CN203004524U

CN203004524U - Printing fluid box

Info

Publication number: CN203004524U
Application number: CN2012207172043U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 神户智弘; 中村宙健; 高木裕规
Original assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2011-12-22
Filing date: 2012-12-21
Publication date: 2013-06-19
Anticipated expiration: 2022-12-21
Also published as: EP2607088B1; EP2607088A3; EP3480023B1; ES2774157T3; EP3480023A1; JP2013129178A; ES2701031T3; EP2607088A2

Abstract

The utility model relates to a printing fluid box. The printing fluid box comprises a front side, a rear side, an upper side, a lower side, a tubular fluid supply portion located on the lower side of the front side and a pivotal component which is configured to be pivoted around a pivotal point and comprises an end portion. The pivotal point is located on the upper side and the end portion is located on the rear side. The printing fluid box also comprises a light attenuation portion and an electrical interface, wherein the light attenuation portion is protruded from the upper side of the front side and is configured to carry out the attenuation on the light propagated along a left and right direction which is vertical to a back and forth direction and a up and down direction; the electrical interface is located between the pivotal component and the light attenuation portion. An upper end of the light attenuation portion is located below the electrical interface.

Description

The printing-fluid box

Technical field

The present invention relates to comprise the printing-fluid box of optical attenuation section and electrical interface.

Background technology

Described in public announcement of a patent application No.JP2009-132098A, a kind of known image printing device is configured to print image on a printing paper.This known image printing device has ink jet-print head, and is configured to optionally spray ink droplet from the nozzle of printhead on this printing paper.Ink droplet drops on this printing paper, and thus, prints the image of expectation on this printing paper.This known image printing device has print cartridge, and this print cartridge be configured to store will be to the ink of printhead supply.This print cartridge is configured to be installed to the installation portion that provides and from its taking-up in this known image printing device.

As describing in public announcement of a patent application No.JP2000-37880, the print cartridge that another is known has electronic unit, such as memory module, be used for storage about the data of the information of print cartridge, such as the surplus of the composition of the color of ink, ink, ink, maintenance state etc.When print cartridge was installed to installation portion, memory module contacted and the electric contact that provides in installation portion is provided, and makes to read out in the data of storing in memory module.

Similarly, another kind of known print cartridge has optical attenuation section, and this optical attenuation section is configured to be detected for the information that obtains print cartridge by optical pickocff.

Summary of the invention

According to one embodiment of present invention, provide a kind of new printing-fluid box, it comprises optical attenuation section and electrical interface.But this printing-fluid box comprise front side, the rear side with respect to fore-and-aft direction and front side phase antidirection finding, upside, with respect to the downside of the above-below direction vertical with fore-and-aft direction and the antidirection finding of upside phase, be positioned at the downside of front side tubular fluid supply department, be configured to around the pivotal point pivotable and comprise the pivot member of end.Pivotal point is positioned at upside, and the end is positioned at rear side.The printing-fluid box also comprises: optical attenuation section, and it is from the upper side-prominent of front side and be configured to decay at the light of propagating with the fore-and-aft direction left and right directions vertical with above-below direction; And electrical interface, but its with respect to fore-and-aft direction between pivot member and optical attenuation section, and be included in fore-and-aft direction and right and left upwardly extending surface.The upper end of optical attenuation section is positioned at below electrical interface with respect to above-below direction.

This printing-fluid box can comprise the first antetheca that is positioned at the front side and the roof that is positioned at upside.

This printing-fluid box can comprise: main body, and it comprises the first antetheca; And sub-frame, it comprises the second antetheca, the second antetheca be positioned at the front side and on fore-and-aft direction towards the first antetheca.

With respect to fore-and-aft direction, to compare away from rear side with the front position of fluid supply department, the front position of optical attenuation section can be further from rear side.

The printing-fluid box may further include stopper (stopper), and this stopper is included in above-below direction and right and left upwardly extending surface.With respect to fore-and-aft direction, but pivot member can be positioned at the rear portion of electrical interface, and is configured to be centered around the upwardly extending axle pivotable of right and left.This axle can comprise pivotal point, and with respect to fore-and-aft direction, but stopper can be between pivot member and electrical interface.

Main body may further include the first guide portion, the first guide portion on fore-and-aft direction extension and comprise a pair of outer surface.Each of the first antetheca and the first guide portion can have the size on left and right directions, and on left and right directions, the size of the first guide portion between a pair of outer surface of the first guide portion can be less than the size of the first antetheca on left and right directions.Main body may further include the second guide portion, and the second guide portion extends upward in front and back and comprises a pair of outer surface.The second guide portion can have in the size between a pair of outer surface in the second guide portion on left and right directions, and this size is less than the size of the first antetheca on left and right directions.Sub-frame can comprise the 3rd guide portion and the 4th guide portion, its each extend upward in front and back.The 3rd guide portion can comprise a pair of outer surface, this aligns with a pair of outer surface of the first guide portion at fore-and-aft direction to outer surface, and the 4th guide portion can comprise a pair of outer surface, and this aligns with a pair of outer surface of the second guide portion on fore-and-aft direction to outer surface.

The 3rd guide portion can comprise a pair of plate of a pair of outer surface that limits respectively the 3rd guide portion.Electrical interface can be between a pair of plate of the 3rd guide portion.

Electrical interface can be positioned on interface board, and interface board can be attached to sub-frame at attachment location.Each of a pair of plate of the 3rd guide portion can comprise the first that is positioned in straight line with attachment location on left and right directions when seeing from above-below direction, and second portion, and the upper end of first can be positioned at the below of the upper end of second portion.

The second antetheca can have therein form with respect to circular open or the circular depressed of above-below direction below the optical attenuation part.

Sub-frame can comprise the lower end that is positioned at the second wall or be adjacent outstanding, and sub-frame can have therein form be positioned at the opening of outstanding top with respect to above-below direction.Fluid supply department can be configured to pass the opening of sub-frame.

The printing-fluid box may further include: fluid cavity, fluid cavity are configured to store therein printing-fluid; And protuberance, it is positioned at respect to the middle part of above-below direction in the front side, and outstanding forward.Protuberance can have therein the inner space that forms, and the inner space can be carried out fluid with fluid cavity and is communicated with.

The printing-fluid box may further include another optical attenuation section, this another optical attenuation section with respect to fore-and-aft direction away from protuberance and in the place ahead of protuberance.

Main body can comprise the first resin, and the light that the first resin is configured to allow to propagate on left and right directions therefrom passes, and sub-frame can comprise the second resin, and the second resin is configured to prevent that the light of propagating from therefrom passing on left and right directions.

Sub-frame can be configured to move with respect to main body on above-below direction.

Sub-frame can be configured to not move with respect to main body on left and right directions.

The printing-fluid box may further include: be positioned at rear side and on fore-and-aft direction away from the rear wall of the first antetheca; And fluid cavity, it is configured to store therein printing-fluid.Fluid supply department can be positioned at the first antetheca place, and is configured to set up between fluid cavity inside and outside and is communicated with.Rear wall can comprise the first surface that extends in parallel with the first antetheca and at the upwardly extending second surface in side that intersects with the first antetheca, and, than the location of first surface for the first antetheca, at least a portion of second surface can be positioned more near the first antetheca.

By following detailed description of the present invention and accompanying drawing, purpose, feature and advantage will be more apparent for the one of ordinary skilled in the art.

Description of drawings

For the needs more completely understanding the present invention, satisfy thus with and purpose, feature and advantage, now by reference to the accompanying drawings with reference to following explanation.

Fig. 1 is schematic section according to an embodiment of the invention, that comprise the printer of box installation portion and print cartridge.

Fig. 2 is the perspective view of print cartridge.

Fig. 3 is the vertical cross-section diagram of print cartridge.

Fig. 4 is the perspective view of box installation portion and print cartridge.

Fig. 5 is the vertical cross-section diagram of box installation portion.

Fig. 6 is in the vertical partial section of print cartridge to box installation portion between the installation period of box installation portion and print cartridge.

Fig. 7 is in print cartridge another vertical partial section to the box installation portion between the installation period of box installation portion and print cartridge.

Fig. 8 is the vertical partial section of box installation portion and print cartridge, has wherein completed the installation of print cartridge to the box installation portion.

Fig. 9 is the perspective view according to the print cartridge of a revision for execution example.

The specific embodiment

Can be by understand embodiments of the invention and their feature and advantage with reference to figure 1-9, in each accompanying drawing, identical label is used for identical corresponding component.

[printer 10]

Referring to Fig. 1, for example the PRN device of printer 10 is ink-jet printers, and it is configured to by optionally spray ink droplet print image on this printing paper on a printing paper.Printer 10 comprises ink supply unit 100.Ink supply unit 100 comprises box installation portion 110.Box installation portion 110 for example is configured to allow, and the printing-fluid box of print cartridge 30 is installed in wherein.Box installation portion 110 has opening 112, and the inside of box installation portion 110 is exposed to the outside of box installation portion 110 via opening 112.Print cartridge 30 is configured to insert in box installation portion 110 via opening 112, makes print cartridge 30 be installed to box installation portion 110.Print cartridge 30 is configured to take out from box installation portion 110 via opening 112.

Print cartridge 30 is configured to store the ink that is used by printer 10.Printer 10 comprises printhead 21 and ink cylinder (ink tube) 20.When print cartridge 30 was installed to box installation portion 110, print cartridge 30 was connected via ink cylinder 20 fluid ground and is connected with printhead.Printhead 21 comprises sub-case 28.Sub-case 28 is configured to temporary transient storage from the ink of print cartridge 30 via ink cylinder 20 supplies.Printhead 21 comprises nozzle 29, and is configured to optionally spray from the ink of sub-case 28 supplies by nozzle 29.

Printer 10 comprise sheet feed stacker 15, paper feed roller 23, transfer roller to 25, pressing plate 26, distributing roller be to 22 and discharge dish 16.From sheet feed stacker 15 via transfer roller to 25, pressing plate 26 and distributing roller to 22 until discharge dish 16 forms transfer paths 24.Paper feed roller 23 is configured to printing paper of 24 supplies from sheet feed stacker 15 to transfer path.Transfer roller is sent on pressing plate 26 25 these printing papers that are configured to present from sheet feed stacker 15.Printhead 21 is configured to optionally spray ink on this printing paper of pressing plate 26 tops.Therefore, image printing is on this printing paper.Distributing roller will be discharged to the paper discharge dish 16 in the downstream that is arranged in transfer path 24 by this printing paper of pressing plate 26 tops to 22

[print cartridge 30]

Referring to Fig. 2 and 5, at print cartridge 30 as shown in Figure 2 in stand up position, the end face of print cartridge 30 facing up and the prone while of the bottom surface of print cartridge 30, print cartridge 30 is configured to be inserted into box installation portion 110 and from its taking-up on insertion/removing direction 50.Insertion/removing direction 50 is extended in the horizontal direction.When print cartridge 30 was installed to box installation portion 110 in the installation site, print cartridge 30 was in stand up position.Print cartridge 30 is configured to be inserted into box installation portion 110 on direction of insertion 56, and is taken out from box installation portion 110 on removing direction 55.Insertion/removing direction 50 is combinations of direction of insertion 56 and removing direction 55.Direction of insertion 56 is extended in the horizontal direction, and removing direction 55 is extended in the horizontal direction.During in stand up position, short transverse (above-below direction) 52 is corresponding to gravity direction (vertical direction) when print cartridge 30.In another embodiment, insertion/removing direction 50 can inaccurately be extended in the horizontal direction, but can with horizontal direction and the crossing direction of gravity direction (vertical direction) on extend.

Print cartridge 30 has parallelepiped shape substantially, and comprises main body 31 and sub-frame 90.Main body 31 and sub-frame 90 form the outside of print cartridge 30.Print cartridge 30 is the containers that are configured to store therein ink.Print cartridge 30 comprises black chamber 36, and black chamber 36 is the spaces that form in the inside of box 30.More specifically, main body 31 is included in the black chamber 36 that wherein forms, and for example, main body 31 comprises inside casing 35, and forms black chamber 36 in inside casing 35.Print cartridge 30 has at the width on width (left and right directions) 51, in the height on short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and the degree of depth on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.Width (left and right directions) 51, short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 are perpendicular to one another.The width of print cartridge 30 is less than height and the degree of depth of print cartridge 30.When print cartridge 30 in the installation site when (stand up position), width (left and right directions) 51 is parallel with horizontal plane, depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 is also parallel with horizontal plane, and short transverse (above-below direction) 52 is parallel with gravity direction (vertical direction).When print cartridge 30 is inserted into box installation portion 110/ from 110 taking-up of box installation portion, depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 is parallel with insertion/removing direction 50, and width (left and right directions) 51 and short transverse (above-below direction) 52 are perpendicular to insertion/removing direction 50.Short transverse (above-below direction) 52 is parallel with downward direction with upward direction, and is the combination of upward direction and downward direction.

