ES2829409T3 - Print fluid cartridge assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A set of printing fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M), each of which is configured to be inserted into a prescribed insertion space (111) of a cartridge coupling section (110) in an insertion direction (51), crossing a gravitational direction (53), to be coupled to the cartridge coupling section (110) in a coupling posture, each of the printing fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M): a casing (31, 331, 431, 531) defining a width in a widthwise direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (51) and to the gravitational direction in the mating posture , the housing (31, 331, 431, 531) comprising: a storage chamber (32, 33, 432) configured to store printing fluid therein; a front surface (40, 49, 340, 349, 440, 540) facing forward in the insertion direction (51) in the engaging posture; a rear surface (41, 341, 441, 541) remote from the front surface (40, 49, 340, 349, 440, 540) in an extraction direction (52), opposite to the insertion direction (51), in the docking posture, the rear surface (41, 341, 441, 541) facing rearward in the docking posture, the storage chamber (32, 33, 432) being located between the front surface (40, 49, 340 , 349, 440, 540) and the rear surface (41, 341, 441, 541) in the insertion direction (51) in the engagement posture; and an upper surface (39, 339, 439, 539) extending between the front surface (40, 49, 340, 349, 440, 540) and the rear surface (41, 341, 441, 541), the upper surface (39, 339, 439, 539) upward with respect to the storage chamber (32, 33, 432) and oriented upward in the docking posture; a supply portion (34, 434) provided on the front surface (40, 49, 340, 349, 440, 540) and having a supply hole (71, 471), the printing fluid being configured to flow out of the storage chamber (32, 33, 432) through the supply hole (71, 471) in the insertion direction (51) in the mating posture; an electrical interface (64, 65, 464) disposed on the upper surface (39, 339, 439, 539) and oriented upward in the docking posture; and an interference surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) positioned upward with respect to the storage chamber (32, 33, 342) in the docking position, the interference surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b extending ) in the widthwise direction in the mating posture, the interference surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) being located downward and forward in the insertion direction (51) with respect to the electrical interface (64 , 65, 464) in the engagement posture, the interference surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) being configured to abut against a projection (108) provided in another insertion space (111) different from the insertion space (111 ) prescribed of the cartridge coupling section (110) during the insertion of the printing fluid cartridge (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) in the other insertion space (111), comprising the set of cartridges of printing fluid (30): a first fluid cartridge printing (30C) storing printing fluid of a first type, a second printing fluid cartridge (30M) storing printing fluid of a second type, different from the first type; and a third printing fluid cartridge (30Y) that stores printing fluid of a third type, different from the first type and the second type, characterized in that the upper surface (39) of each of the printing fluid cartridges ( 30) has a first outer edge (38) and a second outer edge (37) opposite each other in the widthwise direction; The interference surface (67bC) of the first printing fluid cartridge (30C) is located closer to the first outer edge (38), in the width direction, than the interference surface (67bM) of the second print fluid cartridge Printing fluid (30M) is from the first outer edge (38) in the widthwise direction; Each of the printing fluid cartridges (30) defines an imaginary plane (X2) that passes through a center of the electrical interface (64, 65) in the widthwise direction, and that extends parallel to the insertion direction (51) and gravitational direction; The first printing fluid cartridge (30C) and the third printing fluid cartridge (30Y) are configured to be inserted respectively into a first insertion space (111C) and a third insertion space (111Y) located opposite each other with relative to a second insertion space (111M) in the width direction, the second printing fluid cartridge (30M) being configured to be inserted into the second insertion space (111M); the interference surface (67bM) of the second printing fluid cartridge (30M) is positioned on the imaginary plane (W2) in the width direction; the interference surface (67bC) of the first printing fluid cartridge (30C) is offset from the imaginary plane (W2) towards the first outer edge (38) in the width direction; and the interference surface (67bY) of the third printing fluid cartridge (30Y) is offset from the imaginary plane (X2) towards the second outer edge (37) in the widthwise direction.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Print fluid cartridge assembly

The present disclosure relates to a printing fluid cartridge, a set of printing fluid cartridges, and a system including a printing fluid consuming apparatus and the printing fluid cartridge, mountable in the fluid consuming apparatus. of impression.

Conventionally, ink jet printing apparatus configured to print images on printing media by ejecting ink stored in ink cartridges through nozzles are known. An ink jet printing apparatus is known in which a new ink cartridge can be fitted each time the ink is used up. In an ink jet printing apparatus capable of effecting color printing, a plurality of ink cartridges may be mounted.

For example, Japan Patent Application Publication No. 2007-261286 discloses an ink cartridge that is provided with an information storage memory that stores information related to the ink stored in the ink cartridge. Information regarding the ink may include, for example, a date of manufacture, a model number, and a residual amount of ink. When the ink cartridge is coupled to the ink jet printing apparatus, the information storage memory electrically contacts a connection terminal so that information about the ink stored in the information storage memory can be read.

US 2013/050358 A1 discloses a set of printing fluid cartridges.

There are various types of ink in terms of color or component, for example. In the ink jet printing apparatus capable of accommodating a plurality of ink cartridges, a user is likely to try to insert an ink cartridge in a wrong location in the ink jet printing apparatus. Specifically, for example, an ink cartridge storing black ink may be erroneously inserted in a position where an ink cartridge storing yellow ink should be inserted. In this case, assuming that the information of an ink color is stored in the information storage memory, the information related to the ink that is read from the information storage memory will be that of the wrongly coupled ink cartridge, which Allows you to determine that the ink cartridge is docked in the wrong position.

However, if an ink cartridge that stores black ink is docked in a position where an ink cartridge that stores yellow ink should fit, the black ink may leak out of the black ink cartridge and mix with the existing yellow ink. a connecting part of the ink jet printing apparatus. To avoid such mixing of ink colors, a large amount of ink will have to be purged, thus consuming a large amount of ink. To avoid such a mixture of different ink colors, it is possible that the ink cartridge is provided with a particular portion whose shape serves as a key that corresponds to a shape (concave or convex shape, for example), indicative correct location on the inkjet printer to avoid connecting the wrong ink cartridge to the connecting piece. That is, since no ink cartridge can be connected to the connecting part unless the key shape of the ink cartridge corresponds to the concave or convex shape of the inkjet printing apparatus, the ink from a particular color is mixed with another ink of a different color.

However, during the insertion of the ink cartridge, the concave or convex shape provided in a correct location may come into contact with the information storage memory of the ink cartridge being inserted. In this case, the electrodes of the information storage memory may be damaged and, in the worst case, the information stored therein cannot be read from the information storage memory.

In view of the above, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a structure that can prevent improper insertion of a printing fluid cartridge into a cartridge mating section of a printing fluid consuming apparatus.

(1) In order to achieve the above objective and other objectives, the present disclosure provides a printing fluid cartridge configured to be inserted into a prescribed insertion space of a cartridge mating section in an insertion direction that crosses a direction. gravitational to be coupled to the cartridge mating section in a mating posture. The printing fluid cartridge includes a housing, a supply portion, an electrical interface, and an interference surface. The carcass defines a width in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction and to the gravitational direction in the mating posture. The housing includes: a storage chamber configured to store printing fluid therein; a front surface facing forward in the insertion direction in the docking posture. The rear surface being remote from the front surface in an extraction direction opposite to the insertion direction in the engagement posture; an upper surface that extends between the front surface and the rear surface; and an upper surface extending between the front surface and the rear surface. The rear surface faces rearward in the docking posture. The storage chamber is located between the front surface and the rear surface in the insertion direction in the docking posture. The upper surface is located upward with respect to the storage chamber and faces upward in the docking posture. The supply portion is provided on the front surface and has a supply port. The printing fluid is configured to flow out of the storage chamber through the delivery port in the direction of insertion in the docking posture. The electrical interface is arranged on the top surface and is oriented upward in the docking posture. The interference surface is positioned upward relative to the storage chamber in the docking posture and extends in the width direction in the docking posture. The interference surface is located downward and forward in the insertion direction with respect to the electrical interface in the docking posture. The interference surface is configured to abut against a projection provided in another insertion space different from the prescribed insertion space of the cartridge coupling section during insertion of the printing fluid cartridge into the other insertion space. According to the configuration described above, the interference surface is located downward and forward in the insertion direction with respect to the electrical interface. With this structure, the projection provided in the prescribed insertion space (corresponding to the interference surface) is less likely to come into contact with the electrical interface during insertion of the printing fluid cartridge into the prescribed insertion space of the section. cartridge coupling. (2) Preferably, the housing further includes an inner surface defining a front edge of the storage chamber in the insertion direction in the docking posture; and the interference surface is located rearward, relative to the inner surface, in the insertion direction in the engagement posture.

(3) Preferably, the printing fluid cartridge further includes a light blocking wall arranged in the housing. The light blocking wall is located rearward, relative to the interference surface, in the insertion direction in the engagement posture. The light blocking wall includes a light blocking surface that extends in the insertion direction and the gravitational direction in the docking posture.

According to the configuration described above, the light blocking wall can allow one type of printing fluid cartridge to be detected.

(4) Preferably, the interference surface and the light blocking wall are aligned with each other in the insertion direction.

This arrangement of the interference surface and the light blocking wall can reduce the size of the light blocking wall in the direction from left to right, and in the direction from top to bottom.

(5) Preferably, the interference surface has a first width in the widthwise direction; the upper surface has a first outer edge and a second outer edge opposite each other in the widthwise direction; and the light blocking wall has outer edges opposite each other in the width direction, the second outer edge of the upper surface being located closer to one of the outer edges of the light blocking wall than it is. the first outer edge of the one of the outer edges of the light blocking wall in the width direction, the second outer edge of the upper surface and one of the outer edges of the light blocking wall defining a second width between them which is greater than the first width in the width direction. With this structure, relatively wider gaps can be provided on both sides of the interference surface and the light blocking wall on the upper surface of the housing in the left-to-right direction. Thus, in the cartridge coupling section, in the regions corresponding to these spaces on the upper surface of the printing fluid cartridge within the prescribed insertion space, those components configured to give access to the printing fluid cartridge can be arranged.

(6) Preferably, the light blocking wall includes a light transmitting portion configured to transmit light, the light transmitting portion extending in the width direction.

With this structure, the type of the printing fluid cartridge can be determined by detecting the presence or absence of the light transmitting portion of the light blocking wall.

(7) Preferably, the light blocking wall is configured to block light traveling in the widthwise direction at least during: insertion of the printing fluid cartridge into the cartridge coupling section; or during a state in which the printing fluid cartridge is coupled to the cartridge coupling section in the coupling posture.

With this structure, by detecting the presence and absence of the light blocking wall at the time of completing the insertion of the printing fluid cartridge in the cartridge coupling section, the presence and absence of the printing fluid cartridge can be determined. in the cartridge attachment section (print fluid cartridge attachment or non-attachment). Alternatively, upon detecting the presence and absence of the light blocking wall during insertion of the printing fluid cartridge into the cartridge coupling section and at the time of completing the coupling of the printing fluid cartridge to the cartridge coupling, you can determine the type of print fluid cartridge attached to the cartridge coupling section.

(8) Preferably, the interference surface constitutes a front surface of the light blocking wall facing forward in the insertion direction in the engagement posture.

With this structure, the interference surface can also be used as a light blocking wall, and the structure of the interference surface can be simplified.

(9) Preferably, the light blocking wall further includes: an inclined surface which is inclined with respect to the insertion direction in the mating posture; and an upwardly facing upper surface in the docking posture, and the inclined surface connects the interference surface and the upper surface of the light blocking wall, the inclined surface being oriented upward and forward in the insertion direction in docking posture.

This structure can reduce the possibility that the interference surface and the light blocking wall may be damaged if the printing fluid cartridge is dropped with the top surface facing downward.

(10) Preferably, the printing fluid cartridge further includes a protrusion positioned anteriorly relative to the light blocking wall in the insertion direction in the engagement posture, the protrusion including the interference surface.

With this structure, by separately providing the interference surface of the light blocking wall, the impact, which will be suffered by the interference surface at the time of improper insertion of the printing fluid cartridge, can be prevented from being directly transmitted to the light blocking wall.

(11) Preferably, the protrusion is made of a material configured to transmit light.

With this structure, the protrusion does not disturb the detection of the light blocking wall during insertion of the printing fluid cartridge into the prescribed insertion space of the cartridge coupling section. (12) Preferably, the printing fluid cartridge further includes a protrusion disposed on the upper surface and supporting the electrical interface, the electrical interface being positioned upward relative to the upper surface in the mating posture, the wall of light blocking positioned forward of the protrusion in the insertion direction in the mating posture, the light blocking wall being connected to the protrusion.

(13) Preferably, the housing includes a top cover defining the top surface in the docking posture, the top cover being located upstream of the storage chamber in the docking posture; and the light blocking wall is integrally formed with the top cover. With this structure, the manufacture of the light blocking wall can be simplified.

(14) Preferably, the light blocking wall is arranged on the upper surface and includes the interference surface.

With this structure, the structure of the interference surface can be simplified.

(15) Preferably, the housing includes a top cover defining the top surface in the docking posture, the top cover being located upstream of the storage chamber in the docking posture; The interference surface extends upward from the top cover in the docking posture.

(16) Preferably, the interference surface and the electrical interface are arranged at different positions from each other in the width direction. With this structure, the projection corresponding to the interference surface is less likely to come into contact with the electrical interface during insertion of the printing fluid cartridge into the prescribed insertion space of the cartridge coupling section.

(17) Preferably, the printing fluid cartridge further includes a closure member configured to close the delivery port, the distance between the interference surface and the closure member in the insertion direction is shorter than the distance between the projection and a pointed end of a tube provided in the cartridge coupling section in the insertion direction.

With this structure, when the interference surface of the printing fluid cartridge abuts against the projection provided in the other insertion space, the closure member is prevented from being opened by the tube provided in the other insertion space.

(18) Preferably, the printing fluid cartridge further includes a locking surface positioned upward relative to the storage chamber and configured to contact a locking portion provided in the cartridge coupling section, the locking surface in the insertion direction in the engagement posture, the distance between the interference surface and the locking surface in the insertion direction being greater than the distance between the projection and the locking portion in the insertion direction.

With this structure, when the interference surface of the printing fluid cartridge abuts against the projection provided in the other insertion space, the printing fluid cartridge is prevented from engaging with the locking portion provided in the other insertion space. . Consequently, the user may find that the printing fluid cartridge is incorrectly inserted into the other insertion space, rather than the prescribed insertion space.

(19) Preferably, the housing includes a top cover defining the top surface in the docking posture, the top cover being located upstream of the storage chamber in the docking posture; and a locking surface provided on the top cover and configured to contact a locking portion provided on the cartridge engaging section, the locking surface facing rearward in the insertion direction in the engaging posture, the surface having locking an upper end in the docking posture; and the electrical interface is located downward and forward in the insertion direction with respect to the upper end of the locking surface in the engaging posture.

With this structure, the locking portion corresponding to the locking surface is prevented from contacting the electrical interface and the interference surface during insertion of the printing fluid cartridge into the prescribed insertion space of the cartridge coupling section. .

(20) Preferably, the housing includes a box defining the storage chamber therein; and a top cover coupled to the box and defining the top surface in the mating posture, the top cover being positioned upward relative to the storage chamber in the mating posture, the electrical interface and the interference surface being arranged. on the upper deck.

The electrical interface stores information regarding a type of print fluid cartridge. The shape and position of the interference surface can indicate the type of print fluid cartridge. Accordingly, with this structure, since the electrical interface and the interference surface are both on the top cover, the case can be common with the printing fluid cartridges, regardless of the type of the printing fluid cartridge.

(21) In accordance with the invention, the present disclosure provides a set of said printing fluid cartridges. The print fluid cartridges include a first print cartridge and a second print fluid cartridge. The first printing fluid cartridge stores a first printing fluid and the second printing fluid cartridge stores a second different printing fluid of the first type. The upper surface of each of the print cartridges has a first outer edge and a second outer edge opposite each other in the width direction. The interference surface of the first printing fluid cartridge is disposed closer to the first outer edge, in the width direction, than is the interference surface of the second printing fluid cartridge. That is, the interference surface of the first printing fluid cartridge in the width direction is different from the position of the interference surface of the second printing fluid cartridge in the width direction.

(22) According to the invention, the printing fluid cartridge further includes a third printing fluid cartridge which stores printing fluid of a third type other than the first type and the second type. In this case, each of the printing fluid cartridges defines an imaginary plane that passes through the center of the electrical interface in the widthwise direction and extends parallel to the insertion direction and the gravitational direction; The first printing fluid cartridge and the third printing fluid cartridge are configured to be inserted respectively into a first insertion space and a third insertion space located opposite each other with respect to a second insertion space in the direction of the wide, the second printing fluid cartridge configured to be inserted into the second insertion space; the interference surface of the second printing fluid cartridge is positioned on the imaginary plane in the width direction; the interference surface of the first printing fluid cartridge is offset from the imaginary plane toward the first outer edge in the widthwise direction; and the interference surface of the third printing fluid cartridge is offset from the imaginary plane toward the second outer edge in the widthwise direction.

(23) Preferably, the printing fluid cartridges further include a fourth printing fluid cartridge which stores printing fluid of a fourth type other than the first type and the second type and the third type. In this case, preferably, the housing of the fourth printing fluid cartridge has a width in the width direction that is greater than the width of the housing of each of the first printing fluid cartridge, the second printing fluid cartridge. printing and the third printing fluid cartridge in the width direction; the upper surface of the fourth printing fluid cartridge has a third outer edge and a fourth outer edge opposite each other in the width direction, the third outer edge of the upper surface of the fourth printing fluid cartridge, corresponding to the first edge exterior of the upper surface of each of the first printing fluid cartridge, the second printing fluid cartridge, and the third printing fluid cartridge, the fourth outer edge of the upper surface of the fourth printing fluid cartridge being located furthest away from the imaginary plane than the second outer edge of the upper surface of each of the first printing fluid cartridge, the second printing fluid cartridge, and the third printing fluid cartridge are away from the imaginary plane in the direction of the width; and the interference surface of the fourth printing fluid cartridge is arranged opposite the imaginary plane with respect to a second imaginary plane in the width direction, the second imaginary plane being parallel to the imaginary plane and defining the second outer edge of the surface. top of each of the first printing fluid cartridge, the second printing fluid cartridge and the third printing fluid cartridge in the width direction. The insertion space into which the fourth printing fluid cartridge is inserted (fourth insertion space) has a width greater than the width of each of the first insertion space, the second insertion space, and the third insertion space in the direction across. In the fourth insertion space, a projection corresponding to the interference surface of the fourth printing fluid cartridge is located opposite the imaginary plane with respect to the second imaginary plane (the second outer edge of the upper surface of each of the first ink cartridge). printing fluid, the second printing fluid cartridge and the third printing fluid cartridge in the width direction) in the width direction. This structure can prevent the wrong insertion of the first printing fluid cartridge, the second printing fluid cartridge and the third the printing fluid cartridge into the fourth insertion space.

(24) According to yet another aspect, the disclosure also provides a system including a plurality of the above-described printing fluid cartridges, and a printing fluid consuming apparatus including the cartridge coupling section and a determinant. The cartridge coupling section includes: a plurality of insert spaces configured to insert into each, in the insertion direction, each of the plurality of printing fluid cartridges, the plurality of insert spaces including a first insert space insertion and a second insertion space; a plurality of tubes, each arranged in each of the plurality of insertion spaces; a plurality of contacts, each arranged in each of the plurality of insertion spaces, the plurality of contacts including a first contact and a second contact, the first contact being arranged in the first insertion space and the second contact being arranged in the second insertion space; a plurality of projections, each arranged in each of the plurality of insertion spaces; and a plurality of optical sensors, each disposed in each of the plurality of insertion spaces. Each of the projections is located forward, relative to the corresponding contact and in the insertion direction, in each of the insertion spaces, the plurality of projections including a first projection and a second projection, the first projection being arranged in the first insertion space and the second projection being arranged in the second insertion space, the relative position between the first projection and the first contact being different, in the width direction and in the first insertion space, from the relative position between the second projection and the second contact in the widthwise direction and in the second insertion space. Each of the optical sensors is positioned forward relative to the corresponding projection in the insertion direction in each of the insertion spaces. The determiner is configured to determine the types of printing fluid cartridges inserted into the respective insertion spaces based on the signals emitted from the respective optical sensors.

(25) Preferably, the printing fluid cartridges include a first printing liquid cartridge configured to insert into the first insertion space and a second printing liquid cartridge configured to insert into the second insertion space; Each of the plurality of projections includes a pair of opposing walls and a slit provided between the opposing walls in the widthwise direction, the first projection includes a first slit and the second projection includes a second slit, a position being relative between the first slit and the first contact, in the width direction in the first insertion space, different from a relative position between the second slit and the second contact in the width direction in the second insertion space. In this case, preferably, the opposing walls of the first protrusion are configured to abut against the interference surface of the second printing fluid cartridge during insertion of the second printing fluid cartridge into the first insertion space, until the second print fluid cartridge reaches docking position; and the first slit of the first projection is configured to allow the interference surface of the first printing fluid cartridge to pass through the first slit during insertion of the first printing fluid cartridge into the first insertion space, until the first print fluid cartridge reaches the docking position.

(26) Preferably, in the case that the light blocking wall includes the light transmitting portion, the light transmitting portion is configured to transmit the light emitted by the corresponding optical sensor. With this structure, the type of the printing fluid cartridge can be determined by detecting the presence or absence of the light transmitting portion of the light blocking wall.

(27) Preferably, the cartridge coupling section further includes: an opening through which the plurality of printing fluid cartridges is allowed to be inserted into the corresponding plurality of insertion spaces; a cover movable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that exposes the opening; and a cover sensor configured to detect that the cover is in the closed position and emit a detection signal indicative that the cover is in the closed position. In this case, preferably, upon receiving the detection signal from the cover sensor, the determiner is configured to detect the types of printing fluid cartridges inserted into the corresponding plurality of insertion spaces based on signals emitted from the respective optical sensors.

(28) Preferably, the plurality of printing fluid cartridges include a first printing fluid cartridge configured to insert into the first insertion space; and the supply portion of the first printing fluid cartridge and the tube of the second insertion space are spaced apart from each other in the insertion direction in a state in which the interference surface of the first printing fluid cartridge abuts against the projection provided in the second insertion space, during insertion of the first printing fluid cartridge into the second insertion space.

This structure can prevent the connection of the supply portion of the first printing fluid cartridge to the tube of the second insertion space, thus preventing the printing fluid of the first printing fluid cartridge from flowing into the tube of the second insertion space. .

