[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid cartridge configured to store liquid therein,
and a system including the liquid cartridge, and an attachment section to which the
liquid cartridge is attachable.
[0002] As a conventional system well-known in the art, there is known a system including
an ink cartridge, and an inkjet-recording apparatus provided with an attachment section
to which the ink cartridge is detachably attachable.
[0003] As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No.
2013-049164, an ink cartridge may be provided with a rib or other light-blocking portion, and
an optical sensor may be provided in an attachment section of an inkjet-recording
apparatus. When the ink cartridge is attached to the attachment section, the light-blocking
portion of the ink cartridge is positioned in an optical path of the optical sensor.
However, the light-blocking portion is not positioned in the optical path of the optical
sensor when the ink cartridge is not mounted in the attachment section. Hence, the
signal outputted by the optical sensor changes based on whether the ink cartridge
is mounted in the attachment section. In this way, the inkjet-recording apparatus
can determine whether the ink cartridge is attached to the attachment section depending
on changes in the signal outputted from the optical sensor.
[0004] However, in the above ink cartridge, the light-blocking portion constantly protrudes
outward from an outer surface of a housing of the ink cartridge, although the light-blocking
portion need not be detected when the ink cartridge is detached from the cartridge-attachment
section. Consequently, the light-blocking portion is always susceptible to impacts
from parts outside the ink cartridge and could be broken when incurring such impacts.
[0005] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a
liquid cartridge having a light-blocking portion which is less likely to be damaged
by external impacts.
- (1) In order to attain the above and other objects, according to one aspect, the present
disclosure provides a liquid cartridge configured to be inserted into a cartridge-attachment
section in an insertion direction crossing a gravitational direction and accommodated
in the cartridge-attachment section in an upright posture. The liquid cartridge includes
a casing and a lever supported by the casing. The casing includes: a liquid chamber
storing liquid therein; a liquid passage extending from the liquid chamber in the
insertion direction in the upright posture; a front wall provided with the liquid
passage; a rear wall positioned away from the front wall in the insertion direction
in the upright posture, the liquid chamber being positioned between the front wall
and the rear wall in the insertion direction in the upright posture; a top wall positioned
between the front wall and the rear wall in the insertion direction in the upright
posture; and a bottom wall positioned between the front wall and the rear wall in
the insertion direction and away from the top wall in the gravitational direction
in the upright posture, the liquid chamber being positioned between the top wall and
the bottom wall in the gravitational direction in the upright posture. The lever is
pivotable about a pivot axis between a first position and a second position. The lever
includes a light-blocking portion and a force-receiving portion. In the upright posture,
the light-blocking portion is configured to block or attenuate light traveling in
a widthwise direction crossing the insertion direction and the gravitational direction;
and the light-blocking portion is positioned lower at the second position than at
the first position. In the upright posture, the force-receiving portion is positioned
closer to the front wall than the light-blocking portion is to the front wall in the
insertion direction; the pivot axis is positioned frontward of the light-blocking
portion and rearward of the force-receiving portion in the insertion direction; and
the lever pivots from the second position to the first position upon application of
an external force to the force-receiving portion.
This liquid cartridge according to the aspect (1) may be used in combination with
a printer having the cartridge-attachment section to which the liquid cartridge is
configured to be inserted in the insertion direction crossing the gravitational direction
and accommodated in the cartridge-attachment section in the upright posture.
With this structure, the lever is at the second position lower than the first position
while no external force is applied to the force-receiving portion. Hence, this structure
can reduce a potential for the lever to incur impacts from external objects, compared
to a case where the lever is at the first position while no external force is applied
to the force-receiving portion, or to a case where the lever is immovably provided
to constantly protrude upward relative to the top wall. As a result, this configuration
can reduce a potential for damage to the lever.
- (2) In the liquid cartridge according to the aspect (1), it is preferable that: an
upper end of the light-blocking portion is separated upward away from to the top wall
by a first distance at the first position in the upright posture; and the upper end
of the light-blocking portion is separated upward away from the top wall by a second
distance smaller than the first distance at the second position in the upright posture.
- (3) Alternatively, in the liquid cartridge according to the aspect (1), it is also
preferable that the upper end of the light-blocking portion is positioned below the
top wall at the second position in the upright posture.
- (4) In the liquid cartridge according to the aspect (1), it is preferable that the
force-receiving portion constitutes a leading end portion of the lever in the insertion
direction in the upright posture.
With this structure, the lever can reliably move from the second position to the first
position during insertion of the liquid cartridge forward into the cartridge-attachment
section.
- (5) In the above liquid cartridge according to the aspect (1), it is preferable that:
the top wall of the casing has a supporting surface configured to support the lever
at the second position; and the light-blocking portion is separated upward away from
the supporting surface at the first position.
- (6) In the liquid cartridge according to the aspect (1), it is preferable that: the
force-receiving portion is positioned above the top wall at the second position in
the upright posture.
With this structure, since the force-receiving portion is positioned above the top
wall at the second position, the force-receiving portion of the lever at the second
positon can reliably come into contact with the cartridge-attachment section (a member
provided in the cartridge-attachment section that approaches the force-receiving portion)
during the insertion of the liquid cartridge into the cartridge-attachment section,
thereby reliably moving the lever from the second position to the first position.
Further, the vertical dimension of the liquid cartridge can be shortened while the
lever is at the second position.
- (7) Preferably, in this liquid cartridge according to the feature (6), the force-receiving
portion is positioned above the top wall also at the first position in the upright
posture.
With this structure, the member of the cartridge-attachment section that approaches
the force-receiving portion during the insertion of the liquid cartridge into the
cartridge-attachment section can be positioned higher than the top wall, i.e., can
be arranged in an area outside the liquid chamber in the casing that accommodates
liquid. Accordingly, this arrangement can maximize the ratio of the liquid chamber
to the overall liquid cartridge.
Further, since the light-blocking portion is positioned higher than the top wall at
the second position and at the first position, there is no need to form a space beneath
the top wall for accommodating the light-blocking portion while the lever is at the
second position, also resulting in enlargement of the liquid chamber in the casing.
- (8) In the liquid cartridge according to the aspect (1), it is preferable that the
force-receiving portion has a sloped surface sloping relative to the insertion direction
to face upward and frontward in the upright posture.
With this structure, the sloped surface can guide the cartridge-attachment section
(i.e., the member coming into contact with the force-receiving portion) upward relative
to the force-receiving portion. With this structure, during the insertion of the liquid
cartridge into the cartridge-attachment section, a portion of the lever rearward of
the pivot axis (i.e., a rearward portion including the light-blocking portion) moves
upward, while a portion of the lever forward of the pivot axis (i.e., a forward portion
including the force-receiving portion) moves downward. In other words, the lever pivots
from the second position to the first position during the insertion of the liquid
cartridge into the cartridge-attachment section.
- (9) In the liquid cartridge according to the aspect (1), it is preferable that: the
lever has a front portion positioned frontward of the pivot axis and a rear portion
positioned rearward of the pivot axis in the upright posture; and the rear portion
is heavier than the front portion.
With this structure, the lever is maintained at the second position by its own weight
while no external force is applied to the lever.
- (10) In the liquid cartridge according to the aspect (1), it is preferable that, at
the first position, the light-blocking portion and the pivot axis define a shortest
distance therebetween in the insertion direction that is greater than a shortest distance
defined between the force-receiving portion and the pivot axis in the insertion direction
in the upright posture.
This structure can easily maintain the lever at the second position by its own weight
while no external force is applied to the lever.
- (11) In the liquid cartridge according to the aspect (1), it is preferable that the
lever is positioned above the liquid chamber in the upright posture.
With this structure, presence of the lever does not lead to reduction in the capacity
of the liquid chamber in the liquid cartridge. In other words, this arrangement can
prevent the presence of the lever from reducing quantity of liquid that the liquid
cartridge can store.
- (12) In the liquid cartridge according to the aspect (1), it is preferable that: the
liquid passage includes a liquid-supply port through which the liquid in the liquid
passage is allowed to flow out therefrom; and the lever is positioned rearward relative
to the liquid-supply port in the insertion direction in the upright posture.
With this structure, the lever can be moved from the second position to the first
position after the liquid-supply port becomes connected to a liquid-supply tube provided
in the cartridge-attachment section.
- (13) It is preferable that: the liquid cartridge according to the aspect (1) further
includes a circuit board supported on the casing; and the circuit board faces upward
and is positioned rearward relative to the lever in the insertion direction in the
upright posture.
With this structure, an optical sensor and the like provided in the cartridge-attachment
section for irradiating light onto the light-blocking portion can be prevented from
contacting the circuit board during the insertion of the liquid cartridge into the
cartridge-attachment section.
- (14) Preferably, in the liquid cartridge according to the feature (13), the light-blocking
portion is positioned lower than the circuit board at the first position in the upright
posture.
With this structure, a vertical dimension of the liquid cartridge can be made shorter
than in a configuration in which the lever at the first position is positioned higher
than the circuit board.
- (15) Preferably, in the liquid cartridge according to the feature (13), the lever
pivots from the second position to the first position after the light-blocking portion
moves past an electrical contact provided at the cartridge-attachment section in the
insertion direction during the insertion of the liquid cartridge into the cartridge-attachment
section.
With this structure, the lever is at the second position lower than the first position
when passing the electrical contact in the insertion direction during the insertion
of the liquid cartridge into the cartridge-attachment section. Hence, the lever (light-blocking
portion) is prevented from interfering with the electrical contact during the insertion
of the liquid cartridge into the cartridge-attachment section.
- (16) According to another aspect, the present disclosure also provides a system including:
any one of the above liquid cartridges according to the features (1)-(15); and a printer
provided with the cartridge-attachment section defining therein an accommodation space
into which the liquid cartridge is configured to be inserted in the insertion direction.
The liquid cartridge is configured to be accommodated in the accommodation space in
the upright posture. In this system, the cartridge-attachment section includes: an
optical sensor configured to irradiate light in the widthwise direction; a liquid-supply
tube having a tubular shape and protruding rearward into the accommodation space,
the liquid-supply tube having an open tip end connectable to the liquid passage of
the liquid cartridge; and a projecting wall configured to abut on the force-receiving
portion of the liquid cartridge. The lever pivots from the second position to the
first position by abutment of the force-receiving portion against the projecting wall
during the insertion of the liquid cartridge into the cartridge-attachment section.
