CN105437776B

CN105437776B - The use of printing-fluid box, printing device and printing-fluid box

Info

Publication number: CN105437776B
Application number: CN201510810568.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 神户智弘; 中村宙健
Original assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2011-12-22
Filing date: 2011-12-22
Publication date: 2017-06-20
Anticipated expiration: 2031-12-22
Also published as: CN103171292A; CN103171292B; CN105437775B; CN105437776A; CN105437775A

Abstract

The use of printing-fluid box, printing device and printing-fluid box.Printing-fluid box is configured to biasing force of the resistance on the dismounting direction opposite with direction of insertion and is inserted into box installation portion in an insertion direction.Printing-fluid box includes：Preceding surface；The position rear surface opposite with preceding surface；At least one electrical interface between preceding surface and rear surface；And composition surface.At least one electrical interface and the composition surface are exposed to the outside of printing-fluid box on the assigned direction vertical with direction of insertion, at least one electrical interface is positioned to be inserted into for direction than composition surface more forward, and at least one electrical interface and the composition surface and a level-crossing, the plane are parallel with direction of insertion and the assigned direction.

Description

The use of printing-fluid box, printing device and printing-fluid box

It is on December 22nd, 2011, entitled " printing-fluid box, printing device and printing stream the applying date that the application is The divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application of the use of body box " and Application No. 201110435154.X.

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of printing-fluid box for being configured to be installed to box installation portion, and it is related to a kind of including this The printing device of printing-fluid box.

Background technology

Known image printing device, as described in patent application publication JP2009-132098A, is configured to beating The upper print image of printing paper.Known image printing device has ink jet-print head and is configured to ink from the nozzle of printhead Drop is optionally ejected on print paper.Ink drop on print paper on print paper and so that print desired figure Picture.Known image printing device has print cartridge, and the print cartridge is configured to the ink that storage will be supplied to printhead.Print cartridge It is configured to be installed to the installation portion that is arranged in known image printing device and is removed from the installation portion.

Print cartridge known to another as described in patent application publication JP2007-266618 has circuit board, circuit board tool There is semiconductor memory, the semiconductor memory is used to store information (such as black color, composition, the ink of ink on print cartridge Surplus, its maintenance situation etc.) data.Circuit board has electrical interface such as pad.When print cartridge is installed to installation portion, this A little electrical interfaces are electrically connected in the electric contact being arranged in installation portion, enabling read the number stored in semiconductor memory According to.

The content of the invention

When dust is attached to electrical interface, the electrical connection between the electrical interface of print cartridge and the contact of box installation portion may become It is unstable so that data can not be read from semiconductor memory.

Therefore, for printing-fluid box and printing device, there is the demand of these and other defect for overcoming correlation technique. It is of the invention it is a technical advantage that between printing-fluid box and box installation portion via the electrical connection of electrical interface become it is unstable can Can property reduction.

A kind of embodiments in accordance with the present invention, printing-fluid box is configured to resistance in the dismounting side opposite with direction of insertion Upward biasing force and be inserted into box installation portion in the direction of insertion.The printing-fluid box includes：Preceding surface, works as institute When stating printing-fluid box and being inserted into the box installation portion, the preceding surface is orientated towards the direction of insertion；Surface, described afterwards The position on surface is opposite with the preceding surface for the direction of insertion afterwards；At least one electrical interface, at least one electricity Interface is located between the preceding surface and the rear surface, and at least one electrical interface be configured to be electrically connected to it is described At least one contact of box installation portion；And composition surface, the composition surface is configured to the engagement structure with the box installation portion Part is contacted so that resist the biasing force and the printing-fluid box is retained in the box installation portion.Described at least one Electrical interface and the composition surface are exposed to the outer of the printing-fluid box on the assigned direction vertical with the direction of insertion Portion, at least one electrical interface is positioned to for the direction of insertion than the composition surface more forward, and it is described extremely Few an electrical interface and the composition surface and a level-crossing, the plane are flat with the direction of insertion and the assigned direction OK.

Due to the construction, between printing-fluid box is inserted into box installation portion mid-term, engagement member is in described at least one electricity Slided on interface.Therefore the dust at least one electrical interface can be wiped, and at least one electrical interface and described The possibility that electrical connection between at least one contact becomes unstable is reduced.

By the detailed description and the accompanying drawings of the invention below, to those skilled in the art, other purposes, feature and Advantage will be apparent.

Brief description of the drawings

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, so as to demand, target, the feature and advantage of its satisfaction, present pair and accompanying drawing With reference to following description referred to.

Fig. 1 is the constructed profile of the printer including box installation portion and print cartridge according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is the perspective view of print cartridge.

Fig. 3 is the decomposition diagram of print cartridge.

Fig. 4 is the vertical cross-sectional view of print cartridge.

Fig. 5 is the perspective view of box installation portion and print cartridge.

Fig. 6 is the vertical cross-sectional view of box installation portion.

Fig. 7 is the vertical part sectioned view of box installation portion and print cartridge during print cartridge is installed into box installation portion.

Fig. 8 is another vertical part sectioned view of box installation portion and print cartridge during print cartridge is installed into box installation portion.

Fig. 9 is the vertical part sectioned view of box installation portion and print cartridge, wherein completing for print cartridge to be installed to box installation portion.

Figure 10 A are the side views of the print cartridge according to variant embodiment.

Figure 10 B are the front views of the print cartridge of Figure 10 A.

Figure 11 A are the side views of the print cartridge according to another variant embodiment.

Figure 11 B are the front views of the print cartridge of Figure 11 A.

Specific embodiment

Embodiments of the invention, its feature and advantage are appreciated that by reference to Fig. 1-11B, in the various figures identical accompanying drawing mark Remember for representing corresponding part.

[printer 10]

With reference to Fig. 1, the printing device of such as printer 10 is configured for optionally being sprayed by print paper Ink droplet and on print paper print image ink-jet printer.Printer 10 includes ink-feeding device 100.Ink-feeding device 100 is wrapped Include box installation portion 110.The printing-fluid box that box installation portion 110 is configured to allow for such as print cartridge 30 is installed in wherein.Box is pacified Dress portion 110 has opening 112, and the inside of black installation portion 110 is exposed to the outside of box installation portion 110 via the opening 112.Print cartridge 30 are configured to be inserted into box installation portion 110 via opening 112 so that print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110.Print cartridge 30 It is configured to be removed from box installation portion 110 via opening 112.

Print cartridge 30 is configured to the ink that storage is used by printer 10.Printer 10 includes printhead 21 and black pipe 20.When When print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110, print cartridge 30 and printhead 21 are fluidly connected via black pipe 20.Printhead 21 includes pair Container 28.Secondary container 28 is configured to the ink that interim storage is supplied from print cartridge 30 via black pipe 20.Printhead 21 includes nozzle 29, And be configured to optionally spray the ink supplied from secondary container 28 by nozzle 29.

Printer 10 includes sheet feed tray 15, paper feed roller 23, conveying roller to 25, platen 26, discharge roller pair 22 and discharge tray 16. Transport path 24 is formed from sheet feed tray 15 via conveying roller to 25, platen 26 and discharge roller pair 22 until discharge tray 16.Feedback Paper bowl 23 is configured to for print paper to be fed to transport path 24 from sheet feed tray 15.Conveying roller is configured to from paper feed to 25 The print paper of the feeding of disk 15 is transported on platen 26.Printhead 21 is configured to optionally be ejected into ink on platen 26 On the print paper of process.Therefore, image is printed on print paper.The print paper for having passed through on platen 26 is discharged Roller is discharged to the paper discharge tray 16 being arranged at the most downstream of transport path 24 to 22.

[print cartridge 30]

Referring to figs. 2 to Fig. 5, print cartridge 30 is configured to：While print cartridge 30 is in stand up position as shown in Figure 2, ink The insertion box installation portion 110 on insertion/dismounting direction 50 of box 30 is neutralized to be removed from box installation portion 110, in the stand up position, print cartridge 30 top surface upwardly and print cartridge 30 basal surface downwards.Insertion/dismounting direction 50 extends in the horizontal direction.Work as print cartridge 30 be installed to box installation portion 110, in installation site when, print cartridge 30 is in stand up position.Print cartridge 30 is configured in insertion Removed from box installation portion 110 on direction 56 in insertion box installation portion 110 and on direction 55 is removed.Insertion/dismounting direction 50 is Direction of insertion 56 and the combination in dismounting direction 55.Direction of insertion 56 extends in the horizontal direction, and removes direction 55 in level side Upwardly extend.When print cartridge 30 is in stand up position, short transverse (above-below direction) 52 is corresponding with gravity direction (vertical direction). In another embodiment, insertion/remove direction 50 strictly can not extend in the horizontal direction, and can be with horizontal direction The side intersected with gravity direction (vertical direction) upwardly extends.

Print cartridge 30 has almost parallel hexahedral shape and including main body 31 and bracket 90.Main body 31 and bracket 90 form ink The outward appearance of box 30.Print cartridge 30 is configured for storing wherein the container of ink.Print cartridge 30 includes ink chamber 36, and the ink chamber is formed in Space inside print cartridge 30.More specifically, main body 31 includes ink chamber formed therein 36, such as main body 31 includes inner frame 35, ink chamber 36 is formed in inner frame 35.Print cartridge 30 is with the width on width (left and right directions) 51, in height side To the height on (above-below direction) 52 and the depth on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.Width (left and right directions) 51, Short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 are perpendicular to one another.Height of the width of print cartridge 30 less than print cartridge 30 Degree and depth.When print cartridge 30 is in installation site (stand up position), width (left and right directions) 51 and plane-parallel are deep Degree direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 is also put down with plane-parallel, short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and gravity direction (vertical direction) OK.When print cartridge 30 is inserted into box installation portion 110 and is removed from box installation portion 110, depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 with insertion/ Remove direction 50 parallel, width (left and right directions) 51 and short transverse (above-below direction) 52 are hung down with insertion/dismounting direction 50 Directly.Short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and upward direction and parallel in downward direction and be upward direction and combination in downward direction.

Print cartridge 30 includes antetheca 40 and is inserted into opposite with antetheca 40 rear wall 42 for direction 56.When print cartridge 30 is inserted into When in box installation portion 110, antetheca 40 is located at the front side being inserted into for direction 56 of print cartridge 30.More specifically, working as the quilt of print cartridge 30 When in insertion box installation portion 110, towards direction of insertion 56, in other words, antetheca 40 is orientated antetheca 40 towards direction of insertion 56.Work as ink When box 30 is inserted into box installation portion 110, rear wall 42 is located at the rear side being inserted into for direction 56 of print cartridge 30.More specifically, When print cartridge 30 is inserted into box installation portion 110, rear wall 42 towards remove direction 55, in other words, rear wall 42 towards remove direction 55 orientations.Antetheca 40 and rear wall 42 are aligned on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.In print cartridge 30 is inserted into box installation portion 110 When, antetheca 40 and rear wall 42 are aligned in insertion/dismounting on direction 50.Print cartridge 30 includes that each prolongs in insertion/dismounting on direction 50 The side wall 37,38 stretched and be connected with antetheca 40 and rear wall 42.Side wall 37 and 38 is aligned on width (left and right directions) 51.Ink Box 30 includes the roof 39 being connected with the upper end of antetheca 40, rear wall 42 and side wall 37,38.Print cartridge 30 includes and antetheca 40, rear wall 42 and side wall 37,38 lower end connection bottom wall 41.Roof 39 and bottom wall 41 are aligned in short transverse (above-below direction) 52.Before The outer surface of wall 40 is the preceding surface of print cartridge 30, and the outer surface of rear wall 42 is the rear surface of print cartridge 30.Therefore, when print cartridge 30 is straight When being inserted into vertical position in box installation portion 110, the preceding surface of print cartridge 30 is orientated towards direction of insertion 56, and when print cartridge 30 exists When being inserted into stand up position in box installation portion 110, the rear surface of print cartridge 30 is orientated towards direction 55 is removed.The appearance of roof 39 Face is the top surface of print cartridge 30, and the outer surface of bottom wall 31 is the basal surface of print cartridge 30.Therefore, when print cartridge 30 in stand up position quilt When in insertion box installation portion 110, the top surface of print cartridge 30 is orientated in an upward direction, and when print cartridge 30 in stand up position quilt When being installed to box installation portion 110, the basal surface of print cartridge 30 is orientated in a downward direction.Top surface and preceding surface and rear surface Upper end connects, and basal surface is connected with the lower end on preceding surface and rear surface.Similarly, the outer surface of side wall 37,38 is print cartridge 30 Side surface.

