CN1277682C - Ink box - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to an ink cartridge. This invention provides an ink cartridge capable of using the ink to the last drop. An ink cartridge includes an ink-holding portion 320 formed with a substantial semispherical shape and a flexible film 302. The indented surface portion has an open side at one side thereof that is covered by the flexible film 302. A sensor lever 360 has an end that is disposed within the furthest end of the ink-holding portion 320 and another end that extends out of the ink-holding portion 320. When ink is used up, the flexible film 302 moves down towards the ink-holding portion. When a small amount of ink remains, both ends of the tension plate 306 abut against the inner peripheral surface of the in-holding portion 320 at a position lower than the opening peripheral edge 312 and higher than the lowest position of the tub portion 320 so that the tension plate 306 is restricted from moving further downward. As a result, although the peripheral portion of the flexible film 302 is in intimate contact following the inner peripheral surface of the tub portion 320, the center portion of the flexible film 302 is raised up because of the tension plate 306. At this time, the center portion of the raised-up flexible film 302 confronts the semispherical pivot 365 of the sensor lever 360.

Description

Ink cartridge

Technical field

The present invention relates to be installed in the ink cartridge in the tape deck.

Background technology

As supplying with the ink cartridge that printing ink is used, adopt mostly to contain method that is soaked with printing ink or the method that in flexual bag, contains printing ink etc. in the porous plastid in being arranged at housing to tape deck.Again, be housed in the structure of the ink residue amount in the ink cartridge, various structures were then arranged in the past as detection.

In the special fair 3-60670 communique of Japan Patent, record the outside butt of tabular member with the flexual bag that contains printing ink, detect the interior ink residue amount of bag by the action that detects this member.

In the special public table 3-505999 communique of Japan Patent, record at peristome and coat and put up flexual film and between housing and film, accommodate in the structure of printing ink the housing of a face upper shed, by interior end configuration electric terminal at the housing of accommodating printing ink, consumption along with printing ink, the interior end of film and housing, is approaching, thereby by film electric terminal is operated.

The former problem is the flexual bag that expand into stereo structure under containing the state of printing ink when damaging because of ink consumption, because therefore irregular breakage or form incomplete even shape can not correctly determine the inspection side point of " no printing ink ".Like this, must leave the inspection side point that " no printing ink " is set on surplus ground, be difficult to the printing ink in the bag is used up at last substantially.

Again, the latter's problem is electric terminal to be arranged in the printing ink still can not well printing ink be used up, and can cause the influence or the docking point itself of electric decomposition etc. to exert an influence to printing ink.

Summary of the invention

For this reason, the object of the invention is to provide a kind of ink cartridge that can basically printing ink be used to the end.

For achieving the above object, ink cartridge provided by the invention is characterised in that, comprising: the printing ink with concave surface portion is accommodated recess; The open side of this printing ink being accommodated this concave surface portion of recess coats, accommodates the minimizing of the ink residue amount in the recess to the deformable flexible membrane of described concave surface portion along with printing ink; The ink residue amount test point convex of one end is configured in this printing ink and accommodates this concave surface portion in the recess, the rodmeter that the other end extends outside this printing ink resettlement section, to the distortion of described concave surface portion, this flexible membrane pushes the ink residue amount test point of described rodmeter by described flexible membrane.

Adopt the ink cartridge of this structure of the present invention, along with printing ink is accommodated the minimizing of the ink residue amount in the recess, flexible membrane is constantly to the distortion of described concave surface portion.At this, because the ink residue amount test point of rodmeter is configured in the concave surface portion that printing ink is accommodated recess, flexible membrane can arrive the concave surface portion that printing ink is accommodated recess, can detect printing ink and use up basically.Therefore can use printing ink to accommodate the printing ink of recess to greatest extent.

At this, preferably described printing ink is accommodated the described concave surface portion bending of recess, and described ink residue amount test point is configured in extreme lower position in this concave surface portion.

Along with printing ink is accommodated the minimizing of the ink residue amount in the recess, flexible membrane is constantly accommodated extreme lower position distortion in the concave surface portion of recess to printing ink.Because the ink residue amount test point of rodmeter is configured in printing ink and accommodates extreme lower position in the concave surface portion of recess, flexible membrane can arrive printing ink and accommodate extreme lower position in the concave surface portion of recess, can detect printing ink and use up basically, therefore can use printing ink to accommodate the printing ink of recess to greatest extent.

Again, the described concave surface portion that preferably described printing ink is accommodated recess is formed by resin, is formed with simultaneously from this printing ink of following direction of this concave surface portion and accommodates the groove that extends outside the recess, and described rodmeter is configured in this groove.

Because rodmeter is arranged in the groove that is formed on concave surface subordinate side, can not hinder flexible membrane to the direction distortion of concave surface portion, therefore can detect the ink residue amount reliably.

Preferably described rodmeter has respectively that arm is propped up in the action of extending to the both sides of rotating fulcrum and sensing is propped up arm, described ink residue amount test point is arranged on the end of this action arm, but this sensing is propped up the end and the outer sensor subtend ground extension of ink cartridge of arm.

Along with the minimizing of printing ink, flexible membrane is accommodated the concave surface portion deflection constantly of recess to printing ink, in case use up printing ink, flexible membrane pushing ink residue amount test point then, the rodmeter activity supporting point that rotates rotates, and sensing is propped up on the end of arm rise.By detecting, can know that printing ink uses up by being arranged on of the rising of ink cartridge sensor external to this end.

Preferably this sensing of described rodmeter length of propping up arm length of propping up arm than described action is long.

Because the slippage that descends with respect to flexible membrane pushing ink residue amount test point can increase the ascending amount that corresponding sensing is propped up arm, therefore can enlarge the infinitesimal deflection of the flexible membrane of ink residue amount when few and detect, and can detect printing ink and use up basically by sensor.

Preferably the described sensing of described rodmeter is propped up the weight of arm is propped up arm greater than described action weight.

Usually printing ink residual quantity test point is in the state of protrusion in concave surface portion, is pushed by flexible membrane in the time of can guaranteeing that printing ink uses up, and can prevent the misoperation of rodmeter.

Ink cartridge preferably of the present invention is propped up in the described sensing of described rodmeter and also is provided with the force application component that this rodmeter is protruded the direction application of force in described concave surface portion along ink residue amount test point on the arm.

For example, even the phenomenon that ink cartridge is reversed up and down etc. in transmission, occurred, can guarantee that also ink residue amount test point protrudes.

Preferably described rodmeter is clamped in described rotating fulcrum between the pushing member and described body housing that is fixed in the described concave surface portion rotationally.

Cause is rotationally with the rotating fulcrum clamping, so can correctly move.

Preferably described pushing member and elastic plate integrated extend and form, and described elastic plate props up arm to the described sensing of described rodmeter and applies the residual quantity test point along described printing ink and protrude the direction application of force in described concave surface portion.

Usually can guarantee that ink residue amount test point protrudes in concave surface portion, can guarantee correct detection.

Again, the ink cartridge of another technical scheme of the present invention comprises: the printing ink with concave surface portion is accommodated recess; The open side of this printing ink being accommodated this concave surface portion of recess coats, accommodates the minimizing of the ink residue amount in the recess to the deformable flexible membrane of described concave surface portion along with printing ink; The ink residue amount test point convex of one end is configured in this printing ink and accommodates rodmeter in this concave surface portion in the recess, by described flexible membrane to the distortion of described concave surface portion, this flexible membrane pushes the ink residue amount test point of described rodmeter, it is characterized in that, has force application component, this force application component is at least after the few state of ink residue amount, except that with the part of the described ink residue amount test point subtend of described flexible membrane, allow that other parts are roughly along described concave surface portion, but to the part of this subtend along the direction application of force of separating with this ink residue amount test point, after the few state of this ink residue amount, minimizing along with printing ink, overcome the application of force of described force application component, described flexible membrane is approaching to ink residue amount test point direction.Adopt this structure, because minimizing along with printing ink, the part that at first is the flexible membrane of separating with ink residue amount test point begins along concave surface portion, be that part with the flexible membrane of ink residue amount test point subtend approaches ink residue amount test point at last, therefore can use printing ink to accommodate the printing ink of recess to greatest extent.

At this, preferably described force application component and this flexible membrane link, along with described flexible membrane move, till the few state of described ink residue amount, after described ink residue amount is few, be subjected to the constraint of described body housing, have the elasticity of described flexible membrane along the direction application of force of separating with this ink residue amount test point.Adopt this force application component, can use printing ink to accommodate the printing ink of recess to greatest extent from the part of the flexible membrane of separating along concave surface portion with ink residue amount test point.

Preferably described force application component for its substantial middle be fixed on the described flexible membrane, with two ends as free-ended leaf spring, before the part of the described flexible membrane that is fixed in these central authorities arrives described ink residue amount test point, the two ends of described leaf spring and described body housing butt, after its butt, the part that is fixed in the flexible membrane of described central authorities overcomes the elasticity of described leaf spring, moves to ink residue amount test point.Adopt this simple structure, can realize the action of above-mentioned flexible membrane, can use printing ink to accommodate the printing ink of recess to greatest extent.

Preferably described concave surface portion for along with the separating of the open side of described concave surface portion, shape that sectional area reduces gradually, described ink residue amount test point is positioned at the deepest part of described concave surface portion, the two ends of described leaf spring between the open side of described concave surface portion and described deepest part with described concave surface portion butt.Adopt this structure, can use printing ink to accommodate the printing ink of recess to greatest extent.

Adopt technical scheme 1 described ink cartridge, can use printing ink to accommodate the printing ink of recess to greatest extent.

Adopt technical scheme 2 described ink cartridge, can use printing ink to accommodate the printing ink of recess to greatest extent.

Adopt technical scheme 3 described ink cartridge, can carry out the detection of ink residue amount reliably.

Adopt technical scheme 4 described ink cartridge,, also can carry out the detection of ink residue amount reliably although simple in structure.

Adopt technical scheme 5 described ink cartridge, because of the detection of printing ink emptying being postponed till degree, so can use printing ink to accommodate the printing ink of recess to greatest extent near the limit.

Adopt technical scheme 6 described ink cartridge, can prevent the misoperation of rodmeter.

Adopt technical scheme 7 described ink cartridge, can realize the action stability of rodmeter reliably.

Adopt technical scheme 8 described ink cartridge, can correctly carry out the action of rodmeter.

Adopt technical scheme 9 described ink cartridge, can correctly detect.

Adopt technical scheme 10 described ink cartridge, can use printing ink to accommodate the printing ink of recess to greatest extent.

Adopt technical scheme 11 described ink cartridge, can use printing ink to accommodate the printing ink of recess to greatest extent.

Adopt technical scheme 12 described ink cartridge, can use printing ink to accommodate the printing ink of recess to greatest extent.

Adopt technical scheme 13 described ink cartridge, can use printing ink to accommodate the printing ink of recess to greatest extent.

The simple declaration of accompanying drawing

Fig. 1 is the integrally-built stereogram of the unit mahine that ink cartridge is installed in the expression the invention process form.

Fig. 2 is the stereogram that is illustrated in the loam cake open mode of reading device in the unit mahine of Fig. 1 that it is plate.

Fig. 3 is the ideograph of the unit mahine cross-section structure of presentation graphs 1.

Fig. 4 for expression will should plate reading device from the unit mahine of Fig. 1 the stereogram of taking-up state.

Fig. 5 is the stereogram below the expression lid.

Fig. 6 is the stereogram of expression with the protecgulum open mode.

Fig. 4 state that Fig. 7 takes out from reading device that will be plate for expression is further with the stereogram of the state of lid and protecgulum taking-up.

Fig. 8 is the stereogram of mode declaration pattern specification printer prints mechanism structure.

Fig. 9 is the plane of mode declaration pattern specification ink cartridge collecting structure.

Figure 10 is the stereogram of 1 ink cartridge installation portion structure in the expression ink cartridge incorporating section.

Figure 11 protects locking piece and anti-ink cartridge to deviate from the structural perspective of the mechanism of usefulness for bottom surface pin protection, the pin down that expression is arranged on the ink cartridge installation portion.

Figure 12 is for seeing the stereogram of ink cartridge from upper side thereafter.

Figure 13 is for seeing the stereogram of ink cartridge from its front upper place side.

Body housing when Figure 14 opens the cover plate of ink cartridge for expression and the stereogram of cover plate.

Figure 15 is illustrated in the state stereogram before the applying pliability film on the body housing.

Figure 16 is the exploded perspective view that the sensing mechanism of the concave surface portion that is arranged on body housing is described.

Figure 17 is the action specification figure of the sensing mechanism action of explanation Figure 16.

Figure 18 is the upward view of body housing.

Figure 19 is the plane skeleton diagram of the ink cartridge of this example.

Figure 20 is that the A-A of ink cartridge of Figure 19 is to view.

Figure 21 is the B-B profile of the ink cartridge of Figure 19.

Figure 22 is the C-C profile of the ink cartridge of Figure 19.

Figure 23 is the D-D profile of the ink cartridge of Figure 19.

Figure 24 is the E-E profile of the ink cartridge of Figure 19.

Figure 25 is the F-F profile of the ink cartridge of Figure 19.

Figure 26 is the G-G profile of the ink cartridge of Figure 19.