The light-blocking portion of the lever at the first position is configured to block
or attenuate the light emitted from the optical sensor in the state where the liquid
cartridge is accommodated in the cartridge-attachment section.
With this structure, the lever is situated at the second position lower than the first
position while no external force is applied thereto. Hence, this structure can reduce
a potential for the lever to incur impacts from external objects, compared to a case
where the lever is at the first position while no external force is applied thereto,
or to a case where the lever is immovably provided to constantly protrude upward relative
to the top wall. As a result, damage to the lever is less likely to occur than otherwise.
Further, the lever is caused to pivot from the second position to the first position
by the abutment of the force-receiving portion against the projecting wall of the
cartridge-attachment section during the insertion of the liquid cartridge into the
cartridge-attachment section. This structure can ensure that the lever is placed at
the first position in a state where the liquid cartridge is attached to the cartridge-attachment
section, and, hence, the light-blocking portion can reliably receive light irradiated
from the optical sensor in the state where the liquid cartridge is accommodated in
the cartridge-attachment section.
- (17) In the system according to the aspect (16), it is preferable that: the projecting
wall has a rear end in the insertion direction having a sloped surface configured
to contact the force-receiving portion; and the sloped surface slopes relative to
the insertion direction to face downward and rearward in the upright posture.
With this structure, the sloped surface can smoothly guide the force-receiving portion
forward relative to the projecting wall, so that the lever can be reliably moved from
the second position to the first position during the insertion of the liquid cartridge
into the cartridge-attachment section.
- (18) In the system according to the aspect (16) using the liquid cartridge according
to the feature (13), it is preferable that: the cartridge-attachment section further
includes an electrical contact; and the circuit board is configured to contact the
electrical contact in the state where the liquid cartridge is accommodated in the
accommodation space.
With this structure, the circuit board optical can be reliably electrically connected
to the electrical contact of the cartridge-attachment section in the stat where the
liquid cartridge is attached to the cartridge-attachment section.
- (19) According to still another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for
attaching any one of the liquid cartridges according to the features (1)-(15) to the
cartridge-attachment section in the upright posture. The cartridge-attachment section
defines therein an accommodation space and includes: the projecting wall; an optical
sensor; and a liquid-supply tube having a tubular shape and protruding rearward into
the accommodation space. The method includes inserting the liquid cartridge into the
accommodation space in the insertion direction, in which the inserting includes: connecting
the liquid passage to the liquid-supply tube; making the force-receiving portion abut
on the projecting wall; and moving the lever from the second position to the first
position by abutment of the force-receiving portion on the projecting wall to move
the light-blocking portion of the lever to a position capable of blocking or attenuating
light emitted from the optical sensor in the state where the liquid cartridge is accommodated
in the cartridge-attachment section.
With this method, the lever can be reliably moved from the second position to the
first position by the abutment of the force-receiving portion against the projecting
wall of the cartridge-attachment section during the insertion of the liquid cartridge
into the cartridge-attachment section. Hence, this method can ensure that the lever
is placed at the first position in the state where the liquid cartridge is attached
to the cartridge-attachment section, and, hence, the light-blocking portion can reliably
receive light irradiated from the optical sensor in the state where the liquid cartridge
is accommodated in the cartridge-attachment section.
- (20) In the method according to the aspect (19) using the liquid cartridge according
to the feature (13), it is preferable that: the cartridge-attachment section further
includes an electrical contact; and the inserting further includes making the circuit
board contact the electrical contact after the moving.
With this method, the circuit board can be made in contact with the electrical contact
after the lever is moved to the first position.
- (21) In the method according to the aspect (19) using the liquid cartridge according
to the feature (13), it is preferable that: the cartridge-attachment section further
includes an electrical contact; and, in the moving, the lever moves from the second
position to the first position after the light-blocking portion moves past the electrical
contact in the insertion direction.
[0006] With this method, the lever is maintained at the second position while passing the
electrical contact in the insertion direction during the insertion of the liquid cartridge
into the cartridge-attachment section. Hence, the lever (light-blocking portion) does
not interfere with the electrical contact during the insertion of the liquid cartridge
into the cartridge-attachment section.
[0007] In the drawings:
Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram conceptually illustrating a system including
an ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a printer
including a cartridge-attachment section configured to detachably accommodate the
ink cartridge according to the embodiment, and conceptually illustrating an internal
configuration of the printer;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the cartridge-attachment
section according to the embodiment and an opening thereof;
Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cartridge-attachment section according
to the embodiment, illustrating a state where the ink cartridge according to the embodiment
is accommodated in the cartridge-attachment section and a light-blocking plate according
to the embodiment is at the first position;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge according to the embodiment as viewed
from its front side;
Fig. 5A is a right side view of the ink cartridge according to the embodiment;
Fig. 5B is a rear side view of the ink cartridge according to the embodiment;
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge according to the embodiment
taken along a plane VI-VI shown in Fig. 5B;
Fig. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cartridge-attachment section according
to the embodiment, illustrating a state where the ink cartridge according to the embodiment
is being inserted into the cartridge-attachment section and the light-blocking plate
according to the embodiment is at the second position;
Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating steps for detecting insertion of the ink cartridge
according to the embodiment into the cartridge-attachment section according to the
embodiment;
Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating another way of detecting insertion of the ink cartridge
according to the embodiment into the cartridge-attachment section according to the
embodiment;
Fig. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a cartridge-attachment section according
to a first modification to the embodiment, illustrating a state where an ink cartridge
according to the first modification is attached to the cartridge-attachment section
and a light-blocking plate according to the first modification is at its first position;
Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an ink cartridge according to a second modification
to the embodiment as viewed from its front side; and
Fig. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge according to a third
modification to the embodiment provided with the light-blocking plate according to
the embodiment, wherein the light-blocking plate is at its second position.
[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the disclosure will be 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.
[0009] 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 according to the embodiment. In the present embodiment, the ink cartridge
30 is configured to be inserted in an insertion direction orthogonal to a gravitational
direction. 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, i.e., are directions crossing the gravitational
direction. Further, a downward direction 53 is defined as the gravitational direction,
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
orthogonal 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 (i.e., in the state illustrated in Figs. 4-6), the rightward direction 55 is defined
as a direction extending rightward and the leftward direction 56 as a direction extending
leftward when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed from its rear side.
[0010] The rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56 are orthogonal to the frontward
direction 51 and to the downward direction 53 in the present embodiment. However,
the rightward direction 55 and leftward direction 56 may not necessarily be orthogonal
to the frontward direction 51 and downward direction 53, provided that the rightward
direction 55 and leftward direction 56 cross the frontward direction 51 and downward
direction 53.
[0011] 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 or a vertical direction. The rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction
56 may be collectively referred to as a left-right direction.
[0012] In the state where the ink cartridge 30 is completely attached to the cartridge-attachment
section 110, the ink cartridge 30 has a height in the up-down direction; a depth in
the front-rear direction (i.e., in the insertion direction); and a width in the left-right
direction (i.e., widthwise direction).
< Overview of Printer 10 >
[0013] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a system 1 configured of the ink cartridge 30 and
a printer 10 according to the embodiment. First, a detailed structure of the printer
10 will be described with reference to Fig. 1.
[0014] The printer 10 is configured to record images by selectively ejecting ink droplets
onto sheets based on an inkjet recording system. The printer 10 includes an ink-supplying
device 100, a recording head 21, 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.
[0015] Specifically, in the embodiment, the cartridge-attachment section 110 can detachably
accommodate therein four of the ink cartridges 30 each storing ink of one of four
colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black that that the printer 10 can use for printing.
In Fig. 1, for the sake of simplifying description, only one ink cartridge 30 is depicted
to be attached to the cartridge-attachment section 110.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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 corresponding one-on-one to 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.
[0019] 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 sheet feeding roller 23 is configured to feed
each sheet from the sheet tray 15 onto the conveying path 24, and the conveying rollers
25 are configured to convey the sheet over the platen 26. The recording head 21 is
configured to selectively eject ink onto the sheet as the sheet passes over the platen
26, whereby an image is recorded on the sheet. The sheet that has passed the platen
26 is 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 >
[0020] 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 accommodate the four ink cartridges 30 therein. Fig. 1
depicts a state where the ink cartridge 30 is completely attached to the cartridge-attachment
section 110 and thus can be used by the printer 10 (hereinafter, referred to as "attached
state"). Note that, a posture of the ink cartridge 30 in the attached state depicted
in Fig. 1 will also be referred to as an upright posture, wherever appropriate.
< Cartridge-Attachment Section 110 >
[0021] As illustrated in Figs. 1 through 3, the cartridge-attachment section 110 includes
a case 101, and four sets of: a projecting wall 126, an ink needle 102, a tank 103,
an optical sensor 113 and four contacts 106, each set for each of the four ink cartridges
30 corresponding to the ink colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.
< Case 101 >
[0022] 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 defining a front end of
the internal space and 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 faces when using
the printer 10.
[0023] The case 101 also includes three plates 104 that partition the internal space into
four accommodation spaces 111 each elongated in the up-down direction. The four ink
cartridges 30 can be accommodated in the respective accommodation spaces 111. That
is, in the case 101, the top wall, the bottom wall and the end wall of the case 101
define ceilings, bottoms and front ends of the four accommodation spaces 111, respectively.
[0024] Each of the four ink cartridges 30 can be inserted into and removed from the corresponding
one of the accommodation spaces 111 of the case 101 through the opening 112. Each
of the four ink cartridges 30 can also be extracted from the corresponding one of
the accommodation spaces 111 of the cartridge 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.
< Ink Needle 102 >
[0025] Each ink needle 102 is formed of a resin and is tubular shaped. That is, the ink
needles 102 are hollow. 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 on the end wall 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 ink needles 102 protrude rearward from the end wall of the case 101.
[0026] Both rear end (distal end) and front end (proximal end) of each ink needle 102 are
open. The rear end of each ink needle 102 is inserted into an ink supply port 71 formed
in the ink supply potion 34 of the corresponding ink cartridge 30. The front end of
each ink needle 102 is either directly or indirectly connected to the corresponding
ink tube 20 (see Fig. 1). Accordingly, an interior space 102A of the ink needle 102
is in communication with the corresponding tank 103 and the recording head 21 via
an interior space of the corresponding ink tube 20.
[0027] As illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, a cylindrical-shaped guide portion 105 is provided
at the end wall to surround the corresponding ink needle 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 arranged at a diametrical
center of the corresponding guide portion 105. The guide portions 105 are shaped to
allow the ink supply potions 34 of the corresponding ink cartridges 30 to be received
therein.
