ES2313507T5 - Ink cartridge, main body and filler unit - Google Patents

Abstract

(PROBLEM) To provide a refill unit, which allows the user, to easily install and remove ink cartridges. (MEANS FOR SOLVING) The refill unit 70 comprises a case 75 and an ink cartridge 63 which is housed in the case 75. The case 75 has an opening 88 on its front surface. Case 75 has a door 76, and this door 76 opens and closes said opening 88. Door 76 comprises pullout members 77. When door 76 is opened, the pullout members 77 pull the ink cartridge 63 out from the case 75. When the door 76 is closed, the pullout members 77 extend in the front-back direction and guide the insertion of a new ink cartridge. The pullout members 77 are arrange opposite each other in the width direction of the ink cartridge 63. The widthwise dimension of the pullout members 77 is set to be smaller than the width dimension of ink cartridge 63.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Ink cartridge, main body and filler unit

The present invention relates to an ink cartridge, a main body and a filling unit of an ink jet recording apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The ink jet recording apparatus ejects ink droplets from a recording head onto a recording paper transferred for the purpose of recording an image on the recording paper. Generally, ink is previously stored in an ink tank of the cartridge type (ink cartridge) and the ink is supplied to the recording head from the ink cartridge. Therefore, if the residual amount of the ink stored in the ink tank is reduced, the ink cartridge has to be replaced by a new one (for example, see patent documents 1 to 5). Generally, the ink cartridge is housed in a box mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus.

Ink cartridges include a car type and an off-car type. The cartridge-type ink cartridge is mounted on a carriage where the registration head is mounted and which can alternate along a direction perpendicular to a paper transfer direction. A box is mounted on the cart and the ink is supplied to the registration head from the ink cartridge housed in the box.

On the other hand, in the case of using the ink cartridge of the type outside the carriage, a box, containing the ink cartridge, is arranged somewhere in the ink-jet recording apparatus other than the carriage. That is, the ink cartridge and the box are pre-structured as a unit and the unit is disposed somewhere in the ink-jet recording apparatus. Therefore, ink is supplied to the recording head from the box that houses the ink cartridge via an ink supply tube and the like. The unit is called a filler unit in this application.

The box of the filler unit usually has a door. The door is closed when the ink cartridge is housed in the box. Accordingly, the ink cartridge is housed and held securely in the box. An ink supply needle has been disposed within the box. The ink supply needle is inserted into the ink cartridge when the ink cartridge is housed in the box. The ink present in the ink cartridge is supplied to the recording head by the ink supply needle, the ink supply tube and the like. When the ink cartridge is replaced by a new one, the door is opened and the ink cartridge is removed from the box (for example, see Patent document 6).

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-348303

[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-109427

[Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication number 2004-345246

[Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication Number 2005-219416

[Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication number 2005-96446

[Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-106730

EP 0478244 A shows an ink cartridge according to the preamble of claim 1.

JP 10-109247 A shows a main body according to the preamble of claims 3 to 5.

Summary of the invention

It is desired that the ink cartridge be replaced easily and in a short time by a user of the ink jet recording apparatus. That is, it is necessary that the used ink cartridge be easily removed from the box and that a new ink cartridge be easily inserted into the box.

An object of the present invention is to provide a filling unit, a main body for a filling unit used in the filling unit and an ink cartridge for the filling unit which allow easy insertion / removal of the ink cartridge to / of a box by a user.

1. Ink cartridge for refill unit

In order to achieve the aforementioned object an ink cartridge according to claim 1 is provided.

2. Main body for a filling unit

To achieve said object, the main body is provided for a filling unit of claims 3 to 5. In the main body for a filling unit, the ink cartridge can be housed in the housing portion, and the ink cartridge it is removed from the accommodation portion as follows. When the ink cartridge is removed from the box, first the door is opened. When the door is moved from the closed position to the open position, the pulling element pulls the ink cartridge towards the hole. Accordingly, a user can remove the ink cartridge from the housing portion through the hole. When the ink cartridge is accommodated in the housing portion, the ink cartridge is inserted into the housing portion of the hole while the door is open. Then, the ink cartridge, which is to be introduced into the housing portion, is previously supported by the pulling element. Then, the ink cartridge is inserted into the housing portion, being guided by the pulling element.

According to the main body for a packing unit of claims 3 to 5, when the door is moved from the closed position to the open position, the pulling element can safely pull the ink cartridge towards the hole. In addition, when a new ink cartridge is inserted into the hole housing portion, the ink cartridge is supported and guided securely by the pulling element. Therefore, the ink cartridge can be replaced more easily.

According to the main body for a packing unit of claims 3 to 5, since the distance between the pair of traction elements is equal to or less than a width of the ink cartridge, the door is designed in a compact size, which reduces a unit body size for a refill unit.

According to the main body for a filling unit of claims 3 to 5, since the ink cartridge can be inserted and removed from the housing portion on the front side of the unit body for a filling unit by a user, the Ink cartridge can be replaced more easily. When the door is moved to the open position, the curved portion is rotated so that the ink cartridge is ejected from the unit body and the curved portion functions as the guide element. Therefore, the structure of the pulling element is simple, which reduces the manufacturing cost of the unit body for a filling unit.

3. Filling unit

To achieve said object, the filler unit of claims 8 to 11 is provided.

The used ink cartridge is replaced following the steps below. When the used ink cartridge is removed from the box, the door opens. When the door is moved from a closed position to an open position, a pulling element pushes the ink cartridge towards the hole. Accordingly, the user can remove the ink cartridge from the hole. Next, a new ink cartridge is inserted into a hole housing portion. Then, the door is in the open position and the new ink cartridge, which is to be introduced into the housing portion, is previously supported by the pulling element. Then, the ink cartridge is inserted into the housing portion, being guided by the pulling element.

According to the filling unit, when the door is moved from the closed position to the open position, the pulling element can safely pull the ink cartridge towards the hole. In addition, when a new ink cartridge is inserted into the hole housing portion, the ink cartridge is supported and guided securely by the pulling element. Therefore, the user can easily replace the ink cartridge.

According to the filling unit, each of the traction elements is received in the groove formed in the ink cartridge. Further, since the distance between the pair of tensile elements is equal to or less than a width of the ink cartridge, the tensile elements received in the ink cartridge do not protrude from the ink cartridge. Therefore, the door is designed in a compact size, which reduces the size of the filling unit.

According to the filling unit, since the ink cartridge can be inserted and removed from the housing portion on the front side of the filling unit by a user, the ink cartridge can be replaced more easily. When the door is moved to the open position, the curved portion is rotated so that the ink cartridge is ejected from the refill unit. The curved portion also functions as a guiding element. Therefore, the structure of the pulling element is simple, which reduces the manufacturing cost of the filling unit.

[Effects of the invention]

According to the present invention, since the ink cartridge is ejected from the box by the pulling element when the door is moved from the closed position to the open position, the ink cartridge is easily removed from the box. In addition, when the door is open, a new ink cartridge is guided by the traction element of the way to stay in the box. Accordingly, a new ink cartridge is easily inserted into the box. That is, when an operator simply opens the door, the used ink cartridge is ejected from the box, and the operator can easily put a new ink cartridge in the box while the door is open. Accordingly, the ink cartridge can be replaced quite easily.

(Brief description of the drawings )

(Figure 1) Figure 1 is a perspective external view of a multifunction device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(Figure 2) Figure 2 is a drawing schematically illustrating the internal structure of a multifunction device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(Figure 3) Figure 3 is a drawing schematically illustrating the internal structure of the scanner part of a multifunction device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(Figure 4) Figure 4 is a drawing schematically illustrating the internal structure of the printer part of a multifunction device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(Figure 5) Figure 5 is a perspective view of the filling unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(Figure 6) Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along VI-VI in Figure 5.

(Figure 7) Figure 7 is a side view of the main parts of the main unit body of a refill unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(Figure 8) Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the main unit body of a refill unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(Figure 9) Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the door of a stuffing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(Figure 10) Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the door of a filler unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(Figure 11) Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a filling unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(Figure 12) Figure 12 is an enlargement of the main parts of Figure 11.

(Figure 13) Figure 13 is a side view of an ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Figure 14) Figure 14 is a perspective view of an ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(Figure 15) Figure 15 is a drawing schematically illustrating the attachment structure of the ink cartridge, case, and eject element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(Fig. 16) Fig. 16 is a drawing schematically illustrating a modified example of the latch structure of the ink cartridge, box, and eject element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(Fig. 17) Fig. 17 is a drawing schematically illustrating another modified example of the latching structure of the ink cartridge, case and ejector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(Best embodiments of the invention)

The present invention is described in detail below on the basis of preferred embodiments with reference to the appropriate drawings.

Figure 1 is an external perspective view of a multifunction device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The multifunction device 10 is an MFD (multifunction device) integrally including a printer part 11 in the bottom part and a scanner part 12 in the upper part, and has various functions such as a printer function, a scanner function, a copier function, and a fax function. The multifunction device 10 it is mainly connected to a non-illustrated computer, and records images and texts on recording paper, which serves as the recording medium, based on image data and text data transmitted from the computer. In addition, the multifunction device 10 may be connected to an external device such as a digital camera for recording image data output from the digital camera on the recording paper. In addition, the multifunction device 10 includes the slot portion described below 61, and allows to record image data or the like stored in a storage medium in the recording paper by installing various types of storage media such as a memory card in this part. of slot 61.

