CN101327687A

CN101327687A - Liquid container and ink jet recording apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN101327687A
Application number: CNA2008101086786A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 安间弘雅; 小泷靖夫; 松尾圭介; 北畠健二
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Current assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 2004-10-20
Filing date: 2005-10-20
Publication date: 2008-12-24
Anticipated expiration: 2025-10-20
Also published as: JP5247875B2; JP2010162905A; JP2012045955A; CN100404268C; JP4942228B2; CN101327687B; CN1762712A

Abstract

A liquid container for accommodating liquid for use with an ink jet recording apparatus includes a light emitting portion; an electric contact for receiving a signal for actuating said light emitting portion from the ink jet recording apparatus; and a light guide portion for guiding the light from said light emitting portion to a display portion which displays information by the light which is emitted from said light emitting portion and which emerges from said display portion.

Description

Liquid container

The application is dividing an application of application for a patent for invention 200510109464.7.

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of liquid container, more particularly, relate to a kind of liquid container that can adopt structure as described below, that is, in this structure, by luminous component for example LED inform the liquid container state of the ink remaining amount in the ink tank for example.

Background technology

Along with being extensive use of of equipment such as digital camera in recent years, the demand that prints (non-PC prints) to need not personal computer (PC) by the direct connection between digital camera and the tape deck increases day by day.Be connected the printing of carrying out by digital camera and printer direct and be called as " camera is directly printed ".Another growing demand is to print by the cassette information recording medium is directly installed on the printer, and this information recording medium can be removably mounted on (non-PC prints) on the digital camera.This is called as " card is directly printed ".In addition, a kind of so-called multi-function printer has printer organization and scanner mechanism and therefore integratedly, has the copy function without PC, and also has the direct printing function without PC in addition.

In ink-jet printer, the user may expect or requirement for example the installment state or the residual ink amount of ink tank are notified this user with the information of the state of relevant ink tank.For example, if the user in use knows the residual ink amount shortage in the ink tank, then the user can change this ink tank with new ink tank before beginning to print.Like this, thus can avoid in advance during printing owing to ink tank becomes the empty invalid problem that causes the recording materials waste that causes printing.

Before, this information is transmitted to the PC that is connected with printer, and this incident is presented on the computer display, thus this incident is informed the user.When adopting so-called non-PC to print, can take into account display is located on the master component of printer to show this incident or information.But, display is set causes the cost of printer and size to increase, and can the design of printer be had a negative impact in addition, for this reason, display is arranged on the master component of printer always not desirable.Even be provided with under the situation of display, also and do not mean that the indication that can be perfectly clear to the user.

Use LED that the state of ink tank is informed that the user is known.The flat 4-275156 of day patent application of the present disclosure disclosed with record head all-in-one-piece ink tank on two LED are set, wherein these LED light with two kinds of patterns representing two kinds of residual ink amount levels.More particularly, use be located at ink tank all-in-one-piece print cartridge on device calculate number of times to the ink gun power supply.In addition, used the device that is used to store this counting, when stored count reaches predetermined near whole authenticating value, light be used for the nearly LED that shows eventually and reaching the scarce black LED that lights when lacking black authenticating value.Adopt this structure, the state of ink tank can be informed the user.

Equally, day patent application 2002-301829 of the present disclosure has disclosed at ink tank or has been used to carry on its balladeur train lamp has been set, and this lamp is lighted according to ink remaining amount.The document also disclosed four ink tanks each all be provided with a lamp.

On the other hand, in order to satisfy, except four traditional chromatic inks (black, yellow, pinkish red and blue or green), shallow magenta red ink and/or shallow blue or green ink have also been used to the demand of high image quality more.In addition, can also use so-called special color ink, for example red ink, green ink or blue ink.In this case, 7 to 9 ink tanks are installed on the ink-jet printer.Then, require to have to be used for preventing that ink tank is installed in the mechanism at errors present place.U.S. Patent No. 6302535 has disclosed these ink tanks is differed from one another, thereby has prevented to occur when being installed in these ink tanks on the balladeur train wrong install (incorrect location).

The flat 4-275156 of above-mentioned day patent application of the present disclosure has disclosed a kind of print cartridge structure, and wherein the LED that will be used to show is installed in the printed circuit board (PCB) that is used for the master component telecommunication of printer.But, in the situation that adopts this structure,, the PC plate must be arranged on identical position for LED being arranged on the position that allows the user observe easily.Because the PC plate comprises the electrical connections that is used for the master component telecommunication of printer, so that the scope of this layout be restricted.Can expect using large tracts of land PC plate to cover the preferred part of the optimum position and the LED of this electrical connections.But, increased cost like this.If will be combined in the structure disclosed in the flat 4-275156 of day patent application of the present disclosure and carry a plurality of printers that are used for the individual ink container of respective color, then being used in the structure that ink tank is installed on the printer is restricted, therefore must reduce the substantive capacity of ink tank, perhaps must strengthen the size of this printer.

On the other hand, a day patent application 2002-301829 of the present disclosure has disclosed simply the ink warning lamp has been arranged on the position that the user can be easy to see.But it does not have to disclose the preferred structure that is used for providing electric energy or signal to the ink warning lamp.From Fig. 6-Fig. 8 of day patent application 2002-301829 of the present disclosure, as can be seen, a kind of lead that is used for connecting ink jet recording device and ink warning lamp has been proposed.But under the situation that adopts this structure, the many leads corresponding with the quantity of ink warning lamp must be arranged, the result causes the wiring complexity and cost is increased, and lead and coupling part will influence convenient the observation in addition.In addition, a day patent application 2002-301829 of the present disclosure has disclosed in its Fig. 6 and 8 the ink warning lamp has been arranged on the fixed bar, and this fixed bar is to be used for ink tank is fixed on movable link on the balladeur train that is used to carry this ink tank.But, adopt this structure, make the layout of lead become complicated, and therefore make cost higher, also make the operability variation aspect the installation and removal of ink tank in addition.

These problems are recently owing to the trend towards miniaturization and multifunction becomes more remarkable.Especially therein scanner is arranged in the situation of multi-function printer at top place of printer, the position that is used for display is more limited, therefore wishes to satisfy visual and two aspects of operability.

Display not only is used for the information notification user, but also is used for making the user correctly to control the master component side of equipment.

To study now as in the situation on the ink tank of wherein a lamp being arranged on disclosed in the day patent application 2002-301829 of the present disclosure.The master component side controller must identify and be characterized as the ink tank that comprises less ink.The ink tank that for this reason, must identification the signal that is used to turn on the light will be sent to it.For example, if ink tank is installed on the errors present, then be easy to take place to demonstrate the situation of the less information of residual ink amount for another ink tank that the q.s ink is housed.Therefore, for example for the light emitting control of lamp etc., suppose the position of correctly knowing ink tank for display unit.

As for the structure of the installation site that is used for the regulation ink tank, U.S. Patent No. 6302535 has disclosed the structure difference that makes the bonding station of ink tank according to the color of ink tank.But, in this case, must produce ink tank with the structure that depends on the ink color of adorning, the result causes the shortcoming aspect manufacturing cost, and this shortcoming is more remarkable along with the increase of ink color quantity.

Can carry out light emitting control at each LED of ink tank, and receive the light that sends, wherein discern the position of ink tank according to output state by the photoreceptor that is fixed in the printer.In this structure, the LED of ink tank has two functions,, launches light the state of ink tank is informed the user and send the position of light with the regulation ink tank to photoreceptor that is.

Here, the user can see the display part of ink tank in printer along various directions.In view of this fact, require emission light on a large scale.Therefore on the other hand, photoreceptor is fixedly fitted in the printer, and the position relation with respect to the display part of ink tank is scheduled to basically when detecting.Therefore, from this point, the display part preferably is transmitted in light in the as far as possible little scope, but this scope must cover the location tolerance of photoreceptor in printer, because luminous intensity is higher like this, to guarantee to have the light quantity that enough is used for photoreceptor.Therefore, need the display part to satisfy the function of these contradictions.

Summary of the invention

Therefore, a main purpose of the present invention is to provide a kind of ink tank, a kind of record or PRN device and a kind of record or print system, has wherein satisfied operability and visual two aspects.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a kind of ink tank, a kind of record or PRN device or a kind of record or print system, has wherein satisfied the visual of user and two aspects of stability of the light quantity that received by light receiving part.