[0028] During insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge-attachment section 110
in the frontward direction 51, the ink supply potion 34 of the ink cartridge 30 enters
into the corresponding guide portion 105 (refer to Fig. 3). As the ink cartridge 30
is inserted further forward, the ink needle 102 enters into an ink valve chamber 35
of the corresponding ink cartridge 30 through the ink supply port 71 formed in the
ink supply potion 34. The ink needle 102 is thus connected to the corresponding ink
supply potion 34, and the interior space 102A of the ink needle 102 is in communication
with the ink valve chamber 35 formed in the ink supply potion 34. Hence, ink stored
in a second storage chamber 33 formed inside the ink cartridge 30 is allowed to flow
out of the second storage chamber 33, through the ink valve chamber 35 and the interior
space 102A of the corresponding ink needle 102, and into the corresponding tank 103
(see Fig. 1). The ink flowing out of the tank 103 passes through the corresponding
ink tube 20 and flows into the recording head 21.
[0029] Incidentally, the distal end of each ink needle 102 may be flattened or pointed.
Also, the guide portions 105 may be formed into any shape, provided that the guide
portions 105 can allow the ink cartridges 30 to be placed in the attached state in
the cartridge-attachment section 110. Still alternatively, the guide portions 105
may be omitted from the cartridge-attachment section 110.
< Contacts 106 >
[0030] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the contacts 106 are disposed at the top wall of the case
101 inside the corresponding one of the accommodation spaces 111. Four sets of the
four contacts 106 are provided each set for one of the four ink cartridges 30 attachable
to the case 101. The contacts 106 face downward. The contacts 106 are configured of
a material having electrical conductivity and resiliency. The contacts 106 are therefore
upwardly resiliently deformable. Further, although not illustrated in detail in the
drawings, the four contacts 106 provided in each accommodation space 111 are aligned
to be spaced apart from one another in the left-right direction. Arrangement of the
four contacts 106 in each set corresponds to the arrangement of four sets of electrodes
65 of the corresponding ink cartridge 30, as will be described later. Note that the
number of contacts 106 and the number of electrodes 65 may be arbitrary.
[0031] The contacts 106 are electrically connected to a controller 11 (see Fig. 1) of the
printer 10 via an electric circuit. The controller 11 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a
RAM, for example. By placing the contacts 106 in contact with the corresponding electrodes
65 so that electricity can be conducted therebetween, a voltage Vc is applied to the
electrodes 65, the electrodes 65 are grounded, and power is supplied to the electrodes
65. Further, when electricity can be conducted between the contacts 106 and corresponding
electrodes 65, data stored in an IC (integrated circuit) of the ink cartridge 30 is
accessible. Output from the electric circuit is inputted into the controller 11.
< Projecting wall 126 >
[0032] As depicted in Fig. 3, the protruding walls 126 are disposed on an upper end portion
of the end wall of the case 101 and protrude rearward from the same. The projecting
wall 126 has a protruding end (rear end) whose rear surface 126A faces rearward. As
will be described later, a light-blocking plate 67 of the ink cartridge 30 is configured
to abut on the rear surface 126A during insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the
accommodation space 111 of the cartridge-attachment section 110.
< Optical Sensor 113 >
[0033] The optical sensors 113 are disposed at the top wall of the case 101. Specifically,
as illustrated in Fig. 3, each optical sensor 113 is disposed, for each accommodation
space 111, at a position rearward of the corresponding projecting wall 126 and frontward
of the corresponding 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 on the right or on the left of the light-receiving portion with a gap formed
therebetween. When the ink cartridge 30 is fully attached to the cartridge-attachment
section 110, a light-blocking portion 67A of the light-blocking plate 67 (described
later) 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 portion 67A of the light-blocking plate
67 of the ink cartridge 30 fully attached to the cartridge-attachment section 110
interposed between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion.
[0034] The optical sensor 113 is configured to output detection signals to the controller
11 (Fig. 1) that differ according to whether or not the corresponding light-receiving
portion receives light emitted from the light-emitting portion in the left-right direction.
For example, the optical sensor 113 outputs a low-level signal to the controller 11
when the light-receiving portion cannot receive the light emitted from the light-emitting
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-receiving portion can receive the light
emitted from the light-emitting portion (that is, when the intensity of the received
light is equal to or greater than the predetermined intensity).
< Tank 103 >
[0035] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the tanks 103 are provided forward of the case 101. Each
tank 103 has a box-like shape that allows ink to be stored therein. A top portion
of each tank 103 is open to the outside through an air communication port 124. Accordingly,
interior spaces in the respective tanks 103 are opened to an atmosphere. The interior
space of each tank 103 is in communication with the interior space 102A of the corresponding
ink needle 102. With this structure, ink flowing out of the ink cartridge 30 passes
through the ink needle 102 and is stored in the corresponding tank 103. Each tank
103 is also connected to the corresponding ink tube 20. Thus, the ink stored in the
interior space of each tank 103 is supplied to the recording head 21 through the corresponding
ink tube 20.
< Ink Cartridge 30 >
[0036] The ink cartridge 30 depicted in Figs. 4 to 5B is a container configured to store
ink therein. In Figs. 4 to 5B, the ink cartridge 30 is in its upright posture. That
is, the ink cartridge 30 fully attached to the cartridge-attachment section 110 is
in the upright posture illustrated in Figs. 4 to 5B. The ink cartridge 30 can be therefore
used in the printer 10 when in the attached state or in the upright posture. In the
following description of the ink cartridge 30, up, down, front, rear, left, and right
directions relative to the ink cartridge 30 are defined assuming that the ink cartridge
30 is in its upright posture.
[0037] Specifically, the ink cartridge 30 includes a casing 31. The casing 31 has a generally
rectangular parallelepiped shape. The casing 31 includes a lower case 31L and an upper
cover 31U. The lower case 31L defines therein a first storage chamber 32 and the second
storage chamber 33 (see Fig. 6) configured to store ink. The upper cover 31U is positioned
above the lower case 31L. The upper cover 31U is fitted onto the lower case 31L.
[0038] The casing 31 has an overall flattened shape in which its left-right dimension is
narrow and its vertical and front-rear dimensions are greater than the left-right
dimension.
[0039] The casing 31 includes a front wall 40, a rear wall 41, an top wall 39, a bottom
wall 42, and a pair of side walls 37 and 38. The front wall 40 and rear wall 41 are
spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. The top wall 39 and bottom
wall 42 are separated from each other vertically. The side walls 37 and 38 are separated
from each other in the left-right direction. The top wall 39 and bottom wall 42 are
provided between the front wall 40 and rear wall 41 in the front-rear direction. The
side walls 37 and 38 are provided between the front wall 40 and rear wall 41 in the
front-rear direction and between the top wall 39 and bottom wall 42 in the up-down
direction.
[0040] The front wall 40 and rear wall 41 are arranged such that the first storage chamber
32, the second storage chamber 33 and an air communication chamber 36 are interposed
between the front wall 40 and rear wall 41 in the front-rear direction. The top wall
39 and bottom wall 42 are arranged such that the first storage chamber 32, second
storage chamber 33 and air communication chamber 36 are interposed between the top
wall 39 and bottom wall 42 in the vertical direction. The side walls 37 and 38 are
arranged such that the first storage chamber 32, second storage chamber 33 and air
communication chamber 36 are interposed between the side walls 37 and 38 in the left-right
direction. Each of the front wall 40, rear wall 41, top wall 39, bottom wall 42, and
side walls 37 and 38 defines at least one of the first storage chamber 32, second
storage chamber 33, and the air communication chamber 36.
[0041] Note that, in the upright posture, 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 top wall 39 toward the bottom wall 42 coincides with the downward direction 53;
a direction from the bottom wall 42 toward the top wall 39 coincides with the upward
direction 54; a direction from the side wall 38 to the side wall 37 coincides with
the rightward direction 55; and a direction from the side wall 37 to the side wall
38 coincides with the leftward direction 56.
[0042] Also, in the attached state (upright posture), the front wall 40 faces frontward;
the rear wall 41 faces rearward, the bottom wall 42 faces downward, and the top wall
39 faces upward. In other words, in the upright posture of the ink cartridge 30, a
front surface of the front wall 40 faces frontward, a rear surface of the rear wall
41 faces rearward, a bottom surface of the bottom wall 42 faces downward, an upper
surface of the top wall 39 faces upward, a right surface of the side wall 37 faces
rightward, and a left surface of the side wall 38 faces leftward.
[0043] In the casing 31, at least the rear wall 41 belonging to the lower case 31L has light-transmissive
property so that a level of ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 is visible
from the outside.
[0044] Note that, while an outer shell of the casing 31 is configured of the lower case
31L and the upper cover 31U in the present embodiment, the casing 31 may be configured
of a single box-shaped case. Further, the casing 31 may include an inner case defining
the storage chambers, and an outer case constituting an outer wall that are arranged
in a nested configuration with the inner case accommodated inside the outer case.
[0045] The casing 31 also includes a sub-bottom wall 48 and a sub-front wall 49. The sub-bottom
wall 48 is positioned higher than the bottom wall 42. The sub-bottom wall 48 extends
continuously rearward from a bottom edge of the front wall 40. In the present embodiment,
a front end of the sub-bottom wall 48 is positioned farther frontward than a front
end of the ink supply portion 34, and a rear end of the sub-bottom wall 48 is positioned
farther rearward relative to the front end of the ink supply portion 34. The sub-front
wall 49 connects the bottom wall 42 to the sub-bottom wall 48. The ink supply portion
34 extends forward from the sub-front wall 49 at a position below the sub-bottom wall
48 and above the bottom wall 42. Note that the front end of the sub-bottom wall 48
may be arranged at an arbitrary position, for example, at a position farther rearward
than the front end of the ink supply portion 34.
[0046] Also note that, the front wall, rear wall, top wall, bottom wall, and side walls
of the ink cartridge 30 need not each be configured of a single wall. For example,
in the present embodiment, the sub-front wall 49 constitutes the front wall of the
ink cartridge 30 together with the front wall 40; and the sub-bottom wall 48 constitutes
the bottom wall of the ink cartridge 30 together with the bottom wall 42.
[0047] Further, the front surface of the front wall 40, rear surface of the rear wall 41,
top surface of the top wall 39, bottom surface of the bottom wall 42, right surface
of the side wall 37, and left surface of the side wall 38 constituting the ink cartridge
30 need not be formed as single flat surfaces, respectively.
