EP3112168B1

EP3112168B1 - Liquid supply device

Info

Publication number: EP3112168B1
Application number: EP15174900.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Yutao Wang; Naoya Okazaki; Tomohiro Kanbe
Original assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2015-07-01
Filing date: 2015-07-01
Publication date: 2019-10-09
Anticipated expiration: 2035-07-01
Also published as: EP3112168A1; EP3613596B1; EP3613596A1

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a liquid supply device comprising a mounting portion and a liquid cartridge configured to be mounted to the mounting portion.

2. Description of Related Art

A known ink-jet recording apparatus is configured to record an image on a medium by ejecting ink stored in an ink cartridge from nozzles onto the medium. When ink is used up, the ink cartridge is replaced.
A known apparatus, as described in U.S. Patent Number 5,949,459 , has a container receiving station configured to receive an ink container, and the container receiving station has latching features. The ink container has the corresponding latching features. When the ink container is inserted into the container receiving station, the latching features of the ink container engage the corresponding latching features of the container receiving portion, and thereby the ink container is locked in the container receiving station against urging forces of springs.
Another known apparatus, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-74979 A , has a receiving portion configured to receive an ink cartridge, and a cover. When the ink cartridge is completely mounted to the receiving portion, the cover can move to a close attitude while a cartridge-side interfering portion and a cover-side interfering portion do not interfere with each other. On the other hand, when the ink cartridge is only halfway inserted into the receiving portion, the cartridge-side interfering portion and the cover-side interfering portion interfere with each other, and the cover cannot move to the close attitude.
In the first known apparatus, when the ink container is removed from the container receiving station, the ink container needs to pivot from an attitude in which the latching features of the ink container engage the corresponding latching features of the container receiving portion to an attitude in which the latching features of the ink container do not engage the corresponding latching features of the container receiving portion, so that the ink container is moved toward the outside of the container receiving station by the urging force of springs. Therefore, it is desirable that the ink container can pivot smoothly. On the other hand, if the ink container can easily pivot to the attitude in which the latching features of the ink container do not engage the corresponding latching features of the ontainer receiving portion, the ink container may accidentally be released from the locked state by shock and vibration when a user does not intend to remove the ink cartridge from the container receiving station.
In the second known apparatus, when the cover cannot move to the close attitude, a user can recognize that the ink cartridge is not completed mounted to the receiving portion. Nevertheless, there is still a likelihood that the ink container may accidentally be released from the locked state when a user does not intend to remove the ink cartridge from the receiving portion.
US 2004/196333 A1 discloses a liquid supply device comprising a mounting portion and a liquid cartridge configured to be inserted and locked into the mounting portion. Another liquid supply device is known from US 2009/167828 A1 . SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, a need has arisen for a liquid supply device which overcomes these and other shortcomings of the related art. A technical advantage of the present invention is that a user may recognize that a liquid cartridge is not completely mounted to a mounting portion when the user operates a cover, and a likelihood may be reduced that the liquid cartridge may accidentally be released from a locked state.
According to an aspect of the invention, a liquid supply device comprises a mounting portion and a liquid cartridge configured to be inserted into the mounting portion in a first direction via an opening against an urging force directed in a second
direction opposite the first direction and thereby to be mounted to the mounting portion. The liquid cartridge comprises: a liquid chamber configured to store liquid therein; a front face facing the first direction when the liquid cartridge is inserted into the mounting portion; a rear face, wherein the liquid chamber is positioned between the front face and the rear face; a particular face extending between the front face and the rear face; a liquid supply portion positioned at the front face; a lock surface positioned at the particular face; and a recess which is open in the second direction. The mounting portion comprises: a liquid supply tube configured to be inserted into the liquid supply portion;
a lock portion configured to contact the lock surface; a cover configured to pivot between an open attitude and a close attitude and comprising a protrusion, wherein when the cover is in the open attitude, the cover does not cover the opening, such that the opening is exposed, and when the cover is in the close attitude, the cover covers the opening. The liquid cartridge is configured to pivot between a first attitude and a second attitude when the liquid cartridge is inserted into the mounting portion and the liquid supply tube is inserted into the liquid supply portion, wherein when the liquid cartridge is in the first attitude, the lock surface and the lock portion face each other in the first direction and the second direction, and the lock surface contacts the lock portion in the second direction, such that movement of the liquid cartridge relative to the mounting portion in the second direction is restricted, wherein when the liquid cartridge is in the second attitude, the lock surface and the lock portion do not face each other in the first direction and the second direction, wherein when the liquid cartridge is in the first attitude and the cover is in the close attitude, the protrusion of the cover is positioned in the recess of the liquid cartridge and restricts movement of the liquid cartridge toward the second attitude, wherein when the liquid cartridge is in the second attitude and the cover pivots from the open attitude toward the close attitude, the protrusion contacts the liquid cartridge during pivotal moment of the cover from the open attitude toward the close attitude.
With this configuration, because the protrusion of the cover is positioned in the recess of the liquid cartridge and restricts the movement of the liquid cartridge toward the second attitude when the liquid cartridge is in the first attitude and the cover is in the close attitude, a likelihood that the liquid cartridge is accidentally released from the first attitude may be reduced. Because the protrusion contacts the liquid cartridge during the pivotal moment of the cover from the open attitude toward the close attitude when the liquid cartridge is in the second attitude, a user can recognize that the liquid cartridge is not in the first attitude.
Optionally, when the cover further pivots toward the close attitude after the protrusion contacts the liquid cartridge during the pivotal moment of the cover from the open attitude toward the close attitude, the protrusion moves the liquid cartridge from the second attitude to the first attitude.
With this configuration, even if a user fails to recognize that the liquid cartridge is not in the first attitude, the user can move the cover to the close attitude, such that the liquid cartridge pivots to the first attitude.
Optionally, when the protrusion contacts the liquid cartridge in the second attitude, the liquid cartridge prevents further movement of the cover toward the close attitude.
With this configuration, when a user recognizes that the liquid cartridge is not in the first attitude, it is expected that the user moves the cover to the open attitude again, and insert the liquid cartridge into the mounting portion again until the liquid cartridge becomes the first attitude.
Optionally, the liquid cartridge further comprises an operation surface positioned at the particular face and positioned closer to the rear face than the lock surface is, wherein the particular face comprises a sub particular face, and the operation surface and the sub particular face at least partly overlap in a direction perpendicular to the particular face, wherein the recess is formed between the operation surface and the sub particular face.
With this configuration, the operation surface becomes recognizable to a user.
Optionally, the liquid cartridge further comprises a first rib positioned in the recess between the operation surface and the sub particular face and extending between the operation surface and the sub particular face. Optionally, each of the first rib, the operation surface, and the sub particular face has a dimension along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction and in parallel to the particular face, and the dimension of the rib is less than each of the dimension of the operation surface and the dimension of the sub particular face.
With this configuration, the strength and the rigidity of the operation surface is reinforced by the first rib against a force applied to the operation surface.
Optionally, the mounting portion is configured such that a plurality of liquid cartridges are mountable and arranged in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction and in parallel to the particular face in the mounting portion, wherein when the plurality of liquid cartridges are in the first attitude and the cover is in the close attitude, the protrusion of the cover is positioned between neighboring first ribs of neighboring liquid cartridges.
With this configuration, the number of protrusions provided to the cover becomes less than the number of the liquid cartridges.
Optionally, the mounting portion is configured such that a plurality of liquid cartridges are mountable and arranged in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction and in parallel to the particular facein the mounting portion, wherein when the plurality of liquid cartridges are in the first attitude and the cover is in the close attitude, the protrusion of the cover is positioned in the recesses of neighboring liquid cartridges and restricts movement of the neighboring liquid cartridges toward the second attitude.
With this configuration, the number of protrusions provided to the cover becomes less than the number of the liquid cartridges.
Optionally, the liquid cartridge further comprises a second rib extending from the back side of the operation surface toward the sub particular face in the recess.
With this configuration, the movement of the liquid cartridge toward the second attitude is restricted when the second rib contacts the protrusion of the cover.
Optionally, the first direction is a horizontal direction, and the particular face is an upper face facing an upward direction when the liquid cartridge is inserted into the mounting portion, wherein when the liquid cartridge is in the second attitude, the lock surface is positioned further in a downward direction than the lock portion.
Optionally, the first direction is a horizontal direction, and the particular face is an upper face facing an upward direction when the liquid cartridge is inserted into the mounting portion, wherein when the liquid cartridge is in the second attitude, the lock surface is positioned further in a downward direction than the lock portion, wherein when the liquid cartridge is in the first attitude, the operation surface faces the upward direction and the second direction.
With this configuration, when a user operates the operation surface to release the liquid cartridge from the first attitude, the user's force is directed toward the first direction and the downward direction. Due to the force directed toward the first direction, the lock surface separates from the lock portion. Due to the force directed toward the downward direction, the liquid cartridge pivots from the first attitude to the second attitude. Therefore, compared to a situation in which the liquid cartridge pivots from the first attitude to the second attitude while the lock surface slides on the lock portion, the force needed to be applied to the operation surface to cause the liquid cartridge to pivot from the first attitude to the second attitude becomes smaller, and the user can readily release the liquid cartridge.
Optionally, when the liquid cartridge is in the first attitude, at least a portion of the operation surface protrudes further than the lock surface in the upward direction.
With this configuration, even when the liquid cartridge falls with the upper face facing downward, the lock surface may be protected by the at least a portion of the operation surface and may not be damaged.
Optionally, the operation surface comprises a plurality of protrusions formed thereon. Optionally, the plurality of protrusions is a plurality of elongated protrusions.
With this configuration, the operation surface becomes recognizable to a user, and the operation surface becomes nonskid when the user operates the operation surface with his/her finger.
Optionally, the operation surface does not move relative to the liquid chamber.
With this configuration, a force applied to the operation surface is directly transmitted to the liquid cartridge without changing its direction.
Optionally, the mounting portion comprises a case, and the liquid cartridge is configured to be inserted into the case, wherein the lock portion does not move relative to the case.
With this configuration, the liquid cartridge pivots to be locked by the lock portion which does not move relative to the case.
Other objects, features, and advantages will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, needs satisfied thereby, and the objects, features, and advantages thereof, reference now is made to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a printer comprising a cartridge mounting portion and an ink cartridge, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a front view of the cartridge mounting portion.
Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the ink cartridge, viewed from front and above.
Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the ink cartridge, viewed from front and below.
Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the ink cartridge, viewed from behind and above.
Fig. 4B is a perspective view of the ink cartridge, viewed from behind and below.
Fig. 5 is a side view of the ink cartridge.
Fig. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge, showing the inside of the ink cartridge.
Fig. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge and the cartridge mounting portion, in which the ink cartridge has started to be inserted into the cartridge mounting portion.
Fig. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge and the cartridge mounting portion, in which a second protrusion contacts a slider.
Fig. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge and the cartridge mounting portion, in which an ink supply portion has started to enter a guide portion, and a rod has started to enter a recess of a front cover.
Fig. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge and the cartridge mounting portion, in which an ink supply tube is inserted through an ink supply opening of the ink supply portion.
Fig. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge and the cartridge mounting portion, in which the ink cartridge is locked in the cartridge mounting portion.
Fig. 12 is a side view of the ink cartridge in the second attitude, in which a force is applied to an upper portion of a rear face.
Fig. 13 is a side view of the ink cartridge in the second attitude, in which a force is applied to a lower portion of a rear face.
Fig. 14 is a side view of the ink cartridge in the first attitude, in which a virtual circle is shown.
Fig. 15A is a plane view of the ink cartridge viewed in a downward direction.
Fig. 15B is a rear view of the ink cartridge viewed in a forward direction.
Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the cartridge mounting portion with a cover being in an open attitude.
Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the cartridge mounting portion with the cover being in a close attitude.
Fig. 18 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cartridge mounting portion with the cover being in the open attitude.
Fig. 19 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cartridge mounting portion with the cover being in the close attitude.
Fig. 20 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cartridge mounting portion, in which a protrusion of the cover contacts the ink cartridge in the second attitude.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention, and their features and advantages, may be understood by referring to Figs. 1-15B , like numerals being used for like corresponding parts in the various drawings.
In the following embodiments, an ink cartridge 30 is inserted into a cartridge mounting portion 110 in an insertion direction 51, as an example of a first direction, and the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110 in a removal direction 52, as an example of a second direction, which is oppose to the insertion direction 51. In the following embodiments, the insertion direction 51 is a horizontal direction, and the removal direction 52 is also a horizontal direction. Nevertheless, in another embodiment, the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 may not be a horizontal direction. In the following embodiments, a downward direction 53 is the gravitational direction, and an upward direction 54 is a direction opposite to the gravitational direction. Moreover, a right direction 55 is perpendicular to the insertion direction 51 and the downward direction 53, and a left direction 56 is opposite to the right direction 55 and perpendicular to the insertion direction 51 and the downward direction 53. More specifically, the right direction 55 extends rightward and the left direction 56 extends leftward when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed in the removal direction 52 when the ink cartridge 30 is in a mounted attitude, as an example of a first attitude. The mounted attitude is an attitude that the ink cartridge 30 takes when the ink cartridge 30 has been inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 up to a mounted position and is locked in the cartridge mounting portion 110. Furthermore, the insertion direction 51 is also called a forward direction 57, and the removal direction 52 is also called a rearward direction 58.

