CN107878030B

CN107878030B - Liquid box

Info

Publication number: CN107878030B
Application number: CN201610867767.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 小林哲郎; 塘口卓; 大野彰人; 温井康介; 高桥宏明; 冈崎真也
Original assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2016-09-29
Filing date: 2016-09-29
Publication date: 2020-03-24
Anticipated expiration: 2036-09-29
Also published as: CN111421960B; CN111421960A; CN107878030A

Abstract

The liquid cartridge includes: a liquid supply port; a first wall; a second wall; a third wall; a prism having an irradiated surface configured to receive light emitted from a light emitting portion included in the cartridge mounting portion, a state of the received light being changed in response to a liquid level of the stored liquid, the liquid supply port being located below the third wall in a downward direction; the irradiated surface is located above the third wall in an upward direction, the irradiated surface being located between the first and second walls. This configuration can reduce the risk of ink adhering to the liquid supply port splashing onto the prism. Accordingly, in the case where the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the liquid cartridge is detected by light emission from the light emitting portion toward the irradiated surface, the configuration can reduce the risk of incorrectly detecting whether the remaining amount of the liquid is low.

Description

Liquid box

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a liquid cartridge configured to store liquid.

Background

An ink cartridge including a remaining amount detecting portion having a prism is known (patent document 1). The remaining amount detecting portion is provided in a storage chamber in which the ink is stored. In the ink cartridge, it is determined whether the remaining amount of ink stored in the storage chamber is low based on whether reflection of light emitted from the light emitting portion toward the remaining amount detecting portion has reached the light receiving portion. The light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are provided in a printer to which an ink cartridge is attached. In the ink cartridge, in a state where the remaining amount of the ink stored in the storage chamber is high and the remaining amount detecting portion is filled with the ink, light emitted toward the remaining amount detecting portion is refracted at an ink layer in the remaining amount detecting portion and is totally reflected from an inner wall of the remaining amount detecting portion. Therefore, no light reaches the light receiving portion. In a state where the remaining amount of ink stored in the storage chamber is low and the remaining amount detecting portion is free of ink, light emitted toward the remaining amount detecting portion travels straight in an air layer in the remaining amount detecting portion. Thus, the light reaches the light receiving portion.

[ patent document 1]

Japanese laid-open patent application laid-open No. 2012-96449

Disclosure of Invention

The remaining amount detecting portion is provided at the front of the ink cartridge. An ink supply port configured to supply the ink stored in the storage chamber to a printer to which the ink cartridge is attached is also provided at the front of the ink cartridge. Therefore, when the ink cartridge is removed from the printer, the ink adhering to the ink supply port may splash on the remaining amount detecting portion. If the ink cartridge is attached to the printer with the ink attached to the remaining amount detecting portion, the light emitted from the light emitting portion may be incident on the ink and may be refracted. As a result, it may be incorrectly determined whether the ink remaining amount is low.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid cartridge that can make accurate detection of a remaining amount of liquid possible.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a liquid cartridge in which a liquid is stored and which is configured to be mounted on a cartridge mounting portion, the liquid cartridge including: a liquid supply port configured to provide communication between an inside and an outside of the liquid cartridge; a first wall extending in an upward direction, a downward direction, a right direction, and a left direction, and having the liquid supply port; a second wall spaced from the first wall in a rearward direction orthogonal to the upward direction and the rightward direction, the second wall extending in the upward direction, the downward direction, the rightward direction, and the leftward direction; a third wall between an upper end of the first wall and an upper end of the second wall, the third wall extending in a forward direction, the rearward direction, the right direction, and the left direction; and a prism having an irradiated surface configured to receive light emitted from a light emitting portion included in the cartridge mounting portion, and configured to change a state of the received light in response to a liquid level of the stored liquid, wherein: the liquid supply port is located below the third wall in the downward direction; and the irradiated surface is located above the third wall in the upward direction, and the irradiated surface is located between the first wall and the second wall.

According to this configuration, the liquid supply port is below the third wall, and the prism is above the third wall. In addition, the prism is between the first wall and the second wall. Therefore, this configuration can reduce the risk of ink adhering to the liquid supply port splashing onto the prism. Accordingly, in the case where the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the liquid cartridge is detected by light emission from the light emitting portion toward the irradiated surface, such a configuration can reduce the risk of incorrectly detecting whether the remaining amount of the liquid is low.

A liquid cartridge according to a second aspect of the present invention is the liquid cartridge of the first aspect, further comprising: a first storage chamber having a first communication opening; and a second storage chamber extending between the first communication opening of the first storage chamber and the liquid supply port, wherein the prism is located in the second storage chamber.

A liquid cartridge according to a third aspect of the present invention is based on the liquid cartridge of the second aspect, wherein the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are located between the first wall and the second wall.

A liquid cartridge according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the liquid cartridge of the second or third aspect, wherein a maximum liquid level in the second storage chamber is higher than a maximum liquid level in the first storage chamber.

A liquid cartridge according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the liquid cartridge of the third or fourth aspect, wherein the second storage chamber is a liquid passage, and wherein the second storage chamber has a length along a flow direction in which the liquid flows, which is longer than a circumferential length of a cross section of the second storage chamber taken in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction.

A liquid cartridge according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the liquid cartridge of the fifth aspect, wherein the liquid channel includes: a first passage located rearward of the first storage chamber in the rearward direction; a second passage located above the first storage chamber in the upward direction and contiguous with the first passage; and a third passage that is located forward of the first storage chamber in the forward direction and that is adjacent to the second passage, the third passage communicating with the liquid supply port.

A liquid cartridge according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is based on the liquid cartridge of the sixth aspect, wherein the second channel defines a remaining amount detecting portion, the remaining amount detecting portion is located above the first storage chamber, and the prism is located in the remaining amount detecting portion.

In general, in a liquid cartridge, a prism is provided at a position where the remaining amount of liquid stored in the liquid cartridge can be detected to have become a predetermined amount. In the above configuration, the prism is provided in the liquid passage. The amount of liquid stored in the liquid passage can be grasped more accurately than the amount of liquid stored in the first storage chamber. Therefore, according to this configuration, the predetermined amount can be accurately established.

A liquid cartridge according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the liquid cartridge of the seventh aspect, wherein the remaining amount detecting portion includes a raised portion that protrudes upward from an inner lower surface of the liquid passage.

A liquid cartridge according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the liquid cartridge of the eighth aspect, wherein the prism is located on the rising portion of the remaining amount detecting portion.

According to this configuration, the remaining amount detecting portion includes a raised portion that protrudes upward from the lower surface of the liquid passage. If air is present in the liquid channel, the air may be located at the upper portion of the liquid channel in many cases. Thus, this configuration may reduce the risk of incorrect detection that may be caused when light is emitted towards the prism.

A liquid cartridge according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the liquid cartridge according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, wherein the third channel defines a first buffer chamber between the remaining amount detecting portion and the liquid supply port.

In general, in a liquid cartridge, a prism is provided at a position where the remaining amount of liquid stored in the liquid cartridge can be detected to have become a predetermined amount. According to this configuration, the first buffer chamber is configured to store liquid therein. Therefore, a larger amount can be established for the predetermined amount.

A liquid cartridge according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the liquid cartridge according to any one of the seventh to tenth aspects, wherein the second channel defines a second buffer chamber between the remaining amount detecting portion and the first storage chamber.

If air is present in the portion where the prism is provided, the remaining amount of liquid may be incorrectly detected when light is emitted to the remaining amount detecting portion. According to this configuration, even if air intrudes into the liquid passage from the first storage chamber, the second buffer chamber can trap the intruded air in the second buffer chamber. This configuration can reduce the risk of air intrusion into the portion where the prism is disposed. As a result, this configuration can reduce the risk of incorrect detection that may be caused when light is emitted toward the remaining amount detecting portion.

A liquid cartridge according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is based on the liquid cartridge of the eleventh aspect, wherein: the liquid passage defines a communication port between the remaining amount detecting portion and the second cushion chamber, the communication port having a cross-sectional area taken in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction smaller than a cross-sectional area taken in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the second cushion chamber; and a cross-sectional area of the communication port cut in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the remaining amount detection portion cut in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction.

According to this configuration, even if air intrudes into the liquid passage from the first storage chamber, such a configuration can reduce the risk of air moving to the remaining amount detecting portion.

A liquid cartridge according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the liquid cartridge according to any one of the fifth to twelfth aspects, wherein the liquid cartridge further includes a differential pressure regulating valve between the first storage chamber and the liquid passage, the differential pressure regulating valve being configured to: opening and closing the first communication opening in accordance with a pressure difference caused between the first storage chamber and the liquid passage.

A liquid cartridge according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is based on the liquid cartridge of the thirteenth aspect, wherein: the second storage chamber has a second communication opening, the liquid passage extends between the second communication opening and the liquid supply port, and the differential pressure regulating valve includes: a first ball adjacent to the first communication opening and configured to open the first communication opening by moving due to buoyancy based on the liquid stored in the first storage chamber; and a second ball that is adjacent to the second communication opening, and that is configured to open the second communication opening as the pressure in the liquid passage becomes smaller than the pressure in the first storage chamber.

A liquid cartridge according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the liquid cartridge of the fourteenth aspect, wherein the liquid cartridge includes a membrane that defines a part of the first storage chamber, and wherein the differential pressure regulating valve is configured to open the first communication opening by moving with deformation of the membrane.

If air is present in the portion where the prism is provided, the remaining amount of liquid may be incorrectly detected when light is emitted to the remaining amount detecting portion. According to this configuration, the differential pressure regulating valve can close the communication between the first storage chamber and the liquid passage. Therefore, this configuration can avoid intrusion of air included in the first storage chamber into the liquid passage, which can make it possible to avoid incorrect detection.

A liquid cartridge according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the liquid cartridge according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, wherein the liquid cartridge further comprises a reflector configured to reflect light emitted in the rightward direction and the leftward direction in the upward direction, and wherein the irradiated surface is disposed above the reflector in the upward direction.

According to this configuration, the reflector reflects light in the upward direction. With this configuration, the prism can be provided at a position where the prism is positioned at a level far higher from the ink supply port, regardless of the position of the light emitting portion.

