BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a system of an adapter for an ink cartridge
and a recording apparatus and a system of an adapter and an ink cartridge. In particular,
the present invention is related to a system of an adapter for an ink cartridge and
a recording apparatus in that the adapter for an ink cartridge is configured to be
removably mounted to a cartridge mounting portion of the recording apparatus.
2. Description of Related Art
[0002] A known inkjet recording apparatus is configured to record an image on a sheet of
paper with ink. This known inkjet recording apparatus has a recording head, and the
recording head has a plurality of nozzles formed therein. The recording head is configured
to selectively eject ink from the nozzles such that an image is formed on a sheet
of paper. The inkjet recording apparatus has a cartridge mounting portion to which
a known ink cartridge is removably mounted. The ink cartridge has an ink chamber configured
to store ink therein, and when the ink cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion,
ink is allowed to be supplied from the ink chamber to the recording head. Such a known
inkjet recording apparatus and a known ink cartridge are described in
JP-A-2007-14481
[0003] Another known recording apparatus is configured to obtain information from another
known ink cartridge mounted to a cartridge mounting portion of this known recording
apparatus. The information may be related to a characteristic of the known ink cartridge,
e.g., the color of ink or the amount of ink stored in the known ink cartridge, or the
country where the known ink cartridge is sold. The information may be carried by the
ink cartridge as the shape, the position, or the physical structure of a particular
portion of the ink cartridge. For example, an ink cartridge described in
JP-A-3-213349 has a particular portion, and a recording apparatus described in
JP-A-3-213349 has a carriage configured to reciprocate in a predetermined direction. An optical
sensor is mounted to the carriage. The position of the particular portion of the ink
cartridge with respect to the predetermined direction varies from one ink cartridge
to another, depending on a characteristic of the ink cartridge. The recording apparatus
detects the position of the particular portion of the ink cartridge with the optical
sensor, and determines the characteristic of the ink cartridge. For another example,
an ink cartridge described in
JP-A-2005-28614 has a particular portion having information related to a characteristic of the ink
cartridge, and a recording apparatus described in
JP-A-2005-28614 has an optical sensor configured to detect the particular portion of the ink cartridge.
The physical property,
e.g., light reflectance, of the particular portion of the ink cartridge varies from one
ink cartridge to another, depending on the characteristic of the ink cartridge. By
detecting the particular portion of the ink cartridge, the recording apparatus determines
the characteristic of the ink cartridge.
[0004] Nevertheless, because the information carried by the ink cartridge varies from one
cartridge to another,
i.e.,the shape, the position, or the physical structure of a particular portion of the
ink cartridge varies from one cartridge to another, a plurality of different kinds
of ink cartridges needs to be manufactured. For example, if the information is related
to the color of the ink stored in the ink cartridge, a plurality of different kinds
of ink cartridges corresponding to a plurality of different colors of ink needs to
be manufactured. Similarly, if the information is related to the country where the
ink cartridge is solid, a plurality of different kinds of ink cartridges corresponding
to a plurality of countries needs to be manufactured. Therefore, a common ink cartridge
cannot be used, which increases the cost of manufacturing the ink cartridge and complicates
the inventory control of the ink cartridges.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Therefore, a need has arisen for a system of an adapter and a recording apparatus
according to claim 1, a system of an adapter and an ink cartridge according to claim
5 and a use of an adapter for an ink cartridge in a recording apparatus according
to claim 10 that overcomes these and other shortcomings of the related art. A technical
advantage of the present invention is that a common ink cartridge is used.
[0008] The invention is defined in claims 1 to 12.
[0009] Other objects, features, and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will
be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art from the following description
of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the needs satisfied thereby,
and the objects, features, and advantages thereof, reference now is made to the following
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional, pattern diagram of a recording apparatus according to
an embodiment of the invention.
Figs. 2(A) and 2(B) are perspective views of an ink cartridge according to an embodiment
of the invention.
Fig. 3 (A) is a front view of the ink cartridge of Figs. 2(A) and 2(B), and Fig. 3(B)
is a side, cross-sectional, view of the ink cartridge of Figs. 2(A) and 2(B).
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an adapter according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 5 is a side, partially cross-sectional, view of a cartridge mounting portion
according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 6 is a side, partially cross-sectional, view of the cartridge mounting portion
of Fig. 5 and the adapter of Fig. 4, in which the adapter is being inserted into the
cartridge mounting portion.
Fig. 7 is a side, partially cross-sectional, view of the cartridge mounting portion
of Fig. 5 and the adapter of Fig. 4, in which the insertion of the adapter into the
cartridge mounting portion is completed.
Fig. 8 is a side, partially cross-sectional, view of the cartridge mounting portion
of Fig. 5 and the adapter of Fig. 4, in which the adapter is being removed from the
cartridge mounting portion.
Fig. 9 is a side, partially cross-sectional, view of the cartridge mounting portion
of Fig. 5, the adapter of Fig. 4, and the ink cartridge of Figs. 2(A) and 2(B), in
which the insertion of the adapter into the cartridge mounting portion is completed,
and the ink cartridge is being inserted into the cartridge mounting portion.
Fig. 10 is a side, partially cross-sectional, view of the cartridge mounting portion
of Fig. 5, the adapter of Fig. 4, and the ink cartridge of Figs. 2(A) and 2(B), in
which the insertion of the adapter into the cartridge mounting portion is completed,
and the insertion of the ink cartridge into the cartridge mounting portion is completed.
Fig. 11 is a side, partially cross-sectional, view of the cartridge mounting portion
of Fig. 5, the adapter of Fig. 4, and the ink cartridge of Figs. 2(A) and 2(B), in
which the insertion of the adapter into the cartridge mounting portion is completed,
the insertion of the ink cartridge into the cartridge mounting portion is completed,
and a lock lever of the cartridge mounting portion is secured to a case of the cartridge
mounting portion.
Fig. 12 is a side, partially cross-sectional, view of the cartridge mounting portion
of Fig. 5, the adapter of Fig. 4, and the ink cartridge of Figs. 2(A) and 2(B), in
which the adapter and the ink cartridge start to be removed.
Fig. 13 is a side, partially cross-sectional, view of the cartridge mounting portion
of Fig. 5, the adapter of Fig. 4, and the ink cartridge of Figs. 2(A) and 2(B), in
which the adapter and the ink cartridge are being removed.
Fig. 14 is a perspective view of an adapter according to another embodiment of the
invention.
Fig. 15 is a side, cross-sectional view of the adapter of Fig. 14.
Fig. 16 is a side, partially cross-sectional, view of the cartridge mounting portion
of Fig. 5, the adapter of Fig. 14, and the ink cartridge of Figs. 2(A) and 2(B), in
which the adapter and the ink cartridge are positioned in the cartridge mounting portion.
Fig. 17 is a side, partially cross-sectional, view of the cartridge mounting portion
of Fig. 5, the adapter of Fig. 14, and the ink cartridge of Figs. 2(A) and 2(B), in
which the adapter and the ink cartridge are positioned in the cartridge mounting portion
and the lock lever of the cartridge mounting portion contacts the ink cartridge.
Fig. 18 is a side, partially cross-sectional, view of the cartridge mounting portion
of Fig. 5, the adapter of Fig. 14, and the ink cartridge of Figs. 2(A) and 2(B), in
which the adapter and the ink cartridge are positioned in the cartridge mounting portion,
the lock lever of the cartridge mounting portion contacts the ink cartridge, and the
lock lever of the cartridge mounting portion is secured to the case of the cartridge
mounting portion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0011] Embodiments of the present invention and their features and technical advantages
may be understood by referring to Figs. 1-18, like numerals being used for like corresponding
portions in the various drawings.
[0012] Referring to Fig. 1, an inkjet recording apparatus 250 according to an embodiment
of the invention is depicted. Recording apparatus 250 is configured to record an image,
e.g., a monochrome image or color image, on a recording medium,
e.g., a sheet of paper, with at least one ink,
e.g., four inks such as a black ink, a yellow ink, a cyan ink, and a magenta ink. Recording
apparatus 250 comprises a feeding device 252, transferring device 253, a recording
device 254, and a cartridge mounting portion 276. Cartridge mounting portion 276 is
configured to receive an ink cartridge 25. Recording apparatus 250 also comprises
a first tray 257 and a second tray 258, and recording apparatus 250 has a transfer
path 259 extending from first tray 257 to second tray 258. Feeding device 252 is configured
to feed sheets of paper accommodated in first tray 257 one by one to transfer path
259.
[0013] Transferring device 253 comprises a first pair of transfer rollers 261 and a second
pair of transfer rollers 262 positioned along transfer path 259. First pair of transfer
rollers 261 is positioned on the upstream side of recording device 254 and second
pair of transfer rollers 262 is positioned on the downstream side of recording device
254 along transfer path 259.
[0014] Recording apparatus 250 also comprises a platen 264 positioned directly below recording
device 254. The sheet of paper fed by feeding device 252 is transferred onto platen
264 by first pair of transfer rollers 261. Recording device 254 is configured to record
an image on the sheet of paper being transferred over platen 264. The sheet of paper
having passed over platen 264 is transferred by second pair of transfer rollers 262
to second tray 258, which is positioned at the downstream end of transfer path 259.
[0015] Recording device 254 comprises a carriage 266, and a recording head 272 mounted in
carriage 266. Carriage 266 is supported by rails (not shown) such that carriage 266
slides on rails in a direction perpendicular to the paper plane of Fig. 1. Recoding
head 272 is configured to eject ink onto the sheet of paper.
[0016] Cartridge mounting portion 276 is configured to mount at least one ink cartridge
25,
e.g., four ink cartridges 25 storing four kinds of inks such as a black ink, a yellow
ink, a cyan ink, and a magenta ink, respectively. Cartridge mounting portion 276 also
is configured to mount at least one adapter 27,
e.g., four adapters 27 corresponding to four ink cartridges 25, respectively. Cartridge
mounting portion 276 comprises at least one case 280,
e.g., four cases 280 corresponding to four ink cartridges 25 and four adapters 27, respectively.
Ink cartridge 25 and adapter 27 are configured to be inserted into and removed from
case 280. Ink cartridge 25 comprises an ink chamber 100 defined therein, and ink chamber
100 is configured to store ink therein. Recording apparatus 250 comprises at least
one flexible tube 278,
e.g., four, flexible tubes 278 connected to cases 280, respectively, and to recording
head 272. When ink cartridge 25 and adapter 27 are mounted to cartridge mounting portion
276, ink is allowed to be supplied from ink chamber 100 to recording head 272 via
a corresponding one of tubes 278.