Print cartridge 30 comprise the front side with respect to depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 rear side relative with the front side.When print cartridge 30 was inserted into box installation portion 110, the front side of print cartridge was positioned in the place ahead of the rear side of print cartridge with respect to direction of insertion 56.With respect to depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53, be the front side of print cartridge 30 from the front area of the center print cartridge 30 of print cartridge, and, with respect to depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53, be the rear side of print cartridge 30 from the Background Region of the center print cartridge 30 of print cartridge.Print cartridge 30 comprise upside with respect to short transverse (above-below direction) 52 downside relative with upside.In the installation site when (stand up position), the upside of print cartridge 30 is positioned in the top of the downside of print cartridge 30 when print cartridge 30 is inserted into box installation portion 110 with when print cartridge 30.With respect to short transverse (above-below direction) 52, are upsides of print cartridge 30 from the upper area of the center print cartridge 30 of print cartridge 30, and, with respect to short transverse (above-below direction) 52, are downsides of print cartridge 30 from the lower area of the center print cartridge 30 of print cartridge 30.The upside of the front side of print cartridge 30 and print cartridge 30 can occupy identical zone.For example, the front area of the upside of print cartridge 30 is upper areas of the front side of print cartridge 30.The upside of the rear side of print cartridge 30 and print cartridge 30 can occupy identical zone.For example, the Background Region of the upside of print cartridge 30 is upper areas of the rear side of print cartridge 30.The downside of the front side of print cartridge 30 and print cartridge 30 can occupy identical zone.For example, the front area of the downside of print cartridge 30 is lower areas of the front side of print cartridge 30.The downside of the rear side of print cartridge 30 and print cartridge 30 can occupy identical zone.For example, the Background Region of the downside of print cartridge 30 is lower areas of the rear side of print cartridge 30.

[main body 31]

Main body 31 comprises antetheca 40 and the rear wall 42 relative with antetheca 40 with respect to direction of insertion 56.When print cartridge 30 was inserted into box installation portion 110, with respect to direction of insertion 56, antetheca 40 was positioned at the front side of main body 31 or print cartridge 30.More specifically, when print cartridge 30 was inserted into box installation portion 110, antetheca 40 was towards direction of insertion 56, and in other words, antetheca 40 is towards direction of insertion 56 orientations.When print cartridge 30 was inserted into box installation portion 110, with respect to direction of insertion 56, rear wall 42 was positioned at the rear side of main body 31 or print cartridge 30.More specifically, when print cartridge 30 was inserted into box installation portion 110, rear wall 42 was towards removing direction 55, and in other words, rear wall 42 is towards removing direction 55 orientations.Antetheca 40 and rear wall 42 align on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.When print cartridge 30 was inserted into box installation portion 110, antetheca 40 and rear wall 42 alignd on insertion/removing direction 50.Main body 31 comprises

sidewall

37,38, its each extend on insertion/removing direction 50 and be connected to antetheca 40 and rear wall 42.

Sidewall

37 and 38 aligns on width (left and right directions) 51.Main body 31 comprises the roof 39 of the upper end that is connected to antetheca 40, rear wall 42 and sidewall 37 and 38.Main body 31 comprises the diapire 41 that is connected to antetheca 40, rear wall 42 and

sidewall

37,38 lower end.Roof 39 and diapire 41 align on short transverse (above-below direction) 52.Roof 39 is positioned at the upside of print cartridge 30.The outside of antetheca 40 is fronts of main body 31, and the outside of rear wall 42 is back of main body 31 and print cartridge 30.Therefore, when print cartridge 30 when stand up position is inserted into box installation portion 110, the front of main body 31 is towards direction of insertion 56 orientation, and when print cartridge 30 when stand up position is inserted into box installation portion 110, the back of main body 31 or print cartridge 30 is orientated towards removing direction 55.The outside of roof 39 is end faces of main body 31 and print cartridge 30, and the outside of main body 31 is bottom surfaces of main body 31 and print cartridge 30.Therefore, when print cartridge 30 when stand up position is inserted into box installation portion 110, the end face of main body 31 or print cartridge 30 is orientated on upward direction, and when print cartridge 30 when stand up position is inserted into box installation portion 110, the bottom surface of main body 31 or print cartridge 30 is orientated on downward direction.End face is connected to the upper end of front and back, and the bottom surface is connected to the lower end of front and back.Similarly,

sidewall

37,38 outside are the sides of main body 31 and print cartridge 30.

Referring to Fig. 2 to 4, main body 31 comprises with respect to the test section 33 of short transverse (above-below direction) 52 at the middle part of main body 31.Test section 33 is positioned at respect to the middle part of short transverse (above-below direction) 52 in the front side of print cartridge 30.Test section 33 antetheca 40 from main body 31 on direction of insertion 56 is outstanding forward.More specifically, test section 33 is positioned at the place, front of main body 31.Sub-frame 90 comprises that the first protuberance 85, the first protuberances 85 comprise for example test section of plate 88.The first protuberance 85 comprises the front end with respect to direction of insertion 56.Plate 88 comprises the front end with respect to direction of insertion 56.Sub-frame 90 comprises the second protuberance 86.The second protuberance 86 comprises the front end with respect to direction of insertion 56.Sub-frame 90 comprises another test section 89.With respect to direction of insertion 56, test section 33 is positioned at than the front end of the front end of the front end of the first protuberance 85, plate 88, the second protuberance 86 and test section 89 more backward.Test section 33 has the box-like shape, and this box-like shape has towards the opening in black chamber 36, makes the inner space of test section 33 be communicated with black chamber 36 fluids.Test section 33 comprises a pair of wall, this a pair of wall is by for example transparent or semitransparent light transmissive material---for example transparent or semitransparent resin---makes, and is configured to allow for example visible light or ultrared light propagating perpendicular to the direction of insertion/removing direction 50 therefrom to pass.In this embodiment, the direction perpendicular to insertion/removing direction 50 is width (left and right directions) 51.Test section 33 is exposed to the outside of print cartridge 30 via the opening 95 that passes sub-frame 90 formation.When print cartridge 30 was installed to box installation portion 110, optical pickocff 114(was referring to Fig. 6) luminous on the direction perpendicular to insertion/removing direction 50.Test section 33 can allow therefrom to pass from optical pickocff 114 emission and the light that arrives test sections 33 via opening 95.

The a pair of wall of test section 33 aligns on width (left and right directions) 51, and, form the space between a pair of wall of test section 33.The ink of storage can arrive this space in black chamber 36.Referring to Fig. 3, main body 31 is included in the sensor arm 60 of arranging in black chamber 36.Sensor arm 60 comprises: arm main body 61, and it mainly extends on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53; Indicator 62, it is positioned at an end of arm main body 61; And the buoy 63 that is positioned at the other end of arm main body 61.Indicator 62 is located in the space that forms between a pair of wall of test section 33.Main body 31 is included on width (left and right directions) 51 back shaft 64 that extends, and the supported axle 64 of sensor arm 60 supports, and makes the sensor arm 60 can be around back shaft 64 pivotables.Sensor arm 60 is configured to based on the quantity of ink of storage in black chamber 36 and pivotable, and therefore, indicator 62 is configured to based on the quantity of ink of storage in black chamber 36 and pivotable.Sensor arm 60 is configured to move between upper position and upper/lower positions.During in upper position, indicator 62 is positioned at the upside with respect to gravity direction (vertical direction) test section 33 when sensor arm 60.During at upper/lower positions, indicator 62 is positioned at the downside with respect to gravity direction test section 33 when sensor arm 60.Fig. 3 has described to be arranged in the sensor arm 60 of upper/lower positions when black chamber 36 stores scheduled volume or more ink therein.

When print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110, test section 33 is between the optical transmitting set and optical receiver of optical pickocff 114, the optical transmitting set of optical pickocff 114 and optical receiver are aliging perpendicular to the horizontal direction (width or left and right directions 51) of insertion/removing direction 50 is upper, and test section 33 is configured to change its state between the first state and the second state.When test section 33 during at the first state, test section 33 allows therefrom to pass from optical pickocff 114 emissions and at the light perpendicular to direction (width or the left and right directions 51) propagation of insertions/removing direction 50.During at the second state, test section 33 is with optical attenuation when test section 33.More specifically, when test section 33 at the first state and light when the direction (width or left and right directions 51) perpendicular to insertion/removing direction 50 arrives a side of test section 33, scheduled volume or more light are perpendicular to the upper opposite side from test section 33 of the direction (width or left and right directions 51) of insertions/removing direction 50 out, and the optical receiver of arrival optical pickocff 114.When test section 33 at the second state and light perpendicular to the upper side that arrives test section 33 of the direction (width or left and right directions 51) of insertion/removing direction 50 time, from the opposite side of test section 33 out and the amount of light of receiver that arrives optical pickocff 114 less than scheduled volume, for example zero.When sensor arm 60 during in upper position, test section 33 at the first state to allow light therefrom to pass.When sensor arm 60 during at upper/lower positions, test section 33 at the second state with attenuate light.By indicator 62 perpendicular to insertion/removing direction 50(width or left and right directions 51) on prevent fully light therefrom pass, by indicator 62 absorb the light of tittles, by indicator 62 deflections, by indicator 62 total reflection lights etc., cause the decay of light.Like this, the amount (intensity) of the light of the optical receiver of arrival optical pickocff 114 depends on the state of test section 33.By utilizing optical pickocff 114 to detect the state of test section 33, determine whether black chamber 36 stores scheduled volume or more ink therein.

In another embodiment, print cartridge 30 can not comprise sensor arm 60, and therefore, indicator 62 can not be arranged in test section 33.In this case, when test section 33 was stored ink therein, test section 33 can be with optical attenuation.When test section 33 was not stored ink therein, test section 33 can allow light therefrom to pass.More specifically, when test section 33 is not stored ink and light therein when the direction (width or left and right directions 51) perpendicular to insertion/removing direction 50 arrives a side of test section 33, scheduled volume or more light can be perpendicular to the upper opposite side from test section 33 of the direction (width or left and right directions 51) of insertions/removing direction 50 out, and the optical receiver of arrival optical pickocff 114.When test section 33 is stored a side of ink and light arrival test section 33 on perpendicular to the direction (width or left and right directions 51) of insertion/removing direction 50 therein, from the opposite side of test section 33 out and the amount of light of optical receiver that arrives optical pickocff 114 less than scheduled volume, for example zero.Can cause by the light of ink absorption one tittle the decay of light.In another embodiment, test section 33 can be included in the flexible membrane that wherein forms the space.When storage ink in the film formed space by flexibility, this flexible membrane expands.But print cartridge 30 can comprise the pivot rotaring lever that contacts with flexible membrane, and this lever can be by following manner with optical attenuation: by prevent fully on the direction (width or left and right directions 51) perpendicular to insertion/removing direction 50 that light from therefrom passing, light by absorbing a tittle, by with light deflection, by total reflection light etc.When ink shifts out when being shunk by the film formed space of flexibility and flexible membrane, the lever that contacts with flexible membrane can be shifted to lever wherein no longer with the position of optical attenuation.In yet another embodiment, test section 33 comprises prismatic structure.Under these circumstances, when ink contact prismatic structure, prismatic structure can reverberation, makes light not arrive the optical receiver of optical pickocff 114.When China ink did not contact prismatic structure, prismatic structure can reverberation, made light arrive the optical receiver of optical pickocff 114.

Antetheca 40 places of the main body 31 of main body 31 above test section 33 have air communication opening 32.Pass the antetheca 40 that limits black chamber 36 and form air interchange opening 32 on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.The air layer that forms in black chamber 36 and the air in 36 outsides, black chamber can carry out fluid via air communication opening 32 and be communicated with.Sub-frame 90 has the circular open 96 of the wall formation of passing the first protuberance 85 on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53, and can access air communication openings 32 via opening 96 in the outside from print cartridge 30 on removing direction 55.With respect to short transverse (above-below direction) 52, opening 96 is positioned at plate 88 belows.

Main body 31 comprises air communication valve 73, and air communication valve 73 is configured to optionally open and close air communication opening 32.When opening air communication opening 32, maintain pressure in the black chamber 36 of negative pressure and become and equal atmospheric pressure.In another embodiment, air communication opening 32 can not be positioned at antetheca 40 places of main body 31, and can be positioned at any position, as long as the inside and outside fluid that can carry out in black chamber 36 is communicated with.In another embodiment, print cartridge 30 can be configured to use in the printer 10 in the black chamber 36 with the negative pressure of being maintained at.In this case, print cartridge 30 can not have air communication opening 32, and sub-frame 90 can have the circular depressed that forms therein, rather than opening 96.Depression can extend back from the front end of the first protuberance 85.

