EP2607081B1 - Cartouche de liquide d'impression et appareil d'impression - Google Patents

Cartouche de liquide d'impression et appareil d'impression Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2607081B1
EP2607081B1 EP11195233.9A EP11195233A EP2607081B1 EP 2607081 B1 EP2607081 B1 EP 2607081B1 EP 11195233 A EP11195233 A EP 11195233A EP 2607081 B1 EP2607081 B1 EP 2607081B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cartridge
ink
printing fluid
ink cartridge
mounting portion
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.)
Active
Application number
EP11195233.9A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2607081A1 (fr
Inventor
Tomohiro Kanbe
Yuki Takagi
Hirotake Nakamura
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Brother Industries Ltd
Original Assignee
Brother Industries Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=45406515&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP2607081(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Priority to EP14180956.6A priority Critical patent/EP2803491B1/fr
Priority to ES11195233.9T priority patent/ES2509944T3/es
Priority to DK11195233.9T priority patent/DK2607081T3/da
Priority to EP15161567.1A priority patent/EP2910378B1/fr
Priority to PL11195233T priority patent/PL2607081T3/pl
Application filed by Brother Industries Ltd filed Critical Brother Industries Ltd
Priority to EP11195233.9A priority patent/EP2607081B1/fr
Publication of EP2607081A1 publication Critical patent/EP2607081A1/fr
Publication of EP2607081B1 publication Critical patent/EP2607081B1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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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
    • B41J2/17513—Inner 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
    • 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
    • B41J2/17523—Ink connection
    • 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
    • B41J2/17526—Electrical contacts to the cartridge
    • 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
    • B41J2/17526—Electrical contacts to the cartridge
    • B41J2/1753—Details of contacts on the cartridge, e.g. protection of contacts
    • 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
    • B41J2/17543—Cartridge presence detection or type identification
    • B41J2/17546—Cartridge presence detection or type identification electronically
    • 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
    • B41J2/17566—Ink level or ink residue control

