CN107878030A - Fluid cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

Fluid cartridge includes：Liquid supply port；First wall；Second wall；3rd wall；Prism, there is illuminated surface, be configured to receive the light of the light emission part transmitting included from box installation portion, change the state of received light in response to the liquid level of the liquid stored, liquid supply port is located at the lower section of the 3rd wall in a downward direction；Illuminated surface is located at the top of the 3rd wall in an upward direction, and illuminated surface is between the first and second walls.The construction can reduce the risk being attached in the black spilling to prism of liquid supply port.Correspondingly, by launching from light emission part towards the light on illuminated surface to detect in the situation of the surplus for the liquid being stored in fluid cartridge, the construction can reduce the whether low risk of incorrect detection residual liquid quantity.

Description

Fluid cartridge

Technical field

The present invention relates to fluid cartridge, the fluid cartridge is configured to store liquid.

Background technology

Known to have a kind of print cartridge, the print cartridge includes surplus test section, and the surplus test section has prism (patent document 1).Surplus test section is arranged in storage chamber, and ink is stored in the storage chamber.In the print cartridge, based on being sent out from light Whether the reflection for penetrating the light that portion launches towards surplus test section has arrived at light receiver, it is determined that being stored in storage chamber Black surplus it is whether low.Light emission part and light receiver are arranged in printer, and print cartridge is attached to the printer. The black surplus being stored in storage chamber is high and surplus test section is full of in the state of ink, in print cartridge, direction The light of surplus test section transmitting is refracted at the layer of ink in surplus test section, and all from the inwall of surplus test section Reflection.Therefore, light receiver is reached without light.Black surplus in storage chamber is stored in is low and surplus detects In the state of portion is inkless, linearly advanced towards in air layer of the light in surplus test section of surplus test section transmitting. Therefore, light reaches light receiver.

[patent document 1]

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application JP 2012-96449

The content of the invention

Surplus test section is arranged at the front of print cartridge.The ink for being configured to store in storage chamber is fed to attached The black supply opening for being connected to the printer of print cartridge is also disposed at the front of print cartridge.Therefore, it is attached when removing print cartridge from printer The ink of black supply opening may splash on surplus test section.If will in the case where ink is attached to surplus test section Print cartridge is attached to printer, then the light from the transmitting of light emission part may be incident on ink and may be refracted.As a result, may Improperly determine whether remained ink is low.

The present invention is made in view of the foregoing, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a kind of fluid cartridge, the liquid Body box can make it possible the accurate detection of residual liquid quantity.

The first aspect of the present invention provides a kind of fluid cartridge, and liquid, and the fluid cartridge are stored in the fluid cartridge It is configured to be installed on box installation portion, the fluid cartridge includes：Liquid supply port, the liquid supply port are configured to The fluid cartridge it is inside and outside between connection is provided；First wall, first wall along upward direction, in downward direction, to Right direction and left direction extension, and first wall has the liquid supply port；Second wall, second wall with institute State and separated in upward direction and the orthogonal backward directions of the right direction with first wall, second wall it is described upwards Direction, it is described in downward direction, the right direction and described upwardly extend to the left；3rd wall, the 3rd wall is described Between the upper end of one wall and the upper end of second wall, the 3rd wall forward direction, the backward directions, it is described to Right direction and described upwardly extend to the left；And prism, the prism have illuminated surface, the illuminated surface is constructed To receive the light from the light emission part transmitting included in the box installation portion, and the illuminated surface is configured to respond to Change the state of received light in the liquid level of the liquid stored, wherein：The liquid supply port it is described in downward direction The upper lower section for being located at the 3rd wall；And the illuminated surface is in the upward direction positioned at the upper of the 3rd wall Side, and the illuminated surface is between first wall and second wall.

According to the construction, liquid supply port is in the lower section of the 3rd wall, and prism is in the top of the 3rd wall.In addition, prism Between the first wall and the second wall.Therefore, this construction, which can be reduced, is attached to the black spilling of liquid supply port to prism Risk.Correspondingly, by launching from light emission part towards the light on illuminated surface to detect the liquid being stored in fluid cartridge In the situation of the surplus of body, this construction, which can be reduced, improperly detects the whether low risk of residual liquid quantity.

Fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge according to the second aspect of the invention based on first aspect, the fluid cartridge are further wrapped Include：First storage chamber, first storage chamber have the first open communication；With the second storage chamber, second storage Chamber extends between first open communication of first storage chamber and the liquid supply port, wherein the prism In second storage chamber.

Fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge according to the third aspect of the invention we based on second aspect, wherein first storage chamber And second storage chamber is between first wall and second wall.

Fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge according to the fourth aspect of the invention based on second aspect or the third aspect, wherein described Maximum liquid level in two storage chambers is higher than the maximum liquid level in first storage chamber.

Fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge according to the fifth aspect of the invention based on the third aspect or fourth aspect, wherein described Two storage chambers are fluid passages, and the length that wherein described second storage chamber has along the flow direction that liquid flows It is longer than the girth of the cross section of cutting on the direction orthogonal with the flow direction of second storage chamber.

Fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge according to the sixth aspect of the invention based on the 5th aspect, wherein the fluid passage bag Include：First passage, the first passage are located at the rear of first storage chamber in the backward directions；Second channel, The second channel in the upward direction be located at first storage chamber top, and the second channel with it is described First passage abuts；And third channel, before the third channel is located at first storage chamber in the forward direction Side, and the third channel abuts with the second channel, and the third channel connects with the liquid supply port.

Fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge according to the seventh aspect of the invention based on the 6th aspect, wherein the second channel limits Surplus test section, the surplus detection position is in the top of first storage chamber, and the prism is positioned at described In surplus test section.

Generally, in fluid cartridge, the surplus that prism is arranged on the liquid being stored in fluid cartridge can be detected Surplus to the liquid being stored in fluid cartridge has changed into the opening position of scheduled volume.In above-mentioned construction, prism is set Put in fluid passage.It can more accurately be grasped than the amount for the liquid being stored in the first storage chamber and be stored in liquid The amount of liquid in passage.Therefore, can accurately be established according to the construction, the scheduled volume.

Fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge according to the eighth aspect of the invention based on the 7th aspect, wherein the surplus test section Including elevated portion, the elevated portion projects upwards from the interior lower surface of the fluid passage.

Fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge according to the ninth aspect of the invention based on eighth aspect, wherein the prism is positioned at described In the elevated portion of surplus test section.

According to the construction, surplus test section includes the elevated portion projected upwards from the lower surface of fluid passage.If Air in fluid passage be present, then air is likely located at the top of fluid passage in many situations.Therefore, this construction can To reduce the risk of the incorrect detection caused by possibility when launching light towards prism.

Liquid of the fluid cartridge according to the tenth aspect of the invention based on the either side in the 7th aspect to the 9th aspect Box, wherein the third channel limits the first buffer chamber between the surplus test section and the liquid supply port.

Generally, in fluid cartridge, the surplus that prism is arranged on the liquid being stored in fluid cartridge can be detected Surplus to the liquid being stored in fluid cartridge has changed into the opening position of scheduled volume.According to the construction, the first cushion chamber Room is configured to store liquid wherein.Therefore, can be that the scheduled volume establishes bigger amount.

Liquid of the fluid cartridge according to the eleventh aspect of the invention based on the either side in the 7th aspect to the tenth aspect Body box, wherein the second channel limits the second cushion chamber between the surplus test section and first storage chamber Room.

, may be improperly when launching light to surplus test section if air be present in the part for setting prism Detect residual liquid quantity.According to the construction, even if air is invaded in fluid passage from the first storage chamber, the second buffer chamber The air invaded can be captured in the second buffer chamber.This construction can reduce the part that air intrusion sets prism In risk.As a result, this construction can reduce when towards surplus test section launch light when may caused by it is incorrect The risk of detection.

Fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge according to the twelfth aspect of the invention based on the tenth one side, wherein：The liquid leads to Road limits connected entrance, and the connected entrance is between the surplus test section and second buffer chamber, the connected entrance The cross-sectional area of cutting on the direction orthogonal with the flow direction be less than second buffer chamber with it is described The cross-sectional area of cutting on the orthogonal direction in flow direction；And the connected entrance in the side orthogonal with the flow direction The cross-sectional area of upward cutting is less than the cutting on the direction orthogonal with the flow direction of the surplus test section Cross-sectional area.

According to the construction, even if air is invaded in fluid passage from the first storage chamber, this construction can also reduce sky Gas is moved to the risk of surplus test section.

Fluid cartridge according to the thirteenth aspect of the invention is based on the either side in the 5th aspect to the 12nd aspect Fluid cartridge, wherein the fluid cartridge further includes differential pressure regulation between first storage chamber and the fluid passage Valve, the differential pressure control valve are configured to：According to the caused pressure between first storage chamber and the fluid passage Difference, open and close first open communication.

Fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge according to the fourteenth aspect of the invention based on the 13rd aspect, wherein：Described second deposits Storage chamber room has the second open communication, and the fluid passage prolongs between second open communication and the liquid supply port Stretch, the differential pressure control valve includes：First spheroid, first spheroid is adjacent to first open communication, and described first Spheroid is configured to by being moved due to the buoyancy based on the liquid being stored in first storage chamber so as to open First open communication；With the second spheroid, second spheroid is adjacent to second open communication, and second spheroid It is configured to as the pressure in the fluid passage becomes less than the pressure in first storage chamber and opens described Two open communications.

Fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge according to the fifteenth aspect of the invention based on fourteenth aspect, wherein the fluid cartridge bag Include film, the film limits a part for first storage chamber, and wherein described differential pressure control valve be configured to by with The deformation of the film and move so as to open first open communication.

, may be improperly when launching light to surplus test section if air be present in the part for setting prism Detect residual liquid quantity.According to the construction, company that differential pressure control valve can be closed between the first storage chamber and fluid passage It is logical.Therefore, this construction can be avoided in the air intrusion fluid passage that the first storage chamber includes, and this can to keep away Exempt from incorrect detection.

Fluid cartridge according to the sixteenth aspect of the invention is based on the either side in first aspect to the 15th aspect Fluid cartridge, wherein the fluid cartridge further comprises reflector, the reflector be configured to make along the right direction and The light of the left direction transmitting reflects in the upward direction, and wherein described illuminated surface is in the upward direction On be arranged on the top of the reflector.

According to this construction, reflector reflected light in an upward direction.Using this construction, with the position of light emission part without Guan Di, prism can be arranged on the opening position being positioned at prism at much higher level from black supply opening.

