first end connected to the front surface of the case and a second end connected to the movable member. Also, the resilient member is configured to expand and contract to move the movable member relative to the housing between a first position and a second position.

Description

ink cartridge

This application is a divisional application of a Chinese invention patent application with an application date of December 20, 2007, an invention title of "ink cartridge" and application number 200710159948.1.

technical field

The present invention generally relates to ink cartridges. In particular, the present invention relates to ink cartridges configured to dispense ink when used with a printer.

Background technique

A known recording apparatus such as an inkjet recording apparatus includes an inkjet recording head and a mounting portion to which a known ink cartridge is mounted. When the known ink cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion, the known recording apparatus is configured to dispense ink from a plurality of nozzles to record an image on paper.

A known ink cartridge is detachably mountable to a known recording device. A known ink cartridge comprises an ink chamber for storing ink, a wall and an ink supply at the wall. In operation, the ink supply portion supplies ink from inside the ink chamber to a known recording device. The known ink cartridge also includes an air intake portion located at the wall and configured to draw air from the atmosphere into the ink chamber.

The known ink cartridge also includes a cover which surrounds the wall provided with the ink supply portion and the air intake portion and protects the ink supply portion and the air intake portion. Such a known ink cartridge is described, for example, in US 2006/0203051 A1. This cover first needs to be removed before the ink cartridge can be installed in the recording device. Also, when the ink cartridge with ink remaining therein is removed from the recording apparatus and the user intends to use the ink cartridge again in the future, the user will usually cap the ink cartridge again with a cap. However, if the user cannot set the cap, for example, if the user misplaces the cap or discards the cap after the user installs the ink cartridge in the recording apparatus, the user will not be able to cap the ink cartridge again. Therefore, if the ink supply portion or air intake portion contacts a surface when the ink cartridge is accidentally dropped on the surface, the ink cartridge may be damaged, or the ink cartridge may drip ink onto the surface or the user.

Another known ink cartridge is configured to be mounted to an accommodating chamber of a known recording apparatus, and the accommodating chamber includes a door configured to be opened and closed. After this known ink cartridge is installed into the receiving chamber and the door is closed, the door is configured to latch on the ink cartridge to remove the ink cartridge from the receiving chamber when the door is opened by the user, which increases the possibility of Ease of removal of the cartridge from the housing chamber. Such a known ink cartridge is described, for example, in US 2007/0070140 A1.

Contents of the invention

Accordingly, there is a need for an ink cartridge that overcomes these and other disadvantages of the prior art. A technical advantage of the present invention is that the ink cartridge may include a movable member movably connected to the ink cartridge housing and configured to protect the ink supply portion or the air intake portion or both when the ink cartridge is not mounted to the recording apparatus. Therefore, if the ink cartridge touches the surface, the ink supply part or the air intake part or both will not be damaged. Another technical advantage of the present invention is that the movable member allows easy removal of the ink cartridge from the recording device.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an ink cartridge includes a housing including a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface, wherein the housing has at least a portion of an ink chamber defined therein, and the ink chamber is configured to store ink. The ink cartridge also includes: an ink supply portion located at the front surface of the housing, wherein the ink supply portion is configured to distribute ink from the inside of the ink chamber to the outside of the ink chamber; and an air intake portion located at the housing, wherein the air intake portion is configured to to draw air into the ink chamber. Moreover, the ink cartridge includes: a movable member configured to move between a first position and a second position relative to the housing; and at least one elastic member having a front surface connected to the housing. A first end and a second end connected to the movable member. Specifically, the at least one resilient member is configured to expand and contract to move the movable member relative to the housing between a first position and a second position.

With this structure of the ink cartridge, if the ink cartridge touches the surface, the ink supply part will not be damaged. Also, the ink cartridge can be easily removed from the recording apparatus.

The air intake portion may also be located at the front surface of the housing. With this structure, if the cartridge touches the surface, the air intake part will not be damaged.

The front surface of the housing may have a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and the at least one elastic member may include a first elastic member and a second elastic member along Expand and contract in the same direction as each other, and the first elastic member may be located closer to the first end than the second end of the front surface of the housing, and the second elastic member may be located at the first end of the front surface of the housing. end is closer to the second end than to the second end. With this structure, the first elastic member and the second elastic member can stably and uniformly push the movable member.

The housing may include a right side and a left side opposite to the right side. The movable member may include a front wall facing a front surface of the housing, a right side wall covering at least a portion of a right side of the housing, and a left side wall covering at least a portion of a left side of the housing. With this structure, the movable member can easily move relative to the housing while the right and left side walls of the movable member slide on the right and left side surfaces of the housing.

The housing may additionally include a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. The movable member may additionally include a top wall covering at least a portion of a top surface of the housing and a bottom wall covering at least a portion of a bottom surface of the housing. When the movable member is in the first position, the ink supply portion is located in the inner space defined by the front wall, right side wall, left side wall, top wall and bottom wall of the movable member. With this construction, the ink supply does not drip ink onto surfaces or users of the ink cartridge.

The ink cartridge may further include a light-transmitting portion at the front surface of the case, and a signal blocking member within the light-transmitting portion for detecting an amount of ink in the ink chamber. With this structure, if the ink cartridge touches the surface, the light-transmitting portion will not be damaged.

Other objects, features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

For a more complete understanding of the invention, the needs met thereby, as well as objects, features and advantages of the invention, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional model diagram of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2(a) and 2(b) are perspective views of an ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable member is in a second position and a first position, respectively.

2(c) and 2(d) are perspective views of an ink cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable member is in a second position and a first position, respectively.

Figures 3(a) and 3(b) are side views of the ink cartridges of Figures 2(a) and 2(b), respectively.

Figures 3(c) and 3(d) are side views of the ink cartridges of Figures 2(c) and 2(d), respectively.

4(a) and 4(b) are front and rear perspective views of the ink cartridge main body of FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b).

Figure 5 is a side view of the body of Figures 4(a) and 4(b).

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of Fig. 4(a).

Fig. 7 is a partially enlarged front cross-sectional view of the main body of Figs. 4(a) and 4(b).

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of Fig. 2(a).

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX of Fig. 2(b).

10(a) and 10(b) are enlarged cross-sectional views of upper and lower portions of the body of FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), respectively.

11(a) and 11(b) are perspective and side views, respectively, of a movable member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a cartridge mounting portion of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge mounted to the cartridge mounting portion of FIG. 12 .

14 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge mounted to the cartridge mounting portion of FIG. 12 with the locking lever of the recording apparatus in an open position.

15 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge mounted to the cartridge mounting portion of FIG. 12 with the locking lever of the recording apparatus in the closed position.

Fig. 16 is a block diagram of a main controller of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

17(a) and 17(b) are respectively exemplary timing charts of sensor signals output from the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor of the recording apparatus when the first ink cartridge is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion.

17(c) and 17(d) are exemplary timing charts of sensor signals output from the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor of the recording apparatus, respectively, when the second ink cartridge is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a program executed by a main controller of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of a packaging arrangement including the ink cartridges of Figures 2(a) and 2(b) enclosed in a packaging member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge mounted to a cartridge mounting portion according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge ejected from the cartridge mounting portion of Fig. 20 .

Detailed ways

Embodiments of the present invention and its features and technical advantages may be understood by referring to FIGS. 1-21 , like numerals being used for like corresponding parts in the various drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, a recording apparatus 250 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. This recording apparatus 250 includes a paper feeding device 252 , a conveying device 253 , a recording unit 254 and a cassette mounting portion 276 . A paper feed tray 257 is provided at the bottom of the recording apparatus 250 , and a plurality of sheets located on the paper feed tray 257 are fed one by one to the passage 259 by the paper feed device 252 .

The conveying device 253 is located in this channel 259 and comprises a first pair of conveying rollers 261 and a second pair of conveying rollers 262 . The first pair of conveying rollers 261 is located on the upstream side of the recording unit 254 in the paper conveying direction, and the second pair of conveying rollers 262 is located on the downstream side in the paper conveying direction.

The paper fed to the path 259 is conveyed toward the platen 264 by the first pair of conveying rollers 261 , and the recording unit 254 is located above the platen 264 . An image is recorded by the recording unit 254 on the paper passing over the platen 264 , and then the paper is discharged by the second pair of transport rollers 262 onto the discharge tray 258 on the downstream end of the path 259 .