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a printing fluid cartridge configured to be mounted to a cartridge mounting portion, and to a printing apparatus comprising such a printing fluid cartridge.
  • a known image printing apparatus as described in Patent Application Publication No. JP 2009-132098 A , is configured to print an image on a sheet of printing paper.
  • the known image printing apparatus has an inkjet printing head and is configured to eject ink droplets selectively from nozzles of the printing head onto the sheet of printing paper. The ink droplets land on the sheet of printing paper and thereby a desired image is printed on the sheet of printing paper.
  • the known image printing apparatus has an ink cartridge, and the ink cartridge is configured to store ink to be supplied to the printing head.
  • the ink cartridge is configured to be mounted to and removed from a mounting portion provided in the known image printing apparatus.
  • Another known ink cartridge has an electronic component such as a memory module for storing data about the information of the ink cartridge, e.g., the color of ink, the ingredients of ink, the remaining amount of ink, a maintenance status, and etc.
  • a memory module for storing data about the information of the ink cartridge, e.g., the color of ink, the ingredients of ink, the remaining amount of ink, a maintenance status, and etc.
  • the memory module contacts and is electrically connected to electrical contacts provided in the mounting portion, such that the data stored in the memory module can be read out.
  • the ink cartridge When another known ink cartridge is mounted to a mounting portion, an external biasing force is applied from the mounting portion to the ink cartridge in a removal direction in which the ink cartridge is removed from the mounting portion, such that a user can readily remove the ink cartridge when the user intends to do so.
  • the ink cartridge may have a valve mechanism configured to selectively open and close an opening formed in the ink cartridge, and the ink cartridge may be biased in the removal direction by a spring of the valve mechanism.
  • the mounting portion has a lock mechanism to contact and retain the ink cartridge in the mounting portion against the biasing force. The ink cartridge mounted to the mounting portion is always biased in the removal direction.
  • the memory module may contact the contacts of the mounting portion with great speed when the ink cartridge is inserted into the mounting portion with great speed. This may break or damage the memory module, or may at least affect the function or lifetime of the same. Moreover, if the memory module is disposed at the front face of the ink cartridge, the memory module may directly receive the biasing force from the mounting portion while the ink cartridge is kept mounted to the mounting portion. This also may break the memory module. Furthermore, if the memory module is disposed at the front face, at which an ink supply portion is disposed, ink may leak from the ink supply portion and contaminate and damage the memory module.
  • EP 1 512 536 discloses a printing fluid cartridge configured to be inserted into a cartridge mounting portion in an upright position in an insertion direction against a biasing force exerted in a removal direction opposite the insertion direction.
  • the printing fluid cartridge comprises a front face orientated toward the insertion direction when the printing fluid cartridge is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion; a rear face positioned opposite the front face with respect to the insertion direction and orientated toward the removal direction when the printing fluid cartridge is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion; a chamber positioned between the front face and the rear face and configured to store printing fluid therein; and a printing fluid supply portion positioned at the front face and configured to supply the printing fluid from an interior of the chamber to an exterior of the chamber.
  • the printing fluid cartridge in the upright position has a width in a width direction, a height in a height direction, and a depth in a depth direction, wherein the width direction, the height direction and the depth direction are perpendicular to each other, and the height direction is parallel with the insertion direction.
  • the printing fluid cartridge further comprises an electrical interface configured to allow an electrical access to an integrated circuit provided to the printing fluid cartridge, the electrical interface being positioned between the front face and the rear face with respect to the insertion or removal direction, and an engagement portion for retaining the printing fluid cartridge in the cartridge mounting portion against the biasing force.
  • a technical advantage of the present invention is that a likelihood that excessive load is applied to an electrical interface is reduced.
  • Another independent technical advantage of the present invention is that a likelihood that the electrical interface is contaminated with ink is reduced.
  • a printing fluid cartridge is disclosed in claim 1.
  • the at least one electrical interface is positioned between the front face and the rear face with respect to the insertion direction and the removal direction, the biasing force in the removal direction is not directly received by the at least one electrical interface. Therefore, a likelihood that excessive load is applied to the at least one electrical interface is reduced. Moreover or alternatively, a likelihood that ink leaks from the printing fluid supply portion and the electrical interface is contaminated with the ink is reduced.
  • a printing apparatus e.g., a printer 10 is an inkjet printer configured to print an image on a sheet of printing paper by ejecting ink droplets selectively on the sheet of printing paper.
  • the printer 10 comprises an ink supply device 100.
  • the ink supply device 100 comprises a cartridge mounting portion 110.
  • the cartridge mounting portion 110 is configured to allow a printing fluid cartridge, e.g., an ink cartridge 30 to be mounted therein.
  • the cartridge mounting portion 110 has an opening 112 and the interior of the cartridge mounting portion 110 is exposed to the exterior of the cartridge mounting portion 110 via opening 112.
  • the ink cartridge 30 is configured to be inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 via the opening 112, such that the ink cartridge 30 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110.
  • the ink cartridge 30 is configured to be removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110 via the opening 112.
  • the ink cartridge 30 is configured to store ink, which is used by printer 10.
  • the printer 10 comprises a print head 21 and an ink tube 20.
  • the ink cartridge 30 and the print head 21 are fluidically connected via the ink tube 20 when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110.
  • the print head 21 comprises a sub tank 28.
  • the sub tank 28 is configured to temporarily store ink supplied via the ink tube 20 from the ink cartridge 30.
  • the print head 21 comprises nozzles 29 and is configured to selectively eject ink supplied from the sub tank 28 through the nozzles 29.
  • the printer 10 comprises a paper feed tray 15, a paper feed roller 23, a conveying roller pair 25, a platen 26, a discharge roller pair 22, and a discharge tray 16.
  • a conveying path 24 is formed from the paper feed tray 15 up to the discharge tray 16 via the conveying roller pair 25, the platen 26, and the discharge roller pair 22.
  • the paper feed roller 23 is configured to feed a sheet of printing paper from the paper feed tray 15 to the conveying path 24.
  • the conveying roller pair 25 is configured to convey the sheet of printing paper fed from the paper feed tray 15 onto the platen 26.
  • the print head 21 is configured to selectively eject ink onto the sheet of printing paper passing over the platen 26. Accordingly, an image is printed on the sheet of printing paper.
  • the sheet of printing paper having passed over the platen 26 is discharged by the discharge roller pair 22 to the paper discharge tray 16 disposed at the most downstream side of the conveying path 24.
  • the ink cartridge 30 is configured to be inserted into and removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110 in an insertion/removal direction 50, while the ink cartridge 30 is in an upright position, as shown in Fig. 2 , with a top face of the ink cartridge 30 facing upward and a bottom face of the ink cartridge 30 facing downward.
  • the insertion/removal direction 50 extends in a horizontal direction.
  • the ink cartridge 30 is in the upright position when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the mounted position.
  • the ink cartridge 30 is configured to be inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in an insertion direction 56 and removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110 in a removal direction 55.
  • the insertion/removal direction 50 is a combination of the insertion direction 56 and the removal direction 55.
  • the insertion direction 56 extends in a horizontal direction and the removal direction 55 extends in a horizontal direction.
  • a height direction (up-down direction) 52 corresponds to the gravitational direction (vertical direction).
  • the insertion/removal direction 50 may not extend exactly in a horizontal direction but may extend in a direction intersecting a horizontal direction and the gravitational direction (vertical direction).
  • the ink cartridge 30 has a substantially parallelepiped shape and comprises a main body 31 and a bracket 90.
  • the main body 31 and the bracket 90 form the exterior of the ink cartridge 30.
  • the ink cartridge 30 is a container configured to store ink therein.
  • the ink cartridge 30 comprises an ink chamber 36, which is a space formed in the interior of ink cartridge 30. More specifically, the main body 31 comprises the ink chamber 36 formed therein, e.g., the main body 31 comprises an inner frame 35, and the ink chamber 36 is formed in the inner frame 35.
  • the ink cartridge 30 has a width in a width direction (left-right direction) 51, a height in the height direction (up-down direction) 52, and a depth in a depth direction (front-back direction) 53.
  • the width direction (left-right direction) 51, the height direction (up-down direction) 52, and the depth direction (front-back direction) 53 are perpendicular to each other.
  • the width of the ink cartridge 30 is less than the height and the depth of the ink cartridge 30.
  • the width direction (left-right direction) 51 is parallel with a horizontal plane
  • the depth direction (front-back direction) 53 is also parallel with the horizontal plane
  • the height direction (up-down direction) 52 is parallel with the gravitational direction (vertical direction).
  • the depth direction (front-back direction) 53 is parallel with the insertion/removal direction 50
  • the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and the height direction (up-down direction) 52 are perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50.
  • the height direction (up-down direction) 52 is parallel with an upward direction and a downward direction and is a combination of the upward direction and the downward direction.
  • the ink cartridge 30 comprises a front wall 40 and a rear wall 42 opposite the front wall 40 with respect to the insertion direction 56.
  • the front wall 40 is positioned at a front side of the ink cartridge 30 with respect to the insertion direction 56 when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110. More specifically, the front wall 40 faces in the insertion direction 56, in other words, the front wall 40 is oriented toward the insertion direction 56, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110.
  • the rear wall 42 is positioned at a rear side of the ink cartridge 30 with respect to the insertion direction 56 when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110.
  • the rear wall 42 faces in the removal direction 55, in other words, the rear wall 42 is oriented toward the removal direction 55, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110.
  • the font wall 40 and the rear wall 42 are aligned in depth direction (front-back direction) 53.
  • the front wall 40 and the rear wall 42 are aligned in the insertion/removal direction 50 when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110.
  • the ink cartridge 30 comprises side walls 37, 38, each extending in the insertion/removal direction 50 and connected to the front wall 40 and the rear wall 42.
  • the side walls 37 and 38 are aligned in the width direction (left-right direction) 51.
  • the ink cartridge 30 comprises a top wall 39 connected to upper ends of the front wall 40, the rear wall 42, and the side walls 37 and 38.
  • the ink cartridge 30 comprises a bottom wall 41 connected to lower ends of the front wall 40, the rear wall 42, and the side walls 37, 38.
  • the top wall 39 and the bottom wall 41 are aligned in the height direction (up-down direction) 52.
  • An outer face of the front wall 40 is a front face of the ink cartridge 30, and an outer face of the rear wall 42 is a rear face of the ink cartridge 30.
  • the front face of the ink cartridge 30 is oriented toward the insertion direction 56 when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the upright position, and the rear face of the ink cartridge 30 is oriented toward the removal direction 55 when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the upright position.
  • the front face of the ink cartridge 30 is oriented to, or faces, an end face of the cartridge mounting portion 110, as can be seen from Figs. 7 though 9, the end face forming the right end side thereof in these figures.
  • An outer face of the top wall 39 is a top face of the ink cartridge 30, and an outer face of the bottom wall 31 is a bottom face of the ink cartridge 30.
  • the top face of the ink cartridge 30 is oriented in the upward direction when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the upright position, and the bottom face of the ink cartridge 30 is oriented in the downward direction when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the upright position.
  • the top face is connected to upper ends of the front face and the rear face, and the bottom face is connected to lower ends of the front face and the rear face.
  • outer faces of the side walls 37, 38 are side faces of the ink cartridge 30.
  • the bracket 90 comprises the front wall 40, a portion of the side wall 37, a portion of the side wall 38, a portion of the top wall 39, and a portion of the bottom wall 41
  • the main body 31 comprises the rear wall 42, the other portion of the side wall 37, the other portion of the side wall 38, the other portion of the top wall 39, and the other portion of the bottom 41.
  • the bracket 90 comprises the front face of the ink cartridge 30, a portion of the top face of the ink cartridge 30, a portion of the bottom face of the ink cartridge 30, and portions of the side faces of the ink cartridge 30, and the main body 31 comprises the rear face of the ink cartridge 30, the other portion of the top face of the ink cartridge 30, the other portion of the bottom face of the ink cartridge 30, and the other portions of the side faces of the ink cartridge 30.
  • the main body 31 comprises a detection portion 33 at a middle portion of the main body 31 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52.
  • the detection portion 33 is positioned at a front-wall 40 side of the main body 31. More specifically, the detection portion 33 is positioned at a front face of the main body 31, and the front face of the main body 31 faces in the insertion direction 56, in other words, is oriented towards the insertion direction 56, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110.
  • the bracket 90 comprises a first protrusion 85 which comprises a detection portion, e.g., a rib 88.
  • the first protrusion 85 comprises a front end with respect to the insertion direction 56.
  • the rib 88 comprises a front end with respect to the insertion direction 56.
  • the bracket 90 comprises a second protrusion 86.
  • the second protrusion 86 comprises a front end with respect to the insertion direction 56.
  • the bracket 90 comprises another detection portion 89.
  • the detection portion 33 is positioned more rearward than the front end of the first protrusion 85, the front end of the rib 88, the front end of the second protrusion 86, and the detection portion 89 with respect to the insertion direction 56.
  • the detection portion 33 has a box shape having an opening facing the ink chamber 36, such that the interior of the detection portion 36 is in fluid communication with the ink chamber 36.
  • the detection portion 33 comprises a pair of walls made of a translucent, e.g., transparent or semi-transparent, resin configured to allow light, e.g., visible or infrared light, traveling in a direction perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50 to pass therethrough.
  • the direction perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50 is the width direction (left-right direction) 51.
  • the detection portion 33 is exposed to the exterior of the ink cartridge 30 via an opening 95 formed through the bracket 90 at a front-wall 40 side of the bracket 90.
  • an optical sensor 114 (see Fig. 6 ) emits light in the direction perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50.
  • the detection portion 33 may allow the light which is emitted from the optical sensor 114 and reaches the detection portion 33 via the opening 95 to pass therethrough.
  • the main body 31 comprises a sensor arm 60 disposed in the ink chamber 36.
  • the sensor arm 60 comprises an arm body 61 extending mainly in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53, an indicator 62 positioned at one end of the arm body 61, and a float 63 positioned at the other end of the arm body 61.
  • the indicator 62 is positioned in the space formed between the pair of walls of the detection portion 33.
  • the main body 31 comprises a support shaft 64 extending in the width direction (left-right direction) 51, and the sensor arm 60 is supported by the support shaft 64, such that the sensor arm 60 can pivot about the support shaft 64.