Fluid cartridge according to the seventeenth aspect of the invention is based on the either side in first aspect to the 16th aspect Fluid cartridge, wherein the fluid cartridge further comprises circuit board, the circuit board includes electrode, wherein the prism is arranged on Than the circuit board at level high in the upward direction.

Generally, when fluid cartridge is just being inserted into equipment such as printer or is removed from the equipment, the electricity of circuit board Pole contacts the equipment.Contact between the electrode of circuit board and equipment can produce the chip of electrode.According to the construction, prism quilt It is arranged on than circuit board in an upward direction at high level.Therefore, this construction can reduce the wind that chip is attached to prism Danger.

Fluid cartridge according to the eighteenth aspect of the invention is based on the either side in first aspect to the 17th aspect Fluid cartridge, wherein the angle between the illuminated surface of the prism and the surface of the 3rd wall is 45 °.

According to the fluid cartridge of the present invention, it is possible to achieve the accurate detection of residual liquid quantity.

The nineteenth aspect of the present invention provides a kind of fluid cartridge, including：Liquid supply port, the liquid supply port are constructed To provide connection between inside and outside in the fluid cartridge；First storage chamber, first storage chamber have first Open communication；Second storage chamber, second storage chamber first storage chamber first open communication and Extend between the liquid supply port；And prism, the prism include the first inclined surface, first inclined surface is constructed To change the state of received light in response to the liquid level of the liquid included in second storage chamber, wherein：It is described The higher part of second storage chamber is located at the top of first storage chamber, and the liquid supply port is than the described second storage At the low level of the higher part of chamber, the prism is and described in the higher part of second storage chamber Prism is in the top of first storage chamber.

According to prior art (Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application JP 2012-96449), the prism of surplus test section supplies in ink Answer the surface of mouth.By contrast, according to the fluid cartridge of the present invention, prism is in the top of liquid supply port, but prism does not exist The surface of liquid supply port.In other words, the distance ratio in the fluid cartridge of the present invention from prism to liquid supply port is existing From prism to the distance of black supply opening in technology.Therefore, the construction of fluid cartridge of the invention can be reduced not than prior art Correctly detect the whether low risk of residual liquid quantity.

Fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge according to a twentieth aspect of the invention based on the 19th aspect, wherein：Described second deposits Storage chamber room is the fluid passage being connected between first storage chamber and the liquid supply port, and described second stores Chamber is along the length that the flow direction that liquid flows has than second storage chamber orthogonal with the flow direction Direction on cutting cross section girth length.

Fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge according to the twenty-first aspect of the invention based on the 20th aspect, wherein described second deposits Storage chamber room includes：First passage, the first passage are located at the rear of second storage chamber；Second channel, described second Passage is located at the top of second storage chamber, and the second channel abuts with the first passage, and described the Two passages correspond to the higher part of second storage chamber；And third channel, the third channel are located at described second The front of storage chamber, and the third channel and the second channel abut, and wherein described third channel with it is described Liquid supply port connects.

Fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge according to the twenty-second aspect of the invention based on the 20th one side, wherein the prism In the second channel.

Generally, in fluid cartridge, the surplus that prism is arranged on the liquid being stored in fluid cartridge can be detected Surplus to the liquid being stored in fluid cartridge has changed into the opening position of scheduled volume.In above-mentioned construction, prism is set Put in the second channel.It can more accurately be grasped than the amount for the liquid being stored in the first storage chamber and be stored in second The amount of liquid in passage.Therefore, can accurately be established according to the construction, the scheduled volume.

Fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge according to the twenty-third aspect of the invention based on the 22nd aspect, wherein：Described Triple channel limits the first buffer chamber between the prism and the liquid supply port, and first buffer chamber compares institute The remainder for stating third channel extends further towards the first passage.

Fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge according to the twenty-fourth aspect of the invention based on the 23rd aspect, wherein described first Buffer chamber is located at the lower section of the prism.

Fluid cartridge according to the twenty-fifth aspect of the invention is based on appointing in the 20th one side to twenty-fourth aspect Fluid cartridge described in one side, wherein：The second channel limits second between the prism and first open communication Buffer chamber, and second buffer chamber extends higher than the remainder of the second channel.

, may be improperly when launching light to surplus test section if air be present in the part for setting prism Detect residual liquid quantity.According to the construction, even if air is invaded in fluid passage from the first open communication, the second buffer chamber The air invaded can be captured in the second buffer chamber.This construction can reduce the part that air intrusion sets prism In risk.As a result, this construction can reduce when towards surplus test section launch light when may caused by it is incorrect The risk of detection.

Fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge according to the twenty-sixth aspect based on the 25th aspect, wherein：Described Two passages limit surplus test section, have the prism in the surplus test section；The second channel is described Connected entrance is limited between two buffer chambers and the surplus test section；The cross section face of the connected entrance of the second channel Cross-sectional area of the product less than second buffer chamber；And the cross-sectional area of the connected entrance of the second channel is small In the cross-sectional area of the surplus test section.

Fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge according to the twenty-seventh aspect of the invention based on the 26th aspect, further comprises rising High portion, the elevated portion are projected upwardly into the surplus test section from the interior lower surface of the second channel.

According to the construction, elevated portion is projected upwardly into surplus test section from the interior lower surface of second channel.If Air in second channel be present, then air is likely located at the top of second channel in many situations.Therefore, this construction can To reduce the risk of the incorrect detection caused by possibility when launching light towards prism.

Fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge according to the twenty-eighth aspect of the invention based on the 27th aspect, wherein the rise Portion includes being oriented to the surface faced with first inclined surface of the prism.

Fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge according to the twenty-ninth aspect based on twenty-eighth aspect, wherein the rise Portion includes reflector, and the reflector is oriented to face first inclined surface.

Fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge according to the thirtieth aspect of the invention based on the 29th aspect, wherein the reflector Positioned at the lower section of first inclined surface of the prism.

According to this construction, reflector reflected light in an upward direction.Using this construction, with the position of light emission part without Guan Di, prism can be arranged on the opening position being positioned at prism at much higher level from black supply opening.

Fluid cartridge according to the thirty-first aspect of the invention is based on the either side in the aspect of the 19th aspect the 30th Described fluid cartridge, further comprises differential pressure control valve, and the differential pressure control valve is configured to：According in first storage chamber Caused pressure differential between room and second storage chamber, open and close first open communication.

Fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge according to the thirty-second aspect of the invention based on the 30th one side, wherein described first Storage chamber has the second open communication, second storage chamber second open communication and the liquid supply port it Between extend, the pressure-regulating valve includes：First spheroid, first spheroid are and described adjacent to first open communication First spheroid be configured to by due to the buoyancy based on the liquid being stored in first storage chamber and it is mobile so as to Open first open communication；With the second spheroid, second spheroid is adjacent to second open communication, and described second Spheroid is configured to beat as the pressure in second storage chamber becomes less than the pressure in first storage chamber Open second open communication.

According to fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge based on the 30th one side of the 33rd of the present invention the aspect, further comprise Film, the film limits a part for first storage chamber, wherein the differential pressure control valve is configured to by with described The deformation of film and it is mobile so as to opening first open communication.

, may be improperly when launching light to surplus test section if air be present in the part for setting prism Detect residual liquid quantity.According to the construction, company that differential pressure control valve can be closed between the first storage chamber and fluid passage It is logical.Therefore, this construction can be avoided in the air intrusion fluid passage that the first storage chamber includes, and this can to keep away Exempt from incorrect detection.

According to the fluid cartridge of the 34th of the present invention the aspect based on any in the 19th aspect to the 33rd aspect Fluid cartridge described in aspect, further comprise circuit board, the circuit board includes electrode, wherein described the first of the prism inclines Skewed surface is at the level higher than the circuit board.

Generally, when fluid cartridge is just being inserted into equipment such as printer or is removed from the equipment, the electricity of circuit board Pole contacts the equipment.Contact between the electrode of circuit board and equipment can produce the chip of electrode.According to the construction, prism First inclined surface is at the level higher than circuit board.Therefore, this construction can reduce the risk that chip is attached to prism.

According to the fluid cartridge of the 35th of the present invention the aspect based on any in the 19th aspect to the 34th aspect Fluid cartridge described in aspect, wherein：The prism further comprises the second inclined surface, and second inclined surface is configured to Change the state of received light in response to the liquid level of the liquid included in second storage chamber；And described second Inclined surface is perpendicular to first inclined surface.

According to the fluid cartridge of the 36th of the present invention the aspect based on any in the 19th aspect to the 35th aspect Fluid cartridge described in aspect, further comprises bottom wall, and the bottom wall is located at first storage chamber and second storage chamber The lower section of both rooms, wherein the surface of the bottom wall and first inclined surface of the prism intersect.

According to fluid cartridge of the fluid cartridge of the 37th of the present invention the aspect based on the 36th aspect, wherein in the rib Angle between first inclined surface of mirror and the surface of the bottom wall is 45 °.

According to the fluid cartridge of the 38th of the present invention the aspect based on any in the 19th aspect to the 37th aspect Fluid cartridge described in aspect, further comprises：First wall, first wall have the liquid supply port；From first wall Second wall spaced rearward；And the 3rd wall between first wall and second wall, wherein, first storage chamber Between first wall and second wall, first storage chamber is located at the described 3rd for room and second storage chamber The top of wall, second storage chamber is partly in the top of the 3rd wall, and the liquid supply port is in the 3rd wall Lower section, and the prism is in the top of the 3rd wall.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is constructed profile, shows the internal structure for including the printer of box installation portion.

Fig. 2 is schematic sectional view, shows the box installation portion 110.

Fig. 3 is the perspective view of print cartridge.

Fig. 4 A are the schematic sectional views of the print cartridge.

Fig. 4 B are the constructed profiles along Fig. 4 A line IV-IV interceptions.

Fig. 5 A are closed along the profile of Fig. 4 A line V-V interceptions, its split shed.

Fig. 5 B are opened along the profile of Fig. 4 A line V-V interceptions, the wherein opening.

Fig. 6 is the schematic sectional view of the print cartridge, and the elevated portion of the print cartridge is between light emission part and light receiver.

Fig. 7 A are the schematic sectional views of the print cartridge in the first variant.

Fig. 7 B are the constructed profiles along Fig. 7 A line VII-VII interceptions.

Fig. 8 A are the schematic sectional views of the print cartridge in the second variant, and its split shed is opened.

Fig. 8 B are the schematic sectional views of the print cartridge in the second variant, and its split shed is closed.