In this embodiment, bracket 90 includes antetheca 40, a part for side wall 37, a part for side wall 38 and bottom wall 41 A part, and main body 31 includes rear wall 42, the other parts of side wall 37, the other parts of side wall 38, other portions of roof 39 Divide the other parts with bottom wall 41.Therefore, bracket 90 includes preceding surface, a part for the top surface of print cartridge 30, the ink of print cartridge 30 The part of a part for the basal surface of box 30 and the side surface of print cartridge 30, and main body 31 includes rear surface, the print cartridge of print cartridge 30 The other parts of 30 top surface, print cartridge 30 have the other parts of the other parts of basal surface and the side surface of print cartridge 30.

[main body 31]

Referring to figs. 2 to Fig. 4, main body 31 includes inspection in the center for short transverse (above-below direction) 52 of main body 31 Survey portion 33.Test section 33 is located at the side of antetheca 40 of main body 31.More specifically, test section 33 is located at the preceding surface of main body 31, when When print cartridge 30 is inserted into box installation portion 110, the preceding surface of main body 31 towards direction of insertion 56, in other words, towards direction of insertion 56 orientations.Bracket 90 includes the first protuberance 85, and first protuberance includes test section, such as rib 88.First protuberance 85 is wrapped Include the front end being inserted into for direction 56.Rib 88 includes being inserted into the front end for direction 56.Bracket 90 includes the second protuberance 86.Second protuberance 86 includes being inserted into the front end for direction 56.Bracket 90 includes another test section 89.Test section 33 is positioned Compare front end, the front end of rib 88, the front end of the second protuberance 86 and the test section of the first protuberance 85 for achievement direction of insertion 56 89 backward.Test section 33 has box-shaped of the opening towards ink chamber 36 so that the inside of test section 33 is in fluid communication with ink chamber 36.Inspection Survey portion 33 includes a pair of walls being made up of for example transparent or semitransparent light-transmissive resin, the pair of wall allow such as visible ray or The light of infrared light is travelled upwardly with by the pair of wall in the side vertical with insertion/dismounting direction 50.In this embodiment, with Insertion/vertical direction in dismounting direction 50 is width (left and right directions) 51.Test section 33 is exposed to print cartridge via opening 95 30 outside, the opening 95 is formed as running through bracket 90 at the side of antetheca 40 of bracket 90.Installed when print cartridge 30 is installed to box During portion 110, optical pickocff 114 (see Fig. 6) launching light on the direction vertical with insertion/dismounting direction 50.Test section 33 can Permission is launched from optical pickocff 114 and passes through test section 33 via the light that opening 95 reaches test section 33.

The pair of wall of test section 33 is aligned on width (left and right directions) 51, and described the one of test section 33 To forming space between wall.The ink stored in ink chamber 36 can reach the space.With reference to Fig. 4, main body 31 includes being arranged on ink chamber Sensor arm 60 in 36.Sensor arm 60 includes the main arm body 61, position extended on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 Float 63 in the indicator 62 of the end of arm body 61 and at the other end of arm body 61.Indicator 62 is located at detection In the space formed between the pair of wall in portion 33.Main body 31 is included in the support extended on width (left and right directions) 51 Axle 64, and sensor arm 60 supports by support shaft 64 so that sensor arm 60 can be pivoted around support shaft 64.The quilt of sensor arm 60 Be configured to be pivoted based on the black amount stored in ink chamber 36, thereby indicate that device 62 be configured to it is black based on what is stored in ink chamber 36 Amount is pivoted.Sensor arm 60 is configured to be moved between upper position and lower position.When sensor arm 60 is in upper position, refer to Show that device 62 is located at the upside for gravity direction (vertical direction) of test section 33.When sensor arm 60 is in lower position, Indicator 62 is located at the downside for gravity direction of test section 33.Fig. 4 is depicted when ink chamber 36 is therein with being stored in Scheduled volume or more it is black when positioned at lower position sensor arm 60.

When print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110, test section 33 is located at the optical transmitting set and light of optical pickocff 114 Between receiver, the optical transmitting set and optical receiver are on horizontal direction (width or a left side vertical with insertion/dismounting direction 50 Right direction 51) on be aligned, and test section 33 is constructed such that its state changes between the first state and a second state.Work as inspection When survey portion 33 is in first state, test section 33 allow from the transmitting of the optical transmitting set of optical pickocff 114 and with insertion/remove The light advanced on the vertical direction in direction 50 (width or left and right directions 51) passes through the test section 33.When test section 33 is in During the second state, the decay light of test section 33.More specifically, when test section 33 be in first state and light reach test section 33 During with inserting/removing the side on the vertical direction (width or left and right directions 51) in direction 50, the light of scheduled volume or more From test section 33 in the opposite side with insertion/remove on the vertical direction (width or left and right directions 51) in direction 50 out And reach the optical receiver of optical pickocff 114.When test section 33 be in the second state and light reach test section 33 with insert When entering/remove the side on the vertical direction in direction 50 (width or left and right directions 51), go out from the opposite side of test section 33 Carry out and reach the amount of light of the optical receiver of optical pickocff 114 less than scheduled volume, such as zero.When sensor arm 60 is in upper When putting, test section 33 is in first state to allow light through the test section 33.When sensor arm 60 is in lower position, detection Portion 33 is in the second state with light of decaying.Light is entirely prevented in the direction vertical with insertion/dismounting direction 50 by indicator 62 Pass through on (width or left and right directions 51), a certain amount of light absorbed by indicator 62, by the deflect light of indicator 62, logical Cross total reflection light of indicator 62 etc. and cause optical attenuation.In this way, reaching the amount (intensity) of the light of the optical receiver of optical pickocff 114 Depending on the state of test section 33.By detecting the state of test section 33 with optical pickocff 114, determine whether ink chamber 36 has It is stored in the ink of scheduled volume therein or more.

In another embodiment, print cartridge 30 may not include sensor arm 60, thereby indicate that device 62 can not be located at test section 33 In.In this case, when ink is stored in test section 33, test section 33 can decay light.When ink is not stored in test section 33, Test section 33 can allow light through the test section 33.More specifically, reaching test section 33 when black and light is not stored in test section 33 With insertion/remove the side in the vertical direction (width or left and right directions 51) in direction 50 when, the light of scheduled volume or more Can go out from the opposite side on the direction (width or left and right directions 51) vertical with insertion/dismounting direction 50 of test section 33 Carry out and reach the optical receiver of optical pickocff 114.When in test section 33 store ink and light reach test section 33 with insertion/ When removing the side on direction 50 (width or left and right directions 51), out and reach optics and pass from the opposite side of test section 33 The light quantity of the optical receiver of sensor 114 is less than scheduled volume, such as zero.Some light quantities can be absorbed by ink and cause optical attenuation. In another embodiment, test section 33 may include to form the flexible membrane in space wherein.When ink is stored in what is formed by flexible membrane When in space, flexible membrane expansion.Print cartridge 30 may include the pivotable bar with flexible membrane contacts, by entirely prevent light with insert Enter/remove on the vertical direction in direction 50 (width or left and right directions 51) through bar, by absorbing some light quantities, by making Light deflection, by total reflection light etc., bar can decay light.When ink moves away the space and flexible membrane contraction formed by flexible membrane When, it is movable to bar with the bar of flexible membrane contacts and no longer decays the position of light.In another embodiment, test section 33 includes prism Shape structure.In this case, when ink contact prismatic structure, prismatic structure can reflected light so that light does not reach optics The optical receiver of sensor 114.When ink does not contact prismatic structure, prismatic structure can reflected light so that light reaches optics The optical receiver of sensor 114.

Main body 31 has air communication opening 32 in the side of antetheca 40 of main body 31, in the top of test section 33.More specifically, empty Gas open communication 32 is located at the preceding surface towards direction of insertion 56 of main body 31.Air communication opening 32 is formed in depth Through the wall for limiting ink chamber 36 on direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.The air outside air layer and ink chamber 36 being formed in ink chamber 36 Can be in fluid communication via air communication opening 32.Air communication opening 32 is located at the rear wall 42 of the anterior and main body 31 of bracket 90 Between.Bracket 90 has the circular open of the wall for being formed as running through the first protuberance 85 on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 96, can air inlet open communication 32 via opening 96 on direction 55 is removed from the outside of print cartridge 30.

Main body 31 includes being configured to selectively open and close the air communication valve 73 of air communication opening 32.Work as sky When gas open communication 32 is opened, the pressure being maintained in the ink chamber 36 of negative pressure becomes equal with atmospheric pressure.In another implementation In example, air communication opening 32 can not be located at the side of antetheca 40 of main body 31, but may be located at any position, as long as ink chamber 36 inside and outside can be in fluid communication.In another embodiment, print cartridge 30 is configurable to maintain negative pressure in ink chamber 36 It is used in printer 10 under state.In this case, print cartridge 30 can not have air communication opening 32.

Main body 31 includes printing-fluid supply department, such as at the side of antetheca 40 of main body 31, positioned at the confession of the lower section of test section 33 Black portion 34.More specifically, ink supply 34 is located at the preceding surface towards direction of insertion 56 of main body 31.Ink supply 34 is located at main body The side of bottom wall 41 on the preceding surface of the bottom on 31 preceding surface, i.e. main body.Bracket 90 have be formed as in depth direction (front and back To) on 53 through the circular open 97 of antetheca 40.Ink supply 34 has cylindrical shape and is extended through on direction 50 in insertion/dismounting Cross the opening 97 of antetheca 40.Therefore, ink supply 34 is located at antetheca 40.Ink supply 34 has the end for being formed in ink supply 34 Ink supply opening 71.

Ink supply 34 has ink footpath 72 formed therein.Ink footpath 72 is (front and rear in depth direction from ink supply opening 71 Direction) ink chamber 36 is extended up on 53.Main body 31 includes being configured to selectively open and close the ink supply of ink supply opening 71 Valve 70.When print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110, the black pipe 122 in box installation portion 110 is arranged on by via ink supply opening 71 insertions and pushing ink supply valve 70 so that ink supply opening 71 is opened.When this happens, ink outflow ink chamber 36 with via Ink footpath 72 enters black pipe 122 in direction of insertion 56.

In another embodiment, print cartridge 30 may not include ink supply valve 70.In this case, ink supply opening 71 can be with envelope Covering is closed.When print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110, black pipe 122 can wear out film so that ink supply opening 71 is beaten Open.

With reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, main body 31 is in the side of bottom wall 41 of main body 31 and the side of antetheca 40 includes engagement hook 43.Engagement hook 43 Extend to the front of depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 from the bottom on the preceding surface of main body 31.The front end of engagement hook 43 is included in width Two protuberances stretched out on rightabout on degree direction (left and right directions) 51.Engagement hook 43 has formed therein Otch.Otch is located at the middle part for width (left and right directions) 51 of engagement hook 43 and at depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) Extend on 53.Due to the otch, engagement hook 43 is configured to elastic deformation so that it is on width (left and right directions) 51 Size reduces.The protruding parts of the front end of engagement hook 43 in the elongated openings 91,92 for being formed through bracket 90, and respectively with Limit the inner surface contact of the wall of elongated openings 91,92.

Main body 31 includes the junction surface 45 positioned at the side of roof 39 of print cartridge 30.More specifically, junction surface 45 is located at roof 39 The center for depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.Junction surface 45 upwardly extends from top 39 and leaves ink chamber 36, and It is included in the composition surface 46 extended in width (left and right directions) 51 and short transverse (above-below direction) 52.When the quilt of print cartridge 30 When in insertion box installation portion 110, composition surface 46 faces to be inserted into the rear for direction 56, in other words, towards dismounting direction 55.In another embodiment, composition surface 46 can not vertically extend from roof 39, and can be relative to short transverse (up and down Direction) 52 incline, and when print cartridge 30 is inserted into box installation portion 110, composition surface 46 can be towards being inserted into direction 56 For rear, in other words, towards remove direction 55.When print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110, composition surface 46 and box The engagement member 145 of installation portion 110 is contacted, and receives external force.More specifically, when print cartridge 30 be installed to box installation portion 110 and When remaining in box installation portion 110, print cartridge 30 is pushed on direction 55 is removed, and therefore composition surface 46 is removing direction 55 Upper pushing engagement member 145.As a result, composition surface 46 receives the reaction force in direction of insertion 56 from engagement member 145.

Main body 31 is included positioned at the upside for short transverse (above-below direction) 52 of main body 31 and after main body 31 Pivot member 80 at the side of wall 42.More specifically, pivot member 80 is located at the rear portion of roof 39.Pivot member 80 has bending Flat platelike, and its longer dimension direction that be substantially parallel upper extension with depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.Pivot member 80 Include axle 83 at its bending point.Bending point is located at the middle part for depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 of pivot member 80. Axle 83 extends on width (left and right directions) 51.At the position with composition surface 46 separate towards rear wall 42, axle 83 by The other parts support of main body 31 so that pivot member 80 can be pivoted around axle 83.Pivot member 80 includes leading section 81 with after End 82.Leading section 81 extends from axle 83 towards composition surface 46.Rearward end 82 extends from axle 83 towards rear wall 42.

When no external force is applied to pivot member 80, due to its deadweight, pivot member 80 is positioned so that leading section 81 Positioned at the position farthest from roof 39, i.e. leading section 81 is in the extreme higher position relative to roof 39, i.e. rearward end 82 is than preceding The weight of end 81.When pivot member 80 is in the position, leading section 81 can extend outwardly beyond the upper of the other parts of main body 31 End.In another embodiment, leading section 81 can not extend outwardly beyond the top of the other parts of main body 31, and with main body 31 The upper end of other parts compared to be located at it is more internal, i.e., positioned at main body 31 other parts upper end lower section.The quilt of current end 81 When pushing down on, pivot member 80 resists its deadweight pivot clockwise in fig. 4.When pivot member 80 is along clockwise When direction is pivoted to degree as far as possible, leading section 81 is located at the lower section of the upper end of composition surface 46.In another embodiment, pivot Turning component 80 can be integrally formed with the other parts of main body 31.In another embodiment, pivot member 80 can be by spring suitable Biased on clockwise.In this case, when rearward end 82 is urged downwardly, pivot member 80 resists the biasing force of spring And pivot in the counterclockwise direction.

As mentioned above, main body 31 includes a part for side wall 37,38.Each of the part of side wall 37,38 from Rear wall 42 extends up to the middle part for depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 of main body 31.The part of side wall 37,38 it is every One includes flat part and the tapered portion at the front portion for depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 of flat part.More specifically Ground, each of flat part is included in the plane extended in depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 and short transverse (above-below direction) 52 Outer surface and the planar interior surfaces extended on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 and short transverse (above-below direction) 52.Taper Portion be included in depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 and short transverse (above-below direction) 52 extend planar outer surfaces and inclining Tiltedly in table in the inclination that the side of depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 upwardly extends and extends in the short transverse (above-below direction) 52 Face 47 or 48.The part of side wall 37 includes inclined inner surface 47, and the part of side wall 38 includes inclined inner surface 48.When in print cartridge When 30 assembled front racks 90 are not attached to main body 31, the front portion of the restriction ink chamber 36 of inner frame 35 is not by side wall 37,38 The part covers, but exposes.

[bracket 90]

Bracket 90 is attached to main body 31.Bracket 90 covers the front portion of main body 31, and the front portion was from introversion skewed surface 47,48 weeks Enclose the preceding surface towards direction of insertion 56 for extending to main body 31.More specifically, bracket 90 covers preceding surface, the main body of main body 31 Before the 31 anterior side of side wall 37, the anterior side of side wall 38 of main body 31, the anterior side of roof 39 of main body 31 and main body 31 The side of bottom wall 41 in portion.In other words, the preceding surface of the covering of bracket 90 main body 31, the anterior top surface of main body 31, basal surface and side Surface.

As described above, bracket 90 includes a part for side wall 37,38.The part of side wall 37,38 respectively have be formed as Through its elongated openings 91,92.Elongated openings 91,92 are respectively positioned at the side of bottom wall 41 of the part of side wall 37,38.Change speech It, elongated openings 91,92 are located at the bottom of the part of side wall 37,38.Each of elongated openings 91,92 is in short transverse There is longer dimension on (above-below direction) 52.The protruding parts of the front end of engagement hook 43 in elongated openings 91,92, and respectively with The inner surface contact of the restriction elongated openings 91,92 of wall.If attempted by pulling support on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 Frame 90 and bracket 90 is removed from main body 31, then the protuberance of the front end of engagement hook 43 is hooked to the restriction elongated openings 91,92 of wall Inner surface on so that bracket 90 can not be removed from main body 31.Each of the protuberance of the front end of engagement hook 43 is in height Each chi on short transverse (above-below direction) 52 of the size less than elongated openings 91,92 on direction (above-below direction) 52 It is very little.The side of wall 42 includes end 93,94 behind respectively for the part of side wall 37,38.End 93,94 is in short transverse (upper and lower To) extend on 52 and covered by the tapered portion of the part of the side wall 37,38 of main body 31 respectively.End 93,94 is respectively for inclining The inclined inner surface 47,48 of inclined portion, i.e. end 93,94 on width (left and right directions) 51 with inclined inner surface 47,48 weights It is folded.Bracket 90 is configured to be moved in a range in short transverse (above-below direction) 52 relative to main body 31, and the scope is by stretching Opening 91,92 long in short transverse (above-below direction) 52, the protuberance of front end that is allowing engagement hook 43 elongated openings 91, The dimension limitation slided in short transverse (above-below direction) 52 in 92.In other words, the protuberance of the front end of engagement hook 43 is every Between the end of the correspondence one of and elongated openings 91,92 in short transverse (above-below direction) 52 Existential Space so that Bracket 90 can be slided in main body 31 in short transverse (above-below direction) 52.When bracket 90 is moved relative to main body 31, Slided on inclined inner surface 47,48 respectively the end 93,94 of bracket 90.In other words, when bracket 90 is moved relative to main body 31 When, inclined inner surface 47,48 plays guiding piece.In the normal state, bracket 90 by the anterior upper surface of main body 31 from Supported underneath.

Bracket 90 has the opening 95 for being formed as running through bracket 90 on width (left and right directions) 51.Opening 95 is located at The side of antetheca 40 of bracket 90, the middle part for short transverse (above-below direction) 52 in bracket 90.In this embodiment, open Mouth 95 has rectangular shape, but, according to variant embodiment, opening 95 can have any other suitable shape.Opening 95 has Have a corresponding size of test section 33 and size with main body 31, and in the corresponding position of test section 33 so that test section 33 The outside of print cartridge 30 is exposed to via opening 95 on width (left and right directions) 51.The part of the restriction opening 95 of bracket 90 Including test section 89 and supporting part 79, the test section 89 extends in short transverse (above-below direction) 52, and the supporting part 79 is from inspection The lower end in survey portion 89 extends towards main body 31 on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 and is configured to support test section from below 33.When bracket 90 is supported from below by the anterior upper surface of main body 31, there is sky between test section 33 and supporting part 79 Between.When bracket 90 is moved in an upward direction relative to main body 31, the lower end in contact of supporting part 79 and test section 33.Bracket 90 Can be by elongated openings 91,92 in short transverse in the scope that short transverse (above-below direction) 52 is moved relative to main body 31 On (above-below direction) 52, allow engagement hook 43 front end protuberance in the elongated openings 91,92 in short transverse (upper and lower To) dimension limitation slided on 52, or can by when bracket 90 is supported from below by the anterior upper surface of main body 31 The space formed between test section 33 and supporting part 79 limits.

Bracket 90 has the opening 96 of the wall for being formed as running through the first protuberance 85 on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53. In this embodiment, opening 96 have it is round-shaped, but, according to variant embodiment, opening can also be any other shape. Opening 96 has the corresponding size in air communication opening 32 and size with main body 31, and in corresponding with air communication opening 32 Position so that from the outside of print cartridge 30 remove direction 55 on can air inlet open communication 32 via opening 96.

Bracket 90 has the opening 97 for being formed as running through antetheca 40 on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53, and opening 97 is located at The bottom for short transverse 52 of antetheca 40.In this embodiment, opening 97 have it is round-shaped, but, according to modification Embodiment, or any other shape.Opening 97 has the corresponding size of ink supply 34 and size with main body 31, and place In with the corresponding position of ink supply 34 so that ink supply 34 extends through opening 37 on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.

Bracket 90 includes the first protuberance 85 and the second protuberance 86 at antetheca 40.First protuberance 85 is from antetheca 40 Upper end extends in the direction of insertion 56 for leave rear wall 42.Width of first protuberance 85 on width (left and right directions) 51 It is identical with width of the antetheca 40 on width (left and right directions) 51.In another embodiment, the width of the first protuberance 85 The width of antetheca 40 can be less than.The front end of the first protuberance 85 is positioned in the direction of insertion 56 for leave rear wall 42 than being formed The end of ink supply 34 ink supply opening 71 forward.First protuberance 85 has recess, for example, be formed in the first protuberance The groove 87 at 85 middle part for width (left and right directions) 52.Groove 87 prolongs on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 Stretch.Groove 87 is opened wide forward and is open upwards in short transverse (above-below direction) 52 in direction of insertion 56.Groove 87 is just Both sides for width (left and right directions) 51 are limited and are closed by a pair of surfaces of the first protuberance 85, and groove 87 bottom Portion is limited and is closed by the surface of the first protuberance 85.Groove 87 it is (left along short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and width Right direction) 51 interception sections be rectangle.