  • the sensor arm 60 is configured to pivot based on the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36, and therefore the indicator 62 is configured to pivot based on the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36.
  • the sensor arm 60 is configured to move between an upper position and a lower position. When the sensor arm 60 is in the upper position, the indicator 62 is positioned at an upper side of the detection portion 33 with respect to the gravitational direction (vertical direction).
  • Fig. 4 depicts the sensor arm 60 positioned in the lower position when the ink chamber 36 has a predetermined amount or more of ink stored therein.
  • the detection portion 33 When the ink cartridge 30 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110, the detection portion 33 is positioned between a light emitter and a light receiver of the optical sensor 114, which are aligned in a horizontal direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50, and the detection portion 33 is configured to change its state between a first state and a second state.
  • the detection portion 33 When the detection portion 33 is in the first state, the detection portion 33 allows light, which is emitted from the light emitter of the optical sensor 114 and travels in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50, to pass therethrough.
  • the detection portion 33 When the detection portion 33 is in the second state, the detection portion 33 attenuates the light.
  • the detection portion 33 when the detection portion 33 is in the first state and the light reaches one side of the detection portion 33 in the direction (width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50, a predetermined amount or more of the light comes out of the other side of the detection portion 33 in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50 and reaches the light receiver of the optical sensor 114.
  • the detection portion 33 When the detection portion 33 is in the second state and the light reaches one side of the detection portion 33 in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50, the amount of light coming out of the other side of the detection portion 33 and reaching the light receiver of the optical sensor 114 is less than the predetermined amount, e.g., zero.
  • the detection portion 33 When the sensor arm 60 is in the in the upper position, the detection portion 33 is in the first state to allow the light to pass therethrough. When the sensor arm 60 is in the lower position, the detection portion 33 is in the second state to attenuate the light.
  • the attenuation of the light is caused by the indicator 62 completely preventing the light from passing therethrough in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50, by the indicator 62 absorbing some amount of the light, by the indicator 62 deflecting the light, by the indicator 62 totally reflecting the light, and etc.
  • the amount (intensity) of the light reaching the light receiver of the optical sensor 114 depends on the state of the detection portion 33. By detecting the state of the detection portion 33 with the optical sensor 114, it is determined whether the ink chamber 36 has the predetermined amount or more of ink stored therein.
  • the ink cartridge 30 may not comprise the sensor arm 60, and therefore the indicator 62 may not be positioned in the detection portion 33.
  • the detection portion 33 when the detection portion 33 stores ink therein, the detection portion 33 may attenuate the light.
  • the detection portion 33 may allow the light to pass therethrough.
  • the predetermined amount or more of the light may come out of the other side of the detection portion 33 in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50 and reaches the light receiver of the optical sensor 114.
  • the detection portion 33 When the detection portion 33 stores ink therein and the light reaches one side of the detection portion 33 in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50, the amount of light coming out of the other side of the detection portion 33 and reaching the light receiver of the optical sensor 114 is less than the predetermined amount, e.g., zero.
  • the attenuation of the light may be caused by the ink absorbing some amount of the light.
  • the detection portion 33 may comprise a flexible film forming a space therein. When ink is stored in the space formed by the flexible film, the flexible film bulges.
  • the ink cartridge 30 may comprise a pivotable lever contacting the flexible film, and the lever may attenuate the light by completely preventing the light from passing therethrough in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50, by absorbing some amount of the light, by deflecting the light, by totally reflecting the light, and etc.
  • the lever contacting the flexible film may move to a position in which the lever no longer attenuates the light.
  • the detection portion 33 comprises a prism-like structure.
  • the prism-like structure when ink contacts the prism-like structure, the prism-like structure may reflect light such that the light does not reach the light receiver of the optical sensor 114.
  • the prism-like structure may reflect light such that the light reaches the light receiver of the optical sensor 114.
  • the main body 31 has an air communication opening 32 at the front-wall 40 side of the main body 31 above the detection portion 33. More specifically, the air communication opening 32 is positioned at the front face of the main body 31 facing in the insertion direction 56.
  • the air communication opening 32 is formed through a wall defining the ink chamber 36 in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53. An air layer formed in the ink chamber 36 and the atmosphere outside of the ink chamber 36 can be brought into fluid communication via the air communication opening 32.
  • the air communication opening 32 is positioned between the front portion of the bracket 90 and the rear wall 42 of the main body 31.
  • the bracket 90 has a circular opening 96 formed through a wall of the first projection 85 in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53, and the air communication opening 32 is accessible via the opening 96 from the exterior of the ink cartridge 30 in the removal direction 55.
  • the main body 31 comprises an air communication valve 73 configured to selectively open and close the air communication opening 32.
  • the air communication opening 32 When the air communication opening 32 is opened, the pressure in the ink chamber 36 maintained in a negative pressure becomes equal to the atmospheric pressure.
  • the air communication opening 32 may not be positioned at the front-wall 40 side of the main body 31 and may be positioned anywhere as long as the interior and the exterior of the ink chamber 36 can be brought into fluid communication.
  • the ink cartridge 30 may be configured to be used in the printer 10 with the ink chamber 36 maintained in negative pressure. In such a case, the ink cartridge 30 may not have the air communication opening 32.
  • the main body 31 comprises a printing fluid supply portion, e.g., an ink supply portion 34 at the front-wall 40 side of the main body 31 below the detection portion 33. More specifically, the ink supply portion 34 is positioned at the front face of the main body 31 facing in the insertion direction 56. The ink supply portion 34 is positioned at a lower portion of the front face of the main body 31, i.e., at a bottom-wall 41 side of the front face of the main body 31.
  • the bracket 90 has a circular opening 97 formed through the front wall 40 in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53.
  • the ink supply portion 34 has a cylindrical shape and extends through the opening 97 of the front wall 40 in the insertion/removal direction 50. Therefore, the ink supply portion 34 is positioned at the front wall 40.
  • the ink supply portion 34 has an ink supply opening 71 formed at the distal end of the ink supply portion 34.
  • the ink supply portion 34 has an ink path 72 formed therein.
  • the ink path 72 extends from the ink supply opening 71 up to the ink chamber 36 in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53.
  • the main body 31 comprises an ink supply valve 70 configured to selectively open and close the ink supply opening 71.
  • the ink cartridge 30 may not comprise the ink supply valve 70.
  • the ink supply opening 71 may be covered and closed by a film.
  • the ink pipe 122 may break through the film, such that the ink supply opening 71 is opened.
  • the main body 31 comprises an engagement hook 43 at a bottom-wall 41 side and the front-wall 40 side of the main body 31.
  • the engagement hook 43 extends forward in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53 from a lower portion of the front face of the main body 31.
  • the front end of the engagement hook 43 comprises two protrusions extending outward in opposite directions in the width direction (left-right direction) 51.
  • the engagement hook 43 has a cut-out formed therein. The cut-out is positioned at a middle portion of the engagement hook 43 with respect to the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and extends in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53.
  • the engagement hook 43 is configured to resiliently deform such that a dimension thereof in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 decreases when the bracket 90 and the main body 31 are assembled.
  • the protrusions of the front end of the engagement hook 43 are then expanded back to normal and positioned in elongated openings 91, 92 formed through the bracket 90, respectively, and contact inner surfaces of the walls defining the elongated openings 91, 92, respectively, such that the assembling is complete.
  • the main body 31 comprises an engagement portion 45 positioned at a top-wall 39 side of the ink cartridge 30. More specifically, the engagement portion 45 is positioned at a middle portion of the top wall 39 with respect to the depth direction (front-back direction) 53.
  • the engagement portion 45 extends upward from the top wall 39 and away from the ink chamber 36 and comprises an engagement surface 46 which extends in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and the height direction (up-down direction) 52.
  • the engagement surface 46 faces rearward with respect to the insertion direction 56, in other wards, faces in the removal direction 55, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110.
  • the engagement surface 46 may not extend vertically from the top wall 39, but may be inclined with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52, and may face rearward with respect to the insertion direction 56, in other words, face in the removal direction 55, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110.
  • the engagement surface 46 contacts an engagement member 145 of the cartridge mounting portion 110, and receives an external force. More specifically, when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted to and retained in the cartridge mounting portion 110, the ink cartridge 30 is pushed in the removal direction 55, and therefore, the engagement surface 46 pushes the engagement member 145 in the removal direction 55. As a consequence, the engagement surface 46 receives a reaction force from the engagement member 145 in the insertion direction 56.
  • the main body 31 comprises a pivot member 80 positioned at an upper side of the main body 31 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and at a rear-wall 42 side of the main body 31. More specifically, the pivot member 80 is positioned at a rear portion of the top wall 39.
  • the pivot member 80 has a bent flat-plate shape and its longer dimension extends in a direction substantially parallel with the depth direction (front-back direction) 53.
  • the pivot member 80 comprises a shaft 83 at its bent point. The bent point is positioned at a middle portion of the pivot member 80 with respect to the depth direction (front-back direction) 53.
  • the shaft 83 extends in the width direction (left-right direction) 51.
  • the shaft 83 is supported by the other portion of the main body 31 at a position spaced away from the engagement surface 46 toward the rear wall 42, such that the pivot member 80 can pivot about the shaft 83.
  • the pivot member 80 comprises a front end portion 81 and a rear end portion 82.
  • the front end portion 81 extends from the shaft 83 toward the engagement surface 46.
  • the rear end portion 82 extends from the shaft 83 toward the rear wall 42.
  • the pivot member 80 When no external force is applied to the pivot member 80, the pivot member 80 is positioned, such that the front end portion 81 is positioned farthest from the top wall 39, i.e., the front end portion 81 is in the upper most position relative to the top wall 39, due to its own weight, i.e., the rear end portion 82 is heavier than the front end portion 81.
  • the front end portion 81 may extend outside beyond an upper end of any other portion of the main body 31, i.e., herein the upper end of the engagement portion 45.
  • the front end portion 81 may not extend outside beyond the upper end of any other portion of the main body 31 and may be positioned more inside than the upper end of the other portion of the main body 31, i.e., positioned below the upper end of the other portion of the main body 31.
  • the pivot member 80 pivots in the clockwise direction in Fig. 4 against its own weight.
  • the front end portion 81 is positioned below an upper end of the engagement surface 46.
  • the pivot member 80 may be integrally formed with the other portion of the main body 31.
  • the pivot member 80 may be biased by a spring in the clockwise direction. In such a case, when the rear end portion 82 is pushed down, the pivot member 80 pivots in the counterclockwise direction against the biasing force of the spring.
  • the main body 31 comprises the portions of the side walls 37, 38.
  • Each of the portions of the side walls 37, 38 extends from the rear wall 42 up to a middle portion of the main body 31 with respect to the depth direction (front-back direction) 53.
  • Each of the portions of the side walls 37, 38 comprises a flat plate portion, and a tapered portion at the front of the flat plate portion with respect to the depth direction (front-back direction) 53.
  • each of the flat plate portion comprises a planar outer surface extending in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53 and the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and a planar inner surface extending in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53 and the height direction (up-down direction) 52.
  • the tapered portion comprises a planar outer surface extending in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53 and the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and an inclined inner surface 47 or 48 extending in a direction inclined to the depth direction (front-back direction) 53 and extending in the height direction (up-down direction) 52.
  • the portion of the side wall 37 comprises the inclined inner surface 47 and the portion of the side wall 38 comprises the inclined inner surface 48.
  • the bracket 90 is attached to the main body 31.
  • the bracket 90 covers a front portion of the main body 31 extending from around the inner inclined surfaces 47, 48 to the front face of the main body 31 facing in the insertion direction 56. More specifically, the bracket 90 covers the front face of the main body 31, the side-wall 37 side of the front portion of the main body 31, the side-wall 38 side of the front portion of the main body 31, the top-wall 39 side of the front portion of the main body 31, and the bottom-wall 41 side of the front portion of the main body 31. In other words, the bracket 90 covers the front face of the main body 31, a top face, a bottom face, and side faces of the front portion of the main body 31.
  • the bracket 90 comprises the portions of the side walls 37, 38.
  • the portions of the side walls 37, 38 have the elongated openings 91, 92 formed therethrough, respectively.
  • the elongated openings 91, 92 are positioned at bottom-wall 41 sides of the portions of the side walls 37, 38, respectively.
  • the elongated openings 91, 92 are positioned at lower portions of the portions of the side walls 37, 38.
  • Each of the elongated openings 91, 92 has a predetermined dimension in the height direction (up-down direction) 52 reasonably longer than the respective dimensions of the protrusions of the front end of the engagement hook 43 in order to provide a substantial vertical tolerance or play in that direction.
  • the protrusions of the front end of the engagement hook 43 are positioned in the elongated openings 91, 92, respectively, and contact inner surfaces of the walls defining the elongated openings 91, 92, respectively. If the bracket 90 is attempted to be removed from the main body 31 by pulling the bracket 90 in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53, the protrusions of the front end of the engagement hook 43 are hooked on the inner surfaces of the walls defining the elongated openings 91, 92, such that the bracket 90 cannot be removed from the main body 31.
  • each of the protrusions of the front end of the engagement hook 43 in the height direction (up-down direction) 52 is less than the dimension of each of the elongated openings 91, 92 in the height direction (up-down direction) 52.
  • the portions of the side walls 37, 38 comprise end portions 93, 94 at a rear-wall 42 side thereof, respectively.
  • the end portions 93, 94 extend in the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and are covered by the tapered portions of the portions of the side walls 37, 38 of the main body 31, respectively.
  • the end portions 93, 94 face the inclined inner surfaces 47, 48 of the tapered portions, respectively, i.e., the end portions 93, 94 overlap the inclined inner surfaces 47, 48 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51.
  • the bracket 90 is configured to move relative to the main body 31 in the height direction (up-down direction) 52 within a range defined by the dimension of the elongated openings 91, 92 in the height direction (up-down direction) 52 allowing the protrusions of the front end of the engagement hook 43 to slide within the elongated openings 91, 92 in the height direction (up-down direction) 52.