Main body 31 is included in the tubular fluid supply department at antetheca 40 places of main body 31 of the below of test section 33, for example, and ink feed section 34.Ink feed section 34 is positioned at the bottom of the antetheca 40 of main body 31,, is positioned at diapire 41 sides of the antetheca 40 of main body 31 that is.Therefore, ink feed section 34 is positioned at the downside of the front side of print cartridge 30.Sub-frame 90 has the circular open 97 that passes antetheca 140 formation on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.Ink feed section 34 has cylindrical shape, and extends through the opening 97 of antetheca 140 on insertion/removing direction 50.Therefore, ink feed section 34 is positioned at antetheca 140 places of sub-frame 90.Ink feed section 34 has the ink feed opening 71 that the far-end in ink feed section 34 forms.

Ink feed section 34 has the ink paths 72 that forms therein.Ink paths 72 extends to black chamber 36 from ink feed opening 71 on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.Main body 31 comprises ink feed valve 70, and ink feed valve 70 is configured to optionally open and close ink feed opening 71.When print cartridge 30 was installed to box installation portion 110, the China ink pipe that provides in box installation portion 110 (ink pipe) 122 was inserted through ink feed opening 71, and promotion ink feed valve 70 makes ink feed opening 71 open.When this occured, ink flowed out black chamber 36 via ink paths 72 and enters China ink pipe 122 on direction of insertion 56.

In another embodiment, print cartridge 30 can not comprise ink feed valve 70.In this case, ink feed opening 71 can cover and sealing by tunicle.When print cartridge 30 was installed to box installation portion 110, China ink pipe 122 can be broken through film, makes ink feed opening 71 open.

Referring to Fig. 2 and 3, main body 31 comprises engage hook 43 in diapire 41 sides and antetheca 40 sides of main body 31.Extend forward engage hook 43 bottom from the antetheca 40 of main body 31 on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.The front end of engage hook 43 be included on width (left and right directions) 51 outward extending in the opposite direction two outstanding.Engage hook 43 has the cut-out that forms therein.This cut-out is positioned at the middle part of engage hook 43 with respect to width (left and right directions) 51, and extends on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.Utilize this cut-out, engage hook 43 is configured to flexibly be out of shape, and makes its size reduction on width (left and right directions) 51.The front end of engage hook 43 outstanding lays respectively at and passes in the elongated open 91,92 that sub-frame 90 forms, and contact limits the inner surface of elongated open 91,92 wall respectively.

Main body 31 comprises the stopper 45 of the roof 39 that is positioned at main body 31.More specifically, with respect to depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53, stopper 45 is positioned at the middle part of roof 39.Stopper 45 upwards and away from black chamber 36 extends from roof 39, and is included in the composition surface 46 that extends on width (left and right directions) 51 and short transverse (above-below direction) 52.When print cartridge 30 is inserted into box installation portion 110, composition surface 46 with respect to direction of insertion 56 towards rear, in other words, towards removing direction 55.In another embodiment, when print cartridge 30 is inserted into box installation portion 110, composition surface 46 can vertically not extend from roof 39, but can tilt with respect to width (left and right directions) 51, and can be with respect to direction of insertion 56 towards rear, in other words, towards removing direction 55, and also towards upward direction.When print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110, the combination member 145 of composition surface 46 contact box installation portions 110, and receive external force.More specifically, when print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110 and is retained in wherein, promote print cartridge 30 on removing direction 55, and therefore, composition surface 46 promotes combination member 145 on removing direction 55.As a result, composition surface 46 receives on direction of insertion 56 reaction force from combination member 145.

Main body 31 comprises with respect to short transverse (above-below direction) but 52 is positioned at the pivot member 80 of rear wall 42 sides of the upside of main body 31 and main body 31.More specifically, but pivot member 80 is positioned at the rear portion of roof 39.But pivot member 80 has crooked writing board shape, and its long size is extended on the direction parallel with depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 cardinal principles.But pivot member 80 comprises axle 83 at its bending point place.With respect to depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53, but this bending point is positioned at the middle part of pivot member 80.Axle 83 extends on width (left and right directions) 51.Axle 83 is supported by other parts in the main body 31 of the position that separates towards rear wall 42 and composition surface 46, but makes the pivot member 80 can be around axle 83 pivotables.In other words, axle 83 comprises pivotal point, but pivot member 80 is around this pivotal point pivotable.But pivot member 80 comprises leading section 81 and rearward end 82.Leading section 81 extends towards composition surface 46 from axle 83.Rearward end 82 is extended towards rear wall 42 from axle 83.Axle 83 is positioned at the upside of print cartridge 30, and rear end part is positioned at the rear side of print cartridge 30.

But when not applying external force to pivot member 80, due to the weight of himself, that is, rearward end 82 is heavier than leading section 81, but pivot member 80 be positioned as and make leading section 81 and roof 39 at a distance of farthest, that is, leading section 81 is in the uppermost position in fig-ure with respect to roof 39.But when pivot member 80 during in this position, leading section 81 can the stretch out upper end of another part of exceeding main body 31.In another embodiment, leading section 81 upper end of another part of exceeding main body 31 that can not stretch out, but can be positioned at inside, upper end than another part of main body 31, that is, be positioned at the below, upper end of another part of main body 31.When instantly pushing away leading section 81, but pivot member 80 himself weight of opposing pivotable on the clockwise direction of Fig. 3.But as much as possible in the clockwise direction during pivotable, leading section 81 is positioned at the below of the upper end of composition surface 46 when pivot member 80.Pivotable makes leading section 81 be positioned at the pivot member 80 of the below, upper end of composition surface 46 but Fig. 2 illustrates.In another embodiment, but pivot member 80 can form with another part of main body 31.In yet another embodiment, but pivot member 80 can be setovered in the clockwise direction by spring.Under these circumstances, when instantly postponing end 82, but the bias force of pivot member 80 antagonistic springs pivotable in the counterclockwise direction.

As mentioned above, main body 31 comprises sidewall 37,38.

Sidewall

37,38 rear portion extend to the middle part of main body 31 with respect to depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 from rear wall 42.Each of

sidewall

37,38 rear portion comprises plate part and with respect to the tapering part of depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 in the place ahead of plate part.More specifically, each planar interior surfaces that is included in the planar outer surfaces of extension on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 and short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and extends on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 and short transverse (above-below direction) 52 of plate part.Tapering part is included in the planar interior surfaces of extending on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 and short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and the inclined

outer surface

47,48 that extends and extend on short transverse (above-below direction) 52 on the direction that tilts to depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.Sidewall 37 comprises the inner surface 47 of inclination, and sidewall 38 comprises the inner surface 48 of inclination.When the front prescription frame 90 at assembling print cartridge 30 is not attached to main body 31, limits not quilt frame 90 coverings of front portion of the inside casing 35 in black chamber 36, but expose.Therefore, the front portion of inside casing 35 comprises

sidewall

37,38 front portion.

Main body 31 is included in the guide portion 65 at roof 39 places.Guide portion 65 is to extend upward and a pair of plate 57 from extending at depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 towards rear wall 42 with respect to the middle part of depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 main bodys 31 from roof 39.Guide portion 65 at the width between the upper a pair of outer surface at plate 57 of width (left and right directions) less than the width of main body 31 between the upper sidewall 37 in main body 31 of width (left and right directions), 38 outer surface.The width of guide portion 65 between the upper a pair of outer surface at plate 57 of width (left and right directions) is less than the width at the upper antetheca 40 of width (left and right directions).The internal clearance of guide portion 65 between the upper a pair of inner surface at plate 57 of width (left and right directions) is greater than the width at the upper combination member 145 of width (left and right directions).Guide portion 65 is included in the front end on direction of insertion 56.Guide portion 65 is between first outstanding 85 groove 87 and rear wall 42.More specifically, with respect to direction of insertion 56, guide portion 65 is positioned at the rear portion of groove 87.But the axle 83 of pivot member 80 is supported pivotly by plate 57, makes leading section 81 pivotable between plate 57.

Main body 31 is included in the guide portion 66 at diapire 41 places.Guide portion 66 be from diapire 41 to downward-extension and on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 from respect to the middle part of depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 main bodys 31 towards rear wall 42 extend outstanding.Guide portion 66 the width between the upper a pair of outer surface in guide portion 66 of width (left and right directions) less than main body 31 between the upper sidewall 37 in main body 31 of width (left and right directions), 38 outer surface width.The width of guide portion 66 between the upper a pair of outer surface in guide portion 66 of width (left and right directions) is less than the width at the upper antetheca 40 of width (left and right directions).When print cartridge 30 was inserted into box installation portion 110 and take out from it,

guide portion

65,66 was inserted in the guide recess 109 of box installation portion 110.

[sub-frame 90]

Sub-frame 90 is attached to main body 31.Sub-frame 90 covers the front portion of inclined surface 47 internally, near 48 main body 31 of extending to the antetheca 40 towards the main body 31 of direction of insertion 56.More specifically, sub-frame 90 comprises: antetheca 140, its on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 towards and main body covered 31 antetheca 40; Roof 141, its on short transverse (above-below direction) 52 towards and cover the front portion of roof 39; Diapire 142, its on short transverse (above-below direction) 52 towards and cover the front portion of diapire 41; And sidewall 143,144, they on width (left and right directions) 51 respectively towards and cover

sidewall

37,38 front portion.Antetheca 140 is positioned at the front side of print cartridge 30, and roof 141 is positioned at the upside of print cartridge 30.Sub-frame 90 has the opening that passes it and form, and this opening is limited, and is positioned as relative with antetheca 140 with respect to depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 by roof 141, diapire 142 and sidewall 143,144 rear end.

Sidewall 143,144 has respectively the elongated open 91,92 of passing it and forming.Elongated open 91,92 lays respectively at sidewall 143,144 diapire 142 places.In other words, elongated open 91,92 is positioned at sidewall 143,144 bottom.Elongated open 91,92 each have longer size on short transverse (above-below direction) 52.The outstanding of the front end of engage hook 43 lays respectively in elongated open 91,92, and contact limits the inner surface of elongated open 91,92 wall respectively.If attempt by pulling sub-frame 90 to come to take out sub-frames 90 from main body 31 on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53, the front end of engage hook 43 outstanding is hooked on the inner surface that limits elongated open 91,92 wall, makes and can not take out sub-frames 90 from main body 31.Outstanding each of the front end of engage hook 43 the size on short transverse (above-below direction) 52 less than elongated open 91, each size on short transverse (above-below direction) 52 of 92.Sidewall 143,144 is included in respectively the end 67,68 at its rear portion.Extend on short transverse (above-below direction) 52 end 67,68, and the tapering part at main body covered 31 sidewall 37,38 rear portion respectively.End 67,68 is respectively towards the inclined outer surface 47,48 of tapering part, that is, end 67,68 on width (left and right directions) 51 with inclined outer surface 67,68 overlapping.Sub-frame 90 is configured in by the size restricted portion of elongated open 91,92 on short transverse (above-below direction) 52, move with respect to main body 31 on short transverse (above-below direction) 52, with giving prominence on short transverse (above-below direction) 52 in elongated open 91,92 interior slips of the front end that allows engage hook 43.In other words, on short transverse (above-below direction) 52 between the end of of outstanding each of the front end of engage hook 43 and elongated open 91,92 correspondence Existential Space, make sub-frame 90 to slide on main body 31 on short transverse (above-below direction) 52.When group frame 90 moves with respect to main body 31, slide on inclined outer surface 47,48 respectively in the end 67,68 of sub-frame 90.In other words, when group frame 90 moved with respect to main body 31, inclined outer surface 47,48 played the effect of guide portion.Sub-frame 90 under normal condition by the roof 39 of the front portion of main body 31 from supported underneath.Sub-frame 90 is configured to not move with respect to main body on width (left and right directions) 51.