[Printer 10]

Referring to Fig. 1 , a liquid consuming apparatus, e.g., a printer 10 is an inkjet printer configured to record an image on a sheet of recording paper by ejecting ink droplets selectively on the sheet of recording paper. The printer 10 comprises a liquid consuming portion, e.g., a recording head 21, an ink supply device 100, and an ink tube 20 connecting the recording head 21 and the ink supply device 100. The ink supply device 100 comprises the cartridge mounting portion 110. The cartridge mounting portion 110 is configured to allow a liquid cartridge, e.g., the 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 in the insertion direction 51, and to be removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110 via the opening 112 in the removal direction 52.
The ink cartridge 30 is configured to store ink, as an example of liquid, which is used by the printer 10. The ink cartridge 30 and the recording head 21 are fluidically connected via the ink tube 20 when mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting portion 110 has been completed. The recording 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 recording head 21 comprises nozzles 29 and is configured to selectively eject ink supplied from the sub tank 28 through the nozzles 29. More specifically, the recording head 21 comprises a head control board (not shown) and piezoelectric actuators 29A corresponding to the nozzles 29, and the head control board is configured to selectively apply driving voltage to the piezoelectric actuators 29A. As such, ink is ejected from 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 27, 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 27. The paper feed roller 23 is configured to feed a sheet of recording paper from the paper feed tray 15 to the conveying path 24. The conveying roller pair 25 is configured to convey the sheet of recording paper fed from the paper feed tray 15 onto the platen 26. The recording head 21 is configured to selectively eject ink onto the sheet of recording paper passing over the platen 26. Accordingly, an image is recorded on the sheet of recording paper. The sheet of recording paper having passed over the platen 26 is discharged by the discharge roller pair 27 to the paper discharge tray 16 disposed at the most downstream side of the conveying path 24.

[Ink supply device 100]

Referring to Fig. 1 , the printer 10 comprises the ink supply device 100 as an example of a liquid supply device. The ink supply device 100 is configured to supply ink to the recording head 21. The ink supply device 100 comprises the cartridge mounting portion 110 to which the ink cartridge 30 is mountable. In Fig. 1 , mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting portion 110 has been completed, in other words, the ink cartridge 30 is in the mounted attitude (first attitude).

[Cartridge mounting portion 110]

Referring to Figs. 2 , 7 , 16 and 17 , the cartridge mounting portion 110 is configured to receive four ink cartridges 30 storing cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks, respectively. More specifically, the cartridge mounting portion 110 is configured such that the four ink cartridge 30 are mountable and arranged in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 in the cartridge mounting portion 110. The cartridge mounting portion 110 comprises a case 101 and a cover 108, and four ink supply tubes 102, four sensors 103, four sets of four contacts 106, four sliders 107, and four rods 125, corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30, respectively. The cartridge mounting portion 110 also comprises a lock portion 145. One common lock portion 145 is used for the four ink cartridges 30. The number of the ink cartridges 30 is not limited to four. For instance, in another embodiment, the cartridge mounting portion 110 may be configured to receive only one ink cartridge 30, six ink cartridges 30, or eight ink cartridges 30.

[Case 101]

The case 101 has a box shape and forms the outer shape of the cartridge mounting portion 110. The case 101 has an inner space formed therein. The case 101 comprises an upper portion defining the upper end of the inner space, a lower portion defining the lower end of the inner space, and an end surface connected to the upper portion and the lower portion. The case 101 has the opening 112 formed opposite from the end surface in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52. The opening 112 can be exposed to the outside of the printer 10 through a user-interface surface of the printer 10. The user-interface surface is a surface that a user faces and touches when the user uses the printer 10. The ink cartridge 30 is configured to be inserted into and removed from the case 101 through the opening 112. Each of the upper portion and the lower portion of the case 101 has a guide groove 109 formed therein, and the guide groove 109 extends in the insertion direction 51 from the opening 112. When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into and removed from the case 101, an upper end portion of the ink cartridge 30 is in the guide groove 109 of the upper portion of the case 101, and a lower end portion of the ink cartridge 30 is in the guide groove 109 of the lower portion of the case 101, such that the movement of the ink cartridge 30 is guided in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52. The case 101 comprises three plates 104 extending in the upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53, and the three plates 104 divide the inner space of the case 101 into four vertically-elongated spaces. Each of the four spaces receives the corresponding one of the ink cartridges 30.

[Ink supply tube 102]

Referring to Figs. 1 , 2 and 7 , the ink supply tube 102 is made of synthetic resin and positioned at a lower portion of the end surface of the case 101 at a position corresponding to an ink supply portion 34 of the ink cartridge 30 mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110. The ink supply tube 102 extends from the end surface of the case 101 in the removal direction 52.
A cylindrical guide portion 105 is provided to surround the ink supply tube 102. The guide portion 105 extends from the end surface of the case 101 in the removal direction 52, and has an inner space which is open at the distal end of the guide portion 105. The ink supply tube 102 is positioned at the center of the inner space of the guide portion 105. The guide portion 105 has such a shape that it can receive the ink supply portion 34 of the ink cartridge 30 in the inner space of the guide portion 105.
Referring to Fig. 10 , during the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the insertion direction 51, i.e., while the ink cartridge 30 moves toward the mounted position, the ink supply portion 34 of the ink cartridge 30 enters the inner space of the guide portion 105. When the ink cartridge is further inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the insertion direction 51, the ink supply tube 102 is inserted through an ink supply opening 71 formed in the ink supply portion 34. When this occurs, a valve 77 provided in the ink supply portion 34 moves to open the ink supply opening 71. As a result, the ink supply tube 102 and the ink supply portion 34 are connected to each other. Ink stored in an ink chamber 36 of the ink cartridge 30 flows into ink tube 20 connected to the ink supply tube 102 via an inner space of a cylindrical wall 73 of the ink supply portion 34 and an inner space of the ink supply tube 102. The ink supply tube 102 may have a flat end surface or pointed end.

[Slider 107]

Referring to Figs. 7 to 11 , the lower portion of the case 101 comprises a groove bottom wall defining the bottom end of the guide groove 109. The groove bottom wall has an opening 111 formed therethrough in the upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53 at a positon adjacent to the end surface of the case 101, and the opening 111 extends in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52. The slider 107 is positioned in the opening 111. The slider 107 extends from a space below the groove bottom wall to a space above the groove bottom wall through the opening 111. The case 101 comprises a guide rail 113 extending in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52, and the slider 107 is configured to slide on the guide rail 113 in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 in the opening 111. A pulling spring 114 is connected to the case 101 at one end and to the slider 107 at the other end. The pulling spring 114 pulls the slider 107 in the removal direction 52. Therefore, when an external force is not applied to the slider 107, the slider 107 is positioned at the end of the guide rail 113 in the removal direction 52. When an external force is applied to the slider 107 in the insertion direction 51, the slider 107 moves from the end of the guide rail 113 in the insertion direction 51 along the guide rail 113 in the opening 111.
Referring to Fig. 8 , during the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the insertion direction 51, i.e., while the ink cartridge 30 moves toward the mounted position, a second protrusion 86 of the ink cartridge 30 moves in the guide groove 109 in the insertion direction 51 and contact the slider 107. When the ink cartridge 30 is further inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the insertion direction 51, the second protrusion 86 pushes the slider 107 in the insertion direction 51, and the slider 107 moves in the insertion direction 51 against an urging force of the pulling spring 114. The second protrusion 86 of the ink cartridge 30 receives the urging force in the second direction 52 from the slider 107. The slider 107 and the pulling spring 114 are an example of an urging member.