  • bracket 90 there is a space between each one of the protrusions of the front end of the engagement hook 43 and an end of a corresponding one of the elongated openings 91, 92 in the height direction (up-down direction) 52, such that the bracket 90 can slide on the main body 31 in the height direction (up-down direction) 52.
  • the end portions 93, 94 of the bracket 90 slides on the inclined inner surfaces 47, 48, respectively.
  • the inclined inner surfaces 47, 48 function as guides when the bracket 90 moves relative to the main body 31.
  • the bracket 90 is supported by an upper surface of the front portion of the main body 31 from below in a normal state.
  • the bracket 90 has the opening 95 formed therethrough in the width direction (left-right direction) 51.
  • the opening 95 is positioned at the front-wall 40 side of the bracket 90 at a middle portion of the bracket 90 with respect to the height direction (left-right direction) 52.
  • the opening 95 has a rectangular shape but can have any other suitable shape according to modified embodiments.
  • the opening 95 has dimensions and size corresponding to the detection portion 33 of the main body 31 and is in a position corresponding to the detection portion 33, such that the detection portion 33 is exposed to the exterior of the ink cartridge 30 via the opening 95 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51.
  • a portion of the bracket 90 defining the opening 95 comprises the detection portion 89 extending in the height direction (up-down direction) 52, and a support portion 79 extending from the lower end of the detection portion 89 in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53 toward the main body 31 and configured to support the detection portion 33 from below.
  • the bracket 90 When the bracket 90 is supported by the upper surface of the front portion of the main body 31 from below, there is a space between the detection portion 33 and the support portion 79.
  • the support portion 79 contacts a lower end of the detection portion 33.
  • the range within which the bracket 90 moves relative to the main body 31 in the height direction (up-down direction) 52 can be defined by the dimension of the elongated openings 91, 92 in the height direction (up-down direction) 52 allowing the protrusions of the front end of the engagement hook 43 to slide within the elongated openings 91, 92 in the height direction (up-down direction) 52 or can be defined by the space between the detection portion 33 and the support portion 79 formed when the bracket 90 is supported by the upper surface of the front portion of the main body 31 from below.
  • the bracket 90 has the opening 96 formed through a wall of the first protrusion 85 in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53, and the opening 96 is positioned at an upper protrusion, i.e. the first protrusion 85 with respect to the height direction 52.
  • the opening 96 has a circular shape but any other shapes are possible as well according to modified embodiments.
  • the opening 96 has a dimension and size corresponding to the air communication opening 32 of the main body 31 and is in a position corresponding to the air communication opening 32, such that the air communication opening 32 is accessible via the opening 96 from the exterior of the ink cartridge 30 in the removal direction 55.
  • the bracket 90 has the opening 97 formed through the front wall 40 in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53, and the opening 97 is positioned at a lower portion of the front wall 40 with respect to the height direction 52.
  • the opening 97 has a circular shape but any other shapes are possible as well according to modified embodiments.
  • the opening 97 has a dimension and size corresponding to the ink supply portion 34 of the main body 31 and is in a position corresponding to the ink supply portion 34, such that the ink supply portion 34 extends through the opening 37 in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53.
  • the bracket 90 comprises the first protrusion 85 and the second protrusion 86 at the front wall 40.
  • the first protrusion 85 extends from the upper end of the front wall 40 in the insertion direction 56 away from the rear wall 42.
  • the width of the first protrusion 85 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 is the same as the width of the front wall 40 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51. In another embodiment, the width of first protrusion 85 may be less than the width of the front wall 40.
  • the front end of the first protrusion 85 is positioned more forward than the ink supply opening 71 formed at the distal end of the ink supply portion 34 in the insertion direction 56 away from the rear wall 42.
  • the first protrusion 85 has a recess, e.g., a groove 87 formed in a middle portion of the first protrusion 85 with respect to the width direction (left-right direction) 52.
  • the groove 87 extends in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53.
  • the groove 87 is opened forward in the insertion direction 56 and opened upward in the height direction (up-down direction) 52.
  • Both sides of the groove 87 with respect to the width direction (left-right direction) 51 are defined and closed by a pair of surfaces of the first protrusion 85 (side walls of groove 87), and the bottom of groove 87 is defined and closed by a surface of the first protrusion 85.
  • the cross section of the groove 87 taken along the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the width direction (left-right direction) 51 is rectangular but other cross sections are possible as well according to modified embodiments.
  • the first protrusion 85 comprises the rib 88 disposed in a middle portion of the groove 87 with respect to the width direction (left-right direction) 51.
  • the rib 88 extends in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53 and the height direction (up-down direction) 52.
  • the rib 88 extends in the upward direction from the surface of the first protrusion 85 defining the bottom of the groove 87.
  • the rib 88 extends from the front-wall 40 of the ink cartridge 30 in the depth direction 53 or insertion direction 56.
  • the rib 88 is positioned at or adjacent to a boundary between the top wall 39 and the front wall 40.
  • Each of side surfaces of the rib 88 with respect to the width direction (left-right direction) 51 extends in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53 and the height direction (up-down direction) 52 in parallel with the pair of surfaces of the first protrusion 85 defining the both sides of the groove 87 with respect to the width direction (left-right direction) 51.
  • the surfaces of the first protrusion 85 defining the both sides of the groove 87 with respect to the width direction (left-right direction) 51 are opposed to the side surfaces of the rib 88 in the width direction (left-right direction) 52, respectively.
  • the rib 88 is configured to attenuate light, e.g., visible or infrared light, traveling in a direction perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50.
  • the direction perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50 is the width direction (left-right direction) 51. More specifically, when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110, the rib 88 is positioned between a light emitter and a light receiver of an optical sensor 116, which are aligned in a horizontal direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50. The rib 88 is configured to attenuate light, which is emitted from the light emitter of the optical sensor 116 and travels in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50.
  • the rib 88 is configured to attenuate the amount or the intensity of light to a level sufficient to be detected by the optical sensor 116.
  • the attenuation of the light is caused by the rib 88 completely preventing the light from passing therethrough in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50, by the rib 88 absorbing some amount of the light, by the rib 88 deflecting the light, by the rib 88 totally reflecting the light, and etc.
  • the rib 88 can be detected by the optical sensor 116.
  • the dimension of the rib 88 from the front wall 40 up to the front end of the rib 88 in the insertion direction 56 away from the rear wall 42 varies from one type of the ink cartridge 30 to another type of the ink cartridge 30. Different types of the ink cartridges 30 may comprise different colors of ink, different ingredients of ink such as dye and pigment, different initial amounts of ink stored in the ink chamber 36, and etc.
  • the first protrusion 85 may have a recess 87 formed therein.
  • the recess 87 may be opened forward in the insertion direction 56, opened upward in the height direction (up-down direction) 52, and opened on one side or the both sides of the first protrusion 85 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51, i.e. at least one of the side walls of the groove 87 may be omitted.
  • the rib 88 is solely protruding from the platform provided by the first protrusion 85.
  • the rib 88 may also acquire a guiding function with respect to any movable parts provided in the cartridge mounting portion 110, which function might be provided also by the side walls of the groove 87 in the embodiment detailed above.
  • the second protrusion 86 extends from the lower end of the front wall 40 in the insertion direction 56 away from the rear wall 42.
  • the second protrusion 86 is positioned below the ink supply portion 34.
  • the width of the second protrusion 86 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 is the same as the width of the front wall 40 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51. In another embodiment, the width of second protrusion 86 may be less than the width of the front wall 40.
  • the front end of the second protrusion 86 is positioned more forward than the ink supply opening 71 formed at the distal end of the ink supply portion 34 in the insertion direction 56 away from the rear wall 42.
  • the dimension of the second protrusion 86 from the front wall 40 up to the front end of the second protrusion 86 in the insertion direction 56 away from the rear wall 42 varies from one type of the ink cartridge 30 to another type of the ink cartridge 30.
  • Different types of the ink cartridges 30 may comprise different colors of ink, different ingredients of ink such as dye and pigment, different initial amounts of ink stored in the ink chamber 36, and etc.
  • the second protrusion 86 is indirectly detected by an optical sensor 117 (see Fig. 1 ). In another embodiment, the second protrusion 86 may be directly detected by the optical sensor 117.
  • the bracket 90 comprises the detection portion 89 at or adjacent to the front wall 40 between the first protrusion 85 and the second protrusion 86 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52.
  • the detection portion 89 is positioned more forward than the detection portion 33 in the insertion direction 56 away from the rear wall 42.
  • the detection portion 33 and the detection portion 89 are aligned in the insertion direction 56.
  • the width of the detection portion 89 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 is the same as the width of the detection portion 33 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51, but other larger or smaller widths are possible as well according to modified embodiments.
  • the detection portion 89 is configured to attenuate light, e.g., visible or infrared light, traveling in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50 to pass therethrough. More specifically, during mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting portion 110, the detection portion 89 passes between the light emitter and the light receiver of the optical sensor 114. When this occurs, the detection portion 89 attenuates light, which is emitted from the light emitter of the optical sensor 114 and travels in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50.
  • light e.g., visible or infrared light
  • the detection portion 89 is configured to attenuate the amount or the intensity of light to a level sufficient to be detected by the optical sensor 114.
  • the attenuation of the light is caused by the detection portion 89 completely preventing the light from passing therethrough in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50, by the detection portion 89 absorbing some amount of the light, by the detection portion 89 deflecting the light, by the detection portion 89 totally reflecting the light, and etc.
  • the detection portion 89 can be detected by the optical sensor 114.
  • the detection portion 89 and the detection portion 33 in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53 There is a gap between the detection portion 89 and the detection portion 33 in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53.
  • the light which is emitted from the light emitter of the optical sensor 114 and travels in the direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50, passes through the gap and reaches the light receiver of the optical sensor 114.
  • the amount of light coming out of the gap and reaching the light receiver of the optical sensor 114 is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount.
  • the dimension of the detection portion 89 in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53 varies from one type of the ink cartridge 30 to another type of the ink cartridge 30.
  • Different types of the ink cartridges 30 may comprise different colors of ink, different ingredients of ink such as dye and pigment, different initial amounts of ink stored in the ink chamber 36, and etc.
  • the front end of the first protrusion 85, the front end of the second protrusion 86, and the detection portion 89 are positioned more forward than the detection portion 33 with respect to the insertion direction 56.
  • the detection portion 33 is positioned more rearward than the front end of the first protrusion 85, the front end of the second protrusion 86, and the detection portion 89 with respect to the insertion direction 56.
  • Each of the detection portion 33 and the ink supply opening 71 is positioned between the first protrusion 85 and the second protrusion 86 with respect to the height direction 52.
  • the ink cartridge 30 comprises a guide portion 65 at the top wall 39.
  • the guide portion 65 is a pair of ribs extending upward from the top wall 39 and extending in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53.
  • the guide portion 65 extends over the bracket 90 and the main body 31.
  • the width of the guide portion 65 between the outer surfaces of the ribs in the width direction (left-right direction) is less than the width of the ink cartridge 30 between the outer surfaces of the side walls 37, 38 of the main body 31 and the bracket 90 in the width direction (left-right direction).
  • the inner gap of the guide portion 65 between the inner surfaces of the ribs in the width direction (left-right direction) is greater than the width of the engagement member 145 in the width direction (left-right direction).
  • the guide portion 65 comprises a front end in the insertion direction 56.
  • the guide portion 65 is positioned between the groove 87 of the first protrusion 85 and the rear wall 42. More specifically, the guide portion 65 is positioned in the rear of the groove 87 with respect to the insertion direction 56.
  • the ink cartridge 30 comprises a guide portion 66 at the bottom wall 41.
  • the guide portion 66 is a protrusion extending downward from the bottom wall 41 and extending in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53.
  • the guide portion 66 extends over the bracket 90 and the main body 31.
  • the width of the guide portion 66 between the outer surfaces of the guide portion 66 in the width direction (left-right direction) is less than the width of the ink cartridge 30 between the outer surfaces of the side walls 37, 38 of the main body 31 and the bracket 90 in the width direction (left-right direction).
  • the ink cartridge 30 comprises an IC board 74 disposed at the bracket 90 between the pair of ribs of the guide portion 65.
  • the IC board 74 is positioned between the groove 87 of the first protrusion 85 and the rear wall 42 and between the engagement portion 45 and the front wall 40.
  • the IC board 74 is positioned at the top-wall 39 side of the ink cartridge 30 between the front wall 40 and the rear wall 42.
  • the IC board 74 is positioned more rearward than the front wall 40 and the groove 87 with respect to the insertion direction 56.
  • the IC board 74 and the ink supply opening 71 are mutually shifted with respect to the insertion direction 56. More specifically, the IC board 74 is positioned more rearward than the ink supply opening 71 with respect to the insertion direction 56.
  • the bracket 90 comprises a platform 67 on which the IC board 74 is disposed.
  • the platform 67 is positioned between the pair of ribs of the guide portion 65.
  • the platform 67 is a planar surface extending in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and the depth direction (front-back direction) 53, and extending in the insertion/removal direction 50 when the ink cartridge 30 is in the mounted position (upright position).
  • a plane on which the platform 67 extends i.e., a plane extending in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53 and the width direction (left-right direction) 51, intersects a plane on which the engagement surface 46 extends, i.e., a plane extending in the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the width direction (left-right direction) 51.
  • the plane on which the platform extends is perpendicular to the plane on which the engagement surface 46 extends.
  • the IC board 74 comprises a substantially planar upper surface extending in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and the depth direction (front-back direction) 53.
  • the upper surface of the IC board 74 extends horizontally and faces upward.
