EP2397336A1 - Liquid container, liquid supply device, and image printing apparatus - Google Patents
Liquid container, liquid supply device, and image printing apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2397336A1 EP2397336A1 EP10193098A EP10193098A EP2397336A1 EP 2397336 A1 EP2397336 A1 EP 2397336A1 EP 10193098 A EP10193098 A EP 10193098A EP 10193098 A EP10193098 A EP 10193098A EP 2397336 A1 EP2397336 A1 EP 2397336A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- groove
- mounting portion
- width direction
- protrusion
- inclined surface
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 99
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 63
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 63
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 13
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 11
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 8
- 210000000078 claw Anatomy 0.000 description 7
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000009191 jumping Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000002238 attenuated effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003002 synthetic resin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000000057 synthetic resin Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009194 climbing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/17553—Outer structure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/1752—Mounting within the printer
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a liquid container configured to be mounted to a mounting portion comprising a stopper, a liquid supply device comprising such a liquid container and a mounting portion, and an image printing apparatus comprising such a liquid supply device.
- the mounting portion has a locking structure configured to lock or retain the ink cartridge in a specific position in the mounting portion.
- the mounting portion also has an urging member configured to urge the ink cartridge positioned in the mounting portion in a direction in which the ink cartridge is removed from the mounting portion when the ink cartridge is locked or retained by the locking structure.
- an image printing apparatus comprises the liquid supply device as described above, and a printing portion configured to selectively eject liquid supplied from the liquid supply device.
- Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the ink cartridge of Fig. 2 .
- Fig. 6 is an enlarged partial side view of the ink cartridge of Fig. 2 .
- the second projection 46 extends from the lower end of the front wall 40 of the main body 31 in the insertion direction 50a away from the rear wall 42.
- the second projection 46 is positioned below the ink supply portion 37.
- the width of the second projection 46 is equal to the width of the front wall 40 in the width direction 51.
- the distal end of the second projection 46 extends to a position farther from the ink chamber 36 than the distal end of the ink supply portion 37.
- the main body 31 comprises a lower wall 41 opposite the upper wall 39 in the height direction 52
- the ink cartridge 30 comprises a guide portion 44 positioned vertically below the main body 31 and extending downward from the lower wall 41 of the main body 31.
- the guide portion 44 extends in the depth direction 53.
- the guide portion 44 comprises a pair of surfaces 54, 55 extending in the height direction 52 and the depth direction 53 and positioned away from each other in the width direction 51.
- the surfaces 54, 55 extend in the insertion direction 50a and the removal direction 50b.
- the main body 31 comprises a right end surface 47 and a left end surface 48 in the width direction 51, and the surfaces 54, 55 of the guide portion 44 are positioned more inside than the right end surface 47 and the left end surface 48 of the main body 31 in the width direction 51.
- a distance E between the right end surface 47 and the left end surface 48 of the main body 31 in the width direction 51 is greater than a distance A between the surfaces 54, 55 in the width direction 51 (distance A ⁇ distance E).
- the guide portion 44 is configured to be positioned and moved in a first groove 115 and a second groove 116 of the mounting portion 110, described later (see Figs. 7 and 8 ), when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into and removed from the mounting portion 110.
- the surface 54 has a slit 62 formed therethrough, and the rear end of the base 58 is defined by the slit 62.
- the base 58 has no distinctive front end.
- the base 58 is made of synthetic resin or the like integrally with the main body 31 and is resiliently deformable in the width direction 51 by the formation of the slit 62. The amount of resilient deformation of the base 58 is greater than or equal to the dimension of the protrusion 59 in the width direction 51.
- the distal end of the protrusion 59 is positioned more inside than the right end surface 47 of the main body 31 is in the width direction 51 and positioned more closer to the surface 54 than the right end surface 47 is in the width direction 51. In other words, the protrusion 59 does not extend outward beyond the right end surface 47 in the width direction 51.
- the protrusion 59 has a triangular shape with its base positioned above its apex, in side view.
- the distance B between the distal ends of the protrusions 59, 61 in the width direction 51 is greater than the distance A between the surfaces 54, 55 of the guide portion 44 in the width direction (distance A ⁇ distance B).
- the mounting portion 110 has the opening 112, and the ink cartridge 30 is configured to be inserted into the mounting portion 110 in the insertion direction 50a via the opening 112 and thereby mounted in the mounting portion 110.
- the ink cartridge 30 also is configured to be removed from the mounting portion 110 in the removal direction 104 via the opening 112.
- the mounting portion 110 comprises the first groove 115 and the second groove 116 formed in a bottom surface 113 which defines the bottom of the inner space of the mounting portion 110.
- the first groove 115 is aligned with the second groove 116 in the insertion direction 50a, and the first groove 115 and the second groove 116 extends from the opening 112 in the insertion direction 50a.
- the ink cartridge 30 is guided in the insertion/removal directions 50 by the guide portion 44 positioned in the first groove 115 and the second groove 116 when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into and removed from the mounting portion 110.
- the mounting portion 110 comprises a sliding member 120 which is slidable in the width direction 51 relative to the first groove 115.
- the sliding member 120 is positioned at an opening 112-side end of the bottom surface 113 of the mounting portion 110.
- the sliding member 120 is a flat plate being thin in the insertion/removal directions 50.
- the sliding member 120 has the second groove 116 formed therein, and the second groove 116 is contiguous with the first groove 115.
- the second groove 116 is a space penetrating through the sliding member 120 in the insertion/removal directions 50.
- the second groove 116 is defined by the side surfaces 123, 124 extending in the insertion/removal directions 50 and opposing to each other and a bottom surface 125 which connects the side surfaces 123, 124.
- a distance F between the side surfaces 123, 124 of the second groove 116 is greater than the distance D between the side surfaces 117, 118 of the first groove 115 (distance D ⁇ distance F).
- the sliding member 120 is configured to slide in the width direction 51 in a range where the first groove 115 and the second groove 116 are overlapped with each other in the insertion/removal directions 50. The distance the sliding member 120 slides is much less than the distance D and the distance F. Therefore, even when the sliding member 120 is slid by a maximum amount, at least portion of the first groove 115 overlaps at least portion of the second groove 116 in the insertion/removal directions 50.
- the sliding member 135 when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the mounting portion 110, the sliding member 135 is pressed by the second projection 46, and is slid toward the back wall of the space 130. Also, the coil spring 139 contracts from the natural length, and the sliding member 135 receives a biasing force from the coil spring 139 toward the opening 112. Accordingly, the ink cartridge 30 in the mounting portion 110 is resiliently urged in the removal direction towrad the opening 112.
- the engaging end 146 of the locking lever 145 climbs onto the upper wall 39 of the ink cartridge 30. Accordingly, the locking lever 145 pivots counterclockwise, and moves from the lock position to the unlock position (see Fig. 10 ).
- the engaging portion 43 of the ink cartridge 30 moves toward the end portion of the mounting portion 110 relative to the engaging end 146 of the locking lever 145, and the locking lever 145 pivots to a position where the engaging end 146 engages the engaging portion 43. In other words, the locking lever 145 pivots clockwise, and moves from the unlock position to the lock position (see Fig. 9 ).
- the mounting portion 110 may not comprise the sliding member 120, and the stoppers 126, 127 may protrude from the side surfaces 117, 118 of the first groove 115, respectively.
- the stopper 126 comprises an inclined surface 128 facing the end portion of the mounting portion 110 in the insertion direction 50a, and the inclined surface 128 is inclined, such that a first portion of the inclined surface 128 is closer to the opening 112 than a second portion of the inclined surface 128 is.
- the first portion of the inclined surface 128 is closer to the bottom surface 125 of the second groove 126 than the second portion of the inclined surface 128 is.