(29) Preferably, the plurality of printing fluid cartridges include a first printing fluid cartridge configured to insert into the first insertion space, the first printing fluid cartridges including a locking surface positioned upward relative to the storage chamber in docking posture; the cartridge engaging section further includes a locking portion configured to engage the locking surface of the first printing fluid cartridge in the engaging posture; and the supply portion of the first printing fluid cartridge and the tube of the second insertion space are connected to each other, and the locking surface of the first printing fluid cartridge is spaced from the locking portion in the insertion direction at a state in which the interference surface of the first printing fluid cartridge abuts against the projection provided in the second insertion space, during insertion of the first printing fluid cartridge into the second insertion space.

With this structure, the locking surface cannot be assembled with the locking portion, and an improperly inserted printing fluid cartridge cannot engage the cartridge coupling section. Thus, the user may become aware of the incorrect insertion of the printing fluid cartridge and will be motivated to insert the printing fluid cartridge into the correct insertion space.

The structure according to the present disclosure can prevent improper insertion of the printing fluid cartridge into the cartridge coupling section of the printing fluid consuming apparatus.

In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram conceptually showing an internal configuration of a printer that includes a cartridge coupling section configured to removably house ink cartridges in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an exterior appearance of the cartridge coupling section and an opening of the cartridge coupling section;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge coupling section taken along an MI-MI plane of Figure 4, including the slotted door cartridge coupling section, where two of the cartridges of ink according to the embodiment are inserted into corresponding insert spaces;

Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional diagram illustrating a state in which the ink cartridge (magenta color) according to the embodiment is coupled to the cartridge coupling section in a first posture;

Figure 5A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a surrounded region VB illustrated in Figure 4; Figure 5B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a surrounded region VA illustrated in Figure 4; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge (magenta color) according to the embodiment when viewed from an upward and forward perspective thereof;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge (magenta color) according to the embodiment, when viewed from a rearward and upward perspective thereof;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge (magenta color) according to the embodiment taken along an imaginary plane X2 illustrated in Figure 9B and showing an internal configuration of the ink cartridge according to the realization;

Fig. 9A is a left side view of the ink cartridge (magenta color) according to the embodiment and illustrating the arrangement of parts arranged on an upper surface of the ink cartridge according to the embodiment;

Fig. 9B is a rear side view of the ink cartridge (magenta color) according to the embodiment; Fig. 10 is a left side view of the ink cartridge (magenta color) according to the embodiment and illustrating a positional relationship between the various parts of the ink cartridge in the front-to-back direction and in the upward direction. down;

Fig. 11A is a perspective view of the black ink cartridge according to the embodiment when viewed from a rearward and upward perspective thereof;

Fig. 11B is a rear side view of the black ink cartridge according to the embodiment; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the black ink cartridge according to the embodiment when viewed from an upward and forward perspective thereof;

Figures 13A to 13D are top views of the black, magenta, cyan and yellow ink cartridges, respectively, according to the embodiment;

Fig. 14 is a top view of the black ink cartridge according to the embodiment;

Fig. 15 is a top view of the magenta ink cartridge according to the embodiment; Fig. 16 is a vertical cross-sectional diagram illustrating a state in which the ink cartridge (magenta color) according to the embodiment is inserted into the corresponding insertion space of the cartridge coupling section;

Fig. 17 is a vertical cross-sectional diagram illustrating a state in which the ink cartridge (magenta color) according to the embodiment is inserted further forward into the corresponding insertion space of the cartridge coupling section. after the state illustrated in Figure 16 and is in a second posture in the corresponding insertion space;

Fig. 18 is a vertical cross-sectional diagram illustrating a state in which the ink cartridge (cyan color) is inserted into the insertion space for the magenta ink cartridge and a light blocking plate (surface of interference) of the ink cartridge (cyan color) is supported with the door for the magenta ink cartridge;

Fig. 19 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of a process, performed by a printer controller, to determine the types of ink cartridges, according to the embodiment, coupled to the cartridge coupling section;

Figure 20 is a left side view of an ink cartridge according to a first modification of the embodiment;

Fig. 21 is a left side view of an ink cartridge according to a second modification of the embodiment;

Fig. 22 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge according to the second modification of the embodiment;

Fig. 23A is a perspective view of an ink cartridge according to a third modification of the embodiment; Figure 23B is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge, according to the third modification of the embodiment, taken along a plane XXIIB-XXIIB shown in Figure 23A;

Fig. 24 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge according to a fourth modification of the embodiment;

Figure 25 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge according to a fifth embodiment modification;

Fig. 26 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of a process according to a variation of the embodiment carried out by the printer controller to determine whether the ink cartridge, according to the embodiment, is attached or not. in the cartridge coupling section; Y

Figure 27 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a process according to another variation of the embodiment carried out by the printer controller to determine whether the ink cartridge, according to the embodiment, is attached or not. in the cartridge docking section.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the disclosure is described in detail while referring to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiment described below is merely an example of the present disclosure and that modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In the following description, a forward direction 51 is defined as a direction in which an ink cartridge 30 according to the embodiment is inserted into a cartridge engaging section 110, while a rearward direction 52 is defined as a direction opposite to the forward direction 51, that is, a direction in which the ink cartridge 30 is pulled out of the cartridge coupling section 110. The forward direction 51 and the back direction 52 are horizontal in the present embodiment.

Likewise, a downward direction 53 is defined as a direction perpendicular to the forward direction 51 or the backward direction 52, while an upward direction 54 is defined as a direction opposite to the downward direction 53. Likewise, a Right direction 55 and a left direction 56 are defined as directions perpendicular to the forward direction 51 and the down direction 53. The right direction 55 and the left direction 56 are also parallel to a plane horizontal in the present embodiment.

In a state where the ink cartridge 30 is coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110 (in a coupled state) and the ink cartridge 30 can be used or operated by the printer 10, the downward direction 53 coincides with the direction of a gravitational force acting on the ink cartridge 30 (ie, gravitational direction), and the upward direction 54 coincides with a direction opposite to the gravitational direction. Also, the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 are defined as directions perpendicular to the forward direction 51 and the down direction 53. More specifically, in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is attached. to the cartridge docking section 110 and can be used by the printer 10, the right direction 55 is a right direction and the left direction 56 is a left direction when the ink cartridge 30 is observed from a rear side of it.

It should be noted that a state in which the ink cartridge 30 is coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110 or a state in which the ink cartridge 30 can be operated by the printer 10 implies a state of the ink cartridge 30 in whereby the ink cartridge 30 has been fully inserted into a mating position in the cartridge mating section 110. Hereinafter, a posture of the ink cartridge 30 in a state in which the ink cartridge 30 is coupled to the cartridge docking section 110 or a state in which the ink cartridge 30 can be operated by the printer 10 will be called a "docking posture".

In other words, in the docking posture, the ink cartridge 30 has a height in the gravitational direction; a depth in the forward direction 51 or in the back direction 52 (ie, the insertion direction) that is orthogonal to the gravitational direction; and a width in the right direction 55 or in the left direction 56 (ie width direction) that is orthogonal to the gravitational direction (height) and to the insertion direction (depth).

Also, in the following description, the forward direction 51 and the backward direction 52 may be collectively referred to as the front to back direction. The upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53 may be collectively referred to as the up-down direction. The rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56 may be collectively referred to as the left-to-right direction.

In the present specification, "forward facing" includes being oriented in a direction that includes a forward component, "rearward facing" includes being oriented in a direction that includes a rearward component, "facing downward. "includes being oriented in a direction that includes a downward component and" oriented upward "includes being oriented in a direction that includes an upward component. For example, "a front surface is oriented towards the front" implies that the front surface can be oriented in a direction towards the front or that the front surface can be oriented in a direction inclined with respect to the direction towards the front.

[Printer overview 10]

Fig. 1 shows a system 1 configured with a printer 10 and the ink cartridge 30 according to the embodiment. First, a detailed structure of the printer 10, according to the embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 1.

Printer 10 is configured to form an image by selectively ejecting ink drops onto a sheet based on an ink jet printing system. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the printer 10 includes a print head 21, an ink supply device 100, and ink tubes 20 that connect the print head 21 to the ink supply device 100. The supply device The ink cartridge 100 includes the cartridge coupling section 110. The cartridge coupling section 110 can removably house a plurality of ink cartridges 30 therein.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, four 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K ink cartridges each storing ink of one of these four colors, cyan, magenta, yellow and black can be mounted in the corresponding insert spaces 111C, 111M, 111Y. and 111K of the cartridge coupling section 110. Hereinafter, when necessary, the ink cartridges 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K may be referred to as "ink cartridge 30" or "ink cartridges 30" when there is no need to distinguish the color. In the same way, the insert spaces 111C, 111M, 111Y and 111K of the cartridge coupling section 110 may be referred to as "insert space 111" or "insert spaces 111" when it is not necessary to distinguish color.

The cartridge coupling section 110 has a wall formed with an opening 112. The ink cartridges 30 may be inserted into the cartridge coupling section 110 from the forward direction 51 (that is, the insertion direction orthogonal to the front direction gravitational) through aperture 112, and withdrawn from cartridge engaging section 110 in the rearward direction 52 (i.e., the pull direction orthogonal to the gravitational direction) through aperture 112.

Each ink cartridge 30 stores ink therein that the printer 10 can use for printing. The ink cartridges 30 are connected to a print head 21 through the corresponding ink tubes 20 when the ink cartridges 30 are fully assembled in the cartridge coupling section 110.

The printhead 21 includes secondary reservoirs 28 that each serve to temporarily store ink supplied from the corresponding ink cartridge 30 through the corresponding ink tube 20. The printhead 21 also includes a plurality of nozzles 29 through which the ink supplied from the secondary reservoirs 28 is selectively ejected in accordance with the inkjet printing system. More specifically, the printhead 21 includes a head control panel (not shown) and piezoelectric elements 29A, each corresponding to one of the nozzles 29. The head control panel is configured to selectively apply drive voltages in the piezoelectric elements 29A to selectively eject ink of each color from the nozzles 29. Thus, the print head 21 is configured to consume the ink stored in the respective ink cartridges 30 mounted in the cartridge coupling section 110.

Printer 10 also includes a sheet tray 15, a sheet feed roller 23, a transfer path 24, a pair of transfer rollers 25, a platen 26, a pair of discharge rollers 27, and a discharge tray. Sheets 16. The sheets from the sheet tray 15 are fed by the sheet feed roller 23 on the transfer path 24, and then transferred by the transfer rollers 25 to the platen 26. The print head 21 is configured to selectively eject ink onto the sheets as the sheets move over the platen 26, thereby printing images on the sheets. The sheets that have passed the platen 26 are then discharged by the discharge rollers 27 into the sheet discharge tray 16 arranged at a downstream end of the transfer path 24.

<Ink supply device 100>

The ink supply device 100 is provided in the printer 10, as illustrated in Figure 1. The ink supply device 100 functions to supply ink to the print head 21. As described above, the ink supply device ink 100 includes cartridge coupling section 110 for removably receiving ink cartridges 30 therein. Fig. 1 illustrates a state in which one of the ink cartridges 30 is fully received in the cartridge coupling section 110. In other words, the ink cartridge 30 illustrated in Fig. 1 is in the in-coupling posture. which printer 10 uses ink cartridge 30.

<Cartridge docking section 110>

In the ink supply device 100, the ink cartridges 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K (the four types of ink cartridges 30 corresponding to the colors cyan, magenta, yellow and black) can be removably mounted. Specifically, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the cartridge coupling section 110 includes a housing 101 and four assemblies with an ink needle 102, a reservoir 103, an optical sensor 113, four contacts 106, a rod 125, a positioning portion 107 and a door 108, each set being for each of the four 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K ink cartridges.

<Housing 101>

The housing 101 constitutes a housing for the cartridge coupling section 110. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the housing 101 has a box-like shape defining an internal space therein. Specifically, the housing 101 includes a top wall that defines a ceiling of the internal space, a bottom wall that defines the bottom of the internal space, an end wall that connects the top wall and the bottom wall, and the opening 112. located opposite the end wall in the front to back direction. The aperture 112 may be exposed to a surface (user interface surface) that faces a user when the user is using the printer 10.

The four types of ink cartridge 30 can be inserted and removed from the housing 101 through the opening 112. In the housing 101, the bottom wall is formed with four guide grooves 109 to guide the insertion / removal of the ink cartridges. corresponding ink 30. Specifically, when the ink cartridges 30 are inserted into and removed from the housing 101 through the opening 112, the lower ends of the respective ink cartridges 30 are received in the corresponding guide grooves 109 and thereby guided in the front-to-back direction in FIG. 2. Also, the housing 101 includes three plates 104 that divide the internal space into the four insertion spaces 111C, 111M, 111Y, and 111K. The respective insert spaces 111C, 111M, 111Y and 111K are elongated in the direction from top to bottom 53 and 54. The four kinds of ink cartridges 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K can be mounted in the four insert spaces 111C, 111M , 111Y and 111K, respectively.

As illustrated in Fig. 2, when the housing 101 is viewed from the rear thereof in the direction towards the front 51, the four insert spaces 111C, 111M, 111Y and 111K of the housing 101 are positioned in this order from far left to right. Specifically, the ink cartridge 30C is adapted to be inserted into the insertion space 111C. The ink cartridge 30M is adapted to be inserted into the insertion space 111M. The ink cartridge 30Y is adapted to be inserted into the insertion space 111Y. The ink cartridge 30K is adapted to be inserted into the insertion space 111K. That is, when the ink cartridges 30 are housed in the housing 101, the ink cartridge 30M is interposed between the ink cartridges 30C and 30Y in the left-to-right direction. The 30K ink cartridge has a larger left-to-right dimension than a left-to-right dimension of each of the 30C, 30M, and 30Y ink cartridges, as will be described later. Thus, the insertion space 111K has a left-to-right dimension that is larger than a left-to-right dimension of each of the insertion spaces 111C, 111M and 111Y.

<Ink needle 102>

Each ink needle 102 is formed of a resin and has a generally hollow tubular shape. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the ink needles 102 are disposed in the lower end portion of the end wall that constitutes the housing 101. Specifically, each ink needle 102 is disposed in a position corresponding to a portion of ink supply 34 (described later) of the corresponding ink cartridge 30 mounted in the cartridge coupling section 110. The respective ink needles 102 protrude rearwardly from the end wall of the housing 101. The ink needle 102 has a rearwardly facing distal end 102E.

A guide portion 105, cylindrical in shape, is provided on the end wall to surround each of the ink needles 102. Each guide portion 105 projects rearwardly from the end wall. Each guide portion 105 has a protruding end that is open rearward. Specifically, each ink needle 102 is located at a diametrical center of the corresponding guide portion 105. Each guide portion 105 is shaped to allow the ink supply portion 34 of the corresponding ink cartridge 30 to be received in the portion of corresponding guide 105.

During the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge engaging section 110 in the forward direction 51, that is, in a process for moving the ink cartridge 30 to the engaging posture, the ink supply portion 34 of the ink cartridge 30 enters the corresponding guide portion 105 (refer to FIG. 4). As the ink cartridge 30 is inserted further in the forward direction 51, the ink needle 102 enters an ink supply port 71 of the corresponding ink supply portion 34. The ink needle 102 is thus left. connected to the corresponding ink supply portion 34 to be able to communicate with each other. Thus, the ink stored in a second ink chamber 33 formed within the ink cartridge 30 is allowed to flow into the corresponding reservoir 103 through an ink valve chamber 35 defined in the ink supply portion 34 and a internal space defined in the corresponding ink needle 102.

Incidentally, the distal end 102E of each ink needle 102 may have a flat shape or a pointed shape. The guide portions 105 may be shaped to any shape, as long as the guide portions 105 can allow engagement of the ink cartridges 30 in the cartridge engagement section 110. The guide portions 105 do not necessarily have to be provided in cartridge coupling section 110.

<Contacts 106>

A set of four contacts 106 is provided for each of the four insertion spaces 111 of the housing 101. Precisely, the contacts 106 are provided on a retainer (not shown) that is supported by the cartridge coupling section 110 As illustrated in Fig. 4, each of the four sets of contacts 106 is disposed on the top wall of the housing 101, for each insertion space 111, at a position near the end wall of the housing. 101. Each set of the four contacts 106 is arranged rearward with respect to the corresponding ink needle 102. Each of the four contacts 106 protrudes from a bottom surface of the wall from top to bottom, into the corresponding insertion space 111 of the housing 101. Although not illustrated in detail in the drawings, the four contacts 106 of each set are positioned so that they are separated from each other in the direction from left to right. The four contacts 106 of each set are positioned at positions corresponding respectively to four electrodes 65 provided on each of the ink cartridges 30, as will be described later. Each contact 106 is formed of a material that exhibits electrical conductivity and resilience. Therefore, the contacts 106 can be resiliently deformed upward.

In the present embodiment, the four sets of the four contacts 106 are arranged in each set for each of the four ink cartridges 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K in the present embodiment. That is, a total of sixteen contacts 106 are provided in the housing 101. However, the number of contacts 106 and the number of electrodes 65 can be arbitrary.

Each contact 106 is electrically connected to an arithmetic unit through an electrical circuit. In the present embodiment, each contact 106 is connected to a controller 117 (see FIG. 1) provided in the cartridge coupling section 110. Controller 117 may include a CPU, ROM, and RAM, for example. The contacts 106 are assembled with the corresponding electrodes 65 when the ink cartridge 30 is coupled to the housing 101. When in contact with the corresponding electrodes 65, the contacts 106 are electrically connected with the corresponding electrodes 65, so that it applies a voltage Vc to one of the electrodes 65; the other of the electrodes 65 is connected to ground; signals are exchanged between the controller 117 and the other one of the electrodes 65; and electrical power is supplied to another of the electrodes 65. Due to the establishment of the electrical connection between the contacts 106 and the electrodes 65, the controller 117 can electrically access the data stored in an IC of each ink cartridge 30. The emissions of the respective contacts 106 across the electrical circuits are configured to be input into the controller 117.

<Rod 125>

As illustrated in Fig. 4, each rod 125 is provided in the end wall of the housing 101 at a position upward from the corresponding ink needle 102 for each insertion space 111. Each rod 125 has a generally cylindrical shape. and protrudes rearwardly from the end wall of the housing 101. In a state in which the ink cartridges 30 are coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110, that is, when the ink cartridges 30 are in the position of coupling, the rods 125 are respectively received in air communication ports 96 (described below) of the corresponding ink cartridges 30.

<Optical sensor 113>

As illustrated in Fig. 4, the optical sensors 113 are arranged on the top wall of the housing 101. Specifically, each optical sensor 113 is arranged, for each insertion space 111, at a position rearward of the rod 125 corresponding, but towards the front of the contact assembly 106. Each optical sensor 113 includes a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion. The light emitting portion is positioned to be opposite the light receiving portion and is spaced from the light receiving portion in the direction from left to right. When the ink cartridge 30 is coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110, a light blocking plate 67 of the coupled ink cartridge 30 is located between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the optical sensor 113. correspondent. In other words, the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are positioned so that they are opposite each other, with the light blocking plate 67 of the ink cartridge 30 coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110. interposed between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion.

The optical sensor 113 is configured to generate different detection signals depending on whether or not the light receiving portion receives the light emitted in the left to right direction from the light emitting portion. For example, the optical sensor 113 generates a low level signal when the light emitted from the light emitting portion is not received in the light receiving portion (that is, when the intensity of the light received in the receiving portion light is less than a predetermined intensity). On the other hand, the optical sensor 113 generates a high level signal when the light receiving portion receives the light emitted from the light emitting portion (that is, when the intensity of the received light is equal to or greater than the intensity default).

<Locking stem 145>

As illustrated in Fig. 4, a locking stem 145 is also provided in the housing 101. The locking stem 145 extends in the left-to-right direction at a position near the top wall and the wall. opening 112 of housing 101. Locking stem 145 is disposed rearward of contacts 106. Locking stem 145 is a rod-shaped member extending in the left-to-right direction. For example, the locking stem 145 is a column-shaped metal. The locking stem 145 has both ends attached to walls defining both ends of the housing 101 in the left-to-right direction. Consequently, the locking stem 145 is not movable (eg, it does not pivot) relative to the housing 101. The locking stem 145 extends in the left-to-right direction through the four insertion spaces 111, respectively. , corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30. In each of the insert spaces 111, there is a space provided around the locking rod 145. Thus, a locking surface 151 (described later) of each ink cartridge 30 can accessing the locking stem 145 by moving up or back.

The locking rod 145 functions to maintain the ink cartridges 30 coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110 in the coupled state. When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge coupling section 110 and pivoted to a position in which it can be used (i.e., coupling posture), the ink cartridge 30 is assembled with the locking stem. 145 in the corresponding insertion space 111. Likewise, the locking rod 145 retains the ink cartridge 30 in the mating posture in the cartridge mating section 110 against the biasing forces of the coil springs 78 and 98 (described below) of the ink cartridge 30 that bias. rearward the ink cartridge 30 as a whole.

<Positioning portion 107>

As illustrated in Fig. 4, the locating portions 107 are positioned near the top wall of the housing 101. Each locating portion 107 is disposed between the corresponding set of contacts 106 and the locking stem 145 in the direction front to back. The positioning portions 107 project downwardly from the top wall of the housing 101. The positioning portions 107 form an integral part of the housing 101. Each positioning portion 107 has a lower end surface that is configured to abut against a surface. contact contact 84 of the corresponding ink cartridge 30 in a state in which the ink cartridge 30 is coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110 (in the coupling posture). The lower end surface of each positioning portion 107 is positioned slightly upward with respect to the lower ends of the corresponding contacts 106.

<Gate 108>

As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, doors 108 (specifically, doors 108C, 108M, 108Y, and 108K) are provided near the top wall of housing 101. Each door 108 protrudes downward from a defining wall an upper edge of each insertion space 111. Each door 108 is provided for each insertion space 111 at a position between the corresponding optical sensor 113 and the set of contacts 106 in the front-to-back direction. Referring to Figure 3, each door 108 includes a pair of opposing walls 118 and a slit 119 provided between opposing walls 118. Opposing walls 118 respectively extend in the left-to-right direction from neighboring partition members, which are opposite each other in the direction from left to right, and defining the corresponding insertion space 111, such as the two neighboring plates 104. The opposing walls 118 extend in the top-to-bottom direction and are paired so as to oppose each other in the left-to-right direction with a gap defined therebetween. This gap between the paired opposing walls 118 serves as a slit 119 in each door 108. In other words, each slit 119 is defined by two opposite end faces of the paired opposing walls 118, extending in the top-down direction. . However, the slits 119 (slits 119C, 119M, 119Y and 119K) are formed at different positions relative to each other in the left-to-right direction in the respective insertion spaces 111C, 111M, 111Y and 111K. Specifically, the relative positions between the slots 119 (slots 119C, 119M, 119Y, and 119K) and the corresponding contacts 106 in the respective insert spaces 111C, 111M, 111Y, and 111K in the left-to-right direction are different from each other. More specifically, for example, referring to FIG. 3, while the slit 119M of the door 108M is located generally in a center from left to the right of the insertion space 111M, the slit 119C of the door 108C is located offset from the center. from left to right of insertion space 111C (that is, to the right relative to the center from left to right of insertion space 111C). The respective slits 119C, 119M, 119Y and 119K of the insertion spaces 111C, 111M, 111Y and 111K are formed in left-right positions such that they correspond to the left-right positions of the light blocking plates 67 (67C, 67M, 67Y, and 67K) of the 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K ink cartridges, respectively. Each slit 119 has a width in the left-to-right direction that is greater than the width of the corresponding light blocking plate 67 in the left-to-right direction (defined as a width W1 illustrated in Figures 14 and 15). That is, the light blocking plates 67C, 67M, 67Y and 67K can pass through the corresponding slits 119C, 119M, 119Y and 119K in the front to back direction.