[0048] The front surface of the front wall 40 is a surface that is visible when viewing
the ink cartridge 30 in its upright posture from its front side and that is positioned
forward of a front-rear center of the ink cartridge 30 in its upright posture. In
the present embodiment, the front surface of the sub-front wall 49 connecting the
bottom wall 42 to the sub-bottom wall 48 may be considered part of the front surface
of the front wall of the ink cartridge 30 together with the front surface of the front
wall 40 connecting the sub-bottom wall 48 to the top wall 39. As an alternative, the
sub-bottom wall 48 may be omitted from the ink cartridge 30. In other words, the front
surface of the front wall 40 may constitute a single surface continuously connecting
the top wall 39 to the bottom wall 42.
[0049] Similarly, the rear surface of the rear wall 41 is a surface that is visible when
viewing the ink cartridge 30 in its upright posture from its rear side and that is
positioned rearward of the front-rear center of the ink cartridge 30 in its upright
posture.
[0050] The upper surface of the top wall 39 is a surface that is visible when viewing the
ink cartridge 30 in its upright posture from its upper side and that is positioned
upward of a vertical center of the ink cartridge 30 in its upright posture.
[0051] The bottom surface of the bottom wall 42 is a surface that is visible when viewing
the ink cartridge 30 in its upright posture from its bottom side and that is positioned
downward of the vertical center of the ink cartridge 30 in its upright posture.
[0052] The right surface of the side wall 37 is a surface that is visible when viewing the
ink cartridge 30 in its upright posture from its right side and that is positioned
rightward of a left-right center of the ink cartridge 30 in its upright posture.
[0053] The left surface of the side wall 38 is a surface that is visible when viewing the
ink cartridge 30 in its upright posture from its left side and that is positioned
leftward of the left-right center of the ink cartridge 30 in its upright posture.
< Protruding Portion 83 >
[0054] As depicted in Figs. 4 to 6, a protruding portion 83 is provided on the top wall
39 of the casing 31. The protruding portion 83 protrudes upward from the top wall
39. The protruding portion 83 supports an IC board 64 thereon.
< IC Board 64 >
[0055] As illustrated in Figs. 4 to 5B, the circuit board 64 is supported on an upper surface
of the protruding portion 83. The IC board 64 is arranged to face upward in the upright
posture. In the upright posture, the IC board 64 is a plate extending in the left-right
direction and front-rear direction.
[0056] Although not shown in detail in the drawings, the IC board 64 is bonded to the protruding
portion 83 by photopolymer (photo-curable resin). Note that the IC board 64 may be
bonded to the protruding portion 83 using an adhesive rather than a photopolymer or
may be mounted on the protruding portion 83 through a fitting process or method other
than bonding. Still alternatively, the IC board 64 may not be mounted on the protruding
portion 83, but may be mounted directly on the upper surface of the top wall 39, for
example.
[0057] As shown in Figs. 3 and 7, the circuit board 64 contacts and becomes electrically
connected to the corresponding contacts 106 during the insertion of the ink cartridge
30 into the cartridge-attachment section 110. This contact and electrical connection
with the contacts 106 is maintained in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is attached
to the cartridge-attachment section 110.
[0058] The circuit board 64 is fabricated by mounting an IC (not illustrated in the drawings)
and the four electrodes 65 on a substrate formed of a silicone or glass epoxy, for
example. Note that the circuit board 64 may also be a flexible printed circuit board.
[0059] The IC is a semiconductor integrated circuit. Information related to the ink cartridge
30 can be stored on and read out from the IC. The information related to the ink cartridge
30 may include data specifying its lot number, manufactured date, ink colors used,
and the like
[0060] Each of the electrodes 65 is electrically connected to the IC. Each electrode 65
extends in the front-rear direction. The electrodes 65 are juxtaposed in the left-right
direction on a top surface of the circuit board 64 and are spaced apart from one another.
Each electrode 65 is exposed on the top surface of the circuit board 64 so as to be
electrically accessible.
< Recess 68 >
[0061] As illustrated in Figs. 3, 4, 6 and 7, the casing 31 also includes a recess 68 that
is open upward in the upright posture. Specifically, the recess 68 is formed in the
top wall 39. That is, the recess 68 provides a space therein that is positioned below
the upper surface of the top wall 39 and allows communication between the space and
the atmosphere (outside of the casing 31). The recess 68 is arranged frontward and
downward of the IC board 64 in the front-rear direction. The recess 68 has a shorter
length in the front-rear direction than in the left-right direction.
[0062] Specifically, the recess 68 has a bottom surface 68B and a pair of side surfaces
69. The bottom surface 68B constitutes a bottom of the recess 68 and thus faces upward.
The side surfaces 69 define left and right ends of the recess 68, respectively. A
hole 69A is formed in each of the side surfaces 69.
< Light-Blocking Plate 67 >
[0063] The light-blocking plate 67 is disposed in the recess 68 formed in the top wall 39.
The light-blocking plate 67 is thus positioned frontward and downward of the IC board
64 in the present embodiment. As depicted in Fig. 6, in the upright posture, the light-blocking
plate 67 is positioned above an imaginary plane P1 passing through a top edge of the
interior space of the ink cartridge 30 (i.e., first storage chamber 32, second storage
chamber 33 and air communication chamber 36). The light-blocking plate 67 is positioned
rearward of the ink supply port 71 in the front-rear direction.
[0064] In the present embodiment, the light-blocking plate 67 is a plate-shaped member elongated
in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the light-blocking plate 67 has a plate
shape with a narrow dimension in the left-right direction, and dimensions in the vertical
and front-rear directions that are greater than the left-right dimension. Further,
the front-rear dimension of the light-blocking plate 67 is smaller than a front-rear
dimension of the recess 68, and the left-right dimension of the light-blocking plate
67 is smaller than a left-right dimension of the recess 68.
[0065] As illustrated in Fig. 6, the light-blocking plate 67 includes the light-blocking
portion 67A, a pair of protrusions 67B, and a force-receiving portion 67C.
[0066] The light-blocking portion 67A constitutes a rear end portion of the light-blocking
plate 67. Specifically, the light-blocking portion 67A is an area enclosed by a broken
line in Fig. 6 on each of left and right surfaces of the light-blocking plate 67.
[0067] In the embodiment, the light-blocking portion 67A is made of a resin containing a
colored material capable of absorbing light (carbon black pigment, for example). Note
that it is sufficient for only the light-blocking portion 67A of the light-blocking
plate 67 to be formed of this resin, but the entire light-blocking plate 67 may be
formed of the resin as well.
[0068] As a variation, a material such as aluminum foil that cannot transmit light may be
affixed to a side surface of a plate through which light can be transmitted. Here,
the material may be affixed to only the light-blocking portion 67A portion of the
light-blocking plate 67 or may be affixed to the entire light-blocking plate 67. The
material should be affixed at least to the light-blocking portion 67A in the light-blocking
plate 67.
[0069] The light-blocking plate 67 is configured to block the light of the optical sensor
113 traveling in the left-right direction when the ink cartridge 30 is attached to
the cartridge-attachment section 110. More specifically, when the light emitted from
the light-emitting portion of the optical sensor 113 is incident on the light-blocking
portion 67A before arriving at the light-receiving portion, the intensity of light
received at the light-receiving portion becomes less than a predetermined intensity,
for example, zero. Note that the light-blocking portion 67A may either block or attenuate
the light traveling in the left-right direction from the light-emitting portion to
the light-receiving portion. Alternatively, the light-blocking portion 67A may change
a direction of the light traveling from the light-emitting portion to the light-receiving
portion to a different direction.
[0070] Of the pair of protrusions 67B, one of the protrusions 67B protrudes rightward from
the right surface of the light-blocking plate 67, while the other protrusion 67B protrudes
leftward from the left surface of the light-blocking plate 67. The protrusions 67B
are positioned forward of the light-blocking portion 67A and rearward of the force-receiving
portion 67C. In other words, the pair of protrusions 67B is formed between the light-blocking
portion 67A and force-receiving portion 67C in the front-rear direction.
[0071] The protrusions 67B are arranged coaxially on an axis X extending in the left-right
direction (see Fig. 6). That is, each protrusion 67B defines a center that is positioned
on the same axis X. Each of the protrusions 67B is inserted and received in the corresponding
one of the holes 69A formed in the side surfaces 69 defining the recess 68. The light-blocking
plate 67 is thus pivotably supported by the side surfaces 69 about the axis X passing
through the centers of the protrusions 67B.
[0072] The force-receiving portion 67C constitutes a front end of the light-blocking plate
67. That is, the force-receiving portion 67C is positioned closer to the front wall
40 than the light-blocking portion 67A is to the front wall 40 in the front-rear direction.
The force-receiving portion 67C is a leading end of the light-blocking plate 67 during
the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge-attachment section 110.
[0073] The force-receiving portion 67C is a sloped surface sloping relative to the front-rear
direction to extend downward toward the front. In other words, the force-receiving
portion 67C is a sloped surface facing diagonally upward and frontward in the upright
posture.
[0074] Specifically, the light-blocking plate 67 is pivotable about the axis X between a
first position (illustrated by a broken line in Fig. 6) and a second position (illustrated
by a solid line in Fig. 6).
[0075] Referring to Fig. 6, in the first position, an upper edge 67T of the light-blocking
portion 67A (i.e., an upper edge of the light-blocking plate 67) protrudes upward
relative to the upper surface of the top wall 39 by a first protruding length L1 in
the vertical direction. Put different way, the upper edge 67T of the light-blocking
portion 67A is separated upward away from the upper surface of the top wall 39 by
a first distance L1 at the first position. That is, the light-blocking portion 67A
is positioned separated upward away from the bottom surface 68B of the recess 68.
At the first position, the upper edge 67T of the light-blocking portion 67A is located
farthest away from the axis X in the up-down direction.
[0076] In the second position, the upper edge 67T of the light-blocking portion 67A (the
upper edge of the light-blocking plate 67) protrudes upward relative to the upper
surface of the top wall 39 by a second protruding length L2 smaller than the first
protruding length L1 in the vertical direction. Put different way, the upper edge
67T of the light-blocking portion 67A is separated upward away from the upper surface
of the top wall 39 by a second distance L2 smaller than the first distance L1 at the
second position. At the second position, a rear end portion of the light-blocking
plate 67 is in contact with the bottom surface 68B of the recess 68 and is supported
by the same from below. Note that, although the light-blocking portion 67A is not
in contact with the bottom surface 68B of the recess 68 at the second position in
Fig. 6, the light-blocking portion 67A may be in contact with the bottom surface 68B
of the recess 68 when the light-blocking plate 67 is at the second position.
