[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing-fluid cartridge, a set of the printing-fluid
cartridges, and a system including a printing-fluid consuming apparatus and the printing-fluid
cartridge mountable in the printing-fluid consuming apparatus.
[0002] Conventionally, there have been known inkjet recording apparatuses configured to
record images on recording mediums by ejecting ink stored in ink cartridges through
nozzles. There is known an inkjet recording apparatus in which a new ink cartridge
is mountable every time ink is consumed. In an inkjet recording apparatus capable
of performing color printing, a plurality of ink cartridges can be mountable.
[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No.
2007-261286 discloses an ink cartridge that is provided with information memory storage that
stores information relating to ink stored in the ink cartridge. The information relating
to ink may include, for example, a manufacturing date, a model number, and a residual
amount of ink. When the ink cartridge is attached to the inkjet recording apparatus,
the information memory storage electrically contacts a connection terminal to allow
the information about the ink stored in the information memory storage to be read
out.
[0004] There are various types of ink in terms of color or component, for example. In the
inkjet recording apparatus capable of accommodating a plurality of ink cartridges,
it is probable that a user may attempt to insert an ink cartridge into an incorrect
location in the inkjet recording apparatus. Specifically, for example, an ink cartridge
storing black ink may be erroneously inserted into a position into which an ink cartridge
storing yellow ink should be inserted. In this case, assuming that information of
an ink color is stored in the information memory storage, information relating to
ink is read out from the information memory storage of the erroneously attached ink
cartridge, thereby enabling a determination that the ink cartridge is attached to
an incorrect position.
[0005] However, if an ink cartridge storing black ink is attached to a position to which
an ink cartridge storing yellow ink should be attached, black ink may flow out from
the black ink cartridge and may be mixed with yellow ink that exists at a connection
part of the inkjet recording apparatus. To eliminate such color mixture of ink, a
large amount of ink should be purged, thereby consuming a large amount of ink. In
order to avoid occurrence of such mixing of different colors of ink, conceivably,
the ink cartridge may be provided with a particular portion whose shape serves as
a key that corresponds to a shape (concave or convex shape, for example) indicative
of the correct location in the inkjet recording apparatus so as to prevent connection
of a wrong ink cartridge to the connection part. That is, since no ink cartridge can
be connected to the connection part unless the key shape of the ink cartridge matches
the corresponding concavo or convex shape of the inkjet recording apparatus, ink of
a particular color is prevented from being mixed with other ink of a different color.
[0006] However, during insertion of the ink cartridge, the concavo or convex shape provided
in a correct location may be brought into contact with the information memory storage
of the ink cartridge being inserted. In this case, conceivably, electrodes of the
information memory storage may be damaged and, in a worst case, information stored
in the information memory storage cannot become read out therefrom.
[0007] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a
structure that can prevent wrong insertion of a printing-fluid cartridge into a cartridge-attachment
section of a printing-fluid consuming apparatus.
- (1) In order to attain the above and other objects, the present disclosure provides
a printing-fluid cartridge configured to be inserted into a prescribed insertion space
of a cartridge-attachment section in an insertion direction crossing a gravitational
direction to be attached to the cartridge-attachment section in an attached posture.
The printing-fluid cartridge includes a housing, a supply portion, an electrical interface
and an interfering surface. The housing defines a width in a widthwise direction perpendicular
to the insertion direction and the gravitational direction in the attached posture.
The housing includes: a storage chamber configured to store printing fluid therein;
a front surface facing frontward in the insertion direction in the attached posture.
The rear surface away from the front surface in a removal direction opposite to the
insertion direction in the attached posture; an upper surface extending between the
front surface and the rear surface; and an upper surface extending between the front
surface and the rear surface. The rear surface faces rearward in the attached posture.
The storage chamber is positioned between the front surface and the rear surface in
the insertion direction in the attached posture. The upper surface is positioned upward
relative to the storage chamber and faces upward in the attached posture. The supply
portion is provided at the front surface and has a supply hole. The printing fluid
is configured to flow out of the storage chamber through the supply hole in the insertion
direction in the attached posture. The electrical interface is disposed at the upper
surface and faces upward in the attached posture. The interfering surface is positioned
upward relative to the storage chamber in the attached posture and extends in the
widthwise direction in the attached posture. The interfering surface is positioned
downward and frontward in the insertion direction relative to the electrical interface
in the attached posture. The interfering surface is configured to abut against a projection
provided at another insertion space different from the prescribed insertion space
of the cartridge-attachment section during an insertion of the printing-fluid cartridge
into the another insertion space.
According to the above-described configuration, the interfering surface is positioned
downward and frontward in the insertion direction relative to the electrical interface.
With this structure, the projection provided in the prescribed insertion space (corresponding
to the interfering surface) is less likely to contact the electrical interface during
the insertion of the printing-fluid cartridge into the prescribed insertion space
of the cartridge-attachment section.
- (2) It is preferable that: the housing farther includes an inner surface that defines
a front edge of the storage chamber in the insertion direction in the attached posture;
and the interfering surface is positioned rearward relative to the inner surface in
the insertion direction in the attached posture.
- (3) It is preferable that the printing-fluid cartridge further includes a light-blocking
wall disposed at the housing. The light-blocking wall is positioned rearward relative
to the interfering surface in the insertion direction in the attached posture. The
light-blocking wall includes a light-blocking surface extending in the insertion direction
and the gravitational direction in the attached posture.
According to the above-described configuration, the light-blocking wall can allow
detection of a type of the printing-fluid cartridge.
- (4) It is preferable that the interfering surface and the light-blocking wall are
aligned with each other in the insertion direction.
This arrangement of the interfering surface and the light-blocking wall can realize
downsizing of the light-blocking wall in the left-right direction and in the up-down
direction,
- (5) It is preferable that: the interfering surface has a first width in the widthwise
direction; the upper surface has a first outer edge and a second outer edge opposite
to each other in the widthwise direction; and the light-blocking wall has outer edges
opposite to each other in the widthwise direction, the second outer edge of the upper
surface being positioned closer to one of the outer edges of the light-blocking wall
than the first outer edge is to the one of the outer edges of the light-blocking wall
in the widthwise direction, the second outer edge of the upper surface and the one
of the outer edges of the light-blocking wall defining a second width therebetween
that is greater than the first width in the widthwise direction.
With this structure, there can be provided relatively wider spaces at both sides of
the interfering surface and the light-blocking wall on the upper surface of the housing
in the left-right direction. Thus, in the cartridge-attachment section, in regions
corresponding to these spaces on the upper surface of the printing-fluid cartridge
within the prescribed insertion space, those components configured to make access
to the printing-fluid cartridge can be arranged.
- (6) It is preferable that: the light-blocking wall includes a light-transmission portion
configured to transmit light, the light-transmission portion extending in the widthwise
direction.
With this structure, the type of the printing-fluid cartridge can be determined by
detecting the presence or absence of the light-transmission portion of the light-blocking
wall.
- (7) It is preferable that: the light-blocking wall is configured to block light traveling
in the widthwise direction at least one of: during insertion of the printing-fluid
cartridge into the cartridge-attachment section; and in a state where the printing-fluid
cartridge is attached to the cartridge-attachment section in the attached posture.
With this structure, by detecting presence and absence of the light-blocking wall
at the time of completion of the insertion of the printing-fluid cartridge into the
cartridge-attachment section, presence and absence of the printing-fluid cartridge
in the cartridge-attachment section (attachment or non-attachment of the printing-fluid
cartridge) can be determined. Alternatively, by detecting presence and absence of
the light-blocking wall during the insertion of the printing-fluid cartridge into
the cartridge-attachment section and at the time of completion of the attachment of
the printing-fluid cartridge to the cartridge-attachment section, the type of the
printing-fluid cartridge attached to the cartridge-attachment section can be determined.
- (8) It is preferable that: the interfering surface constitutes a front surface of
the light-blocking wall facing frontward in the insertion direction in the attached
posture.
With this structure, the interfering surface can also be used as the light-blocking
wall, and the structure of the interfering surface can be simplified.
- (9) It is preferable that the light-blocking wall further includes: a sloped surface
sloping relative to the insertion direction in the attached posture; and an upper
surface facing upward in attached posture, the sloped surface connecting the interfering
surface and the upper surface of the light-blocking wall, the sloped surface facing
upward and frontward in the insertion direction in the attached posture.
This structure can reduce a possibility that the interfering surface and the light-blocking
wall may be damaged when the printing-fluid cartridge is dropped on the floor with
the upper surface facing downward.
- (10) It is preferable that the printing-fluid cartridge farther includes a protrusion
positioned frontward relative to the light-blocking wall in the insertion direction
in the attached posture, the protrusion including the interfering surface.
With this structure, by separately providing the interfering surface from the light-blocking
wall, impact, which will be impinged on the interfering surface at the time of wrong
insertion of the printing-fluid cartridge, can be prevented from being directly transmitted
to the light-blocking wall.
- (11) It is preferable that the protrusion is made of a material configured to transmit
light.
With this structure, the protrusion does not disturb detection of the light-blocking
wall during insertion of the printing-fluid cartridge into the prescribed insertion
space of the cartridge-attachment section.
- (12) It is preferable that the printing-fluid cartridge further includes a protrusion
disposed at the upper surface and supporting the electrical interface, the electrical
interface being positioned upward relative to the upper surface in the attached posture,
the light-blocking wall being positioned frontward relative to the protrusion in the
insertion direction in the attached posture, the light-blocking wall being connected
to the protrusion.
- (13) It is preferable that: the housing includes an upper cover defining the upper
surface in the attached posture, the upper cover being positioned upward relative
to the storage chamber in the attached posture; and the light-blocking wall is formed
integrally with the upper cover.
With this structure, the manufacture of the light-blocking wall can be simplified.
- (14) It is preferable that: the light-blocking wall is disposed at the upper surface
and includes the interfering surface.
With this structure, the structure of the interfering surface can be simplified.
- (15) It is preferable that: the housing includes an upper cover defining the upper
surface in the attached posture, the upper cover being positioned upward relative
to the storage chamber in the attached posture; and the interfering surface extends
upward from the upper cover in the attached posture.
- (16) It is preferable that: the interfering surface and the electrical interface are
arranged at different positions from each other in the widthwise direction.
With this structure, the projection corresponding to the interfering surface is further
less likely to make contact with the electrical interface during the insertion of
the printing-fluid cartridge into the prescribed insertion space of the cartridge-attachment
section.
- (17) It is preferable that the printing-fluid cartridge further includes a closing
member configured to close the supply hole, a distance between the interfering surface
and the closing member in the insertion direction is shorter than a distance between
the projection and a tip end of a tube provided at the cartridge-attachment section
in the insertion direction.
With this structure, when the interfering surface of the printing-fluid cartridge
abuts against the projection provided at the another insertion space, the closing
member is prevented from being opened by the tube provided at the another insertion
space.
- (18) It is preferable that the printing-fluid cartridge further includes a locking
surface positioned upward relative to the storage chamber and configured to contact
a lock portion provided at the cartridge-attachment section, the locking surface facing
rearward in the insertion direction in the attached posture, a distance between the
interfering surface and the locking surface in the insertion direction is longer than
a distance between the projection and the lock portion in the insertion direction.
With this structure, when the interfering surface of the printing-fluid cartridge
abuts against the projection provided at the another insertion space, the printing-fluid
cartridge is prevented from being engaged with the lock portion provided at the another
insertion space. Accordingly, the user can realize that the printing-fluid cartridge
is incorrectly inserted into the another insertion space, rather than into the prescribed
insertion space.
- (19) It is preferable that: the housing including: an upper cover defining the upper
surface in the attached posture, the upper cover being positioned upward relative
to the storage chamber in the attached posture; and a locking surface provided at
the upper cover and configured to contact a lock portion provided at the cartridge-attachment
section, the locking surface facing rearward in the insertion direction in the attached
posture, the locking surface having an upper end in the attached posture; and the
electrical interface is positioned downward and frontward in the insertion direction
relative to the upper end of the locking surface in the attached posture.
With this structure, the lock portion corresponding to the locking surface is suppressed
from making contact with the electrical interface and the interfering surface during
the insertion of the printing-fluid cartridge into the prescribed insertion space
of the cartridge-attachment section,
- (20) It is preferable that the housing includes: a case defining the storage chamber
therein; and an upper cover attached to the case and defining the upper surface in
the attached posture, the upper cover being positioned upward relative to the storage
chamber in the attached posture, the electrical interface and the interfering surface
being disposed at the upper cover.
The electrical interface stores information relating to a type of the printing-fluid
cartridge. A shape and position of the interfering surface may indicate the type of
the printing-fluid cartridge. Accordingly, with this structure, since the electrical
interface and the interfering surface are both provided at the upper cover, the case
can be made common to the printing-fluid cartridges, irrespective of the types of
the printing-fluid cartridge.
- (21) According to another aspect, the present disclosure also provides a set of the
above printing-fluid cartridges. The printing-fluid cartridges include a first printing-fluid
cartridge and a second printing-fluid cartridge. The first printing-fluid cartridge
stores printing fluid of a first type and the second printing-fluid cartridge stores
printing fluid of a second type different from the first type. The upper surface of
each of the printing-fluid cartridges has a first outer edge and a second outer edge
opposite to each other in the widthwise direction. The interfering surface of the
first printing-fluid cartridge is positioned closer to the first outer edge in the
widthwise direction than the interfering surface of the second printing-fluid cartridge
is to the first outer edge in the widthwise direction. That is, the position of the
interfering surface of the first printing-fluid cartridge in the widthwise direction
is different from the position of the interfering surface of the second printing-fluid
cartridge in the widthwise direction.
- (22) It is preferable that the printing-fluid cartridges further include a third printing-fluid
cartridge storing printing fluid of a third type different from the first type and
the second type. In this case, it is preferable that: each of the printing-fluid cartridges
defines an imaginary plane passing through a center of the electrical interface in
the widthwise direction and extending parallel to the insertion direction and the
gravitational direction; the first printing-fluid cartridge and the third printing-fluid
cartridge are configured to be inserted respectively into a first insertion space
and a third insertion space positioned opposite to each other with respect to a second
insertion space in the widthwise direction, the second printing-fluid cartridge being
configured to be inserted into the second insertion space; the interfering surface
of the second printing-fluid cartridge is positioned on the imaginary plane in the
widthwise direction; the interfering surface of the first printing-fluid cartridge
is positioned offset from the imaginary plane toward the first outer edge in the widthwise
direction; and the interfering surface of the third printing-fluid cartridge is positioned
offset from the imaginary plane toward the second outer edge in the widthwise direction.
- (23) It is preferable that the printing-fluid cartridges further include a fourth
printing-fluid cartridge storing printing fluid of a fourth type different from the
first type and the second type and the third type. In this case, it is preferable
that: the housing of the fourth printing-fluid cartridge having a width in the widthwise
direction that is greater than the width of the housing of each of the first printing-fluid
cartridge, the second printing-fluid cartridge and the third printing-fluid cartridge
in the widthwise direction; the upper surface of the fourth printing-fluid cartridge
has a third outer edge and a fourth outer edge opposite to each other in the widthwise
direction, the third outer edge of the upper surface of the fourth printing-fluid
cartridge corresponding to the first outer edge of the upper surface of each of the
first printing-fluid cartridge, the second printing-fluid cartridge and the third
printing-fluid cartridge, the fourth outer edge of the upper surface of the fourth
printing-fluid cartridge being positioned farther away from the imaginary plane than
the second outer edge of the upper surface of each of the first printing-fluid cartridge,
the second printing-fluid cartridge and the third printing-fluid cartridge is from
the imaginary plane in the widthwise direction; and the interfering surface of the
fourth printing-fluid cartridge is arranged opposite to the imaginary plane with respect
to a second imaginary plane in the widthwise direction, the second imaginary plane
being parallel to the imaginary plane and defining the second outer edge of the upper
surface of each of the first printing-fluid cartridge, the second printing-fluid cartridge
and the third printing-fluid cartridge in the widthwise direction.
The insertion space into which the fourth printing-fluid cartridge is inserted (fourth
insertion space) has a wider width than the width of the each of the first insertion
space, the second insertion space and the third insertion space in the widthwise direction.
In the fourth insertion space, a projection corresponding to the interfering surface
of the fourth printing-fluid cartridge is positioned opposite to the imaginary plane
with respect to the second imaginary plane (the second outer edge of the upper surface
of each of the first printing-fluid cartridge, the second printing-fluid cartridge
and the third printing-fluid cartridge in the widthwise direction) in the widthwise
direction. This structure can prevent incorrect insertion of the first printing-fluid
cartridge, the second printing-fluid cartridge and the third printing-fluid cartridge
into the fourth insertion space.
- (24) According to still another aspect, the disclosure also provides a system including
a plurality of the above-described printing-fluid cartridges, and a printing-fluid
consuming apparatus including the cartridge-attachment section and a determiner. The
cartridge-attachment section includes: a plurality of insertion spaces into each of
which each of the plurality of the printing-fluid cartridges is configured to be inserted
in the insertion direction, the plurality of insertion spaces including a first insertion
space and a second insertion space; a plurality of tubes each disposed in each of
the plurality of insertion spaces; a plurality of contacts each disposed in each of
the plurality of insertion spaces, the plurality of contacts including a first contact
and a second contact, the first contact being disposed in the first insertion space
and the second contact being disposed in the second insertion space; a plurality of
projections each disposed in each of the plurality of insertion spaces; and a plurality
of optical sensors each disposed in each of the plurality of insertion spaces. Each
of the projections is positioned frontward relative to the corresponding contact in
the insertion direction in each of the insertion spaces, the plurality of projections
including a first projection and a second projection, the first projection being disposed
in the first insertion space and the second projection being disposed in the second
insertion space, a relative position between the first projection and the first contact
in the widthwise direction in the first insertion space being different from a relative
position between the second projection and the second contact in the widthwise direction
in the second insertion space. Each of the optical sensors is positioned frontward
relative to the corresponding projection in the insertion direction in each of the
insertion spaces. The determiner is configured to determine types of the printing-fluid
cartridges inserted into the respective insertion spaces based on signals outputted
from the respective optical sensors.
- (25) It is preferable that: the printing-fluid cartridges include a first printing-fluid
cartridge configured to be inserted into the first insertion space and a second printing-fluid
cartridge configured to be inserted into the second insertion space; each of the plurality
of projections includes a pair of opposing walls and a slit provided between the opposing
walls in the widthwise direction, the first projection including a first slit and
the second projection including a second slit, a relative position between the first
slit and the first contact in the widthwise direction in the first insertion space
being different from a relative position between the second slit and the second contact
in the widthwise direction in the second insertion space. In this case, it is preferable
that: the opposing walls of the first projection is configured to abut against the
interfering surface of the second printing-fluid cartridge during insertion of the
second printing-fluid cartridge into the first insertion space until the second printing-fluid
cartridge becomes the attached posture; and the first slit of the first projection
is configured to allow the interfering surface of the first printing-fluid cartridge
to pass through the first slit during insertion of the first printing-fluid cartridge
into the first insertion space until the first printing-fluid cartridge becomes the
attached posture.
- (26) It is preferable that: in case that the light-blocking wall includes the light-transmission
portion, the light-transmission portion is configured to transmit light emitted from
the corresponding optical sensor.
With this structure, the type of the printing-fluid cartridge can be determined by
detecting the presence or absence of the light-transmission portion of the light-blocking
wall.
- (27) It is preferable that the cartridge-attachment section further includes: an opening
through which the plurality of printing-fluid cartridges is allowed to be inserted
into the corresponding plurality of insertion spaces; a cover movable between a closing
position closing the opening and an opening position exposing the opening; and a cover
sensor configured to detect that the cover is in the closing position and output a
detection signal indicative of the cover being at the closing position. In this case,
preferably, upon receipt of the detection signal from the cover sensor, the determiner
is configured to detect types of the printing-fluid cartridges inserted into the corresponding
plurality of insertion spaces based on signals outputted from the respective optical
sensors.
- (28) It is preferable that: the plurality of the printing-fluid cartridges includes
a first printing-fluid cartridge configured to the inserted into the first insertion
space; and the supply portion of the first printing-fluid cartridge and the tube of
the second insertion space are separated from each other in the insertion direction
in a state where the interfering surface of the first printing-fluid cartridge abuts
against the projection provided in the second insertion space during the insertion
of the first printing-fluid cartridge into the second insertion space.
This structure can prevent connection of the supply portion of the first printing-fluid
cartridge to the tube of the second insertion space, thereby preventing the printing-fluid
of the first printing-fluid cartridge from flowing into the tube of the second insertion
space.
- (29) It is preferable that: the plurality of the printing-fluid cartridges includes
a first printing-fluid cartridge configured to the inserted into the first insertion
space, the first printing-fluid cartridges including a locking surface positioned
upward relative to the storage chamber in the attached posture; the cartridge-attachment
section further includes a lock portion configured to engage the locking surface of
the first printing-fluid cartridge in the attached posture; and the supply portion
of the first printing-fluid cartridge and the tube of the second insertion space are
connected to each other and the locking surface of the first printing-fluid cartridge
is separated from the lock portion in the insertion direction in a state where the
interfering surface of the first printing-fluid cartridge abuts against the projection
provided at the second insertion space during the insertion of the first printing-fluid
cartridge into the second insertion space.
[0008] With this structure, the locking surface cannot engage with the lock portion, a wrongly
inserted printing-fluid cartridge cannot be attached to the cartridge-attachment section,
Thus, the user can realize that the incorrect insertion of the printing-fluid cartridge,
and the user is encouraged to insert the printing-fluid cartridge into the correct
insertion space.
[0009] The structure according to the present disclosure can prevent wrong insertion of
the printing-fluid cartridge into the cartridge-attachment section of the printing-fluid
consuming apparatus.
[0010] In the drawings,
Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram conceptually showing an internal configuration
of a printer including a cartridge-attachment section configured to detachably accommodate
ink cartridges according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the cartridge-attachment
section and an opening of the cartridge-attachment section;
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge-attachment section taken along a
plane III-III in Fig. 4, the cartridge-attachment section including gates formed with
slits, wherein two of the ink cartridges according to the embodiment are inserted
into corresponding insertion spaces;
Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional diagram illustrating a state where the ink cartridge
(of magenta color) according to the embodiment is attached to the cartridge-attachment
section in a first posture;
Fig. 5A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an enclosed region VB illustrated in
Fig. 4;
Fig. 5B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an enclosed region VA illustrated in
Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge (of magenta color) according to
the embodiment when viewed from a perspective frontward and upward thereof;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge (of magenta color) according to
the embodiment when viewed from a perspective rearward and upward thereof;
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge (of magenta color) according
to the embodiment taken along an imaginary plane X2 illustrated in Fig. 9B and showing
an internal configuration of the ink cartridge according to the embodiment;
Fig. 9A is a left side view of the ink cartridge (of magenta color) according to the
embodiment and illustrating arrangement of parts disposed at an upper surface of the
ink cartridge according to the embodiment;
Fig. 9B is a rear side view of the ink cartridge (of magenta color) according to the
embodiment;
Fig. 10 is a left side view of the ink cartridge (of magenta color) according to the
embodiment and illustrating positional relationship among various parts of the ink
cartridge in the front-rear direction and up-down direction;
Fig. 11A is a perspective view of the ink cartridge of black color according to the
embodiment when viewed from a perspective rearward and upward thereof;
Fig. 11B is a rear side view of the ink cartridge of black color according to the
embodiment;
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge of black color according to the
embodiment when viewed from a perspective frontward and upward thereof;
Figs. 13A through 13D are top views of the ink cartridges of colors of black, magenta,
cyan and yellow, respectively, according to the embodiment;
Fig. 14 is a top view of the ink cartridge of black color according to the embodiment;
Fig. 15 is a top view of the ink cartridge of magenta color according to the embodiment;
Fig. 16 is a vertical cross-sectional diagram illustrating a state where the ink cartridge
(of magenta color) according to the embodiment is inserted in the corresponding insertion
space of the cartridge-attachment section;
Fig. 17 is a vertical cross-sectional diagram illustrating a state where the ink cartridge
(of magenta color) according to the embodiment is inserted further frontward in the
corresponding insertion space of the cartridge-attachment section after the state
illustrated in Fig. 16 and is in a second posture in the corresponding insertion space;
Fig. 18 is a vertical cross-sectional diagram illustrating a state where the ink cartridge
(of cyan color) is inserted in the insertion space for the ink cartridge of magenta
color and a light-blocking plate (interfering surface) of the ink cartridge (of cyan
color) is in abutment with the gate for the ink cartridge of magenta color;
Fig. 19 is a flow chart illustrating steps of a process to determine types of the
ink cartridges according to the embodiment attached to the cartridge-attachment section
performed by a controller of the printer;
Fig. 20 is a left side view of an ink cartridge according to a first modification
to the embodiment;
Fig. 21 is a left side view of an ink cartridge according to a second modification
to the embodiment;
Fig. 22 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge according to the second
modification to the embodiment;
Fig. 23A is a perspective view of an ink cartridge according to a third modification
to the embodiment;
Fig. 23B is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge according to the
third modification to the embodiment taken along a plane XXIIB-XXIIB shown in Fig.