Fig. 9 A be the schematic sectional view of the print cartridge in the second variant, wherein ink passage under a negative pressure.

Fig. 9 B are the schematic sectional views of the print cartridge in the second variant, and its split shed is opened.

Figure 10 is the block diagram for showing controller 1.

Figure 11 A show the change of the signal exported during the insertion of print cartridge from optical sensor.

Figure 11 B show the change of the signal exported during the black reduction in print cartridge is stored in from the optical sensor.

Figure 12 is flow chart, for explaining the detection to print cartridge to the insertion in box installation portion.

Figure 13 is the profile intercepted in another variant along Fig. 4 A line IV-IV.

Embodiment

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present of invention will be described with reference to the drawings.Embodiment described below is only example, Implement the present invention in the example.Needless to say, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, can be wherein using each Kind change, arrangement and modification.

In the following description, the direction that print cartridge 30 is inserted in box installation portion 110 is defined as forward direction 51.With this to Front direction 51 is opposite and is defined as backward directions 52 from the direction of the removal print cartridge 30 of box installation portion 110.In this embodiment, to Front direction 51 and the both of which of backward directions 52 are horizontally oriented, but can be not necessarily horizontal direction.

The direction for being orthogonal to forward direction 51 and backward directions 52 is defined as upward direction 54.It is opposite with upward direction 54 Direction be defined as in downward direction 53.In this embodiment, upward direction 54 is the upward direction of in the vertical direction, and In downward direction 53 be in the vertical direction in downward direction.But upward direction 54 and in downward direction 53 can be not necessarily it is perpendicular Nogata to.

It is orthogonal to forward direction 51 and in downward direction 53 direction is respectively defined as right direction 55 and left direction 56. More specifically, (for example, in the state of print cartridge 30 is fully seated on box installation portion 110 in print cartridge 30 in the position of use In the state of), when observing print cartridge 30 along forward direction 51, i.e. when the print cartridge 30 from rear, point to the direction quilt on the right side Right direction 55 is defined as, and the direction for pointing to a left side is defined as left direction 56.In this embodiment, the He of right direction 55 The both of which of left direction 56 is horizontally oriented, but can be not necessarily horizontal direction.

[summary of printer 10]

As shown in FIG. 1, printer 10 is configured to：Ink droplet is optionally sprayed by using ink-jet recording system Onto sheet material, so as to record an image on the sheet material.Printer 10 includes recording first 21, black feeding mechanism 100 and black pipe 20. The black pipe 20 is connected between the record first 21 and the black feeding mechanism 100.Black feeding mechanism 100 includes box installation portion 110.Should Box installation portion 110 is configured to accommodate print cartridge 30 (example as fluid cartridge).Box installation portion 110 has at one end to be opened Mouth 112.Print cartridge 30 is inserted into box installation portion 110 by the opening 112 along forward direction 51, or passes through the edge of opening 112 Backward directions 52 to be removed from box installation portion 110.

Print cartridge 30 stores the ink (example as liquid) that can be used in printer 10.Print cartridge 30 by In the state of being fully mounted on box installation portion 110, print cartridge 30 and record first 21 are connected with each other via black pipe 20.First 21 bag of record Include assistant tank 28.Temporarily storage is fed to the ink of assistant tank 28 from print cartridge 30 to the assistant tank 28 by black pipe 20 wherein.Record first 21 from Nozzle 29 optionally sprays the ink come from the supply of assistant tank 28.More specifically, the head control panel selection on record first 21 Property apply driving voltage to the piezoelectric element 29A that is set for each nozzle 29, thus optionally sprayed from appropriate nozzle 29 Penetrate ink.

Printer 10 further comprises feeding pallet 15, feed rolls 23, conveyer roller to 25, pressing plate 26, discharge roller pair 27 With discharge tray 16.The pressing plate is transported to 25 by the conveyer roller by the sheet material that the feed rolls 23 are fed into transport path 24 On 26.Ink is optionally ejected on the sheet material just passed through on pressing plate 26 by record first 21, thus records an image to sheet material On.Sprayed by ink, make to be stored in the ink reduction in the print cartridge 30 being fully seated on box installation portion 110.On pressing plate 26 Then the sheet material of process is discharged roller and is discharged to 27 in the discharge tray 16 for the downstream end for being arranged on transport path 24.

[black feeding mechanism 100]

As shown in FIG. 1, black feeding mechanism 100 is included in printer 10.Black feeding mechanism 100 is configured to fight each other The first 21 supply ink of record of print machine 10.Black feeding mechanism 100 includes being used for the box installation portion 110 for accommodating print cartridge 30.Fig. 1 shows ink Box 30 is fully seated in the state on box installation portion 110.

[box retainer 110]

As shown in FIG. 2, box installation portion 110 includes shell 101, tattooing needle 102 (with reference to figure 1), the and of optical sensor 121 Osculating element 160.

Shell 101 is divided into four compartment space 103A being arranged side by side in right direction 55 and left direction 56. Shell 101 is configured to accommodate a variety of colors (such as cyan, magenta, yellow and black) in each compartment space 103A Four print cartridges 30.

In the following description, tattooing needle 102, optical sensor 121 and osculating element 160 are set for each print cartridge 30.That is, In this embodiment, tattooing needle 102, optical sensor 121 and osculating element 160 respectively set four.Tattooing needle 102, optical sensor 121 and the identical components of osculating element 160 be arranged side by side in right direction 55 and left direction 56.Tattooing needle 102, optical sensing The identical components of device 121 and osculating element 160 have identical construction.Therefore, it will be described in tattooing needle 102, optics passes One of identical components of sensor 121 and osculating element 160, and the explanation by omission for other components.

[shell 101]

As shown in FIG. 2, shell 101 limits the housing of box installation portion 110.Shell 101 has the box with opening 112 Sub- shape, and there is top surface 115, basal surface 116 and distal surface 117.The top surface 115 limits the inside of shell 101 The top in space 103.The basal surface 116 limits the bottom of the inner space 103 of shell 101.The distal surface 117 limits shell The front end for forward direction 51 of 101 inner space 103.Distal surface 117 is connected to top surface 115 and basal surface Between 116.Opening 112 is limited at the rear in backward directions 52 of distal surface 117 and relative with distal surface 117. Opening 112 can expose when user uses printer 10 at the user interface of the printer 10 of user.Print cartridge 30 passes through Opening 112 is inserted into shell 101 or removed from shell 101.Shell 101 includes three pieces of plate (not shown), described three pieces Inner space 103 is divided into the vertical direction by plate has four compartment space 103A of long length.Print cartridge 30 is constructed To be accommodated in each compartment space 103A divided by these plates.

The opening 112 of shell 101 can be covered (not shown) and close and expose.Cover near the lower end of opening 112 and locate It is attached to the rotary shaft (not shown) extended in right direction 55 and left direction 56.This construction enables lid revolving Pivoted between a closed position and a open position in rotating shaft, at the closed position, lid closes opening 112, in the open position Place, cover exposure opening 112.When the cover is in the open position, it is allowed to which user is by opening 112 by one or more print cartridges 30 Removed in insertion box installation portion 110 or from box installation portion 110.When lid is at closed position, do not allow user will be any Print cartridge 30 is inserted in box installation portion 110 or removed from box installation portion 110.In addition, user's access is not allowed to be installed in shell Any print cartridge 30 on 101.

Cover sensor 118, which is arranged on (with reference to figure 10) near the upper end of the opening 112 of shell 101, to be located.Cover sensor 118 can detect whether cover sensor 118 contacts with lid.When lid is at closed position, the upper end of lid and cover sensor 118 contacts, and cover sensor 118 exports detection signal to controller 1 (with reference to figure 1 and Figure 10).When lid is not located at close stance When putting place, cover sensor 118 does not export detection signal.

[tattooing needle 102]

As shown in FIG. 2, tattooing needle 102 is resin hollow tube, and be arranged on the distal surface 117 of shell 101 At bottom.Tattooing needle 102 is arranged on the specified location at the distal surface 117 of shell 101, so as to the position of tattooing needle 102 Black supply department 34 with the print cartridge 30 being installed on box installation portion 110 (with reference to figure 3).Distal end table of the tattooing needle 102 from shell 101 Face 117 is prominent in backward directions 52.

Tubular guide portion 105 is arranged to surround tattooing needle 102.The guide portion 105 exists from the distal surface 117 of shell 101 It is prominent in backward directions 52, and guide portion 105 has opening at its jag.Tattooing needle 102 is arranged on guide portion 105 Center at.Guide portion 105 has the suitable shape that the black supply department 34 for being used for receiving print cartridge 30 enters in guide portion 105.

While print cartridge 30 is just being inserted into box installation portion 110 in forward direction 51, i.e. exist in the just direction of print cartridge 30 While fully-mounted position in box installation portion 110 is moved, the black supply department 34 of print cartridge 30 enters guide portion 105.In ink The black supply department 34 of box 30 enters after guide portion 105, as print cartridge 30 is further inserted into box installation in forward direction 51 Portion 110, tattooing needle 102 pass through the black supply opening 71 of black supply department 34.Therefore, tattooing needle 102 and black supply department 34 are connected with each other.In ink The ink stored in storage chamber 36 and ink passage 44 (with reference to figure 4A and Fig. 4 B) that the inside of box 30 limits passes through black supply department 34 Inner space 106 (with reference to figure 4A) and tattooing needle 102 inner space 104 flow into be connected in the black pipe 20 of tattooing needle 102.Ink Pin 102 can have flat end or tip.

[optical sensor 121]

As shown in FIG. 2, optical sensor 121 is arranged at the top surface 115 of shell 101.

As shown in figure 4b, optical sensor 121 includes light emission part 122 and light receiver 123.The light emission part 122 is facing with each other in right direction 55 and left direction 56 with the light receiver 123.Light emission part 122 is arranged on inside At one in the space 10 compartment space 103A separated right part.Light receiver 123 is arranged in inner space 10 The same compartment space 103A separated left part at.The position of light emission part 122 and light receiver 123 can be mutual Exchange.

As shown in FIG. 2, optical sensor 121 is electrically connected to the controller 1 of printer 10 via circuit.Will afterwards Controller 1 is described.

[osculating element 160]

As shown in FIG. 2, osculating element 160 is arranged at the top surface 115 of shell 101.Osculating element 160 is set Put must than optical sensor 121 in forward direction 51 further along.In other words, osculating element 160 is arranged on top surface 115 front end.Osculating element 160 is arranged on specified location, and in the specified location, box is installed in print cartridge 30 In the state of on installation portion 110, osculating element 160 is located at the top of the circuit board 64 (with reference to figure 4A) of print cartridge 30 and faces the electricity Road plate 64.