<Deposit 103>

As illustrated in Fig. 1, each reservoir 103 is provided forward of the housing 101 and is connected to the corresponding ink needle 102. The reservoir 103 has a box shape that allows you to store ink within it. An atmosphere communication hole 124 is formed in an upper portion of each reservoir 103 so that the reservoir 103 can be opened to the atmosphere through the communication port to the outer environment 124. The reservoir 103 has an internal space that communicates with the internal space of the ink needle 102. With this structure, the ink can flow out of ink cartridge 30 through ink needle 102 and stored in reservoir 103. Each reservoir 103 is also connected to corresponding ink tube 20. Thus, the ink stored in the internal space of each reservoir 103 is supplied to the recording head 21 through the corresponding ink tube 20.

<Cover 114 and cover sensor 115>

As illustrated in Fig. 1, the cartridge coupling section 110 also includes a cover 114 and a cover sensor 115. The cover 114 is configured to open and close the opening 112 of the case 101. The cover 114 extends in the direction from left to right. Cover 114 is pivotally movable relative to housing 101 about an axis 116 provided near a lower end of housing 101. Cover 114 is substantially flat plate-shaped and constitutes a part of the outer surface of the housing. printer 10. Cover sensor 115 is configured to detect whether or not cover 114 is in a closed position that closes opening 112.

In one state, illustrated in FIG. 1, the cover 114 is in the closed position. The cover 114 in the closed position extends upward with respect to the axis 116. When the cover 114 is in the closed position, the opening 112 of the housing 101 is closed. At that time, a user cannot perform an insertion and removal of the ink cartridges 30 with respect to the cartridge coupling section 110. The cover sensor 115 is arranged in such a position that the cover sensor 115 can detect the presence of a portion of the cover 114 in the closed position. To move the cover 114 from the closed position to an open position that opens the opening 112, the cover 114 pivots about the axis 116 to move a portion of the upper end of the cover 114 downward. The cover 114 in the open position extends substantially horizontally in the rearward direction 52 with respect to the axis 116. When the cover 114 pivots from the closed position to the open position, the cover 114 moves out of the coverage range by which the cover sensor 115 can detect the cover 114. When the cover 114 is in the open position, the opening 112 of the case 101 is open. In that state, the user can insert / remove the ink cartridges 30 into / from the cartridge coupling section 110.

<Controller 117>

As illustrated in Fig. 1, the cartridge coupling section 110 also includes a controller 117. As described above, the controller 117 is an arithmetic unit that includes a CPU, memory, and the like, for example. Controller 117 may be configured as a printer controller 10. Controller 117 is configured to receive signals generated from optical sensor 113 and cover sensor 115. In response to receiving a signal from cover sensor 115 indicating Once the cover 114 is in the closed position, the controller 117 is configured to determine the type of ink cartridge 30 inserted into the insertion space 111 based on a signal generated from the optical sensor 113. The details of the detection performed by controller 117 is described later.

[Ink cartridge 30]

Ink cartridge 30 is a container configured to store ink therein. The 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K ink cartridges generally have the same structure, but have some differences between them.

Hereinafter, to describe a configuration common to all ink cartridges 30, a structure of the ink cartridge 30M will be described first by way of illustrative example, with reference to Figures 4 to 10. Subsequently, a detailed structure of the 30K ink cartridge and the differences between the 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K ink cartridges.

The ink cartridge 30 is inserted and engaged in the cartridge docking section 110 in a posture illustrated in Figures 4 to 10. This posture of the ink cartridge 30 in its docked state (docking posture) will also be referred to as the upright posture. , hereinafter, when necessary. That is, the straight posture corresponds to the docking posture. In other words, the ink cartridge 30 is in the upright posture when the ink cartridge 30 is coupled to the cartridge docking section 110. In the upright posture or in the docking posture, the ink stored in the first chamber of ink 32 of the ink cartridge 30 may flow out thereof to be supplied into the corresponding ink needle 102 through the ink supply port 71 of the ink supply portion 34. That is, the ink cartridge 30 can be used on printer 10 when it is in the docking posture or the upright posture.

Specifically, as will be described later, the ink cartridge 30 includes a front wall 40, a rear wall 41, a top wall 39, and a bottom wall 42. When the ink cartridge 30 (30M) is in the straight or In the docking posture illustrated in Figures 4 to 10, the direction from the rear wall 41 towards the front wall 40 coincides with the direction towards the front 51; the direction from the rear wall 40 towards the rear wall 41 coincides with the rearward direction 52; the direction from the top wall 39 to the bottom wall 42 coincides with the downward direction 53, and the direction from the bottom wall 42 to the top wall 39 coincides with the upward direction 54.

In the straight posture of the ink cartridge 30, the front wall 40 is oriented towards the front or is directed in the direction towards the front 51; the rear wall 41 is spaced from the front wall 40 in the front-to-rear direction; the upper wall 39 is located between the front wall 40 and the rear wall 41 in the front-to-back direction; and the bottom wall 42 is spaced from the top wall 39 in the up-down direction. The bottom wall 42 is located between the front wall 40 and the rear wall 41 in the front-to-back direction. In other words, in the straight posture of the ink cartridge 30, the front wall 40 is facing forward, the rear wall 41 is facing rearward, the bottom wall 42 is facing down, and the top wall 39 is facing upwards.

More specifically, when the ink cartridge 30 is in the docking posture or the straight posture, a front surface of the front wall 40 constitutes a front surface of the ink cartridge 30; a rear surface of the rear wall 41 constitutes a rear surface of the ink cartridge 30; an upper surface of the upper wall 39 constitutes an upper surface of the ink cartridge 30; and a bottom surface of the bottom wall 42 constitutes a bottom surface of the ink cartridge 30. That is, in the straight posture (docking posture) of the ink cartridge 30, the front surface of the front wall 40 is oriented toward the front, the rear surface of the rear wall 41 faces rearward, the bottom surface of the bottom wall 42 faces downward, and the upper surface of the top wall 39 faces upward.

Hereinafter, to simplify the explanation, when necessary, the front surface of the front wall 40 will be referred to as the front surface 40; the rear surface of the rear wall 41 will simply be the rear surface 41; the upper surface of the upper wall 39 will be referred to as the upper surface 39; and the bottom surface of the bottom wall 42 will be referred to as the bottom surface 42.

As illustrated in Figures 4 to 10, the ink cartridge 30 (30M) includes a cartridge body 31 with a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The cartridge body 31 in the upright posture has a generally flat shape having a height in the up-down direction (in the gravitational direction), a width in the left-to-right direction, and a depth in the forward direction. a back, the width being less than the height and depth. Cartridge body 31 includes front wall 40, rear wall 41, top wall 39, bottom wall 42, and side walls 37 and 38. That is, a surface of the cartridge body 31 facing forward during insertion. of the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge engaging section 110 (that is, in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is in the straight position) is the front surface 40 (front surface of the front wall 40). A rearward facing surface of the cartridge body 31 during insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge engaging section 110 (that is, in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is in the straight position) is the surface rear 41 (the rear surface of the rear wall 41). The side walls 37 and 38 extend to intersect the front wall 40 and the rear wall 41 to connect the front wall 40 and the rear wall 41. In the straight posture of the ink cartridge 30, the outer surfaces of the side walls 37 and 38 are oriented to the right and to the left, respectively.

More specifically, in the present embodiment, the cartridge body 31 includes a lower case 31L, and an upper cover 31U that fits into the lower case 31L. Inside the lower housing 31L, a first ink chamber 32 and the second ink chamber 33 are formed (see FIG. 8). The lower case 31L includes the bottom wall 42 and the upper cover 31U includes the upper wall 39. In the cartridge body 31, at least a portion of the rear wall 41 that constitutes the lower case 31L is capable of transmitting light so that the liquid surface of the ink stored in the first ink chamber 32 and the second ink chamber 33 can be seen from the outside. An upper surface of the upper cover 31U constitutes the upper surface 39 of the cartridge body 31.

As illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the rear surface 41 includes an upper portion 41U and a lower portion 41L. The upper portion 41U is located upstream of the lower portion 41L. The lower portion 41L is located forward of the upper portion 41U. Each of the upper and lower portions 41U and 41L is a flat surface. The upper portion 41u and the lower portion 41L intersect each other, but are not orthogonal to each other. Specifically, the lower portion 41L is inclined with respect to the up-down direction such that it extends closer from the front surface 40 toward the lower surface 42. In other words, in the present embodiment, the upper portion 41U constitutes a rearmost portion of the rear surface 41 in the rearward direction 52. Also, in the present embodiment, the upper portion 41U also constitutes the rearmost portion of the ink cartridge 30. In Fig. 10, the rearmost point is illustrated of ink cartridge 30 as point P5.

As illustrated in Figures 4 and 8, the bottom surface 42 is inclined with respect to the front to back direction. Specifically, assuming that the bottom surface 42 has a front end 42F and a rear end 42R, the bottom surface 42 is inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction such that the front end 42F is positioned downward with respect to the rear end. rear 42R. The front end 42F of the bottom surface 42 (slant surface) is positioned forward of the IC card 64, as will be described later. The rear end 42R of the lower surface 42 (inclined surface) is connected to a lower end of the lower portion 41L of the rear surface 41. Preferably, the lower surface 42 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction at an angle of 2 ° to 4 °.

As illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the cartridge body 31 also includes a sub-lower wall 48 and a connecting wall 49 belonging to the lower housing 31L. Sub-bottom wall 48 is located upstream of bottom wall 42. Sub-bottom wall 48 extends rearwardly from a bottom end of front wall 40. In the present embodiment, a front end of sub-bottom wall 48 is located toward the front of a front end of the ink supply portion 34, and a rear end of the sub-lower wall 48 is located rearward of the front end of the ink supply portion 34. The connecting wall 49 connects the bottom wall 42 (bottom surface 42) and the sub-bottom wall 48. The ink supply portion 34 extends forward from the connection wall 49 at a position downward from the sub-bottom wall 48 and toward above the bottom surface 42. It should be noted that the front end of the sub-bottom wall 48 may be positioned at an arbitrary position, for example, at a position rearward from the front end of the ink supply portion 34.

As illustrated in Figures 4, 6-9A and 10, the top wall 39 belonging to the top cover 31U has a stepped top surface. Specifically, the upper surface 39 (upper surface of the upper wall 39) includes a rearward portion that is raised upward relative to a more forward portion of the upper surface 39. Hereinafter, the rearward portion will be referred to as raised portion 39A, when necessary.

A first protrusion 43 is provided on the upper surface 39 of the cartridge body 31. More specifically, the first protrusion 43 is disposed on the raised portion 39A of the upper surface 39. The first protrusion 43 extends in the front-to-rear direction and is located generally at a left-to-right center of the upper surface 39 (raised portion 39A). The first protrusion 43 has a rear end whose surface faces rearward. This surface serves as the locking surface 151.

The locking surface 151 is a plane parallel to the gravitational direction (downward direction 53). That is, the locking surface 151 extends in the up-down direction and in the left-to-right direction. In the present embodiment, the locking surface 151 extends upwardly from the upper surface 39 (raised portion 39A) of the cartridge body 31. In a state that the ink cartridge 30 is coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110, the rearward facing locking surface 151 is in contact with the locking stem 145 from the front thereof at a junction region E (illustrated in FIG. 5A). In other words, the locking surface 151 has the junction region E configured to assemble the locking rod 145 in a state that the ink cartridge 30 is coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110. The junction region E is positioned upward with respect to IC card 64 in the docking position. The contact (assembly) between the locking surface 151 (junction region E) and the locking stem 145 in the front-to-rear direction allows the ink cartridge 30 to be retained in the cartridge engaging section 110 against force. biasing of a coil spring 78 of the ink supply portion 34, as will be described later. Although the locking surface 151 is in contact with the locking stem 145 at the junction region (surface contact) in the embodiment, the locking surface 151 may contact the locking stem 145 at a specific point (point contact), as long as the locking surface 151 can receive the rearward biasing force of the coil spring 78 to maintain the ink cartridge 30 in the engaged state. By way of example, the locking surface 151 may come into contact with the locking stem 145 at an assembly point P3 within the assembly region E (see FIG. 5A).

The first protrusion 43 also includes a horizontal surface 154 and an inclined surface 155. The horizontal surface 154 extends forwardly from an upper edge 151U of the locking surface 151. That is, the horizontal surface 154 is provided towards the front of the locking surface 151. The horizontal surface 154 is a surface that extends in the front-to-back direction and in the left-to-right direction. The horizontal surface 154 is a surface that is located farthest from the top surface 39 of the surfaces that make up the first bulge 43. The horizontal surface 154 has a left-to-right dimension that is less than a front-to-back dimension of the same. The inclined surface 155 extends forward and downward from a front edge of the horizontal surface 154. That is, the front edge of the horizontal surface 154 is the rear edge of the inclined surface 155 (denoted point P1 in Figures 7 , 8, 9A and 10). Inclined surface 155 is positioned forward with respect to horizontal surface 154. Inclined surface 155 is a surface that is oriented upward and forward. Preferably, the inclined surface 155 is included at an angle of 15 ° to 25 ° with respect to the horizontal direction. In other words, the locking surface 151 and the inclined surface 155 are connected to each other through the horizontal surface 154. Thus, a boundary edge between the locking surface 151 and the inclined surface 155 does not constitute a ridge-like shape. The inclined surface 155 is located between the IC card 64 and the locking surface 151 in the front-to-back direction. During insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge coupling section 110, the locking stem 145 is gently guided rearward past the locking surface 151 as it abuts against and slides along the shaft. inclined surface 155 and horizontal surface 154.

Likewise, the cartridge body 31 (top cover 31U) also includes a pair of sub-top walls 91 that they extend in the direction from front to back. One of the sub-upper walls 91 is located towards the front of the upper wall 39 (which is called the sub-upper front wall 91F), while the other sub-upper wall 91 is located rearward of the upper wall 39 (which is called the sub-upper rear wall 91R). The sub-upper front wall 91F has a front end connected to an upper end of the front wall 40, and a rear end connected to a front end of the upper wall 39 through a connecting wall 95 extending in the direction from top to bottom. The sub-upper rear wall 91R has a rear end connected to an upper end of the rear wall 41. The sub-upper front and rear walls 91F and 91R are located downward relative to a central portion of the upper surface 39 at the front to back direction.

An operating portion 90 is also provided on the upper surface 39 (raised portion 39A) of the cartridge body 31 in a position rearward from the locking surface 151. The operating portion 90 is disposed upward with respect to the sub-rear wall. upper surface 91R (upper surface of sub-upper rear wall 91R) and is separated from it in the front-to-back direction. The operating portion 90 is generally flat plate-shaped. Specifically, the operating portion 90 protrudes upward from the raised portion 39a of the upper surface 39 and is then obliquely bent back and down. The operating portion 90 projects upwardly from the raised portion 39A of the upper surface 39 to the same level where the first protrusion 43 projects from the raised portion 39A in the up-down direction. In this case, "the same level" means that an upper edge of the operating portion 90 is located 0 to 1 mm higher or 0 to 1 mm lower, with respect to the upper edge of the first protrusion 43 (ie , with respect to the horizontal surface 154). The operating portion 90 is connected to a lower edge 151L of the locking surface 151 through a surface 156 that constitutes a part of the upper surface 39 (or, part of the raised portion 39A). A rib 94 is provided between the operating portion 90 and the sub-upper rear wall 91F. The rib 94 connects the operating portion 90 and the sub-upper rear wall 91R in the up-down direction and extends in the front-to-back direction. The rib 94 has a dimension in the left-to-right direction that is smaller than each of the dimensions of the operating portion 90 and the sub-upper rear wall 91R in the left-to-right direction.

The operating portion 90 has a surface that is oriented diagonally upward and rearward. This surface serves as the operating surface 92. The operating surface 92 and the sub-upper rear wall 91R are at least partially aligned with each other in the top-to-bottom direction. In other words, when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed from above, the operating surface 92 and the sub-upper rear wall 91R overlap each other. On the operating surface 92, a plurality of projections, e.g. ex. A plurality of ridges 93 extending in the left-to-right direction are formed spaced apart from each other in the front-to-back direction. These ridges 93 (as well as the plurality of projections) allow the user to easily visually recognize the operating surface 92. The ridges 93 may also serve to prevent the user from slipping his or her finger over the operating surface 92 when he or she manipulates operating surface 92.

The operating surface 92 is visible when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed from behind and from above. The user manipulates the operating surface 92 to remove the ink cartridge 30 coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110 thereof. The operating portion 90 is attached to the cartridge body 31 so that it does not move relative to the cartridge body 31. For example, the operating portion 90 may be an integral part of the cartridge body 31 so as not to pivot relative to the cartridge body 31. Thus, a force applied by the user to the operating surface 92 is transmitted directly to the cartridge body 31 without changing the direction of the force.

As illustrated in Figures 4, 6-8, 9A and 10, a second bulge 83 is also provided on the upper surface 39 (raised portion 39A) of the cartridge body 31 in a position forward of the first bulge 43. The second bulge 83 is provided on top cover 31U. The second bulge 83 extends forward from the front end of the first bulge 43. That is, the second bulge 83 and the first bulge 43 are connected to each other. The second bulge 83 is formed in the same left-to-right position as the first bulge 43. The second bulge 83 supports the IC card 64. The second bulge 83 has a rear end portion whose upper surface serves as a contact surface 84 In other words, the contact surface 84 is connected to a lower end (front end) of the inclined surface 155 and extends forwardly therefrom. Contact surface 84 faces upward (ie, a flat top surface). That is, the inclined surface 84 is located between the IC card 64 and the locking surface 151 in the front-to-back direction. In a state where the ink cartridge 30 is coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110, the contact surface 84 is in contact with the positioning portion 107 of the cartridge coupling section 110, thereby providing a positioning of the ink cartridge 30 with respect to the cartridge coupling section 110 in relation to the up-down direction. Contact surface 84 is a surface that is not movable with respect to IC card 64. In the present embodiment, contact surface 84 is made of the same material as the member supporting IC card 64, that is, top cover 31U. The inclined surface 155 can have an arbitrary configuration. For example, it is not necessary for a continuous surface to be formed between the contact surface 84 and the locking surface 151. Alternatively, for example, the second protrusion 83 having the contact surface 84 and the first protrusion 43 having the locking surface 151 may not be formed to be continuous with one another. That is, the second protrusion 83 and the first protrusion 43 may be separately provided on the upper surface 39 to protrude upwardly therefrom.

It should be noted that the front surface, the rear surface, the top surface, the bottom surface, and the side surfaces that make up the ink cartridge 30 need not be configured as a flattened plane, respectively. That is, the front surface of the ink cartridge 30 can be any surface (s) that can be seen when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed in its straight posture from its front side, and that is (are) located ) towards the front with respect to a front-to-back center of the ink cartridge 30. In the present embodiment, the front surface 40 (that is, the front surface of the front wall 40 that connects the sub-bottom wall 48 and the sub-upper front wall 91F) and a front surface of the connecting wall 49 connecting the sub-lower wall 48 and the bottom wall 42 (bottom surface 42) constitute the front surface of the ink cartridge 30. Also, the connection wall 95, which connects the sub-upper front wall 91F and the upper wall 39. also constitutes the front surface of the ink cartridges 30. On the other hand, the ink cartridge 30 may not have the sub-lower wall 48 and the sub-upper front wall 91F. In other words, the front surface 40 of the ink cartridge 30 may be configured as a surface that continuously connects the upper surface 39 and the lower surface 42.

In the same way, the rear surface of the ink cartridge 30 can be any surface (s) that can be seen when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed in its straight posture from its rear side, and that is (are) located rearward relative to a front-to-rear center of the ink cartridge 30. The upper surface of the ink cartridge 30 may be any surface (s) that can be seen when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed at its straight posture from above, and which is (are) located upward with respect to a center of the ink cartridge 30 in the up-down direction. The lower surface of the ink cartridge 30 may be any surface (s) that can be seen when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed in its straight posture from below, and that is (are) located downward with respect to to the center of the ink cartridge 30 in the direction from top to bottom. The same applies to the side surfaces of the ink cartridge 30.

As illustrated in Figures 4, 6-8, 9A and 10, the light blocking plate 67 is also provided on the upper surface 39 (upper surface of the upper wall 39). Specifically, the light blocking plate 67 protrudes upward from the upper surface 39 in a more forward position relative to the raised portion 39A. In the present embodiment, the light blocking plate 67 is an integral part of the top cover 31U. The light blocking plate 67 extends in the front to back direction. The light blocking plate 67 is positioned forward with respect to the second protrusion 83. The light blocking plate 67 is connected to the raised portion 39A that supports the second protrusion 83 on which the IC card 64 is disposed. In other words, the raised portion 39A, which constitutes a part of the upper surface 39, also serves as a support portion that supports the IC card 64.

The light blocking plate 67 is also located forward and downward with respect to the IC card 64. In the present embodiment, the light blocking plate 67 is a plate made of resin that contains a colored material capable of absorb light (carbon black pigment, for example). Alternatively, the light blocking plate 67 can be configured by attaching a material that cannot transmit light, such as aluminum, to a side surface of a plate capable of transmitting light.

The light blocking plate 67 is in the form of a flat plate whose left-to-right dimension (width W1 illustrated in Fig. 14) is less than a front-to-back dimension thereof. The light blocking plate 67 has a front surface 67b, side surfaces 67a, left and right, a top surface 67c, and a sloping surface 67d.