A liquid cartridge according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention is the liquid cartridge according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, wherein the liquid cartridge further comprises a circuit board including an electrode, wherein the prism is disposed at a higher level in the upward direction than the circuit board.

Typically, the electrodes of the circuit board contact a device, such as a printer, while the liquid cartridge is being inserted into or removed from the device. Contact between the electrodes of the circuit board and the equipment can produce swarf of the electrodes. According to this configuration, the prism is provided at a higher level than the circuit board in the upward direction. Thus, this configuration can reduce the risk of swarf adhering to the prism.

A liquid cartridge according to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention is the liquid cartridge according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects, wherein an angle between the irradiated surface of the prism and a surface of the third wall is 45 °.

According to the liquid cartridge of the present invention, accurate detection of the remaining amount of liquid can be achieved.

A nineteenth aspect of the present invention provides a liquid cartridge comprising: a liquid supply port configured to provide communication between an inside and an outside of the liquid cartridge; a first storage chamber having a first communication opening; a second storage chamber extending between the first communication opening of the first storage chamber and the liquid supply port; and a prism including a first inclined surface configured to change a state of the received light in response to a level of liquid contained in the second storage chamber, wherein: an upper portion of the second storage chamber is located above the first storage chamber, the liquid supply port is at a lower level than the upper portion of the second storage chamber, the prism is in the upper portion of the second storage chamber, and the prism is above the first storage chamber.

According to the related art (japanese laid-open patent application laid-open No. 2012 and 96449), the prism of the remaining amount detecting portion is directly above the ink supply port. In contrast, according to the liquid cartridge of the present invention, the prism is above the liquid supply port, but the prism is not directly above the liquid supply port. In other words, the distance from the prism to the liquid supply port in the liquid cartridge of the present invention is longer than the distance from the prism to the ink supply port in the related art. Therefore, the configuration of the liquid cartridge of the present invention can reduce the risk of incorrectly detecting whether the remaining amount of liquid is low, as compared with the related art.

A liquid cartridge according to a twentieth aspect of the present invention is based on the liquid cartridge of the nineteenth aspect, wherein: the second reservoir chamber is a liquid passage connected between the first reservoir chamber and the liquid supply port, and has a length in a flow direction in which liquid flows that is longer than a circumferential length of a cross section of the second reservoir chamber that is cut in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction.

A liquid cartridge according to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention is the liquid cartridge of the twentieth aspect, wherein the second storage chamber includes: a first channel located rearward of the second storage chamber; a second channel located above the second storage chamber and contiguous with the first channel, and corresponding to the higher portion of the second storage chamber; and a third channel which is located in front of the second storage chamber and which is adjacent to the second channel, and wherein the third channel communicates with the liquid supply port.

A liquid cartridge according to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention is based on the liquid cartridge of the twenty-first aspect, wherein the prism is located in the second channel.

In general, in a liquid cartridge, a prism is provided at a position where the remaining amount of liquid stored in the liquid cartridge can be detected to have become a predetermined amount. In the above configuration, the prism is disposed in the second passage. The amount of the liquid stored in the second passage can be grasped more accurately than the amount of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber. Therefore, according to this configuration, the predetermined amount can be accurately established.

A liquid cartridge according to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention is based on the twenty-second aspect, wherein: the third channel defines a first buffer chamber between the prism and the liquid supply port, and the first buffer chamber extends further toward the first channel than a remaining portion of the third channel.

A liquid cartridge according to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention is based on the liquid cartridge of the twenty-third aspect, wherein the first buffer chamber is located below the prism.

A liquid cartridge according to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention is based on the liquid cartridge of any one of the twenty-first to twenty-fourth aspects, wherein: the second channel defines a second buffer chamber between the prism and the first communication opening, and the second buffer chamber extends higher than the rest of the second channel.

If air is present in the portion where the prism is provided, the remaining amount of liquid may be incorrectly detected when light is emitted to the remaining amount detecting portion. According to this configuration, even if air intrudes into the liquid passage from the first communication opening, the second cushion chamber can trap the intruded air in the second cushion chamber. This configuration can reduce the risk of air intrusion into the portion where the prism is disposed. As a result, this configuration can reduce the risk of incorrect detection that may be caused when light is emitted toward the remaining amount detecting portion.

A liquid cartridge according to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention is based on the liquid cartridge of the twenty-fifth aspect, wherein: the second channel defines a remaining amount detecting portion having the prism therein; the second passage defines a communication port between the second buffer chamber and the remaining amount detecting portion; the cross-sectional area of the communication port of the second passage is smaller than that of the second buffer chamber; and a cross-sectional area of the communication port of the second passage is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the remaining amount detecting portion.

A liquid cartridge according to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention is based on the twenty-sixth aspect, further comprising a raised portion that protrudes upward from an inner lower surface of the second channel into the remaining amount detecting portion.

According to this configuration, the rise portion protrudes upward from the inner lower surface of the second passage into the remaining amount detection portion. If there is air in the second channel, the air may be located at an upper portion of the second channel in many cases. Thus, this configuration may reduce the risk of incorrect detection that may be caused when light is emitted towards the prism.

A liquid cartridge according to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention is based on the liquid cartridge of the twenty-seventh aspect, wherein the elevated portion includes a surface positioned to face the first inclined surface of the prism.

A liquid cartridge according to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention is the liquid cartridge of the twenty-eighteenth aspect, wherein the rise portion includes a reflector positioned to face the first inclined surface.

A liquid cartridge according to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention is based on the liquid cartridge of the twenty-ninth aspect, wherein the reflector is located below the first inclined surface of the prism.

A liquid cartridge according to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention is based on the liquid cartridge of any one of the thirty-first to the nineteenth aspects, further comprising a differential pressure regulating valve configured to: opening and closing the first communication opening in accordance with a pressure difference caused between the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber.

A liquid cartridge according to a thirty-second aspect of the present invention is the liquid cartridge of the thirty-first aspect, wherein the first storage chamber has a second communication opening, the second storage chamber extending between the second communication opening and the liquid supply port, the pressure regulating valve includes: a first ball adjacent to the first communication opening and configured to open the first communication opening by moving due to buoyancy based on the liquid stored in the first storage chamber; and a second ball that is adjacent to the second communication opening, and that is configured to open the second communication opening as the pressure in the second storage chamber becomes smaller than the pressure in the first storage chamber.

A liquid cartridge according to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention is based on the liquid cartridge of the thirty-first aspect, further comprising a membrane defining a part of the first storage chamber, wherein the differential pressure regulating valve is configured to open the first communication opening by moving with deformation of the membrane.

A liquid cartridge according to a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention is the liquid cartridge according to any one of the nineteenth to thirty-third aspects, further comprising a circuit board including an electrode, wherein the first inclined surface of the prism is located at a higher level than the circuit board.

Typically, the electrodes of the circuit board contact a device, such as a printer, while the liquid cartridge is being inserted into or removed from the device. Contact between the electrodes of the circuit board and the equipment can produce swarf of the electrodes. According to this configuration, the first inclined surface of the prism is located at a higher level than the circuit board. Thus, this configuration can reduce the risk of swarf adhering to the prism.

A liquid cartridge according to a thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention is based on the liquid cartridge of any one of the nineteenth to thirty-fourth aspects, wherein: the prism further comprises a second inclined surface configured to change a state of the received light in response to a level of liquid contained in the second storage chamber; and the second inclined surface is perpendicular to the first inclined surface.

A liquid cartridge according to a thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention is the liquid cartridge according to any one of the nineteenth to thirty-fifth aspects, further comprising a bottom wall located below both the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber, wherein a surface of the bottom wall intersects with the first inclined surface of the prism.

A liquid cartridge according to a thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention is based on the liquid cartridge of the thirty-sixth aspect, wherein an angle between the first inclined surface of the prism and the surface of the bottom wall is 45 °.

A liquid cartridge according to a thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention is the liquid cartridge according to any one of the nineteenth to thirty-seventh aspects, further comprising: a first wall having the liquid supply port; a second wall spaced rearwardly from the first wall; and a third wall between the first and second walls, wherein the first and second storage chambers are between the first and second walls, the first storage chamber is located above the third wall, the second storage chamber is partially above the third wall, the liquid supply port is below the third wall, and the prism is above the third wall.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing an internal configuration of a printer including a cartridge mounting portion.

Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view showing this cartridge mounting portion 110.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge.

Fig. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge.

Fig. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of fig. 4A.

Fig. 5A is a sectional view taken along line V-V of fig. 4A, in which the opening is closed.

Fig. 5B is a sectional view taken along line V-V of fig. 4A, in which the opening is opened.

Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge, the elevated portion of the ink cartridge being located between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion.

Fig. 7A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge in a first modification.

Fig. 7B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of fig. 7A.

Fig. 8A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge in a second modification, in which an opening is opened.

Fig. 8B is a schematic cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge in a second modification, in which the opening is closed.

Fig. 9A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge in a second modification, in which an ink channel is under negative pressure.

Fig. 9B is a schematic cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge in a second modification, in which an opening is opened.

Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the controller 1.

Fig. 11A shows a change in a signal output from the optical sensor during insertion of the ink cartridge.

Fig. 11B shows a change in a signal output from the optical sensor during a decrease in ink stored in the ink cartridge.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the detection of the insertion of the ink cartridge into the cartridge mounting portion.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of fig. 4A in another variation.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples in which the present invention is implemented. Needless to say, various changes, arrangements and modifications may be applied therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In the following description, the direction in which the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 is defined as the forward direction 51. The direction opposite to the forward direction 51 and in which the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110 is defined as a rearward direction 52. In this embodiment, both the forward direction 51 and the backward direction 52 are horizontal directions, but may not necessarily be horizontal directions.

A direction orthogonal to the forward direction 51 and the backward direction 52 is defined as an upward direction 54. A direction opposite to the upward direction 54 is defined as a downward direction 53. In this embodiment, the upward direction 54 is an upward direction in the vertical direction, and the downward direction 53 is a downward direction in the vertical direction. However, the upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53 may not necessarily be vertical directions.