[0017] Referring to Figs. 2(A) to 3(B), ink cartridge 25 according to an embodiment of the
invention has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. A width of ink cartridge
25 in a width direction as indicated by an arrow 31 is relatively short, and each
of a height of ink cartridge 25 in a height direction as indicated by an arrow 32
and a depth of ink cartridge 25 in a depth direction as indicated by an arrow 33,
is greater than the width of ink cartridge 25. Ink cartridge 25 comprises a top outer
face 43 and a bottom outer face 44 opposite top outer face 43, and when ink cartridge
25 is mounted to cartridge mounting portion 276, top outer face 43 is positioned above
bottom outer face 44. Ink cartridge 25 is configured to be inserted into case 280
in an insertion direction 30, which is parallel to depth direction 33. Ink cartridge
25 comprises a front outer face 41, a rear outer face 42 opposite front outer face
41, a left side outer face 45, and a right side outer face 46, opposite left side
outer face 45. Each of front outer face 41 and rear outer face 42 is connected to
top outer face 43 and bottom outer face 44, and each of left side outer face 45 and
right side outer face 46 is connected to front outer face 41, rear outer face 42,
top outer face 43, and bottom outer face 44. Front outer face 41, rear outer face
42, top outer face 43, bottom outer face 44, left side outer face 45, and right side
outer face 46 are substantially parallel to its opposing face, and substantially perpendicular
to the other faces. Each of an area of left side outer face 45 and an area of right
side outer face 46 is greater than each of an area of front outer face 41, an area
of rear outer face 42, an area of top outer face 43, and an area of bottom outer face
44. Ink cartridge 25 is inserted into case 280 from front outer face 41-side.
[0018] Ink cartridge 25 comprises a frame 50, a movable member,
e.g.,a pivotable member 70, an air communication portion 80, an ink supply portion 90,
a pair of side walls 60, a detection portion 140, and a protrusion 145. Frame 50 defines
front outer face 41, rear outer face 42, top outer face 43, and bottom outer face
44 of ink cartridge 25. Pair of side walls 60 is connected to,
e.g., attached to, frame 50, respectively, and pair of side walls 60 defines left side
outer face 45 and right side outer face 46 of ink cartridge 25, respectively.
[0019] Frame 50 is formed of a translucent resin material,
e.g.,a transparent material or a semi-transparent material, and light,
e.g., visible or infrared light, passes therethrough. In this embodiment, frame 50 is
manufactured by injection-molding polypropylene. Alternatively, frame 50 may be manufactured
by injection-molding polyacetal, nylon, polyethylene, or the like. Frame 50 integrally
comprises detection portion 140 positioned at front outer face 41. Detection portion
140 is formed of the same material as frame 50. Alternatively, substantially an entirety
of frame 50 is formed of an opaque resin material, but detection portion 140 is formed
of a translucent resin material,
e.g., a transparent material or a semi-transparent material, and light,
e.g., visible or infrared light, passes therethrough. ,
[0020] Frame 50 has a substantially square or rectangular perimeter extending along front
outer face 41, top outer face 43, rear outer face 42, and bottom outer surface 44
defining a space in the interior thereof. Openings surrounded by frame 50 are formed
on both ends of frame 50 in width direction 31, respectively. Pair of side walls 60
is connected to,
e.g.,adhered to, the ends of frame 50 in width direction 31, respectively, via an adhesion
method,
e.g., a thermal adhesion method, such that the openings are covered by pair of side walls
60, respectively, and a space surrounded by frame 50 and pair of side walls 60 defines
ink chamber 100 therein. Pair of side walls 60 is formed of the same material as the
frame. Pair of side walls 60 may be a pair of translucent flexible films,
e.g., transparent or semi-transparent flexible films. Ink cartridge 25 may comprise a
pair of covers covering pair of side walls 60 from the exterior of pair of side walls
60 to reinforce the rigidity of ink cartridge 25.
[0021] An amount of ink stored in ink chamber 100 is optically or visually detected via
detection portion 140. Detection portion 140 extends outward from a middle portion
of front outer face 41 of frame 50 in height direction 32. Detection portion 140 extends
away from ink chamber 100. Detection portion 140 comprises five rectangular walls
and have a substantially a hollow box shape. For example, detection portion 140 comprises
a front wall 140A, a pair of side walls 1408, a top wall 140C, and a bottom wall 140D.
Front wall 140A extends parallel to front outer face 41 and is separated from front
outer face 41 by a predetermined distance. Side walls 140B are connected to front
outer face 41 and front wall 140A, top wall 140C is connected to top ends of front
wall 140A and side walls 140B, and bottom wall 140D is connected to bottom ends of
front wall 140A and side walls 140B. Moreover, the width of front wall 140A is less
than the width of front face 41 in width direction 31. Detection portion 140 is configured
to receive light,
e.g., visible or infrared light, emitted from an optical sensor 230,
e.g.,a photo interrupter, positioned in cartridge mounting portion 276. When ink cartridge
25 is mounted to cartridge mounting portion 276, a light emitting portion of optical
sensor 230 faces one of side walls 140B and a light receiving portion of optical sensor
230 faces the other of the side walls 140B. Light emitted from the light emitting
portion of optical sensor 230 may pass through side walls 140B and reach the light
receiving portion of optical sensor 230.
[0022] Detection portion 140 has an inner space 142 defined by front wall 140A, side walls
140B, top wall 140C, and bottom wall 140D. There is no wall between inner space 142
and ink chamber 100 such that inner space 142 is in fluid communication with ink chamber
100. Pivotable member 70 is positioned in ink chamber 100. Pivotable member 70 comprises
an indication portion 72 positioned at a first end of pivotable member 70 and a float
73 positioned at a second end of pivotable member 70 opposite the first end of pivotable
member 70. Indication portion 72 is configured to be positioned in inner space 142.
Pivotable member 70 extends from indication portion 72 to float 73 in a plane substantially
parallel to height direction 32 and depth direction 33. Pivotable member 70 comprises
a shaft 66 positioned between indication portion 72 and float 73. Shaft 66 extends
in width direction 31. Both ends of shaft 66 are supported by bearings (not shown)
positioned at inner surfaces of pair of side walls 66, respectively, such that pivotable
member 70 pivots about shaft 66. When pair of side walls 60 is a pair of flexible
films, the bearings are not positioned at inner surfaces of pair of side walls 66.
Instead, shaft 66 is supported by the bearings positioned at frame 50.
[0023] Pivotable member 70 is formed of an opaque material. Pivotable member 70 is manufactured
by injection-molding a resin,
e.g., nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyolefin, acrylic resin, or
the like. A coloring agent,
e.g., carbon black may be added in the resin. Alternatively, at least indication portion
72 may be formed of an opaque material, and other portions of pivotable member 70
may be formed of a non-opaque material. When indication portion 72 receives light
emitted from optical sensor 230, indication portion 72 is configured to block the
light. For example, indication portion 72 prevents the light from passing therethrough.
Alternatively, pivotable member 70 may comprise a reflective member,
e.g., aluminum foil, positioned at indication portion 72, and when indication portion
72 receives light emitted from optical sensor 230, indication portion 72 reflects
the light.
[0024] The specific gravity of float 73 is less than the specific gravity of ink in ink
chamber 100. In this embodiment, float 73 has a hollow space formed therein. Float
73 is configured to move up and down in accordance with increase and decrease of ink
amount in ink chamber 100. In accordance with the movement of float 73, pivotable
member 70 pivots about shaft 66. In accordance with the pivot movement of pivotable
member 70, indication portion 72 moves up and down in inner space 142.
[0025] When ink chamber 100 has a sufficient amount of ink therein, indicator portion 72
is positioned in a first position in which indicator portion 72 contacts bottom wall
140D as shown in solid line in Fig. 3(B). When ink chamber 100 does not have a sufficient
amount of ink therein, indicator potion 72 is positioned in a second position in which
indication portion 72 is separated from bottom wall 140D and contacts top wall 140C.
In this embodiment, when ink cartridge 25 is mounted to cartridge mounting portion
276 and when indicator portion 72 is positioned in the first position, indicator portion
72 blocks the light emitted from optical sensor 230. By monitoring whether indicator
portion 72 is positioned in the first position from an exterior of detection portion
140 by optical sensor 230, it is determined that whether ink chamber 100 has a sufficient
amount of ink therein.
[0026] Protrusion 145 is positioned at top outer face 43 adjacent to front outer face 41.
Protrusion 145 has a plate shape having a depth in depth direction 33, a height in
height direction 32, and a width in width direction 31, in which the depth of protrusion
145 is greater than the height of protrusion 145, and the height of protrusion 145
is greater than the width of protrusion 145.
[0027] Air communication portion 80 is positioned at front outer face 41. When ink cartridge
25 is mounted to cartridge mounting portion 276, air communication portion 80 is positioned
above detection portion 140. Air communication portion 80 comprises an opening 81
formed through front outer face 41 to draw air into ink chamber 100, a valve mechanism
configured to selectively be opened and closed such that fluid communication between
an interior and an exterior of ink chamber 100 via opening 81 is selectively allowed
and prevented, and a cap 85 enclosing the valve mechanism. Cap 85 is attached to front
outer face 41 and extends outward from front outer face 41 in a direction away from
ink chamber 100, such that the valve mechanism is positioned adjacent to opening 81.
In this embodiment, a valve mechanism described in
JP-A-2007-144811 or
US 2007/0070138 A1 is used as the valve mechanism of air communication portion 80. Nevertheless, another
kind of known valve mechanism may be used as the valve mechanism of air communication
portion 80. The valve mechanism of air communication portion 80 comprises a rod 84
extending to an exterior of cap 85. Only rod 84 is shown in Fig. 3, and other portions
of the valve mechanism is omitted in Fig. 3. When no external force is applied to
the valve mechanism, the valve mechanism is closed such that the fluid communication
between the interior and the exterior of ink chamber 100 via opening 81 is prevented.
When an external force is applied to rod 84 toward ink chamber 100, rod 84 moves toward
ink chamber 100 to cause the valve mechanism to be opened such that the fluid communication
between the interior and the exterior of ink chamber 100 via opening 81 is allowed.