The front surface 67b of the light blocking plate 67 is a forward facing surface in the straight posture of the ink cartridge 30. The front surface 67b serves as the interference surface 67b of the ink cartridge 30. That is, the surface The interference surface 67b faces forward in the straight posture of the ink cartridge 30. The interference surface 67b extends upwardly from the upper surface 39 of the cartridge body 31. In other words, the interference surface 67b is a plane extending upwardly from upper surface 39 of cartridge body 31. Interference surface 67b is a smooth plane extending in the direction from top to bottom and in the direction from left to right. The interference surface 67bM of the ink cartridge 30M is configured to abut against any one of the doors 108 other than the corresponding door 108M when the ink cartridge 30M is inserted into any one of the insert spaces 111 other than the insert space 111M. specified. That is, the interference surface 67bM of the ink cartridge 30M is designed to abut against the gate 108C, or the gate 108Y, or the gate 108K, in case the ink cartridge 30M is inserted into the insertion space 111C, or insert space 111Y, or insert space 111K. More specifically, the interference surface 67bM of the ink cartridge 30M is designed to abut against any one of the gate 108C, the gate 108Y, and the gate 108K, during insertion of the ink cartridge 30M into any one of the gaps. insertion 111C, insertion space 111Y, and insertion space 111K other than insertion space 111M, that is, in a process of inserting the ink cartridge 30M until the ink cartridge 30M is fully engaged in the mating section of cartridges 110 to be in the docking posture.

The two side surfaces 67a of the light blocking plate 67 are located rearward of the surface of interference 67b. The two side surfaces 67a that are oriented to the right and left, respectively, serve as the light blocking surfaces 67a of the light blocking plate 67. The sloping surface 67d is a sloping surface connecting a leading edge of the upper surface 67c and an upper edge of the interference surface 67b. The sloping surface 67d faces forward and upward. The rear edge of the sloping surface 67d, that is, the front edge of the upper surface 67c (denoted point P2 in Figures 7, 8, 9A, 10) is the uppermost portion of the light blocking portion 67. The upper edge of the interference surface 67b is located slightly downward relative to the upper surface (horizontal surface 154 and inclined surface 155) of the first protrusion 43. The interference surface 67b is located forward and downward from the electrodes. 65 on IC card 64.

As illustrated in Figures 6 and 9A, the two side surfaces 67a (light blocking surfaces 67a) of light blocking plate 67 extend rearwardly from the left and right ends of interference surface 67b (see also figure 12). That is, the interference surface 67b and each side surface 67a are aligned with each other in the front-to-back direction. Also, referring to Figure 8, the interference surface 67b is located rearward relative to an inner surface 40R (rear surface) of the front wall 40, the inner surface 40R defining a front edge of the first ink chamber 32 , as will be described later.

The light blocking plate 67 is configured to block light from the optical sensor 113 traveling in the left to right direction from the light emitting portion to the light receiving portion. More specifically, when the light emitted from the light emitting portion of the optical sensor 113 strikes the left or right side surface 67a of the light blocking plate 67 before reaching the light receiving portion, the intensity of the light Light received in the light receiving portion is less than a predetermined intensity, for example zero. Notably, the light blocking plate 67 can completely block the light traveling in the left-to-right direction, can partially dim the light, can refract the light to change the direction of travel of the light, or can fully reflect the light. light.

As illustrated in Figures 6-9A and 10, the light blocking plate 67 (67M) is formed with a cutout 66 (66M). The cutout 66 is configured to allow light to pass through it in the left to right direction (light transmitting portion). Cutout 66 is a space provided by cutting a portion of an upper end portion of light blocking plate 67. In other words, cutout 66 is recessed downward from upper surface 67c of light blocking plate 67 The cutout 66 extends in the front-to-back direction and in the left-to-right direction. The cutout 66 is formed in a position that coincides with the corresponding optical sensor 113 in the left to right direction when the ink cartridge 30 having the light blocking plate 67 provided with the cutout 66 is mounted in the insertion space 111 corresponding. In other words, in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110, the cutout 66 of the light blocking plate 67 of the coupled ink cartridge 30 is located between the portion of light emitting and the light receiving portion of the corresponding optical sensor 113. Therefore, the light from the light emitting portion of the corresponding optical sensor 113 is not blocked by the cutout 66 and is received in the light receiving portion.

Notably, the light blocking plate 67 of the present embodiment is provided with the cutout 66 as a light transmitting portion. However, the light transmitting portion of the light blocking plate 67 may not necessarily be provided as a cutout, as long as the light from the light emitting portion of the optical sensor 113 can pass through the transmitting portion. of light. For example, the light transmitting portion may be provided as a through hole penetrating a portion of the light blocking plate 67 in the left-to-right direction, or as a transparent plate provided in the light blocking plate. 67.

More precisely, in the present embodiment, a portion of each side surface 67a, surrounded by a dashed line D in Fig. 9A, serves as the light blocking portion of the light blocking plate 67. That is, the light emitted from the light emitting portion of the corresponding optical sensor 113 is configured to strike this portion D of one of the light blocking surfaces 67a during insertion of the ink cartridge 30. This portion D can block or attenuate the incident light from the optical sensor 113 during the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 and is therefore configured to be detected by the controller 117 through the optical sensor 113. This portion D can serve as the detection surface D of the locking plate of light 67. This sensing surface D has a trailing edge Dr which also constitutes a front edge of cutout 66 (light transmitting portion). In the attached state of the ink cartridge 30, the optical sensor 113 is positioned to be opposite the cutout 66. This means that, at the light blocking surface 67a, the light from the optical sensor 113 is incident on the sensing surface D, but it cannot impinge on a rearward portion of cutout 66.

The light blocking plate 67 may not be formed with the cutout 66. For example, the light blocking plate 67 of the ink cartridge 30C illustrated in Figure 17 is not formed with the cutout 66. In case the cutout 66 is not formed on the light blocking plate 67, one of the side surfaces 67a of the light blocking plate 67 is opposite the light emitting portion of the optical sensor 113 in the left-to-right direction when the cartridge The ink cartridge 30 is coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110. Thus, the light emitted from the light emitting portion of the optical sensor 113 is blocked by the light blocking plate 67 and is not received in the receiving portion of the ink cartridge. light.

The ink cartridges 30 may or may not include the cutout 66 depending on the types of ink cartridge 30. For example, the types of ink cartridges 30 may vary depending on the color of the ink, the initial amounts of ink (higher or lower ), or the types of ink (pigment ink or dye ink) stored in the ink cartridges 30. In the present embodiment, the ink cartridges 30 are configured, for each color, to store different initial amounts of ink. Specifically, 30M ink cartridges that store magenta ink can be classified into two types: larger quantity type and smaller quantity type. The larger quantity type ink cartridge 30M stores a larger quantity of ink in the first ink chamber 32 as the initial quantity of ink than the initial quantity of ink stored in the first ink chamber 32 of the ink type 30M ink cartridge. least amount. In this example, the 30M ink cartridge of the larger quantity type includes the 67M light blocking plate formed with the 66M cutout, while the 30M lower quantity type ink cartridge includes the 67M light blocking plate without the cutout 66M. In the present embodiment, the type of ink cartridge 30 (i.e., the initial amount of ink) coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110 can be determined based on the presence or absence of the cutout 66 in the light blocking plate 67 , as will be described in detail later.

As illustrated in Figures 6 to 8, IC card 64 is disposed at the upper end of second protrusion 83 and between light blocking plate 67 and first protrusion 43. IC card 64 is located in a recess which is recessed downwards and which is formed in the second protrusion 83, the recess being located towards the front of the contact surface 84. The second protrusion 83 supports the IC card 64 from below. Specifically, although not illustrated in detail in the drawings, the recess in the second bulge 83 is filled with a photocurable resin so that the IC card 64 adheres to the second bulge 83.

IC card 64 includes a substrate, an IC (not shown), and four electrodes 65 mounted on a top surface of the substrate, for example. The substrate is made of silicon, for example. The IC is a semiconductor integrated circuit and legibly stores data indicating information related to the ink cartridge 30, such as a lot number, a date of manufacture, and the color of the ink. Alternatively, the IC card 64 can be formed with a flexible plate (substrate) having flexibility, provided with the IC and electrodes.

Electrodes 65 are electrically connected to the IC. The four electrodes 65 each extend in the front to back direction. The four electrodes 65 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the direction from left to right. The four electrodes 65 are arranged on the upper surface of the substrate so that the electrodes 65 are exposed above for electrical access to them from above. Electrodes 65 of IC card 64 come into contact with corresponding contacts 106, each at a contact point P4 (illustrated in Figure 10), for electrical connection therewith during insertion of ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge coupling section 110, and electrically connect with the corresponding set of contacts 106 in a state in which the ink cartridge 30 is coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110.

As illustrated in Figures 9A and 10, the IC card 64 is positioned rearward relative to the ink supply port 71 of the ink supply portion 34. The IC card 64 is disposed forward of the surface of lock 151. IC card 64 is also located downstream of upper edge 151U of lock surface 151, but up from light lock plate 67. Also, as illustrated in Fig. 4, the IC card 64 is located rearward relative to distal end 102E of ink needle 102 in the forward direction 51 in the docking posture.

As described above, connection wall 95 connects sub-top front wall 91F and top wall 39. That is, connection wall 95 extends upwardly from the rear end of sub-top front wall 91F. The connecting wall 95 faces forward. The air communication hole 96 is formed in the connection wall 95. That is, the air communication hole 96 is disposed upward with respect to the center of the dimension of the cartridge body 31 in the up-down direction. The air communication port 96 is a through hole formed in the connection wall 95. The air communication port 96 has a substantially circular cross-sectional section (see Figure 6) and has an internal diameter greater than the external diameter. of the corresponding rod 125 of the cartridge coupling section 110. The rod 125 is configured to enter the air communication port 96 during insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge coupling section 110.

<Internal configuration of cartridge body 31>

As illustrated in Fig. 8, the first ink chamber 32, the second ink chamber 33, the ink valve chamber 35, and an air valve chamber 36 are provided within the cartridge body 31.

The first ink chamber 32 and the air valve chamber 36 are divided by a partition wall 44. The first ink chamber 32 and the second ink chamber 33 are divided by a partition wall 45. The partition wall 44 and the wall dividing 45 are both walls extending in the front-to-back direction and in the left-to-right direction. The dividing wall 44 and the dividing wall 45 are arranged opposite each other in the direction from top to bottom. A through hole 46 is formed in the dividing wall 44. The first ink chamber 32 and the Air valve chamber 36 communicate with each other through through hole 46.

As illustrated in Fig. 8, specifically, the first ink chamber 32 is a space surrounded by the following surfaces: a lower surface 44L of the partition wall 44, an upper surface 45U of the partition wall 45, and the inner surface 40R of the front wall 40, an inner surface 41F of the rear wall 41 (front surface of the rear wall 41), and the inner surfaces of the side walls 37 and 38. The lower surface 44L and the upper surface 45U define upper and lower edges. bottom of the first ink chamber 32, respectively. The inner surface 40R, the inner surface 41F, and the inner surfaces of the side walls 37 and 38 define front, rear, and side edges of the first ink chamber 32, respectively. The inner surface 40R is the rear surface of the front wall 40, that is, a surface opposite the front surface 40 (front surface of the front wall 40). The inner surface 41F is a front surface of the rear wall 41, that is, a surface opposite the rear surface 41 (rear surface of the rear wall 41). The inner surfaces of the side walls 37 and 38 are surfaces opposite the outer surfaces of the side walls 37 and 38. In Figure 7, the inner surface of the side wall 38 is not shown.

The second ink chamber 33 is located downstream of the first ink chamber 32 in the straight posture of the ink cartridge 30. The second ink chamber 33 can store ink therein. The second ink chamber 33 has a capacity less than the capacity of the first ink chamber 32. That is, a smaller amount of ink can be stored in the second ink chamber 33 than in the first ink chamber 32.

The second ink chamber 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 are divided by a partition wall 50. The second ink chamber 33 communicates with the first ink chamber 32 through a communication hole 47 formed in the partition wall. 45 (see figure 8). The second ink chamber 33 communicates with the ink valve chamber 35 through a through hole 99 formed in the partition wall 50. The partition wall 50 defines a trailing edge of the ink valve chamber 35, ie, a trailing edge 75R of the ink supply portion 34 (see Fig. 8).

The second ink chamber 33 is a space surrounded by the following surfaces: a lower surface 45L of the partition wall 45, an upper surface 42U of the lower wall 42, a rear surface 50R of the partition wall 50, the inner surface 41F of the rear wall 41 and the inner surfaces of the side walls 37 and 38. The lower surface 45L and the upper surface 42U define upper and lower edges of the second ink chamber 33, respectively. Rear surface 50R, inner surface 41F, and inner surfaces of side walls 37 and 38 define front, rear, and side edges of the second ink chamber 33, respectively.

Inside the air valve chamber 36, a valve 97 and the coil spring 98 are disposed. The air valve chamber 36 can communicate with the ambient air through the air communication hole 96 formed in the connection wall 95 The valve 97 is movable between a closed position that seals the air communication port 96 and a separate open position of the air communication port 96. The coil spring 98 is disposed rearward of the valve 97 to be able to expand and contract in the front-to-back direction. The helical spring 98 urges the valve 97 in a forward direction 51 (towards the air communication port 96). Consequently, in a state where no external force is applied, the valve 97 is in contact with the air communication port 96 to seal the air communication port 96. The coil spring 98 has a spring constant that is less than the spring constant of the coil spring 78 of the ink supply portion 34.

Incidentally, the members for sealing the air communication port 96 are not limited to the valve 97. For example, a seal may be removably attached to the connection wall 95 to seal the air communication port 96.

During insertion of the ink cartridges 30 into the cartridge coupling section 110, the rod 125 of the cartridge coupling section 110 enters into the air communication port 96, thereby moving the valve 97 rearward of the valve. closed position towards the open position against the biasing force of the coil spring 98. When the rod 125 separates the valve 97 from the air communication port 96 and is in the detached position, the first ink chamber 32 opens to the atmosphere.

The ink supply portion 34 is provided on the connecting wall 49 which constitutes the front surface of the ink cartridge 30. The ink supply portion 34 has a cylindrical outer shape. More specifically, the ink supply portion 34 includes a hollow cylinder 75 of cylindrical shape and a gasket 76. The cylinder 75 protrudes forward from the connecting wall 49. The cylinder 75 has a front end that opens to the exterior of the cartridge. Ink 30. Cylinder 75 defines an internal space that serves as the ink valve chamber 35.

Gasket 76 is provided at the open front end of cylinder 75. Gasket 76 is a disc-shaped member and has a central portion formed with a through hole. The packing 76 is made of an elastic material such as rubber or an elastomer. The through hole penetrates through the central portion of the gasket 76 in the front-to-back direction to provide a tubular-shaped inner peripheral surface defining the ink supply port 71. The ink supply port 71 has one of diameter that is slightly less than an outer diameter of ink needle 102.

Inside the ink valve chamber 35, a valve 77 and the helical spring 78 are disposed. The valve 77 can move in the front-to-back direction to open and close the ink supply port 71 penetrating the central portion. packing 76. Coil spring 78 urges valve 77 forward. Consequently, without the application of an external force, the valve 77 closes the ink supply port 71 of the packing 76.

When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge coupling section 110 in a state in which the valve 77 closes the ink supply port 71, the ink needle 102 enters the ink supply port 71. A outer peripheral surface of ink needle 102 entering ink supply port 71 contacts the inner peripheral surface defining ink supply port 71 to provide a liquid-tight seal therein, while the packing 76 is elastically deformed. When the distal end 102E of the ink needle 102 passes through the ink supply port 71 of the packing 76 and enters the ink valve chamber 35, the distal end 102E of the ink needle 102 comes into contact. with the valve 77. As the ink cartridge 30 is inserted further into the cartridge mating section 110, the distal end 102E of the ink needle 102 moves the valve 77 back against the biasing force of the coil spring 78 , thereby separating the valve 77 from the ink supply port 71 to open the ink supply port 71. Consequently, the ink from the valve chamber 35 can flow into the inner space of the ink needle 102.

It should be noted that instead of the valve 77, the ink supply portion 34 can be closed with a film. In this case, the ink supply port 71 may be defined by the front end of the cylinder 75, not by the gasket 76. Alternatively, the ink supply port 71 may be configured to be closed with a holeless sealing member. intern. In this case, the ink supply port 71 can be formed by piercing the sealing member with the ink needle 102 and closed by the elasticity of the sealing member itself as the ink needle 102 is withdrawn from the sealing member. Also alternatively, the ink supply portion 34 need not be provided as a cylindrical shaped member. For example, a through hole may be formed in the front wall 40 to penetrate in the thickness direction thereof (front to back direction). The ink supply portion is partially defined by the front wall 40.

With reference to Fig. 9A, in this case, assuming an imaginary plane X1 that includes the point P1 and the point P2 and extends in the direction from left to right. As explained above, the point P1 denotes the boundary edge where the inclined surface 155 and the horizontal surface 154 are connected to each other; and the point P2 denotes the front edge of the upper surface 67c of the light blocking plate 67. In the present embodiment, the imaginary plane X1 is inclined to extend downward and forward. The card of C i 64 is arranged below the imaginary plane X1.

More specifically, assuming a region that is defined between the imaginary plane X1 and the upper surface 39 of the cartridge body 31, that is, a space that is above the upper surface 39 of the cartridge body 31 and below the imaginary plane X1. IC card 64 is arranged within this region. Also, the side surfaces 67a of the light blocking plate 67, the cutout 66, the IC card 64, the contact surface 84 and the inclined surface 155 are all arranged between the point P1 and the point P2 in the direction of front to back within the region defined between the upper surface 39 and the imaginary plane X1 in the up-down direction. In other words, the members that are accessible from above or from the left or right side of the ink cartridge 30 are all disposed within that region. In other words, in the ink cartridge 30 of the present embodiment, there is no member that extends even to cross the imaginary plane X1 between the point P1 and the point P2. That is, the upper edge of the inclined surface 155 (point PI) is the highest point and the front edge of the upper surface 67c of the light blocking plate 67 (point p2) is the second highest point among all. the members located between the point P1 and the point P2 on the upper surface 39 of the ink cartridge 30.

In the direction towards the front 51, the blocking surface 151, the IC card 64 and the light blocking plate 67 are positioned in this order, from the rear surface 41 towards the front surface 40. In the direction from top to bottom , the light blocking plate 67, the IC card 64 and the blocking surface 151 are positioned in this order towards the top. More specifically, the uppermost portions of the light blocking plate 67, IC card 64, and blocking surface 151 are positioned upwardly in the order listed in the upward direction 54.

Also, as illustrated in Fig. 14, the first protrusion 43 has a dimension or width in the left-to-right direction (width W3) that is greater than the width W1 of the light blocking plate 67 in the direction of left to right. That is, the first protrusion 43 has a greater width (W3) than the light blocking plate 67 and protrudes from the upper surface 39 further upwards with respect to the light blocking plate 67. The first protrusion 43 is designed to protect the light blocking plate 67 from external damage, such as impacts that can be inflicted upon it when the ink cartridge 30 is dropped to the ground, for example.

Also, referring to FIG. 8, the light blocking plate 67 is positioned forward with respect to the center. G of the ink cartridges 30 in the front-to-back direction, while the locking surface 151 is located rearward with respect to the center of gravity G of the ink cartridges 30 in the front-to-back direction. In other words, the light blocking plate 67 is located closer to the front surface 40 than the center of gravity G is to the front surface 40 in the front-to-back direction. The locking surface 151 is located closer to the rear surface 41 than the center of gravity G is to the rear surface 41 in the front-to-rear direction.

Referring to Fig. 10 in which the ink cartridge 30 is in the docking posture or the straight posture, the IC card 64 is located rearwardly with respect to the ink supply port 71 of the ink supply portion. ink 34 in the front-to-back direction. Also, the IC card 64 is located rearward with respect to the dividing wall 50 defining the trailing edge 75R of the ink supply portion 34 in the front-to-rear direction. Contact surface 84 is also located rearward relative to ink supply port 71 of ink supply portion 34. IC card 64, contact surface 84, and inclined surface 155 are aligned in the direction of front to back, in this order, from front to back. More specifically, with reference to Figures 9B and 13A to 13D, assuming an imaginary plane X2 passing through the center from left to right of IC card 64 and extending parallel to the front to back direction and the direction from top to bottom. In the present embodiment, this imaginary plane X2 also passes through the centers of the contact surface 84, the inclined surface 155, and the locking surface 151 in the left-to-right direction. Also, in the present embodiment, the imaginary plane X2 also passes through the center from left to right of the ink supply port 71.

Again, on the upper surface 39 between the IC card 64 and the inclined surface 155 in the front-to-back direction, the upper edge of the inclined surface 155 (point PI) is the highest position. Contact surface 84 is located slightly higher relative to electrodes 65 on IC card 64, although it is located lower than the upper edge (point PI) of inclined surface 155. Contact surface 84 is located substantially at the same level as or slightly lower with respect to the lower edge of the inclined surface 155.

The ink supply portion 34, the IC card 64, and the locking surface 151 are aligned in the front-to-back direction, in this order, from the front to the rear. More specifically, referring to Figs. 8 and 10, the IC card 64 is positioned rearward with respect to the ink supply portion 34 (ink supply port 71) in the front-to-back direction. Also, the IC card 64 and contact surface 84 are aligned with each other in the front-to-back direction.

The light blocking plate 67 is located between the ink supply port 71 of the ink supply portion 34 and the IC card 64 in the front-to-back direction. The light blocking plate 67 is also located lower than the top surface of the IC card 64, that is, the electrodes 65. The front end 42F of the bottom surface 42 is located towards the front of the card. by CI 64.

Figure 10 summarizes the positional relationships between the elements of the ink cartridge 30 mentioned above.

A distance D1 is greater than a distance D2 (D1> D2). In this case, the distance D1 is defined as a distance in the front-to-back direction between the ink supply port 71 (that is, the front end face of the ink supply portion 34 at which the ink supply port ink supply 71 is open) and the assembly point P3 on the locking surface 151. The distance D2 is defined as a distance in the front-to-back direction between the assembly point P3 on the locking surface 151 and the portion uppermost 41U of the rear surface 41 (rearmost point P5 on the rear surface 41). Also, distance D2 is shorter than distance D5 (D2 <D5). The distance D5 is defined as a distance in the front-to-back direction between the contact point P4 on the electrodes 65 of the IC card 64 and the assembly point P3 on the locking surface 151. The distance D5 is greater than a distance D6 (D5> d 6). The distance D6 is defined as a distance in the front-to-back direction between the contact point P4 at the electrodes 65 of the IC card 64 and the front-to-back center of the locking surface 84.

Also, a distance D3 is longer than a distance D4 (D3> D4). The distance D3 is defined as a distance in the up-down direction between the vertical center of the ink supply port 71 and the upper edge 151U of the locking surface 151. The distance D4 is defined as a distance in the direction of top to bottom between the vertical center of the ink supply hole 71 and the contact surface 84. Furthermore, the distance D4 is shorter than a distance D7 (D4 <D7), where the distance D7 is defined as a distance in the up-down direction between the vertical center of the ink supply hole 71 and the upper end 151U of the inclined surface 155. The contact point P4 on the electrodes 65 is spaced from the ink supply hole 71 (end face front of the ink supply portion 34 in which the ink supply port 71 is open) at a distance D8. That is, the distance D8 is defined as a distance in the front-to-back direction between the ink supply port 71 (front end face of the ink supply portion 34 in which the ink supply port 71 is open) and the contact point P4 on the electrodes 65 of the IC card 64.