According to an aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of liquid container that is used for receiving fluids for the ink jet recording device use, described container comprises: a luminous component; One electric contact is used to receive the signal that is used to activate described luminous component from ink jet recording device; An and light guiding section, be used for light is guided to the display part from described luminous component, described display part utilizes the light that sends from described luminous component to show information, wherein, and at described light guiding section be used between the holding portion of receiving fluids a space being set.

According to another aspect of the present invention, described sweep is an inclined surface of described light guiding section, it be located at described light guiding section with the opposite place, end, end that is used to receive from the light of described luminous component.

According to a further aspect of the invention, described light guiding section comprises a part of extending along predetermined direction and a part of extending along the direction different with described predetermined direction.

According to a further aspect of the invention, described ink jet recording device comprises and is used at described liquid container and is used to receive the device that applies relative motion between the light receiving part of the light that sends from described display part, and the scanning direction is identical with predetermined direction.

Liquid container of the present invention can be used for liquid ink, and the invention still further relates to a kind of ink jet recording device that can use this liquid container to print as the ink supply source.

According to the present invention, light emitting source and display part separate, and they interconnect by the light guiding piece that is located on the liquid container.This has eliminated the lead that is used for electric energy supply or signal exchange etc., and these leads etc. cause negative effect to visual and operability.According to this feature, can at an easy rate light emitting source and display part be arranged on the corresponding position that is respectively optimum.Therefore like this, guaranteed the free degree of position, display part, can be easy to and definitely the predetermined information relevant with liquid container informed the user.

In addition, for example make the optical axis bending, can control the transmit direction of light, thereby can definitely light be guided to display part that be provided with in order to watch convenient by inclined surface reverberation with light guiding section.

Light guiding section comprises a part of extending along predetermined direction and the feature of a part of extending along the direction different with predetermined direction is used for realizing a kind of like this structure, that is, it has satisfied the visual of user and two aspects of stability of the light quantity that received by light receiving part.

Read in conjunction with the drawings about the following explanation of the preferred embodiment of the invention and will understand these and other purposes, features and advantages of the present invention more.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is according to the side view of the ink tank of first embodiment of the invention (a), front view (b) and upward view (c).

Fig. 2 is the schematic side elevation (a) and the enlarged drawing (b) of its major part, demonstrates the function that is located at according to light guiding section on the ink tank of first embodiment of the invention etc.

Fig. 3 is side view (c) and the front view (d) that is installed in another embodiment of the side view (a) of an embodiment of the controller substrate on the ink tank of first embodiment and front view (b) and controller substrate;

Fig. 4 is a schematic side elevation that improves embodiment that demonstrates first embodiment;

Fig. 5 is a schematic side elevation, demonstrates another improvement embodiment of first embodiment;

Fig. 6 is a schematic side elevation, demonstrates another improvement embodiment of first embodiment;

Fig. 7 is a schematic side elevation, demonstrates another improvement embodiment of first embodiment;

Fig. 8 is a schematic side elevation, demonstrates another improvement embodiment of first embodiment;

Fig. 9 is a schematic side elevation, demonstrates another improvement embodiment of first embodiment;

Figure 10 is a schematic side elevation, demonstrates another improvement embodiment of first embodiment;

Figure 11 is for can removably installing the perspective view according to an embodiment of the head unit of the ink tank of first embodiment on it.

Figure 12 demonstrates ink tank is installed in fitting operation (a)-(c) on the head unit.

Figure 13 for according to another embodiment be used to receive from the ink of ink tank perspective view and the perspective view (b) of representing their interconnective states with the perspective view (a) of the head unit that writes down operation and the balladeur train that can use therewith;

Figure 14 is the perspective view of the outward appearance of the ink-jet printer that can use with ink tank.

Figure 15 is the perspective view that has saved the recording equipment shown in Figure 14 of master component lid.

Figure 16 is a schematic side elevation, demonstrates the function that is located at according to the light guiding section on the ink tank of second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 17 is the schematic side elevation of the improvement embodiment of Figure 16.

Figure 18 is side view (a), front view (b) and the upward view (c) of conduct according to the ink tank of the liquid container of another embodiment of second embodiment.

Figure 19 is the schematic side elevation (a) and the enlarged drawing (b) of the major part of light guiding section, is used for illustrating the function of light guiding section.

Figure 20 is according to the side view (a) of an improvement embodiment of structure shown in Figure 180 and the front view (b) of this side view.

Figure 21 is side view (a), vertical view (b), upward view (c) and the front view (d) of conduct according to the ink tank of the liquid container of third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 22 is for carrying the schematic plan (a) of the recording equipment of a plurality of ink tanks 1 shown in Figure 21 on it and being used for illustrating at balladeur train just during movement facing to the schematic diagram (b) of the ink tank of the light receiving part of the lower position that is located at printer.

Figure 23 is a schematic side elevation, and the function at the light guiding section of ink tank shown in Figure 22 has been described.

Figure 24 is a schematic plan, and another embodiment of the structure of light guiding section has been described.

Figure 25 is a schematic plan, and another embodiment of the structure of light guiding section has been described.

Figure 26 is side view (a), vertical view (b), upward view (c) and a front view (d) that improves the ink tank of embodiment as embodiment shown in Figure 21.

Figure 27 is for carrying the schematic plan (a) of the recording equipment of a plurality of ink tanks shown in Figure 24 on it and being used for illustrating at balladeur train just during movement facing to the schematic diagram (b) of the ink tank of the light receiving part of the lower position that is located at printer.

Figure 28 is a schematic side elevation, has illustrated from inciding on the light guiding section behavior of the light beam that sends from light guiding section shown in Figure 26 (a).

Figure 29 is a schematic side elevation that improves embodiment of ink tank shown in Figure 26 (a).

Figure 30 is according to the perspective view of the ink tank (liquid container) of four embodiment of the invention and side view (b) and the front view (c) that is installed in an embodiment of the controller substrate 100 on the ink tank.

Figure 31 is side view (a), vertical view (b), upward view (c) and the front view (d) of ink tank shown in Figure 28 and vertical view (e) and the front view (f) of having removed the ink tank of block member.

Figure 32 is the front view (a), side view (b), upward view (c) and the rearview (d) that part disconnects of an embodiment of the ink tank of another embodiment according to the present invention.

The specific embodiment

Below in conjunction with these accompanying drawings the preferred embodiments of the invention are described.

1. first embodiment

1.1 the explanation of first embodiment

Fig. 1 is according to the side view of the ink tank of first embodiment of the invention (a), front view (b) and upward view (c).In the following description, the front side of ink tank is the side facing to the user who handles ink tank (the installation and removal operation of ink tank), and it provides information (by luminous from the display part that will be explained hereinafter) to the user.

In Fig. 1, the ink tank 1 of this embodiment has the supporting member 3 that is supported at place, its front side on the bottom.This supporting member 3 is made by resin material and is together Unitarily molded with the shell of ink tank 1, and this ink tank 1 can move around a part of ink tank that will be supported when being installed in this ink tank 1 on the pan straddle.Ink tank 1 is respectively equipped with first bonding part 5 and second bonding part 6 on its rear side and front side, they can engage with the lock portion in being located at pan straddle.In this embodiment, they and supporting member 3 are integral.By engaging of bonding part 5 and bonding part 6 and these lock portions, ink tank 1 can be fixedly mounted in the ink tank 1.With reference to Figure 12 (a)-(c) during installation operation is described below.

The bottom surface of ink tank 1 is provided with the ink supply port 7 that is used for ink supply, can this ink supply port is connected with the ink introducing port of the record head that will be described later by ink tank 1 is installed in.The position that intersects each other in bottom side and front side is arranged on basal component on the bottom side of support section of supporting member 3.This basal component can be taked the form of thin slice or plate.In the following description, it is called as " substrate " 100.

Below with reference to Fig. 2 (a) and (b) and Fig. 3 (a)-(d) 26S Proteasome Structure and Function of the major part of this embodiment is described.Fig. 2 is the schematic side elevation (a) and the enlarged drawing (b) of its major part, and the function that is located at according to light guiding section on the ink tank of first embodiment of the invention etc. has been described.Fig. 3 (a) and (b) be respectively side view and the front view of an embodiment of the controller substrate on the ink tank that is installed in first embodiment.Fig. 3 (c) and (d) be the side view and the front view of the controller substrate 100 of another embodiment.