[0077] Here, the "upper surface of the top wall 39" means a surface on which an upper edge
of the recess 68 is defined. In case that the top wall 39 is configured of a plurality
of top walls, the first protruding length L1 and second protruding length L2 (or the
first distance L1 and second distance L2) relative to the top wall 39 may be determined
based on an upper surface of a top wall in which the recess 68 is formed (i.e., the
top wall that defines the upper edge of the recess 68).
[0078] Further, in the present embodiment, the upper edge 67T of the light-blocking portion
67A (upper edge of the light-blocking plate 67) is positioned lower than the IC board
64 at the first position, as depicted in Fig. 6.
[0079] Also referring to Fig. 6, in the first position, a distance S1 between the axis X
(center of the protrusions 67B) and the light-blocking portion 67A in the front-rear
direction is greater than a distance S2 between the axis X (center of the protrusions
67B) and the force-receiving portion 67C in the front-rear direction. More specifically,
the distance S1 is a front-rear distance defined between the axis X and a front edge
of the light-blocking portion 67A, and the distance S2 is a front-rear distance defined
between the axis X and a rear edge of the force-receiving portion 67C. That is, the
distance S1 represents a shortest distance between the axis X and the light-blocking
portion 67A in the front-rear direction, and the distance S2 represents a shortest
distance between the axis X and the force-receiving portion 67C in the front-rear
direction.
[0080] In the light-blocking plate 67, a portion rearward of the protrusion 67B (axis X)
is heavier than a portion frontward of the protrusion 67B (axis X). Accordingly, in
a state where no external force is applied to the light-blocking plate 67, the light-blocking
plate 67 is urged by its own weight to pivot clockwise in Fig. 6. As a result, without
application of any external force, the light-blocking plate 67 is normally at its
second position.
[0081] In the second position, the force-receiving portion 67C is located higher than the
upper surface of the top wall 39. Hence, the force-receiving portion 67C can abut
on the rear surface 126A of the projecting wall 126 during the insertion of the ink
cartridge 30 (with the light-blocking plate 67 in the second position) into the cartridge-attachment
section 110, thereby pivoting the light-blocking plate 67 into the first position
from the second position. Details of the shift of the light-blocking plate 67 from
the second position to the first position will be described later in detail.
< Air Communication Port 96 >
[0082] As depicted in Fig. 4, an air communication port 96 is formed in an upper end portion
of the front wall 40. The air communication port 96 is formed above the vertical center
of the casing 31. The air communication port 96 is a substantially circular-shaped
through-hole formed in the upper end portion of the front wall 40. The air communication
port 96 is closed by a seal (not shown) that can be peeled off. The seal is peeled
off the front wall 40 to open the air communication port 96 before the ink cartridge
30 is attached to the cartridge-attachment section 110. The first storage chamber
32 of the ink cartridge 30 is thus opened to the atmosphere. Note that the member
sealing the air communication port 96 is not restricted to the seal. For example,
a well-known valve mechanism may be disposed within the air communication chamber
36 to open and close the air communication port 96.
< Internal Structure of the Casing 31 >
[0083] As illustrated in Fig. 6, the first ink chamber 32, the second storage chamber 33,
the ink valve chamber 35 and the air communication chamber 36 are formed inside the
casing 31.
[0084] Each of the first storage chamber 32, second storage chamber 33, and ink valve chamber
35 can store ink. Inside the casing 31 also provided are: an inner lower wall 45 for
partitioning the first storage chamber 32 from the second storage chamber 33; and
a partitioning wall 44 for partitioning the first storage chamber 32 from the air
communication chamber 36. The partitioning wall 44 and inner lower wall 45 are both
walls in the front-rear direction and in the left-right direction. The inner lower
wall 45 and partitioning wall 44 vertically oppose each other.
[0085] That is, the first ink chamber 32 is a space that is defined on the top by the bottom
surface of the partitioning wall 44, defined on the bottom by the top surface of the
inner lower wall 45, and defined on the front, rear, right, and left by inner surfaces
of the front wall 40, rear wall 41, and side walls 37 and 38, respectively. The partitioning
wall 44 is formed with a through-hole 46 extending vertically. The through-hole 46
provides communication between the first storage chamber 32 and the air communication
chamber 36.
[0086] The second storage chamber 33 is positioned below the first storage chamber 32. A
volume of ink that can be stored in the second storage chamber 33 is smaller than
a volume of ink that can be stored in the first storage chamber 32.
[0087] The second storage chamber 33 is a space that is defined on the top by the bottom
surface of the lower wall 45, on the bottom by the top surface of the bottom wall
42, and on the rear, right, and left by the inner surfaces of the rear wall 41 and
the side walls 37 and 38, respectively. A partition wall 50 is formed between the
second storage chamber 33 and ink valve chamber 35. The partition wall 50 defines
a front end of the second storage chamber 33. The second storage chamber 33 communicates
with the first storage chamber 32 through a communication hole 47 formed in the lower
wall 45 (see Fig. 6). The second storage chamber 33 also communicates with the ink
valve chamber 35 via a through-hole 99 formed in the partition wall 50.
[0088] The air communication chamber 36 communicates with the atmosphere through the air
communication port 96 formed in the front wall 40.
[0089] 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 sub-front wall 49. That is, the ink
supply portion 34 is provided on the sub-front wall 49. The cylinder 75 has a front
end that is open to the outside of the ink cartridge 30. The cylinder 75 defines an
interior space therein that serves as the ink valve chamber 35. The ink valve chamber
35 is a space elongated in the front-rear direction when the ink cartridge 30 is in
the upright posture. The rear end of the ink valve chamber 35 is in communication
with the second storage chamber 33 through the through-hole 99. Since the front end
of the cylinder 75 is open to the exterior of the ink cartridge 30, the ink valve
chamber 35 is in communication with both the second storage chamber 33 and the exterior
of the ink cartridge 30. In other words, the ink valve chamber 35 extends in the front-rear
direction to allow ink in the second storage chamber 33 to flow forward toward the
outside of the ink cartridge 30. The packing 76 is provided in the open front end
of the cylinder 75. That is, the packing 76 is disposed at the front end of the ink
valve chamber 35.
[0090] The ink valve chamber 35 accommodates a valve 77, and a coil spring 78. By moving
in the front-rear direction, the valve 77 opens and closes the ink supply port 71
penetrating a center of the packing 76. The coil spring 78 urges the valve 77 forward.
Therefore, when no external force is applied to the valve 77, the valve 77 closes
the ink supply port 71 in the packing 76.
[0091] The packing 76 is a disk-shaped member with a through-hole formed in the center potion
thereof. The packing 76 is formed of an elastic material such as a rubber or elastomer.
The through-hole formed in the center of the packing 76 penetrates the same in the
front-rear direction to provide a tubular-shaped inner circumferential surface serving
as the ink supply port 71. That is, the ink supply port 71 is defined by the tubular-shaped
inner circumferential surface that defines the through-hole formed in the packing
76. The ink supply port 71 has an inner diameter that is slightly smaller than an
outer diameter of the ink needle 102. The ink supply port 71 provides communication
between the interior space of the cylinder 75 (the ink valve chamber 35) and the exterior
of the ink cartridge 30.
[0092] When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge-attachment section 110 while
the valve 77 is closing the ink supply port 71, the ink needle 102 advances into the
ink supply port 71, as depicted in Fig. 7. As the packing 76 elastically deforms,
the outer circumferential surface of the ink needle 102 forms close contact with the
inner circumferential surface defining the ink supply port 71 to provide liquid-tight
seal therewith. In other words, communication between the ink valve chamber 35 and
the exterior of the ink cartridge 30 via the ink supply port 71 is hermetically sealed.
Subsequently, the distal end of the ink needle 102 passes through the ink supply port
71 formed in the packing 76, advances into the ink valve chamber 35, and contacts
the valve 77. As the ink cartridge 30 is further inserted into the cartridge-attachment
section 110, the ink needle 102 moves the valve 77 rearward against an urging force
of the coil spring 78. As a result, ink stored in the ink valve chamber 35 is allowed
to flow into the interior space 102A of the ink needle 102.
[0093] Note that the ink supply port 71 may be sealed by a film rather than the valve 77.
In this case, the ink supply port 71 may be configured of the open front end of the
cylinder 75 rather than the packing 76. Alternatively, the ink supply port 71 may
be formed of an elastic resin or other sealing member that has no through-hole. In
this case, the ink supply port 71 may be formed by piercing a needle-like member into
the sealing member, and elasticity of the sealing member can reseal the ink supply
port 71 when the needle-like member is extracted from the sealing member. Further,
the ink supply portion 34 need not be formed as a cylindrically shaped member. For
example, a through-hole may be formed in the front wall 40 of the casing 31 to penetrate
the front wall 40 in the front-rear direction. In this case, the front wall 40 formed
with the through-hole may constitute a portion of the ink supply portion 34.
[ Attachment/Detachment of the Ink Cartridge 30 relative to the Cartridge-Attachment
Section 110]
[0094] Next, a process for attaching the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge-attachment section
110 will be described.
[0095] As depicted in Fig. 6, the valve 77 closes the ink supply port 71 formed in the packing
76 prior to attachment of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge-attachment section
110. This closure interrupts ink outflow from the ink valve chamber 35 to the exterior
of the ink cartridge 30. Further, the air communication port 96 is sealed by the removable
seal (not shown). Thus the first storage chamber 32 is prevented from being open to
the atmosphere.
[0096] Also, prior to attachment to the cartridge-attachment section 110, the light-blocking
plate 67 is in the second position, as illustrated in Fig. 6.
[0097] Before insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge-attachment section 110,
the user peels off the seal from the air communication port 96. The first storage
chamber 32 is opened to the atmosphere accordingly.
[0098] For attaching the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge-attachment section 110, the user
inserts the ink cartridge 30 in its upright posture into the case 101 (see Fig. 2)
through the opening 112 of the cartridge-attachment section 110. The user pushes against
the rear wall 41 of the casing 31 forward to insert the ink cartridge 30 into the
cartridge-attachment section 110. The lower portion of the ink cartridge 30 advances
in the corresponding guide groove 109 formed in the bottom of the case 101 (see Fig.