Preferably, the distance D1 can range from 90mm to 95mm; the distance D2 can range from 20mm to 25mm; distance D3 can range from 71mm to 80mm; distance D4 can range from 70mm to 73mm; D5 distance can range from 30mm to 35mm; and the distance D6 can range from 10mm to 13mm. These numbers are mere examples and should not be a limitation to them.

It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, between the light blocking plate 67, the IC card 64 and the blocking surface 151, the light blocking plate 67 is located closer to the front surface 40 (front surface of the front wall 40) that defines the most front edge of the ink cartridge 30. That is, the light blocking plate 67 is the element that is located closest to the most forward edge of the ink cartridge 30 of these elements that are configured to be accessible from the outside (ie, from between the light blocking plate 67, the IC card 64 and the blocking surface 151). Consequently, the distance D2 between the rearmost point P5 and the assembly point P3 in the front-to-rear direction is shorter than a distance D9 defined between the most front edge (front surface of the front wall 40) and the edge. front of the light blocking plate 67 (that is, the interference surface 67b) in the front-to-back direction.

[Comparison of 30C, 30M, 30Y, and 30K ink cartridges]

<30K ink cartridge>

The 30K ink cartridge differs from the 30C, 30M and 30Y ink cartridges in terms of ink color and capacity of the first ink chamber 32.

The 30K ink cartridge stores black ink. The 30K ink cartridge is different from the 30C, 30M, and 30Y ink cartridges in that the cartridge body 31 of the 30K ink cartridge has a left-to-right dimension that is greater than a left-to-right dimension of the cartridge body 31 of the ink cartridges 30C, 30M, and 30Y, as illustrated in Figures 11A to 15. Consequently, the capacity of the first ink chamber 32 of the 30K ink cartridge is greater than that of the ink cartridges. 30C, 30M and 30Y ink.

With reference to Figures 13A to 13D, the side surface 37 of the ink cartridge 30K (labeled 37K in Figure 13A) is located further from the imaginary plane X2 than the side surface 37 of each of the ink cartridges 30C, 30M and 30Y is of the imaginary plane X2 in the right direction 55. The left-to-right dimension of the ink cartridge 30K is defined as a distance between the outer edges of the cartridge body 31 of the ink cartridge 30K in the direction from left to right (that is, the distance between the side surface 37K and the side surface 38 of the cartridge body 31 of the ink cartridge 30K).

Also, referring to Figures 13A to 13D, the first bulge 43 and the second bulge 83 for the ink cartridges 30C, 30M and 30Y are arranged on the upper surface 39 in the center from left to right thereof. On the other hand, on the upper surface 39 of the cartridge body 31 of the 30K ink cartridge, the first protrusion 43 and the second protrusion 83 are arranged offset from the center from left to right of the upper surface 39 of the cartridge body 31. Read More specifically, in the present embodiment, the first protrusion 43 and the second protrusion 83 of the 30K ink cartridge are disposed on the upper surface 39 in a position offset to the left relative to the center from left to right of the upper surface 39 of the body. cartridge 31. On the other hand, the first protrusion 43 and the second protrusion 83 for the ink cartridges 30C, 30M and 30Y are arranged on the upper surface 39 in the center from left to right thereof.

The 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K ink cartridges are different from each other in terms of the left-to-right position of the light blocking plate 67. That is, the specific positions of the respective light blocking plates 67C, 67M, 67Y and 67K in the direction from left to right differ from each other between ink cartridges 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K, as shown in Figs. 13A to 13D.

Referring to Figures 13A and 14, in relation to the 30K ink cartridge, the left-to-right position of the light blocking plate 67K does not fall within the width of the IC card 64 in the left-to-right direction. right. That is, the light blocking plate 67K of the ink cartridge 30K is not aligned with the IC card 64 (the second bulge 83 and the first bulge 43) in the front-to-back direction.

More specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 14, in the 30K ink cartridge, the width W1 of the light blocking plate 67K is less than a width W2 (W1 <W2), where the width W2 is defined as a distance (dimension) in the left-to-right direction between the right edge of the upper surface 39 (right side surface 37K) and the left edge of the interference surface 67b (that is, the right side surface 67a of the locking plate 67K light) from the 30K ink cartridge. In other words, the width W2 is the shortest distance in the left-to-right direction between one of the outer edges of the upper surface 39 (right edge of the upper surface 39) and one of the light blocking surface 67a. of the light blocking plate 67K (or, one of the outer edges of the interference surface 67b) of the ink cartridge 30K. Notably, in the 30K ink cartridge, the right edge of the upper surface 39 (right side surface 37K) is closer to the right side surface 67a of the light blocking plate 67K (right edge of the interference surface 67b) of what the left edge of the upper surface 39 (left side surface 38) is from the right side surface 67a of the light blocking plate 67K in the direction from left to right.

Also, referring to Fig. 14, assuming an imaginary plane X3 representing the outermost edge of the cartridge body 31 of the ink cartridge 30M (30C, 30Y) in the direction from left to right. That is, the imaginary plane X3 corresponds to the side surface 37 of the ink cartridge 30M (30c, 30Y) in the present embodiment. The light blocking plate 67K of the ink cartridge 30K is located outward with respect to the imaginary plane X3 in the direction from left to right, that is, opposite the imaginary plane X2 in relation to the imaginary plane X3. In other words, in the direction from left to right, the distance L1 is greater than the distance L2 (L1> L2), where the distance L1 is a distance between the lateral surface 67a (left lateral surface 67aK) of the plate. 67K light blocking and X2 imaginary plane; and the distance L2 is a shorter distance between the imaginary plane X2 and the outermost edge of the cartridge body 31 of the ink cartridge 30M (30C, 30Y) in the direction from left to right (that is, the distance in the direction from left to right between the imaginary plane X2 and the lateral surface 38 in the present embodiment). That is, in the 30K ink cartridge, the interference surface 67b (67bK) of the light blocking plate 67K is not aligned with the IC card 64 in the front-to-back direction and is offset to the right from of the imaginary plane X2. Either the interference surface 67b (67bK) of the light blocking board 67K and the IC card 64 are positioned at different positions from each other in the direction from left to right.

On the other hand, referring to Figures 13B to 13D, the light blocking plates 67C, 67M, and 67Y of the ink cartridges 30C, 30M, 30Y are all positioned in left-to-right positions such that they enter within a IC card 64 width (a width of the second bulge 83 and the first bulge 43) in the left-to-right direction. However, the specific positions of the light blocking plates 67C, 67M and 67Y differ from each other in the direction from left to right.

More specifically, as illustrated in Figures 13B and 15, the light blocking plate 67M of the ink cartridge 30M is located in the imaginary plane X2 to extend along it. The interference surface 67bM of the light blocking plate 67M intersects the imaginary plane X2, in the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 13C, the light blocking plate 67C of the ink cartridge 30C is located to the left with respect to the imaginary plane X2. That is, the interference surface 67bC of the light blocking plate 67C is positioned offset to the left with respect to the imaginary plane X2. In other words, the interference surface 67bC of the ink cartridge 30C is closer to the left edge of the upper surface 39 (left side surface 38) than the interference surface 67bM of the ink cartridge 30M is to the left edge of the upper surface 39 (left side surface 38) in the left-to-right direction. As illustrated in FIG. 13D, the light blocking plate 67Y of the ink cartridge 30Y is located to the right with respect to the imaginary plane X2. That is, the interference surface 67bY of the light blocking plate 67Y is located offset to the right with respect to the imaginary plane X2. In other words, the interference surfaces 67bC, 67bY of the light blocking board 67C, 67Y are located away from the imaginary plane X2 in the direction from left to right and offset from the center of the IC card 64 in the direction of left to right.

[Attaching / Detaching the ink cartridge 30 with respect to the cartridge attachment section 110]

Next, a process for coupling the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge coupling section 110 will be described with reference to Figures 4, 5A, 5B, 16 and 17. In Figures 4, 5A, 5B, 16 and 17, the ink cartridge 30M is illustrated by way of example.

As illustrated in Fig. 8, in the ink cartridges 30 prior to engagement to the cartridge engagement section 110, the valve 77 closes the ink supply port 71 of the packing 76. Consequently, at that time, the flow of ink to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 is interrupted. Also, in that state, the valve 97 closes the air communication port 96. Consequently, the first ink chamber 32 is not open to the atmosphere. Also, prior to coupling the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge coupling section 110, the opening 112 of the housing 101 is closed by the cover 114 in the closed position.

To insert and remove the ink cartridge 30 into / from the cartridge coupling section 110, the user pivots the cover 114 from the closed position to the open position.

The ink cartridge 30 is configured to be inserted into the housing 101 through the opening 112 of the cartridge coupling section 110 in the straight posture: that is, in a posture such that the front surface 40 of the cartridge body 31 it faces the front and the upper surface 39 of the cartridge body 31 faces upward. Since the upper portion 41U of the rear surface 41 of the cartridge body 31 is located rearward with respect to the lower portion 41L, that is, since the upper portion 41U is located closer to the user than is the lower portion 41L to the user, the user pushes the upper portion 41U forward to insert the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge coupling section 110. The bottom portion of the ink cartridge 30 thus enters the corresponding guide slot 109 provided in the bottom surface of the housing 101.

As the ink cartridge 30 is inserted further into the housing 101, the ink supply portion 34 enters the corresponding guide portion 105. At the same time, the rod 125 enters the corresponding air communication port 96.

Also, the interference surface 67b of the light blocking plate 67 reaches the corresponding door 108 of the cartridge coupling section 110. For example, in case the ink cartridge 30M is inserted into the insertion space 111M prescribed of the housing 101, the left-to-right position of the interference surface 67bM of the light blocking plate 67M coincides with the left-to-right position of the slit 119M of the door 108M. Consequently, as the cartridge body 31 of the ink cartridge 30M moves in the forward direction 51 along the corresponding guide groove 109, the interference surface 67bM passes through the slit 119M without abutting against opposite walls 118 of door 108M, and moves past door 108M to the front of door 108M, as illustrated in Figure 16. Locking surface 151 continues to be located downstream of the stem of lock 145.

In this case, as a comparative example, assuming that the ink cartridge 30C has been inserted into the insertion space 111M that does not correspond to the ink cartridge 30C. In this case, since the left-to-right position of the interference surface 67bC does not coincide with the left-to-right position of the slit 119M, the interference surface 67bC rests against the opposing walls 118 of the gate 108M as moving the cartridge body 31 of the ink cartridge 30C in the forward direction 51 along the guide groove 109, as illustrated in FIG. 18. The interference surface 67bC of the ink cartridge 30C, therefore Therefore, it cannot pass through slit 119M. As a result, the ink cartridge 30C cannot be inserted further inward toward the front 51 of the state illustrated in Fig. 18. Consequently, the ink needle 102 does not separate the valve 77 of the ink cartridge 30C from the packing. 76. That is, the ink supply port 71 has not yet been opened by the ink needle 102, and therefore the ink supply portion 34 is not connected to the ink needle 102. Also alternatively, the Ink needle 102 may be spaced from the ink supply port 71 of the ink supply portion 34 in the front-to-back direction when the interference surface 67bC abuts against the opposing walls 118 of the gate 108M. In the present embodiment, that "the ink supply portion 34 is connected to the ink needle 102" denotes a state in which the ink needle 102 separates the valve 77 from the ink supply port 71 and the injection port. ink supply 71 is open. Thus, in FIG. 18, the ink supply portion 34 is not connected to the ink needle 102, since the ink needle 102 is in contact with the packing 76, but the valve 77 still closes the ink supply port. ink 71.

In this way, the light blocking plate 67 of the ink cartridge 30 can function as a physical key to see whether or not the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into one of the correct insert gaps 111 (designated insert gap 111). of the cartridge coupling section 110.

As the ink cartridge 30M is inserted further inward towards the front 51 after passing through the port 108M, the ink needle 102 passes through the ink supply port 71 to separate the valve 77 from the packing 76 against the biasing force of the helical spring 78. As a result, the vertical position of the ink supply portion 34 is fixed with respect to the cartridge coupling section 110. In that state, the ink cartridge 30M in As a whole, the biasing force of the helical spring 78 of the ink supply portion 34 is applied so that the ink cartridge 30M is pushed back. The rod 125 that has entered the air communication port 96 abuts against the valve 97 to separate the valve 97 from the air communication port 96 against the biasing force of the coil spring 98. As a result, the first ink chamber 32 opens to atmosphere through through hole 46, air valve chamber 36 and air communication hole 96.

Also, the first protrusion 43 reaches the lock rod 145, and the inclined surface 155 contacts the lock rod 145 and moves sliding in the forward direction 51 relative to the lock rod 145.

Thrust forces generated by the compressed coil springs 78 and 98 acting in the rearward direction 52 are applied to the ink cartridge 30M. The magnitude of the bias force generated by each of the coil springs 78 and 98 is determined by a spring constant of the same and a distance of the same tablets from their natural length. The spring constant of the coil spring 98 is less than the spring constant of the coil spring 78. The compressed distance of the coil spring 78 (a distance that the valve 77 is separated from the ink supply port 71) is greater than the coil spring 98 compressed distance (a distance that valve 79 is spaced from air communication port 96). As a result, in a state where the ink cartridge 30M is housed in the cartridge coupling section 110, the magnitude of the biasing force generated by the helical spring 78 is greater than the magnitude of the biasing force generated by coil spring 98.

The ink cartridge 30M is also applied a counterclockwise rotating moment in FIG. 16, since the user pushes the upper portion 41U of the rear surface 41. However, against that moment of rotation rotation, the contact between the inclined surface 155 and the locking rod 145 causes the ink cartridge 30M to pivot in a clockwise direction in Figure 17, about a center C of the hole ink supply 71 of the packing 76 in which the ink needle 102 is inserted. That is, the center C of the ink supply port 71 serves as the pivot center of the ink cartridge 30 in the present embodiment.

Incidentally, the position of the pivot center of the ink cartridge 30 may vary depending on the shape of the ink needle 102 and the shape of the ink supply port 71. In the present embodiment, in fact, as shown in Figures 4 and 17, the pivot center is a center of a PP portion in which the ink needle 102 and the inner peripheral surface of the tubular ink supply port 71 are in contact with each other. In the present embodiment, the pivot center is the center of the PP portion in which the ink needle 102 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the packing 76 that defines the ink supply port 71. This PP portion in where the ink needle 102 and the ink supply port 71 (the inner peripheral surface of the packing 76) come into contact with each other, hereinafter referred to as the particular portion PP, when necessary. The ink cartridge 30 is thus inserted in the forward direction 51 in a posture illustrated in Figures 16 and 17. The posture illustrated in Figures 16 and 17 is referred to as the second posture hereinafter.

Since the lower surface 42 of the cartridge body 31 is inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction (horizontal direction), there is a space available between the bottom surface 42 and the bottom surface of the guide groove 109. This The space allows for the above-described pivoting movement of the ink cartridge 30M in a clockwise direction.

Also, since the internal diameter of the air communication port 96 is larger than the external diameter of the rod 125, a space is also provided between the rod 125 and the air communication port 96. This space also allows movement. pivoting of the ink cartridge 30 in a clockwise direction. In other words, in the state that the ink cartridge 30 is coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110, the rod 125 and the air communication port 96 are not in contact with each other. That is, no vertical positioning is made between the rod 125 and the air communication port 96.

In the second posture, a gap is also provided between the electrodes 65 of the IC card 64 and the corresponding set of contacts 106 in the up-down direction. That is, the electrodes 65 and the contacts 106 are spaced from each other in the up-down direction. Also, in the second posture as a result of the pivoting of the ink cartridge 30M in a clockwise direction, the contact surface 84 is located below the corresponding positioning portion 107. Therefore, a gap is formed between the positioning portion 107 and the contact surface 84 in the up-down direction. That is, the positioning portion 107 and the abutment portion 84 are separated from each other in the up-down direction.

As the ink cartridge 30M is inserted further forward in the forward direction 51 from the state illustrated in FIG. 16 against the biasing force of the coil spring 78, the inclined surface 155 and the horizontal surface 154 of the first protrusion 43 move forward, past the locking stem 145, reaching a position that is closer to the end wall of the housing 101 than the locking stem 145 is to the end wall, as illustrated in FIG. 17. In the ink cartridge 30M in the second position, the locking surface 151 is located lower with respect to the locking rod 145.

As described above, the 30M ink cartridge (30) is given the counterclockwise rotating moment in Figure 17 due to the forward push of the user on the upper portion 41U of the surface. rear 41. Likewise, the moment of rotation that acts in a clockwise direction in figure 17 is also generated in the ink cartridge 30M (30) by the pushing force of the helical spring 98 arranged in the chamber. air valve 36. In a state in which the inclined surface 155 and the horizontal surface 154 no longer bear against the locking rod 145, the ink cartridge 30M (30) is pivoted counterclockwise. in Fig. 17 around the pivot center C due to the urging force of the user against the urging force of the coil spring 98. The contact surface 84 is therefore brought into contact with the positioning portion 107 from below.

At that time, the locking surface 151 faces rearward and opposes the locking stem 145 in the front-to-rear direction. When the user stops pushing the ink cartridge 30M (30) towards the front 51, the ink cartridge 30M (30) is moved back by the pushing force of the coil spring 78. The locking surface 151 moves , therefore, rearward until abutting against the locking stem 145 towards the front thereof. This contact between the locking surface 151 and the locking rod 145 prevents the ink cartridge 30 from moving further backward, in the rearward direction 52. That is, the positioning of the ink cartridge 30M (30) in the direction of front to back with respect to the cartridge engaging section 110 is provided by contact between the locking surface 151 and the locking stem 145.

Also, since the contact surface 84 abuts the positioning portion 107 from below at that time, the ink cartridges 30M (30) are also prevented from moving upward. That is, the ink cartridge 30M (30) is prevented from pivoting more counterclockwise about the center C. This abutment between the contact surface 84 and the positioning portion 107 thus provides the positioning of the cartridge. ink cartridge (30) in the direction from top to bottom. As a result, the ink cartridge 30M (30) is fixed in its position in the corresponding insertion space 111M (111) of the cartridge coupling section 110, as shown illustrated in Figure 4. The posture of the ink cartridge 30M (30) illustrated in Figure 4 (the docking posture) will also be referred to as the first posture, hereinafter, when necessary, for the sake of explanation. Thus, the coupling of the ink cartridge 30M (30) to the cartridge coupling section 110 is completed. In other words, the ink cartridge 30 can pivot about the center C of the ink supply port 71 to move between the first posture and the second posture.

In the embodiment, the "insertion of ink cartridge 30" is considered to have been completed when the ink cartridge 30 has been fixed in position with respect to the cartridge engaging section 110, with the locking surface 151 assembled with the locking rod 145. That is, the "insertion of the ink cartridge 30" is not considered to be completed simply because the ink needle 102 is inserted into the ink supply portion 34.

In the first posture (docking posture), the following forces act on the ink cartridge 30.

That is, a downward acting force (that is, in a direction moving from the first posture to the second posture) is applied to the ink cartridge 30 around the center C, due to: the weight of the ink cartridge ink 30; a biasing force that IC card 64 receives from contacts 106; and at the moment of rotation that acts in a clockwise direction and that is generated by the helical spring 98 provided in the air valve chamber 36. On the other hand, a force is also applied to the ink cartridge 30 that acts upward (that is, in a direction moving from the second posture to the first posture) around the center C due to the moment of rotation acting counterclockwise, the moment of rotation being generated by the helical spring 78 in ink valve chamber 35 acting on locking surface 151. Since contact surface 84 is supported by positioning portion 107, contact surface 84 receives a component of the upward force that acts on the ink cartridge 30, thereby providing positioning of the ink cartridge 30 in the up-down direction.

In the first posture, the locking stem 145 is spaced in the up-down direction from the surface 156 extending rearwardly from the lower edge 151L of the locking surface 151. That is, the locking stem 145 does not contribute to no positioning of the ink cartridge 30 in the up-down direction. Thus, in the cartridge coupling section 110, the top-to-bottom positioning of the ink cartridge 30 is effected, not by the locking rod 145 provided separately from the housing 101, but by the positioning portion 107 which forms part integral to the housing 101 and is disposed closer to the set of contacts 106 than the locking stem 145 is to the contacts 106.

Referring to FIG. 4, assuming an imaginary arc Q of a circle that is centered at the center C and passing through a center Z of the locking rod 145 (see FIG. 5A). As illustrated in Fig. 4, in the ink cartridge 30M (30), in the first position, the upper edge 151U of the locking surface 151 is located outside the imaginary arc Q, while the lower edge 151L of the locking surface 151 is located within the imaginary arc Q. The ink cartridge 30M (30) in the first position is fixed in position by the contact between the ink supply port 71 and the ink needle 102 and by the contact between the locking surface 151 and the locking rod 145. In that state, the 30M ink cartridge (30) in the first position is applied the biasing force of the helical spring 78 acting in the rearward direction 52. As a result , a forward and upward acting moment is generated on the 30M ink cartridge (30). This moment corresponds to a magnitude of a force that urges the ink cartridge 30M (30) to pivot counterclockwise about the center C.

In the 30M ink cartridge (30), in the first position, the electrodes 65 of the IC card 64 are electrically in contact with the corresponding contacts 106, while the contacts 106 are elastically deformed upward. At that time, while the IC card 64 is driven down by the elastically deformed contacts 106, due to the above-described moment acting on the 30M ink cartridge (30), the IC card 64 is retained by elastically deforming the contacts. 106.

Also, in the counterclockwise pivoting process of the ink cartridge 30M from the state illustrated in Fig. 17, the electrodes 65 of the IC card 64, which are located backward from the center C and forward of the locking surface 151, are respectively brought into contact with the contacts 106 from below to electrically connect therewith. That is, in the present embodiment, the direction in which the ink cartridge 30 moves during insertion and removal thereof (that is, in the front-to-back direction) intersects the direction in which the electrodes 65 of the IC card 64 and the contacts 106 touch and move apart (ie, the direction from top to bottom). Consequently, the electrodes 65 of the IC card 64 are prevented from moving in the front-to-back direction with respect to the contacts 106 while in contact with the contacts 106, thereby eliminating the generation of foreign bodies such as chips from electrodes 65.

After coupling the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge coupling section 110, the user pivots the cover 114 from the open position to the closed position. When the cover 114 is in the closed position, the cover sensor 115 generates a detection signal indicative of the detection of the cover 114. In response to the reception of the detection signal from the cover sensor 115, the controller 117 determines whether or not the cutout 66 is provided on the light blocking plate 67 of the attached ink cartridge 30, based on the generated signals from the optical sensor 113. The controller 117 then determines the type of the attached ink cartridge 30, such as the initial capacity of the ink cartridge 30 and the composition of the ink stored in the ink cartridge 30, based on the presence / absence of the cutout 66. The relationship between the presence / absence of the cutout 66 and the type of ink cartridge 30 is pre-stored in the memory of the controller 117 as predetermined data.

