JP2006116787A - Ink tank, apparatus for mounting ink tank and inkjet recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to independently display on an individual ink tank that respective ink tanks are surely mounted on their mounting apparatus by a constitution using a light path when the ink tanks are mounted in an inkjet recording apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: When a mounting operation is performed, a control is performed so as to emit an LED 126 in advance. Under this condition, the mounting operation is performed, and when a positional relation between a latch lever 103 and a second locking part of a holder 121 is not completely engaged ((a) and (b)), a displaying part 108 is not turned on even though the LED 126 is emitting. On the contrary, under a condition ((c)) that the mounting is completed as shown in the figure, namely, both end faces of the second engaging part 105 of the ink tank and the second locking part of the holder come into contact with each other to make the engagement sure, the displaying part 108 is turned on. It is possible thereby for a user to judge that it is surely mounted at a right position on every ink tank 101. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink tank used in an ink jet recording apparatus that performs recording by ejecting ink or the like to a recording medium, an ink tank mounting apparatus, and an ink jet recording apparatus, and more specifically, for detecting the ink tank mounting. Concerning configuration.

  Ink jet printers are generally used via a personal computer, but in recent ink jet recording fields, for example, a printer that can be used without a personal computer (for example, a direct connection between a digital camera and an ink jet printer) , Also referred to as a NonPC inkjet printer). In the former ink jet printer, for example, information of individual ink tanks such as the ink tank mounting state and the ink remaining amount is often notified to the user by a monitor of a personal computer. On the other hand, in the NonPC inkjet printer, a display is provided in the printer itself to display information such as a tank mounting state. However, the configuration in which such a display is provided leads to problems such as an increase in cost, an increase in printer size, and a restriction on printer design.

  Inkjet printers that perform color recording generally use inks other than black, yellow, magenta, and cyan inks in order to realize high-quality recording such as photographic printing and expansion of the color reproduction range. It is becoming. For example, gray, light magenta and cyan for improving the gradation, and inks such as red, green, and blue for expanding the color gamut are additionally used. However, in such a configuration using a relatively large number of ink tanks, the user can select a target ink tank displayed on a display of a personal computer monitor or printer among the ink tanks that are actually installed. It is often difficult to determine which one is. This is particularly noticeable when the shape of the ink tank is the same without being different for each color.

  As a configuration for solving the above-described problems, Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3 each provide a display by light emission as a configuration for notifying the state of the ink tank, such as its mounting and ink amount. Is described.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228667 describes that the number of energizations associated with ink ejection of an ink jet head is counted in an ink cartridge in which the ink jet head and an ink tank are integrated, and the remaining amount of ink is notified based on the count value. This notification uses a near-end display LED that is lit when the accumulated count value reaches a near-end determination value close to no ink, and an ink-end LED that is lit when the ink end determination value corresponding to no ink is reached. Has been done.

  Patent Document 2 describes a semiconductor element having an energy conversion means for converting external energy into different types of energy in the ink tank and a light emitting means for emitting light by the converted energy. Thereby, the light emitting element floating in the ink in the ink tank can emit light, and the light transmitted through the ink can be detected by the light receiving element. Since the absorption spectrum varies depending on the type of ink, the type of ink tank and the mounting position of the ink tank on the holder can be known. This detection can generally be performed by a sensor, but the user can also check the amount of ink by observing the transmitted light (page 8, right column, lines 42 to 50).

  Patent Document 3 describes that a carriage or ink tank on which an ink jet recording head and an ink tank are mounted is provided with a warning lamp that is turned on when the remaining amount of ink is detected and ink is used up.

  As described above, all of the above documents display some state of the ink tank corresponding to each ink tank without using a monitor of a personal computer or the like. However, there is no disclosure of displaying whether or not an ink tank is securely attached in correspondence with each ink tank. Patent Document 2 describes that it can be detected that each ink tank is mounted at a predetermined position, but this is surely adapted to the structure of the ink tank in relation to the structure of mounting the ink tank. It does not disclose detecting whether or not it is attached.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 4, when a plurality of ink tanks are provided with optical paths, and the configuration of each of the optical paths is reliably mounted at the correct position of each of these ink tanks, the entire optical tank has one optical path. Are disclosed. Thereby, when the light from the light source is detected through the formed optical path, it can be detected that each ink tank is securely mounted at the correct position.