2).
[0099] As the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge-attachment section 110, the
ink supply portion 34 advances into the corresponding guide portion 105; and the ink
needle 102 passes through the ink supply port 71 and enters the ink valve chamber
35, forcing the valve 77 to separate from the packing 76 against the urging force
of the coil spring 78. Through this action, the ink supply portion 34 is fixed in
position. The ink stored in the ink valve chamber 35 is thus allowed to flow into
the interior space 102A of the ink needle 102.
[0100] Also, as the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge-attachment section 110,
the rear surface 126A of the projecting wall 126 is brought into contact with the
force-receiving portion 67C of the light-blocking plate 67 in the second position
from its front side.
[0101] As the ink cartridge 30 is inserted further forward against the urging force of the
coil spring 78 from the state depicted in Fig. 7 to reach the state depicted in Fig.
3 (attached state: in a state where the front wall 40 has approached close to the
end wall of the case 101), the rear surface 126A of the projecting wall 126 pushes
the force-receiving portion 67C of the force-receiving portion 67C in the second position
rearward, while guiding the force-receiving portion 67C to move downward along the
slope of the force-receiving portion 67C. The light-blocking plate 67 at the second
position is thus caused to pivot counterclockwise in Fig. 7 into the first position.
In this way, during the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge-attachment
section 110, the light-blocking plate 67 is pivoted from the second position to the
first position by the abutment of the force-receiving portion 67C against the projecting
wall 126 (by application of rearward external force onto the force-receiving portion
67C).
[0102] In the attached state of the ink cartridge 30 depicted in Fig. 3, the ink cartridge
30 is applied with rearward urging force generated by the compressed coil spring 78.
However, in the present embodiment, a sliding resistance between the ink needle 102
inserted into the ink supply port 71 and the inner circumferential surface of the
packing 76 (forward force) is greater than this rearward urging force (rearward force).
Hence, the ink cartridge 30 is prevented from being forced out of the cartridge-attachment
section 110 by the urging force of the coil spring 78. As a result, the ink cartridge
30 can be retained in its attached state in the cartridge-attachment section 110.
[0103] Referring to Fig. 3, when the ink cartridge 30 is in the attached state, the circuit
board 64 becomes positioned below the contacts 106. The electrodes 65 on the circuit
board 64 are in contact with the corresponding contacts 106 while resiliently deform
the contacts 106 upward. Hence, in the attached state, an electrical connection is
established between the circuit board 64 and contacts 106.
[0104] Further, in the attached state, the light-blocking portion 67A of the light-blocking
plate 67 at the first position is positioned between the light-emitting portion and
light-receiving portion of the optical sensor 113. As a result, in the attached state,
the light-blocking portion 67A of the light-blocking plate 67 at the first position
is positioned in the optical path of light emitted from the light-emitting portion
of the optical sensor 113.
[0105] Accordingly, in the attached state, the light-blocking portion 67A of the light-blocking
plate 67 at its first position can be detected by the optical sensor 113 since the
light-blocking portion 67A blocks passage of the light emitted from the optical sensor
113 when the light-blocking plate 67 is at the first position. If the light-blocking
plate 67 is at its second position in the attached state of the ink cartridge 30,
the light from the optical sensor 113 cannot be blocked by the light-blocking portion
67A, since the light-blocking portion 67A is located below the optical sensor 113
(the light-blocking portion 67A is not positioned between the light-emitting portion
and light-receiving portion of the optical sensor 113).
[0106] To remove the ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge-attachment section 110, the user
grips the rear portion of the ink cartridge 30 and pulls the ink cartridge 30 rearward.
When a sum of the force pulling the ink cartridge 30 rearward and the urging force
of the coil spring 78 (rearward force) is greater than the sliding friction between
the ink needle 102 and the inner circumferential surface of the packing 76 (forward
force), the ink cartridge 30 moves rearward relative to the cartridge-attachment section
110. At this time, the user can remove the ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge-attachment
section 110.
[Detection on whether the Ink Cartridge 30 is attached to the Cartridge-Attachment
Section 110]
[0107] Next, operations for detecting the ink cartridge 30 being inserted in the cartridge-attachment
section 110 will be described with reference to flowcharts in Figs. 8 and 9.
[0108] Note that the controller 11 is configured to start the processing illustrated in
the flowcharts in Figs. 8 and 9 once a cover (not shown) for opening and closing the
opening 112 of the cartridge-attachment section 110 is detected to be closed.
[0109] First, steps of the flowchart in Fig. 8 will be described.
[0110] Referring to Fig. 8, once detecting that the cover (not shown) is closed, the controller
11 (see Fig. 1) is configured to determine in S10 whether the circuit board 64 of
the ink cartridge 30 is accessible. When the contacts 106 are in contact with the
circuit board 64 so as to be electrically connected to the same, the controller 11
can access the circuit board 64. When the contacts 106 are not in contact with the
circuit board 64, the controller 11 cannot access the circuit board 64.
[0111] If the controller 11 cannot access the circuit board 64 (S10: NO), in S20 the controller
11 determines that the ink cartridge 30 is not mounted in the cartridge-attachment
section 110. In this case, the controller 11 notifies the user that an ink cartridge
30 is not mounted by displaying a message on a display panel (not shown) provided
on a housing of the printer 10 and/or emitting a beep or other sound from a speaker
(not shown).
[0112] However, if the controller 11 can access the circuit board 64 (S10: YES), in S30
the controller 11 then determines whether the signal outputted from the optical sensor
113 is high level or low level. When the light-blocking portion 67A of the light-blocking
plate 67 is positioned between the light-emitting portion and light-receiving portion
of the optical sensor 113, the optical sensor 113 outputs a low level signal to the
controller 11. When the light-blocking portion 67A of the light-blocking plate 67
is not positioned between the light-emitting portion and light-receiving portion of
the optical sensor 113, the optical sensor 113 outputs a high level signal to the
controller 11.
[0113] If the signal outputted from the optical sensor 113 to the controller 11 is the high
level (S30: HIGH), in S40 the controller 11 determines that an abnormal ink cartridge
30 is mounted in the cartridge-attachment section 110. In this case, the controller
11 notifies the user that an abnormal ink cartridge 30 is mounted by displaying a
message on the display panel (not shown) provided on the housing of the printer 10
and/or plays a beep or other sound from the speaker (not shown).
[0114] On the other hand, if the signal outputted by the optical sensor 113 is the low level
(S30: LOW), in S50 the controller 11 determines that a normal ink cartridge 30 is
mounted in the cartridge-attachment section 110.
[0115] In the flowcharts of Fig. 8, the controller 11 determines whether an ink cartridge
30 is mounted in the cartridge-attachment section 110 based on whether the circuit
board 64 is accessible, and determines whether the ink cartridge 30 mounted in the
cartridge-attachment section 110 is normal based on the level of signal outputted
from the optical sensor 113.
[0116] However, the controller 11 may be configured to determine whether an ink cartridge
30 is mounted in the cartridge-attachment section 110 based on the level of the signal
outputted from the optical sensor 113, and to determine whether the ink cartridge
30 mounted in the cartridge-attachment section 110 is normal based on whether the
circuit board 64 is accessible. Steps in this variation will be described next with
reference to the flowchart in Fig. 9.
[0117] Referring to Fig. 9, in S 110 the controller 11 determines whether the signal outputted
by the optical sensor 113 to the controller 11 is the high level or low level.
[0118] If the signal outputted by the optical sensor 113 is the high level (S110: HIGH),
in S120 the controller 11 determines that an ink cartridge 30 is not mounted in the
cartridge-attachment section 110. In this case, as in S20 of Fig. 8, the controller
11 notifies the user that an ink cartridge 30 is not mounted.
[0119] However, if the signal outputted by the optical sensor 113 is the low level (S110:
LOW), in S130 the controller 11 determines whether the circuit board 64 of the ink
cartridge 30 is accessible.
[0120] If the controller 11 cannot access the circuit board 64 (S130: NO), in S140 the controller
11 determines that an abnormal ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge-attachment
section 110. In this case, as in S40 of Fig. 8, the controller 11 notifies the user
that an abnormal ink cartridge 30 is mounted.
[0121] On the other hand, if the controller 11 can access the circuit board 64 (S130: YES),
in S150 the controller 11 determines that a normal ink cartridge 30 is mounted in
the cartridge-attachment section 110.
[Operational and Technical Advantages of the Embodiment]
[0122] In the depicted embodiment, the light-blocking plate 67 is at the second position
lower than the first position while no external force is being applied to the light-blocking
plate 67. Thus, the configuration of the present embodiment can reduce a potential
for the light-blocking plate 67 to incur impacts from external objects, compared to
a case where the light-blocking plate 67 is at the first position when no external
force is applied thereto; or compared to a case where the light-blocking plate 67
is immovable and always protrudes upward relative to the top wall 39 (remains at the
first position) regardless of application of external force to the light-blocking
plate 67. Thus, this configuration of the embodiment reduces the potential for damage
to the light-blocking plate 67.
[0123] In the depicted embodiment, the light-blocking plate 67 can be moved from the second
position to the first position by the abutment of the force-receiving portion 67C
of the light-blocking plate 67 against the rear surface 126A of the projecting wall
126 of the cartridge-attachment section 110 during the insertion of the ink cartridge
30 into the cartridge-attachment section 110. This configuration can ensure that the
light-blocking plate 67 is located at the first position when the ink cartridge 30
is completely mounted in the cartridge-attachment section 110. Hence, in the attached
state, light emitted from an external unit can more easily be incident on the light-blocking
portion 67A.
[0124] In the depicted embodiment, the rear surface 126A of the projecting wall 126 provided
in the cartridge-attachment section 110 is configured to contact the force-receiving
portion 67C of the light-blocking plate 67 from its front side. Accordingly, as the
ink cartridge 30 is inserted forward relative to the cartridge-attachment section
110 to be mounted therein, the light-blocking plate 67 can be reliably moved from
the second position to the first position.
[0125] In the depicted embodiment, a member provided in the cartridge-attachment section
110 for the purpose of accessing the force-receiving portion 67C during the insertion
of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge-attachment section 110 (i.e., the projecting
wall 126) can be positioned higher than the top wall 39, i.e., can be arranged in
an area outside the interior space of the ink cartridge 30. That is, the projecting
wall 126 is positioned above a liquid storage chamber in the ink cartridge 30 (the
first storage chamber 32, second storage chamber 33, and ink valve chamber 35). Accordingly,
this arrangement of the embodiment can maximize the ratio of the interior space to
the overall ink cartridge 30.