Osculating element 160 includes contact 161 at its lower surface.The contact 161 is configured to correspond to and is installed in The position of electrode (not shown) on the upper surface of circuit board 64.Any number of contact 161 and electrode can be set.

Contact 161 is electrically connected to the controller 1 of printer 10 via circuit (with reference to figure 1 and Figure 10).In contact 161 and electricity The foundation of electric continuity between pole provides the foundation of the electric continuity between the IC of controller 1 and print cartridge 30.

[print cartridge 30]

The print cartridge 30 shown in figs. 3 and 4 is the container such as black for storing liquid.It is arranged on the inside of print cartridge 30 Space include be used for store ink storage chamber 36 and ink passage 44.Storage chamber 36 and ink passage 44 are by being accommodated in bonnet 31 and protecgulum 32 in inner frame 35 limit, bonnet 31 and the both of which of protecgulum 32 limit the outside of print cartridge 30.But store Chamber 36 and ink passage 44 can be limited by such as bonnet 31 and protecgulum 32.

The orientation of the print cartridge 30 shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 A and Fig. 4 B, which corresponds to, is fully seated in box installation portion 110 On print cartridge 30 orientation.Print cartridge 30 includes：Above 140；Next 41；Above 39 and 141；Below 42 and 142；The He of side 37 143；And another side 38 and 144.The print cartridge 30 shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is oriented such that：From below 41 before The direction in face 140 is consistent with forward direction 51, consistent with backward directions 52 from above 140 towards 41 direction below, from above 39 and 141 towards following 42 and 142 direction it is consistent with downward direction 53, and from following 42 and 142 towards above 39 and 141 Direction it is consistent with upward direction 54.It is preceding when print cartridge 30 is inserted into box installation portion 110 and is arranged on box installation portion 110 Face 140 towards forward direction 51, behind 41 towards backward directions 52, side 37 and 143 is towards right direction 55, the He of side 38 144 towards left direction 56, below 42 and 142 towards in downward direction 53, and above 39 and 141 towards upward direction 54.

As shown in figs. 3 and 4, print cartridge 30 includes bonnet 31, protecgulum 32 and inner frame 35.Bonnet 31 has basic Rectangular shape.Protecgulum 32 includes above 140.Inner frame 35 limits storage chamber 36 and ink passage 44.Bonnet 31 and protecgulum 32 are attached to inner frame 35, to limit the outside of print cartridge 30.Inner frame 35 is accommodated in bonnet 31 and protecgulum 32.Ink Box 30 is narrow in the size for right direction 55 and left direction 56, and print cartridge 30 has than with regard to right direction 55 The big size in downward direction 53 and upward direction 54 and with regard to forward direction 51 with the size for left direction 56 With the size for backward directions 52.Next 41 are configured to relative with before protecgulum 32 140 across storage chamber 36.

The outside of print cartridge 30 mainly includes six surfaces, and six surfaces include：Above 140；Next 41；39 He above 141；Below 42 and 142；Side 37 and 143；And side 38 and 144.In six surfaces, including side 37 and 143 Surface and surface including side 38 and 144 each be respectively provided with maximum area.Above 140 and below 41 each exist Upward direction 54 and in downward direction extend on 53 and in right direction 55 and left direction 56.Above 39 and 141 and following 42 With 142 each extend in forward direction 51 and backward directions 52 and in right direction 55 and left direction 56.Side 37 and 143 with side 38 and 144 each in forward direction 51 and backward directions 52 and in upward direction 54 and downwards Extend on to 53.

Preceding surface, rear surface, upper surface, lower surface and the side surface of print cartridge 30 each can be not necessarily by single face structure Into.That is, preceding surface is visually identified and than print cartridge 30 in forward direction when observing print cartridge 30 along backward directions 52 51 and backward directions 52 on the surface that is positioned further along in forward direction 51 of center.Surface is when along forwards afterwards To 51 observation print cartridge 30 when visually identify and than center of the print cartridge 30 in forward direction 51 and backward directions 52 to Rear is to the surface further positioned backward on 58.Upper surface is visually known when along in downward direction 53 observation print cartridge 30 Not and at the level high in upward direction 54 of the center than print cartridge 30 in downward direction 53 and upward direction 54 Surface.Lower surface is visually identified and is located at than print cartridge 30 downwards when observing print cartridge 30 along upward direction 54 To the surface at low level in a downward direction of the center on 53 and upward direction 54.Side surface is similarly defined.At this In embodiment, than above 141 further backward above positioning 39 at higher than above 39 level.39 He above but 141 can be located in upward direction 54 and in downward direction 53 at identical level.

[bonnet 31]

As shown in FIG. 3, bonnet 31 is included from below 41 sides 37 and 38, above 39 extended in forward direction 51 With following 42.Side 37 and 38 is spaced from each other in right direction 55 and left direction 56.39 towards upward direction 54 above, and And following 42 towards in downward direction 53.Bonnet 31 has box-shape, with the opening towards forward direction 51.With opening Bonnet 31 enables inner frame 35 to be inserted by opening in the inside of bonnet 31.That is, bonnet 31 covers inner frame 35 Rear portion.

[protecgulum 32]

As shown in FIG. 3, protecgulum 32 include from above 140 extend in backward directions 52 side 143 and 144, on Face 141 and lower surface 142.Side 143 and 144 is spaced from each other in right direction 55 and left direction 56.Above 141 and following table Face 142 in downward direction 53 and upward direction 54 on be spaced from each other.Protecgulum 32 has box-shape, with towards backward directions 52 Opening.Protecgulum 32 with opening enables inner frame 35 to be inserted by opening in the inside of protecgulum 32.That is, protecgulum 32 The front portion of inner frame 35 is covered, the front portion of inner frame 35 is the remainder not covered by bonnet 31 of inner frame 35.

Protecgulum 32 has opening 97 above 140 bottom.The opening 97 is in backward directions 52 through above 140 Bottom.Internally framework 35 is attached in the state of protecgulum 32, and opening 97 makes the black supply department 34 of inner frame 35 by opening Mouth 97 exposes.Therefore, opening 97 is limited at the opening position for the black supply department 34 for being suitable for inner frame 35, and 97 tools that are open There is the size and shape for the black supply department 34 for being suitable for inner frame 35.

Protecgulum 32 in the above 141 front end support circuit board 64.Circuit board 64 includes electricity on its upper surface Pole.Electrode includes such as clock electrode, data electrode, supply voltage electrode and grounding electrode.Circuit board 64 includes for example being electrically connected It is connected to the IC (not shown) of electrode.The IC is semiconductor integrated circuit, and the data storage in a manner of it can be read from IC.Number According to the information (for example, black color) represented on the information (for example, batch and/or build date) of print cartridge 30 and/or on ink. Circuit board 64 has rigidity.Therefore, circuit board 64 is COB (chip on board).But circuit board 64 can have flexibility.Herein In situation, it is COF (chip on film) to have flexible circuit board 64.

In the state of print cartridge 30 is fully seated on box installation portion 110, electrode and the contact 161 of contact point unit 160 It is electrically continuous (with reference to figure 2).Therefore, circuit board 64 is electrically connected to the (reference chart of controller 1 via electrode, contact point unit 160 and circuit 1)。

141 have opening 73 and elevated portion 74 above protecgulum 32.

Opening 73 is limited in 141 rearward end above.Internally framework 35 is attached in the state of protecgulum 32, is opened Mouth 73 makes the second channel 46 of inner frame 35 and the (reference chart of surplus test section 75 being arranged in the second channel 46 4B) to outer exposed.Therefore, opening 73 is limited at the opening position for being suitable for second channel 46, and is open 73 with suitable In the size and shape of second channel 46.

Elevated portion 74 be arranged on above 141 be in circuit board 64 and opening 73 between.Elevated portion 74 from above 141 to It is prominent on upper direction 54.Elevated portion 74 has following size and shape：When elevated portion 74 is located at the light hair of optical sensor 121 When penetrating between portion 122 and light receiver 123, the size and shape of elevated portion 74 can hinder to be used for from the direction of light emission part 122 The path for the light that light receiver 123 is launched.Elevated portion 74 has basic rectangular shape.But elevated portion 74 can have separately Outer shape.

[inner frame 35]

Inner frame 35 has box-shape, and wherein its right-hand member is opened.As shown in FIG. 4, inner frame 35 has There are left wall 126, lower wall 127 (example as bottom wall), outer antetheca 128 (example as the first wall), outer rear wall 129 (examples as the second wall), outer upper wall 130, interior antetheca 131, interior rear wall 132 and interior upper wall 133 are (as the 3rd wall An example).The right openend envelope 134 (with reference to figure 5A and Fig. 5 B) of inner frame 35 is closed, and thus limiting can be at it The storage chamber 36 (example as the first storage chamber) and ink passage 44 of middle storage ink are (as the second storage chamber One example of one example and fluid passage).

Left wall 126 extends in forward direction 51 and backward directions 52 and in upward direction 54 and in downward direction 53.Under Wall 127 extends from the lower end of left wall 126 in right direction 55.Lower wall 127 in forward direction 51 and backward directions 52 and Extend in right direction 55 and left direction 56.

Outer antetheca 128 extends from the front end of left wall 126 in right direction 55.Outer rear wall 129 exists from the rear end of left wall 126 Extend in right direction 55.That is, outer rear wall 129 separates in backward directions 52 from outer antetheca 128.Outer upper wall 130 is from left wall 126 Upper end extend in right direction 55.The lower end of outer antetheca 128 abuts with lower wall 127.The upper end of outer antetheca 128 and outer upper wall 130 adjoinings.The lower end of outer rear wall 129 abuts with lower wall 127.The upper end of outer rear wall 129 abuts with outer upper wall 130.

Interior antetheca 131 from it is corresponding with the leading section of left wall 126 and than outer antetheca 128 in backward directions 52 further backward The position of positioning extends in right direction 55.Interior rear wall 132 is from corresponding with the rearward end of left wall 126 and exist than outer rear wall 129 The position positioned further along in forward direction 51 extends in right direction 55.Interior upper wall 133 is from the upper end with left wall 126 Portion corresponds to and the position at level lower than outer upper wall 130 in downward direction 53 extends in right direction 55.On interior Wall 133 is arranged between outer antetheca 128 and outer rear wall 129.The lower end of interior antetheca 131 in upward direction 54 with lower wall 127 Separate.The upper end of interior antetheca 131 abuts with interior upper wall 133.The lower end of interior rear wall 132 in upward direction 54 with lower wall 127 every Open.The upper end of interior rear wall 132 abuts with interior upper wall 133.