As by shown in Fig. 2 (a) like that, ink tank 1 by ink tank 1 first bonding part 5 and second bonding part 6 respectively with engaging of first lock portion 155 of support 150 and second lock portion 156 be fixedly mounted in the head unit 105 all-in-one-piece supports 150 with record head 105 in or on it.At this moment, be located at the contact (connector) 152 in the support 150 and be the contact electrical connection that is located at substrate 100, be electrically connected between them, to set up towards outer lip-deep electrode pad 102 (b) form.

The inboard of ink tank 1 is divided into and is located near the ink housing tube chamber in front side 11 and is located near the rear side and the negative pressure that is communicated with ink supply port 7 fluids generation member accommodating chamber.Ink housing tube chamber 11 and negative pressure produce the member accommodating chamber and are communicated with by the mutual fluid of connected entrance.Ink housing tube chamber 11 holds ink in this embodiment alone, and negative pressure generation member accommodating chamber is equipped with the blotting material of being made by sponge, fiber aggregate etc. (member of negative pressure generation in this embodiment is a kind of porous member), so that preserve ink by dipping.Porous member is used for producing such negative pressure, that is, it is enough to and the dynamic balance that is formed on the meniscus in the inkjet mouth of record head, thus prevent ink from the ink-jet part to external leakage and allow to carry out ink-jet by activating record head.

The internal structure of ink tank 1 is not limited to such separation structure, the wherein inboard memory that is divided into the porous member accommodating chamber and ink is housed alone.In another embodiment, porous member can occupy the entire inner space of ink tank basically.This negative pressure generation device is not limited to adopt this device of porous member.In another embodiment, ink only is installed in by in the elastomeric material balloon-like member that for example rubber etc. is made, and its produces the tension force along the direction that makes its volumetric expansion.In this case, produce negative pressure to keep this ink by the tension force in the balloon-like member.In another embodiment, at least a portion of ink spatial accommodation is made of flexible member, and ink only is accommodated in this space, wherein applies elastic force to this flexible member, produces negative pressure thus.

As Fig. 3 (a) with (b), the surface towards ink tank 1 of substrate 100 is provided with luminous component 101 (for example LED) that is used to send visible light and the control element 103 that is used to control this luminous component.Control element 103 is controlled the luminous of luminous component 101 according to the signal of telecommunication that provides by pad 102 from connector 152.

Fig. 3 (a) and (b) demonstrate wherein and after being installed in control element 103 in the substrate 100, be coated with the state that is covered with protective sealant to it.When employing is used for stored information and for example is contained in the memory element of the color of ink of ink tank or surplus, it is located at identical place, be covered with sealant thereby be coated with to it.As Fig. 3 (c) with (d), the control element 104 that is card format can be installed.In this structure, light-emitting component and control element are installed in the substrate simultaneously, thereby can simplify manufacturing step.

As Fig. 2 (a) with (b), light guiding section 121 begins from the position facing to luminous component 101 to extend upward with gap at a distance of one with the front side wall of the shell of ink tank, and is used for guiding light.Its free end portion constitutes the display part 122 that makes things convenient for the user to see.In order to be suppressed at light from the light quantity decay of luminous component 101 when light guiding section 121 is advanced, luminous component 101 so is arranged in the substrate 100, that is, face the light incident surface 123 of light guiding section 121 in approaching with it position.

Luminous component and display part are separated from each other, and light guiding section 121 is arranged on the ink tank 101 so that they are optically connected, thereby do not need to be used to power and the lead of signal exchange etc., therefore can avoid because these leads cause visuality and operability possible deviation.In addition, can cost luminous component 101 and display part 122 be arranged on separately optimum position than the lowland.Therefore, luminous for the configuration of display part 122 provides the free degree that satisfies user friendliness thereby the user can be easy to observe, can offer the information of the relevant ink tank 1 that the user is scheduled to thus.Unitarily molded by adopting with the shell of ink tank 1 with light guiding section 121, when being set, light guiding section 121 can obviously not increase manufacturing cost.

In this embodiment, at light guiding section 121 with form between the front side wall of ink tank shell of ink housing tube chamber 11 and have air layer (space).Will think that the front side wall of light guiding section and ink tank shell is integral fully, in other words, the front side wall that utilizes the ink tank shell is as light guiding section.But its advantage of the structure of this embodiment is, can effectively light be guided to display part 122.To describe this point below.

In this embodiment, as Fig. 2 (a) with (b), light guiding section 121 is connected with the shell of ink housing tube chamber 11 with being integral, but is independent of front side wall.That is to say, in the structure of this embodiment, between light guiding section 121 and ink housing tube chamber 11, be provided with air layer.The shell of ink tank is made by polypropylene material.If light guiding section 121 is integral fully with ink housing tube chamber 11, then the material of light guiding section 121 is necessary for polypropylene.

Shown in Fig. 2 (b), in this embodiment, the light that is sent by luminous component 101 is incident on the light incident surface 123 as the end face of light guiding section 121, and light pass light guiding section 121 and march to display part 122, so that be shown to the user.As previously described, luminous component 101 sends visible light, and this light is scattered light.Therefore, exist many light shown in arrow A 1-A3.

Here, suppose light guiding section 121 have polyacrylic refractive index 1.49 (=n1).Since the refractive index of air be 1.00 (=n2), then the critical refraction angle from the polypropylene to the air is determined by following Snell laws of refraction:

n1·sinθ1＝n2·sinθ2

That is to say that this critical refraction angle is approximately 43 °.

Therefore, the light that 43 ° or bigger incidence angle θ incident are sentenced in position (i) in Fig. 2 (b) is reflected fully by the interface between polypropylene (light guiding section 121) and air, and these light are advanced in light guiding section 121, simultaneously as carrying out total reflection to the display part repeatedly by shown in arrow A 1 or the A3.When incidence angle θ 1 was not more than 43 °, light sent air to, and can not arrive display part 122.

Whether the installment state that the predetermined information of the ink tank of mentioning in front (liquid container) 1 comprises relevant ink tank 1 information of the correctness of information, the relevant ink tank installation site of correct (whether finishing installations) (whether ink tank is installed in the proper position on the support that the color of the ink that basis is mounted in it determines).In addition, it comprises the information of relevant ink remaining amount (whether ink remaining amount is enough).Can by whether luminous, luminous state (flicker etc.) or the like demonstrates the information of these types.

1.2 improve embodiment (Fig. 4-8)

Preceding structure is embodiment and can improves, as long as can the predetermined information about ink tank 1 be offered recording equipment and user by first luminous component 101.To improve embodiment to some below describes.

Fig. 4 is a schematic side elevation, and one that demonstrates first embodiment is improved embodiment.In this embodiment, light guiding section 121 ' be integral with the front side wall that forms ink housing tube chamber 11.Improve in the embodiment at this, the light quantity that arrives display part 122 is less than the light quantity in first embodiment that is provided with the space therein between light guiding section 121 and ink housing tube chamber 11.The advantage of this improvement embodiment is, ink tank compact conformation and make ink hold efficient to improve.

Fig. 5 is a schematic side elevation, demonstrates another improvement embodiment of first embodiment.In this embodiment, light guiding section 121 is formed by the member of the individual member that the shell of a conduct and ink tank 1 separates, and makes them in aggregates then.In this embodiment, can select suitable material respectively.For example, the material of light guiding section 121 can be makrolon material or esters of acrylic acid material etc., and the refractive index of its refractive index and air differs greatly, thereby can guide the light that sends from luminous component effectively.On the other hand, for the material of the shell of ink tank 1, can select to have fine inhibiting polypropylene material for the evaporation of the ink I in ink tank.Because they can be by different manufacture of materials, so can select to be the material of transparent ink tank 1 from wideer scope.

Fig. 6 is a schematic side elevation, and another that first embodiment has been described improves embodiment.In this embodiment, have in the display part 122 of the free end of light guiding section 121 and to be essentially hemispheric structure, and preferably make light scattering by surface roughening.In this embodiment, by the light of light guiding section 121 guiding by the display part scattering, so light quantity decay, but can see this light from the display part in bigger angle.Like this, increase visual angle (scope), further improved visuality thus.