Sub-frame 90 has the opening 95 that passes antetheca 140 formation on width (left and right directions) 51.With respect to short transverse (above-below direction) 52, opening 95 is positioned at the middle part of antetheca 140.In this embodiment, opening 95 has rectangular shape, but can have any other suitable shape according to the embodiment that revises.Opening 95 has the size corresponding with the test section 33 of main body 31 and size, and in the position corresponding with test section 33, makes test section 33 be exposed to the outside of print cartridge 30 via opening 95 on width (left and right directions) 51.A part that limits opening 95 in sub-frame 90 comprises: the test section 89 that extends on short transverse (above-below direction) 52; And extend and be configured to support portion 79 from supported underneath test section 33 from the lower end of test section 89 towards main body 31 on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.Group frame 90 is by the roof 39 of main body 31 during from supported underneath, Existential Space between test section 33 and support portion 79.When group frame 90 moves on the direction that makes progress with respect to main body 31, the lower end of support portion 79 contact detecting 33.The scope that sub-frame 90 moves with respect to main body 31 on short transverse (above-below direction) 52 can limit by elongated open 91,92 sizes in short transverse (above-below direction) 52, with giving prominence on short transverse (above-below direction) 52 in elongated open 91,92 interior slips of the front end that allows engage hook 43, perhaps, can limit by the support portion 79 that forms during from the sub-frame 90 of supported underneath when the upper surface of the front portion by main body 31 and the space between test section 33.

Sub-frame 90 has pass the opening 96 that first outstanding 85 wall forms on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.In this embodiment, opening 96 has round-shaped, but according to the embodiment that revises, can be also any other shape.Opening 96 has the size corresponding with the air communication opening 32 of main body 31 and size, and in the position corresponding with air communication opening 32, makes it possible on removing direction 55 outside from print cartridge 30 and accesses air communication opening 32 via opening 96.

Sub-frame 90 has the opening 97 that passes antetheca 140 formation on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53, and with respect to short transverse (above-below direction) 52, opening 97 is positioned at the bottom of antetheca 140.In this embodiment, opening 97 has round-shaped, but according to the embodiment that revises, can be also any other shape.Opening 97 has size and the size corresponding with the ink feed section 34 of main body 31, and in the position corresponding with ink feed section 34, makes ink feed section 34 extend through opening 37 on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.

Sub-frame 90 is included in first outstanding 85 and second outstanding 86 of antetheca 140 places.First outstanding 85 on direction of insertion 56 upper end from antetheca 140 extend away from rear wall 42.Identical with the width of antetheca 140 on width (left and right directions) 51 at first outstanding 85 width on width (left and right directions) 51.In another embodiment, first outstanding 85 width can be less than the width of antetheca 140.Compare with the ink feed opening 71 that far-end in ink feed section 34 forms, first outstanding 85 front position on direction of insertion 56 more forward away from rear wall 42.First outstanding 85 has depression, for example, and with respect to the groove 87 of short transverse (above-below direction) 52 in the formation of the middle part of the first protuberance 85.Groove 87 extends on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.Groove 87 to front opening, and is upwards opened on short transverse (above-below direction) 52 on direction of insertion 56.Groove 87 is given prominence to 85 effects on surface restriction and a sealing with respect to the both sides of width (left and right directions) 51 by first, and the end of groove 87 is given prominence to 85 surface restriction and seals by first.The cross section of the groove 87 of getting along short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and width (left and right directions) 51 is rectangles.

First outstanding 85 comprises the plate 88 of arranging at the middle part of groove 87 with respect to width (left and right directions) 51.Plate 88 extends on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 and short transverse (above-below direction) 52.Plate 88 is extending upward upward from first outstanding 85 the surface at the end that limits groove 87.Plate 88 extends at the antetheca 140 from sub-frame 90 on depth direction 53 or direction of insertion 56 of the boundary between roof 141 and antetheca 140.Plate 88 is upper side-prominent from the front side of print cartridge 30.Be positioned at away from the rear side of print cartridge 30 with respect to depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) with ink feed section 34 and compare, the front end of plate 88 is positioned at more the rear side away from print cartridge 30.Plate 88 with respect to each of the side surface of width (left and right directions) 51 on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 and short transverse (above-below direction) 52 with limit first outstanding 85 the effects on surface of groove 87 with respect to the both sides of width (left and right directions) 51 and extend abreast.Limit groove 87 with respect to first outstanding 85 surface of the both sides of width (left and right directions) 51 respectively on width (left and right directions) 51 side surface with plate 88 relative.Plate 88 comprises for example material of resin, and this material is configured to the light of decaying and propagating, for example visible or infrared light on the direction perpendicular to insertion/removing direction 50.In this embodiment, the direction perpendicular to insertion/removing direction 50 is width (left and right directions) 51.More specifically, when print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110, plate 88 is between the optical transmitting set and optical receiver of optical pickocff, and optical transmitting set and optical receiver are aliging perpendicular to the horizontal direction (width or left and right directions 51) of insertion/removing direction 50 is upper.Plate 88 is configured to decay from the optical transmitting set emission of optical pickocff 116 and at the light of propagating perpendicular to the direction (width or left and right directions 51) of insertion/removing direction 50.Perpendicular to the upper side that arrives plate 88 of the direction (width or left and right directions 51) of insertion/removing direction 50 time, the amount of light of optical receiver that comes from the opposite side of plate 88 and arrive optical pickocff 116 is less than scheduled volume when light, and for example zero.In other words, plate 88 is configured to the amount of light or strength retrogression to the level that is enough to be detected by optical pickocff 116.Prevent fully that by plate 88 light from therefrom passing, passing through the light of plate 88 absorption one tittles, pass through plate 88 deflections, passing through plate 88 total reflection lights etc. on the direction (width or left and right directions 51) perpendicular to insertion/removing direction 50, cause the decay of light.Like this, optical pickocff 116 can detect plate 88.Plate 88 from antetheca 40 until on direction of insertion 56 away from the size of plate 88 front ends of rear wall 42 print cartridge 30 from the print cartridge 30 of a type to another kind of type and difference.Dissimilar print cartridge 30 can comprise the different colours of ink, the heterogeneity of ink, for example dyestuff and pigment, different primary quantities of the ink of storage etc. in black chamber 36.

In another embodiment, first outstanding 85 can form therein depression 87.Depression 87 can upwards be opened on short transverse (above-below direction) 52 to front opening on direction of insertion 56, and is opening on first outstanding 85 one or both sides on width (left and right directions) 51.

Second outstanding 86 on direction of insertion 56 lower end from antetheca 140 extend away from rear wall 42.Second outstanding 86 is positioned at ink feed section 34 belows.Identical with the width of antetheca 140 on width (left and right directions) 51 at second outstanding 86 width on width (left and right directions) 51.In another embodiment, second outstanding 86 width can be less than the width of antetheca 140.Compare with the ink feed opening 71 that forms at ink feed section 34 far-ends, second outstanding 86 front position on direction of insertion 56 more forward away from rear wall 42.The second protuberance 86 from antetheca 140 until on direction of insertion 56 away from the size of second outstanding 86 front end of rear wall 42 print cartridge 30 from the print cartridge 30 of a type to another kind of type and difference.Dissimilar print cartridge 30 can comprise the different colours of ink, the heterogeneity of ink, such as dyestuff and pigment, and different primary quantities of the ink of storage etc. in black chamber 36.In this embodiment, second outstanding 86 by optical pickocff 117(referring to Fig. 1) indirectly detect.In another embodiment, the second protuberance 86 can directly be detected by optical pickocff 117.

Sub-frame 90 comprises test section 89, test section 89 with respect to short transverse (above-below direction) 52 between first outstanding 85 and second outstanding 86 at antetheca 140 places or near antetheca 140.Compare with test section 33, the position of test section 89 on direction of insertion 56 more forward away from rear wall 42.Test section 33 and test section 89 align on direction of insertion 56 and separate.Test section 89 is identical with the width of test section 33 on width (left and right directions) 51 at the width on width (left and right directions) 51, but according to the embodiment that revises, can be also other greater or lesser width.The direction (width or left and right directions 51) that test section 89 is configured to decay perpendicular to insertion/removing direction 50 goes up the light that propagation is therefrom passed, for example visible or infrared light.More specifically, during print cartridge 30 was installed to box installation portion 110, test section 89 passed through between the optical transmitting set of optical pickocff 114 and optical receiver.When this occured, test section 89 decay were from the optical transmitting set emission of optical pickocff 114 and at the light of propagating perpendicular to the direction (width or left and right directions 51) of insertion/removing direction 50.Perpendicular to the upper side that arrives test section 89 of the direction (width or left and right directions 51) of insertion/removing direction 50 time, the amount of light of optical receiver that comes from the opposite side of test section 89 and arrive optical pickocff 114 is less than scheduled volume when light, and for example zero.In other words, to be configured to the amount of light or strength retrogression be to be enough to the level that detected by optical pickocff 114 to test section 89.By test section 89 prevent fully light therefrom pass on the direction (width or left and right directions 51) perpendicular to insertion/removing direction 50, by test section 89 absorb the light of tittles, by test section 89 with light deflection, by test section 89 total reflection lights etc., cause the decay of light.Like this, test section 89 can be detected by optical pickocff 114.

There is the gap on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 between test section 89 and test section 33.During print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110, launch and pass this gap at the light of propagating perpendicular to the direction (width or left and right directions 51) of insertion/removing direction 50 from the optical transmitting set of optical pickocff 114, and arriving the optical receiver of optical pickocff 114.The amount of light of optical receiver that comes from this gap and arrive optical pickocff 114 is more than or equal to scheduled volume.The size of test section 89 on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 from the print cartridge 30 of a type to another kind of type print cartridge 30 and difference.Dissimilar print cartridge 30 can comprise the different colours of ink, the heterogeneity of ink, for example dyestuff and pigment, in black chamber 36 the different primary quantities etc. of the ink of storage.

First outstanding 85 front end, second outstanding 86 front end and test section 89 are with respect to direction of insertion 56 positions than test section 33 more forward.In other words, test section 33 with respect to direction of insertion 56 positions than first outstanding 85 front end, second outstanding 86 front end and test section 89 more backward.Each of test section 33 and ink feed opening 71 is located in respect to short transverse (above-below direction) 52 between first outstanding 85 and second outstanding 86.

Sub-frame 90 is included in the guide portion 93 of roof 141.Guide portion 93 is a pair of plates 94 that extend upward and extend to the rear end of sub-frame 90 from the middle part of sub-frame 90 on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 from roof 141.Guide portion 93 at the width between the upper a pair of outer surface at plate 94 of width (left and right directions) less than the width of sub-frame 90 between the upper sidewall 143 at sub-frame 90 of width (left and right directions), 144 outer surface.Guide portion 93 is included in the front end on direction of insertion 56.Guide portion 93 is between first outstanding 85 groove 87 and rear wall 42.More specifically, with respect to direction of insertion 56, guide portion 93 is positioned at the rear portion of groove 87.Guide portion 93 equals the width of guide portion 65 between the upper a pair of outer surface at plate 57 of width (left and right directions) at the width between the upper a pair of outer surface at plate 94 of width (left and right directions).Guide portion 93 is alignd with guide portion 65 on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53, that is, plate 94 aligns with plate 57 respectively on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.Therefore, the outer surface of plate 94 aligns with the outer surface of plate 57 on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 respectively.

Sub-frame 90 is included in the guide portion 99 of diapire 142.Guide portion 99 be from diapire 142 to downward-extension and on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 from second outstanding 86 front end extend to the rear end of sub-frame 90 outstanding.Guide portion 99 width (left and right directions) upper at the width between the outer surface of guide portion 99 less than the width of sub-frame 90 between the upper sidewall 143 at sub-frame 90 of width (left and right directions), 144 outer surface.Guide portion 99 upward equals guide portion 66 at the upper width between the outer surface of guide portion 66 of width (left and right directions) at the width between the outer surface of guide portion 99 at width (left and right directions).Guide portion 99 is alignd with guide portion 66 on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.Therefore, the outer surface of guide portion 99 aligns with the outer surface of leading part 66 respectively on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.When print cartridge 30 was inserted into box installation portion 110 and take out from it, guide

portion

93,99 was inserted in the guide recess 109 of box installation portion 110.

Print cartridge 30 is included in the IC plate 74 that is arranged in sub-frame 90 places between a pair of plate 94 of guide portion 90.IC plate 74 is between first outstanding 85 groove 87 and rear wall 42 and between stopper 45 and antetheca 140.Roof 141 sides of the sub-frame 90 of IC plate 74 between antetheca 140 and rear wall 42.With respect to direction of insertion 56, IC plate 74 positions than antetheca 140 and groove 87 more backward.IC plate 74 and ink feed opening 71 are with respect to direction of insertion 56 displacements.More specifically, with respect to direction of insertion 56, IC plate 74 positions than ink feed opening 71 more backward.