Outer antetheca 128, outer rear wall 129, interior antetheca 131 and interior rear wall 132 each in right direction 55 and left direction Extend on 56 and in upward direction 54 and in downward direction 53.Outer upper wall 130 and interior upper wall 133 each in the He of forward direction 51 Extend in backward directions 52 and in right direction 55 and left direction 56.

Storage chamber 36 is limited by left wall 126, lower wall 127, interior antetheca 131, interior rear wall 132, interior upper wall 133 and film 134 (with reference to figure 5A and Fig. 5 B).The lower front end of storage chamber 36 and lower rearward end are limited by outer antetheca 128 and outer rear wall 129 respectively It is fixed.That is, storage chamber 36 is located at the lower section of interior upper wall 133.Storage chamber 36 is also located between outer antetheca 128 and outer rear wall 129. Storage chamber 36 is also located at the top of lower inwall 127.

Ink passage 44 by left wall 126, outer antetheca 128, interior antetheca 131, outer rear wall 129, interior rear wall 132, outer upper wall 130, Interior upper wall 133 and film 134 (with reference to figure 5A and Fig. 5 B) limit.That is, ink passage 44 is positioned partially at the top of interior upper wall 133.And And between the outer antetheca 128 of the internally positioned framework 35 of ink passage 44 and the outer rear wall 129 of inner frame 35.Pay attention to ink passage position In the top of lower inwall 127.

In this embodiment, storage chamber 36 and ink passage 44 each limited by appropriate wall and film 134.But deposit The construction of each in storage chamber room 36 and ink passage 44 is not limited to instantiation.For example, in storage chamber 36 and ink passage 44 Each can be made up of the only bag made of film.

In this embodiment, the storage chamber 36 of the inner frame 35 covered by protecgulum 32 and bonnet 31 by left wall 126, under Wall 127, interior antetheca 131, interior rear wall 132, interior upper wall 133 and film 134 limit.However, it is possible to protecgulum 32 is not necessarily required to after Lid 31.That is, limiting the surface of the wall of storage chamber 36 can be exposed, and circuit board 64 can be arranged on being exposed for wall One of surface on.

[ink passage 44]

Ink passage 44 surrounds storage chamber 36 from backward directions 52, upward direction 54 and forward direction 51 in side view. Ink passage 44 includes first passage 45, second channel 46 and third channel 47.First passage 45 be located at storage chamber 36 to Rear is to the rear on 52.Second channel 46 is located at the top in upward direction 54 of storage chamber 36, and second channel 46 with the upper end of first passage 45.Third channel 47 is located at the front in forward direction 51 of storage chamber 36, and The front end of third channel 47 and second channel 46 abuts.Therefore, the higher part (corresponding to second channel 46) of ink passage 44 is being deposited The top of storage chamber room 36.The upper end of ink passage 44 is also higher than the upper end positioning of storage chamber 36.Pay attention to black supply opening 71 than ink At the low level of the higher part (corresponding to second channel 46) of passage 44.

The upper end of ink passage 44 is at the level higher than the upper end of storage chamber 36.That is, ink passage 44 is set such that：Ink Maximum black liquid position in passage 44 is higher than the maximum black liquid position in storage chamber 36.

Ink passage 44 can connect via the first open communication 66 (with reference to figure 5A and Fig. 5 B) with storage chamber 36.Ink passage 44 can connect via opening 72 with the inner space 106 of black supply department 34.That is, ink passage 44 is supplied in storage chamber 36 and ink Extend between portion 34.

As shown in Fig. 5 A and Fig. 5 B, the first open communication 66 is limited at the lower end of first passage 45.Such as exist Shown in Fig. 4 A, opening 72 is limited at the lower end of third channel 47.That is, the Mo Cong being stored in storage chamber 36 One open communication 66 flows in upward direction 54, is then flowed in forward direction 51.After this, ink is further downward Flowed on direction 53 and reach opening 72.That is, the flow direction 65 that chain-dotted line of the ink along in by Fig. 4 A represents is in ink passage 44 Middle flowing.On with flow direction 65 orthogonal direction cutting of length of the ink passage 44 along flow direction 65 than ink passage 44 Cross section girth length.

Surplus test section 75 is arranged on second channel 46 (with reference to figure 4B) in forward direction 51 and backward directions 52 Center.Surplus test section 75 will be described in detail later.

The bottom of third channel 47 further extends than the other parts of third channel 47 in backward directions 52.It is this The lower end constructed in third channel 47 provides the first buffer chamber 48.First buffer chamber 48 is arranged on ink passage 44 In surplus test section 75 and opening 72 between.

The rearward end of second channel 46 further extends than the other parts of second channel 46 in upward direction 54.It is this Construction provides the second buffer chamber 49 at the rearward end of second channel 46.Second buffer chamber 49 is arranged in ink passage 44 Between surplus test section 75 and storage chamber 36.

Near surplus test section 75 and in the second buffer chamber of surplus test section 75 and second channel 46 Between 49, projection 50 is protruded from the top surface for limiting second channel 46 in downward direction 53, and this is provided for slow second Rush between chamber 49 and surplus test section 75 and the connected entrance 63 of connection is provided.Ink passage 44 is examined in ink passage 44 in surplus The cross-sectional area at connected entrance 63 limited near survey portion 75 is less than ink passage 44 at the other parts of ink passage 44 Cross-sectional area.In this embodiment, connected entrance 63 is at the level lower than the upper surface of the second buffer chamber 49.Therefore, This bubble gathered at the top that may be limited to the second buffer chamber 49 that constructs invades surplus detection by connected entrance 63 In portion 75.Projection 50 can protrude from any surface in addition to the top surface of second channel 46, or can be from including this Multiple surfaces (for example, all top surface, right surface, left surface and basal surfaces for limiting second channel 46) of top surface are prominent.

[black supply department 34]

As shown in Figure 4 A, the prominent (reality as liquid supply department of black supply department 34 in forward direction 51 Example) it is arranged at the bottom of outer antetheca 128.Therefore, black supply department 34 protrudes from outer antetheca 128 towards the outside of print cartridge 30. Black supply department 34 has basic cylindrical form.There is black supply opening 71 (to be supplied as liquid at its front end for black supply department 34 One example of mouth).Black supply opening 71 provides connection between the inner space 106 of black supply department 34 and the outside of print cartridge 30. Black supply department 34 has opening 72 in its rear end.Opening 72 the third channel 47 of ink passage 44 and inner space 106 it Between connection is provided.Opening 72 also connects at the reduced levels of third channel 47 with third channel 47.Moreover, the black He of supply department 34 Black supply opening 71 is located at the lower section of upper inwall 133.

Internally space 106 includes valve 107 for black supply department 34.Under set situation, valve 107 is closed.It is therefore prevented that Ink leakage in ink passage 44 is stored in the outside of print cartridge 30.Print cartridge 30 is inserted into box installation portion in forward direction 51 Between 110 mid-terms, tattooing needle 102 (with reference to figure 2) is inserted in the inner space 106 of black supply department 34 from black supply opening 71, wherein tattooing needle 102 squeezing valves 107 are to open valve 107.In response to the opening of valve 107, the ink in ink passage 44 is stored in via black supply department 34 Inner space 106 and the inner space 104 (with reference to figure 2) of tattooing needle 102 flow into the black pipe 20 that is connected with tattooing needle 102.Tattooing needle 102 have opening (not shown) at its perimeter surface, and the ink in the inner space 106 of black supply department 34 can be via this Opening is flowed into inner space 104.

But black supply department 34 is not limited to the construction equipped with valve.For example, black supply opening 71 can be closed with envelope.In box When print cartridge 30 is installed on installation portion 110, tattooing needle 102 can pass through film, and the end section of tattooing needle 102 can be supplied by ink Mouth 71 enters the inner space 106 of black supply department 34.

[differential pressure control valve 57]

As shown in Fig. 5 A and Fig. 5 B, differential pressure control valve 57 is arranged between storage chamber 36 and first passage 45. The differential pressure control valve 57 is configured to：By by causing between the pressure in the pressure in storage chamber 36 and first passage 45 Pressure differential movement, so as to open and close the first open communication 66.

Differential pressure control valve 57 includes body 58, projection 59, plate portion 60, seal 61 and helical spring 62.

Body 58 is arranged at the bottom of first passage 45 of ink passage 44.Inwall 135 be set lower than film 134 to In left direction 56 further to the left, and inwall 135 limits the lower left side of first passage 45.There is inwall 135 first connection to open Mouth 66.Body 58 is on right direction 55 and left direction 56 to the first open communication 66.Body 58 has plate-like shape.This Body 58 has the area bigger than the area of the first open communication 66 at its right surface.

Projection 59 extends from the center on the right surface of body 58 in right direction 55.Projection 59 is from plate portion 60 via first Open communication 66 extends to storage chamber 36.

Plate portion 60 is arranged at first passage 45.Plate portion 60 is attached to the left surface of film 134.Plate portion 60 is in right direction 55 and left direction 56 above to projection 59.

Seal 61 is attached to the annular element on the right surface of body 58.Seal 61 is by elastomeric element such as rubber system Into.Seal 61 is arranged to surround the first open communication 66.Seal 61 and body 58 be configured to by seal 61 with The contact at the edge of the first open communication 66 and close the first open communication 66.

One end of helical spring 62 contacts with the left surface of body 58.The other end of helical spring 62 contacts with left wall 126.

Hereinafter, the action of differential pressure control valve 57 will be described.As shown in fig. 5, when storage chamber 36 and ink passage When 44 both of which are in atmospheric pressure, film 134 is maintained at film 134 in forward direction 51, backward directions 52, upward direction 54 In the state of in downward direction extending on 53.In this state, body 58 is pushed by helical spring 62, and seal 61 connects Touch the edge of the first open communication 66.Therefore, the first open communication 66 is closed.

In this state, it is allowed to which the ink being stored in ink passage 44 flow to black pipe 20 from black supply department 34.With Ink flows out from black supply department 34, and the pressure in ink passage 44 gets lower than atmospheric pressure.Therefore, such as shown in figure 5b, film 134 Restriction ink passage 44 right-hand member part deformation, with prominent in left direction 56.In response to this, plate portion 60 is in left direction Moved on 56, and plate portion 60 extrudes projection 59 in left direction 56.Therefore, body 58, plate portion 60 and seal 61 are resisted The pushing force of helical spring 62 and moved in left direction 56, and seal 61 becomes from the edge of the first open communication 66 Separation, to open the first open communication 66.As the first open communication 66 is opened, storage chamber 36 and ink passage 44 form phase It is intercommunicated, and be stored in the ink in storage chamber 36 and flow into ink passage 44.