- the bases 58, 60 are more readily deformed toward each other because the protrusions 59, 61 are guided toward each other by the inclined surfaces 64, 66 of the protrusions 59, 61. Accordingly, the user can pull out the ink cartridge 30 without feeling a significant resistance caused by the stoppers 126, 127.
- the protrusion 61 may not come into contact with the stopper 127 when the protrusion 59 initially comes into contact with the stopper 126.
- the stopper 126 moves along the inclined surface 64 of the protrusion 59, and thereby the sliding member 120 is moved rightward in Fig. 15 .
- the stopper 127 approaches and comes into contact with the protrusion 61. In this manner, owing to the sliding member 120, the protrusions 59, 61 come into come into the stoppers 126, 127 in a well balanced manner.
- the bases 58, 60 of the deformable portions 56, 57 may not be configured to be resiliently deformable, but the protrusion 59, 61 of the deformable portions 56, 57 may be configured to be resiliently deformable.
- the protrusion 59, 61 may be made of rubber attached to the bases 58, 60, respectively. In this case, when the protrusions 59, 61 contact the stoppers 126, 127, the protrusions 59, 61 are resiliently deformed inward in the width direction 51.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a liquid container configured to be mounted to a mounting portion comprising a stopper, a liquid supply device comprising such a liquid container and a mounting portion, and an image printing apparatus comprising such a liquid supply device.
- A known image printing apparatus is configured to print images on a sheet of paper using ink. The image printing apparatuses has an ink-jet print-head configured to selectively eject ink droplets from nozzles of the print-head toward the sheet of paper. A desired image is printed on the sheet of paper when the ink droplets land on the sheet of paper. The image printing apparatuses has a liquid container which contains ink to be supplied to the print-head. One example of the liquid container is a liquid cartridge, which is configured to be inserted into and removed from a mounting portion provided in the image printing apparatus. A liquid cartridge storing ink is also referred to as an ink cartridge.
- When the ink cartridge runs out of ink, the ink cartridge is removed from the mounting portion of the image printing apparatus, and a new ink cartridge having ink stored therein is mounted to the mounting portion. The mounting portion has a locking structure configured to lock or retain the ink cartridge in a specific position in the mounting portion. The mounting portion also has an urging member configured to urge the ink cartridge positioned in the mounting portion in a direction in which the ink cartridge is removed from the mounting portion when the ink cartridge is locked or retained by the locking structure. When a user intends to remove the ink cartridge from the mounting portion, the ink cartridge is released from the locked state, and the ink cartridge moves toward the outside of the mounting portion with a force applied by the urging member. Accordingly, a user is allowed to readily remove the ink cartridge from the mounting portion.
- When the ink cartridge is moved with a great force, the ink cartridge may jump out of the mounting portion. If the ink cartridge jumps out of the mounting portion, the ink cartridge may fall down and hit a surface, and the impact of hitting the surface may cause the ink stored in the ink cartridge to splash out. The cartridge also may be broken when the ink cartridge hit the surface.
- A known mounting portion such as a mounting portion described in
JP-A-2005-288866 - However, when replacement of the ink cartridge is repeated and the claw hook is resiliently deformed repeatedly many times, the claw hook may be fatigued and may become unable to resiliently return to its original position or the deformation amount thereof may be reduced due to the fatigue, or the claw hook may even be fractured off. In such cases, the function of the claw hook, i.e., the prevention of the ink cartridge from jumping out of the mounting portion, is no longer effective. In order to restore its function, the mounting portion having the claw hook needs to be replaced.
- Therefore, a need has arisen for a liquid container, a liquid supply device, and an image printing apparatus, which overcome these and other shortcomings of the related art. A technical advantage of the present invention is that chances are reduced that a liquid container jumps out of a mounting portion, with a structure of the mounting portion, which is suitable for repeated use.
- According to an aspect of the invention, a liquid container is configured to be inserted into a mounting portion in an insertion direction and to be removed from the mounting portion in a removal direction opposite the insertion direction. The liquid container comprise a main body comprising a liquid chamber configured to store liquid therein, a liquid supply portion positioned at the main body and configured to supply liquid from an interior of the liquid chamber to an exterior of the liquid chamber, and a first cartridge-surface positioned vertically below the main body and extending in the insertion direction and the removal direction. The first cartridge-surface comprises a first deformable portion configured to be resiliently deformable in a width direction perpendicular to the insertion direction and the removal direction, and the first deformable portion comprises a first protrusion.
- According to another aspect of the invention, a liquid supply device comprises the liquid container as described above further comprising a guide portion comprising the first cartridge-surface, and a mounting portion having an opening. The liquid container is configured to be inserted into the mounting portion in the insertion direction via the opening and to be removed from the mounting portion in the removal direction via the opening. The mounting portion comprises an end portion opposite the opening in the insertion direction, an urging member configured to urge the liquid container positioned in the mounting portion toward the opening, a groove extending from the opening to the end portion in the insertion direction. The groove is partially defined by a first groove-surface extending in the insertion direction and the removal direction and a second groove-surface extending in the insertion direction and the removal direction and opposing to the first groove-surface, and the guide portion is configured to be positioned and moved in the groove when the liquid container is inserted into and removed from the mounting portion. The mounting portion also comprises a first stopper projecting from the first groove-surface into the groove. The first cartridge-surface faces the first groove-surface when the liquid container is inserted into and removed from the mounting portion. The first protrusion of the first deformable portion is configured to contact the first stopper when the liquid container is inserted into and removed from the mounting portion, and the first deformable portion is configured to resiliently deform when the first protrusion contacts the first stopper. The mounting portion also comprises a retaining member configured to releasably retain the liquid container in a mount position in the mounting portion against an urging force of the urging member.
- According to yet another aspect of the invention, an image printing apparatus comprises the liquid supply device as described above, and a printing portion configured to selectively eject liquid supplied from the liquid supply device.
- With these configurations, the liquid container is inserted into the mounting portion via the opening and mounted to the mounting portion. When the liquid container is mounted in the mounting portion, the liquid container is urged by the urging member, but the retaining member retains the liquid container in the mount position against the urging force of the urging member. The guide portion of the liquid container is positioned in the groove of the mounting portion.
- When the liquid container is released from the retained state by the retaining member, the liquid container is moved toward the opening by the urging force of the urging member. When the liquid container is moved toward the opening, the guide portion moves along the groove of the mounting portion, and the first protrusion of the first deformable portion comes into contact with the first stopper of the groove. The liquid container is stopped by this contact between the first protrusion of the first deformable portion and the first stopper.
- The position where the liquid container stops is not limited to the position where the first protrusion of the first deformable portion contacts the first stopper. For example, the liquid container may move with the first protrusion of the first deformable portion sliding on the first stopper while the first deformable portion is resiliently deformed. The velocity of the liquid container may be attenuated by the contact between the first protrusion of the first deformable portion and the first stopper, and the liquid container may be stopped after the first protrusion has passed the first stopper.
- Accordingly, chances are reduced that the liquid container jumps out of the mounting portion. Moreover, it is the liquid container that comprises the deformable portion, and therefore the first stopper may not be fatigued even after the liquid containers are repeatedly inserted into and removed from the mounting portion.
- Other objects, features, and advantages will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art from the following detained description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.