[Lock portion 145]

Referring to Figs. 2 and 7 , the lock portion 145 is positioned adjacent to the upper portion of the case 101 and the opening 112. The lock portion 145 has an elongated shape extends in the left direction 56 and the right direction 55 in the case 101. For instance, the lock portion 145 is a metal circular cylinder. The lock portion 145 has a left end in the left direction 56 and a right end in the right direction 55, and the case 101 has a left end wall defining the end of the inner space of the case 101 in the left direction 56 and a right end wall defining the end of the inner space of the case 101 in the right direction 55. The left end of the lock portion 145 is fixed at the left end wall of the case 101, and the right end of the lock portion 145 is fixed at the right end wall of the case 101. The lock portion 145 does not move relative to the case 101, e.g., does not pivot relative to the case 101. The lock portion 145 extends over the four spaces into which the four cartridges 30 are mountable, respectively. A space is formed around the lock portion 145 in each of the four spaces. Therefore, the lock portion 145 is accessible in the upward direction 54 and in the removal direction 52.
The lock portion 145 is used for locking the ink cartridge 30 in the mounted position when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110. When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 and pivots to the mounted attitude as an example of the first attitude, the ink cartridge 30 contacts the lock portion 145 in the removal direction 52, and the lock portion 145 locks or retains the ink cartridge 30 against the urging force from the slider 107, which urging force urges the ink cartridge 30 in the removal direction 52, and against an urging force of a coil spring 78 of the ink cartridge 30, which urging force also urges the ink cartridge 30 in the removal direction 52.

[Contacts 106]

Referring to Figs. 2 and 7 , the four contacts 106 are positioned adjacent to the upper portion of the case 101 and the end surface of the case 101. Although not shown in the drawings, the four contacts 106 are aligned with and spaced apart from each other in the left direction 56 and the right direction 55. The arrangement of the four contacts 106 corresponds to the arrangement of four electrodes 65 of the ink cartridge 30. Each contact 106 is made of a material having electric conductivity and elasticity and can be elastically deformed in the upward direction 54. The four sets of four contacts 106 are provided, corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30, respectively. The number of contacts 106 in one set is not limited to four, but may be two, three or more than four, and the number of electrodes 65 of one ink cartridge 30 is not limited to four, but may be two, three or more than four.
Each contact 106 is electrically connected to an arithmetic unit (not shown) of the printer 10 via an electric circuit. The arithmetic unit may comprise a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and may be used as a controller for controlling the operations of the printer 10. When the contacts 106 and the corresponding electrodes 65 contact, voltage may be applied to one of the electrodes 65 from the printer 10, or one of the electrode 65 may be grounded. When the contacts 106 and the corresponding electrodes 65 contact, data stored in an IC of the ink cartridge 30 becomes accessible from the printer 10, and the data can be transmitted to the arithmetic unit via the electric circuit of the printer 10.

[Rod 125]

Referring to Figs. 2 and 7 , the rod 125 is positioned at the end surface of the case 101 above the ink supply tube 102. The rod 125 extends from the end surface in the removal direction 52. The rod 125 has a cross-sectional shape taken along a plane perpendicular to the removal direction 52, and the cross-sectional shape of the rod 125 is substantially an inversed U-shape, like an upper half of a circle. The rod 125 has a rib extending from the uppermost part of the U-shaped portion, and the rib extends in the removal direction 52. The rod 125 is inserted into a recess 96 formed in the ink cartridge 30 when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110, i.e., when the ink cartridge 30 is in the mounted position.

[Sensor 103]

Referring to Figs. 2 and 7 , the sensor 103 is positioned at the upper portion of the case 101. The sensor 103 comprises a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion. The light receiving portion is spaced apart from the light emitting portion in the right direction 55 or the left direction 56. The light emitting portion and the light receiving portion faces each other in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. When the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed, a detection portion 62 of the ink cartridge 30 is positioned between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion.
The light emitting portion of the sensor 103 is configured to emit light, e.g., visible or infrared light. The sensor 103 is configured to output different signals based on whether or not the light receiving portion receives the light emitted from the light emitting portion. If the light receiving portion does not receive the light emitted from the light emitting portion, i.e., if the intensity of light received by the light receiving portion is less than a threshold value, the sensor 103 outputs a Low-level signal, i.e., a signal whose level is less than a threshold level. On the other hand, if the light receiving portion receives the light emitted from the light emitting portion, i.e., the intensity of light received by the light receiving portion is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the sensor outputs a High-level signal, i.e., a signal whose level is greater than or equal to the threshold level.

[Cover 108]

Referring to Figs. 16 and 17 , the printer 10 comprises a casing 14 forming the outer appearance of the printer 10 and encasing the components of the printer 10. The casing 14 has an opening 22 formed through the user-interface surface of the printer 10. As described above, the user-interface surface is a surface that a user faces and touches when the user uses the printer 10. The cover 108 is configured to be opened and closed to selectively cover the opening 22. The case 101 is positioned in the casing 14, such that the opening 112 of the case 101 and the opening 22 match, and the ink cartridge 30 can be inserted into and remove from the case 101 via the opening 22 and the opening 112.
The cover 108 is configured to pivot between an open attitude and a close attitude about an axis 115 extending in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. The cover 108 has substantially a rectangular shape and has such a size that the cover 108 can cover the opening 22. When the cover 108 is in the close attitude, the cover 108 covers the opening 22, and a user cannot insert or remove the ink cartridge 30 into or from the cartridge mounting portion 110. When the cover 108 is in the open attitude, the cover 108 does not cover the opening 22, and the opening 112 of the case 101 and the opening 22 are exposed to the outside of the printer 10. When the cover 108 is in the open attitude, a user can insert or remove the ink cartridge 30 into or from the cartridge mounting portion 110.
The cover 108 comprises an outer surface 116 and an inner surface 117. The outer surface 116 forms the outer appearance of the printer 10 together with the casing 14, and the inner surface 117 faces the case 101 when the cover 108 is in the close attitude. The cover 108 comprises a hook 118 at the inner surface 117. The hook 118 is configured to be engaged with an engagement portion 119 provided to the casing 14 above the opening 22. When the hook 118 is engaged with the engagement portion 119, the cover 108 is retained in the close attitude.
The cover 108 comprises three protrusions 121 protruding from the inner surface 117. The protrusions 121 are positioned closer to the axis 115 than the hook 118 is. The protrusions 121 are aligned and spaced away from each other in the direction of axis 115, that is, in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. The three protrusion 121 are positioned corresponding to three gaps formed between the four ink cartridges 30 in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56.
Each protrusion 121 has almost the same shape. The protrusion 121 has a flat shape elongated in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. As will be described in more detail later, when the ink cartridge 30 is in the first attitude and the cover 108 is in the close attitude, the protrusion 121 is positioned in a recess 95 of the ink cartridge 30.

[Ink cartridge 30]

Referring to Figs. 3 to 6 , the ink cartridge 30 is a container configured to store ink. The ink cartridge 30 has an inner space formed therein, and the inner space is the ink chamber 36, as an example of a liquid chamber, configured to store ink, as an example of liquid. The ink cartridge 30 comprises an inner frame 35, a rear cover 31, and a front cover 32. The rear cover 31 and the front cover 32 are attached to each other, and the inner frame 35 is enclosed by the rear cover 31 and the front cover 32. The rear cover 31 and the front cover 32 forms the outer shape of the ink cartridge 30. The ink chamber 36 is formed in the inner frame 35. In another embodiment, the ink cartridge 35 may not have the inner frame 35, and the rear cover 31 and the front cover 32 may define the ink chamber 36.
The attitude of the ink cartridge 30 shown in Figs. 3 to 6 and 15 is the mounted attitude, as an example of the first attitude. As described below, the ink cartridge 30 comprises a front face 140, a rear face 41, an upper face 39, 141 as an example of a particular face, and a lower face 42, 142, as outer faces of the ink cartridge 30. When the ink cartridge 30 takes the attitude shown in Figs. 3 to 6 and 15 , the direction extending from the rear face 41 to front face 140 coincides with the insertion direction 51 and the forward direction 57, the direction extending from the front face 140 to the rear face 41 coincides with the removal direction 52 and the rearward direction 58, the direction extending from the upper face 39, 141 to the lower face 42, 142 coincides with the downward direction 53, the direction extending from the lower face 42, 142 to the upper face 39, 141 coincides with the upward direction 54. When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into and mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110, the front face 140 faces the insertion direction 51 and the forward direction 57, the rear face 41 faces the removal direction 52 and the rearward direction 58, the lower face 42, 142 faces the downward direction 53, and the upper face 39, 141 faces the upward direction 54.
Referring to Figs. 3 to 6 , the ink cartridge 30 has a width dimension along the right direction 55 and the left direction 56, a height dimension along the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54, a depth dimension along the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58. The width dimension is less than each of the height dimension and the depth dimension. The front cover 32 comprises the front face 140, which faces the insertion direction 51 and the forward direction 57 when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110, and the rear cover 31 comprises the rear face 41, which faces the removal direction 52 and the rearward direction 58 when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110. The ink chamber 36 is positioned between the front face 140 and the rear face 41.

[Rear cover 31]