Next, a process for removing the ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge coupling section 110 is described.

To remove the ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge engaging section 110, the user first pivots the cover 114 from the closed position to the open position and presses the operating surface 92 of the ink cartridge 30 downward. In the first posture of the ink cartridge 30, the operating surface 92 faces upward and rearward. Thus, when the user operates the operating surface 92, a downward and forward acting force is applied to the ink cartridge 30. The locking surface 151 is separated from the locking stem 145 by the forward acting force and the ink cartridge 30 is pivoted clockwise, in FIG. 4, forcibly downward. As a result, as illustrated in Fig. 17, the contact surface 84 is separated from the positioning portion 107 and the electrodes 65 of the IC card 64 are separated from the respective contacts 106. The locking surface 151 is also located downstream of the locking stem 145. That is, the ink cartridge 30 moves from the first posture to the second posture. When the IC card 64 and the locking surface 151 are separated from the contacts 106 and the locking rod 145, respectively, in accordance with the change of the ink cartridge 30 from the first posture to the second posture, the ink cartridge 30 moves back with respect to the cartridge coupling section 110 due to the biasing force of the helical spring 78. Therefore, the user can grasp the cartridge body 31 to pull the ink cartridge 30 out of the section. cartridge coupling 110. While the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge coupling section 110, the light blocking plate 67 passes through the slit 119 of the corresponding door 108 and moves back past the gate 108.

[Determination of the type of ink cartridge 30 attached to the cartridge docking section 110]

Now, it is described how the type of ink cartridge 30 coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110 is determined, referring to the flow chart of Fig. 19.

In the present embodiment, the controller 117 determines the type of ink cartridges 30 mounted in the insertion space 111 based on the signals generated from the optical sensor 113. As described above, the signals generated from the optical sensor 113 vary depending whether or not the cutout 66 is formed on the light blocking plate 67 of the mounted ink cartridge 30.

Specifically, referring to Fig. 19, the controller 117 first determines at S11 whether or not the cover 114 is in the open position. Controller 117 repeats step S11 (S11: NO) unless controller 117 receives a high level signal from cover sensor 115. Controller 117 determines that cover 114 is in the open position (S11: Yes) when it receives the high level signal from the cover sensor 115. The controller 117 then determines at S12 whether or not the high level signal from the optical sensor 113 has changed to a low level signal. The signal generated from the optical sensor 113 becomes a low-level one at least once when the sensing surface D of the light blocking plate 67 of the ink cartridge 30 is positioned between the light emitting portion and the portion receiving light from the optical sensor 113 during the insertion of the ink cartridges 30 into the cartridge coupling section 110.

That is, the change of the signal from a high level to a low level at the optical sensor 113 means that the ink cartridge 30 has been inserted into the designated insertion space 111 of the cartridge coupling section 110. By For example, if the ink cartridge 30M is inserted into an insertion space 111C other than the designated insertion space 111M, the optical sensor 113 of the insertion space 111C does not generate the low level signal since the optical sensor 113 of the insertion space 111C cannot detect the sensing surface D of the light blocking plate 67m of the ink cartridge 30M which cannot pass through the slit 109C of the door 108C, as illustrated in Fig. 18.

When the signal from the optical sensor 113 changes to a low level (S12: YES), the controller 117 causes an indicator stored in memory to become ON at S13. That is, the indicator ON means that the ink cartridge 30 having the light blocking plate 67 (sensing surface D) has been inserted into the designated insertion space 111 of the cartridge coupling section 110.

In case the signal from the optical sensor 113 does not change to a low level, but remains at a high level (S12: NO), the controller 117 then proceeds to step S14. The optical sensor 113 continues to generate the high level signal unless the sensing surface D of the light blocking plate 67 passes through the optical sensor 113, that is, in case the ink cartridge 30 is not inserted into the designated insertion space 111 of the cartridge coupling section 110. It should be noted that, in this case, even if the ink cartridge 30 without the light blocking plate 67 (sensing surface D) is inserted into the space of designated insertion 111, the optical sensor 113 continues to generate the high level signal (S12: NO) since the light from the optical sensor 113 is not interrupted. The controller 117 therefore proceeds to step S14.

Controller 117 then determines at S14 whether cover 114 is closed or not. Specifically, when the signal generated from the cover sensor 115 changes to a low level, the controller 117 determines that the cover 114 is in the closed position (S14: YES) and proceeds to step S15. Controller 117 returns to step S12 as long as the signal from cover sensor 115 remains high and does not change low (S14: NO).

After the cover 114 is determined to be in the closed position at S14, the controller 117 determines at S15 whether or not the IC card 64 can be accessed through the contacts 106. In case the controller 117 cannot access the IC card 64 (S15: NO), the controller 117 determines at S21 that the ink cartridge 30 is not correctly coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110. In this case, the controller 117 can warn informing the user that the ink cartridge 30 is not coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110, for example, through a message such as "Cartridge Missing" on a screen.

In case controller 117 can access IC card 64 (S15: YES), controller 117 determines at S16 whether the indicator stored in memory is ON or not. When the indicator is not ON (S16: NO), the controller 117 determines at S20 that the ink cartridge 30 without the light blocking plate 67 is engaged. In this case, the controller 117 may alert the user by informing him that the inserted ink cartridge is abnormal, for example, through a message such as "Cannot detect cartridge" on the screen. The ink cartridge 30 may lose the light blocking plate 67, for example, due to some kind of damage done to the light blocking plate 67.

When the indicator is ON (S16: YES), the controller 117 then determines in S17 whether the signal generated from the optical sensor 113 is high level or low level. high level (S17: High), the controller 117 determines in S18 that the attached ink cartridge 30 belongs to a type A. That is, the ink cartridge 30 having the light blocking plate 67 formed with the cutout 66, as shown in figures 6 to 8, for example, it belongs to type A. The optical sensor 113 is configured to generate the high level signal in case the cutout 66 is formed in the light blocking plate 67 of the cartridge ink cartridge 30 attached. The type A cartridge 30 may be a high capacity cartridge whose initial ink capacity is large, for example. In case the controller 117 determines that the attached ink cartridge 30 belongs to type A, the controller 117 can set an initial number of sheets that the printer 10 can print with the initial amount of ink stored in the ink cartridge 30 of type A. Alternatively, controller 117 can set a threshold value corresponding to the initial amount of ink stored in type A ink cartridge 30. Controller 117 can stop printing operations if printer 10 has used a larger quantity than the threshold value or may issue a warning to the user to inform him that the amount of ink is low in the attached ink cartridge 30.

In case the signal generated from the optical sensor 113 is a low level signal (S17: Low), the controller 117 determines at S19 that the attached ink cartridge 30 belongs to a type B. That is, the ink cartridge 30 which has the light blocking plate 67 without the cutout 66, as shown in figure 18, for example, belongs to type B. The optical sensor 113 is configured to generate the low level signal in case the cutout 66 is not formed on the light blocking plate 67 of the attached ink cartridge 30. The type B cartridge 30 may be a low capacity cartridge whose initial ink capacity is not large, or is less than the initial ink capacity of the type A ink cartridge 30. In case the controller 117 determines that the The attached ink cartridge 30 belongs to type B, the controller 117 can set an initial number of sheets that the printer 10 can print with the initial amount of ink stored in the ink cartridge 30 of type B. Alternatively, the controller 117 can set a threshold value corresponding to the initial amount of ink stored in type B ink cartridge 30. Controller 117 can stop printing operations if printer 10 has used more ink than the threshold value or can emit a Notice the user to inform him that ink is low in the attached ink cartridge 30.

[Operational and technical advantages of the realization]

In the ink cartridge 30 according to the present embodiment, the interference surface 67b is located forward and downward with respect to the electrodes 65 of the IC card 64. The IC card 64 is located upward with respect to the first ink chamber 32 and the second ink chamber 33. With this structure, the gate 108 corresponding to the interference surface 67b is less likely to come into contact with the electrodes 65 of the IC card 64 during cartridge insertion. of ink 30 in the corresponding insertion space 111 of the cartridge coupling section 110.

Also, this structure of the interference surface 67b can prevent the ink cartridge 30 inserted in the wrong insertion space 111 from sticking in the wrong insertion space 111. That is, due to interference between the interference surface 67b of the incorrectly inserted ink cartridge 30 and the opposite walls 118 of the incorrect door 108, the ink supply portion 34 of the incorrectly inserted ink cartridge 30 can be prevented from being connected to the ink needle 102; and the incorrectly inserted ink cartridge 30 is prevented from being blocked by the locking rod 145 in the incorrect insertion space 111.

Also, the ink cartridge 30 of the present embodiment includes the light blocking plate 67. The light blocking plate 67 is located rearward with respect to the interference surface 67b in the mating posture. The light blocking plate 67 has a light blocking surface 67a (sensing surface D) that extends in the forward direction 51 and in the downward direction 53. The light blocking plate 67 of the ink cartridge 30 is configured to block or dim light traveling in the left-to-right direction during insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge docking section 110, as well as at the time of completion of engagement to the docking section of cartridges 110. That is, the light blocking plate 67 of the embodiment is configured to be detected by the corresponding optical sensor 113 not only during the insertion of the ink cartridge 30 but also in a state in which the ink cartridge 30 is in the docking position.

The light blocking plate 67 may or may not have the cutout 66 formed therein, depending on the type of ink cartridge 30, for example, depending on the initial capacity of ink stored in the ink cartridge 30 in the present embodiment. With this structure, the type of ink cartridge 30 can be determined by detecting the presence or absence of cutout 66 on light blocking plate 67, using optical sensor 113.

As shown in Figure 18, the interference surface 67b of the ink cartridge 30 is configured to abut against the door 108 provided in the insertion space 111 other than the designated insertion space 111 before the ink needle 102 open the valve 77 and the ink supply portion 34 is connected to the ink needle 102. With this structure, ink stored in the ink cartridge 30 is prevented from being supplied to the secondary tank 28 of a different color.

Also, the interference surface 67b is aligned with the light blocking plate 67 (side surfaces 67a) in the front to back direction. This arrangement of the interference surface 67b and the side surfaces 67a of the light blocking plate 67 can reduce the size of the light blocking plate 67 in the left-to-right direction and in the top-down direction.

Also, the width W1 of the interference surface 67b in the left-to-right direction is less than the width W2 (shortest distance in the left-to-right direction between one of the outer edges of the upper surface 39 and one of the side surfaces 67a of light blocking plate 67K). In other words, since the width W2 is greater than the width W1, relatively wider gaps can be provided on both sides of the interference surface 67b and the light blocking plate 67 on the upper surface 39 of the cartridge body. 31 in the direction from left to right. Thus, in the cartridge coupling section 110, in the regions corresponding to these spaces on the upper surface of the ink cartridge 30 within the insertion space 111, those components configured to give access to the ink cartridge 30, such as contacts 106 and optical sensor 113.

Also, since the interference surface 67b constitutes the front surface of the light blocking plate 67, the structure of the interference surface 67b can be simplified.

Also, the inclined surface 67d is provided to connect the interference surface 67b and the upper surface 67c of the light blocking wall 67. This structure can reduce the possibility that the interference surface 67b and the light blocking wall 67 they may be damaged if the ink cartridge 30 is dropped with the top cover 31U facing downward.

Also, in the 30K ink cartridge, the interference surface 67bK and the IC board 64 do not overlap each other in the left-to-right direction, that is, they are arranged at different positions relative to each other in the left-to-right direction. . With this structure, the gate 108 corresponding to the interference surface 67b is less likely to come into contact with the IC board 64 during insertion of the ink cartridge 30K into the insertion space 111K of the cartridge coupling section 110.

Likewise, the IC card 64 is also positioned forward of the locking surface 151 and downward of the upper edge 151U of the locking surface 151. With this structure, the locking stem 145 is prevented from contacting the locking plate. IC 64 and the interference surface 67b during insertion of the ink cartridge 30 into the corresponding insertion space 111 of the cartridge coupling section 110.

Also, the IC board 64 and the interference surface 67b are provided on the top cover 31U. Accordingly, the lower case 31L can be made common to the ink cartridges 30C, 30M and 30Y, regardless of the types of ink cartridges 30C, 30M and 30Y.

Also, in the insertion space 111K, the gate 108K (slit 119K) corresponding to the interference surface 67bK of the ink cartridge 30K is positioned outward relative to a position corresponding to the outermost edge (right side surface 37) of the body. of cartridge 31 of any one of the ink cartridges 30C, 30M and 30Y in the direction from left to right. This structure can prevent the wrong insertion of the ink cartridges 30C, 30M and 30Y into the insertion space 111K.

Also, with respect to the gates 108C, 108M, and 108Y arranged in the respective insertion spaces 111C, 111M, and 111Y, a relative position between the gate 108C and the contacts 106 in the left-to-right direction in the insertion space 111C is different from a relative position between the gate 108M and the corresponding contacts 106 in the left-to-right direction in the corresponding insertion space 111M. In the same way, the relative position between the gate 108C and the contacts 106 in the left-to-right direction in the insertion space 111C is also different from a relative position between the gate 108Y and the corresponding contacts 106 in the left-hand direction. to the right in the corresponding insertion space 111Y. This structure can prevent the insertion of the ink cartridges 30C, 30M and 30Y in an incorrect insertion space 111 other than the prescribed insertion space 111. Thus, the insertion of the ink cartridge 30C into the insertion space 111M or the insertion space 111Y is prevented. The insertion of the ink cartridge 30M into the insertion space 111C or the insertion space 111Y is prevented. The insertion of the ink cartridge 30Y into the insertion space 111C or the insertion space 111M is prevented.

[Variations and modifications]

In the following, various modifications of the described embodiment are described. Similar parts and components will be designated by the same reference numerals as those of the described embodiment to avoid duplication of explanation.

1. First modification

In the embodiment described above, the interference surface 67b constitutes the front surface of the light blocking plate 67. However, the interference surface 67b and the light blocking plate 67 need not be an integral part of each other. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 20, an ink cartridge 230 may include a boss 285 having an interference surface 285b, and a light blocking plate 267 having a light blocking surface 267a as the interface surface. detection D. That is, the protrusion 285 (interference surface 285b) and the light blocking plate 267 (light blocking surface 267a) are provided independently of each other. As in the embodiment, the interference surface 285b is positioned to align with the light blocking plate 267 in the front-to-back direction. The protrusion 285 is located towards the front of the light blocking plate 267 in the front to back direction. The light blocking plate 267 is configured to block light from the corresponding optical sensor 113 during the insertion of the ink cartridge 230 and in the mating posture of the ink cartridge 230. The light blocking plate 267 shown in FIG. 20 it is not formed with a cutout.

Incidentally, in this first modification configuration, the protrusion 285 may be configured so as not to block light. That is, in case the protrusion 285 and the light blocking plate 267 are provided as members separate from each other, the protrusion 285 may or may not be made of a material capable of transmitting light through it (translucent resin, for example).

With this structure, by separating the interference surface 285b from the light blocking plate 267, an impact, which will be exerted on the interference surface 285b at the time of incorrect insertion of the ink cartridge 230, is prevented from being transmitted directly to the light blocking plate 267. Also, in case the protrusion 285 is capable of transmitting light, the protrusion 285 does not hinder the detection of the light blocking plate 267 by the corresponding optical sensor 113 during insertion. of the ink cartridge 230 into the corresponding insertion space 111 of the cartridge coupling section 110.

2. Second modification

Also, Figures 21 and 22 illustrate an ink cartridge 330 according to a second embodiment modification.

The ink cartridge 330 includes a cartridge body 331 configured with an upper cover 331U and a lower case 331L. The cartridge body 331 includes a front surface 340, a rear surface 341, a top surface 339, a bottom surface 342, side surfaces 337 and 338, a sub-bottom wall 348, and a connecting wall 349 corresponding to the front surface. 40, rear surface 41, top surface 39, bottom surface 42, side surfaces 37 and 38, sub-bottom wall 48 and connecting wall 49 of the ink cartridge 30 of the embodiment, respectively. In Fig. 21, the side wall 337 is not shown. The ink supply portion 34 is provided on the connecting wall 349, as in the embodiment.

In a profile view, as shown in Fig. 21, the ink cartridge 330 has the same configuration on the upper surface 339 as on the upper surface 39 of the ink cartridge 30 of the embodiment. It should be noted that the ink cartridge 330 shown in Figure 21 includes the light blocking plate 67 without the cutout 66. That is, a portion of the light blocking plate 67 corresponding to the cutout 66 (a portion indicated with a circle with a dashed line in Figure 21) now serves as the sensing surface D. That is, the light from the optical sensor 113 is configured to strike the circled portion of the sensing surface D.

In the illustrated embodiment, the coil spring 98 is disposed in the air valve chamber 36 to move the valve 97 to open and close the air communication port 96. Consequently, while the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into and out is coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110, the ink cartridge 30 receives the drive force acting in a clockwise direction (by the coil spring 98), as well as the driving force acting counterclockwise. clockwise (by the helical spring 78 of the ink supply portion 34).

In contrast, referring to Fig. 22, the ink cartridge 330 according to the second modification does not include the valve 97 and the coil spring 98. That is, the ink cartridge 330 is configured to receive the driving force of the helical spring 78 of the ink supply portion 34 as a biasing force acting in the rearward direction 52 during insertion and engagement of the ink cartridge 330 with respect to the cartridge engaging section 110.

More specifically, once the ink needle 102 is inserted into the ink supply port 71 and connected to the ink supply portion 34, since no rotational moment is applied to the ink cartridge 330, the ink cartridge ink 330 is applied an upward rotational moment about the center C (portion PP) by the urging force of the helical spring 78 acting counterclockwise, in addition to the forward urging of a portion by the user top of the rear surface 341. The ink cartridge 330 therefore pivots counterclockwise from the second position to the first position. As a result, as in the illustrated embodiment, the electrodes 65 of the IC card 64 are brought into contact with the contacts 106 from below to electrically connect therewith; and the contact surface 84 is brought into contact with the positioning portion 107 from below. As the user releases their fingers from the ink cartridge 330, the ink cartridge 330 moves in the rearward direction 52 due to the urging force of the coil spring 78, causing the locking surface 151 to bear against the stem of lock 145 from its front side. The ink cartridge 330 is thus fixed in position in the front-to-back direction. That is, the locking surface 151 receives the applied back moment from the coil spring 78, thereby maintaining the ink cartridge 330 in the engaged state (in the first posture or straight posture).

Also in the ink cartridge 330 of the second modification, the light blocking plate 67 and the IC card 64 are positioned on the upper surface 39 that constitutes the cartridge body 31 so that the interference surface 67b of the plate The light blocking device 67 is disposed forward and downward with respect to the electrodes 65 of the IC card 64. With this structure, the gate 108 corresponding to the interference surface 67b is less likely to come into contact with the electrodes. 65 of the IC card 64 during insertion of the ink cartridge 330 into the corresponding insertion space 111 of the cartridge coupling section 110.

Also, as in the ink cartridge 30 of the illustrated embodiment, the positioning of the ink cartridge 330 with respect to the cartridge coupling section 110 is provided: by the abutment of the locking surface 151 against the locking stem 145 in the front to back direction; and by contacting the contact surface 84 with the positioning portion 107 in the up-down direction. Also, with this simple structure of the second embodiment, a stable positioning of the ink cartridge 330 with respect to the cartridge coupling section 110 can be realized.

Furthermore, as in the ink cartridge 30 of the illustrated embodiment, in the engaged state of the ink cartridge 330, the locking surface 151, which is in contact with the locking rod 145, receives the urging force toward behind the coil spring 78 with stability, thereby preventing the ink cartridge 330 from moving further in the backward direction 52 and providing positioning of the ink cartridge 330 in the front-to-back direction with respect to the docking section. of cartridges 110. Consequently, the contact pressure between the electrodes 65 of the IC card 64 and the contacts 106 can be stably maintained.

Also, with this structure of the second modification, the same technical and operational advantages as those of the embodiment can be obtained.

3. Third modification

In the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge body 31 is configured with two different members, that is, the upper cover 31U and the lower case 31L coupled together. However, the cartridge body 31 can be formed as a single member, not including an upper cover and a lower case.

Figures 23A and 23B illustrate an ink cartridge 43 according to a third modification of the embodiment. The ink cartridge 430 includes a cartridge body 431 with a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Cartridge body 431 includes a front wall 440, a rear wall 441, a top wall 439, a bottom wall 442, and side walls 437 and 438. Each of these walls 440, 441, 439, 442, 437, and 438 constitutes a frame. outer of the ink cartridge 430. In other words, the cartridge body 431 is not configured with a cover and a housing. Thus, an upper surface of the upper wall 439 constitutes an upper surface of the cartridge body 431. A front surface of the front wall 440 constitutes a front surface of the cartridge body 431. The front surface of the front wall 440 (front surface of the cartridge cartridge body 431) is a flat surface, a difference of the front surface (40, 49, 95) of the ink cartridge 30 of the embodiment. A rear surface of the rear wall 441 constitutes a rear surface of the cartridge body 431. The rear surface of the rear wall 441 (rear surface of the cartridge body 431) is a flat surface, although the rear surface 41 of the ink cartridge 30 of the embodiment is configured with two portions (upper portion 41U and lower portion 41L).

An ink chamber 432 is defined within the cartridge body 431. More specifically, the ink chamber 432 is defined by the internal surfaces of the front wall 440, the rear wall 441, the top wall 439, the bottom wall 442 and side walls 437 and 438. An upper end region in ink chamber 432 (a region above an ink surface of ink stored in ink chamber 432) is in communication with ambient air through a Air communication hole 496 formed in the upper wall 439. It should be noted that, the air communication hole 496 may not necessarily be formed in the upper wall 439, but may be formed in one of the other walls that constitute the body. cartridge 431. For example, air communication port 496 may be formed in one of the side walls 437 and 438.

An ink supply portion 434 is provided in the front wall 440. In this modification, the ink supply portion 434 is a through hole formed in a lower end portion of the front wall 440 to penetrate therethrough at the direction from front to back. The ink supply portion 434 defines an ink supply port 471 which is open towards the front in the front surface of the front wall 440.