The recording unit 254 includes a carriage 266 and a recording head 272 mounted to the carriage 266 . The recording head 272 includes a sub tank 268 and a head control board 270, and has a plurality of nozzles 274 formed therein. The carriage 266 is slidably supported by the support rails, and is configured to slide in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1 . The sub-tank 268 is configured to store ink to be supplied to the nozzle 274 . When an image signal is supplied to the head control board 270, ink is discharged from the nozzles 274 toward the paper according to the image signal. The recording device 250 includes a main controller 200 (shown in FIG. 16 ) for controlling the recording device 250 , and image signals are output from the main controller 200 and supplied to a head control board 270 .

The ink cartridge 10 is configured to be mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 276 . Cartridge mounting portion 276 includes a plurality of housings 280 each configured to receive a corresponding ink cartridge 10 therein. For example, the cartridge mounting portion 276 includes four housings 280, and each housing 280 corresponds to an ink cartridge containing a different color of ink. The ink cartridge 10 is configured to be mounted to and detached from the cartridge mounting portion 276 . The ink cartridge 10 includes a main body 20 , and the main body 20 includes an ink chamber 100 configured to store ink therein, and the ink is supplied from the ink chamber 100 to the recording head 272 via an ink tube 278 .

In embodiments of the present invention, two different ink cartridges may have different ink capacities, or may store different amounts of ink, and may store ink of the same color, eg, black ink. For example, the first ink cartridge 10 and the second ink cartridge 10' have different ink capacities or store different amounts of ink, and store ink of the same color. Also, the recording apparatus 250 is configured such that the ink cartridges 10 and 10 ′ are mounted to the same housing 280 of the cartridge mounting portion 276 . The recording device 250 is configured to determine which ink cartridge is mounted to the housing 280 .

2(a), 2(b), 3(a), 3(b) and 4-10(b), the ink cartridge 10 has a substantially flat hexahedron shape. The ink cartridge width indicated by arrow 31 is short, and the height of ink cartridge 10 indicated by arrow 32 and the depth of ink cartridge 10 indicated by arrow 33 are each larger than the width of ink cartridge 10 .

The ink cartridge 10 includes a housing such as a main body 20 , a movable member 21 , a cover member 22 and at least one coil spring, such as a pair of coil springs 23 and 24 . The main body 20 includes an ink chamber 100 for storing ink. The movable member 21 and the cover member 22 surround the main body 20 therein. The main body 20, the movable member 21, and the cover member 22 are each formed of a resin material such as nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc., and combinations thereof.

The ink cartridge 10 is inserted into the recording apparatus in an upright state in a direction indicated by an arrow 30 . The front portion 20 a of the main body is surrounded by a movable member 21 , and the rear portion 20 b of the main body 20 is surrounded by a cover member 22 . Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the front portion 20a is protected by the movable member 21 and the rear portion 20b is protected by the cover member 22 .

The movable member 21 is configured to slide relative to the main body 20 in a depth direction indicated by an arrow 33 . The movable member 21 is configured to move relative to the main body 20 . Specifically, the movable member 21 is configured to move between a first position and a second position, the first position is shown in FIGS. At the furthest position, this second position is shown in FIGS. 2( a ) and 8 , where the movable member 21 is at its closest position to the front surface 41 . At least a portion of the movable member 21 is farther from the front surface 41 than the ink supply portion 90 when the movable member 21 is at the first position. In one embodiment, when a force of a predetermined magnitude greater than the biasing force of the coil springs 23 and 24 is applied to the movable member 21, and thereby the movable member 21 moves from the first position to the second position, the intake portion The rod 84 of 80 contacts the movable member 21 and is pressed by the movable member 21 , and the ink supply portion 90 is exposed from the inside of the movable member 21 to extend to the outside of the movable member 21 . When a force of a predetermined magnitude is released from the movable member 21 and thus the movable member 21 subsequently moves from the second position to the first position, the lever 84 is separated from the movable member 21, and the ink supply portion 90 returns to the movable member 21 internal. The entire movable member 21 is configured to move substantially simultaneously with respect to the main body 20 along the first direction when the coil springs 23 and 24 expand, and the entire movable member 21 is configured to move along the first direction when the coil springs 23 and 24 contract. The second, opposite direction moves substantially simultaneously. Each of the first direction and the second direction is substantially parallel to each of the expanding direction and the contracting direction of the coil springs 23 and 24 . In another embodiment, described in detail below and shown in FIGS. Portion 80 is formed in alignment through front wall 161 of movable member 21 so that components of the printer can apply force to rod 84 rather than movable member 21 applying force to rod 84 .

The main body 20 has a substantially flat hexahedron shape. When the ink cartridge 10 is mounted to the mounting portion of the recording apparatus, the main body 20 is in an upright state. The main body 20 includes a front surface 41 , a rear surface 42 , a top surface 43 and a bottom surface 44 . The main body 20 also includes a pair of sides 45 and 46 facing each other, and each of the sides 45 and 46 is connected to the front surface 41 , the rear surface 42 , the top surface 43 and the bottom surface 44 . Each of sides 45 and 46 has a larger surface area than each of front surface 41 , rear surface 42 , top surface 43 , and bottom surface 44 .

The main body 20 includes a frame 50 , an arm 70 , an air intake part 80 and an ink supply part 90 . Furthermore, either side 45 or side 46 or both comprise a film, such as a light transmissive film. Specifically, the membrane is welded to the frame 50 such that the frame 50 is sealed by the membrane to define the ink chamber 100 therein. The frame 50 is formed of a light-transmitting resin material, that is, a transparent or translucent resin material such as polyacetal resin, nylon, polyethylene or polypropylene, and combinations thereof, thereby allowing light to pass through, and is formed by injection molding. The frame 50 has sufficient rigidity so that the shape of the frame 50 does not change in the expansion and contraction direction of the coil springs 23 and 24 when the coil springs 23 and 24 expand and contract.

The frame 50 includes an outer peripheral wall 51 and a plurality of inner walls 52 . The inner wall 52 is located inside the outer peripheral wall 51 . The peripheral wall 51 and the inner wall 52 are integral and define the frame 50 . The outer peripheral wall 51 and the inner wall 52 extend from the left side 45 to the right side 46 of the main body 20 . The peripheral wall 51 has an annular shape extending along the front surface 41 , top surface 43 , rear surface 42 and bottom surface 44 , and forms a space inside. Accordingly, an opening 57 a is formed on the left side 45 of the frame 50 , and an opening 57 b is formed on the right side 46 .

The films are respectively welded to the sides 45 and 46 of the frame 50 by ultrasonic welding, and the openings 57a and 57b are covered by the corresponding films so that the space surrounded by the peripheral wall 51 and the films forms the ink chamber 100 . Alternatively, the film may be omitted, and the frame 50 may have a parallelepiped container shape, so that the frame 50 defines the ink chamber 100 therein.

The inner wall 52 is located in the space surrounded by the outer peripheral wall 51 , and the film is welded to the outer edge portion of the inner wall 52 on the sides 45 and 46 . Therefore, film relaxation is prevented. Also, when the movable member 21 and the cover member 22 deform toward the main body 20 , the deformation of the movable member 21 and the cover member 22 is restricted by the inner wall 52 . Therefore, damage to the main body 20 and the membrane is prevented.

Ink guide ports 150 are formed in the rear surface 42 of the frame 50 . The ink guide port 150 has a substantially cylindrical hole formed therein that extends from the rear surface 42 toward the ink chamber 100 , and the ink guide port 150 is in fluid communication with the interior of the ink chamber 100 . The ink guide port 150 is configured to guide ink into the ink chamber 100 through the ink guide port 150 when the ink cartridge 10 is manufactured. After the ink chamber 100 is filled with ink, the ink introduction port 150 is closed by disposing a plug in the ink introduction port 150 .

The light transmitting portion 140 is located at the front surface 41 of the frame 50 and extends from the ink chamber 100 . The amount of ink stored in the ink chamber is detected optically or visually through the light-transmitting portion 140 . The light-transmitting part 140 is integrated with the frame 50 and formed of the same material as the frame 50, for example, the light-transmitting part 140 is formed of a light-transmitting resin material to allow light to pass therethrough.