When this occurs, air is drawn into ink chamber 100 via air communication portion
80.
[0028] Ink supply portion 90 is positioned at front outer face 41. When ink cartridge 25
is mounted to cartridge mounting portion 276, ink supply portion 90 is positioned
below detection portion 140. Ink supply portion 90 has an opening 91 formed through
front outer face 41 to supply ink from an interior of ink chamber 100 to an exterior
of ink chamber 100, a valve mechanism (not shown) configured to selectively be opened
and closed such that fluid communication between the interior and the exterior of
ink chamber 100 via opening 91 is selectively allowed and prevented, and a cap 95
enclosing the valve mechanism. Cap 95 is attached to front outer face 41 and extends
outward from front outer face 41 in a direction away from ink chamber 100, such that
the valve mechanism is positioned adjacent to opening 91. In this embodiment, a valve
mechanism described in
JP-A-2007-144811 or
US 2007/0070138 A1 is used as the valve mechanism of ink supply portion 90. Nevertheless, another kind
of known valve mechanism may be used as the valve mechanism of ink supply portion
90. When no external force is applied to the valve mechanism of ink supply portion
90, the valve mechanism is closed such that the fluid communication between the interior
and the exterior of ink chamber 100 via opening 91 is prevented. Referring to Fig.
5, cartridge mounting portion 276 comprises an ink pipe 285. When ink cartridge 25
is mounted to cartridge mounting portion 276, ink pipe 285 enters cap 95, such that
a portion of ink pipe 285 is positioned within ink supply portion 90, and ink pipe
285 applies a force to,
e.g., pushes, the valve mechanism toward ink chamber 100. Consequently, the valve mechanism
is opened such that ink is allowed to be supplied from ink chamber 100 to ink pipe
285 via ink supply portion 90, and then supplied to recording head 272 via tube 278.
[0029] Referring to Fig. 4, adapter 27 according to an embodiment of the invention is depicted.
Adapter 27 is used with ink cartridge 25 in cartridge mounting portion 276. Adapter
27 has information about ink cartridge 25 which is to be used with adapter 27. Recording
apparatus 250 is configured to obtain information from detection portions of adapter
27 with optical sensors 230, 235. The information may be related to the color of or
the amount of ink stored in ink cartridge 25 which is used with detected adapter 27,
or may be related to the country where ink cartridge 25 is sold.
[0030] Adapter 27 comprises a main body 36, a detection portion 186, and an operation portion
169.
[0031] Referring to Figs. 2(A) and 2(B), ink cartridge 25 comprises a front portion 28 positioned
between front outer face 41 and a portion indicated by a alternate long and two short
dashes line. Front portion 28 comprises air communication portion 80, detection portion
140, and ink supply portion 90. Referring again to Fig. 4, in this embodiment, main
body 36 has a container shape configured to accommodate front portion 28 of ink cartridge
25. In another embodiment, main body 36 may accommodate substantially the entirety
of ink cartridge 25. In yet another embodiment, main body 36 may not accommodate any
portions of ink cartridge 25.
[0032] Main body 36 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape corresponding to
the shape of front portion 28 of ink cartridge 25. Main body 36 has a width in a width
direction as indicated by an arrow 1031, a height in a height direction as indicated
by an arrow 1032, and a depth in a depth direction as indicated by an arrow 1033.
The height of main body 36 is greater than each of the width and the depth of main
body 36. Main body 36 comprises a front wall 162, a top wall 163, a bottom wall 164
opposite top wall 163, a left side wall 165, and a right side wall 166 opposite left
side wall 165. Each of top wall 163 and bottom wall 164 is connected to front wall
162, and each of left side wall 165 and right side wall 166 is connected to front
wall 162, top wall 163, and bottom wall 164. Main body 36 has an opening 159 formed
opposite front wall 162, and opening 159 is defined by ends of top wall 163, bottom
wall 164, left side wall 165, and right side wall 166. Front wall 162, top wall 163,
bottom wall 164, left side wall 165, and right side wall 166 define a space therein,
and the space is opened to an exterior of main body 36 via opening 159. Front portion
28 of ink cartridge 25 is configured to be inserted into the space of main body 36
via opening 159, and when adapter 27 and ink cartridge 25 are mounted to cartridge
mounting portion 276, front portion 28 is accommodated in the space of main body 36.
When front portion 28 is accommodated in the space of main body 36, front wall 162
faces front outer face 41 and covers at least a portion of front outer face 41, top
wall 163 faces top outer face 43 and covers at least a portion of top outer face 43,
bottom wall 164 faces bottom outer face 44 and covers at least a portion of bottom
outer face 44, left side wall 165 faces left side outer face 45 and covers at least
a portion of left side outer face 45, and right side wall 166 faces right side outer
face 46 and covers at least a portion of right side outer face 46. When front portion
28 of ink cartridge 25 is inserted into the space of main body 36, the insertion of
front portion 28 is guided by inner surfaces of top wall 163, bottom wall 164, left
side wall 165, and right side wall 166, such that the insertion of ink cartridge 25
is performed smoothly. Adapter 27 is inserted into cartridge mounting portion 276
from front wall 162-side in insertion direction 30. When adapter 27 and ink cartridge
25 are mounted to cartridge mounting portion 276, width direction 1031, height direction
1032, and depth direction 1033 are parallel to width direction 31, height direction
32, and depth direction 33, respectively.
[0033] Main body 36 has a cut-out 187 formed though front wall 162, left side wall 165,
and right side wall 166. When ink cartridge 25 is accommodated in main body 36, detection
portion 140 is exposed to the exterior of main body 36 via cut-out 187. Therefore,
cut-out 187 is formed at a position corresponding to front wall 140A and pair of side
walls 140B, and has a shape and a size corresponding to front wall 140A and pair of
side walls 140B. A shape of cut-out 187 at front wall 162 seen from a direction perpendicular
to front wall 162 is rectangular, a shape of cut-out 187 at left side wall 165 seen
from a direction perpendicular to left side wall 165 is rectangular, a shape of cut-out
187 at right side wall 166 seen from a direction perpendicular to right side wall
166 is also rectangular.
[0034] Adapter 27 is formed of an opaque material. Adapter 27 is manufactured by injection-molding
a resin,
e.g.,nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyolefin, acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene.' A coloring agent,
e.g., carbon black, may be added in the resin.
[0035] Main body 36 integrally comprises detection portion 186, and detection portion 186
comprises a pair of protrusions 192, 193. Pair of protrusions 192, 193 is positioned
at top wall 163. Pair of protrusions 192, 193 extends from top wall 163 in a direction
perpendicular to top wall 163. Each of pair of protrusions 192, 193 has a plate shape
having a depth in depth direction 1033, a height in height direction 1032, and a width
in width direction 1031, in which the height of each of pair of protrusions 192, 193
is greater than the width of each of pair of protrusions 192, 193, and the depth of
each of pair of protrusions 192, 193 is greater than the height of each of pair of
protrusions 192, 193. When adapter 27 is inserted into cartridge mounting portion
276 and mounted to cartridge mounting portion 276, detection portion 186 is positioned
in an optical path 236 of an optical sensor 235 provided in cartridge mounting portion
276, and blocks light emitted from optical sensor 235. Optical path 236 is formed
between a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion of optical sensor 235.
The light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of optical sensor 235 faces
each other. Because adapter 27 is formed of opaque material, detection portion 186
blocks light,
e.g.,visible or infrared light, emitted from the light emitting portion. For example,
when detection portion 186 is positioned in optical path 236 of optical sensor 235,
detection portion 186 prevents the light of optical sensor 235 from passing therethrough.
Alternatively, adapter 27 may comprise a reflective member,
e.g., aluminum foil, positioned at detection portion 186, and when detection portion 186
receives light emitted from optical sensor 235, detection portion 186 reflects the
light. Optical sensor 235 is electrically connected to a controller (not shown) of
recording apparatus 250. When the light emitted from the light emitting portion is
not blocked, the intensity of the light reaching the light receiving portion is greater
than a threshold value. When detection portion 186 blocks the light emitted from the
light emitting portion, the intensity of the light reaching the light receiving portion
is less than the threshold value. When the intensity of the light reaching the light
receiving portion is less than the threshold value, optical sensor 235 outputs a signal
to the controller, and the controller determines that adapter 27 is mounted to cartridge
mounting portion 276. Protrusion 192 and protrusion 193 are aligned in width direction
1031, and a gap 194 is formed therebetween. Top wall 163 has a slit 195 formed therethrough
extending from opening 159 in depth direction 1033. Slit 195 is continuous with gap
194.
[0036] Main body 36 comprises a bridge portion 189 positioned at front wall 162 and spanning
cut-out 187 in height direction 1032. Bridge portion 189 has a plate shape having
a depth in depth direction 1033, a height in height direction 1032, and a width in
width direction 1031, in which the width of bridge portion 189 is greater than the
depth of bridge portion 189, and the height of bridge portion 189 is greater than
the width of bridge portion 189. Bridge portion 189 divides cut-out 187 into two openings
190, When bridge portion 189 is inserted into cartridge mounting portion 276, bridge
portion 189 passes an optical path 231 of optical sensor 230, and blocks light emitted
from optical sensor 230. Optical path 231 is formed between a light emitting portion
and a light receiving portion of optical sensor 230. The light emitting portion and
the light receiving portion of optical sensor 230 faces each other. Because adapter
27 is formed of opaque material, bridge portion 189 blocks light,
e.g., visible or infrared light, emitted from the light emitting portion. For example,
when bridge portion 189 is positioned in optical path 231 of optical sensor 230, bridge
portion 189 prevents the light of optical sensor 230 from passing therethrough. Alternatively,
adapter 27 may comprise a reflective member,
e.g., aluminum foil, positioned at bridge portion 189, and when bridge portion 189 receives
light emitted from optical sensor 230, bridge portion 189 reflects the light. When
the insertion of adapter 27 into the cartridge mounting portion 276 is completed,
the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of optical sensor 230 faces
openings 190, respectively, such that the light emitted from the light emitting portion
may reach the light receiving portion though openings 190. Optical sensor 230 is electrically
connected to a controller (not shown) of recording apparatus 230. When the light emitted
from the light emitting portion is not blocked, the intensity of the light reaching
the light receiving portion is greater than a threshold value. When bridge portion
189 blocks the light emitted from the light emitting portion, the intensity of the
light reaching the light receiving portion is less than the threshold value. When
the intensity of the light reaching the light receiving portion is less than the threshold
value, optical sensor 230 outputs a signal to the controller.