On the upper surface 439, a light blocking plate 467, an IC card 464, a contact surface 484, and a first protrusion 443 having a blocking surface 451 are positioned in the front-to-back direction, as in the above. illustrated embodiment. Specifically, light blocking plate 467, IC card 464, contact surface 484, and blocking surface 451 are aligned with each other in the front-to-back direction, in this order, from front to back. . The light blocking plate 467 is located forward and downward with respect to the IC card 64. The front surface of the light blocking plate 467 serves as the interference surface 467b. Light blocking plate 467 has side surfaces that include sensing surface D. Light blocking plate 467 shown in Figures 23A and 23B is not formed with a cutout (i.e., ink cartridge 430 shown in Figures 23A and 23B). Figures 23A and 23B belongs to type B). Contact surface 484 is positioned between IC card 464 and locking surface 451 in the front-to-back direction. Contact surface 484 is located upward relative to IC card 464, but downward relative to an upper edge (denoted point PI) of locking surface 451. The upper edge (point P1) of the surface Lock 451 is the tallest (furthest from top surface 439) of all the parts arranged on top surface 439 between light lock plate 467 and lock surface 451 in the front-to-rear direction. That is, the top edge (point PI) of locking surface 451 constitutes the highest edge of ink cartridge 430 between light blocking plate 467 and locking surface 451. Locking surface 451 is positioned further near the rear wall 441 than the IC card 464 in the front-to-back direction.

With this structure, since the sensing surface D (light blocking surface) of the light blocking plate 467 is located forward and downward with respect to the contact surface 484, the positioning portion 107 of the Printer 10, which is configured to contact contact surface 484, is less likely to interfere with light blocking plate 467 (i.e., interference surface 467b and sensing surface D) during insertion of the ink cartridge 430 in the cartridge engaging section 110. Also, the locking stem 145 of the cartridge engaging section 110, which is configured to engage with the locking surface 451, is less likely to interfere with the locking surface. contact 484, sensing surface D (interference surface 467b) and IC card 64 during insertion of ink cartridge 30 into cartridge coupling section 110.

With this structure of the third modification, the same technical and operational advantages as those of the embodiment can be obtained.

4. Fourth modification

In the illustrated embodiment, light blocking plate 67 is disposed on top surface 39 (a portion of top surface 39 other than raised portion 39A). However, the light blocking plate 67 can be provided to extend forward from the raised portion 39A. That is, the light blocking plate 67 may be connected to at least one of the raised portion and the portion that is not the raised portion 39A on the upper surface 39.

Figure 24 shows yet another example of the light blocking plate 67. An ink cartridge 530 according to a fourth modification includes a cartridge body 531 including a flat front wall 540, a flat rear wall 541, a top surface flat 539 and a flat bottom wall 542. The ink supply portion 34 is provided on the front wall 540. On the upper surface 539, the first protrusion 443 and a second protrusion 583 supporting the IC plate 64 are arranged, the first bulge 443 and the second bulge 583 being aligned with each other in the front-to-back direction, as in the embodiment. A light blocking plate 567 is connected to a front surface of the second protrusion 583 and extends forwardly therefrom. That is, the light blocking plate 567 is not directly connected to the surface upper 539, and an interference surface 567b of the light blocking plate 567 is connected to the front surface of the second protrusion 583.

With this structure of the fourth modification, the same technical and operational advantages as those of the embodiment can be obtained.

5. Fifth modification

In the embodiment, in case the ink cartridge 30M is erroneously inserted into the insertion space 111C, due to the interference between the interference surface 67bM of the ink cartridge 30M and the gate 108C arranged in the insertion space 111C, the ink cartridge 30M cannot advance further from the state illustrated in figure 18. At that time, the ink needle 102 has not yet opened the valve 77 and therefore the ink in the ink cartridge 30M (ink magenta) cannot flow to reservoir 103 (or secondary reservoir 28) corresponding to the yellow color in cartridge coupling section 110. That is, in the embodiment, the interference surface 67b (67bM) is configured to abut against the wrong port 108 (108C) before the ink supply portion 34 connects with the ink needle 102.

Alternatively, the ink supply portion 34 may be connected to the ink needle 102 before the interference surface 67bM abuts the port 108C as a result of improper insertion of the ink cartridge 30M into the insertion space 111C.

Specifically, in this case, as shown in Fig. 25, the valve 77 is opened by the ink needle 102 and the ink supply portion 34 connects with the ink needle 102 in a state in which the surface interference pattern 67bM of an ink cartridge 630M rests on the port 108C arranged in the insertion space 111C. The ink cartridge 630M cannot be inserted further forward from the state illustrated in FIG. 25. At that time, since the locking surface 451 of the ink cartridge 630M is positioned rearward relative to the locking stem 145, it is that is, the locking surface 451 is spaced from the locking stem 145 in the forward direction 51, the locking surface 451 cannot be assembled with the locking stem 145. Thus, the ink cartridge 630M is prevented from engaging cartridge coupling section 110.

That is, the 67bM interference surface of the 630M ink cartridge can prevent the 630M ink cartridge from fully adhering to the wrong insertion gap 111C (that is, the 630M ink cartridge is prevented from engaging the lock rod 145 ), even though the ink supply portion 34 of the ink cartridge 630M is connected to the ink needle 102 of the wrong insertion space 111C. This structure enables the user to realize that the ink cartridge 630M is inserted in the wrong insert space 111 (insert space 111C), thus encouraging the user to insert the ink cartridge 630M into the correct insert space 111M.

With this structure of the fifth modification, the same technical and operational advantages as those of the embodiment can be obtained.

6, Other variations

In the embodiment described above, controller 117 is configured to determine the type of ink cartridge 30 coupled to cartridge coupling section 110 based on the presence / absence of cutout 66 in light blocking plate 67, during insertion. of the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge coupling section 110 and at the time when the coupling of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge coupling section 110 is completed. Alternatively, assuming that the cutout 66 is not formed in For each light blocking plate 67, the controller 117 may be configured to determine whether or not the ink cartridge 30 is coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110 based on the presence / absence of the light blocking plate 67.

Specifically, referring to the flow chart of FIG. 26, the controller 117 first determines at S101 whether the cover 114 is closed or not. Specifically, when the signal generated from the cover sensor 115 changes to a low level, the controller 117 determines that the cover 114 is in the closed position (S101: YES) and proceeds to step S102. The controller 117 repeats step S101 as long as the signal from the cover sensor 115 remains high and does not change low (S101: NO).

After the cover 114 is determined to be in the closed position at S101, the controller 117 determines at S102 whether or not the IC card 64 can be accessed through the contacts 106. For example, the controller 117 it can determine whether or not IC card 64 can be accessed based on: whether or not a specific voltage can be applied to IC card 64 (ie, based on the absence or presence of IC card 64); or whether or not controller 117 can access memory on IC card 64.

In case the controller 117 cannot access the IC card 64 (S102: NO), the controller 117 determines at S106 that the ink cartridge 30 is not properly coupled to the cartridge mating section 110. In this case , the controller 117 can alert the user informing him that the ink cartridge 30 is not docked to the cartridge docking section 110, for example, through a message such as "Cartridge Missing" on the screen.

In case controller 117 can access IC card 64 (S102: YES), controller 117 determines at S103 whether the signal generated from optical sensor 113 is high level or low level. In case the signal from the optical sensor 113 is a high level signal (S103: High), the controller 117 determines at S104 that an abnormal ink cartridge 30 has been attached to the cartridge attachment section 110. The optical sensor 113 is configured to generate the high level signal in case the light blocking plate 67 is not provided on the attached ink cartridge 30. Thus, the controller 117 determines that the attached ink cartridge 30 is abnormal. In the event that the controller 117 determines that the attached ink cartridge 30 is abnormal, the controller 117 could issue a prompt to the user to inform them, for example, through a message such as "Abnormal Cartridge Attached" on the screen. .

In case the signal generated from the optical sensor 113 is a low level signal (S103: Low), the controller 117 determines at S105 that the ink cartridge 30 is correctly coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110. In this In this case, the optical sensor 113 is configured to generate the low level signal, since the light blocking plate 67 of the attached ink cartridge 30 blocks the light emitted from the optical sensor 113. In other words, the controller 117 is configured to determine whether or not the ink cartridge 30 is coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110 by detecting the presence / absence of the light blocking plate 67. According to this variation, it is determined that the ink cartridge 30 is docked in the cartridge docking section 110 in the event that: controller 117 can access IC card 64; and the light blocking plate 67 blocks or attenuates the light from the optical sensor 113.

Yet another variation is conceivable in relation to the determination made by controller 117.

In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 117 may determine whether or not the ink cartridge 30 is coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110 based on whether or not the IC card 64 can be accessed; and controller 117 is configured to determine the type of ink cartridge 30 coupled to cartridge coupling section 110 based on the presence / absence of cutout 66 in light blocking plate 67.

However, the controller 117 can determine whether or not the ink cartridge 30 is coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110 based on the presence / absence of the light blocking plate 67; and the controller 117 can further determine whether the attached ink cartridge 30 is abnormal based on whether or not it is possible to access the IC card 64. Assuming in this case also that the cutout 66 is not formed on each light blocking plate. 67.

More specifically, referring to the flow chart of FIG. 27, the controller 117 first determines at S201 whether the cover 114 is closed or not. Specifically, when the signal generated from cover sensor 115 changes to a low level, controller 117 determines that cover 114 is in the closed position (S201: YES) and proceeds to step s 202. Controller 117 repeats step S201 as long as the signal from the cover sensor 115 remains high level and does not change low level (S201: NO).

After the cover 114 is determined to be in the closed position at S201, the controller 117 determines at S202 whether the signal generated from the optical sensor 113 is high level or low level. The optical sensor 113 is configured to generate the high level signal in case the light blocking plate 67 is not provided on the attached ink cartridge 30 and therefore the light from the optical sensor 113 is not blocked or dimmed. by the light blocking plate 67. In case the signal from the optical sensor 113 is a high level signal (S202: High), the controller 117 determines at S206 that the ink cartridge 30 is not properly coupled to the section coupling of cartridge 110. In case the controller 117 determines at S206 that no ink cartridge 30 is docked, the controller 117 could issue a prompt to the user to inform them, for example, through a message such as " Cartridge Missing "on the screen.

In case the signal from the optical sensor 113 is a low level signal (S202: Low), the controller 117 then determines at S203 whether or not the IC card 64 can be accessed. For example, the controller 117 may determine whether or not the IC card 64 can be accessed based on: whether or not a specific voltage can be applied to the IC card 64 (ie, based on the absence or presence of the IC card 64); or whether or not controller 117 can access memory on IC card 64.

In case the controller 117 cannot access the IC card 64 (S203: NO), the controller 117 determines at S204 that the attached ink cartridge 30 is abnormal. In the event that the controller 117 determines that the attached ink cartridge 30 is abnormal, the controller 117 could issue a prompt to the user to inform them, for example, through a message such as "Abnormal Cartridge Attached" on the screen. .

In case the controller 117 can access the IC card 64 (S203: YES), the controller 117 determines at S205 that the ink cartridge 30 is correctly coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110.

Also, in the embodiment described above, the ink cartridge 30 can pivot about the center C of the ink supply port 71 to move between the first posture and the second posture. Alternatively, the pivot center may be positioned elsewhere than the ink supply port 71. For example, the pivot center may be at a prescribed position on a particular portion of an outer surface of the cylinder 75 that enters the cylinder. contact with the guide portion 105. Alternatively, in the event that a member can be provided in the cartridge engaging section 110 to contact the sub-bottom wall 48 of the attached ink cartridge 30, the pivot center it can be set in a position where the member and the sub-lower wall 48 are in contact with each other. In the embodiment, since the center C of the ink supply port 71 is defined as the pivot center, the ink needle 102 inserted into the ink supply port 71 is less likely to come out of the packing 76 during the pivotal movement of the ink cartridge 30 between the first posture and the second posture, thereby eliminating ink leaks.

Also alternatively, the ink cartridge 30 may be configured to slide in the up-down direction to move between the first posture and the second posture.

Also, instead of the cartridge body 31 configured with the upper cover 31U and the lower case 31L, the cartridge body may have a nested structure configured with two separate members: an inner shell and an outer shell that houses the inner shell in the herself. In this case, the inner shell defines an ink chamber therein and the outer shell constitutes an outer shell of the cartridge body 31.

Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the light blocking plate 67 is connected to the raised portion 39A that constitutes the upper surface 39 of the ink cartridge 30. However, the upper surface 39 does not necessarily include the raised portion 39A, but rather it can be a flat plane, as in the third modification shown in Figures 23A and 23B. Also, even if the top surface 39 includes the rear portion 39A (that is, the top surface 39 has a stepped structure as in the embodiment), the light blocking plate 67 is not necessarily connected to the rear portion 39A.

Also, in the embodiment described above, four kinds of ink cartridges 30C, 30M, 30Y and 30K adapted to be inserted into the insert spaces designated 111C, 111M, 111Y and 111K, respectively, are provided as a set. However, more than four kinds of ink cartridges 30 can be provided in the form of a set of printing fluid cartridges.

Also, in the above-described embodiment, the helical spring 78 of the ink supply portion 34 functions to push back the ink cartridge 30 coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110. However, a different structure may be employed than that of the illustrated configuration for pushing back the ink cartridge 30 coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110.

For example, a spring may be provided to bias the ink cartridge 30 back in a position other than the ink supply portion 34. A spring may be provided on the front surface 40 of the cartridge body 31 to extend toward the front therefrom to drive the ink cartridges 30 rearward. Alternatively, a spring may be provided on the end wall of the housing 101 to extend rearwardly therefrom to urge the ink cartridge 30 coupled to the cartridge coupling section 110 in the rearward direction 52.

In the illustrated embodiment, coil spring 98 is disposed within valve chamber 36 to move valve 97 to open and close air communication port 96. This coil spring 98 also serves to drive ink cartridge 30 toward back in the illustrated embodiment. However, a helical spring other than helical spring 98 may be provided solely for urging the ink cartridge 30 in the rearward direction 52. For example, assuming that the air communication port 96 is formed in the connecting wall 95 or in an outer wall other than the front wall 40, a coil spring may be arranged in the connecting wall 95 or somewhere in an internal space defined in the upper cover 31U so that the coil spring does not serve to open the first ink chamber 32 to the atmosphere.

Also, while ink serves as an example of a printing fluid in the illustrated embodiment, the printing fluid of the present disclosure is not limited to ink. For example, a pre-treatment liquid can be stored in the printing fluid cartridge which is ejected onto the sheets before the ink during a printing operation. Alternatively, cleaning water may be stored in the printing fluid cartridge to clean the printing head 21. Furthermore, a powder-like material having fluidity, such as toner, can be used as the printing fluid.

[Observations]

Ink cartridges 30, 230, 330, 430, 530 and 630M are respectively an example of a printing fluid cartridge. The ink cartridge 30C is an example of a first printing fluid cartridge. The 30M ink cartridge is an example of a second printing fluid cartridge. The ink cartridge 30Y is an example of a third printing fluid cartridge. The 30K ink cartridge is an example of a fourth printing fluid cartridge.

The 630M ink cartridge is also an example of a first printing fluid cartridge. The first ink chamber 32, the second ink chamber 33, and the ink chamber 432 are examples of a storage chamber. Ink is an example of a printing fluid. The ink supply portions 34 and 434 are an example of a supply portion. Ink supply ports 71 and 471 are an example of a supply port. The front surfaces 40, 340, 440, 540 and the front surfaces of the connecting walls 49 and 349 are an example of a front surface. The rear surfaces 41, 341, 441 and 541 are an example of a rear surface. Top surfaces 39, 339, 439, and 539 are an example of a top surface. Cartridge bodies 31, 331, 431, and 531 are an example of a housing. Locking surfaces 151 and 451 are an example of a locking surface. Light blocking plates 67, 267, 467 and 567 are an example of a light blocking plate. IC cards 64, 464, and electrodes 65 are an example of an electrical interface. Interference surfaces 67b (67bM, 67bC, 67bY, 67bK), 285b, 467b, 567b are an example of an interference surface. Cutout 66 is an example of a light transmitting portion. Valve 77 is an example of a closure member. The forward direction 51 is an example of an insertion direction. The backward direction 52 is an example of a pull direction. The direction from left to right is an example of a direction across. The lower case 31L is an example of a case, and the upper cover 31U is an example of a top cover. Bump 285 is an example of a bump. The second bulge 583 is an example of a bulge. The locking stem 145 is an example of a locking portion. Insert spaces 111 are an example of insert spaces. Insert space 111C is an example of a first insert space. Insert space 111M is an example of a second insert space. Insert space 111Y is an example of a third insert space 111Y. Contacts 106 are an example of a contact. Contacts 106 arranged in insertion space 111C are an example of a first contact. Contacts 106 arranged in insertion space 111M are an example of a second contact. The ink needle 102 is an example of a tube. Gate 108 is an example of a projection. The door 108C arranged in the insertion space 111C is an example of a first projection. The door 108M arranged in the insertion space 111M is an example of a second projection. Optical sensor 113 is an example of an optical sensor. Controller 117 is an example of a determiner. Aperture 112 is an example of an opening. Cover 114 is an example of a cover. The cover sensor 115 is an example of a cover sensor. Printer 10 is an example of an apparatus that consumes printing fluid. Cartridge coupling section 110 is an example of a cartridge coupling section. The imaginary plane X2 is an example of an imaginary plane. The imaginary plane X3 is an example of an imaginary background.

The following statements correspond to the claims of the main application:

1. A printing fluid cartridge (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) configured to be inserted into a prescribed insertion space (111) of a cartridge coupling section (110) in an insertion direction (51 ), which crosses a gravitational direction (53), to be coupled to the cartridge coupling section (110) in a coupling posture, comprising the printing fluid cartridge (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) :

a casing (31,331,431,531) defining a width in a widthwise direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (51) and to the gravitational direction in the mating posture, the casing (31, 331, 431, 531) comprising:

a storage chamber (32, 33, 432) configured to store printing fluid therein; a front surface (40, 49, 340, 349, 440, 540) facing forward in the insertion direction (51) in the engaging posture;

a rear surface (41, 341, 441, 541) remote from the front surface (40, 49, 340, 349, 440, 540) in an extraction direction (52), opposite to the insertion direction (51), in the docking posture, the rear surface (41,341,441, 541) facing rearward in the docking posture, the storage chamber (32, 33, 432) being located between the front surface (40, 49, 340, 349, 440 , 540) and the rear surface (41, 341, 441, 541) in the insertion direction (51) in the engaging posture;

and an upper surface (39, 339, 439, 539) extending between the front surface (40, 49, 340, 349, 440, 540) and the rear surface (41, 341, 441, 541), the upper surface (39, 339, 439, 539) upward with respect to the storage chamber (32, 33, 432) and oriented upward in the docking posture;

a supply portion (34, 434) provided on the front surface (40, 49, 340, 349, 440, 540) and having a supply hole (71, 471), the printing fluid being configured to flow out of the chamber storage (32, 33, 432) through the supply hole (71, 471) in the insertion direction (51) in the mating posture;

an electrical interface (64, 65, 464) disposed on the upper surface (39, 339, 439, 539) and oriented upward in the docking posture; Y

an interference surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) positioned upward with respect to the storage chamber (32, 33, 342) in the docking posture, the interference surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) extending in the widthwise direction in the mating posture, the interference surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) being located downward and forward in the insertion direction (51) with respect to the electrical interface (64, 65, 464) in the mating posture, the interference surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) being configured to abut against a projection (108) provided in another insertion space (111) different from the insertion space (111) prescribed section of cartridge coupling (110) during insertion of the printing fluid cartridge (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) in the other insertion space (111).

The printing fluid cartridge (30) according to claim 1, wherein the housing (31) further comprises an inner surface (40R) defining a front edge of the storage chamber (32, 33) in the insertion direction (51) in the engagement posture, the interference surface (67b) being located rearward relative to the inner surface (40R) in the insertion direction (51) in the engagement posture.

The printing fluid cartridge (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a light blocking wall (67, 267, 467, 567) arranged in the housing (31,331,431, 531), the light blocking wall (67, 267, 467, 567) being located rearward with respect to the interference surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) in the insertion direction (51 ) in the mating posture, the light blocking wall (67, 267, 467, 567) including a light blocking surface (67a, 267a, D) extending in the insertion direction (51) and the direction gravitational (53) in the coupling posture.

The printing fluid cartridge (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) according to claim 3, wherein at least one of:

the interference surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) and the light blocking wall (67, 267, 467, 567) are aligned with each other in the insertion direction (51);

The interference surface (67b) has a first width (W1) in the widthwise direction, wherein the upper surface (39) has a first outer edge (38) and a second outer edge (37) opposite each other in the width direction, and wherein the light blocking wall (67) has outer edges (67a) opposite each other in the width direction, the second outer edge (37) of the upper surface (39) being located closer to one of the outer edges (67a) of the light blocking wall (67) than the first outer edge (38) is to one of the outer edges (67a) of the light blocking wall ( 67), in the widthwise direction, the second outer edge (37) of the upper surface (39) and the one of the outer edges (67a) of the light blocking wall (67) defining a second width (W2 ) between them, which is greater than the first width (W1) in the width direction;

The light blocking wall (67) includes a light transmitting portion (66) configured to transmit light, the light transmitting portion extending in the width direction;

the light blocking wall (67, 267, 467, 567) being configured to block light traveling in the width direction at least during: insertion of the printing fluid cartridge (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) in the cartridge coupling section (110); or during a state in which the printing fluid cartridge (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) is coupled to the cartridge coupling section (110) in the coupling posture;

the interference surface (67b, 467b, 567b) constitutes a front surface of the light blocking wall (67, 467, 567) facing forward in the insertion direction (51) in the mating posture, the wall comprising light blocking (67) optionally: an inclined surface (67d) which is inclined with respect to the insertion direction (51) in the mating posture; and an upper surface (67c) facing upward in an engaging posture, the inclined surface (67d) connecting the interference surface (67b) and the upper surface (67c) of the light blocking wall (67), being oriented the inclined surface (67d) upward and forward in the insertion direction (51) in the engaging posture;

The printing fluid cartridge (230) further comprises a protrusion (285) positioned forward relative to the light blocking wall (267) in the insertion direction in the mating posture, the protrusion (285) including the interference surface (285b), the protrusion (285) being optionally made of a material configured to transmit light; The printing fluid cartridge (530) further comprises a protrusion (583) disposed on the upper surface (539) and supporting the electrical interface (64, 65), the electrical interface (64, 65) being located upward with respect to to the upper surface (539) in the engaging posture, the light blocking wall (567) being positioned forward with respect to the protrusion (583) in the insertion direction (51) in the engaging posture, at where the light blocking wall (567) is connected to the boss (583);

The housing (31, 331) comprises a top cover (31U, 331U) defining the top surface (39, 339) in the mating posture, the top cover (31U, 331U) being positioned upward with respect to the chamber storage (32, 33) in the docking posture, and wherein the light blocking wall (67, 267) is integrally formed with the top cover (31U, 331U); Y

The light blocking wall (67, 437) is disposed on the upper surface (39, 439, 539) and includes the interference surface (67b, 467b).