The light transmitting portion 140 protrudes outward from a central portion of the front surface 41 of the main body 20 in a direction opposite to the ink chamber 100 . The light transmitting portion 140 is partitioned by five rectangular walls, and has a substantially hollow box shape. For example, the light-transmitting portion 140 is partitioned by a front wall 140a, a pair of side walls 140b, a top wall 140c, and a bottom wall 140d. The front wall 140 a extends parallel to the front surface 41 and is spaced apart from the front surface 41 by a predetermined distance. The pair of side walls 140b are connected to the front surface 41 and the front wall 140a, the top wall 140c is connected to the top ends of the front wall 140a and the side walls 140b, and the bottom wall 140d is connected to the bottom ends of the front wall 140a and the side walls 140b. Also, the width of the front wall 140 a is smaller than the width of the front surface 41 .

The light-transmitting portion 140 is configured to be sandwiched between a light-emitting element (not shown) and a light-receiving element (not shown) mounted to an optical sensor (not shown) of a recording apparatus, such as a photointerrupter. Light emitted by the light emitting element passes through the side wall 140b, and is received by the light receiving element.

The light transmitting part 140 has formed therein an inner space 142 defined by a front wall 140a, a side wall 140b, a top wall 140c, and a bottom wall 140d. There is no wall between the interior space 142 and the ink chamber 100 , and the interior space 142 is configured to be in fluid communication with the interior of the ink chamber 100 . The signal blocking portion 72 of the arm 70 is configured to selectively enter and move out of the inner space 142 according to the amount of ink in the ink chamber 100 .

The arm 70 is used to detect the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 100 . The arm 70 includes a signal blocking portion 72 at one end thereof and a float portion 73 at the other end thereof. The arm 70 is pivotally supported at a rib 74 vertically extending from the lateral center of the outer peripheral wall 51 . The specific gravity of the float portion 73 is smaller than that of ink stored in the ink chamber 100 . The float portion 73 has a hollow formed therein and floats on the liquid so that the float portion 73 moves up and down according to the amount of ink in the ink chamber 100 and the arm 70 pivots according to the movement of the float portion 73 . Ribs 74 are located at the outer peripheral wall 51 near the corners of the front surface 41 and the bottom surface 44 . Referring to FIG. 6 , the rib 74 includes a support portion 77 configured to pivotally support the arm 70 .

Referring to FIGS. 4( a )-6 , the arm 70 is disposed such that the signal blocking portion 72 is located in the inner space 142 when a sufficient amount of ink is stored in the ink chamber 100 . For example, the signal blocking portion 72 contacts the bottom wall 140d of the light transmitting portion 140 to maintain the signal blocking portion 72 within the inner space 142 of the light transmitting portion. Also, when the amount of ink in the ink chamber 100 is less than a predetermined amount of ink, the float portion 73 moves downward, and the signal blocking portion 72 moves away from the inner space 142 . Therefore, whether a sufficient amount of ink still remains in the ink chamber 100 is detected by monitoring whether the signal blocking portion 72 is located in the inner space 142 . For example, an optical sensor such as a photo interrupter is used to monitor whether the signal blocking portion 72 is located in the inner space.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the intake portion 80 includes a cylindrical valve storage chamber 55 formed in the front surface 41 above the light-transmitting portion 140 . The valve storage chamber 55 opens at its end 82 to the outside of the main body 20 . The valve storage chamber 55 extends along the depth direction of the main body 20 and is in fluid communication with the interior of the ink chamber 100 at the other end thereof.

The air intake portion 80 also includes a valve mechanism for selectively opening and closing a passage extending from the end 82 of the valve storage chamber 55 to the interior of the ink chamber 100 . For example, the intake portion 80 includes a valve element 87 , a spring 86 , a sealing member 83 and a cap 85 . The valve element 87 is configured to slide in the valve storage chamber 55 along the depth direction of the main body 20 . The valve element 87 includes a cap 88 and a stem 84 . A cap 85 is mounted to the outer edge of the end 82 of the valve storage chamber 55 sandwiching the sealing member 83 therebetween. The cap 85 and the sealing member 83 have through holes formed therethrough. When the cap 85 and the sealing member 83 are mounted to the outer edge of the end portion 82 , a vent 81 is formed through the through hole, and the inside and outside of the valve storage chamber 55 are in fluid communication via the vent 81 . A rod 84 is inserted into the vent 81 , and the diameter of the rod 84 is smaller than that of the vent 81 , thereby forming a gap allowing air to flow between the rod 84 and the inner wall of the vent 81 . A rod 84 protrudes outward from the center of the cover 88 through the vent 81 .

As the valve element 87 slides in the valve storage chamber 55 , the cover 88 slides between a position where the cover 88 contacts the sealing member 83 and a position where the cover 88 is separated from the sealing member 83 . When the cover 88 contacts the sealing member 83 , the vent 81 is closed, and when the cover 88 is separated from the sealing member 83 , the vent 81 is opened.

In the valve storage chamber 55, the spring 86 pushes or biases the valve element 87 in a direction to close the passage extending from the inside of the valve storage chamber 55 to the outside of the valve storage chamber 55, thereby causing the cover member 88 to contact Sealing member 83 . When the rod 84 is pressed toward the valve storage chamber 55 , the cover 88 of the valve element 87 is separated from the sealing member 83 against the urging force of the spring 86 . Accordingly, the passage extending from the inside of the valve storage chamber 55 to the outside of the valve storage chamber 55 is opened, and communication between the inside of the ink chamber 100 and the outside of the main body 20 via the air intake portion 80 is established. By air flowing into and out of the ink chamber 100 through the air intake portion 80, the internal pressure of the ink chamber 100 becomes equal to the ambient pressure.

Referring to FIG. 7, the ink supply part 90 includes a cylindrical valve storage chamber 54 formed in the front surface 41 below the light-transmitting part 140, and the valve storage chamber 54 is opened to the outside of the main body at an end 92 thereof. The valve storage chamber 54 extends along the depth direction of the main body 20 and is in fluid communication with the interior of the ink chamber 100 at the other end thereof.

The ink supply portion 90 also includes a valve mechanism for selectively opening and closing the ink passage extending from the end 92 of the valve storage chamber 54 to the interior of the ink chamber 100 . The ink supply portion 90 includes a valve element 97 , a spring 96 , a sealing member 93 and a cap 95 .

A cap 95 is mounted to the outer edge of the end 92 of the valve storage chamber 54 sandwiching the sealing member 93 therebetween. The cap 95 and the sealing member 93 have through holes formed therethrough. When the cap 95 and the sealing member 93 are mounted to the outer edge of the end portion 92 of the valve storage chamber 54 , the ink supply port 91 is formed through the through hole, and the ink supply port 91 communicates the inside and outside of the valve storage chamber 54 . The tube is inserted into the ink supply port 91 when the ink cartridge 10 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 276 .

In the valve storage chamber 54, the spring 96 pushes or biases the valve member 97 in the direction of closing the ink passage, so that the valve member 97 contacts the sealing member 93, and prevents the contact between the inside of the ink chamber 100 and the outside of the main body 20. connection between. When the tube is inserted into the ink supply port 91 , the tube pushes the valve element 97 , and the valve element 97 is separated from the sealing member 93 against the urging force of the spring 96 and opens the ink supply port 91 . Accordingly, communication between the inside of the ink chamber 100 and the outside of the main body 20 via the ink supply portion 90 is established, and the ink in the ink chamber 100 is supplied to the recording device 250 through the tube.

A recessed portion 59 is formed in the top surface 43 of the frame 50 and a recessed portion 60 is formed in the bottom surface 44 of the frame 50 . When the rear portion 20b of the main body 20 is covered by the cover member 22, the concave portions 59 and 60 respectively engage with protruding strips 210 and 211 formed on the inner surface of the cover member 22 (shown in FIG. 8). The protruding strip 210 is fitted to the recessed portion 59 and the protruding strip 211 is fitted to the recessed portion 60 , thereby providing a secure engagement between the rear portion 20 b and the cover member 22 .