  • a plane on which the upper surface of the IC board 74 extends i.e., a plane extending in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53 and the width direction (left-right direction) 51, intersects the plane on which the engagement surface 46 extends, i.e., a plane extending in the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the width direction (left-right direction) 51.
  • the plane on which the upper surface of the IC board 74 extends is perpendicular to the plane on which the engagement surface 46 extends.
  • the IC board 74 is positioned more forward than the engagement surface 46 with respect to the insertion direction 56.
  • the IC board 74 is positioned above (higher than) the rib 88 and the groove 87 of the first protrusion 85 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52.
  • the IC board 74 is positioned more outside - with respect to the vertical direction or the height direction (52) - than the rib 88 and the groove 87.
  • the IC board 74 is positioned above (higher than) at least a portion of the engagement portion 45 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52.
  • the IC board 74 is positioned more outside - with respect to the vertical direction or the height direction (52) - than at least a portion of the engagement portion 45.
  • the cartridge mounting portion 110 comprises three contacts 106 aligned in the direction (width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50.
  • the IC board 74 contacts and is electrically connected to the three contacts 106 (see Fig. 6 ).
  • the IC board 74 still contacts and is electrically connected to the three contacts 106.
  • the IC board 74 comprises an IC (not shown), and electrical interfaces, e.g., a HOT electrode 75, a GND electrode 76, and a signal electrode 77.
  • the IC is a semiconductor integrated circuit and stores data about the information of the ink cartridge 30, e.g., the lot number of the ink cartridge 30, the manufacturing date of the ink cartridge 30, the color of ink stored in the ink cartridge 30, and etc.
  • the data stored in the IC can be read out by the printer 10.
  • Each of the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 is electrically connected to the IC.
  • Each of the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 extends in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53.
  • the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 are aligned and spaced apart from each other in the width direction (left-right direction) 51.
  • the GND electrode 76 is positioned between the HOT electrode 75 and the signal electrode 77.
  • the IC board 74 has a width in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and the rib 88 of the first protrusion 85 has a width in the width direction (left-right direction) 51, and the width of the IC board 74 is greater than the width of the rib 88.
  • Each of the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 has a width in the width direction (left-right direction) 51, and the width of each of the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 is greater than the width of the rib 88.
  • the center of the IC board 74 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and the center of the rib 88 of the first protrusion 85 in the width direction (left-right direction) is positioned on a plane which is parallel with the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the depth direction (front-back direction) 53. Therefore, the IC board 74 and the rib 88 intersect the plane which is parallel with the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the depth direction (front-back direction) 53. In other words, the IC board 74 and the rib 88 are not offset in the width direction (left-right direction) 51.
  • the center of the GND electrode 76 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and the center of the rib 88 is positioned on the plane which is parallel with the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the depth direction (front-back direction) 53.
  • the center of the GND electrode 76 in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and the center of the rib 88 are not offset in the width direction (left-right direction) 51. Therefore, the GND electrode 76 and the rib 88 intersect the plane which is parallel with the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the depth direction (front-back direction) 53. In other words, the GND electrode 76 and the rib 86 are not offset in the width direction (left-right direction) 51.
  • the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, the signal electrode 77, and the rib 88 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the plane which is parallel with the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the depth direction (front-back direction) 53.
  • the engagement surface 46, the IC board 74, and the groove 87 intersect the plane which is parallel with the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the depth direction (front-back direction) 53. In other words, the engagement surface 46, the IC board 74, and the groove 87 are not offset in the width direction (left-right direction) 51.
  • the engagement surface 46, the GND electrode 76, and the groove 87 intersect the plane which is parallel with the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the depth direction (front-back direction) 53
  • the engagement surface 46, the HOT electrode 75, and the groove 87 intersect another plane which is parallel with the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the depth direction (front-back direction) 53
  • the engagement surface 46, the signal electrode 77, and the groove 87 intersect yet another plane which is parallel with the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the depth direction (front-back direction) 53.
  • the engagement surface 46, each one of the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77, and the groove 87 are not offset in the width direction (left-right direction) 51.
  • the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 contact and are electrically connected to the three contacts 106 (see Fig. 6 ), respectively.
  • the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 still contact and are electrically connected to the three contacts 106, respectively.
  • the engagement surface 46, the IC board 74, and the groove 87 are exposed upward with respect to the height direction 52 to the exterior of the ink cartridge 30 at the top-wall 39 side of the ink cartridge 30.
  • the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 are exposed upward to the exterior of the ink cartridge 30 at the upper surface of the IC board 74, such that the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 are accessible from above when the ink cartridge 30 is in the mounted position.
  • the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 are accessible in the downward direction which is perpendicular to the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and the insertion/removal direction 50.
  • the engagement surface 46 is accessible from above when the ink cartridge 30 is in the mounted position. In other words, the engagement surface 46 is accessible in the downward direction which is perpendicular to the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and the insertion/removal direction 50.
  • the pair of ribs of the guide portion 65 extends beyond the IC board 74 upward and forward in the insertion direction 56. In other words, the pair of ribs of the guide portion 65 extend outward beyond the IC board 74.
  • the bracket 90 comprises a ramp 49 connecting the pair of ribs of the guide portion 65.
  • the ramp 49 is positioned between the groove 87 of the first protrusion 85 and the rear wall 42 and between the IC board 74 and the front wall 40.
  • the ramp 49 is positioned between the groove 87 of the first protrusion 85 (i.e., the upper end of the front wall 40) and the IC board 74.
  • the ramp 49 is inclined downward with respect to the insertion direction 56, such that a front portion of the ramp 49 is positioned lower than a rear portion of the ramp 49.
  • a recess 78 is formed between the engagement portion 45 and the bracket 90 at a boundary between the engagement portion 45 and the bracket 90 at an upper portion of the ink cartridge 30.
  • the bracket 90 covers the front face of the main body 31, the side-wall 37 side of the front portion of the main body 31, the side-wall 38 side of the front portion of the main body 31, the top-wall 39 side of the front portion of the main body 31, and the bottom-wall 41 side of the front portion of the main body 31.
  • the bracket 90 may cover the front portion of the main body 31 differently. Referring to Figs. 10A and 10B , in a modified embodiment, the bracket 90 may not cover the side-wall 37 side of the front portion of the main body 31. Referring to Figs. 11A and 11B , in another modified embodiment, the bracket 90 may not cover the bottom-wall 41 side of the front portion of the main body 31.
  • the ink cartridge 30 is placed with the front wall 40 facing upward.
  • the ink supply valve 70 and the air communication valve 73 are then pushed toward the ink chamber 36, such that the ink supply opening 71 and the air communication opening 32 are opened.
  • the interior of the ink chamber 36 thus becomes accessible from the exterior of the ink chamber 36.
  • ink is introduced into the interior of the ink chamber 36 from the exterior of the ink chamber 36 via the ink supply opening 71 while air escapes from the interior of the ink chamber 36 to the exterior of the ink chamber 36 via the air communication opening 32.
  • the ink supply valve 70 and the air communication valve 73 are then moved to their original positions, such that the ink supply opening 71 and the air communication opening 32 are closed.
  • only one of the ink supply valve 70 and the air communication valve 73 may be pushed toward the ink chamber 36, such that the corresponding one of the ink supply opening 71 and the air communication opening 32 is opened.
  • the interior of the ink chamber 36 thus becomes accessible from the exterior of the ink chamber 36.
  • ink is introduced into the interior of the ink chamber 36 from the exterior of the ink chamber 36 via the ink supply opening 71 or the air communication opening 32 while air escapes from the interior of the ink chamber 36 to the exterior of the ink chamber 36 via the ink supply opening 71 or the air communication opening 32. Because only one of the ink supply opening 71 and the air communication opening 32 is opened, it may take more time to fill the ink chamber 36 with ink compared to the above described method in which both the ink supply opening 71 and the air communication opening 32 are opened. The ink supply valve 70 or the air communication valve 73 is then moved to its original position, such that the ink supply opening 71 or the air communication opening 32 is closed.
  • an opening may be formed through at least one of the front wall 40, the rear wall 42, the top wall 39, the bottom wall 41, the side wall 37, and the side wall 38, such that the interior of the ink chamber 36 becomes accessible from the exterior of the ink chamber 36 via the opening.
  • the ink supply opening 71 and/or the air communication opening 32 may be additionally opened.
  • ink is introduced into the interior of the ink chamber 36 from the exterior of the ink chamber 36 via the opening formed through the wall of the ink cartridge 30 while air escapes from the interior of the ink chamber 36 to the exterior of the ink chamber 36 via the opening and/or via the ink supply opening 71 and/or the air communication opening 32 if opened.
  • the opening formed through the wall of the ink cartridge 30 is closed by a plug, curable adhesive, a tape, etc., and the ink supply opening 71 and/or the air communication opening 32 is closed if opened before.
  • the printer 10 comprises the ink supply device 100.
  • the ink supply device 100 is configured to supply ink to the print head 21.
  • the ink supply device 100 comprises the cartridge mounting portion 110 to which the ink cartridge 30 is mountable.
  • the ink cartridge 30 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110.
  • the cartridge mounting portion 110 comprises a case 101, and the case 101 has the opening 112 formed through one face of the case 101.
  • the ink cartridge 30 is configured to be inserted into or removed from the case 101 through the opening 112.
  • the case 101 has the groove 109 formed in a top surface defining the upper end of the inner space of the case 101 and also has the groove 109 formed in a bottom surface defining the lower end of the inner space of the case 101.
  • the grooves 109 extend in the insertion/removal direction 50.
  • the ink cartridge 30 is guided in the insertion/removal direction 50 with the guide portion 65 inserted in the groove 109 formed in the top surface of the case 101 and the guide groove 66 inserted in the groove 109 formed in the bottom surface of the case 101.
  • the case 101 is configured to receive four ink cartridges 30 storing cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink, respectively.
  • the case 101 comprises three partition plates 102 extending in the vertical direction and the insertion/removal direction 50.
  • the three partition plates 102 partition the inner space of the case 101 into four spaces.
  • the four ink cartridges 30 are configured to be mounted in the four spaces, respectively.
  • the case 101 comprises an end surface opposite the opening 112 in the insertion/removal direction 50.
  • the cartridge mounting portion 110 comprises a connection portion 103 provided at a lower portion of the end surface of the case 101 at a position corresponding to the ink supply portion 34 of the ink cartridge 30 mounted to the case 101.
  • four connection portions 103 are provided for the four ink cartridges 30 mountable to the case 101.
  • the connection portion 103 comprises a printing fluid supply pipe, e.g., the ink pipe 122, and a holding portion 121.
  • the ink pipe 122 is a cylindrical pipe made of a synthetic resin.
  • the ink pipe 122 is connected to the ink tube 20 at the exterior of the case 101.
  • the ink tube 20 connected to the ink pipe 20 extends to the printing head 21 to supply ink to the printing head 21. In Fig. 5 and 6 , the ink tube 20 is not depicted.
  • the holding portion 121 has a cylindrical shape.
  • the ink pipe 122 is positioned at the center of the holding portion 121. Referring to Fig. 9 , when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110, the ink supply portion 34 is inserted into the holding portion 121. When this occurs, the ink supply portion 34 is positioned relative to the holding portion 121 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52 by an outer surface of the ink supply portion 34 contacting an inner surface of the holding portion 121. When the ink supply portion 34 is inserted into the holding portion 121, the ink pipe 122 is inserted into the ink supply opening 71. This allows ink stored in the ink chamber 36 to flow out into the ink pipe 122.
  • the cartridge mounting portion 110 comprises a senor unit 104 above the connection portion 103.
  • the sensor unit 104 comprises a board 113 and the optical senor 114 mounted to the board 113. More specifically, the sensor unit 104 comprises one board 113 and four optical sensors 114 mounted to the one board 113, corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30 mountable to the case 101.
  • the optical sensor 114 comprises the light emitter, e.g., a light emitting diode, and the light receiver, e.g., a photo-transistor.
  • the light emitter and the light receiver are housed in a housing, and the housing extends from the board 113 in the insertion/removal direction 50 toward the opening 112.
  • the housing has substantially a U-shape when view from the above.
  • the light emitter and the light receiver of the optical sensor 114 are aligned in a horizontal direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50 with a space formed therebetween.
  • the light emitter is configured to emit light, e.g., infrared or visible light, toward the light receiver in the horizontal direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50, and the light receiver is configured to receive the light emitted from the light emitter.
  • the detection portion 33 and the detection portion 89 can be inserted into the space between the light emitter and the light receiver.
  • the optical sensor 114 is configured to detect the change in the amount (intensity) of the light when the detection portion 33 or the detection portion 89 enters an optical path (detection point) formed between the light emitter and the light receiver.
  • the optical sensor 114 is electrically connected to a controller (described later) of the printer 10, and when the optical sensor 114 detects the detection portion 33 or the detection portion 89, a signal output from the optical sensor 114 to the controller changes.
  • the cartridge mounting portion 110 comprises a senor unit 105 positioned at the top surface of the case 101 adjacent to the end surface of the case 101.
  • the sensor unit 105 comprises a board 115 and the optical sensor 116 mounted to the board 115. More specifically, the sensor unit 105 comprises one board 115 and four optical sensors 116 mounted to the one board 115, corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30 mountable to the case 101.
  • the optical sensor 116 comprises the light emitter, e.g., a light emitting diode, and the light receiver, e.g., a photo-transistor.
  • the light emitter and the light receiver are housed in a housing, and the housing extends from the board 115 downward in the vertical direction.
  • the housing has substantially an up-side-down U-Shape when viewed in the insertion/removal direction 50.
  • the light emitter and the light receiver of the optical sensor 116 are aligned in the horizontal direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50 with a space formed therebetween.
  • the light emitter is configured to emit light, e.g., infrared or visible light, toward the light receiver in the horizontal direction (the width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50
  • the light receiver is configured to receive the light emitted from the light emitter.
  • the optical sensor 116 is configured to detect the change in the amount (intensity) of the light when the rib 88 enters an optical path (detection point) formed between the light emitter and the light receiver.