Sub-frame 90 comprises the platform of having arranged IC plate 74 on it.This platform is between a pair of plate 94 of guide portion 93.This platform is to extend in width (left and right directions) 51 and depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 and when the flat surfaces of print cartridge 30 extension on insertion/removing direction 50 when installation site (stand up position).The plane that platform extends thereon, namely, the plane that the plane of extending on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 and width (left and right directions) 51 and composition surface 46 extend thereon, that is the Plane intersects of, extending on short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and width (left and right directions) 51.In this embodiment, the plane of extending thereon perpendicular to composition surface 46, the platform plane of extending thereon.IC plate 74 is included in the upper surface that extends on width (left and right directions) 51 and depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.When print cartridge 30 in the installation site when (stand up position), the upper surface horizontal-extending of IC plate 74, and facing up.The plane that the upper surface of IC plate 74 extends thereon, namely, the plane that the plane of extending on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 and width (left and right directions) 51 and composition surface 46 extend thereon, that is the Plane intersects of, extending on short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and width (left and right directions) 51.In this embodiment, the plane of extending thereon perpendicular to composition surface 46, the upper surface of IC plate 74 plane of extending thereon.Because with respect to direction of insertion 56, the position of platform than composition surface 46 more forward, so with respect to direction of insertion 56, IC plate 74 positions are than composition surface 46 more forward.With respect to short transverse (above-below direction) 52, IC plate 74 is positioned at first outstanding 85 plate 88 and the top (than its height) of groove 87.In other words, IC plate 74 positions are more outside than plate 88 and groove 87.With respect to short transverse (above-below direction) 52, IC plate 74 is positioned at the top (than its height) of at least a portion of stopper 45.In other words, IC plate 74 positions are more outside than at least a portion of stopper 45.With respect to short transverse (above-below direction) 52, the upper end of plate 88 is positioned at IC plate 74 belows.Box installation portion 110 is included in three contacts 106 perpendicular to the upper alignment of the direction of insertion/removing direction 50 (width or left and right directions 51).Print cartridge 30 is being installed between the installation period of box installation portion 110, IC plate 74 contacts and is electrically connected to these three contact 106(referring to Fig. 6).When completing print cartridge 30 to the installation of box installation portion 110, IC plate 74 still contacts and is electrically connected to this three contacts 106.

Comprise that referring to Fig. 2 and 3, IC plate 74 IC(is not shown) and electrical interface, for example, HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77.IC is semiconductor integrated circuit, and storage is about the data of the information of print cartridge 30, for example, and the build date of the lot number of print cartridge 30, print cartridge 30, the color etc. of the ink of storage in print cartridge 30.When print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110, can read out in the data of storing in IC by printer 10.

Each of HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 is electrically connected to IC.Each of HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 has the surface of extending on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 and width (left and right directions) 51.HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 align on width (left and right directions) 51 and are spaced.GND electrode 76 is between HOT electrode 75 and signal electrode 77.IC plate 74 has the width on width (left and right directions) 51, and first outstanding 85 plate 88 has the width on width (left and right directions) 51, and the width of IC plate 74 is greater than the width of plate 88.Each of HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 has the width on width (left and right directions) 51, and the width of each of HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 is greater than the width of plate 88.IC plate 74 at the plate 88 of the center on width (left and right directions) 51 and first outstanding 85 in width (left and right directions) be centered close to short transverse (above-below direction) 52 plane parallel with depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 on.Therefore, IC plate 74 and plate 88 and the Plane intersects that is parallel to short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.In other words, IC plate 74 and plate 88 are not offset on width (left and right directions) 51.More specifically, GND electrode 76 the center on width (left and right directions) 51 and plate 88 be centered close to short transverse (above-below direction) 52 plane parallel with depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 on.In other words, GND electrode 76 is not offset on width (left and right directions) 51 at the center of the center on width (left and right directions) 51 and plate 88.Therefore, GND electrode 76 and plate 88 and the Plane intersects that is parallel to short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.In other words, GND electrode 76 and rib 86 are not offset on width (left and right directions) 51.HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76, signal electrode 77 and plate 88 are with respect to the plane symmetry ground arrangement parallel with depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 with short transverse (above-below direction) 52.Composition surface 46, IC plate 74 and groove 87 and the Plane intersects that is parallel to short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.In other words, composition surface 46, IC plate 74 and groove 87 are not offset on width (left and right directions) 51.More specifically, composition surface 46, GND electrode 76 and groove 87 and the Plane intersects that is parallel to short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53, composition surface 46, HOT electrode 75 and groove 87 and another Plane intersects that is parallel to short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53, and, composition surface 46, signal electrode 77 and groove 87 and another Plane intersects that is parallel to short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53.In other words, composition surface 46, HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 are not offset on width (left and right directions) 51 with groove 87.Print cartridge 30 is being installed between the installation period of box installation portion 110, HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 contact respectively and are electrically connected to three contact 106(referring to Fig. 6).When completing print cartridge 30 to the installation of box installation portion 110, HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 still contact respectively and are electrically connected to three contacts 106.

In roof 39 sides of main body 30 and roof 141 sides of sub-frame 90, composition surface 46, IC plate 74 and groove 87 upwards are exposed to the outside of print cartridge 30 with respect to short transverse 52.At the upper surface of IC plate 74, HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 upwards are exposed to the outside of print cartridge 30, make when print cartridge 30 can be from top access HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 during in the installation site.In other words, can access HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 on perpendicular to the downward direction of width (left and right directions) 51 and insertion/removing direction 50.When print cartridge 30 can be from top access composition surface 46 during in the installation site.In other words, can access composition surface 46 on perpendicular to the downward direction of width (left and right directions) 51 and insertion/removing direction 50.

IC plate 74 is attached to the roof 141 of sub-frame 90 at least one attachment location.Sleeve (boss) extends upward from each of at least one attachment location of sub-frame 90, and sleeve extends past and passes the opening that IC plate 74 forms.Melt by heat on the top of sleeve, and the upper surface of contact IC plate 74.This at least one attachment location is positioned at the rear portion of HOT electrode 75, GND electrode and signal electrode 77.Each of a pair of plate 94 comprises first and second portion, and when watching from short transverse (above-below direction) 52, first is positioned at and the attachment location being aligned on width (left and right directions) 51.The upper end of first is positioned at below second portion.Utilize the first of plate 94, have the top that the heater of the width wider than the width of guide portion 93 on width (left and right directions) 51 can contact sleeve, make the top of fusing sleeve.

The a pair of plate 94 of guide portion 93 upwards and forward extends beyond IC plate 74 on direction of insertion 56.In other words, a pair of plate 94 of guide portion 65 stretches out and exceeds IC plate 74.Sub-frame 90 comprises the slope (ramp) 49 of a pair of plate 94 that connects guide portion 65.Slope 49 is between first outstanding 85 groove 87 and rear wall 42 and between IC plate 74 and antetheca 140.Slope 49 is between first outstanding 85 groove 87 and IC plate 74.Slope 49 is downward-sloping with respect to direction of insertion 56, makes the forward position on slope 49 lower than the rear portion on slope 49.When print cartridge 30 was inserted into box installation portion 110 and/or take out from box installation portion 110, engagement member 145 slided on slope 49.

At the boundary of the top of print cartridge 30 between stopper 45 and sub-frame 90, form depression 78 between stopper 45 and sub-frame 90.When main body 31 and sub-frame 90 as described below during respectively with respect to box installation portion 110 location, there is no horizontal difference on short transverse (above-below direction) 50 between stopper 45 and sub-frame 90 on the both sides of sunk part 78.Therefore, when print cartridge 30 is inserted into box installation portion 110 or take out from box installation portion 110, do not block engagement member 145 in depression 78.

In this embodiment, diapire 41 sides of the front portion of roof 39 sides of the front portion of sidewall 38 sides of the front portion of sidewall 37 sides of the front portion of the antetheca 40 of sub-frame 90 main body covered 31, main body 31, main body 31, main body 31 and main body 31.Yet sub-frame 90 is main body covered 31 front portion differently.In a revision for execution example, sidewall 37 sides of the front portion that sub-frame 90 can not main body covered 31.In another revision for execution example, diapire 41 sides of the front portion that sub-frame 90 can not main body covered 31.

[ink supply unit 100]

Referring to Fig. 1, printer 10 comprises ink supply unit 100.Ink supply unit 100 is configured to printhead 21 supply inks.Ink supply unit 100 comprises the box installation portion 110 that print cartridge 30 can be installed to.In Fig. 1, print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110.

[box installation portion 110]

Referring to Figure 4 and 5, box installation portion 110 comprises housing 101, and housing 101 has the opening 112 of a face formation of passing housing 101.Print cartridge 30 is configured to be inserted into housing 101 or take out from housing 101 by opening 112.Housing 101 has the groove 109 that forms in the top surface of the upper end of the inner space that limits housing 101, and has the groove 109 that forms in the basal surface of the lower end of the inner space that limits housing 101.Groove 109 extends on insertion/removing direction 50.Utilization is formed on the

guide portion

65,93 of inserting in groove 109 in the top surface of housing 101, and is formed on the

guide portion

66,99 of inserting in groove 109 in the basal surface of housing 101, guiding print cartridge 30 on insertion/removing direction 50.Housing 101 is configured to hold respectively four print cartridges 30 of storage cyan, magenta red ink, yellow ink and black ink.

Housing 101 is included in three dividing plates 102 that extend on vertical direction and insertion/removing direction 50.These three dividing plates 102 are divided into four spaces with the inner space of housing 101.Four print cartridges 30 are configured to be arranged on respectively in these four spaces.

Referring to Fig. 5, housing 101 is included in end surfaces relative with opening 112 on insertion/removing direction 50.Box installation portion 110 is included in the connecting portion 103 that the bottom of end surfaces of the housing 101 of the position corresponding with the ink feed section 34 of the print cartridge 30 that is installed to housing 101 provides.In this embodiment, provide four connecting portions 103 for four print cartridges 30 that can be installed to housing 101.

Connecting portion 103 comprises the printing-fluid pipe, for example, and China ink pipe 122, and maintaining part 121.China ink pipe 122 is cylindrical tube of being made by synthetic resin.China ink pipe 122 is connected to the ink cylinder 20 of the outside of housing 101.The China ink pipe 122 that is connected to ink cylinder 20 extends to printhead 21 to supply inks to printhead 21.In Figure 4 and 5, do not describe ink cylinder 20.

Maintaining part 121 has cylindrical shape.China ink pipe 122 is positioned at the center of maintaining part 121.Referring to Fig. 8, when print cartridge 30 was installed to box installation portion 110, ink feed section 34 was inserted into maintaining part 121.When this occurs, the outer surface of the ink feed section 34 of the inner surface by contact maintaining part 121, about short transverse (above-below direction) 52, ink feed section 34 is with respect to maintaining part 121 location.When ink feed section 34 was inserted into maintaining part 121, China ink pipe 122 was inserted into ink feed opening 71.This allows the ink of storage in black chamber 36 to flow out and enters China ink pipe 122.

Referring to Fig. 5, box installation portion 110 is included in the sensor unit 104 on connecting portion 103.Sensor unit 104 comprises plate 113 and is installed to the optical pickocff 114 of plate 113.More specifically, sensor unit 104 comprises a plate 113 and, four optical pickocffs 114 that be installed to this plate 113 corresponding with four print cartridges 30 that can be installed to housing 101.

As mentioned above, optical pickocff 114 comprises for example optical transmitting set of light emitting diode and the optical receiver of for example optotransistor.Optical transmitting set and optical receiver are positioned in outer cover, and this cover on outward, and on insertion/removing direction 50, slave plate 113 extends towards opening 112.When watching from above, this outer cover has U-shaped shape substantially.The optical transmitting set of optical pickocff 114 and optical receiver are aliging perpendicular to the horizontal direction (width or left and right directions 51) of insertion/removing direction 50 is upper, and form betwixt the space.Optical transmitting set is configured to perpendicular to the horizontal direction of insertion/removing direction 50 (width or left and right directions 51) upper towards the optical receiver utilizing emitted light, infrared or visible light for example, and optical receiver is configured to receive the light from the optical transmitting set emission.Test section 33 and test section 89 can be inserted in space between optical transmitting set and optical receiver.Optical pickocff 114 is configured to detect the change on light quantity (intensity) when test section 33 or test section 89 enter the light path (test point) that forms between optical transmitting set and optical receiver.Optical pickocff 114 is electrically connected to the controller (hereinafter describing) of printer 10, and when optical pickocff 114 detected test section 33 or test section 89, the signal of output changed from optical pickocff 114 to controller.

Referring to Fig. 5, box installation portion 110 comprises and is positioned at sensor unit 105, and the top surface that sensor unit 105 is positioned at housing 101 is close in the end surfaces of housing 101.Sensor unit 105 comprises plate 115 and is installed to the optical pickocff 116 of plate 115.More specifically, sensor unit 105 comprises a plate 115 and, four optical pickocffs 116 that be installed to this plate 115 corresponding with four print cartridges 30 that can be installed to housing 101.