The distinguishing features of the multifunction device 10 according to the present embodiment are that said printer part 11 is constituted as an ink-jet recording device and has on the front surface of the device a filler unit 70 which previously stores the ink which is supplied to the recording head that ejects drops of ink, and the point that this filler unit 70 has a structure that facilitates the operation of inserting and removing the ink cartridge, so that the user of this multifunction device 10 can perform very Simply and quickly replace the ink cartridge operation. Since the present invention is implemented in the form of the filler unit 70 that is incorporated in the multifunction device 10 described below, it is not necessary to affirm that the configuration of the multifunction device 10 can be modified in design as appropriate without changing the essential of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a drawing schematically illustrating the internal structure of said multifunction device 10. Figure 3 is a drawing schematically illustrating the internal structure of said scanner part 12 (the portion represented by the dotted line in Figure 2) .

As shown in Figure 2, the scanner part 12 includes a document platform 13 that functions as an FBS (desktop scanner) and a document cover 15 disposed thereon. The document cover 15 includes an automatic document feeding mechanism (hereinafter called "ADF") 14, and is attached to the rear surface of the document platform 13 by hinges to allow opening and closing. Thus, the document cover 15 is opened and closed by turning it in the direction of the arrow 16 relative to the document platform 13. In the present embodiment, the document platform 13 is included in the box of the multifunction device 10, and the Document cover 15 forms part of the upper surface of the multifunction device 10.

The document platform 13 also serves as the frame of the scanner part 12. As shown in FIG. 3, a contact glass plate 20 is disposed on the ceiling 19 of the document platform 13. In addition, a unit of The image reading 18 is arranged inside the document platform 13. The documents are placed between the document cover 15 and the contact glass plate 20. The image reading unit 18 reads the image of the document by lowering the glass plate of contact 20 along the contact glass plate 20, ie in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the paper in Figure 3.

The document reading unit 18 includes a CIS unit 21, a guide shaft 22, a roller unit 23 and a belt drive mechanism, not shown. In the present embodiment, the document reading unit 18 includes a CIS (contact image sensor), but an optical image reducing sensor such as a CCD (charge coupling device) can be used instead of a CIS . The CIS unit 21 includes a thin cuboid box 43, and this box 43 is mounted on a carriage 24 and is supported by it. The guide shaft 22 is mounted in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of the same drawing. This guide shaft 22 passes through the lower end portion 25 of said carriage 24. Namely, the unit CIS 21 is supported by this guide shaft 22, and slides being guided at the same time by the guide shaft 22. Said belt drive mechanism includes a timing belt (not shown) driven by a motor, for example. A portion of this timing belt is coupled to the lower end portion 25 of said carriage 24. Thus, when the belt drive mechanism is driven, the carriage 24 moves in conjunction with the timing belt, and as a result, the CIS unit 21 passes under the contact glass plate 20.

Said roller unit 23 is disposed at both ends of the CIS unit 21. This roller unit 23 touches the lower surface 26 of the contact glass plate 20. Furthermore, this roller unit 23 rolls in the direction of movement of the carriage 23. 24 on the rear surface 26 of the contact glass plate 20 when the carriage 24 moves. In other words, this roller unit 23 contributes to the smooth movement of the CIS unit 21. In addition, the roller unit 23 also plays the role of a spacer, which maintains a constant distance between the CIS 21 unit and the document resting on it. the contact glass plate 20.

As shown in Figure 1, the document cover 15 includes said ADF 14. This ADF 14 is configured to allow continuous feeding of a document up to a pre-set number of sheets of the document tray 47 to the paper ejection tray. 46. The mechanism for continuously feeding the document is incorporated in the document cover 15. Since the ADF 14 has a known structure, its detailed description will be omitted. The ADF 14 may also be left out of the present embodiment.

Figure 4 is a drawing schematically representing the internal configuration of the printer part 11 (the part indicated by a dotted line in Figure 2). The direction perpendicular to the surface of the paper in the figure 4 is the direction of the width of the multifunction device 10, which matches the direction perpendicular to the surface of the paper in Figure 2.

As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 4, the printer part 11 includes an image registration part 28 having a frame constituted by said document platform 13, and an ink jet recording head 27 (below , simply referred to as "register head 27"). In other words, in the present embodiment, the printer part 11 is composed of an ink-jet recording device.

As shown in Figure 4, the printer part 11 includes said refill unit 70. This refill unit 70 is contained in the document platform 13, ie, on the side of the front surface 71, as shown in FIG. Figure 1. In the present embodiment, the filler unit 70 is capable of housing and retaining four ink cartridges. The ink cartridges contain ink in the colors black, yellow, magenta and cyan. The inks of the various colors contained in these ink cartridges are designed to be supplied to said recording head 27 by means of an ink tube (supply tube). The illustration of the ink tube has been omitted in Figure 4.

The document platform 13 constituting the frame of the printer part 11 has an opening and closing cover 72 on said side of the front surface 71. This opening and closing cover 72 opens and closes a hole 73 arranged in a part of end of this front surface 71. Specifically, the opening and closing cover 72 can rotate between a position where it exposes the filling unit 70 through said hole 73 leaning forward as shown in Figure 1, and a position where said the hole 73 is closed to contain the filling unit 70.

In addition, the document platform 13 is provided with a hole 42 in the middle of its front surface, and a paper supply tray 29 is disposed within this hole 42 (see Figure 4). As shown in Figure 4, the recording paper fed from the paper supply tray 29 is ejected to a paper ejection tray 32 disposed in said hole 42 after the image has been recorded in the manner described below. . A pivoting separation plate 30 is disposed on the inner side of said paper supply tray 29 (on the right side in Figure 4). This separating tilting plate 30 separates the sheets of recording paper stacked in the paper supply tray 29 and guides them upwards. A paper feed path 31 is formed upstream of the separation swing plate 30. The paper feed path 31 extends upwards and then curves to the left, extending from the side of the rear surface of the paper. multifunction device 10 next to the front surface. In addition, the paper feed path 31 passes through the image registration part 28 and the paper ejecting tray 32. Therefore, the recording paper housed in the paper supply tray 29 is guided to the part of image register 28 by the paper feed path 31 in such a way as to make a U-turn from the lower part upwards. After the image registration part 28 has performed the image registration on the recording paper fed through the paper feed path 31, the recording paper is ejected into the paper eject tray 32. The paper tray is ejected. Paper ejection 32 and said paper supply tray 29 are not shown in Figure 1.

As illustrated in Figure 4, a paper supply roll 34 is disposed on top of the paper supply tray 29. The paper supply roll 34 separates the stacked record paper in the paper supply tray 29 from sheet sheet and feeds it into the paper feed path 31. The structure of the paper supply roll 34 is known. In the present embodiment, the paper supply roll 34 is pivotally supported on the tip of a paper supply arm 35. This paper supply arm 35 is on top in order to rise and fall approaching and moving away from the paper tray. paper supply 29. The paper supply roller 34 is coupled to a motor by a drive transmission mechanism not illustrated. This driving transmission mechanism can be configured based on the engagement of a plurality of gears. Actuation of said motor causes its driving force to be transmitted to the paper supply roll 34, causing the paper supply roll 34 to rotate. The rotating paper supply roller 34 feeds the recording paper to the paper feed path 31.

The paper supply arm 35 is supported on a base end shaft 36 and is capable of rotating about the base end shaft 36. As a result, the paper supply arm 35 is capable of rising and falling with the end shaft base 36 as the center of sliding. This paper supply arm 35 is urged towards the paper supply tray 29 by means of an unillustrated paper supply clutch, spring, etc., when the paper supply tray 29 is installed, and is removed upwards during the insertion or removal of the paper supply tray 29. The downward rotation of the paper supply arm 35 causes the paper supply roller 34 pivotally supported at its tip to press against the surface of the recording paper in the paper tray. paper supply 29. When the paper supply roller 34 rotates in this state, the friction between the surface of the paper supply roller 34 and the recording paper feeds the sheet of recording paper in the position above said tilting plate of separation 30. The fed recording paper sheet touches the separation swing plate 30 with its leading edge and is guided upwards and fed into the feed path. ation of paper 31. When the sheet of recording paper in the upper position is pulled out by the paper supply roll 34, the sheet of recording paper immediately below can be pulled out together due to the effects of friction and static electricity. However, this sheet of registration paper stops when you enter contact with the separating swing plate 30.

The paper feeding path 31, outside of the places where the image registration part 28 and the like are arranged, is delimited by an outer guide surface and an inner guide surface facing each other with a pre-set spacing. In this multifunction device 10, the outer guide surface is composed of the inner wall surface of the frame of the printer part 11 composed of the document platform 13, while the inner guide surface is composed of the surface of an element of guide arranged inside said frame. In addition, feed rollers can be arranged, in particular in places where the paper feed path 31 is curved. Although feeding rollers are not shown in said figure, feed rollers can be arranged rotatably with the direction of the width of the paper feed path 31 (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in Figure 4) as the direction of the axis central rotation. The feed rollers are mounted so that their surface is exposed to said outer guide surface or the inner guide surface. The provision of these feed rollers causes the recording paper to be fed smoothly into contact with the guide surface even in places where the paper feed path 31 is curved.

Said image registration part 28 is disposed downwards from where the paper feed path 31 makes a U-turn upwards. A roller 37 is disposed in front of said recording head 27. The fed recording paper is placed on the roller 37. The recording head 27 drops drops of ink to the recording paper disposed on the roller 37. The recording head 27 is mounted on a car not illustrated. This carriage moves from one side to the other in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the paper in said drawing by means of a CR motor. The position and alternative operation of the recording head 27 are monitored by a carriage encoder not shown. The recording head 27 ejects ink from each of said colors in the form of drops of ink on said recording paper while moving from one side to the other, thereby registering an image on the recording paper. A drive roller 39 and pressure roller 38 are disposed on the upstream side of said recording head 27 in the paper feed path 31. The drive roller 39 is rotationally driven by an LF motor not shown. The recording paper fed along the paper feed path 31 is sandwiched between the drive roller 39 and the pressure roller 38. The rotation of the drive roller 39 causes the recording paper to be fed down the path. of paper feeding 31 and that is placed on the roller 37.