JP-A-4-275156 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-5818 JP 2002-301829 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-109429

  However, the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 4 can determine whether or not the ink tank is securely attached only after a plurality of ink tanks are assembled. That is, it is not a configuration for knowing whether or not each ink tank is independently attached. Further, it is necessary to change the ink tank structure with respect to the optical path for each type of ink, and there are problems such as the cost of the ink tank. Furthermore, since it is necessary to change the tank structure for each type of ink as described above, there is a problem that it is difficult to cope with an increase in the number of types of ink used such as light ink as described above. . This is not only an increase in the number of tanks having different structures for each type of ink, but also a major problem in that it is necessary to change the optical path structure of each ink tank for each combination of ink types. For example, the structure of the optical path of each tank needs to be different between the case of using four types of ink and the case of using six types of ink even with the same cyan ink. The example shown in FIG. 11 of the same document can detect individual reliable mounting regardless of the combination of the ink tanks, but requires a new element for detection such as a light pipe element. In addition, an example in which the configuration becomes more complicated is shown.

  Furthermore, in the configuration for detecting the ink tank mounting state described in Patent Document 4, in order to detect the light passing through the optical path connecting the optical paths formed in the individual ink tanks, the optical path between the ink tanks is not , There are gaps, ie air. The light emitted from the optical path of the ink tank into the air diffuses and the amount of light attenuates. For this reason, in order to perform detection reliably with the light receiving element, a light source having a relatively high luminous intensity is required, which may increase the cost.

  Also, considering the optical path formation accuracy in each ink tank, the mounting accuracy of each ink tank to the holder, the relative position accuracy of each, etc., the amount of light entering the light receiving element may have a relatively large variation. . In order to cope with this, if a cross-sectional area of the optical path is relatively large, the variation in the amount of light entering the light receiving element can be suppressed to some extent, but the mounting position of the ink tank is deviated from the normal position. Even in a defective state, it may not be possible to distinguish between the state and the state of being attached at an appropriate position.

  Further, in Patent Document 4, the carriage on which the ink tank and the recording head are mounted is moved to a position where the user cannot touch the ink tank, which is the left back of the printing apparatus (FIG. 1 of the same document). Perform detection with an optical sensor. If the mounting is defective, the carriage is returned to the ink tank replacement position, and the user can attach or detach the tank. For this reason, when the user installs the ink tank, it cannot be immediately displayed whether the ink tank is securely attached.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to make sure that an ink tank is securely attached to the attachment device by a configuration using an optical path. An object of the present invention is to provide an ink tank, an ink tank mounting device, and an ink jet recording apparatus that can display images independently.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, an ink tank that is used by being mounted on a mounting device having a light source is an engaging portion that engages with the locking portion in a mounted state with respect to the mounting device, and is mounted when the engaging is performed. An engagement portion that forms an optical path with the locking portion of the device, and a display portion that displays light guided from the light source of the mounting device via the optical path formed by the engagement by the engagement portion. It is characterized by having.

  Further, in the mounting device for mounting the ink tank, a light source and a locking portion that engages with the engagement portion of the ink tank in a state in which the ink tank is mounted, and when the ink tank is engaged, And an engaging portion that forms an optical path with the engaging portion and guides light from the light source to the engaging portion of the ink tank through the formed optical path.

  Furthermore, in an ink jet recording apparatus that performs recording using an ink tank that stores ink to be supplied to a recording head that ejects ink and a mounting apparatus that mounts the ink tank, the mounting apparatus includes a light source, and the ink tank includes: An engagement portion that engages with the locking portion in a mounted state with respect to the mounting device, and an engagement portion that forms an optical path with the locking portion of the mounting device during the engagement; And a display unit that displays light guided from the light source of the mounting device through an optical path formed by the engagement of the units.