As mentioned above, optical pickocff 116 comprises for example optical transmitting set of light emitting diode and the optical receiver of for example optotransistor.Optical transmitting set and optical receiver are positioned in outer cover, and this outer cover in vertical direction slave plate 115 to downward-extension.When watching on insertion/removing direction 50, this outer cover has the U-shaped shape that substantially turns upside down.

The optical transmitting set of optical pickocff 116 and optical receiver are aliging perpendicular to the horizontal direction (width or left and right directions 51) of insertion/removing direction 50 is upper, and form betwixt the space.Optical transmitting set is configured to upper towards the optical receiver utilizing emitted light perpendicular to the horizontal direction (width or left and right directions 51) of insertion/removing direction 50, infrared or visible light for example, and optical receiver is configured to receive the light from the optical transmitting set emission.When print cartridge 30 was installed to box installation portion 110, first outstanding 85 plate 88 was inserted in space between optical transmitting set and optical receiver.Optical pickocff 116 is configured to detect the change on light quantity (intensity) when plate 88 enters the light path (test point) that forms between optical transmitting set and optical receiver.Optical pickocff 116 is electrically connected to the controller of printer 10, and when optical pickocff 116 detected plate 88, the signal of output changed from optical pickocff 116 to controller.Change based on this signal, controller can determine whether print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110.In other words, plate 88 is configured to provide about there is the information of print cartridge 30 in box installation portion 110 by the light of decay optical pickocff 116.

Box installation portion 110 comprises and is positioned at electric contact 106, and electric contact 106 is positioned at the top surface of housing 101, between the end surfaces and opening 112 of housing 101.Three contacts 106 are provided and are aliging perpendicular to the direction (width or left and right directions 51) of insertion/removing direction 50 is upper.Three contacts 106 are arranged on and the HOT electrode 75 of print cartridge 30, GND electrode 76, position that signal electrode 77 is corresponding.Contact 106 has electric conductivity and elasticity.Contact 106 is configured to strain on upward direction.Provide accordingly four groups of three contacts 106 with four print cartridges 30 that can be installed to housing 101.

Printer 10 comprises controller, and contact 106 is electrically connected to controller via circuit.Controller can comprise CPU, ROM, RAM etc.When HOT electrode 75 contact and when being electrically connected to of correspondence of contact 106, apply voltage Vc to HOT electrode 75.When GND electrode 76 contact and when being electrically connected to of correspondence of contact 106, GND electrode 76 ground connection.When contacting respectively and being electrically connected to corresponding contact 106 with GND electrode 76 when HOT electrode 75, power to IC.When signal electrode 77 contact and when being electrically connected to of correspondence of contact 106, can access the data of storing in IC.Output from this circuit is imported into controller.

Referring to Fig. 1, housing 101 has the space 130 in the lower end formation of the end surfaces of housing 101.Box installation portion 110 is included in the slide block 135 of arranging in space 130.Provide accordingly four slide blocks 135 with four print cartridges 30 that can be installed to housing 101.Space 130 is connected with the inner space of housing 101.Slide block 135 is configured to moving in space 130 on insertion/removing direction 50.Slide block 135 has rectangular shape substantially.Slide block 135 is arranged in the second outstanding 86 lines of advancing of print cartridge 30, and is configured to contact second outstanding 86.

Box installation portion 110 is included in the helical spring 139 of arranging in space 130.Helical spring 139 is configured to towards opening 112, namely at removing direction 55 upper offset slide blocks 135.During in normal length, that is, when not applying external force to slide block 135, slide block 135 is positioned at opening 112 sides in space 130 when helical spring 139.When print cartridge 30 is inserted into housing 101, the second outstanding 86 contact slippers 135 of print cartridge 30, and promote slide block 135 on direction of insertion 56.When this occured, helical spring 139 shrank, and slide block 135 slides on direction of insertion 56.Helical spring 139 in contraction state via slide block 135 at removing direction 55 upper offset print cartridges 30.

Box installation portion 110 is included in the optical pickocff 117 at the place, top in space 130.Provide accordingly four optical pickocffs 117 with four print cartridges 30 that can be installed to housing 101.In other words, provide accordingly four optical pickocffs 117 with four slide blocks 135.These four optical pickocffs 117 are aliging perpendicular to the direction (width or left and right directions 51) of insertion/removing direction 50 is upper.Optical pickocff 117 has the structure identical with optical pickocff 116.

When print cartridge 30 was installed to housing 101, slide block 135 was pushed and is inserted in the optical transmitting set and the space between optical receiver of optical pickocff 117.Optical pickocff 117 is configured to detect the change on light quantity (intensity) when slide block 135 enters the light path (test point) that forms between the optical transmitting set of optical pickocff 117 and optical receiver.Optical pickocff 117 is electrically connected to the controller of printer 10, and when optical pickocff 117 detected slide block 135, the signal of output changed from optical pickocff 117 to controller.In Fig. 5 to 8, do not describe slide block 135, helical spring 139 and optical pickocff 117.

In box installation portion 110, on direction of insertion 56, the test point of optical pickocff 114 (light path) position than the test point (light path) of the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 116 and optical pickocff 117 more backward.

Referring to Fig. 5, box installation portion 110 is included in the bar 125 at the end surfaces place of housing 101.Bar 125 with respect to the position of short transverse (above-below direction) 52 corresponding to the air communication valve 73 of the print cartridge 30 that is installed to box installation portion 110 position with respect to short transverse (above-below direction) 52.Provide accordingly four bars 125 with four print cartridges 30 that can be installed to housing 101.Bar 125 has cylindrical shape, and the end surfaces from housing 101 extends towards opening 112 on insertion/removing direction 50.Print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110 during, opening 96 insertion rods 125 of passing sub-frame 90, and, the far-end ingress of air communicating valve 73 of bar 125.Air communication valve 73 is promoted by bar 125, makes air communication opening 32 open.The outer surface contact of bar 125 limits the inner surface 98 of the sub-frame 90 of opening 96, and thus, about short transverse (above-below direction) 52, comes locator frame 90 with respect to box installation portion 110.

Referring to Fig. 5, box installation portion 110 comprises the engagement member 145 that is positioned at housing 101 tops.Engagement member 145 is configured to print cartridge 30 is retained in the installation site.Engagement member 145 is positioned as the upper end that is adjacent to opening 112.Engagement member 145 between opening 112 and contact 106, each of contact 106 and engagement member 145 be parallel to the Plane intersects of insertion/removing direction 50 with vertical (gravity) direction.In other words, each of contact 106 and engagement member 145 is not offset on width (left and right directions) 51.Provide accordingly four engagement members 145 with four print cartridges 30 that can be installed to housing 101.

Box installation portion 110 comprises axle 147, and axle 147 positions are adjacent to the upper end of opening 112.Axle 147 is attached to housing 101, and is extending perpendicular to the direction (width or left and right directions 51) of insertion/removing direction 50 is upper.Axle 147 extends through the end that engagement member 145 is adjacent to opening 112, in other words, and with respect to the rear end of direction of insertion 56 engagement members 145.Engagement member 145 is supported by axle 147, make engagement member 145 can be optionally towards the inner space of housing 101 and away from this space around axle 147 pivotables.Engagement member 145 comprises the abutting end 146 that the end of the engagement member 145 that extends through with axle 147 is relative.In other words, abutting end 146 is positioned at the front end with respect to direction of insertion 56 engagement members 145.Abutting end 146 is configured to contact the stopper 45 of print cartridge 30.By the contact between the composition surface 46 of abutting end 146 and stopper 45, opposing is from the bias force of slide block 135, and print cartridge 30 is retained in installation site in housing 101.When abutting end 146 contact composition surface 46, abutting end 146 extends on width (left and right directions) 51 and short transverse (above-below direction) 52 substantially.Engagement member 145 is configured to move between locked.During in latched position, abutting end 146 can contact stopper 45 when engagement member 145.During at unlocked position, abutting end 146 can not contact stopper 45 when engagement member 145.

Engagement member 145 comprises the slidingsurface 148 that extends towards axle 147 from abutting end 146.When abutting end 146 contact composition surface 46, slidingsurface 148 extends on width (left and right directions) 51 and depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 substantially.Slidingsurface 148 has the width on width (left and right directions) 51, make when being inserted into box installation portion 110 with print cartridge 30 and/or taking out from box installation portion 110 whole the and slip thereon of slidingsurface 148 contact HOT electrodes 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77.

Engagement member 145 is configured to due to the weight of himself downwards pivotable or is setovered by the spring (not shown).When print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110, but the abutting end 146 that contacts with stopper 45 is positioned at the top of the leading section 81 of pivot member 80.When leading section 81 move up and on when pushing away abutting end 146, engagement member 145 from the latched position to the unlocked position around axle 147 pivotable upwards.The mobile range of engagement member 145 is not limited, and makes the not downward pivotable of engagement member 145 exceed latched position.

[print cartridge 30 is to the installation of box installation portion 110]

Referring to Fig. 6 to 8, described print cartridge 30 and how to be installed to box installation portion 110.In Fig. 6 to 8, with sectional view, box installation portion 110 has been described, still, with sectional view, roof 39 sidepieces of main body 31 and roof 141 sidepieces of sub-frame 90 have only been described.

As mentioned above, because sub-frame 90 by the roof 39 of the front portion of main body 31 from supported underneath, so before print cartridge 30 was installed to box installation portion 110, sub-frame 90 can move up upward with respect to main body 31.Referring to Fig. 6, when print cartridge 30 is inserted into box installation portion 110 on direction of insertion 56, the

guide portion

65,66,93,99 of print cartridge 30 is inserted in the groove 109 of housing 101, and thus about width (left and right directions) 51 and short transverse (above-below direction) 52, print cartridge 30 with respect to box installation portion 110 by coarse positioning.The end surfaces that print cartridge 30 is configured in groove 109 to insert in

guide portion

65,66,93,99 towards housing 101 slides.

Referring to Fig. 6 and 7, when print cartridge 30 is inserted into housing 101, the slidingsurface 148 of first outstanding 85 front end in contact engagement member 145.When print cartridge 30 was further inserted into, slidingsurface 148 climbed up first outstanding 85 and slope 49.When this occurs, engagement member 145 pivotable that makes progress from the latched position to the unlocked position on the counter clockwise direction of Fig. 6.When print cartridge 30 was further inserted into, the slidingsurface 148 of engagement member 145 slided on slope 49 and IC plate 74, and through depression 78 tops.When slidingsurface 148 slides, wipe dust from HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 on HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77.

Referring to Fig. 1, when print cartridge 30 is inserted into housing 101, the second outstanding 86 contact slippers 135.When print cartridge 30 was further inserted into, slide block 135 opposings were pushed on direction of insertion 56 in the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 117 from the bias force of helical spring 139.When optical pickocff 117 detected slide block 135, the signal of output was changed into the LOW level signal from the HI level signal from optical pickocff 117 to controller.

Referring to Fig. 7, after second outstanding 86 began to promote slide block 135, test section 89 entered the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 114.When optical pickocff 114 detected test section 89, the signal of output was changed into the LOW level signal from the HI level signal from optical pickocff 114 to controller.

Referring to Fig. 7, the test point (light path) that enters optical pickocff 114 at test section 89 afterwards, first outstanding 85 plate 88 enters the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 116.When optical pickocff 116 detected plate 88, the signal of output was changed into the LOW level signal from the HI level signal from optical pickocff 116 to controller.At test section 89 through the test point (light path) of optical pickocffs 114 afterwards, the gap between test section 89 and test section 33 is through the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 114.When this occured, the signal of output was changed into the HI level signal from the LOW level signal from optical pickocff 114 to controller.And then, when test section 33 enters the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 114, if sensor arm 60 at lower position, from optical pickocff 114 to controller output signal change into the LOW level signal from the HI level signal.

If test section 89 is longer on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 in the print cartridge of a type 30, when plate 88 begins to enter the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 116 test section 89 still in the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 114, and therefore, the signal from optical pickocff 114 outputs is the LOW level signal when changing into the LOW level signal from the signal of optical pickocff 116 outputs from the HI level signal.If test section 89 is shorter on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 in the print cartridge 30 of another kind of type, when plate 88 begins to enter the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 116 test section 89 no longer in the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 114, and therefore, the signal from optical pickocff 114 outputs is the HI level signal when changing into the LOW level signal from the signal of optical pickocff 116 outputs from the HI level signal.In other words, plate 88 and test section 89 are configured to light by decay optical pickocff 116 and optical pickocff 114 information about the type of print cartridge 30 are provided.