First protuberance 85 includes the rib 88 at the middle part for width (left and right directions) 51 for being arranged on groove 87. Rib 88 extends on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 and short transverse (above-below direction) 52.Limit of the rib 88 from the first protuberance 85 The surface for determining the bottom of groove 87 extends in an upward direction.Rib 88 is located at the side of roof 39 of print cartridge 30.Rib 88 is in roof 39 And the boundary between antetheca 40 extends from the antetheca 40 of print cartridge 30 on depth direction 53 or direction of insertion 56.The just width of rib 88 Each for the side surface spent for direction (left and right directions) 51 is in depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 and short transverse (upper and lower To) extend on 52, with the both sides for width (left and right directions) 51 of the restriction groove 87 of the first protuberance 85 one It is parallel to surface.The surface point of the both sides for width (left and right directions) 51 of the restriction groove 87 of the first protuberance 85 The side surface on width (left and right directions) 51 not with rib 88 is opposed.Rib 88 be configured to decay with insertion/remove The light that the vertical side in direction 50 travels upwardly, such as visible or infrared light.In this embodiment, with insertion/dismounting direction 50 Vertical direction is width (left and right directions) 51.More specifically, when print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110, rib 88 Between the optical transmitting set and optical receiver of optical pickocff 116, the optical transmitting set and optical receiver with insertion/dismounting side It is aligned in 50 vertical horizontal directions (width or left and right directions).Rib 88 is configured to decay from optical pickocff 116 Optical transmitting set transmitting and with insertion/remove what is advanced on the vertical direction (width or left and right directions 51) in direction 50 Light.When light reaches the side of (width or left and right directions 51) on the direction vertical with insertion/dismounting direction 50 of rib 88 When, from the opposite side of rib 88 out and the amount of light of the optical receiver that reaches optical pickocff 116 is less than scheduled volume, such as zero. In other words, rib 88 is configured to the amount of light or strength retrogression to the degree for being enough to be detected by optical pickocff 116.By rib 88 entirely prevent light with insertion/remove on the vertical direction (width or left and right directions 51) in direction 50 through, by rib 88 absorb some light quantities, by the deflect light of rib 88, by total reflection light of rib 88 etc., cause the decay of light.In this way, rib 88 can be by Optical pickocff 116 is detected.From a type of print cartridge 30 to another type of print cartridge 30, rib 88 is from antetheca 40 until rib Leaving the change of the size in the direction of insertion 56 of rear wall 42 in 88 front end.Different types of print cartridge 30 may include different colours Ink, the ink of the heterogeneity of such as dyestuff or pigment, storage ink of different primary quantities etc. in ink chamber 36.

In another embodiment, the first protuberance 85 can have recess formed therein 87.Recess 87 can be in insertion side Opened wide forward on 56, be open upwards in short transverse (above-below direction) 52, and it is (left in the width of the first protuberance 85 Right direction) open wide on one or both sides on 51.

Second protuberance 86 extends from the lower end of antetheca 40 in the direction of insertion 56 for leave rear wall 42.Second protuberance 86 Positioned at the lower section of ink supply 34.Width of second protuberance 86 on width (left and right directions) 51 is with antetheca 40 in width side It is identical to the width on (left and right directions) 51.In another embodiment, the width of the second protuberance 86 can be less than antetheca 40 Width.The front end of the second protuberance 86 is positioned in the direction of insertion 56 for leave rear wall 42 end than being formed in ink supply 34 The ink supply opening 71 at place is forward.From a type of print cartridge 30 to another type of print cartridge 30, the past of the second protuberance 86 Wall 40 is leaving the change of the size in the direction of insertion 56 of rear wall 42 until the front end of the second protuberance 86.Different types of print cartridge Different primary quantities of the ink, storage of the heterogeneity of 30 ink, such as dyestuff and the pigment that may include different colours in ink chamber 36 Ink etc..In this embodiment, the second protuberance 86 detects (see Fig. 1) indirectly by optical pickocff 117.In another embodiment In, the second protuberance 86 can be by the direct detection of optical pickocff 117.

Bracket 90 at antetheca 40 or adjacent front wall 40, for short transverse (above-below direction) 52 in the first protuberance 85 And second include test section 89 between protuberance 86.Test section 89 is positioned in the direction of insertion 56 for leave rear wall 42 than detection Portion 33 is forward.Test section 33 and test section 89 are aligned in direction of insertion 56.Test section 89 is in width (left and right directions) 51 On width of the width with test section 33 on width (left and right directions) 51 it is identical, but, according to variant embodiment, also may be used Being other larger or smaller width.It is (wide in the direction vertical with insertion/dismounting direction 50 that test section 89 is configured to decay Degree direction or left and right directions 51) on advance such as visible or infrared light light pass through the test section.More specifically, by ink During box 30 is installed to box installation portion 110, between optical transmitting set and optical receiver that test section 89 passes through optical pickocff 114. When this happens, test section 89 decay from the transmitting of the optical transmitting set of optical pickocff 114 and with insertion/remove direction The light advanced on 50 vertical directions (width or left and right directions 51).When light reach test section 89 with insertion/remove During side on the vertical direction in direction 50 (width or left and right directions 51), out and reached from the opposite side of test section 89 The amount of the light of the optical receiver of optical pickocff 114 is less than scheduled volume, such as zero.In other words, test section 89 is configured to light Amount or strength retrogression to the degree for being enough to be detected by optical pickocff 114.By test section 89 entirely prevent light with insert To enter/remove pass through on the vertical direction in direction 50 (width or left and right directions 51) test section 89, inhaled by test section 89 Receive same amount of light, cause the decay of light by the deflect light of test section 89, by fully reflective light of test section 89 etc..In this way, energy Test section 89 is enough detected by optical pickocff 114.

There is gap between test section 89 and test section 33 on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.Pacify by print cartridge 30 During being attached to box installation portion 110, launch from the optical transmitting set of optical pickocff 114 and vertical with insertion/dismounting direction 50 The light advanced on direction (width or left and right directions 51) is by the gap and the optical receiver of arrival optical pickocff 114. From the gap out and reach optical pickocff 114 optical receiver light amount be more than or equal to scheduled volume.From a type Print cartridge 30 to another type of print cartridge 30, size of the test section 89 on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 changes.It is different The print cartridge 30 of type may include the ink of the heterogeneity of ink, such as dyestuff and the pigment of different colours, storage in ink chamber 36 Ink of different primary quantities etc..

The front end of the first protuberance 85, the front end of the second protuberance 86 and test section 89 are positioned to be inserted into for direction 56 Than test section 33 forward.In other words, test section 33 is positioned to be inserted into for direction 56 front end, second than the first protuberance 85 The front end of protuberance 86 and test section 89 are backward.Each of test section 33 and ink supply opening 71 are located at for short transverse 52 Between first protuberance 85 and the second protuberance 86.

Print cartridge 30 is included in the guide portion 65 at roof 39.Guide portion 65 is upwardly extended from roof 39 and in depth direction A pair of the ribs extended on (fore-and-aft direction) 53.Guide portion 65 extends on bracket 90 and main body 31.Width of the guide portion 65 in rib The width between outer surface on direction (left and right directions) is less than print cartridge 30 between the outer surface of the side wall 37,38 of main body 31 The width of width and bracket 90 on width (left and right directions).Guide portion 65 rib width (left and right directions) it is interior Internal clearance between surface is more than width of the engagement member 145 on width (left and right directions).Guide portion 65 is included in slotting Enter the front end on direction 56.Guide portion 65 is located between the groove 87 of the first protuberance 85 and rear wall 42.More specifically, guide portion 65 rears being inserted into for direction 56 for being located at groove 87.

Print cartridge 30 includes guide portion 66 at bottom wall 41.Guide portion 66 is extended downwardly from bottom wall 41 and in depth direction The protuberance extended on (fore-and-aft direction) 53.Guide portion 66 extends on bracket 90 and main body 31.Guide portion 66 is in guide portion 66 Width (left and right directions) on outer surface between width less than print cartridge 30 in the outer surface of the side wall 37,38 of main body 31 Between width on width (left and right directions) of width and bracket 90.In print cartridge 30 is inserted into box installation portion 110 and When being removed from box installation portion 110, guide portion 65,66 is inserted into the guiding groove 109 of box installation portion 110.

Print cartridge 30 is including being arranged at bracket 90, the IC plates 74 between the pair of rib of guide portion 65.IC plates 74 Between the groove 87 and rear wall 42 of the first protuberance 85 and between junction surface 45 and antetheca 40.IC plates 74 are located at print cartridge 30 The side of roof 39, between antetheca 40 and rear wall 42.IC plates 74 are positioned to be inserted into for direction 56 than antetheca 40 and groove 87 Backward.IC plates 74 and ink supply opening 71 are inserted into deviateing for direction 56.More specifically, IC plates 74 are positioned to be inserted into direction 56 For than ink supply opening 71 backward.

Bracket 90 includes setting thereon the platform 67 of IC plates 74.Platform 67 is located between the pair of rib of guide portion 65. When print cartridge 30 is in installation site (stand up position), platform 67 is (preceding in width (left and right directions) 51 and depth direction Rear direction) plane surface that extends on 53 and extend on direction 50 in insertion/remove.Plane that platform 67 extends thereon, i.e. The plane extended on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 and width (left and right directions) 51 is prolonged thereon with composition surface 46 The plane stretched, the level-crossing extended i.e. in short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and width (left and right directions) 51.At this In embodiment, the plane that platform extends thereon is vertical with the plane that composition surface 46 extends thereon.IC plates 74 are included in width The upper surface extended on degree direction (left and right directions) 51 and depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.When print cartridge 30 is (straight in installation site Vertical position) in when, the upper surface of IC plates 74 is horizontal-extending and upwardly.Plane that the upper surface of IC plates 74 extends thereon, i.e. The plane extended on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 and width (left and right directions) 51, prolongs thereon with composition surface 46 The plane stretched, the level-crossing extended i.e. in short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and width (left and right directions) 51.At this In embodiment, the plane that the upper surface of IC plates 74 extends thereon is vertical with the plane that composition surface 46 extends thereon.Because Platform 67 is positioned to be inserted into for direction 56 than composition surface 46 forward, so IC plates 74 are positioned to be inserted into for direction 56 Than composition surface 46 forward.IC plates 74 are for short transverse (above-below direction) 52 positioned at the rib 88 and groove of the first protuberance 85 87 top (higher).In other words, IC plates 74 are located at more lateral compared with rib 88 and groove 87.IC plates 74 with regard to short transverse (on Lower direction) at least one of top (higher) at junction surface 45 is located at for 52.In other words, IC plates 74 and junction surface 45 be extremely A few part is compared to positioned at more lateral.Box installation portion 110 is included in the direction (width vertical with insertion/dismounting direction 50 Or left and right directions 51) on be aligned three contacts 106.During print cartridge 30 is installed into box installation portion 110, IC plates 74 and three Contact (see Fig. 6) contacts and electrically connects.When complete print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110 when, IC plates 74 still with three contacts 106 contacts and electrical connection.

Referring to figs. 2 and 3 IC plates 74 include IC (not shown) and electrical interface, such as thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and letter Number electrode 77.IC is the data of the information of semiconductor integrated circuit and storage on print cartridge 30, such as lot number of print cartridge 30, print cartridge Black color stored in 30 build date, print cartridge 30 etc..When print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110, store in IC In data can be read by printer 10.