  According to the above configuration, when the ink tank is mounted, when the engaging portion and the locking portion of the mounting device such as the holder are securely engaged, that is, when the mounting of the ink tank to the mounting device is in a completed state. An optical path is formed and light can be emitted from the display unit. Further, this light emission can be performed simultaneously with the engagement of the engaging portion and the locking portion, that is, simultaneously with the completion of the mounting of the ink tank, in a series of mounting operations.

  Accordingly, it is possible to independently display for each ink tank that the ink tank has been securely mounted to the mounting device by the configuration using the optical path.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a view showing an ink tank according to an embodiment of the present invention attached to a tank holder, and shows the entire tank holder and a part of a latch lever in the ink tank in a cross section. 2A, 2B, and 2C are a front view, a bottom view, and a right side view of the ink tank shown in FIG. 1, respectively.

  1 and FIGS. 2A to 2C, the ink tank 101 is detachably mounted on a tank holder 121 as a mounting device. When this attachment is ensured, an optical path A from the tank holder 121 to the ink tank is formed, and a part of the latch lever 108 in the ink tank 101 emits light. As a result, the user can know that the ink tank has been securely attached by the light emission of the ink tank itself.

  That is, as shown in these drawings, the ink tank 101 storing ink therein includes an ink supply port 102 on the bottom surface, a first engagement portion 104 on the left side surface, and a latch lever 103 on the right side surface. The latch lever 103 is provided with a second engagement portion 105 and an operation portion 107 that is operated when the ink tank 101 is removed from the holder 121. The latch lever 103 is formed of a resin (for example, polypropylene) that can be elastically deformed and has high light transmittance.

  On the other hand, when the ink tank is mounted, the tank holder 121 is engaged with the first engagement portion 104 of the ink tank 101 and the second engagement portion 105 is also engaged with the second engagement portion 105. An ink introduction port 122 connected to the locking portion 124 and the ink supply port 102 is provided.

  When the respective engaging portions and the locking portions are securely engaged, the ink tank 101 is securely attached to the tank holder 121 at the correct position. Then, the ink supply port 102 and the ink introduction port 122 are connected, and ink (not shown) can be supplied from the ink tank 101 to the recording head 141 provided integrally with the tank holder 121.

  FIGS. 3A to 3D are diagrams illustrating details of mounting the ink tank 101 to the holder 121. FIG.

  In the mounting operation, the user first engages the first engagement portion 104 of the ink tank 101 with the first locking portion 123 of the holder 121. (See FIG. 3A) Then, as shown in FIG. 3B, the ink tank 101 is rotated downward in the drawing with the engaged first engaging portion 104 as the center. Usually, the rotation operation is caused by pushing the upper surface of the ink tank 101 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. As a result of this rotation, the latch lever 103 is elastically deformed by contact with the holder 121 and displaced toward the inside of the ink tank 101 as shown in FIG. 3D, when the end surface of the second engaging portion 105 of the ink tank 101 is flush with the end surface of the second locking portion 124 of the holder 121, the latch lever 103 is By its own elastic restoring force, it is displaced in the direction toward the outside of the ink tank 101, contrary to the above. As a result, the second engaging portion 105 engages with the second locking portion 124. That is, the engagement is performed when the end surface of the second engagement portion 105 and the end surface of the second locking portion 124 come into contact with each other. At this time, the ink supply port 102 of the ink tank 101 and the ink introduction port 122 of the holder 121 are connected.

  As described above, the ink tank of the present embodiment corresponds to the first engagement portion, the second engagement portion, and the ink supply port of the ink tank with respect to the tank holder as the mounting device for mounting the ink tank. The ink tank can be securely attached by engaging the engaging portion or the like in the holder at three positions.

  FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the latch lever 103 when the mounting is ensured.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the LED 126 is provided on the holder 121 in the vicinity of the second locking portion 124. Specifically, the LED 126 is provided inside a holder that communicates through a hole 132 that opens to the end surface of the second locking portion 124. On the other hand, a reflection plate 106 is provided in the latch lever 103 of the ink tank 101 so as to be embedded in, for example, the latch lever 103 so as to face the light emitting portion of the LED 26 through the hole 132. As a result, as indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 4, the light emitted from the LED 126 passes through the latch lever 103 which is a light transmitting member through the second hole 132 and is reflected by the reflecting plate 106. Further, the light is reflected at a point P in the latch lever 103 and travels toward the operation unit 107 constituting the display unit 108.