[0126] In the depicted embodiment, the force-receiving portion 67C is formed as a sloped
surface so that the rear surface 126A of the projecting wall 126 (the portion of the
cartridge-attachment section 110 coming into contact with the force-receiving portion
67C) can be guided over the force-receiving portion 67C. With this configuration,
during the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge-attachment section
110, a portion of the light-blocking plate 67 rearward of the axis X of the protrusions
67B (i.e., a rearward portion including the light-blocking portion 67A) moves upward,
while a portion forward of the axis X of the protrusions 67B (i.e., a forward portion
including the force-receiving portion 67C) moves downward. In other words, the light-blocking
plate 67 pivots from the second position to the first position during the insertion
of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge-attachment section 110.
[0127] In the depicted embodiment, the rearward portion of the light-blocking plate 67 positioned
rearward of the pivot axis X (protrusions 67B) is heavier than the forward portion
of the light-blocking plate 67 positioned forward of the pivot axis X (protrusions
67B). Consequently, the light-blocking plate 67 is maintained at the second position
by its own weight when an external force is not being applied to the light-blocking
plate 67.
[0128] As illustrated in Fig. 6, when the light-blocking plate 67 is at the first position,
the shortest distance S1 between the axis X and the light-blocking portion 67A (a
front-rear dimension of the portion of the light-blocking plate 67 from the axis X
to the light-blocking portion 67A) is greater than the shortest distance S2 between
the axis X and force-receiving portion 67C (a front-rear dimension of the portion
of the light-blocking plate 67 from the axis X to the force-receiving portion 67C).
Accordingly, with this structure of the embodiment, a configuration for maintaining
the light-blocking plate 67 at the second position by its own weight can be easily
implemented.
[0129] In the embodiment, the light-blocking plate 67 is positioned above the imaginary
plane P1 (see Fig. 6) passing through the top edge of the interior space in the ink
cartridge 30 (the first storage chamber 32, second storage chamber 33, and air communication
chamber 36). This arrangement can prevent the presence of the light-blocking plate
67 from reducing the capacity of the first storage chamber 32, second storage chamber
33, and air communication chamber 36. In other words, this arrangement can prevent
the presence of the light-blocking plate 67 from reducing the quantity of liquid that
the ink cartridge 30 can store.
[0130] Further, when the light-blocking plate 67 is at the first position, the force-receiving
portion 67C is positioned above the upper surface of the top wall 39 in the embodiment.
With this structure, there is no need to form a space beneath the top wall 39 for
accommodating the force-receiving portion 67C therein, enlarging the interior space
(liquid chamber) in the casing 31.
[0131] In the depicted embodiment, the light-blocking plate 67 is positioned farther rearward
than the ink supply port 71 in the insertion direction (front-rear direction). This
arrangement of the embodiment can easily configure the ink cartridge 30 such that,
during the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge-attachment section
110, the light-blocking plate 67 moves to the first position after the ink supply
port 71 becomes connected to the ink needle 102 and the like provided in the cartridge-attachment
section 110.
[0132] In the depicted embodiment, the circuit board 64 is disposed farther rearward and
higher than the light-blocking portion 67A of the light-blocking plate 67 at the second
position. With this configuration, the optical sensor 113 and the like provided in
the cartridge-attachment section 110 for irradiating light onto the light-blocking
portion 67A can be prevented from contacting the circuit board 64 as the ink cartridge
30 is inserted into the cartridge-attachment section 110.
[0133] In the depicted embodiment, the light-blocking plate 67 as a whole is positioned
lower than the circuit board 64 not only when at the first position but also when
at the second position. This arrangement allows the vertical dimension of the ink
cartridge 30 to be made shorter than in a configuration in which the light-blocking
plate 67 is positioned higher than the circuit board 64.
[Variations and Modifications]
[0134] In the following, various modifications to the depicted embodiments 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.
[0135] In the depicted embodiment, the force-receiving portion 67C of the light-blocking
plate 67 is a sloped surface that faces diagonally upward and forward in the upright
posture. However, the force-receiving portion 67C is not limited to this type of sloped
surface. That is, light-blocking plate 67 need not be provided with a sloped surface.
[0136] As an example, Fig. 10 illustrates an ink cartridge 230 provided with a light-blocking
plate 267 according to a first modification to the embodiment. In this modification,
the light-blocking plate 267 does not have a sloped surface, but, instead, a projecting
wall 226 of a cartridge-attachment section 210 has a sloped rear surface 226A facing
diagonally downward and rearward. The light-blocking plate 267 has a front end portion
having a cornered upper-front edge. In the configuration shown in Fig. 10, the cornered
upper-front edge of the light-blocking plate 267 serves as a force-receiving portion
267D and is configured to contact the sloped rear surface 226A of the projecting wall
226. As the ink cartridge 230 is inserted forward into the cartridge-attachment section
210 in the structure shown in Fig. 10, the force-receiving portion 267D of the light-blocking
plate 267 is guided along the rear surface 226A of the projecting wall 226, forcing
the light-blocking plate 267 to pivot from the second position to the first position.
Note that Fig. 10 shows the state in which the light-blocking plate 267 is in its
first position.
[0137] Note that, as in the embodiment, the light-blocking plate 267 is pivoted to move
from the second position to the first position by the abutment of the force-receiving
portion 267D against the sloped rear surface 226A of the projecting wall 226 during
the insertion of the ink cartridge 230 into the cartridge-attachment section 210.
However, contrary to the embodiment, a light-blocking portion 267A of the light-blocking
plate 267 is positioned higher than the IC board 64 when the light-blocking plate
267 is in the first position as depicted in Fig. 10. That is, an upper edge 267T of
the light-blocking portion 267A of the light-blocking plate 267 at the first position
is positioned above the IC board 64. Hence, when the ink cartridge 230 is attached
to the cartridge-attachment section 210, the contacts 106 of the cartridge-attachment
section 210 are positioned below the upper edge 267T of the light-blocking portion
267A of the light-blocking plate 267 at the first position. However, even with this
structure of the first modification, the light-blocking portion 267A does not interfere
with the contacts 106 of the cartridge-attachment section 210 during the insertion
of the ink cartridge 230 into the cartridge-attachment section 210, since the light-blocking
plate 267 is pivoted from the second position to the first position after the light-blocking
plate 267 at the second position moves past the contacts 106 in the insertion direction
(see Fig 7 of the embodiment).
[0138] The ink cartridge 30 is not limited to the structure illustrated in Figs. 4 through
6. As an example, Fig. 11 depicts an ink cartridge 330 according to a second modification
to the embodiment. The ink cartridge 330 of the second modification has an outer shape
that approximates a rectangular parallelepiped. Specifically, the ink cartridge 330
includes a casing 331 of a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A storage chamber 332
is defined in the casing 331, and an ink supply portion 334 extends frontward from
the storage chamber 332. An internal space in the ink supply portion 334 serves as
a chamber 335 proving communication between the storage chamber 332 and the exterior
of the casing 331.
[0139] The ink cartridge 330 having the configuration shown in Fig. 11 does not include
the protruding portion 83 and the circuit board 64. The ink cartridge 330 does not
include the coil spring 78 in the chamber 335, either. Therefore, the ink cartridge
330 need not be inserted into the cartridge-attachment section 110 against a rearward
urging force.
[0140] Further, the ink cartridge 330 of the second modification does not include the valve
77 in the chamber 335. Rather, in the ink supply portion 334 of the second modification,
a packing 376 is provided in an open front end of the ink supply portion 334, and
an ink supply port 371 is formed in the center of the packing 376. The ink supply
port 371 is sealed with a peelable seal 372. As the ink cartridge 330 is inserted
in to the cartridge-attachment section 110, the ink needle 102 provided in the cartridge-attachment
section 110 pierces the seal 372 and passes through the ink supply port 371. At this
time, ink stored in the storage chamber 332 of the ink cartridge 330 can be supplied
into the interior space 102A of the ink needle 102 through the chamber 335 and ink
supply port 371. Further, the ink needle 102 elastically deforms the packing 376 while
penetrating the same. As a result, the outer circumferential surface of the ink needle
102 closely contacts an inner circumferential surface of the packing 376 defining
the ink supply port 371, thereby preventing ink from leaking through gaps formed between
the ink needle 102 and the packing 376.
[0141] As in the depicted embodiment, the light-blocking portion 67A protrudes upward relative
to a top wall 339 of the casing 331 by the second protruding length L2 when the light-blocking
plate 67 is at the second position (see Fig. 6). However, the light-blocking portion
67A need not protrude above the top wall 339 when the light-blocking plate 67 is in
the second position. That is, the upper edge 67T of the light-blocking portion 67A
may be positioned below the upper surface of the top wall 339 when the light-blocking
plate 67 is at the second position.
[0142] As an example, Fig. 12 depicts an ink cartridge 430 according to a third modification
to the embodiment. The ink cartridge 430 includes the casing 331 of the second modification,
and the light-blocking plate 67 of the depicted embodiment. The light-blocking plate
67 is configured to be accommodated in a recess 468 formed in the top wall 339 of
the casing 331. The recess 468 has a deeper depth than the recess 68 of the embodiment
in the vertical direction. Hence, as depicted in Fig. 12, when the light-blocking
plate 67 is at the second position, a rear end portion of the light-blocking plate
67 is in contact with a bottom surface 468B of the recess 468 and the light-blocking
portion 67A in its entirety is accommodated in the recess 468. That is, at the second
position, the upper edge 67T of the light-blocking portion 67A does not protrude upward
relative to the top wall 339, but is located below the upper surface of the top wall
339 and accommodated in the recess 468. The force-receiving portion 67C of the light-blocking
plate 67 protrudes upward relative to the upper surface of the top wall 339 at the
second position, as in the depicted embodiment.
[0143] In the embodiment, the ink cartridge 30 is retained in its attached state in the
cartridge-attachment section 110 by the sliding resistance between the ink needle
102 and the inner circumferential surface of the packing 76. However, the means for
retaining the ink cartridge 30 in its attached state in the cartridge-attachment section
110 are not limited to the means employing sliding friction. For example, the ink
cartridge 30 may be configured to pivot inside the cartridge-attachment section 110
so that an engaging part provided on the ink cartridge 30 becomes engaged with an
engagement part provided in the cartridge-attachment section 110, and the ink cartridge
30 may be retained in its attached state in the cartridge-attachment section 110 through
this engagement.