  • the optical sensor 116 is electrically connected to the controller of the printer 10, and when the optical sensor 116 detects the rib 88, a signal output from the optical sensor 116 to the controller changes. Based on the signal change, whether the ink cartridge 30 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110 can be determined by the controller.
  • the rib 88 is configured to provide information as to the presence of the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge mounting portion 110 by attenuating the light of the optical sensor 116.
  • the cartridge mounting portion 110 comprises electrical contacts 106 positioned at the top surface of the case 101 between the end surface of the case 101 and the opening 112. Three contacts 106 are provided and aligned in the direction (width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50. Three contacts 106 are arranged at positions corresponding to the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, the signal electrode 77 of the ink cartridge 30. The contacts 106 have electrical conductivity and resiliency. The contacts 106 are configured to be resiliently deformed in the upward direction when these are pressed from below. Four sets of three contacts 106 are provided, corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30 mountable to the case 101.
  • the printer 10 comprises the controller, and the contacts 106 are electrically connected to the controller via an electrical circuit.
  • the controller may comprise a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and etc.
  • a voltage Vc is applied to the HOT electrode 75.
  • the GND electrode 76 contacts and is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the contacts 106, the GND electrode 76 is grounded.
  • the HOT electrode 75 and the GND electrode 76 contact and are electrically connected to the corresponding contacts 106, respectively, power is supplied to the IC.
  • the signal electrode 77 contacts and is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the contacts 106, data stored in the IC is accessible. Outputs from the electrical circuit are input to the controller.
  • the case 101 has a space 130 formed at the lower end of the end surface of the case 101.
  • the cartridge mounting portion 110 comprises a slider 135 disposed in the space 130.
  • Four sliders 135 are provided corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30 mountable to the case 101.
  • the space 130 is contiguous with the inner space of the case 101.
  • the slider 135 is configured to move in the space 130 in the insertion/removal direction 50.
  • the slider 135 has substantially a rectangular parallelepiped shape.
  • the slider 135 is positioned in the line of travel of the second protrusion 86 of the ink cartridge 30 and is configured to contact the second protrusion 86.
  • the cartridge mounting portion 110 comprises a coil spring 139 disposed in the space 130.
  • the coil spring 139 is configured to bias the slider 135 toward the opening 112, i.e., in the removal direction 55.
  • the coil spring 139 is in a normal length, i.e., when no external force is applied to the slider 135, the slider 135 is positioned at an opening 112 side of the space 130.
  • the second protrusion 86 of the ink cartridge 30 contacts the slider 135 and pushes the slider 135 in the insertion direction 56.
  • the coil spring 139 contracts and the slider 135 slides in the insertion direction 56.
  • the coil spring 139 in a contracted state biases the ink cartridge 30 in the removal direction 55 via the slider 135.
  • the cartridge mounting portion 110 comprises the optical sensor 117 at an upper portion of the space 130.
  • Four optical sensors 117 are provided corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30 mountable to the case 101.
  • the four optical sensors 117 are provided corresponding to the four sliders 135.
  • the four optical sensors 117 are aligned in the direction (width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50.
  • the optical sensor 117 has the same structure as the optical sensor 116.
  • the slider 135 When the ink cartridge 30 is mounted to the case 101, the slider 135 is pushed and inserted into a space between a light emitter and a light receiver of the optical sensor 117.
  • the optical sensor 117 is configured to detect the change in the amount (intensity) of light when the slider 135 enters an optical path (detection point) formed between the light emitter and the light receiver of the optical sensor 117.
  • the optical sensor 117 is electrically connected to the controller of the printer 10, and when the optical sensor 117 detects the slider 135, a signal output from the optical sensor 117 to the controller changes. In Figs. 6 to 9 , the slider 135, the coil spring 139, and the optical sensor 117 are not depicted.
  • the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 114 is positioned more rearward than the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 116 and the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 117 in the insertion direction 56.
  • the cartridge mounting portion 110 comprises a rod 125 at the end surface of the case 101.
  • the position of the rod 125 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52 corresponds to the position of the air communication valve 73 of the ink cartridge 30 mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52.
  • Four rods 125 are provided corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30 mountable to the case 101.
  • the rod 125 has a cylindrical shape and extends from the end surface of the case 101 in the insertion/removal direction 50 toward the opening 112.
  • the rod 125 is inserted through the opening 96 of the bracket 90, and the distal end of the rod 125 contacts the air communication valve 73.
  • the air communication valve 73 is pushed by the rod 125, such that the air communication opening 32 is opened.
  • An outer surface of the rod 125 contacts an inner surface 98 of the bracket 90 defining the opening 96, and thereby the bracket 90 is positioned relative to the cartridge mounting portion 110 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52.
  • the cartridge mounting portion 110 comprises the engagement member 145 positioned at an upper portion of the case 101.
  • the engagement member 145 is configured to retain the ink cartridge 30 in the mounted position.
  • the engagement member 145 is positioned adjacent to the upper end of the opening 112.
  • the engagement member 145 is positioned between the opening 112 and the contacts 106.
  • Each of the contacts 106 and the engagement member 145 intersect a plane which is parallel with the insertion/removal direction 50 and the vertical (gravitational) direction. In other words, each of the contacts 106 and the engagement member 145 are not offset in the width direction (left-right direction) 51.
  • Four engagement members 145 are provided corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30 mountable to the case 101.
  • the cartridge mounting portion 110 comprises a shaft 147 positioned adjacent to the upper end of the opening 112.
  • the shaft 147 is attached to the case 101 and extends in the direction (width direction or left-right direction 51) perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction 50.
  • the shaft 147 extends through an end of the engagement member 145 adjacent to the opening 112, in other words, a rear end of the engagement member 145 with respect to the insertion direction 56.
  • the engagement member 145 is supported by the shaft 147, such that the engagement member 145 can pivot about the shaft 147 selectively toward and away from the inner space of the case 101.
  • the engagement member 145 comprises an engagement end 146 opposite the end of the engagement member 145 through which the shaft 147 extends.
  • the engagement end 146 is positioned at a front end of the engagement member 145 with respect to the insertion direction 56.
  • the engagement end 146 is configured to contact the engagement portion 45 of the ink cartridge 30.
  • the engagement end 146 extends substantially in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and the height direction (up-down direction) 52.
  • the engagement member 145 is configured to move between a lock position and an unlock position. When the engagement member 145 is in the lock position, the engagement end 146 can contact the engagement portion 45. When the engagement member 145 is in the unlock position, the engagement end 146 cannot contact the engagement portion 45.
  • the engagement member 145 comprises a slide surface 148 extending from the engagement end 146 toward the shaft 147.
  • the slide surface 148 extends substantially in the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and the depth direction (front-back direction) 53.
  • the slide surface 148 has a width in the width direction (left-right direction) 51, such that the slide surface 148 contacts and slides on all the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 at the same time when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into and/or removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110.
  • the engagement member 145 is configured to pivot downward due to its own weight or biased by a spring (not shown).
  • a spring not shown.
  • the engagement end 146 contacting the engagement portion 45 is positioned above the front end portion 81 of the pivot member 80.
  • the engagement member 145 pivots upward about the shaft 147 from the lock position to the unlock position.
  • the movable range of the engagement member 145 is limited, such that the engagement member 145 does not pivot downward beyond the lock position.
  • FIGs. 7 to 9 it is described how the ink cartridge 30 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110.
  • the cartridge mounting portion 110 is depicted in cross-section, but only a top-wall 39 side portion of the ink cartridge 30 is depicted in cross-section.
  • the bracket 90 is supported by the upper surface of the front portion of the main body 31 from below, the bracket 90 is movable in the upward direction relative to the main body 31 before the ink cartridge 30 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110.
  • the guide portions 65, 66 of the ink cartridge 30 are inserted into the grooves 109 of the case 101, and thereby the ink cartridge 30 is roughly positioned relative to the cartridge mounting portion 110 with respect to the width direction (left-right direction) 51 and the height direction (up-down direction) 52.
  • the ink cartridge 30 is configured to slide toward the end surface of the case 101 while the guide portions 65, 66 are inserted in the grooves 109.
  • the second protrusion 86 contacts the slider 135.
  • the slider 135 is pushed in the insertion direction 56 against the biasing force from the coil spring 139 into the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 117.
  • the signal output from the optical sensor 117 to the controller changes from a HI level signal to a LOW level signal.
  • the detection portion 89 enters the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 114.
  • the signal output from the optical sensor 114 to the controller changes from a HI level signal to a LOW level signal.
  • the rib 88 of the first protrusion 85 enters the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 116.
  • the signal output from the optical sensor 116 to the controller changes from a HI level signal to a LOW level signal.
  • the gap between the detection portion 89 and the detection portion 33 passes the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 114.
  • the signal output from the optical sensor 114 to the controller changes from the LOW level signal to the HI level signal.
  • the signal output from the optical sensor 114 to the controller changes from the HI level signal to the LOW level signal if the sensor arm 60 is in the lower position.
  • the detection portion 89 is longer in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53 in one type of the ink cartridge 30, the detection portion 89 is still in the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 114 when the rib 88 starts to enter the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 116, and therefore, the signal output from the optical sensor 114 is the LOW level signal at a time that the signal output from the optical sensor 116 changes from the HI level signal to the LOW level signal.
  • the detection portion 89 is shorter in the depth direction (front-back direction) 53 in another type of the ink cartridge 30, the detection portion 89 is no longer in the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 114 when the rib 88 starts to enter the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 116, and therefore, the signal output from the optical sensor 114 is the HI level signal at a time that the signal output from the optical sensor 116 changes from the HI level signal to the LOW level signal.
  • the rib 88 and the detection portion 89 are configured to provide information as to the type of the ink cartridge 30 by attenuating the light of the optical sensor 116 and the optical sensor 114.
  • the slider 135 is already in the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 117 when the rib 88 starts to enter the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 116, and therefore, the signal output from the optical sensor 117 is the LOW level signal at a time that the signal output from the optical sensor 116 changes from the HI level signal to the LOW level signal.
  • the slider 135 is not yet in the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 117 when the rib 88 starts to enter the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 116, and therefore, the signal output from the optical sensor 117 is the HI level signal at a time that the signal output from the optical sensor 116 changes from the HI level signal to the LOW level signal.
  • the rib 88 and the second protrusion 86 are configured to provide information as to the type of the ink cartridge 30 by attenuating the light of the optical sensor 116 and the optical sensor 117.
  • the ink supply portion 34 of the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the holding portion 121 and the ink pipe 122 is inserted into the ink supply opening 71.
  • the ink supply portion 34 is positioned relative to the holding portion 121 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52 by the outer surface of the ink supply portion 34 contacting the inner surface of the holding portion 121, i.e., the main body 31 is positioned relative to the cartridge mounting portion 110 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52.
  • the ink supply valve 70 is pushed by the ink pipe 122, such that the ink supply opening 71 is opened.
  • the ink pipe 122 has an ink introduction opening formed in the distal end thereof, and ink stored in the ink chamber 36 flows into the ink pipe 122 via the ink introduction opening in the insertion direction 56.
  • the rod 125 enters the opening 96 of the bracket 90.
  • the bracket 90 is movable in the upward direction relative to the main body 31.
  • an upper portion of the outer surface of the rod 125 contact an upper portion of the inner surface 98 of the bracket 90 defining the opening 96, and pushes up the bracket 90, such that the bracket 90 slides on the main body 31 in the upward direction.
  • the bracket 90 cannot move in the downward direction relative to the cartridge mounting portion 110 because the upper portion of the outer surface of the rod 125 contacts the upper portion of the inner surface 98 of the bracket 90 defining the opening 96 from below.
  • the rod 125 contacts and pushes the air communication valve 73.
  • the air communication valve 73 moves away from the air communication opening 32, such that air flows into the ink chamber 36 via the air communication opening 32.
  • the contacts 106 contact the ramp 49 of the bracket 90. Because the ramp 49 is inclined upward when the contact 106 moves toward the rear wall 42 of the ink cartridge 30 and because the bracket 90 cannot move in the downward direction with the upper portion of the outer surface of the rod 125 contacting the upper portion of the inner surface 98 of the bracket 90 defining the opening 96, the contacts 106 are resiliently deformed in the upward direction when the contacts 106 slides on the ramp 49 and the IC board 74. The resiliently-deformed contacts 106 bias the IC board 74 in the downward direction. When the contacts 106 reach the IC board 74, the bracket 90 is positioned relative to the cartridge mounting portion 110 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52 by the contacts 106 and rod 125 sandwiching the bracket 90 from above and from below, respectively.
  • the contacts 106 contact and are electrically connected to the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, the signal electrode 77 of the IC board 74, respectively.
  • the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 reaches the mounted position, the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 still contact and are electrically connected to the three contacts 106, respectively.
  • the engagement surface 46 of the engagement portion 45 of the ink cartridge 30 has passed the engagement end 146 of the engagement member 145 in the insertion direction 56.
  • the engagement member 145 pivots in the clockwise direction in Fig. 9 to the lock position, and the engagement end 146 contacts the engagement surface 46.
  • the ink cartridge 30 is retained in the mounted position against the biasing force from the coil spring 139.
  • the ink cartridge 30 is positioned relative to the cartridge mounting portion 110 with respect to the insertion/removal direction 50. As such, the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed.
  • the main body 31 When the ink cartridge 30 is in the mounted position in the cartridge mounting portion 110, the main body 31 is positioned with the ink supply portion 34 inserted into the holding portion 121 and the ink pipe 122 inserted into the ink supply opening 71, and the bracket 90 is positioned sandwiched by the contacts 106 and the rod 125 in a position between the ends of its movable range.
  • the front end portion 81 of the pivot member 80 is positioned below the engagement end 146 of the engagement member 145.