Referring to Figs. 3 and 4 , the rear cover 31 has a box shape having side faces 37, 38 spaced apart from each other in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56, the upper face 39 and the lower face 42 spaced apart from each other in the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54, and the rear face 41. The side faces 37, 38 face the right direction 55 and the left direction 56, respectively, the upper face 39 faces the upward direction 54, and the lower face 42 faces the downward direction 53. The side faces 37, 38, the upper face 39, and the lower face 42 extend from the rear face 41 in the insertion direction 51 and the forward direction 57, and the inner space of the rear cover 31 is opened toward the insertion direction 51 and the forward direction 57. The inner frame 35 is inserted into the inner space of the rear cover 31 from the opening, i.e., the rear cover 31 covers a rear portion of the inner frame 35. The ink chamber 36 is positioned between the upper face 39 and the lower face 42
The rear face 41 comprises an upper portion 41U and a lower portion 41L. The upper portion 41U is positioned above the lower portion 41L, i.e., the upper portion 41 is positioned further in the upward direction 54 than the lower portion 41L. In other words, the lower portion 41L is positioned below the upper portion 41U, i.e., the lower portion 41L is positioned further in the downward direction 53 than the upper portion 41U. The lower portion 41L is positioned more forward than the upper portion 41U, i.e., the lower portion 41L is positioned further in the forward direction 57 than the upper portion 41U. In this embodiment, each of the upper portion 41U and the lower potion 41L is a plane, i.e., a flat surface. The upper portion 41U and the lower portion 41L intersect each other forming an angle therebetween, which angle is not a right angle. The lower portion 41L is inclined relative to the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54, such that the lower portion 41L becomes closer to the front face 140 as it approaches to the lower face 42, i.e., the lower portion 41L is closer to the front face 140 at a position closer to the lower face 42. Referring to Fig. 15B , the upper portion 41U comprises a letter or symbol thereon, and the letter or symbol indicates that the upper portion 41U is supposed to be pushed. For instance, the upper portion 41U comprises letters "PUSH" thereon, so that a user may push the upper portion 41U when the user inserts the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110. An example of the symbol may be an arrow or a picture of a finger.
Referring to Figs. 3 and 4 , the rear cover 31 comprises a protrusion 43 extending from the upper face 39. The protrusion 43 is positioned at about the center of the upper face 39 in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56, and extends in the insertion direction 51 (the forward direction 57) and the removal direction 52 (the rearward direction 58). The protrusion 43 comprises a lock surface 151 facing the removal direction 52 (the rearward direction 58). The lock surface 151 extends in the upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53. The lock surface 151 is configured to contact the lock portion 145 of the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the removal direction 52 when the ink cartridge is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110. By the lock surface 151 contacting the lock portion 145 in the removal direction 52, the ink cartridge 30 is locked or retained in the cartridge mounting portion 110 against the urging force of the pulling spring 114 transmitted via the slider 107 and the urging force of the coil spring 78.
The protrusion 43 comprises reinforcing surfaces 152, 153. The reinforcing surfaces 152, 153 are continuous with and extend from the right end and the left end of the lock surface 151 in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56, respectively. The reinforcing surfaces 152, 153 extend from a virtual plane toward the insertion direction 51 (the forward direction 57), forming acute angles between the reinforcing surfaces 152, 153 and the virtual plane, respectively, which virtual plane includes the lock surface 151 and extends in the downward direction 53, the upward direction 53, the right direction 55, and the left direction 56. The reinforcing surfaces 152, 153 reinforce the strength and the rigidity of the protrusion 43, and therefore a likelihood that the lock surface 151 is damaged is reduced. Because the reinforcing surfaces 152, 153 do not extend more rearward than the lock surface 151, i.e., the reinforcing surfaces 152, 153 do not extend further in the rearward direction 58 than the lock surface 151, the reinforcing surfaces 152, 153 may not contact the lock portion 145 of the cartridge mounting portion 110. Therefore, if the lock surface 145 slides on the lock portion 145, the sliding resistance may not be increased by the reinforcing surfaces 152, 153.
The protrusion 43 comprises a horizontal surface 154 positioned in front of the lock surface 151, i.e., positioned further in the forward direction 57 than the lock surface 151. The horizontal surface 154 is continuous with the lock surface 151. The horizontal surface 154 extends in the right direction 55, the left direction 56, the forward direction 57, and the rearward direction 58. The protrusion 43 comprises an inclined surface 155 in front of the horizontal surface 154, i.e., positioned further in the forward direction 57 than the horizontal surface 154. The inclined surface 155 is continuous with the horizontal surface 154. The inclined surface 155 faces the upward direction 54 and the forward direction 57. Therefore, the inclined surface 155 is viewable when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed in the downward direction 53 and is viewable when the ink cartridge is viewed in the rearward direction 58. Because the horizontal plane 154 is positioned between the lock surface 154 and the inclined surface 155, the lock surface 151 and the inclined surface 155 do not intersect each other at an acute angle. During the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110, the lock portion 145 of the cartridge mounting portion 145 slides on the inclined surface 155 and the horizontal surface 154 and therefore is smoothly guided to a position more rearward than the lock surface 151, i.e., a position further in the rearward direction 58 than the lock surface 151.
The protrusion 43 comprises reinforcing surfaces 156, 157. The reinforcing surfaces 156, 157 are continuous with and extend from the right end and the left end of the inclined surface 155 in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56, respectively. The reinforcing surfaces 156, 157 extend from a virtual plane toward the downward direction 53 forming acute angles between the reinforcing surfaces 156, 157 and the virtual plane, respectively, which virtual plane includes the inclined surface 155 and extends in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. The reinforcing surfaces 156, 157 reinforce the strength and the rigidity of the protrusion 43, and therefore a likelihood that the inclined surface 155 is damaged is reduced. Because the reinforcing surfaces 156, 157 do not extend more upward than the inclined surface 155, i.e., the reinforcing surfaces 156, 157 do not extend further in the upward direction 54 than the inclined surface 155, the reinforcing surfaces 156, 157 may not contact the lock portion 145 of the cartridge mounting portion 110. Therefore, if the inclined surface 155 slides on the lock portion 145, the sliding resistance may not be increased by the reinforcing surfaces 156, 157.
The rear cover 31 comprises an operation portion 90 at the upper face 39, and the operation portion 90 is positioned more rearward than the lock surface 151, i.e., positioned further in the rearward direction 58 than the lock surface 151. The upper face 39 comprises a sub upper face 91, as an example of a sub particular face, positioned at the rear end of the upper face 39. The sub upper face 91 is positioned below the rest of the upper face 39, i.e., the sub upper face 91 is positioned further in the downward direction 53 than the rest of the upper face 39. The operation portion 90 is positioned above the sub upper face 91, i.e., the operation portion 90 is positioned further in the upward direction 54 than the sub upper face 91, with a recess 95 formed therebetween. The recess 95 is open in the removal direction 52 (the rearward direction 58). The operation portion 90 extends in the upward direction 54 beyond the protrusion 43 from a position adjacent to the boundary between the sub upper face 91 and the rest of the upper face 39, and then extends obliquely downward, i.e., in the rearward direction 58 and the downward direction 53. The rear cover 31 comprises a rib 94, as an example of a first rib, extending between the operation portion 90 and the sub upper face 91. The rib 94 is continuous with the operation portion 90 and the sub upper face 91. The rib 94 also extends in the rearward direction 58. Referring to Fig. 15B , each of the rib 94, the operation portion 90, and the sub upper face 91 has a dimension along the right direction 55 and the left direction 56, and the dimension of the rib 94 is less than each of the dimension of the operation portion 90 and the dimension of the sub upper face 91 along the right direction 55 and the left direction 56.
The operation portion 90 comprises an operation surface 92 facing the upward direction 54 and the rearward direction 58. The position of the operation surface 92 and the position of the sub upper face 91 along the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58 at least partly overlap. In other words, the operation surface 92 and the sub upper face 91 at least partly overlap in the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54. In other words, at least a portion of the operation surface 92 is aligned with at least a portion of the sub upper face 91 in the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54. The sub upper face 91 is positioned further in the downward direction 53 than the operation surface 92, and a space is formed between the operation surface 92 and the sub upper face 91 in the downward direction 53. The operation surface 92 comprises a plurality of protrusions, i.e., a plurality of elongated protrusions 93, each extending in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. The elongated protrusions 93 are spaced apart from each other in the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58. With the elongated protrusions 93, the operation surface 92 becomes recognizable to a user, and the operation surface 92 becomes nonskid when the user operates the operation surface 92 with his/her finger. The dimension of the operation surface 92 in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 is the same as the dimension of the operation portion 90 in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56.
The rear cover 31 comprises a rib 89, as an example of a second rib, extending from a back side 99 of the operation surface 92 toward the sub upper face 91. The rib 89 extends from the rib 94 in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. The dimension of the rib 94 in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 is almost the same as the dimension of the operation portion 90 (the dimension of the operation surface 92) in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. The back side 99 is a surface of the operation portion 90 opposite the operation surface 92 in the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54.
Referring to Figs. 15A and 15B , the operation surface 92 is viewable when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed in the downward direction 53 and when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed in the forward direction 57 and the insertion direction 51. In other words, the operation surface is viewable when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed in the direction extending from the upper face 39 toward the lower face 42 and when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed in the direction extending from the rear face 41 toward the front face 140. The operation surface 92 is a surface a user operates for unlocking or releasing the ink cartridge 30 from the locked state in the cartridge mounting portion 110. The operation portion 90 is fixed to the rear cover 31, e.g., the operation portion 90 is integrally molded with the rear cover 31, and therefore the operation portion 90 does not move relative to the rear cover 31, e.g., does not pivot relative to the rear cover 31. Therefore, a force applied to the operation surface 92 from a user is directly transmitted to the rear cover 31, without changing its direction. In this embodiment, the operation portion 90 also does not move relative to the inner frame 35 or ink chamber 36, e.g., does not pivot relative to the inner frame 35 or ink chamber 36.
At least a portion of the operation surface 92 protrudes further in the upward direction 54 than the lock surface 151.

[Front cover 32]