Each of thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 are electrically connected with IC.Thermode 75, earth electrode 76 Extend on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 with each of signal electrode 77.Thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electricity Pole 77 is aligned with each other and spaced apart on width (left and right directions) 51.Earth electrode 76 is located at thermode 75 and signal electrode Between 77.The rib 88 that IC plates 74 have the width on width (left and right directions) 51, the first protuberance 85 has in width Width on direction (left and right directions) 51, and IC plates 74 width more than rib 88 width.Thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and letter Each of number electrode 77 has the width on width (left and right directions) 51, and thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and letter Width of the width of each of number electrode 77 more than rib 88.Center and of the IC plates 74 on width (left and right directions) 51 The rib 88 of one protuberance 85 is centrally located in a plane on width (left and right directions) 51, the plane and short transverse (above-below direction) 52 is parallel with depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.Therefore, IC plates 74 and rib 88 and and short transverse (upper and lower To) 52 and the parallel level-crossing of depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.In other words, IC plates 74 and rib 88 are in width (left and right Direction) on 51 without departing from.More specifically, the center at center and rib 88 of the earth electrode 76 on width (left and right directions) 51 In the plane parallel with depth direction (above-below direction) 52 and depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.In other words, earth electrode The center at 76 center and rib 88 on width (left and right directions) 51 on width (left and right directions) 51 without departing from.Cause This, earth electrode 76 and rib 88 with and short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and the parallel plane of depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 hand over Fork.In other words, earth electrode 76 and rib 88 on width (left and right directions) 51 without departing from.Thermode 75, earth electrode 76, Signal electrode 77 and rib 88 are for the plane parallel with short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 It is arranged symmetrically.Composition surface 46, IC plates 74 and groove 87 and and short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and depth direction (front and back To) 53 parallel level-crossings.In other words, composition surface 46, IC plates 74 and groove 87 are on width (left and right directions) 51 Without departing from.More specifically, composition surface 46, earth electrode 76 and groove 87 and and short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and depth side To the parallel level-crossing of (fore-and-aft direction) 53, composition surface 46, thermode 75 and groove 87 with and short transverse (upper and lower To) 52 and the parallel another level-crossing of depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53, composition surface 46, thermode 75 and groove 87 with and Short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and the parallel another surface crosswise of depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.In other words, thermode 75, Earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 each, composition surface 46 and groove 87 it is not inclined on width (left and right directions) 51 From.During print cartridge 30 is installed into box installation portion 110, thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 respectively with three Contact 106 (see Fig. 6) contacts and electrically connects.When completing for print cartridge 30 to be installed to box installation portion 110, thermode 75, ground connection electricity Pole 76 and signal electrode 77 are still contacted and electrically connected with three contacts 106 respectively.

Composition surface 46, IC plates 74 and groove 87 upwardly exposed for short transverse 52 are arrived in the side of roof 39 of print cartridge 30 The outside of print cartridge 30.Thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 are upwardly exposed to print cartridge at the upper surface of IC plates 74 30 outside so that when print cartridge 30 is in installation site, thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 can connect from top Enter.In other words, thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 with width (left and right directions) 51 and insertion/remove Vertical in downward direction the going up in direction 50 can be accessed.Composition surface 46 can be accessed when print cartridge 30 is in installation site from top. In other words, can be in the in downward direction upper access table of joint vertical with width (left and right directions) 51 and insertion/dismounting direction 50 Face 46.

The pair of rib of guide portion 65 is upward and extends beyond IC plates 74 to the front of direction of insertion 56.In other words, draw The pair of rib for leading portion 65 extends outwardly beyond IC plates 74.Bracket 90 is included the oblique of the pair of rib connection of guide portion 65 Slope 49.Slope 49 is located between the groove 87 of the first protuberance 85 and rear wall 42 and between IC plates 74 and antetheca 40.Slope 49 Between the groove 87 and IC plates 74 of the first protuberance 85.Slope 49 is inserted into downward-sloping for direction 56 so that slope 49 front portion position compared with the rear portion on slope 49 is relatively low.Neutralized from box installation portion 110 when print cartridge 30 is inserted into box installation portion 110 During dismounting, engagement member 145 is slided on slope 49.

Form recessed between junction surface 45 and bracket 90, at junction surface 45 and the boundary of bracket 90 and on the top of print cartridge 30 Portion 78.It is as described below when main body 31 and bracket 90 are respectively relative to box installation portion 110 to be positioned, in the both sides of recess 78, engagement There is no difference in height in short transverse (above-below direction) 52 between portion 45 and bracket 90.Therefore, installed when print cartridge 30 is inserted into box Portion 110 neutralize from box installation portion 110 remove when, engagement member 145 does not block in the recess 78.

In this embodiment, the covering of the bracket 90 preceding surface of main body 31, the anterior side of side wall 37 of main body 31, main body 31 The anterior side of bottom wall 41 of the anterior side of side wall 38, the anterior side of roof 39 of main body 31 and main body 31.However, bracket 90 can not The front portion of main body 31 is covered together.With reference to Figure 10 A and Figure 10 B, in an alternate embodiment, before bracket 90 can not cover main body 31 The side of side wall 37 in portion.With reference to Figure 11 A and Figure 11 B, in another variant embodiment, bracket 90 can not cover the anterior of main body 31 The side of bottom wall 41.

[ink-feeding device 100]

With reference to Fig. 1, printer 10 includes ink-feeding device 100.Ink-feeding device 100 is configured to supply ink to printhead 21.Ink-feeding device 100 includes that print cartridge 30 is mountable to box installation portion 110 thereon.In Fig. 1, print cartridge 30 is installed to box peace Dress portion 110.

[box installation portion 110]

With reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, box installation portion 110 includes housing 101, and housing 101 has and is formed through the one of housing 101 The opening 112 on individual surface.Print cartridge 30 is configured to be neutralized via the insertion housing 101 of opening 112 and is removed from housing 101.Housing 101 With the groove 109 being formed in the top surface of the upper end of the inner space for limiting housing 101, also with being formed in restriction housing Groove 109 in the basal surface of the lower end of 101 inner space.Groove 109 extends in insertion/dismounting on direction 50.In guiding Portion 65 is inserted into the groove 109 being formed in the top surface of housing 101 and guide portion 66 is inserted into the bottom for being formed in housing 101 In the state of in groove 109 in surface, print cartridge 30 is guided in insertion/dismounting on direction 50.Housing 101 is configured to receive Four print cartridges 30 of cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink and black ink are stored respectively.

Housing 101 is included in three demarcation strips 102 extended on vertical direction and insertion/dismounting direction 50.Three separations The inner space of housing 101 is divided into four spaces by plate 102.Four print cartridges 30 are configured to be respectively installed in four spaces In.

With reference to Fig. 6, housing 101 is included in end surfaces opposite with opening 112 on insertion/dismounting direction 50.Box installation portion 110 include being arranged on connecting portions 103 at the bottom of the end surfaces of housing 101, in the print cartridge 30 for being installed to housing 101 The corresponding position of ink supply 34.In this embodiment, four connecting portions are set to may be mounted to four print cartridges 30 of housing 101 103。

Connecting portion 103 includes the printing-fluid supply pipe and maintaining part 121 of for example black pipe 122.Black pipe 122 is by synthesizing The cylindrical pipe that resin is made.Black pipe 122 is connected in the outside of housing 101 with black pipe 20.The black pipe 20 being connected with black pipe 122 prolongs Printhead 21 is reached to supply ink to printhead 21.In fig. 5 and fig., black pipe 20 is not shown.

Maintaining part 121 has drum.Black pipe 122 is located at the center of maintaining part 121.With reference to Fig. 9, when print cartridge 30 is pacified When being attached to box installation portion 110, ink supply 34 is inserted into maintaining part 121.When this happens, by the outer of ink supply 34 Surface contacts with the inner surface of maintaining part 121, and ink supply 34 is for maintaining part 121 is with regard to short transverse (above-below direction) 52 Positioning.When ink supply 34 is inserted into maintaining part 121, black pipe 122 is inserted into ink supply opening 71.This allows to be stored in ink chamber Ink in 36 is exited into black pipe 122.

With reference to Fig. 6, box installation portion 110 includes sensor unit 104 in the top of connecting portion 103.Sensor unit 104 includes Plate 113 and the optical pickocff 114 for being installed to plate 113.More specifically, sensor unit 104 includes a plate 113 and is installed to Four optical pickocffs 114 on one plate 113, it is corresponding with four print cartridges 30 that may be mounted to housing 101.

As described above, optical transmitting set and such as photistor of the optical pickocff 114 including such as light emitting diode Optical receiver.Optical transmitting set and optical receiver are accommodated in shell, and the shell is being inserted/removed on direction 50 from plate 113 Extend towards opening 112.Shell has U-shape when viewed from the top.The optical transmitting set and optical receiver of optical pickocff 114 with The state for forming space therebetween is right in the horizontal direction (width or left and right directions 51) vertical with insertion/dismounting direction 50 It is accurate.Optical transmitting set is configured in the horizontal direction (width or left and right directions 51) vertical with insertion/dismounting direction 50 It is configured to receive the light from optical transmitting set transmitting towards optical receiver launching light, such as infrared light or visible ray, and optical receiver. Test section 33 and test section 89 can be inserted into the space between optical transmitting set and optical receiver.Optical pickocff 114 is by structure Cause to be detected when test section 33 or test section 89 enter light path (test point) being formed between optical transmitting set and optical receiver The change of light quantity (intensity).Optical pickocff 114 is electrically connected with the controller (describing below) of printer 10, works as optical pickocff 114 when detecting test section 33 or test section 89, and the signal exported to controller from optical pickocff 114 changes.

With reference to Fig. 6, print cartridge installation portion 110 includes being located at the top surface of housing 101, the end surfaces of neighbouring housing 101 Sensor unit 105.Sensor unit 105 includes plate 115 and is installed to the optical pickocff 116 of plate 115.More specifically, passing Sensor cell 105 includes plate 115 and is installed to the four of plate 115 optical pickocffs 116, its with may be mounted to housing 101 four correspondences of print cartridge 30.

As described above, optical transmitting set and such as photistor of the optical pickocff 116 including such as light emitting diode Optical receiver.Optical transmitting set and optical receiver are accommodated in shell, and the shell is from the in the vertical direction of plate 115 to downward Stretch.When from insertion/dismounting direction 50, shell has substantially inverted U-shaped.

The optical transmitting set and optical receiver of optical pickocff 116 formed therebetween in the state of space with insertion/remove It is aligned in the vertical horizontal direction in direction 50 (width or left and right directions 51).Optical transmitting set be configured to insert/tear open Except in the vertical horizontal direction in direction 50 (width or left and right directions 51) towards optical receiver launching light, such as infrared light or can See light, and optical receiver is configured to receive the light from optical transmitting set transmitting.When print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110, The rib 88 of the first protuberance 85 is inserted into the space between optical transmitting set and optical receiver.Optical pickocff 116 is configured to The change of detection light quantity (intensity) when rib 88 enters light path (test point) being formed between optical transmitting set and optical receiver.Light The controller that sensor 116 is electrically connected to printer 10 is learned, and when optical pickocff 116 detects rib 88, from optics The output of sensor 116 changes to the signal of controller.Based on the signal change, by controller can determine print cartridge 30 whether by It is installed to box installation portion 110.In other words, rib 88 is configured to be provided on print cartridge by the light of optical pickocff 116 of decaying 30 are present in the information in box installation portion 110.

Box installation portion 110 is including at the top surface of housing 101, between the end surfaces of housing 101 and opening 112 Electric contact 106.Contact 106 is set on the direction (width or left and right directions 51) vertical with insertion/dismounting direction 50 And alignment.Three contacts 106 are disposed in and the thermode 75 of print cartridge 30, earth electrode 76 and the corresponding position of signal electrode 77 Place.Contact 106 is conductive and elasticity.Contact 106 is configured to elastic deformation in an upward direction.Four groups three are set to touch Point 106, it is corresponding with four print cartridges 30 that may be mounted to housing 101.