[0037] The depth of bridge portion 189 depends on the characteristic of ink cartridge 25
which is to be used with adapter 27,
e.g., the color of or the initial amount of ink stored in ink chamber 100 of ink cartridge
25 which is to be used with adapter 27. In this embodiment, two types of ink cartridge
25 are used. One type of ink cartridge 25 stores a relatively small initial amount
of ink in ink chamber 100, and another type of ink cartridge 25 stores a relatively
large initial amount of ink in ink chamber 100. The depth of bridge portion 189 of
adapter 27 to be used with ink cartridge 25 storing the relatively large initial amount
of ink is greater than the depth of bridge portion 189 of adapter 27 to be used with
ink cartridge 25 storing the relatively small initial amount of ink. Alternatively,
one type of ink cartridge 25 stores a black ink in ink chamber 100, and another type
of ink cartridge 25 stores a color ink other than black in ink chamber 100. The depth
of bridge portion 189 of adapter 27 to be used with ink cartridge 25 storing the black
ink is greater than the depth of bridge portion 189 of adapter 27 to be used with
ink cartridge 25 storing the color ink.
[0038] Front wall 162 has a circular opening 177 formed therethrough in depth direction
1033. Opening 177 is positioned adjacent to top wall 163. The space defined by front
wall 162, top wall 163, bottom wall 164, left side wall 165, and right side wall 166
is opened to the exterior of main body 36 via opening 177. Opening 177 is formed at
a position corresponding to air communication portion 80. Referring to Fig. 5, cartridge
mounting portion 276 comprises a pushing portion 216, and the diameter of opening
177 is great enough to allow pushing portion 216 to be inserted through opening 177.
When adapter 27 is mounted to cartridge mounting portion 276, a portion of pushing
portion 216 is positioned within opening 177. Then, when ink cartridge 25 is inserted
into cartridge mounting portion 276, pushing portion 216 applies a force to rod 84,
e.g., pushes, rod 84 toward ink chamber 100 to cause the valve mechanism of air communication
portion 80 to be opened.
[0039] Referring again to Fig. 4, front wall 162 has a circular opening 178 formed therethrough
in depth direction 1033. Opening 178 is positioned adjacent to bottom wall 164. The
space defined by front wall 162, top wall 163, bottom wall 164, left side wall 165,
and right side wall 166 is opened to the exterior of main body 36 via opening 178.
Opening 178 is formed at a position corresponding to ink supply portion 90. The diameter
of opening 178 is great enough to allow ink supply portion 90 to be inserted through
opening 178. When adapter 27 and ink cartridge 25 are mounted to cartridge mounting
portion 276, a portion of ink supply portion 90 is positioned within opening 178,
and a portion of ink pipe 285 is positioned within ink supply portion 90.
[0040] Operation portion 169 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having
a depth in depth direction 1033, a height in height direction 1032, and a width in
width direction 1033, in which the depth of operation portion 169 is greater than
each of the height and the width of operation portion 169. The width of operation
portion 169 is less than the width of main body 36. Operation portion 169 extends
from bottom wall 164 in a direction away from main body 36. Operation portion 169
comprises an extending portion 171 and a grasp portion 170. Extending portion 171
has a first end connected to main body 36 and a second end opposite the first end
of extending portion 171. Grasp portion 170 is connected to the second end of extending
portion 171. A user 170 may grasp grasp portion 170. Each of grasp portion 170 and
extending portion 171 has a height in height direction 1032, and the height of grasp
portion 170 is greater than the height of extending portion 171. Each of grasp portion
170 and extending portion 171 has a top surface and a bottom surface opposite bottom
surface. When adapter 27 is mounted to cartridge mounting portion 276, the top surface
of each of grasp portion 170 and extending portion 171 is positioned above the bottom
surface of each of grasp portion 170 and extending portion 171. The top surface of
grasp portion 170 is flush with the top surface of extending portion 171, and the
bottom surface of grasp portion 170 is offset from the bottom surface of extending
portion 171, such that the bottom surface of grasp portion 170 is connected to the
bottom surface of extending portion via a connecting surface 173 extending in height
direction 1032. In another embodiment, operation portion 169 may not be connected
to bottom wall 164, but may be connected to top wall 163, left side face 165, or right
side wall 166.
[0041] Referring to Figs. 5-13, cartridge mounting portion 276 according to an embodiment
of the invention is depicted. Cartridge mounting portion 276 comprises at least one
case 280,
e.g., four cases 280 corresponding to four ink cartridges 25, respectively. Case 280 comprises
a main body 281 and a lock lever 283. Main body 281 has an accommodating chamber 282
formed therein. Accommodating chamber 282 is configured to receive and accommodate
ink cartridge 25 and adapter 27. Case 280 has an opening 284 formed therethrough and
a end wall 286 positioned opposite opening 284. Adapter 27 is inserted into accommodating
chamber 282 via opening 284 to be positioned to contact end wall 286 with front wall
162 facing end wall 286, and then ink cartridge 25 is inserted into accommodating
chamber 282 via opening 284 such that front portion 28 of ink cartridge 25 is positioned
in main body 36 of adapter 27.
[0042] Case 280 comprises optical sensor 230 and optical sensor 235,
e.g., photo interrupters. Optical sensor 230 is positioned at end wall 286 of case 280.
Case 280 comprises a top wall 287 and a bottom wall 288 opposite top wall 287, and
optical sensor 235 is positioned at top wall 287 adjacent to end wall 286. Each of
optical sensor 230 and optical sensor 235 comprises a light emitting portion and a
light receiving portion. Each of optical sensor 230 and optical sensor 235 is connected
to a controller (not shown) of recording apparatus 250, and is configured not to output
an electric signal to the controller when the light receiving portion receives light
having intensity of equal to or greater than a threshold value, but to output the
electric signal to the controller when the light receiving portion receives light
having intensity of less than the threshold value. Optical path 231 is formed between
the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of optical sensor 230.
The light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of optical sensor 230 is
aligned in a direction perpendicular to the paper plane of Fig. 5, and the light emitting
portion and the light receiving portion of optical sensor 230 face each other. Similarly,
optical path 236 is formed between the light emitting portion and the light receiving
portion of optical sensor 235. The light emitting portion and the light receiving
portion of optical sensor 235 is aligned in a direction perpendicular to the paper
plane of Fig. 5, and the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of
optical sensor 235 faces each other.
[0043] When bridge portion 189 or indication portion 72 is positioned in optical path 231,
the light emitted from the light emitting portion of optical sensor 230 is blocked,
and the light receiving portion of optical sensor 230 receives light having intensity
of less than the threshold value,
e.g., zero intensity. Similarly, when detection portion 186 is positioned in optical path
236, the light emitted from the light emitting portion of optical sensor 235 is blocked,
and the light receiving portion of optical sensor 235 receives light having intensity
of less than the threshold value,
e.g., zero intensity.
[0044] Case 280 comprises ink pipe 285 extending from end wall 286 toward opening 284 in
a direction opposite insertion direction 30. Ink pipe 285 penetrates through end wall
286, and an end of ink pipe 285 is exposed to the exterior of main body 281. Tube
278 is connected to the end of ink pipe 285. When ink cartridge 25 is accommodated
in accommodating chamber 282, ink pipe 285 enters ink supply portion 90, such that
the valve mechanism of ink supply portion 90 is opened by ink pipe 285. When the valve
mechanism of ink supply portion 90 is opened by ink pipe 285, ink chamber 100 is brought
into fluid communication with ink pipe 285, and ink is allowed to be supplied from
ink chamber 100 to recording head 272 via opening 91, ink pipe 285, and tube 278.
[0045] Case 280 comprises a pushing portion 216 extending from end wall 286 toward opening
284 in a direction opposite insertion direction 30. When adapter 27 is inserted into
accommodating chamber 282, pushing portion 216 is inserted through opening 177. Then,
when ink cartridge 25 is inserted into accommodating chamber 282, pushing portion
216 applies a force to rod 84,
e.g., pushes rod 84 toward ink chamber 100 to cause the valve mechanism of air communication
portion 80 to be opened.
[0046] Lock lever 283 is configured to be selectively opened and closed to selectively cover
and uncover opening 284. When adapter 27 and ink cartridge 25 are accommodated in
accommodating chamber 282, and lock lever 283 is closed, adapter 27 and ink cartridge
25 are securely retained in accommodating chamber 282 by lock lever 283. Case 280
comprises a shaft 290 positioned directly above opening 284, and a first end of lock
lever 283 is coupled to shaft 290, such that lock lever 283 pivots about shaft 290.
Lock lever 283 has an inner surface 296 and an outer surface 297 opposite inner surface
296. When lock lever 283 covers opening 284, inner surface 296 faces accommodating
chamber 282. Lock lever 283 comprises an operation portion 293, and a claw 294. Claw
294 is positioned at inner surface 296 and at a second end of lock lever 283 opposite
the first end of lock lever 283. Operation portion 293 is positioned at outer surface
297 adjacent to the second end of lock lever 283. Lock lever 290 has an opening 295
extending from inner surface 296 to outer surface 297 and positioned adjacent to the
second end of lock lever 283. Case 280 has a groove 299 formed therein at a position
below opening 284, and groove 299 is configured to engage claw 294.
[0047] Referring to Figs. 6-13, adapter 27 and ink cartridge 25 are inserted into accommodating
chamber 282 and mounted to case 280 in the following manner.
[0048] When a user intends to insert adapter 27 into accommodating chamber 282, the user
grasps grasp portion 170 as shown in Fig. 6, and inserts adapter 27 into accommodating
chamber 282 from front wall 162-side via opening 284 toward end wall 286. Bridge portion
189 first enters optical path 231 of optical sensor 230, and then when adapter 27
is further inserted, detection portion 186 enters optical path 236 of optical sensor
235. If adapter 27 is the one used with ink tank 25 storing the relatively large initial
amount of ink or storing the black ink, the depth of bridge portion 189 is great enough
such that bridge portion 189 is still positioned in optical path 231 of optical sensor
230 when detection portion 186 initially enters optical path 236 of optical sensor
235. On the contrary, if adapter 27 is the one used with ink tank 25 storing the relatively
small initial amount of ink or storing the color ink, the depth of bridge portion
189 is short such that bridge portion 189 has passed optical path 231 of optical sensor
230 and is not positioned in optical path 231 of optical sensor 230 when detection
portion 186 initially enters optical path 236 of optical sensor 235. The controller
determines which type of ink tank 25 is to be mounted based on the output of optical
sensor 230 when detection portion 186 initially enters optical path 236 of optical
sensor 235. When adapter 27 is further inserted, adapter 27 contacts end wall 286
as shown in Fig. 7, which completes the insertion of adapter 27. When adapter 27 contacts
end wall 286, detection portion 186 is positioned in optical path 236 of optical sensor
235, optical path 231 of optical sensor 230 is positioned through openings 190, and
a portion of pushing portion 216 is positioned within opening 177 as shown in Fig.