23A;
Fig. 24 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge according to a fourth
modification to the embodiment;
Fig. 25 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge according to a fifth
modification to the embodiment;
Fig. 26 is a flow chart illustrating steps of a process according to a variation of
the embodiment performed by the controller of the printer to determine whether the
ink cartridge according to the embodiment is attached to the cartridge-attachment
section; and
Fig. 27 is a flow chart illustrating steps of a process according to another variation
of the embodiment performed by the controller of the printer to determine whether
the ink cartridge according to the embodiment is attached to the cartridge-attachment
section.
[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the disclosure is described in detail while referring
to accompanying drawings. It would be apparent to those skilled in the art that the
embodiment described below is merely an example of the present disclosure and modifications
and variations may be made therein without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0012] In the following description, a frontward direction 51 is defined as a direction
in which an ink cartridge 30 according to the embodiment is inserted into a cartridge-attachment
section 110, while a rearward direction 52 is defined as a direction opposite the
frontward direction 51, that is, a direction in which the ink cartridge 30 is extracted
from the cartridge-attachment section 110. The frontward direction 51 and rearward
direction 52 are horizontal in the present embodiment.
[0013] Further, a downward direction 53 is defined as a direction perpendicular to the frontward
direction 51 or the rearward direction 52, while an upward direction 54 is defined
as a direction opposite the downward direction 53. Further, a rightward direction
55 and a leftward direction 56 are defined as directions perpendicular to the frontward
direction 51 and the downward direction 53. The rightward direction 55 and the leftward
direction 56 are also parallel to a horizontal plane in the present embodiment.
[0014] In a state where the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge-attachment section
110 (in an attached state) and the ink cartridge 30 is capable of being used or operated
by the printer 10, the downward direction 53 is coincident with a direction of a gravitational
force acting on the ink cartridge 30 (i.e. gravitational direction), and the upward
direction 54 is coincident with a direction opposite to the gravitational direction.
Further, the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56 are defined as directions
perpendicular to the frontward direction 51 and the downward direction 53. More specifically,
in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge attachment section
110 and is capable of being used by the printer 10, the rightward direction 55 is
a direction toward the right and the leftward direction 56 is a direction toward the
left when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed from a rear side thereof.
[0015] Note that a state where the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge attachment
section 110 or a state where the ink cartridge 30 is capable of being operated by
the printer 10 implies a state of the ink cartridge 30 when the ink cartridge 30 has
been completely inserted into an attachment position in the cartridge attachment section
110. Hereinafter, a posture of the ink cartridge 30 in a state where the ink cartridge
30 is attached to the cartridge attachment section 110 or a state where the ink cartridge
30 is capable of being operated by the printer 10 will be referred to as an "attached
posture,"
[0016] In other words, in the attached posture, the ink cartridge 30 has a height in the
gravitational direction; a depth in the frontward direction 51 or in the rearward
direction 52 (i.e., insertion direction) which is orthogonal to the gravitational
direction; and a width in the rightward direction 55 or in the leftward direction
56 (i.e., widthwise direction) which is orthogonal to the gravitational direction
(height) and the insertion direction (depth).
[0017] Further, in the following description, the frontward direction 51 and the rearward
direction 52 may be collectively referred to as a front-rear direction. The upward
direction 54 and the downward direction 53 may be collectively referred to as an up-down
direction. The rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56 may be collectively
referred to as a left-right direction.
[0018] In this specification, "facing frontward" includes facing in a direction including
a frontward component, "facing rearward" includes facing in a direction including
a rearward component, "facing downward" includes facing in a direction including a
downward component, and "facing upward" includes facing in a direction including an
upward component. For example, "a front surface faces frontward" denotes that the
front surface may face in a frontward direction, or the front surface may face in
a direction inclined relative to the frontward direction.
[Overview of the Printer 10]
[0019] Fig. 1 shows a system 1 configured of a printer 10 and the ink cartridge 30 according
to the embodiment. First, a detailed structure of the printer 10 according to the
embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1.
[0020] The printer 10 is configured to form an image by selectively ejecting ink droplets
onto a sheet based on an inkjet recording system. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the printer
10 includes a recording head 21, an ink-supplying device 100, and ink tubes 20 connecting
the recording head 21 to the ink-supplying device 100. The ink-supplying device 100
includes the cartridge-attachment section 110. The cartridge-attachment section 110
can detachably accommodate a plurality of ink cartridges 30 therein.
[0021] Specifically, in the present embodiment, four ink cartridges 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K
each storing ink of one of four colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black can be
mounted in corresponding insertion spaces 111C, 111M, 111Y and 111K of the cartridge-attachment
section 110. Hereinafter, whenever necessary, the ink cartridges 30C, 30M, 30Y and
30K may be referred to as "ink cartridge 30" or "ink cartridges 30" when no color
distinction is necessary. Likewise, the insertion spaces 111C, 111M, 111Y and 111K
of the cartridge-attachment section 110 may be referred to as "insertion space 111"
or "insertion spaces 111" when no color distinction is necessary.
[0022] The cartridge-attachment section 110 has a wall formed with an opening 112. The ink
cartridges 30 can be inserted into the cartridge-attachment section 110 in the frontward
direction 51 (i.e., insertion direction orthogonal to the gravitational direction)
through the opening 112, and extracted from the cartridge-attachment section 110 in
the rearward direction 52 (i.e., removal direction orthogonal to the gravitational
direction) through the opening 112.
[0023] Each ink cartridge 30 stores ink therein that the printer 10 can use for printing.
The ink cartridges 30 are connected to the recording head 21 through the corresponding
ink tubes 20 when the ink cartridges 30 are completely mounted in the cartridge-attachment
section 110.
[0024] The recording head 21 includes sub tanks 28 each serving to temporarily store ink
supplied from the corresponding ink cartridge 30 through the corresponding ink tube
20. The recording head 21 also includes a plurality of nozzles 29 through which the
ink supplied from the sub tanks 28 is selectively ejected in accordance with the inkjet
recording system. More specifically, the recording head 21 includes a head control
board (not shown), and piezoelectric elements 29A each corresponding to one of the
nozzles 29. The head control board is configured to selectively apply drive voltages
to the piezoelectric elements 29A to eject ink of each color selectively from the
nozzles 29. In this way, the recording head 21 is configured to consume the ink stored
in the respective ink cartridges 30 mounted in the cartridge-attachment section 110.
[0025] The printer 10 also includes a sheet tray 15, a sheet feeding roller 23, a conveying
path 24, a pair of conveying rollers 25, a platen 26, a pair of discharge rollers
27, and a sheet discharge tray 16. The sheets from the sheet tray 15 are fed by the
sheet feeding roller 23 onto the conveying path 24, and then conveyed by the conveying
rollers 25 onto the platen 26. The recording head 21 is configured to selectively
eject ink onto the sheets as the sheets move over the platen 26, thereby recording
images on the sheets. The sheets that have passed the platen 26 are then discharged
by the discharge rollers 27 onto the sheet discharge tray 16 disposed at a downstream
end of the conveying path 24.
< Ink-Supplying Device 100 >
[0026] The ink-supplying device 100 is provided in the printer 10, as illustrated in Fig.
1. The ink-supplying device 100 functions to supply ink to the recording head 21.
As described above, the ink-supplying device 100 includes the cartridge-attachment
section 110 for detachably receive the ink cartridges 30 therein. Fig. 1 depicts a
state where one of the ink cartridges 30 has been completely received in the cartridge-attachment
section 110. In other words, the ink cartridge 30 depicted in Fig. 1 is in the attached
posture in which the ink cartridge 30 is used by the printer 10.
< Cartridge-Attachment Section 110 >
[0027] In the ink-supplying device 100, the ink cartridges 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K (the four
kinds of ink cartridges 30 corresponding to the colors of cyan, magenta, yellow and
black) are detachably mountable. Specifically, as illustrated in Figs. 1 through 3,
the cartridge-attachment section 110 includes a case 101, and four sets of an ink
needle 102, a tank 103, an optical sensor 113, four contacts 106, a rod 125, a positioning
portion 107 and a gate 108, each set for each of the four ink cartridges 30C, 30M,
30Y and 30K,
< Case 101 >
[0028] The case 101 constitutes a housing of the cartridge-attachment section 110. As depicted
in Fig. 2, the case 101 has a box-like shape defining an internal space therein. Specifically,
the case 101 includes a top wall defining a ceiling of the internal space, a bottom
wall defining a bottom of the internal space, an end wall connecting the top wall
and the bottom wall, and the opening 112 positioned opposite the end wall in the front-rear
direction. The opening 112 can be exposed to a surface (user-interface surface) that
a user can face when using the printer 10.
[0029] The four kinds of ink cartridges 30 can be inserted into and removed from the case
101 through the opening 112. In the case 101, the bottom wall is formed with four
guide grooves 109 for guiding insertion/removal of the corresponding ink cartridges
30. Specifically, when the ink cartridges 30 are inserted into and removed from the
case 101 through the opening 112, lower ends of the respective ink cartridges 30 are
received in the corresponding guide grooves 109 and guided thereby in the front-rear
direction in Fig. 2. Further, the case 101 includes three plates 104 that partition
the internal space into the four insertion spaces 111C, 111M, 111Y and 111K. The respective
insertion spaces 111C, 111M, 111Y and 111K are elongated in the up-down direction
53 and 54. The four kinds of ink cartridges 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K can be mounted in
the four insertion spaces 111C, 111M, 111Y and 111K, respectively.
[0030] As illustrated in Fig. 2, when the case 101 is viewed from rearward thereof in the
forward direction 51, the four insertion spaces 111C, 111M, 111Y and 111K of the case
101 are arranged in this order from the left end to the right. Specifically, the ink
cartridge 30C is adapted to be inserted into the insertion space 111C. The ink cartridge
30M is adapted to be inserted into the insertion space 111M. The ink cartridge 30Y
is adapted to be inserted into the insertion space 111Y. The ink cartridge 30K is
adapted to be inserted into the insertion space 111K. That is, when the ink cartridges
30 are accommodated in the case 101, the ink cartridge 30M is interposed between the
ink cartridges 30C and 30Y in the left-right direction. The ink cartridge 30K has
a left-right dimension larger than a left-right dimension of each of the ink cartridges
30C, 30M, and 30Y, as will be described later. Thus, the insertion space 111K has
a left-right dimension that is larger than a left-right dimension of each of the insertion
spaces 111C, 111M and 111Y.
< Ink Needle 102 >
[0031] Each ink needle 102 is formed of a resin and has a generally hollow tubular shape.
As illustrated in Fig. 2, the ink needles 102 are disposed at a lower end portion
of the end wall constituting the case 101. Specifically, each ink needle 102 is disposed
at a position corresponding to an ink supply potion 34 (described later) of the corresponding
ink cartridge 30 mounted in the cartridge-attachment section 110. The respective ink
needles 102 protrude rearward from the end wall of the case 101. The ink needle 102
has a distal end 102E facing rearward.
[0032] A cylindrical-shaped guide portion 105 is provided at the end wall to surround each
of the ink needles 102. Each guide portion 105 protrudes rearward from the end wall.
Each guide portion 105 has a protruding end that is open rearward. Specifically, each
ink needle 102 is positioned at a diametrical center of the corresponding guide portion
105. Each guide portion 105 is shaped to allow the ink supply potion 34 of the corresponding
ink cartridge 30 to be received in the corresponding guide portion 105.
[0033] During insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge-attachment section 110
in the frontward direction 51, i.e., in a process for moving the ink cartridge 30
to the attached posture, the ink supply potion 34 of the ink cartridge 30 enters into
the corresponding guide portion 105 (refer to Fig. 4). As the ink cartridge 30 is
inserted further forward in the frontward direction 51, the ink needle 102 enters
into an ink supply port 71 of the corresponding ink supply potion 34. The ink needle
102 is thus connected to the corresponding ink supply potion 34 to allow communication
with each other. Hence, the ink stored in a second ink chamber 33 formed inside the
ink cartridge 30 is allowed to flow into the corresponding tank 103 through an ink
valve chamber 35 defined in the ink supply potion 34 and an inner space defined in
the corresponding ink needle 102.
[0034] Incidentally, the distal end 102E of each ink needle 102 may have a flat shape or
a pointed shape. The guide portions 105 may be formed into any shape, provided that
the guide portions 105 can allow attachment of the ink cartridges 30 to the cartridge-attachment
section 110. The guide portions 105 need not necessarily be provided in the cartridge-attachment
section 110.
< Contacts 106 >
[0035] A set of the four contacts 106 is provided for each of the four insertion spaces
111 of the case 101. Precisely, the contacts 106 are provided in a holder (not shown)
that is supported by the cartridge-attachment section 110. As illustrated in Fig.
4, each of the four sets of the contacts 106 is disposed at the top wall of the case
101, for each insertion space 111, at a position near the end wall of the case 101.
Each set of the four contacts 106 is disposed rearward relative to the corresponding
ink needle 102. Each of the four contacts 106 protrude from a lower surface of the
top wall downward toward the corresponding insertion space 111 of the case 101. Although
not illustrated in detail in the drawings, the four contacts 106 in each set are arranged
to be spaced apart from one another in the left-right direction. The four contacts
106 in each set are arranged at positions respectively corresponding to four electrodes
65 provided at each of the ink cartridges 30, as will be described later. Each contact
106 is formed of a material having electrical conductivity and resiliency. The contacts
106 are therefore upwardly resiliently deformable.
[0036] In the present embodiment, the four sets of the four contacts 106 are disposed each
set for each of the four ink cartridges 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K in the present embodiment.
That is, a total of sixteen contacts 106 are provided at the case 101. However, the
number of contacts 106 and the number of electrodes 65 may be arbitrary.
[0037] Each contact 106 is electrically connected to an arithmetic-logic unit via an electrical
circuit. In the present embodiment, each contact 106 is connected to a controller
117 (see Fig. 1) provided in the cartridge-attachment section 110. The controller
117 may include a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, for example. The contacts 106 are engaged
with the corresponding electrodes 65 when the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the
case 101. When in contact with the corresponding electrodes 65, the contacts 106 are
electrically connected to the corresponding electrodes 65, so that a voltage Vc is
applied to one of the electrodes 65; another one of the electrodes 65 is grounded;
signals are exchanged between the controller 117 and another one of the electrodes
65; and power is supplied to another one of the electrodes 65. Due to establishment
of the electrical connection between the contacts 106 and the electrodes 65, the controller
117 is electrically accessible to the data stored in an IC of each ink cartridge 30.
Outputs from the respective contacts 106 through the electrical circuits are configured
to be inputted into the controller 117.
< Rod 125 >
[0038] As illustrated in Fig. 4, each rod 125 is provided at the end wall of the case 101
at a position upward of the corresponding ink needle 102 for each insertion space
111. Each rod 125 has a generally cylindrical shape and protrudes rearward from the
end wall of the case 101. In a state where the ink cartridges 30 are attached to the
cartridge-attachment section 110, that is, when the ink cartridges 30 are in the attached
posture, the rods 125 are respectively received in air communication ports 96 (described
later) of the corresponding ink cartridges 30.
< Optical Sensor 113 >
[0039] As illustrated in Fig. 4, the optical sensors 113 are disposed at the top wall of
the case 101. Specifically, each optical sensor 113 is disposed, for each insertion
space 111, at a position rearward of the corresponding rod 125 but frontward of the
set of four contacts 106. Each optical sensor 113 includes a light-emitting portion
and a light-receiving portion. The light-emitting portion is arranged to oppose the
light-receiving portion and is spaced apart from the light-receiving portion in the
left-right direction. When the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge-attachment
section 110, a light-blocking plate 67 of the attached ink cartridge 30 is located
between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the corresponding
optical sensor 113. In other words, the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving
portion are arranged to oppose each other with the light-blocking plate 67 of the
ink cartridge 30 attached to the cartridge-attachment section 110 interposed between
the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion.
[0040] The optical sensor 113 is configured to output different detection signals depending
on whether or not light emitted in the left-right direction from the light-emitting
portion is received by the light-receiving portion. For example, the optical sensor
113 outputs a low-level signal when the light emitted from the light-emitting portion
is not received at the light-receiving portion (that is, when an intensity of the
light received at the light-receiving portion is less than a predetermined intensity),
On the other hand, the optical sensor 113 outputs a high-level signal when the light
emitted from the light-emitting portion is received by the light-receiving portion
(that is, when the intensity of the received light is equal to or greater than the
predetermined intensity).
< Lock Shaft 145 >
[0041] As illustrated in Fig. 4, a lock shaft 145 is also provided at the case 101. The
lock shaft 145 extends in the left-right direction at a position near the top wall
and the opening 112 of the case 101. The lock shaft 145 is disposed rearward of the
contacts 106. The lock shaft 145 is a rod-like member extending in the left-right
direction. For example, the lock shaft 145 is a columnar-shaped metal. The lock shaft
145 has both ends that are fixed to walls defining both ends of the case 101 in the
left-right direction. Accordingly, the lock shaft 145 is not movable (for example,
is not pivotable) relative to the case 101. The lock shaft 145 extends in the left-right
direction across the four insertion spaces 111 respectively corresponding to the four
ink cartridges 30. In each of the insertion spaces 111, a space is provided around
the lock shaft 145. Thus, a locking surface 151 (described later) of each ink cartridge
30 can access the lock shaft 145 by moving upward or rearward.
[0042] The lock shaft 145 functions to maintain the ink cartridges 30 attached to the cartridge-attachment
section 110 in the attached state. When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the
cartridge-attachment section 110 and pivoted into a posture to be used thereby (i.e.,
attached posture), the ink cartridge 30 is brought into engagement with the lock shaft
145 in the corresponding insertion space 111. Further, the lock shaft 145 holds the
ink cartridge 30 in the attached posture in the cartridge-attachment section 110 against
urging forces of coil springs 78 and 98 (described later) of the ink cartridge 30
that push the ink cartridge 30 as a whole rearward.
<Positioning Portion 107>
[0043] As illustrated in Fig. 4, the positioning portions 107 are arranged near the top
wall of the case 101. Each positioning portion 107 is disposed between the corresponding
set of contacts 106 and the lock shaft 145 in the front-rear direction. The positioning
portions 107 protrude downward from the top wall of the case 101. The positioning
portions 107 are integrally formed with the case 101. Each positioning portion 107
has a lower end surface that is configured to abut against a contact surface 84 of
the corresponding ink cartridge 30 in the state where the ink cartridge 30 is attached
to the cartridge-attachment section 110 (in the attached posture). The lower end surface
of each positioning portion 107 is positioned slightly upward relative to the lower
ends of the corresponding contacts 106.
< Gate 108 >
[0044] As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, the gates 108 (specifically, gates 108C, 108M, 108Y
and 108K) are provided near the top wall of the case 101. Each gate 108 protrudes
downward from a wall defining an upper edge of each insertion space 111. Each gate
108 is provided for each insertion space 111 at a position between the corresponding
optical sensor 113 and the set of contacts 106 in the front-rear direction. Referring
to Fig. 3, each gate 108 includes a pair of opposing walls 118 and a slit 119 provided
between the opposing walls 118. The opposing walls 118 extend respectively in the
left-right direction from neighboring partitioning members that oppose each other
in the right-left direction and that define the corresponding insertion space 111,
such as the neighboring two plates 104. The opposing walls 118 extend in the up-down
direction and are paired to oppose each other in the left-right direction with a gap
defined therebetween. This gap between the paired opposing walls 118 serve as the
slit 119 in each gate 108. Put another way, each slit 119 is defined by two opposing
end faces of the paired opposing walls 118 extending in the up-down direction, However,
the slits 119 (slits 119C, 119M, 119Y and 119K) are formed at different positions
from one another in the left-right direction in the respective insertion spaces 111C,
111M, 111Y and 111K. Specifically, relative positions between the slits 119 (slits
119C, 119M, 119Y and 119K) and the corresponding contacts 106 in the respective insertion
spaces 111C, 111M, 111Y and 111K in the left-right direction are different from one
another. More specifically, for example, referring to Fig. 3, while the slit 119M
of the gate 108M is positioned at a generally left-right center of the insertion space
111M, the slit 119C of the gate 108C is positioned offset from a left-right center
of the insertion space 111C (i.e., rightward relative to the left-right center of
the insertion space 111C). The respective slits 119C, 119M, 119Y and 119K in the insertion
spaces 111C, 111M, 111Y and 111K are formed at such left-right positions that correspond
to left-right positions of the light-blocking plates 67 (67C, 67M, 67Y and 67K) of
the ink cartridges 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K, respectively. Each slit 119 has a width
in the left-right direction that is larger than a width of the corresponding light-blocking
plate 67 in the left-right direction (defined as a width W1 illustrated in Figs. 14
and 15). That is, the light-blocking plates 67C, 67M, 67Y and 67K are allowed to pass
through the corresponding slits 119C, 119M, 119Y and 119K in the front-rear direction.
<Tank 103>
[0045] As illustrated in Fig. 1, each tank 103 is provided forward of the case 101 and is
connected to the corresponding ink needle 102. The tank 103 has a box-like shape that
allows ink to be stored therein. An atmosphere communication port 124 is formed at
an upper portion of each tank 103 so that the tank 103 can be opened to the atmosphere
through the atmosphere communication port 124. The tank 103 has an inner space that
communicates with the inner space of the ink needle 102. With this structure, ink
can flow out from the ink cartridge 30 through the ink needle 102 and is stored in
the tank 103. Each tank 103 is also connected to the corresponding ink tube 20. Thus,
the ink stored in the inner space of each tank 103 is supplied to the recording head
21 through the corresponding ink tube 20.
< Cover 114 and Cover Sensor 115 >
[0046] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the cartridge-attachment section 110 also includes a cover
114, and a cover sensor 115. The cover 114 is configured to open and close the opening
112 of the case 101. The cover 114 extends in the left-right direction. The cover
114 is pivotally movable relative to the case 101 about a shaft 116 provided near
a lower end of the case 101. The cover 114 has a substantially flat-plate shape and
constitutes a part of the outer surface of the printer 10. The cover sensor 115 is
configured to detect whether or not the cover 114 is in a closing position that closes
the opening 112,
[0047] In a state illustrated in Fig. 1, the cover 114 is at the closing position. The cover
114 at the closing position extends upward relative to the shaft 116. When the cover
114 is at the closing position, the opening 112 of the case 101 is closed. At this
time, a user cannot perform insertion and removal of the ink cartridges 30 relative
to the cartridge-attachment section 110. The cover sensor 115 is disposed at such
a position that the cover sensor 115 can detect presence of a portion of the cover
114 at the closing position. To move the cover 114 from the closing position to an
opening position opening the opening 112, the cover 114 is pivoted about the shaft
116 to move an upper end portion of the cover 114 downward. The cover 114 at the opening
position extends substantially horizontally in the rearward direction 52 relative
to the shaft 116. When the cover 114 is pivoted from the closing position toward the
opening position, the cover 114 goes out of a range within which the cover sensor
115 can detect the cover 114. When the cover 114 is at the opening position, the opening
112 of the case 101 is opened. In this state, the user can insert/remove the ink cartridges
30 into/from the cartridge-attachment section 110.