A paper ejection roller 40 and a pressure roller 41 are placed downstream from said recording head 27 in the paper feed path 31. The paper ejection roller 40 is rotationally moved by the motor LF, which moves said drive roller 39. Namely, the paper ejecting roller 40 is driven synchronously with the drive roller 39 by means of an interlock mechanism not illustrated. The paper ejection roller 40 and the pressure roller 41 sandwich the recording paper onto which ink drops have been thrown, and the rotation of the paper ejecting roller 40 causes said recording paper to be fed down into the paper feed path 31.

Said pressure roller 38 is urged elastically towards the drive roller 39 in order to compress said drive roller 39 with a preset pressure. Therefore, when the recording paper enters between the drive roller 39 and the pressure roller 38, the pressure roller 38 sandwiches the recording paper in cooperation with the drive roller 39 while the width of the recording paper is elastically removed. . Since the recording paper is grasped by the drive roller 39 and the pressure roller 38 in this manner, the rotational force of the drive roller 39 is reliably transmitted to the recording paper. In addition, said pressure roller 41 is arranged in the same manner in relation to said paper ejection roller 40. In the present embodiment, since the pressure roller 41 presses against the recording paper in which the paper is completed. registration, the roll surface has been formed in the form of a spur in order not to degrade the recorded image on the recording paper.

The recording paper sandwiched between the drive roller 39 and the pressure roller 38 is intermittently fed onto the roller 37 the pre-set spacing width. The registration head 27 moves forward and / or backward to each line feed of the recording paper to perform image registration successively from the leading edge of the recording paper. The recording paper in which the image registration has been made is sandwiched between the paper ejecting roller 40 and the pressing roller 41 facing its leading edge. In other words, the recording paper is fed intermittently the width of a preset spacing interspersed simultaneously on its leading edge side by the paper ejecting roller 40 and the pressure roller 41 and on its trailing edge side by the drive roller 39 and the pressure roller 38, and the image register is carried out by the recording head 27 when the paper is fed in this way. Once an image has been recorded in the preset region of the recording paper, the paper eject roller 40 rotationally moves continuously and the recording paper sandwiched between the paper eject roller 40 and the pressure roller 41 it is ejected to the paper eject tray 32.

As shown in Figure 1, a control panel 45 is mounted on the upper inclined surface of the document platform 13 which constitutes the frame of the printer part 11. This control panel 45 is a device for controlling the printer part 11, the scanner part 12 and the like. Various control keys 56 to 58, a liquid crystal display 59 and the like are disposed on their upper surface 44. Further, a controller (not shown), which controls the drive of the printer part 11 and the scanner part 12 and the operation of the multifunction device 10 as a whole is arranged in the lower part of the document platform 13.

As shown in Figure 2, a control board 54 is disposed below this control panel 45 (within the document platform 13). The various control keys 56 to 58 disposed on the control panel 45 are connected to the control board 54 by a flat cable not shown. This control board 54 is connected to said controller, which processes the instructions of said control keys 56 to 58 and controls the operation of the multifunction device 10.

The user of the multifunction device 10 enters the desired instructions using the various control keys 56 to 58 of the control panel 45. The multifunction device 10 receives this input and performs the preset operation. As explained above, a personal computer or the like can be connected to this multifunction device 10. In this case, the multifunction device 10 can also operate according to instructions transmitted by a scanner exciter, printer driver or the like from the personal computer, in addition to the instructions of the control panel 45.

As shown in Figure 1, said slot portion 61 is disposed on the front surface of the multifunction device 10. Storage means, such as several compact memory cards, can be installed in this slot portion 61. Memory cards compact can store image data; the image data is read on the compact memory card installed in the slot part 61, and the information on this image data appears on the liquid crystal screen 59. Any image displayed on the liquid crystal screen 59 can be recorded in recording paper by the printer part 11. For this, the input is carried out by said control panel 45.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the filling unit 70. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along VI-VI in Figure 5.

This refill unit 70 includes a main unit body 74 and an ink cartridge 63 that can be installed and removed from the main unit body 74.

The main unit body 74 includes a box 75 into which is inserted and from which the ink cartridge 63 is removed, a door 76 arranged in the box 75, and an ejection element 77 disposed in the door 76.

The box 75 is made, for example, of resin, and in general it has a substantially cuboid shape. A receiving chamber 78 (holding part) in which the ink cartridge 63 is housed and retained, is delimited within the box 75 (see FIG. 6). In the present embodiment, the box 75 has four housing chambers 78, into which are inserted and from which said four ink cartridges 63 are drawn. The shape of the inner wall surface of each housing chamber 78 corresponds to the shape of the outer circumferential surface of the ink cartridge 63. Thus, each ink cartridge 63 is reliably retained in the box 75 without slack.

The box 75 includes a lower plate portion 80, a pair of side plate portions 81 disposed on the left and right sides of the lower plate portion 80, and a ceiling plate 82 arranged so as to extend ^{between the parts of the} plate 80. ^{side plate} 81 ^{, and is equipped with dividing wall portions (not shown) that serve to} delimit said housing chambers 78. The partition walls are arranged according to the number of ink cartridges 63 housed in box 75. Naturally, these dividing wall parts do not have to be arranged in order to completely delimit each housing chamber 78, and may be formed in the form of ribs dividing adjacent housing chambers 78 in the lower plate portion 80 at least. The lower plate portion 80, the side plate portions 81, the roof plate portion 82 and the partition walls are preferably integrally formed.

Push rods not shown on the rear surface of the case 75 are provided. Each of these push rods extends into the receiving chambers 78, and is inserted into an air intake valve 85 (see FIG. 7, FIG. 13 to 14) disposed in the ink cartridge 63 when an ink cartridge 63 is placed inside the box 75. This allows air to enter the ink cartridge 63 through the air intake valve 85, so that the ink from inside the ink cartridge 63 is fed smoothly towards the recording head 27. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, a liquid level sensor connector 86 is disposed on the rear surface of the box 75 This liquid level sensor connector 86 is connected to a liquid level sensor 87 disposed in the ink cartridge 63 when the ink cartridge 63 is installed in the box 75. The liquid level sensor connector 86 is connected to said controller, and the controller constantly monitors the remaining amount of ink remaining in each ink cartridge 63.

The upper surface of said lower plate portion 80 constitutes the positioning surface 98 on which the ink cartridge 63 is placed. The height position of this positioning surface 98 is set in such a way that, when the ink cartridge 63 has been introduced into said receiving chamber 78, the ink supply tube not illustrated is introduced into the ink supply valve 115 of the ink cartridge 63, said push rod is inserted into the valve of the ink cartridge 63. air intake 85 of the ink cartridge 63 (see Figure 14), and said liquid level sensor connector 86 engages the liquid level sensor 87 of the ink cartridge 63.

A rib 124 is provided in said roof plate part 80, thereby increasing the stiffness of the box 75. The roof plate part 80 includes a swing arm 123. Figure 7 is a side view of the main parts of the roof plate. main unit body 74, and schematically illustrates the relationship between the opening / closing of the door 76 and the sliding of the swing arm 123.

This tilting arm 123, as shown in said figure, is formed as an approximately L-shaped assembly, and has a first arm 125 and a second arm 126. A support shaft 127 is disposed in the boundary area between the first arm 125 and the second arm 126, and the swing arm 123 is rotatably supported on this support shaft 127. A tension spring 128 is mounted between the first arm 125 and the roof plate portion 82. As a result, the swingarm 123 it is continuously driven in an elastic manner so that it turns to the right, that is, it assumes the position represented by the line of two points and a line in said figure. Since the swingarm 123 is elastically driven in this manner, it can change to the position represented by the solid line when it receives a force in the leftward direction which opposes said elastic force. The swing arm 123 is made to engage the upper surface 122 of the ink cartridge 63 and to allow the ink cartridge 63 to be forcibly ejected from the housing chamber 78 as described below.

As shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6, holes 88 have been made in the front surface 79 of the box 75. These holes 88 are formed to correspond to each of the housing chambers 78. In other words , said housing chambers 78 are disposed in the box 75 as a continuation of the hole 88, and said four ink cartridges 63 are designed to be inserted and removed from the receiving chambers 78 through these holes 88 on the surface side front 79

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the main unit body 74 in the state where said door 76 is open. Figure 9 and Figure 10 are exploded perspective views of this door 76.

Said door 76 opens and closes said hole 88. A door 76 has been placed in each of the hole 88, and is designed to change position between a position where the hole 88 is closed (closed position) as shown in figure 6 , and a position where the hole 88 is open (open position) as shown in Figure 8. When the door 76 is in a closed position, the ink cartridge 63 is fixedly held in said housing chamber 78. When the door 76 is in an open position, the ink cartridge 63 can be easily inserted or removed from said housing chamber 78.

As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the door 76 includes a main door body 89, a thrust retainer 90 disposed thereon, a locking member 91 and a locking release lever 92, all molded from resin. As shown in figure 6, figure 9 and figure 10, the main door body 89 is formed in the form of a thin rectangular plate. The outer shape of the main door body 89 conforms to the shape of said hole 88. A rotational axis part 94 has been formed in the lower end portion 93 of the main door body 89. This rotational axis part 94 has been formed integrally with the main door body 89. This rotational axis part 94 is supported in the lower part of the front surface 79 of the box 75, as shown in Figure 6. Specifically, a support part 95 has been formed in the front end part of the lower plate part 80 of the box 75, and said rotational shaft part 94 is rotatably mounted in said support part 95. As a result, the main door body 89 is able to raise and close said hole 88 as shown in figure 6, as well as lowering and opening said hole 88 as shown in figure 8.