Here, the critical refraction angle from polypropylene to air is Snell's law because the refractive index of polypropylene employed in this embodiment is 1.49 and the refractive index of air is 1.00.
n1sin θ1 = n2sin θ2
Therefore, it is about 43 °.

  On the other hand, since the LED 126, the reflector 106 and the like are designed so that the incident angle θi at the point P in FIG. 4 is 60 °, basically, the light incident on the point P is within the polypropylene. The light is totally reflected and becomes an optical path as shown by an arrow A in FIG. In this embodiment, an LED is used as the light source, and this is divergent light. Therefore, the light from the light source is not actually totally reflected at the point P. Further, since the surface of the operation unit 107 constituting the display unit 108 is knurled for improving operability, the light incident on the display unit 108 goes out into the air while being irregularly reflected. As described above, since the LED 126 is divergent light, the display unit 108 emits light over the entire surface.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the tank holder 121. The tank holder 121 has four mounting portions for mounting the ink tanks 101 for the four types of ink, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), used in the present embodiment. It has. Each mounting portion is provided with the first locking portion 123 (not shown in FIG. 5) and the second locking portion 124 described above.

  An LED 126 (not shown in FIG. 5) provided in each second locking portion 124 is connected by a wiring 127 and a substrate 128 for communicating with a printer on which the tank holder 121 is mounted. Thus, the LED 126 can emit light by the power supplied from the printer, and the light emission is controlled by the control unit of the printer.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover 162 of the printer 161 on which the holder 121 with the four ink tanks 101 is mounted is opened. The holder 121 is detachably mounted on a carriage 163 that can move in the left-right direction in FIG. When recording, the recording head corresponding to each color ink provided integrally with the holder 121 scans the recording medium such as recording paper by the movement of the carriage 163, and the recording is performed by ejecting the ink. Can do.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the ink tank 101 is mounted on the holder 121, the carriage 163 moves to the approximate center of the printer, and the user can mount or remove the ink tank at this position. When the ink tank 101 is securely mounted on the holder 121 mounted on the carriage, the display unit 108 corresponding to the mounted ink tank emits light as described above. Thus, the user can visually confirm the mounting state of the ink tank.

  FIGS. 7A to 7C are diagrams illustrating the presence or absence of light emission according to the mounting state of the ink tank.

  When the mounting operation is performed as described above with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3D, the positional relationship between the latch lever 103 of the ink tank 101 and the second locking portion of the holder 121 is accordingly changed as shown in FIG. It changes in the order of a) and (b), and finally the mounting completion state shown in FIG.

  In this case, when the mounting operation is performed, the LED 126 is controlled to emit light in advance. For example, when there is a command to move the carriage 163 to the mounting position, the LED 126 is caused to emit light accordingly. When the mounting operation is performed in this state and the positional relationship between the latch lever 103 and the second locking portion of the holder 121 is in the state shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B as described above, the LED 126 emits light. However, the display unit 108 does not light up. On the other hand, when the mounting is completed as shown in FIG. 5C, that is, when the end surfaces of the second engaging portion 105 of the ink tank and the second engaging portion of the holder come into contact with each other, the engagement is ensured. The display unit 108 is turned on.

  As described above, in the state of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the optical path to the display unit 108 is not formed, and thus the display unit 108 is not turned on. That is, when the mounting state of the ink tank 101 is incomplete, the display unit 108 is not turned on, but the optical path (arrow A) is formed only after the mounting is completed, and the display unit 108 is turned on. Thus, the user can determine that the ink tank 101 is securely attached at the correct position, and can indicate the attachment determination information to the user simultaneously with the completion of the attachment.