<Controller 117>
[0048] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the cartridge-attachment section 110 also includes a controller
117, As described earlier, the controller 117 is an arithmetic-logic unit including
a CPU, a memory, and the like, for example. The controller 117 may be configured as
a controller of the printer 10. The controller 117 is configured to receive signals
outputted from the optical sensor 113 and the cover sensor 115. In response to receipt
of a signal from the cover sensor 115 indicating that the cover 114 is at the closing
position, the controller 117 is configured to determine a type of the ink cartridge
30 inserted into the insertion space 111 based on a signal outputted from the optical
sensor 113. Details of the detection performed by the controller 117 will be described
later.
[Ink Cartridge 30]
[0049] The ink cartridge 30 is a container configured to store ink therein. The ink cartridges
30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K have generally the same structure as each other, but have some
differences from one another.
[0050] Hereinafter, in order to describe a configuration common to all of the ink cartridges
30, a structure of the ink cartridge 30M will be first described as an illustrative
example, with reference to Figs. 4 to 10. Subsequently, a detailed structure of the
ink cartridge 30K, and differences among the ink cartridges 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K
will be described.
[0051] The ink cartridge 30 is inserted into and attached to the cartridge-attachment section
110 in a posture illustrated in Figs. 4 to 10. This posture of the ink cartridge 30
in the attached state (attached posture) will also be called an upright posture, hereinafter,
whenever necessary. That is, the upright posture corresponds to the attached posture.
In other words, the ink cartridge 30 is in the upright posture when the ink cartridge
30 is attached to the cartridge-attachment section 110. In the upright posture or
in the attached posture, the ink stored in the first ink chamber 32 of the ink cartridge
30 can flow out therefrom to be supplied into the corresponding ink needle 102 through
the ink supply port 71 of the ink supply potion 34. That is, the ink cartridge 30
can be used in the printer 10 when in the attached posture or in the upright posture,
[0052] Specifically, as will be described later, the ink cartridge 30 includes a front wall
40, a rear wall 41, an upper wall 39, and a bottom wall 42. When the ink cartridge
30(30M) is in the upright posture or in the attached posture illustrated in Figs.
4 to 10, a direction from the rear wall 41 toward the front wall 40 coincides with
the frontward direction 51; a direction from the front wall 40 toward the rear wall
41 coincides with the rearward direction 52; a direction from the upper wall 39 toward
the bottom wall 42 coincides with the downward direction 53, and a direction from
the bottom wall 42 toward the upper wall 39 coincides with the upward direction 54.
[0053] In the upright posture of the ink cartridge 30, the front wall 40 faces frontward
or is oriented in the frontward direction 51; the rear wall 41 is spaced away from
the front wall 40 in the front-rear direction; the upper wall 39 is positioned between
the front wall 40 and the rear wall 41 in the front-rear direction; and the bottom
wall 42 is spaced away from the upper wall 39 in the up-down direction. The bottom
wall 42 is positioned between the front wall 40 and the rear wall 41 in the front-rear
direction. In other words, in the upright posture of the ink cartridge 30, the front
wall 40 faces frontward, the rear wall 41 faces rearward, the bottom wall 42 faces
downward, and the upper wall 39 faces upward.
[0054] More specifically, when the ink cartridge 30 is in the attached posture or in the
upright posture, a front surface of the front wall 40 constitutes an front surface
of the ink cartridge 30; a rear surface of the rear wall 41 constitutes a rear surface
of the ink cartridge 30; an upper surface of the upper wall 39 constitutes an upper
surface of the ink cartridge 30; and a bottom surface of the bottom wall 42 constitutes
a bottom surface of the ink cartridge 30. That is, in the upright posture (attached
posture) of the ink cartridge 30, the front surface of the front wall 40 faces frontward,
the rear surface of the rear wall 41 faces rearward, the bottom surface of the bottom
wall 42 faces downward, and the upper surface of the upper wall 39 faces upward.
[0055] Hereinafter, for simplifying explanation, whenever necessary, the front surface of
the front wall 40 will be referred to as the front surface 40; the rear surface of
the rear wall 41 will be simply to as the rear surface 41; the upper surface of the
upper wall 39 will be referred to as the upper surface 39; and the bottom surface
of the bottom wall 42 will be referred to as the bottom surface 42.
[0056] As illustrated in Figs. 4 to 10, the ink cartridge 30(30M) includes a cartridge body
31 of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The cartridge body 31 in the
upright posture has a generally flat shape having a height in the up-down direction
(in the gravitational direction), a width in the left-right direction, and a depth
in the front-rear direction, the width being smaller than the height and the depth.
The cartridge body 31 includes the front wall 40, the rear wall 41, the upper wall
39, the bottom wall 42 and side walls 37 and 38. That is, a surface of the cartridge
body 31 facing frontward during insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge-attachment
section 110 (i.e., in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is in the upright posture)
is the front surface 40 (front surface of the front wall 40). A surface of the cartridge
body 31 facing rearward during insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge-attachment
section 110 (i.e., in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is in the upright posture)
is the rear surface 41 (the rear surface of the rear wall 41). The side walls 37 and
38 extend to intersect with the front wall 40 and rear wall 41 so as to connect the
front wall 40 and the rear wall 41. In the upright posture of the ink cartridge 30,
outer surfaces of the side walls 37 and 38 faces rightward and leftward, respectively.
[0057] More specifically, in the present embodiment, the cartridge body 31 includes a lower
case 31L, and an upper cover 31U fitted to the lower case 31L. Within the lower case
31L, a first ink chamber 32 and the second ink chamber 33 are formed (see Fig. 8).
The lower case 31L includes the bottom wall 42, and the upper cover 31U includes the
upper wall 39. In the cartridge body 31, at least a portion of the rear wall 41 constituting
the lower case 31L is capable of transmitting light so that a liquid surface of the
ink stored in the first ink chamber 32 and second ink chamber 33 can be viewed from
outside. An upper surface of the upper cover 31U constitutes the upper surface 39
of the cartridge body 31.
[0058] As illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8, the rear surface 41 includes an upper portion 41U
and a lower portion 41L. The upper portion 41U is positioned upward of the lower portion
41L. The lower portion 41L is positioned forward of the upper portion 41U. Each of
the upper and lower portions 41U and 41L is a flat surface. The upper portion 41U
and lower portion 41L cross each other but are not orthogonal to each other. Specifically,
the lower portion 41L is inclined relative to the up-down direction so as to extend
closer to the front surface 40 toward the lower surface 42. In other words, in the
present embodiment, the upper portion 41U constitutes a rearmost portion of the rear
surface 41 in the rearward direction 52. Further, in the present embodiment, the upper
portion 41U also constitutes a rearmost portion of the ink cartridge 30. In Fig. 10,
a rearmost point of the ink cartridge 30 is illustrated as a point P5.
[0059] As illustrated in Figs. 4 and 8, the lower surface 42 is inclined relative to the
front-rear direction. Specifically, assuming the lower surface 42 has a front end
42F and a rear end 42R, the bottom surface 42 is inclined relative to the front-rear
direction such that the front end 42F is positioned downward relative to the rear
end 42R. The front end 42F of the lower surface 42 (inclined surface) is positioned
frontward relative to the IC board 64, as will be described later. The rear end 42R
of the lower surface 42 (inclined surface) is connected to a lower end of the lower
portion 41L of the rear surface 41. Preferably, the lower surface 42 is inclined relative
to the horizontal direction at an angle of 2° to 4°.
[0060] As illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7, the cartridge body 31 also includes a sub-lower
wall 48 and a connecting wall 49 that belong to the lower case 31L. The sub-lower
wall 48 is positioned upward of the lower wall 42. The sub-lower wall 48 extends rearward
from a lower end of the front wall 40. In the present embodiment, a front end of the
sub-lower wall 48 is positioned frontward of a front end of the ink supply portion
34, and a rear end of the sub-lower wall 48 is positioned rearward of the front end
of the ink supply portion 34. The connecting wall 49 connects the lower wall 42 (lower
surface 42) and the sub-lower wall 48. The ink supply portion 34 extends forward from
the connecting wall 49 at a position downward of the sub-lower wall 48 and upward
of the lower surface 42. Note that the front end of the sub-lower wall 48 may be arranged
at an arbitrary position, for example, at a position rearward of the front end of
the ink supply portion 34.
[0061] As illustrated in Figs. 4, 6-9A and 10, the upper wall 39 belonging to the upper
cover 31U has a stepped upper surface. Specifically, the upper surface 39 (upper surface
of the upper wall 39) includes a rearward portion that is raised upward relative to
a frontward portion of the upper surface 39. Hereinafter, the rearward portion will
be referred to as a raised portion 39A, whenever necessary.
[0062] A first protrusion 43 is provided on the upper surface 39 of the cartridge body 31.
More specifically, the first protrusion 43 is disposed at the raised portion 39A of
the upper surface 39. The first protrusion 43 extends in the front-rear direction
and is positioned at a generally left-right center of the upper surface 39 (raised
portion 39A). The first protrusion 43 has a rear end whose surface faces rearward.
This surface serves as the locking surface 151.
[0063] The locking surface 151 is a plane parallel to the gravitational direction (downward
direction 53). That is, the locking surface 151 extends in the up-down direction and
in the left-right direction. In the present embodiment, the locking surface 151 extends
upward from the upper surface 39 (raised portion 39A) of the cartridge body 31. In
a state where the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge-attachment section
110, the locking surface 151 facing rearward is in contact with the lock shaft 145
from frontward thereof in an engaging region E (illustrated in Fig. 5A). In other
words, the locking surface 151 has the engaging region E configured to engage the
lock shaft 145 in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge-attachment
section 110. The engaging region E is positioned upward relative to the IC board 64
in the attached posture, The contact (engagement) between the locking surface 151
(engaging region E) and the lock shaft 145 in the front-rear direction enables the
ink cartridge 30 to be held in the cartridge-attachment section 110 against the biasing
force of a coil spring 78 of the ink supply potion 34, as will be described later.
Although the locking surface 151 contacts the lock shaft 145 at the engaging region
(surface contact) in the embodiment, the locking surface 151 may make contact with
the lock shaft 145 at a specific point (point contact), as long as the locking surface
151 can receive the rearward urging force of the coil spring 78 to maintain the ink
cartridge 30 in the attached state. As an example, the locking surface 151 may make
contact with the lock shaft 145 on an engaging point P3 within the engaging region
E (see Fig. 5A).
[0064] The first protrusion 43 also includes a horizontal surface 154 and an inclined surface
155. The horizontal surface 154 extends frontward from an upper edge 151U of the locking
surface 151. That is, the horizontal surface 154 is provided frontward of the locking
surface 151. The horizontal surface 154 is a surface extending in the front-rear direction
and in the left-right direction. The horizontal surface 154 is a surface that is positioned
farthest away from the upper surface 39 among surfaces constituting the first protrusion
43. The horizontal surface 154 has a left-right dimension that is smaller than a front-rear
dimension thereof. The inclined surface 155 extends frontward and downward from a
front edge of the horizontal surface 154. That is, the front edge of the horizontal
surface 154 is the rear edge of the inclined surface 155 (denoted as a point P1 in
Figs. 7, 8, 9A and 10). The inclined surface 155 is disposed frontward relative to
the horizontal surface 154. The inclined surface 155 is a surface facing upward and
forward. Preferably, the inclined surface 155 is included relative to the horizontal
direction at an angle of 15° to 25°. Put another way, the locking surface 151 and
the inclined surface 155 are connected to each other via the horizontal surface 154.
Thus, a boundary edge between the locking surface 151 and inclined surface 155 does
not constitute a ridge-like shape. The inclined surface 155 is positioned between
the IC board 64 and the locking surface 151 in the front-rear direction. During insertion
of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge-attachment section 110, the lock shaft
145 is smoothly guided toward the rear beyond the locking surface 151 while abutting
against and sliding along the inclined surface 155 and horizontal surface 154.
[0065] Further, the cartridge body 31 (upper cover 31U) also includes a pair of sub-upper
walls 91 extending in the front-rear direction. One of the sub-upper walls 91 is located
frontward of the upper wall 39 (to be referred to as a front sub-upper wall 91F),
while the other sub-upper wall 91 is located rearward of the upper wall 39 (to be
referred to as a rear sub-upper wall 91R). The front sub-upper wall 91F has a front
end connected to an upper end of the front wall 40, and a rear end connected to a
front end of the upper wall 39 via a connecting wall 95 extending in the up-down direction.
The rear sub-upper wall 91R has a rear end connected to an upper end of the rear wall
41. The front and rear sub-upper walls 91F and 91R are positioned downward relative
to a center portion of the upper surface 39 in the front-rear direction.
[0066] An operation portion 90 is also provided on the upper surface 39 (raised portion
39A) of the cartridge body 31 at a position rearward of the locking surface 151. The
operation portion 90 is disposed upward relative to the rear sub-upper wall 91R (upper
surface of the rear sub-upper wall 91R) and is spaced apart therefrom in the front-rear
direction. The operation portion 90 has a generally flat plate-like shape. Specifically,
the operation portion 90 protrudes upward from the raised portion 39A of the upper
surface 39, and is then bent obliquely rearward and downward. The operation portion
90 protrudes upward from the raised portion 39A of the upper surface 39 up to the
same degree as the first protrusion 43 protrudes from the raised portion 39A in the
up-down direction. Here, "the same degree" means that an upper edge of the operation
portion 90 is positioned higher by 0 to 1 mm, or lower by 0 to 1 mm, relative to the
upper edge of the first protrusion 43 (i.e., relative to the horizontal surface 154),
The operation portion 90 is connected to a lower edge 151L of the locking surface
151 via a surface 156 constituting part of the upper surface 39 (or, part of the raised
portion 39A). A rib 94 is provided between the operation portion 90 and the rear sub-upper
wall 91F. The rib 94 connects the operation portion 90 and the rear sub-upper wall
91R in the up-down direction and extends in the front-rear direction. The rib 94 has
a dimension in the left-right direction that is smaller than each of a dimension of
the operation portion 90 and a dimension of the rear sub-upper wall 91R in the left-right
direction.
[0067] The operation portion 90 has a surface that faces diagonally upward and rearward.
This surface serves as an operation surface 92. The operation surface 92 and the rear
sub-upper wall 91R are aligned with each other at least partially in the up-down direction.
In other words, when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed from above, the operation surface
92 and the rear sub-upper wall 91R overlap with each other. On the operation surface
92, a plurality of projections, e.g., a plurality of ridges 93 extending in the left-right
direction is formed to be spaced apart from one another in the front-rear direction.
These ridges 93 (as the plurality of projections) allow the user to easily visually
recognize the operation surface 92. The ridges 93 can also serve to prevent the user's
finger from slipping over the operation surface 92 when he or she operates the operation
surface 92.
[0068] The operation surface 92 is visible when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed from rearward
and from upward. The user operates the operation surface 92 in order to remove the
ink cartridge 30 attached to the cartridge-attachment section 110 therefrom. The operation
portion 90 is fixed to the cartridge body 31 so as not to move relative to the cartridge
body 31. For example, the operation portion 90 may be formed integrally with the cartridge
body 31 so as not to pivot relative to the cartridge body 31. Thus, a force applied
from the user to the operation surface 92 is directly transmitted to the cartridge
body 31 without changing a direction of the force.
[0069] As illustrated in Figs. 4, 6-8, 9A and 10, a second protrusion 83 is also provided
at the upper surface 39 (raised portion 39A) of the cartridge body 31 at a position
forward of the first protrusion 43. The second protrusion 83 is provided at the upper
cover 31U. The second protrusion 83 extends forward from the front end of the first
protrusion 43. That is, the second protrusion 83 and the first protrusion 43 are connected
to each other. The second protrusion 83 is formed at the same left-right position
as the first protrusion 43. The second protrusion 83 supports the IC board 64. The
second protrusion 83 has a rear end portion whose upper surface serves as the contact
surface 84. Put another way, the contact surface 84 is connected to a lower end (front
end) of the inclined surface 155 and extends frontward therefrom. The contact surface
84 faces upward (i.e., a flat upper surface). That is, the contact surface 84 is positioned
between the IC board 64 and the locking surface 151 in the front-rear direction. In
a state where the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge-attachment section
110, the contact surface 84 is in contact with the positioning portion 107 of the
cartridge-attachment section 110, thereby providing positioning of the ink cartridge
30 relative to the cartridge-attachment section 110 with respect to the up-down direction.
The contact surface 84 is a surface that is not movable relative to the IC board 64.
In the present embodiment, the contact surface 84 is made of the same material as
a member that supports the IC board 64, i.e., the upper cover 31U. The inclined surface
155 may have an arbitrary configuration. For example, a continuous surface need not
be formed between the contact surface 84 and the locking surface 151. Alternatively,
for example, the second protrusion 83 having the contact surface 84 and the first
protrusion 43 having the locking surface 151 may not be formed to be continuous with
each other. That is, the second protrusion 83 and the first protrusion 43 may be provided
separately on the upper surface 39 so as to protrude upward therefrom.
[0070] Note that, the front surface, rear surface, top surface, bottom surface, and side
surfaces constituting the ink cartridge 30 need not be configured as one flat plane,
respectively. That is, the front surface of the ink cartridge 30 can be any surface(s)
that can be seen when the ink cartridge 30 in its upright posture is viewed from its
front side, and that is(are) positioned frontward relative to a front-rear center
of the ink cartridge 30. In the present embodiment, the front surface 40 (i.e., the
front surface of the front wall 40 connecting the sub-lower wall 48 and front sub-upper
wall 91F) and a front surface of the connecting wall 49 connecting the sub-lower wall
48 and the bottom wall 42 (bottom surface 42) constitute the front surface of the
ink cartridge 30. Also, the connecting wall 95 connecting the front sub-upper wall
91F and the upper wall 39 also constitutes the front surface of the ink cartridges
30. On the other hand, the ink cartridge 30 may not have the sub-lower wall 48 and
the front sub-upper wall 91F. In other words, the front surface 40 of the ink cartridge
30 may be configured as one surface continuously connecting the upper surface 39 and
the lower surface 42.
[0071] Likewise, the rear surface of the ink cartridge 30 can be any surface(s) that can
be seen when the ink cartridge 30 in its upright posture is viewed from its rear side,
and that is(are) positioned rearward relative to the front-rear center of the ink
cartridge 30. The upper surface of the ink cartridge 30 can be any surface(s) that
can be seen when the ink cartridge 30 in its upright posture is viewed from above,
and that is(are) positioned upward relative to a center of the ink cartridge 30 in
the up-down direction. The lower surface of the ink cartridge 30 can be any surface(s)
that can be seen when the ink cartridge 30 in its upright posture is viewed from below,
and that is(are) positioned downward relative to the center of the ink cartridge 30
in the up-down direction. The same is applied to the side surfaces of the ink cartridge
30.
[0072] As illustrated in Figs. 4, 6-8, 9A and 10, the light-blocking plate 67 is also provided
at the upper surface 39 (upper surface of the upper wall 39). Specifically, the light-blocking
plate 67 protrudes upward from the upper surface 39 at a position frontward relative
to the raised portion 39A. In the present embodiment, the light-blocking plate 67
is integrally formed with the upper cover 31U. The light-blocking plate 67 extends
in the front-rear direction. The light-blocking plate 67 is positioned frontward relative
to the second protrusion 83. The light-blocking plate 67 is connected to the raised
portion 39A that supports the second protrusion 83 on which the IC board 64 is disposed.
In other words, the raised portion 39A, which constitutes a part of the upper surface
39, also serves as a supporting portion that supports the IC board 64.
[0073] The light-blocking plate 67 is also positioned frontward and downward relative to
the IC board 64. In the present embodiment, the light-blocking plate 67 is a plate
made of resin containing a colored material capable of absorbing light (carbon black
pigment, for example). Alternatively, the light-blocking plate 67 may be configured
by attaching a material that cannot transmit light, such as aluminum, to a side surface
of a plate capable of transmitting light.
[0074] The light-blocking plate 67 has a flat plate-like shape whose left-right dimension
(the width W1 illustrated in Fig. 14) is smaller than a front-rear dimension thereof.
The light-blocking plate 67 has a front surface 67b, left and right side surfaces
67a, an upper surface 67c, and a sloped surface 67d.
[0075] The front surface 67b of the light-blocking plate 67 is a surface facing frontward
in the upright posture of the ink cartridge 30. The front surface 67b serves as an
interfering surface 67b of the ink cartridge 30. That is, the interfering surface
67b faces frontward in the upright posture of the ink cartridge 30. The interfering
surface 67b extends upward from the upper surface 39 of the cartridge body 31. Put
another way, the interfering surface 67b is a plane extending upward from the upper
surface 39 of the cartridge body 31. The interfering surface 67b is a flat plane extending
in the up-down direction and in the left-right direction. The interfering surface
67bM of the ink cartridge 30M is configured to abut against any one of the gates 108
other than the corresponding gate 108M when the ink cartridge 30M is inserted into
any one of the insertion spaces 111 different from the specified insertion space 111M.
That is, the interfering surface 67bM of the ink cartridge 30M is designed to abut
against the gate 108C, or the gate 108Y, or the gate 108K, in case that the ink cartridge
30M is inserted into the insertion space 111C, or the insertion space 111Y, or the
insertion space 111K. More specifically, the interfering surface 67bM of the ink cartridge
30M is designed to abut against any one of the gate 108C, the gate 108Y and the gate
108K, during insertion of the ink cartridge 30M into any one of the insertion space
111C, the insertion space 111Y, and the insertion space 111K other than the insertion
space 111M, i.e., in a process of insertion of the ink cartridge 30M until the ink
cartridge 30M is completely attached to the cartridge-attachment section 110 to be
at the attached posture.
[0076] The both side surfaces 67a of the light-blocking plate 67 are positioned rearward
of the interfering surface 67b. The both side surfaces 67a facing rightward and leftward,
respectively, serve as light-blocking surfaces 67a of the light-blocking plate 67.
The sloped surface 67d is a sloped surface that connects a front edge of the upper
surface 67c and an upper edge of the interfering surface 67b. The sloped surface 67d
faces forward and upward. The rear edge of the sloped surface 67d, i.e., the front
edge of the upper surface 67c (denoted as a point P2 in Figs. 7, 8, 9A, 10) is the
highest portion in the light-blocking plate 67. The upper edge of the interfering
surface 67b is positioned slightly downward relative to the upper surface (horizontal
surface 154 and inclined surface 155) of the first protrusion 43. The interfering
surface 67b is positioned forward and downward of the electrodes 65 of the IC board
64.
[0077] As illustrated in Figs. 6 and 9A, the both side surfaces 67a (light-blocking surfaces
67a) of the light-blocking plate 67 extend rearward from left and right ends of the
interfering surface 67b (also see Fig. and 12). That is, the interfering surface 67b
and each side surface 67a are aligned with each other in the front-rear direction.
Further, referring to Fig. 8, the interfering surface 67b is positioned rearward relative
to an inner surface 40R (rear surface) of the front wall 40, the inner surface 40R
defining a front edge of the first ink chamber 32, as will be described later.