As the first open communication 66 is opened, the pressure in ink passage 44 becomes equal to atmospheric pressure again.Therefore, film 134 are resumed, and plate portion 60 moves in right direction 55.In response to this, pass through the pushing force of helical spring 62, body 58th, plate portion 60 and seal 61 move in right direction 55, and seal 61 contacts the edge of the first open communication 66, with Close the first open communication 66.

After this, the opening and closing of the first open communication 66 are repeated.More specifically, use is stored in black lead to every time During ink in road 44, the first open communication 66 is opened, with the black refill ink passage 44, Ran Hou from storage chamber 36 One open communication 66 is closed.

When storage chamber 36 becomes inkless, ink passage 44 is no longer refilled by ink.Then, with the pressure in ink passage 44 Independently, the ink reduction being stored in ink passage 44.It is remaining when the ink being stored in ink passage 44 becomes to be less than scheduled volume Amount test section 75 detects that the ink being stored in ink passage 44 has become to be less than the scheduled volume.

[surplus test section 75]

As shown in Fig. 4 A and Fig. 4 B, surplus test section 75 be arranged on second channel 46 forward direction 51 and to Rear is to the basic center on 52.Surplus test section 75 is used for the black residue that detection is stored in second channel 46 Amount.

Surplus test section 75 is arranged at the level higher in upward direction 54 than black supply department 34, and surplus Test section 75 is set lower than black supply department 34 in backward directions 52 further backward.Surplus test section 75 is in forward direction 51 and backward directions 52 on be arranged between outer antetheca 128 and outer rear wall 129.Surplus test section 75 is arranged at upward On direction 54 at the level higher than interior upper wall 133.Surplus test section 75 is arranged in upward direction 54 than circuit board 64 At high level.In other words, prism 78 is at the level higher than circuit board 64.More specifically, the first nauropemeter of prism 78 Face 78A and the second inclined surface 78B is at the level higher than circuit board 64.Surplus test section 75, which has, to be suitable for being located at light Learn the size and shape between the light emission part 122 and light receiver 123 of sensor 121.

As shown in figure 4b, surplus test section 75 includes elevated portion 76, reflector 77 and prism 78.Surplus detects Portion 75 is arranged in second channel 46.That is, prism 78 is located in second channel 46.Moreover, prism 78 is located in ink passage 44, Prism 78 is located at the top of storage chamber 36, and prism 78 is located at the top of interior upper wall 133.

Reflector 77 is made up of such as aluminium foil, and is capable of reflecting light.Elevated portion 76 relative to interior upper wall 133 upper surface (the interior lower surface of second channel 46) projects upwards.Reflector 77 includes a pair of angled table supported by the upper surface of elevated portion 76 Face.The inclined surface of reflector 77 extends in upward direction 54, and is at an angle of with such as 45 ° relative to horizontal surface.Instead Emitter 77 is arranged at the end inward position in left direction 56 and right direction 55 than print cartridge 30.Prism 78 by The upper surface support of reflector 77.As shown in figure 4b, prism 78 has trapezoidal shape in front view.Prism 78 is by for example Resin is made.Prism 78 include the first inclined surface 78A (example as illuminated surface), the second inclined surface 78B, First level surface 78C and the second horizontal surface 78D.

First inclined surface 78A and the second inclined surface 78B is with respect to the horizontal plane extended with such as 45 ° of angle.And First inclined surface 78A is perpendicular to the second inclined surface 78B.That is, the first inclined surface 78A is relative to the second inclined surface 78B Limit 90 ° of angle.First level surface 78C and the second horizontal surface 78D are parallel to horizontal plane.First level surface 78C and Second horizontal surface 78D is parallel to both the surface of lower wall 127 and the surface of interior upper wall 133.Therefore, the first inclined surface 78A limits relative to the surface of first level surface 78C, the second horizontal surface 78D, the surface of lower wall 127 and upper inwall 133 45 ° of angle.Moreover, the second inclined surface 78B is relative to first level surface 78C, the second horizontal surface 78D, lower wall 127 Surface and the surface of upper inwall 133 limit 45 ° of angle.

The first inclined surface 78A, the second inclined surface 78B and the first level surface 78C of prism 78 face second channel 46.Moreover, the first inclined surface 78A of prism 78, the second inclined surface 78B and first level surface 78C limit second channel 46 part.As the first inclined surface 78A extends in left direction 56, the first inclined surface 78A is from the right side of prism 78 End deflection in upward direction 54 extends.As the second inclined surface 78B extends in right direction 55, the second inclined surface Left end on upward direction 54 deflection extensions of the 78B from prism 78.First level surface 78C is connected to the first inclined surface 78A Left end and the second inclined surface 78B right-hand member between.Second horizontal surface 78D is connected to the first inclined surface 78A right-hand member And second inclined surface 78B left end between, and the second horizontal surface 78D faces reflector 77.

In this embodiment, the upper surface of elevated portion 76 is a part for the upper surface of storage chamber 36.But elevated portion 76 upper surface can be not necessarily a part for the upper surface of storage chamber 36.

In second channel 46 contacts the first inclined surface 78A and the second inclined surface 78B situation full of black and ink, The light launched from the light emission part 122 of optical sensor 121 in left direction 56 such as by Fig. 4 B dotted line represent by Reflected in upward direction 54 from reflector 77, and prism 78 is entered by the second horizontal surface 78D.Now, light is horizontal to second Incidence angle in the 78D of surface is substantially 90 °.Therefore, light advances to second as the crow flies by the first inclined surface 78A of prism 78 Passage 46 in prism 78 without reflecting.That is, light does not reach the light receiver 123 of optical sensor 121.Therefore, optics passes Sensor 121 transmits low level signal to controller 1 (with reference to figure 10).

Black reduced and black the first inclined surface 78A and second that do not contact in second channel 46 is stored in is tilted In surface 78B situation, the light launched from the light emission part 122 of optical sensor 121 such as by the solid line expression in Fig. 4 B exists Reflected in upward direction 54 from reflector 77, it is then anti-by the first inclined surface 78A from prism 78 in left direction 56 Penetrate.In addition, light is reflected in downward direction 53 from the second inclined surface 78B of prism 78, and pass through the second horizontal surface 78D Through prism 78.Then light is reflected in left direction 56 from reflector 77, and reach the light receiver of optical sensor 121 123.When light is reached on light receiver 123, the signal of controller 1 (with reference to figure 10) is transferred to from low from optical sensor 121 Level changes into high level.

[controller 1]

As shown in Figure 10, printer 10 includes controller 1.Controller 1 includes such as CPU (" CPU "), read-only storage (" ROM ") and random access memory (" RAM ").Controller 1 can be used as printer Controller 1 and be arranged on the control panel of the inside of the housing of printer 10, or can be independently of printer 10 Controller and the control panel that can be arranged at shell 101.Controller 1 is connected to contact 161 and optical sensor 121, So as to which electric signal is transmitted and received between contact 161 and optical sensor 121.It is as described above, complete in print cartridge 30 In the state of on box installation portion 110, the foundation of the electric continuity between contact 161 and the electrode 65 of circuit board 64 carries The foundation of the electrical connection supplied between controller 1 and circuit board 64.Although controller 1 is also connected to other components (such as horse Reach and touch panel) so as to transmit and receive electric signal therebetween, but eliminate other components in Fig. 10.With It is stored in the program that various processes are performed by controller 1 in ROM.CPU is performed based on the program being stored in ROM to be used for The calculating of various processes is performed, and CPU provides instruction to each component.RAM is used as being used to temporarily store various information Memory.

Controller 1 by from optical sensor 121 transmit come signal from high level to low level level change come Print cartridge 30 is detected to the insertion in box installation portion 110.Controller 1 also by from optical sensor 121 transmit come signal from Low level changes to detect the low remained ink in storage chamber 36 to the level of high level.

[box installs detection and surplus detection]

Hereinafter, the box for describing to be carried out by optical sensor 121 is installed into detection and remained ink detects.Such as in Fig. 2 Shown in, have been fitted into the situation of box installation portion 110 without any print cartridge 30, launch in the light of optical sensor 121 The obstacle in any path for hindering the light for launching from light emission part 122 is not present between portion 122 and light receiver 123.Cause This, as shown in Figure 11 A, controller 1 is transferred to by " A " high level signal represented from optical sensor 121.

After the lid of box installation portion 110 is opened, with print cartridge 30 is inserted in box installation portion 110, such as institute in figure 6 Show, during insertion, elevated portion 74 is reached between the light emission part 122 and light receiver 123 of optical sensor 121, and is risen High portion 74 hinders the path of the light for launching from light emission part 122.The light transmitting of optical sensor 121 is reached in elevated portion 74 When between portion 122 and light receiver 123, the signal that controller 1 is transferred to from optical sensor 121 is changed into by scheming from high level The low level that " B " in 11A is represented.

With print cartridge 30, from Fig. 6 state, by further, when being moved in forward direction 51, elevated portion 74 reaches compares optics Position of the sensor 121 in forward direction 51 further along.Therefore, elevated portion 74 does not hinder to be used for from light emission part The path of the light of 122 transmittings.When hindering to terminate, the signal that controller 1 is transferred to from optical sensor 121 changes from low level For the high level represented by " C " in Figure 11 A.Now, optical sensor 121 be located at elevated portion 74 and surplus test section 75 it Between.

As position of the print cartridge 30 from optical sensor 121 between elevated portion 74 and surplus test section 75 is entered one Step moves in forward direction 51, and as shown in Fig. 4 A and Fig. 4 B, surplus test section 75 reaches the light of optical sensor 121 Between emission part 122 and light receiver 123.Because when surplus test section 75 reaches the light emission part 122 of optical sensor 121 Second channel 46 is full of ink when between light receiver 123, so the light launched from light emission part 122 does not reach light receiver 123.Therefore, low level signal is transferred to controller 1 from optical sensor 121.That is, reached in surplus test section 75 in light When on the position between emission part 122 and light receiver 123, the signal that controller 1 is transferred to from optical sensor 121 is electric from height It is flat to change into the low level represented by " D " in Figure 11 A.