Referring to Figs. 3 and 4 , the front cover 32 has a box shape having side faces 143, 144 spaced apart from each other in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56, the upper face 141 and the lower face 142 spaced apart from each other in the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54, and the front face 140. The side faces 143, 144 face the right direction 55 and the left direction 56, respectively, the upper face 141 faces the upward direction 54, and the lower face 142 faces the downward direction 53. The side faces 143, 144, the upper face 141, and the lower face 142 extend from the front face 140 in the removal direction 52 and the rearward direction 58, and the inner space of the front cover 32 is opened toward the removal direction 52 and the rearward direction 58. The inner frame 35 is inserted into the inner space of the front cover 32 from the opening. The front cover 32 covers a front portion of the inner frame 35, which is not covered by the rear cover 31. The ink chamber 36 is positioned between the upper face 141 and the lower face 142.
The upper face 141 of the front cover 32 and the upper face 39 of the rear cover 31 constitute the upper face of the ink cartridge 30. The lower face 142 of the front cover 32 and the lower face 42 of the rear cover 31 constitute the lower face of the ink cartridge 30. More specifically, when the ink cartridge 30 is in the mounted attitude (first attitude), the lower face 142 of the front cover 32 extends in the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58, and the lower face 42 of the rear cover 31 faces the downward direction 53 and the rearward direction 58. The lower face 42 is inclined relative to the lower face 142. In this embodiment, each of the lower face 42 and the lower face 142 is a plane, i.e., a flat surface. The side faces 143, 144 of the front cover 32 and the side faces 37, 38 of the rear cover 31 constitute the side faces of the ink cartridge 30. The front face 140 of the front cover 32 constitutes the front face of the ink cartridge 30, and the rear face 41 of the rear cover 31 constitutes the rear face of the ink cartridge 30. The front face 140 and the rear face 41 are spaced apart from each other in the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58.
Each of the front face, the rear face, the upper face, the lower face, and the side faces of the ink cartridge 30 may not need to form a single flat surface. The front face of the ink cartridge 30 is a face that is viewable when the ink cartridge 30 in the first attitude is viewed in the rearward direction 58 and positioned more forward than the center of the ink cartridge 30 in the first attitude with respect to the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58, i.e., positioned further in the forward direction 57 than the center of the ink cartridge 30 in the first attitude with respect to the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58. The rear face of the ink cartridge 30 is a face that is viewable when the ink cartridge in the first attitude is viewed in the forward direction 57 and positioned more rearward than the center of the ink cartridge 30 in the first attitude with respect to the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58, i.e., positioned further in the rearward direction 58 than the center of the ink cartridge 30 in the first attitude with respect to the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58. The upper face of the ink cartridge 30 is a face that is viewable when the ink cartridge 30 in the first attitude is viewed in the downward direction 53 and positioned above the center of the ink cartridge 30 with respect to the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54, i.e., positioned further in the upward direction 54 than the center of the ink cartridge 30 with respect to the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54. The lower face of the ink cartridge 30 is a face that is viewable when the ink cartridge 30 in the first attitude is viewed in the upward direction 54 and positioned below the center of the ink cartridge 30 with respect to the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54, i.e., positioned further in the downward direction 53 than the center of the ink cartridge 30 with respect to the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54. One of the side faces of the ink cartridge 30 is a face that is viewable when the ink cartridge 30 in the first attitude is viewed in the left direction 56 and positioned to the right of the center of the ink cartridge 30 with respect to the right direction 55 and the left direction 56, i.e., positioned further in the right direction 55 than the center of the ink cartridge 30 with respect to the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. The other one of the side faces of the ink cartridge 30 is a face that is viewable when the ink cartridge 30 in the first attitude is viewed in the right direction 55 and positioned to the left of the center of the ink cartridge 30 with respect to the right direction 55 and the left direction 56, i.e., positioned further in the left direction 56 than the center of the ink cartridge 30 with respect to the right direction 55 and the left direction 56.
The front cover 32 has the recess 96 formed in an upper portion of the front face 140. The recess 96 extends from the front face 140 in the rearward direction 58. The recess 96 is configured to receive the rod 125 when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 110. The recess 96 has a cross-sectional shape taken along a plane perpendicular to the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58, and the cross-sectional shape of the recess 96 corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the rod 125.
The front cover 32 has an opening 97 formed through a lower portion of the front face 140 in the rearward direction 58. The opening 97 is configured to allow the ink supply portion 34 to extend therethrough when the inner frame 35 is inserted into the front cover 32, such that the ink supply portion 34 is positioned outside of the front cover 32. The position, dimension, and shape of the opening 97 correspond to those of the ink supply portion 34.
The front cover 32 comprises a first protrusion 85 and the second protrusion 86 positioned at the front face 140. The first protrusion 85 extends in the forward direction 57 at the upper end of the front cover 32. The recess 96 is formed in the distal end of the first protrusion 57 facing the forward direction 57. The distal end of the first protrusion 57 facing the forward direction 57 is a part of the front face 140.
The second protrusion 86 extends in the forward direction 57 at the lower end of the front cover 32. The second protrusion 86 is positioned below the ink supply portion 34, i.e., positioned further in the downward direction 53 than the ink supply portion 34. The protrusion 86 has a recess 87 formed in its lower face, and the recess 87 opens in the forward direction 57 and the downward direction 53. A portion of the second protrusion 86 defining the recess 87 extends beyond the lower face 142 of the front cover 32 in the downward direction 53. During the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110, the slider 107 enters the recess 87 and contacts the portion of the second protrusion 86 defining the recess 87. The second protrusion 86 is an example of a receive portion.
The front cover 32 has an opening 98 formed through the upper face 141 in the downward direction 53. The opening 98 is configured to allow a portion of the detection portion 62 to extend therethrough when the inner frame 35 is inserted into the front cover 32, such that the detection portion 62 is positioned outside of the front cover 32. The position, dimension, and the shape of the opening 98 correspond to those of the portion of the detection portion 62.
The ink cartridge 30 comprises an IC board 64 positioned at the upper face 141 of the front cover 32 above the first protrusion 85 and the ink supply portion 34, i.e., further in the upward direction 54 than the first protrusion 85 and the ink supply portion 34. The IC board 64 comprises four electrodes 65 formed thereon. The four electrodes 65 are exposed and face the upward direction 54. Each electrode 65 is an example of an electrical interface. The four electrodes 65 are aligned with and spaced apart from each other in the left direction 56 and the right direction 55. Each electrode 65 is elongated in the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58. The IC board 64 also comprises an IC (Integrated Circuit, not shown), and the four electrodes 65 are electrically connected to the IC. The IC stores information about the ink cartridge 30, such as the lot number, the manufactured date, the color of ink, etc. The information can be read out from the outside.
During the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 100 and also when the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting portion 100 is completed, the four electrodes 65 contact the four contacts 106 of the cartridge mounting portion 110.

[Inner frame 35]

Although not shown in the drawings in detail, the inner frame 35 comprises an annular or loop shaped wall, and the inner space surrounded by the wall opens in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 at the right and left ends of the inner frame 35, respectively. Films (not shown) are attached to the right and left ends of the inner frame 35, such that the inner space of the inner frame 35 is closed, and the inner space becomes the ink chamber 36 configured to store ink therein. The inner frame 35 comprises a front face 40, and the ink supply portion 34 is positioned at the front face 40. The front face 40 of the inner frame 35 is positioned adjacent to the front face 140 of the front cover 32, when the inner frame 35 is inserted into the front cover 32.

[Ink supply portion 34]

Referring to Fig. 6 , the ink supply portion 34 extends from the front face 40 of the inner frame 35 in the forward direction 57 to the outside of the front cover 32 through the opening 97 formed through the front face 140 of the front cover 32. The ink supply portion 34 has a circular cylindrical outer shape. The ink supply portion 34 comprises the cylindrical wall 73 having a circular cylindrical shape having an inner space, a seal member 76, and a cap 79. The seal member 76 and the cap 79 are attached to the cylindrical wall 73.
The cylindrical wall 73 extends from the inside of the ink chamber 36 to the outside of the ink chamber 36. The inner space of the cylindrical wall 73 opens to the ink chamber 36 at the rear end of the cylindrical wall 73. The inner space of the cylindrical wall 73 opens to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 at the front end of the cylindrical wall 73. Communication between the ink chamber 36 and the outside of the ink cartridge 30 is allowed via the inner space of the cylindrical wall 73. The ink supply portion 34 is configured to supply ink stored in the ink chamber 36 to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 through the inner space of the cylindrical wall 73. The seal member 76 and the cap 79 are attached to the front end of the cylindrical wall 73.
The ink supply portion 34 comprises the valve 77 and the coil spring 78 positioned in the inner space of the cylindrical wall 73. The valve 77 and the coil spring 78 are configured to switch the state of the ink supply portion 34 between a state in which ink is allowed to flow out of the ink chamber 30 through the inner space of the cylindrical wall 73 to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 (see Fig. 11 ) and a state in which ink is prevented from flowing out of the inner space of the cylindrical wall 73 to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 (see Fig. 6 ).
The valve 77 is configured to move in the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58 to selectively open and close the ink supply opening 71 formed through the center of the seal member 76. The coil spring 78 is configured to urge the valve 77 in the forward direction 57 (the insertion direction 51), such that the valve 77 contacts the seal member 76 and close the ink supply opening 71 when an external force is not applied to the valve 77.
The seal member 76 is positioned at the front end of the cylindrical wall 73. The seal member 76 has substantially a disc shape having the ink supply opening 71 formed therethrough in the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58 (the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52). The seal member 76 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, elastomer, etc. The diameter of the ink supply opening 71 is slightly less than the outer diameter of the ink supply tube 102. The seal member 76 liquid-tightly contacts the front end of the cylindrical wall 73 while being pressed by the cap 79 which is attached to and covers the outside of the cylindrical wall 73.
Before the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110, the valve 77 closes the ink supply opening 71. When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110, the ink supply tube 102 enters the ink supply opening 71. When this occur, the inner surface of the seal member 76 defining the ink supply opening 71 liquid-tightly contacts the outer surface of the ink supply tube 102 while the seal member 76 is elastically deformed by the outer surface of the ink supply tube 102. When the ink cartridge 30 is further inserted, the end of the ink supply tube 102 passes through the ink supply opening 71 and contacts the valve 77. When the ink cartridge 30 is further inserted, the ink supply tube 102 pushes and moves the valve 77 in the rearward direction 58 against the urging force of the coil spring 78. When this occurs, ink is allowed to flow from the ink chamber 36 to the ink supply tube 102 through the inner space of the cylindrical wall 73. Although not shown in the drawings, the ink supply tube 102 has an opening at or adjacent to the end of the ink supply tube 102, and the opening extends from the outer surface of the ink supply tube 102 to the inner space of the ink supply tube 102. Ink flows from the inner space of the cylindrical wall 73 to the inner space of the ink supply tube 102 via the opening of the ink supply tube 102. Ink flows from the ink chamber 36 to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 through the inner space of the cylindrical wall 73 and the inner space of the ink supply tube 102.
The ink supply portion 34 may not necessarily comprise the valve 77 and the coil spring 78. For instance, in another embodiment, the ink supply opening 71 may be closed by a film. In such an embodiment, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110, the ink supply tube 102 penetrates through the film and passes through the ink supply opening 71, such that the end of the ink supply tube 102 is positioned in the inner space of the cylindrical wall 73. In yet another embodiment, the ink supply opening 71 may be closed by the elasticity of the seal member 76. In such an embodiment, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110, the outer surface of the ink supply tube 102 pushes the inner surface of the seal member 76 defining the ink supply opening 71 radially, and thereby opens the ink supply opening 71.