Printer 10 includes controller, and contact 106 is electrically connected with the controller via circuit.Controller may include CPU, ROM, RAM etc..When the contact corresponding with contact 106 of thermode 75 and electrical connection, voltage Vc is applied to thermode 75. When the contact corresponding with contact 106 of earth electrode 76 and electrical connection, earth electrode 76 is grounded.When thermode 75 and connecing When ground electrode 76 is contacted and electrically connected with corresponding contact 106 respectively, electric power is supplied to IC.When signal electrode 77 and contact 106 The contact of correspondence one and when electrically connecting, the data stored in IC can be accessed.Output from electronic circuit is imported into control Device processed.

With reference to Fig. 1, housing 101 has the space 130 being formed at the lower end of the end surfaces of housing 101.Box installation portion 110 Including the slider 135 being arranged in space 130.Four sliders 135 are by corresponding with four print cartridges 30 that may be mounted to box 101 Ground is set.Space 130 is continuous with the inner space of housing 101.Slider 135 is configured in space 130 in insertion/dismounting Moved on direction 50.Slider 135 has approximately parallelepiped body shape.Slider 135 is located at the second protuberance 86 of print cartridge 30 In course, and it is configured to be contacted with the second protuberance 86.

Box installation portion 110 includes the helical spring 139 being arranged in space 130.Helical spring 139 is configured to slide Device 135 is biased towards opening 112, i.e. on direction 55 is removed.When helical spring 139 is in natural length, i.e., when no external force When being applied to slider 135, slider 135 is located at the side of opening 112 in space 130.When print cartridge 30 is inserted into housing 101, Second protuberance 86 of print cartridge 30 contacts with slider 135 and slider 135 is pushed in direction of insertion 56.Work as such case During generation, helical spring 139 is shunk and slider 135 is slided in direction of insertion 56.Helical spring 139 in contraction state Print cartridge 30 is biased on direction 55 is removed via slider 135.

Box installation portion 110 includes optical pickocff 117 at the top in space 130.Four optical pickocffs 117 with can pacify Four print cartridges 30 for being attached to housing 101 are arranged in correspondence with.In other words, four optical pickocffs 117 are corresponding with four sliders 135 Ground is set.Four optical pickocffs 117 are on the direction (width or left and right directions 51) vertical with insertion/dismounting direction 50 Alignment.Optical pickocff 117 has and the identical structure of optical pickocff 116.

When print cartridge 30 is mounted to 101, slider 135 is pushed and inserts the light transmitting of optical pickocff 117 In space between device and optical receiver.Optical pickocff 117 is configured to be formed in optical pickocff when slider 135 enters The change of detection light quantity (intensity) during light path (test point) between 117 optical transmitting set and optical receiver.Optical pickocff 117 Controller with printer 10 is electrically connected, and when optical pickocff 117 detects slider 135, from optical pickocff 117 The signal for exporting controller changes.In Fig. 6 to Fig. 9, not shown slider 135, helical spring 139 and optical pickocff 117。

In box installation portion 110, the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 114 is positioned in and compares optics in direction of insertion 56 The test point (light path) of sensor 116 and the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 117 are backward.

With reference to Fig. 6, box installation portion 110 includes bar 125 at the end surfaces of housing 101.Bar 125 is (upper and lower with regard to short transverse Direction) position for 52 and the print cartridge 30 for being installed to box installation portion 110 air communication valve 73 with regard to short transverse (upper and lower To) position correspondence for 52.Four bars 125 are arranged in correspondence with four print cartridges 30 that may be mounted to housing 101.Bar 125 Extend towards opening 112 on direction 50 in insertion/dismounting with cylindric and from housing 101 end surfaces.Installed by print cartridge 30 During box installation portion 110, bar 125 is inserted by the opening 96 via bracket 90, and bar 125 end and air communication valve 73 Contact.Air communication valve 73 is pushed by bar 125 so that air communication mouthful 32 is opened.The outer surface of bar 125 and the limit of bracket 90 Surely the inner surface 98 of opening 96 is contacted, so that bracket 90 is for box installation portion 110 is with regard to short transverse (above-below direction) 52 Positioning.

With reference to Fig. 6, box installation portion 110 includes the engagement member 145 positioned at the top of housing 101.Engagement member 145 is by structure Cause to be retained in print cartridge 30 in installation site.The upper end for being positioned adjacent to opening 112 of engagement member 145.Engagement member 145 Between opening 112 and contact 106.Each of contact 106 and engagement member 145 and a level-crossing, the plane and insertion/ Remove direction 50 parallel with vertical (gravity) direction.In other words, each of contact 106 and engagement member 145 are in width On (left and right directions) 51 without departing from.Four engagement members 145 are accordingly set with four print cartridges 30 that may be mounted to housing 101 Put.

Box installation portion 110 includes being adjacent to the axle 147 of the upper end positioning of opening 112.Axle 147 be attached to housing 101 and Extend on the direction (width or left and right directions 51) vertical with insertion/dismounting direction 50.Axle 147 passes through engagement member The rear end being inserted into for direction 56 of 145 end neighbouring with opening 112, in other words engagement member 145 extends.Engagement structure Part 145 is supported by axle 147 so that engagement member 145 towards the inner space of housing 101 and can optionally leave around axle 147 The inner space of housing 101 pivots.Engagement member 145 includes opposite with the end that the axle 147 of engagement member 145 is extended through Abutting end 146.In other words, abutting end 146 is located at the front end being inserted into for direction 56 of engagement member 145.Engagement member 146 are configured to be contacted with the junction surface 45 of print cartridge 30.By connecing between the composition surface 46 at abutting end 146 and junction surface 45 Touch, print cartridge 30 is resisted the biasing force from slider 135 and is retained in the installation site in housing 101.When abutting end 146 When being contacted with composition surface 46, abutting end 146 is substantially on width (left and right directions) 51 and short transverse (above-below direction) Extend on 52.Engagement member 145 is configured to move between locked and unlocked positions.When engagement member 145 is in lock When positioning is put, abutting end 146 can be contacted with junction surface 45.When engagement member 145 is in the unlocked position, abutting end 146 is not Contacted with junction surface 45.

Engagement member 145 includes the slidingsurface 148 extended towards axle 147 from abutting end 146.When abutting end 146 with engage When surface 46 contacts, slidingsurface 148 substantially prolongs on width (left and right directions) 51 and depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 Stretch.Slidingsurface 148 has the width on width (fore-and-aft direction) 51 so that when print cartridge 30 is inserted into box installation portion 110 and from box installation portion 110 remove when, slidingsurface 148 all with thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 simultaneously Contact and slide on.

Engagement member 145 is configured to be pivoted downwards because it is conducted oneself with dignity or is biased by spring (not shown).Work as print cartridge 30 when being installed to box installation portion 110, and the abutting end 146 contacted with junction surface 45 is located on the leading section 81 of pivot member 80 Side.When current end 81 is moved up and presses upwards on abutting end 146, engagement member 145 is around axle 147 from the upward pivot of latched position Go to unlocked position.The mobile range of engagement member 145 is limited so that engagement member 145 is not pivoted downwards beyond locking Position.

[print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110]

With reference to Fig. 7 to Fig. 9, how description print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110.In Fig. 7 to Fig. 9, box installation portion 110 are shown in section, but the sidepiece of roof 39 of only print cartridge 30 is shown in section.

As described above, because bracket 90 is supported from below by the anterior upper surface of main body 31, being installed in print cartridge 30 Before box installation portion 110, bracket 90 can be moved in an upward direction relative to main body 31.With reference to Fig. 7, when print cartridge 30 is by insertion When on direction 56 in insertion box installation portion 110, the guide portion 65,66 of print cartridge 30 is inserted into the groove 109 of housing 101, so that Print cartridge 30 by relative to box installation portion 110 with regard to width (left and right directions) 51 and short transverse (above-below direction) 52 for it is rough Ground positioning.The end surfaces that print cartridge 30 is configured to towards housing 101 while guide portion 65,66 is inserted into groove 109 are slided.

With reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, when print cartridge 30 is inserted into housing 101, the front end of the first protuberance 85 and engagement member 145 slidingsurface 148 is contacted.When print cartridge 30 is further inserted into, slidingsurface 148 crawls into the first protuberance 85 and tiltedly On slope 49.When this happens, engagement member 145 is to pivot upwardly to solution from latched position in the counter clockwise direction of Fig. 7 Lock position.When print cartridge 30 is further inserted into, the slidingsurface 148 of engagement member 145 is slided on slope 49 and IC plates 74 And pass through on recess 78.When slidingsurface 148 is slided on thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77, dust Wiped from thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77.

With reference to Fig. 1, when print cartridge 30 is inserted into housing 101, the second protuberance 86 is contacted with slider 135.When print cartridge 30 When being further inserted into, slider 135 is resisted the biasing force from helical spring 139 and is pushed into direction of insertion 56 The test point (light path) of optical pickocff 117.When optical pickocff 117 detects slider 135, from optical pickocff 117 The signal for exporting controller changes over low voltage signal from high level signal.

With reference to Fig. 8, after the second protuberance 86 starts to push slider 135, test section 89 enters optical pickocff 114 Test point (light path).When optical pickocff 114 detects test section 89, exported to controller from optical pickocff 114 Signal changes over low level signal from high level signal.

With reference to Fig. 8, after the test point (light path) that test section 89 enters optical pickocff 114, the first protuberance 85 Rib 88 enters the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 116.When optical pickocff 116 detects rib 88, from optical pickocff 116 outputs change into low level signal to the signal of controller from high level signal.Pass through optical pickocff 114 in test section 89 Test point (light path) after, the test point (light that gap between test section 89 and test section 33 passes through optical pickocff 114 Road).When this happens, exported to the signal of controller from optical pickocff 114 and change over electricity high from low level signal Ordinary mail number.Then, when test section 33 enters test point (light path) of optical pickocff 114, if sensor arm 60 is in low Position, then change over low level signal from the signal that optical pickocff 114 is exported to controller from high level signal.

If in a type of print cartridge 30, test section 89 is more long on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53, when rib 88 When initially entering test point (light path) of optical pickocff 116, test point (light of the test section 89 still in optical pickocff 114 Road), therefore when the signal exported from optical pickocff 116 changes over low level signal from high level signal, from optical sensing The signal of the output of device 114 is low level signal.If in another type of print cartridge 30, test section 89 is (preceding in depth direction Rear direction) it is shorter on 53, when rib 88 initially enters test point (light path) of optical pickocff 116, test section 89 is no longer in light In the test point (light path) of sensor 114, therefore, changed over from high level in the signal exported from optical pickocff 116 low During level signal, the signal from the output of optical pickocff 114 is high level signal.In other words, rib 88 and test section 89 are constructed Into the information that the type on print cartridge 30 is provided by the light of decay optical pickocff 116 and optical pickocff 114.

If in a type of print cartridge 30, the second protuberance 86 is more long on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53, when When rib 88 initially enters test point (light path) of optical pickocff 116, slider 135 is in the detection of optical pickocff 117 In point (light path), therefore, when the signal exported from optical pickocff 116 changes to low level signal from high level signal, from The signal of the output of optical pickocff 117 is low level signal.If in another type of print cartridge 30, the second protuberance 86 is in depth It is shorter on degree direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53, when rib 88 initially enters test point (light path) of optical pickocff 116, slider 135 are not yet in the test point of optical pickocff 117 (light path), therefore in the signal exported from optical pickocff 116 from height It is high level signal that level signal changes to signal during low level signal from the output of optical pickocff 117.In other words, the He of rib 88 Second protuberance 86 is configured to be provided on print cartridge 30 by the light of decay optical pickocff 116 and optical pickocff 117 Type information.