Directions orthogonal to the forward direction 51 and the downward direction 53 are defined as a rightward direction 55 and a leftward direction 56, respectively. More specifically, in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is completely mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110 (for example, in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is in the use position), when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed in the forward direction 51, that is, when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed from the rear, a direction pointing rightward is defined as a rightward direction 55, and a direction pointing leftward is defined as a leftward direction 56. In this embodiment, both the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 are horizontal directions, but may not necessarily be horizontal directions.

[ outline of the Printer 10]

As shown in fig. 1, the printer 10 is configured to: an image is recorded on a sheet by selectively ejecting ink droplets onto the sheet using an inkjet recording system. The printer 10 includes a recording head 21, an ink supply device 100, and an ink tube 20. The ink tube 20 is connected between the recording head 21 and the ink supply device 100. Ink supply device 100 includes a cartridge mounting portion 110. The cartridge mounting portion 110 is configured to accommodate an ink cartridge 30 (as an example of a liquid cartridge). Cartridge mounting portion 110 has an opening 112 at one end. The ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 through the opening 112 in the forward direction 51, or removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110 through the opening 112 in the backward direction 52.

The ink cartridge 30 stores ink (as one example of liquid) that can be used in the printer 10. In a state where the ink cartridge 30 has been completely mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110, the ink cartridge 30 and the recording head 21 are connected to each other via the ink tube 20. The recording head 21 includes a sub tank 28. The sub tank 28 temporarily stores therein ink supplied from the ink cartridge 30 to the sub tank 28 through the ink tube 20. The recording head 21 selectively ejects ink supplied from the sub tank 28 from the nozzles 29. More specifically, a head control board mounted on the recording head 21 selectively applies a driving voltage to the piezoelectric elements 29A provided for the respective nozzles 29, thereby selectively ejecting ink from the appropriate nozzles 29.

The printer 10 further includes a feed tray 15, a feed roller 23, a conveyor roller pair 25, a platen 26, a discharge roller pair 27, and a discharge tray 16. The sheet fed into the conveying path 24 by the feed roller 23 is conveyed onto the platen 26 by the pair of conveyor rollers 25. The recording head 21 selectively ejects ink onto a sheet passing over the platen 26, thereby recording an image onto the sheet. By the ink ejection, the ink stored in the ink cartridge 30 completely mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110 is reduced. The sheet passing on the platen 26 is then discharged by a discharge roller pair 27 onto a discharge tray 16 provided at the downstream end of the conveying path 24.

[ ink supply device 100]

As shown in fig. 1, an ink supply device 100 is included in the printer 10. The ink supply device 100 is configured to supply ink to the recording head 21 of the printer 10. The ink supply device 100 includes a cartridge mounting portion 110 for accommodating the ink cartridge 30. Fig. 1 shows a state in which the ink cartridge 30 is completely mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110.

[ case holder 110]

As shown in fig. 2, the cartridge mounting portion 110 includes a casing 101, an ink needle 102 (refer to fig. 1), an optical sensor 121, and a contact unit 160.

The housing 101 is divided into four compartment spaces 103A arranged side by side in the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56. The casing 101 is configured to accommodate four ink cartridges 30 of respective colors (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) in the respective compartment spaces 103A.

In the following description, the ink needle 102, the optical sensor 121, and the contact unit 160 are provided for each ink cartridge 30. That is, in this embodiment, the ink needle 102, the optical sensor 121, and the contact unit 160 are each provided in four. The same components of the ink needle 102, the optical sensor 121, and the contact unit 160 are arranged side by side in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. The same components of the ink needle 102, the optical sensor 121, and the contact unit 160 have the identical configurations. Therefore, one of the same components of the ink needle 102, the optical sensor 121, and the contact unit 160 will be described in detail, and the description of the other components will be omitted.

[ case 101]

As shown in fig. 2, case 101 defines a housing of cartridge mounting portion 110. The housing 101 has a box shape with an opening 112 and has a top surface 115, a bottom surface 116 and a distal surface 117. The top surface 115 defines a top end of the interior space 103 of the housing 101. The bottom surface 116 defines a bottom end of the interior space 103 of the housing 101. The distal end surface 117 defines a front end of the interior space 103 of the housing 101 with respect to the forward direction 51. The distal surface 117 is connected between the top surface 115 and the bottom surface 116. The opening 112 is defined rearward of the distal end surface 117 in the rearward direction 52 and opposite the distal end surface 117. The opening 112 may be exposed at a user interface of the printer 10 that faces a user when the user is using the printer 10. The ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the casing 101 through the opening 112 or removed from the casing 101. The casing 101 includes three plates (not shown) that divide the internal space 103 into four compartment spaces 103A having a long length in the vertical direction. The ink cartridges 30 are configured to be accommodated in the respective compartment spaces 103A divided by these plates.

The opening 112 of the housing 101 may be closed and exposed by a cover (not shown). The cover is attached to a rotation shaft (not shown) extending in the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56 in the vicinity of the lower end of the opening 112. This configuration enables the cover to pivot on the rotation shaft between a closed position where the cover closes the opening 112 and an open position where the cover exposes the opening 112. When the cover is at the open position, a user is allowed to insert one or more ink cartridges 30 into the cartridge mounting section 110 or remove them from the cartridge mounting section 110 through the opening 112. When the cover is at the closed position, the user is not allowed to insert any ink cartridge 30 into cartridge mounting section 110 or remove it from cartridge mounting section 110. Further, the user is not allowed to access any ink cartridge 30 mounted on the casing 101.

A lid sensor 118 (refer to fig. 10) is provided in the vicinity of the upper end of the opening 112 of the housing 101. The cap sensor 118 may detect whether the cap sensor 118 is in contact with the cap. When the cover is located at the closed position, the upper end portion of the cover is in contact with the cover sensor 118, and the cover sensor 118 outputs a detection signal to the controller 1 (refer to fig. 1 and 10). When the cover is not located at the closed position, the cover sensor 118 does not output a detection signal.

[ ink needle 102]

As shown in fig. 2, the ink needle 102 is a hollow tube of resin, and is provided at a lower portion of the distal end surface 117 of the housing 101. The ink needle 102 is provided at a prescribed position at the distal end surface 117 of the casing 101 so that the position of the ink needle 102 matches the ink supply portion 34 of the ink cartridge 30 mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110 (refer to fig. 3). The ink needle 102 protrudes in the rearward direction 52 from the distal end surface 117 of the housing 101.

The cylindrical guide portion 105 is provided to surround the ink needle 102. The guide portion 105 protrudes in the rearward direction 52 from the distal end surface 117 of the housing 101, and the guide portion 105 has an opening at its protruding end. The ink needle 102 is disposed at the center of the guide portion 105. The guide portion 105 has an appropriate shape for receiving the ink supply portion 34 of the ink cartridge 30 into the guide portion 105.

While the ink cartridge 30 is being inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the forward direction 51, that is, while the ink cartridge 30 is being moved toward the fully mounted position in the cartridge mounting portion 110, the ink supply portion 34 of the ink cartridge 30 enters the guide portion 105. After the ink supply portion 34 of the ink cartridge 30 enters the guide portion 105, the ink needle 102 passes through the ink supply port 71 of the ink supply portion 34 as the ink cartridge 30 is further inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the forward direction 51. Thus, the ink needle 102 and the ink supply portion 34 are connected to each other. The ink stored in the storage chamber 36 and the ink channel 44 (refer to fig. 4A and 4B) defined inside the ink cartridge 30 flows into the ink tube 20 connected to the ink needle 102 through the internal space 106 (refer to fig. 4A) of the ink supply portion 34 and the internal space 104 of the ink needle 102. The ink needle 102 may have a flat end or a pointed end.

[ optical sensor 121]

As shown in fig. 2, the optical sensor 121 is disposed at the top surface 115 of the housing 101.

As shown in fig. 4B, the optical sensor 121 includes a light emitting portion 122 and a light receiving portion 123. The light emitting portion 122 and the light receiving portion 123 face each other in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. The light emitting portion 122 is provided at the right end portion of one of the partitioned compartment spaces 103A in the internal space 10. The light receiving part 123 is disposed at the left end of the same partitioned cell space 103A in the internal space 10. The positions of the light emitting part 122 and the light receiving part 123 may be interchanged.

As shown in fig. 2, the optical sensor 121 is electrically connected to the controller 1 of the printer 10 via a circuit. The controller 1 will be described later.

[ contact unit 160]

As shown in fig. 2, the contact unit 160 is disposed at the top surface 115 of the housing 101. The contact unit 160 is disposed further forward in the forward direction 51 than the optical sensor 121. In other words, the contact unit 160 is disposed at the front end of the top surface 115. The contact unit 160 is provided at a prescribed position where the contact unit 160 is located above and faces the circuit board 64 (refer to fig. 4A) of the ink cartridge 30 in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110.

The contact unit 160 includes a contact 161 at a lower surface thereof. The contact 161 is provided to correspond to the position of an electrode (not shown) mounted on the upper surface of the circuit board 64. Any number of contacts 161 and electrodes may be provided.

The contact 161 is electrically connected to the controller 1 of the printer 10 (refer to fig. 1 and 10) via a circuit. The establishment of electrical continuity between the contact 161 and the electrode provides establishment of electrical continuity between the controller 1 and the IC of the ink cartridge 30.

[ ink Cartridge 30]

The ink cartridge 30 shown in fig. 3 and 4 is a container for storing liquid such as ink. The space provided inside the ink cartridge 30 includes a storage chamber 36 for storing ink and an ink passage 44. The storage chamber 36 and the ink passage 44 are defined by an inner frame 35 housed in the rear cover 31 and the front cover 32, both the rear cover 31 and the front cover 32 defining the exterior of the ink cartridge 30. However, the storage chamber 36 and the ink passage 44 may be defined by, for example, the rear cover 31 and the front cover 32.