In the state of Fig. 4 A and Fig. 4 B, circuit board 64 has arrived at the lower section of the contact 116 of contact point unit 160, and The electrode 65 of circuit board 64 contacts contact 161.Contact of the contact with counter electrode is built between the IC and controller 1 of circuit board 64 Electrical connection is stood.In the state of Fig. 4 A and Fig. 4 B, print cartridge 30 in fully-mounted position (in the position of use), wherein print cartridge 30 are fully seated on box installation portion 110.Finally, the lid of box installation portion 110 is closed.

Hereinafter, with reference to the flow chart of figure 12, will describe to the correspondence of the print cartridge 30 of print cartridge 30 to box installation portion 110 every The detection of insertion in the 103A of room space.

To covering pent moment from optical sensor 121 at the time of controller 1 from the lid of box installation portion 110 to being opened The signal for being transferred to controller 1 has been changed into the number of high level from low level and counted, and the counts are stored In RAM (S100).

In response to the closing (S110 of lid：It is), controller 1 is with reference to the counts (S120) being stored in RAM.Counting Number represents (S120 in situation one or more times for several times：It is), controller 1 determines that print cartridge 30 has been correctly mounted box On installation portion 110 (step S130).(the S120 in the situation that counts represent zero：It is no), controller 1 determines：It is unsuitable Print cartridge is had been installed within box installation portion 110, or any print cartridge 30 (step S140) is not present in box installation portion 110.

Then, the remained ink for describing to be carried out by optical sensor 121 is detected.In storage chamber 36 is stored in In the state of the surplus height of ink, as shown in Fig. 4 A and Fig. 4 B, surplus test section 75 is hindered in optical sensor 121 The path for light between light emission part 122 and light receiver 123.Therefore, the low level represented by " A " in Figure 11 B is believed Number it is transferred to controller 1 from optical sensor 121 (with reference to figure 1 and Figure 10).

In response to being deposited caused by being stored in the black use in print cartridge 30 in the state of Fig. 4 A and Fig. 4 B The black reduction in ink passage 44 is stored up, the light launched from the light emission part 122 of optical sensor 121 is such as by the solid line in Fig. 4 B Represent that ground reaches the light receiver 123 of optical sensor 121.When light is reached on light receiver 123, from optical sensor 121 The signal for being transferred to controller 1 changes into the high level represented by " B " in Figure 11 B from low level.Knot as this change Fruit, controller 1 detect that the black surplus being stored in storage chamber 36 is low.

[the first variant]

In embodiment, interior upper wall of the surplus test section 75 from the lower surface for the second channel 46 for limiting ink passage 44 133 upper surface ramps up.But the construction of surplus test section 75 is not limited to this construction.

In an example, as shown in Fig. 7 A and 7B, surplus test section 75 can be relative to restriction ink passage 44 The lower surface of outer upper wall 130 of upper surface of second channel 46 be downwardly projected.In another example, surplus test section 75 It can be protruded relative to the left wall 126 of the left surface for the second channel 46 for limiting ink passage 44 in right direction 55.

In the construction shown in Fig. 7 A and 7B, in second channel 46 full of ink and the first inclined surface 78A of ink contact In both the second inclined surface 78B situation, sent out from the light emission part 122 of optical sensor 121 in left direction 56 The light penetrated such as is passed through the first inclined surface 78A of prism 78 with representing by the dotted line in Fig. 7 B.But light is not passed through ink, and Therefore light does not reach the second inclined surface 78B.Therefore, low level signal is transferred to controller 1 from optical sensor 121.

Black reduced and black the first inclined surface 78A and second that do not contact in second channel 46 is stored in inclines In skewed surface 78B situation, such as the light represented by the solid line in Fig. 7 B, launched from the light emission part 122 of optical sensor 121 Reflected from the first inclined surface 78A in downward direction 53, then reflected in left direction 56 from reflector 77, and Further reflected in upward direction 54 from reflector 77.Hereafter, reflected light is further in left direction 56 by from second Inclined surface 78B reflects, and reaches the light receiver 123 of optical sensor 121.When signal is reached on light receiver 123, from The signal that optical sensor 121 is transferred to controller 1 changes into high level from low level.As a result, controller 1 detect by The black surplus being stored in storage chamber 36 is low.

[the second variant]

The construction of ink passage 44 and differential pressure control valve 57 is not limited to the construction of embodiment.For example, ink passage 44 and differential pressure are adjusted Section valve 57 can have the construction shown in Fig. 8 A and Fig. 8 B.

In the second variant, as shown in Fig. 8 A and Fig. 8 B, ink passage 44 is limited in the front portion of print cartridge 30, and Storage chamber 36 is limited in the rear portion of print cartridge 30.

Ink passage 44 includes a passage 151 and another passage 152.One passage 151 connects with black supply department 34 It is logical.Another described passage 152 is limited to the rear in backward directions 52 of first passage 151.Another described passage 152 connect via opening 154 with one passage 151, and via the second open communication 155 and path 162 and storage chamber 36 storage chamber 36A connections.Second spheroid 156 is adjacent to the second open communication 155.Second open communication 155 is constructed To be opened and closed by the second spheroid 156 that can be moved along upward direction 54 and in downward direction 53.

Storage chamber 36 includes one storage chamber 36A and another storage chamber 36B.Another described storage chamber Room 36B is limited to the rear in backward directions 52 of another passage 152.Another storage chamber 36B warps Connected by the first open communication 158 and path 157 with one passage 151, and another storage chamber 36B via Path 153 connects with the first storage chamber 36A.First spheroid 159 is adjacent to the first open communication 158.The quilt of first open communication 158 It is configured to be opened and closed by the first spheroid 159 that can be moved along upward direction 54 and in downward direction 53.In the second variant In, storage chamber 36 connects with air communication portion (not shown), and is used with inking, and air is supplied to storage chamber 36 In.

Differential pressure control valve 57 includes the second spheroid 156 and the first spheroid 159.Second spheroid 156 is arranged on second channel In 152.Second spheroid 156 has the proportion higher than ink.Therefore, in the state of another described passage 152 is full of ink, second Spheroid 156 53 in downward direction on positioned at bottom put place, to close the second open communication 155.First spheroid 159 is arranged on institute State in another storage chamber 36B.First spheroid 159 has the proportion lower than ink.Therefore, filled in another described passage 152 In the state of full ink, the first spheroid 159 is located at the upper opening position in upward direction 54 by means of its buoyancy based on ink, To open the first open communication 158.

Surplus test section 75 is arranged on the upper end of one passage 151.The construction of surplus test section 75 Similar to the construction of embodiment, and therefore by explanation of the omission for surplus test section 75.

Hereinafter, the action by description according to the differential pressure control valve 57 of the second variant.It is such as shown in fig. 8 a, storing Chamber 36 and the both of which of ink passage 44 are full of in the state of ink, and the second spheroid 156 is located at lower opening position, and the second spheroid 156 close the second open communication 155, and the first spheroid 159 is located at upper opening position, and the first spheroid 159 is opened first and connected Open up mouth 158.Therefore, when ink is fed to black pipe 20 from print cartridge 30, be stored in the first storage chamber 36A ink via Another storage chamber 36B, one passage 151 and the black supply department 34 are supplied to black pipe 20.

As shown in FIG. 8B, in the state of storage chamber 36 is inkless, the buoyancy of ink is not based on, and therefore, the One spheroid 159 53 in downward direction on positioned at bottom put place, and the first spheroid 159 closes the first open communication 158.Therefore, Connection between ink passage 44 and storage chamber 36 is not set up.Therefore, when ink is fed into black pipe 20 from print cartridge 30, quilt The ink being stored in ink passage 44 is supplied to black pipe 20 via black supply department 34.

As the ink being stored in ink passage 44 is reduced, negative pressure occurs in ink passage 44 (with reference to figure 9A).Scheming In 9A, the increase of the density of the dotted line in ink passage 44 represents the generation of negative pressure.

It is such as shown in figures 9 b and 9 when negative pressure becomes scheduled volume lower than pressure in storage chamber 36 or more, second Spheroid 156 starts to be moved up by means of negative pressure.That is, when the pressure in ink passage 44 becomes than the pressure in storage chamber 36 During low scheduled volume or more, the second spheroid 156 opens the second open communication 155.By adjust the second spheroid 156 material and The size of size and the second open communication 155, the scheduled volume are suitably provided to cause：The ink being stored in ink passage 44 Flowed positively and effectively from ink passage 44.

As the second open communication 155 is opened, one storage chamber 36A and another described passage 152 it Between connection be established.Therefore, the pressure in ink passage 44 returns to the atmospheric pressure (pressure in storage chamber 36 from negative pressure Power).In response to this, the second spheroid 156 is again switched off the second open communication 155.

After this, while the opening and closing of the second open communication 155 are repeated, the ink that is stored in ink passage 44 It is consumed.

The construction of differential pressure control valve 57 is not limited to the body 58 of differential pressure control valve 57 and helical spring 62 being arranged on storage The inside of chamber 36 is used for the construction for closing the first open communication 66.For example, the body 58 and helical spring of differential pressure control valve 57 62 inside that can be arranged on ink passage 44 are used to close the first open communication 66.Differential pressure control valve 57 is not limited to use body 58 and the construction of helical spring 62.It is constructed as below for example, differential pressure control valve 57 can have, in this configuration, using flexible membrane, For closing the first open communication 66, the flexible membrane can be with the caused pressure differential between storage chamber 36 and ink passage 44 And deform.

[other variants]

In embodiment, surplus test section 75 is arranged at the level higher in upward direction 54 than black supply department 34 And it is set lower than black supply department 34 in backward directions 52 further backward.But surplus test section can not necessarily by It is arranged on the horizontal place higher in upward direction 54 than black supply department 34 and is set lower than black supply department 34 in backward directions 52 On further backward.For example, surplus test section 75 can be arranged on the water lower in downward direction 53 than black supply department 34 Flat place.

In embodiment, it is allowed to which the ink being stored in storage chamber 36 flow to the outer of print cartridge 30 via ink passage 44 Portion.But for example, ink can be allowed to flow to the outer of print cartridge 30 via the second storage chamber being provided separately with storage chamber 36 Portion.Compared with ink passage 44, the second storage chamber can not extend along inking flow direction.

In embodiment, surplus test section 75 includes reflector 77.But surplus test section 75 can be wrapped not necessarily Include reflector 77.In surplus test section 75 does not include the situation of reflector 77, prism 78 has the prism 78 with embodiment Different shapes.More specifically, prism 78 includes the inclined surface similar with the reflector 77 of embodiment at its lower surface.