If second outstanding 86 is longer on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 in the print cartridge of a type 30,5 when plate 88 begins to enter the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 116 slide block 13 in the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 117, and are therefore, LOW level signals from optical pickocff 117 output signals when changing into the LOW level signal from the signal of optical pickocff 116 outputs from the HI level signal.If second outstanding 86 is shorter on depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53 in the print cartridge 30 of another kind of type, when plate 88 begins to enter the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 116 slide block 135 also not in the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 117, and are therefore, HI level signals from optical pickocff 117 output signals when changing into the LOW level signal from optical pickocff 116 outputs to signal from the HI level signal.In other words, plate 88 and second outstanding 86 is configured to light by decay optical pickocff 116 and optical pickocff 117 information about the type of print cartridge 30 is provided.

Referring to Fig. 7, during print cartridge 30 was inserted into housing 101, the ink feed section 34 of print cartridge 30 was inserted into maintaining part 121, and China ink pipe 122 is inserted in ink feed opening 71.When this occurs, the outer surface of the ink feed section 34 that contacts by the inner surface with maintaining part 121 comes about short transverse (above-below direction) 52 with respect to maintaining part 121 location ink feed sections 34, that is, locate main body 31 about short transverse (above-below direction) 52 with respect to box installation portion 110.Promote ink feed valve 70 by China ink pipe 122, make ink feed opening 71 open.China ink pipe 122 has the ink that forms and introduces opening in its far-end, and the ink of storage in black chamber 36 flows in China ink pipe 122 via ink introducing opening on direction of insertion 56.

Referring to Fig. 7, during print cartridge 30 was inserted into housing 101, bar 125 entered the opening 96 of sub-frame 90.Sub-frame 90 can move up upward with respect to main body 31.When bar 125 entered opening 96, the top on the surface, inside 98 of the sub-frame 90 of the top of the outer surface of bar 125 contact restriction opening 96, and upper hairclipper frame 90 made sub-frame 90 slide on main body 31 on upward direction.Sub-frame 90 can not move up downwards with respect to box installation portion 110, because the top of the outer surface of bar 125 is from the top on the surface, inside 98 of the sub-frame 90 of lower contact restriction opening 96.Referring to Fig. 8, bar 125 contacts and promotes air communication valve 73.Air communication valve 73 is removed from air communication opening 32, makes air flow into black chamber 36 via air communication opening 32.

Simultaneously, referring to Fig. 7 and 8, the slope 49 of contact 106 contact shoe frames 90.Because when contact 106 is inclined upwardly on slope 49 when the rear wall 42 of print cartridge 30 moves, and because in the situation that the contact of the top of the outer surface of bar 125 limits the sub-frame 90 in top on surface, inside 98 of the sub-frame 90 of opening 96 can not move up downwards, thus when slide on slope 49 and IC plate 74 in contact 106 contact 106 in upward direction signal strain.The contact 106 of strain is at downward direction upper offset IC plate 74.When contact 106 arrives IC plate 74, by respectively from upper and under clip contact 106 and the bar 125 of sub-frame 90, about short transverse (above-below direction) 52 with respect to box installation portion 110 locator frames 90.

When further when the end surfaces of housing 101 inserts print cartridge 30, referring to Fig. 9, contact 106 contacts respectively and is electrically connected to HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76, the signal electrode 77 of IC plate 74.When the installation of print cartridge 30 arrived the installation site, HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 still contacted respectively and are electrically connected to three contacts 106.

When print cartridge 30 arrived the installation site, the composition surface 46 of the stopper 45 of print cartridge 30 is the abutting end 146 of process engagement member 145 on direction of insertion 56.Engagement member 145 on the clockwise direction of Fig. 8 to the latched position pivotable, and, abutting end 146 contact composition surfaces 46.Utilization this contact between engagement member 145 and stopper 45, print cartridge 30 opposings are retained in the installation site from the bias force of helical spring 139.In other words, about insertion/removing direction 50, with respect to box installation portion 110 positioning ink boxes 30.Like this, complete print cartridge 30 to the installation of box installation portion 110.

During installation site when print cartridge 30 in box installation portion 110, location main body 31, ink feed section 34 is inserted in maintaining part 121 and with China ink pipe 122 inserts in ink feed openings 71, and sub-frame 90 is positioned between the end of its mobile range and is clipped by contact 106 and bar 125.

During installation site when print cartridge 30 in box installation portion 110, but the leading section 81 of pivot member 80 is positioned at the abutting end 146 times of engagement member 145.But rearward end 82 positions of pivot member 80 are away from roof 39.

Based on the level from the output signal of optical pickocff 116, controller determines whether print cartridge 30 is installed to box installation portion 110.In other words, plate 88 is configured to provide about there is the information of print cartridge 30 in box installation portion 110 by the light of decay optical pickocff 116.Based on when the signal from optical pickocff 116 output changes to the LOW level signal from the HI level signal from the level of the output signal of optical pickocff 114 and/or based on the level from the output signal of optical pickocff 117, controller is determined the type of print cartridge 30.In other words, plate 88, test section 89 or second outstanding 86 are configured to light by decay optical pickocff 116 and optical pickocff 114 or optical pickocff 117 information about the type of print cartridge 30 are provided.By checking periodically the level from the output signal of optical pickocff 114, controller is determined the amount of the ink of storage in black chamber 36,, determines whether black chamber 36 has stored scheduled volume or more ink therein that is.In other words, test section 33 is configured to indicate the existence of the ink in black chamber 36 or do not exist by the light of decay or unattenuated optical pickocff 114.Based on the data of reading from IC plate 74, determine the information of print cartridge 30, for example, the build date of the lot number of print cartridge 30, print cartridge 30, the color etc. of the ink of storage in print cartridge 30.

In another embodiment, before print cartridge 30 was installed to box installation portion 110, sub-frame 90 can move on downward direction with respect to main body 31 at initial position.In this case, sub-frame 90 by the end 67 of

sub-frame

90,68 and the inclined

outer surface

47,48 of main body 31 between static friction support.When print cartridge 30 was inserted into housing 101 and bar 125 and is inserted into the opening 96 of sub-frame 90, the outer surface of bar 125 can not contact the surface, inside 98 of the sub-frame 90 of initial restriction opening 96.When print cartridge 30 was further inserted into, contact slope 49, contact 106 and IC plates 74, and lower hairclipper frame 90 made the top contact of the outer surface of bar 125 limit the top on surface, inside 98 of the sub-frame 90 of opening 96.When contact 106 arrives IC plate 74, by respectively from upper and under clip contact 106 and the bar 125 of sub-frame 90, about short transverse (above-below direction) 52, with respect to box installation portion 110 locator frames 90.

Be described in greater detail in the time section of the event that occurs during print cartridge 30 inserts box installation portion 110 at this.When beginning to insert, slidingsurface 148 beginnings of engagement member 145 are slided on IC plate 74.The second outstanding 86 contact slipper 135 then, and begin to promote slide block 135.Then test section 89 begins to enter the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 114.Then plate 88 begins to enter the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 116.Bar 125 is ingress of air communicating valve 73 then, and begins to promote air communication valve 73.Then contact 106 begins to contact IC plate 74.Then, the gap between test section 89 and test section 33 begins to enter the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 114.Then China ink pipe 122 contacts ink feed valve 70, and begins to promote ink feed valve 70.Then test section 33 begins to enter the test point (light path) of optical pickocff 114.Then abutting end 146 contacts composition surface 46.

Complete print cartridge 30 after the installation of box installation portion 110, printer 10 begins to print.When printer 10 is finished the ink of storage in black chamber 36, take out from box installation portion 110 print cartridge 30 that uses, and, to box installation portion 110, new print cartridge 30 is installed.

[taking out print cartridge 30 from box installation portion 110]

When being intended to take out print cartridge 30 from box installation portion 110, but push away the rearward end 82 of pivot member 80 under the user.Therefore, but move on the leading section 81 of pivot member 80, and separate from roof 39.When this occurs, but engagement member 145 pushed away by on the leading sections 81 of pivot member 80, and the abutting end 146 of engagement member 145 moves to the position on composition surface 46, that is, the position of separating with composition surface 46.Like this, engagement member 145 moves to unlocked position from latched position, and, discharge print cartridge 30 from the state that is kept by engagement member 145.

When abutting end 146 separated from composition surface 46, to print cartridge 30 externally applied forces, for example the bias force of helical spring 139, moved print cartridge 30 in removing direction 55.However, but because user's finger still contact pivot member 80 under the rearward end 82 that pushes away, stopped by the user so print cartridge 30 is mobile on removing direction 55.But the bias force of helical spring 139 is received by user's finger via pivot member 80.

When the user moved his/her finger on removing direction 55, by the promotion of slide block 135 and helical spring 139, it is mobile that print cartridge 30 is followed finger.When this occurs, be released in from the biased downward power of the contact 106 of box installation portion 110 the IC plate 74 that sub-frame 90 is arranged.When the finger of following the user when print cartridge 30 moved on removing direction 55, the slidingsurface 148 of engagement member 145 was through depression 78, and slided on IC plate 74 and slope 49.When slidingsurface 148 slides, wipe dust from HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 on HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77.After sliding on slope 49, slidingsurface 148 is through groove 87.When this occurs, drop into groove 87 by the dust that slidingsurface 148 is wiped.Therefore, reduced the possibility that dust fell and adhered to the part of the ink feed section 34 around ink feed opening 71.

Simultaneously, the outer surface of bar 125 separates from the surface, inside 98 of the sub-frame 90 of restriction opening 96, makes sub-frame 90 move down to initial position with respect to main body 31, and in this initial position, sub-frame 90 is supported by the upper surface of the front portion of main body 31.China ink pipe 122 is drawn out ink feed section 34.Like this, take out print cartridge 30 from box installation portion 110.

[advantage]

In this embodiment, because print cartridge 30 comprises optical pickocff 114,116 test section 89 and the plates 88 that detect that are configured to be independent of IC plate 74, even so fail to be based upon the electrical connection between IC plate 74 and contact 106 or fail via signal electrode 77 from the IC sense data, also can determine that print cartridge 30 is installed to printer 10 based on the information that obtains from test section 89 and plate 88.Therefore, also can use print cartridge 30 even fail to be based upon the electrical connection between IC plate 74 and contact 106 or fail via signal electrode 77 from the IC sense data.

In this embodiment, because from optical pickocff 114,116 the emission light at the direction (width perpendicular to insertion/removing direction 50, left and right directions) the upper propagation is so test section 89 and plate 88 can enter optics sensor 114,116 test point (light path) direction of insertion 50 is enterprising in the timing of expectation.And, because can be on the downward direction of the direction of propagating perpendicular to direction of insertion 50 and light access HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77, so even HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 are accessed in contact 106 on downward direction, make print cartridge 30 move up downwards, such movement does not affect test section 89 and plate 88 in the enterprising timing that enters optics sensor 114,116 test point (light path) of direction of insertion 56 yet.This is because determine this timing by the movement of print cartridge 30 on direction of insertion 56, rather than moves down to determine this timing by print cartridge 30.In general, when occuring on the direction that event is being perpendicular to one another, such event can be event independently, and can not influence each other.

In this embodiment, because HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 are between antetheca 40 and rear wall 42, the bias force from slide block 135 and helical spring 139 is not directly received by HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 on removing direction 55.Therefore, reduced the possibility that applies excessive load to HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77.And, reduce ink and leaked and polluted with ink the possibility of HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 from ink feed section 34.

If IC plate 74 is disposed in antetheca 40 places towards direction of insertion 56, contact potentially unstable between HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 and contact 106, because print cartridge 30 is on removing direction 55, on the direction that to be HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 separate from contact 106, be biased.Result, in this case, the elasticity of the deformation range of contact 106 and contact 106 must be set to larger, in order to guarantee contacting between HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 and contact 106, even the bias force that is biased print cartridge 30 when HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 is from the contact 106 when removing.However, the larger deformation range of contact 106 and larger elasticity may apply larger bias force to HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77,, may apply excessive load to HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 that is.And if IC plate 74 is disposed in antetheca 40 places, the ink that has leaked from ink feed section 34 may arrive HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77, and causes the short circuit between HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77.

In this embodiment, because HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 and stopper 45 are provided at the same side of print cartridge 30, roof 39 sides for example are so HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 positions are adjacent to stopper 45.Because stopper 45 is determined the position of print cartridge 30 with respect to box installation portion 110 about insertion/removing direction 50 when stopper 45 contact engagement member 145, so can accurately locate about insertion/removing direction 50 HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and the signal electrode 77 that is adjacent to stopper 45 with respect to contact 106.