- For a more complete understanding of the present invention, needs satisfied thereby, and the objects, features, and advantages thereof, reference now is made to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
-
Fig. 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a printer comprising an ink supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the ink cartridge ofFig. 2 . -
Fig. 4 is a side view of the ink cartridge ofFig. 2 . -
Fig. 5 is an enlarged partial bottom view of the ink cartridge ofFig. 2 . -
Fig. 6 is an enlarged partial side view of the ink cartridge ofFig. 2 . -
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a mounting portion. -
Fig. 8 is an enlarged partial plan view of a first groove and a second groove in the vicinity of an opening of a mounting portion ofFig. 7 . -
Fig. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge ofFig. 2 and the mounting portion ofFig, 7 , in which theink cartridge 30 is mounted in themounting portion 110. -
Fig. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge ofFig. 2 and the mounting portion ofFig, 7 , in which the ink cartridge is inserted into the mounting portion or the ink cartridge is removed from the mounting portion. -
Fig. 11 is an enlarged partial horizontal cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge ofFig. 2 and the mounting portion ofFig. 7 , in which protrusions of the ink cartridge contact stoppers of the mounting portion. -
Fig. 12 is an enlarged partial vertical cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge and a mounting portion according to a first modified embodiment. -
Fig. 13 is an enlarged partial horizontal cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge and a mounting portion according to a second modified embodiment. -
Fig. 14 is an enlarged partial horizontal cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge and a mounting portion according to a third modified embodiment. -
Fig. 15 is an enlarged partial horizontal cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge and the mounting portion ofFig. 14 , in which a center of a first groove of the mounting portion in a width direction and a center of a guide portion of the ink cartridge in the width direction are offset in the width direction - Embodiments of the present invention, and their features and advantages, may be understood by referring to
Figs 1-15 , like numerals being used for like corresponding parts in the various drawings. - Referring to
Fig. 1 , aprinter 10 is configured to print an image by selectively ejecting ink droplets on a printing sheet of paper. Theprinter 10 comprises theink supply device 100. Theink supply device 100 comprises a mountingportion 110. The mountingportion 110 allows anink cartridge 30 to be mounted therein. The mountingportion 110 has anopening 112 and the inside of the mountingportion 110 is configured to be exposed to the outside of the mountingportion 110 via theopening 112. Theink cartridge 30 is configured to be inserted into the mountingportion 110 in aninsertion direction 50a (seeFig. 2 ) via theopening 112 and thereby mounted in the mountingportion 110. Theink cartridge 30 also is configured to be removed from the mountingportion 110 in aremoval direction 50b (SeeFig. 2 ) via theopening 112. Theremoval direction 50b is opposite theinsertion direction 50a. In this embodiment, theinsertion direction 50a and theremoval direction 50b are substantially a horizontal direction. Theprinter 10 is an example of an image printing apparatus. Theink supply device 100 is an example of a liquid supply device. - The
ink cartridge 30 is configured to store ink which is usable by theprinter 10. Theprinter 10 comprises an ink-jet print-head 21 and anink tube 20, and theink cartridge 30 and the print-head 21 are fluidically connected via theink tube 20 when theink cartridge 30 is mounted in the mountingportion 110. The print-head 21 comprises asub tank 28. Thesub tank 28 is configured to temporarily store ink supplied via theink tube 20 from theink cartridge 30. The print-head 21 is configured to selectively eject ink supplied from thesub tank 28 throughnozzles 29. The print-head 21 is an example of a printing portion. - A printing sheet of paper fed from a
paper feed tray 15 to a conveyingpath 24 by apaper feed roller 23 is conveyed onto aplaten 26 by a conveyingroller pair 25. The print-head 21 is configured to selectively eject ink onto the printing sheet of paper passing over theplaten 26. Accordingly, an image is printed on the printing sheet of paper. The printing sheet of paper having passed over theplaten 26 is discharged to apaper discharge tray 16 disposed at the most downstream side of the conveyingpath 24 by adischarge roller pair 22. - Referring to
Fig. 2 to Fig. 4 , theink cartridge 30 is a container configured to store ink therein. A space formed in the interior of theink cartridge 30 is anink chamber 36. Theink cartridge 30 comprises amain body 31 forming an outer appearance of theink cartridge 30. Theink chamber 36 is a space directly formed in the interior of themain body 31. In another embodiment, theink chamber 36 may be a space formed in the interior of a container which is disposed in themain body 31. Theink cartridge 30 is an example of a liquid container, and theink chamber 36 is an example of a liquid chamber. - The
ink cartridge 30 is configured to be inserted into and removed from the mountingportion 110 in an upright position as shown inFig. 2 , with the top surface of theink cartridge 30 inFig. 2 facing upward and the bottom surface of theink cartridge 30 inFig. 2 facing downward. Theink cartridge 30 is configured to be inserted into and the mountingportion 110 in theinsertion direction 50a and to be removed from the mountingportion 110 in theremoval direction 50b, in other words, theink cartridge 30 is configured to be inserted into and removed from the mountingportion 110 in insertion/removal directions 50 which are the combination of theinsertion direction 50a and theremoval direction 50b. - The
main body 31 of theink cartridge 30 has substantially a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Themain body 31 has a width in awidth direction 51, a height in aheight direction 52, and a depth in adepth direction 53. Thewidth direction 51, theheight direction 52, and thedepth direction 53 are perpendicular to each other. The width of themain body 31 is less than the height and the depth of themain body 31. A wall of themain body 31 positioned on the front side of themain body 31 when theink cartridge 30 is inserted into the mountingportion 110 is afront wall 40, and a wall of themain body 31 positioned on the rear side of themain body 31 when theink cartridge 30 is inserted into the mountingportion 110 is arear wall 42. Thefront wall 40 and therear wall 42 are aligned in thedepth direction 53. When theink cartridge 30 is inserted into the mountingportion 110, thedepth direction 53 is parallel to the insertion/removal directions 50, and thewidth direction 51 and theheight direction 52 are perpendicular to the insertion/removal directions 50. Therefore, thefront wall 40 and therear wall 42 are aligned in the insertion/removal directions 50 when theink cartridge 30 is inserted into the mountingportion 110. - The
main body 31 comprises a remainingamount detection portion 33 provided at thefront wall 40 of themain body 31 at substantially the center of thefront wall 40 in theheight direction 52. The remainingamount detection portion 33 has a box shape having an opening through which the inside of the remainingamount detection portion 33 is in fluid communication with the inside of theink chamber 36. The remainingamount detection portion 33 comprises a pair of walls made of a light-transmissive resin which allow infrared light emitted from an optical sensor 114 (seeFig. 9 ) provided in the mountingportion 110 to pass therethrough. When theink cartridge 30 is mounted in the mountingportion 110, the remainingamount detection portion 33 is configured to either allow the infrared light emitted from theoptical sensor 114 to pass therethrough, or block or substantially attenuate the infrared light, depending on the amount of ink in theink chamber 36. Whether the remainingamount detection portion 33 allows the infrared light to pass therethrough or blocks or substantially attenuates the infrared light tells a controller of the printer whether or not the amount of ink stored in theink chamber 36 is less than a predetermined amount. A wall of the remaining amount detection portion which is irradiated with the infrared light of theoptical sensor 114 may extend in the vertical direction (height direction 52) or in a direction intersecting the vertical direction (height direction 52). - The