7. Moreover, when adapter 27 contacts end wall 286, operation member 169 extends from
bottom wall 164 of main body 36 to opening 284, such that grasp portion 170 is positioned
outside accommodating chamber 282, and connecting surface 173 contacts an end surface
289 of bottom wall 288 positioned opposite end wall 286. The controller determines
whether adapter 27 is mounted in case 280 based on the output of optical sensor 235.
[0049] When a user intends to remove adapter 27 from case 280 before inserting ink cartridge
25 into accommodating chamber 282, the user grasps grasp portion 170 as shown in Fig.
8, and pulls adapter 27 in a direction opposite to insertion direction 30.
[0050] After the insertion of adapter 27 into accommodating chamber 282 is completed, ink
cartridge 25 is inserted into accommodating chamber 282 from front outer face 41-side
via opening 284 toward end wall 286 while bottom outer surface 44 sliding on the top
surface of extending portion 171 as shown in Fig. 9, and then front portion 28 of
ink cartridge 25 is inserted into the space of main body 36 of adapter 27 via opening
159 of main body 36 of adapter 27.
[0051] During the insertion of ink cartridge 25, protrusion 145 is inserted into gap 194
and slit 195. Pushing portion 216 then applies a force to rod 84,
e.g., contacts and pushes rod 84 toward ink chamber 100 to cause the valve mechanism of
air communication portion 80 to be opened. Ink chamber 100 is brought into fluid communication
with the atmosphere via opening 81, and air is drawn into ink chamber 100 via air
communication portion 80. Ink supply portion 90 then enters opening 178, and ink pipe
285 enters ink supply portion 90, such that the valve mechanism of ink supply portion
90 is opened by ink pipe 285. Ink chamber 100 is brought into fluid communication
with ink pipe 285, and ink is allowed to be supplied from ink chamber 100 to recording
head 272 via opening 91, ink pipe 285, and flexible tube 278. When ink cartridge 25
is inserted to the end, detection portion 140 is exposed to the exterior of main body
36 of adapter 27 via openings 190, and detection portion 140 is positioned in optical
path 231 of optical sensor 230 as shown in Fig. 10. When indication portion 72 is
positioned in optical path 231, the controller of recording apparatus 250 determines
that ink chamber 100 has a sufficient amount of ink therein, and when indication portion
72 is not positioned in optical path 231, the controller determines that ink chamber
100 does not have a sufficient amount of ink therein, based on the output from optical
sensor 230.
[0052] Subsequently, lock lever 283 pivots toward opening 284 by a user pushing operation
portion 293. When the second end of lock lever 283 moves toward groove 299 and claw
294 engages groove 299, lock lever 283 is closed and secured to main body 281 as shown
in Fig. 11. After lock lever 283 is closed, rear outer face 42 of ink cartridge 25
contacts inner surface 296 of lock lever 283, and therefore ink cartridge 25 is securely
retained in case 280. Grasp portion 170 is positioned in opening 295 of lock lever
283.
[0053] When ink cartridge 25 is removed from case 280, a user disengages claw 294 from groove
299, and causes lock lever 283 to pivot upward. The user grasps grasp portion 170
as shown in Fig. 12, and pulls adapter 27 in a direction opposite to insertion direction
30. Because front portion 28 of ink cartridge 25 is accommodated in the space of main
body 36 of adapter 27, ink cartridge 25 moves toward opening 284 together with adapter
27 as shown in Fig. 13. Therefore, the user can readily remove ink cartridge 25 from
case 280.
[0054] Because the information about the characteristic of ink cartridge 25 is carried by
adapter 27 as the depth of bridge portion 189, a common ink cartridge 25 can be used
regardless of the characteristic of ink cartridge 25. When ink cartridge 25 is used
up, and if a user wishes to use a new ink cartridges 25 having the same characteristic
as the used ink cartridge 25, the user does not have to purchase a new adapter 27.
The user only has to purchase a new ink cartridge 25, and the user can use the new
ink cartridge 25 with adapter 27 which the user has already had.
[0055] Because the space, openings 177, 178 are formed in main body 36 of adapter 27, ink
cartridge 25 can be mounted to case 280 after adapter 27 is mounted to case 280. Moreover,
ink cartridge 25 moves toward opening 284 together with adapter 27 when a user grasps
grasp portion 170 and pulls adapter 27. Therefore, the user can readily remove ink
cartridge 25 from case 280.
[0056] Referring to Figs. 14 and 15, an adapter 107 according to another embodiment of the
invention is depicted. The difference between adapter 27 and adapter 107 is that adapter
107 comprises coil springs 109, 110. Coil springs 109, 110 are positioned at an outer
surface of front wall 162 and extends from front wall 162 away from front wall 162
in depth direction 1033. Front wall 162 has a spring receiving chamber 112 formed
therein at a position between top wall 163 and opening 177. Spring receiving chamber
112 is a cylindrical chamber extending from the outer surface of front wall 162 into
front wall 162. Similarly, front wall 162 has a spring receiving chamber 113 formed
therein at a position between bottom wall 164 and opening 178. Spring receiving chamber
113 is a cylindrical chamber extending from the outer surface of front wall 162 into
front wall 162. An end of coil spring 109 is supported at the bottom of spring receiving
chamber 112, and an end of coil spring 110 is supported at the bottom of spring receiving
chamber 113. Coil springs 105, 106 may be replaced with leaf springs or rubber springs.
[0057] Referring to Figs. 16-18, adapter 107 and ink cartridge 25 are inserted into accommodating
chamber 282 and mounted to case 280 in the following manner.
[0058] When adapter 107 is inserted into accommodating chamber 282 from front wall 162-side
via opening 284 toward end wall 286, front wall 162 faces end wall 286, and coil springs
109, 110 are positioned between front wall 162 and end wall 286 with ends of coils
springs 109, 110 contacting end wall 286.
[0059] Subsequently, ink cartridge 25 is inserted into accommodating chamber 282 as shown
in Fig. 16. Subsequently, lock lever 283 pivots toward opening 284, and inner surface
296 of lock lever 283 contacts rear outer face 42 of ink cartridge 25 as shown in
Fig. 17. A user may push operation portion 293 to cause lock lever 283 to pivot. When
lock lever 283 further pivots, lock lever 283 pushes ink cartridge 25 against biasing
forces of coil springs 109, 110, respectively, while coil springs 109, 110 contract,
respectively.
[0060] During the insertion of ink cartridge 25, bridge portion 189 enters optical path
231 of optical sensor 230, and detection portion 186 enters optical path 236 of optical
sensor 235. Pushing portion 216 applies a force to rod 84,
e.g., contacts and pushes rod 84 toward ink chamber 100 to cause the valve mechanism of
air communication portion 80 to be opened. Ink chamber 100 is brought into fluid communication
with the atmosphere via opening 81. Ink pipe 285 then enters ink supply portion 90,
such that the valve mechanism of ink supply portion 90 is opened by ink pipe 285.
Ink chamber 100 is brought into fluid communication with ink pipe 285, and ink is
allowed to be supplied from ink chamber 100 to recording head 272 via opening 91,
ink pipe 285, and tube 278. When ink tank 25 is inserted to the end, detection portion
140 is exposed to the exterior of adapter 27 via openings 190, and detection portion
140 is positioned in optical path 231 of optical sensor 230.
[0061] When the second end of lock lever 283 moves toward groove 299 and claw 294 engages
groove 299, lock lever 283 is closed and secured to main body 281 as shown in Fig.
18. After lock lever 283 is closed, ink cartridge 25 receives the biasing forces of
coil springs 109, 110 toward opening 284 such that rear outer face 42 contact inner
surface 296 of lock lever 283, and therefore ink cartridge 25 is securely retained
in case 280.
[0062] When ink cartridge 25 is removed from case 280, claw 294 disengages from groove 299,
and lock lever 283 pivots upward. When this occurs, coil springs 109, 110 expand,
respectively, and adapter 107 and ink cartridge 25 are pushed toward opening 284 by
the biasing forces of coil springs 109, 110, and ink cartridge 25 is partially positioned
outside case 280. Therefore, a user can readily remove adapter 107 and ink cartridge
25.
[0063] In the embodiments described above, adapter 27 or 107 is first inserted into accommodating
chamber 282, and then ink cartridge 25 is inserted into accommodating chamber 282.
Nevertheless, adapter 27 or 107 and ink cartridge 25 may be inserted into accommodating
chamber 282 at the same time.
[0064] In another embodiment, detection portion 186 of adapter 27 or 107 may have a plurality
of slits formed therein, and the plurality of slits may extend in height direction
1032. The number of the plurality of slits may depend on the characteristic of ink
cartridge 25. The plurality of slits may allow light to pass therethrough. The controller
may determine what kind of ink cartridge 25 is to be mounted by counting the number
of the plurality of slits of detection portion 186 of adapter 27 or 107.
[0065] In another embodiment, an adapter may not comprise an operation member.
[0066] While the invention has been described in connection with exemplary embodiments,
it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other variations and modifications
of the exemplary embodiments described above may be made without departing from the
scope of the invention as claimed.