Referring to FIG. 6 , a spring storage chamber 110 is formed in the front surface 41 above the valve storage chamber 55 , and a spring storage chamber 111 is formed in the front surface 41 below the valve storage chamber 54 . Spring storage chambers 110 and 111 are substantially cylindrical chambers extending from front surface 41 towards ink chamber 100 such that at least rear portions of spring storage chambers 110 and 111 each define a portion of front surface 41 . Referring to FIG. 8, coil springs 23 and 24 are located in valve storage chambers 110 and 111, respectively. For example, the coil springs 23 and 24 are each connected to the front surface 41 at one end, and connected to the movable member 21 at the other end. Specifically, by direct contact between the coil springs 23 and 24 and the front surface 41 and the movable member 21, or by indirect contact between the coil springs 23 and 24 and the front surface 41 and the movable member 21, namely At least one other element is provided between the coil springs 23 and 24 to which the front surface 41 and the movable member 21 are connected, and the front surface 41 and the movable member 21 . The coil springs 23 and 24 are configured to elastically push the movable member 21 away from the front surface 41 by applying a biasing force to the movable member 21 . Moreover, in order to push the movable member 21 stably and uniformly, the spring storage chamber 110 and the spring storage chamber 111 are sufficiently separated from each other along the height direction of the main body 20, for example, near opposite ends of the front surface 41 along the height direction. . In other words, the coil spring 23 is positioned closer to the top end than the bottom end of the front surface 41 , and the coil spring 24 is positioned closer to the bottom end than the top end of the front surface 41 .

The supporting member 115 is formed at the front end of the top surface 43 of the frame 50 . The support member 115 supports the movable member 21 so that the movable member 21 slides relative to the main body 20 , and limits the sliding range of the movable member 21 . The movable member 21 is slidably supported at two points by a support member 115 and a support member 116 described later. The supporting member 115 is integrated with the frame 50 . The support member 115 includes a first portion 118 extending vertically upward from the top surface 43 , a second portion 119 extending from the top end of the first portion 118 along the insertion direction 30 parallel to the top surface 43 , and a front end formed on the second portion 119 . and the hook portion 120 extending upward. A gap 122 is formed between the second part 119 and the top surface 43 , which allows the second part 119 to bend along the height direction of the main body 20 .

The support member 116 has substantially the same shape as the support member 115 and is located at the front end of the bottom surface 44 of the frame 50 . The support member 116 is integrated with the frame 50 and includes a first portion 124 extending vertically downward from the bottom surface 44, a second portion 125 extending from an end of the first portion 124 along the insertion direction 30 parallel to the bottom surface 44, and forming A hook portion 126 at the front end of the second portion 125 and extending downward.

Referring to FIGS. 2(a)-3(b) and FIGS. 8-10(b), the movable member 21 and the cover member 22 according to the embodiment of the present invention are described. The cover member 22 has a container shape, and is configured to accommodate the rear portion 20b of the main body 20 therein. The cover member 22 has a flat shape corresponding to the outer shape of the rear portion 20b. The cover member 22 includes a rear wall 212 facing and covering the rear surface 42 of the main body 20, a top wall 213 facing and covering the top surface 43 of the main body 20, a bottom wall 214 facing and covering the bottom surface 44 of the main body 20, facing And the left wall 215 covers the left side 45 of the main body 20 , and the right wall 216 faces and covers the right side 46 of the main body 20 . The walls 212-216 define a space therein configured to receive the rear portion 20b. In one embodiment, a portion of top wall 213 of cover member 22 and a portion of top surface 43 of body 20 define a latch recess 1000 therebetween. In another embodiment, the latch groove may be formed in the top surface 43 of the main body 20 or may be formed in the top wall 213 of the lid member 22 .

The protruding strips 210 and 211 are located on the inner surface of the cover member 22 near the opening of the cover member 22 . The protruding strips 210 and 211 are located at positions corresponding to the concave portions 59 and 60 . The protruding strip 210 is fitted to the concave portion 59 formed in the top surface 43 of the main body 20 , and the protruding strip 211 is fitted to the concave portion 60 formed in the bottom surface 44 of the main body 20 . Therefore, the main body 20 and the cover member 22 are firmly engaged.

The movable member 21 has a container shape, and is configured to accommodate the front portion 20a of the main body 20 therein. The movable member 21 has a flat shape corresponding to the outer shape of the front portion 20a. The movable member 21 includes a front wall 161 facing the front surface 41 of the main body 20, a top wall 163 covering the top surface 43 of the main body 20, a bottom wall 164 covering the bottom surface 44 of the main body 20, and a wall covering the left side 45 of the main body 20. The left wall 165 and the right wall 166 covering the right side 46 of the main body 20 . Walls 163-166 define a space therein configured to accommodate front portion 20a.

The left wall 165 and the right wall 166 extend from the front wall 161 along the depth direction of the main body 20 and cover the left side 45 and the right side 46 of the main body 20 . Therefore, when the movable member 21 slides, the left wall 165 and the right wall 166 serve as guide surfaces for the left side 45 and the right side 46, so that the movable member 21 slides smoothly.

In an embodiment of the present invention, at least a part of the movable member 21 has substantially the same color as that of the ink stored in the ink chamber 100, so that the movable member 21 easily displays the ink color to the user.

The movable member 21 includes a signal blocking device 185 , a signal blocking device 186 , a cutout 187 formed therethrough, support rods 168 and 169 , slide grooves 171 and 172 , a pressing portion 174 , and an opening 180 formed therethrough.

Referring to FIGS. 2(a)-3(b), a cutout 187 is formed at the center of the front wall 161, and the cutout 187 is configured to expose the light-transmitting portion 140 to the outside when the movable member 21 is in the second position, so that At least a portion of the transparent portion 140 extends through the cutout 187 when the moving member 21 is in the second position. For example, the cutout 187 is formed by removing a rectangular portion from the front wall 161 and the side walls 165 and 166 so as to face the front wall 140 a and the side wall 140 b of the light transmitting portion 140 . The cutout 187 extends rearwardly from the front wall 161 in the insertion direction 30 . When the ink cartridge 10 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 276 (shown in FIG. 12 ), the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the optical sensor 230 (shown in FIG. 12 ) sandwich the cutout 187 . Accordingly, the light emitted from the light emitting element passes through the cutout 187, and the side wall 140b of the light transmitting portion 140 is irradiated with the light.

The signal blocking device 185 includes a signal blocking portion 189 protruding from the front wall 161 in the insertion direction 30 . The signal blocking portion 189 bridges above the cutout 187 in the vertical direction on the front wall 161 . The signal blocking part 189 has a plate shape, and a space 190 is formed behind the signal blocking part 189 . The ends of the signal blocking portion 189 in the width direction and the cutout 187 form rectangular openings in the side walls 165 and 166, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 12 , the signal blocking portion 189 is configured to enter the optical path 231 of the optical sensor 230 provided on the cartridge mounting portion 276 during mounting of the ink cartridge 10 to the cartridge mounting portion 276 . The signal blocking portion 189 is formed of a resin material that does not allow light to pass therethrough or changes a propagation path of light passing therethrough. For example, the signal blocking part 189 may be formed of a resin material containing black pigment. Alternatively, the signal blocking part 189 may be a prism formed of a transparent resin material. The signal blocking device 186 is configured to enter the optical path 236 of the optical sensor 235 provided on the cartridge mounting portion 276 during mounting of the ink cartridge 10 to the cartridge mounting portion 276 . The signal blocking means 186 is formed of a resin material that does not allow light to pass therethrough or changes the path of light passing therethrough. Referring to FIGS. 2( a )-3( b ), the signal blocking device 186 is located at or near the distal end of the top wall 163 , and the signal blocking device 186 protrudes away from the front wall 161 . The signal blocking device 186 includes a signal blocking portion 191 , such as a rib portion, and a pair of grooves 192 are formed on opposite sides of the signal blocking portion 191 . The signal blocking portion 191 is inserted into the optical path 236 of the optical sensor 235 . When a sufficient amount of ink is stored in the ink chamber 100 and the signal blocking portion 72 is located in the internal space 142, the signal blocking portion 191, the signal blocking portion 189 and the ink supply portion 90 intersect with a first plane, such as A plane parallel to the arrows 32 and 33 of Fig. 2(a)-2(d), and the signal blocking portion 189 and the signal blocking portion 72 intersect with the second plane, the second plane is perpendicular to the first plane, the second plane For example, it is a plane parallel to arrows 31 and 33 in FIGS. 2( a ) to 2 ( d ). With this structure, the later-described procedure for determining the type of the ink cartridge will be easily performed.

The protruding portion 181 is located at or near the lower end of the front wall 161 and protrudes away from the front wall 161 . When the ink cartridge 10 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 276 , the protruding portion 181 and the distal end of the signal blocking device 186 contact the innermost wall surface of the cartridge mounting portion 176 .