main body 31 has an opening formed through thefront wall 40 in thedepth direction 53, and the opening is positioned above the remainingamount detection portion 33. Themain body 31 has an atmosphericair communication opening 32 behind the opening of thefront wall 40. The atmosphericair communication opening 32 and the opening of thefront wall 40 are aligned in thedepth direction 53. The atmosphericair communication opening 32 penetrates through a wall defining theink chamber 36 in thedepth direction 53. Theink chamber 30 stores ink therein and an air layer is formed above the ink surface in theink chamber 36. The air layer in theink chamber 36 and atmospheric air outside themain body 31 can be brought into communication with each other via the atmosphericair communication opening 32. Although not shown in the respective drawings, the atmosphericair communication opening 32 is configured to be selectively opened and closed by a valve. The air pressure in theink chamber 36 becomes equal to the atmospheric pressure outside themain body 31 when the atmosphericair communication opening 32 is opened. The atmosphericair communication opening 32 does not necessarily have to be provided adjacent to thefront wall 40 as long as the interior and the exterior of theink chamber 36 are brought into communication with each other via the atmosphericair communication opening 32. Moreover, when theink cartridge 30 is used with the inside of theink chamber 36 kept in a negative pressure, themain body 31 may not comprise the atmosphericair communication opening 32. - The
main body 31 comprises anink supply portion 37 positioned thefront wall 40 below the remainingamount detection portion 33. Theink supply portion 37 has a cylindrical outer surface, and protrudes outward from thefront wall 40 in theinsertion direction 50a. Theink supply portion 37 has anink flow cannel 38 formed therein, and theink flow channel 38 extends in the insertion/removal directions 50. Theink supply portion 37 is configured such that ink is flowed out from theink chamber 36 through theink flow cannel 38 into an ink supply tube 122 (SeeFigs. 1 and9 ) provided in the mountingportion 110. Theink supply portion 37 is an example of a liquid supply portion. - The
main body 31 comprises anupper wall 39 extending from the upper end of thefront wall 40 to the upper end of therear wall 42. Themain body 31 also comprises an engagingportion 43 at substantially the center of theupper wall 39 in thedepth direction 53. The engagingportion 43 comprises a plane extending in thewidth direction 51 and theheight direction 52. A lockinglever 145, described later (seeFig. 9 ), is configured to engage the engagingportion 43 when theink cartridge 30 is mounted in the mountingportion 110. - The
main body 31 comprises afirst projection 45 and asecond projection 46. Thefirst projection 45 extends from the upper end of thefront wall 40 of themain body 31 in theinsertion direction 50a away from therear wall 42. The width of thefirst projection 45 is equal to the width of thefront wall 40 in thewidth direction 51. In another embodiment, thefirst projection 45 may be a plate-shaped member having a narrower width than the width of thefront wall 40 in thewidth direction 51. - The
second projection 46 extends from the lower end of thefront wall 40 of themain body 31 in theinsertion direction 50a away from therear wall 42. Thesecond projection 46 is positioned below theink supply portion 37. The width of thesecond projection 46 is equal to the width of thefront wall 40 in thewidth direction 51. The distal end of thesecond projection 46 extends to a position farther from theink chamber 36 than the distal end of theink supply portion 37. - Referring to
Figs. 3 to 6 , themain body 31 comprises alower wall 41 opposite theupper wall 39 in theheight direction 52, and theink cartridge 30 comprises aguide portion 44 positioned vertically below themain body 31 and extending downward from thelower wall 41 of themain body 31. Theguide portion 44 extends in thedepth direction 53. Theguide portion 44 comprises a pair ofsurfaces height direction 52 and thedepth direction 53 and positioned away from each other in thewidth direction 51. Thesurfaces insertion direction 50a and theremoval direction 50b. Themain body 31 comprises aright end surface 47 and aleft end surface 48 in thewidth direction 51, and thesurfaces guide portion 44 are positioned more inside than theright end surface 47 and theleft end surface 48 of themain body 31 in thewidth direction 51. In other words, a distance E between theright end surface 47 and theleft end surface 48 of themain body 31 in thewidth direction 51 is greater than a distance A between thesurfaces guide portion 44 is configured to be positioned and moved in afirst groove 115 and asecond groove 116 of the mountingportion 110, described later (seeFigs. 7 and8 ), when theink cartridge 30 is inserted into and removed from the mountingportion 110. Thesurfaces first groove 115 and thesecond groove 116 when theink cartridge 30 is inserted into and removed from the mountingportion 110. Thesurfaces - The
surfaces guide portion 44 comprisesdeformable portions deformable portions depth direction 53, i.e., the directions of insertion anddisconnection 50. In other words, thedeformable portions width direction 51. Thedeformable portion 56 comprises abase 58 and aprotrusion 59. Thedeformable portion 57 comprises abase 60 and aprotrusion 61. Theribs width direction 51, and theprotrusion 59 and theprotrusion 61 protrudes from theribs width direction 51 in opposite directions. - The
surface 54 has aslit 62 formed therethrough, and the rear end of thebase 58 is defined by theslit 62. Thebase 58 has no distinctive front end. Thebase 58 is made of synthetic resin or the like integrally with themain body 31 and is resiliently deformable in thewidth direction 51 by the formation of theslit 62. The amount of resilient deformation of thebase 58 is greater than or equal to the dimension of theprotrusion 59 in thewidth direction 51. - The distal end of the
protrusion 59 is positioned more inside than theright end surface 47 of themain body 31 is in thewidth direction 51 and positioned more closer to thesurface 54 than theright end surface 47 is in thewidth direction 51. In other words, theprotrusion 59 does not extend outward beyond theright end surface 47 in thewidth direction 51. Theprotrusion 59 has a triangular shape with its base positioned above its apex, in side view. Aninclined surface 63 of theprotrusion 59 on the side of thefront wall 40 is inclined, such that a portion of theinclined surface 63 closer to the base of the triangle is positioned closer to thefront wall 40 than a portion of theinclined surface 63 farther from the base of the triangle, and aninclined surface 64 of theprotrusion 59 on the side of therear wall 42 is inclined, such that a portion of theinclined surface 64 closer to the base of the triangle is positioned closer to therear wall 42 than a portion of theinclined surface 64 farther from the base of the triangle. - The
surface 55 has aslit 65 formed therethrough, and the rear end of thebase 60 is defined by theslit 65. Thebase 60 has no distinctive front end. Thebase 60 is made of synthetic resin or the like integrally with themain body 31 and is resiliently deformable in thewidth direction 51 by the formation of theslit 65. The amount of resilient deformation of thebase 60 is greater than or equal to the dimension of theprotrusion 61 in thewidth direction 51. - The distal end of the
protrusion 61 is positioned more inside than theleft end surface 48 of themain body 31 in thewidth direction 51 and positioned more closer to thesurface 55 than theleft end surface 48 is in thewidth direction 51. In other words, theprotrusion 61 does not extend outward beyond theleft end surface 48 in thewidth direction 51. Theprotrusion 61 has a triangular shape with its base positioned above its apex, in side view. Aninclined surface 66 of theprotrusion 61 on the side of thefront wall 40 is inclined, such that the a portion of theinclined surface 66 closer to the base of the triangle is positioned closer to thefront wall 40 than a portion of theinclined surface 66 farther from the base of the triangle, and aninclined surface 67 of theprotrusion 61 on the side of therear wall 42 is inclined, such that the a portion of theinclined surface 67 closer to the base of the triangle is positioned closer to thefront wall 40 than a portion of theinclined surface 67 farther from the base of the triangle. - As described above, the
protrusions right end surface 47 and theleft end surface 48 of themain body 31 in thewidth direction 51, and the distal ends of theprotrusions right end surface 47 and theleft end surface 48 of themain body 31 in thewidth direction 51. In other words, the distance E between theright end surface 47 and theleft end surface 48 of themain body 31 in thewidth direction 51 is greater than a distance B between the distal ends of theprotrusions protrusions ribs protrusions width direction 51 is greater than the distance A between thesurfaces guide portion 44 in the width direction (distance A < distance B). - Referring to