[0144] In the embodiment, the light-blocking plate 67 moves from the second position to
the first position when contacted on the force-receiving portion 67C by the cartridge-attachment
section 110 (the rear surface 126A of the projecting wall 126) from the front side
of the light-blocking plate 67. However, the light-blocking plate 67 may move from
the second position to the first position through contact by the cartridge-attachment
section 110 from a side other than the front side. For example, in a case where the
ink cartridge 30 is configured to pivot inside the cartridge-attachment section 110
as described above, the cartridge-attachment section 110 may come into contact with
the light-blocking plate 67 from above or below as the ink cartridge 30 pivots, forcing
the light-blocking plate 67 to move from the second position to the first position.
[0145] The positional relationships of components in the ink cartridge 30 and cartridge-attachment
section 110 are also not limited to those described in the embodiment.
[0146] For example, while the entire light-blocking plate 67 is positioned above the imaginary
plane P1 (see Fig. 6) passing through the top edge of the interior space in the ink
cartridge 30 (the first storage chamber 32, second storage chamber 33, and air communication
chamber 36) in the embodiment, the light-blocking portion 67A may be positioned lower
than the imaginary plane P1 to protrude into the interior space of the ink cartridge
30 when the light-blocking plate 67 is at the second position.
[0147] Further, in the embodiment, the force-receiving portion 67C has a portion positioned
above the upper surface of the top wall 39 when the light-blocking plate 67 is at
the first position, as shown in Fig. 3. However, while the light-blocking plate 67
is at the first position, the force-receiving portion 67C may be located either below
or above the upper surface of the top wall 39. If the force-receiving portion 67C
in its entirety is positioned above the top wall 39 when the light-blocking plate
67 is at the first position, there is no need to form a space beneath the upper surface
of the top wall 39 for accommodating the force-receiving portion 67C therein. Note
that the force-receiving portion 67C should be located above the top wall 39 (protrudes
relative to the top wall 39) while the light-blocking plate 67 is at the second position
in order to ensure that the force-receiving portion 67C comes into contact with the
projecting wall 126 (rear surface 126A) during the insertion of the ink cartridge
30 into the cartridge-attachment section 110.
[0148] Still further, the light-blocking plate 67 may be positioned farther forward than
the ink supply port 71.
[0149] In the embodiment, the distance S1 between the axis X and light-blocking portion
67A is greater than the distance S2 between the axis X and the force-receiving portion
67C when the light-blocking plate 67 is at the first position. However, the distance
S1 may be set smaller than or equal to the distance S2.
[0150] In case that the distance S1 is shorter than the distance S2, the light-blocking
plate 67 can be maintained at the second position by: configuring the portion of the
light-blocking plate 67 having the shorter front-rear dimension S1 (the portion positioned
rearward of the axis X) heavier than the portion having the longer front-rear dimension
S2 (the portion positioned rearward of the axis X); or by providing a coil spring
or other urging member to normally urge the light-blocking plate 67 toward the second
position.
[0151] In the embodiment, the portion of the light-blocking plate 67 that is rearward of
the axis X is heavier than the portion of the light-blocking plate 67 that is forward
of the axis X. However, the rearward portion may be set to the same or a smaller weight
than the forward portion. In this case, a coil spring or other urging member for urging
the light-blocking plate 67 toward the second position may be used to move the light-blocking
plate 67 into the second position when external forces are not being applied to the
light-blocking plate 67.
[0152] The plate-shaped light-blocking plate 67 serves as the lever in the embodiment described
above. However, the lever need not be a plate-shaped member as in the embodiment.
Needless to say, the shape of the space formed in the top wall of the casing 31 to
accommodate the lever may be modified to conform to the shape of the lever.
[0153] Further, while ink serves as an example of liquid in the depicted embodiments, the
liquid 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 liquid cartridge. Alternatively, cleaning water for cleaning the recoding
head 21 may be stored in the liquid cartridge.
< Remarks >
[0154] The ink cartridges 30, 230, 330 and 430 are respectively an example of a liquid cartridge.
The casings 31 and 331 are respectively an example of a casing. The first storage
chamber 32 and second storage chamber 33 are an example of a liquid chamber. The storage
chamber 332 is another example of the liquid chamber. The ink valve chamber 35 and
chamber 335 are respectively an example of a liquid passage. The front wall 40 is
an example of a front wall. The rear wall 41 is an example of a rear wall. The top
walls 39 and 339 are an example of a top wall. The bottom wall 42 is an example of
a bottom wall. The light-blocking plates 67 and 267 are an example of a lever. Each
of the light-blocking portions 67A and 267A is an example of a light-blocking portion.
The force-receiving portions 67C and 267D are respectively an example of a force-receiving
portion. The upper edge 67T of the light-blocking portion 67A and upper edge 267T
of the light-blocking plate 267 are an example of an upper end of the light-blocking
portion. The bottom surfaces 68B and 468B are an example of a supporting surface.
The ink supply ports 71 and 371 are an example of a liquid-supply port. The IC board
64 and electrodes 65 are an example of a circuit board. The system 1 is an example
of a system. The printer 10 is an example of a printer. Each of the cartridge-attachment
sections 110 and 210 is an example of a cartridge-attachment section. The accommodation
space 111 is an example of an accommodation space. The optical sensor 113 is an example
of an optical sensor. The ink needle 102 is an example of a liquid-supply tube. The
contacts 106 are an example of an electrical contact. The projecting wall 126 and
its rear surface 126A, and the projecting wall 226 and its rear surface 226A are respectively
an example of a projecting wall. The frontward direction 51 is an example of an insertion
direction.
1. A liquid cartridge (30, 230, 330, 430) configured to be inserted into a cartridge-attachment
section (110, 210) in an insertion direction (51) crossing a gravitational direction
(53) and accommodated in the cartridge-attachment section (110) in an upright posture,
the liquid cartridge in the upright posture comprising:
a casing (31, 331) comprising:
a liquid chamber (32, 33, 332) storing liquid therein;
a liquid passage (35, 335) extending from the liquid chamber (32, 33, 332) in the
insertion direction (51);
a front wall (40) provided with the liquid passage (35, 335);
a rear wall (41) positioned away from the front wall (40) in the insertion direction
(51), the liquid chamber (32, 33, 332) being positioned between the front wall and
the rear wall in the insertion direction (51);
a top wall (39, 339) positioned between the front wall and the rear wall in the insertion
direction (51); and
a bottom wall (42) positioned between the front wall and the rear wall in the insertion
direction (51) and away from the top wall (39, 339) in the gravitational direction,
the liquid chamber (32, 33, 332) being positioned between the top wall (39, 339) and
the bottom wall (42) in the gravitational direction; and
a lever (67, 267) supported by the casing (31, 331) and pivotable about a pivot axis
(X) between a first position and a second position, the lever comprising:
a light-blocking portion (67A, 267A) configured to block or attenuate light traveling
in a widthwise direction crossing the insertion direction (51) and the gravitational
direction, the light-blocking portion (67A, 267A) being positioned lower at the second
position than at the first position; and
a force-receiving portion (67C, 267D) positioned closer to the front wall (40) than
the light-blocking portion (67A, 267A) is to the front wall (40) in the insertion
direction (51), the pivot axis (X) being positioned frontward of the light-blocking
portion (67A, 267A) and rearward of the force-receiving portion (67C, 267D) in the
insertion direction (51), the lever (67, 267) pivoting from the second position to
the first position upon application of an external force to the force-receiving portion.
2. The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein an upper end (67T, 267T) of the
light-blocking portion (67A, 267A) is separated upward away from to the top wall (39,
339) by a first distance (L1) at the first position in the upright posture, the upper
end (67T, 267T) of the light-blocking portion (67A, 267A) being separated upward away
from the top wall (39, 339) by a second distance (L2) smaller than the first distance
(L1) at the second position in the upright posture.
3. The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein an upper end (67T) of the light-blocking
portion (67A) is positioned below the top wall (339) at the second position in the
upright posture.
4. The liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the force-receiving
portion (67C, 267D) constitutes a leading end portion of the lever (67, 267) in the
insertion direction (51) in the upright posture.
5. The liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the top wall (39,
339) of the casing (31) has a supporting surface (68B, 468B) configured to support
the lever (67, 267) at the second position, the light-blocking portion (67A, 267A)
being separated upward away from the supporting surface (68B) at the first position.
6. The liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the force-receiving
portion (67C, 267D) is positioned above the top wall (39, 339) at the second position
in the upright posture.
7. The liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the force-receiving
portion (67C) has a sloped surface (67C) sloping relative to the insertion direction
(51) to face upward and frontward in the upright posture.
8. The liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lever (67)
has a front portion positioned frontward of the pivot axis (X) and a rear portion
positioned rearward of the pivot axis (X) in the upright posture, the rear portion
being heavier than the front portion.
9. The liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, at the first
position, the light-blocking portion (67A) and the pivot axis (X) define a shortest
distance (S1) therebetween in the insertion direction (51) that is greater than a
shortest distance (S2) defined between the force-receiving portion (67C) and the pivot
axis (X) in the insertion direction (51) in the upright posture.
10. The liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the lever (67,267)
is positioned above the liquid chamber (32, 33, 332) in the upright posture.
11. The liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the liquid passage
(35, 335) comprises a liquid-supply port (71, 371) through which the liquid in the
liquid passage is allowed to flow out therefrom, the lever (67, 267) being positioned
rearward relative to the liquid-supply port (71, 371) in the insertion direction (51)
in the upright posture.
12. The liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a
circuit board (64, 65) supported on the casing (31, 331), the circuit board (64, 65)
facing upward and being positioned rearward relative to the lever (67, 267) in the
insertion direction (51) in the upright posture.
13. The liquid cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the light-blocking portion (67A)
is positioned lower than the circuit board (64, 65) at the first position in the upright
posture.
14. The liquid cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the lever (67, 267) pivots from
the second position to the first position after the light-blocking portion (67A, 267A)
moves past an electrical contact (106) provided at the cartridge-attachment section
(110, 210) in the insertion direction (51) during the insertion of the liquid cartridge
(30, 230) into the cartridge-attachment section (110, 210).
15. Use of the liquid cartridge (30, 230, 330, 430) according to any one of claims 1 to
14 with a printer having the cartridge-attachment section (110, 210).