Said ejection element 77 is disposed in the lower end portion 93 of the main door body 89. This ejection element 77 is formed integrally with the main door body 89. The ejection element 77 has been formed substantially in the form of L and has an extension portion 96 and a curved portion 97. The extension portion 96 has been arranged continuously with said lower end portion 93. As shown in Figure 6, the extension portion 96 extends rearwardly. from said lower end portion 93 when the door 76 is in the closed position. In addition, the curved portion 97 continues the trailing edge of said extension portion 96 and extends upward, forming an angle of approximately 90 °. When the door 76 is in a closed position, the leading edge of said curved portion 97 protrudes up above said positioning surface 98. The main door body 89 rotates with said rotational axis part 94 as the center of rotation, making therefore, said ejection element 77, formed in an L-shape, also rotates around said rotational axis part 94, as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 8. As will be explained in detail below, this kind of rotation of the ejection element 77 causes the ink cartridge 63 to be ejected from said housing chamber 78.

As shown in Fig. 8, when said door 76 changes to an open position, the curved portion 97 of said ejection element 77 rotates counterclockwise about the rotational axis part 94. Here, the rotation of the curved portion 97 causes its outer wall surface 110 to change from a substantially vertical state (see Fig. 6) to a state substantially horizontal (see Figure 8). The length of the extension portion 96 of the ejection element 77 is set to a pre-set dimension, so that when the curved portion 97 has rotated, its outer wall surface 110 is placed slightly above the positioning surface 98 of the box 75, i.e. substantially as an extension of said positioning surface 98, and extends in the front-rear direction. When said door 76 is in an open position, this outer wall surface 110 functions as a guide surface guiding the ink cartridge 63 on the positioning surface 98 within said housing chamber 78. In other words, said element of ejection 77, in addition to functioning as an element for removing the ink cartridge 63 from said housing chamber 78, also functions as a guide element for inserting the ink cartridge 63 into said housing chamber 78.

In the present embodiment, each main door body 89 is provided with two extraction elements 77. Namely, the extraction elements 77, as shown in Figure 10, are disposed one opposite the other in the direction of the width of the door. main door body 89. The provision of a pair of extraction elements 77 in this manner allows the pair of extraction elements 77 to support the ink cartridge 63 therebetween in the widthwise direction. Further, in the present embodiment, the spacing (width dimension) d1 between the extraction elements 77 (see Fig. 9) is smaller than the width dimension d2 of the ink cartridge 63 (see Fig. 14). The effect of thus defining dimensions d1 and d2 will be explained later.

As shown in Fig. 6, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the push retainer 90 is attached to the interior surface of the main door body 89. Tabs 146 are provided on both side surfaces of the door. thrust retaining member 90, and tongue-engaging portions 147 are positioned in the main door body 89. Said tabs 146 have been disposed projecting from the side surface of the thrust retaining member 90. Said tongue housing parts 147 are comprised of grooves extending in the front-rear direction of the main door body 89. Said tabs 146 are slidably mounted in said tongue housing portions 147, so that the push retainer 90 is supported by a so as to allow it to move in the front-rear direction relative to the main door body 89. In other words, the push retainer 90 it is capable of changing between a protruding position where it rises from the inner surface of the main door body 89 (see Figure 8) and a retracted position where it has been withdrawn towards the main door body 89 from the projecting position (see figure 6). As shown in FIG. 10, a coil spring 99 is located between the thrust retainer 90 and the main door body 89. Thus, the thrust retainer 90 is constantly pushed elastically to assume said position. protruding, as shown in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 6, when the door 76 assumes a closed position, the push retainer 90 touches the front surface of the ink cartridge 63, and is moved to said position. withdrawn when relatively urged by the ink cartridge 63. Thus, the ink cartridge 63 receives the elastic force of said coil spring 99 through the push retainer 90 and is pushed back, so that the ink cartridge 63 is retained in a position positioned relative to the box 75. Therefore, leakage of ink from the ink supply valve 115 of the ink cartridge 63 is reliably prevented.

In the present embodiment, the push retention element 90 is formed in the form of a flat plate. The wall surface 84 of this push retainer 90 (the surface facing the front surface of the ink cartridge 63 when the door 76 is in a closed position) has been formed as a flat surface, and a pair of projections 141 and 142 on the wall surface 84, as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 10. Thus, when the door 76 is in a closed position, these projections 141 and 142 touch and press against the front surface of the door. ink cartridge 63. These projections 141 and 142 are disposed with a pre-set spacing in the width direction of the door 76. Thus, when the door 76 is in a closed position, said protrusions 141 and 142 contact the two sides of the door. connecting part 143 of the ink cartridge 63 without the push retainer 90 coming into contact with the connecting part 143.

The blocking element 91 is attached to the upper end portion of the main door body 89. The blocking member 91 includes a main shaft portion 132, a key portion 133 projecting inwardly to the housing 75 continuously from the upper end of the main shaft part 132, and a seat portion 109 projecting outwardly from the housing 75 continuously from the lower end of the main shaft part 132. The blocking element 91 is supported so that it can be advanced and removed vertically relative to the main door body 89. A sliding rail 101 is provided which extends vertically in the upper end portion of the main door body 89. Furthermore, a sliding groove 102 is provided. which extends vertically in the main shaft part 132 of the blocking element 91 (see Figure 9). Said sliding rail 101 is inserted into said sliding groove 102, thereby allowing the locking element 91 to slide freely upwards and downwards.

Tabs 144 are provided on both side surfaces of said main shaft portion 132. These tabs 144 protrude outward from the main shaft part 132. When the locking element 91 is mounted on the Main door body 89, said tabs 144 are housed in tongue housing portions 145 disposed in the main shaft portion 132 (see Figure 10). These tongue housing portions 145 are composed of grooves extending a preset length in the vertical direction. Thus, when the locking member 91 slides up or down, said tabs 144 contact the inner wall surface of said tongue housing portions 145, thereby preventing vertical sliding of the locking element 91. When the locking element 91 slides up relative to the main door body 89, the blocking element 91 assumes a position projecting upwards from the upper end of the main door body 89. Moreover, when the locking element 91 slides down relative to the body Main door 89, the blocking element 91 assumes a retracted position to the main door body 89. The sliding range of the locking element 91 corresponds to the length of said tab housing parts 145.

As shown in FIG. 10, a coil spring 100 is interposed between the blocking element 91 and the main door body 89. Thus, the blocking element 91 is driven constantly and elastically so that it protrudes upwards from the main body of the door. 89. In addition, the upper surface 103 of the key part 133 of the blocking element 91 constitutes a sloping surface. Thus, as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 6, when the door 76 changes from an open position to a closed position, said upper surface 103 of the blocking element 91 contacts the upper edge portion 130 of the hole 88 of the box. 75 (see Fig. 8), and when the door 76 returns to the closed position, the locking element 91 is relatively depressed by said upper edge portion 130 and retracts inward to the main door body 89. Once the door 76 has completely changed position to a closed position, the blocking element 91 protrudes again from the main door body 89 and said key part 133 engages with the box 75 (see Figure 6). Specifically, the key part 133 of the blocking element 91 fits into a locking hole of the blocking element 83 (see Fig. 5 and Fig. 11) disposed in the box 75. Since the blocking element 91 is driven constantly and elastically by said coil spring 100 so that it protrudes from the main door body 89, which has assumed a closed position, the door 76 is retained in said position.

As shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10, the locking release lever 92 is formed in the form of a rectangular plate and is attached to the upper part of the outer surface 105 of the main door body 89. A support pin 106 is disposed in the lower end portion of the lock release lever 92. In addition, the main door body 89 is provided with a pin support hole 107. Said support pin 106 fits into said pin support hole 107, whereby the locking release lever 92 can rotate about the support pin 106. Specifically, the lock release lever 92 is capable of rotationally shifting position between a position substantially parallel to the outer surface 105 of the main body. of door 89 rising as shown in figure 6, a position where it is inclined approximately 45 ° (degrees) (see figure 11) and a position where e is substantially horizontal (see Figure 12). When the lock release lever 92 is substantially parallel to the outer surface 105 of the main door body 89, the position of the lock release lever 92 is defined as "vertical position", the position of the lock release lever. 92 when tilted approximately 45 ° is defined as "neutral position" and the position of the lock release lever 92 when substantially horizontal is defined as the "lying position". An arrow has been marked or engraved on the top surface 151 of the lock release lever 92. This clarifies the operating direction of the lock release lever 92.

The lower end surface 108 of the lock release lever 92 has been formed in a preset manner. This lower end surface 108 constitutes an eccentric, which causes the locking element 91 to slide vertically when the position of the lock release lever 92 changes. The shape of said lower end surface 108 is not particularly limited, and can be any shape provided that it causes said locking element 91 to slide as described below when the lock release lever 92 is rotated.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the filler unit 10 showing the manner of operation of the lock release lever 92. Figure 12 is an enlargement of the main part of Figure 11.

The lower end surface 108 of the lock release lever 92 constitutes an eccentric, as explained above. When the blocking element 91 is mounted in the locking hole of the blocking element 83 of the box 75, that is, when the door 76 is in a closed position in relation to the box 75, the locking release lever 92 is able to undergo rotational displacement centered around said support pin 106 (see Figure 9 and Figure 10) in the area between said vertical position and neutral position. In the present embodiment, the position of the center of gravity of the locking release lever 92 is set such that it always moves to the neutral position, ie to the position shown in Figure 11, by its own weight.