Fig. 7 is schematic side elevation ((a) and (b)), and another that first embodiment has been described improves embodiment.In this embodiment, light guiding section 121, supporting member 3 and the part of pasting substrate 100 on it are made by an integrated member, the member that this member separates for the member with the shell that constitutes ink tank 1.Like this, similar with the embodiment of Fig. 5, can select suitable material to come to satisfy respectively member that constitutes the ink tank shell and the requirement that constitutes the member of light guiding section.Shown in Fig. 7 (b), the member 131 that is adhering to substrate 100 on it is separable, thereby after the ink I in ink tank 1 all used up, this member 131 can be installed on the new ink tank, that is to say that it is reusable.Owing to can reuse relatively costly substrate 100 and/or luminous component 101, so this has reduced operating cost.

Fig. 8 is schematic side elevation ((a) and (b)), and another that first embodiment has been described improves embodiment.In this embodiment, the light guiding section 121 and the part of pasting substrate 100 on it be by an integrated member 131 ' make, and the shell of this member 131 ' formations ink tank 1 and separate with the member of formation supporting member 3.Utilize this structure, similar with the embodiment of Fig. 5, the selection that can increase material.In Fig. 8 (b), have light guiding section 121 integratedly and pasting the member 131 of the part of substrate 100 ' be separable on it, so they can be reused.

In first embodiment and improvement embodiment, between ink housing tube chamber 11 and light guiding section 121, be provided with air layer, thereby the decay that is incident on the light on the luminous component 101 is suppressed, realized the visuality of improving thus.But this can realize by insert another member between ink housing tube chamber 11 and light guiding section 121.

Fig. 9 is a schematic side elevation, demonstrates another improvement embodiment of first embodiment.In this embodiment, the low-refraction member 108 that refractive index is lower than light guiding section 121 is arranged on light guiding section 121 and holds between the front side wall surface of ink housing tube chamber 11 of ink I.The light guiding section 121 of this embodiment is members that separate with ink tank 1, and is made by the Merlon with high-transmission rate.Low-refraction member 108 is made by polytetrafluoroethylmaterial material.

Herein, the refractive index of Merlon is 1.59, and the refractive index of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is 1.35.According to Snell laws of refraction, the critical refraction angle from the Merlon to the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) approximately is 58 °, and therefore the light that sends from luminous component 101, the light of incidence angle in 58 ° to 90 ° scopes arrives display part 122.

In this embodiment, low-refraction member 108 can replace with the reflecting member that is made of metal.In the embodiment of the aforesaid refractive index difference that utilizes storeroom, the light that does not satisfy total reflection condition is seen through, the total light quantity of result decaying more or less.By the cremasteric reflex member, the light that is incident on the incidence surface 123 and arrives reflecting member can be reflected basically fully.Thus, can guide light effectively, and improve visuality.

Figure 10 is the schematic side elevation that shows another improvement embodiment of first embodiment.But in this embodiment, ink housing tube chamber 11 is by making with low-refraction member 108 similar polytetrafluoroethylmaterial materials, and light guiding section 121 is made by Merlon.For this reason, similar with the embodiment of Fig. 9, the light that sends from luminous component 101 can be guided to display part 122 efficiently.

Improve among the embodiment at this, luminous component and display part separate, and on ink tank 1, be provided between them forming the light guiding section 121 that light connects, thereby luminous component 101 and display part 122 can be set on separately the optimum position inexpensively, and do not need to be used to power and the wiring that may damage operability and observation of signal exchange.Provide so thus to be used to dispose display part 122 to satisfy user's free degree easily, luminous thereby the user can be easy to observe, predetermined information about ink tank 1 is provided reliably can for thus the user.

The improvement embodiment of first embodiment is not limited to above-mentioned those.Can within spirit of the present invention, do further improvement by those skilled in the art to this embodiment.For example, in the aforementioned embodiment, light guiding section is made by resin material, and will be used to guide light in the difference of the refractive index between the air of this material and contact with it.But, can use the optical fiber that comprises core and covering.In order to replace the solid light guiding section, can use hollow member (stainless steel tube) with inner reflection surface.

Can be in conjunction with two or more aforesaid embodiment.The surface treatment of display part 122 described in conjunction with Figure 6 can be used for first embodiment or its improvement embodiment.

This will be used for second embodiment as described below, the 3rd embodiment and improve embodiment.

1.3 the ink tank mounting portion (Figure 11-Figure 13)

Figure 11 can install the perspective view according to an embodiment of the head unit of the support of the ink tank of first embodiment on it for demonstration has.Figure 12 (a)-(c) is the schematic side elevations of explanation installation and removal according to the operation of the ink tank of first embodiment.Mounting portion described herein can be used for embodiment described below and improve embodiment.

Head unit 105 is usually by being used for removably keeping the support 150 of a plurality of (embodiment shown in the figure is 4) ink tank and being arranged near the record head 105 in bottom side (showing among Figure 11) formation.Be connected with the ink supply port 7 of ink tank by ink tank being mounted on the support 150, making the ink intake 107 that is arranged near the record head of frame bottom, be communicated with the fluid of between them, setting up ink.

Operable record head 105 ' an embodiment comprise the fluid passage that constitutes nozzle, be arranged on the electrothermal conversioning element in the fluid passage.Provide electric pulse according to tracer signal to electrothermal conversioning element, the ink in fluid passage applies heat energy thus.This causes producing the ink phase transformation (boiling) of bubble, causes that therefore rapid pressure raises, and makes ink spray from nozzle thus.Be arranged on and following the part 157 that electrically contacts that electrically contacts part (not shown) and head unit 105 that signal transmits that is used on the balladeur train of describing 203 be electrical contact with each other, thus can by conductor part 158 to record head 105 ' the electrothermal conversioning element drive circuit transmit tracer signal.Conductor part 159 extends to connector 152 from electrically contacting part 157.

When being installed in ink tank 1 on the head unit 105, make this ink tank be in (Figure 12 (a)) on the support 150.Insert in first lock portion 155 that is through-hole form that is arranged in the support rear side first bonding part 5 that will be the convex form that is arranged on the ink tank rear side, thereby ink tank 1 is arranged on the inside bottom surface of support (Figure 12 (b)).By keeping this state, upper end, front side depressing shown in arrow P with ink tank 1, ink tank 1 rotates along the direction shown in the arrow R around the bonding part that is between first bonding part 5 and first lock portion 155 thus, thereby the front side of ink tank moves down.In the process of this action, make supporting member 3 displacements along the direction of arrow Q, the side surface that will be set in place second bonding part 6 in the supporting member 3 on the ink tank front side simultaneously is depressed into second lock portion 156 that is arranged on the support front side.

When the upper surface of second bonding part 6 arrived the bottom of second lock portion 156, supporting member 3 was because the elastic force effect of supporting member 3 and along the direction displacement of arrow Q ', thereby second bonding part 6 and second lock portion 156 are locked.(Figure 12 (c)) in this state, second lock portion 156 flexibly pushes ink tank 1 by supporting member 3 along horizontal direction, thereby makes the rear side of the rear side of ink tank 1 against support 150.By first lock portion 155 that engages with first bonding part 5 and by second lock portion 156 that engages with second bonding part 6 suppressed ink tank 1 to top offset.At this moment, finish the installation of ink tank 1, ink supply port 7 is connected with ink intake 107, and pad 102 is electrically connected with connector 152.

Said structure has utilized " lever " principle in the installation process shown in Figure 12 (b), wherein, the bonding part between first bonding part 5 and first lock portion 155 is a fulcrum, and the front side of ink tank 1 is the point of force application that applies active force.Coupling part between ink supply port 7 and the ink intake 107 is the operating point between fulcrum and point of force application, preferably more near fulcrum.Therefore, because the rotation of ink tank 1, ink supply port 7 is pressed in the ink intake 107 with big active force.In the connecting portion office, elastic component for example filter screen, absorbing material, filler etc. with higher relatively flexibility are set, to guarantee the ink flow performance, prevent that ink is from this leakage.

Therefore, this structure, layout and fitting operation are preferred, because this member can be because bigger active force and strain.When finishing fitting operation, first lock portion 155 that engages with first bonding part 5 and second lock portion 156 that engages with second bonding part 6 can prevent that ink tank 1 from raising and leave support.Therefore, suppressed the recovery of elastic component, thereby this member has been remained in suitable strain form.

On the other hand, pad 102 and connector 152 (electric contact) by relative harder conductive material for example metal make, to guarantee to satisfy electrical connection characteristic therebetween.But from preventing to damage and the angle of durability fully, excessive therebetween contact force is not preferred.In this embodiment, they are arranged on as far as possible in the position away from fulcrum, more particularly, are arranged in this embodiment near the front side of ink tank, contact force is minimized.