Fig. 1 andFig. 7 , the mountingportion 110 has theopening 112, and theink cartridge 30 is configured to be inserted into the mountingportion 110 in theinsertion direction 50a via theopening 112 and thereby mounted in the mountingportion 110. Theink cartridge 30 also is configured to be removed from the mountingportion 110 in the removal direction 104 via theopening 112. The mountingportion 110 comprises thefirst groove 115 and thesecond groove 116 formed in abottom surface 113 which defines the bottom of the inner space of the mountingportion 110. Thefirst groove 115 is aligned with thesecond groove 116 in theinsertion direction 50a, and thefirst groove 115 and thesecond groove 116 extends from theopening 112 in theinsertion direction 50a. Theink cartridge 30 is guided in the insertion/removal directions 50 by theguide portion 44 positioned in thefirst groove 115 and thesecond groove 116 when theink cartridge 30 is inserted into and removed from the mountingportion 110. - The mounting
portion 110 comprises theoptical sensor 114, alocking mechanism 144, a slidingmember 135, acoil spring 139, and ajoint portion 121. - Referring to
Fig. 9 , theoptical sensor 114 is provided at an end portion of the mountingportion 110 opposing theopening 112 in the insertion/removal directions 50. Theoptical sensor 114 is a photo interrupter comprising a light-emitting element, e.g., a light-emitting diode, configured to emit infrared light, and a light-receiving element, e.g., a photo transistor, configured to receive the infrared light emitted from the light-emitting element. The light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the paper plane on whichFig. 9 is illustrated. When theink cartridge 30 is positioned in the mountingportion 110, the remainingamount detection portion 33 is positioned between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element of theoptical sensor 114. Whether or not the remaining amount of stored in theink chamber 36 is less than the predetermined amount is determined by the controller of theprinter 10, depending on whether or not the light-receiving element of theoptical sensor 114 receives the infrared light passing the through the remainingamount detection portion 33. - The sliding
member 135 is disposed in aspace 130 formed in the lower end of the end portion of the mountingportion 110. Thespace 130 is contiguous with the inner space of the mountingportion 110. The slidingmember 135 is configured to slide in the insertion/removal directions 50 in thespace 130. The slidingmember 135 is positioned in the line of travel of thesecond projection 46 of theink cartridge 30 and is configured to come into contact with thesecond projection 46 when theink cartridge 30 is inserted in to the mountingportion 110. - The
coil spring 139 is disposed in thespace 130. Thecoil spring 139 is configured to resiliently bias the slidingmember 135 toward theopening 112, that is, in theremoval direction 50b. Thecoil spring 139 is fitted around a supportingrod 133 extending in thespace 130 in the insertion/removal directions 50. One end of thecoil spring 139 is connected to a back wall which defines an end of thespace 130 opposite the inner space of the mountingportion 110 in the insertion/removal directions 50, and the other end of thecoil spring 139 is connected to the slidingmember 135. When thecoil spring 139 has a natural length, that is, when an external force is not applied to the slidingmember 135, the slidingmember 135 is positioned at the opening 112-side end of the space 130 (seeFig. 10 ). Thesecond projection 46 of theink cartridge 30 comes into contact with the slidingmember 135 when theink cartridge 30 is inserted into the mountingportion 110, and the slidingmember 135 is pressed by theink cartridge 30 toward the back wall of thespace 130. Accordingly, thecoil spring 139 is contracted, and the slidingmember 135 is slid to the back wall side (seeFig. 9 ). The slidingmember 135 and thecoil spring 139 are configured to urge theink cartridge 30 positioned in the mountingportion 110 toward theopening 112. The slidingmember 135 and thecoil spring 139 are an example of an urging member. - The
locking mechanism 144 is configured to releasably retain theink cartridge 30 in a mount position in the mountingportion 110 against an urging force of the slidingmember 135 and thespring 139 and prevent theink cartridge 30 from moving in the removal direction 104. - The
locking mechanism 144 comprises the lockinglever 145 and acoil spring 148 which applies an urging force to the lockinglever 145. The lockinglever 145 is configured to pivot between an unlock position shown inFig. 10 and a lock position shown inFig. 9 . When an external force is not applied to the lockinglever 145, the lockinglever 145 is constantly urged toward the lock position by thecoil spring 148. The lockinglever 145 comprises anengaging end 146 positioned at one end of the lockinglever 145. Theink cartridge 30 is locked or retained in the mount position in the mountingportion 110 when theengaging end 146 of thelock mechanism 144 engages the engagingportion 43 of theink cartridge 30. The lockinglever 145 comprises an operatingmember 147 at the other end of the lockinglever 145. When a user presses the operatingmember 147 downward, the lockinglever 145 in the lock position moves to the unlock position. The lockinglever 145 is an example of a retaining member. - The
joint portion 121 is provided at the end portion of the mountingportion 110. Thejoint portion 121 comprises theink supply tube 122. Theink supply tube 122 is a tubular member extending in the insertion/removal directions 50. Theink supply tube 122 is in fluid communication with theink tube 20. When theink cartridge 30 is mounted in the mountingportion 110, theink supply tube 122 is inserted into theink supply portion 37, and theink supply portion 37 and thejoint portion 121 are jointed. Accordingly, ink is supplied from theink chamber 36 to theink tube 20 via theink supply tube 122. - Referring to
Fig. 8 , thebottom surface 113 which defines the bottom of the inner space of the mountingportion 110 has thefirst groove 115 formed therein, and thefirst groove 115 extends from thesecond groove 116 to the end portion of the mountingportion 110 in theinsertion direction 50a. Thefirst groove 115 is a space recessed vertically downward from thebottom surface 113, defined by the side surfaces 117, 118 extending in the insertion/removal directions 50 and opposing to each other and abottom surface 119 which connects the side surfaces 117, 118. In thewidth direction 51, a distance D between the side surfaces 117, 118 is greater than the distance A between thesurfaces guide portion 44 of the ink cartridge 30 (distance A < distance D), is greater than the distance B between the distal ends of theprotrusions 59, 61 (distance B < distance D), and is less than the distance E between theright end surface 47 and theleft end surface 48 of the main body 31 (distance D < distance E). Therefore, theguide portion 44 of theink cartridge 30 is allowed to be inserted into thefirst groove 115, but themain body 31 of theink cartridge 30 cannot be inserted into thefirst groove 115. - Referring to
Fig. 8 , the mountingportion 110 comprises a slidingmember 120 which is slidable in thewidth direction 51 relative to thefirst groove 115. The slidingmember 120 is positioned at an opening 112-side end of thebottom surface 113 of the mountingportion 110. The slidingmember 120 is a flat plate being thin in the insertion/removal directions 50. The slidingmember 120 has thesecond groove 116 formed therein, and thesecond groove 116 is contiguous with thefirst groove 115. Thesecond groove 116 is a space penetrating through the slidingmember 120 in the insertion/removal directions 50. Thesecond groove 116 is defined by the side surfaces 123, 124 extending in the insertion/removal directions 50 and opposing to each other and abottom surface 125 which connects the side surfaces 123, 124. In thewidth direction 51, a distance F between the side surfaces 123, 124 of thesecond groove 116 is greater than the distance D between the side surfaces 117, 118 of the first groove 115 (distance D < distance F). The slidingmember 120 is configured to slide in thewidth direction 51 in a range where thefirst groove 115 and thesecond groove 116 are overlapped with each other in the insertion/removal directions 50. The distance the slidingmember 120 slides is much less than the distance D and the distance F. Therefore, even when the slidingmember 120 is slid by a maximum amount, at least portion of thefirst groove 115 overlaps at least portion of thesecond groove 116 in the insertion/removal directions 50. - The mounting
portion 110 comprisesstoppers width direction 51, respectively, into thesecond groove 116. Thestoppers removal directions 50. In other words, thestoppers width direction 51. Thestoppers height direction 52, respectively. Each of thestoppers stopper width direction 51, such that the dimension thereof in the insertion/removal directions 50 decreases toward the distal end. - The distal ends of the
stoppers first groove 115 in thewidth direction 51 irrespective of the position of the slidingmember 120. In thewidth direction 51, a distance C between the distal ends of thestoppers surfaces guide portion 44 of the ink cartridge 30 (distance A < distance C) and, also, is less than the distance B between the distal ends of theprotrusions 59, 61 (distance C < distance B). Therefore, the respective distances A, B, C, D, E, and F described above have a following relationship: - When a user inserts the