The support rod 168 is configured to support the coil spring 23 , and the support rod 169 is configured to support the coil spring 24 . The support rods 168 and 169 are located on the surface of the front wall 161 facing the front surface 41 of the main body 20 . The support rod 168 is at a position corresponding to the spring storage chamber 110 , and the support rod 169 is at a position corresponding to the spring storage chamber 111 .

Referring to FIGS. 10( a ) and 10 ( b ), support rods 168 and 169 extend from the surface of the front wall 161 along the depth direction of the main body 20 . When the front part 20 a of the main body 20 is inserted into the movable member 21 in a state where the coil spring 23 is stored in the spring storage chamber 110 and the coil spring 24 is stored in the spring storage chamber 111 , the support rod 168 is inserted into the The coil spring 23, and the support rod 169 is inserted into the coil spring 24. Accordingly, the coil springs 23 and 24 are supported by the support rods 168 and 169, respectively. Expansion and contraction directions of the coil springs 23 and 24 are limited to the depth direction of the main body 20 .

The coil springs 23 and 24 are compression coil springs, that is, when the front part 20 a is inserted into the movable member 21 , the coil springs 23 and 24 are compressed and stored in the spring storage chambers 110 and 111 . Therefore, the coil springs 23 and 24 urge or bias the movable member 21 in a direction away from the front surface 41 of the main body 20 regardless of the position of the movable member 21 .

2(a) and 2(b), a sliding groove 171 is formed in the top wall 163, and the cross-sectional shape of the sliding groove 171 is substantially an inverted U shape. Referring to FIG. 10( a ), the supporting member 115 is inserted into the sliding groove 171 , and the protruding band 182 extends from the bottom surface of the top wall 163 toward the inside of the sliding groove 171 . Consequently, the sliding groove 171 is partly narrowed by the protruding strip 182 . The sliding groove 172 is formed in the bottom wall 164, and the cross-sectional shape of the sliding groove 172 is substantially U-shaped. As shown in FIG. 10( b ), the support member 116 is inserted into the slide groove 172 , and the protruding strip 183 extends from the top surface of the bottom wall 164 toward the inside of the slide groove 172 . Consequently, the sliding groove 172 is partly narrowed by the protruding strip 183 .

During insertion of the front portion 20 a of the main body 20 into the movable member 21 , the supporting member 115 is inserted into the sliding groove 171 and the supporting member 116 is inserted into the sliding groove 172 . When the supporting member 115 is inserted into the slide groove 171, the protruding strip 182 and the hook portion 120 contact each other. Then, as the support member 115 is inserted further, the support member 115 bends towards the gap 122 and the hook portion 120 climbs over the protruding strip 182 as the bevel 182a of the protruding strip 182 and the bevel 120a of the hook portion 120 slide over each other. When the hook portion 120 has climbed over the protruding strip 182 once, then the movable member 21 and the main body 20 will not disengage because the hook portion 120 is received by the protruding strip 182 when removal is attempted. The supporting member 116 is also inserted into the slide groove 172 in the same manner.

When the front portion 20 a is inserted into the movable member 21 , the movable member 21 is pushed away from the front surface 41 by the coil springs 23 and 24 . Therefore, unless an external force is applied to the movable member 21, the movable member 21 will remain in the first position corresponding to the furthest distance of the movable member 21 from the front surface 41 of the main body 20 (in FIGS. 2( b ) and 9 shown). The movable member 21 is held in the first position by the contact between the protruding strip 182 and the hook portion 120 and the contact between the protruding strip 183 and the hook portion 126 . On the other hand, when an external force is applied to the front surface of the movable member 21, the movable member 21 slides from the first position to a second position corresponding to the closest distance of the movable member 21 from the front surface 41 of the main body 20 (in FIG. 2(a) and 8).

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 , the pressurizing portion 174 is located on a surface of the front wall 161 facing the front surface 41 of the main body 20 . The pressurizing portion 174 is at a position corresponding to the rod 84 of the intake portion 80 . When the movable member 21 is in the first position, the pressing portion 174 is separated from the distal end of the rod 84, and when the movable member 21 slides from the first position toward the second position, the pressing portion 174 begins to contact the distal end of the rod 84. end contact. Then, as the movable member 21 slides further toward the second position, the lever 84 is pushed toward the ink chamber 100 to open the vent 81 .

The opening 180 is formed through the front wall 161 at a position adjacent to the lower end of the front wall 161 , and is formed at a position corresponding to the ink supply portion 90 . The diameter of the opening 180 is larger than that of the cap 95 of the ink supply portion 90 so that the cap 95 is inserted into and passes through the opening 180 . When the movable member 21 is in the first position, the entire ink supply portion 90 is located inside the movable member 21 such that the entire ink supply portion 90 is recessed from the opening 180 . As the movable member 21 moves from the first position to the second position, at least a portion of the ink supply portion 90 moves to the opening 180 and then passes through the opening 180 to protrude from the front wall 161 . 2(a), 2(b), 3(a) and 3(b), in an embodiment of the present invention, the air inlet portion 80 is covered by the front wall 161, so that the air inlet portion 80 is not exposed to the ink cartridge 10 Outside. In this embodiment, smaller air holes (shown in FIGS. 2( a ) and 2 ( b ) but not numbered) are formed in the front wall 161 to allow air to be drawn into the intake portion 80 . However, referring to 2(c), 2(d), 3(c) and 3(d), an opening 180 ′ adjacent to and aligned with the intake portion 80 may be formed through the front wall 161 . In this embodiment, when the movable member 21 is in the first position, the entire intake portion 80 is located within the movable member 21 such that the entire intake portion 80 is recessed from the opening 180 . As the movable member 21 moves from the first position to the second position, the intake portion remains entirely within the movable member 21, but the intake portion moves closer to the opening 180'. In this embodiment, air is drawn into ink chamber 100 when a component of the printer contacts and applies force to rod 84 of air intake portion 80 via opening 180'.

Referring to Figures 11(a) and 11(b), in an embodiment of the present invention, the ink cartridge 10 may be replaced by an ink cartridge 10'. Specifically, in the ink cartridge 10', the signal blocking means 185 is replaced by a signal blocking means 195 having a different shape from the signal blocking means 185. The signal blocking device 195 includes a signal blocking portion 199 protruding from the front wall 161 . The signal blocking portion 199 bridges over the cutout 187 in the vertical direction on the front wall 161 . The signal blocking portion 199 includes a front wall and a pair of side walls 198 at both ends in the width direction. The side wall 198 extends from the front wall of the signal blocking portion 199 to the front wall 161 of the movable member 21 . Sidewall 198 and cutout 187 form a rectangular opening in sidewalls 165 and 166 . The signal blocking portion 199 is configured to enter the optical path 231 of the optical sensor 230 provided on the cartridge mounting portion 276 during mounting of the ink cartridge 10 to the cartridge mounting portion 276 . The signal blocking portion 199 is formed of a resin material that does not allow light to pass therethrough or changes the path of light passing therethrough. When a sufficient amount of ink is stored in the ink chamber 100 and the signal blocking portion 72 is located in the inner space 142, the signal blocking portion 191, the signal blocking portion 199, and the ink supply portion 90 intersect with a first plane, such as A plane parallel to the arrow 32 and the arrow 33 of Fig. 2(a)-2(d), and the signal blocking portion 199 and the signal blocking portion 72 intersect with a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, such as Arrow 31 and arrow 33 in Figs. 2(a)-2(d) are parallel to the plane. With this structure, the later-described procedure for determining the type of the ink cartridge will be easily performed.

Referring to FIG. 12 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge mounting portion 276 includes, for example, four, a plurality of housings 280 arranged in parallel along the width direction and corresponding to different colors such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. . Each housing 280 includes a housing 281 and a locking lever 283 . The housing 281 includes a storage chamber 282 configured to selectively store the ink cartridges 10 and 10 ′ therein, and an opening 284 is formed through a front side of the housing 281 . Housing 280 is configured to allow ink cartridges 10 and 10 ′ to be mounted to and removed from housing 281 via opening 284 .

Optical sensor 230 and optical sensor 235 are located on the closed end side of storage chamber 282 . Optical sensor 230 is located at wall 286 forming the closed end of storage chamber 282 . Optical sensor 230 is configured to: (a) detect the type of ink cartridges 10 and 10' mounted to housing 280; and (b) detect whether the amount of ink in ink cartridges 10 and 10' is less than or equal to a predetermined amount of ink, for example sufficient to The amount of ink on the recording medium that provides the image. For example, the optical sensor 230 includes a photo interrupter having a light emitting element and a light receiving element. The optical sensor 230 is connected to the main controller 200 , and an electric signal output from the light receiving element is supplied to the main controller 200 . The optical path 231 is formed between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the optical sensor 230 . When the signal blocking device 185 or the signal blocking device 195 is inserted into the optical path 231, the ink cartridge type is determined by the output signal of the optical sensor 230 corresponding to the intensity of the received light.