  When the mounting operation is completed, when the carriage 163 moves from the central position, which is the tank attachment / detachment position, to the home position or the like, control is performed to stop the light emission of the LED 126 accordingly.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, even when a plurality of ink tanks having the same shape or similar shapes are mounted in the printer, the display unit 108 is used, for example, when the remaining amount of ink decreases. If the LED of the tank is made to emit light and the display unit 108 is turned on, it is possible to visually and intuitively display which ink tank is low in ink to the user.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the determination result of the mounting state of the ink tank 101 is displayed only visually to the user is employed. However, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the position of the holder 121 corresponding to the display unit 108 is displayed. A light receiving sensor 129 may be provided to add optical detection. Further, the light receiving sensor 129 may be provided, for example, in the vicinity of the home position in the printer on which the holder 121 is mounted. With these optical detection configurations, for example, even if the ink tank is not installed correctly, the user misses that (that is, the display unit is not lit) and starts the recording operation as it is. When trying to do so, the light receiving sensor does not detect the light, so that the user can be informed of the incomplete mounting of the ink tank.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the ink tank is mounted on the holder according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the ink tank 201 of the present embodiment is provided with an ink supply port 202 on the bottom surface, a first latch arm 209 that is a latch lever on the left side, and a second latch arm 210 on the right side. The first latch arm 209 and the second latch arm 210 are provided with a first engagement portion 204 and a second engagement portion 205, respectively. The latch arms 209 and 210 are formed of a resin (polypropylene) that can be elastically deformed and has high light transmission.

  A holder 221 serving as a mounting device for mounting the ink tank 201 has a first engagement portion 223 that engages with the first engagement portion 204 of the ink tank, and a second engagement that similarly engages with the second engagement portion 205. An ink introduction port 222 connected to the stopper 224 and the ink supply port 202 is provided. When the respective engaging portions and the engaging portions are engaged, an optical path is formed and display is possible as in the first embodiment described above. In addition, the ink supply port 202 and the ink introduction port 222 are securely connected, and ink (not shown) is supplied from the ink tank 201 to the inkjet recording head 241.

  FIGS. 10A to 10D are views for explaining the mounting operation of the ink tank 201 to the holder 221. FIG. As the mounting operation, first, the ink tank 201 is set perpendicular to the holder 241 as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 10B, the ink tank 201 is pushed in the direction of the arrow. By pushing the ink tank 201, as shown in FIG. 10C, the respective latch arms 204 and 205 are elastically deformed toward the inside of the ink tank 201, and the ink tank is moved to the holder while being accompanied by this elastic deformation. Installed. Then, as shown in FIG. 10 (d), when the respective engaging portions 204, 205 exceed the apex of the locking portions 223, 224 protruding in the inner direction of the holder 221, the latch arms 204, 205 become their own. It returns to the outside of the ink tank 201 by the elastic restoring force. Accordingly, the engaging portions 204 and 205 are engaged with the locking portions 223 and 224, respectively, so that the respective engaging surfaces are in contact with each other.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the optical path formation accompanying the mounting in the right latch arm 210. As shown in FIG. 11, the LED 226 is provided at a position where light can be emitted toward the second locking portion 224 inside the hole 232 formed in the end surface of the second locking portion 224 of the holder 221. Yes. As indicated by an arrow B in FIG. 11, the light emitted from the LED 226 enters the latch arm 210 that is a light-transmitting member through the hole 232, and is reflected twice at the points P1 and P2. Head to 208.

  As in the first embodiment, since the latch arm 210 employs polypropylene, the critical refraction angle is about 43 °. In the present embodiment, since the incident angles θii and θiii at the points P1 and P2 in FIG. 11 are designed to be 45 °, the light is totally reflected in the polypropylene and has an optical path as indicated by an arrow B in FIG. Become. However, in this embodiment, an LED is used as the light source, and since it is divergent light, the light from the light source is not actually totally reflected at the points P1 and P2. Moreover, since the incident angle to the display part 208 is 90 degrees, it permeate | transmits to air. At this time, as described above, since the LED 226 is diverging light, the display unit 208 emits surface light as shown in FIG.