The printing fluid cartridge (30, 230, 330) according to any preceding claim 1, wherein the housing (31, 331) comprises a top cover (31U, 331U) defining the top surface (39, 339 ) in the docking posture, the top cover (31U, 331) being positioned upward relative to the storage chamber (32, 33) in the docking posture,

wherein the interference surface (67b, 285b) extends upward from the top cover (31U, 331U) in the docking posture.

The printing fluid cartridge (30K) according to any preceding claim, wherein the interference surface (67bK) and the electrical interface (64, 65) are arranged at different positions with respect to each other. to the other in the width direction.

The printing fluid cartridge (30) according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one of:

a closure member (77) configured to close the supply hole (71), a distance between the interference surface (67b) and the closure member (77) in the insertion direction (51) that is shorter than a distance between the projection (108) and a tip end (102E) of a tube (102), arranged in the cartridge coupling section (110) in the insertion direction (51); Y

a locking surface (151, 451) positioned upward relative to the storage chamber (32, 33) and configured to contact a locking portion (145) provided on the cartridge coupling section (110), being the locking surface (151, 451) facing rearward in the insertion direction (51) in the engagement posture,

wherein a distance between the interference surface (67b, 67bM) and the blocking surface (151, 451) in the insertion direction (51) is greater than a distance between the projection (108) and the blocking portion (145 ) in the insertion direction (51).

The printing fluid cartridge (30, 230, 330) according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing (31, 331) comprises at least one of:

a top cover (31U, 331U) defining the top surface (39, 339) in the docking posture, the top cover (31U, 331U) being positioned upward with respect to the storage chamber (32, 33) in the docking posture; and a locking surface (151) provided on the top cover (31U, 331U) and configured to contact a locking portion (145) provided on the cartridge engagement section (110), the locking surface (151 ) facing rearwardly in the insertion direction (51) in the mating posture, the locking surface (151) having an upper end (151U) in the mating posture, where the electrical interface (64, 65) is located downward and forward in the insertion direction (51) with respect to the upper end (151U) of the locking surface (151) in the engaging posture;

and a box (31L, 331L) defining a storage chamber (32, 33) therein; Y

a top cover (31U, 331U) coupled to the box and defining the top surface (39, 339) in the docking posture, the top cover (31U, 331U) being positioned upward with respect to the storage chamber (32 , 33) in the coupling posture, the electrical interface (64, 65) and the interference surface (67a, 285b) being arranged on the top cover (31U, 331U).

A set of the printing fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, the printing fluid cartridges (30) comprising a first cartridge print fluid cartridge (30C) and a second print fluid cartridge (30M),

where:

the first printing fluid cartridge (30C) stores printing fluid of a first type and the second printing fluid cartridge (30M) stores printing fluid of a second type, different from the first type;

The upper surface (39) of each of the printing fluid cartridges (30) has a first outer edge (38) and a second outer edge (37) opposite each other in the widthwise direction; Y

The interference surface (67bC) of the first printing fluid cartridge (30C) is located closer to the first outer edge (38), in the width direction, than the interference surface (67bM) of the second print fluid cartridge Printing fluid (30M) is from the first outer edge (38) in the widthwise direction.

The set of printing fluid cartridges (30) according to claim 9, the printing fluid cartridges (30) further comprising a third printing fluid cartridge (30Y) storing printing fluid of a third different type from the first type and the second type,

where:

Each of the printing fluid cartridges (30) defines an imaginary plane (X2) that passes through a center of the electrical interface (64, 65) in the widthwise direction, and that extends parallel to the insertion direction (51) and gravitational direction;

The first printing fluid cartridge (30C) and the third printing fluid cartridge (30Y) are configured to be inserted respectively into a first insertion space (111C) and a third insertion space (111 Y) located opposite each other. with respect to a second insertion space (111M) in the width direction, the second printing fluid cartridge (30M) being configured to be inserted into the second insertion space (111M);

the interference surface (67bM) of the second printing fluid cartridge (30M) is positioned on the imaginary plane (W2) in the width direction; the interference surface (67bC) of the first printing fluid cartridge (30C) is offset from the imaginary plane (X2) towards the first outer edge (38) in the width direction; Y

the interference surface (67bY) of the third print fluid cartridge (30Y) is displaced with respect to the imaginary plane (X2) towards the second outer edge (37) in the width direction.

The set of printing fluid cartridges (30) according to claim 10, the printing fluid cartridges (30) further comprising a fourth printing fluid cartridge (30K) storing one quarter of printing fluid type different from the first type and the second type and the third type, where:

the housing (31K) of the fourth printing fluid cartridge (30K) has a width in the widthwise direction that is greater than the width of the housing (31) of each of the first printing fluid cartridge (30C), the second printing fluid cartridge (30M) and the third printing fluid cartridge (30Y) in the width direction;

The upper surface (39) of the fourth printing fluid cartridge (30K) has a third outer edge (38) and a fourth outer edge (37K) opposite each other in the width direction, the third outer edge (38) of the upper surface (39) of the fourth printing fluid cartridge (30K) corresponds to the first outer edge (37) of the upper surface (39) of each of the first printing fluid cartridge (30C), the second cartridge of printing fluid (30M) and the third cartridge of printing fluid (30Y), the fourth outer edge (37K) of the upper surface of the fourth cartridge of printing fluid (30K) being located further from the imaginary plane (X2) hence the second outer edge (37) of the upper surface (39) of each of the first printing fluid cartridge (30C), the second printing fluid cartridge (30M), and the third printing fluid cartridge ( 30Y) is from the imaginary plane (X2) in the width direction; and the interference surface (67bK) of the fourth printing fluid cartridge (30K) is positioned opposite the imaginary plane (X2) with respect to a second imaginary plane (X3) in the width direction, the second imaginary plane being parallel (X3) to the imaginary plane (X2) and defining the second outer edge (37) of the upper surface (39) of each of the first printing fluid cartridge (30C), the second printing fluid cartridge (30M) and the third printing fluid cartridge printing fluid cartridge (30Y) in the width direction.

12. A system (1) comprising:

a plurality of the printing fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) according to any one of claims 1 to 8; Y

a printing fluid consuming apparatus (10), comprising:

the cartridge coupling section (110), comprising:

a plurality of insertion spaces (111) configured to insert into each, in the insertion direction (51), each of the plurality of printing fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M), the plurality of insert spaces (111) including a first insert space (111C) and a second insert space (111M);

a plurality of tubes (102), each disposed in each of the plurality of insertion spaces (111);

a plurality of contacts (106), each arranged in each of the plurality of insertion spaces (111), the plurality of contacts (106) including a first contact (106) and a second contact (106), the first contact (106) in the first insertion space (111C) and the second contact (106) being arranged in the second insertion space (111M);

a plurality of projections (108), each arranged in each of the plurality of insertion spaces (111), each of the projections (108) being positioned forward relative to the corresponding contact (106) in the direction of insertion (51) in each of the insertion spaces (111), the plurality of projections (108) including a first projection (108C) and a second projection (108M), the first projection (108C) being arranged in the first space insertion (111C) and the second projection (108M) being arranged in the second insertion space (111M), being a relative position between the first projection (108C) and the first contact (106), in the widthwise direction in the first insertion space (111C), different from a relative position between the second projection (108M) and the second contact (106M) in the width direction in the second insertion space (111M); a plurality of optical sensors (113), each arranged in each of the plurality of insertion spaces (111), each of the optical sensors (113) being positioned forward with respect to the corresponding projection (108) in the insertion direction (51) in each of the insertion spaces (111); Y

a determiner (117) configured to determine one of the types of printing fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) and whether the printing fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) are inserted into the respective insertion spaces (111), based on the signals emitted from the respective optical sensors (113).

The system (1) according to claim 12, wherein the printing fluid cartridges (30) comprise a first printing fluid cartridge (30C) and a second printing fluid cartridge (30M), being configured the first printing fluid cartridge (30C) to be inserted into the first insertion space (111C) and the second printing fluid cartridge (30M) being configured to be inserted into the second insert space (111M),

wherein each of the plurality of projections (108) includes a pair of opposing walls (118) and a slit (119) provided between opposing walls (118) in the widthwise direction, the first projection (108C) including a first slit (119C) and the second projection (108M) including a second slit (119M), being a relative position between the first slit (119C) and the first contact (106), in the width direction in the first space of insertion (111C), different from a relative position between the second slit (119M) and the second contact (106M) in the width direction in the second insertion space (111M),

wherein the opposite walls of the first projection (108C) are configured to abut against the interfering surface of the second printing fluid cartridge (30M) during insertion of the second printing fluid cartridge (30M) into the first insertion space. (111C), until the second printing fluid cartridge (30M) reaches the docking position; Y

wherein the first slit (119C) of the first projection (108C) is configured to allow the interference surface of the first printing fluid cartridge (30C) to pass through the first slit (119C) during insertion of the first cartridge. of printing fluid (30C) in the first insertion space (111C), until the first printing fluid cartridge (30C) reaches the mating position.

The system (1) according to claim 12 dependent on claim 4, wherein the light transmitting portion (66) is configured to transmit the light emitted from the corresponding optical sensor (113).

The system (1) according to claim 12, wherein at least one of:

The cartridge coupling section (110) further comprises an opening (112) through which the plurality of printing fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) can be inserted into the corresponding plurality of insertion spaces (111); a cover (114) movable between a closed position that closes the opening (112) and an open position that exposes the opening (112); and a cover sensor (115) configured to detect that the cover (114) is in the closed position and emit a detection signal indicative that the cover (114) is in the closed position, wherein, upon receipt of the detection signal from the cover sensor (115), the determiner (117) is configured to detect one of the types of the print fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) and if the print fluid cartridges printing fluid (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) are inserted into the corresponding plurality of insertion spaces (111), based on the signals emitted from the respective optical sensors (113);

The plurality of the printing fluid cartridges comprise a first printing fluid cartridge (30C) configured to be inserted into the first insertion space (111c), wherein the supply portion (34) of the first printing fluid cartridge ( 30C) and the tube (102) of the second insertion space (111M) are spaced apart from each other in the insertion direction in a state in which the interference surface (67bC) of the first printing fluid cartridge (30C) abuts against the projection (108M) provided in the second insertion space (111M), during insertion of the first printing fluid cartridge (30C) into the second insertion space (111M); Y

The plurality of printing fluid cartridges comprise a first printing fluid cartridge (630M) configured to be inserted into the first insertion space (111M), the first printing fluid cartridges (630M) comprising a locking surface (451 ) positioned upward relative to the storage chamber (32, 33) in the engaging posture, wherein the cartridge engaging section (110) further comprises a locking portion (145) configured to engage the locking surface (451) of the first printing fluid cartridge (630M) in the mating posture, and wherein the supply portion (34) of the first printing fluid cartridge (630M) and the tube (102) of the second insertion space (111C) are connected to each other, and the locking surface (451) of the first printing fluid (630M) is separated from the locking portion (145) in the insertion direction (51) in a state in which the superficial ie interference (67bM) of the first printing fluid cartridge (630M) rests against the projection (108C) provided in the second insertion space (111C), during insertion of the first printing fluid cartridge (630M) into the second insertion space (111C).

Claims (15)

1. A set of printing fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M), each of which is configured to be inserted into a prescribed insertion space (111) of a cartridge coupling section ( 110) in an insertion direction (51), which crosses a gravitational direction (53), to be coupled to the cartridge coupling section (110) in a coupling posture, each of the cartridges comprising printing fluid ( 30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M): a casing (31, 331, 431, 531) defining a width in a widthwise direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (51) and to the gravitational direction in the mating posture, the casing (31, 331, 431, comprising 531): a storage chamber (32, 33, 432) configured to store printing fluid therein; a front surface (40, 49, 340, 349, 440, 540) facing forward in the insertion direction (51) in the engaging posture; a rear surface (41, 341, 441, 541) remote from the front surface (40, 49, 340, 349, 440, 540) in an extraction direction (52), opposite to the insertion direction (51), in the docking posture, the rear surface (41,341,441, 541) facing rearward in the docking posture, the storage chamber (32, 33, 432) being located between the front surface (40, 49, 340, 349, 440 , 540) and the rear surface (41, 341, 441, 541) in the insertion direction (51) in the engaging posture; Y an upper surface (39, 339, 439, 539) extending between the front surface (40, 49, 340, 349, 440, 540) and the rear surface (41, 341, 441, 541), the surface being located upper (39, 339, 439, 539) upward relative to the storage chamber (32, 33, 432) and oriented upward in the docking posture; a supply portion (34, 434) provided on the front surface (40, 49, 340, 349, 440, 540) and having a supply hole (71, 471), the printing fluid being configured to flow out of the storage chamber (32, 33, 432) through the supply hole (71, 471) in the insertion direction (51) in the mating posture; an electrical interface (64, 65, 464) disposed on the upper surface (39, 339, 439, 539) and oriented upward in the docking posture; and an interference surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) positioned upward with respect to the storage chamber (32, 33, 342) in the docking posture, the interference surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b extending ) in the widthwise direction in the mating posture, the interference surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) being located downward and forward in the insertion direction (51) with respect to the electrical interface (64 , 65, 464) in the engagement posture, the interference surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) being configured to abut against a projection (108) provided in another insertion space (111) different from the insertion space (111 ) prescribed from the cartridge coupling section (110) during insertion of the printing fluid cartridge (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) into the other insertion space (111), the set of printing fluid cartridges (30) comprising: a first printing fluid cartridge (30C) storing printing fluid of a first type, a second printing fluid cartridge (30M) storing printing fluid of a second type, different from the first type; Y a third printing fluid cartridge (30Y) that stores printing fluid of a third type, different from the first type and the second type, characterized in that the upper surface (39) of each of the printing fluid cartridges (30) has a first outer edge (38) and a second outer edge (37) opposite each other in the widthwise direction; The interference surface (67bC) of the first printing fluid cartridge (30C) is located closer to the first outer edge (38), in the width direction, than the interference surface (67bM) of the second print fluid cartridge Printing fluid (30M) is from the first outer edge (38) in the widthwise direction; Each of the printing fluid cartridges (30) defines an imaginary plane (X2) that passes through a center of the electrical interface (64, 65) in the widthwise direction, and that extends parallel to the insertion direction (51) and gravitational direction; The first printing fluid cartridge (30C) and the third printing fluid cartridge (30Y) are configured to be inserted respectively into a first insertion space (111C) and a third insertion space (111Y) located opposite each other with relative to a second insertion space (111M) in the width direction, the second printing fluid cartridge (30M) being configured to be inserted into the second insertion space (111M); the interference surface (67bM) of the second printing fluid cartridge (30M) is positioned on the imaginary plane (W2) in the width direction; the interference surface (67bC) of the first printing fluid cartridge (30C) is offset from the imaginary plane (W2) towards the first outer edge (38) in the width direction; Y the interference surface (67bY) of the third printing fluid cartridge (30Y) is offset from the imaginary plane (X2) towards the second outer edge (37) in the width direction. The set of printing fluid cartridges (30) according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth printing fluid cartridge (30K) storing printing fluid of a fourth type different from the first type, the second type and the third type, where: the housing (31K) of the fourth printing fluid cartridge (30K) has a width in the widthwise direction that is greater than the width of the housing (31) of each of the first printing fluid cartridge (30C), the second printing fluid cartridge (30M) and the third printing fluid cartridge (30Y) in the width direction; The upper surface (39) of the fourth printing fluid cartridge (30K) has a third outer edge (38) and a fourth outer edge (37K) opposite each other in the width direction, the third outer edge (38) of the upper surface (39) of the fourth printing fluid cartridge (30K) corresponds to the first outer edge (37) of the upper surface (39) of each of the first printing fluid cartridge (30C), the second cartridge of printing fluid (30M) and the third cartridge of printing fluid (30Y), the fourth outer edge (37K) of the upper surface of the fourth cartridge of printing fluid (30K) being located further from the imaginary plane (X2) hence the second outer edge (37) of the upper surface (39) of each of the first printing fluid cartridge (30C), the second printing fluid cartridge (30M), and the third printing fluid cartridge ( 30Y) is from the imaginary plane (X2) in the width direction; Y the interference surface (67bK) of the fourth printing fluid cartridge (30K) is positioned opposite the imaginary plane (X2) with respect to a second imaginary plane (X3) in the width direction, the second imaginary plane ( X3) to the imaginary plane (X2) and defining the second outer edge (37) of the upper surface (39) of each of the first printing fluid cartridge (30C), the second printing fluid cartridge (30M) and the third printing fluid cartridge printing fluid cartridge (30Y) in the width direction. The set of printing fluid cartridges (30) according to claim 1, wherein each of the housings (31) further comprises an inner surface (40R) defining a front edge of the storage chamber ( 32, 33) in the insertion direction (51) in the engagement posture, each of the interference surfaces (67b) being located rearward relative to the inner surface (40R) in the insertion direction (51) at docking posture. A set of the printing fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, each of the printing fluid cartridges further comprising a wall of light blocking wall (67, 267, 467, 567) arranged in the housing (31, 331,431, 531), the light blocking wall (67, 267, 467, 567) being located rearward with respect to the interference surface (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) in the insertion direction (51) in the docking posture, the light blocking wall (67, 267, 467, 567) including a light blocking surface (67a, 267a, D) extending in the insertion direction (51) and the gravitational direction (53) in the coupling posture. 5. The set of the printing fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) according to claim 4, wherein each of the interference surfaces (67b, 285b, 467b, 567b) and each of the light blocking walls (67, 267, 467, 567) are aligned with each other in the insertion direction (51). 6. The set of printing fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) according to claim 4, wherein each of the interference surfaces (67b) has a first width (W1) in the direction across, wherein each of the upper surfaces (39) has a first outer edge (38) and a second outer edge (37) opposite each other in the widthwise direction, and wherein each of the light blocking walls ( 67) has outer edges (67a) opposite each other in the widthwise direction, the second outer edge (37) of the upper surface (39) being located closer to one of the outer edges (67a) of the wall of light blocking (67) than the first outer edge (38) is of one of the outer edges (67a) of the light blocking wall (67) in the width direction, defining the second outer edge ( 37) of the upper surface (39) and the one of the outer edges (67a) of the light blocking wall (67) a second width (W2) between them, which is greater than the first width (W1) in the direction across. The set of the printing fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) according to claim 4, wherein each of the light blocking walls (67) includes a transmitting portion light (66) configured to transmit light, the light transmitting portion extending in the width direction. 8. The set of printing fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) according to claim 4, wherein each of the light blocking walls (67, 267, 467, 567 ) is configured to block light traveling in the width direction at least during: insertion of the printing fluid cartridge (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) into the cartridge coupling section (110) ; or during a state in which the printing fluid cartridge (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) is coupled to the cartridge coupling section (110) in the coupling posture. The set of the printing fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) according to claim 4, wherein each of the interference surfaces (67b, 467b, 567b) constitutes a surface front of the light blocking wall (67, 467, 567) facing forward in the insertion direction (51) in the docking posture. The set of printing fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) according to claim 9, wherein each of the light blocking walls (67) comprises: an inclined surface (67d) which is inclined with respect to the insertion direction (51) in the mating posture; Y an upper surface (67c) facing upward in an engaging posture, the inclined surface (67d) connecting the interference surface (67b) and the upper surface (67c) of the light blocking wall (67), the surface being inclined (67d) oriented upward and forward in the insertion direction (51) in the docking posture. The set of the printing fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) according to claim 4, each of the printing fluid cartridges (230) further comprising a protrusion (285) positioned forward relative to each of the light blocking walls (267) in the insertion direction in the engagement posture, the protrusion (285) including the interference surface (285b), the protrusion (285 ) optionally with a material configured to transmit light. The set of the printing fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) according to claim 4, each of the printing fluid cartridges (530) further comprising a protrusion (583) disposed on the upper surface (539) and supporting the electrical interface (64, 65), the electrical interface (64, 65) being positioned upward with respect to the upper surface (539) in the mating posture, the wall being light blocking wall (567) positioned forward with respect to the protrusion (583) in the insertion direction (51) in the mating posture, wherein the light blocking wall (567) is connected to the protrusion ( 583). The set of printing fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) according to claim 4, wherein at least one of: Each of the light blocking walls (67, 437) is disposed on the top surface (39, 439, 539) and includes the interference surface (67b, 467b); and each of the interference surface (67bK) and electrical interfaces (64, 65) are arranged at different positions from each other in the widthwise direction. The set of printing fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) according to claim 4, wherein at least one of: Each of the housings (31, 331) comprises a top cover (31U, 331U) defining the top surface (39, 339) in the mating posture, the top cover (31U, 331U) being positioned upward with respect to the storage chamber (32, 33) in the docking posture, and wherein the light blocking wall (67, 267) is integrally formed with the top cover (31U, 331U); Each of the housings (31, 331) comprises a top cover (31U, 331U) defining the top surface (39, 339) in the mating posture, the top cover (31U, 331) being positioned upward with respect to the storage chamber (32, 33) in the docking posture, wherein each of the interference surfaces (67b, 285b) extends upward from the top cover (31U, 331U) in the docking posture; Y Each of the housings (31, 331) comprises: a top cover (31U, 331U) defining the top surface (39, 339) in the mating posture, the top cover (31U, 331U) being positioned upward with respect to to the storage chamber (32, 33) in the docking position; and a locking surface (151) provided on the top cover (31U, 331U) and configured to contact a locking portion (145) provided on the cartridge engagement section (110), the locking surface (151 ) facing rearwardly in the insertion direction (51) in the mating posture, the locking surface (151) having an upper end (151U) in the mating posture, and wherein the electrical interface (64, 65) is positioned downward and forward in the insertion direction (51) with respect to the upper end (151U) of the locking surface (151) in the engaging posture; Y Each of the housings (31, 331) comprises a top cover (31L, 331L) defining a storage chamber (32, 33) therein; and a top cover (31U, 331U) coupled to the box and defining the top surface (39, 339) in the docking posture, the top cover (31U, 331U) being positioned upward with respect to the storage chamber ( 32, 33) in the docking posture, the electrical interface (64, 65) and the interference surface (67a, 285b) being arranged on the top cover (31U, 331U). The set of printing fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630M) according to claim 4, each of the printing fluid cartridges (30, 230, 330, 430, comprising 530, 630M) in addition to at least one of: a closure member ⁽ 77 ⁾ configured to close the supply hole (71), a distance between the interference surface (67b) and the closure member (77) in the insertion direction (51) that is shorter than a distance between the projection (108) and a tip end (102E) of a tube (102), arranged in the cartridge coupling section (110) in the insertion direction (51); Y a locking surface (151, 451) positioned upward relative to the storage chamber (32, 33) and configured to contact a locking portion (145) provided on the cartridge coupling section (110), being the locking surface (151, 451) facing rearward in the insertion direction (51) in the mating posture, wherein a distance between the interference surface (67b, 67bM) and the locking surface (151, 451) in the insertion direction (51) is greater than a distance between the projection (108) and the locking portion (145) in the insertion direction (51).