The optical sensor 235 is located at the inner side of the wall surface 287 forming the top of the housing 281 . The optical sensor 235 is configured to detect whether the signal blocking portion 191 of the signal blocking device 186 is located at a predetermined position, thereby determining whether the ink cartridges 10 and 10' are installed. For example, the optical sensor 235 includes a photo interrupter having a light emitting element and a light receiving element. The optical sensor 235 is connected to the main controller 200 , and an electric signal output from the light receiving element is supplied to the main controller 200 . When the light is blocked by the signal blocking portion 191 in the optical path 236 of the optical sensor 235, the intensity of the light received by the light receiving element decreases substantially instantaneously.

The connection portion 285 is located at a lower portion of the wall surface 286 and is configured to be connected to the ink supply port 91 . The connection part 285 protrudes toward the inside of the storage chamber 282 from the wall surface 286 . A through hole 288 is formed through the connection portion 285 , and the ink tube 278 is inserted into the through hole 288 . Through holes 288 are formed at positions corresponding to the ink supply ports 91 . A tube is provided on the inner side of the connection portion 285, and when the ink cartridge 10 is installed in the housing 280, the tube is inserted into the ink supply port 91 so that the ink supply port 91 and the connection portion 285 are connected to each other.

The contact portion 240 is located at the upper portion of the wall surface 286 , and the contact portion 241 is located at the lower portion of the wall surface 286 . When the ink cartridge 10 is inserted into the housing 280 , the contact portion 240 contacts the distal end of the signal blocking device 186 , and the contact portion 241 contacts the distal end of the protruding portion 181 .

The locking lever 283 is configured to selectively open and close the opening 284 and securely secure the ink cartridges 10 and 10 ′ in the storage chamber 282 . The locking lever 283 is supported at one end so as to be rotatable about an axis 290 at the upper edge of the opening 284 . The lock lever 283 includes an operation portion 293 and a pawl 294 . The operation portion 293 is located at the outer surface 297 of the lock lever 283 near the other end of the lock lever, and the pawl 294 is located at the other end of the lock lever 283 . A groove 299 is formed at a lower edge of the opening 284 and is configured to engage the claw 294 .

Referring to Figures 2(a), 2(b), 8 and 13-15, the process for installing or inserting the ink cartridge 10 into the housing 280 is described. When the ink cartridge 10 is inserted into the storage chamber 282 of the housing 280 , the signal blocking portion 189 of the signal blocking device 185 first enters the optical path 231 of the optical sensor 230 . Then, upon further insertion of the ink cartridge 10 into the storage chamber 282 , the signal blocking portion 191 of the signal blocking device 186 enters the optical path 236 of the optical sensor 235 . When the signal blocking portion 191 enters the optical path 236 , the signal blocking portion 189 has passed through the optical path 231 of the optical sensor 230 , and the light emitted from the light emitting element passes through the space 190 behind the signal blocking portion 189 .

When the ink cartridge 10 is inserted into the closed end of the storage chamber 282 , the distal end of the signal blocking device 186 contacts the contact portion 240 and the distal end of the protruding portion 181 contacts the contact portion 241 . At this point, cutout 187 has entered into optical path 231 .

When the lock lever 283 is rotated in a direction to close the opening 284, the inner surface 296 of the lock lever 283 contacts the rear wall of the cover member 22, and presses the ink cartridge 10 in the insertion direction. At this time, the coil springs 23 and 24 are compressed. Therefore, in a state where the movable member 21 is stationary and the main body 20 moves toward the movable member 21, the main body 20 moves in the insertion direction.

When the main body 20 is further moved in the insertion direction, the ink supply port 91 is connected to the connecting portion 285 , and the light-transmitting portion 140 enters into the cutout 187 and enters into the optical path 231 of the optical sensor 230 .

When locking bar 283 is fully closed and pawl 294 engages groove 299 , locking bar 283 is locked relative to opening 284 and opening 284 is closed by locking bar 283 . At this time, the main body 20 of the ink cartridge 10 is urged by the coil springs 23 and 24 , and the rear wall of the cover member 22 is pressed against the inner surface 296 of the lock lever 283 .

Referring to FIG. 16 , the main controller 200 controls the operation of the recording device 250 . The main controller 200 is a microcomputer, which includes a central processing unit (CPU) 201, a read-only memory (ROM) 202, a random access memory (RAM) 203, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) 204, and a dedicated Integrated Circuit (ASIC) 205 .

The ROM 202 stores programs used by the CPU 201 to control corresponding operations of the recording apparatus 250 and programs to discriminate the types of the ink cartridges 10 and 10'. The RAM 203 is a storage area or work area for temporarily storing corresponding data used by the CPU 201 to execute the program. The EEPROM 204 stores setting values, flags, and the like to be retained even after the power is turned off.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 16 , head control board 270 , optical sensor 230 and optical sensor 235 are connected to ASIC 205 . A driving circuit (not shown) for driving the corresponding rollers of the sheet feeding device 252 and the conveying device 253, an input unit for inputting a printing instruction and the like to the recording device 250, and a display unit for displaying information related to the recording device 250 A display device is also connected to ASIC 205 .

The head control board 270 controls the recording head 272 according to signals supplied from the ASIC 205 such as control signals and image signals. Accordingly, ink is selectively discharged from the nozzles 274 of the recording head 272 at predetermined timing.

The optical sensor 230 outputs a sensor signal according to the intensity of light received by the light receiving element. For example, an analog electric signal such as a voltage signal or a current signal is output from the optical sensor 230 according to the intensity of light received by the light receiving element. The sensor signal output from the optical sensor 230 is supplied to the main controller 200, and the main controller 200 determines that the sensor signal is a high-level signal when the level of the sensor signal, such as a voltage value or a current value, is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, and When the level is less than the threshold, it is determined that the sensor signal is a low-level signal. For example, the sensor signal is determined to be a low-level signal when the optical path 231 of the optical sensor 230 is blocked, and the sensor signal is determined to be a high-level signal when the optical path 231 is not blocked. When the light emitted by the light emitting element is blocked or redirected, the intensity of the light received by the light receiving element may be zero.

The optical sensor 235 functions in substantially the same manner as the optical sensor 230, and outputs a sensor signal according to the intensity of light received by the light receiving element.

Referring to Fig. 17 (a) and 17 (b), describe the exemplary time curve of the signal level of the sensor signal output from optical sensor 230 and optical sensor 235 during the installation of ink cartridge 10, and refer to Fig. 17 (c) and 17 (d), depicts an exemplary time profile of the signal levels of the sensor signals output from the optical sensor 230 and the optical sensor 235 during installation of the ink cartridge 10'.

17 (a) and 17 (c), when the ink cartridge 10' is installed to the casing 280, the time curve of the signal level of the sensor signal output from the optical sensor 235 is different from that when the ink cartridge 10' is mounted to the casing 280. The time profile of the signal level of the sensor signal output by the optical sensor 235 is the same. Specifically, when the signal blocking portion 191 enters into the optical path 236 of the optical sensor 235 and blocks or changes the path of light, the signal level changes from high to low at time T1. In the main controller 200, this change of the signal level from high to low is used as a trigger signal in the process for determining the type of the ink cartridge.

Referring to FIG. 17( b ), when the ink cartridge 10 is mounted to the housing 280 , the signal blocking portion 189 enters the light path 231 at time T0 and blocks or changes the path of light. At this time, the signal level of the sensor signal output from the optical sensor 230 changes from high to low. Because the signal blocking portion 189 is a flat plate, the duration in which light is blocked or its path is changed is short. After the time T0 and before the time T1, the signal blocking portion 189 passes through the optical path 231, and the space 190 enters the optical path. Thus, at time T1, the signal level of the optical sensor 230 has returned from low to high.