With reference to Fig. 8, during print cartridge 30 is inserted into housing 101, the ink supply 34 of print cartridge 30 is inserted into maintaining part 121 and ink Pipe 122 is inserted into ink supply opening 71.When this happens, the outer surface by ink supply 34 and the interior table of maintaining part 121 Face is contacted, and ink supply 34 is positioned for maintaining part 121 is with regard to short transverse (above-below direction) 52, i.e., main body 31 is relative to box Installation portion 110 is positioned for short transverse (above-below direction) 52.Ink supply valve 70 is pushed by black pipe 122 so that ink supply opening 71 It is opened.There is black pipe 122 ink for being formed at its end to introduce opening, and ink of the storage in ink chamber 36 is introduced via ink and be open Black pipe 122 is flowed into direction of insertion 56.

With reference to Fig. 8, during print cartridge 30 is inserted into housing 101, bar 125 enters the opening 96 of bracket 90.Bracket 90 is relative Can be moved in an upward direction in main body 31.When bar 125 enters opening 96, top and the bracket 90 of the outer surface of bar 125 The upper contact of the restriction opening 96 of inner surface 98, and press upwards on bracket 90 so that bracket 90 is in main body 31 upward Upward sliding.Bracket 90 can not in a downward direction be moved relative to box installation portion 110, because the top of the outer surface of bar 125 With the upper contact for limiting opening 96 from below of the inner surface 98 of bracket 90.With reference to Fig. 9, bar 125 connects with air communication valve 73 Touch and forces air communicating valve 73.Air communication valve 73 is moved away from air communication opening 32 so that air connects via air Open up mouth 32 flow into ink chamber 36 in.

Meanwhile, with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, contact 106 contacts with the slope 49 of bracket 90.Because when contact 106 towards print cartridge 30 Slope 49 is inclined upwardly when rear wall 42 is moved, and because the limit of the inner surface 98 on the top and bracket 90 of the outer surface of bar 125 Surely bracket 90 can not be moved in a downward direction in the state of the lower contacts of opening 96, so when contact 106 is in the He of slope 49 The elastic deformation in an upward direction of contact 106 when sliding on IC plates 74.The contact 106 of elastic deformation biases IC plates in a downward direction 74.When contact 106 reaches IC plates 74, bracket 90, bracket 90 are clipped by contact 106 and bar 125 from above and below respectively Positioned for box installation portion 110 is with regard to short transverse (above-below direction) 52.

When print cartridge 30 by further towards housing 101 end surfaces insert when, with reference to Fig. 9, contact 106 respectively with IC plates 74 Thermode 75, earth electrode 76, signal electrode 77 are contacted and electrically connected.When print cartridge 30 is when being installed to up to installation site, thermoelectricity Pole 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 are still contacted and electrically connected with three contacts 106 respectively.

When print cartridge 30 reaches installation site, the composition surface 46 at the junction surface 45 of print cartridge 30 leads in direction of insertion 56 Cross the abutting end 146 of engagement member 145.Engagement member 145 in fig .9 be pivoted to latched position clockwise, engagement End 146 contacts with composition surface 46.Due to the contact between engagement member 145 and junction surface 45, the resistance of print cartridge 30 comes from spiral shell Revolve the biasing force of spring 139 and be retained in installation site.In other words, print cartridge 30 is inserted into/tears open relative to box installation portion 110 Except positioning for direction 50.In this way, print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110 by completion.

When print cartridge 30 is in the installation site in box installation portion 110, main body 31 is inserted into maintaining part 121 in ink supply 34 And black pipe 122 is inserted into positioning in the state of ink supply opening 71, and bracket 90 is clipped and be positioned at by contact 106 and bar 125 Position between the end of its mobile range.

When print cartridge 30 is in the installation site in box installation portion 110, the leading section 81 of pivot member 80 is located at engagement structure The lower section of abutting end 146 of part 145.The rearward end 82 of pivot member 80 is left the ground of roof 39 positioning.

Based on the level of the output signal from optical pickocff 116, determine whether print cartridge 30 is mounted by controller To box installation portion 110.In other words, rib 88 is configured to be provided by the light of optical pickocff 116 of decaying and is deposited on print cartridge 30 It is the information in box installation portion 110.Level based on the output signal from optical pickocff 114 and based on from optics The signal output of sensor 116 from high level signal change over low level signal when the output signal from optical pickocff 117 Level, the type of print cartridge 30 is determined by controller.In other words, rib 88 and the protuberance 86 of test section 89 or second are configured to The type on print cartridge 30 is provided by the light of decay optical pickocff 116 and optical pickocff 114 or optical pickocff 117 Information.By periodically checking the level of the output signal from optical pickocff 114, ink chamber 36 is determined by controller The ink amount of middle storage, that is, determine whether ink chamber 36 has the ink for being stored in scheduled volume therein or more.In other words, test section 33 It is configured to be indicated by the light of decay or unattenuated optical pickocff 114 in ink chamber 36 presence or absence of ink.Based on from Such as the data that IC plates 74 read, determine the information of print cartridge 30, in the lot number of print cartridge 30, the date of manufacture of print cartridge 30, print cartridge 30 Black color of storage etc..

In another embodiment, be installed to the initial position before box installation portion 110 in print cartridge 30, bracket 90 relative to Main body 31 may move in a downward direction.In this case, bracket 90 passes through the end 93,94 of bracket 90 and inclining for main body 31 Stiction support between oblique inner surface 47,48.In print cartridge 30 is inserted into housing 101 and bar 125 is inserted into bracket 90 When in opening 96, the outer surface of bar 125 can not initially contact the inner surface 98 of the restriction opening 96 of bracket 90.When the quilt of print cartridge 30 When being further inserted into, contact 106 contacts with slope 49 and IC plates 74 and pushes down on bracket 90 so that the outer surface of bar 125 The upper contact of the restriction opening 96 of the inner surface 98 of top and bracket 90.When contact 106 reaches IC plates 74, by contact 106 and bar 125 clip bracket 90 from above and below respectively, bracket 90 is relative to box installation portion 110 with regard to short transverse (upper and lower To) position for 52.

Here it is described in more detail in and the timetable of event occurs during print cartridge 30 is inserted into box installation portion 110.When slotting When entering to start, the slidingsurface 148 at junction surface 145 starts to be slided on IC plates 74.Then the second protuberance 86 and slider 135 Contact and start to push slider 135.Then test section 89 initially enters the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 114.Then Rib 88 initially enters the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 116.Then bar 125 contacts with air communication valve 73 and starts to push Air communication valve 73.Then contact 106 starts to be contacted with IC plates 74.Then the gap between test section 89 and test section 33 starts Into the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 114.Then black pipe 122 contacts with ink supply valve 70 and starts to push ink supply valve 70. Then test section 33 initially enters the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 114.Then abutting end 146 connects with composition surface 46 Touch.

Print cartridge 30 is installed to after box installation portion 110 in completion, printer 10 starts printing.When what is stored in ink chamber 36 When ink is finished by printer 10, used print cartridge 30 is removed from box installation portion 110, and new print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation Portion 110.

[print cartridge 30 is removed from box installation portion 110]

When being intended to remove print cartridge 30 from box installation portion 110, the rearward end 82 of pivot member 80 is pushed down on by user. Therefore, the leading section 81 of pivot member 80 moves up and is separated with roof 39.When this happens, engagement member 145 Pressed upwards on by the leading section 81 of pivot member 80, and the abutting end 146 of engagement member 145 moves to the top of composition surface 46 Position, that is, move to the position for composition surface 46 separate.In this way, engagement member 145 moves to solution lock-bit from latched position Put, and print cartridge 30 is by from the status releasing kept by engagement member 145.

When abutting end 146 is separated with composition surface 46, be applied to the external force of print cartridge 30, such as helical spring 139 it is inclined Pressure makes print cartridge 30 be moved on direction 55 is removed.However, because user finger still with the pressure of pivot member 80 after End 82 contacts, so the print cartridge 30 moved on direction 55 is removed is by user's stop.The biasing force of helical spring 139 via Pivot member 80 is received by the finger of user.

When user makes his/her finger be moved on direction 55 is removed, print cartridge 30 is by slider 135 and spiral bullet Spring 139 is pushed and follows finger to move.When this happens, IC plates 74 on bracket 90 are arranged on by from box installation portion The downward bias pressure releases of 110 contact 106.When print cartridge 30 follows the finger of user to move on direction 55 is removed, connect The slidingsurface 148 for closing component 145 passes through and the slip on IC plates 74 and slope 49 in the top of recess 78.When slidingsurface 148 When being slided on thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77, dust is by electric from thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal Wipe pole 77.After slip on slope 49, slidingsurface 148 passes through in the top of groove 87.When this happens, slided The dust that dynamic surface 148 is wiped is fallen in groove 87.Therefore, dust falls and is adhered to the circular ink supply opening 71 of ink supply 34 Part possibility reduce.

Meanwhile, the outer surface of bar 125 separates with the inner surface 98 of the restriction opening 96 of bracket 90 so that bracket 90 relative to Main body 31 is moved down into initial position, and bracket 90 is by the anterior upper surface support of main body 31 in the initial position.Mo Guan 122 are drawn out ink supply 34.In this way, print cartridge 30 is removed from box installation portion 110.

[advantage]

In this embodiment, because print cartridge 30 includes being configured to by the optical pickocff 114,116 independent with IC plates 74 The test section 89 and rib 88 of detection, even if the electrical connection between IC plates 74 and contact 106 can not set up or data can not be via letter Number electrode 77 reads from IC, can determine that print cartridge 30 is installed to printer based on the information obtained from test section 89 and rib 88 10.Therefore, even if the electrical connection between IC plates 74 and contact 106 can not set up or data can not be read via signal electrode 77 from IC Go out, it is also possible to use print cartridge 30.

In this embodiment, because from optical pickocff 114,116 transmitting light in the direction vertical with direction of insertion 50 Advanced on (width, left and right directions), so test section 89 and rib 88 can be entered in direction of insertion 50 with desired timing Enter the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 114,116.And, because thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 can Be can access on the direction in downward direction with light advanced vertical with direction of insertion 50, even if so thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 accessed in a downward direction by contact 106 so that print cartridge 30 is moved in a downward direction, this movement Test section 89 and rib 88 is not influenceed to enter the timing of the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 114,116 in direction of insertion 56. Because the movement regularly by print cartridge 30 in direction of insertion 56 determines, rather than moving down by print cartridge 30 To determine.As a rule, when there is event on direction perpendicular to one another, such event can be independent event and not Can influence each other.

In this embodiment, because thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 be located at antetheca 40 and rear wall 42 it Between, the biasing force on direction 55 is removed from slider 135 and helical spring 139 is not by thermode 75, earth electrode 76 Directly received with signal electrode 77.Therefore, what excessive loads were applied to thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 can Can property reduction.And, ink leaked from ink supply 34 and thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 by ink pollution can Can property reduction.

If IC plates 74 are arranged at the antetheca 40 of direction of insertion 56, thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and letter Contact potentially unstable number between electrode 77 and contact 106, because print cartridge 30 is by direction 55 is removed, i.e. in thermode 75th, biased on the direction that earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 with contact 106 separate.Therefore, in this case, contact 106 Deformation range and the elasticity of contact 106 will have to be set larger, even if so as to as thermode 75, the and of earth electrode 76 When signal electrode 77 moves away contact 106 by biasing the biasing force of print cartridge 30, it is ensured that thermode 75, the and of earth electrode 76 Contacted between signal electrode 77 and contact 106.However, the moderate finite deformation scope and larger elasticity of contact 106 may be to thermodes 75th, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 apply big biasing force, i.e., excessive load may be applied to thermode 75, ground connection electricity Pole 76 and signal electrode 77.And, if IC plates 74 are arranged at antetheca 40, the ink from the leakage of ink supply 34 may be reached Thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77, and cause short between thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 Road.