The orientation of the ink cartridge 30 shown in fig. 1, 3, 4A, and 4B corresponds to the orientation of the ink cartridge 30 fully mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110. The ink cartridge 30 includes: a front face 140; a rear face 41; upper faces 39 and 141; lower faces 42 and 142;

sides

37 and 143; and the

other side

38 and 144. The ink cartridge 30 shown in fig. 1, 3, and 4 is oriented such that: the direction from the rear face 41 toward the front face 140 coincides with the forward direction 51, the direction from the front face 140 toward the rear face 41 coincides with the backward direction 52, the direction from the upper faces 39 and 141 toward the lower faces 42 and 142 coincides with the downward direction 53, and the direction from the lower faces 42 and 142 toward the upper faces 39 and 141 coincides with the upward direction 54. When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 and mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110, the front face 140 faces the forward direction 51, the rear face 41 faces the rearward direction 52, the side faces 37 and 143 face the rightward direction 55, the side faces 38 and 144 face the leftward direction 56, the lower faces 42 and 142 face the downward direction 53, and the upper faces 39 and 141 face the upward direction 54.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the ink cartridge 30 includes a rear cover 31, a front cover 32, and an inner frame 35. The rear cover 31 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The front cover 32 includes a front face 140. The internal frame 35 defines a storage chamber 36 and an ink passage 44. The rear cover 31 and the front cover 32 are attached to the inner frame 35 to define the outside of the ink cartridge 30. The inner frame 35 is accommodated in the rear cover 31 and the front cover 32. The ink cartridge 30 is narrow in size in terms of the right direction 55 and the left direction 56, and the ink cartridge 30 has a size in terms of the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54 and a size in terms of the forward direction 51 and the rearward direction 52 that are larger than the size in terms of the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. The rear face 41 is disposed opposite the front face 140 of the front cover 32 across the storage compartment 36.

The exterior of the ink cartridge 30 mainly includes six surfaces including: a front face 140; a rear face 41; upper faces 39 and 141; lower faces 42 and 142;

sides

37 and 143; and

sides

38 and 144. Of the six surfaces, the surface including the side surfaces 37 and 143 and the surface including the side surfaces 38 and 144 each have the largest area. The front face 140 and the rear face 41 each extend in an upward direction 54 and a downward direction 53 and in a rightward direction 55 and a leftward direction 56. The upper faces 39 and 141 and the lower faces 42 and 142 each extend in the forward direction 51 and the rearward direction 52 and in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. The

sides

37 and 143 and the

sides

38 and 144 each extend in forward and

rearward directions

51 and 52 and in upward and

downward directions

54 and 53.

The front surface, the rear surface, the upper surface, the lower surface, and the side surfaces of the ink cartridge 30 may not necessarily each be constituted by a single face. That is, the front surface is a surface that is visually recognized when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed in the rearward direction 52 and is positioned further forward in the forward direction 51 than the centers of the ink cartridge 30 in the forward direction 51 and the rearward direction 52. The rear surface is a surface that is visually recognized when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed in the forward direction 51 and is positioned further rearward in the rearward direction 58 than the centers of the ink cartridge 30 in the forward direction 51 and the rearward direction 52. The upper surface is a surface that is visually recognized when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed in the downward direction 53 and is located at a higher level in the upward direction 54 than the center of the ink cartridge 30 in the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54. The lower surface is a surface that is visually recognized when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed in the upward direction 54 and is located at a level lower in the downward direction than the center of the ink cartridge 30 in the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54. The side surfaces are similarly defined. In this embodiment, the upper face 39, which is positioned further rearward than the upper face 141, is located at a higher level than the upper face 39. However, the upper faces 39 and 141 may be located at the same level in the upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53.

[ Back cover 31]

As shown in fig. 3, the rear cover 31 includes side surfaces 37 and 38, an upper surface 39, and a lower surface 42 extending in a forward direction 51 from the rear surface 41. The side surfaces 37 and 38 are spaced apart from each other in a rightward direction 55 and a leftward direction 56. The upper face 39 faces in an upward direction 54 and the lower face 42 faces in a downward direction 53. The rear cover 31 has a box shape with an opening facing in the forward direction 51. The rear cover 31 with an opening enables the inner frame 35 to be inserted into the interior of the rear cover 31 through the opening. That is, the rear cover 31 covers the rear of the inner frame 35.

[ front cover 32]

As shown in fig. 3, the front cover 32 includes

sides

143 and 144, an upper face 141, and a lower face 142 that extend in the rearward direction 52 from the front face 140. The

sides

143 and 144 are spaced from each other in the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56. The upper face 141 and the lower face 142 are spaced from each other in the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54. The front cover 32 has a box shape with an opening facing in the rearward direction 52. The front cover 32 with an opening enables the inner frame 35 to be inserted into the interior of the front cover 32 through the opening. That is, the front cover 32 covers the front of the inner frame 35, which is the remaining portion of the inner frame 35 not covered by the rear cover 31.

The front cover 32 has an opening 97 at a lower portion of the front face 140. The opening 97 passes through a lower portion of the front face 140 in the rearward direction 52. The opening 97 exposes the ink supply portion 34 of the inner frame 35 through the opening 97 in a state where the inner frame 35 is attached to the front cover 32. Therefore, the opening 97 is defined at a position suitable for the ink supply portion 34 of the inner frame 35, and the opening 97 has a size and a shape suitable for the ink supply portion 34 of the inner frame 35.

The front cover 32 supports the circuit board 64 at the front end portion of the upper face 141. The circuit board 64 includes electrodes on its upper surface. The electrodes include, for example, a clock electrode, a data electrode, a power supply voltage electrode, and a ground electrode. The circuit board 64 includes, for example, an IC (not shown) electrically connected to the electrodes. The IC is a semiconductor integrated circuit, and stores data in such a manner as to be readable from the IC. The data represents information about the ink cartridge 30 (e.g., lot and/or date of manufacture) and/or information about the ink (e.g., ink color). The circuit board 64 has rigidity. Thus, the circuit board 64 is a COB (chip on board). However, the circuit board 64 may have flexibility. In this case, the circuit board 64 having flexibility is a COF (chip on film).

In a state where the ink cartridge 30 is completely mounted on the cartridge mounting section 110, the electrode is electrically continuous with the contact 161 (refer to fig. 2) of the contact unit 160. Thus, the circuit board 64 is electrically connected to the controller 1 (refer to fig. 1) via the electrodes, the contact unit 160, and the circuit.

The upper face 141 of the front cover 32 has an opening 73 and a raised portion 74.

An opening 73 is defined in the rear end portion of the upper face 141. In a state where the inner frame 35 is attached to the front cover 32, the opening 73 exposes the second passage 46 of the inner frame 35 and a remaining amount detecting portion 75 (refer to fig. 4B) provided in the second passage 46 to the outside. Thus, the opening 73 is defined at a position suitable for the second passage 46, and the opening 73 has a size and a shape suitable for the second passage 46.

The raised portion 74 is disposed at the upper face 141 between the circuit board 64 and the opening 73. The raised portion 74 projects from the upper face 141 in the upward direction 54. The raised portion 74 has the following size and shape: when the elevated portion 74 is located between the light emitting portion 122 and the light receiving portion 123 of the optical sensor 121, the elevated portion 74 can be sized and shaped to obstruct a path for light emitted from the light emitting portion 122 toward the light receiving portion 123. The raised portion 74 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, the raised portion 74 may have another shape.

[ inner frame 35]

The inner frame 35 has a box shape in which its right end is opened. As shown in fig. 4, the inner frame 35 has a left wall 126, a lower wall 127 (as one example of a bottom wall), an outer front wall 128 (as one example of a first wall), an outer rear wall 129 (as one example of a second wall), an outer upper wall 130, an inner front wall 131, an inner rear wall 132, and an inner upper wall 133 (as one example of a third wall). The right open end of the inner frame 35 is closed by a film 134 (refer to fig. 5A and 5B), thereby defining a storage chamber 36 (as one example of a first storage chamber) capable of storing therein ink and an ink passage 44 (as one example of a second storage chamber and one example of a liquid passage).

The left wall 126 extends in the forward direction 51 and the rearward direction 52 and in the upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53. A lower wall 127 extends in the rightward direction 55 from a lower end of the left wall 126. The lower wall 127 extends in the forward direction 51 and the rearward direction 52 and in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56.

An outer front wall 128 extends in the rightward direction 55 from the front end of the left wall 126. An outer rear wall 129 extends in the rightward direction 55 from the rear end of the left wall 126. That is, the outer rear wall 129 is spaced from the outer front wall 128 in the rearward direction 52. An outer upper wall 130 extends in the rightward direction 55 from the upper end of the left wall 126. The lower end of the outer front wall 128 abuts the lower wall 127. The upper end of the outer front wall 128 abuts the outer upper wall 130. The lower end of the outer rear wall 129 abuts the lower wall 127. The upper end of the outer rear wall 129 abuts the outer upper wall 130.

The inner front wall 131 extends in the rightward direction 55 from a position corresponding to the front end portion of the left wall 126 and located further rearward in the rearward direction 52 than the outer front wall 128. The inner rear wall 132 extends in the rightward direction 55 from a position corresponding to the rear end portion of the left wall 126 and located further forward in the forward direction 51 than the outer rear wall 129. The inner upper wall 133 extends in the rightward direction 55 from a position corresponding to the upper end portion of the left wall 126 and located at a lower level in the downward direction 53 than the outer upper wall 130. An inner upper wall 133 is disposed between the outer front wall 128 and the outer rear wall 129. The lower end of the inner front wall 131 is spaced from the lower wall 127 in the upward direction 54. The upper end of the inner front wall 131 abuts the inner upper wall 133. The lower end of the inner rear wall 132 is spaced from the lower wall 127 in the upward direction 54. The upper end of the inner rear wall 132 abuts the inner upper wall 133.

The outer front wall 128, the outer rear wall 129, the inner front wall 131, and the inner rear wall 132 each extend in the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56, and in the upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53. The outer upper wall 130 and the inner upper wall 133 each extend in the forward direction 51 and the rearward direction 52 and in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56.

The storage chamber 36 is defined by a left wall 126, a lower wall 127, an inner front wall 131, an inner rear wall 132, an inner upper wall 133, and a film 134 (refer to fig. 5A and 5B). The lower front end and the lower rear end of the storage chamber 36 are defined by an outer front wall 128 and an outer rear wall 129, respectively. That is, the storage chamber 36 is located below the inner upper wall 133. The storage chamber 36 is also located between the outer front wall 128 and the outer rear wall 129. The storage chamber 36 is also located above the lower inner wall 127.