Then, when the ink cartridge 10 is further inserted, the cutout 187 enters the optical path 231, and when the ink cartridge 10 is fully installed to the housing 280, the light-transmitting portion 140 enters the optical path 231 through the cutout 187 between time T2 and time T3. In this state, the position of the signal blocking portion 72 is detected. In Fig. 17 (b), the signal level when the signal blocking portion 72 is in the optical path 231 is represented by a solid line (low level), and the signal level when the signal blocking portion 72 leaves the optical path 231 is represented by a dotted line (high level). level) indicates.

Referring to FIG. 17( d ), when the ink cartridge 10' is mounted to the housing 280, the signal blocking portion 199 also enters the light path 231 at time T0, thereby blocking light or changing the path of light. At this time, the signal level of the sensor signal output from the optical sensor 230 changes from high to low. Since the signal blocking portion 199 has the sidewall 198 , the duration of light being blocked or changed by the signal blocking portion 199 is longer than the duration of light being blocked or changed by the signal blocking portion 189 . Specifically, at time T1, sidewall 198 is still located in optical path 231 . Therefore, at time T1, the signal level of the sensor signal output from the optical sensor 230 remains in a low state.

Subsequently, when the ink cartridge 10 ′ is further inserted, the side wall 198 passes through the optical path 231 and the cutout 187 enters the optical path 231 at time T2 . At this time, the signal level of the optical sensor 230 returns from low to high. Then, when the ink cartridge 10' is fully mounted to the housing 280, the light-transmitting portion 140 enters the optical path 231 via the cutout 187 at a time between time T2 and time T3. In this state, the position of the signal blocking portion 72 can be detected. In FIG. 17( d), the signal level when the signal blocking portion 72 is in the optical path 231 is represented by a solid line (low level), and the signal level when the signal blocking portion 72 leaves the optical path 231 is represented by a dotted line (high level). level) indicates.

The ink cartridge type is determined by the main controller 200 based on the time profile of the optical sensor 230 and the optical sensor 235 .

Referring to Fig. 18, the process for determining whether the installed ink cartridge is the ink cartridge 10 or the ink cartridge 10' will be described. In step S1, the main controller 200 determines whether the signal blocking portion 189 or 199 has entered the optical path 231 of the optical sensor 230, for example, determines whether the signal level of the sensor signal output from the optical sensor 230 has changed from high to low. When the main controller 200 determines that the signal blocking portion 189 or 199 has entered the optical path 231, step S2 is performed. That is, the step S2 is not performed until the main controller 200 determines that the signal blocking portion 189 or 199 has entered the optical path 231 .

In step S2, the main controller 200 determines whether the signal blocking portion 191 has entered the optical path 236, for example, determines whether the signal level of the optical sensor 235 has changed from high to low, which corresponds to a detection trigger signal. When the trigger signal is detected in step S2, the main controller 200 determines whether the signal level of the sensor signal output from the optical sensor 230 at the time T1 when the trigger signal is detected is high or low in step S3. For example, when the signal level at time T1 is high, the main controller 200 determines that the ink cartridge 10 is inserted in the housing 280, and when the level at time T1 is low, the main controller determines that the ink cartridge 10' is inserted. in housing 280 .

When it is determined in step S3 that the signal level of the sensor signal output from the optical sensor 230 is high, in step S4, a bit flag indicating that the installed ink cartridge corresponds to the ink cartridge 10 is set to a register such as a register of the CPU 201 superior. If the bit flag indicating that the installed ink cartridge corresponds to the ink cartridge 10' has been set in advance, the bit flag indicating that the installed ink cartridge corresponds to the ink cartridge 10' is cleared, and the bit flag indicating that the installed ink cartridge corresponds to the ink cartridge 10' is set. corresponding bit flags. On the other hand, when it is determined that the signal level of the sensor signal output from the optical sensor 230 is low, a bit flag indicating that the mounted ink cartridge corresponds to the ink cartridge 10' is set to the register in step S5. If the bit flag indicating that the installed ink cartridge corresponds to ink cartridge 10 has been set in advance, the bit flag indicating that the installed ink cartridge corresponds to ink cartridge 10 is cleared, and the bit flag indicating that the installed ink cartridge corresponds to ink cartridge 10' is set. Corresponding bit flags. If the bit flag is set, the recording device 250 or an information processing device such as a personal computer connected to the recording device 250 shows which of the ink cartridges 10 and 10' is inserted based on the flag.

If the signal level of the optical sensor 235 changes from low to high, the determination process may start over. Also, the determination process may be performed when the lock lever 283 is opened, and the determination process may be ended when the lock lever 283 is closed.

The types of the ink cartridges 10 and 10' are determined from the signal level of the sensor signal output from the optical sensor 230 at the time T1 when the trigger signal is detected. Accordingly, the structure of the ink cartridges 10 and 10' allows the recording device 250 to accurately determine the type of ink cartridge 10 or 10', regardless of the speed at which the user installs the ink cartridge 10 or 10' into the printer, and regardless of whether the user initially inserts the ink cartridge into the printer. The printer then partially removes the ink cartridge before finally fully inserting it into the printer.

The above-described process is configured to discriminate between two types of ink cartridges 10 and 10', however, three or more types of ink cartridges may also be discriminated. Also, it is possible to distinguish between ink cartridges containing black ink and ink cartridges containing color inks other than black ink, and also to distinguish between ink cartridges containing pigment-type ink and ink cartridges containing dye-type ink.

Referring to Fig. 19, a packaging device 230 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. The packing device 230 includes: an ink cartridge, such as the ink cartridge 10 (or 10 ′); and a packing member 231 . The ink cartridge 10 is accommodated in the interior of the packing member 231 . The ink cartridge 10 is shipped and sold in the packaging unit 230 .

The interior of the ink chamber 100 is depressurized to a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, for example, by a vacuum pump to reduce the amount of air dissolved in the ink in the ink chamber 100 . The interior of the packing member 231 is also depressurized to a pressure less than atmospheric pressure, for example by a vacuum pump, to prevent air from entering the ink chamber 100 through the film covering the sides 45 and 46 .

The packaging member 231 is liquid-tight, but has a certain air permeability. Therefore, when the packing device 230 is left unused for a long period of time, air may enter the inside of the packing member 231 . However, if there is a decompression space inside the packing member 231, the inside of the packing member 231 is maintained in a stable depressurized state for a long period of time.

The packaging device 230 is manufactured as follows. The ink cartridge 10 is accommodated in the inside of the packing member 231 in a state where the movable member 21 is held at the first (extended) position shown in FIG. 2( b ). While maintaining this state, the pressure in the inside of the packing member 231 is reduced to a pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure, and the packing member 231 is sealed. Since the ink cartridge 10 is housed in the packing member 231 in this manner, a decompression space of a predetermined volume is formed in the interior of the packing member 231 between the front surface 41 of the main body 20 and the front wall 161 of the movable member 21 . Therefore, the inside of the packaging member 231 is maintained in a depressurized state for a long period of time.

However, if the internal decompression of the packaging member 231 is too large, the pressure difference between the atmospheric pressure and the pressure inside the packaging member 231 becomes so large that a large force acts on the ink cartridge 10 . In this case, if this decompression space is formed between the front surface 41 of the main body 20 and the front wall 161 of the movable member 21, the movable member 21 may be deformed inward and may not return to the original shape. Therefore, in another embodiment of the present invention, the ink cartridge 10' can be accommodated in the packing member 231 in a state where the movable member 21 is held at the second (retracted) position shown in FIG. 2(c). When the movable member 21 is at the second position, the decompression space between the front surface 41 of the main body 20 and the front wall 161 of the movable member 21 is small, and thus deformation of the movable member 21 can be prevented. The packaging device 230 is also reduced in size. Since the decompression space exists although the decompression space is small, the inside of the packing member 231 is kept in a stable decompression state for a reasonable period of time.

Referring to Figures 20 and 21, a cartridge mounting portion 1276 according to another embodiment of the present invention is described. The cartridge mounting portion 1276 includes a locking lever 1283 instead of the locking lever 283 of the cartridge mounting portion 276 . The locking lever 1283 includes a first portion 1291 , a second portion 1292 and a pivot portion 1290 between the first portion 1291 and the second portion 1292 . Pivot portion 1290 is supported at the upper portion of housing 280 near opening 284 such that locking lever 1283 pivots about pivot portion 1290 . A first portion 1291 extends from the pivot portion to the outside of the housing 280 , and a second portion 1292 extends from the pivot portion 1290 to the storage chamber 282 . The first part 1291 is located above the second part 1292 because the weight of the first part 1291 is less than the weight of the second part 1292 . As shown in FIG. 20 , a portion of the second portion 1292 contacts a portion of the latch groove 1000 when the ink cartridge 10 is installed in the cartridge mounting portion 1276 . The main body 20 of the ink cartridge 10 receives the urging force of the coil springs 23 and 24 toward the opening 284 . However, since the part of the second portion 1292 contacts the part of the latch groove 1000 to hold the main body 20 in the case 280 against the urging force of the coil springs 23 and 24 , the ink cartridge 10 is held in the case 280 .