[Detection portion 62]

Referring to Fig. 6 , the inner frame 35 comprises the detection portion 62 extending from the upper face of the inner frame 35 in the upward direction 54. The detection portion 62 is a protrusion having an inner space continuous with the ink chamber 36. The detection portion 62 is configured to allow light to pass therethrough in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. The detection portion 62 extends through the opening 98 of the front cover 32 to the outside of the ink cartridge 30.
Referring to Fig. 6 , the ink cartridge 30 comprises a detection member 59 positioned in the ink chamber 36. The inner frame 35 comprises a pivot shaft 61 extending in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56, and the detection member 59 is supported by the pivot shaft 61, such that the detection member 59 can pivot about the pivot shaft 61.
The detection portion 59 comprises a float 63, and the float 63 has a specific gravity which is less than the specific gravity of ink stored in the ink chamber 36. When the float 63 is submerged in ink stored in the ink chamber 36, a buoyancy force acts on the float 63. When the ink chamber 36 is almost filled with ink, the detection member 59 pivots counterclockwise in Fig. 6 due to the buoyancy force acting on the float 63. A portion of the detection member 59 is positioned in the inner space of the detection portion 62 and contacts the wall of the detection portion 62 defining the front end of the detection portion 62, such that the detection member 59 does not pivot further in the counterclockwise direction. When the detection member 59 is in this position, the portion of the detection member 59 blocks the light of the sensor 103 passing through the detection portion 62 in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. More specifically, because the portion of the detection member 59 blocks the light, when the light emitted from the light emitting portion of the sensor 103 reaches one of the right face and the left face of the detection portion 62, the intensity of light coming out of the other of the right face and the left face of the detection portion 62 and reaching the light receiving portion of the sensor 103 becomes less than the threshold value, e.g., zero. The portion of the detection member 59 may completely prevent the light from passing therethrough in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56, may partly absorb the light, may alter the path of the light, or totally reflect the light.
When ink is consumed from the ink chamber 36, the ink surface in the ink chamber 36 lowers and an upper portion of the float 63 is exposed from the ink surface. When the ink surface further lowers, the float 63 moves down, following the lowering ink surface. When this occurs, the detection member 59 pivots clockwise in Fig. 6 , and the portion of the detection member 59 in the inner space of the detection portion 62 moves out of the optical path extending between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor 103. When this occurs, the light of the sensor 103 is no longer blocked by the portion of the detection member 59, and the intensity of light received by the light receiving portion of the sensor 103 becomes greater than or equal to the threshold value.
Referring to Fig 5 , a distance D1 from the lock surface 151 (more specifically, the foremost part of the lock surface 151) to the front face 140 (more specifically, the foremost part of the front face 140) in the insertion direction 51 (the forward direction 57) is greater a distance D2 from the lock surface 151 (more specifically, the rearmost part of the lock surface 151) to the rear face 41 (more specifically, the rearmost part of the upper portion 41U of the rear face 41) in the removal direction 52 (the rearward direction 58). The distance D1 is less than a distance D3 from the operation surface 92 (more specifically, the foremost part of the operation surface 92) to the front face 140 (more specifically, the foremost part of the front face 140) in the insertion direction 51 (the forward direction 57). A distance D4 from the upper portion 41U (more specifically, the lowermost part of the upper portion 41U) to the lower face 42 (more specifically, the uppermost part of the lower face 42) in the downward direction 53 is greater than a distance D5 from the lower portion 41L (more specifically, the lowermost part of the lower portion 41L) to the lower face 42 (more specifically, the uppermost part of the lower face 42) in the downward direction 53. In this embodiment the distance D5 is zero. A distance D6 from the upper portion 41U (more specifically, the foremost part of the upper portion 41U) to the front face 140 (more specifically, the foremost part of the front face 140) in the insertion direction 51 (the forward direction 57) is greater than a distance D7 from the lower portion 41L (more specifically, the foremost part of the lower portion 41L) to the front face 140 (more specifically, the foremost part of the front face 140) in the insertion direction 51 (the forward direction 57). The lower portion 41L comprises a portion positioned between a central axis 72 of the ink supply opening 71 of the seal member 76 and the lower face 42 in the downward direction 53. The central axis 72 of the ink supply opening 71 intersects the center of the ink supply opening 71 and extends in the direction in which the ink supply opening 71 penetrates through the seal member 76, i.e., in the forward direction 57 and the rearward direction 58 in this embodiment. The center of the ink supply opening 71 is the center of at least a portion of the ink supply opening 71, and the inner surface of the seal member 76 defining the at least a portion of the ink supply opening 71 contacts the outer surface of the ink supply tube 102 when the ink supply tube 102 is inserted through the ink supply opening 71. For instance, if the inner surface of the seal member 76 defining the ink supply opening 71 has a first inner surface and a second inner surface, and the first inner surface contacts the outer surface of the ink supply tube 102 while the second inner surface does not, the center of the ink supply opening 71 is the center of a portion of the ink supply opening 71 defined by the first inner surface, but not by the second inner surface. If the entire inner surface of the seal member 76 contacts the outer surface of the ink supply tube 102, the center of the ink supply opening 71 is the center of the entirety of the ink supply opening 71.

[Insertion of ink cartridge 30 into cartridge mounting portion 110]