The ink channel 44 is defined by a left wall 126, an outer front wall 128, an inner front wall 131, an outer rear wall 129, an inner rear wall 132, an outer upper wall 130, an inner upper wall 133, and a membrane 134 (refer to fig. 5A and 5B). That is, the ink channel 44 is partially located above the inner upper wall 133. Also, the ink channel 44 is located between the outer front wall 128 of the inner frame 35 and the outer rear wall 129 of the inner frame 35. Note that the ink channel is located above the lower inner wall 127.

In this embodiment, the storage chamber 36 and ink channel 44 are each defined by appropriate walls and a membrane 134. However, the configuration of each of the storage chamber 36 and the ink channel 44 is not limited to a specific example. For example, each of the storage chamber 36 and the ink channel 44 may be constituted by a bag made of only a film.

In this embodiment, the storage chamber 36 of the internal frame 35 covered by the front cover 32 and the rear cover 31 is defined by the left wall 126, the lower wall 127, the inner front wall 131, the inner rear wall 132, the inner upper wall 133, and the film 134. However, the front cover 32 and the rear cover 31 may not be necessarily required. That is, the surfaces of the walls defining the storage chamber 36 may be exposed, and the circuit board 64 may be disposed on one of the exposed surfaces of the walls.

[ ink channel 44]

The ink channel 44 surrounds the storage chamber 36 from a rearward direction 52, an upward direction 54, and a forward direction 51 in side view. The ink channel 44 includes a first channel 45, a second channel 46, and a third channel 47. The first channel 45 is located rearward of the storage chamber 36 in the rearward direction 52. The second passage 46 is located above the storage chamber 36 in the upward direction 54, and the second passage 46 abuts the upper end of the first passage 45. The third passage 47 is located forward of the storage chamber 36 in the forward direction 51, and the third passage 47 abuts the front end of the second passage 46. Thus, the higher portion of the ink channel 44 (corresponding to the second channel 46) is above the storage chamber 36. The upper end of the ink channel 44 is also positioned higher than the upper end of the storage chamber 36. Note that the ink supply port 71 is at a lower level than this higher portion of the ink channel 44 (corresponding to the second channel 46).

The upper end of the ink passage 44 is at a higher level than the upper end of the storage chamber 36. That is, the ink channel 44 is provided such that: the maximum ink level in the ink channel 44 is higher than the maximum ink level in the storage chamber 36.

The ink channel 44 can communicate with the storage chamber 36 via the first communication opening 66 (refer to fig. 5A and 5B). The ink channel 44 can communicate with the interior space 106 of the ink supply 34 via the opening 72. That is, the ink channel 44 extends between the storage chamber 36 and the ink supply 34.

As shown in fig. 5A and 5B, a first communication opening 66 is defined at the lower end of the first passage 45. As shown in fig. 4A, an opening 72 is defined at the lower end of the third passage 47. That is, the ink stored in the storage chamber 36 flows from the first communication opening 66 in the upward direction 54, and then flows in the forward direction 51. After that, the ink flows further in the downward direction 53 and reaches the opening 72. That is, the ink flows in the ink channel 44 along a flow direction 65 indicated by a chain line in fig. 4A. The length of the ink channel 44 along the flow direction 65 is longer than the perimeter of a cross section of the ink channel 44 taken in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction 65.

A remaining amount detecting portion 75 (refer to fig. 4B) is provided at the middle of the second passage 46 in the forward direction 51 and the backward direction 52. The remaining amount detecting section 75 will be described in detail later.

The lower end portion of the third passage 47 extends in the rearward direction 52 further than the other portions of the third passage 47. This configuration provides a first cushion chamber 48 at the lower end of the third passage 47. The first buffer chamber 48 is provided in the ink passage 44 between the remaining amount detecting portion 75 and the opening 72.

The rear end portion of the second channel 46 extends in the upward direction 54 further than the other portions of the second channel 46. This configuration provides a second buffer chamber 49 at the rear end of the second channel 46. The second buffer chamber 49 is provided in the ink passage 44 between the remaining amount detecting portion 75 and the storage chamber 36.

In the vicinity of the remaining amount detecting portion 75 and between the remaining amount detecting portion 75 and the second buffer chamber 49 of the second passage 46, a protrusion 50 protrudes in a downward direction 53 from a top surface defining the second passage 46, which provides a communication port 63 for providing communication between the second buffer chamber 49 and the remaining amount detecting portion 75. The cross-sectional area of the ink channel 44 at the communication port 63 defined in the vicinity of the remaining amount detecting portion 75 in the ink channel 44 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the ink channel 44 at the other portion of the ink channel 44. In this embodiment, the communication port 63 is located at a lower level than the upper surface of the second buffer chamber 49. Therefore, this configuration can restrict intrusion of bubbles accumulated at the upper portion of the second buffer chamber 49 into the remaining amount detecting portion 75 through the communication port 63. The protrusion 50 may protrude from any surface other than the top surface of the second channel 46, or may protrude from multiple surfaces including the top surface (e.g., all of the top, right, left, and bottom surfaces defining the second channel 46).

[ ink supply portion 34]

As shown in fig. 4A, an ink supply portion 34 (as one example of a liquid supply portion) protruding in the forward direction 51 is provided at a lower portion of the outer front wall 128. Therefore, the ink supply portion 34 protrudes from the outer front wall 128 toward the outside of the ink cartridge 30. The ink supply portion 34 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The ink supply portion 34 has an ink supply port 71 (as one example of a liquid supply port) at its front end. The ink supply port 71 provides communication between the internal space 106 of the ink supply portion 34 and the outside of the ink cartridge 30. The ink supply 34 has an opening 72 at its rear end. The opening 72 provides communication between the third channel 47 of the ink channel 44 and the internal space 106. The opening 72 also communicates with the third passage 47 at a lower level of the third passage 47. Also, the ink supply portion 34 and the ink supply port 71 are located below the upper inner wall 133.

The ink supply 34 includes a valve 107 in the internal space 106. Under predetermined conditions, the valve 107 is closed. Therefore, the ink stored in the ink passage 44 is prevented from leaking to the outside of the ink cartridge 30. During insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the forward direction 51, the ink needle 102 (refer to fig. 2) is inserted from the ink supply port 71 into the internal space 106 of the ink supply portion 34, wherein the ink needle 102 presses the valve 107 to open the valve 107. In response to the opening of the valve 107, the ink stored in the ink channel 44 flows into the ink tube 20 connected to the ink needle 102 via the internal space 106 of the ink supply portion 34 and the internal space 104 (refer to fig. 2) of the ink needle 102. The ink needle 102 has an opening (not shown) at its peripheral surface, and the ink in the internal space 106 of the ink supply portion 34 can flow into the internal space 104 via the opening.

However, the ink supply portion 34 is not limited to the configuration provided with the valve. For example, the ink supply port 71 may be closed by a film. When the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110, the ink needle 102 may pass through the film, and a tip portion of the ink needle 102 may enter the internal space 106 of the ink supply portion 34 through the ink supply port 71.

[ differential pressure regulating valve 57]

As shown in fig. 5A and 5B, a differential pressure regulating valve 57 is provided between the storage chamber 36 and the first passage 45. The differential pressure regulating valve 57 is configured to: is moved by the pressure difference caused between the pressure in the storage chamber 36 and the pressure in the first passage 45, thereby opening and closing the first communication opening 66.

The differential pressure regulating valve 57 includes a body 58, a projection 59, a plate portion 60, a seal 61, and a coil spring 62.

The body 58 is provided at a lower portion of the first channel 45 of the ink channel 44. The inner wall 135 is disposed further leftward than the membrane 134 in the leftward direction 56, and the inner wall 135 defines a lower left side of the first passage 45. The inner wall 135 has a first communication opening 66. The body 58 faces the first communication opening 66 in the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56. The body 58 has a plate-like shape. The body 58 has an area larger than that of the first communication opening 66 at its right surface.

The protrusion 59 extends in the right direction 55 from the center of the right surface of the body 58. The projection 59 extends from the plate portion 60 to the storage chamber 36 via the first communication opening 66.

The plate portion 60 is provided at the first passage 45. The plate portion 60 is attached to the left surface of the film 134. The plate portion 60 faces the projection 59 in the rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56.

The seal 61 is an annular member attached to the right surface of the body 58. The seal 61 is made of an elastic member such as rubber. The seal 61 is arranged to surround the first communication opening 66. The seal 61 and the body 58 are configured to close the first communication opening 66 by the contact of the seal 61 with the edge of the first communication opening 66.

One end of the coil spring 62 is in contact with the left surface of the body 58. The other end of the coil spring 62 contacts the left wall 126.

Hereinafter, the action of the differential pressure regulating valve 57 will be described. As shown in fig. 5A, when both the storage chamber 36 and the ink channel 44 are at atmospheric pressure, the film 134 is maintained in a state in which the film 134 extends in the forward direction 51, the rearward direction 52, the upward direction 54, and the downward direction 53. In this state, the body 58 is urged by the coil spring 62, and the seal 61 contacts the edge of the first communication opening 66. Thus, the first communication opening 66 is closed.

In this state, the ink stored in the ink channel 44 is allowed to flow from the ink supply portion 34 to the ink tube 20. As ink flows out of the ink supply portion 34, the pressure in the ink passage 44 becomes lower than the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, as shown in fig. 5B, the portion of the film 134 defining the right end of the ink channel 44 is deformed to protrude in the leftward direction 56. In response to this, the plate portion 60 moves in the leftward direction 56, and the plate portion 60 presses the projection 59 in the leftward direction 56. Therefore, the body 58, the plate portion 60, and the seal 61 move in the leftward direction 56 against the urging force of the coil spring 62, and the seal 61 becomes separated from the edge of the first communication opening 66 to open the first communication opening 66. As the first communication opening 66 is opened, the storage chamber 36 and the ink channel 44 are brought into communication with each other, and the ink stored in the storage chamber 36 flows into the ink channel 44.

As the first communication opening 66 is opened, the pressure in the ink passage 44 becomes equal to the atmospheric pressure again. Thus, the film 134 is restored, and the plate portion 60 moves in the right direction 55. In response to this, the body 58, the plate portion 60, and the seal 61 are moved in the right direction 55 by the urging force of the coil spring 62, and the seal 61 contacts the edge of the first communication opening 66 to close the first communication opening 66.