When the lock release lever 92 has moved to the neutral position, said upper end surface 108 touches the seat portion 109 of the locking element 91. In this state, as shown in FIG. 11, the release lever Lock 92 tries to turn more to the right under its own weight. In other words, the lock release lever 92 attempts to rotate in the direction where it pushes the blocking element 91 down. However, since the blocking element 91 is driven continuously and elastically upwards by said helical spring 100, the blocking element 91 is not displaced solely by the effect of the weight of the locking release lever 92, so that the blocking element 91 protrudes upwards from the upper end of the main door body 89 and maintains a position of engagement with the locking hole of blocking element 83.

However, as shown in FIG. 12, if this lock release lever 92 is forcibly rotated further to the right, for example, if the operator attempting to replace the ink cartridge 63 manipulates and rotates the release lever of lock 92, then the lock release lever 92 will move up to the recumbent position. When the locking release lever 92 is moved upward to the recumbent position, said lower end portion 108 is rotationally displaced about said support pin 106, said seat portion 109 of the locking member 91 pushing downwards. , the blocking element 91 moves downwardly against the elastic force of said helical spring 100 and is moved to a position withdrawn to the main door body 89. Once the blocking element 91 changes to this position, the blocking of the door 76 is released and door 76 can be changed from a closed position to an open position. Since the blocking element 91 is constantly subjected to the elastic force of said helical spring 100, once the rotational force acting on the locking release lever 92 disappears, in other words, once the operator releases the locking release lever 92, the blocking member 91 assumes a position of maximum projection of the main door body 89. Here, the lock release lever 92 is forcibly displaced to said vertical position. Namely, as shown in Figure 8, when the door 76 is in an open position, the lock release lever 92 assumes a position where it is contained essentially within the main door body 89. Therefore, as shown in figure 1, figure 5 and figure 8, when replacing the ink cartridge 63, the lock release lever 92 assumes a state where it is essentially contained within the main door body 89, thus allowing the door 76 to rotate about the rotational axis part 94 to a substantially horizontal state, thereby allowing the operator to easily replace the ink cartridge 63. In addition, the two projections 141 and 142 disposed on the wall surface 84 of said push retainer 90, in cooperation with a guide part subsequently described between the curved portions 97, also act as a guide when installing an ink cartridge 63 in the housing chamber 78. A s aber, when inserting an ink cartridge 63 into the receiving chamber 78, the operator only has to place the lower surface of the ink cartridge 63 on the projections 141 and 142 and put the leading edge portion of the ink cartridge 63 between the curved portions 97, and then pushing the ink cartridge 63 towards the receiving chamber 78. Furthermore, when removing the ink cartridge 63 from the receiving chamber 78, the operator only has to pull it out until the lower surface of the cartridge of ink 63 moves between the curved portions 97 on the projections 141 and 142.

In the present embodiment, since the lock release lever 92 is disposed in said neutral position when the door 76 is in a closed position relative to the box 75, ie, since the lock release lever 92 is tilted towards the operator, there is the advantage that the operator can easily manipulate the lock release lever 92. Now, since the filling unit 70 is disposed on the front surface 71 of the multifunction device 10, as shown in figure 1 , if the locking release lever 92 is disposed in said neutral position, i.e., if it is tilted forward, a large space would have to be secured within the multifunction device 10 to accommodate the filling unit 70. Therefore, the The filling unit 70 would have to be placed further inside the edge of the hole 73, and thus the external dimensions of the multifunction device may have to be increased 10

However, in the present embodiment, when the door 76 is in a closed position relative to the box 75, the locking release lever 92 is able to rotate freely between said neutral position and the vertical position, so that the unit 70 can be placed near the edge of said hole 73. This is because, although the filling unit 70 is disposed at the edge of the hole 73, when the opening / closing cover 72 is being closed, the surface of the inner wall of the opening / closing cover 72 touches said locking release lever 92, and when the open / close cover 72 is completely closed, the lock release lever 92 is moved to said vertical position being pushed at the same time by the opening / closing cover 72. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a compact design of the multifunction device 10 is possible.

Figure 13 is a side view of the ink cartridge 63. Figure 14 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge 63.

The ink cartridge 63 serves to store the ink in advance, as explained above, and includes a cartridge main body 111 and the ink it contains. In the present embodiment, the filler unit 70 houses four ink cartridges 63, with each ink cartridge 63 storing cyan, magenta, yellow and black inks, respectively. The structure of the ink cartridges, as is clear from Figure 1 and Figure 5, is such that the ink cartridge 63 containing black ink is somewhat larger in the direction of thickness compared to the ink cartridges 63 of other ink colors. This is because, in general terms, the demand for black ink is greater and consumed in greater quantity. The structure of the ink cartridges 63 containing ink of colors other than black is the same.

The cartridge main body 111 consists of resin. In the present embodiment, the cartridge main body 111 is generally formed in a cuboid form with a thin wall, the ink receiving space containing ink being delimited therein. This cartridge main body 111 is composed of two tray-shaped elements 112 and 113, and these two elements 112 and 113 are joined by welding or other known fastening means. Said connecting portion 143 is formed by the union of the cartridge main body 111.

Said air intake valve 85 is located on the rear surface 114 of the cartridge main body 111. In the present embodiment there is a check valve on the inside of the air intake valve 85. When the ink cartridge 63 is housed in said box 75, a push rod disposed in said box 75 is inserted in said air intake valve 85, whereby said check valve is opened. In addition, an ink supply valve 115 is disposed on the rear surface 114 of the cartridge main body 111. When the ink cartridge 63 is housed in said case 75, an ink supply tube disposed in said case 75 is connected to said ink supply valve 115, and ink is supplied to said recording head 27 by this ink supply tube. In addition, said liquid level sensor 87 is disposed on said rear surface 114. The structure of this liquid level sensor 87 is not particularly limited, and a known sensor can be used.

Engagement slots 116 are provided in the lower surface of the cartridge main body 111. The latching slots 116, as shown in FIG. 14, are provided as recesses in the corner portions at the boundary between the lateral surfaces and the lower surface of the cartridge main body 111. These latching slots 116, as shown in said figure, extend in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge main body 111. In the present embodiment, the latching slots 116 have been placed symmetrically on the left and right sides of the cartridge main body 111 (see Figure 5). As shown in FIG. 13, the engagement slots 116 include a shallow groove portion 118 that opens on the rear surface 114 of the cartridge main body 111 and extends continuously from the rear surface 114 toward the front surface. 117, a boundary groove portion 119 continuing from the shallow groove portion 118 and gradually increasing in groove depth (the vertical dimension in said figure), and a deep groove portion 120 continuing from the boundary groove portion 119 The deep slot part 120 does not continue to the front surface 117 of the cartridge main body 111, so that an end surface 121 is formed on the side of the front surface 117 of the deep slot part 120. In other words , the latching slot 116 extends in the direction of insertion and removal of the ink cartridge 63 a and the housing 75, and is connected to the rear surface 114 but not the front surface 117 of the cartridge main body 111, and has an end surface 121 extending vertically. The leading edge of the curved portion 97 of said ejection element 77 comes into contact with this end surface 121 as described below.

A groove 149 has also been formed in the upper surface 122 of the cartridge main body 111. This groove 149, as shown in FIG. 14, has been recessed to the corner of the lateral surface boundary and upper surface 122 of the main body of the cartridge. cartridge 111. This slot 149, as shown in the same figure, extends in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge main body 111, and is connected to the front surface 117 and the rear surface 114 of the cartridge main body 111. In addition, a recessed portion 134 is disposed on the upper surface 122 of the cartridge main body 111. This recessed portion 134 is formed substantially V-shaped, and has a forward sloping surface 135 and a backward sloping surface 136. As shown. in figure 6 and figure 7, said swingarm 123 is disposed in the box 75 that houses the ink cartridges 63, and this swingarm 123 is driven constantly and elastically rotationally to the right by a tension spring 128.

When an ink cartridge 63 is inserted into said case 75, as shown in FIG. 7, first, the rear end portion of the upper surface 148 of the cartridge main body 111 contacts the second arm 126 of the swing arm 123. When the ink cartridge 63 continues to enter the box 75, the swing arm 123 rotates to the left, assuming the position represented by the solid line in said figure. When the ink cartridge 63 is further inserted, the swing arm 123 rotates to the right, at the same time being guided by said backward inclined surface 136, and engages said recessed part 134. When the ink cartridge 63 enters more into the box 75 , the second arm 126 of the swing arm 126 rotates to the left being guided at the same time by said forward inclined surface 135 and assumes the position indicated by a continuous line in said figure. In addition, upon introduction of the ink cartridge 63 into the box 75, the ink cartridge 63 slides relative to the swing arm 123, and a pre-set distance to the right from the position represented by a solid line in a displaced position is placed in a displaced position. said figure, so that the ink cartridge 63 is completely installed in the box 75. The preset distance in this case is the distance L1 shown in figure 8.

Fig. 15 is a drawing schematically illustrating the latching structure of the ink cartridge 63, the box 75, and the ejection element 77 of the door 76. Fig. 15 (a) shows the latching structure of the lower part of the the ink cartridge 63 and the bottom of the box 75, while FIG. 15 (b) represents the engagement structure of the ink cartridge 63 and the ejection element 77.