Figure 27 is the H-H profile of the ink cartridge of Figure 19.

Figure 28 is the I-I profile of the ink cartridge of Figure 19.

Figure 29 is the ink cartridge height of explanation when ink cartridge being inserted the front openings portion of ink cartridge installation portion and the bellying in the next door that is formed at the ink cartridge installation portion and the graph of a relation of the protruding wall of curve-like that is formed at the end face of ink cartridge installation portion.

Figure 30 is when being illustrated in the front openings portion that ink cartridge is inserted the ink cartridge installation portion, before the ink cartridge and wall makes the plane of preventing deviating from the state that locking is kept out of the way with protuberance.

Figure 31 is the profile of Figure 30.

The guiding that Figure 32 makes ink cartridge for expression with groove with mobile after guiding engage with protruding wall, push pin open by latch-release portion and protect latch-release sheet, pin to protect the profile of locking component the latch-release state of pin baffle.

Figure 33 for the latch-release of expression with the pin baffle after, the ink cartridge front side wall pushing pin baffle hollow needle that makes the pin baffle keep out of the way back, printing ink to derive usefulness inserts the profile of inking hole internal state.

After the hollow needle that Figure 34 derives usefulness for expression with printing ink inserts inking hole ink cartridge, the front of ink cartridge is with serum cap butt that malleation applies member, prevent deviating from locking with protuberance and prevent deviating from the profile that the recess fastening state is used in locking simultaneously.

Figure 35 is the plane of Figure 34.

Figure 36 is the key diagram of expression with the seal-packed state of the true appearance of ink cartridge.

Figure 37 is the summary process chart of pliability film and opening circumference being fitted, made the method for pliability film expansion of this example of expression, (a) for the operation of expression pliability film and the applying of opening circumference, (b) be the process chart that expression is expanded the pliability film.

Figure 38 makes the figure of the modification of the operation that the pliability film expands for expression.

Figure 39 (a) for expression will have the rubber bolt of check-valves and printing ink inject with rubber bolt be embedded into inking hole and printing ink hand-hole the way, extract the air in the printing ink resettlement section figure of the operation that printing ink is injected out, (b) printing ink is injected the figure that is embedded into the rim condition of printing ink hand-hole with rubber bolt for expression.

The cross sectional illustration figure that Figure 40 concerns for the position of the inside edge of the edge (printing ink is accommodated circumference) of dome shape outside curve portion of expression cover plate and opening circumference and pliability film.

Figure 41 is the stereogram of the modification of the ink cartridge of this example of expression.

Figure 42 is corresponding with the ink cartridge of Figure 41 for expression, the pin in the ink cartridge installation portion is protected the plane of the position modification after changing of latch-release sheet.

Figure 43 (a) is the plane of expression according to the ink cartridge of example the 1st modification.

Figure 43 (b) is the stereogram of the ink cartridge of expression Figure 43 (a).

Figure 44 (a) is the plane of expression according to the ink cartridge of example the 2nd modification.

Figure 44 (b) is the stereogram of the ink cartridge of expression Figure 44 (a).

Figure 45 (a) is the plane of expression according to the ink cartridge of example the 3rd modification.

Figure 45 (b) is the stereogram of the ink cartridge of expression Figure 45 (a).

Figure 46 (a) is the plane of expression according to the ink cartridge of example the 4th modification.

Figure 46 (b) is the stereogram of the ink cartridge of expression Figure 46 (a).

Figure 47 (a) is the plane of expression according to the ink cartridge of example the 5th modification.

Figure 47 (b) is the stereogram of the ink cartridge of expression Figure 47 (a).

Figure 48 (a) is the plane of expression according to the ink cartridge of example the 6th modification.

Figure 48 (b) is the stereogram of the ink cartridge of expression Figure 48 (a).

Figure 49 (a) is the plane of expression according to the ink cartridge of example the 7th modification.

Figure 49 (b) is the stereogram of the ink cartridge of expression Figure 49 (a).

Figure 50 (a) is the plane of expression according to the ink cartridge of example the 8th modification.

Figure 50 (b) is the stereogram of the ink cartridge of expression Figure 50 (a).

Figure 51 (a) is the plane of expression according to the ink cartridge of example the 9th modification.

Figure 51 (b) is the stereogram of the ink cartridge of expression Figure 51 (a).

Figure 52 (a) is the plane of expression according to the ink cartridge of example the 10th modification.

Figure 52 (b) is the stereogram of the ink cartridge of expression Figure 52 (a).

Figure 53 (a) is the plane of expression according to the ink cartridge of example the 11st modification.

Figure 53 (b) is the stereogram of the ink cartridge of expression Figure 53 (a).

The specific embodiment

The ink cartridge of the invention process form is described below with reference to Fig. 1 to Figure 40.

At first, referring to figs. 1 through Figure 11 the ink cartridge of this example is described and the tape deck of this example is installed.

As shown in Figure 1, the tape deck of this example is a kind of unit mahine 1 with scan function, copy function, facsimile function etc.This unit mahine 1 has the slim type portable structure that disposes plate reading device 10 on ink jet recording device 20.On reading device 10, be provided with operation panel 12.Ink jet recording device 20 has paper feeding disk 22.Unit mahine 1 is provided with telephone set 24 and antenna 26.Telephone set 24 has the effect as machine tool when using the handset call function, and can be connected with the public telephone thread path.Utilize antenna 26 also can carry out radio communication with handset again.

In addition, also be provided with except the record portion that is provided with operation of recording in the inside of ink jet recording device 20 power supply, control combination machine 1 action usefulness main substrate, control the NCU substrate that is connected usefulness and 2 the medium substrates 28 (Fig. 7) with the public telephone thread path for realizing facsimile function and telephony feature.Be formed with 2 medium slots 29 in the front of ink jet recording device 20.By the memory external medium being inserted some medium slots 29, memory external medium dress can be taken off on the medium substrate 28 that is installed in correspondence freely.Read by being accommodated in the data that digital camera in the memory external medium etc. videotapes and supplying with printing etc.

As shown in Figure 2, plate reading device 10 has reading device framework 14.Reading device framework 14 has places the original copy glass plate 15 that original copy is used.The downside of original copy glass plate 15 dispose can scan connect airtight shape image sensor (CIS) 16.Again, covering the loam cake 17 that original copy glass plate 15 uses above can open and close with respect to reading device framework 14.

Have operation panel 12 on the front side of reading device framework 14, the user can be with the indication input of the action of unit mahine 1 (duplicating action, fax action and scanning motion etc.).

In addition, plate reading device 10 can take out by not shown erecting device with respect to ink jet recording device 20.

As shown in Figure 3, the ink jet recording device 20 that is positioned at reading device 10 downsides has housing 30.Paper feeding disk 22 in the housing 30 rearward upside stretch out.Paper feeding disk 22 is provided with paper feeding roller 23, can use the supply of paper one by one.Be provided with printer prints mechanism 60 accepting position from paper feeding disk 22 as record portion with paper.In the front of printer prints mechanism 60 regulation row's paper D of portion is arranged, can be with discharging by printer prints mechanism 60 records with paper.In addition, on the row paper D of portion, can adorn and get the row's of installation paper disc 34 freely.On the bottom surface of the housing 30 of arranging the paper D of portion downside, dispose the ink cartridge incorporating section P of ink cartridge 200 (Figure 12) usefulness that this example is installed.Like this, ink cartridge incorporating section P is configured in the position lower than printer prints mechanism 60.

As shown in Figure 4, housing 30 is coated from the top by lid 40.This lid 40 have the printing mechanism cap 42 that printer prints mechanism 60 coated from the top and from above ink cartridge incorporating section P coated in, take in cap 44 at upside to what row's paper D of portion stipulated.The front openings of printing mechanism cap 42, and to stipulating with paper outlet 46.The position that ink cartridge is taken in cap 44 be in from send here with paper outlet 46 by below the footpath, conveyance path of paper, promptly abrogating of printer prints mechanism 60 records coil 34 below.

Ink cartridge is taken in cap 44 and is had function as the top board 44 of ink cartridge incorporating section P as shown in Figure 3.As described later, this top board 4 with and ink cartridge incorporating section diapire 32 between be formed with ink cartridge incorporating section P, ink cartridge 200 can be inserted the depths from the O of its front openings portion.In addition, the O of front openings portion is coated by protecgulum 50 to be opened/closed.This protecgulum 50 has when closing and ink cartridge is taken in the front side wall 54 that cap 44 connects into plane upper wall 52 and extends to vertical lower from upper wall 52.

As shown in Figure 5, below taking in cap 44, ink cartridge is formed with 4 protruding walls 47 of the curve-like along 4 ink cartridge 200 upper shapes again.Take in ink cartridge and be formed with the pair of notches 48 of accepting to be arranged on a pair of support arm 56 (Fig. 6) usefulness on the protecgulum 50 when opening protecgulum 50 on the cap 44 again.

As shown in Figure 6, protecgulum 50 has a pair of support arm 56.Side by side just like described 5 next doors 110, back, turning cylinder 57 stretches out from 2 next doors 110 that wherein are arranged in two ends on the diapire 32 in the P of ink cartridge incorporating section.The a pair of support arm 56 of protecgulum 50 is rotatable with respect to turning cylinder 57, and the user can freely open and close protecgulum 50.

Be formed with the vertical rib 58 of 7 longitudinal extensions in the inboard of protecgulum 50.Each vertical rib 58 extends to the part of upper wall 52 always from the front side wall 54 of protecgulum 50.The position of 4 vertical ribs 58 in these 7 vertical ribs 58 is central corresponding with ink cartridge 200 widths that are installed with.Like this, even be in the half finger-like attitude (do not insert fully in the P of ink cartridge incorporating section but insert the state of half position on the way) of some ink cartridge 200, as long as close protecgulum 50, corresponding vertical rib 58 also can automatically push the depths with this ink cartridge 200 and insert reliably.In addition, in order to increase the intensity of these 7 vertical ribs 8, also be formed with a plurality of not shown cross rib at the back side of protecgulum 50 with respect to these 7 vertical rib 58 quadrature shape horizontal expansions.

In addition, for ink cartridge 200 being guided into the O of front openings portion, the diapire 32 of ink cartridge incorporating section compare with cap 44 extend to cap 44 with the front side, on the corresponding position in this part and each next door 110, be formed with the depressed part of overlooking to semicircle or 1/4 circle 102.Utilize this depressed part 102, the width that makes diapire 32 is less than the pinch hand 202 that is accommodated in the ink cartridge 200 among the P of ink cartridge incorporating section.Like this, the available finger ink cartridge 200 that easily will be accommodated among the P of ink cartridge incorporating section pinches.

Fig. 7 represents state that lid 40 and protecgulum 50 are taken out from ink jet recording device 20.As can be seen from the figure, the top opening of housing 30.Be formed with the O of front openings portion of ink cartridge incorporating section P again in its front.In addition, in ink jet recording device, dispose 2 medium substrates 28 on the position corresponding with medium slot 29.Again, the rear side at medium substrate 28 disposes positive pressure pump 36 described later.

In the P of ink cartridge incorporating section with the paper width on and show yellow (Y) ink cartridge installation portion Sy and peony (M) the ink cartridge 200m that dark green (C) ink cartridge installation portion Sc, yellow (Y) ink cartridge 200y that black (K) ink cartridge installation portion Sk, dark green (C) ink cartridge 200c that black (K) ink cartridge 200k installs usefulness install usefulness install usefulness peony (M) the ink cartridge installation portion Sm of usefulness be installed.

Below, black (K) ink cartridge 200k, dark green (C) ink cartridge 200c, yellow (Y) ink cartridge 200y and peony (M) ink cartridge 200m are referred to as ink cartridge 200.Black (K) ink cartridge installation portion Sk, dark green (C) ink cartridge installation portion Sc, yellow (Y) ink cartridge installation portion Sy and peony (M) ink cartridge installation portion Sm are referred to as ink cartridge installation portion S again.

As described later, each ink cartridge installation portion S is provided with: inking mechanism 80 and the printing ink in the ink cartridge 200 that is mounted that the ink cartridge installing mechanism 100 of ink cartridge 200 usefulness that installation is corresponding, the printing ink in the ink cartridge 200 that 60 supplies of printer prints mechanism are mounted are used apply the malleation applying mechanism of using from the malleation of positive pressure pump 36 90.Be extended with the inking pipe T that supply printing ink is used in printer prints mechanism 60 from inking mechanism 80.Specifically, extend black (K) inking pipe Tk, dark green (C) inking pipe Tc, yellow (Y) inking pipe Ty and peony (M) inking pipe Tm respectively from black (K) ink cartridge installation portion Sk, dark green (C) ink cartridge installation portion Sc, yellow (Y) ink cartridge installation portion Sy and peony (M) ink cartridge installation portion Sm.Below black (K) inking is referred to as inking pipe T with pipe Ty and peony (M) inking with pipe Tm with pipe Tc, yellow (Y) inking with pipe Tk, dark green (C) inking.