Referring to Fig. 6 , before the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110, the valve 77 closes the ink supply opening 71. The flow of ink from the ink chamber 36 to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 is blocked. The cover 108 is brought into the open attitude when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110.
Referring to Fig. 7 , the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the case 101 via the opening 112 of the cartridge mounting portion 110. The upper portion 41U of the rear face 41 of the rear cover 31 is positioned more rearward than the lower portion 41L of the rear face 41, i.e., positioned further in the rearward direction 58 than the lower portion 41L of the rear face 41. Therefore, the upper portion 41U is positioned closer to a user than the lower portion 41L is positioned to the user, and the user tends to push the upper portion 41U to insert the ink cartridge 30 in the insertion direction 51 into the cartridge mounting portion 110. Moreover, because the upper portion 41U comprises the letter or symbol indicating that the upper portion 41U is supposed to be pushed, the user is urged to push the upper portion 41U. A lower portion of the front cover 32 is positioned in the guide groove 109 of the lower portion of the case 101. More specifically, the portion of the second protrusion 86 defining the recess 87 and extending beyond the lower face 142 of the front cover 32 contacts the groove bottom wall of the guide groove 109, and a rear portion of the lower face 142 of the front cover 32 also contacts the groove bottom wall of the guide groove 109. Therefore, a front portion of the front cover 32 is slightly lifted up.
Referring to Fig. 8 , when the ink cartridge 30 is further inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110, the slider 107 enters the recess 87 and contacts the second protrusion 86 of the ink cartridge 30. Because the user pushes the upper portion 41U of the rear face 41 of the ink cartridge 30, the ink cartridge 30 pivots counterclockwise in Fig. 8 about the contact point between the slider 107 and the second protrusion 86. When this occurs, the lower face 142 of the front cover 32 moves away from the groove bottom wall of the guide groove 109 of the lower portion of the case 101, and an upper portion of the ink cartridge 30 moves closer to the guide groove 109 of the upper portion of the case 101.
Referring to Fig. 9 , when the ink cartridge 30 is further inserted in the insertion direction 51 against the urging force of the pulling spring 114 urging the slider 107 in the removal direction 52, the cap 79 of the ink supply portion 34 starts to enter the guide portion 105, and the rod 125 starts to enter the recess 96.
Referring to Fig. 10 , when the ink cartridge 30 is further inserted in the insertion direction 51 against the urging force of the pulling spring 114 urging the slider 107 in the removal direction 52, the ink supply tube 102 enters the ink supply opening 71 and pushes the valve 77 away from the seal member 76 against the urging force of the coil spring 78. The urging force of the pulling spring 114 is applied to the ink cartridge 30 via the slider 107 in the removal direction 52, and the urging force of the coil spring 78 is applied to the ink cartridge 30 in the removal direction 52.
The rod 125 in the recess 96 supports the front cover 32 from below. The IC board 64 reaches a position below the contacts 106, and electrodes 65 contact the corresponding contacts 106, respectively, while elastically deforming the contacts 106 in the upward direction 54. When this occurs, the IC board 64 is urged in the downward direction 53 by the elastically deformed contacts 106, but the IC board 64 is supported from below by the rod 125. Therefore, the electrodes 65 are accurately positioned relative to the contacts 106 in the upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53. Nevertheless, the rod 125 may not necessarily support the front cover 32.
Referring to Fig. 10 , the protrusion 43 of the rear cover 31 reaches the lock portion 145, and the inclined surface 155 and the horizontal surface 154 slides on the lock portion 145. Although a counterclockwise moment of force is applied to the ink cartridge 30 because the user pushes the upper portion 41U of the rear face 41 in the insertion direction 51, the sliding contact between the inclined surface 155 and the lock portion 145 causes the ink cartridge 30 to pivot clockwise about a pivot center O which is the center of the ink supply opening 71 through which the ink supply tube 102 is inserted, i.e., the center of a portion of ink supply tube 102, which portion contacts the inner surface of the seal member 76 defining the ink supply opening 71. The attitude of the ink cartridge 30 in Fig. 10 is an example of a second attitude. When the ink cartridge 30 is in the second attitude, the lock surface 151 is positioned further in the downward direction 53 than the lock portion 145 as shown in Fig. 10 . The lock surface 151 may also be positioned further in the removal direction 52 (the rearward direction 58) than the lock portion 145 when the ink cartridge 30 is in the second attitude as shown in Fig. 10 .
When the ink cartridge 30 is in the second attitude, the lock surface 151 of the protrusion 43 is positioned below the lock portion 145, i.e., positioned further in the downward direction 53 than the lock portion 145. When the ink cartridge 30 is in the second attitude, the position of the pivot center O and the positions of the electrodes 65 along the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 at least partly overlap. Therefore, the magnitude of a moment of force generated by the urging force of the contacts 106 pushing down the electrodes 65 and applied to the ink cartridge 30 is zero or very small. When the ink cartridge 30 is in the second attitude, the lower face 42 of the rear cover 31 contacts or is positioned closer to the groove bottom wall of the guide groove 109 of the lower portion of the case 101. In this embodiment, when the ink cartridge 30 is in the second attitude, the lower face 42 extends in a horizontal plane. When the ink cartridge 30 is in the second attitude, the lower portion 41L of the rear face 41 is positioned more forward than the upper portion 41U of the rear face 41, i.e., positioned further in the insertion direction 51 than the upper portion 41U.
Referring to Fig. 11 , when the ink cartridge 30 is further inserted in the insertion direction 51 against the urging force of the pulling spring 114 urging the slider 107 in the removal direction 52 and against urging force of the coil spring 78, the inclined surface 155 and the horizontal surface 154 are positioned further in the insertion direction 51 than the lock portion 145. Because the counterclockwise moment of force, which is generated by the user pushing the upper portion 41U of the rear face 41 in the insertion direction 51, is applied to the ink cartridge 30, when the inclined surface 155 and the horizontal surface 154 do not contact the lock portion 145, the ink cartridge 30 pivots counterclockwise about the pivot center O which is the center of the ink supply opening 71 through which the ink supply tube 102 is inserted.
When the ink cartridge 30 pivots counterclockwise, the lock surface 151 reaches a position in which the lock surface 151 and the lock portion 145 face each other in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52. Moreover, when the ink cartridge 30 pivots counterclockwise, the rear cover 31 contacts the lock portion 145. When this occurs, the impact of the contact tells the user that the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 is completed. When the user stops pushing the ink cartridge 30, the ink cartridge 30 is moved in the removal direction 52 by the urging force of the pulling spring 114 applied via the slider 107 and the urging force of the coil spring 78. When this occurs, the lock surface 151 contacts the lock portion 145 in the removal direction 52 and the movement of the ink cartridge 30 relative to the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the removal direction 52 is restricted, as shown in Fig. 11 . The attitude of the ink cartridge 30 in Fig. 11 is an example of the first attitude. The mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting portion 110 is thus completed. The ink cartridge 30 is locked or retained in the cartridge mounting portion 110 with the lock surface 151 contacting the lock portion 145 in the removal direction 52 against the urging force of the pulling spring 114 and the urging force of the coil spring 78 in the removal direction 52.
In the following paragraphs, the pivotal movement of the ink cartridge 30 from the second attitude to the first attitude is described in more detail.
Referring to Fig. 12 , the following condition is satisfied: $FH > GL .$
G is the magnitude of the gravitational force acting on the ink cartridge 30. F is the magnitude of the urging force of the pulling spring 114 and the coil spring 78 urging the ink cartridge 30 in the removal direction 52 when the ink cartridge 30 is in the first attitude. L is the distance between the center of gravity M of the ink cartridge 30 and the pivot center O along the insertion direction 51 when the ink cartridge 30 is in the second attitude. H is the height of the lower end of the upper portion 41U of the rear face 41 from the pivot center O along the upward direction 54 which is perpendicular to the insertion direction 51 when the ink cartridge 30 is in the second attitude.
When a user inserts the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110, the user needs to push the ink cartridge 30 in the insertion direction 51 with a force whose magnitude U is greater than the magnitude F of the urging force in the removal direction 52. In other words, the following condition needs to be met: F < U. Fig. 12 illustrates the ink cartridge 30 when a user pushes the ink cartridge 30 with a force whose magnitude is F as a threshold magnitude required for the ink cartridge 30 to be inserted. Moreover, the user pushes the upper portion 41U of the rear face 41, i.e., pushes a portion above the lower end of the upper portion 4l U. Therefore, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110, a force is applied to the portion above the lower end of the upper portion 41U of the ink cartridge 30 in the insertion direction 51, whose magnitude U is greater than the magnitude F of the urging force. Because the upper portion 41U is substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction 51 when the ink cartridge 30 is in the second attitude, a counterclockwise moment of force is applied to the ink cartridge 30, whose magnitude is at least greater than the product FH. Fig. 12 illustrates the ink cartridge 30 when a user pushes the lower end of the upper portion 41U of the rear face 41 whose height from the pivot center O along the upward direction 54 is H. On the other hand, a clockwise moment of force, which is generated by the gravitational force, is applied to the ink cartridge, whose magnitude is the product GL
Because the above-described condition FH > GL is met, the overall moment of force applied to the ink cartridge 30 is directed counterclockwise when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110. Therefore, when the inclined surface 155 and the horizontal surface 154 finish sliding on the lock portion 145 and separate from the lock portion 145 in the insertion direction 51, the counterclockwise moment of force causes the ink cartridge 30 to pivot from the second attitude to the first attitude.
The magnitude G of the gravitational force acting on the ink cartridge 30 varies depending on the amount of ink stored in the ink cartridge 30. Nevertheless, if the condition FH > GL is satisfied when a fresh ink cartridge 30 having an initial amount of ink is inserted, the condition is also satisfied when a used ink cartridge 30 whose amount of ink is relatively low is inserted. That is because the product GL becomes smaller as the amount of ink is reduced while the product FH is unchanged. In other words, the magnitude G is a magnitude of the gravitational force acting on the ink cartridge 30 at least when the ink chamber 36 is completely filled with the initial amount of ink or when ink in the ink chamber 36 is consumed.
Moreover, because the second protrusion 86 of the ink cartridge 30 receives the urging force of the pulling spring 114 via the slider 107 below the pivot center O, the urging force of the pulling spring 114 also generates an additional moment of force causing the ink cartridge 30 to pivot counterclockwise. Nevertheless, even if the moment of force generated by the pulling spring 114 were not applied to the ink cartridge 30, the overall moment of force applied to the ink cartridge 30 would still be directed counterclockwise.
Referring to Fig. 14 , when the ink cartridge 30 is in the first attitude, the upper end of the lock surface 151 is positioned outside of a virtual circle C, and the lower end of the lock surface 151 is positioned within the virtual circle C. The virtual circle C has its center at the pivot center O and intersects the lock portion 145. Therefore, when the urging force is applied to the ink cartridge 30 in the removal direction 52 while the lock surface 151 contacts the lock portion 145, the lock portion 145 slides on the lock surface 151 toward the lower end of the lock surface 151. That is, the ink cartridge 30 pivots further counterclockwise when the lock portion 145 and the lock surface 151 contact.
Referring to Fig. 13 , a user may push the lower portion 41L of the rear face 41 instead of the upper portion 41U of the rear face 41 when the user inserts the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110. Nevertheless, because the following condition is satisfied, the ink cartridge 30 can pivot counterclockwise in Fig. 13 : $(Fcos α) N > GL .$
The lower portion 41L is a plane intersecting a first virtual plane PI at an angle of α degrees when the ink cartridge 30 is in the second attitude, and the first virtual plane PI is perpendicular to the insertion direction 51. N is a length of a perpendicular line extending from the pivot center O to a second virtual plane P2 which is perpendicular to the lower portion 41L and intersects the lower end of the lower portion 41L.
When a user pushes the lower portion 41L in the insertion direction 51 with a force whose magnitude is greater than the magnitude F of the urging force, a counterclockwise moment of force is applied to the ink cartridge 30, whose magnitude is at least greater than the product (Fcosα)N. Because the above-described condition (Fcosα)N > GL is met, the overall moment of force applied to the ink cartridge 30 is directed counterclockwise even when the user pushes the lower portion 41L in the insertion direction 51.
When the ink cartridge 30 is brought into the first attitude and the ink cartridge 30 is locked in the cartridge mounting portion 110, a user has the cover 108 pivot from the open attitude (see Fig. 18 ) to the close attitude (see Fig. 19 ). When the cover 108 is in the close attitude, the hook 118 is engaged with the engagement portion 119 to retain the cover 108 in the close attitude. Moreover, the protrusion 121 is positioned in the recess 95 of the ink cartridge 30. When the ink cartridge 30 attempts to pivot from the first attitude toward the second attitude by shock and vibration, the rib 89 of the ink cartridge 30 contacts the protrusion 121 of the cover 108. Therefore, the protrusion 121 restricts the movement of the ink cartridge 30 toward the second attitude.
When four ink cartridges 30 are in the first attitude and the cover 108 is in the close attitude, each protrusion 121 of the cover 108 is positioned in the recesses 95 of neighboring ink cartridges 30. That is, the protrusion 121 extends from the recess 95 of one ink cartridge 30 to the recess 95 of another ink cartridge 30. More specifically, each protrusion 121 is positioned between neighboring ribs 94 of the neighboring ink cartridges 30. When the ink cartridges 30 attempt to pivot from the first attitude toward the second attitude by shock and vibration, the ribs 89 of the ink cartridges 30 contact the protrusions 121 of the cover 108. Therefore, the protrusions 121 restrict the movement of the ink cartridges 30 toward the second attitude.
Suppose that the ink cartridge 30 is not fully inserted until the ink cartridge 30 becomes the first attitude, but remains in the second attitude as shown in Fig. 10 . When the ink cartridge 30 is in the second attitude and a user has the cover 108 pivot from the open attitude toward the close attitude, the protrusion 121 contacts the ink cartridge 30 during the pivotal movement of the cover 108 from the open attitude to toward the close attitude, as shown in Fig. 20 . More specifically, the protrusion 121 contacts a surface of the ink cartridge 30 defining the recess 95 and facing the removal direction 52 (the rearward direction 58). When this occurs, the cover 108 has not reached the close attitude, and the hook 118 is not engaged with the engagement portion 119. The contact between the protrusion 121 and the ink cartridge 30 generates sound and shock, and the user recognizes that the ink cartridge 30 is not in the first attitude. It is expected that the user has the cover 108 pivot to the open attitude again, insert the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110 again until the ink cartridge 30 becomes the first attitude, and then has the cover 108 pivot to the close attitude.
If the user has the cover 108 further pivot toward the close attitude after the protrusion 121 contacts the surface of the ink cartridge 30 defining the recess 95, the protrusion 121 contacts the rib 89 of the ink cartridge 30 in the upward direction 54, and the user's force causing the cover 108 to pivot toward the close attitude is transmitted to the ink cartridge 30 as a force causing the ink cartridge 30 to move in the insertion direction 51 and the upward direction 54. With this force, the ink cartridge 30 pivots from the second attitude to the first attitude. When this occurs, the lock surface 151 contacts the lock portion 145 in the removal direction 52, and the ink cartridge 30 is locked. When the ink cartridge 30 becomes the first attitude, the cover 108 can move to the close position, and the hook 118 is engaged with the engagement portion 119. As such, even if a user fails to recognize that the ink cartridge 30 is not in the first attitude by the sound and shock generated by the contact between the protrusion 121 and the ink cartridge 30, and tries to have the cover 108 pivot toward the close attitude, the ink cartridge 30 eventually becomes the first attitude and the cover 108 reaches the close attitude.
In another embodiment, however, when the protrusion 121 contacts the ink cartridge 30 in the second attitude, the ink cartridge 30 prevents further movement of the cover 108 toward the close attitude. That is, even if the protrusion 121 pushes the ink cartridge 30 in the second attitude, the ink cartridge 30 does not move such that the ink cartridge 30 becomes the first attitude. In this case, it is expected that a user has the cover 108 pivot to the open attitude again, insert the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110 again until the ink cartridge 30 becomes the first attitude, and then has the cover 108 pivot to the close attitude.
When a user wishes to remove the ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge mounting portion 110, the user has the cover 108 to pivot from the close attitude to the open attitude, such that the ink cartridge 30 becomes accessible via the openings 112 and 22. Subsequently, the user pushes down the operation surface 92. Referring to Figs. 15A and 15B , when the ink cartridge 30 is in the first attitude, the operation surface 92 is viewable when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed in the downward direction 53 and is viewable when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed in the forward direction 57 (the insertion direction 51). In other words, when the ink cartridge 30 is in the first attitude, the operation surface 92 faces the upward direction 54 and the rearward direction 58 (the removal direction 52). Therefore, when the user pushes the operation surface 92 when the ink cartridge 30 is in the first attitude to release the ink cartridge 30, the user's force is directed toward the downward direction 53 and the forward direction 57 (the insertion direction 51). Due to the force directed toward the forward direction 57 (the insertion direction 51), the lock surface 151 separates from the lock portion 145. Due to the force directed toward the downward direction 53, the ink cartridge 30 pivots from the first attitude to the second attitude. Therefore, compared to a situation in which the ink cartridge 30 pivots from the first attitude to the second attitude while the lock surface 151 slides on the lock portion 145, the force needed to be applied to the operation surface 92 to cause the ink cartridge 30 to pivot from the first attitude to the second attitude becomes smaller, and the user can readily release the ink cartridge 30.
When the ink cartridge 30 pivots from the first attitude to the second attitude, the lock surface 151 is positioned below the lock portion 145, i.e., positioned further in the downward direction 53 than the lock portion 145. The urging force of the pulling spring 114 and the coil spring 78 moves the ink cartridge 30 in the removal direction 52. When the ink cartridge 30 separates from the slider 107, the urging force is no longer applied to the ink cartridge 30, and the ink cartridge 30 stops moving in the removal direction 52. When this occurs, at least the rear cover 31 of the ink cartridge 30 is positioned outside of the case 101, the user can take the ink cartridge 30 out of the cartridge mounting portion 110.]