As shown in Fig. 15 (a), when the ink cartridge 63 has been installed in the box 75, a partition wall part 137 disposed in the box 75 engages with a hook slot 116 of the ink cartridge 63. When the ink cartridge 63 is installed in the box 75, the partition wall 137 disposed on the side of the roof plate part 82 of the box 75 also engages with a groove 149 disposed on the side of the upper surface 122 of the cartridge 63. Here, the lower surface 155 of the ink cartridge 63 is placed in the lower plate portion 80. As a result, the ink cartridge 63 is received and retained in a state placed in the box 75 (see FIG. 6). ). Further, when the ink cartridge 63 is housed in the box 75, as shown in FIG. 15 (b), the lower surface 155 of the ink cartridge 63 is placed in the main door body 89, and the curved part 97 of the ejection element 77 enters the latching slot 116. When the door 76 is opened from this state, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the ejection element 77 rotates, and said curved portion 97 pushes the surface of end 121 of engagement slot 116 forward (left in Figure 7). The latching structure of the ink cartridge 63, the box 75, and the ejection element 77 of the door 76 is not limited to the previous structure. Fig. 16 is a drawing schematically illustrating a modified example of the latching structure of the ink cartridge 63, the box 75, and the ejection element 77 of the door 76. Fig. 16 (a) represents the latching structure of the the lower part of the ink cartridge 63 and the lower part of the box 75, while the figure 16 (b) represents the attachment structure of the ink cartridge 63 and the ejection element 77.

The difference between the latching structure shown in said figure and the latching structure shown in Fig. 15 previously mentioned is that in the latching structure shown in Fig. 15, when the ink cartridge 63 is installed in the box 75, the bottom surface 155 of the ink cartridge 63 is placed in the lower plate portion 80 (see Fig. 15 (a)) and in the main door body 89 (see Fig. 15 (b)), while in the structure of hitch shown in Figure 16, when the ink cartridge 63 is installed in the box 75, the lower surface 155 of the ink cartridge 63 does not contact the lower plate portion 80 and the upper wall surface 156 of said engagement slot 116. touches said partition wall part 137 (see Figure 16 (a)). Here, as shown in Fig. 16 (b), the bottom surface 155 of the ink cartridge 63 does not contact the main door body 89, while said top wall surface 156 is located in the curved part 97 of the ejector element. 77 and the curved portion 97 enters the latching slot 116. Also in this modified example, the ink cartridge 63 is received and retained in the housing 75 in a placed state. When the door 76 is opened, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the ejection element 77 rotates, and said curved portion 97 pushes the end surface 121 of the latching slot 116 forward (to the left in FIG. Figure 7).

In addition, Figure 17 is a drawing schematically illustrating another modified example of another ink cartridge engaging structure 63, the case 75, and the ejection element 77 of the door 76. Figure 17 (a) depicts the structure of engagement of the lower part of the ink cartridge 63 and the lower part of the box 75, while FIG. 17 (b) represents the engagement structure of the ink cartridge 63 and the ejection element 77.

The difference between the latching structure shown in said figure and the latching structure shown in Fig. 15 previously mentioned is that in the latching structure shown in said Fig. 15, when the ink cartridge 63 is installed in the box 75, the bottom surface 155 of the ink cartridge 63 is placed in the lower plate portion 80 (see Fig. 15 (a)) and in the main door body 89 (see Fig. 15 (b)), while in the structure of shown in Figure 17, the ink cartridge 63 is provided with a groove 138 in its lower surface 155. This groove 138 extends in the same direction as said engagement groove 116. A protrusion 139 is formed, which engages with this groove 138, in the main door body 89. This projection 139 also extends in the same direction as said engagement groove 116, and is designed to engage with said groove 138. When the ink cartridge 63 is installed in the box 75, the lower surface 155 of the ink cartridge 63 is placed in the lower plate portion 80 and in the main door body 89, and the curved part 97 of the ejection element 77 enters the engagement slot 116

When the door 76 opens from this state, as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7, the ejection element 77 rotates, and said curved portion 97 pushes the end surface 121 of the engagement slot 116 forward. (on the left in figure 7). Here, since said projection 139 is disposed in the main door body 89, the projection 139 engages the slot 138 disposed in the ink cartridge 63. Therefore, when the door 76 is opened, the ink cartridge 63 is ejected Stable from box 75 without falling to the side. The operation of removing the ink cartridge 63 can thereby be carried out more smoothly.

In the multifunction device 10 according to the present embodiment, the spent ink cartridges are replaced in the following manner.

To remove an ink cartridge 63 from the multifunction device 10, as shown in Figure 1, the operator first opens the opening / closing cover 72. In this way, the filling unit 70 is exposed on the front surface of the multifunction device 10. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as explained above, when the opening / closing cover 72 is opened, the lock release lever 92 of the filling unit 70 it moves to the neutral position, and tilts towards the front surface of the multifunction device 10 as illustrated in said figure. Therefore, the operation of opening the door 76 of the filling unit 70 and the operation of removing the ink cartridge 63 are extremely simple for the operator.

In this state, the operator opens the door 76 of the refill unit 70. Specifically, the operator places a finger on the lock release lever 92 and pushes upwards towards it, causing the lock release lever 92 to move. to a lying position. As a result, the blocking element 91 of the door 76 slides downwards, and the key part 133 (see FIG. 12) of the blocking element 91 is released from the locking hole of the blocking element 83 of the door 76. Operator can open the door 76 by simply pushing the lock release lever 92 towards itself.

When the door 76 changes from a closed position to an open position, as shown in FIG. 8, the ejection element 77 rotates about the rotational axis part 94 and the curved portion 97 contacts the end surface 121 of the cartridge. 63 ink and pushes it to the left in the drawing (from the front in figure 1). As a result, the ink cartridge 63 is drawn into the hole 88, a preset distance L1 being ejected forward of the hole 88 of the box 75. Thus, the operator can easily grip the ink cartridge 63 and is able to simply remove it from the hole 88.

Next, a new cartridge 63 is inserted into the housing chamber 78 of the box 75 through said hole 88. Here, the door 76 is in an open position and the ink cartridge 63 to be introduced into said housing chamber 78 it is placed beforehand on the outer wall surface 110 of the curved part 97 of said ejection element 77 and is introduced into said receiving chamber 78, being guided at the same time by the outer wall surface 110. In particular, in the present embodiment, since said push retainer element 90 is disposed in the door 76, a new ink cartridge 63 is temporarily placed in the projections 141 and 142 which are disposed in the wall surface 84 of the push retainer 90 and is guided on the outer wall surface 110 of said curved part 97, while sliding along these projections 141 and 142. With the new ink cartridge 63 installed in the ca ja 75, the operator moves the door 76 back to a closed position. When the door 76 changes to a closed position, said push retainer 90 contacts the front surface 117 of the ink cartridge 63, and when the door 76 has completely assumed the closed position, said push retainer member 90 elastically impels the ink cartridge 63 inwardly into the housing chamber 78 of the box 75. At the same time, the key part 133 of said blocking element 91 engages the locking hole of blocking element 83 disposed in the box 75 and the door 76 is held in a closed position.

Thus, in the present embodiment, when the operator opens the door 76 of the refill unit 70, the spent ink cartridge is automatically ejected, and the operator can easily install a new ink cartridge in the box 75 while the door 76 remains open. In other words, the operation of replacing the ink cartridge is extremely simple.

In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, a swing arm 123 is provided in the roof plate portion 82 of the box 75, and when the ink cartridge 63 is ejected said distance L1 from the box 75, said tilting arm 123 pushes on the forward inclined surface 135. Namely, the elastic force of the tension spring 128 acts on the forward inclined surface 135 of the cartridge main body 111 through the swinging arm 123, which elastically pushes the cartridge of ink 63 towards said hole 88. Therefore, when said door 76 is opened as described above and the ink cartridge 63 is ejected through the hole 88 of the box 75 by said ejection element 77, at the same time said tilting arm 123 rotates to the right in said figure, said forward inclined surface 135 pushing towards said hole 88. As a result, the swing arm 123 engages the recessed part 134 for between said forward inclined surface 135 and said backward inclined surface 136 and the second arm 126 of the swing arm 123 contact said backward inclined surface 136. Namely, the swinging arm 123 is retained in said recessed portion 134.

The swinging arm 123 which rotates and engages with said recessed portion 134 causes the ink cartridge 63 to be ejected further from the case 75 by a distance L2. Therefore, the ink cartridge 63 is ejected by said hole 88 said distance (L1 L2), which has the advantage of making it very simple to grip the ink cartridge 63 by the operator and to be able to remove it more easily from box 75.

In addition, in the present embodiment, a pair of extraction elements 77 are provided, which sandwich the ink cartridge 63 arranged in the receiving chamber 78 in the widthwise direction (see Figure 15). Thus, the ink cartridge 63 is ejected through said hole 88 while at the same time being placed in the widthwise direction by the extraction elements 77. Then, as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8, the curved part 97 of the extraction elements 77 is arranged substantially horizontally so as to continue smoothly from the positioning surface 98 on which the ink cartridge 63 is placed, so that when a new ink cartridge is inserted through said ink cartridge. hole 88 in the receiving chamber 78, by simply placing the new ink cartridge temporarily on the outer wall surface 110 of the curved portions 97, the new ink cartridge is fixedly supported by extraction elements 77 and is guided in said state on said positioning surface 98. Therefore, it is even easier to perform the operation of replacing the ink cartridge.