The rear side of ink cartridge incorporating section P on the bottom surface of housing 30 disposes not shown spent ink absorption component etc., disposes printer prints mechanism 60 in the above.Printer prints mechanism 60 has printing mechanism shell 62.Be formed with in the back of printing mechanism shell 62 acceptance from paper feeding disk 22 supply with come not shown move into mouth with what paper was used with paper.Be formed with printing mechanism paper outlet 64 in the front of printing mechanism shell 62 with the principal direction row paper D of portion discharge usefulness by printer prints mechanism 60 records.Regulation has from move into mouthful usefulness paper conveyance path to printing mechanism usefulness paper outlet 64 with paper in printing mechanism shell 62.When lid 40 coats housing 30, because of this printing mechanism with paper outlet 64 and usefulness paper outlet 46 (Fig. 4) subtend of having stated, so paper used for recording can be discharged on the D of paper portion.Use the opening 68 with opening 66 and with the YM pipe that yellow (Y) inking is used in pipe Tm importing printer prints mechanism 60 with pipe Ty and peony (M) inking except black (K) inking is imported the KC pipe used in the printer prints mechanism 60 with pipe Tc with pipe Tk and dark green (C) inking in the front of printing mechanism shell 62, also be formed with cable importing printer prints mechanism 60 that not shown main substrate etc. is connected in the cable used with opening etc.

As shown in Figure 8, be provided with in the inboard of printing mechanism shell 62 by a plurality of rollers to form with paper transport mechanism 76, will from paper feeding roller 23 supply with come with paper on paper conveyance path to printing mechanism with 64 conveyances of paper outlet.Carriage scan axis 72 above with paper conveyance path and along and extend with the direction of paper conveyance direction quadrature.Carriage 74 can move back and forth along carriage scan axis 72 on carriage scan axis 72.Piezo-electric type ink gun 70 carries at carriage 74 downsides, has separately and above-mentioned multiple nozzle group (not shown) matching in colour.Each nozzle is injected in printing ink with on the paper downwards towards the below.4 inkings corresponding to each nozzle group on piezo-electric type ink gun 70 are connected the printing ink that can supply with 4 looks (black, dark green, yellow, peony) and drive signal with pipe T (Tk, Tc, Ty, Tm) with cable.Carriage 74 is along carriage scan axis 72, and piezo-electric type ink gun 70 is according to carrying out record with the corresponding width of each nozzle group's width.Behind 1 end of scan, send and write down the paper of using of width corresponding amount with 76 of paper transport mechanisms.The position of leaving on carriage scan axis 72 with paper conveyance path is provided with the not shown purifier with known cover plate and pump 78.When the blocked occasion of the nozzle that piezo-electric type ink gun 70 occurs etc., piezo-electric type ink gun 70 is moved to position with purifier 78 subtends, lid coats nozzle, and pump carries out attracting from nozzle the purification action of printing ink.

Like this, only be equipped with piezo-electric type ink gun 70 on carriage 74, the printing ink that will be accommodated in the ink cartridge 200 among the P of ink cartridge incorporating section by pipe is supplied with to piezo-electric type ink gun 70.Again, because piezo-electric type ink gun 70 is configured in the upside of the vertical direction that is higher than ink cartridge incorporating section P, therefore utilize the water-head of piezo-electric type ink gun 70 and ink cartridge 200, negative pressure (being back pressure) can be acted on the printing ink in piezo-electric type ink gun 70 nozzles.Like this, can prevent that printing ink from unconsciously dripping from piezo-electric type ink gun 70.

As shown in Figure 9, inking mechanism 80, malleation applying mechanism 90 and the ink cartridge installing mechanism 100 that is arranged on all 4 ink cartridge installation portion S adopted mutual same structure.

As Fig. 9 and shown in Figure 10, usefulness is derived in inking mechanism 80 by printing ink hollow needle 82 with constitute with the buffer container 84 that pipe T is connected with inking.The hollow needle 82 that printing ink is derived usefulness extends to the direction of front peristome O.Hollow needle 82 is known hollow forms, is formed with 1 pair of pin hole with internal communication in its side.In case ink cartridge 200 is packed in the ink cartridge installation portion S, the hollow needle 82 that then printing ink can be derived usefulness inserts in the ink cartridge 200 supplies with printing ink to buffer container 84.Buffer container 84 is a kind ofly will derive printing ink that the hollow needle 82 of usefulness supplies with by printing ink and keep and the dust in the printing ink is filtered the member of usefulness.Filtered printing ink is supplied with to piezo-electric type ink gun 70 with pipe T by inking.

Malleation applying mechanism 90 is that a kind of printing ink in ink cartridge 200 applies the member that positive air pressure is used.Malleation applying mechanism 90 applies member 91 by the malleation that is connected with malleation air pump 36 and constitutes.In addition, being arranged on 4 malleations of total on all 4 ink cartridge installation portion S, to apply member 91 and malleation air pump 36 relative and be connected in series through pipe 92.Again, apply in malleation air pump 36 and malleation and to be provided with not shown safety valve (taking out pressure) between the pipe 92,, respectively the air-flow of equalization pressure is applied member 91 from 4 malleations via pipe 92 and spue to ink cartridge 200 by the driving of air pump 36.

As shown in figure 10, malleation applies member 91 by the elasticity driving fit member 93 of ring-type with utilize spring 94 along the O of front openings portion direction elasticity driving fit member 93 application of forces of this ring-type and the retaining member 96 that is kept to be constituted.The elasticity driving fit member 93 of ring-type is made of serum cap, and the heart has and applies the malleation that pipe 92 is communicated with malleation from positive pressure pump 36 and apply hole 98 therein, and malleation applies hole 98 and the O of front openings portion subtend.

Depressed part 102, guiding that ink cartridge installing mechanism 100 has on next door 110, the diapire 32 are grasped part sheet 150, are prevented deviating from locking protuberance 160 and ink residue amount detection photoelectric sensor 170 with locking component 180 (with reference to Figure 11), the latch-release of protruding wall 120, pin baffle 130, this pin baffle 130.

Next door 110 forms in the both sides of each ink cartridge installation portion S protrudes upward from the diapire 32 and extends inwards from front peristome O, and the width of ink cartridge installation portion S is stipulated.In addition, the next door 110 between adjacent ink cartridge installation portion S also plays a part adjacent ink cartridge installation portion S is separated.

At this, the width of each ink cartridge installation portion S has been made the size that conforms to corresponding ink cartridge 200 width, and corresponding ink cartridge 200 can be installed.As described later, the width of dark green (C) ink cartridge 200c, yellow (Y) ink cartridge 200y and peony (M) ink cartridge 200m is same mutually, in order to increase internal capacity, the width that uses high black (K) the ink cartridge 200k of printing ink frequency is greater than dark green (C) ink cartridge installation portion Sc, yellow (Y) ink cartridge installation portion Sy and peony (M) ink cartridge installation portion Sm.Thus, the width of dark green (C) ink cartridge installation portion Sc, yellow (Y) ink cartridge installation portion Sy and peony (M) ink cartridge installation portion Sm is same mutually, and the width of black (K) ink cartridge installation portion Sk is greater than the width of other ink cartridge installation portion.

Side in front of the diapire 32 of ink cartridge installation portion S extends to and compares with the O of front openings portion.Because 44 on top board is the position that the length of cap 44 arrives the front openings O of portion, therefore, under protecgulum 50 opened state, the top opening of diapire 32 parts of side in front of extending to, when ink cartridge 200 is installed, has effect with the ink cartridge 200 guiding front openings O of portion.

Pin baffle 130, ink residue amount detect behaviour's part sheet 150 of using with photoelectric sensor 170, latch-release and prevent deviating from protuberance 160 and derive the front (on the extending direction axis of hollow needle 82) that begins to derive at printing ink by its arranged in order the hollow needle 82 of usefulness with hollow needle 82 sides from printing ink.Guiding is arranged on position with the both sides of the extending direction axis clamping of hollow needle 82 with protruding wall 120 and the operating sheet 150, the detection of ink residue amount of removing usefulness thereof with photoelectric sensor 170 broad ways.Guiding is extended to depth direction with protruding wall 120, pin protection latch-release sheet 150 along depth direction between guiding is held with the front side of protruding wall 120 and inboard.Pin baffle 130 between guiding is held with the front side of protruding wall 120 and inboard, and is positioned at the inboard of the operating sheet 150 that latch-release uses along depth direction.The ink residue amount detect with photoelectric sensor 170 along depth direction also between guiding is held with the inboard with the front side of protruding wall 120, it is more inboard to be positioned at the operating sheet 150 that latch-release uses.

Again, on guiding is used the width of photoelectric sensor 170 with protruding wall 120 and the distance (distance between the guiding next door) and the guiding of the width in adjacent next door 110 with protruding wall 120 and the detection of ink residue amount distance (between orientation sensor apart from), distance L a between the guiding next door of dark green (C) ink cartridge installation portion Sc, yellow (Y) ink cartridge installation portion Sy and peony (M) ink cartridge installation portion Sm is same mutually, and the distance L b between orientation sensor is also same mutually.In addition, distance L a between the guiding next door of black (K) ink cartridge installation portion Sk is identical with distance L a between the guiding next door of other ink cartridge installation portion, but the distance L b2 between the orientation sensor of black (K) ink cartridge installation portion Sk is greater than the distance L b between the orientation sensor of other ink cartridge installation portion.

Next door 110 from diapire 32 extend upwardly to lid 40 below.The top of the O of the front openings portion side end of next door 110 is formed with bellying 112.The downside of this bellying 112 forms taper, when ink cartridge 200 is inserted, be convenient to ink cartridge incorporating section P enter this bellying 112 below, after the insertion, the position and the gradient of the short transverse of ink cartridge incorporating section P limited.Again, the top of the inboard on next door 110 depth directions also is formed with same bellying 112, to highly limiting.In addition, the top of the centre of next door 110 depth directions also is formed with same bellying 112, but this bellying 112 is provided with the spring 114 that the ink cartridge 200 downward application of forces are used, and the action of the above-below direction of ink cartridge 200 is limited.

Guiding is to be adjacent to latch-release with on the position of operating sheet 150 with the structure of protruding wall 120; protrude upward from diapire 32; guiding is configured in the position more much smaller than general user's finger thickness with the interval a in protruding wall 120 next doors 110 adjacent thereto, and the finger that can avoid the user thus contacts with operating sheet 150 and removes the locking of pin baffle 130.Can be used for again inserting the ink cartridge 200 of ink cartridge installation portion S and positioning from front peristome O side to depth direction guiding.Guiding is big with the width at the two ends of inboard with the front side of protruding wall 120.Like this, roughly form point at the big position of width and contact, can carry out the location of width thus accurately with ink cartridge 200.In addition, the guiding of ink cartridge 200 and location also can be undertaken by next door 110, also can be carried out jointly with protruding wall 120 by next door 110 and guiding.

The ink residue amount detects and is made of infrared luminous part 172 and infrared ray light accepting part 174 with photoelectric sensor 170, is used to detect the residual quantity of the printing ink in the ink cartridge 200.The loop substrate of photoelectric sensor 170 below being configured in diapire 32 extend out to the top of diapire 32.In infrared luminous part 172 and infrared ray light accepting part 174 O of front openings portion side separately, the protector for sensor 176 of when diapire 32 convex shapes ground is provided with insertion ink cartridge 200, protecting these members to use.Partly form the surface of band circularity in the mutual subtend of the O of front openings portion of protector for sensor 176 side.

Pin baffle 130 is positioned at the O of the front openings portion side that printing ink is derived the hollow needle 82 of usefulness with interval, and its front end can cover the O of front openings portion.As shown in figure 11; the downside of diapire 32 around with rotatably support around the pin baffle turning cylinder 132 of above-mentioned depth direction quadrature; and can move protruding from the peristome 104 that is formed at diapire 32 between the above-mentioned lid position on the diapire 32 and the release position of disappearing in peristome 104, by spring 183 all the time to the above-mentioned cover plate position application of force.Locking component 180 can be bearing in the downside of diapire 32 rotationally around axle 184, by spring 182 to the pressing plate 140 that erects from the one end along with hollow needle 82 sides of pin baffle 130 in the face of to the direction application of force.Again, locking component 180 has the operating sheet 150 that the latch-release of integrated is used between axle 184 and pressing plate 140, utilize the elastic force of described spring 182, its operating sheet 150 is stretched out between guiding is with protruding wall 120 and next door 110 from the peristome 106 that is formed at diapire 32.

Under this state, in case ink cartridge 200 is inserted from front openings O normally, then as described later; below ink cartridge 200; at first the operating sheet 150 of usefulness is removed in pushing, and locking component 180 is rotated, and pressing plate 140 is kept out of the way downwards from the back side of pin baffle 130.If ink cartridge 200 is continued to advance to the depth direction of installation portion S; then the front by ink cartridge 200 pushes pin baffle 130; but owing to do not have the pressing plate 104 that stops its rotation at the back side of pin baffle 130; therefore pin baffle 130 is toppled over to pressing plate 104, and the result is that ink cartridge 200 links with hollow needle 82.

If ink cartridge 200 is taken out from installation portion S; then at first pin baffle 130 erects on the position that is covering hollow needle 82 under the effect of spring 183; then, stagger with operating sheet 150 below the ink cartridge 200, and under the effect of spring 182, pressing plate 140 is turned back to the back side of pin baffle 130.