1. A system, comprising
an adapter (27, 107) for an ink cartridge (25), the adapter being configured to be
removably mounted to a cartridge mounting portion (276) of a recording apparatus (250),
comprising:
a detection portion (189) positioned at the adapter, wherein the detection portion
(189) is configured to block light emitted from an optical sensor (230) of the cartridge
mounting portion (276) when the adapter (27, 107) is inserted into the cartridge mounting
portion (276), and to provide information about the ink cartridge (25) which is to
be used with the adapter (27, 107) in the cartridge mounting portion (276) to the
recording apparatus by blocking light, wherein the adapter (27, 107) and the ink cartridge
(25) are separate members, and
a main body (36), wherein the detection portion (189) is positioned at the main body
(36), and
the recording apparatus (250), the recording apparatus (250) comprising the cartridge
mounting portion (276), the cartridge mounting portion (276) comprising the optical
sensor (230),
wherein the recording apparatus (250) is configured to obtain information from the
detection portion (189) with the optical sensor (230), wherein
the main body further comprises a top wall, a bottom wall opposite the top wall, a
left side wall, and a right side wall opposite the left side wall,
each of the top wall and the bottom wall are connected to the front wall, and each
of the left side wall and the right side wall are connected to the front wall, the
top wall, and the bottom wall,
the main body has a first opening (159) formed opposite the front wall, and the opening
is defined by ends of the top wall, the bottom wall, the left side wall, and the right
side wall,
the front wall, top wall, the bottom wall, the left side wall, and the right side
wall define a space therein, and the space is opened to an exterior of the main body
via the opening,
the front wall (162) has a second opening (178) formed therethrough,
the ink cartridge (25) is insertable into an accommodating chamber (282) of the cartridge
mounting portion (276), after the insertion of adapter (27) into the accommodating
chamber (282) is completed, and
the adapter (27, 107) is made of an opaque resin.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the information relates to the color or the
initial amount of ink stored in the ink cartridge (25).
3. The system according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the adapter comprises a further
detection portion (186) which is configured to block light emitted from a further
optical sensor (235) of the cartridge mounting portion (276), when the adapter is
inserted into the cartridge mounting portion (276).
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the adapter further comprises the further detection
portion (186) positioned at the adapter (27, 107), and
the cartridge mounting portion (276) further comprises a further optical sensor (235),
wherein the further detection portion (186) is configured to block light emitted from
the further optical sensor (235) when the adapter (27, 107) is mounted to the cartridge
mounting portion (276) and
wherein the recording apparatus (250) is configured to obtain information from the
detection portions (186, 189) with the optical sensors (230, 235).
5. A system, comprising
an adapter (27, 107) for an ink cartridge (25), the adapter being configured to be
removably mounted to a cartridge mounting portion (276) of a recording apparatus (250),
comprising:
a detection portion (189) positioned at the adapter, wherein the detection portion
(189) is configured to block light emitted from an optical sensor (230) of the cartridge
mounting portion (276) when the adapter (27, 107) is inserted into the cartridge mounting
portion (276), and to provide information about the ink cartridge (25) which is to
be used with the adapter (27, 107) in the cartridge mounting portion (276) to the
recording apparatus by blocking light, wherein the adapter (27, 107) and the ink cartridge
(25) are separate members, and
a main body (36), wherein the detection portion (189) is positioned at the main body
(36), wherein
the main body further comprises a top wall, a bottom wall opposite the top wall, a
left side wall, and a right side wall opposite the left side wall,
each of the top wall and the bottom wall are connected to the front wall, and each
of the left side wall and the right side wall are connected to the front wall, the
top wall, and the bottom wall,
the main body has a first opening (159) formed opposite the front wall, and the opening
is defined by ends of the top wall, the bottom wall, the left side wall, and the right
side wall,
the front wall, top wall, the bottom wall, the left side wall, and the right side
wall define a space therein, and the space is opened to an exterior of the main body
via the opening,
the front wall (162) has a second opening (178) formed therethrough,
the ink cartridge (25) is insertable into an accommodating chamber (282) of the cartridge
mounting portion (276), after the insertion of adapter (27) into the accommodating
chamber (282) is completed, and
the adapter (27, 107) is made of an opaque resin, and
an ink cartridge (25) configured to be removably mounted to a cartridge mounting portion
(276) of a recording apparatus (250), wherein
the ink cartridge (25) comprises a yet further detection portion (140) configured
to block light emitted from a light emitting portion of the optical sensor (230),
the adapter (27, 107) has a cut-out (187) formed through the front wall (162), the
left side wall (165), and the right side wall (166), and
when the ink cartridge (25) is accommodated in the adapter (27, 107), the yet further
detection portion (140) is exposed to the exterior of the adapter (27, 107) via the
cut-out (187).
6. The system according to claim 5, wherein
the ink cartridge (25) comprises an ink supply portion (90), and
when the adapter (27, 107) and the ink cartridge (25) are mounted to a cartridge mounting
portion (276), a portion of the ink supply portion (90) is positioned within the second
opening (178).
7. The system according to any of claims 5 to 6, wherein
the adapter (27, 107) comprises the front wall (162) with respect to the insertion
direction,
the adapter (27, 107) has the first opening (159) formed opposite of the front wall
(162),
the front wall has the second opening (178) formed therethrough
such that the ink cartridge (25) can be inserted into an accommodating chamber (282)
of the cartridge mounting portion (276) after the insertion of the adapter (27, 107)
into the accommodating chamber (282) of the cartridge mounting portion (276) is completed.
8. The system according to any of claims 5 to 7, comprising a grasp portion (170) configured
to enable the ink cartridge (25) to be removed from the cartridge mounting portion
(276) together with the adapter (27, 107).
9. The system according to any of claims 5 to 8, wherein
the adapter (27, 107) is formed of an opaque material and
the ink cartridge (25) comprises a frame (50) formed of a translucent resin material.
10. Use of an adapter (27, 107) for an ink cartridge (25) in a recording apparatus (250)
in order to block light emitted from an optical sensor (230) of the cartridge mounting
portion (276) of the recording apparatus (250) by the detection portion (140), the
adapter being configured to be removably mounted to a cartridge mounting portion (276)
of a recording apparatus (250), comprising:
a detection portion (189) positioned at the adapter, wherein the detection portion
(189) is configured to block light emitted from an optical sensor (230) of the cartridge
mounting portion (276) when the adapter (27, 107) is inserted into the cartridge mounting
portion (276), and to provide information about the ink cartridge (25) which is to
be used with the adapter (27, 107) in the cartridge mounting portion (276) to the
recording apparatus by blocking light, wherein the adapter (27, 107) and the ink cartridge
(25) are separate members, and
a main body (36), wherein the detection portion (189) is positioned at the main body
(36), wherein
the main body further comprises a top wall, a bottom wall opposite the top wall, a
left side wall, and a right side wall opposite the left side wall,
each of the top wall and the bottom wall are connected to the front wall, and each
of the left side wall and the right side wall are connected to the front wall, the
top wall, and the bottom wall,
the main body has a first opening (159) formed opposite the front wall, and the opening
is defined by ends of the top wall, the bottom wall, the left side wall, and the right
side wall,
the front wall, top wall, the bottom wall, the left side wall, and the right side
wall define a space therein, and the space is opened to an exterior of the main body
via the opening,
the front wall (162) has a second opening (178) formed therethrough,
the ink cartridge (25) is insertable into an accommodating chamber (282) of the cartridge
mounting portion (276), after the insertion of adapter (27) into the accommodating
chamber (282) is completed, and
the adapter (27, 107) is made of an opaque resin.
11. Use of the adapter (27, 107) according to claim 10, wherein the adapter (27, 107)
is further used to accommodate an ink cartridge (25) for providing ink to the recording
apparatus (250).
12. Use of the adapter (27, 107) according to claim 11, wherein the adapter (27, 107)
is used to accommodate the ink cartridge (25) such that the ink cartridge (25) is
inserted into an accommodating chamber (282) of the cartridge mounting portion (276)
after the insertion of the adapter (27, 107) into the accommodating chamber (282)
of the cartridge mounting portion (276) is completed.
1. Ein System, das aufweist:
einen Adapter (27, 107) für eine Tintenpatrone (25), wobei der Adapter dazu konfiguriert
ist, entfernbar an einen Patronenanbringungsabschnitt (276) einer Aufzeichnungsvorrichtung
(250) angebracht zu werden, der aufweist:
einen Erfassungsabschnitt (189), wobei der Erfassungsabschnitt (189) dazu konfiguriert
ist, Licht, das von einem optischen Sensor (230) des Patronenanbringungsabschnitts
(276) ausgegeben wird, zu blockieren, wenn der Adapter (27, 107) in den Patronenanbringungsabschnitt
(276) eingesetzt wird, und um eine Information über die mit dem Adapter (27, 107)
in dem Patronenanbringungsabschnitt (276) zu verwendende Tintenpatrone (25) für die
Aufzeichnungsvorrichtung durch Blockieren von Licht bereitzustellen, wobei der Adapter
(27, 107) und die Tintenpatrone (25) separate Bauteile sind, und
einen Hauptkörper (36), wobei der Erfassungsabschnitt (189) an dem Hauptkörper (36)
positioniert ist, und
eine Aufzeichnungsvorrichtung (250), wobei die Aufzeichnungsvorrichtung (250) einen
Patronenanbringungsabschnitt (276) aufweist, wobei der Patronenanbringungsabschnitt
(276) einen optischen Sensor (230) aufweist,
wobei die Aufzeichnungsvorrichtung (250) konfiguriert ist, um Information von dem
Erfassungsabschnitt (189) mit dem optischen Sensor (230) zu erhalten, wobei
der Hauptkörper ferner eine Oberwand, eine Unterwand gegenüber der Oberwand, eine
linksseitige Wand und eine rechtsseitige Wand gegenüber der linksseitigen Wand aufweist,
die Oberwand und die Unterwand mit der Vorderwand verbunden sind, und die linksseitige
Wand und die rechtsseitige Wand mit der Vorderwand, der Oberwand und der Unterwand
verbunden sind,
der Hauptkörper eine erste Öffnung (159) besitzt, die der Vorderwand (162) gegenüberliegt,
und die Öffnung definiert wird durch Enden der Oberwand, der Unterwand, der linksseitigen
Wand und der rechtsseitigen Wand,
die Vorderwand, Oberwand, linksseitige Wand und rechtsseitige Wand einen Raum darinnen
definieren und der Raum zur Außenseite des Hauptkörpers über die Öffnung geöffnet
ist,
die Vorderwand (162) eine zweite Öffnung (178) besitzt, die dort hindurch ausgebildet
ist,
die Tintenpatrone(235) in eine Unterbringungskammer (282) des Patronenanbringungsabschnitts
(276) einführbar ist, nachdem das Einführen des Adapters (27) in die Unterbringungskammer
(282) vollendet ist, und
der Adapter (27, 107) aus lichtundurchlässigem Harz gefertigt ist.