ink cartridge 30 into the mountingportion 110 by pushing theink cartridge 30 in theinsertion direction 50a, theguide portion 44 is inserted into thefirst groove 115 and thesecond groove 116, and theprotrusions deformable portions ink cartridge 30 come into contact with thestoppers ink cartridge 30 into the mountingportion 110 feels resistance to some degree. However, when the user further pushes theink cartridge 30 inward, thebases deformable portions width direction 51, i.e., in the direction thestoppers protrusions stoppers - Referring to
Fig. 9 , when theink cartridge 30 is inserted into the mountingportion 110, the slidingmember 135 is pressed by thesecond projection 46, and is slid toward the back wall of thespace 130. Also, thecoil spring 139 contracts from the natural length, and the slidingmember 135 receives a biasing force from thecoil spring 139 toward theopening 112. Accordingly, theink cartridge 30 in the mountingportion 110 is resiliently urged in the removal direction towrad theopening 112. - During the insertion of the
ink cartridge 30 into the mounting portion110, theengaging end 146 of the lockinglever 145 climbs onto theupper wall 39 of theink cartridge 30. Accordingly, the lockinglever 145 pivots counterclockwise, and moves from the lock position to the unlock position (seeFig. 10 ). When theink cartridge 30 is further inserted, the engagingportion 43 of theink cartridge 30 moves toward the end portion of the mountingportion 110 relative to theengaging end 146 of the lockinglever 145, and the lockinglever 145 pivots to a position where theengaging end 146 engages the engagingportion 43. In other words, the lockinglever 145 pivots clockwise, and moves from the unlock position to the lock position (seeFig. 9 ). Although theink cartridge 30 urged by the slidingmember 135 and thecoil spring 139 tries to move in theremoval direction 50b toward theopening 112, theink cartridge 30 is retained in the mount position in the mountingportion 110 because theengaging end 146 of the lockinglever 145 engages the engagingportion 43. Theink cartridge 30 is thus mounted to the mountingportion 110. When theink cartridge 30 is mounted in the mount position in the mountingportion 110, theink supply tube 122 of thejoint portion 121 is inserted into theink flow cannel 38 of theink cartridge 30, and the supply of ink from theink chamber 36 to the outside of theink cartridge 30 is enabled. - When a user intends to remove the
ink cartridge 30 from the mountingportion 110, the user presses down the operatingmember 147 of the lockinglever 145. Accordingly, the lockinglever 145 pivots counterclockwise, and moves from the lock position to the unlock position (seeFig. 10 ). When the lockinglever 145 is in the unlock position, theengaging end 146 is positioned above the engagingportion 43 of theink cartridge 30. Accordingly, theengaging end 146 moves away from the engagingportion 43. Therefore, theink cartridge 30 is moved toward theopening 112 in theremoval direction 50b (leftward inFig. 9 ) upon receipt of the urging force from the slidingmember 135 and thecoil spring 139. Accordingly, theink supply tube 122 of thejoint portion 121 is removed from theink flow cannel 38 of theink cartridge 30. - Referring to
Fig. 10 , after thecoil spring 139 has restored to its natural length, theprotrusions ink cartridge 30 come into contact with thestoppers Fig. 11 . By the contact between theprotrusions stoppers ink cartridge 30 moving toward theopening 112 in theremoval direction 50b is stopped. - After the
ink cartridge 30 has stopped, when theink cartridge 30 is pulled out from the mountingportion 110 by the user, thebases deformable portions stoppers protrusions width direction 51, while theprotrusions stoppers ink cartridge 30 after it has stopped. - The position where the
ink cartridge 30 stops is not limited to the position where theprotrusions stoppers ink cartridge 30 may move with theprotrusions stoppers bases protrusions ink cartridge 30 may be attenuated by the frictional resistance between theprotrusions stoppers ink cartridge 30 may be stopped after theprotrusions stoppers - According to the embodiment as described above, when the
ink cartridge 30 is moved upon receipt of the urging force from the slidingmember 135 and thecoil spring 139, theprotrusions guide portion 44 moving along thefirst groove 115 come into contact with thestoppers second groove 116, such that theink cartridge 30 reduces its speed or even is stopped. Accordingly, chances are reduced that theink cartridge 30 jumps out of the mountingportion 110. - Also, it is the
ink cartridge 30 that comprises thedeformable portions stoppers ink cartridges 30 are repeatedly inserted into and removed from the mountingportion 110. - Because the
ink cartridge 30 comprises twodeformable portions width direction 51, and the mountingportion 110 comprises thestoppers width direction 51, even when a clearance suitable for the movement of theink cartridge 30 in thewidth direction 51 is provided between thesurfaces guide portion 44 and the side surfaces 117, 118 of thefirst groove 115, at least one of theprotrusions deformable portions stoppers ink cartridge 30 jumps out of the mountingportion 110. - Because a relationship distance A < distance C is satisfied, portions of the
guide portion 44 other than thedeformable portions stoppers protrusions stoppers protrusions first groove 115. - Because the
deformable portions width direction 51, and thestoppers width direction 51, theguide portion 44 is prevented from moving in thewidth direction 51 with respect to thefirst groove 115 by the contact between theprotrusions stoppers - Because the
protrusions right end surface 47 and theleft end surface 48 of themain body 31 in thewidth direction 51, theprotrusions right end surface 47 and theleft end surface 48 in thewidth direction 51. Therefore, chances are reduced that theprotrusions ink cartridge 30 is dropped onto a floor or when theink cartridge 30 is packed in a package formed of film and the inside of the package is depressurized. - The locking
lever 145 is configured to engage an upper portion of theink cartridge 30, i.e., the engagingportion 43 of theink cartridge 30, opposite a lower portion of theink cartridge 30 where thedeformable portions portion 43 can be provided without interference with thedeformable portions ink cartridge 30. - In another embodiment, the mounting
portion 110 may not comprise the slidingmember 120, and thestoppers first groove 115, respectively. - In another embodiment, the mounting
portion 110 may comprise only one of thestopper ink cartridge 30 may comprise only one of thedeformable portions stoppers - The shapes of the
protrusions stoppers Fig. 12 , thestopper 126, according to a first modified embodiment, comprises aninclined surface 128 facing the end portion of the mountingportion 110 in theinsertion direction 50a, and theinclined surface 128 is inclined, such that a first portion of theinclined surface 128 is closer to theopening 112 than a second portion of theinclined surface 128 is. The first portion of theinclined surface 128 is closer to thebottom surface 125 of thesecond groove 126 than the second portion of theinclined surface 128 is. In other words, theinclined surface 128 is inclined, such that the first portion of theinclined surface 128 is farther from the end portion of the mountingportion 110 than the second portion of theinclined surface 128 is. Although a surface of thestopper 127 facing the end portion of the mountingportion 110 is not shown in the drawings, the surface of thestopper 127, according to the first modified embodiment, is inclined in the same manner as theinclined surface 128. - When the
ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the mountingportion 110, theinclined surface 64 of theprotrusion 59, according to the first modified embodiment, is inclined, such that a first portion of theinclined surface 64 is closer to opening 112 than a second portion of theinclined surface 64 is, and the first portion of theinclined surface 64 is closer to thebottom surface 119 of thefirst groove 115 than the second portion of theinclined surface 64. In other words, theinclined surface 64 is inclined, such that the first portion of theinclined surface 64 is farther from the end portion of the mountingportion 110 than the second portion of theinclined surface 64. Although theprotrusion 61, according to the first modified embodiment, is not shown in the drawings, theprotrusion 61 has the same shape as theprotrusion 59 according to the first modified embodiment. - In the embodiment of