After that, the opening and closing of the first communication opening 66 is repeated. More specifically, each time the ink stored in the ink channel 44 is used, the first communication opening 66 is opened to refill the ink channel 44 with the ink from the storage chamber 36, and then the first communication opening 66 is closed.

When the storage chamber 36 becomes free of ink, the ink channel 44 is no longer refilled with ink. Then, regardless of the pressure in the ink channel 44, the ink stored in the ink channel 44 decreases. When the ink stored in the ink channel 44 becomes less than a predetermined amount, the remaining amount detecting portion 75 detects that the ink stored in the ink channel 44 has become less than the predetermined amount.

[ remaining amount detection part 75]

As shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the remaining amount detecting portion 75 is provided at substantially the middle of the second passage 46 in the forward direction 51 and the backward direction 52. The remaining amount detecting portion 75 is used to detect the remaining amount of ink stored in the second channel 46.

The remaining amount detecting portion 75 is provided at a higher level in the upward direction 54 than the ink supplying portion 34, and the remaining amount detecting portion 75 is provided further rearward in the rearward direction 52 than the ink supplying portion 34. The remaining amount detecting portion 75 is provided between the outer front wall 128 and the outer rear wall 129 in the forward direction 51 and the backward direction 52. The remaining amount detecting portion 75 is provided at a level higher than the inner upper wall 133 in the upward direction 54. The remaining amount detecting portion 75 is provided at a level higher than the circuit board 64 in the upward direction 54. In other words, the prism 78 is located at a higher level than the circuit board 64. More specifically, the first inclined surface 78A and the second inclined surface 78B of the prism 78 are located at a higher level than the circuit board 64. The remaining amount detecting section 75 has a size and a shape suitable for being positioned between the light emitting section 122 and the light receiving section 123 of the optical sensor 121.

As shown in fig. 4B, the remaining amount detecting portion 75 includes a rising portion 76, a reflector 77, and a prism 78. The remaining amount detecting portion 75 is provided in the second passage 46. That is, the prism 78 is located in the second channel 46. Also, the prism 78 is located in the ink passage 44, the prism 78 is located above the storage chamber 36, and the prism 78 is located above the inner upper wall 133.

The reflector 77 is made of, for example, aluminum foil, and is capable of reflecting light. The raised portion 76 protrudes upward with respect to the upper surface of the inner upper wall 133 (the inner lower surface of the second passage 46). The reflector 77 includes a pair of inclined surfaces supported by the upper surface of the raised portion 76. The inclined surface of the reflector 77 extends in the upward direction 54 and is angled with respect to the horizontal surface, for example at 45 °. The reflector 77 is provided at a position inward of the end portions of the ink cartridge 30 in the leftward direction 56 and the rightward direction 55. The prism 78 is supported by the upper surface of the reflector 77. As shown in fig. 4B, the prism 78 has a trapezoidal shape in a front view. The prism 78 is made of, for example, resin. The prism 78 includes a first inclined surface 78A (as one example of an illuminated surface), a second inclined surface 78B, a first horizontal surface 78C, and a second horizontal surface 78D.

The first inclined surface 78A and the second inclined surface 78B extend at an angle of, for example, 45 ° with respect to the horizontal plane. And the first inclined surface 78A is perpendicular to the second inclined surface 78B. That is, the first inclined surface 78A defines an angle of 90 ° with respect to the second inclined surface 78B. The first horizontal surface 78C and the second horizontal surface 78D are parallel to a horizontal plane. The first and second

horizontal surfaces

78C and 78D are parallel to both the surface of the lower wall 127 and the surface of the inner upper wall 133. Thus, the first inclined surface 78A defines an angle of 45 ° with respect to the first horizontal surface 78C, the second horizontal surface 78D, the surface of the lower wall 127, and the surface of the upper inner wall 133. Also, the second inclined surface 78B defines an angle of 45 ° with respect to the first horizontal surface 78C, the second horizontal surface 78D, the surface of the lower wall 127, and the surface of the upper inner wall 133.

The first inclined surface 78A, the second inclined surface 78B, and the first horizontal surface 78C of the prism 78 face the second channel 46. Also, the first inclined surface 78A, the second inclined surface 78B, and the first horizontal surface 78C of the prism 78 define a portion of the second channel 46. As the first inclined surface 78A extends in the leftward direction 56, the first inclined surface 78A extends obliquely in the upward direction 54 from the right end of the prism 78. As the second inclined surface 78B extends in the right direction 55, the second inclined surface 78B extends obliquely in the upward direction 54 from the left end of the prism 78. The first horizontal surface 78C is connected between the left end of the first inclined surface 78A and the right end of the second inclined surface 78B. The second horizontal surface 78D is connected between the right end of the first inclined surface 78A and the left end of the second inclined surface 78B, and the second horizontal surface 78D faces the reflector 77.

In this embodiment, the upper surface of the raised portion 76 is a portion of the upper surface of the storage chamber 36. However, the upper surface of the elevated portion 76 may not necessarily be a portion of the upper surface of the storage chamber 36.

In the case where the second channel 46 is filled with ink and the ink contacts the first inclined surface 78A and the second inclined surface 78B, light emitted in the leftward direction 56 from the light emitting portion 122 of the optical sensor 121 is reflected from the reflector 77 in the upward direction 54 as indicated by a broken line in fig. 4B, and enters the prism 78 through the second horizontal surface 78D. At this time, the incident angle of the light into the second horizontal surface 78D is substantially 90 °. Therefore, the light travels straight to the second channel 46 through the first inclined surface 78A of the prism 78 without being refracted in the prism 78. That is, the light does not reach the light receiving portion 123 of the optical sensor 121. Accordingly, the optical sensor 121 transmits a low level signal to the controller 1 (refer to fig. 10).

In the case where the ink stored in the second channel 46 has decreased and the ink does not contact the first inclined surface 78A and the second inclined surface 78B, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 122 of the optical sensor 121 is reflected from the reflector 77 in the upward direction 54 and then reflected from the first inclined surface 78A of the prism 78 in the leftward direction 56 as indicated by the solid line in fig. 4B. Further, the light is reflected from the second inclined surface 78B of the prism 78 in the downward direction 53, and passes through the prism 78 through the second horizontal surface 78D. The light is then reflected from the reflector 77 in the leftward direction 56, and reaches the light-receiving portion 123 of the optical sensor 121. When the light reaches the light receiving portion 123, the signal transmitted from the optical sensor 121 to the controller 1 (refer to fig. 10) changes from the low level to the high level.

[ controller 1]

As shown in fig. 10, the printer 10 includes a controller 1. The controller 1 includes, for example, a central processing unit ("CPU"), a read only memory ("ROM"), and a random access memory ("RAM"). The controller 1 may be a control board that may be provided inside the housing of the printer 10 as the controller 1 of the printer, or may be a control board that may be independent of the controller of the printer 10 and may be provided at the casing 101. The controller 1 is connected to the contact 161 and the optical sensor 121 so as to be able to transmit and receive an electrical signal between the contact 161 and the optical sensor 121. As described above, establishment of electrical continuity between the contact 161 and the electrode 65 of the circuit board 64 in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is completely mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110 provides establishment of electrical connection between the controller 1 and the circuit board 64. Although the controller 1 is also connected to other components (e.g., a motor and a touch panel) so as to be able to transmit and receive an electric signal therebetween, the other components are omitted in fig. 10. Programs for executing various processes by the controller 1 are stored in the ROM. The CPU performs calculations for executing various processes based on programs stored in the ROM, and provides instructions to each component. The RAM is used as a memory for temporarily storing various information.

The controller 1 detects insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110 by a level change from a high level to a low level of a signal transmitted from the optical sensor 121. The controller 1 also detects a low ink remaining amount in the storage chamber 36 by a level change from a low level to a high level of the signal transmitted from the optical sensor 121.

[ detection of cassette set and detection of remaining amount ]

Hereinafter, cartridge installation detection and ink remaining amount detection by the optical sensor 121 will be described. As shown in fig. 2, in the case where no ink cartridge 30 has been mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110, there is no obstacle between the light emitting portion 122 and the light receiving portion 123 of the optical sensor 121 that obstructs the path for the light emitted from the light emitting portion 122. Therefore, as shown in fig. 11A, a high level signal denoted by "a" is transmitted from the optical sensor 121 to the controller 1.

After the cover of the cartridge mounting portion 110 is opened, as the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110, as shown in fig. 6, during the insertion, the elevated portion 74 reaches between the light emitting portion 122 and the light receiving portion 123 of the optical sensor 121, and the elevated portion 74 obstructs a path for light emitted from the light emitting portion 122. When the rise-up portion 74 reaches between the light emitting portion 122 and the light receiving portion 123 of the optical sensor 121, the signal transmitted from the optical sensor 121 to the controller 1 changes from the high level to the low level indicated by "B" in fig. 11A.

As the ink cartridge 30 is moved further in the forward direction 51 from the state of fig. 6, the rise portion 74 reaches a position further forward in the forward direction 51 than the optical sensor 121. Therefore, the raised portion 74 does not obstruct a path for light emitted from the light emitting portion 122. At the termination of the blocking, the signal transmitted from the optical sensor 121 to the controller 1 changes from the low level to the high level indicated by "C" in fig. 11A. At this time, the optical sensor 121 is positioned between the rising portion 74 and the remaining amount detecting portion 75.

As the ink cartridge 30 is further moved in the forward direction 51 from the position where the optical sensor 121 is located between the rising portion 74 and the remaining amount detecting portion 75, as shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the remaining amount detecting portion 75 reaches between the light emitting portion 122 and the light receiving portion 123 of the optical sensor 121. Since the second channel 46 is filled with ink when the remaining amount detecting portion 75 reaches between the light emitting portion 122 and the light receiving portion 123 of the optical sensor 121, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 122 does not reach the light receiving portion 123. Accordingly, a low level signal is transmitted from the optical sensor 121 to the controller 1. That is, when the remaining amount detecting section 75 reaches a position between the light emitting section 122 and the light receiving section 123, the signal transmitted from the optical sensor 121 to the controller 1 changes from the high level to the low level indicated by "D" in fig. 11A.