Further, since each ejection element 77 engages a recess slot 116 recessed in the ink cartridge 63 and since the width dimension d1 (see Fig. 9) of the pair of retrieval elements 77 is smaller than the dimension of width d2 of the ink cartridge 63 (see Figure 14), said extraction elements 77 do not protrude from the ink cartridge 63. By making said dimension d1 smaller than said dimension d2, said door 76 can be designed more compactly, allowing as result to implement the miniaturization of the filling unit 70 and therefore of the multifunction device 10.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the filler unit 70 is disposed on the front surface 71 of the multifunction device 10, and the operator is able to insert and remove the ink cartridge 63 from the filler unit 70 on the front surface side , thereby making the operation of replacing the ink cartridge 63 simpler. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, when the door 76 changes to an open position, the curved portion 97 of said extraction elements 77 rotates and pushes in the end surface 121 of the ink cartridge 63, whereby the ink cartridge 63 is ejected from the box 75 and the curved parts 97 also constitute elements, which guide the introduction of a new ink cartridge. Therefore, the structure of the extraction elements 77 that functions as guide elements is extremely simple, which has the advantage of keeping the manufacturing costs of the filling unit 70 low.

(Explanation of references)

63: ink cartridge

70: filling unit

74: main body of unit

75: box

76: door

77: ejection element

78: accommodation camera

79: front surface

88: hole

89: main door body

93: bottom end part

94: part of rotational axis

95: support part

96: extension part

97: curved part

98: placement surface

106: support pin

107: pin support hole

111: cartridge main body

116: hitch slot

117: front surface

118: shallow slot part

: Limit slot part: deep slot part

Claims (13)