[0078] The light-blocking plate 67 is configured to block the light of the optical sensor
113 traveling in the left-right direction from the light-emitting portion to the light-receiving
portion. More specifically, when the light emitted from the light-emitting portion
of the optical sensor 113 is incident on the right or left side surface 67a of the
light-blocking plate 67 before arriving at the light-receiving portion, the intensity
of light received at the light-receiving portion is less than a predetermined intensity,
for example, zero. Note that the light-blocking plate 67 may completely block the
light traveling in the left-right direction, or may partially attenuate the light,
may refract the light to change a traveling direction thereof, or may fully reflect
the light.
[0079] As illustrated in Figs. 6-9A and 10, the light-blocking plate 67(67M) is formed with
the cutout 66(66M). The cutout 66 is configured to allow light to pass therethrough
in the left-right direction (light-transmission portion). The cutout 66 is a space
provided by cutting out a portion of an upper end portion of the light-blocking plate
67. In other words, the cutout 66 is recessed downward from the upper surface 67c
of the light-blocking plate 67. The cutout 66 extends in the front-rear direction
and in the left-right direction. The cutout 66 is formed at a position coincident
with the corresponding optical sensor 113 in the left-right direction when the ink
cartridge 30 having the light-blocking plate 67 provided with the cutout 66 is mounted
in the corresponding insertion space 111. In other words, in a state where the ink
cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge-attachment section 110, the cutout 66 of
the light-blocking plate 67 of the attached ink cartridge 30 is located between the
light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the corresponding optical
sensor 113. Hence, the light from the light-emitting portion of the corresponding
optical sensor 113 is not blocked by the cutout 66, and is received at the light-receiving
portion.
[0080] Note that, the light-blocking plate 67 of the present embodiment is provided with
the cutout 66 as the light-transmission portion. However, the light-transmission portion
of the light-blocking plate 67 may not necessarily be provided as a cutout, as long
as light from the light-emitting portion of the optical sensor 113 can pass through
the light-transmission portion. For example, the light-transmission portion may be
provided as a through-hole penetrating a portion of the light-blocking plate 67 in
the left-right direction, or as a transparent plate provided in the light-blocking
plate 67,
[0081] More precisely, in the present embodiment, a portion of each side surface 67a enclosed
by a broken line D in Fig. 9A serves as a light -blocking portion of the light-blocking
plate 67. That is, the light emitted from the light-emitting portion of the corresponding
optical sensor 113 is configured to be incident on this portion D of one of the light-blocking
surfaces 67a during insertion of the ink cartridge 30. This portion D can block or
attenuate the incident light from the optical sensor 113 during insertion of the ink
cartridge 30 and is therefore configured to be detected by the controller 117 through
the optical sensor 113. This portion D may serve as a detection surface D of the light-blocking
plate 67. This detection surface D has a rear edge Dr that also constitutes a front
edge of the cutout 66 (light-transmission portion). In the attached state of the ink
cartridge 30, the optical sensor 113 is positioned to oppose the cutout 66. This means
that, in the light-blocking surface 67a, the light from the optical sensor 113 is
incident on the detection surface D but cannot be incident on a portion positioned
rearward of the cutout 66.
[0082] The light-blocking plate 67 may not be formed with the cutout 66. For example, the
light-blocking plate 67 of the ink cartridge 30C depicted in Fig. 17 is not formed
with the cutout 66. In case that the cutout 66 is not formed in the light-blocking
plate 67, one of the side surfaces 67a of the light-blocking plate 67 opposes the
light-emitting portion of the optical sensor 113 in the left-right direction when
the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge-attachment section 110. Thus, the
light emitted from the light-emitting portion of the optical sensor 113 is blocked
by the light-blocking plate 67 and is not received at the light-receiving portion.
[0083] The ink cartridges 30 may or may not include the cutout 66 depending on types of
the ink cartridges 30. For example, the types of the ink cartridges 30 may vary depending
on colors of ink, initial amounts of ink (larger or smaller), or types of ink (pigment
ink or dye ink) stored in the ink cartridges 30. In the present embodiment, the ink
cartridges 30 are, for each color, configured to store different initial amounts of
ink. Specifically, the ink cartridges 30M storing magenta ink can be classified into
two types: larger-amount type and smaller-amount type. The ink cartridge 30M of the
larger-amount type stores a larger amount of ink in the first ink chamber 32 as its
initial amount of ink than the initial amount of ink stored in the first ink chamber
32 of the ink cartridge 30M of the smaller-amount type. In this example, the ink cartridge
30M of the larger-amount type includes the light-blocking plate 67M formed with the
cutout 66M, while the ink cartridge 30M of the smaller amount type includes the light-blocking
plate 67M without the cutout 66M. In the present embodiment, the type of the ink cartridge
30 (i.e., the initial amount of ink) attached to the cartridge-attachment section
110 can be determined based on presence or absence of the cutout 66 in the light-blocking
plate 67, as will be described later in detail.
[0084] As illustrated in Figs. 6 to 8, the IC board 64 is disposed at the upper end of the
second protrusion 83 and between the light-blocking plate 67 and the first protrusion
43. The IC board 64 is positioned in a recess that is recessed downward and that is
formed in the second protrusion 83, the recess being positioned frontward of the contact
surface 84. The IC board 64 is supported by the second protrusion 83 from below. Specifically,
although not depicted in detail in the drawings, a photocurable resin is filled in
the recess of the second protrusion 83, whereby the IC board 64 is adhered to the
second protrusion 83,
[0085] The IC board 64 includes a substrate, an IC (not illustrated), and four electrodes
65 mounted on an upper surface of the substrate, for example. The substrate is made
of silicon, for example. The IC is a semiconductor integrated circuit and readably
stores data indicating information relating to the ink cartridge 30, such as a lot
number, a manufacturing date, and a color of the ink. Alternatively, the IC board
64 may be formed of a flexible board (substrate) having flexibility, provided with
the IC and electrodes.
[0086] The electrodes 65 are electrically connected to the IC. The four electrodes 65 each
extend in the front-rear direction. The four electrodes 65 are arranged spaced apart
from one another in the left-right direction. The four electrodes 65 are arranged
on the upper surface of the substrate such that the electrodes 65 are exposed above
to allow electrically access thereto from above. The electrodes 65 of the IC board
64 come into contact with the corresponding contacts 106 each at a contact point P4
(illustrated in Fig. 10) to be electrically connected thereto during insertion of
the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge-attachment section 110, and is electrically
connected to the corresponding set of contacts 106 in a state where the ink cartridge
30 is attached to the cartridge-attachment section 110.
[0087] As illustrated in Fig. 9A and 10, the IC board 64 is arranged rearward relative to
the ink supply port 71 of the ink supply potion 34. The IC board 64 is disposed forward
of the locking surface 151. The IC board 64 is also positioned downward of the upper
edge 151U of the locking surface 151, but upward relative to the light-blocking plate
67. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 4, the IC board 64 is positioned rearward relative
to the distal end 102E of the ink needle 102 in the frontward direction 51 in the
attached posture,
[0088] As described above, the connecting wall 95 connects the front sub-upper wall 91F
and the upper wall 39. That is, the connecting wall 95 extends upward from the rear
end of the front sub-upper wall 91F. The connecting wall 95 faces forward. The air
communication port 96 is formed in the connecting wall 95. That is, the air communication
port 96 is disposed upward relative to a center of the dimension of the cartridge
body 31 in the up-down direction. The air communication port 96 is a through-hole
formed in the connecting wall 95. The air communication port 96 has a substantially
circular cross-section (see Fig. 6) and has an inner diameter larger than an outer
diameter of the corresponding rod 125 of the cartridge-attachment section 110. The
rod 125 is configured to enter the air communication port 96 during insertion of the
ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge-attachment section 110.
< Internal Configuration of Cartridge Body 31 >
[0089] As illustrated in Fig. 8, the first ink chamber 32, the second ink chamber 33, the
ink valve chamber 35, and an air valve chamber 36 are provided inside the cartridge
body 31.
[0090] The first ink chamber 32 and the air valve chamber 36 are partitioned by a partitioning
wall 44. The first ink chamber 32 and the second ink chamber 33 are partitioned by
a partitioning wall 45. The partitioning wall 44 and partitioning wall 45 are both
walls extending in the front-rear direction and in the left-right direction. The partitioning
wall 44 and partitioning wall 45 are disposed opposite to each other in the up-down
direction. A through-hole 46 is formed in the partitioning wall 44. The first ink
chamber 32 and the air valve chamber 36 communicate with each other through the through-hole
46.
[0091] As illustrated in Fig. 8, specifically, the first ink chamber 32 is a space enclosed
by the following surfaces: a lower surface 44L of the partitioning wall 44, an upper
surface 45U of the partitioning wall 45, and the inner surface 40R of the front wall
40, an inner surface 41F of the rear wall 41 (front surface of the rear wall 41),
and inner surfaces of the side walls 37 and 38. The lower surface 44L and upper surface
45U defines upper and lower edges of the first ink chamber 32, respectively. The inner
surface 40R, inner surface 41F, and the inner surfaces of the side walls 37 and 38
defines front, rear and side edges of the first ink chamber 32, respectively. The
inner surface 40R is the rear surface of the front wall 40, i.e., a surface opposite
to the front surface 40 (front surface of the front wall 40). The inner surface 41F
is a front surface of the rear wall 41, i.e., a surface opposite to the rear surface
41 (rear surface of the rear wall 41). The inner surfaces of the side walls 37 and
38 are surfaces opposite to the outer surfaces of the side walls 37 and 38. In Fig.
7, the inner surface of the side wall 38 is not illustrated.
[0092] The second ink chamber 33 is positioned downward of the first ink chamber 32 in the
upright posture of the ink cartridge 30. The second ink chamber 33 can store ink therein.
The second ink chamber 33 has a capacity smaller than a capacity of the first ink
chamber 32. That is, a smaller amount of ink can be stored in the second ink chamber
33 than in the first ink chamber 32.
[0093] The second ink chamber 33 and ink valve chamber 35 are partitioned by a partitioning
wall 50. The second ink chamber 33 communicates with the first ink chamber 32 through
a communication port 47 formed in the partitioning wall 45 (see Fig. 8). The second
ink chamber 33 communicates with the ink valve chamber 35 through a through-hole 99
formed in the partitioning wall 50. The partitioning wall 50 defines a rear edge of
the ink valve chamber 35, i.e., a rear edge 75R of the ink supply potion 34 (see Fig.
8).
[0094] The second ink chamber 33 is a space enclosed by the following surfaces: a lower
surface 45L of the partitioning wall 45, an upper surface 42U of the lower wall 42,
a rear surface 50R of the partitioning wall 50, the inner surface 41F of the rear
wall 41, and the inner surfaces of the side walls 37 and 38. The lower surface 45L
and upper surface 42U define upper and lower edges of the second ink chamber 33, respectively.
The rear surface 50R, inner surface 41F and the inner surfaces of the side walls 37
and 38 define front, rear and side edges of the second ink chamber 33, respectively.
[0095] Within the air valve chamber 36, a valve 97 and the coil spring 98 are disposed.
The air valve chamber 36 can communicate with ambient air through the air communication
port 96 formed in the connecting wall 95, The valve 97 is movable between a closing
position sealing the air communication port 96 and an opening position separated from
the air communication port 96. The coil spring 98 is disposed rearward of the valve
97 so as to be capable of expanding and contracting in the front-rear direction. The
coil spring 98 urges the valve 97 in the frontward direction 51 (toward the air communication
port 96). Accordingly, in a state that no external force is applied, the valve 97
is in contact with the air communication port 96 to seal the air communication port
96. The coil spring 98 has a spring constant that is smaller than a spring constant
of the coil spring 78 of the ink supply portion 34.
[0096] Incidentally, a member for sealing the air communication port 96 is not limited to
the valve 97. For example, a seal may be removably affixed to the connecting wall
95 to seal the air communication port 96.
[0097] During insertion of the ink cartridges 30 into the cartridge-attachment section 110,
the rod 125 of the cartridge-attachment section 110 enters inside the air communication
port 96, thereby moving the valve 97 rearward from the closing position toward the
opening position against the biasing force of the coil spring 98. When the valve 97
is separated from the air communication port 96 by the rod 125 and is at the separating
position, the first ink chamber 32 is opened to the atmosphere.
[0098] The ink supply portion 34 is provided at the connecting wall 49 constituting the
front surface of the ink cartridge 30. The ink supply potion 34 has a cylindrical
outer shape. More specifically, the ink supply portion 34 includes a hollow cylindrical-shaped
cylinder 75, and a packing 76. The cylinder 75 protrudes forward from the connecting
wall 49. The cylinder 75 has a front end that is opened to the outside of the ink
cartridge 30. The cylinder 75 defines an inner space therein that serves as the ink
valve chamber 35.
[0099] The packing 76 is provided at the open front end of the cylinder 75. The packing
76 is a disk-shaped member and has a center portion formed with a through-hole. The
packing 76 is made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. The through-hole
penetrates through the center portion of the packing 76 in the front-rear direction
to provide a tubular-shaped inner peripheral surface that defines the ink supply port
71. The ink supply port 71 has a diameter that is slightly smaller than an outer diameter
of the ink needle 102.
[0100] Within the ink valve chamber 35, a valve 77 and the coil spring 78 are disposed.
The valve 77 is movable in the front-rear direction to open and close the ink supply
port 71 penetrating the center portion of the packing 76. The coil spring 78 biases
the valve 77 forward. Accordingly, without application of an external force, the valve
77 closes the ink supply port 71 of the packing 76.
[0101] When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge-attachment section 110 in
a state where the valve 77 closes the ink supply port 71, the ink needle 102 enters
the ink supply port 71. An outer peripheral surface of the ink needle 102 entering
into the ink supply port 71 is brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface
defining the ink supply port 71 to provide liquid-tight seal therewith, while elastically
deforming the packing 76. When the distal end 102E of the ink needle 102 passes through
the ink supply port 71 of the packing 76 and enters inside the ink valve chamber 35,
the distal end 102E of the ink needle 102 comes in contact with the valve 77. As the
ink cartridge 30 is further inserted into the cartridge-attachment section 110, the
distal end 102E of the ink needle 102 moves the valve 77 rearward against the biasing
force of the coil spring 78, thereby separating the valve 77 from the ink supply port
71 to open the ink supply port 71. Accordingly, the ink in the valve chamber 35 is
allowed to flow into the inner space of the ink needle 102.
[0102] Note that, instead of the valve 77, the ink supply portion 34 may be closed with
a film. In this case, the ink supply port 71 may be defined by the front end of the
cylinder 75, not by the packing 76. Alternatively, the ink supply port 71 may be configured
to be closed by a sealing member without a through-hole. In this case, the ink supply
port 71 may be formed by piercing the ink needle 102 into the sealing member, and
be closed by an elasticity of the sealing member itself as the ink needle 102 is removed
from the sealing member. Still alternatively, the ink supply portion 34 need not be
provided as a cylindrical-shaped member. For example, a through-hole may be formed
in the front wall 40 to penetrate the same in a thickness direction thereof (front-rear
direction). The ink supply potion is partially defined by the front wall 40.
[0103] Referring to Fig. 9A, here, assume an imaginary plane X1 that includes the point
P1 and the point P2 and that extends in the left-right direction. As explained above,
the point P1 denotes the boundary edge at which the inclined surface 155 and the horizontal
surface 154 are connected to each other; and the point P2 denotes the front edge of
the upper surface 67c of the light-blocking plate 67. In the present embodiment, the
imaginary plane X1 is inclined to extend downward toward frontward. The IC board 64
is disposed below the imaginary plane X1.
[0104] More specifically, assume a region that is defined between the imaginary plane X1
and the upper surface 39 of the cartridge body 31, i.e., a space that is above the
upper surface 39 of the cartridge body 31 and below the imaginary plane X1. The IC
board 64 is disposed within this region. Further, the side surfaces 67a of the light-blocking
plate 67, the cutout 66, the IC board 64, the contact surface 84, and the inclined
surface 155 are all disposed between the point P1 and the point P2 in the front-rear
direction within the region defined between the upper surface 39 and the imaginary
plane X1 in the up-down direction. In other words, members that can be accessed from
above or the left or the right side of the ink cartridge 30 are all disposed within
this region. Put another way, in the ink cartridge 30 of the present embodiment, there
is no member that extends to cross the imaginary plane X1 between the point P1 and
the point P2. That is, the upper edge of the inclined surface 155 (point PI) is the
highest point, and the front edge of the upper surface 67c of the light-blocking plate
67 (point P2) is the second highest point among all the members positioned between
the point P1 and point P2 on the upper surface 39 of the ink cartridge 30.
[0105] In the frontward direction 51, the locking surface 151, IC board 64 and light-blocking
plate 67 are arranged in this order, from the rear surface 41 toward the front surface
40. In the up-down direction, the light-blocking plate 67, IC board 64 and the locking
surface 151 are arranged in this order toward the top. More specifically, uppermost
portions of the light-blocking plate 67, the IC board 64 and the locking surface 151
are arranged toward the top in the recited order in the upward direction 54.
[0106] Further, as illustrated in Fig. 14, the first protrusion 43 has a dimension or width
in the left-right direction (width W3) that is greater than the width W1 of the light-blocking
plate 67 in the left-right direction. That is, the first protrusion 43 has a wider
width (W3) than the light-blocking plate 67 and protrudes from the upper surface 39
further upward relative to the light-blocking plate 67. The first protrusion 43 is
designed to protect the light-blocking plate 67 from external damages, such as impacts
that may be impinged at the time of falling of the ink cartridge 30 onto the floor,
for example.
[0107] Further, referring to Fig. 8, the light-blocking plate 67 is positioned frontward
relative to a center of gravity G of the ink cartridges 30 in the front-rear direction,
whereas the locking surface 151 is positioned rearward relative to the center of gravity
G of the ink cartridges 30 in the front-rear direction. In other words, the light-blocking
plate 67 is positioned closer to the front surface 40 than the center of gravity G
is to the front surface 40 in the front-rear direction. The locking surface 151 is
positioned closer to the rear surface 41 than the center of gravity G is to the rear
surface 41 in the front-rear direction.
[0108] Referring to Fig. 10 in which the ink cartridge 30 is in the attached posture or
in the upright posture, the IC board 64 is positioned rearward relative to the ink
supply port 71 of the ink supply potion 34 in the front-rear direction. Further, the
IC board 64 is positioned rearward relative to the partitioning wall 50 defining the
rear edge 75R of the ink supply potion 34 in the front-rear direction. The contact
surface 84 is also positioned rearward relative to the ink supply port 71 of the ink
supply potion 34. The IC board 64, the contact surface 84 and the inclined surface
155 are aligned in the front-rear direction in this order from the front toward the
rear. More specifically, referring to Figs. 9B and 13A to 13D, assume an imaginary
plane X2 passing through the left-right center of the IC board 64 and extending parallel
to the front-rear direction and up-down direction. In the present embodiment, this
imaginary plane X2 also passes through centers of the contact surface 84, the inclined
surface 155 and the locking surface 151 in the left-right direction. Further, in the
present embodiment, the imaginary plane X2 also passes the left-right center of the
ink supply port 71.
[0109] Again, on the upper surface 39 between the IC board 64 and the inclined surface 155
in the front-rear direction, the upper edge of the inclined surface 155 (point PI)
is the uppermost position. The contact surface 84 is positioned slightly higher relative
to the electrodes 65 on the IC board 64, but is positioned lower than the upper edge
(point PI) of the inclined surface 155. The contact surface 84 is positioned at the
substantially same level as or slightly lower relative to the lower edge of the inclined
surface 155.
[0110] The ink supply potion 34, the IC board 64 and the locking surface 151 are aligned
in the front-rear direction in this order from the front toward the rear. More specifically,
referring to Figs. 8 and 10, the IC board 64 is arranged rearward relative to the
ink supply potion 34 (ink supply port 71) in the front-rear direction. Further, the
IC board 64 and contact surface 84 are aligned with each other in the front-rear direction.
[0111] The light-blocking plate 67 is positioned between the ink supply port 71 of the ink
supply potion 34 and the IC board 64 in the front-rear direction. The light-blocking
plate 67 is also positioned lower than the upper surface of the IC board 64, i.e.,
the electrodes 65. The front end 42F of the bottom surface 42 is positioned frontward
relative to the IC board 64.
[0112] Fig. 10 summarizes positional relationships among the above-mentioned elements of
the ink cartridge 30.
[0113] A distance D1 is larger than a distance D2 (D1 > D2). Here, the distance D1 is defined
as a distance in the front-rear direction between the ink supply port 71 (i.e., the
front end face of the ink supply potion 34 in which the ink supply port 71 is open)
and the engaging point P3 on the locking surface 151. The distance D2 is defined as
a distance in the front-rear direction between the engaging point P3 on the locking
surface 151 and the upper portion 41U of the rear surface 41 (rearmost point P5 on
the rear surface 41). Further, the distance D2 is shorter than a distance D5 (D2 <
D5). The distance D5 is defined as a distance in the front-rear direction between
the contact point P4 on the electrodes 65 of the IC board 64 and the engaging point
P3 on the locking surface 151. The distance D5 is greater than a distance D6 (D5 >
D6). The distance D6 is defined as a distance in the front-rear direction between
the contact point P4 on the electrodes 65 of the IC board 64 and the front-rear center
of the contact surface 84.
[0114] Further, a distance D3 is longer than a distance D4 (D3 > D4). The distance D3 is
defined as a distance in the up-down direction between the vertical center of the
ink supply port 71 and the upper edge 151U of the locking surface 151. The distance
D4 is defined as a distance in the up-down direction between the vertical center of
the ink supply port 71 and the contact surface 84. Still further, the distance D4
is shorter than a distance D7 (D4 < D7), where the distance D7 is defined as a distance
in the up-down direction between the vertical center of the ink supply port 71 and
the upper end 151U of the inclined surface 155. The contact point P4 on the electrodes
65 is spaced away from the ink supply port 71 (front end face of the ink supply potion
34 in which the ink supply port 71 is open) by a distance D8. That is, the distance
D8 is defined as a distance in the front-rear direction between the ink supply port
71 (front end face of the ink supply potion 34 in which the ink supply port 71 is
open) and the contact point P4 on the electrodes 65 of the IC board 64.
[0115] Preferably, the distance D1 may range from 90 mm to 95 mm; the distance D2 may range
from 20 mm to 25 mm; the distance D3 may range from 71 mm to 80 mm; the distance D4
may range from 70 mm to 73 mm; the distance D5 may range from 30 mm to 35 mm; and
the distance D6 may range from 10 mm to 13 mm. These numerals are just examples, and
should not be limited thereto,
[0116] Note that, in the present embodiment, among the light-blocking plate 67, the IC board
64 and the locking surface 151, the light-blocking plate 67 is positioned closest
to the front surface 40 (front surface of the front wall 40) that defines a frontmost
edge of the ink cartridge 30. That is, the light-blocking plate 67 is the element
that is positioned closest to the frontmost edge of the ink cartridge 30 among those
elements that are configured to be accessed from outside (i.e., among the light-blocking
plate 67, the IC board 64 and the locking surface 151). Accordingly, the distance
D2 between the rearmost point P5 and the engaging point P3 in the front-rear direction
is shorter than a distance D9 defined between the frontmost edge (front surface of
the front wall 40) and the front edge of the light-blocking plate 67 (i.e., the interfering
surface 67b) in the front-rear direction.
[Comparison of the Ink Cartridges 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K]
<Ink Cartridge 30K>
[0117] The ink cartridge 30K is different from the ink cartridges 30C, 30M, and 30Y in terms
of ink color and capacity of the first ink chamber 32.
[0118] The ink cartridge 30K stores ink of a black color. The ink cartridge 30K is different
from the ink cartridges 30C, 30M, and 30Y in that the cartridge body 31 of the ink
cartridge 30K has a left-right dimension that is larger than a left-right dimension
of the cartridge body 31 of the ink cartridges 30C, 30M and 30Y, as illustrated in
Figs. 11A through 15. Accordingly, the capacity of the first ink chamber 32 of the
ink cartridge 30K is larger than those of the ink cartridges 30C, 30M, and 30Y.