In this embodiment of this embodiment, substrate 100 is arranged on the inclined surface that the front side with the bottom side of ink tank 1 and ink tank 1 couples together, and just is located at the part place, corner between them.Consider before being about to finish installation, make under pad 102 and connector 152 state of contact, only at the effect equilibrium of forces of contact site office.By connector 152 to pad 102 that apply and and the reaction force (active force that makes progress along vertical direction) that balances each other along the installing force that vertical direction applies downwards be included in the component of the actual contact pressure between pad 102 and the connector 152.Therefore, when the user with ink tank downwards when push the installation position, the increase that is used for forming the ink tank installing force that is electrically connected between substrate and connector is less, does not destroy operability greatly thereby can not cross.

Ink tank 1 is pressed to the installation position that makes first bonding part 5 and first lock portion 155 be engaged with each other and second bonding part 6 and second lock portion 156 are engaged with each other downwards.Thus, by this thrust, produce a surperficial parallel component (active force that pad 102 is slided) on connector 152 with substrate 100.Therefore, when the installation of finishing ink tank, provide and guaranteed good electrical connection properties.In addition, electrical connections is in the position higher than the bottom side of ink tank, so the possibility that the ink that leaks gets there is less.

Like this, from the size of required ink tank installing force, the angle of guaranteeing electric contact state and preventing to be polluted by leak ink, the structure of above-mentioned electrical connections and layout are favourable.

The structure of mounting portion that is used for first embodiment or improves the ink tank of embodiment is not limited to the scheme shown in Figure 11.

To be described this with reference to Figure 13.Figure 13 be according to another embodiment be used to receive from the ink of ink tank perspective view (a) and the perspective view of the balladeur train of coupling with it, and the perspective view (b) of representing their connection status each other with the head unit that writes down operation.

Shown in Figure 13 (a), the head unit 405 of this embodiment is that with the difference of previously described those (supports 150) it does not have and the corresponding holder part in ink tank front side, second lock portion or connector.This head unit 405 is in others and previously described similar, and its bottom side is provided with ink intake 107, to be connected with ink supply port 7.Its rear side is provided with first lock portion 155, and rear side is provided with and electrically contacts the part (not shown) to be used for the signal transmission.

On the other hand, shown in Figure 13 (b), balladeur train 415 can move and be provided with lever 419 with fixed recording head unit 405 along axle 417.Balladeur train 415 also be provided be connected with the electrical contacts branch of record head electrically contact part 418 and with the corresponding holder part of the structure of ink tank front side.Second lock portion 156, connector 152 and the conductor part 159 that is connected to connector are set at balladeur train one side.

Utilize this structure, when shown in Figure 13 (b), being installed in head unit 405 on the balladeur train 415, formed the mounting portion that is used for ink tank.Like this, by with similar fitting operation embodiment illustrated in fig. 12, connecting between ink supply port 7 and the ink intake 107 and between pad 102 and connector 152, and finishing fitting operation.

1.4 recording equipment (Figure 14-15)

Figure 14 shows the outward appearance of the ink-jet printer 200 that aforementioned ink tank removably is installed on it.Figure 15 is the perspective view of the printer of the master component lid 201 among Figure 14 when opening.This recording equipment can apply to following with the embodiment and its improvement embodiment that describe.

As shown in figure 14, the printer 200 of this embodiment comprises master component, delivery tray 203 at place, master component front side, automatic paper feeding device (ASF) 202 at its rear side, master component lid 201, and other housing parts, the latter is used for covering and comprises the balladeur train that moves carrying record head and ink tank with being used to scan and be used for mechanism that the moving process at balladeur train writes down in interior major part.Also be provided with a guidance panel part 213, it comprises display unit, is used for opening or close the state that irrespectively shows printer with the master component lid; Main switch and reset switch.

When opening master component lid 201, the user can see them, as shown in figure 15.That is to say that when master component lid 201 was opened, the user can see movably scope, it is equipped with head unit 105 and ink tank 1K, 1Y, the near zone of 1M and 1C (following for for simplicity, as only to represent ink tank) with Reference numeral 1.In this embodiment, when opening master component lid 201, the execution sequence operation, (" container switch ", as shown in the figure), the user can carry out ink tank and changes operation etc. herein thereby make balladeur train 205 enter the center automatically.

In this embodiment, the record head (not shown) is mounted in the thin slice on the head unit 105, corresponding to various inks.By moving of balladeur train 205, record head sweep record material, in this process, record head sprays printing of ink.Balladeur train 205 can engage slidably with the axis of guide 207 that extends along the direction of motion of balladeur train 205, and can by carriage motor with and transmission mechanism mobile as described above.Spray ink with the corresponding record head of K, Y, M and C (black, yellow, product look and cyan) ink according to the jet data of supplying with by the control circuit of flexible cable 206 from be arranged on master component one side.A kind of paper-feeding mechanism is provided, and it comprises paper feed roller, exit roller etc., delivering to delivery tray 203 from the recording materials (not shown) that automatic paper feeding equipment 202 infeeds.Head unit 105 with ink container holder of one is removably mounted on the balladeur train 205, and each ink tank 1 is removably mounted on the head unit 105.

In record or printing, record head is by above-mentioned motion sweep record material, and record head is sprayed onto ink on the recording materials in this process, with at the enterprising line item of the width corresponding with the scope of ejiction opening array record head recording materials.In time period between scan operation and next scan operation, paper-feeding mechanism is by carrying recording materials with the corresponding preset distance of this width.Like this, order writes down to cover the whole zone of recording materials.Move the end place that makes the cephalomotor scope of record owing to balladeur train, the injection updating block is set, it comprises the block of the side with ejiction opening that is used to cover record head.Therefore, record head moves to the position of updating block at interval according to preset time, and comprises that the renewal of pilot injection etc. handles.

Head unit 105 with the holder part that is used for each ink tank 1 is provided with and the corresponding connector of each ink tank, and the pad of the substrate on making each connector and being arranged on ink tank 1 contacts.Like this, can be according to connection and the flicker of controlling each luminous component 101 by the performed predefined procedure of recording equipment.Therefore, can inform the information relevant with the state of ink tank.

More particularly, after the position of container is changed, the luminous component 101 of the ink tank 1 that contains small volume of ink is connected or flicker, this incident can be observed by light guiding section 121 and display part 122 by the user.This is applicable to each ink tank 1.In another embodiment of the switching controls of luminous component, when ink tank 1 is mounted to the tram, make the luminous component 101 of container luminous, the user can observe this incident by light guiding section 121 and display part 122 thus.By providing control data (control signal) to carry out these control from master component side control circuit to each ink tank via flexible cable 206, this is similar with the control that the ink that is used for record head sprays.

Light receiving part 210 with light receiving element can be arranged near the end relative with the position that is provided with above-mentioned updating block.Like this, in the time of the 122 process light receiving parts of the display part of ink tank 1 when balladeur train 205 moves, start luminous component 101, and can receive the light that sends by light receiving part by light guiding section 121 and display part 122.According to the setting that receives light time balladeur train 205, can judge on the tram that whether ink tank 1 is mounted and/or whether ink tank 1 is installed on the balladeur train 205.Therefore, display part 122 not only is used for the presentation information to the user, also is used to help the detecting operation and the control operation of recording equipment.Another preferred embodiment that is used to realize these functions is described below with reference to the 3rd embodiment.

2. second embodiment (Figure 16-Figure 20)

In previous embodiments and modification, light guiding section 121 is from extending upwardly to the display part 122 that is positioned at top end near the luminous component 101.Below will the embodiment that the display part is positioned at the convenient position of user be described.The Reference numeral identical with previous embodiments is used to represent to have the element of corresponding function, for for simplicity, omitted the detailed description to them.

Figure 16 is the schematic side elevation that shows the function of the light guiding section on the ink tank that is arranged on second embodiment of the invention.In the present embodiment, light is guided to display part 322 from luminous component 101, the light guiding section 321 that is used for user's observation extends upward, at light guiding section 321 be used to hold between the front side wall surface of ink housing tube chamber 11 of ink I air space is set, free end portion is bent to and makes display part 322 point to the upper right directions.

Utilize this structure, similar with first embodiment, in the decay of all light of luminous component 101 incidents, can make light extend to display part 322 in inhibition.In addition, light guiding section 321 is crooked or display part 322 is pointed to towards the upper right direction among the figure, thus the user can be easy to observe display part 322.