Do not act on pin baffle 130 by external force from front openings O side even do not push the operating sheet 150 of removing usefulness, the back side of pin baffle 130 also can with pressing plate 140 butts, hollow needle 82 can not expose with respect to front openings O side.

The effect of preventing deviating from locking component 190 is to provide resistance to the ink cartridge 200 that is mounted, with overcome malleation apply member 91 spring 94 deviate from the direction application of force, have the protuberance 160 that protrudes on diapire 32 from the peristome 108 that is formed at diapire 32.Prevent deviating from locking component 190 can around axle 192, be bearing in rotationally diapire 32 below, and utilize spring 182 application of force upward, normally protuberance 160 is protruded on diapire 32 from peristome 108, the aftermentioned that embeds the ink cartridge 200 on the installation site prevents deviating from the locking recess 246 (Figure 18).Yet as described later, because the power when ink cartridge 200 dress got, in case ink cartridge 200 and protuberance 160 butts are prevented deviating from locking component 190 and rotated around axle 192, protuberance 160 is kept out of the way below diapire 32, can carry out the dress of ink cartridge 200 and get.

The ink cartridge installation portion S broad ways of said structure also is listed in and the ink cartridge that constitutes lid 40 is taken on the following same plane of top board of cap 44 (on the diapire 32) and constituted ink cartridge incorporating section P.Like this, ink cartridge incorporating section P is flat roughly rectangular shape generally.Thus, the structure of unit mahine 1 integral body also becomes portable slim shape.

The ink cartridge 200 of this example is described below with reference to Figure 12～Figure 39.

The ink cartridge 200 that dark green, yellow, peony of this example and black are used all is a shape shown in Figure 12.That is, all be to constitute by roughly transparent resinous body housing 230 and lid 210, be flat roughly rectangular shape generally.In addition, the size of the ink cartridge 200 (the colored ink cartridge of using) used of dark green, yellow, peony and black is same mutually.And the ink cartridge 200 that black is used is identical with the length of the ink cartridge 200 of colored usefulness.But the width of the ink cartridge that black is used is greater than the colour ink cartridge.

Body housing 230 has smooth sidewall 232 in the both sides of width, and the distance that this sidewall is 232 (being the width of body housing 230) is corresponding with the distance in 110 in the next door that is arranged on ink cartridge installation portion S both sides.

Lid 210 has the shape of general planar.Lid 210 has the crooked laterally dome shape outside curve portion 212 of dome shape in its substantial middle portion, again, also has the residual convex part 213 that width two end portions, flat condition protuberance are arranged at fore-end.Around lid 210 dome shape outside curve portion 212 and the left and right sides of convex part 213 be formed with par 214.The part of the width both sides that are positioned at dome shape outside curve portion 212 and convex part 213 in the par 214 is extended to the length direction of ink cartridge 200.The par 214 that this length direction extends is subtend when ink cartridge 200 is inserted ink cartridge installation portion S and below the described bellying 112, slides with respect to spring 114 (Figure 10) in this par 214.Bend 212 and convex part 213 are compared more (being end face) direction protrusion below cap 44 below the bellying 112 that is positioned at its both sides.

In addition, ink cartridge 200 has the much bigger length of length than cap 44 depth directions, and under the state that is installed on installation portion S, rear end part stretches out from cap 44.The width stenosis of the rearward end of this ink cartridge 200 and become pinch hand 202.Adopt this pinch hand 202, when being accommodated in a plurality of ink cartridge 200 shown in Figure 6 among the P of ink cartridge incorporating section, easily required 1 is pinched.Otherwise, when in the P of the ink cartridge incorporating section of adjacency, having taken in ink cartridge 200, also easily pinch.Near the rear end of lid 210, be formed with the rib 217 of the linearity extension of width extension again.Like this, finger is held this rib 217, ink cartridge 200 is drawn to the front direction, also available 1 finger takes out ink cartridge 200 from the P of ink cartridge incorporating section.

As shown in figure 13, the front side wall 234 at body housing 230 is formed with the convex portion 235 that protrudes from this width middle section upward.The substantial middle opening of front side wall 234 has inking hole 260.Inking hole 260 is that printing ink is outwards supplied with the hole of usefulness from the printing ink resettlement sections 300 (Figure 14) that are arranged in the body housing 230, and is pressed into and inking is installed with rubber bolt 262 (Figure 39 (a)).Again, printing ink hand-hole 270 and inking hole 260 adjacency and openings.Printing ink hand-hole 270 is that printing ink is injected the hole of usefulness to printing ink resettlement section 300 from the outside, and is pressed into and printing ink is installed injects with rubber bolt 272 (Figure 39 (a)).And opening has air connectivity hole 280.Air connectivity hole 280 is elongated hole of path, when ink cartridge 200 being installed on the ink cartridge installation portion S, applying hole 98 with malleation that malleation applies member 91 and is communicated with.And guiding is located on the front side wall 234 and underside wall of body housing 230 with groove 236 and sensor accepting groove 240, reaches lower aperture in front and forms.Guiding is the recesses that engage usefulness when ink cartridge 200 being installed on the ink cartridge installation portion S with guiding with protruding wall 120 (Figure 10) with groove 236.In addition, guiding has the function of latch-release portion 238 with the front and the bottom surface of the part between the sidewall 232 on groove 236 and its next door, when ink cartridge 200 being installed on the ink cartridge installation portion S, playing a part urge lock and removes operating sheet 150.Sensor accepting groove 240 is to take in the ink residue amount to detect the recess of using photoelectric sensor 170 usefulness when ink cartridge 200 being installed on the ink cartridge installation portion S.

As shown in figure 14, outer cover body 230 has printing ink resettlement section 300, side opening on it in inside.Specifically, body housing 230 has front side wall 234, side walls 232 and rear wall 237.Sidewall 232 is connected front side wall 234 with rear wall 237.The rear of rear wall 237 is connected with pinch hand 202.Printing ink resettlement section 300 is surrounded by these front side wall 234, side walls 232 and rear wall 237.The structure of printing ink resettlement section 300 is that the housing recess described later 310 (Figure 15) in being formed at body housing 230 is posted pliability film 302.Pliability film 302 is fused on the peristome periphery 312 of housing recess 310, and housing recess 310 between accumulate printing ink arranged.Under the state that printing ink is filled with, film 302 expand into dome shape to upside.Inking hole 260 and printing ink hand- hole 270 and 300 interior connections of printing ink resettlement section.Specifically, inking hole 260 is by the inking communication path 268 and printing ink resettlement section 300 interior are communicated with littler than inking hole 260 diameters.Again, printing ink hand-hole 270 injects communication path 278 and 300 interior connections of printing ink resettlement section by the printing ink littler than printing ink hand-hole 270 diameters.

Pliability film 302 is provided with the roughly tabular drag board 306 of rectangle, forms the form that this length direction and ink cartridge 200 length directions extend in parallel.The length direction central part of drag board 306 is fitted in the approximate centre portion of pliability film 302 by double-sided belt.

In addition, the length direction section shape (Figure 21) of outer cover body be black with or colored with all identical.Because drag board 306 fits along its length and since fit in advance to coloured all be the drag board 306 of equal length, so can provide same tension force.The length of drag board 36 slightly is shorter than the size of printing ink resettlement section 300 length directions.Again, the material of drag board 306 for example is the resin-made membrane of PET film etc.In addition, the detailed effect of relevant this drag board 306 is seen below and is stated.

Around printing ink resettlement section 300, be formed with the atmospheric air chamber 290 that is communicated with air connectivity hole 280.Specifically, the rear side of wall 234 is formed with next door 282 in front, and connects side walls 232.Again, from building the 210 protruding walls 211 in the outside that begin to be formed with next door 282, the sidewall 232 of body housing 230 and engage usefulness with rear wall 237.Be installed on the body housing 230 by covering 210, the protruding wall 211 in the outside is engaged with next door 282, sidewall 232 and rear wall 237, atmospheric air chamber 290 is surrounded by next door 282, sidewall 232 and rear wall 237, and stipulates being coated on the zone that the printing ink resettlement section 300 covered on 210 surrounds.Atmospheric air chamber 290 becomes the roughly air-tight state that has only air connectivity hole 280 and external communications.This air connectivity hole 280 is to extend between front side wall 234 and the next door 282 and the communication path of wall 234 and next door 282 upper sheds in front.Again, inking communication path 268 and printing ink injection communication path 278 perforation next doors 282 are communicated with printing ink resettlement section 300.Coat by covering 210 openings that are installed on the body housing 230 body housing 230, atmospheric air chamber 290 becomes and has only air connectivity hole 280 and external communications.By applying atmospheric pressure or malleation, can exert pressure from the outside of printing ink resettlement section 300 to the pliability film 302 of printing ink resettlement section 300 to atmospheric air chamber 290.Like this, also the printing ink in the printing ink resettlement section 300 can be discharged laterally via inking hole 260.

In addition, in atmospheric air chamber 290, be formed with a plurality of ribs 292 (Figure 15), to guarantee the intensity of body housing 230.

Figure 14 represents to cover the medial surface on the body housing 200 of being installed in 210.As can be seen from the figure, lid 210 is the general planar shape, and the dome shape outside curve portion 212 that is formed at this approximate centre portion is a kind of shapes that the bulge of pliability film 302 is encased.The annulus of institute's Fixed width degree of dome shape outside curve portion 212 is accommodated circumference 216 to printing ink described later to be stipulated.In addition, as can be seen from the figure,, be formed with the otch 218 of groove shape for the printing ink of ring-type being accommodated circumference 216 disjunctions.Will cover 210 with state that body housing 230 engages under, though leave form at interval between the pliability film 302 that the circumference 216 of lid side is designed to engage with the ball opening circumference 312 that is engaged in the body housing side, but when ink cartridge described later is carried out vacuum packaging, even cover 210 with body housing 230 in mutually approaching direction plastic deformation, the circumference 216 and 302 driving fits of pliability film of the lid side of lid side, otch 218 that also can be by the groove shape and flange otch 219 described later play the effect that dome shape outside curve portion 212 and space between the pliability film 302 are communicated with atmospheric air chamber 290.Again, in the outside that printing ink is accommodated circumference 216 promptly the inboard of the protruding wall 211 in the outside be formed with and protrude the protruding wall 215 that extends from covering 210 what printing ink accommodated that circumference 216 surrounds.To cover 210 when being installed on the body housing 230, protruding wall 215 forms the form (Figure 27) that the periphery with housing recess circumference 312 described later surrounds.And protruding wall 215 is cut open along the part of protruding wall 211 adjacency in the outside of the sidewall 232 of body housing, and is connected with the protruding wall 211 in this outside.The result accommodates in the circumference 216 with the corresponding position, position that is formed with otch 218 and on printing ink is accommodated in the circumference 216 position with the position-reversed side that is formed with otch 218 at printing ink, by the part of the protruding wall 215 that is cut open protruding wall otch 219 is stipulated.The effect of this protruding wall otch 219 also is that dome shape outside curve portion 212 is communicated with atmospheric air chamber 290 with the space of 302 of pliability films, is not to be interdicted by protruding wall 215 from the malleation of air connectivity hole 280.

As shown in figure 15, housing recess 310 is made of the concave surface portion 320 that surrounds opening circumference 312 and top opening.Opening circumference 312 rounded (or oval), the shape of its part 328 for bloating laterally.Concave surface portion 320 has dome shape portion 324, and this dome shape portion 324 roughly dome shape is bent downwardly, and lower than circle (or oval) the shape surrounding edge 322 that is in opening circumference 312 sustained heights, its approximate centre is in minimum position.In addition, the part of dome shape portion 324 is the inclined plane part 326 of straight inclination.Be formed with horizontally extending flat portions 328 between part that bloats in the outside and circle (or oval) the shape surrounding edge 322 to opening circumference 312.By pliability film 302 and opening circumference 312 are fitted, concave surface portion 320 is coated, printing ink can be accumulated in pliability film 302 and comprise between the dome shape portion 324 and flat portions 328 of inclined plane part 326.

In addition, the height of flat portions 328 is roughly consistent with the height of opening circumference 312, and the swell increment of the pliability film 302 on the flat portions 328 is little.Be installed on the outer cover body 230 even will cover 210, also can be by accumulating in the printing ink of 302 of flat portions 328 and pliability films, see color of ink clearly from covering 210 top.In other words, the printing ink in the concave surface portion 320 have been if be filled under the state of printing ink at this place, because of the printing ink bed thickness, thus look that color is almost black, but when the printing ink of 302 of flat portions 328 and pliability films is thin layer, then be original printing ink look.

When almost not having printing ink in the housing recess 310, pliability film 302 is pre-formed roughly the roughly spherical shape with the inner face driving fit of housing recess 310.The method that pliability film 302 is made into this shape sees aftermentioned for details.Like this, the state that has filled up printing ink from pliability film 302 and 310 of housing recess begins until almost do not have in the housing recess 310 till the printing ink, the pliability film can be out of shape neatly along with the amount of printing ink, it is flexible etc. that the pliability film itself utilizes elasticity to produce, basically not to the printing ink actuating pressure.