Figs. 1- 11 described above, theprotrusions inclined surfaces inclined surfaces opening 112 than second portions of theinclined surfaces inclined surfaces bottom surface 119 than the second portions of theinclined surfaces ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the mountingportion 110. Therefore, theprotrusions stoppers inclined surfaces ink cartridge 30 moves in theremoval direction 50b. Therefore, the effect to decelerate the velocity of theink cartridge 30 may be reduced. In contrast, according to the first modified embodiment, when theink cartridge 30 moves toward theopening 112 in theremoval direction 50b and thestopper 126 and theprotrusion 59 come into contact with each other, theinclined surface 128 of thestopper 126 and theinclined surface 64 of theprotrusion 59 contact each other, and theink cartridge 30 is guided along these inclinations toward thebottom surface 125 of thesecond groove 116. Accordingly, theprotrusion 59 is prevented from moving upward away from thebottom surface 125, and therefore prevented from climbing over thestopper 126 in the vertical direction. Accordingly, the effect to decelerate the velocity of theink cartridge 30 is obtained reliably. - Referring to
Fig. 13 , according to a second modified embodiment, theinclined surface 128 of thestopper 126 facing the end portion of the mountingportion 110 is inclined, such that a third portion of theinclined surface 128 is closer to the opening than a fourth portion of theinclined surface 128 is, and the third portion of theinclined surface 128 is farther from theside surface 123 than the fourth portion of theinclined surface 128 is. In other words, theinclined surface 128 is inclined, such that the third portion of theinclined surface 128 is farther from the end portion of the mountingportion 110 than the fourth portion of theinclined surface 128 is. Similarly, an inclined surface 129 of thestopper 127 facing the end portion of the mountingportion 110 is inclined, such that a third portion of the inclined surface 129 is closer to the opening than a fourth portion of the inclined surface 129 is, and the third portion of the inclined surface 129 is farther from theside surface 124 than the fourth portion of the inclined surface 129 is. In other words, the inclined surface 129 is inclined, such that the third portion of the inclined surface 129 is farther from the end portion of the mountingportion 110 than the forth portion of the inclined surface 129 is. - When a user pulls the
ink cartridge 30 after the movingink cartridge 30 is stopped by the contact between thestoppers protrusions bases protrusions inclined surfaces 128, 129 of thestoppers ink cartridge 30 without feeling a significant resistance caused by thestoppers - Referring to
Fig. 14 , according to a third modified embodiment, instead of thestoppers protrusions ink cartridge 30 compriseinclined surfaces inclined surfaces inclined surface inclined surfaces protrusions inclined surfaces inclined surfaces inclined surfaces inclined surfaces ink cartridge 30 after the movingink cartridge 30 is stopped by the contact between thestoppers protrusions bases protrusions inclined surfaces protrusions ink cartridge 30 without feeling a significant resistance caused by thestoppers - When the
ink cartridge 30 is moved toward theopening 112 in theremoval direction 50b while the center of thefirst groove 115 in thewidth direction 51 is shifted from the center of theguide portion 44 in thewidth direction 51, theprotrusions ink cartridge 30 may come into contact with thestoppers protrusions stoppers removal directions 50 is greater than the overlapping area of the other one of theprotrusions stoppers Fig. 15 , when the overlapping area between theprotrusion 59 and thestopper 126 in the insertion/removal directions 50 is greater than the overlapping area between theprotrusion 61 and thestopper 127 in the insertion/removal directions 50, theprotrusion 61 may not come into contact with thestopper 127 when theprotrusion 59 initially comes into contact with thestopper 126. When theink cartridge 30 is further moved in theremoval direction 50b, thestopper 126 moves along theinclined surface 64 of theprotrusion 59, and thereby the slidingmember 120 is moved rightward inFig. 15 . When the slidingmember 120 is moved rightward inFig. 15 , thestopper 127 approaches and comes into contact with theprotrusion 61. In this manner, owing to the slidingmember 120, theprotrusions stoppers - According to a fourth modified embodiment, the
bases deformable portions protrusion deformable portions protrusion bases protrusions stoppers protrusions width direction 51. - While the invention has been described in connection with various example structures and illustrative embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other variations and modifications of the structures and embodiments described above may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Other structures and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the specification or practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and the described examples are illustrative with the true scope of the invention being defined by the following claims.
Claims (16)
- A liquid container (30) configured to be inserted into a mounting portion (110) in an insertion direction (50a) and to be removed from the mounting portion (110) in a removal direction (50b) opposite the insertion direction (50a), comprising:a main body (31) comprising a liquid chamber (36) configured to store liquid therein;a liquid supply portion (37) positioned at the main body (31) and configured to supply liquid from an interior of the liquid chamber (36) to an exterior of the liquid chamber (36); anda first cartridge-surface (54, 55) positioned vertically below the main body (31) and extending in the insertion direction (50a) and the removal direction (50b), wherein the first cartridge-surface (54, 55) comprises a first deformable portion (56, 57) configured to be resiliently deformable in a width direction (51) perpendicular to the insertion direction (50a) and the removal direction (50b), and the first deformable portion (56, 57) comprises a first protrusion (59, 61).
- The liquid container (30) of claim 1, wherein the first protrusion (59, 61) protrudes in the width direction (51).
- The liquid container (30) of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second cartridge-surface (54, 55) positioned away from the first cartridge-surface (54, 55) in the width direction (51), wherein the second cartridge-surface (54, 55) comprises a second deformable portion (56, 57) configured to be resiliently deformable in the width direction (51), and the second deformable portion (56, 57) comprises a second protrusion (59, 61) protruding in the width direction (51).
- The liquid container (30) of claim 3, wherein a distance between the first cartridge-surface (54, 55) and the second cartridge-surface (54, 55) in the width direction (51) is less than a distance between ends (47, 48) of the main body (31) in the width direction (51), and the first protrusion (59, 61) and the second protrusion (59, 61) are positioned more inside than the ends (47, 48) of the main body (31) in the width direction (51).
- A liquid supply device (100) comprising:the liquid container (30) of claim 1, wherein the liquid container (30) further comprises a guide portion (44) comprising the first cartridge-surface (54, 55); anda mounting portion (110) having an opening (112), wherein the liquid container (30) is configured to be inserted into the mounting portion (110) in the insertion direction (50a) via the opening (112) and to be removed from the mounting portion (110) in the removal direction (50b) via the opening (112), the mounting portion (110) comprising:an end portion opposite the opening (112) in the insertion direction (50a);an urging member (135, 139) configured to urge the liquid container (30) positioned in the mounting portion (110) toward the opening (112);a groove (115, 116) extending from the opening (112) to the end portion in the insertion direction (50a), wherein the groove (115, 116) is partially defined by a first groove-surface (117, 118, 123, 124) extending in the insertion direction (50a) and the removal direction (50b) and a second groove-surface (117, 118, 123, 124) extending in the insertion direction (50a) and the removal direction (50b) and opposing to the first groove-surface (117, 118, 123, 124), and the guide portion (44) is configured to be positioned and moved in the groove (115, 116) when the liquid container (30) is inserted into and removed from the mounting portion (110);a first stopper (126, 127) projecting from the first groove-surface (117, 118, 123, 124) into the groove (115, 116), wherein the first cartridge-surface (54, 55) faces the first groove-surface (117, 118, 123, 124) when the liquid container (30) is inserted into and removed from the mounting portion (110), wherein the first protrusion (59, 61) of the first deformable portion (56, 57) is configured to contact the first stopper (126, 127) when the liquid container (30) is inserted into and removed from the mounting portion (110), and the first deformable portion (56, 57) is configured to resiliently deform when the first protrusion (59, 61) contacts the first stopper (126, 127); anda retaining member (145) configured to releasably retain the liquid container (30) in a mount position in the mounting portion (110) against an urging force of the urging member (135, 139).