1. An ink cartridge (63) for use in an ink printer, including: a main body of cartridge (111) that has: a front surface (117), a rear surface (114) in front of the front surface (117), a side surface (112, 113) connecting with the front surface (117) and the rear surface (114), a bottom surface connecting with the front surface (117), the rear surface (114) and the side surface (112) , 113); an ink supply valve (115) disposed on the rear surface (114); an upper surface (122) in front of the lower surface, which connects to the front surface (117), the rear surface (114) and the side surface (112, 113); Y a pair of upper grooves (149) formed in the boundary of a lateral surface (112, 113) and the upper surface (122) and extending from the front surface (117) to the rear surface (114); characterized by : a pair of latching slots (116) formed respectively at each boundary between the lateral surface (112, 113) and the lower surface and extending from the rear surface (114) to end surfaces (121) of the latching slots (116) formed in the front surface (117); wherein each latching slot (116) includes a shallow slot portion (118) that opens on the rear surface (114); a limit groove portion (119) continuing from the shallow groove portion (118) and gradually increasing in a vertical direction; and a deep groove portion (120) continuing from the boundary groove portion (119) where the ink supply valve (115) is formed adjacent a lower surface of the cartridge main body (111), a liquid level sensor connector (86) which is disposed on the rear surface (114) in a vertical direction above the ink supply valve (115) and an air intake valve (85) which is disposed on the rear surface (114) above the liquid level sensor connector (86). 2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein a recessed portion (134) is disposed on an upper surface (122) of the cartridge main body (111) substantially V-shaped and having a forward sloping surface (135) and a surface that slopes backwardly (136). 3. A main body (74) for a refill unit (70) of an ink printer, including: a box (75) having an opening (88) and a housing portion communicating with the opening (88), wherein the housing portion is configured to accommodate an ink cartridge (63) whereby the ink cartridge ( 63) for use in an ink printer includes: a main body of cartridge (111) that has: a front surface (117), a rear surface (114) opposite the front surface (117), a side surface (112, 113) connecting with the front surface (117) and the rear surface (114), a bottom surface connecting with the front surface (117), the rear surface (114) and the side surface (112) , 113); an ink supply valve (115) disposed on the rear surface (114); an upper surface (122) opposite the lower surface, which connects with the front surface (117), the rear surface (114) and the side surface (112, 113); Y a pair of upper grooves (149) that are formed in the boundary of a side surface (112, 113) and the top surface (122) and that extend from the front surface (117) to the back surface (114); characterized by : a pair of latching grooves (116) formed respectively at each boundary between the lateral surface (112, 113) and the lower surface and extending from the rear surface (114) to the end surfaces (121) of the latching slots (116) formed in the front surface (117); wherein each latching slot (116) includes a shallow slot portion (118) that opens on the rear surface (114); a limit groove portion (119) continuing from the shallow groove portion (118) and gradually increasing in a vertical direction; and a deep groove portion (120) continuing from the boundary groove portion (119), and the opening (88) is configured in such a way that the ink cartridge (63) can be inserted and removed from the housing portion through the opening (88); a door (76) disposed in the box (75) and configured to change its position between an open position and a closed position, where, when the opening (88) is open, the ink cartridge (63) can be inserted into and removing from the housing portion through the opening (88) and the opening (88) is closed when the door (76) is in the closed position; Y a traction element (77) disposed in the door (76) configured to remove the ink cartridge (63) housed in the housing portion toward the opening side when the door (76) is moved from the closed position to the position open, wherein the traction element (77) is configured to function as a guide element which guides the ink cartridge (63) during the introduction of the ink cartridge (63) to the housing portion when the door (76) is in the open position; wherein the traction element (77) includes a pair of traction elements arranged so as to sandwich an ink cartridge (63) housed in the housing portion in a width direction of the ink cartridge (63) when the door ( 76) is in the closed position, and where the distance between the pair of traction elements is less than a width of the ink cartridge (63). 4. A main body (74) for a refill unit (70) of an ink printer, including: a box (75) having an opening (88) and a housing portion communicating with the opening (88), wherein the housing portion is configured to accommodate an ink cartridge (63) whereby the ink cartridge (63) for use in an ink printer includes: a main body of cartridge (111) that has: a front surface (117), a rear surface (114) opposite the front surface (117), a side surface (112, 113) connecting with the front surface (117) and the rear surface (114), a lower surface that connects to the front surface (117), the rear surface (114) and the side surface (112, 113); an ink supply valve (115) disposed on the rear surface (114); an upper surface (122) opposite the lower surface, which connects with the front surface (117), the rear surface (114) and the side surface (112, 113); Y a pair of upper grooves (149) that are formed in the boundary of a side surface (112, 113) and the top surface (122) and that extend from the front surface (117) to the back surface (114); characterized by : a pair of latching slots (116) formed respectively at each boundary between the lateral surface (112, 113) and the lower surface and extending from the rear surface (114) to end surfaces (121) of the latching slots (116) formed in the front surface (117); wherein each latching slot (116) includes a shallow slot portion (118) that opens on the rear surface (114); a limit groove portion (119) continuing from the shallow groove portion (118) and gradually increasing in a vertical direction; and a deep groove portion (120) continuing from the boundary groove portion (119), where a recessed portion (134) is disposed on an upper surface (122) of the substantially V-shaped cartridge main body (111). and having a forward sloping surface (135) and a sloping surface (136), and the opening (88) is configured in such a way that the ink cartridge (63) can be inserted and removed from the housing portion through the opening (88); a door (76) disposed in the box (75) and configured to change its position between an open position and a closed position, where, when the opening (88) is open, the ink cartridge (63) can be inserted into and removing from the housing portion through the opening (88) and the opening (88) is closed when the door (76) is in the closed position; Y a traction element (77) disposed in the door (76) configured to remove the ink cartridge (63) housed in the housing portion toward the opening side when the door (76) is moved from the closed position to the position open, wherein the traction element (77) is configured to function as a guide element which guides the ink cartridge (63) during the introduction of the ink cartridge (63) to the housing portion when the door (76) is in the open position; wherein the traction element (77) includes a pair of traction elements arranged so as to sandwich an ink cartridge (63) housed in the housing portion in a width direction of the ink cartridge (63) when the door ( 76) is in the closed position, and where the distance between the pair of traction elements is less than a width of the ink cartridge (63). 5. A main body (74) for a refill unit (70) of an ink printer, including: a box (75) having an opening (88) and a housing portion communicating with the opening (88), wherein the housing portion is configured to accommodate an ink cartridge (63) whereby the ink cartridge (63) for use in an ink printer includes: a main body of cartridge (111) that has: a front surface (117), a rear surface (114) opposite the front surface (117), a side surface (112, 113) connecting with the front surface (117) and the rear surface (114), a lower surface that connects to the front surface (117), the rear surface (114) and the side surface (112, 113); an ink supply valve (115) disposed on the rear surface (114); an upper surface (122) opposite the lower surface, which connects with the front surface (117), the rear surface (114) and the side surface (112, 113); Y a pair of upper grooves (149) that are formed in the boundary of a side surface (112, 113) and the top surface (122) and that extend from the front surface (117) to the back surface (114); characterized by : a pair of latching slots (116) formed respectively at each boundary between the lateral surface (112, 113) and the lower surface and extending from the rear surface (114) to end surfaces (121) of the latching slots (116) formed in the front surface (117); wherein each latching slot (116) includes a shallow slot portion (118) that opens on the rear surface (114); a limit groove portion (119) continuing from the shallow groove portion (118) and gradually increasing in a vertical direction; and a deep groove portion (120) continuing from the boundary groove portion (119), wherein the ink supply valve (115) is formed adjacent to a lower surface of the cartridge main body (111), a liquid level sensor connector (86) which is disposed on the rear surface (114) in a vertical direction above the ink supply valve (115) and an air intake valve (85) which is disposed on the rear surface (114) above the liquid level sensor connector (86), and the opening (88) is configured in such a way that the ink cartridge (63) can be inserted and removed from the housing portion through the opening (88); a door (76) disposed in the box (75) and configured to change its position between an open position and a closed position, where, when the opening (88) is open, the ink cartridge (63) can be inserted into and removing from the housing portion through the opening (88) and the opening (88) is closed when the door (76) is in the closed position; Y a traction element (77) disposed in the door (76) configured to remove the ink cartridge (63) housed in the housing portion toward the opening side when the door (76) is moved from the closed position to the position open, wherein the traction element (77) is configured to function as a guide element which guides the ink cartridge (63) during the introduction of the ink cartridge (63) to the housing portion when the door (76) is in the open position; wherein the traction element (77) includes a pair of traction elements arranged so as to sandwich an ink cartridge (63) housed in the housing portion in a width direction of the ink cartridge (63) when the door ( 76) is in the closed position, and where the distance between the pair of traction elements is less than a width of the ink cartridge (63). 6. A main body (74) for a refill unit (70) of an ink printer, including: a box (75) having an opening (88) and a housing portion communicating with the opening (88), wherein the housing portion is configured to accommodate an ink cartridge (63) whereby the ink cartridge (63) for use in an ink printer includes: a main body of cartridge (111) that has: a front surface (117), a rear surface (114) opposite the front surface (117), a side surface (112, 113) connecting with the front surface (117) and the rear surface (114), a lower surface that connects to the front surface (117), the rear surface (114) and the side surface (112, 113); an ink supply valve (115) disposed on the rear surface (114); an upper surface (122) opposite the lower surface, which connects with the front surface (117), the rear surface (114) and the side surface (112, 113); Y a pair of upper grooves (149) that are formed in the boundary of a side surface (112, 113) and the top surface (122) and that extend from the front surface (117) to the back surface (114); characterized by : a pair of latching slots (116) formed respectively at each boundary between the lateral surface (112, 113) and the lower surface and extending from the rear surface (114) to end surfaces (121) of the latching slots (116) formed in the front surface (117); wherein each latching slot (116) includes a shallow slot portion (118) that opens on the rear surface (114); a limit groove portion (119) continuing from the shallow groove portion (118) and gradually increasing in a vertical direction; and a deep groove portion (120) continuing from the boundary groove portion (119), where a recessed portion (134) is disposed on an upper surface (122) of the substantially V-shaped cartridge main body (111). and having a forward sloping surface (135) and a backward sloping surface (136), where the ink supply valve (115) is formed adjacent to a lower surface of the cartridge main body (111) , a liquid level sensor connector (86) which is disposed on the rear surface (114) in a vertical direction above the ink supply valve (115) and an air intake valve (85) which is disposed on the rear surface (114) above the liquid level sensor connector (86), and the opening (88) is configured in such a way that the ink cartridge (63) can be inserted and removed from the housing portion through the opening (88); a door (76) disposed in the box (75) and configured to change its position between an open position and a closed position, where, when the opening (88) is open, the ink cartridge (63) can be inserted into and removing from the housing portion through the opening (88) and the opening (88) is closed when the door (76) is in the closed position; Y a traction element (77) disposed in the door (76) configured to remove the ink cartridge (63) housed in the housing portion toward the opening side when the door (76) is moved from the closed position to the position open, wherein the traction element (77) is configured to function as a guide element which guides the ink cartridge (63) during the introduction of the ink cartridge (63) to the housing portion when the door (76) is in the open position; wherein the traction element (77) includes a pair of traction elements arranged so as to sandwich an ink cartridge (63) housed in the housing portion in a width direction of the ink cartridge (63) when the door ( 76) is in the closed position, and where the distance between the pair of traction elements is less than a width of the ink cartridge (63). The main body according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the opening (88) is disposed on a front surface of the box (75), where a lower end of the door (76) is rotatably supported on a lower portion of the front surface (71), where the traction element (77) is disposed at the lower end of the door (76) and the traction element (77) is formed in an L-shape including an extended portion (96), which extends rearwardly of the lower end of the door (76) when the door (76) is in the closed position, and a curved portion (97) , which is connected to the extended portion (96) and extends upwards. 8. A refill unit (70) of an ink printer, including: an ink cartridge (63) so that the ink cartridge (63) for use in an ink printer includes: a main body of cartridge (111) that has: a front surface (117), a rear surface (114) opposite the front surface (117), a side surface (112, 113) connecting with the front surface (117) and the rear surface (114), a lower surface that connects to the front surface (117), the rear surface (114) and the side surface (112, 113); an ink supply valve (115) disposed on the rear surface (114); an upper surface (122) opposite the lower surface, which connects with the front surface (117), the rear surface (114) and the side surface (112, 113); Y a pair of upper grooves (149) that are formed in the boundary of a side surface (112, 113) and the top surface (122) and that extend from the front surface (117) to the back surface (114); characterized by : a pair of latching slots (116) formed respectively at each boundary between the lateral surface (112, 113) and the lower surface and extending from the rear surface (114) to end surfaces (121) of the latching slots (116) formed in the front surface (117); wherein each latching slot (116) includes a shallow slot portion (118) that opens on the rear surface (114); a limit groove portion (119) continuing from the shallow groove portion (118) and gradually increasing in a vertical direction; and a deep groove portion (120) continuing from the boundary groove portion (119), and a main body (74) as claimed in one of claims 3 to 7. 9. A refill unit (70) of an ink printer, including: an ink cartridge (63) so that the ink cartridge (63) for use in an ink printer includes: a main body of cartridge (111) that has: a front surface (117), a rear surface (114) opposite the front surface (117), a side surface (112, 113) connecting with the front surface (117) and the rear surface (114), a lower surface that connects to the front surface (117), the rear surface (114) and the side surface (112, 113); an ink supply valve (115) disposed on the rear surface (114); an upper surface (122) opposite the lower surface, which connects with the front surface (117), the rear surface (114) and the side surface (112, 113); Y a pair of upper grooves (149) that are formed in the boundary of a side surface (112, 113) and the top surface (122) and that extend from the front surface (117) to the back surface (114); characterized by : a pair of latching slots (116) formed respectively at each boundary between the lateral surface (112, 113) and the lower surface and extending from the rear surface (114) to end surfaces (121) of the latching slots (116) formed in the front surface (117); wherein each latching slot (116) includes a shallow slot portion (118) that opens on the rear surface (114); a limit groove portion (119) continuing from the shallow groove portion (118) and gradually increasing in a vertical direction; and a deep groove portion (120) continuing from the boundary groove portion (119), where a recessed portion (134) is disposed on an upper surface (122) of the substantially V-shaped cartridge main body (111). and having a forward sloping surface (135) and a sloping surface (136), and a main body (74) as claimed in one of claims 3 to 7. 10. A refill unit (70) of an ink printer, including: an ink cartridge (63) so that the ink cartridge (63) for use in an ink printer includes: a main body of cartridge (111) that has: a front surface (117), a rear surface (114) opposite the front surface (117), a side surface (112, 113) connecting with the front surface (117) and the rear surface (114), a lower surface that connects to the front surface (117), the rear surface (114) and the side surface (112, 113); an ink supply valve (115) disposed on the rear surface (114); an upper surface (122) opposite the lower surface, which connects with the front surface (117), the rear surface (114) and the side surface (112, 113); Y a pair of upper grooves (149) that are formed in the boundary of a side surface (112, 113) and the top surface (122) and that extend from the front surface (117) to the back surface (114); characterized by : a pair of latching slots (116) formed respectively at each boundary between the lateral surface (112, 113) and the lower surface and extending from the rear surface (114) to end surfaces (121) of the latching slots (116) formed in the front surface (117); wherein each latching slot (116) includes a shallow slot portion (118) that opens on the rear surface (114); a limit groove portion (119) continuing from the shallow groove portion (118) and gradually increasing in a vertical direction; and a deep groove portion (120) continuing from the boundary groove portion (119), where the ink supply valve (115) is formed adjacent to a lower surface of the cartridge main body (111), a liquid level sensor connector (86) which is disposed on the rear surface (114) in a vertical direction above the ink supply valve (115) and an air intake valve (85) which is disposed on the rear surface (114) above the liquid level sensor connector (86), and a main body (74) as claimed in one of claims 3 to 7. 11. A refill unit (70) of an ink printer, including: an ink cartridge (63) so that the ink cartridge (63) for use in an ink printer includes: a main body of cartridge (111) that has: a front surface (117), a rear surface (114) opposite the front surface (117), a side surface (112, 113) connecting with the front surface (117) and the rear surface (114), a lower surface that connects to the front surface (117), the rear surface (114) and the side surface (112, 113); an ink supply valve (115) disposed on the rear surface (114); an upper surface (122) opposite the lower surface, which connects with the front surface (117), the rear surface (114) and the side surface (112, 113); Y a pair of upper grooves (149) that are formed in the boundary of a side surface (112, 113) and the top surface (122) and that extend from the front surface (117) to the back surface (114); characterized by : a pair of latching slots (116) formed respectively at each boundary between the lateral surface (112, 113) and the lower surface and extending from the rear surface (114) to end surfaces (121) of the latching slots (116) formed in the front surface (117); wherein each latching slot (116) includes a shallow slot portion (118) that opens on the rear surface (114); a limit groove portion (119) continuing from the shallow groove portion (118) and gradually increasing in a vertical direction; and a deep groove portion (120) continuing from the boundary groove portion (119), where a recessed portion (134) is disposed on an upper surface (122) of the substantially V-shaped cartridge main body (111). and having a forward sloping surface (135) and a backward sloping surface (136), where the ink supply valve (115) is formed adjacent to a lower surface of the cartridge main body (111) , a liquid level sensor connector (86) which is disposed on the rear surface (114) in a vertical direction above the ink supply valve (115) and an air intake valve (85) which is disposed on the rear surface (114) above the liquid level sensor connector (86), and a main body (74) as claimed in one of claims 3 to 7. The filler unit according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the traction element (77) of the main body (74) is configured to engage the end surface (121) of the ink cartridge (63) to remove the ink cartridge (63). The filler unit according to one of claims 8 to 12, including a swingarm (123), the rocker arm (123) is configured to engage a recessed portion (134) of the ink cartridge (63) to push the ink cartridge (63).