  The configuration of wiring for supplying power to the LED 226 with respect to the holder 221 and the configuration of the printer on which the holder 221 is mounted are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  12A to 12C are diagrams for explaining the details of the engagement state for the optical path shape during the mounting operation of the ink tank 201 to the holder 221 shown in FIGS. 10A to 10D. It is. With the mounting operation, the engagement state changes in the order of FIGS. 12 (a), (b), and (c). Finally, when the state shown in FIG. 5C, that is, when the lens is completely attached, the light emitted from the LED 226 enters the second engaging portion 205 and reflects inside the latch arm 210 as described above. The display unit 208 is lit. Therefore, as in Embodiment 1 described above, in the engaged state of FIGS. 12A and 12B, the optical path to the display unit 208 is not formed, and thus the display unit 208 is not lit. That is, when the mounting state of the ink tank 201 is incomplete, the display unit 208 is not turned on, but the optical path (arrow B) is formed only after the mounting is completed, and the display unit 208 is turned on. Thereby, it is possible to reliably determine the mounting state of the ink tank 201 and display the mounting determination information to the user at the same time as the mounting is completed.

  In the present embodiment, a configuration in which the determination result of the mounting state of the ink tank 201 is displayed only visually to the user is adopted. However, as shown in FIG. A light receiving sensor 229 may be provided at the position of the holder 221 corresponding to, and electrical detection may be added. The light receiving sensor 229 may be provided in a printer on which the holder 221 is mounted. Further, in order to make it easier for the user to recognize, the light emitted from the display unit 208 is guided to the second light guide member 230 as shown in FIG. Also good.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an ink tank is mounted on a holder according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C are a front view, a left side view, and a top view, respectively, of the ink tank shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15A to 15C, the ink tank 301 is provided with three ink supply ports 302 on the bottom surface, an engaging portion 311 on the top surface, and a display portion 308 on the left side surface. The engaging portion 311 is provided with a light inlet 313 for introducing light, and a light guide member 312 for guiding the light introduced from the light inlet 313 to the display portion 308 inside the ink tank 301. Is provided. As the light guide member 312, polycarbonate having high light transmittance is adopted.

  On the other hand, the holder 321 is provided with a locking portion 331 that engages with the engaging portion 311, and when the engagement is ensured, the ink supply port 302 and the ink introduction port 322 are connected, and the ink tank 301 is connected. Ink (not shown) is supplied from the ink jet recording head 341.

FIGS. 16A to 16C are views for explaining the mounting operation of the ink tank 301 with respect to the holder 321. In the mounting operation, first, as shown in FIG. 16A, the ink tank 301 is set obliquely from the bottom side where the ink supply port 302 is provided with respect to the holder 341. Then, as shown in FIG. 16B, the ink tank 301 is pushed in the direction of the arrow in FIG. By pushing the ink tank 301, the engaging portion 311 is mounted along the shape of the locking portion 331, and when the respective surfaces are completely in contact, the mounting is completed. (Fig. 16 (c))
As shown in FIG. 14, the light is guided from the LED 326 provided in the locking portion 331 of the holder 321 through the hole 325 as shown by an arrow C in the figure. The light enters the light entrance 313 and is guided to the display unit 308 through the light guide member 312.

  FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the cover 362 of the printer 361 on which the holder 363 on which the ink tank 301 of this embodiment is mounted is mounted is opened. The holder 321 is mounted on a carriage 363 that reciprocates in the left-right direction in FIG. 17 when recording. As shown in FIG. 17, when the ink tank 301 is attached to the holder 321, the display unit 308 related to the attachment emits light as described above, and thus the user can visually check the attachment state determination result. .

  As in the first and second embodiments, according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, when the ink tank 301 is incompletely mounted, the hole 325 and the light entrance 313 do not match, so light is emitted from the LED 326. Light is not delivered to the ink tank 301 side. On the other hand, the optical path (arrow C) is formed for the first time in the mounting completion state (FIG. 16C), and the display unit 308 is turned on. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably determine the mounting state of the ink tank 301 and display the mounting determination information to the user simultaneously with the completion of mounting.

  Similarly to the first and second embodiments, a light receiving sensor may be provided at a position corresponding to the display unit 308 to add electrical detection.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a state where an ink tank is mounted on a holder according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C are a front view, a left side view, and a top view, respectively, of the ink tank shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19A to 19C, the ink tank 401 includes an ink jet recording head 441 on the bottom surface, a display portion 408 on the left side, a first engagement portion 404 on both side surfaces sandwiching the bottom surface, and a top surface. A second engagement portion 405 is provided. The second engaging portion 405 is provided with a light inlet 413 for introducing light, and the light guide for guiding the light introduced from the light inlet 413 to the display portion 408 is provided inside the ink tank 401. A sex member 412 is provided. As the light guide member 412, the same highly transparent polycarbonate as in the third embodiment is employed.