More specifically, as shown in Figure 13, prism 78 includes the first lower inclined surface 78E, the at its lower surface Two lower inclined surface 78F and the 3rd horizontal surface 78G.As the first lower inclined surface 78E extends in left direction 56, first Right-hand member on upward direction 54 deflection extensions of the lower inclined surface 78E from prism 78.First lower inclined surface 78E is parallel to first Inclined surface 78A.As the second lower inclined surface 78F extends in right direction 55, the second lower inclined surface 78F is from prism 78 Left end in upward direction 54 deflection extend.Second lower inclined surface 78F is parallel to the first inclined surface 78B.3rd is horizontal Surface 78G is connected between the first lower inclined surface 78E left end and the second lower inclined surface 78F right-hand member.3rd water-glass Face 78G is parallel to first level surface 78C.First lower inclined surface 78E, the second lower inclined surface 78F and the 3rd horizontal surface 78G faces storage chamber 36.

The black surplus for detecting and being stored in ink passage 44 is had been reduced in the ink being stored in print cartridge 30 Specified level in the state of, the upper end (position of the contact prism 78 of storage chamber 36) of storage chamber 36 is by air rather than ink Filling.Therefore, from the light that light emission part 122 is launched in left direction 56 by the first lower inclined surface 78E from prism 78 and Second lower inclined surface 78F reflects.That is, the light launched from light emission part 122 is including reflector 77 with surplus test section 75 Construction in advance in the similar route of the light advanced.

In embodiment, while print cartridge 30 is moved along horizontal direction, print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110.But the moving direction of print cartridge 30 is not limited to horizontal direction when print cartridge 30 is installed into box installation portion 110.It is for example, black Box can be inserted into box installation portion along vertical direction.Now, for example, ink passage 44, differential pressure control valve 57 and surplus inspection The position in survey portion 75 and construction can suitably change according to the direction of insertion of print cartridge.

In embodiment, made an explanation by taking ink to be used as an example of liquid.But the invention is not restricted to The instantiation.For example, substituting ink, the pretreating liquid sprayed in printing before ink can be another reality of liquid Example.

[case effect]

According to embodiment, liquid supply port 71 is in the lower section of interior upper wall 133, and prism 78 is in the top of interior upper wall 133. In addition, prism 78 is between outer antetheca 128 and outer rear wall 129.Therefore the first inclined surface 78A is arranged on than black supply opening 71 High horizontal place and black supply opening 71 is set lower than in upward direction 51 in backward directions 52 further backward.Therefore, This construction can reduce the wind being attached in the black spilling to the inclined surface 78A or prism 78 of prism 78 of black supply opening 71 Danger.Correspondingly, it is being stored in print cartridge 30 by launching from light emission part 122 towards the first inclined surface 78A light to detect In black surplus situation in, this construction, which can reduce, improperly detects the whether low risk of remained ink.

Generally, prism 78 is arranged in print cartridge 30 is able to detect that the remained ink of print cartridge 30 has changed into scheduled volume Opening position.In embodiment, prism 78 is arranged at ink passage 44.Black amount such as with being stored in storage chamber 36 Compare, can more accurately obtain the black amount being stored in ink passage 44.Therefore, according to embodiment, the scheduled volume can Accurately to be established.

According to embodiment, the first buffer chamber 48 is configured to store ink wherein.Therefore, can be that the scheduled volume is established Bigger amount.

If air be present in the surplus test section 75 that ink be present, when light is launched into the first inclined surface 78A When, it may improperly detect remained ink.According to embodiment, differential pressure control valve 57 can be closed in storage chamber 36 and Mo Tong Connection between road 44.Therefore, this construction can be avoided in the air intrusion ink passage 44 that storage chamber 36 includes, this It can to avoid incorrect detection.

According to embodiment, even if air is invaded in ink passage 44 from storage chamber 36, the second buffer chamber 49 can also invade The air entered is captured in the second buffer chamber 49.Therefore, this construction can reduce in air intrusion surplus test section 75 Risk.As a result, this construction can reduce the incorrect detection caused by possibility when light is launched towards prism 78 Risk.

According to embodiment, the cross-sectional area of cutting on the direction orthogonal with flow direction of connected entrance 63 is less than second The cross-sectional area of cutting on the direction orthogonal with flow direction of buffer chamber 49.Moreover, connected entrance 63 with flowing On the orthogonal direction in direction the cross-sectional area of cutting be less than surplus test section 75 on the direction orthogonal with flow direction The cross-sectional area of cutting.Therefore, even if air is invaded in ink passage 44 from storage chamber 36, this construction can also reduce sky Gas is moved to the risk of surplus test section 75.

According to embodiment, surplus test section 75 is arranged at the bottom of second channel 46.Even in second channel 46 In air be present, in many situations air can be located at second channel 46 top at.Therefore, this construction, which can reduce, works as The risk of incorrect detection caused by possibility when light is launched towards prism 78.

According to embodiment, the reflected light in upward direction 54 of reflector 77.Using this construction, with optical sensor 121 Light emission part position independently, prism 78 can be arranged on prism 78 is positioned at it is much higher from black supply opening 71 Level at opening position.

Generally, while print cartridge 30 is just being inserted into box installation portion 110 or is removed from box installation portion 110, circuit The contact 161 of the electrode contact box installation portion 110 of plate 64.However, print cartridge 30 be just inserted into box installation portion 110 or by from Contact while box installation portion 110 removes between the electrode of circuit board 64 and the contact 161 of box installation portion 110 can produce The chip of electrode.According to embodiment, prism 78 is arranged at the level higher in upward direction 54 than circuit board 64.Therefore, This construction can reduce the risk that chip is attached to prism 78.

Claims (18)

1. a kind of fluid cartridge, liquid is stored in the fluid cartridge, and the fluid cartridge is configured to be installed in box installation In portion, the fluid cartridge includes：

Liquid supply port, the liquid supply port be configured to the fluid cartridge it is inside and outside between connection is provided；

First wall, first wall along upward direction, in downward direction, right direction and left direction extension, and described the One wall has the liquid supply port；

Second wall, second wall is in the backward directions orthogonal with the upward direction and the right direction with described first Wall separates, second wall in the upward direction, described in downward direction, in the right direction and the left direction prolong Stretch；

3rd wall, the 3rd wall is between the upper end of first wall and the upper end of second wall, the 3rd wall Described upwardly extend in forward direction, the backward directions, the right direction and to the left；With

Prism, the prism have illuminated surface, and the illuminated surface is configured to receive from the box installation portion Including the transmitting of light emission part light, and the illuminated surface is configured to respond to change in the liquid level of the liquid stored Become the state of received light,

Wherein：

The liquid supply port it is described in downward direction on be located at the 3rd wall lower section；And

The illuminated surface is located at the top of the 3rd wall in the upward direction, and the illuminated surface is located at Between first wall and second wall.

2. fluid cartridge according to claim 1, further comprises：

First storage chamber, first storage chamber have the first open communication；With

Second storage chamber, second storage chamber is in first open communication of first storage chamber and the liquid Extend between body supply opening,

Wherein described prism is located in second storage chamber.

3. fluid cartridge according to claim 2, wherein first storage chamber and second storage chamber are located at institute State between the first wall and second wall.

4. the fluid cartridge according to Claims 2 or 3, wherein the maximum liquid level in second storage chamber is higher than institute State the maximum liquid level in the first storage chamber.

5. fluid cartridge according to claim 3, wherein second storage chamber is fluid passage, and

Wherein described second storage chamber is along the length that the flow direction that liquid flows has than second storage chamber The girth length of the cross section of cutting on the direction orthogonal with the flow direction.

6. fluid cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the fluid passage includes：

First passage, the first passage are located at the rear of first storage chamber in the backward directions；

Second channel, the second channel are located at the top of first storage chamber in the upward direction, and described Second channel abuts with the first passage；With

Third channel, the third channel are located at the front of first storage chamber in the forward direction, and described Third channel abuts with the second channel, and the third channel connects with the liquid supply port.

7. fluid cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the second channel limits surplus test section, the surplus inspection Survey portion is located at the top of first storage chamber, and

The prism is located in the surplus test section.

8. fluid cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the surplus test section includes elevated portion, the elevated portion is from institute The interior lower surface for stating fluid passage projects upwards.

9. fluid cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the prism is located at the elevated portion of the surplus test section On.

10. the fluid cartridge according to any one of claim 7 to 9, wherein the third channel is examined in the surplus The first buffer chamber is limited between survey portion and the liquid supply port.

11. the fluid cartridge according to any one of claim 7 to 9, wherein the second channel is examined in the surplus The second buffer chamber is limited between survey portion and first storage chamber.

12. fluid cartridge according to claim 11, wherein：

The fluid passage limits connected entrance, the connected entrance be located at the surplus test section and second buffer chamber it Between,

The cross-sectional area of cutting on the direction orthogonal with the flow direction of the connected entrance is less than the described second buffering The cross-sectional area of cutting on the direction orthogonal with the flow direction of chamber；And

The cross-sectional area of cutting on the direction orthogonal with the flow direction of the connected entrance is examined less than the surplus The cross-sectional area of cutting on the direction orthogonal with the flow direction in survey portion.

13. the fluid cartridge according to any one of claim 5 to 9, further in first storage chamber and described Include differential pressure control valve between fluid passage, the differential pressure control valve is configured to：According in first storage chamber and institute Caused pressure differential between fluid passage is stated, opens and closes first open communication.

14. fluid cartridge according to claim 13, wherein：

Second storage chamber has the second open communication,

The fluid passage extends between second open communication and the liquid supply port,

The differential pressure control valve includes：

First spheroid, first spheroid adjacent to first open communication, and first spheroid be configured to by by Moved in the buoyancy based on the liquid being stored in first storage chamber so as to open first open communication；With

Second spheroid, second spheroid is adjacent to second open communication, and second spheroid is configured to institute The pressure in fluid passage is stated to become less than the pressure in first storage chamber and open second open communication.

15. fluid cartridge according to claim 14, including film, the film limits a part for first storage chamber, And

Wherein described differential pressure control valve is configured to connect so as to open described first and mobile by the deformation with the film Opening.

16. the fluid cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 9, further comprise reflector, the reflection Device is configured to make the light along the right direction and left direction transmitting reflect in the upward direction, and

Wherein described illuminated surface is arranged on the top of the reflector in the upward direction.

17. the fluid cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 9, further comprise circuit board, the circuit Plate includes electrode,

Wherein described prism is arranged at the level higher in the upward direction than the circuit board.

18. the fluid cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 9, wherein being shone in the described of the prism Angle between the surface of reflective surface and the 3rd wall is 45 °.