[Advantages]

According to the above-described embodiment, because the protrusion 121 of the cover 108 is positioned in the recess 95 of the ink cartridge 30 and restricts the movement of the ink cartridge 30 toward the second attitude when the ink cartridge 30 is in the first attitude and the cover 108 is in the close attitude, a likelihood that the ink cartridge 30 is accidentally released from the first attitude may be reduced. Because the protrusion 121 contacts the ink cartridge 30 during the pivotal moment of the cover 108 from the open attitude toward the close attitude when the ink cartridge 30 is in the second attitude, a user can recognize that the ink cartridge 30 is not in the first attitude.
When the cover 108 further pivots toward the close attitude after the protrusion 121 contacts the ink cartridge 30 during the pivotal moment of the cover 108 from the open attitude toward the close attitude, the protrusion 121 moves the ink cartridge 30 from the second attitude to the first attitude. Therefore, even if a user fails to recognize that the ink cartridge 30 is not in the first attitude, the user can move the cover 108 to the close attitude, such that the ink cartridge pivots to the first attitude. Nevertheless, in another embodiment, when the protrusion 121 contacts the ink cartridge 30 in the second attitude, the ink cartridge 30 may prevent further movement of the cover 108 toward the close attitude. In this case, it is expected that a user has the cover 108 pivot to the open attitude again, insert the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110 again until the ink cartridge 30 becomes the first attitude, and then has the cover 108 pivot to the close attitude.
Because the recess 95 is formed between the operation surface 92 and the sub upper face 91, the operation surface 92 become recognizable to a user.
Because of the rib 94, the strength and the rigidity of the operation surface 92 is reinforced against a force applied to the operation surface 92.
Because the protrusion 121 of the cover 108 is positioned between neighboring ribs 94 of neighboring ink cartridges 30, the number of protrusions 121 provided to the cover 108 becomes less than the number of the ink cartridges 30.
Because of the rib 89, the movement of the ink cartridge 30 toward the second attitude is restricted when the rib 89 contacts the protrusion 121 of the cover 108.
Because the operation surface 92 faces the upward direction 54 and the removal direction 52, when a user operates the operation surface 92 to release the ink cartridge 30 from the first attitude, the user's force is directed toward the insertion direction 51 and the downward direction 53. Due to the force directed toward the insertion direction 51, the lock surface 151 separates from the lock portion 145. Due to the force directed toward the downward direction 53, the ink cartridge 30 pivots from the first attitude to the second attitude. Therefore, compared to a situation in which the ink cartridge 30 pivots from the first attitude to the second attitude while the lock surface 151 slides on the lock portion 145, the force needed to be applied to the operation surface 92 to cause the ink cartridge 30 to pivot from the first attitude to the second attitude becomes smaller, and the user can readily release the ink cartridge 30.
Because at least a portion of the operation surface 92 protrudes further than the lock surface 151 in the upward direction 54, even when the ink cartridge 30 falls with the upper face 39, 141 facing downward, the lock surface 151 may be protected by the at least a portion of the operation surface 92 and may not be damaged.

[Modified embodiments]

In the above-described embodiment, the operation surface 92 and the lock surface 151 is provided at the upper face 39 of the rear cover 31. Nevertheless, in another embodiment, the operation surface 92 and the lock surface 151 may be provided at the side face 37 or 38 or lower face 42 of the rear cover 31. Alternatively, the operation surface 92 and the lock surface 151 may be provided at the upper face 141, lower face 142, side face 143 or 144 of the front cover 32.
In the above-described embodiment, the cartridge mounting portion 110 is configured to receive a plurality of ink cartridges 30. Nevertheless, in another embodiment, the cartridge mounting portion 110 may be configured to receive only one ink cartridge 30.
In the above-described embodiment, the rib 89 is provided at the back side 99 of the operation surface 92. Nevertheless, in another embodiment, the rib 89 may not be provided, and the back side 99 may contact the protrusion 121 of the cover 108 when the protrusion 121 is in the recess 95 of the ink cartridge 30 and the ink cartridge 30 attempts to pivot from the first attitude toward the second attitude.
In the above-described embodiment, the cartridge mounting portion 110 comprises the slider 107 and the pulling spring 114, but the slider 107 and the pulling spring 114 are optional. For instance, in another embodiment, the cartridge mounting portion 110 may not comprise the slider 107 and the pulling spring 114, and only the coil spring 78 of the ink supply portion 34 may apply the urging force to the ink cartridge 30 in the removal direction 52 when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110.
In the above-described embodiment, ink is an example of liquid. Nevertheless, liquid is not limited to ink. For example, liquid can be pre-treatment liquid which is ejected onto the sheet of paper before ink is ejected in printing. Moreover, liquid can be water to be used for washing the recording head 21.

Claims

A liquid supply device (100) comprising a mounting portion (110) and a liquid cartridge (30) configured to be inserted into the mounting portion in a first direction (51, 57) via an opening (22, 112) against an urging force directed in a second direction (52, 58) opposite the first direction and thereby to be mounted to the mounting portion, wherein
the liquid cartridge comprises:
a liquid chamber (36) configured to store liquid therein;

a front face (140) facing the first direction when the liquid cartridge is inserted into the mounting portion;

a rear face (41), wherein the liquid chamber is positioned between the front face and the rear face;

a particular face (39, 141) extending between the front face and the rear face;

a liquid supply portion (34) positioned at the front face;

a lock surface (151) positioned at the particular face; and

a recess (95) which is open in the second direction, and
the mounting portion comprises:
a lock portion (145) configured to contact the lock surface;

a cover (108) configured to pivot between an open attitude and a close attitude and comprising a protrusion (121), wherein when the cover is in the open attitude, the cover does not cover the opening, such that the opening is exposed, and when the cover is in the close attitude, the cover covers the opening,
wherein the mounting portion comprises a liquid supply tube (102) configured to be inserted into the liquid supply portion;
wherein the liquid cartridge is configured to pivot between a first attitude and a second attitude when the liquid cartridge is inserted into the mounting portion and the liquid supply tube is inserted into the liquid supply portion, wherein when the liquid cartridge is in the first attitude, the lock surface and the lock portion face each other in the first direction and the second direction, and the lock surface contacts the lock portion in the second direction, such that movement of the liquid cartridge relative to the mounting portion in the second direction is restricted, wherein when the liquid cartridge is in the second attitude, the lock surface and the lock portion do not face each other in the first direction and the second direction,
wherein when the liquid cartridge is in the first attitude and the cover is in the close attitude, the protrusion of the cover is positioned in the recess of the liquid cartridge and restricts movement of the liquid cartridge toward the second attitude,
wherein when the liquid cartridge is in the second attitude and the cover pivots from the open attitude toward the close attitude, the protrusion contacts the liquid cartridge during pivotal moment of the cover from the open attitude toward the close attitude.
The liquid supply device of claim 1, wherein when the cover further pivots toward the close attitude after the protrusion contacts the liquid cartridge in the second attitude during the pivotal moment of the cover from the open attitude toward the close attitude, the protrusion moves the liquid cartridge from the second attitude to the first attitude.
The liquid supply device of claim 1, wherein when the protrusion contacts the liquid cartridge in the second attitude, the liquid cartridge prevents further movement of the cover toward the close attitude.
The liquid supply device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the liquid cartridge further comprises an operation surface (92) positioned at the particular face and positioned closer to the rear face than the lock surface is, wherein the particular face comprises a sub particular face (91), and the operation surface and the sub particular face at least partly overlap in a direction perpendicular to the particular face, wherein the recess is formed between the operation surface and the sub particular face.
The liquid supply device of claim 4, wherein the liquid cartridge further comprises a first rib (94) positioned in the recess between the operation surface and the sub particular face and extending between the operation surface and the sub particular face.
The liquid supply device of claim 5, wherein each of the first rib, the operation surface, and the sub particular face has a dimension along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and the dimension of the rib is less than each of the dimension of the operation surface and the dimension of the sub particular face.
The liquid supply device of claim 5 or 6, wherein the mounting portion is configured such that a plurality of liquid cartridges are mountable and arranged in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction in the mounting portion, wherein when the plurality of liquid cartridges are in the first attitude and the cover is in the close attitude, the protrusion of the cover is positioned between neighboring first ribs of neighboring liquid cartridges.
The liquid supply device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mounting portion is configured such that a plurality of liquid cartridges are mountable and arranged in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction in the mounting portion, wherein when the plurality of liquid cartridges are in the first attitude and the cover is in the close attitude, the protrusion of the cover is positioned in the recesses of neighboring liquid cartridges and restricts movement of the neighboring liquid cartridges toward the second attitude.
The liquid supply device of any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the liquid cartridge further comprises a second rib (89) extending from the back side (99) of the operation surface toward the sub particular face in the recess.
The liquid supply device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first direction is a horizontal direction, and the particular face is an upper face facing an upward direction when the liquid cartridge is inserted into the mounting portion, wherein when the liquid cartridge is in the second attitude, the lock surface is positioned further in a downward direction than the lock portion.
The liquid supply device of any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the first direction is a horizontal direction, and the particular face is an upper face facing an upward direction when the liquid cartridge is inserted into the mounting portion, wherein when the liquid cartridge is in the second attitude, the lock surface is positioned further in a downward direction than the lock portion, wherein when the liquid cartridge is in the first attitude, the operation surface faces the upward direction and the second direction.
The liquid supply device of claim 11, wherein when the liquid cartridge is in the first attitude, at least a portion of the operation surface protrudes further than the lock surface in the upward direction.
The liquid supply device of any one of claims 4 to 9, 11, and 12, wherein the operation surface comprises a plurality of protrusions formed thereon.
The liquid supply device of claim 13, wherein the plurality of protrusions is a plurality of elongated protrusions.
The liquid supply device of any one of claims 4 to 9 and 11 to 14, wherein the operation surface does not move relative to the liquid chamber.
The liquid supply device of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the mounting portion comprises a case (101), and the liquid cartridge is configured to be inserted into the case, wherein the lock portion does not move relative to the case.