[0119] Referring to Figs. 13A to 13D, the side surface 37 of the ink cartridge 30K (labelled
as 37K in Fig. 13A) is positioned farther away from the imaginary plane X2 than the
side surface 37 of each of the ink cartridges 30C, 30M and 30Y is from the imaginary
plane X2 in the rightward direction 55. The left-right dimension of the ink cartridge
30K is defined as a distance between outer edges of the cartridge body 31 of the ink
cartridge 30K in the left-right direction (i.e., the distance between the side surface
37K and the side surface 38 of the cartridge body 31 of the ink cartridge 30K).
[0120] Further, referring to Figs. 13A to 13D, the first protrusion 43 and second protrusion
83 for the ink cartridges 30C, 30M and 30Y are disposed on the upper surface 39 at
the left-right center thereof. On the other hand, on the upper surface 39 of the cartridge
body 31 of the ink cartridge 30K, the first protrusion 43 and second protrusion 83
are arranged offset from the left-right center of the upper surface 39 of the cartridge
body 31. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the first protrusion 43 and
second protrusion 83 of the ink cartridge 30K are disposed on the upper surface 39
at a position offset to the left relative to the left-right center of the upper surface
39 of the cartridge body 31. On the other hand, the first protrusion 43 and second
protrusion 83 for the ink cartridges 30C, 30M and 30Y are disposed on the upper surface
39 at the left-right center thereof.
[0121] The ink cartridges 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K are different from one another in terms
of the left-right position of the light-blocking plate 67. That is, specific positions
of the respective light-blocking plates 67C, 67M, 67Y and 67K in the left-right direction
differ from one another among the ink cartridges 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K, as shown in
Figs. 13A to 13D.
[0122] Referring to Figs. 13A and 14, with regard to ink cartridge 30K, the left-right position
of the light-blocking plate 67K does not fall within the width of the IC board 64
in left-right direction. That is, the light-blocking plate 67K of the ink cartridge
30K is not aligned with the IC board 64 (the second protrusion 83 and the first protrusion
43) in the front-rear direction.
[0123] More specifically, as illustrated in Fig, 14, in the ink cartridge 30K, the width
W1 of the light-blocking plate 67K is smaller than a width W2 (W1 < W2), where the
width W2 is a defined as a distance (dimension) in the left-right direction between
the right edge of the upper surface 39 (right side surface 37K) and the right edge
of the interfering surface 67b (i.e., the right side surface 67a of the light-blocking
plate 67K) in the ink cartridge 30K. Put another way, the width W2 is a shortest distance
in the left-right direction between one of the outer edges of the upper surface 39
(right edge of the upper surface 39) and one of the light-blocking surface 67a of
the light-blocking plate 67K (or, one of the outer edges of the interfering surface
67b) in the ink cartridge 30K. Note that, in the ink cartridge 30K, the right edge
of the upper surface 39 (right side surface 37K) is closer to the right side surface
67a of the light-blocking plate 67K (right edge of the interfering surface 67b) than
the left edge of the upper surface 39 (left side surface 38) is to the right side
surface 67a of the light-blocking plate 67K in the left-right direction.
[0124] Further, referring to Fig. 14, assume an imaginary plane X3 that represents an outermost
edge of the cartridge body 31 of the ink cartridge 30M(30C, 30Y) in the left-right
direction. That is, the imaginary plane X3 corresponds to the side surface 37 of the
ink cartridge 30M (30C, 30Y) in the present embodiment. The light-blocking plate 67K
of the ink cartridge 30K is positioned outward relative to the imaginary plane X3
in the left-right direction, i.e., opposite to the imaginary plane X2 with respect
to the imaginary plane X3. Put another way, in the left-right direction, a distance
L1 is greater than a distance L2 (L1 > L2), where the distance L1 is a distance between
the side surface 67a (left side surface 67aK) of the light-blocking plate 67K and
the imaginary plane X2; and the distance L2 is a shortest distance between the imaginary
plane X2 and the outermost edge of the cartridge body 31 of the ink cartridge 30M
(30C, 30Y) in the left-right direction (i.e., the distance in the left-right direction
between the imaginary plane X2 and the side surface 38 in the present embodiment).
That is, in the ink cartridge 30K, the interfering surface 67b(67bK) of the light-blocking
plate 67K is not aligned with the IC board 64 in the front-rear direction and is offset
toward the right from the imaginary plane X2. Or the interfering surface 67b(67bK)
of the light-blocking plate 67K and the IC board 64 are arranged at different positions
from each other in the left-right direction.
[0125] On the other hand, referring to Figs. 13B to 13D, the light-blocking plates 67C,
67M and 67Y of the ink cartridges 30C, 30M, 30Y are all arranged at such left-right
positions that fall within a width of the IC board 64 (a width of the second protrusion
83 and the first protrusion 43) in the left-right direction. However, the specific
positions of the light-blocking plates 67C, 67M and 67Y differ from one another in
the left-right direction.
[0126] More specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 13B and 15, the light-blocking plate 67M
of the ink cartridge 30M is positioned on the imaginary plane X2 to extend therealong.
The interfering surface 67bM of the light-blocking plate 67M intersects with the imaginary
plane X2, in the present embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 13C, the light-blocking
plate 67C of the ink cartridge 30C is positioned leftward relative to the imaginary
plane X2. That is, the interfering surface 67bC of the light-blocking plate 67C is
positioned offset to the left relative to the imaginary plane X2. Put different way,
the interfering surface 67bC of the ink cartridge 30C is closer to the left edge of
the upper surface 39 (left side surface 38) than the interfering surface 67bM of the
ink cartridge 30M is to the left edge of the upper surface 39 (left side surface 38)
in the left-right direction. As illustrated in Fig. 13D, the light-blocking plate
67Y of the ink cartridge 30Y is positioned rightward relative to the imaginary plane
X2. That is, the interfering surface 67bY of the light-blocking plate 67Y is positioned
offset to the right relative to the imaginary plane X2. In other words, the interfering
surfaces 67bC, 67bY of the light-blocking plate 67C, 67Y are positioned away from
the imaginary plane X2 in the left-right direction and offset from the center of the
IC board 64 in the left-right direction.
[Attachment/Detachment of the Ink Cartridge 30 relative to the Cartridge-Attachment
Section 110]
[0127] Next, a process for attaching the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge-attachment section
110 will be described with reference to Figs. 4, 5A, 5B, 16 and 17. In Figs. 4, 5A,
5B, 16 and 17, the ink cartridge 30M is depicted as an example.
[0128] As illustrated in Fig. 8, in the ink cartridges 30 prior to attachment to the cartridge-attachment
section 110, the valve 77 closes the ink supply port 71 of the packing 76. Accordingly,
at this time, ink flow to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 is interrupted. Further,
in this state, the valve 97 closes the air communication port 96. Accordingly, the
first ink chamber 32 is not opened to the atmosphere. Further, before attachment of
the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge-attachment section 110, the opening 112 of the
case 101 is closed by the cover 114 at the closing position.
[0129] For inserting and removing the ink cartridge 30 into/from the cartridge-attachment
section 110, the user pivots the cover 114 from the closing position to the opening
position.
[0130] The ink cartridge 30 is configured to be inserted into the case 101 through the opening
112 of the cartridge-attachment section 110 in the upright posture: that is, in such
a posture that the front surface 40 of the cartridge body 31 faces frontward, and
the upper surface 39 of the cartridge body 31 face upward. Since the upper portion
41U of the rear surface 41 of the cartridge body 31 is positioned rearward relative
to the lower portion 41L, that is, since the upper portion 41U is positioned closer
to the user than the lower portion 41L is to the user, the user pushes the upper portion
41U forward to insert the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge-attachment section 110.
The bottom portion of the ink cartridge 30 thus enters the corresponding guide groove
109 provided in the bottom surface of the case 101.
[0131] As the ink cartridge 30 is further inserted into the case 101, the ink supply portion
34 enters the corresponding guide portion 105. At the same time, the rod 125 enters
into the corresponding air communication port 96.
[0132] Further, the interfering surface 67b of the light-blocking plate 67 arrives at the
corresponding gate 108 of the cartridge-attachment section 110. For example, in case
that the ink cartridge 30M is inserted into the prescribed insertion space 111M of
the case 101, the left-right position of the interfering surface 67bM of the light-blocking
plate 67M is coincident with the left-right position of the slit 119M of the gate
108M. Accordingly, as the cartridge body 31 of the ink cartridge 30M is moved in the
forward direction 51 along the corresponding guide groove 109, the interfering surface
67bM passes through the slit 119M without abutting against the opposing walls 118
of the gate 108M, and moves past the gate 108M to be positioned frontward of the gate
108M, as depicted in Fig. 16. The locking surface 151 is positioned still rearward
of the lock shaft 145.
[0133] Here, as a comparative example, assume that the ink cartridge 30C is inserted into
the insertion space 111M that does not correspond to the ink cartridge 30C. In this
case, since the left-right position of the interfering surface 67bC does not coincide
with the left-right position of the slit 119M, the interfering surface 67bC abuts
against the opposing walls 118 of the gate 108M as the cartridge body 31 of the ink
cartridge 30C is moved in the forward direction 51 along the guide groove 109, as
illustrated in Fig. 18. The interfering surface 67bC of the ink cartridge 30C therefore
cannot pass through the slit 119M. As a result, the ink cartridge 30C cannot be inserted
further forward in the frontward direction 51 from the state depicted in Fig. 18.
Accordingly, the ink needle 102 does not separate the valve 77 of the ink cartridge
30C from the packing 76, That is, the ink supply port 71 is not yet opened by the
ink needle 102 and thus the ink supply potion 34 is not connected to the ink needle
102. Still alternatively, the ink needle 102 may be separated from the ink supply
port 71 of the ink supply potion 34 in the front-rear direction when the interfering
surface 67bC abuts against the opposing walls 118 of the gate 108M. In the present
embodiment, "the ink supply potion 34 is connected to the ink needle 102" denotes
a state where the ink needle 102 separates the valve 77 from the ink supply port 71
and the ink supply port 71 is opened. Thus, in Fig. 18, the ink supply potion 34 is
not connected to the ink needle 102, since the ink needle 102 is in contact with the
packing 76 but the valve 77 still closes the ink supply port 71.
[0134] In this way, the light-blocking plate 67 of the ink cartridge 30 can function as
a physical key to see whether or not the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into a correct
one of the insertion spaces 111 (designated insertion space 111) of the cartridge-attachment
section 110.
[0135] As the ink cartridge 30M is inserted further in the frontward direction 51 after
passing through the gate 108M, the ink needle 102 passes through the ink supply port
71 to separate the valve 77 from the packing 76 against the biasing force of the coil
spring 78. As a result, the vertical position of the ink supply portion 34 is fixed
relative to the cartridge-attachment section 110. In this state, the ink cartridge
30M as a whole is applied with the biasing force of the coil spring 78 of the ink
supply potion 34 so that the ink cartridge 30M is urged rearward. The rod 125 having
entered into the air communication port 96 abuts against the valve 97 to separate
the valve 97 from the air communication port 96 against the biasing force of the coil
spring 98. As a result, the first ink chamber 32 is opened to the atmosphere through
the through-hole 46, the air valve chamber 36, and the air communication port 96.
[0136] Further, the first protrusion 43 reaches the lock shaft 145, and the inclined surface
155 is brought into contact with the lock shaft 145 and slidingly moves in the frontward
direction 51 relative to the lock shaft 145.
[0137] The ink cartridge 30M is applied with biasing forces generated by the compressed
coil springs 78 and 98 acting in the rearward direction 52. The magnitude of the biasing
force generated by each of the coil springs 78 and 98 is determined by a spring constant
thereof and a distance thereof compressed from its natural length. The spring constant
of the coil spring 98 is smaller than the spring constant of the coil spring 78. The
compressed distance of the coil spring 78 (a distance by which the valve 77 is separated
from the ink supply port 71) is larger than the compressed distance of the coil spring
98 (a distance by which the valve 79 is separated from the air communication port
96). As a result, in a state where the ink cartridge 30M is accommodated in the cartridge-attachment
section 110, the magnitude of the biasing force generated by the coil spring 78 is
larger than the magnitude of the biasing force of the biasing force generated by the
coil spring 98.
[0138] The ink cartridge 30M is also applied with a rotational moment acting in a counterclockwise
direction in Fig. 16, since the user pushes the upper portion 41U of the rear surface
41. However, against this rotational moment, the contact between the inclined surface
155 and the lock shaft 145 causes the ink cartridge 30M to pivot in a clockwise direction
in Fig. 17 about a center C of the ink supply port 71 of the packing 76 into which
the ink needle 102 is inserted. That is, the center C of the ink supply port 71 serves
as a pivot center of the ink cartridge 30 in the present embodiment.
[0139] Incidentally, the position of the pivot center of the ink cartridge 30 may vary depending
on the shape of the ink needle 102 and the shape of the ink supply port 71. In the
present embodiment, indeed, as shown in Figs. 4 and 17, the pivot center is a center
of a portion PP at which the ink needle 102 and the inner peripheral surface of the
tubular ink supply port 71 are in contact with each other. In the present embodiment,
the pivot center is the center of the portion PP at which the ink needle 102 contact
the inner peripheral surface of the packing 76 defining the ink supply port 71. This
portion PP at which the ink needle 102 and the ink supply port 71 (the inner peripheral
surface of the packing 76) contact each other will be referred to as a particular
portion PP hereinafter, whenever necessary. The ink cartridge 30 is thus inserted
in the frontward direction 51 in a posture illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17. The posture
illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17 is referred to as a second posture, hereinafter.
[0140] Since the lower surface 42 of the cartridge body 31 is inclined relative to the front-rear
direction (horizontal direction), a space is available between the lower surface 42
and the bottom surface of the guide groove 109. This space allows the above-described
pivotal movement of the ink cartridge 30M in the clockwise direction.
[0141] Further, since the inner diameter of the air communication port 96 is larger than
the outer diameter of the rod 125, a space is also provided between the rod 125 and
the air communication port 96. This space also allows the pivotal movement of the
ink cartridge 30 in the clockwise direction. In other words, in the state where the
ink cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge-attachment section 110, the rod 125
and the air communication port 96 do not contact with each other. That is, vertical
positioning is not performed between the rod 125 and the air communication port 96.
[0142] In the second posture, a space is also provided between the electrodes 65 of the
IC board 64 and the corresponding set of contacts 106 in the up-down direction. That
is, the electrodes 65 and the contacts 106 are separated from each other in the up-down
direction, Further, in the second posture as a result of the clockwise pivoting of
the ink cartridge 30M, the contact surface 84 is located below the corresponding positioning
portion 107. A space is therefore formed between the positioning portion 107 and the
contact surface 84 in the up-down direction. That is, the positioning portion 107
and the abutment part 84 are separated from each other in the up-down direction.
[0143] As the ink cartridge 30M is further inserted forward in the frontward direction 51
from the state illustrated in Fig. 16 against the biasing force of the coil spring
78, the inclined surface 155 and the horizontal surface 154 of the first protrusion
43 move frontward beyond the lock shaft 145, reaching a position closer to the end
wall of the case 101 than the lock shaft 145 is to the end wall, as illustrated in
Fig. 17. In the ink cartridge 30M in the second posture, the locking surface 151 is
positioned lower relative to the lock shaft 145.
[0144] As described above, the ink cartridge 30M(30) is applied with the rotational moment
acting in the counterclockwise direction in Fig. 17 due to the user's forward pushing
on the upper portion 41U of the rear surface 41. Also, the rotational moment acting
in the clockwise direction in Fig. 17 is also generated in the ink cartridge 30M(30)
by the biasing force of the coil spring 98 disposed in the air valve chamber 36. In
a state where the inclined surface 155 and the horizontal surface 154 no longer abut
against the lock shaft 145, the ink cartridge 30M(30) is caused to pivot in the counterclockwise
direction in Fig. 17 about the pivot center C due to the user's pushing force against
the biasing force of the coil spring 98. The contact surface 84 is thereby brought
into contact with the positioning portion 107 from below.
[0145] At this time, the locking surface 151 faces rearward and opposes the lock shaft 145
in the front-rear direction. When the user stops pushing the ink cartridge 30M(30)
in the frontward direction 51, the ink cartridge 30M(30) is moved rearward by the
biasing force of the coil spring 78. The locking surface 151 therefore moves rearward
to abut against the lock shaft 145 from frontward thereof. This contact between the
locking surface 151 and the lock shaft 145 restricts the ink cartridge 30 from moving
further rearward in the rearward direction 52. That is, positioning of the ink cartridge
30M(30) in the front-rear direction relative to the cartridge-attachment section 110
is provided by the contact between the locking surface 151 and the lock shaft 145.
[0146] Further, since the contact surface 84 abuts the positioning portion 107 from below
at this time, the ink cartridges 30M(30) is also restricted from moving upward. That
is, the ink cartridge 30M(30) is prevented from pivoting further in the counterclockwise
direction about the center C. This abutment between the contact surface 84 and the
positioning portion 107 thus provides positioning of the ink cartridge 30M(30) in
the up-down direction. As a result, the ink cartridge 30M(30) is fixed in position
in the corresponding insertion space 111M(111) of the cartridge-attachment section
110, as illustrated in Fig. 4. The posture of the ink cartridge 30M(30) illustrated
in Fig. 4 (the attached posture) will also be referred to as a first posture, hereinafter,
whenever necessary, for the sake of explanation. Thus, attachment of the ink cartridge
30M(30) to the cartridge-attachment section 110 is completed. In other words, the
ink cartridge 30 is pivotable about the center C of the ink supply port 71 to move
between the first posture and the second posture.
[0147] In the embodiment, the "insertion of the ink cartridge 30" is deemed to be completed
when the ink cartridge 30 is fixed in position relative to the cartridge-attachment
section 110, with the locking surface 151 engaged with the lock shaft 145. That is,
the "insertion of the ink cartridge 30" is not deemed to end simply because the ink
needle 102 is inserted into the ink supply potion 34.
[0148] In the first posture (attached posture), following forces act on the ink cartridge
30.
[0149] That is, the ink cartridge 30 is applied with a force acting downward (i.e., in a
direction moving from the first posture to the second posture) about the center C,
due to: a self-weight of the ink cartridge 30; a biasing force that the IC board 64
receives from the contacts 106; and the rotational moment acting in the clockwise
direction and generated by the coil spring 98 provided in the air valve chamber 36.
On the other hand, the ink cartridge 30 is also applied with a force acting upward
(i.e., in a direction moving from the second posture to the first posture) about the
center C due to the rotational moment acting in the counterclockwise direction, the
rotational moment being generated by the coil spring 78 in the ink valve chamber 35
acting on the locking surface 151. Since the contact surface 84 is in abutment with
the positioning portion 107, the contact surface 84 is in receipt of a component of
the upward force acting on the ink cartridge 30, thereby providing the positioning
of the ink cartridge 30 in the up-down direction.
[0150] In the first posture, the lock shaft 145 is separated in the up-down direction from
the surface 156 extending rearward from the lower edge 151L of the locking surface
151. That is, the lock shaft 145 does not contribute to any positioning of the ink
cartridge 30 in the up-down direction. Thus, in the cartridge-attachment section 110,
the up-down positioning of the ink cartridge 30 is performed, not by the lock shaft
145 provided separately from the case 101, but by the positioning portion 107 that
is integrally formed with the case 101 and that is disposed closer to the set of contacts
106 than the lock shaft 145 is to the contacts 106.
[0151] Referring to Fig. 4, assume an imaginary arc Q of a circle that is centered on the
center C and that passes a center Z of the lock shaft 145 (see Fig. 5A). As illustrated
in Fig. 4, in the ink cartridge 30M(30) in the first posture, the upper edge 151U
of the locking surface 151 is positioned outside the imaginary arc Q, while the lower
edge 151L of the locking surface 151 is positioned inside the imaginary arc Q. The
ink cartridge 30M(30) in the first posture is fixed in position by the contact between
the ink supply port 71 and the ink needle 102 and by the contact between the locking
surface 151 and the lock shaft 145. In this state, the ink cartridge 30M(30) in the
first posture is applied with the biasing force of the coil spring 78 acting in the
rearward direction 52. As a result, a moment acting forward and upward is generated
in the ink cartridge 30M(30). This moment corresponds to a magnitude of a force urging
the ink cartridge 30M(30) to pivot in the counterclockwise direction about the center
C.
[0152] In the ink cartridge 30M(30) in the first posture, the electrodes 65 of the IC board
64 electrically contact the corresponding contacts 106 while elastically deforming
the contacts 106 upward. At this time, while the IC board 64 is urged downward by
the elastically deformed contacts 106, due to the above-described moment acting on
the ink cartridge 30M(30), the IC board 64 is kept elastically deforming the contacts
106.
[0153] Further, in the process of the counterclockwise pivoting of the ink cartridge 30M
from the state illustrated in Fig. 17, the electrodes 65 of the IC board 64, which
are positioned rearward of the center C and forward of the locking surface 151, are
respectively brought into contact with the contacts 106 from below to be electrically
connected thereto. That is, in the present embodiment, the direction in which the
ink cartridge 30 moves during insertion and removal thereof (i.e., the front-rear
direction) intersects with the direction in which the electrodes 65 of the IC board
64 and the contacts 106 contact and separate from each other (i.e., the up-down direction).
Accordingly, the electrodes 65 of the IC board 64 are prevented from being moved in
the front-rear direction relative to the contacts 106 while being in contact with
the contacts 106, thereby suppressing generation of foreign matters such as shavings
of the electrodes 65.
[0154] After attaching the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge-attachment section 110, the
user pivots the cover 114 from the opening position to the closing position. When
the cover 114 is at the closing position, the cover sensor 115 outputs a detection
signal indicative of detection of the cover 114. In response to receipt of the detection
signal from the cover sensor 115, the controller 117 determines whether or not the
cutout 66 is provided in the light-blocking plate 67 of the attached ink cartridge
30, depending on signals outputted from the optical sensor 113. The controller 117
then determines the type of the attached ink cartridge 30, such as an initial capacity
of the ink cartridge 30 and a composition of the ink stored in the ink cartridge 30,
based on the presence/absence of the cutout 66. The relationship between the presence/absence
of the cutout 66 and the type of the ink cartridge 30 is prestored in the memory of
the controller 117 as predetermined data.
[0155] Next, a process for removing the attached ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge-attachment
section 110 will be described.
[0156] For removing the ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge-attachment section 110, the
user first pivots the cover 114 from the closing position to the opening position
and presses the operation surface 92 of the ink cartridge 30 downward. In the first
posture of the ink cartridge 30, the operation surface 92 faces upward and rearward.
Hence, when the user operates the operation surface 92, a force acting downward and
forward is applied the ink cartridge 30. The locking surface 151 is separated from
the lock shaft 145 by the force acting forward, and the ink cartridge 30 is pivoted
in the clockwise direction in Fig. 4 by the downward force. As a result, as illustrated
in Fig. 17, the contact surface 84 is separated from the positioning portion 107,
and the electrodes 65 of the IC board 64 are separated from the respective contacts
106. The locking surface 151 is also positioned downward of the lock shaft 145. That
is, the ink cartridge 30 is moved from the first posture to the second posture. When
the IC board 64 and the locking surface 151 are separated from the contacts 106 and
lock shaft 145, respectively, in accordance with the change of the ink cartridge 30
from the first posture to the second posture, the ink cartridge 30 is moved rearward
relative to the cartridge-attachment section 110 due to the biasing force of the coil
spring 78. The user can therefore hold the cartridge body 31 to remove the ink cartridge
30 out of the cartridge-attachment section 110. While the ink cartridge 30 is withdrawn
from the cartridge-attachment section 110, the light-blocking plate 67 passes through
the slit 119 of the corresponding gate 108, and moves rearward past the gate 108.