Figure 17 is the schematic side elevation of improvement embodiment of the structure of Figure 16.In this embodiment, light guiding section 321 also is crooked, but highly is lower than the height among Figure 16, thereby end surface 310 is relative with the rear side of supporting member 3, in particular, be relative with rear side as the operation part 3M of the part that will handle by the user.In this embodiment, the operation part 3M of supporting member 3 is made of the transmissive member among this embodiment at least.

As shown in figure 17, in this embodiment, the light that sends from luminous component 101 guides to end surface 310 by light guiding section 321, and this light is directed to operation part 3M then.Like this, supporting member 3 by transmissive member constitute operation part lighted.In other words, operation part 3M self is as the display part that information is provided to the user.

This embodiment provides the beneficial effect identical with first embodiment.In addition, according to these features embodiment, will be lighted by the operation part 3M that the user handles.Therefore, in the time will pointing out the user to change ink tank, can Direct Recognition go out the target ink tank, and can Direct Recognition go out to be operated so that carry out the part of the installation or removal of ink tank.In order to make light more visible at operation part 3M place, operation part 3M can be provided with the part that is used to make suitable light quantity scattering.

Make the optical axis bending so that the structure of locating and displaying part is not limited to make the light guiding section bending.To describe this point below.

Figure 18 is side view (a), front view (b) and the upward view (c) of conduct according to the ink tank of the liquid container of another embodiment of second embodiment.Light guiding section 450 is substantially the same from this position that extends upward and front embodiment's, but the light guiding section of this embodiment 450 is not crooked, but straight basically extension.Be provided with inclined surface 451 in the top ends office.The position of inclined surface 451 is in the dorsal part place of the operation part 3M of supporting member 3, and the part relative with the dorsal part of operation part 3M is higher, and the part relative with the front side of ink housing tube chamber 11 is lower.Between the surface of the front side wall of light guiding section 450 and ink tank 1 is air space.When the light guiding section 450 and the shell of ink tank 1 were integrally molded, whole member was made of light transmissive material.

To the 26S Proteasome Structure and Function of the light guiding section 450 of this embodiment be described below.Figure 19 is the schematic side elevation (a) and the enlarged drawing (b) of the major part of light guiding section, is used to illustrate the function of light guiding section.

As shown in these figure, each light guiding section 450 all extends upward from bottom side end surface and luminous component 101 relative positions.Therefore, launch the light time at luminous component 101, light is directed to the inclined surface 451 that is positioned at the top ends office from the end surface of the bottom side of light guiding section 450, and is reflected to arrive operation part 3M by inclined surface 451.Similar with the embodiment of Figure 17, the structure of this embodiment is such, promptly, the light that sends from the luminous component 101 of the bottom side that is arranged on ink tank 1 is directed to operation part 3M via light guiding section 450, thus, the user who handles this operation part 3M identifies the predetermined information relevant with ink tank 1 naturally.

Optimum position relation between light guiding section 450, inclined surface 451 and luminous component 101 is as follows.From supplying a large amount of light this respects, preferably, in order to make the light that sends by luminous component 101 guide to inclined surface 451, make the end surface of luminous component 101 and the bottom side of light guiding section 450 relative and be positioned on the perspective plane of cross section of light guiding section 450 (vertical) with the optical axis 456 of light guiding section 450 by light guiding section 450.

In order to make the light by inclined surface 451 reflections arrive operation part 3M reposefully, preferably, inclined surface 451 is not less than critical angle with respect to the inclination angle of optical axis 456, so that light is reflected fully.For example, with the integrally molded light guiding section 450 of ink tank 1 be that 1.49 polypropylene is made by refractive index, total reflection condition is following determines (refractive index of air is 1) by Snell laws of refraction:

1.49sinθ＝1

sinθ＝1/1.49。

θ＝43°。Therefore, if with respect to the inclination angle of optical axis (incidence angle=θ) be not less than 43 ° just enough.In this embodiment, the inclination angle is 45 °, thereby satisfies the condition of total reflection.Like this, reflect fully by inclined surface 451 and be directed to operation part 3M by the light of light guiding section 450 guiding, thereby improved visuality.

Figure 20 is according to the side view (a) of the ink tank of the improvement embodiment of the structure of Figure 18 and front view (b).In this embodiment, light guiding section 450 is formed by the member that separates with ink tank 1.In this embodiment, ink tank 1 and light guiding section 450 can be made by suitable material respectively.At ink tank 1 is not in the situation about being made by light transmissive material, is formed with an opening 32 in the part of operation part 3M.The light that reflects from the inclined surface 451 of light guiding section 450 receives by the eyes of opening 32 by the user.

In the embodiment of Figure 18 and Figure 20, the inclined plane is so set, that is, equal towards the angle (angle of reflection) of operation part 3M reflection with respect to the angle (incidence angle) by the optical axis of light guiding section 450 guiding.Then, according to employed material, they suitably can be set for and satisfy total reflection condition.

For reverberation effectively, inclined surface can be made of the material that demonstrates high index of refraction or high reflectance (for example metal forming etc.).

And, in another possibility, the operation part 3M of supporting member is not as the display part, but with Figure 16 embodiment similarly, this light guiding section 450 is extended to the position that is higher than operation part, and wherein the display part is provided by the top front portion near inclined surface light guiding section 450 partly.

3. the 3rd embodiment (Figure 21-Figure 29)

The user may watch this display part along various directions according to the position of printer etc., therefore, preferably launches light from the display part in wideer scope.On the other hand, the display part is used for not only that the user observes but also therefore the ink tank detecting operation and the control operation that are used for tape deck, be provided with a light receiving part 210 as shown in Figure 15 like that in tape deck.

For example, when balladeur train 205 scanned with respect to light receiving part 210, ink tank and/or display part were passed through light receiving part 210 in proper order.During this passes through, can detect whether ink tank is installed in proper position respectively.More particularly, at certain ink tank during towards light receiving part 210, the luminous component that the ink tank of this color ink is housed activated so that luminous component is lighted, thereby from display part emission bright dipping, supposes this container is arranged on towards the position of light receiving part 210.If light receiving part 210 receives this light, conclude that then ink tank is installed in proper position, if do not receive light, then this container is installed in the errors present place.If latter event then forbids writing down operation, for example glimmer and point out the user to open master component lid 201 and reinstall the ink tank that is in errors present in luminous component by making the wrong ink tank of installing or display part.Like this, can not occur, and trouble that any caution is not provided and caution is provided at the ink tank mistake that the q.s ink is housed at the ink tank of its ink inside shortage because so certain or a plurality of ink tank mistake are installed the incorrect trouble of color reproduction.

The light receiving part 210 that will be used for this ink tank detection or control is installed in this equipment, this ink tank is carried on the balladeur train and moves back and forth simultaneously, therefore, during its pass, position with respect to the display part of ink tank ties up to detecting operation is constant.For this reason, preferably, bright dipping is launched in the display part among a small circle, as long as allow the correct location tolerance of light receiving part in tape deck, thereby opposite with the position of user's observation, the light quantity intensity that is directed to light receiving part keeps enough high.

Therefore, need this display part to satisfy the function of these contradictions.To describe being intended to satisfy the embodiment that these contradictions require below.

Figure 21 is side view (a), vertical view (b), upward view (c) and the front view (d) of conduct according to the ink tank of the liquid container of third embodiment of the invention.In these accompanying drawings, by Reference numeral 550 expressions are light guiding section (light guiding rib-shaped pieces).Similar with the front embodiment, the end surface of bottom side is erect from the position facing to luminous component 101.

With reference to Figure 22 and Figure 23 the structure and the function of the light guiding elements of this embodiment are described below.

Figure 22 is for the schematic plan (a) of the tape deck that carries a plurality of ink tanks 1 as shown in Figure 21 on it and be used for illustrating at balladeur train and wherein indicated cyan container 1C, magenta container 1M and yellow container 1Y especially just during movement facing to the schematic diagram (b) of the ink tank of the light receiving part at the lower position place that is located at printer.These ink tanks are along the width of ink tank, promptly along the direction of motion (scanning direction) of support 150 or balladeur train 205 and put.In Figure 22 (b), the motion by balladeur train makes a plurality of ink tanks facing to the bottom (Figure 15) that is located at the light receiving part 210 in the printer.(vertical with the paper of this accompanying drawing) has the cross section that is essentially T shape to this light guiding section 550 when seeing from the top, wherein T shape partly comprises along scanning direction (left and right directions, x direction in the figure) part (part B) of Yan Shening and the middle body part (part A) of stretching out along the direction vertical (vertical direction, y direction in the figure) from part B with the scanning direction.The light guiding section of this embodiment is the form with bar of T shape cross section.