2. Das System gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei sich die Information auf die Farbe oder die Anfangsmenge
an Tinte, die in der Tintenpatrone (25) gespeichert ist, bezieht.
3. Das System gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 oder 2, wobei der Adapter einen weiteren Erfassungsabschnitt
(186) aufweist, der dazu konfiguriert ist, Licht, das von einem weiteren optischen
Sensor (235) des Patronenanbringungsabschnitts (276) ausgegeben wird, zu blockieren,
wenn der Adapter in den Patronenanbringungsabschnitt (276) eingesetzt wird.
4. Das System gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei der Adapter des Weiteren den weiteren Erfassungsabschnitt
(186) aufweist, der an dem Adapter (27, 107) positioniert ist, und
wobei der Patronenanbringungsabschnitt (276) des Weiteren einen weiteren optischen
Sensor (235) aufweist, wobei der weitere Erfassungsabschnitt (186) konfiguriert ist,
um Licht, das von dem weiteren optischen Sensor (235) ausgegeben wird, zu blockieren,
wenn der Adapter (27, 107) an dem Patronenanbringungsabschnitt (276) angebracht ist,
und
wobei die Aufzeichnungsvorrichtung (250) konfiguriert ist, um Informationen von den
Erfassungsabschnitten (186, 189) mit den optischen Sensoren (230, 235) zu erhalten.
5. Ein System, aufweisend
einen Adapter (27, 107) für eine Tintenpatrone (25), wobei der Adapter dazu konfiguriert
ist, entfernbar an einen Patronenanbringungsabschnitt (276) einer Aufzeichnungsvorrichtung
(250) angebracht zu werden, der aufweist:
einen Erfassungsabschnitt (189), wobei der Erfassungsabschnitt (189) dazu konfiguriert
ist, Licht, das von einem optischen Sensor (230) des Patronenanbringungsabschnitts
(276) ausgegeben wird, zu blockieren, wenn der Adapter (27, 107) in den Patronenanbringungsabschnitt
(276) eingesetzt wird, und um eine Information über die mit dem Adapter (27, 107)
in dem Patronenanbringungsabschnitt (276) zu verwendende Tintenpatrone (25) für die
Aufzeichnungsvorrichtung durch Blockieren von Licht bereitzustellen, wobei der Adapter
(27, 107) und die Tintenpatrone (25) separate Bauteile sind, und
einen Hauptkörper (36), wobei der Erfassungsabschnitt (189) an dem Hauptkörper (36)
positioniert ist, wobei
der Hauptkörper ferner eine Oberwand, eine Unterwand gegenüber der Oberwand, eine
linksseitige Wand und eine rechtsseitige Wand gegenüber der linksseitigen Wand aufweist,
die Oberwand und die Unterwand mit der Vorderwand verbunden sind, und die linksseitige
Wand und die rechtsseitige Wand mit der Vorderwand, der Oberwand und der Unterwand
verbunden sind,
der Hauptkörper eine erste Öffnung (159) besitzt, die der Vorderwand (162) gegenüberliegt,
und die Öffnung definiert wird durch Enden der Oberwand, der Unterwand, der linksseitigen
Wand und der rechtsseitigen Wand,
die Vorderwand, Oberwand, linksseitige Wand und rechtsseitige Wand einen Raum darinnen
definieren und der Raum zur Außenseite des Hauptkörpers über die Öffnung geöffnet
ist,
die Vorderwand (162) eine zweite Öffnung (178) besitzt, die dort hindurch ausgebildet
ist,
die Tintenpatrone(235) in eine Unterbringungskammer (282) des Patronenanbringungsabschnitts
(276) einführbar ist, nachdem das Einführen des Adapters (27) in die Unterbringungskammer
(282) vollendet ist, und
der Adapter (27, 107) aus lichtundurchlässigem Harz gefertigt ist, und
eine Tintenpatrone (25), die konfiguriert ist, um entfernbar an einen Patronenanbringungsabschnitt
(276) einer Aufzeichnungsvorrichtung (250) angebracht zu sein, wobei
die Tintenpatrone (25) einen noch weiteren Erfassungsabschnitt (140) aufweist, der
konfiguriert ist, um Licht, das von einem Lichtausgabeabschnitt des optischen Sensors
(230) ausgegeben wird, zu blockieren,
wobei der Adapter (27, 107) einen Ausschnitt (187) besitzt, der durch die Vorderwand
(162), eine linke Seitenwand (165), und eine rechte Seitenwand (166) hindurch ausgebildet
ist, und
wenn die Tintenpatrone (25) in dem Adapter (27, 107) untergebracht ist, der noch weitere
Erfassungsabschnitte (140) nach außerhalb des Adapter (27, 107) über den Ausschnitt
(187) bloß liegt.
6. Das System gemäß Anspruch 5, wobei
die Tintenpatrone (25) einen Tintenversorgungsabschnitt (90) aufweist, und wenn der
Adapter (27, 107) und die Tintenpatrone (25) an einem Patronenanbringungsabschnitt
(276) angebracht sind, ein Abschnitt des Tintenversorgungsabschnitts (90) in der zweiten
Öffnung (178) positioniert ist.
7. Das System gemäß Anspruch 5 oder 6, wobei der Adapter (27, 107) die Vorderwand (162)
in Bezug auf die Einsetzrichtung aufweist,
wobei der Adapter (27, 107) die erste Öffnung (159) besitzt, die gegenüber der Vorderwand
(162) ausgebildet ist,
wobei die Vorderwand die zweite Öffnung (178) besitzt, die dort hindurch ausgebildet
ist, so dass die Tintenpatrone (25) in eine Unterbringungskammer (282) des Patronenanbringungsabschnitts
(276) eingesetzt werden kann, nachdem das Einsetzen des Adapters (27, 107) in die
Unterbringungskammer (282) des Patronenanbringungsabschnitts (276) vollendet ist.
8. Das System gemäß einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 7, aufweisend einen Greifabschnitt (170),
der konfiguriert ist, um es der Tintenpatrone (25) zu ermöglichen, aus dem Patronenanbringungsabschnitt
(276) zusammen mit dem Adapter (27, 107) entfernt zu werden.
9. Das System gemäß einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 8, wobei der Adapter (27, 107) aus einem
lichtundurchlässigen Material ausgebildet ist, und die Tintenpatrone (25) einen Rahmen
(50) aufweist, der aus einem lichtdurchlässigen Harzmaterial ausgebildet ist.
10. Eine Verwendung eines Adapters (27, 107) für eine Tintenpatrone 5 in einer Aufzeichnungsvorrichtung
(250), so dass Licht, das von einem optischen Sensor (230) des Patronenanbringungsabschnitts
(276) der Aufzeichnungsvorrichtung (250) ausgegeben wird, durch den Erfassungsabschnitt
(140) blockiert wird, wobei der Adapter dazu konfiguriert ist, entfernbar an einen
Patronenanbringungsabschnitt (276) einer Aufzeichnungsvorrichtung (250) angebracht
zu werden, der aufweist:
einen Erfassungsabschnitt (189), wobei der Erfassungsabschnitt (189) dazu konfiguriert
ist, Licht, das von einem optischen Sensor (230) des Patronenanbringungsabschnitts
(276) ausgegeben wird, zu blockieren, wenn der Adapter (27, 107) in den Patronenanbringungsabschnitt
(276) eingesetzt wird, und um eine Information über die mit dem Adapter (27, 107)
in dem Patronenanbringungsabschnitt (276) zu verwendende Tintenpatrone (25) für die
Aufzeichnungsvorrichtung durch Blockieren von Licht bereitzustellen, wobei der Adapter
(27, 107) und die Tintenpatrone (25) separate Bauteile sind, und
einen Hauptkörper (36), wobei der Erfassungsabschnitt (189) an dem Hauptkörper (36)
positioniert ist, wobei
der Hauptkörper ferner eine Oberwand, eine Unterwand gegenüber der Oberwand, eine
linksseitige Wand und eine rechtsseitige Wand gegenüber der linksseitigen Wand aufweist,
die Oberwand und die Unterwand mit der Vorderwand verbunden sind, und die linksseitige
Wand und die rechtsseitige Wand mit der Vorderwand, der Oberwand und der Unterwand
verbunden sind,
der Hauptkörper eine erste Öffnung (159) besitzt, die der Vorderwand (162) gegenüberliegt,
und die Öffnung definiert wird durch Enden der Oberwand, der Unterwand, der linksseitigen
Wand und der rechtsseitigen Wand,
die Vorderwand, Oberwand, linksseitige Wand und rechtsseitige Wand einen Raum darinnen
definieren und der Raum zur Außenseite des Hauptkörpers über die Öffnung geöffnet
ist,
die Vorderwand (162) eine zweite Öffnung (178) besitzt, die dort hindurch ausgebildet
ist,
die Tintenpatrone(235) in eine Unterbringungskammer (282) des Patronenanbringungsabschnitts
(276) einführbar ist, nachdem das Einführen des Adapters (27) in die Unterbringungskammer
(282) vollendet ist, und
der Adapter (27, 107) aus lichtundurchlässigem Harz gefertigt ist.
11. Die Verwendung des Adapters (27, 107) gemäß Anspruch 10, wobei der Adapter (27, 107)
des weiteren dazu verwendet wird, eine Tintenpatrone (25) unterzubringen, um Tinte
für die Aufzeichnungsvorrichtung (250) bereitzustellen.
12. Die Verwendung des Adapters (27, 107) gemäß Anspruch 11, wobei der Adapter (27, 107)
dazu verwendet wird, die Tintenpatrone (25) unterzubringen, so dass die Tintenpatrone
(25) in eine Unterbringungskammer (282) des Patronenanbringungsabschnitts (276) eingesetzt
wird, nachdem das Einsetzen des Adapters (27, 107) in die Unterbringungskammer (282)
des Patronenanbringungsabschnitts (276) vollendet ist.