  On the other hand, the holder 421 is provided with a first locking portion 423 that engages with the first engaging portion 404 and a second locking portion 424 that engages with the second engaging portion 405. When the unit and the locking unit are engaged, the electrical contacts (not shown: the right side surface of the ink tank 401 and the left side surface of the holder 421 in FIG. 18) supplied to the ink jet recording head 441 are joined. The

  20A to 20C are diagrams for explaining the mounting operation of the ink tank 401 with respect to the holder 421. First, as shown in FIG. 20A, the mounting operation is performed by moving the first engaging portion 404 in a state where the ink tank 401 is inclined with respect to the holder 441 from the bottom surface side where the ink jet recording head 441 is provided. 1 Set to the locking portion 423. Then, as shown in FIG. 20B, the ink tank 401 is pushed in the direction of the arrow. By pushing the ink tank 401, the second engaging portion 405 is mounted along the shape of the second locking portion 424, and when the respective surfaces are completely in contact, the mounting is completed (FIG. 20 (c)). .

  As shown in FIG. 18, light is guided from the LED 426 provided in the vicinity of the second locking portion 424 of the holder 421, and light is introduced from the hole portion 425 as shown by an arrow D in the figure. The light enters the opening 413 and is guided to the display unit 408 by the light guide member 412.

  Since the configuration of a printer or the like equipped with a holder 421 equipped with an ink tank 401 is the same as that of the third embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  As in the first to third embodiments, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, when the ink tank 401 is in an incomplete state, the hole 425 and the light entrance 413 do not coincide with each other so that light is emitted from the LED 426. Light is not delivered to the ink tank 401 side. On the other hand, the optical path (arrow D) is formed for the first time in the mounting completion state (FIG. 20C), and the display unit 408 is turned on. Thereby, it is possible to reliably determine the mounting state of the ink tank 401 and display the mounting determination information to the user simultaneously with the completion of mounting.

  As in the first to third embodiments, a light receiving sensor may be provided at a position corresponding to the display unit 408 to add electrical detection.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the holder is mounted on the carriage provided in the printer. However, the holder and the carriage are integrated, and the recording head and the ink tank are integrated. Alternatively, the recording head and the ink tank may be mounted separately. Alternatively, the recording head may be fixed to the carriage, and an ink tank may be attached thereto.

  In the first and second embodiments, polypropylene is used as the material of the latch lever 103 and the latch arms 209 and 210 in order to achieve both elastic deformability and light guide properties. However, the elastic deformable portion and the light guide portion are separated. A material suitable for each component may be selected. For example, polycarbonate, acrylic, epoxy, or the like may be selected as the light guide portion. The light source can be appropriately selected as long as it can be displayed to the user, that is, it emits visible light. In the third and fourth embodiments, polycarbonate is used as the light guide members 312, 412. However, acrylic, epoxy, polypropylene, or the like may be selected.

  Further, in the first to fourth embodiments, the holes (132, 232, 325, 425) are provided in the vicinity of the light source of the locking portion of the holder to form the optical path. However, the light guide member as described above is used instead of the hole. May be provided.

  Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments, the information displayed on the display unit is the mounting state of the ink tank with respect to the holder, but other information such as the remaining amount of ink may be added as a display.