Be formed with the printing ink injection groove 330 that is communicated with printing ink hand-hole 270 (printing ink injects communication path 278) and the inking groove 332 of holding concurrently the exhaust that is communicated with inking hole 260 (inking communication path 268) in the bottom surface of concave surface portion 320.Be provided with detection in the bottom surface of concave surface portion 320 and remain in the sensing mechanism 340 that the remaining amount of printing ink in the concave surface portion 320 is used.

As shown in figure 16, sensing mechanism 340 is made of rodmeter accepting groove 350, rodmeter 360 and T font films 342 of being configured in this rodmeter accepting groove 350.Rodmeter accepting groove 350 have the bottom surface of concave surface portion 320 opening, below outer cover body 230 bottom surface 352 of (Figure 18).The shape of rodmeter accepting groove 350 is to extend from the direction that 45 degree are opened partially to the length direction of outer cover body in the center of the dome shape portion 324 of concave surface portion 320, it is crooked to carry out 45 degree on the position of the circle that arrives concave surface portion 320 (or oval) shape surrounding edge 322, and extends with the length direction parallel shape of outer cover body.In addition, the part that extends in parallel with length direction outer cover body in the rodmeter accepting groove 350 is called groove end 354.Groove end 354 is in flat portions 328 upper sheds.Like this, rodmeter accepting groove 350 from the central part of the dome shape portion 324 of concave surface portion 320 across position opening to inclined plane part 326, form with respect to the length direction of outer cover body and open the form that the directions of 45 degree are extended partially.The degree of depth of rodmeter accepting groove 350 is roughly certain in dome shape portion 324, sharply increases at inclined plane part 326, and is roughly certain once more in flat portions 328.Extend to the outside of concave surface portion 320 the groove end 354 of rodmeter accepting groove 350, and be that protuberance 372 (Figure 18) arrives in this sensor accepting groove 240 along sensor accepting groove 240 projecting inward walls.Again, rodmeter accepting groove 350 has the groove 351 with its length direction quadrature.

Rodmeter 360 is formed by the heavy black resin than printing ink, infrared ray can be covered.Rodmeter 360 is configured in the rodmeter accepting groove 350.Rodmeter 360 is tabular components, has the rotating fulcrum portion 362 of triangular prism shape, has an action arm 364 and sensing in its both sides and props up arm 366.End at an action arm 364 is provided with the planar fulcrum 365 of hemisphere (ink residue amount test point).Rodmeter 360 is configured in the rodmeter accepting groove 350, and the planar fulcrum 365 of hemisphere (ink residue amount test point) is positioned at the center of the dome shape portion 324 of concave surface portion 320.Again, sensing is propped up arm 366 and is bent to 45 degree in its end, and this crooked end 367 is configured in the groove end 354 (in the part of flat portions 328 upper sheds) of rodmeter accepting groove 350, has the function of sensing point 367.Rotating fulcrum 362 is configured in the orthogonal slot 351 of rodmeter accepting groove 350, sinks in the printing ink under the section vertex of a triangle of rotating fulcrum 362, contacts with the bottom surface of this groove 351.The result is that rodmeter 360 can rotate rotating fulcrum 362 as fulcrum.At this, the weight of a weight ratio action arm 364 that sensing is propped up arm 366 is big.For example, to prop up the weight of arm 366 be that the weight of action arm 364 is more than 5 times to sensing.Like this, shown in the solid line among Figure 17, when printing ink remains when a lot, sensing arm end 367 sides of rodmeter 360 are positioned on the bottom surface 352 of rodmeter accepting groove 350, the planar fulcrum 365 of hemisphere (ink residue amount test point) 352 floats from the bottom surface, stretches out on the bottom surface of concave surface portion 320.On the other hand, shown in the double dot dash line among Figure 17, when ink consumption when pliability film 302 drops to concave surface portion 320, push the planar fulcrum 365 of hemisphere (ink residue amount test point) to downside by pliability film 302, utilize lever principle that sensing arm end (367 sensing point) is risen.Like this, because rodmeter 360 is housed in from the rodmeter resettlement section 350 that extend outside concave surface portion 320 bottom of concave surface portion 320, rodmeter 360 can not hinder the pliability film 302 to 320 distortion of concave surface portion, therefore can carry out the detection of ink residue amount reliably.

Again, the sensing of rodmeter 360 is propped up the length L 2 of the length L 1 of arm 366 greater than an action arm 364.For example, sensing is propped up 4 times of length L 2 that the length L 1 of arm 366 approximately is an action arm 364.Thus, sensing arm end 367 is risen significantly, can carry out the detection or the non-detection action of residual quantity detection sensor 70 described later reliably even pliability film 302 descends the planar fulcrum 365 of hemisphere (ink residue amount test point) slightly.

In this example,, therefore, under the state that printing ink uses up substantially, rodmeter 360 is moved reliably can use printing ink to greatest extent owing to be provided with the drag board 306 of PET film system.That is to say, when pliability film 302 descends along with the minimizing of printing ink, take place sometimes local wrinkling and with the phenomenon of housing recess 320 driving fits.Under residual the state of printing ink between this wrinkling part and the housing recess 320, make rodmeter 360 actions and produce the use residue of printing ink.

As previously mentioned, drag board 306 has only its middle body to engage with the middle body of pliability film 302, shown in the solid line among Figure 17, is in the state on the pliability film 302 that is positioned in expansion more for a long time when printing ink, descends along with the minimizing of printing ink.But along with the minimizing of printing ink, drag board 306 makes the inner peripheral surface butt of its two ends and housing recess 320 on than the lower position of concave surface portion's 320 extreme lower positions, and decline is limited.Though the result is the inner peripheral surface driving fit of the peripheral part of pliability film 302 along housing recess 320, middle body becomes the state of being mentioned by drag board 306.Planar fulcrum 365 interval and the subtends of the middle body of the pliability film 302 that is raised at this moment, and the hemisphere of rodmeter 360.

If printing ink continues to reduce, then the middle body of pliability film 302 overcomes the elasticity of drag board 306, further descends, in case printing ink uses up substantially, then pushes the planar fulcrum 365 of hemisphere of rodmeter 360.At this moment, increase gradually to the center along the area of pliability film 302 peripheral parts of the inner peripheral surface driving fit of housing recess 320, till the center of pliability film 302 pushing rodmeter 360.That is,, again printing ink is concentrated on the central part of concave surface portion 320 because pliability film 302 has reduced wrinkling generation on the way, and 302 declines of pliability film, so rodmeter 360 is moved reliably.

Drag board 306 so long as above-mentioned shape promptly be configured to when restriction descends can be with the planar fulcrum 365 of the pliability film 302 and the hemisphere of rodmeter 360 shapes at interval, then not only can use above-mentioned roughly rectangle, and shape arbitrarily such as triangle, star, circle.In addition, its outer peripheral portion not only with the inner peripheral surface butt of housing recess 320, and can be positioned on the opening circumference 312.

The weight of mentioned strain plate 306 and elasticity can not influence the pressure in the printing ink resettlement section 300, but preferably can be by it suitably being set the pressure of adjusting in the printing ink resettlement section 300 yet.When printing ink more for a long time because drag board 306 has only central portion to form and pliability film 302 state of contact, therefore utilizing the deadweight of drag board 306 partly to can be used as just pressing in the printing ink resettlement section 300 provides.Along with the minimizing of printing ink, the effect of drag board 306 is as beam the central portion of pliability film 302 to be mentioned upward.The result provides negative pressure to printing ink resettlement section 300.Elastic force by adjusting drag board 306 when a small amount of with printing ink (negative pressure relevant), weight (with the printing ink volume time normal pressure relevant) and length (with from providing malleation to change into to provide the timing of negative pressure relevant) provide to printing ink resettlement section 300 to accord with the accordingly suitable pressure of ink consumption situation.

In this example, drag board 306 and pliability film 302 connected to follow pliability film 302 and move to the state that residual quantity reduces to almost not to be had.On the other hand, drag board 306 reduces to the restriction that is subjected to the concave surface portion 320 of body housing after almost not having state in the ink residue amount, has to pliability film 302 to apply from the elasticity of fulcrum (ink residue amount test point) 365 detaching direction power.Though drag board 306 at least residual quantity reduce to allow after almost not having state in pliability film 302 with fulcrum (ink residue amount test point) 365 subtends part part roughly along concave surface portion 320, in the pliability film 302 with fulcrum (ink residue amount test point) 365 subtends part then from fulcrum (ink residue amount test point) 365 directions of separating to its application of force.And, residual quantity reduce to almost do not have state after, overcome the elastic force of drag board 306 along with the minimizing of printing ink, pliability film 302 is approaching to fulcrum (ink residue amount test point) 365.Like this, can reliably printing ink be used.

As shown in figure 16, T font film 342 is PET goods and is arranged in the form that pushes rodmeter 360 in the rodmeter accommodating groove from the top of rodmeter 360 downwards.Specifically, film 342 has standing part 342a integratedly and pushes the elastic plate part 342b that sensing is propped up arm 366.The groove 351 that contains rotating fulcrum 362 in the rodmeter accepting groove 350 forms step, begins to be formed with 1 pair of protuberance 356 from this step.On standing part 342a, be formed with 1 pair of hole 344,, this 1 pair of protuberance 356 pushed down, standing part 342a can be fixed in the concave surface portion 320 by 1 pair of protuberance 356 is embedded in 1 pair of hole 344.Like this, can with rotating fulcrum 362 and T font film 342 between leave and remain on gap in the groove 351, rodmeter 360 is free to rotate as fulcrum with this rotating fulcrum 362.Elastic plate part 342b inserts and is configured in the groove 350, has formed from standing part 342a and has propped up the form that arm 366 sides are extended to sensing.Like this, because propping up arm 366, sensing utilize the downward application of force of elastic plate part 342b promptly along double dome shape fulcrum 365 application of force of direction of protruding on bathtub formula recess 320 bottom surfaces, therefore, even the phenomenon that ink cartridge is reversed up and down in the conveying of ink cartridge, occurred, can guarantee that also the planar fulcrum 365 of hemisphere protrudes on the bottom surface of concave surface portion 320.In addition, the elastic strength of elastic plate part 34 is roughly the such size of rising that can not hinder sensing to prop up arm 366 along with the minimizing of printing ink.

In addition, the sensing that contains in the rodmeter accepting groove 350 is propped up the part of arm 366 and is formed inclined plane part 326.Because of the gradient of inclined plane part 326 gradient greater than spherical face, prop up the rising amount of movement of arm 366 so can fully guarantee sensing, can not contact and counteract with pliability film 302.

As shown in figure 18, body housing 230 below have the even surface 242 that slides in the bottom surface of ink cartridge installation portion S relatively.Even surface 242 links with side walls.Below body housing 230, be formed with guiding groove 236 and sensor accepting groove 240.As shown in figure 30, guiding with near the distance L ac of the sidewall 232 of groove 236 and its width be exactly and ink cartridge installation portion S on the guiding next door between the corresponding distance of distance L a.And for example shown in Figure 35, guiding only is formed with from front side wall 234 along its length with groove 236 can accommodate guiding with the length L cc of protruding wall 120 (being that malleation on the ink cartridge installation portion S applies member 91 and leads with the length more than the distance L c of the O of the front openings portion side end of protruding wall 120 at least specifically).Like this, when ink cartridge 200 being installed on the ink cartridge installation portion S, guiding can be accommodated with groove 236 and be led with protruding wall 120.As shown in figure 30, guiding with the distance L bc of groove 236 and sensor accepting groove 240 be exactly and ink cartridge installation portion S on orientation sensor between the corresponding distance of distance L b.Again, as shown in figure 35, sensor accepting groove 240 only is formed with malleation along its length from front side wall 34 and applies member 91 and the distance L d corresponding length L dc of ink residue amount detection with photoelectric sensor 170, when ink cartridge 200 being installed on the ink cartridge installation portion S, can accommodating the ink residue amount and detect with photoelectric sensor 170.

Below body housing 230, be formed with from a plurality of ribs 243 of its inside supporting concave surface portion 320 usefulness again.In addition, be formed with the end center line rib 244 that extends to body housing 230 length directions in the center of body housing 230 widths.When ink cartridge 200 is constantly slided on the bottom surface of ink cartridge installation portion S, end center line rib 244 will be prevented deviating from locking unceasingly and keep out of the way under the bottom surface with protuberance 160 (Figure 10).The rear side of the end center line rib 244 below body housing 230 is formed with prevents deviating from locking recess 246.When ink cartridge 200 being installed on the ink cartridge installation portion S, by prevent deviating from locking with protuberance 160 with prevent that deviating from locking recess 246 engages, and can stop deviating from of ink cartridge 200.