[Determination on the Type of Ink Cartridge 30 attached to the Cartridge-Attachment
Section 110]
[0157] Now, how to determine the type of the ink cartridge 30 attached to the cartridge-attachment
section 110 will be described while referring to a flowchart of Fig. 19.
[0158] In the present embodiment, the controller 117 determines the type of the ink cartridges
30 mounted in the insertion space 111 based on output signals from the optical sensor
113. As described above, the output signals from the optical sensor 113 vary depending
on whether or not the cutout 66 is formed in the light-blocking plate 67 in the mounted
ink cartridge 30.
[0159] Specifically, referring to Fig. 19, the controller 117 first determines in S11 whether
or not the cover 114 is at the opening position. The controller 117 repeats the step
S11 (S11: NO) unless the controller 117 receives a high level signal from the cover
sensor 115. The controller 117 determines that the cover 114 is at the opening position
(S11: Yes) upon receipt of the high level signal from the cover sensor 115. The controller
117 then determines in S12 whether or not the high level signal from the optical sensor
113 is changed to a low level signal. The signal outputted from the optical sensor
113 becomes low level at least once when the detection surface D of the light-blocking
plate 67 of the ink cartridge 30 comes between the light-emitting portion and the
light-receiving portion of the optical sensor 113 during insertion of the ink cartridges
30 into the cartridge-attachment section 110.
[0160] That is, the change in signal from high level to low level at the optical sensor
113 means that the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the designated insertion space
111 of the cartridge-attachment section 110. For example, if the ink cartridge 30M
is inserted into the insertion space 111C other than the designated insertion space
111M, the optical sensor 113 of the insertion space 111C does not output the low level
signal since the optical sensor 113 of the insertion space 111C cannot detect the
detection surface D of the light-blocking plate 67M of the ink cartridge 30M that
cannot passes through the slit 109C of the gate 108C, as illustrated in Fig. 18.
[0161] When the signal from the optical sensor 113 changes to low level (S12: YES), the
controller 117 then sets a flag stored in the memory ON in S13. That is, the ON flag
means that the ink cartridge 30 having the light-blocking plate 67 (detection surface
D) has been inserted into the designated insertion space 111 of the cartridge-attachment
section 110.
[0162] In case that the signal from the optical sensor 113 does not change to low level
but is maintained at high level (S12: NO), the controller 117 then advances to the
step S14. The optical sensor 113 continues to issue the high level signal unless the
detection surface D of the light-blocking plate 67 passes the optical sensor 113,
that is, in case that the ink cartridge 30 is not inserted into the designated insertion
space 111 of the cartridge-attachment section 110. Note that, here, even if the ink
cartridge 30 without the light-blocking plate 67 (detection surface D) is inserted
into the designated insertion space 111, the optical sensor 113 continues to output
the high level signal (S12: NO) since the light from the optical sensor 113 is not
interrupted. The controller 117 therefore advances to the step S14.
[0163] The controller 117 then determines in S14 whether or not the cover 114 is closed.
Specifically, when the signal outputted from the cover sensor 115 changes to low level,
the controller 117 determines that the cover 114 is at the closing position (S14:
YES) and advances to the step S15. The controller 117 goes back to the step S12 as
long as the signal from the cover sensor 115 remains at high level and does not change
to low level (S14: NO).
[0164] After the cover 114 is determined to be at the closing position in S14, the controller
117 determines in S15 whether or not accessing to the IC board 64 through the contacts
106 can be made. In case that the controller 117 cannot access the IC board 64 (S15:
NO), the controller 117 determines in S21 that the ink cartridge 30 is not attached
to the cartridge-attachment section 110. In this case, the controller 117 may give
a warning to the user to inform him that the ink cartridge 30 is not attached to the
cartridge-attachment section 110, for example, through a message such as "No Cartridge"
on a display.
[0165] In case that the controller 117 can access the IC board 64 (S15: YES), the controller
117 determines in S16 whether or not the flag stored in the memory is ON. When the
flag is not ON (S16: NO), the controller 117 determines in S20 that the ink cartridge
30 without the light-blocking plate 67 is attached. In this case, the controller 117
may give a warning to the user to inform him that the inserted ink cartridge is abnormal,
for example, through a message such as "Unable to Detect Cartridge" on the display.
The ink cartridge 30 may lose the light-blocking plate 67, for example, due to some
kind of damages impinged on the light-blocking plate 67.
[0166] When the flag is ON (S16: YES), the controller 117 then determines in S17 whether
the signal outputted from the optical sensor 113 is high level or low level, In case
that the signal from the optical sensor 113 is a high level signal (S17: High), the
controller 117 determines in S18 that the attached ink cartridge 30 belongs to a type
A. That is, the ink cartridge 30 having the light-blocking plate 67 formed with the
cutout 66 as shown in Figs. 6 to 8, for example, belongs to the type A. The optical
sensor 113 is configured to output the high level signal in case that the cutout 66
is formed in the light-blocking plate 67 of the attached ink cartridge 30. The cartridge
30 of the type A may be a high-capacity cartridge whose initial capacity of ink is
large, for example. In case that the controller 117 determines that the attached ink
cartridge 30 belongs to the type A, the controller 117 may set an initial number of
sheets that the printer 10 can print with the initial amount of ink stored in the
ink cartridge 30 of the type A. Alternatively, the controller 117 may set a threshold
value corresponding to the initial amount of ink stored in the ink cartridge 30 of
the type A. The controller 117 may halt printing operations if the printer 10 has
used an amount of ink larger than the threshold value, or may give a warning to the
user to inform him that little ink is left in the attached ink cartridge 30.
[0167] In case that the signal outputted from the optical sensor 113 is a low level signal
(S17: Low), the controller 117 determines in S19 that the attached ink cartridge 30
belongs to a type B. That is, the ink cartridge 30 having the light-blocking plate
67 without the cutout 66 as shown in Fig. 18, for example, belongs to the type B.
The optical sensor 113 is configured to output the low level signal in case that the
cutout 66 is not formed in the light-blocking plate 67 of the attached ink cartridge
30. The cartridge 30 of the type B may be a low-capacity cartridge whose initial capacity
of ink is not large, or smaller than the initial capacity of ink of the ink cartridge
30 of the type A. In case that the controller 117 determines that the attached ink
cartridge 30 belongs to the type B, the controller 117 may set an initial number of
sheets that the printer 10 can print with the initial amount of ink stored in the
ink cartridge 30 of the type B. Alternatively, the controller 117 may set a threshold
value corresponding to the initial amount of ink stored in the ink cartridge 30 of
the type B. The controller 117 may halt printing operations if the printer 10 has
used an amount of ink larger than the threshold value, or may give a warning to the
user to inform him that little ink is left in the attached ink cartridge 30.
[Operational and Technical Advantages of the Embodiment]
[0168] In the ink cartridge 30 according to the present embodiment, the interfering surface
67b is disposed frontward and downward relative to the electrodes 65 of the IC board
64. The IC board 64 is positioned upward relative to the first ink chamber 32 and
the second ink chamber 33. With this structure, the gate 108 corresponding to the
interfering surface 67b is less likely to contact the electrodes 65 of the IC board
64 during the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the corresponding insertion space
111 of the cartridge-attachment section 110.
[0169] Further, this structure of the interfering surface 67b can prevent the ink cartridge
30 inserted into the incorrect insertion space 111 from becoming attached in the incorrect
insertion space 111. That is, due to the interference between the interfering surface
67b of the incorrectly inserted ink cartridge 30 and the opposing walls 118 of the
incorrect gate 108, the ink supply potion 34 of the incorrectly inserted ink cartridge
30 can be prevented from being connected to the ink needle 102; and the incorrectly
inserted ink cartridge 30 is prevented from being locked by the lock shaft 145 in
the incorrect insertion space 111.
[0170] Further, the ink cartridge 30 of the present embodiment includes the light-blocking
plate 67. The light-blocking plate 67 is positioned rearward relative to the interfering
surface 67b in the attached posture. The light-blocking plate 67 has a light-blocking
surface 67a (detection surface D) extending in the frontward direction 51 and downward
direction 53. The light-blocking plate 67 of the ink cartridge 30 is configured to
block or attenuate the light traveling in the left-right direction during insertion
of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge-attachment section 110 as well as at the
time of completion of attachment to the cartridge-attachment section 110. That is,
the light-blocking plate 67 of the embodiment is configured to be detected by the
corresponding optical sensor 113 not only during insertion of the ink cartridge 30
but also in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is in the attached posture.
[0171] The light-blocking plate 67 may or may not have the cutout 66 formed therein, depending
on the type of the ink cartridge 30, for example, depending on the initial capacity
of ink stored in the ink cartridge 30 in the present embodiment. With this structure,
the type of the ink cartridge 30 can be determined by detecting the presence or absence
of the cutout 66 of the light-blocking plate 67, using the optical sensor 113.
[0172] As shown in Fig. 18, the interfering surface 67b of the ink cartridge 30 is configured
to abut against the gate 108 provided at the insertion space 111 other than the designated
insertion space 111 before the valve 77 is opened by the ink needle 102 and the ink
supply potion 34 is connected to the ink needle 102. With this structure, the ink
stored in the ink cartridge 30 is prevented from being supplied to the sub tank 28
of a different color.
[0173] Further, the interfering surface 67b is aligned with the light-blocking plate 67
(side surfaces 67a) in the front-rear direction. This arrangement of the interfering
surface 67b and the side surfaces 67a of the light-blocking plate 67 can realize downsizing
of the light-blocking plate 67 in the left-right direction and in the up-down direction.
[0174] Further, the width W1 of the interfering surface 67b in the left-right direction
is smaller than the width W2 (shortest distance in the left-right direction between
one of the outer edges of the upper surface 39 and one of the side surfaces 67a of
the light-blocking plate 67K). In other words, since the width W2 is greater than
the width W1, there can be provided relatively wider spaces at both sides of the interfering
surface 67b and the light-blocking plate 67 on the upper surface 39 of the cartridge
body 31 in the left-right direction. Thus, in the cartridge-attachment section 110,
in regions corresponding to these spaces on the upper surface of the ink cartridge
30 within the insertion space 111, those components configured to make access to the
ink cartridge 30, such as the contacts 106 and optical sensor 113, can be arranged.
[0175] Further, since the interfering surface 67b is constituted as the front surface of
the light-blocking plate 67, the structure of the interfering surface 67b can be simplified.
[0176] Further, the sloped surface 67d is provided to connect the interfering surface 67b
and the upper surface 67c of the light-blocking plate 67. This structure can reduce
a possibility that the interfering surface 67b and the light-blocking plate 67 may
be damaged when the ink cartridge 30 is dropped on the floor with the upper cover
31U facing downward.
[0177] Further, in the ink cartridge 30K, the interfering surface 67bK and the IC board
64 do not overlap each other in the left-right direction, i.e., arranged at different
positions from each other in the left-right direction. With this structure, the gate
108 corresponding to the interfering surface 67b is further less likely to make contact
with the IC board 64 during the insertion of the ink cartridge 30K into the insertion
space 111K of the cartridge-attachment section 110.
[0178] Further, the IC board 64 is disposed frontward of the locking surface 151 and downward
of the upper edge 151U of the locking surface 151. With this structure, the lock shaft
145 is suppressed from making contact with the IC board 64 and the interfering surface
67b during the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the corresponding insertion
space 111 of the cartridge-attachment section 110.
[0179] Further, the IC board 64 and the interfering surface 67b are provided on the upper
cover 31U. Accordingly, the lower case 31L can be made common to the ink cartridges
30C, 30M and 30Y, irrespective of the types of the ink cartridges 30C, 30M and 30Y.
[0180] Further, in the insertion space 111K, the gate 108K (slit 119K) corresponding to
the interfering surface 67bK of the ink cartridge 30K is positioned outward relative
to a position corresponding to the outermost edge (right side surface 37) of the cartridge
body 31 of any one of the ink cartridges 30C, 30M, and 30Y in the left-right direction.
This structure can prevent wrong insertion of the ink cartridges 30C, 30M, and 30Y
into the insertion space 111K.
[0181] Further, with regard to the gates 108C, 108M and 108Y disposed in the respective
insertion spaces 111C, 111M and 111Y, a relative position between the gate 108C and
the contacts 106 in the left-right direction in the insertion space 111C is different
from a relative position between the gate 108M and the corresponding contacts 106
in the left-right direction in the corresponding insertion space 111M. Likewise, the
relative position between the gate 108C and the contacts 106 in the left-right direction
in the insertion space 111C is also different from a relative position between the
gate 108Y and the corresponding contacts 106 in the left-right direction in the corresponding
insertion space 111Y. This structure can prevent the ink cartridges 30C, 30M, and
30Y from being inserted into incorrect one of the insertion spaces 111 other than
the prescribed insertion space 111. Thus, the ink cartridge 30C is prevented from
being inserted into the insertion space 111M or into the insertion space 111Y. The
ink cartridge 30M is prevented from being inserted into the insertion space 111C or
into the insertion space 111Y. The ink cartridge 30Y is also prevented from being
inserted into the insertion space 111C or into the insertion space 111M.
[Variations and Modifications]
[0182] In the following, various modifications to the depicted embodiment will be described.
Like parts and components will be designated with the same reference numerals as those
of the depicted embodiment to avoid duplicating explanation.
1. First Modification
[0183] In the above-described embodiment, the interfering surface 67b constitutes the front
surface of the light-blocking plate 67. However, the interfering surface 67b and the
light-blocking plate 67 need not necessarily be formed integrally. For example, as
illustrated in Fig. 20, an ink cartridge 230 may include a protrusion 285 having an
interfering surface 285b, and a light-blocking plate 267 having a light-blocking surface
267a as the detection surface D. That is, the protrusion 285 (interfering surface
285b) and light-blocking plate 267 (light-blocking surface 267a) are provided independently
of each other. As in the embodiment, the interfering surface 285b is arranged to be
aligned with the light-blocking plate 267 in the front-rear direction. The protrusion
285 is positioned frontward of the light-blocking plate 267 in the front-rear direction.
The light-blocking plate 267 is configured to block the light from the corresponding
optical sensor 113 during insertion of the ink cartridge 230 and in the attached posture
of the ink cartridge 230. The light-blocking plate 267 shown in Fig. 20 is not formed
with a cutout.
[0184] Incidentally, in this configuration of the first modification, the protrusion 285
may be configured not to block light. That is, in case that the protrusion 285 and
the light-blocking plate 267 are provided as separate members from each other, the
protrusion 285 may or may not be made of a material capable of transmitting light
therethrough (translucent resin, for example).
[0185] With this structure, by separating the interfering surface 285b from the light-blocking
plate 267, impact, which will be impinged on the interfering surface 285b at the time
of wrong insertion of the ink cartridge 230, is prevented from being directly transmitted
to the light-blocking plate 267. Further, in case that the protrusion 285 is capable
of transmitting light, the protrusion 285 does not disturb detection of the light-blocking
plate 267 by the corresponding optical sensor 113 during insertion of the ink cartridge
230 into the corresponding insertion space 111 of the cartridge-attachment section
110.
2. Second Modification
[0186] Further, Figs. 21 and 22 depict an ink cartridge 330 according to a second modification
to the embodiment.
[0187] The ink cartridge 330 includes a cartridge body 331 configured of an upper cover
331U and a lower case 331L. The cartridge body 331 includes a front surface 340, a
rear surface 341, an upper surface 339, a bottom surface 342, side surfaces 337 and
338, a sub-lower wall 348, and a connecting wall 349 corresponding to the front surface
40, the rear surface 41, the upper surface 39, the bottom surface 42, the side surfaces
37 and 38, the sub-lower wall 48, and the connecting wall 49 of the ink cartridge
30 of the embodiment, respectively. In Fig. 21, the side wall 337 is not shown. The
ink supply potion 34 is provided at the connecting wall 349, as in the embodiment.
[0188] In a side view, as shown in Fig. 21, the ink cartridge 330 has the same configuration
on the upper surface 339 as that on the upper surface 39 of the ink cartridge 30 of
the embodiment. Note that the ink cartridge 330 shown in Fig. 21 includes the light-blocking
plate 67 without the cutout 66. That is, a portion of the light-blocking plate 67
corresponding to the cutout 66 (a portion indicated by a circle in a broken line in
Fig. 21) now serves as the detection surface D. That is, the light from the optical
sensor 113 is configured be incident on the circled portion on the detection surface
D.
[0189] In the depicted embodiment, the coil spring 98 is disposed in the air valve chamber
36 to move the valve 97 to open and close the air communication port 96. Accordingly,
while the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into and attached to the cartridge-attachment
section 110, the ink cartridge 30 receives the urging force acting in the clockwise
direction (by the coil spring 98) as well as the urging force acting in the counterclockwise
direction (by the coil spring 78 of the ink supply potion 34).
[0190] In contrast, referring to Fig. 22, the ink cartridge 330 according to the second
modification does not include the valve 97 and the coil spring 98. That is, the ink
cartridge 330 is configured to receive the urging force of the coil spring 78 of the
ink supply potion 34 as an urging force acting in the rearward direction 52 during
insertion and attachment of the ink cartridge 330 relative to the cartridge-attachment
section 110.
[0191] More specifically, once the ink needle 102 is inserted into the ink supply port 71
and connected to the ink supply potion 34, since no downward rotational moment is
applied to the ink cartridge 330, the ink cartridge 330 is applied with the upward
rotational moment about the center C (portion PP) by the urging force of the coil
spring 78 acting in the counterclockwise direction, in addition to the user's forward
pushing of an upper portion of the rear surface 341. The ink cartridge 330 is therefore
pivoted counterclockwise from the second posture to the first posture. As a result,
as in the depicted embodiment, the electrodes 65 of the IC board 64 are brought into
contact with the contacts 106 from below to be electrically connected thereto; and
the contact surface 84 is brought into contact with the positioning portion 107 from
below. As the user releases his fingers from the ink cartridge 330, the ink cartridge
330 is moved in the rearward direction 52 due to the urging force of the coil spring
78, causing the locking surface 151 to abut against the lock shaft 145 from its front
side. The ink cartridge 330 is thus fixed in position in the front-rear direction.
That is, the locking surface 151 receives the rearward moment applied from the coil
spring 78, thereby maintaining the ink cartridge 330 in the attached state (in the
first posture or upright posture).
[0192] In the ink cartridge 330 of the second modification as well, the light-blocking plate
67 and the IC board 64 are arranged on the upper surface 39 constituting the cartridge
body 31 such that the interfering surface 67b of the light-blocking plate 67 is disposed
frontward and downward relative to the electrodes 65 of the IC board 64. With this
structure, the gate 108 corresponding to the interfering surface 67b is less likely
to contact the electrodes 65 of the IC board 64 during the insertion of the ink cartridge
330 into the corresponding insertion space 111 of the cartridge-attachment section
110.
[0193] Further, as in the ink cartridge 30 of the depicted embodiment, positioning of the
ink cartridge 330 relative to the cartridge-attachment section 110 is provided: by
the abutment of the locking surface 151 against the lock shaft 145 in the front-rear
direction; and by the contact of the contact surface 84 with the positioning portion
107 in the up-down direction. With this simple structure of the second embodiment
as well, stable positioning of the ink cartridge 330 relative to the cartridge-attachment
section 110 can be realized.
[0194] Still further, as in the ink cartridge 30 of the depicted embodiment, in the attached
state of the ink cartridge 330, the rearward urging force of the coil spring 78 is
stably received by the locking surface 151 that is in contact with the lock shaft
145, thereby preventing the ink cartridge 330 from moving further in the rearward
direction 52 and providing positioning of the ink cartridge 330 in the front-rear
direction relative to the cartridge-attachment section 110. Accordingly, the contact
pressure between the electrodes 65 of the IC board 64 and the contacts 106 can be
stably maintained.
[0195] Further, with this structure of the second modification, the same technical and operational
advantages as those of the embodiment can be obtained.
3. Third Modification
[0196] In the depicted embodiment, the cartridge body 31 is configured of two different
members, i.e., the upper cover 31U and the lower case 31L attached to each other.
However, the cartridge body 31 may be formed as a single member, without including
an upper cover and a lower case.
[0197] Figs. 23A and 23B illustrate an ink cartridge 43 according to a third modification
to the embodiment. The ink cartridge 430 includes a cartridge body 431 of a rectangular
parallelepiped shape. The cartridge body 431 includes a front wall 440, a rear wall
441, an upper wall 439, a bottom wall 442 and side walls 437 and 438. Each of these
walls 440, 441, 439, 442, 437 and 438 constitute an outer shell of the ink cartridge
430. In other words, the cartridge body 431 is not configured of a cover and a case.
Thus, an upper surface of the upper wall 439 constitutes an upper surface of the cartridge
body 431. A front surface of the front wall 440 constitutes a front surface of the
cartridge body 431. The front surface of the front wall 440 (front surface of the
cartridge body 431) is a flat surface, unlike the front surface (40, 49, 95) of the
ink cartridge 30 of the embodiment. A rear surface of the rear wall 441 constitutes
a rear surface of the cartridge body 431. The rear surface of the rear wall 441 (rear
surface of the cartridge body 431) is a flat surface, although the rear surface 41
of the ink cartridge 30 of the embodiment is configured of two portions (upper portion
41U and lower portion 41L).
[0198] An ink chamber 432 is defined inside the cartridge body 431. More specifically, the
ink chamber 432 is defined by inner surfaces of the front wall 440, the rear wall
441, the upper wall 439, the bottom wall 442 and the side walls 437 and 438. An upper
end region in the ink chamber 432 (a region above an ink surface of ink stored in
the ink chamber 432) is in communication with ambient air through an air communication
port 496 formed in the upper wall 439. Note that, the air communication port 496 may
not necessarily be formed in the upper wall 439, but may be formed in one of other
walls constituting the cartridge body 431. For example, the air communication port
496 may be formed in one of the side walls 437 and 438.
[0199] An ink supply portion 434 is provided at the front wall 440. In this modification,
the ink supply potion 434 is a through-hole formed in a lower end portion of the front
wall 440 to penetrate therethrough in the front-rear direction. The ink supply potion
434 defines an ink supply port 471 that is open frontward on the front surface of
the front wall 440.
[0200] On the upper surface 439, a light-blocking plate 467, an IC board 464, a contact
surface 484 and a first protrusion 443 having a locking surface 451 are arranged in
the front-rear direction, as in the depicted embodiment. Specifically, the light-blocking
plate 467, the IC board 464, the contact surface 484, and the locking surface 451
are aligned with one another in the front-rear direction in this order from the front
toward the rear. The light-blocking plate 467 is positioned frontward and downward
relative to the IC board 64. The front surface of the light-blocking plate 467 serves
as an interfering surface 467b. The light-blocking plate 467 has side surfaces including
the detection surface D. The light-blocking plate 467 shown in Figs. 23A and 23B is
not formed with a cutout (i.e., the ink cartridge 430 shown in Figs. 23A and 23B belongs
to the type B). The contact surface 484 is arranged between the IC board 464 and the
locking surface 451 in the front-rear direction. The contact surface 484 is positioned
upward relative to the IC board 464 but downward relative to an upper edge (denoted
as the point PI) of the locking surface 451. The upper edge (the point P1) of the
locking surface 451 is the highest (farthest away from the upper surface 439) among
all parts disposed at the upper surface 439 between the light-blocking plate 467 and
the locking surface 451 in the front-rear direction. That is, the upper edge (the
point PI) of the locking surface 451 constitutes an uppermost edge of the ink cartridge
430 between the light-blocking plate 467 and the locking surface 451. The locking
surface 451 is positioned closer to the rear wall 441 than to the IC board 464 in
the front-rear direction.