In the state of fig. 4A and 4B, the circuit board 64 has reached below the contact 116 of the contact unit 160, and the electrode 65 of the circuit board 64 contacts the contact 161. The contact of the contact with the corresponding electrode establishes electrical connection between the IC of the circuit board 64 and the controller 1. In the state of fig. 4A and 4B, the ink cartridge 30 is in the fully mounted position (in the use position) in which the ink cartridge 30 is fully mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110. Finally, the cover of cartridge mounting section 110 is closed.

Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of fig. 12, detection of insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the corresponding compartment space 103A of the ink cartridge 30 of the cartridge mounting portion 110 will be described.

Controller 1 counts the number of times a signal transmitted from optical sensor 121 to controller 1 from the time when the cover of cartridge mounting portion 110 is opened to the time when the cover is closed has changed from the low level to the high level, and stores the counted number of times in the RAM (S100).

In response to the closing of the cover (S110: YES), the controller 1 refers to the number of counts stored in the RAM (S120). In the case where the counted number of times indicates one or more times (S120: YES), the controller 1 determines that the ink cartridge 30 has been properly mounted on the cartridge mounting section 110 (step S130). In the case where the number of counts indicates zero (S120: NO), the controller 1 determines: an improper ink cartridge has been mounted on the cartridge mounting section 110, or no ink cartridge 30 is present in the cartridge mounting section 110 (step S140).

Next, the amount of remaining ink detection by the optical sensor 121 will be described. In a state where the remaining amount of the ink stored in the storage chamber 36 is high, as shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the remaining amount detecting portion 75 obstructs a path for light between the light emitting portion 122 and the light receiving portion 123 of the optical sensor 121. Accordingly, a low-level signal indicated by "a" in fig. 11B is transmitted from the optical sensor 121 to the controller 1 (refer to fig. 1 and 10).

In response to a decrease in the ink stored in the ink channel 44 due to the use of the ink stored in the ink cartridge 30 in the state of fig. 4A and 4B, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 122 of the optical sensor 121 reaches the light receiving portion 123 of the optical sensor 121 as indicated by the solid line in fig. 4B. When the light reaches the light receiving portion 123, the signal transmitted from the optical sensor 121 to the controller 1 changes from the low level to the high level indicated by "B" in fig. 11B. As a result of this change, the controller 1 detects that the remaining amount of ink stored in the storage chamber 36 is low.

[ first modification ]

In the embodiment, the remaining amount detecting portion 75 rises upward from the upper surface of the inner upper wall 133 defining the lower surface of the second channel 46 of the ink channel 44. However, the configuration of the remaining amount detecting portion 75 is not limited to this configuration.

In one example, as shown in fig. 7A and 7B, the remaining amount detecting portion 75 may protrude downward with respect to a lower surface of an outer upper wall 130 defining an upper surface of the second channel 46 of the ink channel 44. In another example, the remaining amount detecting portion 75 may protrude in the right direction 55 with respect to a left wall 126 defining a left surface of the second channel 46 of the ink channel 44.

In the configuration shown in fig. 7A and 7B, in the case where the second channel 46 is filled with ink and the ink contacts both the first inclined surface 78A and the second inclined surface 78B, light emitted in the leftward direction 56 from the light emitting portion 122 of the optical sensor 121 passes through the first inclined surface 78A of the prism 78 as indicated by a broken line in fig. 7B. However, the light does not pass through the ink, and therefore the light does not reach the second inclined surface 78B. Accordingly, a low level signal is transmitted from the optical sensor 121 to the controller 1.

In the case where the ink stored in the second channel 46 has decreased and the ink does not contact the first inclined surface 78A and the second inclined surface 78B, as indicated by the solid line in fig. 7B, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 122 of the optical sensor 121 is reflected from the first inclined surface 78A in the downward direction 53, then reflected from the reflector 77 in the leftward direction 56, and further reflected from the reflector 77 in the upward direction 54. Thereafter, the reflected light is further reflected from the second inclined surface 78B in the leftward direction 56, and reaches the light receiving portion 123 of the optical sensor 121. When the signal reaches the light receiving section 123, the signal transmitted from the optical sensor 121 to the controller 1 changes from the low level to the high level. As a result, the controller 1 detects that the remaining amount of ink stored in the storage chamber 36 is low.

[ second modification ]

The configurations of the ink channel 44 and the differential pressure regulating valve 57 are not limited to those of the embodiment. For example, the ink channel 44 and the differential pressure regulating valve 57 may have the configurations shown in fig. 8A and 8B.

In the second variation, as shown in fig. 8A and 8B, the ink passage 44 is defined in the front of the ink cartridge 30, and the storage chamber 36 is defined in the rear of the ink cartridge 30.

The ink channel 44 includes one channel 151 and another channel 152. The one passage 151 communicates with the ink supply portion 34. The further channel 152 is defined to the rear of the first channel 151 in the rearward direction 52. The other passage 152 communicates with the one passage 151 via the opening 154, and communicates with one storage chamber 36A of the storage chambers 36 via the second communication opening 155 and the passage 162. The second ball 156 is adjacent to the second communication opening 155. The second communication opening 155 is configured to be opened and closed by a second ball 156 movable in the upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53.

The storage chamber 36 includes the one storage chamber 36A and the other storage chamber 36B. The other storage chamber 36B is defined to the rear of the other passage 152 in the rearward direction 52. The other storage chamber 36B communicates with the one passage 151 via the first communication opening 158 and the passage 157, and the other storage chamber 36B communicates with the first storage chamber 36A via the passage 153. The first ball 159 is adjacent the first communication opening 158. The first communication opening 158 is configured to be opened and closed by a first ball 159 movable in the upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53. In the second variation, the storage chamber 36 communicates with an air communication portion (not shown), and air is supplied into the storage chamber 36 as ink is used.

The differential pressure regulating valve 57 includes a second ball 156 and a first ball 159. A second ball 156 is disposed in the second channel 152. The second sphere 156 has a higher specific gravity than the ink. Therefore, in a state where the other passage 152 is filled with ink, the second ball 156 is located at a lower position in the downward direction 53 to close the second communication opening 155. A first ball 159 is disposed in the other storage chamber 36B. The first ball 159 has a lower specific gravity than the ink. Therefore, in a state where the other channel 152 is filled with ink, the first ball 159 is located at an upper position in the upward direction 54 by its ink-based buoyancy to open the first communication opening 158.

The remaining amount detecting portion 75 is provided at an upper end portion of the one passage 151. The configuration of the remaining amount detecting section 75 is similar to that of the embodiment, and therefore, explanation of the remaining amount detecting section 75 will be omitted.

Hereinafter, the action of the differential pressure regulating valve 57 according to the second variation will be described. As shown in fig. 8A, in a state where both the storage chamber 36 and the ink channel 44 are filled with ink, the second ball 156 is located at the lower position, and the second ball 156 closes the second communication opening 155, and the first ball 159 is located at the upper position, and the first ball 159 opens the first communication opening 158. Therefore, when ink is supplied from the ink cartridge 30 to the ink tube 20, the ink stored in the first storage chamber 36A is supplied to the ink tube 20 via the other storage chamber 36B, the one channel 151, and the ink supply portion 34.

As shown in fig. 8B, in the state where the storage chamber 36 is not filled with ink, there is no buoyancy based on the ink, and therefore, the first spherical body 159 is located at the lower position in the downward direction 53, and the first spherical body 159 closes the first communication opening 158. Therefore, communication between the ink passage 44 and the storage chamber 36 is not established. Therefore, when ink is supplied from the ink cartridge 30 to the ink tube 20, the ink stored in the ink channel 44 is supplied to the ink tube 20 via the ink supply portion 34.

As the ink stored in the ink channel 44 decreases, a negative pressure occurs in the ink channel 44 (refer to fig. 9A). In fig. 9A, an increase in the density of the broken line in the ink channel 44 indicates the occurrence of negative pressure.

When the negative pressure becomes lower than the pressure in the storage chamber 36 by a predetermined amount or more, as shown in fig. 9B, the second ball 156 starts to move upward by the negative pressure. That is, when the pressure in the ink passage 44 becomes lower than the pressure in the storage chamber 36 by the predetermined amount or more, the second ball 156 opens the second communication opening 155. By adjusting the material and size of the second ball 156 and the size of the second communication opening 155, the predetermined amount is appropriately specified such that: the ink stored in the ink channel 44 flows positively and efficiently from the ink channel 44.

With the second communication opening 155 opened, communication between the one storage chamber 36A and the other passage 152 is established. Therefore, the pressure in the ink passage 44 is returned from the negative pressure to the atmospheric pressure (the pressure in the storage chamber 36). In response to this, the second ball 156 closes the second communication opening 155 again.

After that, while the opening and closing of the second communication opening 155 is repeated, the ink stored in the ink channel 44 is consumed.

The configuration of the differential pressure regulating valve 57 is not limited to the configuration in which the body 58 and the coil spring 62 of the differential pressure regulating valve 57 are provided inside the storage chamber 36 for closing the first communication opening 66. For example, the body 58 of the differential pressure regulating valve 57 and the coil spring 62 may be provided inside the ink passage 44 for closing the first communication opening 66. The differential pressure regulating valve 57 is not limited to the configuration using the body 58 and the coil spring 62. For example, the differential pressure regulating valve 57 may have a configuration in which a flexible membrane that can deform in accordance with a pressure difference caused between the storage chamber 36 and the ink passage 44 is used for closing the first communication opening 66.

[ other variants ]

In the embodiment, the remaining amount detecting portion 75 is provided at a higher level than the ink supply portion 34 in the upward direction 54 and is provided further rearward than the ink supply portion 34 in the rearward direction 52. However, the remaining amount detecting portion may not necessarily be provided at a higher level than the ink supply portion 34 in the upward direction 54 and further rearward than the ink supply portion 34 in the rearward direction 52. For example, the remaining amount detecting portion 75 may be provided at a lower level than the ink supplying portion 34 in the downward direction 53.

In the embodiment, the ink stored in the storage chamber 36 is allowed to flow to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 via the ink passage 44. However, for example, the ink may be allowed to flow to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 via a second storage chamber provided separately from the storage chamber 36. The second storage chamber may not be elongated in the ink flow direction, as compared to the ink channel 44.