  • the rear end portion 82 of the pivot member 80 is positioned away from the top wall 39.
  • the controller Based on the level of the output signal from the optical sensor 116, whether the ink cartridge 30 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110 is determined by the controller.
  • the rib 88 is configured to provide information as to the presence of the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge mounting portion 110 by attenuating the light of the optical sensor 116.
  • the type of the ink cartridge 30 is determined by the controller.
  • the rib 88, and the detection portion 89 or the second protrusion 86 are configured to provide information as to the type of the ink cartridge 30 by attenuating the light of the optical sensor 116 and the optical sensor 114 or the optical sensor 117.
  • the controller By periodically checking the level of the output signal from the optical sensor 114, the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is determined by the controller, i.e., whether the ink chamber 36 has the predetermined amount or more of ink stored therein is determined.
  • the detection portion 33 is configured to indicate the presence or absence of ink within the ink chamber 36 by attenuating or not attenuating the light of the optical sensor 114.
  • the information of the ink cartridge 30, e.g., the lot number of the ink cartridge 30, the manufacturing date of the ink cartridge 30, the color of ink stored in the ink cartridge 30, and etc. is determined.
  • the bracket 90 may be movable in the downward direction relative to the main body 31 in the initial position before the ink cartridge 30 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110.
  • the bracket 90 is supported by static friction between the end portions 93, 94 of the bracket 90 and the inclined inner surfaces 47, 48 of the main body 31.
  • the outer surface of the rod 125 may not contact the inner surface 98 of the bracket 90 defining the opening 96 initially.
  • the contacts 106 contact the ramp 49 and the IC board 74 and push down the bracket 90, such that the upper portion of the outer surface of the rod 125 contacts the upper portion of the inner surface 98 of the bracket 90 defining the opening 96.
  • the bracket 90 is positioned relative to the cartridge mounting portion 110 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52 by the contacts 106 and rod 125 sandwiching the bracket 90 from above and from below, respectively.
  • the time profile of the evens which occur during the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting portion 110 is described in more detail here.
  • the slide surface 148 of the engagement portion 145 starts to slide on the IC board 74.
  • the second protrusion 86 then contacts the slider 135 and starts to push the slider 135.
  • the detection portion 89 then starts to enter the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 114.
  • the rib 88 then starts to enter the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 116.
  • the rod 125 then contacts the air communication valve 73 and starts to push the air communication valve 73.
  • the contacts 106 then starts to contact the IC board 74.
  • the gap between the detection portion 89 and the detection portion 33 then starts to enter the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 114.
  • the ink pike 122 then contacts the ink supply valve 70 and starts to push the ink supply valve 70.
  • the detection portion 33 then starts to enter the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 114.
  • the engagement end 146 then contacts the engagement surface 46.
  • the printer 10 After the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed.
  • the printer 10 starts printing.
  • the used ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110, and a new ink cartridge 30 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110.
  • the rear end portion 82 of the pivot member 80 When the ink cartridge 30 is intended to be removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110, the rear end portion 82 of the pivot member 80 is pushed down by a user. Accordingly, the front end portion 81 of the pivot member 80 moves up and separates from the top wall 39. When this occurs, the engagement member 145 is pushed up by the front end portion 81 of the pivot member 80, and the engagement end 146 of the engagement member 145 moves to a position above the engagement surface 46, i.e., to a position separated from the engagement surface 46. As such, the engagement member 145 moves from the lock position to the unlock position, and the ink cartridge 30 is released from the state held by the engagement member 145.
  • an external force applied to the ink cartridge 30 e.g., the biasing force of the coil spring 139 moves the ink cartridge 30 in the removal direction 55. Nevertheless, because a finger of the user still contacts the pushed-down rear end portion 82 of the pivot member 80, the ink cartridge 30 moving in the removal direction 55 is stopped by the user. The biasing force of the coil spring 139 is received by the user's finger via the pivot member 80.
  • the ink cartridge 30 moves following the finger, pushed by the slider 135 and the coil spring 139.
  • the IC board 74 disposed on the bracket 90 is released from the downward biasing force of the contacts 106 of the cartridge mounting portion 110.
  • the slide surface 148 of the engagement member 145 passes over the recess 78 and slides on the IC board 74 and the ramp 49.
  • the slide surface 148 After sliding on the ramp 49, the slide surface 148 passes over the groove 87. When this occurs, the dust wiped off by the slide surface 148 falls into the groove 87. Accordingly, a likelihood that the dust falls down and adheres to a portion of the ink supply portion 34 surrounding the ink supply opening 71 is reduced.
  • the outer surface of the rod 125 separates away from the inner surface 98 of the bracket 90 defining the opening 96, such that the bracket 90 moves down relative to the main body 31 to the initial position in which the bracket 90 is supported by the upper surface of the front portion of the main body 31.
  • the ink pipe 122 is pulled out of the ink supply portion 34. As such, the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110.
  • the ink cartridge 30 comprises the detection portion 89 and the rib 88 configured to be detected by the optical sensors 114, 116 independent of the IC board 74, even if the electrical connection between the IC board 74 and the contacts 106 fails to be established or the data fails to be read out from the IC via the signal electrode 77, it can be determined that the ink cartridge 30 is mounted to the printer 10 based on the information obtained from the detection portion 89 and the rib 88. Therefore , the ink cartridge 30 can be used even if the electrical connection between the IC board 74 and the contacts 106 fails to be established or the data fails to be read out from the IC via the signal electrode 77.
  • the detection portion 89 and the rib 88 can enter the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 114, 116 in the insertion direction 50 at desired timings.
  • the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 are accessible in the downward direction perpendicular to the insertion direction 50 and the direction in which the light travels, even if the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 are accessed by the contacts 106 in the downward direction, such that the ink cartridge 30, or parts thereof, is displaced in the downward direction, such displacement does not affect the timings of the detection portion 89 and the rib 88 entering the detection point (optical path) of the optical sensor 114, 116 in the insertion direction 56. This is because the timings are determined by the movement of the ink cartridge 30 in the insertion direction 56, and not determined by the downward displacement of the ink cartridge 30. Generally speaking, when events occur in directions perpendicular to each other, such events can be independent events and cannot be mutually affected.
  • the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 are positioned between the front wall 40 and the rear wall 42, the biasing force from the slider 135 and the coil spring 139 in the removal direction 55 is not directly received by the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77. Therefore, a likelihood that excessive load is applied to the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 is reduced. Moreover, a likelihood that ink leaks from the ink supply portion 34 and the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 are contaminated with ink is reduced.
  • the contact between the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 and the contacts 106 might be unstable because the ink cartridge 30 is biased in the removal direction 55, i.e., a direction that the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 separate away from the contacts 106.
  • the deformation range of the contacts 106 and the resiliency of the contacts 106 would have to be set greater in order to secure the contact between the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 and the contacts 106 even when the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 move away from the contacts 106 by the biasing force biasing the ink cartridge 30.
  • the greater deformation range and greater resiliency of the contacts 106 might apply a great biasing force to the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77, i.e., excessive load might be applied to the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77.
  • the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 and the engagement portion 45 are provided at the same side, e.g., the top-wall 39 side, of the ink cartridge 30, the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 are positioned adjacent to the engagement portion 45. Because the engagement portion 45 determines the position of the ink cartridge 30 relative to the cartridge mounting portion 110 with respect to the insertion/removal direction 50 when the engagement portion 45 contacts the engagement member 145, the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77, which are positioned adjacent to the engagement portion 45, can be accurately positioned relative to the contacts 106 with respect to the insertion/removal direction 50.
  • the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 are positioned more forward than the engagement surface 46 with respect to the insertion direction 56, and the engagement surface 46 and each of the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 intersect the respective plane which is parallel with the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the depth direction (front-back direction) 53, the engagement member 145 slides on the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 during the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110. Therefore dust on the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 are wiped off and a likelihood that the electrical connection between the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 and the contacts 106 becomes unstable is reduced.
  • the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 are positioned above at least a portion of the engagement surface 46 of the engagement portion 45. Because the engagement member 145 is configured to pivot downward due to its own weight or biased by a spring, dust on the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 can be wiped off by the engagement member 145 with stronger downward force. Moreover, the movable range of the engagement member 145 is limited, such that the engagement member 145 does not pivot downward beyond the lock position. If the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 were positioned below the engagement surface 46, the engagement member 145 could not contact the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77. The position of the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 above at least a portion of the engagement surface 46 thus facilitates the wiping function of the engagement member 145.
  • the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 are positioned more rearward than the ink supply opening 71 of the ink supply portion 34 with respect to the insertion direction 56, even if dust on the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 are wiped off when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into and/or removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110, a likelihood that such dust adheres to the portion of the ink supply portion 34 surrounding the ink supply opening 71 is reduced. Therefore, a likelihood that ink is contaminated by the dust is reduced.
  • the recess e.g., groove 87 is positioned more forward than the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 with respect to the insertion direction 56
  • the groove 87 and each of the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 intersect the respective plane which is parallel with the height direction (up-down direction) 52 and the depth direction (front-back direction) 53
  • the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 are positioned above the groove 87, dust wiped off of the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 falls into the groove 87. Accordingly, a likelihood that the dust falls down and adheres to the portion of the ink supply portion 34 surrounding the ink supply opening 71 is reduced.
  • the ink supply portion 34 is positioned at the front wall 40 and the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 are positioned at the top wall 39, a likelihood that ink spattered from the ink supply portion 34 reaches and contaminates the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 is reduced.
  • the bracket 90 is movable relative to the main body 31 in the height direction (up-down direction) 52
  • the bracket 90 and the main body 31 can be independently positioned relative to the cartridge mounting portion 110 with respect to the height direction (up-down direction) 52. Therefore, elements provided at the bracket 90, e.g., the IC board 74, the rib 88, and the detection portion 89, and elements provided at the main body 31, e.g., the ink supply portion 34, can be independently positioned relative to corresponding elements provided at the cartridge mounting portion 110, e.g., the contacts 106, the optical sensors 114, 116, and the ink pipe 122.
  • the ink cartridge 30 is assembled from a plurality of elements, the dimensional tolerance of each element generally needs to be set small, which requires high accuracy in designing and manufacturing each element. If the dimensional tolerance of each element is relatively big, the accumulated dimensional error of the ink cartridge 30 generally becomes big.
  • the ink pipe 122 may not be inserted into the ink supply opening 71 and may contact the distal end of the ink supply portion 34 and be broken, the contacts 106 may contact the IC board 74 with high pressure and may be broken, on the contrary the contacts 106 may fail to contact the IC board 74, or the rib 88 and the detection portion 89 may fail to enter between the light emitter and the light receiver of the optical sensor 114, 116.
  • the bracket 90 is movable relative to the main body 31, the bracket 90 and the main body 31 can be independently positioned relative to the cartridge mounting portion 110, elements provided at the bracket 90, e.g., the IC board 74, the rib 88, and the detection portion 89, and elements provided at the main body 31, e.g., the ink supply portion 34, can be independently positioned relative to corresponding elements provided at the cartridge mounting portion 110, e.g., the contacts 106, the optical sensors 114, 116, and the ink pipe 122, with moderate dimensional tolerances of the elements.
  • the width of each of the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 is greater than the width of the rib 88, in other words, the width of the rib 88 is less than the width of each of the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77, the rib 88 is suitable for non-contact detection by the optical sensor 116 while the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 76, and the signal electrode 77 are suitable for physical contact with the contacts 106.
  • the second protrusion 86 may comprise a rib, which is similar to the rib 88 of the first protrusion 85, and the optical sensor 117 may be configured to directly detect the rib of the second protrusion 86.
  • the range within which the bracket 90 moves relative to the main body 31 may be determined by a known structure, e.g., guide grooves formed in the main body 31 or the bracket 90, other than the elongated openings 91, 92 or the detection portion 33 and the support portion 79.
  • the movement of the bracket 90 may be guided by a known structure, e.g., guide rails formed at the main body 31 or the bracket 90, other than the inclined inner surfaces 47, 48.
  • the inner surface 98 of the bracket 90 defining the opening 96 may not contact the outer surface of the rod 125 to move the bracket 90 relative to the main body 31.
  • the bracket 90 may comprise a surface extending in a direction intersecting the insertion/removal direction 50 at the top face or the bottom face, and when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110, the surface may contact and slide on a protrusion provided in the cartridge mounting portion 110, such that the bracket 90 moves relative to the main body 31
  • the cartridge mounting portion 110 may not comprise the slider 135, the coil spring 139, and the optical sensor 117.
  • the ink cartridge 30 may be biased in the removal direction 55 by springs coupled to the ink supply valve 70 and/or the air communication valve 73.
  • the IC may not be disposed on the same board on which the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 75, and the signal electrode 77 are disposed.
  • the IC may be disposed at or adjacent to the rear wall 42 and may be wired to the HOT electrode 75, the GND electrode 75, and the signal electrode 77 which are disposed at or adjacent to the top wall 39.
  • the ink cartridge 30 may not comprise the bracket 90 and the detection portion 89, the rib 88, and the IC board 74 may be disposed on the main body 31.