Figure 23 is a schematic side elevation, demonstrates the function at the light guiding section of the ink tank shown in Figure 22.This figure demonstrates a kind of like this state, wherein the light that is sent by luminous component 101 is incident on the light guiding section 550 and guiding in light guiding section 550, arriving head portion 552 places of light guiding section, as by shown in the arrow like that, light sends to the outside there.In this embodiment, luminous component 101 is arranged on such position, promptly, this surface of position is facing to being in the part A of T shape cross section and the intersection between the part B in the end, bottom side of light guiding section 550, and is directed to the part A and the part B place of light guiding section 550 by the light that luminous component 101 sends.

Here, the light receiving part 210 that is fixed in the tape deck can change because the assembling tolerance of light receiving part 210 is installed with respect to the relative position relation of ink tank.More particularly, with reference to Figure 22 (b), these depart from and can (x direction), vertical with it vertical direction (y direction) go up appearance with the direction (z direction) vertical with the drawing of this figure in the balladeur train scanning direction.According to this embodiment, the structure of light guiding section 550 allows departing from these directions, and still allow to carry out correct ink tank detecting operation, so that determine the correctness of installment state of these ink tanks and the correctness of associated installation site.

Influential in departing from the z direction to the variation on 210 distance from head portion 552 to light receiving part, thereby to influential from head portion 552 detected luminous intensities.But, can set the suitable threshold setting value and in the margin of tolerance, change, thereby light receiving part 210 can not become problem in departing from the ink tank detecting operation on the z direction to allow light quantity.

When can satisfying by the luminous component 101 scanning balladeur trains that utilizing luminous ink tank 1, be received in departing from the x direction requirement of the light receiving part 210 of the light that sends at head portion 552 places continuously.In particular, depart from, carry out the emission of light and the reception of light in the scope of taking into account, can suitably carry out the ink tank detecting operation thus but can this be departed from even light receiving part has along the x direction.Part A can effectively provide the maximum (peak value) in the change curve of the light quantity that light receiving part 210 receives.Therefore, when considering that peak value is put detection time, can adjust the follow-up luminous sequential of the luminous component 101 that is used for detecting operation effectively, compensate departing from thus along the x direction.

In addition, if part A has a length along the y direction, this length is not less than the margin of tolerance of light receiving part 210 along y direction installation site, then can receive the light from head portion 552.By such work, can on a kind of like this degree, receive light and accept part 210 along the departing from of y direction, just can correctly carry out the detecting operation of ink tank.Along with reducing of the length of part A, the density of the light that sends from the end of light guiding section 550 increases, thereby the light quantity that light receiving part 210 is received increases.Thus, the influence of external disturbance is minimized, to guarantee the ink tank detecting operation.Therefore, can be according to the installation site tolerance of light receiving part 210 and the length of suitably selecting part A by the preferred light quantity that light receiving part 210 receives.

On the other hand, can for example when lacking ink tank, make the shinny or flicker of head portion 552 (display part) of light guiding section, and observe by the user.Therefore, it is so wide to need light to send the zone, that is, make the user see it from each position in any angle.By selecting size and structure, above-mentioned part A can effectively allow the suitable detection operation of light receiving part.On the other hand, by selecting size and structure, part B can provide enough wide light to send the zone.The head portion 552 of light guiding section 550 also extends along the width of ink tank 1, thereby light can broad ways occur on a large scale.Increased the viewing area thus.

In this embodiment, light guiding section has T shape cross section.But be not limited thereto, if it is only enough to construct and be dimensioned to the emission that makes at head portion 552 places, then the structure of light guiding section can be different.Head portion can be the shape except T shape.

The light guiding section 560 of embodiment has and is essentially criss-cross structure among Figure 24, this structure comprise the part (B structure) that extends in parallel with scanning direction (left and right directions among x direction or the figure) and with perpendicular (the y direction in scanning direction, perhaps above-below direction, (perpendicular to paper the figure) observed from the top side) the part (A structure) of extending.Utilize this structure, the similar beneficial effect with the embodiment of Figure 22 can be provided.The length of the A structure part of the light guiding section 560 that extends by suitable selection vertical with the scanning direction (above-below direction among the figure) can remedy departing from along the y direction.In particular, if length is not less than the installation site tolerance of light receiving part along the y direction, can receive light at the place, end of light guiding section 560.Therefore, can allow light receiving part 210 along the departing from of y direction, and can detect the position of ink tank.

Figure 25 is the schematic plan that is carried on a plurality of ink tanks 1 on the balladeur train, has shown that especially this ink tank 1 has at the different light guiding section 570 of head portion 572 places structures, and cyan container 1C, magenta container 1M, yellow container 1Y.In the figure, light receiving part is shown as the top ends office that is positioned at ink tank 1M, is used for magenta ink.

Light guiding section 570 among this embodiment and/or head portion 572 have arch section (part B) that (left and right directions among x direction, the figure) extends along the scanning direction and the part (part A) of extending from the central portion office of part B along the direction of vertical with the scanning direction (y direction among the figure, above-below direction).These parts constitute Y shape basically.Utilize this structure, similar with previous embodiment, can allow light receiving part 210 along the departing from of x direction, y direction and z direction, and can guarantee to carry out the detecting operation that is used for ink tank 1.Similar with previous embodiment, the size of this part can be come suitable determining by those skilled in the art after the operation of having considered light receiving part and user's observability.

The 3rd embodiment with and improve among the embodiment, the display part is arranged on light guiding section from the upwardly extending basically upper end face of the part that is being close to luminous component 101.But similar with second embodiment, the display part can be set on another position.This embodiment will be described.

Figure 26 is the schematic plan of another embodiment of the structure of light guiding section.Figure 27 (a) has a plurality of ink tanks 1 shown in Figure 26, the schematic elevational view of the tape deck of cyan container 1C, magenta container 1M, yellow container 1Y specifically.It is relative with the display part of the ink tank 1M that is used for magenta ink in the layout shown in Figure 27 (a) to have shown among Figure 27 (b) that light receiving part is configured to.Figure 28 is the schematic side elevation of function that has shown the light guiding section of this embodiment.

Similar with Figure 22, structure at light guiding section 580 when the top is seen has the cross section that is essentially T shape, and wherein T shape partly comprises the part (part A) that the part (part B) of extending along the scanning direction and middle body along the direction vertical with the scanning direction from part B stretch out.Light guiding section 580 has the similar inclined surface 582 with the embodiment of Figure 18, and in Figure 27 (a), light guiding section 580 is tilted 582 cuttings in surface.This structure is the shape of T basically that is made of part E that extends along scanning direction (x direction) when the front is seen and the part D that extends along the direction vertical with part E (vertical direction Figure 27 (a) or z direction) from part E.

In Figure 28, the light that is sent by luminous component 101 is incident on the light guiding section 580, and guiding in light guiding section 580, by inclined surface 582 reflection, and sends in the front (right-hand side among Figure 28) of the front side of ink tank.With aforementioned content class seemingly, the inclination angle of inclined surface 582 is set to and is not less than critical angle, so that total reflection of the light that light guiding section 580 guided to be provided.If light guiding section 580 is for example formed by polypropylene material, it can be roughly 45 °.As a kind of alternative, for usable reflection light, the surface of inclination can be made of the member that presents high index of refraction or high reflectance.For example, metal forming etc. can be attached on the inclined surface 582.

In this embodiment, light receiving part 210 is configured to make the light of emission to be received in the front side of ink tank (y direction) rather than on top (z direction).In this case, similar with the situation of front, along departing from of x, y and z direction generation light receiving part 210.According to this embodiment, the structure of light guiding section 550 also allowed along the departing from of these directions, and still can realize correct ink tank detecting operation, to be used to judge the correctness of ink tank installment state and the correctness of its installation site.

Herein, along departing from of y direction corresponding to departing from along the z direction in the aforementioned embodiment, and the variation of influence from the transmitting site of light to the distance of light receiving part 210, but set to adapt to the variation of light quantity by suitable threshold, thereby carry out correct ink tank detecting operation, this departs from is acceptable.