In the embodiment, the remaining amount detecting portion 75 includes a reflector 77. However, the remaining amount detecting portion 75 may not necessarily include the reflector 77. In the case where the remaining amount detecting portion 75 does not include the reflector 77, the prism 78 has a different shape from the prism 78 of the embodiment. More specifically, the prism 78 includes an inclined surface at its lower surface similar to the reflector 77 of the embodiment.

More specifically, as shown in fig. 13, the prism 78 includes, at its lower surface, a first lower inclined surface 78E, a second lower inclined surface 78F, and a third horizontal surface 78G. As the first lower inclined surface 78E extends in the leftward direction 56, the first lower inclined surface 78E extends obliquely in the upward direction 54 from the right end of the prism 78. The first lower inclined surface 78E is parallel to the first inclined surface 78A. As the second lower inclined surface 78F extends in the rightward direction 55, the second lower inclined surface 78F extends obliquely in the upward direction 54 from the left end of the prism 78. The second lower inclined surface 78F is parallel to the first inclined surface 78B. The third horizontal surface 78G is connected between the left end of the first lower inclined surface 78E and the right end of the second lower inclined surface 78F. The third horizontal surface 78G is parallel to the first horizontal surface 78C. The first lower inclined surface 78E, the second lower inclined surface 78F, and the third horizontal surface 78G face the storage chamber 36.

In a state where the ink stored in the ink cartridge 30 has decreased to a specified level where the remaining amount of the ink stored in the ink passage 44 is detected, the upper end portion of the storage chamber 36 (the position where the storage chamber 36 contacts the prism 78) is filled with air instead of ink. Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 122 in the leftward direction 56 is reflected from the first and second lower

inclined surfaces

78E and 78F of the prism 78. That is, the light emitted from the light emitting section 122 travels in a similar route to the light traveling in the configuration in which the remaining amount detecting section 75 includes the reflector 77.

In the embodiment, the ink cartridge 30 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110 while the ink cartridge 30 is moved in the horizontal direction. However, the moving direction of the ink cartridge 30 when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110 is not limited to the horizontal direction. For example, the ink cartridge may be inserted into the cartridge mounting portion in the vertical direction. At this time, for example, the positions and configurations of the ink channel 44, the differential pressure regulating valve 57, and the remaining amount detecting portion 75 may be changed as appropriate according to the insertion direction of the ink cartridge.

In the embodiment, the description has been made by taking ink as one example of the liquid. However, the present invention is not limited to this specific example. For example, instead of ink, a pretreatment liquid ejected before ink at the time of printing may be another example of the liquid.

[ example effects ]

According to an embodiment, the liquid supply port 71 is below the inner upper wall 133, and the prism 78 is above the inner upper wall 133. In addition, prism 78 is between outer front wall 128 and outer rear wall 129. The first inclined surface 78A is thus disposed at a higher level in the upward direction 51 than the ink supply port 71 and is disposed further rearward in the rearward direction 52 than the ink supply port 71. Therefore, this configuration can reduce the risk of ink adhering to the ink supply port 71 splashing onto the inclined surface 78A of the prism 78 or the prism 78. Accordingly, in the case where the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink cartridge 30 is detected by light emission from the light emitting portion 122 toward the first inclined surface 78A, such a configuration can reduce the risk of incorrectly detecting whether the remaining amount of ink is low.

In general, the prism 78 is provided in the ink cartridge 30 at a position where it can be detected that the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge 30 has become a predetermined amount. In an embodiment, a prism 78 is provided at the ink channel 44. The amount of ink stored in the ink channel 44 can be obtained more accurately as compared with the amount of ink stored in the storage chamber 36. Thus, according to an embodiment, the predetermined amount may be accurately established.

According to an embodiment, the first buffer chamber 48 is configured to store ink therein. Therefore, a larger amount can be established for the predetermined amount.

If air is present in the remaining amount detecting portion 75 in which ink is present, when light is emitted to the first inclined surface 78A, the remaining amount of ink may be incorrectly detected. According to the embodiment, the differential pressure regulating valve 57 may close the communication between the storage chamber 36 and the ink passage 44. Accordingly, this configuration can avoid intrusion of air included in the storage chamber 36 into the ink passage 44, which can make it possible to avoid incorrect detection.

According to the embodiment, even if air intrudes into the ink passage 44 from the storage chamber 36, the second buffer chamber 49 can be trapped in the second buffer chamber 49 with the intruded air. Therefore, this configuration can reduce the risk of intrusion of air into the remaining amount detecting portion 75. As a result, this configuration may reduce the risk of incorrect detection that may result when light is emitted toward the prism 78.

According to an embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the communication port 63 taken in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second cushion chamber 49 taken in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction. Further, the cross-sectional area of the communication port 63 cut in the direction orthogonal to the flow direction is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the remaining amount detection portion 75 cut in the direction orthogonal to the flow direction. Therefore, even if air intrudes into the ink passage 44 from the storage chamber 36, such a configuration can reduce the risk of air moving to the remaining amount detecting portion 75.

According to the embodiment, the remaining amount detecting portion 75 is provided at the lower portion of the second passage 46. Even if air exists in the second passage 46, the air may be located at an upper portion of the second passage 46 in many cases. Thus, this configuration may reduce the risk of incorrect detection that may result when light is emitted toward the prism 78.

According to an embodiment, reflector 77 reflects light in upward direction 54. With this configuration, the prism 78 can be provided at a position where the prism 78 is positioned at a level much higher from the ink supply port 71, regardless of the position of the light emitting portion of the optical sensor 121.

Generally, the electrodes of circuit board 64 contact contacts 161 of cartridge mounting portion 110 while ink cartridge 30 is being inserted into cartridge mounting portion 110 or removed from cartridge mounting portion 110. However, contact between the electrodes of circuit board 64 and contacts 161 of cartridge mounting portion 110 while ink cartridge 30 is being inserted into cartridge mounting portion 110 or removed from cartridge mounting portion 110 may generate swarf of the electrodes. According to an embodiment, the prism 78 is disposed at a higher level than the circuit board 64 in the upward direction 54. Thus, this configuration may reduce the risk of swarf adhering to the prism 78.

Claims

1. A liquid cartridge in which a liquid is stored and which is configured to be mounted on a cartridge mounting portion, the liquid cartridge comprising:

a liquid supply port configured to provide communication between an inside and an outside of the liquid cartridge;

a first wall extending in an upward direction, a downward direction, a right direction, and a left direction, and having the liquid supply port;

a second wall spaced from the first wall in a rearward direction orthogonal to the upward direction and the rightward direction, the second wall extending in the upward direction, the downward direction, the rightward direction, and the leftward direction;

a third wall between an upper end of the first wall and an upper end of the second wall, the third wall extending in a forward direction, the rearward direction, the right direction, and the left direction; and

a prism having an irradiated surface configured to receive light emitted from a light emitting portion included in the cartridge mounting portion, and configured to change a state of the received light in response to a liquid level of the stored liquid,

wherein:

the liquid supply port is located below the third wall in the downward direction; and is

The irradiated surface is located above the third wall in the upward direction, and the irradiated surface is located between the first wall and the second wall,

wherein the liquid cartridge further comprises:

a first storage chamber having a first communication opening; and

a second storage chamber extending between the first communication opening of the first storage chamber and the liquid supply port,

wherein the prism is located in the second storage chamber,

wherein the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are located between the first wall and the second wall,

wherein the second storage chamber is a liquid channel, and

wherein the second reservoir chamber has a length along a flow direction of a liquid flow longer than a circumferential length of a cross section of the second reservoir chamber taken in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction.

2. The liquid cartridge of claim 1, wherein a maximum liquid level in the second storage chamber is higher than a maximum liquid level in the first storage chamber.

3. The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the liquid channel includes:

a first passage located rearward of the first storage chamber in the rearward direction;

a second passage located above the first storage chamber in the upward direction and contiguous with the first passage; and

a third passage that is located forward of the first storage chamber in the forward direction and that is adjacent to the second passage, the third passage communicating with the liquid supply port.

4. The liquid cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the second passage defines a remaining amount detecting portion that is located above the first storage chamber, and

the prism is located in the remaining amount detecting portion.

5. The liquid cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the remaining amount detecting portion includes a raised portion that protrudes upward from an inner lower surface of the liquid channel.

6. The liquid cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the prism is located on the rising portion of the remaining amount detecting portion.

7. The liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the third channel defines a first buffer chamber between the remaining amount detecting portion and the liquid supply port.

8. The liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the second passage defines a second buffer chamber between the remaining amount detecting portion and the first storage chamber.

9. The liquid cartridge according to claim 8, wherein:

the liquid passage defines a communication port located between the remaining amount detecting portion and the second buffer chamber,

a cross-sectional area of the communication port cut in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the second cushion chamber cut in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction; and is

A cross-sectional area of the communication port cut in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the remaining amount detection portion cut in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction.

10. The liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 6, further comprising a differential pressure regulating valve between the first storage chamber and the liquid passage, the differential pressure regulating valve being configured to: opening and closing the first communication opening in accordance with a pressure difference caused between the first storage chamber and the liquid passage.

11. The liquid cartridge according to claim 10, wherein:

the second storage chamber has a second communication opening,

the liquid passage extends between the second communication opening and the liquid supply port,

the differential pressure regulating valve includes:

a first ball adjacent to the first communication opening and configured to open the first communication opening by moving due to buoyancy based on the liquid stored in the first storage chamber; and

a second ball that is adjacent to the second communication opening and that is configured to open the second communication opening as the pressure in the liquid passage becomes less than the pressure in the first storage chamber.

12. The liquid cartridge according to claim 11, comprising a membrane defining a portion of the first storage chamber, and

wherein the differential pressure regulating valve is configured to open the first communication opening by moving with deformation of the membrane.

13. The liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 6, further comprising a reflector configured to reflect light emitted in the rightward direction and the leftward direction in the upward direction, and

wherein the illuminated surface is disposed above the reflector in the upward direction.

14. The liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 6, further comprising a circuit board including an electrode,

wherein the prism is disposed at a higher level than the circuit board in the upward direction.

15. A liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 6, wherein the angle between the illuminated surface of the prism and the surface of the third wall is 45 °.