[0201] With this structure, since the detection surface D (light-blocking surface) of the
light-blocking plate 467 is positioned frontward and downward relative to the contact
surface 484, the positioning portion 107 of the printer 10, which is configured to
contact the contact surface 484, is less likely to interfere with the light-blocking
plate 467 (i.e., the interfering surface 467b and the detection surface D) during
insertion of the ink cartridge 430 into the cartridge-attachment section 110, Further,
the lock shaft 145 of the cartridge-attachment section 110, which is configured to
engage the locking surface 451, is less likely to interfere with the contact surface
484, the detection surface D (interfering surface 467b), and the IC board 64 during
the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge-attachment section 110.
[0202] With this structure of the third modification, the same technical and operational
advantages as those of the embodiment can be obtained.
4. Fourth Modification
[0203] In the depicted embodiment, the light-blocking plate 67 is disposed on the upper
surface 39 (a portion of the upper surface 39 other than the raised portion 39A).
However, the light-blocking plate 67 may be provided to extend frontward from the
raised portion 39A. That is, the light-blocking plate 67 may be connected to at least
one of the raised portion and the portion other than the raised portion 39A on the
upper surface 39.
[0204] Fig. 24 shows still another example of the light-blocking plate 67. An ink cartridge
530 according to a fourth modification includes a cartridge body 531 including a flat
front wall 540, a flat rear wall 541, a flat upper surface 539 and a flat bottom wall
542. The ink supply potion 34 is provided at the front wall 540. On the upper surface
539, the first protrusion 443 and a second protrusion 583 supporting the IC board
64 is disposed. The first protrusion 443 and the second protrusion 583 are aligned
with one another in the front-rear direction, as in the embodiment. A light-blocking
plate 567 is connected to a front surface of the second protrusion 583 and extends
frontward therefrom. That is, the light-blocking plate 567 is not directly connected
to the upper surface 539, and an interfering surface 567b of the light-blocking plate
567 is connected to the front surface of the second protrusion 583.
[0205] With this structure of the fourth modification, the same technical and operational
advantages as those of the embodiment can be obtained.
5. Fifth Modification
[0206] In the embodiment, in case that the ink cartridge 30M is erroneously inserted into
the insertion space 111C, due to the interference between the interfering surface
67bM of the ink cartridge 30M and the gate 108C disposed in the insertion space 111C,
the ink cartridge 30M cannot move further forward from the state illustrated in Fig.
18. At this time, the valve 77 is not yet opened by the ink needle 102, and therefore
the ink in the ink cartridge 30M (ink of magenta color) is not allowed to flow into
the tank 103 (or the sub tank 28) corresponding to the yellow color in the cartridge-attachment
section 110. That is, in the embodiment, the interfering surface 67b(67bM) is configured
to abut against the incorrect gate 108(108C) before the ink supply potion 34 is connected
to the ink needle 102.
[0207] Alternatively, the ink supply potion 34 may be connected to the ink needle 102 before
the interfering surface 67bM abuts against the gate 108C as a result of wrong insertion
of the ink cartridge 30M into the insertion space 111C.
[0208] Specifically, in this case, as shown in Fig. 25, the valve 77 is opened by the ink
needle 102 and the ink supply potion 34 is connected to the ink needle 102 in a state
where the interfering surface 67bM of an ink cartridge 630M is in abutment with the
gate 108C disposed in the insertion space 111C. The ink cartridge 630M cannot be inserted
further frontward from the state illustrated in Fig. 25, At this time, since the locking
surface 451 of the ink cartridge 630M is positioned rearward of the lock shaft 145,
i.e., the locking surface 451 is separated from the lock shaft 145 in the frontward
direction 51, the locking surface 451 cannot engage with the lock shaft 145. Thus,
the ink cartridge 630M is prevented from being attached to the cartridge-attachment
section 110.
[0209] That is, the interfering surface 67bM of the ink cartridge 630M can prevent the ink
cartridge 630M from being completely attached to the incorrect insertion space 111C
(i.e., the ink cartridge 630M is prevented from being engaged with the lock shaft
145), although the ink supply potion 34 of the ink cartridge 630M is connected to
the ink needle 102 of the incorrect insertion space 111C. This structure allows the
user to realize that the ink cartridge 630M is inserted into the incorrect insertion
space 111 (insertion space 111C), thereby encouraging the user to insert the ink cartridge
630M into the correct insertion space 111M.
[0210] With this structure of the fifth modification, the same technical and operational
advantages as those of the embodiment can be obtained.
6. Other Variations
[0211] In the above-described embodiment, the controller 117 is configured to determine
the type of the ink cartridge 30 attached to the cartridge-attachment section 110
based on the presence/absence of the cutout 66 in the light-blocking plate 67, during
insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge-attachment section 110 and at
the time of completion of the attachment of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge-attachment
section 110. Alternatively, assuming that the cutout 66 is not formed in each light-blocking
plate 67, the controller 117 may be configured to determine whether or not the ink
cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge-attachment section 110 based on presence/absence
of the light-blocking plate 67.
[0212] Specifically, referring to a flowchart of Fig. 26, the controller 117 first determines
in S101 whether or not the cover 114 is closed. Specifically, when the signal outputted
from the cover sensor 115 changes to low level, the controller 117 determines that
the cover 114 is at the closing position (S101: YES) and advances to the step S102.
The controller 117 repeats the step S101 as long as the signal from the cover sensor
115 remains at high level and does not change to low level (S101: NO).
[0213] After the cover 114 is determined to be at the closing position in S101, the controller
117 determines in S102 whether or not accessing to the IC board 64 through the contacts
106 can be made. For example, the controller 117 may determine whether or not the
accessing to the IC board 64 is possible based on: whether or not a specific voltage
can be applied to the IC board 64 (i.e., based on absence or presence of the IC board
64); or whether or not the controller 117 can get access to a memory of the IC board
64.
[0214] In case that the controller 117 cannot access the IC board 64 (S102: NO), the controller
117 determines in S106 that the ink cartridge 30 is not attached to the cartridge-attachment
section 110. In this case, the controller 117 may give a warning to the user to inform
him that the ink cartridge 30 is not attached to the cartridge-attachment section
110, for example, through a message such as "No Cartridge" on the display.
[0215] In case that the controller 117 can access the IC board 64 (S102: YES), the controller
117 determines in S103 whether the signal outputted from the optical sensor 113 is
high level or low level. In case that the signal from the optical sensor 113 is a
high level signal (S103: High), the controller 117 determines in S104 that an abnormal
ink cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge-attachment section 110. The optical
sensor 113 is configured to output the high level signal in case that the light-blocking
plate 67 is not provided at the attached ink cartridge 30. Thus, the controller 117
determines the attached ink cartridge 30 is abnormal. In case that the controller
117 determines that the attached ink cartridge 30 is abnormal, the controller 117
may give a warning to the user to inform him so, for example, through a message such
as "Abnormal Cartridge Attached" on the display.
[0216] In case that the signal outputted from the optical sensor 113 is a low level signal
(S103: Low), the controller 117 determines in S105 that the ink cartridge 30 is correctly
attached to the cartridge-attachment section 110, Here, the optical sensor 113 is
configured to output the low level signal, since the light-blocking plate 67 of the
attached ink cartridge 30 blocks the light emitted from the optical sensor 113. In
other words, the controller 117 is configured to determine whether or not the ink
cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge-attachment section 110 by detecting the
presence/absence of the light-bloclcing plate 67. According to this variation, the
ink cartridge 30 is determined to be attached to the cartridge-attachment section
110 in case that: the controller 117 can access the IC board 64; and the light-blocking
plate 67 blocks or attenuates the light from the optical sensor 113.
[0217] Still another variation is conceivable with regard to the determination performed
by the controller 117.
[0218] In the depicted embodiment, the controller 117 may determine whether or not the ink
cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge-attachment section 110 based on whether
or not accessing to the IC board 64 is possible; and the controller 117 is configured
to determine the type of the ink cartridge 30 attached to the cartridge-attachment
section 110 based on the presence/absence of the cutout 66 in the light-blocking plate
67.
[0219] However, the controller 117 may determine whether or not the ink cartridge 30 is
attached to the cartridge-attachment section 110 based on presence or absence of the
light-blocking plate 67; and the controller 117 may further determine whether or not
the attached ink cartridge 30 is abnormal based on whether or not accessing to the
IC board 64 is possible. Assume in this case as well that the cutout 66 is not formed
in each light-blocking plate 67.
[0220] More specifically, referring to a flowchart of Fig. 27, the controller 117 first
determines in S201 whether or not the cover 114 is closed. Specifically, when the
signal outputted from the cover sensor 115 changes to low level, the controller 117
determines that the cover 114 is at the closing position (S201: YES) and advances
to the step S202. The controller 117 repeats the step S201 as long as the signal from
the cover sensor 115 remains at high level and does not change to low level (S201:
NO).
[0221] After the cover 114 is determined to be at the closing position in S201, the controller
117 determines in S202 whether the signal outputted from the optical sensor 113 is
high level or low level. The optical sensor 113 is configured to output the high level
signal in case that the light-blocking plate 67 is not provided at the attached ink
cartridge 30 and thus the light from the optical sensor 113 is not blocked or attenuated
by the light-blocking plate 67. In case that the signal from the optical sensor 113
is a high level signal (S202: High), the controller 117 determines in S206 that the
ink cartridge 30 is not attached to the cartridge-attachment section 110. In case
that the controller 117 determines in S206 that no ink cartridge 30 is attached, the
controller 117 may give a warning to the user to inform him so, for example, through
a message such as "No Cartridge" on the display.
[0222] In case that the signal from the optical sensor 113 is a low level signal (S202:
Low), the controller 117 then determines in S203 whether or not accessing to the IC
board 64 can be made. For example, the controller 117 may determine whether or not
the accessing to the IC board 64 is possible based on: whether or not a specific voltage
can be applied to the IC board 64 (i.e., based on absence or presence of the IC board
64); or whether or not the controller 117 can get access to a memory of the IC board
64.
[0223] In case that the controller 117 cannot access the IC board 64 (S203: NO), the controller
117 determines in S204 that the attached ink cartridge 30 is abnormal. In case that
the controller 117 determines that the attached ink cartridge 30 is abnormal, the
controller 117 may give a warning to the user to inform him so, for example, through
a message such as "Abnormal Cartridge Attached" on the display.
[0224] In case that the controller 117 can access the IC board 64 (S203: YES), the controller
117 determines in S205 that the ink cartridge 30 is correctly attached to the cartridge-attachment
section 110.
[0225] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the ink cartridge 30 is pivotable about
the center C of the ink supply port 71 to move between the first posture and the second
posture. Alternatively, the pivot center may be positioned other than the ink supply
port 71. For example, the pivot center may be a prescribed position on a particular
portion of an outer surface of the cylinder 75 that contacts the guide portion 105.
Alternatively, in case that a member may be provided at the cartridge-attachment section
110 so as to make contact with the sub-lower wall 48 of the attached ink cartridge
30, the pivot center may be set to a position at which the member and the sub-lower
wall 48 contact each other. In the embodiment, since the center C of the ink supply
port 71 is defined as the pivot center, the ink needle 102 inserted in the ink supply
port 71 is less likely to come off the packing 76 during pivotal movement of the ink
cartridge 30 between the first posture and the second posture, thereby suppressing
leakage of ink.
[0226] Still alternatively, the ink cartridge 30 may be configured to slide in the up-down
direction to move between the first posture and the second posture.
[0227] Further, instead of the cartridge body 31 configured of the upper cover 31U and the
lower case 31L, the cartridge body may have a nesting structure configured of two
separate members: an inner case and an outer case that houses the inner case therein.
In this case, the inner case defines an ink chamber therein, and the outer case constitutes
an outer shell of the cartridge body 31.
[0228] Further, in the depicted embodiment, the light-blocking plate 67 is connected to
the raised portion 39A constituting the upper surface 39 of the ink cartridge 30.
However, the upper surface 39 does not necessarily include the raised portion 39A,
but may be a flat plane, as in the third modification shown in Figs. 23A and 23B.
Further, even if the upper surface 39 includes the rear portion 39A (i.e., the upper
surface 39 has a stepped structure as in the embodiment), the light-blocking plate
67 is not necessarily connected to the rear portion 39A.
[0229] Further, in the above-described embodiment, four kinds of the ink cartridges 30C,
30M, 30Y and 30K adapted to be inserted into the designated insertion spaces 111C,
111M, 111Y and 111K, respectively, are provided as a set. However, more than four
kinds of ink cartridges 30 may be provided as one set of the printing-fluid cartridges.
[0230] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the coil spring 78 of the ink supply
portion 34 functions to urge the ink cartridge 30 attached to the cartridge-attachment
section 110 rearward. However, a different structure from the depicted configuration
may be employed for urging the ink cartridge 30 attached to the cartridge-attachment
section 110 rearward.
[0231] For example, a spring for biasing the ink cartridge 30 rearward may be provided at
a position other than the ink supply portion 34. A spring may be provided at the front
surface 40 of the cartridge body 31 to extend frontward therefrom for urging the ink
cartridges 30 rearward. Alternatively, a spring may be disposed at the end wall of
the case 101 to extend rearward therefrom to urge the ink cartridge 30 attached to
the cartridge-attachment section 110 in the rearward direction 52.
[0232] In the depicted embodiment, the coil spring 98 is disposed within the air valve chamber
36 to move the valve 97 to open and close the air communication port 96. This coil
spring 98 also serves to urge the ink cartridge 30 rearward in the depicted embodiment.
However, a coil spring different from the coil spring 98 may be provided solely for
urging the ink cartridge 30 in the rearward direction 52, For example, assuming that
the air communication port 96 is formed in the connecting wall 95 or in an outer wall
other than the front wall 40, a coil spring may be disposed at the connecting wall
95 or somewhere in an inner space defined in the upper cover 31U such that the coil
spring does not serves to open the first ink chamber 32 to the atmosphere.
[0233] Further, while ink serves as an example of the printing fluid in the depicted embodiment,
the printing fluid of the present disclosure is not limited to ink. For example, a
pretreatment liquid that is ejected onto sheets prior to ink during a printing operation
may be stored in the printing-fluid cartridge. Alternatively, cleaning water for cleaning
the recoding head 21 may be stored in the printing-fluid cartridge. Still further,
powder-like material having fluidity, such as toner, may be used as the printing fluid.
[Remarks]
[0234] The ink cartridges 30, 230, 330, 430, 530 and 630M are respectively an example of
a printing-fluid cartridge. The ink cartridge 30C is an example of a first printing-fluid
cartridge. The ink cartridge 30M is an example of a second printing-fluid cartridge.
The ink cartridge 30Y is an example of a third printing-fluid cartridge. The ink cartridge
30K is an example of a fourth printing-fluid cartridge. The ink cartridge 630M is
also an example of a first printing-fluid cartridge. The first ink chamber 32, the
second ink chamber 33, and the ink chamber 432 are an example of a storage chamber.
The ink is an example of printing-fluid. The ink supply portions 34 and 434 are an
example of a supply portion. The ink supply ports 71 and 471 are an example of a supply
hole. The front surfaces 40, 340, 440, 540 and front surfaces of the connecting walls
49, 349 are an example of a front surface. The rear surfaces 41, 341, 441 and 541
are an example of a rear surface. The upper surfaces 39, 339, 439 and 539 are an example
of an upper surface. The cartridge bodies 31, 331, 431 and 531 are an example of a
housing. The locking surfaces 151 and 451 are an example of a locking surface. The
light-blocking plates 67, 267, 467 and 567 are an example of a light-blocking wall.
The IC boards 64, 464 and the electrodes 65 are an example of an electrical interface.
The interfering surfaces 67b(67bM, 67bC, 67bY, 67bK), 285b, 467b, 567b are an example
of an interfering surface. The cutout 66 is an example of a light-transmission portion.
The valve 77 is an example of a closing member. The frontward direction 51 is an example
of an insertion direction. The rearward direction 52 is an example of a removal direction.
The left-right direction is an example of a widthwise direction. The lower case 31L
is an example of a case, and the upper cover 31U is an example of an upper cover.
The protrusion 285 is an example of a protrusion. The second protrusion 583 is an
example of a protrusion. The lock shaft 145 is an example of a lock portion. The insertion
spaces 111 are an example of insertion spaces. The insertion space 111C is an example
of a first insertion space. The insertion space 111M is an example of a second insertion
space. The insertion space 111Y is an example of a third insertion space 111Y. The
contacts 106 are an example of a contact. The contacts 106 disposed in the insertion
space 111C is an example of a first contact. The contacts 106 disposed in the insertion
space 111M is an example of a second contact. The ink needle 102 is an example of
a tube. The gate 108 is an example of a projection. The gate 108C disposed in the
insertion space 111C is an example of a first projection. The gate 108M disposed in
the insertion space 111M is an example of a second projection. The optical sensor
113 is an example of an optical sensor. The controller 117 is an example of a determiner.
The opening 112 is an example of an opening. The cover 114 is an example of a cover.
The cover sensor 115 is an example of a cover sensor. The printer 10 is an example
of a printing-fluid consuming apparatus. The cartridge-attachment section 110 is an
example of a cartridge-attachment section. The imaginary plane X2 is an example of
an imaginary plane. The imaginary plane X3 is an example of a second imaginary plane.
[0235] The following statements correspond to the claims of the parent application:
- 1. A printing-fluid cartridge (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) configured to be inserted
into a prescribed insertion space (111) of a cartridge-attachment section (110) in
an insertion direction (51) crossing a gravitational direction (53) to be attached
to the cartridge-attachment section (110) in an attached posture, the printing-fluid
cartridge (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) comprising:
a housing (31, 331, 431, 531) defining a width in a widthwise direction perpendicular
to the insertion direction (51) and the gravitational direction in the attached posture,
the housing (31, 331, 431, 531) comprising:
a storage chamber (32, 33, 432) configured to store printing fluid therein;
a front surface (40, 49, 340, 349, 440, 540) facing frontward in the insertion direction
(51) in the attached posture;
a rear surface (41, 341, 441, 541) away from the front surface (40, 49, 340, 349,
440, 540) in a removal direction (52) opposite to the insertion direction (51) in
the attached posture, the rear surface (41, 341, 441, 541) facing rearward in the
attached posture, the storage chamber (32, 33, 432) being positioned between the front
surface (40, 49, 340, 349, 440, 540) and the rear surface (41, 341, 441, 541) in the
insertion direction (51) in the attached posture; and
an upper surface (39, 339, 439, 539) extending between the front surface (40, 49,
340, 349, 440, 540) and the rear surface (41, 341, 441, 541), the upper surface (39,
339, 439, 539) being positioned upward relative to the storage chamber (32, 33, 432)
and facing upward in the attached posture;
a supply portion (34, 434) provided at the front surface (40, 49, 340, 349, 440, 540)
and having a supply hole (71, 471), the printing fluid being configured to flow out
of the storage chamber (32, 33, 432) through the supply hole (71, 471) in the insertion
direction (51) in the attached posture;
an electrical interface (64, 65, 464) disposed at the upper surface (39, 339, 439,
539) and facing upward in the attached posture; and
an interfering surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) positioned upward relative to the storage
chamber (32, 33, 342) in the attached posture, the interfering surface (67b, 285b,
467b, 567b) extending in the widthwise direction in the attached posture, the interfering
surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) being positioned downward and frontward in the insertion
direction (51) relative to the electrical interface (64, 65, 464) in the attached
posture, the interfering surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) being configured to abut
against a projection (108) provided at another insertion space (111) different from
the prescribed insertion space (111) of the cartridge-attachment section (110) during
an insertion of the printing-fluid cartridge (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) into the
another insertion space (111).
- 2. The printing-fluid cartridge (30) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (31)
further comprises an inner surface (40R) that defines a front edge of the storage
chamber (32, 33) in the insertion direction (51) in the attached posture, the interfering
surface (67b) being positioned rearward relative to the inner surface (40R) in the
insertion direction (51) in the attached posture.
- 3. The printing-fluid cartridge (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) as claimed in claim
1 or 2, further comprising a light-blocking wall (67, 267, 467, 567) disposed at the
housing (31, 331, 431, 531), the light-blocking wall (67, 267, 467, 567) being positioned
rearward relative to the interfering surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) in the insertion
direction (51) in the attached posture, the light-blocking wall (67, 267, 467, 567)
including a light-blocking surface (67a, 267a, D) extending in the insertion direction
(51) and the gravitational direction (53) in the attached posture.
- 4. The printing-fluid cartridge (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) as claimed in claim
3, wherein at least one of:
the interfering surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) and the light-blocking wall (67, 267,
467, 567) are aligned with each other in the insertion direction (51);
the interfering surface (67b) has a first width (W1) in the widthwise direction, wherein
the upper surface (39) has a first outer edge (38) and a second outer edge (37) opposite
to each other in the widthwise direction, and wherein the light-blocking wall (67)
has outer edges (67a) opposite to each other in the widthwise direction, the second
outer edge (37) of the upper surface (39) being positioned closer to one of the outer
edges (67a) of the light-blocking wall (67) than the first outer edge (38) is to the
one of the outer edges (67a) of the light-blocking wall (67) in the widthwise direction,
the second outer edge (37) of the upper surface (39) and the one of the outer edges
(67a) of the light-blocking wall (67) defining a second width (W2) therebetween that
is greater than the first width (W1) in the widthwise direction;
the light-blocking wall (67) includes a light-transmission portion (66) configured
to transmit light, the light-transmission portion extending in the widthwise direction;
the light-blocking wall (67, 267, 467, 567) is configured to block light traveling
in the widthwise direction at least one of: during insertion of the printing-fluid
cartridge (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) into the cartridge-attachment section (110);
and in a state where the printing-fluid cartridge (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) is
attached to the cartridge-attachment section (110) in the attached posture;
the interfering surface (67b, 467b, 567b) constitutes a front surface of the light-blocking
wall (67, 467, 567) facing frontward in the insertion direction (51) in the attached
posture, the light-blocking wall (67) optionally comprising: a sloped surface (67d)
sloping relative to the insertion direction (51) in the attached posture; and an upper
surface (67c) facing upward in attached posture, the sloped surface (67d) connecting
the interfering surface (67b) and the upper surface (67c) of the light-blocking wall
(67), the sloped surface (67d) facing upward and frontward in the insertion direction
(51) in the attached posture;
the printing-fluid cartridge (230), further comprises a protrusion (285) positioned
frontward relative to the light-blocking wall (267) in the insertion direction in
the attached posture, the protrusion (285) including the interfering surface (285b),
the protrusion (285) optionally being made of a material configured to transmit light;
the printing-fluid cartridge (530) further comprises a protrusion (583) disposed at
the upper surface (539) and supporting the electrical interface (64, 65), the electrical
interface (64, 65) being positioned upward relative to the upper surface (539) in
the attached posture, the light-blocking wall (567) being positioned frontward relative
to the protrusion (583) in the insertion direction (51) in the attached posture, wherein
the light-blocking wall (567) is connected to the protrusion (583);
the housing (31, 331) comprises an upper cover (31U, 331U) defining the upper surface
(39, 339) in the attached posture, the upper cover (31U, 331U) being positioned upward
relative to the storage chamber (32, 33) in the attached posture, and wherein the
light-blocking wall (67, 267) is formed integrally with the upper cover (31U, 331U);
and
the light-blocking wall (67, 437) is disposed at the upper surface (39, 439, 539)
and includes the interfering surface (67b, 467b).
- 5. The printing-fluid cartridge (30, 230, 330) as claimed in any preceding claim 1,
wherein the housing (31, 331) comprises an upper cover (31U, 331U) defining the upper
surface (39, 339) in the attached posture, the upper cover (31U, 331) being positioned
upward relative to the storage chamber (32, 33) in the attached posture,
wherein the interfering surface (67b, 285b) extends upward from the upper cover (31U,
331U) in the attached posture.
- 6. The printing-fluid cartridge (30K) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the
interfering surface (67bK) and the electrical interface (64, 65) are arranged at different
positions from each other in the widthwise direction.