When the user attempts to remove the ink cartridge 10 from the cartridge mounting portion 1276 , the user applies a downward force to the end of the first portion 1291 . Locking lever 1283 then pivots about pivot portion 1290 as shown in FIG. 21 , and second portion 1292 moves upward and disengages from latch groove 1000 . Accordingly, the coil springs 23 and 24 expand, and the ink cartridge 10 is partially ejected from the cartridge mounting portion 1276 . The user then grabs the rear of the ink cartridge 10 and removes the ink cartridge 10 from the cartridge mounting portion 1276 . Therefore, it is easy to remove the ink cartridge from the cartridge mounting portion 1276 . Moreover, because the ink cartridge 10 is not configured to retain the movable member 21 in the second position itself, the movable member 21 is free to move from the second position to the first position when the second portion 1292 is disengaged from the latch groove 1000. position, whereby the ink cartridge 10 is partially ejected from the cartridge mounting portion 1276.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that other changes and modifications may be made to the above-described exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification or practice of the invention disclosed herein. The specification and described examples are to be considered as exemplary of the invention, the true scope of which is defined by the claims.

Claims (19)

1. print cartridge, said print cartridge is configured to be installed to the box mounting portion, and said print cartridge comprises:

Shell, this shell comprise front surface and the back surface relative with this front surface, and wherein this shell has at least a portion that is limited to ink chamber wherein, and this ink chamber is configured to store ink;

Ink guide part; This ink guide part is positioned at the front surface place of this shell; Wherein this ink guide part is configured to from the inside of this ink chamber to the distributed outside ink of this ink chamber; Wherein said ink guide part comprises the valve storage chamber, the internal fluid communication of said valve storage chamber and said ink chamber;

Induction part, this induction part are positioned at this shell place, and wherein this induction part is configured to air is drawn in this ink chamber;

Movable link, this movable link are configured to move between the primary importance and the second place with respect to this shell;

At least one elastic component; Said at least one elastic component has first end that is connected with the front surface of this shell and second end that is connected with this movable link; Wherein said at least one elastic component is configured to expand and shrink; So that this movable link moves between the said primary importance and the said second place with respect to shell, and at least one elastic component expansion so that said print cartridge partly eject from said box mounting portion; With

The spring storage chamber; Said spring storage chamber extends towards said ink chamber from said front surface; Thereby the rear portion of said at least spring storage chamber limits the part of said front surface, and wherein said at least one elastic component is positioned at said spring storage chamber.

2. print cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one elastic component applies biasing force to said movable link, so that this movable link is biased into said primary importance.

3. print cartridge as claimed in claim 1; Wherein said front surface comprises first, second portion and third part; And this second portion is recessed with this third part from this first; Wherein said second portion is the said rear portion of said spring storage chamber, and said at least one elastic component is connected with the second portion of this front surface.

4. print cartridge as claimed in claim 1; The front surface of wherein said shell have first end and with this first end second opposed end; Said at least one elastic component comprises first elastic component and second elastic component; Said first elastic component and second elastic component are along mutually the same direction expansion and contraction; And first elastic component is positioned at the position of comparing with second end of the front surface of this shell more near first end of the front surface of this shell, and second elastic component is positioned at the position of comparing with first end of the front surface of this shell more near second end of the front surface of this shell.

5. print cartridge as claimed in claim 2; Wherein said movable link also comprises the antetheca in the face of the front surface of shell; In the time will being applied to the antetheca of said movable link greater than the power of the predetermined size of said biasing force; This movable link moves to the said second place from said primary importance; And when discharging the power of this predetermined size; Said movable link moves to said primary importance from the said second place, wherein in the distance between the front surface of the antetheca of said movable link said movable link during and said shell in the said second place less than the distance between the front surface of the antetheca of said movable link said movable link during and this shell in said primary importance.

6. print cartridge as claimed in claim 5; Said ink chamber is left in wherein said ink guide part extension; And said movable link has and runs through wherein the certain openings that forms, and wherein when this movable link was in said primary importance, this ink guide part separated with said certain openings; And when movable link was in the said second place, at least one in the part of ink guide part and the part of ink chamber was positioned at this certain openings.

7. print cartridge as claimed in claim 6, wherein said shell also comprises:

Right flank; With

The left surface relative with this right flank, wherein the right flank of this shell and left surface each all extend to the back surface of shell from the front surface of shell, wherein said movable link also comprises:

The right side wall of at least a portion of the right flank of covering shell; And

The left side wall of at least a portion of the left surface of covering shell, wherein the said certain openings of movable link is passed the said antetheca formation of movable link.

8. print cartridge as claimed in claim 7, wherein said shell also comprises:

End face; And

With this end face opposed bottom surface, wherein the end face of this shell and bottom surface all extend to the back surface of shell from the front surface of shell, and wherein said movable link also comprises:

The roof of at least a portion of the end face of covering shell; And

The diapire of at least a portion of the bottom surface of covering shell; Wherein when movable link is in said primary importance; Said ink guide part is positioned at the inner space that is limited the antetheca of movable link, right side wall, left side wall, roof and diapire; And when movable link was in the said second place, at least a portion of ink guide part was extended via the said certain openings of movable link from the antetheca of movable link.

9. print cartridge as claimed in claim 5, wherein when said movable link was in said primary importance, at least a portion of movable link was far away from the front surface of said shell than said ink guide part.

10. print cartridge as claimed in claim 5, wherein said antetheca have first end and with the first end second opposed end of antetheca; And

Said movable link also comprises specific outstanding, and this specific giving prominence at first end and the end place in second end of said antetheca is perhaps extended from antetheca along the specific direction that leaves shell near it.

11. print cartridge as claimed in claim 6; The light transmission part that also comprises the front surface place that is positioned at said shell, wherein said ink chamber is left in this light transmission part extension, and the light transmission part has the inner space that is formed on wherein; Wherein this inner space is configured to be communicated with the ink chamber fluid; And said movable link has and runs through wherein another opening that forms, and wherein when movable link was in primary importance, another opening of light transmission part and this separated; And when movable link was in the second place, at least a portion of one in light transmission part and the ink chamber was positioned at this another opening.

12. print cartridge as claimed in claim 11 also comprises the signal barrier structure of the inner space that is positioned at said light transmission part, wherein this signal barrier structure is configured to move in the inner space of light transmission part according to the quantity of ink in the said ink chamber at least.

13. print cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein said induction part are positioned at the front surface place of said shell.

14. print cartridge as claimed in claim 13; Said ink chamber is left in wherein said induction part extension; And said movable link has and runs through wherein another opening that forms; Wherein when movable link is in the said primary importance and the said second place, induction part is separated with this another opening respectively and between the front surface of this another opening and said shell.

15. print cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein said shell also comprises the end face that extends to the back surface of shell from the front surface of shell, and the end face of this shell has the latch recess that is formed on wherein.

16. print cartridge as claimed in claim 8 also comprises cover component, this cover component comprises:

Cover the rear wall on the back surface of said shell;

Cover the right side wall of at least a portion of the right flank of said shell;

Cover the left side wall of at least a portion of the left surface of said shell;

Cover the roof of at least a portion of the end face of said shell; And

Cover the diapire of at least a portion of the bottom surface of said shell.

17. print cartridge as claimed in claim 16, wherein:

The part of the part of the roof of said cover component and the end face of said shell defines latch recess between them; Perhaps

The roof of said cover component has the latch recess that is formed on wherein.

18. print cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ink guide part comprises:

Run through first opening that wherein forms;

The first valve element; And

First push element, this first push element are configured to push this first valve element to close this first opening, and wherein said induction part comprises:

Run through second opening that wherein forms;

The second valve element; And

Second push element, this second push element are configured to push this second valve element to close this second opening.

19. print cartridge as claimed in claim 1, the pre-position of wherein said at least one elastic component each in departing from said induction part and said ink guide part is connected with the front surface of said shell.

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