Landscapes

  • Ink Jet (AREA)

Claims (11)

  1. Cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) conçue pour être insérée dans une partie de montage de cartouches (110) en position verticale dans un sens d'insertion (56) en opposition à une force de sollicitation exercée dans un sens de retrait (55) opposé au sens d'insertion (56), la cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) comprenant :
    une face avant orientée vers le sens d'insertion (56) quand la cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) est insérée dans la partie de montage de cartouches ;
    une face arrière située à l'opposé de la face avant par rapport au sens d'insertion (56) et orientée vers le sens de retrait (55) quand la cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) est insérée dans la partie de montage de cartouches ;
    une chambre (36) située entre la face avant et la face arrière et conçue pour contenir un liquide d'impression ;
    une partie de délivrance de liquide d'impression (34) située au niveau de la face avant et conçue pour délivrer le liquide d'impression depuis l'intérieur de la chambre (36) vers l'extérieur de la chambre (36) ;
    dans laquelle la cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) en position verticale a une largeur dans un sens de la largeur (51), une hauteur dans le sens de la hauteur (52) et une profondeur dans le sens de la profondeur (53), le sens de la largeur (51), le sens de la hauteur (52) et le sens de la profondeur (53) étant perpendiculaires entre eux, et le sens de la profondeur (53) étant parallèle au sens d'insertion (56) ;
    une interface électrique (75, 76, 77) conçue pour permettre un accès électrique à un circuit intégré monté sur la cartouche de liquide d'impression (30), l'interface électrique étant située entre la face avant et la face arrière par rapport au sens d'insertion ou de retrait ; et
    une partie d'emboîtement (45) destinée à retenir la cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) dans la partie de montage de cartouches en opposition à la force de sollicitation ;
    dans laquelle l'interface électrique (75, 76, 77) et la partie d'emboîtement (45) sont toutes deux ménagées d'un seul côté au niveau d'une face supérieure de la cartouche de liquide d'impression (30), et la face supérieure est orientée vers le haut dans le sens de la hauteur (52) quand la cartouche d'encre (30) est en position verticale.
  2. Cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle la cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) est conçue pour être insérée dans la partie de montage de cartouches (110) en position verticale, la cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) comprenant en outre :
    une partie de détection (33) conçue pour indiquer la présence ou l'absence de liquide d'impression à l'intérieur de la chambre (36), la partie de détection étant située sur la face avant ;
    dans laquelle la partie de détection (33) est agencée dans la position verticale de la cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) au-dessus de la partie de délivrance de liquide d'impression (34) dans une direction de hauteur (52) perpendiculaire au sens d'insertion (56) et au sens de retrait (55).
  3. Cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans laquelle la cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) est conçue pour être insérée dans la partie de montage de cartouches (110) en position verticale, et la cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) en position verticale possède une largeur dans un sens de la largeur (51), une hauteur dans le sens de la hauteur (52) et une profondeur dans le sens de la profondeur (53), le sens de la largeur (51), le sens de la hauteur (52) et le sens de la profondeur (53) étant perpendiculaires entre eux, et le sens de la profondeur (53) étant parallèle au sens d'insertion (56), dans laquelle lorsque la cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) est en position verticale, l'interface électrique (75, 76, 77) est située au-dessus de la partie de délivrance de liquide d'impression (34) par rapport au sens de la hauteur (52).
  4. Cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans laquelle la cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) est en position verticale, l'interface électrique (75, 76, 77) est située au-dessus d'au moins une partie de la partie d'emboîtement (45) par rapport au sens de la hauteur (52).
  5. Cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans laquelle la cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) est conçue pour être insérée dans la partie de montage de cartouches (110) en position verticale, et la cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) en position verticale possède une largeur dans un sens de la largeur (51), une hauteur dans le sens de la hauteur (52) et une profondeur dans le sens de la profondeur (53), le sens de la largeur (51), le sens de la hauteur (52) et le sens de la profondeur (53) étant perpendiculaires entre eux, et le sens de la profondeur (53) étant parallèle au sens d'insertion (56), la cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) comprenant en outre :
    un corps principal (31) comprenant la chambre (36) ; et
    un support (90) fixé au corps principal (31), l'interface électrique (75, 76, 77) étant disposée au niveau du support (90) et le support (90) étant mobile par rapport au corps principal (31) dans le sens de la hauteur (52).
  6. Cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, comprenant en outre une autre partie de détection (88) située plus en avant que l'interface électrique (75, 76, 77) par rapport au sens d'insertion (56), dans laquelle l'autre partie de détection (88) est conçue pour être détectée par un capteur optique ménagé dans la partie de montage de cartouches.
  7. Cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, dans laquelle l'interface électrique (75, 76, 77) est conçue pour être accessible dans un sens perpendiculaire au sens d'insertion (55) et au sens de retrait (56).
  8. Appareil d'impression (10) comprenant :
    la cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7 ; et
    une partie de montage de cartouches (110) dans laquelle la cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) est conçue pour s'insérer, la partie de montage de cartouches (110) comprenant :
    un contact (106) conçu pour être connecté électriquement à l'interface électrique (75, 76, 77) ; et
    un élément d'emboîtement (145) conçu pour toucher la partie d'emboîtement (45) de telle sorte que la cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) est retenue dans la partie de montage de cartouches (110) en opposition à la force de sollicitation.
  9. Appareil d'impression (10) selon les revendications 6 et 8, comprenant un capteur optique (116) conçu pour détecter l'autre partie de détection (88).
  10. Appareil d'impression (10) selon la revendication 8 ou 9, comprenant en outre un élément de sollicitation (135, 139) conçu pour appliquer la force de sollicitation sur la cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) dans le sens du retrait (55).
  11. Procédé de fabrication d'une cartouche de liquide d'impression (30), comprenant :
    une étape consistant à fournir la cartouche de liquide d'impression (30) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7 ;
    une étape consistant à fournir un accès à l'intérieur de la chambre (36) depuis l'extérieur de la chambre (36) ; et
    une étape consistant à introduire du liquide d'impression à l'intérieur de la chambre (36) depuis l'extérieur de la chambre (36).
EP11195233.9A 2011-12-22 2011-12-22 Cartouche de liquide d'impression et appareil d'impression Active EP2607081B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ES11195233.9T ES2509944T3 (es) 2011-12-22 2011-12-22 Cartucho de fluido de impresión y aparato de impresión
DK11195233.9T DK2607081T3 (da) 2011-12-22 2011-12-22 Printer-fluid-patron og printerapparat
EP15161567.1A EP2910378B1 (fr) 2011-12-22 2011-12-22 Cartouche de liquide d'impression et appareil d'impression
PL11195233T PL2607081T3 (pl) 2011-12-22 2011-12-22 Kartridż na płyn do drukowania oraz urządzenie do drukowania
EP14180956.6A EP2803491B1 (fr) 2011-12-22 2011-12-22 Cartouche de liquide d'impression et appareil d'impression
EP11195233.9A EP2607081B1 (fr) 2011-12-22 2011-12-22 Cartouche de liquide d'impression et appareil d'impression

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP11195233.9A EP2607081B1 (fr) 2011-12-22 2011-12-22 Cartouche de liquide d'impression et appareil d'impression

Related Child Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP15161567.1A Division EP2910378B1 (fr) 2011-12-22 2011-12-22 Cartouche de liquide d'impression et appareil d'impression
EP14180956.6A Division EP2803491B1 (fr) 2011-12-22 2011-12-22 Cartouche de liquide d'impression et appareil d'impression
EP14180956.6A Division-Into EP2803491B1 (fr) 2011-12-22 2011-12-22 Cartouche de liquide d'impression et appareil d'impression

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2607081A1 EP2607081A1 (fr) 2013-06-26
EP2607081B1 true EP2607081B1 (fr) 2014-09-24

Family

ID=45406515

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP15161567.1A Active EP2910378B1 (fr) 2011-12-22 2011-12-22 Cartouche de liquide d'impression et appareil d'impression
EP14180956.6A Active EP2803491B1 (fr) 2011-12-22 2011-12-22 Cartouche de liquide d'impression et appareil d'impression
EP11195233.9A Active EP2607081B1 (fr) 2011-12-22 2011-12-22 Cartouche de liquide d'impression et appareil d'impression

Family Applications Before (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP15161567.1A Active EP2910378B1 (fr) 2011-12-22 2011-12-22 Cartouche de liquide d'impression et appareil d'impression
EP14180956.6A Active EP2803491B1 (fr) 2011-12-22 2011-12-22 Cartouche de liquide d'impression et appareil d'impression

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (3) EP2910378B1 (fr)
DK (1) DK2607081T3 (fr)
ES (1) ES2509944T3 (fr)
PL (1) PL2607081T3 (fr)

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JP6627345B2 (ja) * 2015-09-07 2020-01-08 ブラザー工業株式会社 液体カートリッジ
JP2017056706A (ja) * 2015-09-18 2017-03-23 セイコーエプソン株式会社 端子接続部及びカートリッジ
JP6724406B2 (ja) * 2016-02-18 2020-07-15 ブラザー工業株式会社 判定システム及び印刷流体カートリッジ
JP6878812B2 (ja) * 2016-09-30 2021-06-02 ブラザー工業株式会社 液体カートリッジ及び液体消費装置
JP6874313B2 (ja) * 2016-09-30 2021-05-19 ブラザー工業株式会社 印刷流体収容装置、印刷流体供給装置、及びアダプタ
JP6961919B2 (ja) * 2016-09-30 2021-11-05 ブラザー工業株式会社 液体カートリッジ及び液体消費装置
JP6922219B2 (ja) * 2016-12-28 2021-08-18 ブラザー工業株式会社 印刷流体カートリッジ及びシステム
BR112019019083A2 (pt) * 2017-03-14 2020-09-08 Illinois Tool Works Inc. conjunto de conexão rápida para conexões de fluido ou elétrica

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0729836B1 (fr) * 1989-08-05 2002-11-13 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Cartouche d'encre
US5777646A (en) * 1995-12-04 1998-07-07 Hewlett-Packard Company Self-sealing fluid inerconnect with double sealing septum
US5661510A (en) * 1994-11-22 1997-08-26 Lexmark International, Inc. Ink-jet cartridge venting
EP0994779B1 (fr) * 1997-06-04 2003-04-02 Hewlett-Packard Company, A Delaware Corporation Adaptateur de systeme d'alimentation en encre
JP2000037880A (ja) 1998-05-18 2000-02-08 Seiko Epson Corp インクカ―トリッジ及びインクジェット記録装置及びラベル部材
ES2382127T3 (es) * 2000-01-21 2012-06-05 Seiko Epson Corporation Cartucho de tinta para uso con aparato de registro y aparato de registro de inyección de tinta
JP3666491B2 (ja) * 2002-03-29 2005-06-29 セイコーエプソン株式会社 インクカートリッジ及び記録装置
CN100333914C (zh) * 2002-06-11 2007-08-29 精工爱普生株式会社 墨盒
JP3948470B2 (ja) * 2004-09-01 2007-07-25 セイコーエプソン株式会社 回路基板の端子
US7445324B2 (en) * 2005-09-29 2008-11-04 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Ink cartridges
JP5034907B2 (ja) 2007-11-30 2012-09-26 ブラザー工業株式会社 インク供給装置
US8454136B2 (en) * 2009-04-30 2013-06-04 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Ink cartridge and image forming apparatus employing the ink cartridge

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2910378B1 (fr) 2019-08-28
PL2607081T3 (pl) 2015-01-30
EP2607081A1 (fr) 2013-06-26
ES2509944T3 (es) 2014-10-20
EP2803491A3 (fr) 2016-05-25
EP2803491B1 (fr) 2019-05-01
DK2607081T3 (da) 2014-10-27
EP2803491A2 (fr) 2014-11-19
EP2910378A3 (fr) 2016-06-08
EP2910378A2 (fr) 2015-08-26

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