1. Système, comprenant
un adaptateur (27, 107) pour une cartouche d'encre (25), l'adaptateur étant configuré
pour être monté de manière amovible sur une partie de montage de cartouche (276) d'un
appareil d'enregistrement (250), comprenant :
une partie de détection (189) positionnée au niveau de l'adaptateur, dans lequel la
partie de détection (189) est configurée pour bloquer de la lumière émise par un capteur
optique (230) de la partie de montage de cartouche (276) lorsque l'adaptateur (27,
107) est inséré dans la partie de montage de cartouche (276), et pour fournir des
informations sur la cartouche d'encre (25) à utiliser avec l'adaptateur (27, 107)
dans la partie de montage de cartouche (276) à l'appareil d'enregistrement en bloquant
de la lumière, dans lequel l'adaptateur (27, 107) et la cartouche d'encre (25) sont
des éléments séparés, et
un corps principal (36), dans lequel la partie de détection (189) est positionnée
au niveau du corps principal (36), et
l'appareil d'enregistrement (250), l'appareil d'enregistrement (250) comprenant la
partie de montage de cartouche (276), la partie de montage de cartouche (276) comprenant
le capteur optique (230),
dans lequel l'appareil d'enregistrement (250) est configuré pour obtenir des informations
de la partie de détection (189) avec le capteur optique (230), dans lequel
le corps principal comprend en outre une paroi supérieure, une paroi inférieure opposée
à la paroi supérieure, une paroi latérale gauche et une paroi latérale droite opposée
à la paroi latérale gauche,
chacune de la paroi supérieure et de la paroi inférieure est reliée à la paroi avant,
et chacune de la paroi latérale gauche et de la paroi latérale droite est reliée à
la paroi avant, à la paroi supérieure et à la paroi inférieure,
le corps principal a une première ouverture (159) formée à l'opposé de la paroi avant,
et l'ouverture est définie par des extrémités de la paroi supérieure, de la paroi
inférieure, de la paroi latérale gauche et de la paroi latérale droite,
la paroi avant, la paroi supérieure, la paroi inférieure, la paroi latérale gauche
et la paroi latérale droite définissent un espace dans celles-ci, et l'espace est
ouvert sur un extérieur du corps principal via l'ouverture,
la paroi avant (162) a une deuxième ouverture (178) formée à travers celle-ci,
la cartouche d'encre (25) peut être insérée dans une chambre de logement (282) de
la partie de montage de cartouche (276), après que l'insertion de l'adaptateur (27)
dans la chambre de logement (282) a été effectuée, et
l'adaptateur (27, 107) est composé d'une résine opaque.
2. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les informations concernent la couleur
ou la quantité initiale d'encre stockée dans la cartouche d'encre (25).
3. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 ou 2, dans lequel l'adaptateur
comprend une autre partie de détection (186) qui est configurée pour bloquer de la
lumière émise par un autre capteur optique (235) de la partie de montage de cartouche
(276), lorsque l'adaptateur est inséré dans la partie de montage de cartouche (276).
4. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'adaptateur comprend en outre l'autre
partie de détection (186) positionnée au niveau de l'adaptateur (27, 107), et
la partie de montage de cartouche (276) comprend en outre un autre capteur optique
(235),
dans lequel l'autre partie de détection (186) est configurée pour bloquer de la lumière
émise par l'autre capteur optique (235) lorsque l'adaptateur (27, 107) est monté sur
la partie de montage de cartouche (276) et
dans lequel l'appareil d'enregistrement (250) est configuré pour obtenir des informations
des parties de détection (186, 189) avec les capteurs optiques (230, 235) .
5. Système, comprenant
un adaptateur (27, 107) pour une cartouche d'encre (25), l'adaptateur étant configuré
pour être monté de manière amovible sur une partie de montage de cartouche (276) d'un
appareil d'enregistrement (250), comprenant :
une partie de détection (189) positionnée au niveau de l'adaptateur, dans lequel la
partie de détection (189) est configurée pour bloquer de la lumière émise par un capteur
optique (230) de la partie de montage de cartouche (276) lorsque l'adaptateur (27,
107) est inséré dans la partie de montage de cartouche (276), et pour fournir des
informations sur la cartouche d'encre (25) à utiliser avec l'adaptateur (27, 107)
dans la partie de montage de cartouche (276) à l'appareil d'enregistrement en bloquant
de la lumière, dans lequel l'adaptateur (27, 107) et la cartouche d'encre (25) sont
des éléments séparés, et
un corps principal (36), dans lequel la partie de détection (189) est positionnée
au niveau du corps principal (36), dans lequel
le corps principal comprend en outre une paroi supérieure, une paroi inférieure opposée
à la paroi supérieure, une paroi latérale gauche et une paroi latérale droite opposée
à la paroi latérale gauche,
chacune de la paroi supérieure et de la paroi inférieure est reliée à la paroi avant,
et chacune de la paroi latérale gauche et de la paroi latérale droite est reliée à
la paroi avant, à la paroi supérieure et à la paroi inférieure,
le corps principal a une première ouverture (159) formée à l'opposé de la paroi avant,
et l'ouverture est définie par des extrémités de la paroi supérieure, de la paroi
inférieure, de la paroi latérale gauche et de la paroi latérale droite,
la paroi avant, la paroi supérieure, la paroi inférieure, la paroi latérale gauche
et la paroi latérale droite définissent un espace dans celles-ci, et l'espace est
ouvert sur un extérieur du corps principal via l'ouverture,
la paroi avant (162) a une deuxième ouverture (178) formée à travers celle-ci,
la cartouche d'encre (25) peut être insérée dans une chambre de logement (282) de
la partie de montage de cartouche (276), après que l'insertion de l'adaptateur (27)
dans la chambre de logement (282) a été effectuée, et
l'adaptateur (27, 107) est composé d'une résine opaque, et
une cartouche d'encre (25) configurée pour être montée de manière amovible sur la
partie de montage de cartouche (276) d'un appareil d'enregistrement (250), dans lequel
la cartouche d'encre (25) comprend encore une autre partie de détection (140) configurée
pour bloquer de la lumière émise par une partie d'émission de lumière du capteur optique
(230),
l'adaptateur (27, 107) a une découpe (187) formée à travers la paroi avant (162),
la paroi latérale gauche (165) et la paroi latérale droite (166), et
lorsque la cartouche d'encre (25) est logée dans l'adaptateur (27, 107), la partie
de détection supplémentaire (140) est exposée à l'extérieur de l'adaptateur (27, 107)
via la découpe (187).
6. Système selon la revendication 5, dans lequel
la cartouche d'encre (25) comprend une partie d'alimentation en encre (90), et
lorsque l'adaptateur (27, 107) et la cartouche d'encre (25) sont montés sur une partie
de montage de cartouche (276), une partie de la partie d'alimentation en encre (90)
est positionnée dans la deuxième ouverture (178).
7. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 et 6, dans lequel
l'adaptateur (27, 107) comprend la paroi avant (162) par rapport à la direction d'insertion,
l'adaptateur (27, 107) a la première ouverture (159) formée à l'opposé de la paroi
avant (162),
la paroi avant a la deuxième ouverture (178) formée à travers cette dernière
de sorte que la cartouche d'encre (25) peut être insérée dans une chambre de logement
(282) de la partie de montage de cartouche (276) après que l'insertion de l'adaptateur
(27, 107) dans la chambre de logement (282) de la partie de montage de cartouche (276)
a été effectuée.
8. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 7, comprenant une partie de
préhension (170) configurée pour permettre à la cartouche d'encre (25) d'être retirée
de la partie de montage de cartouche (276) ensemble avec l'adaptateur (27, 107).
9. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 8, dans lequel
l'adaptateur (27, 107) est formé d'un matériau opaque et
la cartouche d'encre (25) comprend un châssis (50) formé d'un matériau en résine translucide.
10. Utilisation d'un adaptateur (27, 107) pour une cartouche d'encre (25) dans un appareil
d'enregistrement (250) afin de bloquer de la lumière émise par un capteur optique
(230) de la partie de montage de cartouche (276) de l'appareil d'enregistrement (250)
par la partie de détection (140), l'adaptateur étant configuré pour être monté de
manière amovible sur une partie de montage de cartouche (276) d'un appareil d'enregistrement
(250), comprenant :
une partie de détection (189) positionnée au niveau de l'adaptateur, dans lequel la
partie de détection (189) est configurée pour bloquer de la lumière émise par un capteur
optique (230) de la partie de montage de cartouche (276) lorsque l'adaptateur (27,
107) est inséré dans la partie de montage de cartouche (276), et pour fournir des
informations sur la cartouche d'encre (25) à utiliser avec l'adaptateur (27, 107)
dans la partie de montage de cartouche (276) à l'appareil d'enregistrement en bloquant
de la lumière, dans lequel l'adaptateur (27, 107) et la cartouche d'encre (25) sont
des éléments séparés, et
un corps principal (36), dans lequel la partie de détection (189) est positionnée
au niveau du corps principal (36), dans lequel
le corps principal comprend en outre une paroi supérieure, une paroi inférieure opposée
à la paroi supérieure, une paroi latérale gauche et une paroi latérale droite opposée
à la paroi latérale gauche,
chacune de la paroi supérieure et de la paroi inférieure est reliée à la paroi avant,
et chacune de la paroi latérale gauche et de la paroi latérale droite est reliée à
la paroi avant, à la paroi supérieure et à la paroi inférieure,
le corps principal a une première ouverture (159) formée à l'opposé de la paroi avant,
et l'ouverture est définie par des extrémités de la paroi supérieure, de la paroi
inférieure, de la paroi latérale gauche et de la paroi latérale droite,
la paroi avant, la paroi supérieure, la paroi inférieure, la paroi latérale gauche
et la paroi latérale droite définissent un espace dans celles-ci, et l'espace est
ouvert sur un extérieur du corps principal via l'ouverture,
la paroi avant (162) a une deuxième ouverture (178) formée à travers celle-ci,
la cartouche d'encre (25) peut être insérée dans une chambre de logement (282) de
la partie de montage de cartouche (276), après que l'insertion de l'adaptateur (27)
dans la chambre de logement (282) a été effectuée, et
l'adaptateur (27, 107) est composé d'une résine opaque.
11. Utilisation de l'adaptateur (27, 107) selon la revendication 10, dans laquelle l'adaptateur
(27, 107) est en outre utilisé pour loger une cartouche d'encre (25) pour fournir
de l'encre à l'appareil d'enregistrement (250).
12. Utilisation de l'adaptateur (27, 107) selon la revendication 11, dans laquelle l'adaptateur
(27, 107) est utilisé pour loger la cartouche d'encre (25) de sorte que la cartouche
d'encre (25) est insérée dans une chambre de logement (282) de la partie de montage
de cartouche (276) après que l'insertion de l'adaptateur (27, 107) dans la chambre
de logement (282) de la partie de montage de cartouche (276) a été effectuée.