- 7. The printing-fluid cartridge (30) as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising
at least one of:
a closing member (77) configured to close the supply hole (71), a distance between
the interfering surface (67b) and the closing member (77) in the insertion direction
(51) is shorter than a distance between the projection (108) and a tip end (102E)
of a tube (102) provided at the cartridge-attachment section (110) in the insertion
direction (51); and
a locking surface (151, 451) positioned upward relative to the storage chamber (32,
33) and configured to contact a lock portion (145) provided at the cartridge-attachment
section (110), the locking surface (151, 451) facing rearward in the insertion direction
(51) in the attached posture, wherein a distance between the interfering surface (67b,
67bM) and the locking surface (151, 451) in the insertion direction (51) is longer
than a distance between the projection (108) and the lock portion (145) in the insertion
direction (51).
- 8. The printing-fluid cartridge (30, 230, 330) as claimed in any preceding claim,
wherein the housing (31, 331) comprises at least one of:
an upper cover (31U, 331U) defining the upper surface (39, 339) in the attached posture,
the upper cover (31U, 331U) being positioned upward relative to the storage chamber
(32, 33) in the attached posture; and a locking surface (151) provided at the upper
cover (31U, 331U) and configured to contact a lock portion (145) provided at the cartridge-attachment
section (110), the locking surface (151) facing rearward in the insertion direction
(51) in the attached posture, the locking surface (151) having an upper end (151U)
in the attached posture, wherein the electrical interface (64, 65) is positioned downward
and frontward in the insertion direction (51) relative to the upper end (151U) of
the locking surface (151) in the attached posture; and
a case (31L, 331L) defining the storage chamber (32, 33) therein; and
an upper cover (31U, 331U) attached to the case and defining the upper surface (39,
339) in the attached posture, the upper cover (31U, 331U) being positioned upward
relative to the storage chamber (32, 33) in the attached posture, the electrical interface
(64, 65) and the interfering surface (67a, 285b) being disposed at the upper cover
(31U, 331U).
- 9. A set of the printing-fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) as claimed
in any one of claims 1 to 8, the printing-fluid cartridges (30) comprising a first
printing-fluid cartridge (30C) and a second printing-fluid cartridge (30M),
wherein:
the first printing-fluid cartridge (30C) stores printing fluid of a first type and
the second printing-fluid cartridge (30M) stores printing fluid of a second type different
from the first type;
the upper surface (39) of each of the printing-fluid cartridges (30) has a first outer
edge (38) and a second outer edge (37) opposite to each other in the widthwise direction;
and
the interfering surface (67bC) of the first printing-fluid cartridge (30C) is positioned
closer to the first outer edge (38) in the widthwise direction than the interfering
surface (67bM) of the second printing-fluid cartridge (30M) is to the first outer
edge (38) in the widthwise direction.
- 10. The set of the printing-fluid cartridges (30) as claimed in claim 9, the printing-fluid
cartridges (30) further comprising a third printing-fluid cartridge (30Y) storing
printing fluid of a third type different from the first type and the second type,
wherein:
each of the printing-fluid cartridges (30) defines an imaginary plane (X2) passing
through a center of the electrical interface (64, 65) in the widthwise direction and
extending parallel to the insertion direction (51) and the gravitational direction;
the first printing-fluid cartridge (30C) and the third printing-fluid cartridge (30Y)
are configured to be inserted respectively into a first insertion space (111C) and
a third insertion space (111Y) positioned opposite to each other with respect to a
second insertion space (111M) in the widthwise direction, the second printing-fluid
cartridge (30M) being configured to be inserted into the second insertion space (111M);
the interfering surface (67bM) of the second printing-fluid cartridge (30M) is positioned
on the imaginary plane (W2) in the widthwise direction;
the interfering surface (67bC) of the first printing-fluid cartridge (30C) is positioned
offset from the imaginary plane (X2) toward the first outer edge (38) in the widthwise
direction; and
the interfering surface (67bY) of the third printing-fluid cartridge (30Y) is positioned
offset from the imaginary plane (X2) toward the second outer edge (37) in the widthwise
direction.
- 11. The set of the printing-fluid cartridges (30) as claimed in claim 10, the printing-fluid
cartridges (30) further comprising a fourth printing-fluid cartridge (30K) storing
printing fluid of a fourth type different from the first type and the second type
and the third type,
wherein:
the housing (31K) of the fourth printing-fluid cartridge (30K) having a width in the
widthwise direction that is greater than the width of the housing (31) of each of
the first printing-fluid cartridge (30C), the second printing-fluid cartridge (30M)
and the third printing-fluid cartridge (30Y) in the widthwise direction;
the upper surface (39) of the fourth printing-fluid cartridge (30K) has a third outer
edge (38) and a fourth outer edge (37K) opposite to each other in the widthwise direction,
the third outer edge (38) of the upper surface (39) of the fourth printing-fluid cartridge
(30K) corresponding to the first outer edge (37) of the upper surface (39) of each
of the first printing-fluid cartridge (30C), the second printing-fluid cartridge (30M)
and the third printing-fluid cartridge (30Y), the fourth outer edge (37K) of the upper
surface of the fourth printing-fluid cartridge (30K) being positioned farther away
from the imaginary plane (X2) than the second outer edge (37) of the upper surface
(39) of each of the first printing-fluid cartridge (30C), the second printing-fluid
cartridge (30M) and the third printing-fluid cartridge (30Y) is from the imaginary
plane (X2) in the widthwise direction; and
the interfering surface (67bK) of the fourth printing-fluid cartridge (30K) is arranged
opposite to the imaginary plane (X2) with respect to a second imaginary plane (X3)
in the widthwise direction, the second imaginary plane (X3) being parallel to the
imaginary plane (X2) and defining the second outer edge (37) of the upper surface
(39) of each of the first printing-fluid cartridge (30C), the second printing-fluid
cartridge (30M) and the third printing-fluid cartridge (30Y) in the widthwise direction.
- 12. A system (1) comprising:
a plurality of the printing-fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) as claimed
in any one of claims 1 to 8; and
a printing-fluid consuming apparatus (10) comprising:
the cartridge-attachment section (110) comprising:
a plurality of insertion spaces (111) into each of which each of the plurality of
the printing-fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) is configured to be inserted
in the insertion direction (51), the plurality of insertion spaces (111) including
a first insertion space (111C) and a second insertion space (111M);
a plurality of tubes (102) each disposed in each of the plurality of insertion spaces
(111);
a plurality of contacts (106) each disposed in each of the plurality of insertion
spaces (111), the plurality of contacts (106) including a first contact (106) and
a second contact (106), the first contact (106) being disposed in the first insertion
space (111C) and the second contact (106) being disposed in the second insertion space
(111M);
a plurality of projections (108) each disposed in each of the plurality of insertion
spaces (111), each of the projections (108) being positioned frontward relative to
the corresponding contact (106) in the insertion direction (51) in each of the insertion
spaces (111), the plurality of projections (108) including a first projection (108C)
and a second projection (108M), the first projection (108C) being disposed in the
first insertion space (111C) and the second projection (108M) being disposed in the
second insertion space (111M), a relative position between the first projection (108C)
and the first contact (106) in the widthwise direction in the first insertion space
(111C) being different from a relative position between the second projection (108M)
and the second contact (106M) in the widthwise direction in the second insertion space
(111M); and
a plurality of optical sensors (113) each disposed in each of the plurality of insertion
spaces (111), each of the optical sensors (113) being positioned frontward relative
to the corresponding projection (108) in the insertion direction (51) in each of the
insertion spaces (111); and
a determiner (117) configured to determine one of types of the printing-fluid cartridges
(30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) and existence of the printing-fluid cartridges (30,
230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) inserted into the respective insertion spaces (111) based
on signals outputted from the respective optical sensors (113).
- 13. The system (1) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the printing-fluid cartridges (30)
comprises a first printing-fluid cartridge (30C) and a second printing-fluid cartridge
(30M), the first printing-fluid cartridge (30C) being configured to be inserted into
the first insertion space (111C) and the second printing-fluid cartridge (30M) being
configured to be inserted into the second insertion space (111M),
wherein each of the plurality of projections (108) includes a pair of opposing walls
(118) and a slit (119) provided between the opposing walls (118) in the widthwise
direction, the first projection (108C) including a first slit (119C) and the second
projection (108M) including a second slit (119M), a relative position between the
first slit (119C) and the first contact (106) in the widthwise direction in the first
insertion space (111C) being different from a relative position between the second
slit (119M) and the second contact (106M) in the widthwise direction in the second
insertion space (111M),
wherein the opposing walls of the first projection (108C) is configured to abut against
the interfering surface of the second printing-fluid cartridge (30M) during insertion
of the second printing-fluid cartridge (30M) into the first insertion space (111C)
until the second printing-fluid cartridge (30M) becomes the attached posture; and
wherein the first slit (119C) of the first projection (108C) is configured to allow
the interfering surface of the first printing-fluid cartridge (30C) to pass through
the first slit (119C) during insertion of the first printing-fluid cartridge (30C)
into the first insertion space (111C) until the first printing-fluid cartridge (30C)
becomes the attached posture.
- 14. The system (1) as claimed in claim 12 depending on claim 4, wherein the light-transmission
portion (66) is configured to transmit light emitted from the corresponding optical
sensor (113).
- 15. The system (1) as claimed in claim 12, wherein at least one of:
the cartridge-attachment section (110) further comprises an opening (112) through
which the plurality of printing-fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) is
allowed to be inserted into the corresponding plurality of insertion spaces (111);
a cover (114) movable between a closing position closing the opening (112) and an
opening position exposing the opening (112); and a cover sensor (115) configured to
detect that the cover (114) is in the closing position and output a detection signal
indicative of the cover (114) being at the closing position, wherein, upon receipt
of the detection signal from the cover sensor (115), the determiner (117) is configured
to detect one of types of the printing-fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M)
and existence of the printing-fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) inserted
into the corresponding plurality of insertion spaces (111) based on signals outputted
from the respective optical sensors (113);
the plurality of the printing-fluid cartridges comprises a first printing-fluid cartridge
(30C) configured to the inserted into the first insertion space (111C), wherein the
supply portion (34) of the first printing-fluid cartridge (30C) and the tube (102)
of the second insertion space (111M) are separated from each other in the insertion
direction in a state where the interfering surface (67bC) of the first printing-fluid
cartridge (30C) abuts against the projection (108M) provided in the second insertion
space (111M) during the insertion of the first printing-fluid cartridge (30C) into
the second insertion space (111M); and
the plurality of the printing-fluid cartridges comprises a first printing-fluid cartridge
(630M) configured to the inserted into the first insertion space (111M), the first
printing-fluid cartridges (630M) comprising a locking surface (451) positioned upward
relative to the storage chamber (32, 33) in the attached posture, wherein the cartridge-attachment
section (110) further comprises a lock portion (145) configured to engage the locking
surface (451) of the first printing-fluid cartridge (630M) in the attached posture,
and wherein the supply portion (34) of the first printing-fluid cartridge (630M) and
the tube (102) of the second insertion space (111C) are connected to each other and
the locking surface (451) of the first printing-fluid cartridge (630M) is separated
from the lock portion (145) in the insertion direction (51) in a state where the interfering
surface (67bM) of the first printing-fluid cartridge (630M) abuts against the projection
(108C) provided at the second insertion space (111C) during the insertion of the first
printing-fluid cartridge (630M) into the second insertion space (111C).
1. A set of printing-fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) each configured
to be inserted into a prescribed insertion space (111) of a cartridge-attachment section
(110) in an insertion direction (51) crossing a gravitational direction (53) to be
attached to the cartridge-attachment section (110) in an attached posture, each of
the printing-fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) comprising:
a housing (31, 331, 431, 531) defining a width in a widthwise direction perpendicular
to the insertion direction (51) and the gravitational direction in the attached posture,
the housing (31, 331, 431, 531) comprising:
a storage chamber (32, 33, 432) configured to store printing fluid therein;
a front surface (40, 49, 340, 349, 440, 540) facing frontward in the insertion direction
(51) in the attached posture;
a rear surface (41, 341, 441, 541) away from the front surface (40, 49, 340, 349,
440, 540) in a removal direction (52) opposite to the insertion direction (51) in
the attached posture, the rear surface (41, 341, 441, 541) facing rearward in the
attached posture, the storage chamber (32, 33, 432) being positioned between the front
surface (40, 49, 340, 349, 440, 540) and the rear surface (41, 341, 441, 541) in the
insertion direction (51) in the attached posture; and
an upper surface (39, 339, 439, 539) extending between the front surface (40, 49,
340, 349, 440, 540) and the rear surface (41, 341, 441, 541), the upper surface (39,
339, 439, 539) being positioned upward relative to the storage chamber (32, 33, 432)
and facing upward in the attached posture;
a supply portion (34, 434) provided at the front surface (40, 49, 340, 349, 440, 540)
and having a supply hole (71, 471), the printing fluid being configured to flow out
of the storage chamber (32, 33, 432) through the supply hole (71, 471) in the insertion
direction (51) in the attached posture;
an electrical interface (64, 65, 464) disposed at the upper surface (39, 339, 439,
539) and facing upward in the attached posture; and
an interfering surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) positioned upward relative to the storage
chamber (32, 33, 342) in the attached posture, the interfering surface (67b, 285b,
467b, 567b) extending in the widthwise direction in the attached posture, the interfering
surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) being positioned downward and frontward in the insertion
direction (51) relative to the electrical interface (64, 65, 464) in the attached
posture, the interfering surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) being configured to abut
against a projection (108) provided at another insertion space (111) different from
the prescribed insertion space (111) of the cartridge-attachment section (110) during
an insertion of the printing-fluid cartridge (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) into the
another insertion space (111),
the set of printing-fluid cartridges (30) comprising:
a first printing-fluid cartridge (30C) storing printing fluid of a first type,
a second printing-fluid cartridge (30M) storing printing fluid of a second type different
from the first type; and
a third printing-fluid cartridge (30Y) storing printing fluid of a third type different
from the first type and the second type,
wherein:
the upper surface (39) of each of the printing-fluid cartridges (30) has a first outer
edge (38) and a second outer edge (37) opposite to each other in the widthwise direction;
the interfering surface (67bC) of the first printing-fluid cartridge (30C) is positioned
closer to the first outer edge (38) in the widthwise direction than the interfering
surface (67bM) of the second printing-fluid cartridge (30M) is to the first outer
edge (38) in the widthwise direction;
each of the printing-fluid cartridges (30) defines an imaginary plane (X2) passing
through a center of the electrical interface (64, 65) in the widthwise direction and
extending parallel to the insertion direction (51) and the gravitational direction;
the first printing-fluid cartridge (30C) and the third printing-fluid cartridge (30Y)
are configured to be inserted respectively into a first insertion space (111C) and
a third insertion space (111Y) positioned opposite to each other with respect to a
second insertion space (111M) in the widthwise direction, the second printing-fluid
cartridge (30M) being configured to be inserted into the second insertion space (111M);
the interfering surface (67bM) of the second printing-fluid cartridge (30M) is positioned
on the imaginary plane (W2) in the widthwise direction;
the interfering surface (67bC) of the first printing-fluid cartridge (30C) is positioned
offset from the imaginary plane (X2) toward the first outer edge (38) in the widthwise
direction; and
the interfering surface (67bY) of the third printing-fluid cartridge (30Y) is positioned
offset from the imaginary plane (X2) toward the second outer edge (37) in the widthwise
direction.
2. The set of printing-fluid cartridges (30) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising
a fourth printing-fluid cartridge (30K) storing printing fluid of a fourth type different
from the first type and the second type and the third type,
wherein:
the housing (31K) of the fourth printing-fluid cartridge (30K) having a width in the
widthwise direction that is greater than the width of the housing (31) of each of
the first printing-fluid cartridge (30C), the second printing-fluid cartridge (30M)
and the third printing-fluid cartridge (30Y) in the widthwise direction;
the upper surface (39) of the fourth printing-fluid cartridge (30K) has a third outer
edge (38) and a fourth outer edge (37K) opposite to each other in the widthwise direction,
the third outer edge (38) of the upper surface (39) of the fourth printing-fluid cartridge
(30K) corresponding to the first outer edge (37) of the upper surface (39) of each
of the first printing-fluid cartridge (30C), the second printing-fluid cartridge (30M)
and the third printing-fluid cartridge (30Y), the fourth outer edge (37K) of the upper
surface of the fourth printing-fluid cartridge (30K) being positioned farther away
from the imaginary plane (X2) than the second outer edge (37) of the upper surface
(39) of each of the first printing-fluid cartridge (30C), the second printing-fluid
cartridge (30M) and the third printing-fluid cartridge (30Y) is from the imaginary
plane (X2) in the widthwise direction; and
the interfering surface (67bK) of the fourth printing-fluid cartridge (30K) is arranged
opposite to the imaginary plane (X2) with respect to a second imaginary plane (X3)
in the widthwise direction, the second imaginary plane (X3) being parallel to the
imaginary plane (X2) and defining the second outer edge (37) of the upper surface
(39) of each of the first printing-fluid cartridge (30C), the second printing-fluid
cartridge (30M) and the third printing-fluid cartridge (30Y) in the widthwise direction.
3. The set of printing-fluid cartridges (30) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the
housings (31) further comprises an inner surface (40R) that defines a front edge of
the storage chamber (32, 33) in the insertion direction (51) in the attached posture,
each of the interfering surfaces (67b) being positioned rearward relative to the inner
surface (40R) in the insertion direction (51) in the attached posture.
4. The set of printing-fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) as claimed in
any one of claims 1 to 3, each of the printing-fluid cartridges further comprising
a light-blocking wall (67, 267, 467, 567) disposed at the housing (31, 331, 431, 531),
the light-blocking wall (67, 267, 467, 567) being positioned rearward relative to
the interfering surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) in the insertion direction (51) in
the attached posture, the light-blocking wall (67, 267, 467, 567) including a light-blocking
surface (67a, 267a, D) extending in the insertion direction (51) and the gravitational
direction (53) in the attached posture.
5. The set of printing-fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) as claimed in
claim 4, wherein each of the interfering surfaces (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) and each
of the light-blocking walls (67, 267, 467, 567) are aligned with each other in the
insertion direction (51).
6. The set of printing-fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) as claimed in
claim 4, wherein each of the interfering surfaces (67b) has a first width (W1) in
the widthwise direction,
wherein each of the upper surfaces (39) has a first outer edge (38) and a second outer
edge (37) opposite to each other in the widthwise direction, and
wherein each of the light-blocking walls (67) has outer edges (67a) opposite to each
other in the widthwise direction, the second outer edge (37) of the upper surface
(39) being positioned closer to one of the outer edges (67a) of the light-blocking
wall (67) than the first outer edge (38) is to the one of the outer edges (67a) of
the light-blocking wall (67) in the widthwise direction, the second outer edge (37)
of the upper surface (39) and the one of the outer edges (67a) of the light-blocking
wall (67) defining a second width (W2) therebetween that is greater than the first
width (W1) in the widthwise direction.
7. The set of printing-fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) as claimed in
claim 4, wherein each of the light-blocking walls (67) includes a light-transmission
portion (66) configured to transmit light, the light-transmission portion extending
in the widthwise direction.
8. The set of printing-fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) as claimed in
claim 4, wherein each of the light-blocking walls (67, 267, 467, 567) is configured
to block light traveling in the widthwise direction at least one of: during insertion
of the printing-fluid cartridge (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) into the cartridge-attachment
section (110); and in a state where the printing-fluid cartridge (30, 230, 330, 430,
530, 630M) is attached to the cartridge-attachment section (110) in the attached posture.
9. The set of printing-fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) as claimed in
claim 4, wherein each of the interfering surfaces (67b, 467b, 567b) constitutes a
front surface of the light-blocking wall (67, 467, 567) facing frontward in the insertion
direction (51) in the attached posture,
10. The set of printing-fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) as claimed in
claim 9, wherein each of the light-blocking walls (67) comprises:
a sloped surface (67d) sloping relative to the insertion direction (51) in the attached
posture; and
an upper surface (67c) facing upward in attached posture, the sloped surface (67d)
connecting the interfering surface (67b) and the upper surface (67c) of the light-blocking
wall (67), the sloped surface (67d) facing upward and frontward in the insertion direction
(51) in the attached posture.
11. The set of printing-fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) as claimed in
claim 4, each of the printing-fluid cartridges (230) further comprising a protrusion
(285) positioned frontward relative to each of the light-blocking walls (267) in the
insertion direction in the attached posture, the protrusion (285) including the interfering
surface (285b), the protrusion (285) optionally being made of a material configured
to transmit light.
12. The set of printing-fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) as claimed in
claim 4, each of the printing-fluid cartridges (530) further comprising a protrusion
(583) disposed at the upper surface (539) and supporting the electrical interface
(64, 65), the electrical interface (64, 65) being positioned upward relative to the
upper surface (539) in the attached posture, the light-blocking wall (567) being positioned
frontward relative to the protrusion (583) in the insertion direction (51) in the
attached posture, wherein the light-blocking wall (567) is connected to the protrusion
(583).
13. The set of printing-fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) as claimed in
claim 4, wherein at least one of:
each of the light-blocking walls (67, 437) is disposed at the upper surface (39, 439,
539) and includes the interfering surface (67b, 467b); and
each of the interfering surface (67bK) and each of the electrical interfaces (64,
65) are arranged at different positions from each other in the widthwise direction.
14. The set of printing-fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) as claimed in
claim 4, wherein at least one of:
each of the housings (31, 331) comprises an upper cover (31U, 331U) defining the upper
surface (39, 339) in the attached posture, the upper cover (31U, 331U) being positioned
upward relative to the storage chamber (32, 33) in the attached posture, and wherein
the light-blocking wall (67, 267) is formed integrally with the upper cover (31U,
331U);
each of the housings (31, 331) comprises an upper cover (31U, 331U) defining the upper
surface (39, 339) in the attached posture, the upper cover (31U, 331) being positioned
upward relative to the storage chamber (32, 33) in the attached posture, wherein each
of the interfering surfaces (67b, 285b) extends upward from the upper cover (31U,
331U) in the attached posture; and
each of the housings (31, 331) comprises: an upper cover (31U, 331U) defining the
upper surface (39, 339) in the attached posture, the upper cover (31U, 331U) being
positioned upward relative to the storage chamber (32, 33) in the attached posture;
and a locking surface (151) provided at the upper cover (31U, 331U) and configured
to contact a lock portion (145) provided at the cartridge-attachment section (110),
the locking surface (151) facing rearward in the insertion direction (51) in the attached
posture, the locking surface (151) having an upper end (151U) in the attached posture,
and wherein the electrical interface (64, 65) is positioned downward and frontward
in the insertion direction (51) relative to the upper end (151U) of the locking surface
(151) in the attached posture; and
each of the housings (31, 331) comprises: a case (31L, 331L) defining the storage
chamber (32, 33) therein; and an upper cover (31U, 331U) attached to the case and
defining the upper surface (39, 339) in the attached posture, the upper cover (31U,
331U) being positioned upward relative to the storage chamber (32, 33) in the attached
posture, the electrical interface (64, 65) and the interfering surface (67a, 285b)
being disposed at the upper cover (31U, 331U).
15. The set of printing-fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) as claimed in
claim 4, each of the printing-fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) further
comprising at least one of:
a closing member (77) configured to close the supply hole (71), a distance between
the interfering surface (67b) and the closing member (77) in the insertion direction
(51) is shorter than a distance between the projection (108) and a tip end (102E)
of a tube (102) provided at the cartridge-attachment section (110) in the insertion
direction (51); and
a locking surface (151, 451) positioned upward relative to the storage chamber (32,
33) and configured to contact a lock portion (145) provided at the cartridge-attachment
section (110), the locking surface (151, 451) facing rearward in the insertion direction
(51) in the attached posture, wherein a distance between the interfering surface (67b,
67bM) and the locking surface (151, 451) in the insertion direction (51) is longer
than a distance between the projection (108) and the lock portion (145) in the insertion
direction (51).