Also be formed with the rodmeter resettlement section 370 of protruding outside concave surface portion 320 below body housing 230, the inside of this rodmeter resettlement section 370 is formed with described rodmeter accepting groove 350.The part that contains groove end 354 of the rodmeter accepting groove 350 in the rodmeter resettlement section 370 (rodmeter is accommodated protuberance 372) is protruded on the position at the width center in sensor accepting groove 240 along its length.Owing to partly form the surface of band circularity, easily rodmeter is accommodated protuberance 372 and insert the ink residue amounts and detect with between 176 of the protector for sensor and infrared luminous part 172 and infrared ray light accepting part 174 of photoelectric sensor 170 in the mutual subtend of front openings portion 0 side of protector for sensor 176.As shown in figure 35, in case ink cartridge 200 is installed on the ink cartridge installation portion S, the ink residue amount detected be housed in the sensor accepting groove 240 with photoelectric sensor 170, then the rodmeter position of accommodating protuberance is in the ink residue amount and detects between the usefulness infrared luminous part 172 and infrared ray light accepting part 174 of photoelectric sensor 170.The position of sensing arm end 367 (sensing point) that the rodmeter that is arranged in rodmeter 360 is accommodated the groove end 354 of protuberance 372 is between infrared luminous part 172 and the infrared ray light accepting part 174.In addition, the rodmeter at least in the body housing is accommodated protuberance 372 by constituting through ultrared material.

Figure 19 is the plane skeleton diagram of ink cartridge 200 with this example of said structure (body housing 230 and lid 210 o'clock are installed), marks off internal structure by dotted line.Figure 20 for the A-A of Figure 19 to view, promptly represent the front elevation of ink cartridge 200 fronts.Figure 21～Figure 28 is respectively B-B section, C-C section, D-D section, E-E section, F-F section, G-G section, the H-H section of expression Figure 19, the cutaway view of I-I section.In addition, for the ease of seeing not shown pliability film 302 and rib (243,292) clearly.But at the center line rib of the end shown in the local figure 244.

As Figure 15 and shown in Figure 27, on body housing 230, be formed with continuously and the perisporium 231 that extends to the bottom surface side (depth direction of concave surface portion 320) of body housing 230 from the opening circumference 312 beginning integraty of the peristome of regulation concave surface portion 320.And be formed with perisporium 231, sidewall 232 and even surface 242 bindings and surrounding wall portion 233 from every side concave surface portion 320 being supported.At this, link mutually by a plurality of ribs 292 between perisporium 231 and the sidewall 232.Again, the par 214 of lid is as engaging with the upper end of surrounding wall portion 233 with the outer peripheral edges portion of surrounding wall portion 233 subtends.Like this, though printing ink resettlement section 300 below be spherical shape roughly, also can stably place by following 242 of surrounding wall portion 233, get at the enterprising luggage of unit mahine 1 body easily.Again, because pliability film 202 and opening circumference 312 are fitted, lid 210 is engaged with the upper end of surrounding wall portion 233, so cover 210 fitting parts that can not disturb pliability film 202, can seal reliably and end printing ink.Again,, adopted the structure that both is connected by a plurality of ribs 292, therefore, handled, also can prevent the distortion of surrounding wall portion 233 even ink cartridge 200 described later is carried out vacuum seal because surrounding wall portion 233 is the dual structures that are made of sidewall 231 and perisporium 232.And as can be seen from Figure 18, a plurality of ribs 243 have formed the form with following and surrounding wall portion 233 bindings of concave surface portion 320.Like this, handle even ink cartridge 200 described later is carried out vacuum seal, rib 243 also can prevent the distortion of concave surface portion 320 and surrounding wall portion 233.

Have said structure ink cartridge 200 below be flat condition, but above it as shown in figure 29, the central part of width (dome shape outside curve portion 212) bending, the height height of the two ends of its height over width direction (sidewall 232).At this, the bellying 112 on the top of the O of the front openings portion side end that is formed at next door 110 on height at width two ends (height from even surface 242 to the par between 214) and the ink cartridge installation portion S is roughly the same with the distance of diapire 32.Like this, ink cartridge 200 can be inserted in the ink cartridge installation portion S.On the other hand, because the height of bend 212 and convex part 213 is greater than the height at width two ends, the protruding wall 47 of curve-like of adding the end face of installation portion S is a kind of shape of the dome shape outside curve portion 212 along ink cartridge 200, therefore can prevent from ink cartridge 200 is oppositely inserted up and down.

Because body housing 230 is following level and smooth, and be formed with along its length the end center line rib 244 that extends, therefore as long as ink cartridge 200 is inserted in the ink cartridge installation portion S, is being slided on the bottom surface and can prevent deviating from installation ink cartridge 200 under the state that locking keeps out of the way with protuberance 160 making.And, the distance that the next door of the width of ink cartridge 200 and ink cartridge installation portion S both sides is 110 is corresponding, corresponding to the distance L a between the guiding next door on the ink cartridge installation portion S, guiding uses the distance L bc of 240 of groove 236 and sensor accepting grooves corresponding to the distance L b between the orientation sensor on the ink cartridge installation portion S to guiding with near the distance L ac of 232 of the sidewalls groove 236 and its width.Like this, when inserting ink cartridge 200 in the ink cartridge installation portion S, guiding guides and makes ink cartridge to slide by guiding with protruding wall 120 with groove 236, can reliably the detection of ink residue amount be housed in the sensor accepting groove 240 with photoelectric sensor 170 thus, and the sensing points in the sensor accepting groove 240 367 can be inserted between the illuminating part 172 and light accepting part 174 of photoelectric sensors.

In addition, on ink cartridge installation portion S, as Fig. 9 and shown in Figure 30, guiding is with the more close front openings O of portion in position of the end (protector for sensor 176) of the O of the front openings portion side of the end position ratio sensor 170 of the O of the front openings portion side of protruding wall 120.And, on ink cartridge 200, farther from front side wall 234 with the end position ratio of front side wall 234 reverse side of groove 236 with the end position of front side wall 234 reverse side of sensor accepting groove 240 with guiding.Like this, in case ink cartridge 200 is inserted installation portion S and slip on diapire 32, then at first will lead be housed in groove 236 guiding with protruding wall 120 after, sensor accepting groove 240 arrives sensor 170, by leading with groove 236 and leading with the location of carrying out ink cartridge 200 widths that engages of protruding wall 120, sensor accepting groove 240 arrives sensor 170, so the sensing point in the sensor accepting groove 240 367 can be inserted between the illuminating part 172 and light accepting part 174 of photoelectric sensor.

Again, because on ink cartridge installation portion S, the guiding with protruding wall 120 broad ways be positioned at latch-release operating sheet 150 near, and, on ink cartridge 200, the guiding with groove 236 broad ways be positioned at latch-release portion 238 near, therefore, when ink cartridge 200 being inserted in the ink cartridge installation portion S, latch-release portion 238 reliably with operating sheet 150 butts, it can be kept out of the way.And, on ink cartridge installation portion S, because spring member 114 is restrained ink cartridge 200 from guiding with direction under near the edge, top in the next door 110 the protruding wall 120, so can carry out the operation of keeping out of the way of operating sheet 150 more reliably.

As Figure 29 and shown in Figure 35, from front side wall 234 1 sides, ink cartridge 200 is that two side positions in clamping inking hole 260 have the sensor accepting groove 240 of accommodating sensor 170 and accommodate the guiding groove 236 of guiding with protruding wall 120, and these grooves are wall 234 and following side opening thereof in front.And, in sensor accepting groove 240, be provided with and lead with the latch-release portion 238 of groove 236 adjacency, can make contain insert 174 of illuminating part 172 and light accepting parts movably the rodmeter of sensing arm end 367 accommodate protuberance 372 protrusions.Like this, ink cartridge 200 constitutes flat, can stably slide with respect to the bottom surface 32 of ink cartridge installation portion S, is convenient to dress and gets, and owing to be installed on the ink cartridge installation portion S, can detect the ink residue amount reliably.

The ink cartridge 200 of this example is as Figure 30～shown in Figure 35 being installed on the ink cartridge installation portion S.

The user rotates protecgulum 50 and ink cartridge incorporating section P is exposed, and with the O of front openings portion of ink cartridge 200 insertion ink cartridge installation portion S, slide in its lower section constantly in installation portion bottom surface 32 relatively.Like this, at first as Figure 30 and shown in Figure 31, ink cartridge front side wall 234 makes prevents deviating from locking and keeps out of the way with protuberance 160.Then shown in figure 32, ink cartridge is continued to keep out of the way by end center line rib 244 in process is advanced in slip.And the guiding that makes ink cartridge engages with protruding wall 120 with guiding with groove 236 and proceeds slip.In case the latch-release portion 238 of ink cartridge front side wall 234 pushes the operating sheet 150 that latch-release is used open, then locking component 180 is with the latch-release (pressing plate 140 descends) of pin baffle 130.Then as shown in figure 33, in case the front side wall 234 pushing pin baffles 130 of ink cartridge, then pin baffle 130 is kept out of the way.If ink cartridge moves in inserting ink cartridge installation portion S fully, then the hollow needle 82 of printing ink derivation usefulness thrusts the inking rubber bolt 262 (Figure 39 (a)) in the inking hole 260.As Figure 34 and shown in Figure 35, the front side wall 234 and the malleation of ink cartridge applies serum cap 93 butts of member 91 then.Ink cartridge overcomes the power that malleation applies the spring 94 of member 91, is pushed into the position of advancing slightly again.At this moment, preferably the front of ink cartridge and not shown stop are collided, and advance to stop ink cartridge.Then, though ink cartridge can be return slightly because of the power of spring 94, prevent deviating from locking and deviate from the locking recess 246 to engage with protuberance 160 preventing below ink cartridge.The result is that ink cartridge is locked, in case anti-avulsion goes out.Like this, ink cartridge 200 can be installed on the ink cartridge installation portion S.Because the part with serum cap 93 butts in the front side wall 234 of ink cartridge 200 is a general planar shape shown in Figure 35, so the malleation of serum cap 93 applies hole 98 and air connectivity hole 280 can reliably be communicated with, and can not cause gas leakage.

In addition, because the width of the ink cartridge that black is used is bigger than the ink cartridge of other colored usefulness, therefore can insert mistakenly among the ink cartridge installation portion S of colored usefulness, but the ink cartridge of other colored usefulness might be inserted the installation portion that the black oil print cartridge is used mistakenly.Yet the guiding on the colored incorporating section of using less than the black oil print cartridge with the distance L b1 of groove 236 and the width of sensor accepting groove 240 with the guiding on the ink cartridge is used the distance L b2 of the width of photoelectric sensor 170 with protruding wall 120 and the detection of ink residue amount.Like this, even guiding snap-fits into line slip with groove 236 and guiding with protruding wall 120, also can making leads engages and can not surmount and advance with protruding wall 120 with leading with groove 236.Again; even colored width with ink cartridge can insert in the black usefulness incorporating section of ink cartridge guiding with protruding wall 120 and and size between the next door 110 of this guiding side far away with protruding wall 120; as long as guiding does not engage with protruding wall 120 with guiding with groove 236; the operating sheet 150 that latch-release is used is kept out of the way; therefore pin baffle 130 is kept out of the way; ink cartridge front and pin baffle 130 butts, the hollow needle 82 that printing ink can not be derived usefulness inserts inking hole 260.

In case ink cartridge 200 is installed on the ink cartridge installation portion S, then the hollow needle 82 of printing ink derivation usefulness is supplied with the printing ink in the printing ink resettlement section 300 to buffer container 84.Printing ink is supplied with to piezo-electric type ink gun 70 with pipe T via inking from buffering container 84, uses for operation of recording.

Here, usually during lettering and during standby, though malleation air pump 36 stops, applying member 91, air connectivity hole 280 by this pump 36, pipe 92, malleation, atmospheric pressure acts on the atmospheric air chamber 290 in the ink cartridge 200.Like this, minimizing along with printing ink, pliability film 302 constantly is out of shape, printing ink is not exerted pressure, make preformed shape roughly along 320 driving fits of concave surface portion, therefore, the ink pressure of supplying with ink gun 70 is roughly kept necessarily, can stably carry out the printing ink disgorging motion of ink gun 70.Again, because of pliability film 302 finally roughly along housing recess 320 driving fits, so can reduce the residual quantity that printing ink uses.And, because concave surface portion 320 at least a portion are along with the roughly dome shape portion 324 that dwindles sectional area from leaving of upside (peristome side) gradually, therefore, during the ink residue amount constantly reduces, pliability film 302 is easily along concave surface portion 320, can reduce the residual quantity that printing ink uses, can roughly keep certain supplying to last ink pressure.

At this, because the ink cartridge installation portion S that ink cartridge 200 is installed is positioned at vertical direction following (with reference to Fig. 3) lower than piezo-electric type ink gun 70, because its water-head, can act on printing ink in the nozzle of piezo-electric type ink gun 70 all the time with the same negative pressure of general ink jet recording device, but under normal conditions, utilize the structural surface tension of printing ink that forms in the nozzle to overcome this negative pressure, printing ink can be remained in the nozzle.By promptly nozzle being coated by the removing of known purifier 78 action and after the action by pump attracts the action of the printing ink in the nozzle with lid, in case stop attraction action by pump, the printing ink that then bubbles in lid utilizes above-mentioned water-head to enter in the nozzle, then undertaken by shower nozzle 70 the lettering action time may cause spue bad.For this reason, in this example, make 36 actions of malleation air pump during (also can begin) to lid is opened after removing action from course of action.Thus, the atmospheric air chamber 290 of the air-flow of malleation in ink cartridge supplied with, and by pliability film 302 malleation is applied on the printing ink.The result can apply malleation from the printing ink in the nozzle of ink cartridge side direction shower nozzle 70, can prevent in the bubble distributing nozzle.At this moment, by positive pressure pump 36 applied pressures so long as can with in the bubble distributing nozzle like that the pressure of degree get final product not, though do not need to extrude from nozzle energetically the size of the such degree of printing ink, in this example, do not hinder yet and use such big pressure.