- The liquid supply device (100) of claim 5, wherein the first protrusion (59, 61) protrudes in the width direction (51).
- The liquid supply device (100) of claim 5 or 6, wherein the guide portion (44) comprises a second cartridge-surface (54, 55) positioned away from the first cartridge-surface (54, 55) in the width direction (51), wherein the second cartridge-surface (54, 55) comprises a second deformable portion (56, 57) configured to be resiliently deformable in the width direction (51), and the second deformable portion (56, 57) comprises a second protrusion (59, 61) protruding in the width direction (51),
the second cartridge-surface (54, 55) faces the second groove-surface (117, 118, 123, 124) when the liquid container (30) is inserted into and removed from the mounting portion (110),
the mounting portion (110) comprising a second stopper (126, 127) projecting from the second groove-surface (117, 118, 123, 124) into the groove (115, 116), and
the second protrusion (59, 61) of the second deformable portion (56, 57) is configured to contact the second stopper (126, 127) when the liquid container (30) is inserted into and removed from the mounting portion (110), and the second deformable portion (56, 57) is configured to resiliently deform when the second protrusion (59, 61) contacts the second stopper (126, 127). - The liquid supply device (100) of claim 7 wherein a distance A, a distance B, a distance C, and a distance D have a relationship of
(distance A) < (distance C) < (distance B) < (distance D),
wherein the distance A is a distance between the first cartridge-surface (54, 55) and the second cartridge-surface (54, 55) of the guide portion (44) in the width direction (51),
a direction B is a distance between a distal end of the first protrusion (59, 61) and a distal end of the second protrusion (59, 61 ) in the width direction (51),
a distance C is a distance between the first stopper (126, 127) and the second stopper (126, 127) in the width direction (51), and
a distance D is a distance between the first groove-surface (117, 118, 123, 124) and the second groove-surface (117, 118, 123, 124) in the width direction (51). - The liquid supply device (100) of claim 7 or 8, wherein the first deformable portion (56, 57) and the second deformable portion (56, 57) are aligned in the width direction (51), and the first stopper (126, 127) and the second stopper (126, 127) are aligned in the width direction (51).
- The liquid supply device (100) of one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the groove (115, 116) comprises a first groove (115) and second groove (116) which is wider than the first groove (115) in the width direction (51), and the mounting portion (110) comprises a sliding member (120) which is movable in the width direction (51) relative to the first groove (115), wherein the first stopper (126, 127) projects from the first groove-surface (117, 118, 123, 124) of the second groove (116) and the second stopper (126, 127) projects from the second groove-surface (117, 118, 123, 124) of the second groove (116).
- The liquid supply device (100) of one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the groove (115, 116) is defined by the first groove-surface (117, 118, 123, 124), the second groove-surface (117, 118, 123, 124), and a bottom surface (119, 125) which connects the first groove-surface (117, 118, 123, 124) and the second groove-surface (117, 118, 123, 124),
the first stopper (126, 127) comprises a first inclined surface (128) facing the end portion of the mounting portion (110) in the insertion direction (50a),
the first protrusion (59, 61) comprises a second inclined surface (64) facing the first inclined surface (128) in the removal direction (50b) when the liquid container (30) is mounted in the mounting portion (110) in the mount position,
the first inclined surface (128) is inclined, such that a first portion of the first inclined surface (128) is closer to the opening (112) than a second portion of the first inclined surface (128) is, wherein the first portion of the first inclined surface (128) is closer to the bottom surface (119, 125) of the groove (115, 116) than the second portion of the first inclined surface (128) is, and
the second inclined surface (64) is inclined, such that a first portion of the second inclined surface (64) is closer to the opening (112) than a second portion of the second inclined surface (64) is, wherein the first portion of the second inclined surface (64) is closer to the bottom surface (119, 125) of the groove (115, 116) than the second portion of the second inclined surface (64) is. - The liquid supply device (100) of claim 11, wherein the first inclined surface (128, 129) is inclined, such that a third portion of the first inclined surface (128, 129) is closer to the opening (112) than a fourth portion of the first inclined surface (128, 129) is, wherein the third portion of the first inclined surface (128, 129) is farther from the first groove-surface (117, 118, 123, 124) than the fourth portion of the first inclined surface (128, 129) is, and/or
the second inclined surface (64, 66) is inclined, such that a third portion of the second inclined surface (64, 66) is closer to the opening (112) than a fourth portion of the second inclined surface (64, 66) is, wherein the third portion of the second inclined surface (64, 66) is farther from a distal end of the first protrusion (59, 61) than the fourth portion of the second inclined surface (64, 66) is. - The liquid supply device (100) of one of claims 5 to 12, wherein the main body (31) has a first width and the guide portion (44) has a second with in the width direction (51), wherein the first width is greater than the second width, and the first protrusion (59, 61) is positioned more inside than an end of the main body (31) in the width direction (51).
- The liquid supply device (100) of one of claims 5 to 13, wherein the first deformable portion (56, 57) comprises a resiliently deformable base (58, 60) extending in the insertion direction (50a) and the removal direction (50b), and the first protrusion (59, 61) protrudes from the base (58, 60).
- The liquid supply device (100) of one of claims 5 to 14, wherein the groove (115, 116) extends in a horizontal direction and is positioned underneath the liquid container (30) when the liquid container (30) is mounted in the mounting portion (110) in the mount position, and the retaining member (145) is configured to engage an upper portion of the liquid container (30) when the liquid container (30) is mounted in the mounting portion (110) in the mount position.
- An image printing apparatus comprising the liquid supply device (100) of one of claims 5 to 15, and a printing portion (21) configured to selectively eject liquid supplied from the liquid supply device (100).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2010137800A JP5454377B2 (en) | 2010-06-17 | 2010-06-17 | Liquid supply device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2397336A1 true EP2397336A1 (en) | 2011-12-21 |
EP2397336B1 EP2397336B1 (en) | 2012-10-17 |
Family
ID=43501447
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20100193098 Active EP2397336B1 (en) | 2010-06-17 | 2010-11-30 | Liquid container, liquid supply device, and image printing apparatus |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2397336B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5454377B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102285237B (en) |
DE (1) | DE102010062175A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
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US8931887B2 (en) | 2012-01-13 | 2015-01-13 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Liquid consumption apparatus, liquid supply member, and liquid supply system |
US8955951B2 (en) | 2012-01-13 | 2015-02-17 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Cartridge and printing device |
US8960871B2 (en) | 2012-01-13 | 2015-02-24 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Mounting member, liquid container with mounting member, and liquid supply system |
US9266337B2 (en) | 2012-01-13 | 2016-02-23 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Cartridge, printing material supply system, and printing apparatus |
US9440755B2 (en) | 2012-01-13 | 2016-09-13 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Liquid container and liquid consumption apparatus |
EP2848411A3 (en) * | 2013-09-17 | 2016-12-28 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Liquid container |
EP4265422A1 (en) * | 2022-04-20 | 2023-10-25 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Supply unit, liquid discharge device, and liquid container |
US11964491B2 (en) | 2012-01-13 | 2024-04-23 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Cartridge, printing material supply system, and printing apparatus |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP5454377B2 (en) | 2014-03-26 |
DE102010062175A1 (en) | 2011-12-22 |
JP2012000848A (en) | 2012-01-05 |
CN102285237B (en) | 2014-12-03 |
EP2397336B1 (en) | 2012-10-17 |
CN102285237A (en) | 2011-12-21 |
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