Along the x direction depart from previous embodiment in along departing from of x direction be identical, and can be received the light of head portion 552 continuously, accepted with the light receiving part 210 of the mobile balladeur train of luminous luminous component 101 scanning of ink tank 1 simultaneously.

In addition, departing from along the z direction corresponding to departing from along the y direction in the previous embodiment.If be not less than the installation site margin of tolerance of light receiving part 210 along the z direction in length when the front side is seen along the part D of z orientation measurement, then can receive light from head portion 582, thereby light receiving part 210 is an acceptable along the installation of z direction, can finish correct ink tank detecting operation.

Similar with previous embodiment, consider the operation of light receiving part and user's observation, can determine the size, structure of each several part D or E etc.

As a kind of replacement that the display part is provided by the radiative top forward position of light guiding section 580, inclined surface 582 is arranged on the back of the operation part 3M of supporting member 3, as shown in figure 29, thus the embodiment ground that is similar to Figure 19 with operation part 3M as the display part.Similar with the embodiment of Figure 20, operation part 3M can be provided with opening, can be observed reverberation from the inclined surface 582 of light guiding section 580 by this opening.

4. the 4th embodiment (Figure 30)

Wish that very the user can correctly determine ink tank from luminous display part.If the light quantity of sending is low excessively, the user just is not easy to detect light.On the other hand, if the light quantity of sending is excessive, then be difficult between adjacent liquid container, distinguish.This is equally applicable to light receiving part.In particular, light receiving part may receive the light from the ink tank of adjacent ink tank rather than expection.

Below describe by user and the embodiment that correctly receives the light that sends from the display part by light receiving part.

Figure 30 is according to the perspective view of the ink tank of the liquid container of four embodiment of the invention (a), can be used for the side view (b) and the front view (c) of embodiment of the controller substrate 100 of the 4th embodiment.Figure 31 is side view (a), vertical view (b), upward view (c) and the front view (d) of the ink tank of Figure 30.Figure 31 also is vertical view (e) and a front view (f) of having removed the ink tank of block member.

The structure of this embodiment basically with Figure 26 in identical.Light guiding section 580 has the cross section that is essentially T shape, and has an inclined surface 582, and this light guiding section extends upwardly to the position relative with luminous component 101, thereby from being in the front side, top and providing the part (with the corresponding part of part D, E Figure 27) of display part 585 to send light.In this embodiment, relatively form prodefined opening 21A with display part 585, the peripheral part of display part 585 is capped, thus by the sender of luminous limiting member 21 restriction light to.As Figure 30 (b) with (c), be provided for sending the luminous component 101 (normally LED) of visible light and the resistor 104R that is used to adjust the electric current that flows to luminous component facing on the surface of ink tank 1 inboard of substrate 100.In addition, be provided with the capacitor 104C that is used to control the control element 103 of luminous component and is used for stablizing the voltage that is applied to control element, and control element 103 is according to controlling the luminous of luminous component 101 from connector 152 by the signal of telecommunication that pad 102 offers it.The control element of having introduced 103 is forms that control element 103 is coated with protective sealant, but in the present embodiment, this control element is the form that for example is coated with the packaging part of resin material.The zone packaging part has the function of similarly protecting control element 103 with sealant, also can use another kind of material if can carry out same function.Similar with Fig. 2 (b), can be useful on the memory element of the information of storing ink color for example or ink remaining amount in this packaging part.

Reference numeral 2 expressions are installed in ink tank 1 upside to cover inboard block member, and this block member has the passage 20 that is used for fluid connection between inboard and surrounding environment.In this embodiment, luminous limiting member 21 is made by for example thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), it can be welded on thus on the block member 2 so that an integrated member to be provided.Because thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is transparent, it can be colored, reducing the light that part is around sent, thus the reception of light stable receiving unit 210 operation and improve user's visuality.Perhaps, can use the material outside the elastomer, adopt identical materials that it is integrally molded with block member 2.When block member 2 is made by transparent material, front surface that can be by making the part that constitutes luminous limiting member 21 and at least one roughening in the rear surface limit the light that sends, and perhaps can carry out inject process (blast treatment) to this surface.

According to this embodiment, be subjected to suitable restriction from the emission light of display part, can make light quantity thus is better for user's the visuality and the operational stability of light receiving part.Light guiding section is not limited to the above, and this structure can be with shown in Figure 24 different.The display part can be formed on the upper end face place of light guiding section.

Other

Basic concept of the present invention can be used for not having the ink tank of aforesaid luminous component.

Figure 32 is front view (a), the side view of partly cut-away (b), upward view (c) and the rearview (d) of embodiment of the ink tank of this embodiment.Record head 502 is set at the bottom side of ink tank 501 and is electrically connected with the conductor part 503 that is made of TAB etc., by the electric contact part 504 of the conductor part on the rear side of ink tank 501 503, record head 502 be arranged on printer in balladeur train on electric contact be electrically connected.In the front side of ink tank 501, form a groove, light guiding section 505 is set therein.In the state that ink tank 501 is installed on the printer, printer is being provided with for example light source 511 of LED near the position as the incidence surface 506 of the bottom side of light guiding section 505.On the other hand, the top of light guiding section 505 is provided with inclined surface 507, and this inclined surface constitutes display part 508 thus by coverings such as films.

In record head 502, store the identifying information of ink tank 501.When being installed in ink tank 501 on the printer, read in identifying information from printer by conductor part 503.Printer stores the information relevant with ink tank corresponding to the identifying information of ink tank 501, and carries out the light emitting control of light source 511 according to institute's canned data.

Therefore, the light that is sent by light source is incident on the light guiding section 505 by incidence surface 506, and is guided to upside from the bottom side.The light that guides to inclined surface 507 is tilted surface 507 towards preceding lateral reflection, and points to the display part 508 that is arranged on place, ink tank 501 front sides, and the user can receive light thus.

Utilize this structure, when for example one of them ink tank becomes empty, carry out setting operation, thereby make the incidence surface 506 of the light guiding section of ink tank face light source, activate light source 511 then.By this way, finish by display part 508 and inform.

It is the non-removable ink tank of one that the present invention can be used for record head.In this case, if the installation site is incorrect since the data that received be used for different colours or because the layer order of the ink that is applied is with required different, therefore can not provide required recording quality.

The present invention can be used for ink tank is installed in and is carried on the balladeur train record head away from the situation at place, fixed position.For example, by flexible pipe record head is connected to each fixing ink tank, so that ink (type without interruption) to be provided in record head, wherein the light guiding section of any one previous embodiments can be used for described fixedly ink tank.In this case, for example Gu Ding ink tank is set in the sweep limits of balladeur train, can be arranged on the balladeur train standing the detection of equipment side and/or the light receiving part of control operation.

The use of this structure is not limited to utilize the type without interruption of pipe.Can be used for following type, that is, record head is provided with the ink storage area with a small amount of ink, and supplies ink from the ink supply source (fixing ink tank) with larger capacity to this ink storage area off and in suitable timing.In therein one type, only the time from source of supply supply ink, fixing ink tank and ink supply system physical connection.When using pipe, can use valve to wait and optionally open or close the ink feed path.

In previous embodiments, the ink tank that accommodates yellow ink, magenta ink, cyan and black ink has been described.But employed color or tone are not limited to these embodiment, and the quantity of ink tank also is not limited to these embodiment.Except this ink, can use the ink of particular color, for example light ink, red ink, green ink, blue ink etc.When increasing ink tank quantity, increased the possibility that the ink tank mistake is installed, and damaged visual and/or the installation and removal performance, thereby improved validity of the present invention owing to having increased lead lead-out wire and coupling part.

Although described the present invention herein with reference to the structure that discloses, the invention is not restricted to details herein, the present invention is intended to cover this improvement or the variation that drops in improvement purpose or the claims scope.

Claims

1. liquid container that is used for receiving fluids that uses for ink jet recording device, described liquid container comprises:

One luminous component;

One electric contact, it is used to receive the signal that is used to activate described luminous component from ink jet recording device; And

One light guiding section, it is used for light is guided to the display part from described luminous component, and described display part is used for coming demonstration information by the light that sends from described luminous component and occur from described display part;

Wherein described light guiding section can be arranged on the described liquid container from it with removing.

2. liquid container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said light guiding section is provided with described luminous component.

3. as each described liquid container in claim 1 or 2, wherein said light guiding section is provided with described display part.