Again, as mentioned above, when ink cartridge 200 being installed on the ink cartridge installation portion S, the inkings that the hollow needle 82 of printing ink derivation usefulness thrusts in the inking hole 260 are used after the rubber bolt 262, air connectivity hole 280 applies material 92 butts (specifically with malleation, as shown in figure 35, the malleation on the ink cartridge installation portion S apply rubber bolt 93 fronts of member 91 and printing ink derive usefulness hollow needle 82 pin hole distance A greater than inking with rubber bolt 262 in the inaccessible inking hole, front 260 of ink cartridge 200 apart from B).When ink cartridge installation portion S takes out ink cartridge 200, also can apply after member 91 isolates in air connectivity hole 280 and malleation, the hollow needle 82 of printing ink being derived usefulness from the inking hole rubber bolt in 260 extract.Like this, for example, apply between positive phase to ink cartridge 200 at positive pressure pump 36, even the user takes out ink cartridge 200 mistakenly from ink cartridge installation portion S, also because under the state that original hollow needle 82 thrusts, air connectivity hole 280 at first applies member 91 from malleation to be deviate from, and therefore can prevent that printing ink from spilling from ink cartridge 200.

Again, when ink cartridge 200 being installed on the ink cartridge installation portion S, as shown in figure 35, infrared luminous part 172 and infrared ray light accepting part 174 that the ink residue amount detects with photoelectric sensor 170 are housed in the sensor accepting groove 240, the rodmeter that formation will contain the sensing arm end 367 (sensing point) of rodmeter 360 accommodate protuberance 372 clampings to configuration state.Thus, the position of the sensing arm end 367 (sensing point) of rodmeter 360 is between infrared luminous part 172 and the infrared ray light accepting part 174.Like this, just can finish the mechanism of detecting in the ink cartridge 200 that has or not the printing ink sensing that the printing ink state uses.Promptly, the mechanism of the printing ink sensing of this example is by being arranged on its Sensor section 170 (illuminating part 172+ light accepting part 174) in the ink cartridge installation portion S of tape deck written or printed documents side, the bar (rodmeter 360 of black resin system) of the switching of detecting sensor part 170 is arranged in the ink cartridge 200, ink cartridge 200 is installed on the ink cartridge installation portion S can finishes again.

As previously mentioned, the residual quantity of 360 a tree name printing ink of rodmeter moves up and down at sensing arm end 367 (sensing point).When the ink residue amount was very sufficient, sensing arm end 367 covered infrared ray between illuminating part 172 and light accepting part 174.In case the ink residue amount almost uses up, then from illuminating part 172 and red light accepting part 174, deviate from, make light accepting part 174 accept infrared ray.Like this, the operator just can easily control the action of tape deck by having or not of conversion printing ink.Described sensor 170 not only detects having or not of printing ink, but also can be used for detecting whether the ink oil print cartridge is installed.

As mentioned above, the ink cartridge 200 of this example only is made of the resin assembly, and basic structure is that film is layered on the resin box, stores printing ink betwixt.That is, 1 piece of film is layered on the concave surface portion 320 of body housing 230, between body housing 230 and film, stores printing ink.Be installed on the body housing 230 by covering 210, the user can't directly touch film, can prevent breakage of thin film applied.

Again specifically, body housing 230 is that the resin with oil resistant China ink is made.For example, body housing 230 adopts the no addition type polypropylene (PP) that contains additive hardly to make.This is because body housing 230 (housing recess 310) directly contacts with printing ink, will make the cause of additive stripping in the printing ink in case contain additive.In addition, lid 210 is not because of directly touching with film, so adopt the polypropylene (PP) that is added with additive to make in order to ensure intensity.Like this, by body housing 230 and lid 210 are adopted same resin material (PP), can both be engaged by ultrasonic fusing.

In this example, printing ink resettlement section 300 is defined between concave surface portion 320 and the pliability film 302 again.Owing to do not use foamed plastics for accommodating printing ink, so can use printing ink.Again,, only make ink cartridge 200, therefore, after using printing ink,, can reduce because of the influence of discarded object to environment even dioxanes (ダ イ オ キ シ Application) can not take place yet in ink cartridge 200 burnings with resin owing to do not use foamed plastics.Again, with the occasion of printing ink resettlement section 300 system pouches is different, because of not needing necessary ear of bag shape and spout portion etc., so can in the outer cover body of small size, accommodate more printing ink.In this example, can make and take in concavity and make printing ink resettlement section 300 with the simple structure of its attaching film again.Adopt this structure, also can be easily corresponding with the change ink volume capacity.

Pliability film 302 adopts double-decker in this example.That is, the la m with polypropylene (thickness 30 μ m) system engages and makes with the outside layer of nylon system.Polypropylene (thickness 30 μ m) has the heat fusing characteristic, and nylon has heat-resistant quality and shock-resistant characteristic.At this, polypropylene (thickness 30 μ m) adopts the no addition type that contains additive hardly.This is because la m contacts with printing ink, in case contain additive will stripping cause in the printing ink.But polypropylene (thickness 30 μ m) is for a little less than bearing mechanical shock very.Outside layer by nylon absorbs impact for this reason.The double-decker that is made of the outside layer of the la m of polypropylene (thickness 30 μ m) system and nylon system has characteristic and the gas permeability that heating is extended, and extremely is applicable to the pliability film 302 of this example of following explanation.

In this example, the pliability film 302 of above-mentioned 2 layers of structure is configured as the following shape of fitting and bloating laterally with housing recess 310.In addition, pliability film 302 is made of the la m la m 302a of polypropylene (thickness 30 μ m) system and the outside layer 302b of nylon system.

At first, shown in Figure 37 (a), pliability film 302 is configured to coat the form of the peristome of concave surface portion 320 under smooth state.Then, opening circumference 312 is heated.The result only makes la m 302a (polypropylene layer) fusing, and opening circumference 312 is carried out heat fusing.Shown in Figure 37 (b), not shown vacuum plant is connected the inking hole 260 that concave surface portion 320 is communicated with then, reduced pressure in the space that is formed at 320 in pliability film 302 and concave surface portion.Since apply atmospheric pressure from lateral pliability film 302, therefore, pliability film 302 and 320 driving fits of concave surface portion.When vacuumizing therewith, utilize the not shown external heat source that is arranged on pliability film 302 upsides to whole pliability film 302 heating.The result is that 302 plastic deformations of pliability film are the shape along concave surface portion 320.Like this, pliability film 302 is configured as the form of being close to concave surface portion 320.The result is that the shape of the shape of pliability film 302 and concave surface portion 320 bottom surfaces is similar.In case inject printing ink between concave surface portion 320 and pliability film 302, then pliability film 302 expands to the direction of isolating with concave surface portion 320, can accommodate the printing ink of 2 times of concave surface portion 320 volumes.Along with printing ink consumes gradually, pliability film 302 is close to concave surface portion 320 gradually.In case printing ink exhausts, then pliability film 302 complete and concave surface portion 320 driving fits.Thus, printing ink can be used up fully.

In addition, the nylon of outside layer 302b is positioned near the position of not shown external heat source, but Yin Nilong has heat-resistant quality, so can not melt.On the other hand, the polypropylene layer of la m 302a is positioned at away from the external heat source position, thus can heat fusing, and just plastic deformation.Like this, different with the occasion that forms pliability film 302 by the polypropylene individual layer, do not worry that pliability film 302 melts because of external heat source.

Again, if want pliability film 302 is come drawing by calendering, then may be on pliability film 302 wrinkling and cause that printing ink and air spill.Yet, adopt said method, there is not this possibility.

And in this example, concave surface portion 324 self is a forming, has adopted the method for again shape copying of concave surface portion 324 being given pliability film 302 after pliability film 302 stretched.Like this,, also can easily imitate its shape, pliability film 302 is shaped even concave surface portion 324 is arbitrary shapes.Therefore, can change corresponding to shape simply.Again, inject grooves 330 and inking groove 332 or form the concavo-convex of wrinkle shape, in the time of can preventing above-mentioned heating pliability film 302 is fitted in concave surface portion 324 by form a plurality of printing ink described later in concave surface portion 324.

And the occasion of fitting with opening circumference 312 again after a plurality of is different with making at the pliability film 302 that punching press is expanded, and because of process number is few, enters the interior possibility in printing ink resettlement section 300 so also can reduce dust etc.Again owing to not needing to dispose the metal pattern that punching press is used in addition, so equipment is also simple.

In addition, can not use nylon yet but make outside layer 302b with the addition type polypropylene that is difficult for fusing, using does not have the polypropylene of interpolation and makes la m 302a, makes la m 302a and outside layer 302b by two kinds of polypropylene of different nature.

And for example shown in Figure 38, also the model of taking in concave shape 400 that has with concave surface portion 320 shape symmetries can be set in addition in concave surface portion 320 again.In this occasion, with pliability film 302 flat condition heat fusings after opening circumference 312, gas-pressurized is sent between pliability film 302 and the concave surface portion 320 via inking hole 260, and model 400 is heated.Like this, pliability film 302 expands, and the concave shape of taking in of model 400 is duplicated to pliability film 302.In addition, also the internal pressure of this inner space is improved in the inner space that can gas be sent between pliability film 302 and the concave surface portion 320, but change into is reduced pressure in the space between pliability film 302 and the model 400.

Below with reference to Figure 39 (a) and (b), to being that the method for (printing ink resettlement section 300) between the pliability film 302 and concave surface portion 320 of above-mentioned inflated configuration describes with the printing ink injection molding.

At this, shown in Figure 39 (a), be provided with check-valves 264 and inking rubber bolt 262 (silicon rubber sleeve) in the inside in inking hole 260.Again, being provided with printing ink in the inside of printing ink hand-hole 270 injects with rubber bolt 272 (silicon rubber sleeve).Printing ink injects with rubber bolt 272 and is connected with loop section 266 with rubber bolt 262 by inking.The printing ink that is formed with mutual bias state on printing ink injects with rubber bolt 272 injects with inserting with recess 274 and bolt backfall 276.Each rubber bolt 262,272 is thrust pin as described later, can utilize the elasticity of controlling oneself to seal the character of only thrusting vestige after this pin is extracted but have.

At first shown in Figure 39 (a), inject with rubber bolt 272 with inking hole 260 and printing ink hand-hole 270 chimeric with rubber bolt 262 and printing ink inking.At this moment, the printing ink injection is embedded into the way with rubber bolt 272, forms bolt and inject the state that communication path 278 separates with printing ink with backfall 276.The front side wall 234 of body housing 230 will outgas with the posture to vertical direction and thrust inking with in the rubber bolt 262 with hollow needle 502, and the printing ink injection is thrust printing ink injection rubber bolt 272 with pin 504.At this moment, the pin hole of each pin 502,504 is exposed in the recess of each rubber bolt.At this, the degassing is communicated with drawdown pump with the not shown degassing with hollow needle 502, and printing ink injection usefulness pin 504 is communicated with ink pumps.Under the idle state of ink pumps, the air in the printing ink resettlement section 300 is discharged the inner vacuum state that forms via inking hole 260.Make ink pumps work then, printing ink is injected in the printing ink hand-hole 270.At this,, how to reduce pressure and can not discharge so remain in the air of this part because of printing ink injects with inserting with recess 274 carefully.And,, then might expand afterwards and cause misoperation that the ink residue amount detects or the obstacle of head being supplied with printing ink in case in printing ink resettlement section 300, sneak into this air.For this reason, after injecting the printing ink end, printing ink is injected the inboard that pushes printing ink hand-hole 270 with rubber bolt 272 fully.The result is shown in Figure 39 (b), and bolt injects communication path 278 with backfall 276 with printing ink and stops up fully.Can prevent to remain in the little air that injects with inserting with in the recess 274 like this enters in the printing ink resettlement section 300.

In addition, as shown in figure 15, printing ink injects groove 330 and is communicated with printing ink hand-hole 270 (printing ink injects communication path 278) in concave surface portion 320, and suits to form along concave surface portion 324, is a kind of shape that printing ink is surrounded.When injecting printing ink, because of injecting groove 330 along printing ink, printing ink enters in the concave surface portion 320, so can promote air to discharge.Again, the inking groove 332 of holding concurrently because of outgasing is communicated with inking hole 260 (inking communication path 268) and suit along concave surface portion 324 formation ring-types, and also is communicated with printing ink injection groove 330, so during the discharge air, air is discharged easily.That is, at air between expulsive stage, even pliability film 302 closely with 324 driving fits of concave surface portion, on inking groove 332 is held concurrently in the degassing, also easily form air and discharge and use the space, so can air be discharged from whole printing ink resettlement section 300.In addition, also can in concave surface portion 320, not form the double inking groove 332 of the degassing, change between a plurality of protuberances of wrinkle shape and form recess.Again, the degassing hold concurrently extreme lower position that inking groove 332 and wrinkle also extend to concave surface portion 324 be residual quantity test point 365 around, when injector head is supplied with printing ink, even the closing force that the ink residue amount less also can be easily drawn printing ink and prevented concave surface portion 324 and pliability film 302 from extreme lower position reduces and makes back pressure rising etc., can control flowing of printing ink energetically.