In this embodiment, because thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 and junction surface 45 are arranged on The same side of print cartridge 30, the i.e. side of roof 39, thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 are adjacent to the ground of junction surface 45 to be determined Position.Because when junction surface 45 contacts with engagement member 145, junction surface 45 determines to be inserted into/remove print cartridge 30 for direction 50 Relative to the position of box installation portion 110, thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and the energy of signal electrode 77 of the positioning of junction surface 45 are adjacent to Enough it is inserted into/removes to be precisely located relative to contact 106 for direction 50.

In this embodiment, because thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 be positioned to be inserted into direction 56 and Speech than composition surface 46 forward, so each and composition surface 46 of thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 with Corresponding level-crossing, the plane is parallel with short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53, by ink During the insertion box of box 30 installation portion 110, engagement member 145 is slided on thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77.Cause Dust on this thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 is wiped free of, and thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electricity The possibility that electrical connection between pole 77 and contact 106 becomes unstable reduces.

In this embodiment, thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 are located at the composition surface 46 at junction surface 45 At least a portion top.Because engagement member 145 is configured to be pivoted downwards, institute because it is conducted oneself with dignity or is biased by a spring Component 145 can be engaged with the dust on thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 to be wiped with stronger downward force.And And, the mobile range of engagement member 145 is limited so that engagement member 145 is not pivoted downwards and exceeds latched position, if hot Electrode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 are located at the lower section of composition surface 46, then engagement member 145 can not be with thermode 75th, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 are contacted.Thus thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 in table of joint Position above at least a portion in face 46 is conducive to the wiping function of engagement member 145.

In this embodiment, because thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 be positioned to be inserted into direction 56 and Say than ink supply 34 ink supply opening 71 backward, even if being inserted into box installation portion 110 when print cartridge 30 and/or from box installation portion Dust during 110 dismounting on thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 is wiped, and this dust is adhered to ink supply 34 The possibility of part of circular ink supply opening 71 also reduce.Therefore, the possibility that ink is contaminated by dust reduces.

In the embodiment, because recess such as groove 87 is positioned to be inserted into for direction 56 than thermode 75, ground connection electricity Forward, each and groove 87 of thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 are flat with corresponding for pole 76 and signal electrode 77 Face intersects, and the plane is parallel with short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53, thermode 75, ground connection electricity Pole 76 and signal electrode 77 are located at the top of groove 87, fall from the dust of thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 erasing In entering groove 87.Therefore, dust fall and be adhered to ink supply 34 circular ink supply opening 71 part possibility reduce.

In this embodiment, because ink supply 34 is located at antetheca 40 and thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 are located at roof 39, and the ink splashed from ink supply 34 is reached and pollutes thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 Possibility reduces.

In this embodiment, because bracket 90 may move relative to main body 31 in short transverse (above-below direction) 52, support Frame 90 and main body 31 can be independently relative to box installation portion 110 and be positioned for short transverse (above-below direction) 52.Therefore, if Put element (such as IC plates 74, rib 88 and test section 89) and element (such as ink supply being arranged at main body 31 at bracket 90 Portion 34) can be relative to counter element (such as contact 106, optical pickocff 114,116 and being arranged on box installation portion 110 Black pipe 122) it is independently positioned.

Because print cartridge 30 is assembled by multiple element, the dimensional tolerance of each element generally needs to be set small, Design and manufacture and need in each element high accuracy.If the dimensional tolerance of each element is relatively large, the accumulation of print cartridge 30 Scale error is generally larger.In this case, black pipe 122 may be not inserted into ink supply opening 71 and can be with ink supply 34 End is contacted and destroyed, and contact 106 can be contacted with IC plates 74 with high pressure and can be destroyed, conversely, contact 106 can Contacted with IC plates 74, or rib 88 and test section 89 can enter the optical transmitting set and optical receiver of optical pickocff 114,116 Between.However, in this embodiment, because bracket 90 is removable relative to main body 31, bracket 90 and main body 31 being capable of phases It is independently positioned for box installation portion 110, in the case of the medium size tolerance of element, is arranged on the element example at bracket 90 Such as IC plates 74, rib 88 and test section 89 and the element such as ink supply 34 that is arranged at main body 31, can be relative to being arranged on Counter element such as contact 106, optical pickocff 114,116 and black pipe 122 on box installation portion 110 are independently positioned.

In this embodiment, because the width of each of thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 is more than rib 88 width, in other words, each the width of the width less than thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 of rib 88, Rib 88 is suitable to non-contactly be detected by optics sensor 116, and thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 are suitable to and contact 106 physical contacts.

In another embodiment, the second protuberance 86 may include the rib similar with the rib 88 of the first protuberance 85, and light Learn the rib that sensor 117 is configurable to the second protuberance of direct detection 86.

In another embodiment, in addition to elongated openings 91,92 or test section 33 and supporting part 79, can be by known Structure, the guiding groove being for example formed in main body 31 or bracket 90 determine bracket 90 relative to the scope that main body 31 is moved.And And, in addition to inclined inner surface 47,48, the movement of bracket 90 can be guided by known structure, such as by being formed in main body 31 or bracket 90 at guide rail guiding.

In another embodiment, bracket 90 restriction opening 96 inner surface 98 can not be contacted with the outer surface of bar 125 with Bracket 90 is set to be moved relative to main body 31.In this case, bracket 90 top surface or bottom surface may include with insertion/ The surface that the side of the intersection of direction 50 upwardly extends is removed, and when print cartridge 30 is inserted into box installation portion 110, surface can be with setting Protuberance in print cartridge installation portion 110 is contacted and slid on so that bracket 90 is moved relative to main body 31.

In another embodiment, box installation portion 110 may not include slider 135, helical spring 139 and optical pickocff 117.In this case, the spring that print cartridge 30 can be coupled with ink supply valve 70 and/or air communication valve 73 is removing direction 55 Upper bias.

In another embodiment, IC can be not set and set thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode thereon On 77 same plate.For example, IC may be disposed at rear wall 42 or neighbouring rear wall 42, and can be connected by electrical wiring to and be arranged on Thermode 75, earth electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 at roof 39 or adjacent to roof 39.

In another embodiment, print cartridge 30 may not include bracket 90, and test section 89, rib 88 and IC plates 74 may be disposed at In main body 31.

Although invention has been described for combined different example arrangements and illustrative embodiment, this area Technical staff is appreciated that other variants that can make said structure and embodiment in the case without departing from the scope of the present invention And modification.By considering specification of the invention disclosed herein or practice, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other structures and Embodiment.The example for being intended to specification and description is merely illustrative that the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. a kind of printing-fluid box (30), the printing-fluid box is configured to resistance in the dismounting opposite with direction of insertion (56) Biasing force on direction (55) and be inserted into box installation portion in the direction of insertion (56) vertical with gravity direction,

The printing-fluid box (30) includes：

Preceding surface, when the printing-fluid box (30) is inserted into the box installation portion, the preceding surface is towards the insertion Direction (56) is orientated；

Surface afterwards, the position on the rear surface is opposite with the preceding surface for the direction of insertion (56)；

At least one electrical interface (75,76,77), at least one electrical interface be located at the preceding surface and the rear surface it Between, and at least one electrical interface is configured to be electrically connected at least one contact of the box installation portion；With

Composition surface (46), the composition surface is configured to be contacted with the engagement member of the box installation portion so that resistance institute State biasing force and the printing-fluid box (30) be retained in the box installation portion,

Wherein described at least one electrical interface (75,76,77) and the composition surface (46) hang down with the direction of insertion (56) The outside of the printing-fluid box (30), at least one electrical interface (75,76,77) are exposed on straight assigned direction (52) Be positioned to for the direction of insertion (56) than the composition surface (46) more forward, and at least one electrical interface (75,76,77) and the composition surface (46) and a level-crossing, the plane and the direction of insertion (56) and described specify Direction (52) is parallel；And

Wherein described printing-fluid box (30) is configured to be inserted into stand up position in the box installation portion, when the printing When fluid box (30) is in the stand up position, at least one electrical interface (75,76,77) towards with the gravity direction phase Anti- direction, and at least one electrical interface (75,76,77) and the composition surface (46) are upwardly exposed to the printing The outside of fluid box (30).

2. printing-fluid box (30) according to claim 1, wherein at least one electrical interface (75,76,77) extends The level-crossing that extends with the composition surface (46) of plane.

3. printing-fluid box (30) according to claim 1, wherein at least one electrical interface (75,76,77) is positioned Achieve for the direction of insertion (56) than the preceding surface more backward.

4. printing-fluid box (30) according to claim 1, further includes：

Room (36), the room is located between the preceding surface and the rear surface, and the room is configured in the chamber Storage printing-fluid；With

Printing-fluid supply department (34), the printing-fluid supply department is located at the preceding surface, and the printing-fluid is supplied Answering portion includes printing-fluid supply opening (71), wherein the printing-fluid supply department (34) is configured to the printing-fluid The outside of the room (36) is fed to via printing-fluid supply opening (71) from the inside of the room (36).

5. printing-fluid box (30) according to claim 4, wherein at least one electrical interface (75,76,77) is positioned Achieve for the direction of insertion (56) than printing-fluid supply opening (71) more backward.

6. printing-fluid box (30) according to claim 1, wherein at least one electrical interface (75,76,77) is located at At least one of top of the composition surface (46).

7. printing-fluid box (30) according to claim 6, further includes recess (87), when the printing-fluid box (30) when in the stand up position, the recess is open upwards, wherein the recess (87) is positioned to regard to the direction of insertion (56) for than at least one electrical interface (75,76,77) more forward, and the recess (87) and the electrical interface (75, 76,77) and the level-crossing parallel with the direction of insertion (56) and the assigned direction (52), wherein when the printing When fluid box (30) is in the stand up position, at least one electrical interface (75,76,77) is positioned at the upper of the recess (87) Side.

8. printing-fluid box (30) according to claim 7, wherein the recess (87) is groove (87), and just with institute The both sides for stating the groove (87) for direction of insertion (56) and the vertical other direction (51) of the assigned direction (52) are sealed Close.

9. a kind of printing device (10), including：

Printing-fluid box (30) according to claim 1；With

Box installation portion (110), the printing-fluid box (30) is inserted into the box installation portion, box installation portion (110) bag Include：

At least one contact (106), at least one contact be configured to be electrically connected at least one electrical interface (75, 76,77)；With

Engagement member (145), the engagement member is configured to and at least one electrical interface (75,76,77) and described connects Close surface (46) to selective contact with, wherein when the engagement member (145) is contacted with the composition surface (46), resisting institute State biasing force and the printing-fluid box (30) is retained in the box installation portion (110).

10. printing device (10) according to claim 9, wherein the engagement member (145) is configured in locking bit Put and moved and unlocked position between, wherein when the engagement member (145) is in the latched position, the engagement member (145) contacted with the composition surface (46), and when the engagement member (145) is in the unlocked position, it is described to connect Component (145) is closed to be contacted with least one electrical interface (75,76,77).

11. printing devices (10) according to claim 10, wherein the engagement member (145) is including first surface (146) and second surface (148), the first surface (146) is configured to be contacted with the composition surface (46), and described second Surface (148) is configured to be contacted with least one electrical interface (75,76,77).

12. printing devices (10) according to claim 11, wherein the engagement member (145) is configured to around axle (147) pivot.

13. printing devices (10) according to claim 9, wherein at least one electrical interface (75,76,77) is including more Individual electrical interface (75,76,77), and the engagement member be configured to and the multiple electrical interface (75,76,77) contact.