It is a figure which shows the state with which the ink tank concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention was mounted | worn with the holder. (A)-(c) is the front view, bottom view, and right view which respectively show the ink tank of the said 1st Embodiment. (A)-(d) is a figure explaining the mounting | wearing operation | movement with respect to the holder of the ink tank of the said 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining optical path formation when the ink tank of the said 1st Embodiment is mounted | worn with a holder. It is a perspective view which shows the holder of the said 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the printer by which the ink tank which concerns on the said 1st Embodiment is mounted. (A)-(c) is a figure explaining the display accompanying the mounting state with respect to the holder of the ink tank of the said 1st Embodiment, and optical path formation. It is a figure explaining the light detection which concerns on the modification of the said 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the state by which the ink tank based on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention was mounted | worn with the holder. (A)-(d) is a figure explaining the mounting | wearing operation | movement with respect to the holder of an ink tank based on the said 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining optical path formation when the ink tank concerning the said 2nd Embodiment is mounted in the holder. (A)-(c) is a figure explaining the display accompanying the mounting state with respect to the holder of the ink tank of the said 2nd Embodiment, and optical path formation. It is a figure explaining the light detection which concerns on the modification of the said 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the state by which the ink tank based on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention was mounted | worn with the holder. (A)-(c) is the front view, left view, and top view which respectively show the ink tank of the said 3rd Embodiment. (A)-(c) is a figure explaining the mounting | wearing operation | movement with respect to the holder of the ink tank concerning the said 3rd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the printer carrying the ink tank of the said 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the state by which the ink tank which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention was mounted | worn with the holder. (A)-(c) is the front view, left view, and top view which respectively show the ink tank of the said 4th Embodiment. (A)-(c) is a figure explaining the mounting | wearing operation | movement with respect to the holder of the ink tank of the said 4th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

101, 201, 301, 401 Ink tank 102, 202, 302 Ink supply port 103 Latch lever 104, 204, 404 First engagement portion 105, 205, 405 Second engagement portion 106 Reflector plate 107 Operation portion 108, 208, 308, 408 Display unit 209 First latch arm 210 Second latch arm 311 Engagement unit 312, 412 Light guide member 313, 413 Light inlet 121, 221, 321, 421 Holder 122, 222, 322 Ink inlet 123, 223, 423 First locking portion 124, 224, 424 Second locking portion 125, 225, 325, 425 Hole portion 126, 226, 326, 426 LED
127 Wiring 128 Substrate 129,229 Light receiving sensor 230 Second light guide member 331 Locking portion 132,232 Second hole portion 141,241,341,441 Inkjet recording head 161,361 Printer 162,362 Cover 163,363 Carriage

Claims (9)

In an ink tank used by being mounted on a mounting device equipped with a light source,
An engaging portion that engages with the locking portion in a mounting state with respect to the mounting device, and that forms an optical path with the locking portion of the mounting device at the time of the engagement;
A display unit that displays light guided from the light source of the mounting device via an optical path formed by engagement by the engagement unit;
An ink tank characterized by comprising   2. The ink tank according to claim 1, wherein the engaging portion is engaged when the surface and the surface of the engaging portion of the mounting device are in contact with each other, and an optical path is formed when the two surfaces are in contact with each other. .   The ink tank according to claim 1, wherein the engagement portion is provided in a latch lever that is displaced in accordance with the mounting operation and includes an operation portion, and the operation portion constitutes the display portion. .   The ink tank according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ink tank is mounted on a mounting device including a recording head for discharging ink supplied from the ink tank.   4. The ink tank according to claim 1, wherein the ink tank includes a recording head for discharging ink supplied from the ink tank.   The ink tank according to claim 1, wherein the ink tank contains ink. In the mounting device for mounting the ink tank,
A light source;
A locking portion that engages with the engagement portion of the ink tank in a state where the ink tank is mounted, and forms an optical path with the engagement portion of the ink tank at the time of the engagement. A locking portion that guides light from the light source to an engagement portion of the ink tank via an optical path;
An ink tank mounting device characterized by comprising:   8. The ink tank according to claim 7, wherein the engaging portion is engaged when the surface and the surface of the engaging portion of the ink tank are in contact with each other, and an optical path is formed when the two surfaces are in contact with each other. Mounting device. In an ink jet recording apparatus that performs recording using an ink tank that stores ink to be supplied to a recording head that ejects ink and a mounting device that mounts the ink tank.
The mounting device includes a light source,
The ink tank is an engaging portion that engages with the locking portion in a mounted state with respect to the mounting device, and an engaging portion that forms an optical path with the locking portion of the mounting device when engaged. And a display unit for displaying light guided from the light source of the mounting device through an optical path formed by engagement by the engagement unit.

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