Like this, in case after printing ink injected printing ink resettlement section 300, will cover 210 and be installed on the body housing 230, can finish ink cartridge 200.Then, ink cartridge 200 is carried out vacuum sealed package.That is, as shown in figure 36, whole ink cartridge 200 is wrapped in the sheet material 500 of resin film material and extract vacuum out.Because of piezoelectric type shower nozzle 70 has adopted the mode that printing ink is spued by pressure wave, thus in the printing ink in case bubble arranged, bubble absorption pressure then, printing ink can not spue.This bubble is to form along with the increase in the process of time at the molten air that is stored in the printing ink, in this example, carries out vacuum seal in order to limit molten in the printing ink that is housed in the ink cartridge 200 to deposit the amount of air.

At this, the printing ink that injects printing ink resettlement section 300 has reached the degassing of certain program.That is, the amount of this air is with respect to saturation capacity about 30～35%.If this printing ink is housed in the printing ink resettlement section 300, whole ink cartridge 200 is wrapped in extracting vacuum in the thin-film material, then the air in the printing ink sees through the pliability film 302 that formed by polypropylene and nylon and the wall of the body housing 230 that made by the resin of polypropylene system, is drawn out in the vacuum seal.Like this, can promote the printing ink degassing of ink cartridge, through after a couple of days, the air amount of the printing ink in the ink cartridge is reduced to about 20%.Thus, the ink cartridge after the vacuum seal is offered the user, just can provide degassing degree high printing ink to the user.

Again, when ink cartridge 200 being installed on the ink cartridge installation portion S, the hollow needle 82 that ink cartridge can be derived usefulness inserts inking in the inking holes 260 with rubber bolt 262.At this, the hollow needle 82 that ink cartridge derives usefulness is communicated with piezo-electric type ink gun 70 with pipe T via buffer container 84 and inking.At this, the molten air that is stored in the printing ink increase along with the process of time and form bubble and be attached to buffer container 84 and the inwall of inking with pipe T on, and further increase by variations in temperature etc.At this, even the check-valves 264 in the inking hole 260 are designed to be applied with from the outside form that small pressure also can be closed, like this, in case bubble increases in pipe T at buffer container 84 and inking, even there is a spot of pressure to impose on check-valves 264, check-valves 264 also can cut out.On the other hand, check-valves 264 is freely for the power of piezo-electric type ink gun 70 attraction printing ink.Like this, how many inkings no matter check-valves 264 have, and also can prevent in case alveolate pressure enters in the printing ink resettlement section 300 of ink cartridge with regard to the bubble of closing.Thus, enter head and the bad problem that spues that causes from ink cartridge again after can preventing to produce bubble and entering in the ink cartridge.

In this example, printing ink hand-hole 270 and inking hole were arranged in 260 minutes, and it is arranged on the form of opening arranged side by side about the front of ink cartridge forms.At this, in the front of ink cartridge 1 hole only is set, if from this hole, carry out vacuumizing in all printing ink resettlement sections 300, printing ink injects and inking, then must be to being installed in rubber bolt on this 1 hole with acupuncture 3 times.For pricker on 3 different mutually positions, must add large aperture itself, must strengthen the thickness of ink cartridge own.To this, adopt this example, because the hole that the printing ink injection is used and inking is used is separated separately, so can reduce the diameter in each hole; With these holes and be listed on the left and right directions, so can reduce the thickness of ink cartridge.

In addition, about inking hole 260, because also the decompression when injecting as printing ink is used, as long as therefore make the degassing be different from the position that the hollow needle 82 of printing ink derivation usefulness when being installed on the ink cartridge installation portion S thrusts in the position that inking thrusts on rubber bolt 262 with hollow needle 502.At this, in this example, as shown in figure 20, inking hole 260 is formed on the substantial middle of its short transverse on the substantial middle of the width in the front side wall 234.At this, because of the substantial middle of the width of wall 234 in front is formed with convex portion 235, so its height (thickness) is greater than the width two ends.Like this, can strengthen the diameter in inking hole 260, also can strengthen the diameter of inking with rubber bolt 262.Thrusting with hollow needle 502 simply can outgas on the position different with the hollow needle 82 thorn implantation sites of ink cartridge derivation usefulness.

Be that ink cartridge 200 is carried out vacuum seal in this example, but be applied with pressure this moment on body housing 230 and lid 210 mutual contiguous directions.For this reason, in this example,, roughly spherical shape is made by the dome shape outside curve portion 212 of concave surface portion 320 and lid 210, adopt the reinforcement structure of rib in order to overcome this pressure.

In this example, be formed with the dome shape outside curve portion 212 of lid shown in Figure 40 210, form dome shape outside curve portion 212 printing ink on every side and accommodate the outside that the position of circumference 216 is in the inside edge of the opening circumference 312 that surpasses body housing 230 sides slightly.That is, printing ink is accommodated the 216a of inner periphery portion of circumference 216 and the inside edge of opening circumference 312 and the mid portion of outer ledge and is the subtend shape.At this,, then when lid 210 and concave surface portion 320 are subjected to the power of the direction mutual close by vacuum seal, exist that edge part 216a and pliability film 302 are collided and the possibility damaged if edge part 216a is in interior all insides of ratio open circumference 312.Yet in this example, lid 210 position is in the outside that surpasses the inside edge of opening circumference 312 slightly and promptly bumps and lean against on the opening circumference 312.At this, pliability film 302 is by integrated with the resin of body housing 230 with 312 fusions of opening circumference firmly.Like this, accommodate circumference 216 and on opening circumference 312, directly collide and also can not damage pliability film 302 even cover 210 printing ink with pliability film 302.

Ink cartridge of the present invention is not limited to above-mentioned example, and can do various distortion and improvement in the scope of claim record.

For example, as shown in figure 41, also can be the shape that guiding is incised to sidewall 232 with groove 236 and sensor accepting groove 240.But this be because if make this guiding with the side of notch recesses 236 ' along guiding with the side slip of the protruding wall 120 correspondences cause of channeling conduct then.In addition, in this occasion, as shown in figure 42, as long as protect latch-release sheet 150 to be arranged near the side that promptly dispose the hollow needle 82 of printing ink derivation usefulness of guiding on pin with protruding wall 120.Can make near its effect of part the position below the air connectivity hole 280 in the front side wall 234 of ink cartridge 200 as latch-release portion 238.

Pin baffle 130, pin are protected locking component 180, are prevented that the structure of deviating from locking component 190 is not limited to structure shown in Figure 11.

Followingly ink cartridge according to the 1-11 modification of example is described to Figure 53 (b) with reference to Figure 43 (a).

Figure 43 (a) and 43 (b) expression are according to the ink cartridge 200 of the 1st modification of example, and wherein, a plurality of ribs 243 are configured to the turtle shell shape.

Figure 44 (a) and 44 (b) expression is according to the ink cartridge 200 of the 2nd modification of example, wherein, with the circle concentric around edge 322 on dispose a plurality of ribs 243.

Figure 45 (a) and 45 (b) expression are according to the ink cartridge 200 of the 3rd modification of example, and wherein, a plurality of ribs 243 are configured to rhombus.

Figure 46 (a) and 46 (b) represent the ink cartridge 200 according to the 4th modification of example, wherein, and the level and smooth apleuria of the lower surface of ink cartridge 200.

Figure 47 (a) and 47 (b) expression are according to the ink cartridge 200 of the 5th modification of example, and wherein, the shape of pinch hand 202 and sidewall 232 is different from example.

Figure 48 (a) and 48 (b) expression are according to the ink cartridge 200 of the 6th modification of example, and wherein, the shape of pinch hand 202 and sidewall 232 is different from example.

Figure 49 (a) and 49 (b) expression are according to the ink cartridge 200 of the 7th modification of example, and wherein, the shape of pinch hand 202 and sidewall 232 is different from example.

Figure 50 (a) and 50 (b) expression are according to the ink cartridge 200 of the 8th modification of example, and wherein, the shape of pinch hand 202 and sidewall 232 is different from example.

Figure 51 (a) and 51 (b) expression are according to the ink cartridge 200 of the 9th modification of example, and wherein, the shape of pinch hand 202 and sidewall 232 is different from example.

Figure 52 (a) and 52 (b) expression are according to the ink cartridge 200 of the 10th modification of example, and wherein, part 212 has the turtle shell shape and aspheric surface outside curve shape.

Figure 53 (a) and 53 (b) expression are according to the ink cartridge 200 of the 11st modification of example, and wherein, part 212 is square aspheric surface outside curve shape.

Claims (13)

1. an ink cartridge (200) is characterized in that, comprising:

Printing ink with concave surface portion (320) is accommodated recess (310);

The open side of this printing ink being accommodated the concave surface portion of recess coats, accommodates the minimizing of the ink residue amount in the recess to the described deformable flexible membrane of concave surface portion (302) along with printing ink; And

Rodmeter (360), ink residue amount test point (365) convex of this rodmeter one end is configured in the printing ink resettlement section that this printing ink is accommodated in this interior concave surface portion of recess and is positioned at formation between concave surface portion (320) and the flexible membrane (302), the other end (367) extends outside this printing ink resettlement section

To described concave surface portion (320) distortion, this flexible membrane pushes the ink residue amount test point of described rodmeter by described flexible membrane (302).

2. ink cartridge as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described printing ink is accommodated described concave surface portion (320) bending of recess (310), and described ink residue amount test point (365) is configured in the extreme lower position in this concave surface portion.

3. ink cartridge as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, the described concave surface portion (320) that described printing ink is accommodated recess (310) is formed by resin, be formed with simultaneously from this printing ink of following direction of this concave surface portion (320) and accommodate the groove (350) that extends outside the recess (310), described rodmeter (360) is configured in this groove.

4. ink cartridge as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, described rodmeter (360) has respectively that arm (364) is propped up in the action of extending to the both sides of rotating fulcrum (362) and sensing is propped up arm (366), and described ink residue amount test point (365) is arranged on the end that arm is propped up in this action.

5. ink cartridge as claimed in claim 4 is characterized in that, the length that the length that this sensing of described rodmeter (360) is propped up arm (366) is propped up arm (364) than described action is long.

6. ink cartridge as claimed in claim 4 is characterized in that, the weight that the described sensing of described rodmeter (360) is propped up arm (366) is propped up the weight of arm (364) greater than described action.

7. ink cartridge as claimed in claim 4, it is characterized in that, comprise that also the described sensing that is positioned at described rodmeter (360) props up the force application component (342b) of arm (366) top, described force application component is to described rodmeter (360) application of force, so that described ink residue amount test point (365) is raised in described concave surface portion.

8. ink cartridge as claimed in claim 4 is characterized in that, described rodmeter (360) is clamped in described rotating fulcrum (362) between the pushing member (342) and described body housing (230) that is fixed in the described concave surface portion (320) rotationally.

9. ink cartridge as claimed in claim 8, it is characterized in that, described pushing member (342) extends and forms with elastic plate (342b) integrated, and described elastic plate (342b) props up arm (366) along the direction application of force of described ink residue amount test point (365) protrusion in described concave surface portion (320) to the described sensing of described rodmeter (360).

10. ink cartridge as claimed in claim 1 (200), it is characterized in that, described flexible membrane comprises the subtend part of the described ink residue amount of subtend test point, described ink cartridge also comprises a force application component (306), the part of this force application component partly engages with the described subtend of described flexible membrane, when in the described concave surface portion only during the printing ink of residual scheduled volume, described force application component along the direction that described subtend part and described ink residue amount test point are separated to the described subtend part application of force, allow in the described flexible membrane other parts except that described subtend part basically along the shape of described concave surface portion simultaneously, quantity of ink in remaining in described concave surface portion is during less than described scheduled volume, the power that applies that the described subtend part of described flexible membrane will overcome described force application component moves down, until pressing to described ink residue amount test point.

11. ink cartridge as claimed in claim 10, it is characterized in that, described force application component (306) is connected with described flexible membrane (302), thereby when printing ink residual in the described concave surface portion during more than described scheduled volume described force application component move along with moving of described flexible membrane, and described force application component is attached on the described printing ink resettlement section when the printing ink of residual described scheduled volume in the described concave surface portion, when the printing ink of residual described scheduled volume in the described concave surface portion, described force application component has the elasticity that forces described flexible membrane to be separated with described ink residue amount test point (365).

12. ink cartridge as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that, described force application component (306) be with its basically central authorities be fixed on described flexible membrane (302) go up, with two ends as free-ended leaf spring (306),

Part in the described flexible membrane that is fixed in these central authorities arrives described ink residue amount test point (365) before, the two ends of described leaf spring and described body housing (230) butt, after its butt, the part that is fixed in the flexible membrane of described central authorities overcomes the elasticity of described leaf spring, moves to ink residue amount test point.

13. ink cartridge as claimed in claim 12 is characterized in that, the shape of described concave surface portion (320) for reducing gradually along with separation sectional area from the open side of described concave surface portion,

Described ink residue amount test point (365) is positioned at the deepest part of described concave surface portion,

The two ends of described leaf spring (306) between the open side of described concave surface portion and described deepest part with described concave surface portion butt.

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