In this embodiment, because HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 are with respect to direction of insertion 56 positions than composition surface 46 more forward, and each of composition surface 46 and HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 intersects with the respective planes that is parallel to short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53, so engagement member 145 slides on HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 during the insertion of box installation portion 110 at print cartridge 30.Therefore, wipe the dust on HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77, and, be reduced in the unsettled possibility that becomes that is electrically connected between HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 and contact 106.

In this embodiment, HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 are positioned at least a portion of composition surface 46 of stopper 45.Because engagement member 145 is configured to due to the downward pivotable of the weight of himself or is biased by the spring, so engagement member 145 can be wiped dust on HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 with stronger downward power.And, the mobile range of engagement member 145 is limited, make the not downward pivotable of engagement member 145 exceed latched position, if HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 are positioned at composition surface 46 times, engagement member 145 can not contact HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77.The erase feature of engagement member 145 is convenient in the position of the HOT electrode 75 at least a portion of composition surface 46, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 therefore.

In this embodiment, because HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 are with respect to direction of insertion 56 positions than the ink feed opening 71 of ink feed section 34 more backward, even so be inserted into box installation portion 110 and/or wipe dust on HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 when box installation portion 110 takes out when print cartridge 30, also reduced such dust adhesion to the possibility of the part of the ink feed section 34 around ink feed opening 71.Therefore, reduced ink by the possibility of contamination by dust.

In this embodiment, because for example the depression of groove 87 with respect to direction of insertion 56 positions than HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 more forward, so each of groove 87 and HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 intersects with the respective planes that is parallel to short transverse (above-below direction) 52 and depth direction (fore-and-aft direction) 53, and HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 are positioned on groove 87, drop into groove 87 from the dust that HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 are wiped.Therefore, reduced the possibility that dust fell down and adhered to the part of the ink feed section 34 around ink feed opening 71.

In this embodiment, because ink feed section 34 is positioned at antetheca 40 places and HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 and is positioned at roof 39 places, so reduced the possibility that the ink that spills from ink feed section 34 arrived and polluted HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77.

In this embodiment, because sub-frame 90 is removable with respect to main body 31 in short transverse (above-below direction) 52, so sub-frame 90 and main body 31 can be positioned with respect to box installation portion 110 individually about short transverse (above-below direction) 52.Therefore, the element that provides at sub-frame 90 places, for example IC plate 74, plate 88 and test section 89, and the element that provides at main body 31 places, for example ink feed section 34, can be with respect to the counter element that provides at box installation portion 110 places, for example contact 106, optical pickocff 114,116 and China ink pipe 122, location individually.

Because from a plurality of elements assembling print cartridges 30, so that the dimensional tolerance of each element need to be set to usually is little, this requires the high accuracy in each element of Design and manufacture.If the dimensional tolerance of each element is larger, the scale error of the accumulation of print cartridge 30 becomes large usually.In this case, China ink pipe 122 possibly can't insert in ink feed opening 71 and may contact the far-end of ink feed section 34 and break, contact 106 may contact IC plate 74 and may break with high pressure, on the contrary, IC plate 74 may be failed to contact in contact 106, and perhaps plate 88 and test section 89 may fail to enter between optical pickocff 114,116 optical transmitting set and optical receiver.Yet, in this embodiment, because sub-frame 90 can move with respect to main body 31, sub-frame 90 and main body 31 can be located separately with respect to box installation portion 110, so element that provides at sub-frame 90 places, for example IC plate 74, plate 88 and test section 89, and the element that provides at main body 31 places, for example ink feed section 34, can be with the medium size tolerance of element with respect to the counter element that provides at box installation portion 110 places, for example contact 106, optical pickocff 114,116 and China ink pipe 122, location separately.

In this embodiment, because the width of each of HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 is greater than the width of plate 88, in other words, the width of plate 88 is less than each width of HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77, so plate 88 is adapted to pass through the non-contact detecting of optical pickocff 116, and HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 are suitable for and contact 106 physical contacts.

In another embodiment, second outstanding 86 can comprise rib, and this is similar to first outstanding 85 plate 88, and optical pickocff 117 can be configured to the rib of direct-detection second outstanding 86.

In another embodiment, except elongated open 91,92 or test section 33 and support portion 79, the scope that sub-frame 90 moves with respect to main body 31 can be by known structure, the guide recess that for example forms in main body 31 or sub-frame 90 is determined.And except inclined

outer surface

47,48, the movement of sub-frame 90 can by known structure, for example at the guide rail of main body 31 or the 90 places formation of sub-frame, guide.

In another embodiment, limit surface, inside 98 outer surface of contact lever 125 not of the sub-frame 90 of opening 96, with respect to main body 31 mover frames 90.In this case, sub-frame 90 can be included in the upwardly extending surface, side that end face or place, bottom surface and insertion/removing direction 50 intersect, and when print cartridge 30 is inserted into box installation portion 110, this surface the protuberance that provides in box installation portion 110 can be provided and slide thereon, makes sub-frame 90 move with respect to main body 31.

In another embodiment, box installation portion 110 can not comprise slide block 135, helical spring 139 and optical pickocff 117.In this case, print cartridge 30 can be coupled to the spring of ink feed valve 70 and/or air communication valve 73 at removing direction 55 upper offsets.

In another embodiment, IC can not be arranged on the same plate of having arranged HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and signal electrode 77 thereon.For example, IC can be disposed in rear wall 42 parts or contiguous with it, and can be wired at roof 39 places or be adjacent to HOT electrode 75, GND electrode 76 and the signal electrode 77 that roof 39 is arranged.

In another embodiment, print cartridge 30 can not comprise sub-frame 90, and test section 89, plate 88 and IC plate 74 can be disposed on main body 31.

Referring to Fig. 9, in another embodiment, the width of print cartridge 30 can be greater than the width of the print cartridge 30 of Fig. 2 on width (left and right directions) 51, and, guide

portion

65,66,93,99 can be on width (left and right directions) 51 with respect to the off-centring of print cartridge 30.Rear wall 42 can comprise: the first surface 58 that extends abreast with antetheca 40 and antetheca 140; And at the upwardly extending second surface 59 in side that intersects with antetheca 40 and antetheca 140.Second surface 59 is connected and tilts with first surface 58, makes with the rear portion of second surface 59 to compare with the position of antetheca 140 with respect to antetheca 40, and the forward position of second surface 59 is more near antetheca 40 and antetheca 140.Compare with the position of antetheca 140 with respect to antetheca 40 with first surface 58, at least a portion position of second surface 59 is more near antetheca 40 and antetheca 140.

Although described the present invention in conjunction with various example structure and illustrative embodiment, those skilled in the art can understand, can be in the situation that do not depart from various changes and the modification that scope of the present invention is carried out structure as above and embodiment.Those skilled in the art can be by considering specification of the present invention disclosed herein or putting into practice the present invention and understand other structures and embodiment.It is only illustrative being intended that specification and described example, and scope of the present invention is limited by appended claim.

Claims

1. printing-fluid box comprises:

The front side;

With respect to the rear side of fore-and-aft direction with the phase antidirection finding of described front side;

Upside;

With respect to perpendicular to the above-below direction of described fore-and-aft direction and the downside of described upside phase antidirection finding;

Be positioned at the tubular fluid supply department of the downside of described front side;

But be configured to around the pivotal point pivotable and comprise the pivot member of end, wherein, described pivotal point is positioned at described upside, and described end is positioned at described rear side;

Optical attenuation section, described optical attenuation section is upper side-prominent from described front side, and is configured to the light of decaying and propagating on the left and right directions perpendicular to described fore-and-aft direction and described above-below direction; And

Electrical interface, but described electrical interface with respect to described fore-and-aft direction between described pivot member and described optical attenuation section, and be included in described fore-and-aft direction and described right and left upwardly extending surface,

Wherein, the upper end of described optical attenuation section is positioned at the below of described electrical interface with respect to described above-below direction.

2. printing-fluid box according to claim 1 comprises:

Be positioned at the first antetheca of described front side; And

Be positioned at the roof of described upside.

3. printing-fluid box according to claim 1 comprises:

Main body, described main body comprise described the first antetheca; And

Sub-frame, described sub-frame comprises the second antetheca, described the second antetheca be positioned at described front side and on described fore-and-aft direction to described the first antetheca.

4. printing-fluid box according to claim 1 wherein, with respect to described fore-and-aft direction, is oriented to leave described rear side with the front end of described fluid supply department and compares, and the front end of described optical attenuation section is oriented to more leave described rear side.

5. printing-fluid box according to claim 1, further comprise stopper, described stopper is included in described above-below direction and described right and left upwardly extending surface, wherein, with respect to described fore-and-aft direction, but described pivot member is positioned at the rear portion of described electrical interface and is configured to be centered around the upwardly extending axle pivotable of described right and left, wherein, described axle comprises described pivotal point, wherein, with respect to described fore-and-aft direction, but described stopper is between described pivot member and described electrical interface.

6. printing-fluid box according to claim 3, wherein, described main body further comprises the first guide portion, described the first guide portion extends upward in described front and back and comprises a pair of outer surface, wherein, each of described the first antetheca and described the first guide portion has the size on described left and right directions, and, described the first guide portion in the size between a pair of outer surface in described the first guide portion on described left and right directions less than the size of described the first antetheca on described left and right directions, wherein, described main body further comprises the second guide portion, described the second guide portion extends upward in described front and back and comprises a pair of outer surface, wherein, described the second guide portion has in the size between the described a pair of outer surface in described the second guide portion on described left and right directions, described size is less than the size of described the first antetheca on described left and right directions, wherein, described sub-frame comprises the 3rd guide portion and the 4th guide portion, each of described the 3rd guide portion and described the 4th guide portion extends upward in described front and back, wherein, described the 3rd guide portion is included in a pair of outer surface that aligns with the described a pair of outer surface of described the first guide portion on described fore-and-aft direction, and described the 4th guide portion is included in a pair of outer surface that aligns with the described a pair of outer surface of described the second guide portion on described fore-and-aft direction.

7. printing-fluid box according to claim 6, wherein, described the 3rd guide portion comprises a pair of plate of the described a pair of outer surface that limits respectively described the 3rd guide portion, wherein, described electrical interface is between the described a pair of plate of described the 3rd guide portion.

8. printing-fluid box according to claim 7, wherein, described electrical interface is positioned on interface board, and described interface board is attached to described sub-frame at attachment location, wherein, each of the described a pair of plate of described the 3rd guide portion comprises the first that is positioned in straight line with described attachment location when when described above-below direction is seen on described left and right directions, and second portion, and the upper end of described first is positioned at the below of the upper end of described second portion.

9. printing-fluid box according to claim 3, wherein, described the second antetheca has, circular open or circular depressed that therein form below described optical attenuation section with respect to described above-below direction.

10. printing-fluid box according to claim 3, wherein, described sub-frame comprises outstanding, described giving prominence to is positioned at the lower end of described the second wall or is adjacent to the lower end of described the second wall and gives prominence to forward, and described sub-frame has with respect to described above-below direction and is positioned at opening described outstanding top, that form therein, wherein, described fluid supply department is configured to pass the described opening of described sub-frame.

11. printing-fluid box according to claim 1 further comprises:

Fluid cavity, described fluid cavity is configured to store therein printing-fluid; And

Protuberance, described protuberance are positioned at the middle part of described front side with respect to described above-below direction, and outstanding forward, and wherein, described protuberance has the inner space that forms therein, and described inner space is communicated with the fluid cavity fluid.

12. printing-fluid box according to claim 11 further comprises another optical attenuation section, described another optical attenuation section is oriented to leave described protuberance and in the place ahead of described protuberance with respect to described fore-and-aft direction.

13. printing-fluid box according to claim 3, wherein, described main body comprises the first resin, the light that described the first resin is configured to allow to propagate on described left and right directions therefrom passes, and described sub-frame comprises the second resin, and described the second resin is configured to prevent that the light of propagating from therefrom passing on described left and right directions.

14. printing-fluid box according to claim 3, wherein, described sub-frame is configured to move with respect to described main body on described above-below direction.

15. printing-fluid box according to claim 14, wherein, described sub-frame is configured to not move with respect to described main body on described left and right directions.

16. printing-fluid box according to claim 2 further comprises:

Be positioned at described rear side and leave the rear wall of described the first antetheca on described fore-and-aft direction; And

Fluid cavity, described fluid cavity is configured to store therein printing-fluid,

Wherein, described fluid supply department is positioned at described the first antetheca place, and is configured to set up between described fluid cavity inside and outside and is communicated with,

Described rear wall comprises the first surface that extends abreast with described the first antetheca and at the upwardly extending second surface in side that intersects with described the first antetheca, and, with described first surface, the location of described the first antetheca is compared, at least a portion of described second surface is oriented to more near described the first antetheca.